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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

Friday, June 15, 2018

‘You are here today, because God called you.’

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.

June 9 was a joyous day for the Diocese of Fall River, when Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., ordained three men as priests. Kneeling from left, Fathers Juan Carlos Muñoz Montoya, Daniel M. Nunes, and Matthew G. Gill. The bishop’s ordination homily appears on page three. (Photo by Elizabeth Heath) The Anchor - June 15, 2018

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During the June 9 ordination Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. ordained three new priests for the Diocese of Fall River. The cathedral was filled with family, friends, priests including Bishop Emeritus George W. Coleman, and deacons as Father Juan Carlos Muñoz Montoya, Father Daniel M. Nunes, and Father Matthew G. Gill professed their priestly promises of obedience, prayer and conformity of their lives to Christ. At left, the three men receive the laying on of hands from Father Bruce M. Neylon, Father John M. Sullivan and Father Antonio L. da Silva, S.D.V. At right, Bishop da Cunha greets the three newest diocesan priests, from left: Father Nunes, Father Muñoz Montoya, the bishop, and Father Gill. The ordination of three men to the priesthood in the diocese is the largest amount since four were ordained in 2001. (Photos by John E. Kearns Jr.)

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The Anchor - June 15, 2018

Homily of Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. Ordination to Priesthood — June 9, 2018 Dear Matt, Juan Carlos and Dan, Today the Church of Fall River rejoices with you, welcomes you into priesthood, and celebrates with you and your family, as we give thanks to God for having called you and brought you to this day.

First, I hope you realize that YOU ARE HERE TODAY BECAUSE GOD CALLED YOU. We heard in the first reading today the Lord telling Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.”

Your ordination today is a response to God, Who chose you and called you for the service of His people. Following the example of Christ, you listened, said “Yes” to God the Father, and accepted to do God’s will even with sacrifice just as St. Paul tells us Jesus did, as “He learned obedience from what He suffered; and when He was made perfect, He became the source of eternal Salvation for all who obey Him.” As priests, you must first be obedient to God in all that you do; when you promise obedience to your bishop here today, you are really promising to obey God’s plan and His will for you, which are manifested through the bishop, as God’s representative for the good of God’s people in the local Church. An essential aspect to both hearing God and then doing God’s will is humility, for often God is speaking to us things we do not want to hear and telling us things we would rather not do.

God did not call you because you were perfect

or even because you could become perfect, but because He saw enough goodness and generosity in the depths of your heart to make you His servant to shepherd His people.

And therefore He called you: — To preach the Gospel with joy; — To celebrate the Sacraments — especially the Eucharist — with faith; — To counsel and care for God’s people with love; — To be His apostle to bring God’s Word to the world; — He called you to be Christ for the world.

In proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord, which is your primary task as a priest, remember that you preach it more with your life than with your words.

Remember that you are being ordained, not for yourself, not for honor and privilege, but to the service of God and His people. As priest you are configured in Christ and are called to conform your life to the life of Christ.

You have been chosen from among God’s people, now you are one for God’s people. Priesthood is not, first and foremost, something we do, but someone

we are.

In Pastores Dabo Vobis, St. John Paul II told us: “The priest must be a man of God, the one who belongs

exclusively to God and inspires people to think of God. So, the priest must have a deep intimacy with Turn to page 20

Diocese of Fall River

OFFICIAL His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River, has made the following appointments: Rev. Mr. Ryan Healy, (temporary) Deacon at Holy Family Parish in Taunton Effective: June 1, 2018 Reverend Juan Carlos Muñoz Montoya, Parochial Vicar at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich to serve the Spanish speaking community of Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis Reverend Daniel M. Nunes, Parochial Vicar at Holy Name Parish, Fall River Reverend Matthew G. Gill, (Summer Assignment) Parochial Vicar at St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish in Nantucket Effective: June 19, 2018 Rev. Mr. Ryan Healy, Deacon at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk Effective: August 1, 2018 Reverend Matthew G. Gill, Parochial Vicar at Our Victory Parish in Centerville and Our Lady of the Assumption in Osterville Effective: September 5, 2018 The Anchor - June 15, 2018

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The Anchor - June 15, 2018

Inaugural ‘Good Leaders, Good Shepherds’ program lauded by graduates

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

ATTLEBORO — It was a little less than one year ago when a group of priests from the Diocese of Fall River accepted the invitation of Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., to attend a “Good Leaders, Good Shepherd” program, aimed at helping priests meet and overcome the challenges facing the Church today, particularly in parish life — challenges, many of which didn’t exist only a few decades ago.

The program, which is more similar to a retreat than a workshop learning session, is the brainchild of the Catholic Leadership Institute based in Wayne, Pa. On its website, the Institute says the Good Leaders, Good Shepherds program “is designed just for priests, so each learning module [of which there are six] includes ample time for prayer, Liturgy, and building priestly fraternity. All sessions are highly interactive, pastoral, and relevant to the vocation of priestly life and day-to-day pastoring.”

It further states, “Priests can minimize the frustration and energy that they spend on their administrative roles, and instead, maximize the joy and time spent on the pastoral duties for which they were uniquely ordained.

“Our mission is to help strengthen priestly identity, ministry, and fraternity. We believe this happens best when priests take time for

themselves — in the company of one another — to learn, pray, socialize, and look to the future with hope.”

Bringing the Good Leaders, Good Shepherds program into the Fall River Diocese was part of Bishop da Cunha’s “Rebuilding in Faith and Hope” initiative to make the diocese stronger and more unified in the years to come.

In his “Introducing Strategic Planning” publication, the bishop stressed the need to restore support for the clergy.

Bishop da Cunha brought up the topic at a priests gathering at Stonehill College last year and 19 diocesan priests and two order priests jumped on board for the inaugural sessions.

There were seven sessions spread out over the

year, each being three or four days. Six were held at Miramar Retreat Center in Duxbury and one at La Salette Retreat Center in Attleboro.

“I was glad to work this out with the Christian Leadership Institute,” Bishop da Cunha told The Anchor. “I was pleased there was enough interest and we had benefactors to make it happen. It all came together beautifully.”

The bishop recently handed out certificates to the first graduates of what turned out to be a very successful venture.

Father Craig A. Pregana, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Parish in New Bedford, was one of the grads. “In this parish setting with multi-culture and multilanguage, the course helped

me to understand that there isn’t a ‘boilerplate’ style of leadership that works in all circumstances,” he told The Anchor. “I need to use a variety of skill sets in dealing with the different communities in order to call forth the best leaders with whom I can collaborate in striving toward a common vision for the parish.

“The course gave us concrete tools that we can use now as the diocese moves forward in its strategic pastoral planning.

“I feel better enabled to look at the challenges we face as a multi-cultural parish and collaborate with parish leaders in creating a pastoral vision that helps the diocese to live its mission.”

Msgr. Stephen J. Avila, pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish in East Falmouth was one of several “senior” priests who opted to take the course. In comments he shared with The Anchor, he quipped, “I’d like to take Turn to page 18

The Anchor - June 15, 2018

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Anchor Editorial

The cake

Since our last edition of The Anchor, so much has been happening in our world, from the Singapore summit with North Korea, to the volcanoes taking homes and lives in Hawaii and Guatemala, to the continuing work to try to heal the hurt of the Catholic Church in Chile, to the numerous wars throughout the world, to the continuing political turmoil in our country, to the celebrity suicides which Father Landry addresses on the facing page. In the face of so much human suffering, a controversy about a wedding cake might seem like small potatoes. Nonetheless, the members of the Supreme Court and many other people see great significance and symbolism in it.

Last week, in a seven-to-two decision, the court upheld in Masterpiece Cakeshop v.

Colorado Civil Rights Commission the right of a baker to not have to prepare a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, while also reaffirming the baker’s duty to serve gay people other non-symbolic pastries (which the baker in question was doing).

Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the decision. It should be noted that he is normally conservative on economic issues, but liberal on social ones having to do with homosexuality and abortion. He discussed balancing rights. “The case presents difficult questions as to the proper reconciliation of at least two principles. The first is the authority of a state and its governmental entities to protect the rights and dignity of gay persons who are, or wish to be, married but who face discrimination when they seek goods or services. The second is the right of all persons to exercise fundamental freedoms under the First Amendment, as applied to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment. The freedoms asserted here are both the freedom of speech and the free exercise of religion.”

Justice Kennedy mentioned that “when the Colorado Civil Rights Commission considered this case, it did not do so with the religious neutrality that the Constitution requires.” In other words, the commission expressed hostility to anyone who might be against same-sex marriage and this prejudice against the baker was part of the reason the majority of the court (including Justice Stephen Breyer, whom President Clinton appointed, and Justice Elena Kagan, appointed by President Obama) decided in his favor.

According to Kennedy, “Jack Phillips is an expert baker. He has explained that his ‘main goal in life is to be obedient to’ Jesus Christ and Christ’s ‘teachings in all aspects of his life.’ And he seeks to ‘honor God through his work at Masterpiece Cakeshop.’ One of Phillips’ religious beliefs is that ‘God’s intention for Marriage from the beginning of history is that it is and should be the union of one man and one woman.’To Phillips, creating a wedding cake for a same-sex wedding would be equivalent to participating in a celebration that is contrary to his own most deeply held beliefs. He later explained his belief that ‘to create a wedding cake for an event that celebrates something that directly goes against the teachings of the Bible, would have been a personal endorsement and participation in the ceremony and relationship that they were entering into.’”

Kennedy later discussed the respect that must be granted gay people, while also respecting religious freedom. “Our society has come to the recognition that gay persons and gay couples cannot be treated as social outcasts or as inferior in dignity and worth. For that reason the laws and the Constitution can, and in some instances must, protect them in the exercise of their civil rights. The exercise of their freedom on terms equal to others must be given great weight and respect by the courts. At the same time, the religious and philosophical objections to gay marriage are protected views and in some instances protected forms of expression. As this Court observed in Obergefell v. Hodges [the decision legalizing gay marriage], ‘[t]he First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org

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The Anchor - June 15, 2018

persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths.’”

The majority decision, written by Kennedy, did not allow all businesses to refuse to provide services to gay weddings (such as chair rental or limo companies, etc.). It focused on the fact that the cake would have to have a message which the viewers of it could have interpreted as the baker’s endorsement of gay marriage. The decision mentions that Colorado authorities had allowed other bakers to not have to make anti-gay marriage cakes (other people had requested them), while they wanted to force Phillips to make these celebratory ones.

Kennedy mentioned the hostility of the commission to believers: “At several points during its meeting, commissioners endorsed the view that religious beliefs cannot legitimately be carried into the public sphere or commercial domain, implying that religious beliefs and persons are less than fully welcome in Colorado’s business community. One commissioner suggested that Phillips can believe ‘what he wants to believe,’ but cannot act on his religious beliefs ‘if he decides to do business in the state.’”

In another meeting, “another commissioner said far more to disparage Phillips’ beliefs. ‘Freedom of religion and religion has been used to justify all kinds of discrimination throughout history, whether it be slavery, whether it be the Holocaust, whether it be — I mean, we — we can list hundreds of situations where freedom of religion has been used to justify discrimination. And to me it is one of the most despicable pieces of rhetoric that people can use to — to use their religion to hurt others.’”

Kennedy then added, “To describe a man’s faith as ‘one of the most despicable pieces of rhetoric that people can use’ is to disparage his religion in at least two distinct ways: by describing it as despicable, and also by characterizing it as merely rhetorical — something insubstantial and even insincere. The commissioner even went so far as to compare Phillips’ invocation of his sincerely held religious beliefs to defenses of slavery and the Holocaust. This sentiment is inappropriate for a commission charged with the solemn responsibility of fair and neutral enforcement of Colorado’s antidiscrimination law — a law that protects discrimination on the basis of religion as well as sexual orientation. The record shows no objection to these comments from other commissioners.”

In response to the decision, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a joint statement by Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, chairman of the Committee for Religious Liberty; Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth; and Bishop James Conley, chairman of the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage. They stated, “Today’s decision confirms that people of faith should not suffer discrimination on account of their deeply held religious beliefs, but instead should be respected by government officials. This extends to creative professionals, such as Jack Phillips, who seek to serve the Lord in every aspect of their daily lives. In a pluralistic society like ours, true tolerance allows people with different viewpoints to be free to live out their beliefs, even if those beliefs are unpopular with the government.”

We know that this will continue to be a very contentious issue in our society and our Church. It shows the power of symbols (such as a wedding cake) and the importance of being true to one’s beliefs (and wanting them respected). May we Christians always witness to Christ’s teachings with love. He promised that we will receive countless blessings for doing so, “with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come” (Mk 10:30).

Daily Readings June 16 – June 29 Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. June 16, 1 Kgs 19:19-21; Ps 16:1b-2a,5,7-10; Mt 5:33-37. Sun. June 17, Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Ez 17:22-24; Ps 92:23,13-16; 2 Cor 5:6-10; Mk 4:26-34. Mon. June 18, 1 Kgs 21:1-16; Ps 5:2-3,5-7; Mt 5:38-42. Tues. June 19, 1 Kgs 21:17-29; Ps 51:3-6,11-16; Mt 5:43-48. Wed. June 20, 2 Kgs 2:1,6-14; Ps 31:20-21,24; Mt 6:1-6,16-18. Thurs. June 21, Sir 48:1-14; Ps 97:1-7; Mt 6:7-15. Fri. June 22, 2 Kgs 11:1-4,9-18,20; Ps 132:11-14,17-18; Mt 6:19-23.

Sat. June 23, 2 Chr 24:17-25; Ps 89:4-5,29-34; Mt 6:24-34. Sun. June 24, The Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Vigil: Jer 1:4-10; Ps 71:1-4a,5-6b,15ab,17; 1 Pt 1:8-12; Lk 1:5-17. Day: Is 49:1-6; Ps 139:1-3,13-15; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66,80. Mon. June 25, 2 Kgs 17:5-8,13-15a,18; Ps 60:3-5,12-13; Mt 7:1-5. Tues. June 26, 2 Kgs 19:9b-11,1421,31-35a,36; Ps 48:2-4,10-11; Mt 7:6,12-14. Wed. June 27, 2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3; Ps 119:33-37,40; Mt 7:15-20. Thurs. June 28, 2 Kgs 24:8-17; Ps 79:1b-5,8-9; Mt 7:21-29.

Fri. June 29, Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, Vigil: Acts 3:1-10; Ps 19:2-5; Gal 1:1120; Jn 21:15-19. Day: Acts 12:1-11; Ps 34:2-9; 2 Tm 4:6-8,17-18; Mt 16:13-19.

Approaching the suicide upsurge with honesty and resolve

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hen suicides happen, most respond with discretion and whispers.

Because of shock, shame and a desire to avoid speaking ill of the dead, obituaries use euphemisms about unexpected deaths and family members and friends are understandably reluctant to divulge how their loved one died. There’s almost an unwritten cultural pact between mourners and condolers to get through the funeral with as few mentions of the S-word as possible. All of this is understandable and, in a sense, compassionate and noble.

When celebrities take their life, however, it brings the S-word out from under the black veil. Since everyone knows them and how they chose to end their life, and because most interlocutors are not immediate family and friends, it gives people a chance to talk about suicide out loud — and to grapple with the question of why.

That’s what has happened in the last week after the suicides of fashion designer Kate Spade and of celebrity chef and CNN travel documentarian Anthony Bourdain. On street corners with strangers, dinners with friends, conversations in between meetings at the United Nations, and various pastoral settings, seemingly everyone has been bringing it up with me, in an attempt to understand it.

How can people, they ask, who seem to have everything going for them — money and material possessions, fame and influence, millions of appreciative fans — determine that they don’t have reason to go on? How can those whose lives most would covet decide that life is not worth living?

How can such successful people feel like such personal failures? How can those who inspired so many be so hope-

less themselves? How can not duck the issue but comsuch responsible people who mit to address it with resolve, built huge businesses be so ir- perseverance and honesty. responsible toward their loved This involves, second, ones left behind? confronting, exposing, and Talking about the S-word eradicating the culture that is a little easier when there promotes and even glorifies seems to be a clear cause, like suicide. There’s a growing known mental illness, depres- pro-suicide movement that sion, substance abuse, or a has now made it legal in eight catastrophic personal event. states and several European But when those who do not countries for people to murgive any indications of being suicidal do so, it forces us to confront Putting Into deeper questions. the Deep And these are questions that we

By Father cannot really duck Roger J. Landry if we want to avoid many more premature funerals. Suicide is now the der themselves. Euphemisms 10th leading cause of death abound. It’s called “death with in the U.S., responsible for dignity,” or “physician-assisted 45,000 deaths in 2016, one dying,” even “euthanasia” every 12 minutes. In 2016, (good death), but it’s suicide. according to a comprehensive There are well-funded study by the Centers for Dis- movements that glorify ease Control and Prevention, deaths like Brittany May9.8 million American adults nard’s and that are seeking seriously considered suicide, to extend its legalization as if 2.8 million devised a plan, suicide is a good thing and a and 1.3 million attempted it. marker of cultural “progress.”

Although women are more The culture of death underlikely than men to have suipinning physician-assisted cidal thoughts, men comprise suicide, however, abets suicide 78 percent of suicide victims. in general. No one should The numbers concerning be surprised that physicianyoung people are much more assisted suicide has led to a frightening. Suicide is the 6.3 percent increase in total second leading cause of death suicides in the states where it for people 10-34. Among has been legalized, considerhigh school students, accord- ably higher than the general ing to a 2013 CDC study, 17 five percent increase since percent considered suicide 1999. It’s schizophrenic to try in the previous year, 13.6 to prevent suicide on the one percent made a plan about hand and promote it on the how they would attempt it, other. and eight percent of students Third, we should know attempted suicide at least the warning signs and risk once in the previous year, factors. Suicide is a “cry for with 2.7 percent of students help,” but one that many hear requiring medical attention as only after it’s too late. We all a result of injury, poisoning or have to get better at detectoverdose. ing the signs. Most, but not How should we respond all, exhibit warning signs: adequately to this suicidal 46 percent have a history of surge? mental or emotional illness, First, not only should we and additional 44 percent a

history of substance abuse, but that’s retrospective, not predictive. It’s normally a combination of many factors, triggered by a setback or a sense of hopelessness. When we deem someone suicidal, we should not leave the person alone. Rather we should remove as much as possible the means that one could use to take one’s life and then take the person to an emergency room, seek help from a mental health professional, or call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273TALK).

Fourth, we should promote a culture of resilience that helps people deal adequately with the risk factors. At a macro-level, these involve trying to strengthen family financial security and housing stability, covering mental health conditions and suicide care in health plans, promoting connectedness with peers and the community especially among teens, reducing access to lethal means, and training people in coping and problem-solving skills, especially in the family.

One of the biggest resilience factors is, unsurprisingly, the regular practice of religion. A 2016 study by the Psychiatry Journal of the American Medical Association showed that women who participate in religious services at least once a week are five times less likely to commit suicide than those who never participate and faithful Catholic women were the least suicidal of all. Why? It’s not just that Catholics do an effective job on communicating that and why taking one’s life is contrary to what God plans for our life. It’s also because practicing Catholics, looking at the crucifix and knowing the stories of the

martyrs, can grasp more easily than others the redemptive meaning of suffering. Rather than escape, they pick up their cross and seek to follow the Lord to Calvary and through it to the eternal Jerusalem. Practicing Catholics, however, and everyone else in our culture, must do a better job in training others to deal with inevitable setbacks, contradictions, shame and sufferings and pain not merely with medication but with greater maturity and hope.

Over the past several decades, the Church has changed its practice with regard to funerals for those who commit suicide, because we’ve recognized that the vast majority who take their life don’t seem to do so with deliberate and free consent, but are suffering with mental illness, depression, addiction, hopelessness or many other maladies. But the Church and the culture together must work to do more than entrust the suicide victims posthumously to God’s mercy and console grieving family members and friends; we must resolve to do all possible to prevent those funerals, by helping those vulnerable to experience hope and mercy in life.

Those who patiently and compassionately help those tempted to commit suicide have traditionally been called Samaritans, and for good reason: They don’t ignore but respond to the cries of help for those in the various ditches of life. The question for all of us is: Will Kate Spade’s, Anthony Bourdain’s, and the 45,000 suicides last year, convince us that we all have an important role in that saving work?

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

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wise person once described evangelization as gently moving a person closer to a friendship with Christ. The image he used was that of concentric rings. The outer ring would be a vague understanding of the existence of God, with each ring representing a deeper knowledge of God until one comes to the center where lies the belief that we are saved

by Jesus Christ. This is a helpful image in our effort to evangelize that nebulous population of young adults who drift away soon after the bonds of Sacramental preparation programs release them.

Young adults may be closer to Christ on their Spiritual set of rings than we realize, at least according to a recent Pew Religious Landscape Study.

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The Anchor - June 15, 2018

Listening

The research revealed that We might not see them in 50 percent of young adults our parishes because they report feeling a sense of don’t settle for one place; “Spiritual well-being and/ seeking a good homily or or peace” at least once a the best Liturgy wherever week, clearly orbiting on they can be found. the outer ring. About the Many young adults have same percentage report a nascent Spiritual life that feeling “wonder about may not involve attending the universe” at least once a week.

However, the study The Great reported that while weekly attendance Commission at a religious serBy Claire McManus vice has declined from 33 percent to 27 percent in the past 10 years for the Mass regularly. Forty-one overall adult population, percent of young adults 28 percent of young adult report “at least daily” prayer, Catholics report that they even though 34 percent say attend Mass weekly. Fifty that they seldom or never percent report “once or pray. As we gently guide twice monthly/a few times our young adults from the a year,” compared to the outer ring to the inner, we 21 percent who report that might focus on giving them they “seldom/never” attend. the tools to develop their

prayer life rather than insisting on Mass as the nonnegotiable starting point.

How we get close enough to young adults to begin the process of guiding them through their Spiritual journey is the challenge facing the Church today.

There are a multitude of strategies, but we might look at the methodology employed by Jesus as our guide. We need only look at that moment on the road to Emmaus for our model. It began with an encounter and it involved intentional and non-judgmental listening. First came the encounter with Christ.

He walked beside them and said nothing while they recounted the concerns of their lives. So caught up in their worries they didn’t immediately recognize Jesus, but He listened intently before discerning what they needed, which turned out to be a walk through Scripture. Even then they weren’t forced to continue their relationship, but they were so hungry for more that the young disciples took the next step and invited Jesus into their lives. It was only then that Christ was fully revealed to them in the breaking of the bread.

Father Frank Donio, director of the Catholic Apostolate Center, explains the four-fold process Jesus used to accompany those young disciples. The encounter with Christ is the starting point, followed by accompaniment, which requires intense listening. This may be the most difficult part of our walk with young people. Most adults feel like they have to give answers, and will jump in with corrections and apologetics as soon as a young person floats a ques-

tion in the air. Questions are the tip of an iceberg of understanding that lies beneath the surface and will emerge as the young person matures. Respecting their questions and challenges with love is the beginning of inviting them into the community. The final step after the community embraces the young is to send them forth into mission.

Listening is a lost art, but in the Diocese of Fall River these past few months there’s been a lot of sessions just to hear what people have to say. True, these sessions are part of a strategy for revitalizing the diocese, but when humans listen to humans it usually results in a deepening of a relationship. Of all these listening sessions, the one that will bring the youth from around the diocese together with Bishop da Cunha may have the greatest impact. If we listen with sincerity and without judgment to our youth, we will forge a bond that will strengthen our Church as we go forward into the future.

The majority of youth who have been invited to come to Cathedral Camp on June 27 at 1 p.m. are mostly high school-age teens, but we can’t wait until this generation has experienced the inevitable drift before we engage and accompany them. The statistics have shown that young adults are much more ready for a relationship with God, and the Church, than we may have thought. When we listen to the young people we must be willing to take them where they are, not where we want them to be, but definitely where Jesus is taking them.

Anchor columnist Claire McManus is the director of the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation.

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t the sound, I looked up from the paper I was grading. Detention policies were that students sat in silence. Students who did not comply received another hour’s detention. Apparently the upperclassman in front of me was finished with silence.

Though I could have written him up and ended that day’s detention, I quickly scanned the classroom walls for something that might keep him occupied. My eyes lingered on a poster. Sancho Panza and Don Quixote were there in the foreground with the windmills and Dulcinea faded into the background. I told the student to study that poster and reflect upon the meaning of life.

He blurted out, “I will if you tell me what that is.”

On some level, don’t we all wish to be handed an immediate and full understanding of the meaning of life? This desire is even stronger when we face setbacks or when we forge ahead only to find things do not go as we assumed they would. Such situations precipitate questioning and doubt as to our place in the big picture or plan.

Do you remember Elijah under that broom tree and hidden in the cave on Mount Horeb? Elijah had crushed the prophets of Baal.

Instead of a victory celebration, Elijah had to flee for his life.

Dejected and alone, he stands in that cave on the mountain of God. God visits with him and says, “Elijah why are you here?” (1 Kgs 19:13). This is an important question. After all, the Creator of all that is knows exactly why Elijah is standing there. I believe God asks this of Elijah so that Elijah can know that he, even in his fear and doubt, has been heard and is loved. God reveals part of the Divine plan to Elijah.

God then sends Elijah forth on a new mission.

Walter Anderson says, “Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my

Writing straight with crooked lines loss, or I can choose to rise from of us to go live the calling God development, this tree is home to the pain and treasure the most instills within our heart. those birds. Analogously, who we precious gift I have — life itself.”

Jesus’ parable of the transare right now is the person God God’s answer to Elijah is the sug- formation of the mustard seed trusts for that mission. gestion to take his life and gifts (smallest beginning) to a large Our understanding of the and continue forward. Meaning is plant (outcome) where birds rest meaning of life is expressed in the thus reescontentjourney we choose to live with tablished edly in the our life. What to us are unexin prayerful shade of pected twists are just part of what Wrestling with God reflection its branch- God will use to shape us then Holding on for and then in es provides through us affect others. God’s one’s choice important gentle reminder to each of us is His blessing to continue imagery that setbacks are not permanent, forth.

(Mk 4:30things are not static, and situaBy Dr. Helen J. Flavin To an 33). Have tions are not always what they adolescent you ever seem on the surface. God can and first findlooked does write straight with crooked ing his way or to us adults after a closely at an adult tree? There are lines. loss or setback, in our world what asymmetries and changes due to Anchor columnist Helen Flaremains to be done can seem environmental factors. Even so, vin is a Catholic scientist, educaoverwhelming. A commentary deep within is the potential for tor and writer and a member of verse from the Pirkei Avot can continued growth and change.

St. Bernadette’s Parish in Fall encourage our start. Rabbi Tarfon However, at any moment in its River. taught, “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it” (2:16).

To that young man in detention, I smiled and said that each of us had the responsibility and privilege to find the meaning of life. Deep within didn’t he someVisit The Anchor online at times wish people would let him decide and explain things? He http:www.anchornews.org nodded. Then I gently said that it was his job to begin that search to find his own way. I suggested for today that he think about Don Quixote and his friend Sancho. What kind of friend should Don Quixote be? How could this young man use that knowledge to be a positive role model for younger students?

Archbishop Oscar Romero encourages such new beginnings with his words, “The great need today is for Christians who are active and critical, who don’t accept situations without analyzing them inwardly and deeply.

We want persons like fruitful fig trees, who can say yes to justice and no to injustice and can make use of the precious gift of life, regardless of the circumstances.”

Whether one feels called to go work for social justice or to another way of uniquely making use of the precious gift of life, Archbishop Romero is reminding each The Anchor - June 15, 2018

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Ninth permanent diaconate class to be installed as acolytes June 19

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

NEW BEDFORD — In numerology, the number nine is often associated with wisdom and initiation. It is considered a highly emotional and Spiritual number.

Furthermore, people with a number nine life path tend to care a lot about their Spiritual comfort and the comfort of their soul.

So it seems all-too-fitting that the nine members of the ninth Permanent Diaconate class for the Fall River Diocese will be installed as acolytes by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., on Tuesday, June 19 during at 7 p.m. Mass celebration at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in New Bedford.

The ministry of acolyte is the second and final ministry these candidates will receive and exercise as part of their preparation before their upcoming ordination as permanent deacons in May 2019. As an acolyte, the deacons can serve at the altar and assist the priest during the Liturgy. In particular, it is their responsibility to prepare the altar and the Sacred vessels and, when necessary, serve as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.

On June 19, the following nine candidates will become acolytes: Richard Bisson of Christ the King Parish, Mashpee; Keith Caldwell of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Centerville; Gary Donahue of Holy Cross Parish, Easton; Kevin Gingras of Holy Family Parish, East Taunton; David Harum of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Attleboro; George Hults of Corpus Christi Parish, Sandwich; Tony Pimental of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Acushnet; 10

Paul Spearin of St. Ann Parish, Raynham; and Matthew Sweeney of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Attleboro.

As they prepare to take this penultimate step towards their ordinations, the candidates recently shared their thoughts and feelings with The Anchor.

“For most of my adult life, I have felt the tug toward ministry as a permanent deacon,” Caldwell said.

“Through conversations with priests and permanent deacons over the years, it became evident to me that I needed to ‘listen to the whispers,’ as Father Bob Oliveira would say. Listening to the whispers and discerning what they had to say convinced me that I was being called to serve God in this ministry.”

“About eight years ago, one of our parishioners came up to me and asked me if I ever thought about a vocation to the diaconate,” Bisson said. “Honestly, I didn’t really know much about the diaconate, so I believe the Lord planted a seed and opened my heart to let me know He wanted me to serve in a more personal way.”

“Around 20 years ago, Deacon John Welch of Raynham suggested (I become a permanent deacon), but my children were still too young,” said Gingras.

“But the call remained in the back of my mind for many years and the Holy Spirit would always drop reminders during that time.

When the classes were getting ready to start up, my wife Allison and I knew it was time to make these thoughts a reality.”

After becoming a Catholic convert in 2006, Hults said he was inspired by people like Deacon Robert

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Lemay, who “provided me with a very warm welcome and who always had time to meet with me and answer my questions,” and Deacon David Pierce, who “also made a great impression on me. All of these positive experiences stayed with me and influenced my current calling.”

Similarly for Spearin, he said a “seed was planted many years ago during a men’s retreat.”

“A deacon from Long Island, N.Y., who was the facilitator spent some time with me that weekend and cultivated that interest I have to love and serve the Lord into a prayerful possibility to consider becoming a deacon,” he said.

“After that retreat, I began to attend daily Mass and my life was never the same.

The seed was planted and flourished into following a call to ordained ministry.”

“I have received and continue to receive unbelievable blessings and gifts from our Lord that weren’t intended to be used only for my benefit,” Pimental said. “God has provided for me and my family through some difficult times. I know He expects something in return. I look at becoming a permanent deacon as a way of glorifying God and making reparations for all the blessings I have received.”

“I love the Lord and I love the Catholic Church, which is the Body of Christ,” agreed Sweeney.

“When you love someone, you want to spend time with them and give back to them that which they have given to you, so that is what I am trying to do.”

“The ministry of deacon is attractive to me because of the focus on the Spiritual and Corporal Acts of Mercy — it is a way to

put my faith into action,” said Donahue. “Deacons show their love for Jesus by responding to those who are hungry, thirsty, and sick or in the hospital or prison.”

Given the current priest shortage within the diocese and the fact that several clergy members will be eligible for retirement in the near future, the members of the latest diaconate class hope to “take on more roles in the Church such as Baptisms, weddings and even funeral services,” Gingras said.

“It’s imperative that married men who feel the call to the diaconate step up and answer that call,” he added.

“Our diocese needs more good men to assist and serve.”

“Priests within the Church today are carrying a heavy workload,” agreed Sweeney. “Anything that we, as deacons, can do to help is something that we should be trying to do. By helping in these areas, we can carry a little of that load.”

Caldwell stressed the importance of fostering vocations to all ordained ministries — be they priests or permanent deacons.

“The mission of the Church is to serve others through pastoral ministry and to bring Christ to the world through preaching and living the Word of God,” he said. “We need increased vocations to ordained ministry to serve Christ and His Church in carrying out this important work.”

“The Church needs good, solid men who are strong in the faith, who are being called for service and sacrifice,” said Hults. “Msgr.

John Oliveira told us at the very beginning, ‘If you think you are choosing to be a deacon, you are mis-

taken!’ We are all called by God to a unique vocation and we must ask Him in our thoughts, prayers, and pleadings to make it known to us.”

For Donahue, it’s all about providing the necessary support network for our bishop and priests.

“So many of our priests are doing two or three jobs,” he said. “As deacons, hopefully we can help, but we can never replace a priest.

Deacons are configured to Christ the Servant and it is important that we not think of them as ‘junior priests.’

We all need to pray for more priestly vocations and encourage our young men to consider answering the call to the priesthood.”

“Men need to be who God intended us to be — to support, protect, and teach our children that God is the only answer to make our world and lives better,” Bisson said. “I can truly say that God is what drives me each and every day, and I suggest to other men to spend many hours in adoration and listen to the voice of Jesus. He will guide you in everything you do and say.”

“The call to serve our Church and its people is more important now than ever,” Spearin said. “With the shortage of vocations, it is essential for men to step forward as leaders in their home and become leaders in the Church to teach, preach and serve the Good News to our faith community.”

Pimental feels that as “regular guys” serving the Church, permanent deacons can help “bring faith beyond the Sanctuary” and it gives them a unique ability “to proclaim the Gospel in unexpected and wonderful Turn to page 18

3 June 2018 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — “Corpus Christi” ver notice, dear readers, the growing number of acronyms in common use? We sometimes go to the RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles). We read about SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States, President of the United States, and First Lady of the United States). Then there’s BREXIT (Britain’s exit from the EU — European Union). We have CAT scans, EKGs, and HTN (Computerized Tomography scans, electrocardiograms, and hypertension).

The Church is not immune to this trend.

Back in the day, most parishes had what we then called EMs (Eucharistic Ministers). Not anymore.

Now a layperson who is, out of pastoral need, commissioned to assist the ordained clergy with the distribution of Holy Communion (for a specific period of time and in a designated location) is properly called an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. We have EMHCs not EMs, according to the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, formerly known as the NCCB — National Conference of Catholic Bishops). It’s a refinement in terminology that better describes the function.

If we have Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, it follows that we also have Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (OMHCs).

Indeed, we do. Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion as ordinary ministers of

E

Confessions of an OMHC

the Body and Blood of the If the person is left-handLord. ed, the right hand should I’ve never been an rest upon the left and then EM or an EMHC, but taken by the left hand to I’ve been an OMHC for the mouth. What could decades. Over the years, I possibly go wrong? Plenty. must confess, I have seen Consider hands partially many and varied ways covered by fashionable people receive Holy Com- extra-long sleeves, hands munion.

Current Church practice in the The Ship’s Log United States Reflections of a provides for the Parish Priest reception of Holy Communion on

By Father Tim the tongue with an Goldrick option to receive Holy Communion in the hand. The choice wrapped in bandages, of which of these two hands that are gloved, methods to use belongs to hands that are, shall we the communicant. Both say, less than clean. In presume that a person is such cases, it would seem a practicing Catholic in more prudent to receive good standing who has Holy Communion on the kept the Eucharistic fast tongue. No? and is in a state of grace.

If you so indicate, the Sometimes, a commuMinister of the Eucharist nicant will stand before will place the Body of you and give no indication Christ on the palm of your whatsoever of how they hand. I have seen commuhave chosen to receive nicants reach out and take Holy Communion. They the Sacred Host directly stand frozen, motionless. from the hand of the MinThere is no body lanister of Holy Communion. guage to read. You have It can be startling. to wonder whether or not Occasionally, someone they are even Catholic or receives Holy Communion whether or not they are of age and have sufficient religious formation to receive Communion. Now what?

Sometimes, a communicant will simultaneously both extend the tongue and raise the hands for Communion. Can’t decide?

When one intends to receive Holy Communion on the hand, the procedure is as follows: If the person is right handed, the left hand should rest upon the right.

The Host will be laid in the palm of the left hand and then taken by the right hand to the mouth.

in the hand and, instead of consuming the Host immediately, just casually walks away with the Host in hand. Yikes!

Neither is Holy Communion on the tongue without its glitches. Experience has proven that if a person gives no indication of the chosen method for the reception of Communion, chances are they expect to receive on the tongue.

They just forget to signal their intentions. What’s the poor Minister of Communion to do?

There are some who open their mouths to receive Holy Communion but do not extend their tongues. You are expected to reach into their mouth? I’d rather not. Others extend and withdraw the tongue so quickly that, if you blink, you’ll miss the opportunity. Still others will extend their tongues while simultaneously saying “amen.” “Amen” then sounds like “Ummmnn.”

Some give multi-word

responses of their own creation. Others give no word of response at all.

A Minister of Communion just never knows what to expect. I once gave Communion to a stranger. He asked, “Can I have two?” Two? “Yes, two please. My wife twisted her ankle and decided to sit in the very last pew. I need another one for her.”

Oh dear.

I’ve found that most people didn’t get the memo that a physical sign of respect precedes the reception of Holy Communion. In the United States, it’s a simple bow of the head.

The act of receiving Holy Communion is Sacred. At that moment, we signify and realize our communion with God and with God’s people. This requires the utmost reverence.

Take it from an old OMHC: it’s good to occasionally review our manner of receiving Holy Communion.

Just saying.

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

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The Latin Community at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis led the recent Corpus Christi procession from the church to St. John Paul II High School. Here students pray during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, led by Father Ron P. Floyd, chaplain at the high school and St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School.

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The Anchor - June 15, 2018

The recent feast of Corpus Christi procession at St. Andrew the Apostle Church brought blessings to the streets of Taunton. The procession was led by altar servers and First Communion children. The Knights of Columbus supported the canopy over the Blessed Sacrament, carried by Father Edward A. Murphy. A large crowd followed praying the Rosary and processing behind Jesus.

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FALL RIVER — Parishioners at St. Bernadette’s in Fall River were recently informed during Masses by parochial vicar Father James Fitzpatrick that the church will be closing this summer.

The parish formed in 2012 from the merger of the neighboring Notre Dame de Lourdes and Our Lady of Immaculate Conception parishes in the so-called Flint section of the city will be shuttered August 5.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will join parishioners to celebrate a final Mass at the church on that date.

Citing serious challenges including a steady decline in Mass attendance, mounting debt, and an unanticipated loss of outside income, Bishop da Cunha conveyed the news via a letter to parishioners that was read at Masses

by Father Fitzpatrick.

The bishop recounted that a Parish Planning Team along with Father Fitzpatrick had presented to parishioners at a March assembly the numbers that indicated the strain on parish finances and reflected the steady decline in Mass attendance and Sacramental participation.

It was also explained that parish offertory giving makes up only one-third of needed revenue for St. Bernadette Parish to operate and maintain its facilities with the remainder of support coming from Bingo proceeds and rental income from the YMCA for its use of a parish building. St. Bernadette’s Parish reportedly has almost $3 million in debt, and the church is in need of repairs estimated at $1.5 million.

“And a few weeks ago we learned that the YMCA had lost their grant and would need to shut down their program resulting in the loss of $66,000 in annual income,”

St. Bernadette Church in Fall River to close August 5

shared Bishop da Cunha in his letter.

“It is the culmination of these many challenges that brings us to where we are today — having to make the most difficult of decisions, to move toward closing St. Bernadette,” Bishop da Cunha wrote. “In consultation with the Presbyteral Council of our diocese and enlisting their full support, we have come to the conclusion that this is the best course of action to serve the long-term pastoral needs of the people of Fall River.”

According to 2016 statistics published in the 20172018 Catholic Directory for the Fall River Diocese, St. Bernadette’s Parish reported 1,092 parishioners, but only celebrated one Marriage that year, 15 Baptisms, 11 First Communions, nine Confirmations, and 33 funerals.

There were just 46 students registered for Religious Education.

The church can accommodate 700 people, but Mass

attendance averages about 100 people and attendance at the combined four weekend Masses barely exceeds 400.

Between now and August, the bishop plans to meet with parochial administrator Father Jay Maddock, Father Fitzpatrick, and members of the Parish Planning Team to facilitate the closure and determine where the Sacramental records for St. Bernadette’s will be kept.

“It was a sad weekend,” Father Fitzpatrick said. “I read the letter from the bishop, but there were no audible gasps. I think most (parishioners) knew it was coming, but it’s still sad. Then I read my transfer announcement, and I said that’s enough for one weekend.”

Father Fitzpatrick will begin his new assignment as parochial administrator of St. Louis de France Parish in Swansea, effective June 27.

“My goal for the next month is to make sure that everyone has a place to go,”

Father Fitzpatrick said. “I’ve invited them all to come join me at St. Louis de France Parish (in Swansea) if they want. We all have to start thinking about coming together as a parish. I don’t want anyone to be left standing alone.”

“Our last Mass at St. Bernadette will be Sunday, August 5; the parish will close that day,” Bishop da Cunha wrote in his letter. “As your shepherd, it is my intention to be here that day, to celebrate that Mass and stand with all of you and share in this moment of grief. Finally, I want us to prepare together

with you, your parochial administrator, parochial vicar, and our facilitation team — for an honorable closure of St. Bernadette.

“I want you to know that I do not take this difficult decision lightly. My heart carries the weight of your sadness in this loss, too. And, as your bishop, I will walk this road to new life with you. We will find a way that we can keep you, the beautiful people of St. Bernadette’s, and your important ministries alive and vibrant! It may feel at times like this is a herculean effort, but the Holy Spirit will lead the way.”

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 June 17 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Michael A. Ciryak, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Swansea.

June 24 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father David A. Costa, pastor of Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s and St. Mark’s parishes in North Attleboro.

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“I

For and About Our Church Youth The road to sainthood

f we are called by God to holiness of life, and if holiness is beyond our natural power to achieve (which it certainly is) then it follows that God Himself must give us the light, the strength, and the courage to fulfill the task He requires of us. He will certainly give us the grace we need. If we do not become saints it is because we do not avail ourselves of His gift” (Thomas Merton, “Life and Holiness,” p. 17).

How do we become saints?

How do we attain this holiness of life? Why would we want to?

Let’s start with the last question, why would we want to be saints?

The “Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth” writes that a saint is “someone who has been transformed by the grace of Christ and who resides in full union with God in Heaven.”

So, we want to go to Heaven, we will then be saints. To get to Heaven though, we need to live a relationship of

faith and love with God. We us. The saint is the one who can do this when we accept accepts their humanity: the God into our lives, the graces strengths and the weaknesses, He gives us, the mission He confident that the Lord entrusts us. Yet, we seek to makes Himself present in our be saints not just because we moments of vulnerability and want a good reward, we seek to live in union with God, to be holy because it is our identity as children of God. It is how we

By Father achieve the goal of our David C. Frederici pursuit for happiness, fulfillment, peace and success. our moments of glory.

Holiness isn’t something To be a saint means to take only achieved by monks, nuns the time to accept who we and those who spend their are: a mom or dad, a husband entire days in prayer. It is or wife, a son or daughter, achieved when we seek to live etc. To be a saint means to life according to God’s Word, recognize Christ present in the vocation He has called and working in the day-tous to, seeking to know Him day of ordinary life. To be a and love Him better. saint is to see the Sanctity of Perhaps the image that the ordinary — to respond forms in our mind of a saint to Christ present in those doesn’t appeal to us, or it around us at each moment. seems to be something beTo be a saint is not to be foyond our reach. To be a saint cused on self, but on the other. is simply to be human. That This past week at UMass is what Merton will tell us, Dartmouth orientation began that is what the Gospels tell for the incoming students.

The semester ended just a month ago, high school graduations have just wrapped up and we are already off to the next semester!

I tell students that learning is a religious activity. It is the pursuit of truth, knowledge and wisdom. This pursuit will lead us to God. Thomas Merton, whom I quoted at the beginning of this article, became a Catholic through his pursuit of truth.

Campus Ministry exists in higher education to walk this journey with students, faculty and staff. In addition to providing the opportunities for participation in the Sacramental life, we also provide the opportunity to grow intellectually in the faith. Catechetical and theological activities help students apply critical thinking to their lives and to learn the relationship between faith and reason. Campus Ministry also provides opportunities

for Spiritual nourishment and the support of a community of faith and love that provides stability during a time of intense development in the lives of students.

To put it another way, Campus Ministry exists to help students, faculty and staff to become saints, to live the fullness of life that Christ offers.

To all those who will be heading off to college: congratulations! I encourage you to touch base with the Campus Ministry at your school. If you aren’t sure how to get in contact with them, or if it is an off campus program, the Office for Campus Ministry can help you. You can reach us through our website (fallrivercampusministry.com) or at 774-202-3047.

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.

Buzzards Bay — Beth Mahoney has been named as the new principal for St. Margaret Regional School, effective July 1.

Mahoney is the current vice principal of Holy FamilyHoly Name School in New Bedford. The appointment was announced by Chris Keavy, head of school for St. John Paul II High School and St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School, and effective July 1, St. Margaret Regional School. The appointment was approved by diocesan superintendent of schools Steve Perla and Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. Mahoney will replace current interim principal Dr. George Milot.

Mahoney is an experienced administrator who has worked

in key roles for Catholic schools and Catholic ministries. Prior to her role at Holy Family-Holy Name, she held the position of assistant head of school at Colegio Nuestra Señora de Andacollo in Santiago, Chile. In these positions, Mahoney supervised and evaluated teachers, developed curriculum, and worked closely with students and families.

Additionally, she has extensive pastoral experience in ministries from previous positions at Holy Cross Family Ministries in North Easton and St. Joseph Parish in Taunton.

Mahoney earned a bachelor of arts in history from Notre Dame College and a master of arts in theology from Boston College. She was named “Woman of the

Regional School Community, to engaging in the activities of the school, and most importantly, to share in the faith life of the students and their families,” she said.

Mahoney will be responsible for day-to-day school operations at St. Margaret Regional School. Chris Keavy, as head of school of the pre-k to grade 12 Catholic school, will focus on mission and values, strategic planning and positioning, community relationships, institutional advancement, and institutional vitality.

Keavy expressed his welcome to Mahoney saying, “I am delighted that such a capable, sought-after administrator is coming to St. Margaret Regional School. We

have big plans and I am eager to work with Ms. Mahoney for the benefit of our students and families.”

Upon the announcement of Mahoney’s new position Superintendent Perla commented, “I look forward to working Ms. Mahoney in her new role and I am confident that she has the gifts to build a strong Catholic elementary school and will work closely with Mr. Keavy to create a vibrant pre-k to grade 12 Catholic school.”

Perla added “I am deeply grateful to Dr. Milot for providing extraordinary leadership during the past several months and really helping the school community during this very challenging transition period.”

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Be Not Afraid

New principal named for St. Margaret Regional School

The Anchor - June 15, 2018

Year” in 2011 and 2012 by the National Association of Professional Women and the International Women’s Leadership Association, respectively.

“It is a joy for me to see the smiles Beth Mahoney on students’ faces when they achieve their goals, enjoy their lessons, participate in the life of the school, gather in prayer, and experience the love of God revealed to them through their teachers. I look forward to meeting the St. Margaret

For and About Our Church Youth Bishop Stang High School hires Jennifer Golden as director of Advancement

NORTH DartStang High School, where mouth — Bishop Stang I have a substantial history.

High School is pleased to In 1957, my grandparents announce the hiring of Jen- were four of the thousands nifer (Markey) Golden as of donors who believed a the school’s next director of new Catholic high school Advancement. should be built to develop President/principal faith and provide strong Peter Shaughnessy stated, academics for young people “Jennifer Golden brings in the Fall River Diocese. I tremendous advancement have significantly benefitted experience, expertise and a from that initial investment, passionate commitment to and have been an active part our mission in her new role of the Bishop Stang family as director of Advancement. for the past 40 years, as a Ms. Golden will sibling, student, be a key leader alumna, cousin, in implementing donor, friend, the school’s straaunt, sports fan, tegic plan goals music and theater to enhance the patron, parent, student experivolunteer, emence, maintain an ployee, and most affordable tuition, recently a parent upgrade faciliof alumni.” ties and promote Golden Jennifer Golden alumni engageearned a bachement. As an lor of arts degree alumna, Ms. Golden is an from the College of the exemplar of our mission to Holy Cross, a juris docexcel in learning and life and torate from UMass Law will take our advancement School and is a member efforts to new heights.” in good standing of the Golden, an alumna from Massachusetts Bar. Golden the Bishop Stang Class of lives in New Bedford with 1986, brings extensive non- her husband, Dennis, and profit development experitheir five children and is a ence to this position along parishioner at Our Lady of with a deep understanding the Assumption Parish. of and connection to the “Bishop Stang is a vital asBishop Stang community. set to the Fall River Diocese, For the past five years, she and to the broader comhas served as advancement munity where our alumni officer for Bishop Stang further the school’s mission and prior to that directed to ‘make known the goodthe development efforts at ness of God’ as they go out GiftsToGive and YMCA in the world to work, serve Southcoast. Golden is an and lead,” she said. “I look avid volunteer and serves on forward to deepening my boards of local organizations connection to the incredible in support of Greater New people that make up the past, Bedford. present and future of Bishop Golden shared, “I am Stang by assuming the posihonored to be selected to tion of director of Advanceexpand my role at Bishop ment at Bishop Stang.”

More than 50 faculty and staff members of St. John Paul II High School and St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School in Hyannis recently kicked-off the first “Staff Day of Service” by working at eight sites across Cape Cod that included: Cape Cod Development; the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry; the Salvation Army; the Cape Cod Literacy Council, all in Hyannis; the Barnstable Land Trust in Marstons Mills; Cape Abilities Farm in Dennis; the Children’s Center in Harwichport; and the Craigville Beach Cleanup at Covell’s, Craigville and Long Beach in Craigville. Staff members met in the high school chapel for prayer and reflection, then set out for their service locations. Pictured is the group on beach clean-up detail.

Anchor announces renewal and price changes

FALL RIVER — The Anchor, the official Catholic newspaper of the Diocese of Fall River, has announced a few changes of which current subscribers should be made aware.

At the renewal date for each subscriber, the annual cost for The Anchor will become $25. This is the first rate increase for The Anchor in more than 10 years. While we realize it may be an extra burden to some, the $20 cost did not cover printing and mailing overheads. At the new rate, it still works out to costing subscribers less than $1 per issue, far less than most publications.

The Anchor is also offering its readers the option to renew for two years at $45 for 52 issues, a savings of $5.

The date in which the subscription will

expire will be listed in each edition above the name and address of the subscriber on page 24.

Subscribers are encouraged to renew their subscription by that date by sending a check or money order for $25 made payable to The Anchor, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720. Subscribers may also renew via PayPal by visiting The Anchor website at anchornews.org and pressing the “Subscribe” button and following the on-screen directions. We cannot accept credit card payments by phone.

If a payment isn’t received within 30 days of the expiration date, The Anchor will send out one reminder notice.

A sample of the new mailing labels appears in today’s edition on page 24.

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Acolytes to be installed June 19 continued from page 10

ways.”

“To go to places where our amazing priests can’t always be — the ball field, the Scouts meeting, the corner bar — that is where our faith moves beyond theology and Sacred Scripture and is put into practice every day,” he added.

With their ordinations now less than a year away, the candidates all expressed Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., third from left, stands with some of the members of great joy and anticipation at the first “graduating class” of the Good Leaders, Good Shepherds program held in sev- the prospect of beginning their ministries. eral sessions over the last year.

“I look forward to whatInaugural ‘Good Leaders, Good Shepherds’ program a success ever the Lord has in store continued from page five for me,” Caldwell said. “I try not to project too far this opportunity to thank er priests to attend, having nance and administration of into the future or make too Bishop da Cunha for bring- been ordained in 2014. He things and Good Leaders, many assumptions, because ing this program to our is parochial administrator Good Shepherds certainly what I may envision will diocese and for not thinking of St. John the Evangelist helped with increasing most likely be different of me as too old to particiand St. Vincent de Paul understanding of the priests from what God will ask of pate in it.” parishes in Attleboro, which necessary governance me. I look forward to the On a more serious note also includes St. John the in the temporal realm. joys and challenges that lie he said, “As you know, I Evangelist School. “The fiThings ranging from huahead and pray I am open often quote Cardinal Sean nal session revolved around man resources, to team and to God’s plan.”

[O’Malley] when he used creating strategic alliances, committee formation, to Gingras said he’s most to say about us priests: ‘We which in a time in the Fall forming alliances with other looking forward to celebratare brothers, but we are not River Diocese where colparishes and organizations ing the Sacraments after twins.’ This time together laboration between parishes were all covered in great ordination, especially Baphas underscored both. Inseems to be a focal point, detail over the six modules tism. “I’ve been able to assist deed we are not twins. Our only helps to strengthen our that brought us together.”

Deacon Robert Craig as leadership skills, talents, bishop’s call to work to“I think this will be a well as Father Kevin Cook gifts and weaknesses are as gether,” he told The Anchor. benefit to those who atwith a few Baptisms and varied as all of us here. We “As a parish priest already tended and to the diocese playing such an important have been challenged this responsible for two parishes as a whole,” added Bishop role as this person begins year to discover our own and a school I really like the da Cunha. “These men can their journey into the instinctive behavior, and the idea of effective collaborabring ideas and learned Catholic Church will be a values that modify them. tion and alliances. Good experiences and share them very moving and humbling And then to go into our Leaders, Good Shepherds with others.” experience,” he said. parishes and recognize and helped to assess the misThe bishop told The Anchor “Proclaiming the Gospel discover the diversity of the sion and values of differing that at the end of the month is the pinnacle moment DISCS [an abbreviation organizations to ensure that there will be a debriefing with for me once ordained,” for a variety of behavioral a strong alliance would even those who attended to “share Spearin said. “Though, on traits] and talents of our be possible. what they learned. It’s good a collective note, serving pastoral teams and how “I think the Catholic to share and to put things Mass in a Liturgical setting, most effectively to work Leadership Institute and into practice. The men had participating with families together. I think the same the Good Leaders, Good very positive experiences from during joyous Sacramental can be said in bringing the Shepherds program helped what they learned. It was milestones — Baptisms, knowledge we have obto refocus all of us who worth the time they put in, Marriages and also being tained over this past year participated on those three time that is very valuable to present by ministering comat Good Leaders, Good duties, but especially the them. fort to those during wakes Shepherds to work together one which may not have “Priests need to be and graveside services — all effectively for the good of received a great deal of updated, need to continue are ways I look forward our diocese, for indeed we attention in seminary, ‘to their formation to be the to loving God’s people in are brothers.” govern.’ Part of the priest’s best priests they can be. I’m diaconal service.”

Father Christopher M. job, indeed a key duty and very happy that we under“I am looking forward Peschel is one of the young- responsibility, is the govertook this project.”

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to helping people learn and grow in their faith,” Hults said. “Right now, I am enjoying teaching young adults in Confirmation, and will be taking part in prison ministry in the near future.

But most of all, I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me.

One thing I’ve noticed is that God’s plans are always much better, much greater than any plans I try to make for myself.”

“God willing, if I am ordained next year, I am looking forward to being able shift the time I am currently spending in formation to my first assignment,” Donahue said. “One of the challenges of the formation process is that we need to be careful with our time commitments within our parishes.”

“I am looking forward to all of it, but I suspect it is like getting married,” Sweeney said. “Before someone gets married, are they necessarily looking forward to something in particular? It is difficult for me to say I am looking forward to a particular thing. Our relationship with the Lord grows over time — I am looking forward to that.”

“I think what I look forward to most is taking the time and effort that’s been spent on formation studies and to use it doing ministry work,” Pimental said. “I don’t quite know what that work will be, but I trust God will nudge me where He wants me to go — He seems to have a way of doing that!”

“I will say that my heart is full of joy and love for this opportunity to help in serving others,” said Bisson.

“The truth is, I didn’t even think I would make it this far, so I guess I’m either the luckiest man in the world, or God is carrying me to see this through.”

Annual Retreat for Girls, ‘Called By Name’ is perfect respite from busyness

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

DIGHTON — The world today is one filled with “fake news,” violence, hatred, and a waning sense of what’s right and wrong.

Add to that the constant barrage of comments, opinions and information on social media sites, today’s young people rarely get the opportunity for self-reflection and to think their own thoughts.

But there are outlets, many of which originate in the Catholic Church, that allow young people to “get away” from “normalcy,” and discover the many riches and gifts God has given to His children, but are buried beneath a plethora of noise and distractions.

One such outlet is the annual Retreat for Girls offered by the Diocese of Fall River’s Vocations Office. “Called By Name,” is an overnight retreat for girls ages 14-18, and will be held at the Dominican Sisters Convent, 3012

Elm Street in Dighton on July 13 and 14.

This year’s retreat will focus on the verse from Matt. 13:44-46, “the hidden treasure and the joy of finding it.”

The treasure to be found is discovering each girl’s God-given gifts through two days of activities and discussions, which often lead to finding new friends who share the same problems, fears, hopes and dreams.

“Participants will be invited to go in search of the ‘Hidden Treasure,’” Sister Paulina Hurtado, O.P., assistant director of the diocesan Vocation Office told The Anchor.

“The girls will be given the opportunity to search for treasure, both physically and Spiritually.

“A variety of activities are planned to help develop friendships and discover treasure of great value. Through discussions and prayer, and fun exploration, participants will be led to a deeper understanding of the treasure within and

the value of discernment.”

Katelyn Belmore told The Anchor of her experiences attending past retreats for girls: “I’ve been multiple times and each time I go I learn new things and meet people just like me and I always have good memories to come back home with.

“It’s great hearing and sharing experiences with other girls and the Sisters there. The retreat is something I wouldn’t miss for the world.”

Sonja Morin, who also attended more than once, echoed Belmore’s excitement about attending the retreat. “I have attended two of the diocesan retreat for girls. They were amazing and fun and indeed lifechanging in several ways.

“During both, I had the opportunity to meet with other Catholic girls from around the diocese, one of whom is a close friend of mine,” she told The Anchor. “They brought with them new perspectives and ideas which have helped me grow in maturity. The friendship and

memories we shared that day are definitely precious. The Sisters are so kind, and are an incredible help as you consider the themes discussed during the retreat. Also, they’re amazing cooks, so the food is always delicious!”

Morin added, “To those who are considering attending the retreat this year — definitely go! I can promise you won’t regret going to the retreat. It’s a definite lifechanger.”

The retreat fittingly ends with the celebration of Mass and the Eucharist.

The event runs from 6:30 p.m. on July 13 until 5 p.m. on the 14th.

Reservations are required and the deadline is July 10. Reply to Sister Paulina at Sr.Paulina@dioc-fr.org or by calling the Vocations/Religious Office 508-675-1311, or 909-4962022. Please read the Retreat Flyer.

The Parental Permission Form is on the diocesan webpage http://www. fallriverdiocese.org/religious-indiocese/

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Bishop’s ordination homily continued from page three

Jesus.”

And in order to be a man of God you must be a man of prayer, of meditation on God’s Word, of contemplation before God’s wonderful

20

deeds and His presence in the Mystery of the Eucharist, always keeping your eyes on Jesus. We do all for Him and in memory of Him. In his recent Apostolic

The Anchor - June 15, 2018

Exhortation, Gaudete et Exultate, Pope Francis tells us: “Are there moments when you place yourself quietly in the Lord’s presence, when you calmly spend time with Him, when you bask in His gaze? Do you let His fire inflame your heart? Unless you let Him warm you more and more with His love and tenderness, you will not catch fire. How will you then be able to set the hearts of others on fire by your words and witness?”

We never have to pretend that we are perfect, that we have all the answers, or that we have it all under control. We are fellow sinners with God’s people. We are journeying with them in faith. We need their prayers as they need ours. We need their faith as they need ours.

We heard in the Gospel today that, “Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it.”

Perhaps this is precisely a paradigm of the priesthood itself: Jesus takes us, blesses us, breaks us, and gives us.

Taking and blessing we can live with! Breaking and giving? Well, that’s another matter! Are you willing to allow Jesus to take you, bless you, break you and give you to His people so that you no longer belong to yourself but to the Church and to God’s people?

We’re not priests for what we can get, but for what we can give, and anyone who’s in it for power, authority, privilege, or entitlement should not be.

Maybe we need to go back to the Church of the Acts of the Apostles, “Silver and gold I have not, but what I do have, I sure give you: In the name of Jesus Christ, stand up and walk!”

God is the only treasure people desire to find in a priest — gold, clout, prestige, power, property, wealth — we don’t have! All we have is Jesus — and that’s the greatest treasure of all.

That’s what people want!

And we can’t give Him unless we have Him with us always.

We don’t have to do ex-

traordinary things to share Jesus with people. We can do it in the very ordinary things of life, when done in faith and love. Scholarly research has found that what people most want in their priest is a “hopeful, holy man who smiles.”

The late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin once said, “The priest is the one who leads the people of God into an ever more intimate contact with Jesus Christ.

It is in carrying out this Sacred task that one is most authentically a priest. They don’t want us to be politicians, business managers, or social workers. They want us to bring them into contact with the transcendent, with holiness.”

Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận gives us “Ten Simples Rules of Life”: • I will live the present moment to the fullest; • I will discern between God and God’s works; • I will hold firmly to one secret: prayer; • I will see in the Holy Eucharist my only power; • I will have only one wisdom: the science of the cross; • I will remain faithful to my mission in the Church and for the Church as a witness of Jesus Christ; • I will seek the peace the world cannot give; • I will carry out a revolution by renewal in the Holy Spirit; • I will speak one language and wear one uniform: charity; and • I will have one very special love: The Blessed Virgin Mary.

On this day we celebrate the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, may she protect you, guide you, defend you and keep you close to her Immaculate Heart and close to the Sacred Heart of her Son, Jesus.

MARSTONS MILLS — Deacon Gregory John Beckel, 70, of Marstons Mills, passed away unexpectedly on June 1. Born on Aug. 31, 1947 in St. Peter, Minn., Beckel was the son of the late Celestine (Sonny) and Annette Beckel of St. Peter, Minn.

Deacon Beckel graduated from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force, in which he served our country for 27 years. He initially attended pilot training to fly the F-106 Delta Dart.

After a tour at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Wash., Beckel joined the 101st Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Otis Air National Guard Base in Bourne. He later flew the F-15A Eagle ultimately achieving the rank of colonel. He flew under the call sign “Deacon” which was given to him by his fellow pilots who recognized his passion for serving others. In 1993, he received a master’s degree in National Security and Decision Making from the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. His final flight was on Dec. 26, 1996, when he retired as the Vice Air Commander and Logistics Group Commander of the 102nd Fighter Wing.

Following his retirement, Deacon Beckel pursued his lifelong dream of serving others in a formal capacity in the Church. He studied for the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Fall River from 1997 to 2002. Bishop Sean O’Malley ordained him as a deacon in May of 2002, and he was assigned to serve at Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. In addition to his work at Christ the King, Deacon Beckel was a chaplain at Cape Cod

Deacon Gregory Beckel

and Falmouth Hospitals, where he gave comfort and hope to the sick and their families until his death.

In all of his roles as a colonel, deacon, chaplain, husband, father, and grandfather, Deacon Beckel was a vibrant and deeply connected man. He had a lifelong

passion for racquetball, and loved watching things grow in his vegetable garden. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, and around the world. He was a keystone of strength and support for his wife and children, and he loved spending time with his six

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

June 16 Rev. James McDermott, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1975 June 17 Deacon Claude A. LeBlanc, 2011

June 18 Most Rev. William B. Tyler, First Bishop of Hartford, Founder of the Sandwich Mission, 1849 Rev. James M. Coffey, P.R., Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1935 Rev. Declan Daly, SS.CC., Associate Pastor, St. Joseph, Fairhaven, 1984 Rev. Henri Laporte, O.P., Former Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1992 June 19 Rev. Hormisdas Deslauriers, Founder, St. Anthony, New Bedford, 1916 June 20 Rt. Rev. Msgr. James J. Coyle, P.R., LL.D., Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1931 June 21 Rev. Owen F. Clarke, Former Assistant, St. Mary, Fall River, 1918 Rev. Desire V. Delemarre, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1926 Rev. Francis D. Callahan, Pastor, St. Patrick, Wareham, 1948 Rev. George A. Meade, Chaplain ,St. Mary’s Home, New Bedford, 1949 Rev. Clement Killgoar, SS.CC., Pastor, St. Anthony, Mattapoisett, 1964 Rev. David A. O’Brien, Retired Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1976

grandchildren.

Deacon Beckel is survived by his wife of 48 years, Elizabeth (Ampe) Beckel of Marstons Mills; his daughter Nicole Beckel and her partner Derek Silcox of Plymouth; son Jeffrey Beckel and his wife Christina of Wilbraham, along with their sons Erik, Bryan, and Bryce; and daughter Tracy Meattey and her husband Heath of Exeter, N.H. along with their children Alexandra, Nathaniel, and Sophia.

He is also survived by his brother Cletus Beckel and his wife Sharyn of Pittsgrove, N.J.; his sister Monica Peterson and her longtime friend Hal Spann

of Sauk Rapids, Minn.; his sister Roseann Boran and her husband Pat of Chanhassen, Minn.; and his brother Vincent Beckel and his wife Kari of Chaska, Minn.

In addition, he is survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at Christ the King Church on June 8 followed by burial at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

Donations in Deacon Beckel’s memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Donations can be sent to Christ the King Parish, The Commons, P.O. Box 1800, Mashpee, Mass.

02649.

June 22 Rev. Alexander Zichello, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi, New Bedford, 1977 Rev. Richard A. Delisle, M.S., Former Superior, La Salette Shrine, Attleboro, 2016 June 23 Rev. Finbarr B. McAloon, SS.CC., Retired Pastor, Holy Trinity, West Harwich, 1980 Rev. George Wichland, CSSR, St. Wenceslaus Church, Baltimore, Md., 1992 June 24 Rev. Bernard F. McCahill, Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1907 June 25 Rev. Msgr. Louis A. Marchand, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony, New Bedford, 1941 Rev. Raymond J. Hamel, Chaplain, St. Joseph Orphanage, Fall River, 1960 June 26 Rev. William Moran, Former Pastor, St. Peter, Sandwich, 1891 Rev. Charles P. Gaboury, Former Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford, 1931 Rev. Msgr. Albert Berube, Retried Pastor, St. Anthony, New Bedford, 1973 June 27 Rev. John Corry, Founder, St. Mary, Taunton; Founder, St. Mary, Fall River, 1863 Rev. Dario Raposo, Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Taunton, 1933 Rev. Msgr. Thomas F. Walsh, Retired Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Attleboro, 1980 Rev. Msgr. Bernard J. Fenton, USA Retired Chaplain, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, North Dighton, 1984 Rev. George F. Almeida, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Fatima, Swansea, 2012 June 28 Rev. Thomas C. Gunning, Assistant, St. Lawrence, New Bedford, 1947

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Around the Diocese Christin Jezak will perform her one-woman play “Person-toPerson: A Mother Teresa Project” at St. John of God Church, 996 Brayton Avenue in Somerset on Monday, June 18 at 7 p.m. The project is the fruit of much research and contemplation of St. Teresa’s beliefs on human dignity. There is no charge for the performance, however freewill offerings will be accepted. For more information visit www.p2ptheatre. com, email debjezak@sjogsomerset.org, or call 508-674-4611.

The reunion committee is seeking members of the Class of 1968 at Mount St. Mary’s Academy for its 50th reunion, to be held at the Cove Restaurant in Fall River on June 22. Interested graduates should contact Judi (DePaola) Boardman at mom@team508.org.

The 2018 Summer Speaker Series at Our Lady of the Cape Church in Brewster will feature “God’s Longing to Capture Our Hearts,” presented

by Sister Maureen Casey, SND, on June 26; “Pope Francis’ Challenging and Provoking Dream,” presented by Father Flavio Gillio, MS, on July 17; and “The Spirituality of Aging,” presented by Sister Kathleen Hagerty, CSJ, on August 28. All events begin with an optional light dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the Our Lady of the Cape Parish Center and the speaker programs begin at 6 p.m. Cost for dinner is $6 and no RSVP is necessary. All are welcome. For more information, call 508-385-3252, extension 14, or email russokathleena@gmail.com.

A Healing Mass will be offered at St. Patrick’s Church, 82 High Street in Wareham on Thursday, June 28 at 7 p.m. God wants to heal us and will heal through the powerful gift given to us by the Holy Spirit. All who are ill, mentally and physically, are invited to attend and receive the Sacrament and to experience the healing power of God. The 40th annual Summer Fair to benefit charitable aims of Our Lady of the Cape Parish is set for Saturday, June 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the parish center, Stony Brook Road in Brewster. Sale tables will include baked goods, jewelry, books, antiques, art, toys, tools, household items, crafts, gifts and specialty baskets. Children can enjoy face-painting and games, plus a visit from the Brewster Fire Department. The fair also features a silent auction, door prizes and sweepstakes drawings. The Men’s Ministry will provide an indoor café and a barbecue lunch outdoors.

Admission is free.

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 — 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.

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, every First Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending at 5 p.m.

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).

EAST TAUNTON — 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.

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.

Taunton — St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Taunton will host Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays following the 9 a.m. Mass and the St. Jude Novena, until 11:30, ending with Benediction. It will take place at Holy Rosary Chapel during the summer months.

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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F

ather’s Day is Sunday, and traditionally it’s a time to express love, thanks and respect for our beloved dads.

I’d like to take the time this Father’s Day to express my love, thanks and respect to my kids for being wonderful human beings and for providing me with memories and adventures I otherwise never would have had.

Being a father is the thing of which I’m most proud in my life. It has a large influence on becoming the man I am today.

I was there for the birth of all four of my offspring — moments I will never forget; moments that were miracles before my very eyes. I’m not sure if Denise thought of it the same way at the time, but she does now. Completely understandable — I had the easy part; having my hand squeezed so tightly that it felt like I only had one large finger.

For God’s sake, hug them I tucked them in at night The main goal I had of being a father was not only to be and read to them: “Curious George,” “Oink and Pearl,” a father, but a daddy as well.

It’s not easy. There are many “Go Dogs Go,” and a plethora of other stories that I enjoyed moments of worry, concern as much as, if not more than, and doubt. These are feelings they did. that never dissipate, even with them in their 30s and 20s.

My View But the good moments far outweigh the From bad. the Stands The father moments

By Dave Jolivet were and are those of being a disciplinarian, a teacher, a provider, a On those nights when I was role model, and a protector. particularly wiped out, I would The daddy moments are skip pages figuring their little my favorite. It was (and still minds wouldn’t notice. That is) when I am one of them. plan always backfired when I don’t want anyone to think that I was and am just a friend they each stopped me midsentence and made me go back to my kids. That’s not how it’s to where the story should have supposed to be. But there are been. times when it is right.

I treasure the vacations we I treated each of my kiddies the same, yet today they are all took and the misadventures we had — mostly on my part. so different, yet all family.

I treasure receiving handI treasured the days when

made cards for my birthday and Father’s Day, some of which are still in my office today.

I still remember, like it was yesterday, holding my youngest son, Davey, as his life crossed from this world to the next. I held him until I sensed his soul had made the journey.

I love being a father and love even more being a daddy.

Those moments pay off. My oldest son, Ben, recently took me out to a seafood restaurant, just he and I and we shared the best food and drink at a table by the sea. We talked and talked and laughed and laughed.

My oldest daughter Lauren warmed my heart when she invited me to play guitar with the band at her wedding reception. My rock and roll fantasy come true.

I still treasure the time Emilie and I are driving together and we share crazy stories, music trivia and laughs. We constantly text and exchange memes.

If you’re a young dad and reading this, or if you know of one, pass this along: Be a father and be a daddy. And never, ever be afraid to hug your child or children.

Hug them for God’s sake.

Hug them for your sake. Hug them for their sake. It’s not hard, and it’s the best feeling in the world.

Older dads out there, hug your kids. If you never have, do it. Just open your arms and welcome them in. It’s the daddy thing to do. You just may be amazed at what you get out of it.

And Larry, I send you a big old hug this Father’s Day, and thanks for teaching me how to be a father and a daddy. davejolivet@anchornews.org.

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