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FALL RIVER; MASS.
Weekly • $14 Per Year
headingl;to constitutional conv~ntion July 12
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Mass~chusetts' Largest
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The move to restore "It's crucial," she said. "We definition of marriE;lge as a . need a total 50 votes combined union of one man ::and one from the 200 Representatives and Senators this year, as well as anwoman finds supporters other similar vote next year, in and opponents j~ckeying. back to back sessions, in order· By DEACON JAMES N.
FALL RIVER - Bea Martins likens the process of the Protection of Marriage Amendment to a baseball game. "When we rallied Fith verification of the 170,000,votes gathered earlier this year in the pews at Catholic parisheS and from many others needed to get the Amendment before tpe state legislature, it was like getting to first base," said Martins,' director of Catholic Citizenship for the Fall River diocese. .. "Second base is the constitutional convention t~is year, and third base is the convention next year," said Martins. '''It will be a home run when the issue goes onto the ballot for a decision by voters," she noted. " She candidly credits Kris Mineau, chairman of the Massachusetts Family Insptute, for the analogy. Like Catholic Citizenship, it is a member of the broad coalition endorsing::and pressing for approval of the 'amendment. But as in every' competition, both sides are acti~e in pressing for a win. , Martins urged supporters of the marriage amendment to immediately contact legislators and make known their feelings in the final days prior to its being taken up. "
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A BEEHIVE of activity year-round, the diocesan Development Office is increasingly bUsy as the yearly Catholic Charities Appeal winds down. The talented staff includes, from left: Doris Desrosier, secretary; Mike Donly, director; and secretaries Cindy Iacovelli and Patty Dooley. (AnchodJolivet photo)
Development Office staff is a lifeline for hundreds in need By DAVE JOLIVET, EDITOR FALL RIVER - The thousands ofpeople whom have received some type of assistance from the Diocese of Fall River's annual Catholic Charities Appeal may not recognize the faces or know the names of those responsible for obtaining the resources to provide that help. But that's not a concern of the Development Office staff, whose task is, among many others, to assist the 95 parishes across the diocese, solicit from generous and thoughtful faithful yearly donations.
These support a bevy of ministries and services that alleviate suffering offolks who tum to the Church in times of need. They may be only an army of four, but Director Mike Donly and secretaries Cindy Iacovelli, Patty Dooley, and Doris Desrosier have played an enormous role in collecting millions of charity dollars through the yearS - dollars that help feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, and visit the imprisoned, in direct response to Christ's referTurn to page 18 - Development
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to put the Protection of Marriage Amendment on the election ballot in 2008," she explained. Asked how it looked, Martins said, "Currently there are 20 amendments facing legislators July 12 and we are number 20." While it seems that the amendment has the 50 votes needed, said Martins, "What we are concerned about are procedural steps - tactics - from getting the matter to a vote." She offered a hypothetical situation. "Senate President Richard E. Travaglini could open up the Constitutional Convention ... and then there would be a walkout. If legislators who don't support the Amendment get up and walk out and there is not a quorum present, it would prevent a vote from taking place." However, Gov. Mitt Romney has the capability to order them to come back in, she added. "We feel the governor at this time would choose to use his executive powers," she stated. There is also legal precedent under Article 48 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth which provides that qualified initiative petitions shall be presented to a joint session (constitutional convention); and calls for "final legislative action" on such qualified petitions, Turn to page 19 - Marriage
Youth speak out against violence By
MIKE GORDON
ANCHOR STAFF
NEW BEDFORD - Young and old gathered together June 20 for a prayer rally at St. Lawrence Martyr Church here, to stand united against the violence that has plagued the community. The service came in response to the escalating violence in the city of New Bedford and the tragic May 25 death of Bernadette DePina, a parishioner at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, who was gunned down in her home as a result of gang violence. "This prayer rally was in response to the gang violence
we've had here in the community," said Father John M. Sullivan, pastor of St. Lawrence Martyr parish. "To combat violence we can be advocates for those touched by it. We can pray and support them however we can." Nearly 60 people attended the event, which included prayer, reflections by youth ministry members, music and concluded with the lighting of candles and a pledge of non-violence. Music was provided by Philip A. Pereira of St. Michael's Parish, Fall River. Crystal Medeiros, youth minister at St. Lawrence Parish, organized the event and was hope-
ful that it would make a difference. As reported in The Anchor's June 2 edition, DePina's 23year-old son was arrested on accusations he shot and killed a reputed gang rival. Two days later Mrs. DePina was found murdered in the bedroom of her Ash Street home in what police called a crime of retaliation. "There has been an increase in violence and with these recent tragic deaths in our community we wanted to do something for our young people. We want our children to feel safe and we can't be intimidated by violence." Turn to page 19 - Violence
, SPEAKING PUT against violence at a recent service at St. Lawrence Church, New Bedford, were from left: Sue Revil, Crystal Medeiros, and Richard Rodrigues. (Sue Massoud photo)