08.10.07

Cape ICod faithful encouraged by decree

on Trid,:entine Mass

By MATT McDONALD .

II

ANCHOR STAFF

The next time Joe Gallante needs to find a priest to celebrate the Tridentine Mass in Latin at Our Lady of Grace Chapel in Chatham, it should be easier. ' Starting in mid-September, all . priests in the Western rite of the Roman Catholic ChUrch have the right to' say Mass according to the preVatican IT formula anywher~ without obtaining special permission from a bishop, thanks' to a decree from the pope last month.

But aside from the practic.~ benefits, Gallante finds encouragement in the pope's document, wtPch is aimed.at making the older version of the Mass more accessible. "ldon't feel like a secoml-class citizen anymore in the churci" said Gallante, president of the Cane Cod MAKING HIS PITCH - Christopher Keavy, principal of the new John Paull! High Schooi in Hyar:mis, chapter of Una Voce, an internAtional throws out the first pitch at Cape Cod Baseball I,.eague game between the Hyannis Mets and the federation that supportS the Cotuit Kettleers on August 4. Attending the game at McKeon Field, next door to the new school, was Tridentine Mass. '''A lot of people part of a summer cookout for parents, students, faculty and staff to get to know each other. Keavy's who had an a~achment to the claseight-year-old son Bill looks on proudly. Story on page 16. (Photo by Matt McDonald) sic Roman rite, which is what it really should be called, were treated

a

Asking the Father for laborers'

like second-class citizens - 'we didn't want ~o get in step with the times,' 'we were nostalgic.' It has nothing to do with nostalgia. Liturgy should路not reflect the times. Because if it reflects the times, it won't be very long before it's outdated."

The Tridentine Mass is named after the Council of Trent in the 16th century. After the council; in 1570, St. Pius V made the R.oman rite of the Mass in Lati~ standard throughout most of the Church. That version was modified several times, the last coming in a missal issued by Blessed John XXIII in路1962.

But in 1970, five years after路the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI approved a new form ofthe Mass, known as the Novus Ordo (or "New Order"), which effectively replaced the old in most ofthe Catholic world.

It's the familiar version that the vast. majority of Catholics see when they go to church on a Sunday or during the week.

The Tridentine 'Mass is often called "the Latin Mass," an impreTum to page 18 - Mass

I!

Vocation teams gather for holy hour ANCHOR REPORT

NORTH DARTMOUTH -. / Praying for vocation1;l.is a command thatJesus gives all Catholics, Father Karl Bissinger, assistant director for vocations of the Diocese of Fall River, told those assembled for a holy hour for vocations at St. Julie Billiart Church in North Dartmouth on August 2.

"Not everyone receives a vooation to holy orders or to the religious life, but everyone can pray/' he said during his' homily before crowd of 100, which included Bishop George W. Coleman, several diocesan priests, deacons, diocesan seminarians .and a large cadre of members .of vocations awareness teams.

When Jesus said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few, so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest" (Lk 10:2), he was giving an imperative, Father Bissinger noted, to all his followers to pray for vocations.

This appeal for prayer is all hasty evaluation and focus on the more urgent during an age of only one of the factors: 'There is pastoral planning of parishes, he. a priest shortage' and 'We have .said. "Sometimes we make a Tum to page 20 - Vocations

II

MORE ACCESSIBLE - Father Thomas W. Buckley, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, celebrates the Tridentine Mass at Our Lady of Grace Chapel in Chatham. The altar server is Joe Gallante, a Harwich reside'nt who is head ofthe Cape Cod chapter of Una Voce.

APPEAL FOR PRAYER - Bishop George W. Coleman, center, led a prayer service at a holy hour for vocations at St. Julie Billiart Church' in North Dartmouth last week. (Photo by Eric Rodrigues)

$ NEWS

2

$ 10, 2007 Vaticanstate.va: Navigating the world's smallest country

FROM THE VATICAN

By CINDY WOODEN

Pope prays Scouting promotes spiritual and civil formation

By CINDY WOODEN CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY - Greeting an international group of Scouts on the lOOth anniversary of Scouting, Pope Benedict XVI prayed that the, movement would continue to promote "human, spiritual and civil fonnation in every country of the world."

The pope congratulated the young men and women at the end of his weekly general audience' last week, just a fe~ hours after they joined Scouts from around the world in renewing their promises to serve God and others with generosity.

Wading into the crowd to shake hands with and bless his visitors, Pope Benedict received a Scout's scarf, which he tried to slip over his head. An aide took it from him, though, before he was able to readjust the knot.

In his main audience talk, Pope Benedict picked up where he left off July 4 before going on vacation, telling pilgrims about the life and teaching of St. Basil, a fourth-century bishop.

The bishop, he said, encouraged people to recognize their own dignity as creatures of God and the dignity of others.

He emphasized that "the Christian living in confonnity with the Gospel recognizes that alI people are brothers and sisters" and that each person has a responsibility to be a good steward of the gifts God provides for alI.

$ The Anchor

In St. Basil's writings, Pope Benedict said, he used "courageous, strong words" to explain that loving one's neighbors means not possessing anything that one's neighbors are lacking. The saint said, '~ the needy look to our hands like we ourselves look toward God when we are in need."

Calling St. Basil "one of the fathers of the social doctrine of the Church,'~tl:Ie'pope sai~his teaching is ''very ~I~v~r.todax ~hen globalization haS widerled the gap between rich and poor, but also makes it easier to see that "even people geographically far away are truly our neighbors."

Pope Benedict said, "Only through openness to God, our common father, can we create a just and fraternal world."

St. Basil also has an important message for young people trying to live Christian lives in a predominantly pagan culture, the pope said.

With a' combination of "criticism and openness," the 4th-century bishop encouraged the young to examine their culture, which contained "examples of an upright life, of virtue."

The pope said St. Basil used the example ofbees, who take from flowers - and only certain flowers -just what they need to produce honey. In the same way, Pope Benedict said, we must take "only what is useful to us and conforming to the truth and leave the rest behind."

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 51, No. 30

Member: Catholic Press Association, Catholic News Service Published weekly except for two weeks in the summer and the week after Christmas bylhe catholic Press of the Diocese of FaIl River, 887 Highland Avenue Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 - FAX 508-675-7048, email~ Iheanchor@anchomews.org. Subscription price by mail, poslpaid $14,00 per year.

Send address changes to P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA, call or use email address PUBUSHER - Most Reverend George W. Coleman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Roger J. Landry fatherrogerIandry@anchomews.org EDITOR David B. Jollvet davejollvet@anchol'news.org NEWS EDITOR Deacon James N. Dunbar jimdunbar@anchornews.org REPORTER Matt McDonald maltmcdonald@anchomews.org OFFICE MANAGER Mary Chase marychase@anchornew8.org Send Letters 10 the Editor to: fatherrogerlaruhy@anchornews.org POSTMASTERS send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

TIlE ANCHOR (USPS-545-mO) Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass.

can City State the moment he accepts his election as pope," it says.

The site also explains how the pope generally delegates a portion of his powers to ensure the smooth governance of the state and the promulgation of laws regulating life for its 800 residents, its employees and visitors.

The state's courts merit a very brief description, but the 130-

summer residence south of Rome, visitors to the new Website could VATICAN CITY - Seve·n check out the villa's weeks after Pope Benedict XVI supermanicured gardens. praised Vatican civil servants for The site even points out that at their work in "our little state, from 136 acres - including 74 acres of the most visible to the most hidgardens and 62 acres devoted to den," the state unveiled its own farming - the vilIa's territory exWeb site. ceeds that of the 109-acre Vatican City State in the heart of Rome.

The site As the site launched, it had a dewww.vaticanstate.va-is linked to tailed history of the villa, but and works closely with the Vatican's main Websi te, almost nothing about the www.vatican.va. but proWith a click on their computer, decorative plants in the garvides more information Internet users can join pilgrims pray- dens or the plants villa workabout the offices that help ing at Pope John Paul II's tomb in ers grow for sale. And it did run the state, as opposed to the grotto of Sf. Peter's Basilica. A not mention the milk-prothe church. camera high on the Vatican hillpoints ducing cows.

On the other hand, the secOfficially launched July toward the dome of Sf. Peter's Ba19 in Italian, English, tion dealing with the Vatican silica. And three webcams have been Gardens names some of the French, German and Spanset up on the dome itself: one look- species they host, like "the maish, the site includes live picing at Sf. Peter's Square, another at jestic tures from five webcams. camphor tree With a click on their com- the Vatican Gardens and the third at ('Cinnamomum puter, Internet users can join the home of the new Website, the glanduliferum')" and two vapilgrims praying at Pope Vatican governor's office. rieties rare in Italy: an Australian silk-oak ("Grevillea roJohn Paul II's tomb in the grotto ofSt. Peter's Basilica. busta") and ''two very tall exA camera high on the Vatican hill member Vatican police force gets amples of dawn redwood ('Metasepoints toward the dome of St. a good-sized page. Perhaps be- quoia glyptostroboides')."

Like most official government Peter's Basilica. And three cause the police uniforms are not webcams have been set up on the as famous as those worn by the Websites, the Vatican City State dome itself: one looking at St. Swiss Guards, seven photographs · site also includes an explanation and history of the Vatican flag and Peter's Square, another at the Vati- are included.

The Vatican fire department Vatican national anthem. Of can Gardens and the third at the home of the new Website, the Vati- also falls under the responsibility course, there are links to sound can governor's office. of the governor's office, but it ini- files, giving visitors the option of The site is set up for e-com- tially did not have its own section hearing the anthem in its standard merce, but online shoppers will on the newly launched site. marching-band version or the have to wait until sometime in With Pope Benedict XVI in much slower, fancier orchestral 2008 to order their Vatican stamps Castel Gandolfo, the home of his track. and coins or books, posters and reproductions from the Vatican Museums.

In an email message, the new webmaster said, "An exact date for the shopping has not been set," but the governor's office is working with the Vatican bank, fonnally the ,\ttl\.' It-.titutinni :\1ollunll'nti Shop Institute for the Works of Religion, Stato to make sure the site is user della Citta del Vaticano friendly and secure for credit-card Portale lstJtualonala transactions from around the CC1l 0 G4 etten, 10 5U:t3 cm.o world. _IrI'Ite:~. ~~=~~~re::tlAatnl~cN~~b Oddly enough, the highly efficient Vatican postal service, which "~f\. (~.-" ,)1"; .. .;1 t..

'J.lt":'"tu • L'Uft'Ido fGateDto e NumtJmadto vattc:.aDO • presumably would ship the goods, • Gervtdo T.Word - L :...,' :.) L ,1f' La ,.rmada VataM "w.l1:: does not have its own section on the • V site, but the Vatican Telephone Service and the Vatican Pharmacy do.

The site includes a brief introduction to the government of Vati""''''I:~ LA 8IIc:mca eu 50 Peatto LI prdlDlvaucacl 5:D etI VOUer3; can City State, explaining that it is lO ter..M Or.:td II! 011 ee::na, Ie trZO'J e t%l p:.or,tt c;:.:r'CrJ mc:mY:t::c:l,. "an absolute monarchy. The head fttrOtl:l e... cner.tlm VlltlaII:l. of state is the pope, who holds full ,,' WCOClun legislative, executive and judicial W'~I ..u Cd CUpob dJ s.l'torra powers." . ':;') Between the death of one pope Pbttll S.PCCUO , and the election of another, the V1SU dJi Cdormto A:::powers are assumed by the College PbnO s. Piotto of Cardinals, it says. And the cardinals who have not yet reached VIRTUAL VATICAN - Vatican City State launched its own Webtheir 80th birthdays are responsible site, www.vaticanstate.va. July 19. The new Website focuses on for electing the new pope. the offices that help run the'1 09-acre Vatican City State. The site The man chosen by the cardi- includes live pictures from five webcams. This is a July 19 screen nals "becomes sovereign of Vati- capture of the site. (eNS image) CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

HONOR ROLE - Scouts renew their promise at an August 1 ceremony in Sydney, Australia, marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Scouting movement. Thousands of Australian Scouts participated in early morning ceremonies and breakfasts around the country. (CNS PJ'Iotoffil1'l Wimbome, Reuters)

AUGUST

t::\:I e:;:::tftOO

~

c::;::"

c::lv~ed~p:mcar:tol~O~~

....

~lft~Or..:m:f'OOet:UWICf',fCOe:::ter.::=r.:t ~o:.lc;;IW':1tttIa:r.o~mnttlC'",.Qrnt.:n)o.e.J

w

F~:

.".,,: ')

L6C'::':'"t,,)l'::""-:.t~:w')

~·:cf: ~ :~~'

j\, ,... ;~:-.' !;j:,'lCI (.f :_)

d.;;I'tJl',,"w~r",

SO:~"I ~. totte~ tnt;! a::;toc::t';1~·lr.tcmoC:::l

pa1metrQ~I2l(I:ttbc:t

':_~; .~.;: \!,~.:,,:

~

li:=~:I":' J

U.l'1~c::.-n;:«:')c:r V1:;ncroklet::::.Jpll~~

.j'

::f-') ,

:t'~.J"')

Ci~'o

(l ccr.ue~ pa~

C!' fml ~

Ct~Qltc:=n~

a.m.::o:tQe:rt:e~

J

~

~

ld~I:1iUawr-:to.~l.

l;1U

e::;:,v~.

.~~

L'~ e:::teeo~ ~:::n-'::::l utf~adv.::Uto:r;,~

VlstaCUlG'an:lilrJVM~ft1

I

~ 'J; 'T~:

_\.-,.1:

,. "

; _',';:.) :"':)

'~

t'

~:-t 1 '

AUGUST

10, 2007

$

31

THE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH ,

Pope condemns kid~apping of innocent people by armed militias

SMILING IRISH EYES - Father Aidan Troy, known for his mediation role in,the 2001 Holy Cross Girls' Primary School dispute, said that Northern Irish Catholics feel "joy and relief' that British military operations in the region have come to an end. (CNS photo/John McElroy) ,

Priest: Northern Irish Catholics relieved British military have left

By MICHAEL KELLY

onstrators and the burning of CathoCATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE lic property.

BELFAST, Northern Ireland At the time, the British governA Belfast-based Passionist priest ment believed that the deployment said Northern Irish Catholics feel would last for approximately six "joy and relief' that British military months. operations in the region have come Father Troy said, "We ali reto an end. member the scenes ofjoy in CathoFather Aidan Troy, known for, lic areas when the troops firstar-' his mediation role in the 2001 Holy . rived; they were deployed to stop Cross Girls' Primary School dispute Catholics, being burnt out路 of their when Protestant protesters blocked homes and attacked at a time when" access to the school, told Catholic the Royal Ulster Constabulary, News Service he hopes that "chil- Northern Ireland's forme, police dren in the North will never again force, was "either unwilling oruohave to witness the spectacle of able to protect Catholics." . armed troops patrolling the streets."

However, Father Troy added, In the Catholic community, ''the British military presence in the "there (have been) obviously mixed North is undoubtedly blighted by feelings. But we're overwhelmingly the instances of collusion. This was relieved that operations have come made worse by the fact that we bad to an end," said the priest at Holy a regiment ... made up almost enCross Parish in the working-class tirely of the Protestant unionist Ardoyne suburb of Belfast. community who had access to inFather Troy said he hoped that telligence on their Catholic neighthe end of Operation Banner would bors and unrestricted access to mark the end of "a very sad chap- weapons, both of which were ter in the history of Ireland." passed on to loyalist paramilitaries."

"If there's a positive note to this The Stevens Report, published whole affair, it's that the troops are by the British government in 2003, saying goodbye to a much better found that there had been wideIreland than the one they came to spread collusion in the murder ,of 38 years ago," he said.

Catholics between members of the Father Troy said that the end ofthe British army and members of loyoperation also ')narked another mile- alist paramilitaries.

More than 3,500 people have stone in the'road to normalization:' "In my heart, I am so happy and been killed during more than 30. joyful; it's not a feeling of good rid- years of civil conflict in Northern dance, it's the closing of a chapter Ireland between Irish nationalists, that has been so painful from a hu- who wanted the region to split from man, moral and religious point of Great Britain andjoin with the Irish view," he said. .

Republic to form a united Ireland, , ''Now, this is a sign that we're and British unionists, who wanted on the way to a better Ireland Northern Ireland to remain part of .please God," added Father Troy.

Great Britain.

In May, Catholic-Protestant Operation Banner, the longest , military campaign in British his- leaders formed a new power-shartory, came to an end officially July ing government. Under the new 31. Security in Northern Ireland is government, Northern Ireland's now the sole responsibility of the Cabinet-level ministers take over Police Service of Northern Ireland. direct responsibility from officials British troops were first de- ,in Great Britain. All decisions are ployed in Northern Ireland in 1969 made on a cross-community basis, after the local authorities were un- with a majority ofboth Catholic and able to stop gangs of Protestants Protestant officials required to .attacking Catholic civil rights dem- make a decision binding.

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) - Pope Benedict XVI condemned the kidnapping of innocent people especially by armed militias, calling such abductions "criminal acts" that violate human dignity and offend divine law.

He also called for an end to the -nuclear arms race, saying atomic technology should respect the environment and only be used forpeaceful pwposes. ''The practice of exploiting innocent people in order to make partisan demands is becoming more widespread among armed groups," the pope said during the Angelus address at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome last week.

Such abductions represent "serious violations of human dignity which go against every basic rule of "civilization and law, and seriou~ly

offend divine law;' he said.

Although the pope did not call attention to any particular armed group or people being held hostage, the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatqre Romano said the appeal was aimed at extremistIslamic Taliban fighters who seized 23 South Korean Christian aid workers in Afghanistan in July.

II The pope appealed to all hostagetakers, asking that ''the authors ofsuch criminal acts desist from the evil they have carried out and release their vic- ' tims unharmed."

Meanwhile, before reciting the Angelus prayer, the pope remindedthe faithful gathered in the courtyard of his summer residence that 'July 29 marked the 50th anniversary of the IntemationalAtomic Energy Agency.

He said the Vatican, which is a member state, ''fully approves" the , '1'

agency's goals which include seeking "to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world" Pope Benedict said it was ever more urgent to encourage nations and powers to commit to ''the nonproliferation of nuclear arms, the promotion of a progressive and agreed-upon nuclear disarmament, and the promotion ofthe peaceful and safe use of nuclear technology for authentic development."

He said the peaceful use of nuclear technology must also take into account respect for the environment and the needs of the world's poor.

Quoting from the "Catechism of the CaTholic Church;' he said the arms race must be replaced with "a common effort to mobilize resources toward objectives ofmoral, cultural and economic development"

II II

The Moreau Lecture Series through Stonehlll College MlssioO Division proudly presents "

MARTY HAUGEN ,

.

I,

September 24 and 25,. 2007 Stonehlll College Chapel of Mary at 7:00 PM

Ii. "

Marty Haugen's music and his workshops span nearly three decades. and four continents. His Mass of Creation is arguably the most widely used musical setting of the Ordinary among English-speaking Roman Catholic parishes. Marty's compositions include 250 separate titles on more, than twenty I recorded collections, with beloved favorites such as We Remember, Shepherd Me, 0 God, God of Day and God of Darkness, All Are Welcome, and many more. His music appears widely in numerous hymnals in Catholic and Protestant churches world~ide. This past May, National Pastoral Musician honored Marty Haugen as the 2007 Pa~ral Musician of the Year "for songs of the love and faithfulness of God and of the praise, lament, and prayer of God's people."

On September 24 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel of Mary at Stonehill College, Marty will present his original and very moving work Tum My Heart, a collection of prayers and psalms, songs scripture and poems, guiding us t~rough the steps that define difficult times and into God's healing presence.

On September 25 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel of Mary at Stonehill College, Marty will ' present another original and his newest piece In T.,e Days to Come, an interfaith work of songs and readings regarding peace and justice :among all people in a prayer service format.' The work includes Christian, Jewish, Islamic, and Buddhist texts coupled with music from North America, Central America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

These events are free and open to the public. Donalions are gratefully accepted. No 'I registration is required.

Sponsored by The Stonehill Co/~ege Chapel Choir

$

4

U.S. t; 10,2007 Stem-cell research still a hot topic in U.S. Congress, states

THE CHURCH IN THE

By NANCY FRAZIER O'BRIEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Audit finds some problems with San Diego parishes'. accounting WASHINGlDN (CNS)-While much of an audit of the finances of the San Diego Diocese showed recordkeeping was above-board, it found some cases of parishes moving tens of thousands of dollars around at the time of bankruptcy filing - in ways that apparently violated diocesan policies.

The 175-page first report of R. Todd Neilson, a forensic certified public accountant who conducted the audit on orders of the judge overseeing the diocese's bankruptcy case, included an analysis of the records of 48 of 93 parishes and 26 of 43 schools.

The audit was ordered in April by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Louise DeCarIAdler, who said she was mystified by what she called "the most Byzantine accounting system I've ever seen," involving hundreds of bank accounts.

Attorneys for some of the people suing the diocese over allegations of sexual abuse by priests have said the diocese has not been forthcoming about its assets.

An undated statement on the di, ocesan Website by Auxiliary Bishop Salvatore Cordileone said the diocese has been open about diocesan assets, but that "market values ofthese properties are not relevant to our mission" so there is no accounting of the market value of schools, churches, rectories and other property. • The auditor's report released July 30 singled out peculiarities at several parishes, ranging from a parish presented as impoverished but with $1.2 million in its bank accoUnts, to two parishes that apparently moved cash out of accounts at the time of the bankruptcy filing, putting checks for tens of thousan~ of dollars into par-

ish safes, where the amounts would not be factored into data included in the bankruptcy material.

It noted that parishes employ a myriad of accounting systems, ranging from handwritten ledgers to sophisticated computer programs.

While the diocese has standard policies for what information must be kept and annual reports are sent to the diocese, Neilson's report said, absent a personal visit to each parish there's no system for analyzing full parish or school accounting information.

"As a result, they are often woefully unaware of the specific financial operations of the individual parishes," he wrote.

Neilson praised the cooperation he received from the diocese, saying he could not "recall an assignment where he has had more complete and positive cooperation."

However, it noted, "a few parishes engaged in openly questionable activities which the (auditor) feels should be brought to the attention of the court." Those included "a series of transactions which deliberately concealed $49,685.47 from the Bankruptcy Court" by Our Lady ofGuadalupe Parish in Calexico. At St. Mary Parish in EI Centro, he said he found a $300,000 donation was parceled into six separate cashiers checks, which were then stored in the parish safe.

"It is especially unfortunate that jUst eight days after the debtor's bankruptcy the pastor and the parish finance council would engage in such deliberately misleading behavior," said the report of the St. Mary transactions.

Neilson is scheduled to present his findings to the bankruptcy court at an August 23 heanng.

AUGUST

amended the state constitution last November to protect stem-cell research that destroys embryos, legislators have refused to approve funding for new stem-cell projects and there has been talk of repealing the controversial amendment.

Doerflinger said a vote in the Senate on the Stem-Cell Research

funding to such research and trials, according to the text of the bill.

WASHINGTON - As the U.S. Rep. Christopher H. Smith, RSenate considers whether to try to N.J., also spoke at the news conferoverride the presidential veto of a ence, decrying the "false claims and bill permitting federal funding of exaggerated promises of embryoembryonic stem-cell research, a killing research" that he said is new bill in the House of Represengradually being replaced by "growtatives would promote stem-cell ing acceptance, appreciation and research and clinical trials understanding that adult stem that do not involve the decells are highly efficacious struction of human embryos.

"The hype and public debate over and hold enormous potenThe Patients First Act, in- embryonic stem cells has unfortu- tial." troduced by Republican Rep. natelydiverted attention away from Earlier in July the House J. Randy Forbes of Virginia approved an appropriations medical research that is already and Democratic Rep. "Dan bill with an amendment, inworking, using stem cells that pose Lipinski of Illinois, is suptroduced by Smith and Rep. ported by the U.S. Confer- no moral problem," he added.

Artur Davis, D-Ala., that ence of Catholic Bishops, would allocate $15 million in according to Richard M. Enhancement Act of 2007, vetoed fiscal year 2008 to cord-bloodDoerflinger, deputy director of the by President George W. Bush June banking initiatives. Smith said treatUSCCB Secretariat for Pro-Life 20, was unlikely before Congress' ments using cord blood have benActivities, because "it will promote August recess. Neither house efited approximately 8,000 patients stem-cell research that is helping passed the legislation with the two- with more than 70 diseases, includpatients now in clinical trials, or thirds majority needed to override ing leukemia, sickle cell anemia and showing real benefits in animal tri- a veto.

Hurler disease, in the past two als."

At a Capitol Hill news confer- years.

"The hype and public debate ence July 26, three patients who New Jersey's Catholic bishops over embryonic stem cells has un- have benefited from treatments us- have opposed the use of state bonds fortunately diverted attention away ing adult or umbilical-cord-blood to fund embryonic stem-cell refrom medical research that is al- stem cells and two physicians who search, saying that "the creation and ready working, using stem cells that have perf0fmed such treatments destruction of human embryonic pose no moral problem," he added. spoke in favor of the Patients First stem cells violate the sanctity of Meanwhile, the topic of stem Act. human life." cells also is making news in the The legislation would "promote Meanwhile the Missouri Catholic states, as New Jersey G.ov. Jon research and human clinical trials Conference was continuing efforts to' Corzine signed legislation July 26 using stem cells that are ethically overturn the constitutional amendthat will ask voters in November to obtained and show evidence of pro- ment, approved by 51 percent of the approve spending $450 million viding clinical benefit for human state's voters in November 2006, that over 10 years for embryonic stem- patients" and would direct the sec- codifies the protected status of stemcell research. retary of Health and Human Ser- cell research, including that involvAnd in Missouri, where voters vices to give priority in federal ing the destruction of embryos.

Florida 'wrongful birth' award devalues child, official says

By NANCY FRAZIER O'BRIEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON - The recent Florida court case in which a jury awarded $23.5 million as compensation for the "wrongful birth", of a child is the latest sign that "society is moving toward designer children" who are not valued if they are not perfect, an official of the Florida Catholic Conference said.

"To call it a wrongful birth seems very odd," said Sheila S. Hopkins, associate director for social concerns and Respect Life at the conference, in a telephone interview from Tallahassee, Fla. "Anyone can have children who have challenges.... Who are we to decide what's a 'wrong' birth and what's a 'right' birth?"

In a July 24 decision in Tampa, a jury gave Daniel and Amara Estrada $23.5 million for lifetime care of their two-year-old son, Caleb, and for their own pain and suffering. Like the Estradas' first son, Aiden, 'Caleb was born with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, a metabolic disorder that affects many parts of the body.

The couple said Dr. Boris Church sees every child as "created Kousseff, a geneticist with the Uni- in the image and likeness of God" versity of South Florida, failed to and as a gift from God. "You don't properly diagnose Aiden's illness put a price tag on the value of huand assured the Estradas that their man life," she said. chance of conceiving a child with Many parents find that specialsimilar afflictions was the same as needs children bring "ajoyful presany other couple's. . ence in the family," she said: But The Estradas said that if they had she said society as a whole and known the risk of a genetic disor- people individually have a responder they might have decided to sibility to help the parents of speadopt. And once a child was con- cial-needs children as they "love ceived, they would have tested for and care for these youngsters."

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome and Although Hopkins said she did would have aborted if the disorder not think the Florida Catholic Conhad been found. ference would oppose efforts to Hopkins noted that the Catholic convince the Legislature to pay the Church opposes abortion, the state's share of the $23.5 million, Estradas' proposed solution to the she said the Estradas might "find it "wrongful birth." difficult to get money from the The jury attributed 10 percent of state," judging from past cases. the blame for the "wrongful birth" For example, 19-year-old to Kousseff and 90 percent to the Minouche Noel, paralyzed from the University of South Florida. But waist down after she underwent surbecause the university is a division gery as a six-month-old in a state-run of the state government, any pay- medical program for low-income Floments over $200,000 in a lawsuit ridians, only recently received aprequire the approval of the Florida proval from the Legislature for the $8.5 'Legislature. million awarded to her nearly eight Hopkins said the Catholic years ago by a Broward County jury.

AUGUST

~ THE CHURCH IN THE

10, 2007

U.S.

~

51

Supporters in Detroit pray for beatification of Father Casey

By ROBERT DELANEY CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE DETROIT - Donald Veryser, a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in suburban Grosse Pointe Woods, was among the many supporters of Capuchin Father Solanus Casey's cause for sainthood who came to St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit in late July to pray for his beatification.

Supporters of Father Casey's cause filled the chapel of St. Bonaventure Monastery near downtown Detroit four times on a Saturday and Sunday for Mass and novena prayers for his cause, at the 50th anniversary 'of his death.

Veryser, 53, who was with one of his sons, Daniel, 12, said he was there "for the opportunity to make prayer requests and to say thank you for the sale or"my business and industrial buildings in a terribly depressed market."

He said he had grown up hearing about praying to Father Casey from an aunt who was a Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

"All these years I've been praying for the health of our family business, for safety in the workplace and for our employees, and I have so much to be grateful for.

And now I'm praying for job security, now that I'm an employee rather than an employer," Veryser said.

Father Casey (1870-1957), a Capuchin priest who gained a popular following during his life, with astonishing healings attributed to his intercession both before and after his death, could become the first U.S.-born male saint.

For that to happen, the Vatican must first certify one of those healings that took place after his death as miraculous, which would result in his being beatified, or declared blessed. Another miracle, after his beatification, would be needed for him to advance to sainthood.

Each of the monastery's Saturday vigil and Sunday Masses "drew capacity congregations of about 400 people. In addition, the weekday Masses had been attracting 125-150 people each day' since the novena for his beatification began July 23, said Capuchin Brother Leo Wollenweber, vi<:e postulator for the canonization cause of Father Casey, who spent part of his ministry as the doorkeeper at St. Bonaventure.

The novena concluded July 31, the anniversary of Father Casey's death in 1957. . Father Casey, born Bernard Francis Casey, was a Wisconsinborn Capuchin priest of the De-

troit-based province of St. Jo- puchin community, the turnout seph. He entered the order in for the weekend Masses was en1897 at St. Bonaventure Monas- couraging for Father Casey's tery, and was assigned there from . relatives.

1924 to 1946, and again in 1956Neil McCluskey, 86, of Pom57. He also worked at Capuchin- pano Beach, Fla., is Father run parishes in Indiana, New Casey's only surviving nephew.

York and Wisconsin.

"My mother, Mary Genevieve He was declared venerable Casey, was the baby of the family, the last of 16 Casey siblings," worthy of private veneration said McCluskey, a member of St.

by Pope John Paul II in 1995.

Besides cheering Detroit's Ca- Columban Parish in Pompano Beach." I only visited him five or six times, but I got to spend some whole days with him," he said.

Jim Conley, 62, of Miami Lakes, Fla., a grandnephew, said he had a chance to see Father Casey a number of times when his family would drive from Chicago to Huntington, Ind., where he was assigned, or he would come to Chicago to stay with them.

"He was very gentle, very loving, and we just all felt privileged " to have a priest in the family," said Conley, a member of Our Lady of the Lakes in Miami Lakes.

At 45, Cissy Brady-Rogers of Los Angeles is too young to have any memories of her grandmother's famous brother, but she grew up hearing about him.

ON THE DOORSTEP OF "When I was a kid we always SAINTHOOD - Capuchin Fa- had those little scapulars around ther Solanus Casey is pictured the house, and I remember how in an undated file photo. Admir- we took all the little pieces of ers of Father Casey, a door~ cloth (from his habits) and sewed keeper at Franciscan houses in them together to make a beanie New York and Detroit, are hopfor whoever was sick to wear," ing for his beatification. In 1995 recalled Brady-Rogers, a memhe was declared venerable, one ber of St. Robert Bellarmine Parof the first steps toward canoniish in Burbank, Calif. zation. (CNS photo)

LIFE FLIGHT - A dove takes flight as Knight of Columbus Dennis Gochoel releases three bi~ds representing the Holy Trinity during the dedication of a memoriial to the unborn at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery in Indianapolis recently. The Knights of Columbus fraternal Catholic order has sponsored numerous memorials across the nation to remember childr~n not born as a result of abortion. (CNS photo/Mary Ann Wyand, The Criterion)

WORLD MISSIONS ,

:

s

Administrative Assistant . Office of the International Director Office of the ChiefOpemting Officer Holy Cross Family Ministries, an international nonprofit organization that serves to promote family spirituality, is seeking.a full-time Administrative Assistant for its world headquarters in Easton, MA, to provide administrative support to the International Director and the Chief Operating·Officer.

Requirements include:.

• Bilingual (English & Spanish) • Knowledge and under$landing of the Catholic faith • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Excellent organizational skills • Self-motivated, ability to wo~ well independently, as well as a team member ' • Higher education andlor 2 -3 years. office and computer · experience required Qualified candidates should forward resume, cover lelter,references and salary requirements to HRlsupport services at: .

GOOD WORK

Nnw doing a good deed <:Vt'r)' day ean Ixas t'asy as buying groreries or filling lip yourgM

By fax: 508-238-3953 (no phone calls please)

tank.

With the World Missions Visa~ credir card, a donation of I % of every purchase willlxmade ro the Sodety for tilt' Propagation of th" Faith, which help' ovt'r 1,150 Catholic mission dioecsL'S around the world.

By email: ·careers@hcfm.org By mail: Human Resources - AA Holy Cross Family Ministries 518 Washington Street North Easton, MA 02356-1200

.

,i .' I f , ' :'t) ( , ' j l l ( / '.1:'ii:

a

1:r

TlwScrietyjilrnr£ PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH .11 /'otlt!fical Missioll Society

Rt,,'. M5;'{l' "'1m [ Ktr.Jlr. ;V"thlJlill Di"ff/{".

3M Fifth A"'/lIl"

HOLYCROSS

Nnt> Ytlr~. NY /llIIIll

FAMilY MINISfRlES

~nr

Sh(,w your support. Appl)' tod.y. www.world.nUo.ionsvisa.com

I2J ] ISH· 37lH1 i3(J(JH,1l-D21

moTt' intorm.uinn .. hout the Mh.sions:

If) clonalf llirl'CrI}" to the St-M.jl·~':

www.world.oW.lons.c:athol1ccbuccb.ofg

.......~othcmiuioo•. 0'll

6

Atonement in the City of Angels Sin always brings with it the need for expiation. And expiation is never easy.

The $660 million settlement the Archdiocese of Los Angeles made with 500 victims ofclergy sexual abuse on July 16 is the most conspicuous example yet of the atonement the Church continues to make for the sins committed by her priests and bishops against young people entrusted to their care.

In the last five years, Catholic dioceses and religious orders in the United States have had to pay a staggering $2 billion in settlements andjudgments for instances of the sexual abuse of minors stretching back to the 1950s. That figure amounts to about $2 for every Catholic on the planet. But the costs ofthe scandal go way beyond the financial, and therefore the Church's response and reparation must extend far beyond the fiscal.

There is a temptation for many American Catholics, when they contemplate such huge settlements, to respond with cynicism and anger against almost everyone involved. There is justifiable indignation at the priest abusers. There is anger at bishops who seemed preferentially to protect the institutional aspects of the Church and their own reputations more than innocent children. There is fury against the state legislatures, like in California and in Delaware, that have temporarily ~hanged the civil statute of limitations in order to encourage suits from decades ago, not against the abusers themselves but against the Church and all her good works as a whole. There is antagonism, in our hyper-litigious culture, toward the personal-injury lawyers who stand to make a quarter of a million dollars in theUs Angeles settlement alone. And there is often anger at the victims for bringing such massive suits that will no doubt have an impact on the Church's mission.

But these stinging financial settlements are a necessary consequence of the Church's failing to bring about real justice for the victims when the abuse was occurring. While there have been some mendacious non-victims who have made false allegations ofsexual abuse to try to earn some money at the expense of the Church, the vast majority ofthose who were actually preyed upon by the Church's ministers are not in it for the money. The money is just a symbol of thejustice they had sought in vain from the Church in the past. Had the offending priests been removed by their superiors from active ministry when they first learned of the credible allegations of abuse; had they turned the priests over to civil authorities for their delicts before the criminal statue oflimitations had run out; had they protected them and other kids from the priests, rather than transferred them to other churches where they were able to hurt other young people; then many of them would have felt no need to bring huge lawsuits against the Church to seekjustice and bring about proper reforms. Since to a large degree, however, those actions did not occur in the past, many of the victims sought justice in the only way they thought available to them in the present.

God always seeks to bring ~ood out ofevj1 and without a doubt he wishes to bring good frOm thIs iniqUity. Father Raymond De Souza, in a painstakingly honest and refreshingly direct article in Canada's National Post, listed five reasons why the sexual abuse settlements are a welcome development.

First, "the prospect of civil damages on a significant scale has served to encourage victims to come forward. ... The settlement process has allowed many victims to be released from the pain and shame they suffered for too long at the hands of those who should have helped them. Without the settlements, many victims would have continued to suffer, often in silence, often alone.

"Second, the Church has now removed from her ranks those priests who did prey upon the most vulnerable, betraying in a most iniquitous way the grace of their ordination. New procedures, prompted both by genuine horror at the abuse and the fear of future liability, have been implemented so that it would be nearimpossible now for an abuser to continue in ministry. Children are indeed safer. ''Third, while the cost of the settlements is staggering, and will result in an unavoidable reduction in Catholic social services to the poorest and most needy, the payments will have an unintended side effect. The Church in the United States has beCome far too bureaucratic and institutional, rather than innovative and evangelical, over the past three generations. The only way to curb bureaucraCy is to starve it of funding. This is not the most pleasant way to do it, but it ' will serve that necessary purpose.

"Fourth, to the extent that other churches and institutions are interested in dealing with the ubiquitous problem of sexual abuse, the Catholic experience provides many lessons.... The painful experience ofthe Catholic Church these past years might help our Protestant brethren - to say nothing of schools, hospitals and other institutions - deal with the same problem. ''Fifth, the Catholic experience can be considered expiatory for a society rife with sexual abuse and sexual violence. Some Catholics grumble that we have been singled out for media attention, or that other institutions do not face litigation for something that happened 30 or 40 years ago. That may be true, but the Church is notjust another institution. In Catholic doctrine, the Church is the Body ofChrist, and as she shares in the holiness of the saints, so too she suffers ' from the wickedness ofthe sinners. Jesus Christ suffers not only for his Church, but in his Church, too. That suffering has been intense these past few years, but Christian suffering is meant to be purifying and redemptive, and to offer expiation for sins." , Atonement is always a prayer of reparation for the forgiveness of sins. It is a recognition of the need for God's mercy and a request for it. As the Church in the United States to continue to make expiation for the sins of clerical sexual abuse of minors, we pray that the Lord grant the graces pf repentance and forgiveness to those who committed these sins, full healing and peace to those who were directly or indirectly victimized, and a new desire among all members ofthe Church to receive and live the means ofholiness God bestows on the Church. This is the way he will draw the ultimate good out of this horrific evil, and make it possible for us all one day to live in the city where the angels abide forever.

zt

The Anchor ~

AUGUST

the living word

10, 2007

0

A GIANT LIKENESS OF ST. JAMES IS CARRIED IN PROCESSION IN ST. JAMES CATHEDRAL IN SEATTLE AS PART OF THE CHURCH'S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS. DEDICATED ON DEC.

22,

1907, THE CATHEDRAL UNDERWENT A MAJOR RENEWAL IN

1994.

(CNS

PHOTOIMrKE PENNEY)

"楼OUR PROCESSION COMES INTO VIEW, 0 GOD, YOUR PROCESSION INTO THE HOLY PLACE, MY GOD AND KING. AWESOME IS GOD IN HIS HOLY PLACE, WHO GIVES POWER AND STRENGTH TO HIS PEOPLE. BLESSED BE GOD" (PSALM 68: ~5,36).

A bride on the Cross wedded to the Lord in the Sign of overwhelmed by the widow's peace Yesterday the Church celebrated the Cross." the memorial of Teresa Benedicta of flowing from her Christian faith in As the Nazi menace grew, she the Cross, a thoroughly modem saint the power of the Cross and Resurrection. 'This was my first encounter was transferred by her superiors to a with one of the most compelling Carmelite monastery in the Netherwith the Cross and the divine power personal stories of recent times. lands. ''I understood the cross as the it imparts to those who bear it," she Born Edith Stein on the Day of remarked. ''It was the moment when destiny of God's people," she wrote.

Atonement in 1891, she was raised ''I felt that those who understood the my unbelief collapsed and Christ in an orthodox Jewish home in ' Cross of Christ should take it upon began to shine his light on me.Breslau, Germany, as the youngest themselves on everybody's behalf."

Christ in the mystery of the Cross." of 11 children. Despite her soonAs her understanding grew The final stage happened four widowed mother's attempts to give shown in her most famous theologiyears later when Edith was 29.

Edith a good religious formation, at cal work, 'The Science of the age of 14 Edith decided the Cross" - so did her that she did not believe in willingness to take it upon God and made a deliberate herself for her Jewish decision to stop praying. people. "Ave. Crux, Spes For 15 years, study th~O~ep, Unica," she repeated: ''I became her pseudowelcome you, 0 Cross, our religion. She was brilliant ';,)'~'t\ .~.~ to,\\;:pW;f only hope." i 路.. 路\\ and easily obtained .

Her welcome and university degrees in -Roger J. Landry , knowledge of the Cross history and German, while would soon become a spending most of her free Biblical embrace of her crucified While vacationing at the home of a time learning philosophy at the feet Spouse. After the Dutch bishops fellow professor and his wife, one of the' famous phenomenologist publicly condemned Nazism, the Edmund Husser!. Under his tutelage night she pulled a copy of St. Teresa Gestapo retaliated by deporting all ofAvila's "Life" from their bookshe eventually wrote her doctorate Jewish converts in the Netherlands shelves. She could not put it down SU111J1Ul cum !nude and embarked on to the concentration camps. "Come, the rest of the night. When she had a university teaching career. we are going for our people," she finished the great Spanish mystic's Her conversion happened in said as she was being rounded up in autobiography, she said simply, stages. The first step was when she Echt. She was transported to 'This is the truth." She went to the saw an ordinary Catholic woman Auschwitz, where she died in the local Catholic parish the next day with a shopping basket enter gas chamber 65 years ago yesterand asked the priest to be baptized.

Frankfurt's cathedral, kneel down For years she had been searching .day. and pray. 'This was something Her death in the concentra~on for the truth. She discovered that the totally new to me," she wrote in her camp, like Christ's death on the truth had a name - and from that unfinished autobiography. ''In the Cross, remains to many merely a moment on, she dedicated herself to synagogues and in Protestant tragic "scandal" and unforgivable Truth Incarnate. churches I had visited, people ''folly,'' but she saw in it the After 12 years of teaching, simply went to the services. Here, mysterious "power and wisdom of writing, and lecturing on women's however, I saw someone coming God" (cf. 1 Cor 23-24). issues, she entered the Discalced straight from the busy marketplace Her feast day is an occasion for Carmelite Monastery in Cologne. into, this empty church, as if she was all of us to become scientists of the There she became a bride of Christ going to have an intimate conversaCross and its full redemptive power and, since she knew that her onetion. It was something I never flesh union with Divine Bridegroom - even in the midst of the world's forgot." greatest evils! would lead her to the Cross, asked The second step occurred when Father Landry is pastor ofSt. for and received the name of ''Teresa she went to console the widow 'of a Anthony's Parish in New Bedford Blessed of the Cross." She saw her fellow philosopher. Edith was and executive ediJor of The Anchor. blessing in her vocation "to be dreading what to say, but she was

:',~putting, Into ,

sYF,att'ir:,路_3/

I

AUGUST

~

10, 2007

The Anchor

~

Ethical blind spotS· When I traveled to Auschwitz Walking through a place like Dachau or Auschwitz, one a few years ago, one question played over and over in my mind: wonders: could it ever happen again? Could a similar scenario Did they know? Did the German people know what was happening play out today in middle-class America? Most would instincin this camp near their own tively say "no" - after all, we border, in their own occupied territories? With the trains coming live in a more enlightened time and going year after year, with the long lines of , prisoners and the billowing smokestacks, did they just tum a blind i l~·~ ..... eye to the atrocities? Had t,hey become desensitized •.~

By Father Tad tb the point that they Pacholczyk could no longer see the carefully choreographed death operations nearby?

Some concentration camps, and culture. A more perceptive like the one in Dachau, were set eye, however, can discern in comfortable suburbs right troubling parallels. Nowhere are inside Germany itself, and the these parallels more evident than in the bioethical issues of our day. townsfolk could stroll past them during their daily routine. The Our society, in fact, faces virtuaily the same temptation that Germany .grass in those suburbs continued to .grow as green as anywhere did: the temptation t6 normalize else, young people got married, certain well-scripted death babies were born, men went to operations in the midst of polite work, and life went on. society.

'(Making Sense , 'Out of Bioethics

If we look within our own culture and within our own time, we will see that suction machines have replaced smokestacks, and that Fertility Clinics and Women's Health Centers have replaced the barbed wire. Unborn humans and embryonic children are now dispatched with the same desensitized ease as camp inhabitants once were, and ne'er a word is mentioned in respectable ,~ society. Our great universities, which need to serve as a moral voice, remain mute or even foster such evil, as does the press, and few dare mention the pall of death that quietly permeates the air.

We need look no further than the Planned Parenthood clinics which are dotted across our country. Future generations are likely to be appalled by the statistics: nearly two million deaths per year. They are sure to wonder about a people that ended the lives of their own children at

•.,

\rh,

Leveling the playing fie.ld Denise, Emilie and I were recently returning to Fall River from a brief vacation on the Cape.

We elected to take Route 6 in ].jeu of the speedier Il95. There's more to see.

As we drove past the magnificent old Fairhaven High School, I was taken back 16 or 17 years.

"Emilie, this is where one of my greatest sports moments took place," I blurted while paused at a . traffic light.

"Really, what was it?" she responded. I wasn't ·quite sure if she was .actually interested, or simply trying to get the story over with. No matter.

I told her that back in the early 1990s a friend of mine and I would routinely run the area 5K and 10K road races. And Fairhaven had one of the best IOKs going - the annual Father's Day Fairhaven 10K. We were nearly mid way through the race when my comrade and I noticed a legend ahead in the pack. This man had run marathons in the Olympics and had even won the prestigious Boston Marathon twice.

In my rear view mirror, I noticed Emilie sit up a bit. She was interested.

I continued. I let her know that the two of us eventually caught this world class runner and actually passed him.

The look on Emilie's face was priceless. She was so proud of her old man. , I glanced over at Denise. Her countenance wasn't one of

admiration for her husband. She gave me a look that screamed, ''Tell her the rest of the story now."

Emilie sensed her mother's skepticism. "Dad?" was all she said.

"OK, OK," I murmured. ''The runner was the great Johnny Kelley, but he was 84 years old at the time and I was 35. But I still beat him."

"Oh dad," came a groan from the back seat. On went the Ipod

look like Fred Flintstone starting his car.

A greyhound's race weight is 50-60 pounds. Low Rider's 50 pounds is not so evenly spread.

In her racing days, Cleo could chase that rabbit at hit 40 m.p.h. without breaking a sweat. Iggy could maybe reach 40 if she were chasing a pizza crust.

AND, my poor pooch has recently recuperated from a tom ligament in her left rear knee.

A race with Cleo and Igor would be like me racing Johnny Kelley when we were both 25; it would be like Jim Brown and Refrigerator Perry in a 40-yard showdown; it would be like Goliath versus David, sans the slingshot. earphones. Sic transit gloria Poor little Low Rider doesn't mundi. 'Glory is fleeting. stand a chance. And that I tell this story to illustrate how translates into me treating the an unfair advantage can distort good Father to a Red Sox game, events. box seats no less, and all the hot In his column in last week's dogs he can eat. And based on Anchor, good Father Tim Goldrick Father Tim's column, he likes to challenged my canine to race eat.

Cleopatra, one of his retired Also coming from his columns greyhounds - with Red Sox are the facts that he broke his arm tickets on the line. skiing and he swung like a creaky Since the good Father put Igor's gate on the golf links. That means athletic abilities in question my challenging him to any athletic publicly, so must I defend my event would be as unfair as Cleo vs.lggy. peep, I mean my pup.

We all know greyhounds are What about virtual reality? A sleek and fast. A greyhound can video game to determine the winner of the hot dog fest. It's all stand nearly three feet from toe to shoulder. Igor, or "Low Rider" was about the thumbs - so it's OK to we affectionately call her, stands be all thumbs. What do you t~ink about 18 inches.

Father?

Were Iggy able to keep up with And our dogs can sit back and Cleo, her stubby little legs would , enjoy the show.

7 the rate of one every 23 sefonds Levi, a writer and a survivor of through elective abortion. jfhey Auschwitz, described the German are sure to ask, "How could ethical blind spot this way: they?" and, "Did they know?"

"In spite'of the varied possiWe need look no furth~~ than bilities for information, most the fertility clinics presentin Germans didn't know because every major American citX. Future they didn't want to know. generations are sure to be ' Because, indeed they wanted not scandalized by the numbefs: in to know....Those who knew did vitro fertilization making ~unnot talk; those who did not know did not ask questions; those who dreds of thousands of embryonic humans, to be chilled in liguid did ask questions received no nitrogen and turned into, ih the answers. In this way the typical German citizen won and defended words of one commentator, "kidsicles." They are sure to his ignorance, which seemed to deplore the many other human him sufficient justification of his embryos treated as objects, adherence to Nazism. Shutting his discarded as medical wastb, mouth, his eyes and his ears, he poured down the sink or e?,peribuilt for himself the illusion of mented upon and strip-mired for not knowing, hence not being an their embryonic stem cells. accomplice to the things taking There is a certain banality place-in front of his door." about evil. It doesn't neceksarily Martin Luther King, Jr. used to present itself in a monstrous or say that what pained him the most dramatic way. It can take the was the silence of the good. shape of simple conformity to Albert Einstein, who fled Gerwhat everyone else is doing, to many when Hitler came to power, what the leadership says i~ right, articulated the same sentiment in to what the neighbors are doing. an interview for Time Magazine The gradual encroachme* of evil, on Dec. 23, 1940. He stressed that in our lives can be something we sometimes it was only the Church might not even notice because we and religion that could challenge are not paying attention; can be the status quo as evil made something barely on the periphery inroads into a society: . of our consciousness.

II "Being a lover of freedom, The majority of those who when the revolution came in collaborated with some of Germany I looked for the I)niverhistory's most terrible critnes and sities to defend it, knowing that falsehoods need not be caSt as . . they had always boasted of their inhuman 'monster~; ins~e~~,·~h.ex" - deyotion to the cause.of truth; but were often like us:They were ' . . no, the \;riivetsitl~~ immediately capable of giving and receiving were silenced. Then I looked to sympathy and love; they bould the great editors of the newspahave beautiful feelings and noble pers, whose flaming e~itorials in ideals; heroism, loyalty, ~ilmily days gone by had proclaimed and culture could all co-exist with their love of freedom. But they, almost unbelievable evil. ; like the universities were silenced During the Nazi years) there in a few short weeks. Only the often were no momentous Church stood squarely across the decisions to be made for or path of Hitler's campaign for against evil. People wereilconsuppressing truth. I had never any cerned with their daily affairs, and special interest in the Church on that level, Nazism seei,ned before, but now I feel a great good: it seemed to bring prosperaffection and admiration because ity, it made things work, it the Church alone has had the allowed people to feel g~od about courage and persistence to stand themselves and their country. The for intellectual truth and moral moral issues - the ones that we freedom."

I' now see as having been central The courageous, even daring were carefully avoided. question we must ask is, "What is When the full horror of our own response to the evil Nazism was revealed at the end of around us?" . the war, the German people Father Pacholczyk earned his responded, "We didn't lebow." doctorate in neuroscience from When a local townsperson was Yale and did post-doctoral work asked whether he knew ,¥hat was at Harvard. He is a priest ofthe going on in the camp, he gave a Diocese ofFall River, and serves more complete answer. '~IYes, we as the director ofEducation at knew something was up) but we The National Catholic Bioethics didn't talk about it, we didn't Center in Philadelphia. See want to know too much.'i, Primo www.ncbcenter.org

it

II

Montie Plum~ing & Heating Co. Over 35 Years of Satisfied Services Reg. Master Plumber 7023 JOSEPH RAPOSA, JR. il

432 JEFFERSON STREET FALL RIVER 508-675-7496

BARBOUR COUNSELING SERVICES Jacques-Paul T. Barbour, LMHC

Individual, Family and Couples counseling, Coaching 508-725-6705 210 County St. Taunton Most insurances accepted.

$ The Anchor $

8

AUGUST

10, 2007

What is faith?

What is faith? The Letter to the Hebrews defined faith as "the realization of what is hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." It is our willingness to let an unseen God guide our lives. Faith is the surrender of our freedom to a higher authority. It is letting our conscience rather than our will control our actions. Faith is the certainty that God has a script for our lives that will satisfy all our hopes and dreams. Faith is the confidence that regardless of life's twists, turns, peaks and valleys God can be depended upon to love and care for us.

-,- .

Faith is the belief that God is a God in whom we can place our trust because we have seen the evidence of God's goodness. It is the certainty that we can trust an unseen God and feel assured that God will keep his promises because we have seen the evidence of God's fidelity in

our own lives and in salvation him to act in ways that contra-. history. dicted what God had promised Faith is vigilance. It is being Abraham. on the alert so that we can The Catholic Church venerates the saints because it is easier respond to God. Faith is a consciousness and a desire to to recognize an example than be open to God when God define faith. On Friday we celebrated the feast of St. chooses to call us. It is the eagerness to allow a power greater than us to guide our lives so mily Of the ee that God is revealed to Nineteenth Sunday the world by our words and actions.

----in Ordinary Time Despite his defini8yFatber7.~ tion the author of the John M. SUllivan Letter to the Hebrews realized that human examples illustrate faith more clearly than words.

Lawrence, deacon and martyr, Hebrew's author uses the the patron of the parish I pastor.

St. Lawrence was deacon to Pope example of the life of the patriarch Abraham to put flesh St. Sixtus II. When Sixtus was on the definition of faith. In arrested and martyred in the faith Abraham allowed God to persecution of the Emperor Valerian, Lawrence prayed to guide his life in new directions. With faith Abraham was join him. Sixtus promised obedient to God's will even Lawrence he would follow in when God seemed to direct martyrdom in three days.

Meanwhile the Roman prefect commanded Lawrence to give him the wealth of the Church. Faithful to the Gospels' command to "Sell your belongings and give alms;' Lawrence gathered his own wealth and that of the Church and distributed the proceeds to the poor. He then presented these widows, orphans, lame, blind and sick to the prefect as the riches of the Church.

The prefect didn't appreciate Lawrence's sense of humor. He ordered the deacon broiled to death on a gridiron. Legend says that a. good-humored Lawrence requested that the gridiron be turned after a time because he was done on that side. This sense of humor qualified Lawrence to be named patron of comedians.

It was this great example of

trust in God's loving care and his surrender of his freedom to God's will that caused the cult of Lawrence to flourish in Rome. His example of faithfulness is celebrated today with the inclusion of his name among the saints in the Roman Canon. Like Abraham, Lawrence's example of faith has helped us recognize the meaning of faith through the centuries.

Our world always needs contemporary examples of faith. It needs faithful witnesses willing to surrender their desire for control of their lives to God. It needs trusting disciples of Jesus Christ who are willing to be lead by God into new territories to experience God's presence in unique ways. Contemporary society needs each of us to be living definitions of faith.

Father Sullivan is pastor of St. Lawrence Martyr Parish in New Bedford.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat, Aug 1l,Dt6:4-13;Ps 18:2-4,47,51ab;Mt 17:14-20. Sun,Aug12,Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Wis 18:6-9; Ps 33:1,12,18-22; Heb 11 :12,8-19 or 11:1-2,8-12; Lk 2:32-48 or 12:35-40. Mon,Aug 13, Dt 10:12-22; Ps 147:12-15,19-20; Mt 17:22-27. Tues,Aug 14, Dt 31:1-8; (ps) Dt 32:3-4,7-9,12; Mt 18:1-5,10,12-14.

Wed, Aug 15, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rv 11: 19a;12:1-6a,lOab; Ps 45:lObc,1l-12ab,16; 1 Cor 15:20-27; Lk 1:39-56. Thurs,Aug 16, Jos 3:7-lOa,1l, 13-17; Ps 114:1-6; Mt 18:21-19:1. Fri, Aug 17, Jos 24:1-13; Ps 136:1-3,16-18,21-22,24; Mt 19:3-12.

Chairman Gioia makes NEA work Tradition tells us that baseball is the national pastime. Economics tells us that it's pro football.

Casual conversation makes it clear that the America's favorite sport is complaining about government.

Herewith, then, something counterintuitive: an encomium to government, indeed to the federal government, in fact to a typically controversial part of the federal government - the National Endowment for the Arts which, thanks to its current chairman, the poet Dana Gioia, is actually spending your money on culturally important projects.

It wasn't always that way.

Remember Karen Finley, the "performance artist" and NEA

grantee, whose "art" consisted of smearing her naked body with chocolate and then sprinkling herself with bean spouts? There's been none of that sort of selfindulgent rubbish on Dana Gioia's watch. Instead, to take a first example, there's been Shakespeare.

Under Gioia's leadership, NEA created the "Shakespeare in American Communities" program, which has· brought 22 of the Bard's plays to more than a half-million Americans in over 2,000 performances - and not in major cities, but to small towns, rural areas, and military

Travel to Italy October 5~ 12 I October 15-23 February 16-24, 2008 I April 19-27, 2008 May 15-27, 2008 I June 28-July 6, 2008

COST $2,290 ($2,990) Rome • Venice • Tuscany· Florence (Milan • Lake Como· Amalfi Coast Capri • Sorrento • Pompeii) Anthony Nachef, PhD (Theology)

508-340-9370

,

email: an@catholicteachings.org web: www.TourOfltaly.us

bases. It's been the largest Shakespeare tour in American history, involving seven professional theater companies, and it's touched down in all fifty states.

The last is a reflection of Dana

Gioia's political smarts: Members of Congress from sea to shining sea know that their constituents are being served by the NEA. More importantly, though, "Shakespeare in American Communities" is an expression of Chairman Gioia's populism, which is of the very best kind: he believes the American people are eager for something more than "American Idol" and ''Die Hard XLIV" (or whatever number we're on): The military has been a special concern of Gioia's: fittingly enough, as his service as NEA chairman has coincided with both the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars.

NEA's "Great American Voices Tour" has taken professional performances of Broadway music ("South Pacific") and classical opera ("Carmen" and "Don

Giovanni") into 39 Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force bases around America. The artists and musicians involved also visit local schools and conduct pre-concert seminars to help their audiences appreciate the nuances of these different musical forms.

Then there's "Poetry Out Loud," a project close to the heart of Dana Gioia, one of America's most distinguished poets. I confess that, when I hear rap "music," I hear vulgar chaos; Dana Gioia's poet's ear heard a longing for a return to oral recitation, so he launched an NEA program that encourages kids across America to learn serious poetry by heart, and then learn how to recite it publicly in a compelling way. Tens of thousands of students across the United States have participated in this project, co-sponsored by the state arts endowments and the Poetry Foundation - and in doing so have gained in self-confidence, learned their own literary heritage, and developed impressive public speaking skills.

"The Big Read" is even more ambitious: this Gioia initiative aims at nothing less that restoring reading - and reading serious fiction at that - to the center of our national cultural

life. More than 100 communities are participating in "The Big Read" this year, reading American classics ranging from Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" to Willa Cather's "My Antonia" to Harper Lee's ''To Kill a Mockingbird." In partnership with corporations and private foundations, participants use wellprepared study materials to get inside an author's head, and are given the opportunity to attend lectures and seminars that help restore the idea of reading great literature as an adventure as well as a pleasure.

Although it's constitutionally irrelevant, it's no accident that these ambitious programs have been led by an NEA chairman who is a very serious Catholic, and who believes that the world, created through the Word, is unveiled in all its mystery and beauty through the mediation of words. Dana Gioia knows that ours is a sacramental world, in which the extraordinary lies just on the far side of the ordinary. And he knows that great art, in its many forms, helps up through that permeable border and into the realm of transcendent truth - and love.

That's why he's the best chairman NEA has ever had.

George Weigel is a senior fellow ofthe Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

I

AUGUST

tt

10, 2007

The Anchor ,

Holy hospitality! ground, training, experience, Friday 10 August 2007 - At personality type, leadership home on Three-Mile River style, etc.

People wanted to I approached my move to St. Joseph's Parish, North Dighton, as though it were a military exercise.

No, dear readers, I did Reflections of a not have a strategic map stuck with little pins, ~'\(.~'~'fti&~'.' :1:;" but I had a plan.

The week before I Goldrick arrived, through the kindness of Father Jim know what to expect from their McClelJan, a 12-page booklet new pastor. I told them up-front was distributed to the people at and in writing. The booklet is Mass - all about my back-

The Ship's Log

, .""Pafi.sh"Pri'§I?;tr .

called "The Care and Feeding of Your New Parish Priest." It's an operating manual to be retained for future reference. A booklet with yours truly as the topic would never make the New York Times best-seller list, but in Dighton they went like ~ hot cakes.

Then came the move itself. This involved a professional moving company. I had already alienated my buddies on the previous move into Assonet

Our Lord of the unexpected Over the summer I took portraits of a young couple and their adorable, 18-month-old son.

On our drive to a nearby public garden the little guy fell asleep in the car so I decided to first take pictures of mom and dad while the boy's aunt remained with him in the car. Strolling through the tranquil garden we settled upon the perfect backdrop; a picturesque dock extending into a glass calm lake. Geese gracefully floated by. Sunlight sparkled off the deep blue water. All in all it took about five minutes to capture some stunning portraits of the couple.

Jokingly I said to them, "You two look so peaceful; just sit still. I'll go get your son, slip him on your laps, and we'll be done in no time." Of course we all knew better and shared a healthy chuckle at the idea of being able to simply "slip" a child into the scene without unsettling the existing composition. The point was adequately proven as it took four adults another hour and a half to obtain first-rate portraits of Mr. Adorable.

Like the presence of children, it seems to me that the Lord God's presence in our lives is often unsettling. We want the Lord to come into our lives, to sit nicely and quietly, not disturbing our pre-existing plans, ideals, and methods. In short, we want the Lord to behave. But the Lord God does not sit quietly. Like an 18month-old child, the Lord is always on the move. Like handfuls of rocks thrown into glassy calm water the Lord often uses disturbing events to catch our attention and to stop us from being so self-contented. Even a quick read through the Beatitudes or the lives of people like Moses, the Old Testament prophets, St. Paul, and many of the saints reveals that the Lord almost seems to delight in paradoxical events that turn our worlds upside down.

I am especially in tune with the unanticipated things of life because we recently were surprised to find ourselves expecting Bratton Baby No.6!

Unlike the couple that was waiting on the dock, the gift of a sixth child was not at all what my husband or I were expecting at this time in our lives, and, speaking frankly, I've been angry with the Lord, struggling to understand this sudden curveball.

As the initial shock has passed,

however, I've been thinking that it's really not Bratton Baby No.6 who is unexpected, it's the Lord who is, yet again, working in an unexpected way. Commenting on the Lord's unexpected methods author John Shea writes, "Martha (the biblical sister of Mary) welcomed Jesus into her home.

Her home is not merely her house, her physical dwelling. It is her whole way of thinking and acting. In order to make Martha's home the Lord's dwelling, the Lord will have to correct the way Martha thinks and acts. But this correction is not unwanted criticism. She asked the Lord in; and although what follows will not be what she expects, it will be what she invited."

My husband and I invited the Lord into our married lives on our wedding day. Having heard a knock, we opened the door, welcomed Jesus in, and gave him permission to be the Lord of our joint life. Nonetheless, like Martha, we were not at all prepared for such a bold houseguest as Jesus has turned out to be. Twenty weeks of pregnancy tIave shown me, once again, just how I love my own will, worship

my own plans, and adore being in control of my o~ destiny, but also just how badly the Lord God wants me to refocus, to love, worship, and adore only him.

For me, having Baby No.6 is a dramatic, life-changing, refocusing event. Being in tune with the unexpected, however, I've become more aware of the Lord's refocusing others' lives through unexpected, often more heartrending events. I spoke with a father of four whose wife died of cancer only eight months after being diagnosed, cried with the mother of three whose husband took on a mistress, sent an encouraging note to a father of eight who couldn't find a job, and e-mailed with a missionary who was forced to leave the mission field due to illness. It wasn't until this past Sunday at Mass, however, when I reached out during the Our Father to hold the hand of a young girl next to me, only to feel a smooth stump at the end of her wrist, that I suffered true shame at my questioning anger with the Lord over the unexpected nature of this pregnancy. For the first time my self-righteous heart was broken and i whispered, "Oh, dear Lord, who am I to question?

Please, give me a new heart. Make it as graceful and as accepting of my life as the one you've given this beautiful young girl:' In one sense Bratton Baby No.6 changes everything about the predictable portrait of life I had imagined and was expecting for my husband and me and our ,five, pre-existing children. In another sense it's not the baby at all, but the One I call Lord who has unexpectedly changed everything, and it is I who invited him to do it.

Heidi is an author, photographer, andfull-time mother. She and her husband raise their children in Falmouth. homegrownfaith@yahoo.com.

,

,

9

from Marion. "Never again!" they had informed me firmly. I decided not to ask them this time for fear of getting hit up side the head.

Next came unpacking and taking inventory. I went through the attics, closets, basements, and "junk draws" of the church and the rectory. I needed to know what I had to work with.

Next came the sorting. What did I need and what did I not need? Things I would never use were given to those who needed them.

Then came the inspection of the three ~uildings. I invited structural engineers, architects, and contractors of my acquaintance to do a "walk-through" and tell me what they saw with their professionally-trained eyes. Now I have some idea of the plusses and minuses of the buildings in which I will;; live and work.

A church, of course, 18 not a complex of buildings. I wanted to get advice and feedback from parishioners as soon as possible.

I have some time before I need to set up the formal struttures of the parish Pastoral and Rinance councils but I needed help immediately. I formed a'Transition Team. This is a small informal group of parishioners.

It includes the parish Ministerial Staff - ~ religious Sist~r and an administrative assistant. It also includes anyone who approached me during my first weekend here and raised the question: "Father, what can I do to help you?" In each case, my answer was the same, "Serve on my Transition Team." For me, this was a leap of faith, 'as Soren Kierkegaard was fond ;of saying. I had no idea who these people were. .

As it turned out, they were gifts from God. The group collectively includes a computer warehouse manager, a Brazilian immigrant, a housewife, a young married man, a grandfather, a family therapist, an accountant, a retired priest, a college staff member, a retired insurance executive, a woman with a degree in Religious Education, a certified grief counseIJ~, two youth retreat leaders, and a II

retired president and CEO of a Fall River area social services agency. What a team! When the Lord says, "Ask and you will receive," He's not kidding.

The Transition Team meets weekly at the rectory. Our meetings last for two hours.

There is one topic. I review my week with them, offer reflections, receive feedback, and then get on to the matter at hand. The Transition Team is exceedingly helpful to me.

Every week I give the entire congregation a report called 'My Week in Review." They want to know how I'm doing.

Here are a couple of examples. We wanted to bring parishioners together to meet me and vice-versa. We had an Open House and Ice Cream Social at the rectory one hot Sunday afternoon - A sundae Sunday.

Everyone welcome! Bring the kids! Come on in! Make your own ice cream sundae. We had 80 people of all ages in the residence that afternoon - and it was during torrential rain.

Another goal was to bring parish groups together. The Transition Team approved an idea - declare a "Holy Year" in the manner of the pope. So, I will. This year for us will be the Holy Year of Hospitality. All parish groups from Boy Scouts to bingo workers will be invited to consider Christian hospitality and the implications it has on their own particular group or committee.

We have already begun. A six-foot bulletin board has gone up in a prominent place in the church building. It lists the names of all parish organizations, with a motto that connects the particular group to the theme of Christian hospitality.

The list of existing parish organizations is long and impressive. Every so often, one of the groups will be featured, with photographs of their outreach activities. Stretched across the bulletin board, in 12inch letters, is the year-long slogan, "Holy Hospitality!"

Hmmm. Sounds like Batman.

Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Joseph's Parish in North Dighton.

Charlie's Oil Co., Inc. • Prompt 24 Hour Service • Automatic Deliveries • Call In Deliveries • Budget Terms Available • Free Estimates

You Never Had Service Until You Tried Charlie's We're located at ...

46 Oak Grove Ave., Fall River orcal/ ...

508-~75-7 426

• 508-674-0709

110

$

The Anchor

&

AUGUST

lO, 2007

Young East Freetown parishioner finds 'ways to bring faith to her peers

By MIKE GORDON

teer at the parish. ''That experience really got me into my faith because you're spending time with other yoimg people who believe like you do. It's helped me plan camping trips for the youth group and other activities."

"She is a four-year member ofthe parish youth choir. '~I joined the choir so I can be surrounded by others who like to sing and enjoy it as much as I do." She was also vice president of the high school choir.

During that time she has been an active member of the parish youth group.and cred. its her sister Susan

EAST FREETOWN - Upon learning that she was The Anchor Person of the Week 18-yearold Lauren Violette expressed surprise. "I would never have expected thjs honor. I just enjoy helping out at my parish."

Violette is a teacher in the Religious Education program at St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown and has been doing so since she made her confirmation.

"I taught third-graders for three years and this past year I taught both fifth andeighth-graders," said the Providence native. "I have always been interested' iil teaching so this has

'I""

.

with getting 路her in-

~::n:a~~~dt~a;~~~;s~' " '~?:<~~-'<;'L~~$t6~es' ~ /) vo!~~~, used to attend .' '.:A..'!f!,~~o,1'e,!mi,~We_,.: and it seemed like.it want to make a career of teaching, and I do.": - . ,' . was fun. We eventually Based on the feedstarted going together.

BENEDICTINE SISTER MARIE THERESE RACINE back she's received It's ,amazing and I've from students Violette met some really great friends through the said, "I think I've made an impact. My thirdyouth group. It's graders expressed that '. brought me closer to BEECH GROVE, Ind. "'- bachelor's degree in special ~du颅 they.enjoyed having me Christ."

Benedictine Sister Marie .Therese cation with a minor in computer It meets once a week as a teacher so much . Racine, a native of New Bedford, science at Fitchburg State College to share social and they wanted me to be , and thfee other womet:t made their in 1983. their teacher next year." spiritual activities. One Before entering the monastery, perpetual monastic profession with . She has always tried that Violette has found the Sisters of St. Benedict during a she served as a software engineer to "encourage them to rewarding is participatrecent ceremony at Our Lady of for Honeywell Bull and Siemens be proud of their Cathoing in the Giving Tree, Grace Monastery Chapel in Beech Medical Systems in Danvers. lic faith and share 'it project at Christmas: Sister Marie Therese recently' _ .

Grove. . with others."

"We collected gifts Profession of perpetual vows is completed requirements for her That attitude has not and toys for those in a promise of a life ofstability in the teacher's certification in music edugone unnoticed in her need and were able to cation from the University ofIndiamonast~ry, fidelity to the monastic parish. Doris Thibault, deliver them to people's way of life and obedience accQrd- napolis, where she earned the Mary director of Religious homes. That hadan im. ing to $e Rule of Benedict. ' Ann Dalton Music Education Education, has known pact on me."

Several family members were Award, Outstanding Future Teacher Violette for several She's also visited seAward .and ~as on the Academic , present for the celebration. years and has seen her nior citizens in local Sister Racine graduated from 'Dean's List.

Bishop Stang High School in She is the daughter of Dea<;:on blossom into a dedinursing homes and sang North Dartmouth, and earned a Leo and Margaurite Racine. cated teacher. for them.

"Prior to teaching "It's brought me she was assisting her ANCHOR PERSON OF THE WEEK _ Lauren closer to a lot of people mother who was teach- Violette. (Photo by Mike Gordon) , that I might never have ing catechesis," remet. It's allowed me the ported Thibault. Lauren does a great job teach- opportunity to share my faith with others and ing and she is an excellent role model for other not be afraid to do. so," she declared. teens. People notice her because of the way she's Asked about volunteering and what motivates I \\ ' living her faith." her, she said she has always ''wanted to help Violette recently graduated from others." .

Apponequet High School in ,Lakeville and From her time teaching catechesis, she // plans to attend B~dge~ate~ State Coll~ge this note~, she's l~arne~ "patie~ce ~d prepared- i I / fall where she wIll 'maJor 10 early childhood ness. She SaId WIth a smtle, As a teacher ~ ~. education. She is the daughter of Jo Ann and I've learned I know more about my faith than i Donald Violette. She has two sisters, Susan, I thought I did." ,. /r_C;;', 20, and Emily, 14, and one brother Tommy, When not volunteering at the parish, Violette II 11. Her mother is a medical biller in Provi- enjoys swimming and going to the movies. She -., (I / 'j "'(~ , dence and her father recently retir~d from the also works at Panera Bread. army after serving a tour in Iraq.

Although she would like to stay involved at "Growing up my parents have always been the parish when she goes off to college, she acvery religious. We would always go to church knowledges it may be difficult because she as a family each weekend and they really nur- won't have a car on campus. "I may not be able tured my faith by their example. Today Christ to teach for that first year, but I plan to come plays a big role in my life." back."

She added, "Ijust feel like I'm doing my part.

The Anchor encourages readers to nominate HEAVEN BOUND - Mary is shown being taken up to heaven in It's rewarding for me." others for the Person ofthe Week - who and a painting inside a dome of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Spending a week at the Christian Leader- why?

Submit nominations to: the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. The feast is celebrated August 15 in the Roman Catholic Church. It ship Institute in East Freetown's Cathedral theanchor@anchornews.org, or write to The is a holy day of obligation on which all Catholics are obliged to Camp also helped her be motivated to volun- Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA. 02722. attend Mass. (CNS file photo/Nancy Wiechec)

Area woman professes final vows with Benedictine Sisters

S

/

i

,

}j

I

AUGUST

$

10, 2007

The Anchor ,

11

I

Diocese recalls Bishop ,Feehian's 100,th anniversary of consecration

By DEACON JAMES

N.

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - The son'of an Athol blacksmith, Father Daniel F. Feehan became the Diocese of Fall River's second bishop a century ago this summer and his episcopal ordina~ion was celebrated in St. Mary's Cathedral here on Sept. 19, 1907.

It was the beginning of what would be a 27 -year tenure, the long, est of any Fall River OrdInary, for the so-called "Benevolent Bishop," , who so resembled Pope Pius X in appearance that he was called his brother when he made his "ad. /imina" visit reporting on the state of the diocese to the Vatican in 1909.

Born in Athol onSept. 24, 1855, Daniel Francis Feehan was a resident ofWorcester County except for his college and seminary years. He moved with his family to Milbury, where he attended school and became a friend of the future U.S. President William H. Taft. ' . He graduated from St. Mary's College in MQntreal, Canada, and . following studie,s at St. Joseph Seminary in Troy, N.Y., he was or, dained a priest on Dec. 20, 1879.

He was assigned as a parish priest in West Boylston, and served twice at St. Bernard's in Fitchburg, the second time as pastor for 18 years.

Father Feehan was 52 when he received word on July 2, 1907 that he was named Bishop of Fall River, a new diocese formed just three .years earlier in 1904, and still in its infancy following the brief term of its first spiritual leader, Bishop William Stang.

Bishop Stang was consecrated - or ordained - on May I, 1904 in St. Mary's Cathedral. His sudden death in February 1907 following intestinal surgery found the

FEEHAN DAY FUN Attleboro school.

whoie diocese in mourning recalling their caring and dedicated bishop. He had assertively promoted Catholic interests in education, social justice, and civil rights.

And he was the workers' outspoken champion and successful mediator with'union leaders as strikes thre~tened textile mill operations and jobs that put bread on the tables of the working class.

B,SHOP DANIEL F. FEEHAN

While the diocese in general was looking forWard to greeting him, Bishop-Elect Feehan was stepping into a hierarchical hotbed, and it would unfavorably impact his episcopacy initially.

In the five months since Bishop Stang's death, Msgr. Hugh J. Smyth, who had been his vicar general, and appointed to administer the Fall River Dioc~se until a new bishop was chosen, had made a series of controversial decisions and appointments.

In a debate over the administration ofSt. Patrick's Cemetery in Fall River, the monsignor removed Fa-

ther James E. Cassidy, who had been appointed by Bishop Stang as director of cemeteries.

It came about after Father Mathias McCabe, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, "took the opportunity of the vacancy to exert his authority at St. Patrick's Cemetery," according to "Bearing Fruit by Streams of Waters," a history of the diocese written in 2003 by Father Barry W. Wall, diocesan archivist.

Stepping in, Msgr. Smyth named Father Michael J. Cooke of St. Patrick's Parish as director of the cemetery and ordered Father Cassidy to tum over the cemetery records.

But Father Cassidy, chancellor and secretary under Bishop Stang, refused, "maintaining that he never received any such order."

The story made headlines in 10": cal newspapers of the day.

And there was more. Following the death of two pastors, Msgr.

Smyth, who had a reputation as a , . powerful administrator, had named new ones and transferred several priests. The ch~ges affected parishes in North Easton, Taunton, Fall River, New Bedford, Hyannis and Sandwich.

As former Bishop James L. Connolly asserts in his historical treatise "The Diocese ofFall River," Msgr. Smith "had appointed six or' seven intimate friends to favorable positions."

Reportedly, some of the appointments路 were made after press dispatches considered reliable by most, reported the appointment of Daniel Francis Feehan as the new bishop. Encouraged to t3.ke over jurisdiction of his diocese and clean up the situation long before his consecration, Bishop-Elect Feehan quickly moved into Fall River and

A band performs at open mic time at a recent Bishop Feehan Day at the

~ .

TUNNEL VISION ;- Bishop Feehan Class of '08 students Meg Looney, left, and M~ry St. Thomas peek through an obstacle course tunnel as part of Bi~hop Feehan Day.

on his first day wrote to the priests of the diocese, saying "I come with no new message for you. I come to correct no abuses, tp institute no' reforms, to punish no guilty persons, but to encourage a holy and united priesthood and through the priesthood to endeavor to spread the kingdom of God in the Diocese."

After consulting ~ith the Apostolic Delegate and canon lawyers, Bishop Feehan's opinion was that, without authorization of the Holy See, Msgr. Smyth had acted illegally.

Bishop Feehan did not ratify the appointments by the administrator, the pastors to but instead return to their former parishes and advised assistant pastors involved to ready themselves for new appointments.

All obediently c9mplied. But all appealed their castl to Rome.

But no quick aqswer came. Finally, after a three-year wait, on Jan. 31, 1910, a decision on the controversial assignmentS came from the Consistoral Congregation and approved by the pope.

To the questio~ of whether diocesan administrators in the U.S. have the authority" to appoint pastors, no answer was given.

But the Congregation upheld Bishop Feehan's "decision not to ratify the appointments made earlier by Msgr. Smyfh.

In the interim, Bishop Feehan had made various assignments. On Jan. 1, 1908, he ,'retained Father Cassidy as chancellor, accepted the retirement of ailing Msgr. Christopher Hughes, rector of the cathedral, and appointed Father Cassidy in his place. Father Edward J. Carr became secretary"to the bishop.

Bishop Feehan did not reappoint Msgr. Smyth as v;icar general. But neither did he appoint a new one.

Msgr. Smyth, i.vho been considered a candidate aIong with Father . "

directe4

Stang for the diocese's fIrst bishop several years prior, returned to his duties as pastor of St. Lawrence Parish in New Bedford. He died on Feb. 4, 1921.

Near the end Of 1908, Father Cassidy asked to be relieved as chancellor and Father Carr replaced him.

However on Jan. II, 1909, FatHer Cassidy was named vicar general, ending a year of speculation among the clergy, laity and press.

Bishop Feehan's tenure coincided with a period of prosperity as textile manufacturing flourished and immigrant workers arrived by the thousands. By 1920 the region had approximately 130,000 in each of the major cities in southeastern Massachusetts.

Attleboro became the hub of the jewelry trade. Stoves were made and so was fine silverware. The citizenry could proudfully boast that a Taunton-built locomotive drew the black-draped train that carried the body of assassinated President Abraham Lincoln across the nation so the populace could render its last respects.

The bishop established 38' parishes, eight for French Canadians, seven for Portuguese, four for the Polish communities; two,Maronite Rite Catholic parishes, one Italian parish, and 16 more territorial parishes. They were built in the cities as well as rural areas and took into consideration winter and summer populations, especially on Cape Cod and the Islands.

As parishes multiplied, so did路 Catholic schools.

The pages of diocesan history point out that Bishop Feehan loved children, and was a fairly frequent classroom visitor. His regime was marked by great expansion, especially in schools.

By the end of his active years in " Tum to page 18 - Bishop

..:,

~ The Anchor ~

12

AUGUST

10, 2007

Survey says excess TV bad for Americans - one and all

By MARK PATnSON CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON - Every so often, you may have an opinion about some issue. You know in your heart that it's so, but you rarely have the material to back up your belief - or suspicion, as the case may be.

For those who look askance at television, a study published in June by the Culture and Media Institute, 'The Media Assault on American Values;' confirms almost everything bad that people have ever believed about TV. 'The great majority ofAmericans perceive a decline in the nation's moral values," the survey said in its conclusion. 'This is another way of saying Americans perceive erosion in the responsibility and integrity of their fellow citizens, sexual mores and the nation's submission before God: the very areas apparently being undermined by the media" Note that the study conclusion didn't tlat-out declare that the media is undermining moral values, just "apparently" doing so. Note further that ,the respondents were commenting on the laxity of''their fellow citizens;' but nmn~ycommentingonthem­

selves individually.

The Culture and Media Institute conducted a telephone survey ofmore than 2,000 people back in March. The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.2 percentage points. From there, the institute gleaned 10 "major findings" in interpreting the numbers it compiled: - "Seventy-four percent of American believe the nation's moral values have declined over the past 20 years, and large majorities hold the media responsible for contributing to that decline"; - "Sixty-four percent of Americans agree the media are an important factor in shaping moral values in this country. Only seven percent say the media are not important in shaping moral values"; - "Sixty-eight percent ofAmericans say the media have a negative impact on moral values in this country. Only nine percent say the media impact is positive"; - "Seventy-three percent of Americans say the entertainment industry is having a negative impact on moral values in this country. Only seven percent say the entertainment industry is having a positive impact";

- ''Fifty-four percent of Americans believe the news media have a negative impact on moral values in this country. Only 11 percent say the news media have a positive impact"; - 'The more a person watches television the less likely he will be to accept responsibility for his own life and for his obligations to the people around him"; - 'The more a person watches television the less committed he is to classical virtues such as honesty, reliability and fairness"; - 'The more a person watches television, the more permissive his attitudes toward sexual issues like sex outside of marriage, abortion and homosexuality are likely to be"; - 'The more a person watches television the less likely he is to value religious principles and obedience to God"; - 'The more a person watches TV, the less likely he is to believe the media are influencing the nation's moral values."

It's OK if a survey confirms our most negativejudgments about TV, but it has to be acknowledged that the negative effects on society attributed to TV aren't caused solely by TV. But the study to quantify that probably hasn't been designed.

Speaking of surveys, itjust so happened that in late July a phone call came to my house, asking for the youngest adult male in the household to take a phone survey about ''the media" Once I made it clear that I was the person in my household to fit that description, the first question asked was whether I or anybody in my household worked in the media I answered truthfully: Yes. I do.

"Well, that's about all the questions I have for you today;' said the interviewer.

I wanted to hear those questions and whether they were tailored to meet a predetermined bias on the part of whoever it was who paid for the survey - or the bias of the survey firm, whoever that was. Further, I would have liked to see how much coverage this survey got, and whether I would have been able to identify the survey as the one that had quizzed me.

After all, people who wode in the media aren't just producers of media, they're consumers as well- and are entitled to their own opinions.

Pattison is media editorfor eNS.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday,August 12 at 11:00 a.m.

Scheduled celebrant is Father Michael Ciryak, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Swansea

â&#x20AC;˘ .-.

1

BOURNE TO RUN - Matt Damon stars in a scene from the movie 'The Bourne Ultimatum." For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo/Universal Studios)

IC~~ ~'t()vii(e ICall[)~UIII(e~ NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

''Becoming Jane" (Miramax) Interesting speculative drama, based on only a few known facts, about the bittersweet romance between writer Jane Austen (Anne Hathaway) and an Irish lawyer (James McAvoy), and how the experience might have influenced her writings. Julian Jarrold directs with an authentic 18th-century feel, performances are good (with American Hathaway holding her own reasonably well among such British acting pros as Maggie Smith, Julie Walters and Ian Richardson) and though the film is somehow not entirely satisfying it nonetheless holds your interest up to its bittersweet ending. Though possibly acceptable for older teens, this film contains a couple of boxing sequences, a frisky but nongraphic husband and wife encounter, some prostitutes, an implied premarital encounter, mild innuendo and brief sexual allusions. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-ill - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 - parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Bratz" (Lionsgate)

The sleazily dressed Bratz line of fashion dolls come to life in a fluffy, live-action movie about four empowered Southern California high-schoolers who are good to their parents and classmates, do well in school, follow their dreams, and stand up to the rigid and authority-abusing student body president, all while dressed like professional escorts or trashy musicvideo girls. Director Sean McNamara swerves from naturalistic drama to cartoon antics, and for all the girls' good works and admirable camaraderie, the Bratz (as they name their singing-dancing girl group) are insufferably self-satisfied hyperconsumers.

Much tight and skimpy costuming, two brawls and two instances of crude physical humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG - parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

"The Bourne Ultimatum" (Universal) This lightning-paced, globetrotting follow-up to "The Bourne Identity" and "The Bourne Supremacy" wraps up Bourne's (Matt Damon) quest to discover his true name and history even as CIA project head (David Strathaim) orders his immediate termination, but is continually stymied by Bourne's lethal skills at evasion and unexpected help from female CIA operatives (Joan Allen and Julia Stiles). Director Paul Greengrass orchestrates sustained and eye-popping action-excitement throughout while a top-notch cast (including a climactic appearance by Albert Finney) manages to flesh out their characters, resulting in a satisfying if somewhat ex-

hausting thriller. Much intense and fierce violence and intermittent profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-ill - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 - parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Who's Your Caddy?" (MGM) Witless attempt at a comedy about a rap mogul's (Antwan Patton, Big Boi of Outkast) entry to a South Carolina country club where his late father had been a caddy. Director Ron Paul, who cowrote with Bradley Allenstein and Robert Henny, puts a competent cast through a series of uninspired sequences contrasting raucous hiphop behavior and sedate, clueless white elites (for some unexplained reason, always male).

Skimpy costuming in a brief filming of a hip-hop video, marijuana fed to a horse, some crude language, fleeting use of the nword, partial female nudity, rear male nudity, and some mild sexual banter and frequent scatological humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-lII - adults.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Movies Online Can't remember how a recent film was classified by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops? Want to know whether to let the kids go see it? You can look up film reviews on the Catholic News Service Website.

Visit catholicnews.com and click on "Movies," under the "News Item" menu.

I

AUGUST

$ The Anchor

10,2007

$~.

.

13 I

Catholics' in China provide food, prayers for victims of flooding ,I

HONG KONG (CNS) - Although severe floods h~ve curtailed Church activities and damaged century-old Church buildings in various parts of China, Catholics are offering assistance to those affected by the disaster.

A priest, who works ,in the northern part of Anhui province, told the Asian church news agency UCA News that because government relief aid has not reached thb region the Church has tried to help"Catholic and non-Catholic victims ofthe flooding.

The priest, who requested anonymity and is part of the unregistered Catholic community, smd he has organized Catholics to help drain flooded fields. His parish bought 1,100 pounds of sweet com seeds to distribute to poor farrni,ng families.

He noted that, whil~ the floodwaters gradually have sUb~ided, farmers were still unable to plant,crops because of the uncertain weather. Planting beyond the end ofJuly wO}udjeopardize the autumn harvest "artd their livelii hoods would suffer," he added.

He said many peo~le, especially the elderly, are unabletp attend Mass.

Many of his 2,000 parishioners have been trapped in their houses by floodwaters, he said. As a reSult, some have resorted to organizing small prayer gatherings in their hOQ"les, added the priest.

I:

"

NIGHTMARISH SCENE -

Cars lie in the wreckage of the collapsed Interstate

the Mississippi River in Minneapolis August

35W bridge that spans

1. The bridge fell, hurling vehicles into the river in central

Minneapolis during evening rush hour. At least five people died and dozens of others were injured in the collapse. (CNS photo/Stacy Bengs, Reuters)

St. Paul-Minneapolis Catholics, clergy respond to bridge collapse

By JACOB BUCKENMEYER - CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Communication is difficult and the phone lines have been "in and out" because of the number of WASHINGTON - Upon hearpeople making phone calls, he ing of the collapse of the Interstate said. People who make the daily 35W bridge over the Mississippi commute across the I-35W bridge River in Minneapolis, priests from have mostly been in silent shock, the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minrealizing how close they neapolis traveled to the were to becoming victims scene, as well as to nearby themselves, he said. hospitals and medical cen"Something like this shatters US," Some have sought refuge ters, to see how they could Archbishop Harry J. Flynn said in a at St. Olaf Church, and at help victims of the tragel;ly telephone interview with Catholic noon August 2 those who and their families.

News Service. "But as one woman regularly attend the parish's Although Dennis McGrath, archdiocesan said to me, 'I don't know what we'd daily Mass joined with those spokesman, said that travel do without faith.' It's the only thing present for the prayer serbetween the two cities has ... to get through something like this. " vice.

"Our parish is right in the been "virtually impossible" heart of Minneapolis, so since the disaster, the archdiocese held two noon prayer serFather Mark Pavlik, pastor of people come here to pray all day vices August 2 - one in St. Paul St. Olaf, was one of the priests long," he said. "I'm used to that, at the Cathedral of St. Paul and who responded to the crisis. He but today has been just a trementhe other at St. Olaf Catholic and another priest traveled to dous outpouring of people who Church in Minneapolis.

Hennepin Medical Center on one just want to stop in and pray. Not Coadjutor Archbishop John C. side of the river in the early much talking yet."

The latest tallies confirmed Nienstedt presided over the cer- evening, he said, emony at the cathedral, and FaChaplains from other faiths five people dead, and estimated 60 ther Kevin McDonough, vicar were also present "in full force." injured and at least 20 missing. general, celebrated the prayer ser- He said other priests traveled to vice as well as the daily Mass at hospitals on the other side of the St. Olaf. bridge to see if they were needed Archbishop Harry J. Flynn said for counseling, but most of the both churches had a "great num- people involved weren't ready to ber of people who came together talk. to offer their consolation and their "For many people it's just not prayers for those who died, for quite sunken in yet, because it's those who are injured, and for still definitely going on," Father their families."

Pavlik said. "People are so close Archbishop Flynn said he still. It's all still happening." prayed for the victims as he ofFather Pavlik said the subject fered Mass in the morning August of the bridge collapse has "taken 2, and he planned to address the the whole city by storm, overtaken crisis in a statement within the the whole city in every aspect of next few days. everything."

"Something like this shatters us," he said in a telephone interview with Catholic News Service.

"But as one woman said to me, 'I don't know what we'd do without faith.' It's the only thing ... to get through something like this."

508-999-1226

Heavy rains have devastated nearly half ofthe country with floods, landslides and mudflows, killing more than 650 people since the rainy season began in May, reported Xinhua News Agency July 29.

More than one million people in Henan, Anhui and Jiangsu provinces have been evacuated because of flooding from the swollen Huai River, said the reports.

Since 2005, northern Anhui has suffered floods and other natural disasters annually. The priest said he feared that this would force as many as 100,000 rural people to leave the farming province for the cities in search ofjobs.

The populous Chongqing municipality, in southwestern China, also has been hit badly by weeks of torrential rains, which triggered mudslides, landslides and heavy flooding.

Liu Yi, editor of the Chongqing Diocese's Light and Salt quarterly, told UCA News that some parishes have suspended religious activities due to safety concerns because churches have been flooded and badly damaged.

With support from Caritas Germany, the Catholic-run Jinde Charities donated rice worth $112,270 to 14,642 victims in Chongqing.

CAPE COD NATIONAL MORTGAGE

Yes, you can enjoy an AffORDABLE vacation in Southern Maine...

Stort your day with our hearty breakfast.

Stroll to the beach in Keimebunkport village or relax in our saltwater pool.

Aunique, yet affordable' experience "

Low, low rates starting at

57/8% * NO POINTS, NO CLOSING COSTS 1ST, 2ND, 3RD MORTGAGES PURCHASE OR REFINANCE IMPROVEMENT, REPAIR DEBT CONSOLIDATION CREDIT CARD PAY OFFS, HOME EQUITY, COMMERCIAL 2ND HOMES, rumoN, SELF EMPLOYED NO INCOME VERIFICATION POOR CREDIT - NO CREDIT PAY OFF LIENS & ATTACHMENTS FORECLOSURE-BANKRUPTCY APPLICATION TAKEN ON PHONE NO APPLICATION FEE. FAST SERVICE. WE CAN HELPI

CALL NOW Cape Cod 508-362路77T7 New Bedford 508-992路1400

,franciscan <Ouest 1bou.se A little taste of Heaven on Earth 26 Beach Avenue' Kennebunkport. Maine

Free application on Internet www.ccnm.com

(207) 967r4865 www.franclscanguesthouse.com

MB# 1161 -APR 6 7/8, 30 yr $10k min.

"

Ol~

"

HEATING

BURNERS

OIL

COMPLETE HEATING SYSTEMS SALE路S

~IINSTALLATIONS I

24

Ii

HOUR SERVICE Ii

465 NORTH FRONT 5T NEW BEDFORD '

_...

PROMPT DELIVERIES DIESEL OILS

.-. .

-

-

-

-~

$

14

The Anchor

t;

AUGUST

10,2007

World must together address poverty, ex-U.N. official says INDIANAPOUS (CNS)-Some sis and mv combined, it's shameful, 850 million people in the world - half it's sinful, it's reprehensible, it's unacof them children - are hungry every ceptable."

"I've grown to love this remarkable day. A sixth of the world's population is hungty, malnourished and lives in church and wonderful school," he said poverty. Every day, 25,000:People- about St. Joan of Arc Parish. "In the including 18,000 children - die of most generous Christ-like way for the last five years, (students, parishioners malnutrition.

Those sobering and heartbreaking and staffmembers) made a special efstatistics can be eliminated, according fort to generate resources so that the to James Morris, if more individuals, school each year fed 50 children churches, community organizations around the world. Probably these kids and companies support poverty-relief were in Africa, and because ofthe genefforts in the u.s. and abroad. erosity of students here the lives of Morris, an Indianapolis resident those children will never be the same who served as executive director ofthe - all for the better - and now they UnitedNations'WorldFoodProgram, have a chance. shared compelling stories about his in"If every congregation in the world ternational humanitarian ministry in a and every school did what this place talk on "Connecting to Children: The has done, we would be a lot further Importance and Responsibility ofLiv- along in solving the problem" ofworld ing in a Global Community and How hunger, he said.

Nutrition Impacts Kids" at St. Joan of Morris and his wife, Jackie, lived Arc Parish and School in Indianapo- in Rome during his five-year leadership ofthe U.N. World Food Program. lis.

Morris served as the 10th execu- He now serves as a consultant for the tive director of the world's largest Indiana Pacers and helps Riley Hosfood aid organization from 2002 to pital for Children, the Gleaners Food 2007. During 2006, the World Food Bank and the Boy Scouts, all in India.Program fed 88 million people in 78 napolis, as well as assisting Indiana countries with $2.9 billion in contri- University in Bloomington.

In his former post, Morris said, he butions.

Reflecting on visits to impover- focused on understanding and adished countries, Morris said relief or- dressing the dimensions and magniganizations and their supporters are tude of the critical problems of world slowly making progreSs in alleViating -himger and extreme poverty in every hunger. country.

The Catholic Church has "a won"But the fact of the matter is - in this rich world, this smart world, this derful relationship" with the World technologically able world - there is Food Program, Morris said, and "has no excuse for those numbers;' he said. supported us financially" for years.

'To think that 25,000 human beings "If there is a unifying principle of die every day of malnutrition - 75 all the great faiths of the world," he percent ofthem children - and more said, "it's the responsibility of those people are dying ofhunger, ofmalnu- who have to take care of those who trition, than die of malaria, tuberculo- have not."

Holy Rosary Church 80 Bay Street, Taunton, Massachusetts

'OLISH ',CN,C I Sunday, August 12, 2007 I All Day Aclivlfies 11 p.m. - 7 p.m.

PolI,a .\Ia" II a.lII.

Polish Music Eddie Forman Orchestra from I to 6 p.m.

Homemade Polish Food Enjoy oJ lhe Pknk or Take HOITU! Frozen

GOLOMBKI PIERDGI KlaBASA CABBAGE SOUP ItYE BREAD lplus, Hamburgers & Hot Dogs

I

-Arts & Crafts -Front Porch Bakery -Polish Gift Items -Refreshments -Games of Chance -Ice Cream -Children's Area

Family Fun for All! Picnic Held Rain or Shine

THE HORRORS OF WAR - A man prays in Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan, August 6, on the 62nd anniversary of the world's first atomic bombing. More than 75,000 people were killed in Hiroshima when the United States dropped the bomb near the end of World War II. (eNS photofToru Hanai, Reuters)

Itinerant catechists spread across U.S. to announce the good news

By ROXANNE KING' CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

newspaper, about the mission experience and the overall retreat.

The Neocatechumenal Way, a Vatican-approved spiritual renewal movement, is comprised of parishbased faith communities that aim to bring Catholics to mature faith.

The retreat was for priests and seminarians of the six diocesan missionary seminaries in the United States linked to the movement (all called Redemptoris Mater, includ-

the retreat "had to sleep in homeless shelters - and they announced to the homeless," said Rose Mary DENVER - Nearly ,500 memMcLeod. bers of the Neocatechumenal Way "Or in the streets," said gathered in Denver July 5-20 for a Rodriguez, explaining that he and biennial national retreat called an "itinerants' convivence." his partner, another seminarian, spent their first night on a park But it wasn't an average retreat bench in downtown Birmingham, as the participants were sent out, Ala. "We slept with the drug dealtwo by two, to every U.S. state for ers. So we announced to the drug eight days with no money to andealers." nounce the good news of salvation; Rodriguez, 25, said he 204 teams of two people wasn't fearful about the exwere sent with round-trip bus 'There is a (scriptural) mandate perience. or airplane tickets to 150 dio"It was fantastic," he said ceses. from Jesus Christ," McLeod continAt their destination they ued, "to go without sandal, without with a laugh. "It was a freewere to give whatever money extra tunic, without purse to an- dom; what were they going to they had to the poor and de- nounce the love of God - the sal- rob from me:"- the Bible and breviary? That was all I had." pend solely on God's provi- vation that's available for us. " The missioners experidence as they announced the enced both rejection and good news to the bishop, if he was available, and to pastors. ing one in Denver) and for itiner- warm hospitality, ranging from They were also free to make the an- ant catechists, individuals or fami- priests who dismissed them as nouncement to lay Catholics and lies who are willing to go anywhere crazy, to a bishop who made up in the world the Way sends them to beds for his two unexpected guests non-Catholics. and prepared dinner for them.

"It's in the Scriptures and every- evangelize.

Why announce the good news to The McLeods, who are retired, thing in the Scriptures applies to priests and bishops? us," said Rose Mary McLeod, who have been ministering in Colorado "Pope Paul VI once said, 'I wish with her husband, a seminarian and since 1991. In that time, the that I had someone at my ear every a priest make up the itinerant team Neocatechumenal Way has grown single morning when I wake up to from two parish-based communiresponsible for the announce to me the good news,''' . ties in the state to 34.

Originally Neocatechumenal Way in Colofrom California, where they still said Rose Mary Mcleod. rado.

"There is a (scriptural) mandate maintain a home, the McLeods The catechists are free to accept or from Jesus Christ," McLeod con- spend most of each year in Denver. decline an assignment. Then, every six Although all are currently living months, they are asked whether they tinued, "to go without sandal, within the United States, about half the want to continue with their assignout extra tunic, without purse to announce the love of God - the itinerant catechists who attended the ment, go home or be assigned elseretreat are originally from other na- where, said Rose Mary Mcleod. salvation that's available for us."

While most were assigned or tions, the McLeods said, estimating Rose Mary and Don McLeod reassigned to dioceses in the United that as many as and seminarian Francisco 50 countries were States, a handful were sent to JaRodriguez spoke to the Denver represented by the participants.

Many of the teams sent out from pan, Estonia and Israel.

Catholic Register, the archdiocesan

,_T_h_e_An __c_ho_r----.;$:;.-;_ _~

I_A_UG_U_ST_IO_,2_0_0_7

Our r.eaders respond Good News I must tell you I think The Anchor is an outstanding publication and your editorials are a guiding light, truly inspired by the Holy Spirit!

May the Lord bless you and continue to guide you always.

Lucila C. Roche, North Falmouth A need to pray for those in our armed forces I am writing to express concern over a matter that has been troubling me. It has to do with our men and women serving in the military, most specifically those deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Daily, hourly, this tragic situation beComes more grave. As children of God's family, we who are untouched by its harsh reality must ask ourselves: What can we do? What must we do? .I respectfully suggest that until the war in Iraq comes to an end, or at least until our nation's involvement in it does, our churches, one and all, remember on a daily basis the men and women who are fighting for us. That means that in every church and at every Mass or service some mention is made of these good men and women and the chaplains and medics that assist them. In order to be done regularly and consistently, it might be appropriately offered during Prayers of the FaithfuL

•

My own experience to date ... and that of my family and friends who attend churches ... has been that with the exception of Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, mention of these men and women as been sporadic and incidental only.

Sam Swidey Jr., Somerset Mandatory sex education v. parent's rights The Massachusetts Health Frameworks House Bill 597, and Senate Bill 288, about which The Anchor has published two stories, was introduced by lawmakers to require the Massachusetts Health Curriculum Frameworks be adopted statewide and made a requirement for graduation. While muc.~ in the curriculum is needed and well thought out, many ideas presented in sections about reproduction, sexuality and the family are extremely difficult and sensitive to present in classrooms to very young children in kindergarten, first grade or second grade.

First, this proposed legislation takes away the role of parents as the primary educators of their children. In doing so, it diminishes oreliminates parents' rights to decide whe~ the sensitive issue of sexuality, contraception and abortion will be taught. Second, it replaces traditional moral values with politically correct values. It eliminates any choice for local communities to determine what will be taught to their . children. It isn't fair to school boards, parents or educators, who must provide a viable education to our students. More than this, it is not fair to all the students of Massachusetts.

Deborah A. Furtado New Bedford Analogies struck a discord I have found Father Tad Pacholczyk's columns on bioethics interesting and informative, especially those on stem-cell research.

However, his July column on contraception I found to be bizarre. The analogies with earplugs, et alia, would be funny if they were not so inept and mocking in tone. Likening

1_5_1 ~_.

,=.'

marital sex with contraceptives to masturbation, exploitation and the use of vomitoria is mean spirited name calling. Such an argum~nt by a learned, thoughtful scientist is self-demeaning and insulting to many married Catholics.

Joseph J. Thnney, Orleans Apologizing for the pope As a Catholic Christian, I was dismayed and embarrassed by Pope Benedict's recent declaration that other Christian churches are "defective." I know the pope has made this sort of statement before, but always I hope that we Catholics seek more enlightened perspectives toward those of other faiths. Instead, when the pope speaks of "Christian unity" he does not mean he would come to the table with co-equals and strive to find common ground, rather he means that all other Christians should adopt the Catholic way. This attitude is abhorrent to me, and I can only imagine how offensive it is to our Christian brothers and sisters. In fact, this "one right way" problem, adopted by many (if not most) religious faiths across the centuries, has been the cause of much violence and human suffering in the world. I wish to apologize for any pain or insult the pope's statement caused, and assure our Christian brothers and sisters that lam confident many, many Catholics, like me, fully respect and honor our Christian brethren of other churches and declare that the pope does not speak for us in this matter.

Kathleen Schatzberg, CenterviUe A different stance on iUegai immigration What are the odds of The Anchor including a piece about illegal immigration that reflects the views of the many good Catholics who take a different position, have a different perspective on the issue?

I am tired of being made to feel by my Church that I am less than a good Christian because I object to 12 million foreigners mocking the laws of my country by entering illegally. Why is the validity of this belief never reflected in the many articles about illegal immigration that appear in The Anchor?

This is a legitimate position and belief that is held by 80 percent ofAmericans. I assume the number is similar in the Catholic community and yet that is never reflected in my own diocesan newspaper. This certainly suggests to me that my Church disagrees with me on this and that I am therefore, in some way, less than a good Catholic. Few things make me furious; this does. Believe me, a faithful Catholic can still believe that lawbreaking, even by otherwise decent people, can still be dealt with without hindering our aqiliiy to help these folks to better there lives.

How about an article addressing the high unemployment in Fall River and the jobs taken from our own citizens by the illegals?

How about a collection for them?

Please try to have a little respect for a point of view other than your own.

Stephen Vale, Mansfield Letters are welcome but the editor reserves the right to condense or edit for clarity if deemed necessary. Letters should be typed, no longer than 100 words and should include name, address, and telephone number. Letters do not necessarily reflect the editorial views of The Anchor. Letters should be sent to: The Anchor, Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722-0007, or emailed to fatherrogerlJJndry@anchornews.org.

, T4e Anchor news briefs Catholic leader cheers U.N. decision on peacekeeping force for Darfur WASHINGTON (CNS) - The United Nations' decision to send a peacekeeping force to the Darfur region of Sudan drew cheers fron} Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based confederation ofCatholic relief, development and sOCialservice organizations. The U.N. resolution, which authorized up to 26,000 peacekeepers in the long-troubled region, was hailed as a " welcome breakthrough" by Caritas in a statement. ''It is too early to tell ifthe U.N. resolution for peacekeepers in Darfur means an end to the suffering ofthe people there, but it sends a strong signal to all the warring parties to stop fighting and to enter into meaningful negotiations," said Caritas Intemationalis Secretary General Lesley-Anne Knight. ''The force should go a long way in providing protection for civilians and access and security for humanitarian operations. If the peacekeepers can achieve these goals, then there is good reason for hope;' she said.

News agency calls Chinese priests' arrest part of government crackdown ROME (CNS) - The late July arrest ofthree Catholic priests in China's Inner Mongoliaregion is part of a crackdown in several areas of the country against priests who are not part of the government-recognizedChineseCatholic PatrioticAssociation, saida Rome-based news agency.

AsiaNews, an agency sponsored by the PontificalInstitute for Foreign Missions, said that at least 11 priests under arrest are experiencing harsher treatment since the publication June 30 of Pope BenedictXVI's letter to Chinese Catholics.While showing a willingness to discuss churchstate relations with the Chinese government, the pope's letter also insisted that Catholics should have full religious freedom, including the freedom to maintain nonnal contacts with the pope and the Vatican. AsiaNews said its sources in China described as "a government answer to the pope's letter" the July arrest ofthree priests in the Ximeng region ofInner Mongolia. The three - Fathers Liang Aijun, Wang Zhong and Gao Jinbao - are from Xiwanzi in Hebei province.

Bulgarian accused, absolved of involvement in plot to kill pope dies SOflA, Bulgaria (CNS) - SergeiAntonov, accused by Pope John Paul IT's would-be assassin of being part of a Soviet-bloc plot to kili the pope in 1981, was found dead in his Sofia apartment. Bulgarian police confirmed the death of the 58-year-oldAntonov August 1, but said his death had occurred several days earlier, He apparently died of natural causes. Antonov was deputy manager of the Bulgarian state airline's Rome office in the early 19808. Mehmet Ali Agca. the Thrk captured in St. Peter's SqUare moments after shooting the pope and convicted of attempted murder for the crime, had told Italian investigators that Antonov and two employees of the Bulgarian Embassy in Rome were involved in the shooting. He said the Bulgarians were acting on instructions from the Soviet secret police. Antonov was arrested, but an Italian court ruled in 1986 that there was not enough"evidence to convict the Bulgarians.

EtERNAL 508~'985-9995 TRI·TONE SlEEL CASKETS ONLY•••

saUD WOOD CASKETS ONLY...

!.:.•~'.~. • . . . J$580 · \ !·······~······I $720

J.~ ..0. ; ;.r,<;-\,~;~l :~~ .. , ,l~ / ,

....~...

\,

r

'

IT IS AGAINST FEDERAL LAW FOR ANi. FUNERAL DIRECTOR TO OFFER TO LOWER THEIR I' PRICE, OR TO "BEAT" A PRICE GiVeN TO YOU BY ETERNAL CASKETS & URNS. THE BEST PRICE SHOULD BE THE ONE YOU ARE PRES8\ITED WITH FIRST AND NOT THE ONE GIVEN AS A LAST RESORT TO SAVEl A SALE. PLEASE REPORT ANY SUCH ACTIVITY TO II

US AT ONCE. WHEN YOUR FAMILY IS INA TIME OF NEED, YOU CAN COUNT ON

ElERNAL CASKETS & URNS TO SERVE YOU WELL AND SAVE YOU MONEY. JOIN COUNTlESS OTHERS AND ViSIT ETERNAL CASKETS AND URNS FIRST! .1

PRE NEED SALES ALSO AVAILABLE!!

PREMIUM saUD WOOD CASKETS..

\

\

u

$995

PREMUM "SEALER" CASKETS..

n$995 'ilL

'

www.eternalcaskets.com II

.~

I 16

YOUTH PAGES

,

AUGUST

10,2007

Excitement builds with John Paul II High.School set to open in September

By MATT McDONALD

ment laboratory and the marine safety and environmental protection laboraHYANNIS - More than a month tory at Massachusetts Maritime Acadbefore the school opens for the first emy in Bourne.

Kent said she has noticed an amoral time ever, the new Pope John Paul IT approach to sex education in the pubHigh School in Hyannis presented a lic schools along with a willingness to homeless shelter with a donation last stretch the facts of history in order to weekend. promote a diversity agenda.

Incoming students held a car wash She likes the idea ofher twins, John July 28, raising $1,012 for Noah Sheland Kat, having a Catholic atmosphere ter in Hyannis. in school.

"It says that we have a sense ofwho "We're going to be in an environwe are, <ff1d why we're here," said ment where being a Catholic, you're Chris Keavy, principal. "We are not not an outcast - it's not a bad thing here just to have a school. There are to be a Catholic," Kent said. other high schools, and they do a good Brad Mason, 14, said he heard a job. We're here to create a Catholic pitch from Keavy that hooked him on community, and one way that we live the new school. our faith is service, with an eye toward Brad, who finished eighth grade justice." in a public school in Sandwich in , School representatives presented a June, was one of several incoming check to the development coordinafreshmen at Pope John Paul IT who tor for the shelter August 4 in the sat in a mock class this past spring . school's library, and then parents, stuthat helped administrators select new dents, and teachers gathered behind the school for a cookout on a hill over- teachers. He also voted along with looking a Cape Cod Baseball League other students on the uniforms stugame between the Hyannis Mets and den.ts will wear.

"What interests us is it's a unique the Cotuit Kettleers.

The school has a 99-year lease on perspective not many can say: he'll the field from the town of Barnstable, be part ofthe first graduating class and sharing if with the Mets, who use it . help build the school," said his father, David Mason, director路 of health for during the summer.

John Kent, 14, who just finished the town of Sandwich.

The cookout was billed as a chance eighth grade in public school in for parents and students to get to know Falmouth, was asked why he is going the seven teachers at the school. Brad's to Pope John Paul II High School in mother, Colleen Mason, an accounSeptember. tant, said she is impressed by the en"My mom made me," he said. thusiasm of the incoming staff.

His mQther, standing nearby, "All of the teachers are so excited laughed, then explained why she and to be a part of the process of buildher husband, Mark Kent, are willing ing this school, and they all have to make the 40-rninute drive from East such positive attitudes about it," she Falmouth. said.

"I like the i~ea of having an educaPope John Paul II is scheduled to tion that's Catholic-based, because in open at 7:55 a.m. September 4, with a the public schools I think there are ninth grade of 40 students. things being taught that don't agree "I think it's a strong start, because with our religion;' said Tara Kent, who that's 40 families who have made a manages the natural science departANCHOR STAFF

LEADING THE LEADERS - Nicole Bratton, second from right, a senior this fall at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, was one of six Student Ambassadors escorted by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association to the National Federation of State High School Associations' conference in Indianapolis earlier this summer. The conference focused on respect, positive values, perspective, sportsmanship, teamwork, healthy lifestyles, and community service.With Bratton are other delegates and Harvey Alston, an author and nationally known motivational speaker.

ART CAREER GETS A LIFT - Bill Midon, right, a 1971 graduate 'of Bishop Feehan High School, made good on his promise to take the winner of an art class contest on an aerial tour of Attleboro in his private helicopter. Recent Bishop Feehan graduate, Chris Ryan, gifted artist and winner of this year's Scholastic Art Awards' most prominent Gold Key award, was the lucky recipient of Midon's offer after sketching a striking image of the helicopter itself.

.--------------------. : ATTENTION! ATTENTION! : I

: I I "t'.

:

I

Please note that The Anchor now has a separate email address for school and Religious Education news. Send photos and copy for consideration

: to: schools@anchornews.oJ;"g

commitment to a dream, to a promise," Keavy said.

The plan is to add a grade a year, with the first class scheduled to graduate in 2011.

Full enrollment for grades nine through 12 would total about 400 to 500 students, Keavy said, which he expects to achieve within five years.

"I think each year we're going to grow. Each year you prove to people that you know what you're doing and good things are happening," Keavy said.

The building, situated at the end of High School Road Extension near St. Francis Xavier Church in Hyannis, was the original Barnstable High School.

Cape students wanting to go to a Catholic high school have typically made upwards of an hour commute to Bishop Stang in North Dartmouth or Sacred Heart in Kingston. ''We've been wanting this a long time, and we're thrilled it's finally here on the Cape," said Mary Ann Dulmaine, of East Sandwich, whose fifth and final chiltl, Hannah, will start at Pope John Paul IT next month.

Dulmaine's first two children went to Sandwich High School, her next two to Bishop Stang.

She said she prefers the spiritual formation, small class sizes, and the emphasis on academics and community service at a Catholic school.

There's an inherent risk at starting on the ground floor with a new venture, but the parents at the cookout last Saturday seemed more excited than nervous.

"Our kids are groundbreakers, being the first kids here," said Mary Beth Deehan, of East Sandwich, whoso daughter Lucy, 14, is an incoming freshman.

For more infonnation about Pope John Paul II, go to the Website, www.popejolmpaulhighschool.org.

III _,IB

I

: I I

: I

.:

._------------------_.

ALREADY MAKING A DIFFERENCE - Parents, students, and staff stream out of the new Pope John Paull! High School in Hyannis after a check presentation to a homeless shelter Saturday, August 4. The school opens September 4. (Photo by Matt McDonald)

-, ..

I

AUGUST

$J

10,2007

YOUTH PAGES

Making that first connection

Competition aims to find best video based on WYD theme song WASHINGTON (CNS) 15-20 next year in Sydney.

The World Youth Day Challenge The challenge's Website says isn't even supposed to start offi- that the two people with the most cially until October, and already votes over the course of the comit's drawing entries to compete for petition will win a trip to Sydney.

"There are several video tearns the challenge's grand prize - an all-expenses-paid trip to Sydney, that are being organized," Wills Australia, for World Youth Day said. "They'll have to complete one challenge per month. The next year.

The first challenge is to create video will be able to go up (on the a video running less than five min- Website) for the whole month. utes that uses the WorldYouth Day The people will be able to go to theme song, "Receive the Power." the Website and vote for the vidThe next challenge is to get more eos." people to vote for that video than Wills said a travel agency in for any others in an online com- Miami is footing the cost of the petition. round-trip flights to Sydney. CurThe contesi'1's'sponsored by rent airfare quotes from the East God Squad Communications, part Coast of the United States place a of Radio Peace, the radio minis- Sydney flight at $2,500-$3,000. try of the Archdiocese of Miami.

Visitors to the Website also will "The promotion is doing far be able to give to a "pilgrim asbetter than we expected," said sistance fund" to enable other Christopher Wills, the marketing young Catholics to go to Sydney. manager and programming direcThe competition is open to any tor for Radio Peace. News of the young Catholic in the United contest was released i.n mid-July. States.

Registration will close SepWithout yet having seen any tember 15 for those wishing to of the entries himself, Wills said, enter the contest. Participants "It'll definitely be very interestregister online as teams of two at ing, in this YouTube age, with www.wydchallenge.com.ByOc-thecreativitythat路soutthere.It路s tober 15, people will be able to why we felt this would be a good visit the site to start casting votes way to get our message out for their favorite videos. there.

"By May of '08 we'll know the "We thought it would be a winner of the competition, which competition solely for this archgives plenty of time left to be able diocese but when we developed to book the flight," Wills said in a the idea, developed the program, phone interview with Catholic we felt there would be people all News Service July 27. World across the United States with this Youth Day is scheduled for July talent," he added.

By CHARLIE MARTIN GOOD DIRECTIONS I was sittin' there sellin' turnips on a flatbed truck Crunchin' on a pork rind when she pulled up She had to be thinkin' 'This is where rednecks come from" She had Hollywood written on her license plate She was lost and lookin' for the interstate Needin' directions and I was the man for the job Refrain: I told her way yonder past the caution light There's a little country store with an old Coke sign You gotta stop in, ask Miss Bell for some of her sweet tea Then a left will take you to the interstate But a right will bring you right back here to me I was sittin' there thinkin' 'bout her pretty face Kickin' myself for not catchin' her name I threw my hat and thought, "You fool, that could've been love" I knew myoId Ford couldn't run her down She probably didn't like me anyhow So I watched her disappear in a cloud of dust (Repeat refrain.)

Is this Georgia heat playin' tricks on me Or am I really seein' what I think I see The woman of my dreams comin' back to me She went up yonder past the caution light Don't know why, but somethin' felt right When she stopped in and asked

,

I

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Miss Bell for some of her sweet teal Mama gave her a big '01 glass and sent her right back here to me I! (Repeat refraim) Thank God for good directions and turnip gree~s Sung by Billy Currington Copyright 2005 by Mercury Nashville

Since summer is more laid back, how about another song just for fun? Recently I featured "Cupid's Chokehold," which defipitely falls into this category. Also on the charts is Billy Currington's "Good Directions." Neither song offers much in terms of insight about love, but hey, summer's a good time for fantasies, 'h? ng t. .I While I am not much ,of a fan of the Nashville sound, songs from this genre currently fill sever~1 spots on Billboard's Top 100. If you like the country sound of Kenny Chesney or Toby Keith, you will pr10bably enjoy Billy Currington too. ,!

"Good Directions"is a song about wishful thinking. ' A gir1 who gets lost in a small town ,asks a guy on the comer selling turnips how to find the interstate. He gi~es her the directions she needs, ~ut flirtingly suggests that she go "right" instead of "left" onto the highway and retum to him.

As the gir1 drives aWfiY, the guy wishes he had been more engaging with her, saying to himself, "You fool, that could've been love." Then he wonders if the "Georgia heat" is "playing tricks on me" a$ he notices "the woman of my dreams coming back to me." He congratulates himself on gMng such "good directions."

I know: pure fantasy. However, the song did make me a.sk: How do

walks and ages of life together for a shared quest: to find out what happens next.

Then I began to wonder. Could this possibly be what it was like for St. Paul and the others? For just as Harry Potter fans queued long lines did the Jews and Gentiles of Corinth and Ephesus await Paul's letters with the same passion and dedication?

Were the early Christians just as anxious?

Picture it. The Jews and Gentiles get.word in Corinth that Paul has penned a letter; a letter which will change their lives forever; a letter revealing the Truth of Jesus Christ. Villagers are abuzz, careful not to leak this news to Roman soldiers. ~'When will it arrive?" they wonder. Will they be among the first to hear Paul's words and come to know the resurrected Jesus? Then finally, they gather in a cave or some other secret meeting place and the scroll is revealed.

Were their reactions like those of the Harry Potter fans that night when the bookstore's doors openedcheers, applause, a sense that they

have been invited to participate in something special and far beyond any'of them? . What about the modem Christian? Do we approach the Gospels, letters, and books of the Old Testament with the same zealous fervor as the early Christians? As .

Harry Potter fans? Sadly, I don't think so. All we have to do is look at the number of parishioners in our pews. Do we see the two-year-olds leaning their heads on mom or dad's shoulders? Do we see teen-agers coming to Mass on their own or with a group of friends? Do we see families attending side-by-side?Yes, we see a few, but not as many as there once were. How could a boy wizard get eight to 10 miWon people allover the country to stand in line for hours and then stay home

Your comments are always welcome. Please write to me at: chmartin@swindiana.net or at 7125W 2005, Rockport, IN

47635.

II

.A muggle mission Recently, I stood in line with one thousand people. All of us gathered with the same goal. We all wanted, desired, and craved to be among the first. We couldn't fathom the thought that everything we had invested over the past several years could be destroyed by people who would relish ruining the outcome for us.

That simply could not happen. Not if we had anything to say about it.

Yes, folks. I'm talking about the release of "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows." Fear not, however, for I have no intention of ruining the ending for anyone who has not read the last insta1lment.

But as I stood in line at 11:30 p.m. on a warm Friday evening, waiting for the clock to strike 12:01 a.m. and the doors of my local Barnes & Noble to swing open, I observed the other muggles (people) who eagerly waited with me. People of all ages, from the two-year-olds carried by mom or dad, grandmas . and grandpas who waited with their grandchildren, to every other age group in between anticipated the release of this final book. "The Deathly Hallows" bridged the age gap and brought people from all

you make that first connection with someone you are attracted to romantically?

Of course the song suggests flirting as the way to get another's attention. This is usually harmless but not very effective. A'betterapproach relies less on romantic attractions and more on developing friendships with a variety of people.

Get to know others as individuals and not as romantic interests.

Now, you might recognize that someone really attracts you, but tone down the firewor1<s. Try to engage the person while taking part in shared activities. Delay asking for a date.

One way to get to know more people is to focus your social life ' on group activities.

At your school or parish, join a variety of organizations. Get involved with groups that bring people together but also have. the intent to give service or develop talents, such as drama, sports or extracurricularacademics. This way you will meet many others and see how they interact in various settings.

When you do decide to ask someone to date, go slow. See how you can be a supportive friend for the other person's interests and challenges.

Most of us seek to find someone through dating with whom we might eventually build a long-term partnership. The best-approach for this desire is to trust your life. God has brought us into life so we can learn many things, develop the talents he gave us and make a difference for others.

that weekend to read his story; yet, the life, death, and resurIection of Jesus, our savior and ow: king, can't get us to our parishes for one hour each weekend?

Is it because we know the story already? Is it because wJ think there is nothing new to learn ~ the Gospel messages? Is it ~imply all "old hat" to us?l!

Jesus' teachings, and those from the Old Testament, no matter how many times we "hear them, will always res~nate within some piece of us. Like Harry, we too H~ve a quest or a mission. O!rr joumey, our quest begins with oUr baptism and is never complete. ~ life experiences along the way mold us and shape us and even sometimes alter our path in the faitl1 journey.

But our destination a1w!ys remains the same - etemallife I,with Christ.

In a few weeks, schools and colleges will reconvene: Faith formation and youth mipistry programs will once agaIn point to a path along our journey~" bringing us one step closer to that destination.

Through it all, our pari~hes ,and our II

priests await us to join them in the journey of our Catholic faith as we come together for the Eucharist.

Let's make it our mission to attend Mass each week, to come together as communities of faith to share those journeys. Let's make it our mission to walk through the doors of our parishes 'with eager, open hearts and minds as we listen to the word of God. Let's make it our mission to approach our faith with the same zeal and hunger of the early Christians.

This is our quest - to become active disciples of Jesus as we . navigate life's precarious paths.

Oh, and in case you're interested, do you know which book far surpasses the number of all seven Harry Potter books printed? The Bible, has printed more than 2.5 billion copies since 1815. That's nearly one bible for every two people on earth.

The quest to discover Jesus is never-ending.

Crystal is the asst. director for Youth & YoungAdultMinistryfortJre diocese andyouth ministry coordinator for St. Lawrence Martyr Parish in New Bedford. You can contacther at cmedeiros@dfrcec.com.

I 18 Bishop

$ The Anchor' $

Mass

Continued from page 11

the early 1920s, there were 34 elementary schools, two parish high schools - Holy Family in New Bedford and St. Mary's in Taunton - and four private girls' academies: Jesus-M!IfY, Sacred Hearts, and Dominican in Fall River, as well as Sacred Hearts in Fairhaven.

Bishop Feehan also approved a college planned by the Sacred Hearts Fathers in Fairhaven. But like his own plan for a high school in Fall River opposite the Superior Courthouse on North'Main Street, it neverwas realized.

He founded three orphanages: S1. Vmcent's Home and S1. Joseph's Home for those of French extraction, both in Fall River; and St. Mary's in New Bedford. With Bishop Feehan as catalyst, the annual July 4 orphans' picnic at St. Vincent's attracted tens of thousands, Bishop Connolly recalled in his book.

Bishop Feehan founded a number of nurseries, camps, residences for women, and other charitable institutions, and was successful in seeking out congregations of religious Sisters to staff them.

And he was active in founding and' promoting the Catholic Charities Bureau, the forerunner of the Catholic Charities Appeal.

Nearing the end of his life, he would write on June 1, 1925: "Cognizant ofmy own responsibility before God towards those of my chilo, dren, who stand in greatest need of love and encouragement ... I have set my mind and my heart to the work of organizing the charities of the diocese. It is my desire to make the Office of 'Catholic Charities a sanctuary where the poor and the helpless may bring their burdens and through their Catholic religion receive aid, both spiritual and temporal, that will restore them to normal Christian living."

Bishop Connolly wrote: "One feature must be mentioned about Bishop Feehan. He loved the companionship of priests, and particularly of bishops. All New England members of the hierarchy found pleasure and relaxation in his company. But his priests and seminarians were his pride. He insisted he had the finest group in the land. And since he felt so, they in tum accepted the accolade."

Yet he had a heart and mind for the missions and would release any priest who wanted to answer that call, Bishop Connolly noted. ,World War I and the terrible influt:Dza epidemic of 1918 brought special concerns. Of the eight diocesan priests who served as chaplains during the war, two were decorated for bravery. Three young priests died from the flu, and at the height of the epidemic, Bishop Feehan excused the faithf1:J1 temporarily from the Sunday obligation ot" attending Mass and allowed

AUGUST

10, 2007

Continuedfrom page one

Church facilities to be used as hos- cise term because in theory the pital wards. Priests and Sisters re- Novus Ordo can also be said in Latin. sponded heroically.

The differences run much deeper.

The only stem ruling to come In the Tridentine Mass, the priest from the bishop was his insistence faces the altar., with his back to the that Catholics should be buried in people for most of the liturgy, .Catholic cemeteries regardless of whereas in the Novus Ordo he faces any title families had to lots in pub- the people. The prayers and readings lic cemeteries. are different, too.

When one of his priests was bur-The Vatican never did away with ied, on the insistence of his family, the Tridentine Mass, but Pope Paul in the North Burial Ground, Bishop VI allowed it to be said publicly Feehan celebrated his funeral Mass, only with special permission from but refused to preside at his inter- the Holy See. In 1984 Pope John ment.

Paul IT allowed local bishops to give When he reached his mid-70s, special approval (known as an Bishop Feehan began to develop "indult") for the Tridentine Mass in hardening of the arteries and ac- their dioceses, and in 1988 he asked bishops to give such permission companying senility.

In March of 1930, Msgr. generously.

Cassidy, the vicar general, was Pope Benedict XVI lifts the need n~ed auxiliary bishop and consefor that special permission in his decrated on May 27 in the cathedral. cree SummorumPontificum ("Of the RECEIVING REVERENTLY - A woman with her head covered Bec~use of Bishop Feehan's grow- Supreme Pontiffs"), issued July 7 kneels to receive Communion at a recent Tridentine Mass at Our ing incapacity, on October 3, and taking effect September 14. (The Lady of Grace Chapel in Chatham. (Photo by Matt McDonald) Bishop Cassidy was appointed Ap- decree is known as a motu proprio, ostolic Administrator of the dio- which means "of his own accord:') Sancta Trinitas, a prayer to the Holy golden. '~d I think the silent canon of cese.

At the moment, the 1 p.m. Sun- Trinity the priest recites after washing his fingers ritually before the the Mass emphasizes the sacredness On the evening ofJuly 19, 1934, day Mass at Our Lady of Grace is "I think they're exconsecration. of it," said Tavi Prugno, who has Bishop Feehan died at a summer the only public Tridentine Mass in think some tremely beautiful, and I been coming to the Tridentine Mass home at Cataumet on Cape Cod. He the Diocese of Fall River. ofthe prayers that the priest says reOur Lady ofGrace since it started. at was 79.

On a Sunday last month, about him that he is not only a priest, mind me to fo" find the silence allows His funeral Mass was celebrated 45 people attended; Gallante said 50 of the congregabut he is a member The silent cus on what's going on. on July 22 in the cathedral by is typical, though the Mass draws him, and tion.

The Holy Mass is by canon of the Mass is one of the Bishop Cassidy and he was laid to more people on special occasions. things that attracted me." rest in the cathedral churchyard beGallante, 53, a graphic designer for him."

"Reverence" is a watchword of At 37, Prugno had no history with who lives in Harwich, was one of side Bishop S t a n g . ' Although it was learned that on the prime movers in getting perm!s- devotees ofthe traditional Mass. At the Latin Mass, but he had read about July 12, 1934 Bishop Cassidy had sion for it. He echoes Pope Benedict ,Communion time at Our Lady of it and was curious. Witnessing the been appointed coadjutor with the XVI's comment in his decree that , Grace, congregants kneel about Tridentine Mass in person, PrugnO right of succession, Bishop Feehan the traditional Latin liturgy has been where in former days a Commun- was hooked. . "When I went here and saw how died before the proper documents "a spur to the spiritual life of many ion rail would have separated the pews from the sanctuary and re- it was celebrated, I really enjoyed it. arrived from Rome and the appoint-saints." ment never took effect, Father Wall "I feel connected to the centuries , ceive Communion on the tongue, It's that bridge, that link with Cathoreported. of Catholic tradition, and all the following a pious practice suggest- lics throughout the ages," said As a result, when Bishop Catholicsaints,andallmyancestors ing unworthiness to receiv.e in the Prugno, a librarian at Snow Library in Orleans who grew up in Chatham Cassidy formally took possession who came and went;' Gallante said. hand.

'The reverence implied in kneel- and lives there year-round. of the diocese on September 2, it the first Tridentine Mass at Our While it has a stable year-round was a simple ceremony in which he .Lady of Grace (a satellite of Holy ing for holy Communion, I think that presented the letter of appointment Redeemer Parish in Chatham) took might attract some;' said FatherTho- congregation, during the summer the to the diocesan consultors at a Mass place Feb. 17, 2002, the first Sun- mas W. Buckley, 77, a retired priest Mass attracts some seasonal resiin therCathedral. day of Lent. The celebrant was Fa- of the Archdiocese of Boston who dents of the Cape.

On a Sunday in July, Joe and Sue In 1961, Bishop Feehan High ther Richard Neilson, a retired priest drives an hour and 15 minutes from School in Attleboro was dedicated ofthe Archdiocese ofNewYork who his home jn Abington to say the tra- Astone were among them, their first ditional Mass in Chatham. "And of time at a Tridentine Mass in more and named after the diocese's sec- lives in Orleans. ond bishop, and was staffed by the Neilson, now 83, who stopped course the silence of the canon. The than 35 years.

The Astones, both 51, live in saying the traditional Mass regularly canon is read silently. 'It involves a Sisters of Mercy.

On May 25 this year, prior to tak- last year, said in an interview that moment of solemnity, which is ap- Nashua, N.H., but also have a home ing the summer recess, Feehan Prin- like the pope he sees an opportunity propriate at th~ moment of conse- in South Harwich. .

Joe Astone, a commodity mancipal Bill Runey declared the illst for each version to enrich the other. cration, of course."

Critics of the Latin Mass some- ager at Hewlett Packard, said he annual Bishop Daniel Feehan Day The current ordinary form of the Mass emphasizes the Bible more times point out there's not much for found Mass at Our Lady of Grace to honor their namesake founder. af- than the older version, for instance, the laity to do, as the priest says the ''very relaxing and peaceful."

The celebration included Sue Astone, an elementary school ternoon of fun and games for the with three Scripture readings instead vast majority of the structured students and faculty, including a. of two, plus an extended prayers, and many of them silently. principal, found pluses and minuses.

(The low Tridentine Masses have no "My thought is the Latin gives dunk tank, bungee runner, inflatable responsorial psalm. role for deacons, either; and girls it a serious and holy feeling, but at "I'm glad to see the motu propslip & slide, obstacle course, and an open mic for Feehan students" . rio and the letter accompanying it can't assist the priest as servers at a the same time it's a distant feeling.

It's reminiscent of a time gone by, rock bands. from the Holy Father suggesting it Tridentine Mass.)

In Chatham Buckley celebrates , both the good and the bad," she The freshman class won the be considered that the readings in the Class Challenge Award, which was New Mass be used in the Tridentine, a so-called "dialogue" Tridentine said.

She has a positive view of the presented by Runey to Class Presi- because it is very poor in Scripture, Mass, which includes responses in there's no question about that," Latin for those attending the Mass Latin Mass, but prefers the current dent Andrew Payne. that are comparable to the responses .standard form in English.

For Bishop Feehan, who loved Neilson said.

"I would come again," she said being with children and young "But I'd like to see some of ~e in the Novus Ordo Mass.

But for large stretches the pew- of the Latin Mass. "Not all the time, people, it might well have been the prayers of the Tridentine Mass used because I really support the changes., kind ofevent he would'have liked to in the Novus Ordo," he said, men- sitters don't have a structured role.

Yet for many, the silence ,is It has its special place." attend. tioning in particular the Suscipe

an

I

AUGUST

$

10, 2007

Around the Diocese ~ ~:I""

~..;.

---------------------,

The Anchor

$

Kenyan bishop applauds ruling that u.s. Mill Hill priest was murdered

~,

IEucharistic Adoration L______

I

__J

ATTLEBORO - Perpetual eucharistic adoration is held at St. Joseph's Church at 208 Main Street. For more information call 508-226-1115.

FALL RIVER - Exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place at Sacred Heart Church at 160 Seabury Street following the 8 a.m.

Mass to 2:30 p.m. every Monday.

EDGARTOWN - St. Elizabeth's Church at 86 Main Street has eucharistic adoration every moming in August before the 9 o'clock Mass.

----- -r1Miscellaneous .

-~-.-------.--

-

i

._._------'

CHATHAM - A Tridentine Mass celebrated in Latin according to the 1962 missal is celebrated 1 p.m. every Sunday at Our Lady of Grace Chapel on Route 137 in Chatham.

FALMOUTH - St. Patrick's Church at 511 Main Street is holding sessions featuring recordings of sacred music masterpieces this summer.

The sessions,~hichare held in the large classroom in the church basement, are scheduled for ito 8:15 p.m., with three more to be held in August. The sessions are August 14 (The Faure Requiem and the Cantique de Jean Racine); August 21 (The Verdi Requiem); and August 28 (short choral works by Allegri, Barber, and Schubert, among others).

FALMOUTH - St. Anthony's Church at East Falmouth Highway (Route 28) has a lending library in the basement of the church with books, digital video discs, and videotapes with spiritual and recreational themes.

Summer visitors are welcome. It's open 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and on Sunday mornings, available for donating and borrowing.

FALL RIVER - Sacred Heart Church is holding a soup kitchen from 5 to 6 p.m. August 13. The church is at 160 Seabury Street.

REGIONAL - The Office of Family Ministry of the Diocese of Fall River is offering resources to support marriage in connection with a multi-year initiative begun by the U.S. bishops in 2004. For more information, go to the office's Website, www.familyfallriver.org.

REGIONAL - Couples planning to get married can participate in Catholic Engaged Encounter, a weekend event designed to give couple~ a chance to speak honestly about their future lives together. Desires, ambitions, goals, and attitudes about money and children are among the topics. The weekend fulfills the Diocese of Fall River's marriage preparation instructional requirement. The next event is scheduled for August 24-26. For more information call Matt or Marianne Doran-Collins at 508-294-6822 or www.eefallriver.org.

----.-_

--- - - - -----1

LectureslPresentations ______J ~

ORLEANS - Get to know Pope Benedict XVI. Dr. Louis Savary is holding sessions in August exploring all aspects of the pope's life at St. Joan of Arc at 61 Canal Road. Remaining sessions are scheduled for 7 p.m. August 20 and 27.

I

ISocialE vents

J

MANSFIELD - All are welcome to join an evening of scrapbooking at 7 o'clock tonight in the parish center of St. Mary's. The church is located at 330 Pratt Street. For more information call Tina Koury at 508-339-2204 or Karen Cavanaugh at 508-337-6377.

NEW BEDFORD - St. Lawrence Martyr Church at 110 Summer Street plans to hold its annual summer picnic after the noon Mass on the parish grounds Sunday. A cookout, children's games, and 'a silent auction are among the activities.

TAUNTON - Holy Rosary Parish at 80 Bay Street is having its 25th annual Polish Picnic on Sunday. It will include arts and crafts, food, drink, and a raffle. A special 11 a.m. Mass under a big tent will kick off festivities. The picnic ends at 7 p.m. Music is by the Eddie Forman orchestra.

[p~-Life Activities

]

ATTLEBORO - A Mass for the unborn is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. tomorrow at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. The Mass intention is for all victims of abortion. The Shrine is at 947 Park Street.

l~upport Groups

]

MASHPEE - A Bereavement Support Group for people who have lost loved ones is scheduled for September and October at Christ the King Parish at Mashpee Commons off Route 151. The group plans to meet from 10 to 11 :30 a.m. Wednesdays from September 5 through October 17. Sister Dympna Smith is the facilitator. Call 508-477-7700 or stop by the parish office to register.

NEW BEDFORD - Courage, a group that helps people who are attracted to members of the same sex live chastely, meets regularly at the rectory of St. James's Church at 233_County Street. For more information call Father Richard Wilson at 508-992-9498.

NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) - A Kenyan bishop applauded an inquest court ruling that a U.S. priest who died in Kenya in 2001 did not commit suicide but was murdered by a third party.

Bishop Peter Kairo of Nakuru, head of the Kenyan bishops' conference's justice and peace commission, described the ruling as superb.

'The fact that the inquest court has managed to rule out the FBI suicide theory on the murder of the late Catholic priest is good enough," the bishop, who attended the court's August 1 ruling, told Catholic News Service.

After a nearly four-yearlong inquest into the death of Mill Hill Father John Kaiser, presiding magistrate Maureen Odero said in the ruling that "there exists sufficient evidence to show third-party involvement in the death of the deceased" and recommended that the Kenyan police immediately start fresh investigations to determine who killed Father Kaiser.

Odero also discounted another

Dominican Sisters of Hope observe . . annlVerSanes OSSINING, N.Y. - Three local Dominican Sisters of Hope were among 25 colleagues who recently celebrated jubilees in the religious life. Festivities included a Eucharistic Liturgy in the chapel of the congregation in Newburg, N.Y. Dinner followed at a restaurant.

Celebrating 75 years is Sister Celine Thiboutot ofFall River, Mass.

Marking her 60th anniversary is Sister Louise _Place of North Dartmouth, Mass.

Observing her 50th jubilee is Sister Madeleine Tacy, also of North Dartmouth.

_In Your Pray~rs Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Aug. 13 Rev. Edward J. Sheridan, Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1896 Rt. Rev. Leonard J. Daley, Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1964 Rev. Gabriel Swol, OFM Conv., Fonner Associate Pastor, Holy Rosary, Taunton, 1991 Aug. 14 Rev. Raphael Marciniak, OFM Conv., Pastor, Holy Cross, Fall River, 1947 Rev. Conrad Lamb, O.S.B., Missionary in Guatemala, 1969 Aug. IS Rev. Charles W. Cullen, Founder, Holy Family, East Taunton, 1926 Aug. 17 Rev. Cornelius O'Connor, Former Pastor, Holy Trinity, Harwich Center, 1882 Rev. Msgr. Maurice Souza, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony, East Falmouth, 1996 Aug. IS Rev. Msgr. William H. Dolan, Retired Pastor, Holy Family, East Taunton, 1977

expounded theory that Father Kaiser had suffered from a diagnosable mental illness.

The court was packed with clergymen, nuns, human rights activists, journalists and friends of Father Kaiser.

The inquest had been requested by the Kenyan bishops' conference, the family of Father Kaiser and his congregation, all of whom rejected the FBI conclusion that the priest committed suicide.

Mbuthi Gathenji, the lawyer representing those who asked for the inquest, described the ruling as hopeful and promising. He,iloldjournalists that it is now up to the Office of the Attorney General to implement Odero's recommendations to start fresh investigations into the murder.

Gathenji ruled out the: FBI suicide theory and argued that Father Kaiser was murdered by a third party. In his submission to the inquest, he said that testimony from a forensic expert as well as the oral and

physical evidence produced showed that there is no basis to prove the priest committed suicide.

Gathenji said evidence pointed to a conspiracy involving Julius Sunkuli, a Cabinet member in the government offormer Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi. Father Kaiser had helped two girls who claimed to have been raped by Sunkuli.

Father Kaiser, who often spoke out against government abuses, was found dead, with bullet wounds to his head, along a highway southwest of Nairobi. The first police officers on the scene thought he had been murdered, but in 2001 the FBI ruled his death a suicide, and the Kenyan government agreed.

Father Kaiser, a native ofPerham, Minn., who was 67 at the time of his death, had worked in Kenya for 36 years. His advocacy for human rights led to his expulsion from the country in 1999, but the government revoked its decision after an outcry in the Kenyan media and appeals from the country's bishops.

Sister Mary Moynagh, RSM; taught in Fall River Diocese CUMBERLAND, R.I.:- Mercy Sister Mary Moynagh, 901 formerly Sister Mary EmeliIle, ~ .re,tire4 ed,u.cator who taught at Catholic elementary schools in Fall River and New Bed~ ford, Mass., died August 3 at Mt. St. Rita MERCY SISTER Health Cen- MARY MOYNAGH tre.

A daughter of the lat~ John and Mary (Conneely) Moynagh, she entered the Sisters of 楼ercy on Sept. 8, 1937 and professed her

vows on Aug. 16, 1943.

Sister Mary also taught in vario~s ~Je,;nertary s<{,hools in the Diocese路 of Providence for many years prior to her retirement in 1995 to St. Mary Convent-Bay View, in Riverside.

Besides her Mercy family, she leaves a sister-in-law, Evelyn Moynagh; and nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Joseph, Andrew and John Moynagh.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated August 8 in Mt. St. Rita Chapel in Cumberland. Burial was in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Fall River.

The James J. Gallogly & Sons Funeral Home in Providence was in charge of m:rangements.

SERVICE... By caringfamity and sen1ice-jamity professionals TRUST. .. liz the people you know CHOICE. .. Custom~desigfled, personaiized tributes AFFORDABILITY... Dignijied services within a budget For over 135 )'-ears, families have turned to the Waring-Sullivan service family of compassionate professionals to guide them through life's most challenging times.

508-676-1933 508-999-5100

~ ~

Waring - Sullivan" Homes of Memorial TrIbute

www.wnring-<;uIUVIIIl.<om

A Sen;", filmily Aflili... 01Afrs & s"nitt Corpontioa 1ll1tm::tional, 492 Rod< Stn.. ... r'3lJ River, MA 02720 S08-61b-24S4

~60me0ne6pedaL I Light a Virtual candle at

HathawayFunerals.com

.

~----~--

H -'-. - .

rmn

--

ATHAWAV FAMILYl --_ - -- --- --.....--.- .

..

FUNERAL_.- HOMES ------~;

Helping people find hope.

-

).

-

,

20

Vocations

The Anchor ,

AUGUST

10, 2007

Continued/rom page one

too many buildings and not enough priests to staff them all.'

At one level, the math is unarguable: The number of priests who retire each year is greater than the number of priests ordained. And this leads inevitably to fewer priests."

Father Bissinger .added that the Lord Jesus, however, knew that there would be a perpetual shortage of laborers for his harvest. That is why he told us to pray to the Harvest Master in ery age for laborers, "men and women [who] will hear and answer God's call to serve him and the Church as priests and religious."

With regard to pastoral planning, the assistant vocations director stated, "the arithmetic forces us' to make certain types of evaluations. Th.e natural ten- . dency is to assume that we have to downsize. If there are too . many churches and schools', if there are too few parishioners and pupils, if there aren't . enough priests, then we have to shut some of these facilities down."

"But," he continued~ "is that eÂŤ;>nc1usion really inevitable? Or can we do something to change the premises?" Father Bissinger said that there was. "For one thing, you and I can take more seriously our role as missionariesby inviting people we know

ev-

to pray with us, to come to Mass, and to live and share our Christian life."

If that is done, he suggested in a passionate conclusion, "Instead of downsizing, our ranks can swell! Instead of closing churches, we would build new ones!"

The Holy Hour included Vespers at which Bishop Coleman presided, as well as adoration and penediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Seminarians of the diocese, concluding their annual summer convocation, were the servers.

After the holy hour, all those in attendance were invited to the parish hall for a reception, where the seminarians were introduced.

Father Kevin Cook, assistant vocations director for recruitment, thanked all the members' of the parish vocations teams at the reception for their crucial work in the diocese's vocational efforts.

He invited them all- and any Catholics from other parishes presently without a vocations awareness team - to a meeting at St. Julie's on September 9, at 3 p.m. At that time, members of the parish vocations awareness teams' from various parishes will be able to share ideas on ways to build vocations awareness teams that are ever more effective in responding to the Lord's call.

tOOKING FOR LABORERSMembers of several parish vocations teams and others listen to Father Karl C. Bissinger, assistant director for vocations of the -Diocese of Fall River, deliver a homily at a recent holy hour for vocations at St. Julie Billiart .Church in North Dartmouth. Father Bissinger told the faithful that Jesus knew there would be.a perpetual shortage of laborers for his harvest.

That is why he told us to pray to the Harvest Master in every age for laborers. (Photos by Eric Rodrigues) /

/

/

/

Stay In wned to thl Church across the dloclse and the globe..

SGbscribe to Thl Anchor

;

1 Year $14.00 ...,.-

Name:

Address:

State:

Zip:

_

IF GIVEN AS A GIFT, THE CARD SHOULD READ: From:

_

Street: _ _--:-

~

_

~

City:

..

_

City/State: _-=--

Parish to receive credit:

_ _

Enclose check or money order and mail to: The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722 This Message Sponsored by the Following Business Concern in the Diocese of Fall River GILBERT C. OLIVEIRA INSURANCE AGENCY

THE WISDOM OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS - Moses is depicted with the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments on the pediment of the back of the Supreme Court building in WaShington.

(CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)