....
·~"-'~,-..._'-----
VOL. 47, NO. 30
FALL RIVER, MASS.
• Friday, August 15, 2003
Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year
Archbishop O'Malley keeps newsmedia busy By
DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR AND CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
BOSTON - His instal1ation completed and goal of healing sexual abuse by clergy posted, Boston Archbishop Sean Patrick O'Malley, OFM Cap., continues to set a hectic pace in getting the shepherding of the ailing archdiocese into a pragmatic rhythm. In recent days he has made a $55 million offer to settle 542 pending lawsuits over clergy sexual abuse of minors in the archdiocese; named a new lead counsel for those legal issues; said that Catholic politicians who support legal abortion should not receive Communion of their own volition; appointed a vicar general and moderator of the curia for the
archdiocese; and bypassing the traditional residence of his predecessors, will move into the rectory of Holy Cross Cathedral. News of the proposal broke late last week as attorneys for some of the plaintiffs made details available to the media. If accepted, it will be the largest settlement ever reached for a group of victims of clergy sexual abuse, although not the largest settlement per victim. The proposal reportedly requires that in order to take effect, at least 95 percent of the plaintiffs will have to sign on within 30 days. While the proposed settlement would mean an average of about Tum to page 13 -'- Archbishop
W E i~ C() \1
f~
BISJiOP GEORGE W. Coleman shares a moment with students from St. Margaret's RegionalSchool, Buzzards Bay, who performed at the St. Mary's Fund Dinner at the Country Club in New Seabury recently. (Anchon'Bruce McDaniel photo)
Night on Cape has roots in education
NEW SEABURY - Imagine a magnificent summer soiree on Cape Cod that has scholarships for needy Catholic students at its very essence. it] For the sixth year that's exactly what happened when more than 220 guests attended the annual St. :-.COI""·' ",n:ii", Mary's Education Fund Dinner at the New Seabury Country Club on July 25. The charity fund-raiser, the second consecutive event at the Country Club, benefited the innovative St. Mary's Education Fund, interest from which provides need-based scholarships to students in the Fall River diocese who otherwise would be unable to attend a Catholic school. The event ''traditionally raises $300,000 and we are stil1 receiving donations," reported Jane Robin, the newly-appointed executive fund-raiser for St. Mary's Education Fund. "We had an elegant time:' Robin reported. ''After cocktails we had a wonderful meal and it was the first public appearance of our new bishop, Bishop George W. Coleman, who had been ordained just three days earlier." She said the bishop "was most gracious and smiling and very jovial because this was indeed a most special occasion. He also gave a brief address." Robin said the Fund, established in the diocese in 1991 with proceeds from the sale of the former St. Mary's Home, a diocesan-sponsored orphanage in New Bedford, last year awarded scholarships to approximately 600 students. The scholarships are not limited to schools on Cape Cod, but extend to needy students through the entire diocese, Robin pointed out. ARCHBISHOP SEAN Patrick O'Malley, center right, enThe tradition of the scholarship dinner began in ters the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston for his instal- 1995 with the annual fall event which is stil1 held. The lation Mass July 30. Pope John Paull! choose the Capuchin heritage of the summer event on Cape Cod began in to head the Archdiocese of Boston, it's ninth leader. At cen- 1988. ter left is Bishop Richard G. Lennon, who had been serving Suzanne Downing of Cotuit, who has been chairas administrator of the archdiocese following the December man of the Cape event for six years, and dedicated committee members from the Cape, Southeastern Masresignation of Cardinal Bernard F. Law. (CNS photo)
Archbi,,~\~}p S~ ~
~}rt\)TIcnU~0~' ~
sachusetts and Boston, planned the spectacular event. "We enjoyed a fine performance by 22 students from St. Margaret's Regional School ofBuzzards Bay, who offered us a variety of songs," Robin said. "We also viewed a video that centered on the Fund and its outreach and impact on St. Margaret's School." The highlight of the evening was the exciting performance by contralto Sharon Z, who offered a medley of contemporary and classical pieces she has performed on and off Broadway. "She is an international favorite and was greatly received and drew tremendous "applause from those attending:' Robin noted. '''This was my first event as executive fund-raiser, and it was very exciting," she said. Robin came to the Fund in April after 17 years at Heritage Plantation in Sandwich.
Osterville parish to celebrate 75th • annIversary OSTERVILLE - Our Lady of the Assumption Parish will celebrate its 75th anniversary as a parish with a Mass celebrated by Bishop George W. Coleman on August 17 at noon, followed by a reception on the church lawn. Built as a mission chapel of St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, in 1905, Our Lady of the Assumption was elevated to a parish in 1928. It serves the village of Osterville and the eastern section of Marstons Mil1s in the town of Barnstable. Any requests for further information can be directed to the parish office at 508-428-2011.