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VOL. 48, NO. 31 • Friday, August 20, 2004

Southeastern Ma:.'lachuseUs' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

FALL RIVER, MASS.

Candidates present clear differences on abortion issue

By NANCY FRAZIER O'BRIEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON - In the Catholic world, at least, few issues have gotten more attention than abortion during the 2004 presidential campaign.

But putting aside the question of Communion for Catholic politicians, no issue shows a clearer distinction between the major party candidates, Republican President George W. Bush and Democratic Sen. John F. Kerry of Massachusetts.

As president, Bush has signed the ban on partial-birth abortions, which his administration has de-

fended against court challenges; signed the Born Alive Infants Protection Act; reinstituted the "Mexico City policy" that bars the use of U.S. foreign aid to promote abortions in other countries; denied federal funds to the U.N. Population Fund; and nominated Pro-Life federal judges.

Kerry voted six times against the partial-birth abortion ban; was a co-sponsor of the Freedom of Choice Act, which would have prohibited states from placing limits on abortion; opposes parental involvement in minors' abortion decisions; and has vowed to Tum to page 13 - Issues

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THIS IS an architect's rendition of the proposed Faith Center to be built on the grounds of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville. The center will provide meeting rooms, a prayer room and 13 classrooms that will provide a home for the parish religious education program and courses in the new partnership with Providence College.

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There have been 30 years of gradual decline in voter participation i~ national elections. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 56 million eligible Americans were not even registered to vote in 2000. And of those Americans who were registered, only 59 percent cast a ballot. If you are already registered, encourage your friends, family and coworkers to register, and then, be sure to remember to vote.

To register you must be: 1.) Currently living in Massachusetts. No length of stay is required.

2.) A U.S. Citizen.

3.) 18 years old by the date of the next election.

Obtain a MA voter registration form: 1.) From your town hall, election clerk or library 2.) Call the MA Secretary of State at 800-462-VarE 3.) Download from www.MassVote.net Deadline to vote in the September 14 primary is Wedll1lesdi!ay, Aungunsa Z5 Deadline to vote in the November 2 General Election is Wedl!1les~ay, Odolbell' n

Make your voice heard. Remember to VOTE Reprinted with pennissioo from Massacbusetts Family Institute

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Centerville pari~h teams up with area college for a unique learning experience Editor's note: This is the second in a two-partfeature on the faith-based education vision ofOur lAdy ofVICtory Parish in Centerville.

By DAVE JOUVET

EOOOR

CENTERVILLE - Through a series of typical, yet bothersome obstacles, the parish community ofOur Lady of Victory Parish has focused its attention on a faith-based educational mission to include Cape Cod Catholics of all ages.

Part of this mission includes raising the funds necessary to build a new 13-c1assroom education center on the parish campus. The fund-raising portion of the project is well underway, having already raised twothirds ofthe projected $2.5-2.8 million needed to break ground.

The parish financial council is hopeful, with the continued generosity of the parishioners, to begin the construction phase some time this fall.

In the meantime, there is more exciting news emanating from the vibrant parish community. Earlier this year, pastor Father Mark R. Hession announced a landmark partnership, allying his faith family with Provi-

dence College to provide parishioners and other Cape Cod Catholics high-quality adult education on Church teachings and catechetical practice to the Church.

Providence College in Providence, R.I., is renown for offering academic excellence through the sciences and humanities in accordance with its Mission Statement, recognizing "the unity of the human family that . proceeds from its one Creator."

Father Hession had toyed with the idea of such a unique academic partnership for some time. "Dominican Father Dan Cassidy and I discussed something like this years ago," Father Hession told The Anchor recently. ''We both felt the frustration of having wonderful religious education volunteers who, through no fault of their own, were unsure of the faith with regards to Church teachings."

The college, with then Dean of Continuing Education, Joe Marina, Ph.D., and Father Hession, established a course of action that came to fruition this summer with the institution of its first course, "Understanding the Christian Creed and Catechesis."

The groundbreaking class ran for six weeks at Our Lady of Victory Parish, led by professors Maryann Tum to page 13 - College

A pastoral letter from Bishop Coleman - page nine

the anch~

Friday, August 20, 2004

N.J. governor had cOlDe und~r

fire for receiving Communion

By CATHOLIC

ANNA OLIVER was recently chosen as the Employee of the Quarter for Fall River's Catholic Memorial Home. She has worked for the home since 1985 and received a cash award and certificate as part of the honor. From left: Assistant Director of Nursing Derek Poitras, Oliver, Assistant Administrator .Erin Kanuse, and Ad[1inistra128P0q:l~Healy.

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Sister Blanche Benoit SSJ HOLYOKE - Sister Blanche Benoit, 86, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph for 71 years and formerly known as Sister Maria Cecilia, died August 11 in Holyoke Hospital after a long illness.

Born in Fall River, the daughter of the late Louis and the late Louise (Bombardier) Benoit, she received her early education in the parochial schools of Fall River.

She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1933 from Notre Dame Parish, Fall River. She became a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield in 1974 when

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Eucharistic Holy .....

Hour and devotions to Our Lady of LaSaiette and Divine Mercy are held every ~ednesday evening at 1: I 5 p.m.

in the Shrine Church at LaSalette Shrine ....9 4., Park St. ' Attlebor~

the two communities merged.

She graduated from Novitiate High School in Fall River and Sacred Heart Normal School. She attended Rivier College in Nashua, N.H. Sister Benoit taught at Blessed Sacrament, St. Jeanne Baptiste and St. Matthew schools in Fall River, and at St. Joseph School in New Bedford.

In 1975 she moved to Mont Marie in Holyoke where she served in the Conference Center, Gift Shop, and at the switchboard.

In 1988 she retired to the St. Joseph Residence at Mont Marie and in 2003 became a resident of the Mont Marie Health Care Center.

Besides her Sisters in Community, she is survived by nieces and nephews; and a dear friend, Sisters of St. Joseph Associate Claire .

Antaya of Fall River.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated August 13 in the Mont Marie Chapel. Burial was in Mont Marie Cemetery, Holyoke.

The Sampson Family Chapels of Springfield were in charge of arrangements.

Aug 23

Aug 24

Aug 25

Aug 26

Vocation Director: Br. Charles Gingerich, ofm Email: Charles848@aol.com Web Site: WWW.FRANCISCANVOC.ORG

Aug 28

USA

CANADA 2210 Lawrence Ave. East Toronto ONT. MI P 2P9

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Daily Readings

Aug 27

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TRENTON, N.J. - Before his August 12 announcement that he had had an extramarital affair with a man and would resign from office, New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey had faced a series of scandals and controversies in office, including disagreements with the Catholic Church.

In May, after several New Jersey bishops said politicians who disagree with the Church's teaching on right-to-life issues should not receive Communion, McGreevey, a Catholic and a Democrat, said he would no longer receive Communion at public Masses.

Bishop Joseph A. Galante, the new bishop of Camden, said McGreevey would not be welcome to receive Communion if .. he attended the bishop's installation ceremony April 30.

Bishop Galante explained that his decision was based on his understanding that McGreevey married his wife, Dina, without obtaining an annulment of his first marriage, as well as on the governor's support for legal abortion, fetal stem-cell research and domestic partnerships.

McGreevey did not attend the installation.

In his startling August 12 speech, McGreevey said he had struggled with his sexual identity since his youth, but thought he was doing the right thing by pursuing a traditional family

The Franciscans Immaculate Conception Province (OFM).

1-800-521-5442 (days) 1-888-521-5442 (evenings) 978-863-0042 978-863-0041 (evenings only) FAX: 978-863-0172

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Aug 29

2 Thes 1: 1-5, 1112; Ps 96:1-5; Mt 23:13-22 Rv21:9b-14; Ps 145:10-13ab; 1718; In 1:45-51 2 Thes 3:610,16-18; Ps 128:1-2,4-5; Mt 23:27-32 1 Cor 1:1-9; Ps 145:2-7; Mt 24:42-51 1 Cor 1:17-25; Ps 33: 1-2,4-5,10-11 ; Mt25:1-13 1 Cor 1:26-31; Ps 33: 12-13, 18-21 ; Mt 25:14-30 Sir 3:.1718,20,28-29; Ps 68:4-7,10-11 ; Heb 12:1819,22-24a; Lk 14:1,7-14

111II1111111111111 J 111II1111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-D20) Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Published weekly except for the first two weeks in July and the week after Christmas at 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year.

POSTMASTERS send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

life, marrying twice, and having two daughters, one with each wife. His resignation takes effect November 15.

McGreevey, 47, is a former altar boy who attended Catholic elementary and high schools, attended The Catholic University of America for a while and received his law degree at Jesuit-run Georgetown Univer-

. NEW JERSEY Gov. James McGreevey is pictured in a file photo. He announced that he is resigning and admitted to having a homosexual affair. The married Catholic politician said he had been conflicted over his sexuality since adolescence.

(CNS photo from Reuters)

sity. He often spoke about his Catholic upbringing and referred to himself as a devout Catholic.

That prompted Trenton Bishop John M. Smith to criticize McGreevey d.uring his diocese's annual Respect Life Mass this spring, though he stopped short of saying he would deny the governor Communion.

In early May, Newark Archbishop John J. Myers published a pastoral statement that said it was "objectively dishonest" for politicians to receive Communion when they dissent from fundamental Church teachings.

McGreevey responded by saying he disagreed with Archbishop Myers' position but that he would respect his instruction about receiving Communion.

"I will not take holyCoJIlmunion in a public forum out of respect for the archbishop," he said. McGreevey said he would continue to go to Mass, but he was not clear about receiving Communion privately.

"Bishops are setting the standard that unless we follow the Church's dictates in public policy, our standing as a Catholic is jeopardized," he said. "My position is that is a false choice."

McGreevey had come under fire for some of his political appointments, and several of his appointees have been investigated amid charges of misusing their offices for financial gain for family members and friends.

In Your Prayers Please pray for the following priests during the coming weeks Aug. 23 1895, Rev. Thomas Clinton, Pastor, St. Peter, Sandwich 1992, Msgr. Anthony M. Gomes, PA, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of the Angels, Fall River \A,ug.24 . 1884, Rev. Peter J.B. Bedard,Ffunder, Notre Dame de Lourdes, Fall River .\.\ ~ 1962, Very Rev. James F. Gilchrist,路ePM~VG., Vicar General of the Congregation of the Fathers of-Mbrcy':""-----1987, Msgr. James.E:dfeas6i1:t~e'tired Pastor, St. Patrick, Falmouth

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Aug. ~5\ 1974, Rev. Joseph F. Hanna, Foun~1' Holy Cross, South Easton 2002, Rev. Thomas E. Lawton, CS~~ \ .

Aug. 27 \ 1960, Rt. Rev. Francisco C. Bettencoutt, Pastor, Santo Christo, Fall River \ \ 1978, Rev. Msgr. Hugh A. Gallagher, Pastor Emeritus, St. James, New Bedford Aug.29 .

1921, Rev. Joseph OeVillandre, D.O., Founder, Sacred Heart, North Attleboro 1975, Msgr. William H. Harrington, Retired Pastor, Holy Name, Fall River

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Friday, August 20, 2004

SteIn-ceil caInpaign casualties

BY RJctwm M. OoERFuNGER Who knew that the fiercest p0litical debate of 2004 would be over embryonic stem cells?

Various reasons have been offered for this. The death of fonner President Ronald Reagan from Alzheimer's disease prompted some of his own family members to lobby for expanded use of these cells until scientific experts explained that the idea of using them to cure Alzheimer's is a "fairy tale" (Washington Post, June 10, p. A3). The election season also tends to highlight divisive issues, and campaign promises to do more about health care are cornmon.

There's just one thing that cannot be the reason for this zeal for

cells obtained by killing human embryos. It cannot be based on new evidence that these cells will cure devastating diseases any time soon - because no such evidence exists.

The most obvious fact in the stem-cell debate - and yet, somehow, the best-kept secret - is that 'embryonic stem cells have not helped a single human patient. Despite over two decades of research using mouse embryonic stem cells, they have yet to produce safe and effective cures in mice. While some animal trials suggest the cells may have a use, human trials (if any) could be many years away - in part due to the growing evidence that embryonic stem cells are hard to control, genetically unstable, and prone

to forming tumors when placed in a body.

Asecond ignored fact is the emergence of morally acceptable alternatives that are as promising, or more so, in attacking disease. When Ron Reagan spoke at the Democratic convention recently about apossiblecure for Parkinson's in 10 years from embryonic stem cells, he apparently didn't know that a treatment has already shown great promise - using a patient's own adult stem cells.

Dennis Turner was treated for his severe Parkinson's disease in 1999, using stem cells from his own brain.

The result was an 83 percent reversal of symptoms, even though only one side of his brain (the side producing the worst symptoms) was

Vatican condemns British license for cloning human embryos VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The both processes because they involve Vatican condemned the British the destruction ofthe human embryo government's pennission to a group after its stem cells have been harof researchers to clone human em- vested, and also because they seek bryos for therapeutic aims. to create a human embryo by subCalling the new move "morally stituting or excluding the conjugal unacceptable:' the Vatican's spokes- act between a man and a woman. man, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, reiterThe World Federation of Cathoated the Church's position on artifi- lic Medical Associations, whose cially creating human embryos. headquarters are based in Vatican "Pope John Paul II finnly con- City, condemned Britain's release of demns any type of human cloning:' its first cloning license. he told reporters last week. At the The moral justifications used to same time, British regulators gave a support therapeutic cloning - such group of scientists permission to as to cure degenerative diseases clone human embryos to produce are ''fictitious:' it said. stem cells to treat disease.

'The humanitarian aims are used It marked the first time the Brit- to manipulate public opinion in orish government, through its watch- der to cover up the enonnous indusdog agency, the Human Fertilization trial and financial interests that lie and Embryology Authority, granted behind (research in cloned) stem researchers a license for the proce- cells," it said. dure since the government legalized The head of the Bioethics Insticloning for therapeutic reasons in tute at Rome's Sacred Heart Univer2001. Cloning human embryos for sity, Msgr. Ignacio Carrasco de reproductive purposes is still illegal Paula, said the group in Britain rein the United Kingdom. ceiving the new license "seriously Scientists differentiate therapeu- lacked transparency in the reasons tic from reproductive cloning; for its research and how it will be though the techniques to artificially carried out." create a human embryo are the same.

'Their primary motive, it seems Therapeutic cloning is under- to me, is they really want to improve taken not to create a human being, the process and outcome of (artifibut to produce stem cells that can be cial) fertilization," he told Catholic used togrow replacement tissue in News Service. treating such conditions as diabetes Cloning human embryos to harand Alzheimer's and Parkinson's vest stem cells for therapeutic readiseases. But the Church opposes sons "will take years:' he said.

treated. He was able to resume his ward their own morally flawed and, hobby of big-game photography, so far, unsuccessful approach.

Truth is often the casualty when and even to scramble up a tree to issues get political, but this is ridicuescape a charging rhinoceros!

Mr. Turner appeared before a lous. The drive for research that deSenate subcommittee on July 14, stroys human embryos has become asking Congress to fund broader disconnected from the facts, and is clinical trials in this groundbreaking diverting attention and resources approach. After five years his own . away from more feasible roads to treatments. The real casualties will symptonis have begun to return especially from the untreated side of be not only embryonic human behis brain - and he'd like to be part ings, but born humans with terrible ofthose trials. He wasjoined by two diseases as well.

More of the infonnation needed American women with debilitating spinal cord injuries, who have en- to understand this issue is available joyed dramatic improvements in in question-and-answer form: movement and sensation after be- www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/ ing treated with their own adult stem bioethic/stemcell/ cells by a doctor in Portugal. Yet answers08052004.htm.

Ric/uud Doerflinger is Deputy Senators who support embryonic stem-cell research ignored their Director ofthe Secretariatfor Propleas, instead demanding the diver- life Activities, U.s. Conference of sion of even more federal funds to- Catholic Bishops.

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"It also doesn't make sense ei-

ther ethically or scientifically, since these cells have serious problems" such as developing malfonnations or becoming cancerous, he added.

The Church supports stem-cell research for therapeutic reasons when the stem cells come from adults or umbilical cords- procedures that do not entail the destruction or artificial creation of human life.

Msgr. Carrasco said scientists are closer to finding cures using adult or umbilical stem cells than through cloning.

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the living word

A national shame Currently the American government intends to spend billions of dollars on the rebuilding of Iraq and Afghanistan. The nation has spent billions on destruction. Now we plan to do the same on reconstruction. Our bills for warfare are out of sight. Yet, we have this obligation of protecting all our Armed Services personnel. However, why do we have them in harm's way for dubious goals and objectives? The purpose of our current foreign involvements has never been clearly and objectively presented to the American people and the world community. To blanket all under the cover of terror is vague at best. Securing the homeland is indeed a priority. However, it should not be confused with international armed intervention. While we continue to revitalize the infrastructure of oil-plenty lands, many of our own people in this country are placed in danger and lifethreatening situations.

In a recent article, Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, Parade's health editor and former member of the Advisory Panel to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, zeroed in on the plight of millions of Americans who have little or no access to medical care because they have no health insurance. It is _ateifmat more than 44 million people in the United States fall into this category of shame. He indicates that most people are between the ages of 18 and 44. These are not only the poor. Some people and families that earn $50,000 a year cannot afford rising health insurance premiums. The cost of supporting families has increased dramatically. Just reflect on the cost of milk at the local store. Education costs are higher, never mind the ever-increasing price of oil and gas. Add to this woe the millions who have lost all their insurance coverage when they lost their jobs.

In addition to this reality, many people who retired now face the problem of shrinking health benefits. The article reflected that only 38 percent of large companies and 10 percent of small ones are continuing to provide health insurance for retired employees. In many circumstances, the premiums often are higher than many retirees can afford to pay. So, they are forced into the ranks of the uninsured.

The ever-rising costs of health care are now skyrocketing. New procedures, medicines and treatments are ever more costly. As more and more people live longer, so too the increase in chronic health issues. Insurers are forced to raise premiums to pay for these sophisticated health interventions, which, in fact, means there are cutbacks in benefits. As a result, in many areas of our life and living, there is a noticeable decline in the quality and extent of our health care system.

These facts have led physicians like Rosenfeld to call for a turnabout in our health care structure. First and foremost, every American man, woman and child must be guaranteed access to medical care. This country is the only nation in the industrial world that currently does not do this for its citizens. This is outrageous and wrong.

Something must be also done to limit abusive legal practices and suits in the area of high-risk specialization. At the same time, we should not tolerate bad medicine. The rising cost of medications has to be challenged. Every patient who needs medications must have access to means that will insure good health.

Our government should be in the vanguard of providing the best of care for all citizens and not just the few. If we have monies to kill, we must also provide funds to heal. Millions of Americans are suffering, and even dying, because they have no access to medical,benefits. This is a national shame.

The Executive Editor

the ancholS)

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FAll RIVER Published weekly by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River 887 Highland Avenue P.O. BOX 7 Fall River, MA 02720 Fall River, MA 02722-0007 Telephone 508-675-7151 FAX 508路575-7048 E-mail: TheAnchor@Anchornews.org Send address changes to P.O. Box. call or use e-mail address

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THE SUNSET BECOMES VISIBLE DURING A BREAK IN A SUMMER STORM AT THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE ISLAND IN EASTPORT, N.Y. THE IS-FOOT STATUE OF MARY AND THE INFANT JESUS IS MADE OF GRANITE. (eNS PHOTO BY GREGORY '.

SHEMITZ, LONG ISLAND CATHOUC)

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"THE HEAVENS ARE MY THRONE, THE EARTH IS MY FOOTSTOOL. WHAT KIND OF HOUSE CAN YOU BUILD FOR ME; WHAT IS TO BE MY RESTING PLACE?" (ISAIAH 66:1)

Keeping alive in ministry

By FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK CATHOUC NEWS' SERVICE ''Attendance at some national ministry meetings I took in recently has decreased substantially from what it had been," a wellknown leader in Church ministry said recently. This raises a very serious question about the future of ministry: Could it Ibe edging into an age of intellectual dryness?

It is a fact that some bishops have curtailed diocesan sabbatical programs. Even though a priest may need a sabbatical, letting him take it would mean stretching other priests too thin.

Also, many priests who would like to take continuing education courses can't because of their multiple responsibilities today. It is also a fact that, for a variety of reasons, some dioceses have reduced lay staffs significantly.

History repeatedly has shown that when financial and personnel shortages arise, schooling, seminars, sabbaticals and research are the first things to go.

Could we be seeing a trend in this direction, and, if so, what does it

mean for ministry?

Over the years I have attended many seminars and convocations, and have been privileged to continue my education. I must admit that some of these gatherings and courses were a waste of time and money. On the whole, however, the ideas I received from them are what keep my priesthood alive.

Of course, it was not only the ideas, but meeting people with ideas and keeping contact with them that energized me.

Cardinal John Newman believed that an idea is an illumination. It creates light and the life that comes from light. New ideas generate fresh possibilities and hope for a better future, while at the same time dispelling sameness and boredom. .

I remember the time I first discovered the writings of the re, nowned liturgist, Father Romano Guardini. His book "Sacred Signs" opened a whole new way of entering deeper into the celebration of the Mass for me. Celebrating daily Mass can become very routine; even though the Mass is filled with sacred mo-

ments, this risk exists. . But Father Guardini's ideas inspired me in such a way that any sense of routine was overcome.

He helped me to enter more fully into the entire mystery of the Mass.

If dioceses and parishes cut back on the continuing education of their ministers, I am afraid that our Church could experience a period of "humdrumness" and "routineness." Musicians, liturgists, lectors, social justice workers, youth, family and multicultural ministers, and religious educators cannot keep alive in their ministries for a long time without fresh ideas. Without the light of fresh ideas, they can easily become victims of "light deprivation" and its negative consequences.

Years ago, a well-known theologian used to tell his class, "Study is ministry." In other words, the Word of God that has infinite meaning and is at the heart of ministry will not be plumbed, taught or exercised as God intended without continuous study.

5

Truths and consequences thereby failing to get your Every single day of our degree, and finding yourself lives, we're all faced with competing against and losing to decisions to make. We must the Geico gecko for a parttime also face the advantages or job. consequences of our decisions.

3.) It's dusk and you're on Here are some examples: the 18th hole with a very good I.) A person is extremely chance of finally breaking 100. sensitive to cat dander. There A surprise thunderstorm pops are two decisions that person up and you have two choices can make with regard to their - a) making a short dash to condition - a) stay away from felines. The advantage - no watery and itchy eyes, no sneezing, and simply being able to breathe. Or, b) immerse yourself in the presence of two or

By Dave Jolivet three of the purring time bombs. The consequences the safety of the clubhouse and rubbing your nose raw with calling it quits for the day. The sandpaper-like tissues, holding advantages - you are no brief conversations between sneezes, and eyes that look like longer standing on a hill in an open field with a dozen lightthe Geico gecko.

2.) You're a senior in college ning rods strapped to your back, and you know darn well and have a monster final exam you most likely would have in your major tomorrow morning. You have two options broken 100. Or, b) eschewing - a) spend a few quality hours common sense, remaining out there to break 100. The consestudying in silence and getting quences - failing because of plerity of rest. The advantages intense fear, then returning to - acing the exam, finishing your college career with a GPA the clubhouse with your hair singed and your skin the same above 3.5, and nailing a killer color as the Geico gecko. job after graduation. Or, b) And, 4.) You're in a Wild treating your text books as if they were felines and you were Card race and it's late in the game and you're tied with your allergic, and staying up all opponent. Your starting pitcher night to watch a "Gong Show" has hurled a beauty of a game, marathon. The consequences but is out of gas. As manager, - bombing out on your final,

My View

From the Stands

"brain" trust.

I hear the Geico gecko is With a revolving starting looking for work. Can't be any worse. lineup and the constant usage Dave Jolivet, editor of The you have two choices - a) stay of Embry and Timlin in key Anchor, is a former sports away from relievers who have . situations, Sox fans will be suffering the consequences and editor/writer, and regularly been overused or under used not enjoying the advantages. gives one fan's perspective on and have shown a steady So, what can be done? What the unique world of sports. consistency of not getting the decisions can Theo & Co. make Comments are welcome at job done. The advantages before it's too late? davejolivet@anclwmews.org. using an effective and possibly holding the other team in check until your team breaks the tie for an all important win. Or, b) calling in Alan Embry and Mike Timlin game . Prompt 24 Hour Service . Automatic Deliveries after game after game • BUdget Terms Available • Call In Deliveries after crucial game. The • Free Estimates consequences - the You Never Had Service opponents score 1-2-3-4 Until You Tried Charlie's or more runs, while your team inevitably scores Were located at ... one run less than those 46 Oak Grove Ave., Fall Riv.er coughed up 'by the orcall ... pooped-out pair.

508-675-7426 • 508-674-0709 In each of the aforementioned examples, the choices were really nobrainers.

Then how come the Boston Red Sox are in a fight for their playoff lives right now, when they have a potent offense, are getting decent starting pitching Assisted Living and have a relatively reliable closer?

PEACE OF MIND The answer is twofold A SAFE HARBOR middle relief pitching, or lack thereof, and the managing of WHALER'S COVE the middle relief pitching.

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California court voids· San Francisco gay marriages

By CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE SAN FRANCISCO - The California Supreme Court said August 12 that the nearly 4,000 same-sex marriages performed in San Francisco earlier in the year were void because the city's mayor lacked statutory

authority to approve them.

All seven justices said that in authorizing the city to issue marriage licenses and perform ceremonies, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom violated a 1977 California law that defines marriage as a union be-.

Letter to the Editor Editor: I am writing to explain the reason for my long delay in replying to advice of so many years ago when it was suggested that I should stand tall and be a vocal friend of the Pro-Life movement. It has taken all these years to take the advice.

Recently, the shocking films of the horrible suffering of the innocent people in the prison camps of Buchenwald and Auschwitz brought to mind the inhumanity that men can inflict on one another, and it is still going on today. How may you ask? In the abortion clinics today.

Pain is pain whether it is felt in a 1O-week-old baby or a 40year-old man. Think of the fear you have of a simple Novocaine injection in your mouth; believe me, the baby has a lot longer pain in its abortion.

Consider how many abortions are performed in a year in this "home of the brave and land of the free?" A million or so. Can we stop this legal massacre of babies? Only by the same way it started, by our vote. A vote against abortion is a vote for children.

Dr. Ell laFreniere Attleboro

tween a man and a woman.

A 5-2 majority of the court said the 3,995 marriages licensed between February 12 and March 11, when the court stopped the weddings, were nullified.

Undecided by the state court was a separate question of whether the California Constitution permits same-sex marriages. Lawsuits over the constitutionality of same-sex marriages are working their way through the state courts.

The August 12 ruling considered only the issue of whether local officials can decide on how state law is applied, said Chief Justice Ronald George in writing for the majority.

San Francisco Archbishop William J. Levada in February called the mayor's recognition of gay marriage "misguided."

"To extend the meaning of marriage beyond a union of man and woman, their procreative capac'ity, and their establishment of family represents a misguided understanding of marriage itself," the archbishop said in a February 12 statement.

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Respecting creation as St. Francis did BREWSTER - Organist and composer Becket Senchur will perform a concert August 27 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady ofthe Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road. For more information call 508-896-2950.

CHATHAM - The Holy Trinity and the Holy Redeemer Pro-Life Apostolates will hold their monthly holy hour for life Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Holy Redeemer Parish. It will include Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. For more information call Deacon Vincent Walsh at 508-430-8262.

FALL RIVER'- "Journeys," a discussion and support group for women with recent cancer diagnosis will meet August 31 from 4-5 p.m., at SaintAnne's Hospital. A 10week education and support group for men and their families coping with prostrate cancer will be held August 23 - October 25. It meets on Mondays from 9-10 a.m. For more information call the oncology outreach coordinator Karyl Benoit at 508-674-5600 ext. 2515.

EAST FREETOWN Emmaus, a co-ed weekend retreat program for people aged 20-35 who are seeking a deeper relationship with Christ, will be held November 12-14 at Cathedral Camp. For more information call Barbara Hayden at 508-336-9158.

MISCELLANEOUS - A weekend retreat will be held October 22-24 at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road for men and women. It will be presented by Franciscan Father Michael Mary Gauvreau, who recently authored the book, 'The Providence of God and the Existence of Evil." For more information call Alice Beaulieu at 508-995-2354.

MISCELLANEOUS -

The

Massachusetts Citizens for Life Group has established a 24-hour hotline dedicated to giving men and women important information on alternatives to abortion. There are several pre-recorded messages on a variety of topics to assist in any situation. For more information call the "Her Choice" hotline at 508-6783030.

MISCELLANEOUS - The next Retrouvaille weekend will be held September 17-19. It offers couples a chance to heal and renew tro.ubled marriages. Rediscover yourself and your spouse and a loving relationship in marriage. For more information call 1-800-4702230 or the Diocesan Office ofFamily Ministry at 508-999-6420.

NORTH DARTMOUTH-A Diocesan Divorced-Separated Support Group will meet August 30 from 7-9 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocurn Road. It will feature the video ''When BadThings Happen to Good People;' by Harold Kushner. For more information call Bob Menard at 508-673-2997.

NORTH EASTON - The public is invited to participate in the praying of the 20 mysteries of the rosary on Sundays at 5 p.m. in the chapel of the Father Peyton Center at Holy Cross Family Ministries, 58 Washington Street. Daily rosary is recited at 9 a.m. and Mass is celebrated at noon every weekday.

SWANSEA - St. Louis de Francis Parish is having a reunion of all Youth Group members from 1978 to present, on Sunday, beginning with 11 a.m.

Mass, followed by a family picnic on the church grounds. For more information call the rectory at 508-674-1103 or Don Levesque at 508-678-2082.

THIS GUILBRASON 400 Series Model 421 organ with bench is looking for a new home. The instrument has dual keyboards and bass pedals and is in excellent condition. Betty Conboy would like to donate the organ to a non-profit organization. For further information, call her at 508-674-7670.

On a gorgeous summer day, I saint of ecology," noting that it was fitting that his followers was treated to a private tour of would place importance on spectacular gardens in Massa"developing a 'brother and . chusetts. I was guided by sister' relationship to all creCharlie Spencer, a man I had only known as a talk-show host ation." This would make us peacemakers, like St. Francis, on a radio station (WHYN AM bringing witness to the many 560) in Springfield, Mass. We forms of earthly desecration had talked by phone several . "caused by ignorance or times in the past when one of my books came out. We always ended up discussing our faith and the saints we love, and how our lives were shaped by the powerful biblical truths that took root in us.

By Antoinette Bosco But this summer we found we had another common ground - our injustice." love for all of creation accordSpencer founded "National ing to the teachings and exWildflower Week," now ample of St. Francis of Assisi. sponsored by his secular It began with Spencer Franciscan order, and is responinviting me to come to Stanley Park in Westfield, a grand place sible for introducing about 500 wildflower gardens around the where he supervises the care of an immense, impressive AmeriUnited States.

Spencer's wildflower work is can wildflower garden. He said inspired by St. Francis' teaching he chose to work nurturing on our "kinship to creation," wildflowers "because each one which the great saint underhas a name." In this he expressed his deep respect for the scored because he saw that humankind was always in individuality of each one of God's woodland "creatures." danger of forgetting the sanctity It was no surprise to me of creation. when Spencer said that he is I related so strongly to St. one of the 18,000 Third Order Francis' words and works Franciscans in the United States because I was taught by my late and a member of the U.S.-based father to respect the gifts the Lord put throughout creation..

Ecology Comniission of the While I don't have the vegetable Secular Franciscan Order. He garden that my dad had, I do called St. Francis "the patron

r----------The Bottom Line

have a St. Francis garden!

Years ago, my son Paul and his wife Sue gave me a lovely statue of St. Francis. We put it in a prominent outdoor setting.

Each year I embellish the plantings with beautiful multicolor flowers, and the St. Francis garden becomes a focus for meditation.

Just before Spencer invited me to visit Stanley Park, a 275-acre oasis established in 1949 by the late Frank Stanley Beveridge, founder of Stanley Home Products, Inc., I had read a book of poems and prayers that emphasized the sacred in our world. I found these unforgettable lines by Thomas Merton there: "The little yellow flowers that nobody notices on the edge of that road are saints looking into the face of God." I am grateful to June Coter for compiling "Looking for God in All the Right Places" (Loyola Press), and reminding us, as Abraham Maslow says, that "the great lesson is that the sacred is in the ordinary."

Spencer has long known that because of his mentor, St. Francis, who removed from the road even little worms, "lest they be crushed under foot."

In sharing his love of wildflowers with me, Spencer reminded me of how and why St. Francis, looking at the humblest of plants, would be moved to praise God!

Signs of a calling to Religious life Do you or someone you wondering, "Where is God always the one picked to say know have a potential vocation these days?" grace. to the Religious life? Hey, you路 - When you see pastoral - When you are alone, you just might have a calling if: appointments in your diocesan rarely feel lonely.

- When friends need newspaper, you wonder what's - You find it hard - but someone "just to talk to," it is路 going on behind the scenes. . intriguing - to try to wrap your usually you.

- You stop people midmind around the concept of - You feel a real sharp pain sentence to correct them about making a vow of obedience to in your heart about the _-----------f"'--"'O:=:---,... someone you've only hungry of the world seen at confirmations. when a food fight breaks - Almost every Sunday you wonder out in your cafeteria.

- When you and how, with all those your buddies are standpeople attending Mass, ing around a Harley the readings were

By Dan Morris chosen just for you.

Davidson and, being transformed by its - Your heroes are fabulous rumble, you people who quietly and wonder why God made selflessly help others, us that way. the Blessed Mother - that we giving God the credit.

- When a friend asks you venerate Mary, not worship her; - The idea of going to how far he or she thinks you and you know the difference. school to learn something just to see how much money you can "should go" on the next date, - The sight of Necco you say, "As far as you know Wafers floods you with memomake seems wacky.

- Given the option, you'd God wants you to go - and you ries of "playing Mass" when aren't God." you were eight. drive extra miles to shop at St. - You experience a strong - You kind of like the Vincent de Paul rather than desire to find a way to make fashion statement made by Value Village. fellow Catholics take a "time black slacks, brown sandals, - When you ponder the out" and go sit in a comeLuntil black socks, and a Hawaiianquestion, "Is a Religious they can be nicer when you see print shirt. vocation a calling from God or a them at each others' throats over - When you pray, you have calling from the Catholic community?" you know the things like celibacy or holding confidence that not only is hands during the Our Father.

Someone listening, but that answer: "Yes." - You watch endless Someone is going to do someComments are welcome. Ecommercials about cars and thing about it. mail Uncle Dan at perfume and find yourself - At family events you're cnsuncleOl@vahoo.com.

T.he offbeat wor Id of Uncle Dan

Friday, August 20, 2004

The length of time Christ is present in the Eucharist ance) of bread and wine Q. Your article several remain. weeks ago concerning how This means that whenever, long Christ is present with for whatever reason, the us after Communion was consecrated bread and wine somewhat similar to what a no longer look or taste like priest told me last year.

After Communion, he said, Christ continues present with us for 15 or 20 minutes. This must have been personal conjecture on his part. I had always

By Father assumed our Lord John J. Dietzen remained in us until we lost sanctifying grace by mortal sin. Is there bread and wine, Christ is no longer present as a sacrament. a Church teaching on this?

Obviously, once we receive (Louisiana) the consecrated wine and A. Your priest was talking about how long the sacramen- bread in Communion, our digestive processes affect tal presence of Jesus remains them just as other food, until after Communion, not how they are no longer identifiable long grace endures. as the bread and wine we Catholic doctrine is that consumed. When that hapwhen bread and wine become pens, after maybe 15 or 20 the Body and Blood of Christ minutes, Christ is no longer in the celebration of the present as a sacrament.

Eucharist, our Lord's EuchaHowever, the relationship ristic presence remains as with the life and person of long as the species (appear-

Questions and Answers

Christ, which we call grace, is greatly enhanced by our celebration and reception of the Eucharist. It is a major way God invites and unites us to an ever greater friendship with him.

This intimate presence of Jesus, which grows also through the other sacraments, prayer, charitable works and a good life, does not cease when the sacramental presence of our Lord ceases. It continues to develop unless it is diminished or lost by sin, which is a deliberate turning away and rejection of that relationship.

Q. In your recent column on cremation, you said it is possible for the body to be taken to church for the funeral Mass before cremation. My husband died not long ago, but in order to have the body present for Mass in church I had to purchase a "disposable"

Pope Paul VI was 'unforgettable pastor,' says Pope John ~Paul II

By CATHOLIC

NEWS SERVICE

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy - Pope Paul VI was an "unforgettable pastor," and the Catholic Church should always "treasure his example and his teachings," Pope John Paul II said, celebrating Mass on the anniversary of his predecessor's death.

Pope John Paul celebrated the Mass August 6 in the chapel of the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, where Pope Paul died in 1978.

In addition to remembering the anniversary of Pope Paul's death and praising him as a "faithful imitator of his Lord," Pope John Paul also mentioned the 40th anniversary of Pope Paul's first encyclical, "Ecclesiam Suam" ("His Church"), on the mission of the Church in the modern world.

The encyclical was dated Aug. 6, 1964.

"In that memorable document, Paul VI traced the lines of his plans for his pontificate," Pope John Paul said.

The encyclical spoke of the need for the Church to be an active partner in promoting development, peace and justice and of doing so from the firm foundation of its mission to preach the Gospel and the brotherhood of all people in Jesus Christ.

Meeting visitors gathered for the recitation of the Angelus, Pope John Paul again spoke about Pope Paul and his encyclical.

"In that memorable docu-

casket at a cost of $600, which was then also cremated. The funeral director told us this is state law. I thought you should know of this ramification. (Ohio) A. The law, in your state and most others, states that the body being cremated must be in a sturdy container box that is burned during cremation. Simple containers for this purpose, usually cardboard of some sort, cost anywhere from $50 to $200.

These containers, however, are normally not appropriate for viewing the body at a visitation or for presence at a funeral liturgy in church. At least two options are possible in this case. A more attractive casket, which is burned at the cremation, may be purchased for. several h!Jnd~e~1~s!Jl~,~fJ' ThIS apparently IS what happened in your case.

Or a more traditional coffin, specially designed to hold the simpler box in which the body will be cremated, may be rented for public viewing and funeral services. Afterward, the body with the box are removed for cremation.

State laws generally call for 24 or 48 hours delay after death before cremation can take place.

Those considering cremation for themselves or a loved one should check with a funeral director well in advance. Options, procedures and costs may vary and can get a bit complicated.

In addition, Catholics should check with their parish

priest about arrangements for funeral rites, especially for Mass with the body or cremated remains present.

A free brochure answering questions Catholics ask about Mary, the mother of Jesus, is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651.

Questions may be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address, or E-mail: ijdietzen@aol.com.

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ment, he declared from the be- for the Lord and for humanity MB#1161 ginning his passionate love for will be an example for every per'APR 5.78,30 yr $10k min. the Church, called to reflect the son of good will." glorious light of Christ's face," Pope John Paul said.

Pope Paul's encyclical "indicated some fundamental 'paths of the Church': knowledge of itself, renewal and dialogue," the pope said.

Pope John Paul quoted a small section of the encyclical in which Pope Paul wrote: "The Church today is more than ever alive. But it seems good to consider that St Francis OfAssisi Unit everything still remains to be Madonna Manor done; the work begins today and never comes to an end." _I North Attkboro. MA h, Pope John Paul said what his I predecessor had written 40 years .Monsignor ConsitJiM Unit ago still holds true and should Gdho/k Memorial Home "stimulate all believers to conFaD Rjver; MA tinue to pursue, in an informed manner, the authentic ecclesial St Mary Q!t«n OfPeace Unit renewal begun with the Second Our Lady's Haven Vatican CounciL" The pope remembered anFairhaven, MA other of his predecessors, Blessed Pope John XXIII, in a St Joseph Unit short message marking the 100th Sacred Heart Home anniversary of his ordination to New BedfimI. MA the priesthood.

The anniversary of Pope • Special Design Features • SpecUzlly Trained Staff John's Aug. 10, 1904, ordination MU:hael Unit • CaringjiJr Family Members • Therapeutic Activities St was being celebrated in his home Sacred Heart Home town, Sotto il Monte, and in New BedfimI. MA Rome, where he was ordained.

In a telegram, Pope John Paul St Catherine OfSima Unit said, "While, with a heart grate(To betkdiazted 101M) ful to the Lord, I remember the MarianMmor of that great fafruitful ministry Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese ofFaD Rjver ther and pastor who knew how Tt1U1l/Qrl, MA &u Msgr. Edmund] ~ Executive Dirrom to lead the Church into the conciliar season, I hope that his love

Diocesan Health Facilities www.dhfo.org

-----the.:........;;,.--:..a;:;;..nch;;.";;;;",;;;~~::;..,;;;,.,,.,~---------F-rid-q-,-A-U9-U_st_2_0_, Retreat aims to strengthen, enrich father, son bond

_8

By REBECCA Kous CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

OMAHA, Neb. :- When the Archdiocese of Omaha's Family Life Office introduced the "Between Fathers and Sons" retreat this summer, one goal was to provide 'an opportunity to strengthen the bond between fathers and sons. .

"We organized this retreat to give fathers and sons a time and place apart from everything else in life to share faith, values and what's important in their lives," said Mary Jo Pedersen of the Family Life Office. ''We wanted to help enrich the father-son bond."

Well, it worked, two of the fathers and sons who attended the retreat told The Catholic Voice, the archdiocesan riewspaper. ''After my son and I talked about personal things in the retreat, it's been easier to talk about other things;' said John Parr, an Omaha father who attended the retreat.

"And now we're communicating better."

"In general, we?ve been closer after this retreat," he added. lWelve fathers and sons in the archdiocese took the opportunity to strengthen their relationship at the 24-hour retreat in June at the St. Benedict Center near Schuyler.

"It can be so easy to find excuses in everyday life not to spend time with your son," John Parr said. "It's really hard when you get home from work, you're tired, and sometimes it's just easier to watcq TV or read the paper."

Aaron Parr, 14, said he realizes the importance of spending quality time with his father. He likes running and boxing with his dad. He also enjoys dinnertime with the family and playing board games or watching a movie together.

"Spending time with your dad is so meaningful;' he said. "Everyone should do more of it, because a lot of people are missing out."

Not only did the retreat give the Parrs a chance to spend quality time together, it also gave them a chance to look at their relationship from a spiritual perspective.

The Parrs attend Mass together every weekend, but the outdoor Mass during the retreat was special, they said. The homily focused on the father-son relationship between

God and Jesus and told the fathers and sons how to use that loving relationship in their lives.

The spiritual perspective was evident throughout the retreat, Pedersen said. "In today's culture many fathers don't know how to mentor their sons in faith and bring them into manhood."

During the retreat John Parr, who was a presenter, told participants about his experiences teaching religious education. He said the students who were not interested in class often had parents who did not attend Mass and showed little interest in their own faith.

John Parr said he believes it's important to set a good example for his. son by living out his faith. .•. ""If I don't live my faith, then I have no reason to expect him to live out his faith," he told The Catholic Voice.

Martin Schlautrnan ofClarkson, who attended the retreat with his seven-year-old son, Sam, knows his son needs a good and faithful role model.

"It's becoming more and more important to have a father and son connection, because of all the threats to the family today;' Martin Schlautman said.

The world could be frightening for his son if he only looked to the media and society to see what a role model should be like; he added.

"Between Fathers and Sons" was coordinated and sponsored by the Family Life Office. Pederson and Leona Kracl of Schuyler helped organize the event with John Parr and two other father-presenters.

The retreat had five sessions, which included a Gospel reading, a personal talk, private time for each father and son, and small-group discussions. Topics were the fatherson bond, becoming a man, dealing with anger, friendships with girls and women, and the quest for identity., Along with preseniations, discussions and the outdoor evening Mass, the retreat included a bonfire, hayrack ride and morning blessing.

The retreat went so well this year that plans for next year's retreat have already begun, Pedersen said.

JOHN AND AARON Parr enjoy a run together near their home in Omaha, Neb. The Parrs were among the father-son pairs attending the "Between Fathers and Sons" retreat. (eNS photo by Rebecca Kolis, Catholic Voke) .

This site of pilgrimage in southern France became popular /~t II after St. Bernadette reported visions of Mary at the grotto )<$1(f~9 0 1) more than a century ago , / ~ ~---

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Mary instructs Bemadette to : bathe and drink from a ~' ~.~~: miracul~ spring on Feb. 24, '~ - -c; 1858. Millions of pilgrims have " --,'~';":~ since sought healing by the .. , same water.

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With voice redu'ced to a whisper, retired bishop still has much to say

By JEAN M. ScHILDZ CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

ST. LOUIS - Parkinson's disease has-robbed him of the vigor of his voiCe;---but retired Bishop Edward J. O'Donnell of Lafayette, La., still has plenty to say.

The debilitating disease has weakened him physically. He finds it hard to move about, and 'can't speak much above a whisper. Yet his message of faith in the Church, its clergy and laity remains stronger than ever.

Since his 2002 retirement after eight years in Lafayette, Bishop O'Donnell has lived in his native St. Louis, where he was an auxiliary bishop from 1984 to 1994. He also was editor of the St. Louis Review, the archdiocesan newspaper, and was archdiocesan spokesman.

In a recent interview with the Review. Bishop O'Donnell never once failed to credit the laity when discussing his many accomplishments as a priest. He said he agreed with Father Andrew Greeley's response when the priest was asked if lay people were really that important in his Church.

"His response was, 'Well, we'd look pretty stupid without them.' And that kind of fits my way of thought, too."

Bishop O'Donnell said he was not "in a position to make a valid judgment" on the issue of denying Communion to Catholics who support abortion.

"However, I'm sure everyone from the pope to the local ordinary on down to the pews would rather see people coming to the Church through commitment and personal reflection and not sim-

ply because they're commanded to do so in such-and-such a way," he said. "We should'work harder to convince people-of the importance of being on the right side in regard to human rights and ProLife."

Since resigning as bishop of Lafayette for health reasons and

BISHOP EDWARD

J. O'DONNELL eNS file photo

retiring to St. Louis, Bishop O'Donnell has kept a fairly low profile. After a short stay at a local hospital, he lived for several months at St. Agnes Home in Kirkwood. He now lives in a condo in Clayton.

His sister, Eileen Cochran, her husband, Jerry, and their 10 children help care for him. He also is attended to by Martha's Hands, an organization that provides home assistance.

The Jesuits, along with the

nuns who taught him in grade school, inspired him to consider the priesthood. At 18he entered St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, then continued his studies at Kenrick Seminary.

"I was not sure I wanted to be a priest.until the day before ordination;' he said. Eyes twinkling, the bishop confessed he might be slightly exaggerating.

Today Bishop O'Donnell knows he did the .right thing in becoming a priest and has never regretted his decision. The priesthood has afforded him the best opportunity to do everything he has ever dreamed of doing and more.

He got to meet President Johnson, worked closely with politicians, grappled with religious and secular problems involving issues of law and provided spiritual healing, all while "making God prominent to the world."

His work in human rights, the bishop said, "was one of the most important things I think I was able to accomplish in the priesthood."

With the bad deeds of some priests having received so much attention in recent months,good priests may think the laity no longer supports them and wonder if they are being hypocritical in trying to do the right thing when others are not, he said.

"I tell them, 'Don't worry about it. Just keep doing the best you can because that's all the Lord asks of you.'''

Bishop O'Donnell has taken his own advice to heart. Asked to sum up the spirit of Bishop O'Donnell's priestly life, Msgr.

Joseph O'Brien, his seminary classmate and friend, said, "Eddie was a doer."

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Friday, August 20, 2004

cro (]3ui[cfa Stronger Church )l Letterfrom

(jJisfiop george tW Cofeman to tfie cfergy, reCigious, ant! faity of tfie (j)iocese of Pa[[(jQver

in demographics, from inner-city to suburban residency, a serious Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, decrease in the numberofpriests, and the relative decline in faith'1his year's celebration of ful Mass attendance. These and the Centennial of the Diocese of AddressIng Changing Needs other changes warrant serious atFall River has been marked by tention and consideration by each various grace-filled events and must always remember of us who make up the Church momentous occasions, for which that the Church is a mystical en- and have a responsibility to care we are grateful to Almighty God. tity, consisting ofboth human and for its future.

Our celebration ofthis milestone divine aspects. The Church is in the life of our Diocese has human in its membership, but di- A Process of Consultation given us the opportunity to reflect vine in its establishment and In an effort to strengthen the Catholic OVERALL POPULA1'IO~ '':':':: HOUSEHOLDS Church here in the DiowrntlN FALL RIVER DIOCESE cese of Fall River, we will conduct a process designed to examine the and Households pastoral needs ofthe different parishes of the 900, Diocese. This task will Population 800, be carried out by a careIYl,,'-,I ful, deliberative process Households 700, that incorporates and involves participation 600, from laity and clergy .alike, since we all share the responsibility to ad400, dress the needs of the Church. The process will be conducted by the -Diocesan Pastoral Planning Office, under the direction of Rev. Msgr.

Ronald A. Tosti.

August 20, 2004

cumstances within the Church may change over time, the central mission ofthe Church always remains unchanged.

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on the history of the Catholic Church here in the Diocese. We remember how the Church has experienced various changes throughout the years, including the wave of immigration and the resulting need for ethnic parishes, as well as more recent expansions in population, creating the need for new parishes, new and larger churches, and modified parish facilities. Responding to these changes in order to meet the needs of the Church has been an ongoing responsibility that the Diocese has fulfilled throughout the years.

}Is members of the Church, each of us shares in the Church's mission, which always remains the same. The mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to make Christ known and loved throughout the world, to transform and sanctify the world according to the teachings of Christ, and to help individual souls grow in personal holiness, all for the glory of God. Although specific needs and cir-

year, regional assemblies will be held in each of the five deaneries ofthe Diocese. These assemblies will consist of pastoral council members as well as priests and staff from each of the parishes within the deanery. Presented at the assemblies will be statistical profiles of each parish and surveys on the life and spirit ofeach parish. The assemblies will also review the results of a study by the independent firm Percept on the demographic data ofthe Diocese as a whole, ofeach deanery, and of each parish. the Church can more effectively .

}Is a result ofthese regional fulfill its mission.

assemblies, committees will be formed, consisting ofthe pastors and one lay member from each parish within the deanery. These committees will then meet and work with the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Office to present to the Bishop recommendations for possible reconfiguration, consolidation or expansion of parishes.

Fulfilling the Mission of Christ's Church

It is my sincere hope that this process will reflect the shared obligation of all the baptized to plan and care for the future ofthe Church, and that the result will be a genuine collective effort, on behalf of all the faithful of the Diocese, to strengthen the local Church. Our goal is to seek a pastoral plan "which will enable the proclamation of Christ to reach people, mold communities, and have a deep and incisive influence in bringing Gospel values to bear in society and culture" (HAt the Beginning of the New Millennium," #29). In the words of the Holy Father, "We, as a Church, must face the future 'with trusting optimism, but without underestimating the problems we face....What awaits us therefore is an exciting work of pastoral revitalization - a work involving all of us'" (HAt the Beginning ofthe New Millennium," #29).

'1his process is necessary in order to heed the call ofour Holy Father, Pope John Paul IT, who has challenged local churches to explore pastoral initiatives, so '1he participation that the Church universal may Source: Percept; u.s. Census Bureau of lay members of the better achieve its goal of transguidance. The Church is also alChurch will take place forming the world, by proclaimways a living institution - it is through the channel ofparish pas- ing the Gospel of Christ, by prothe community of those who be- toral councils. I have instructed moting the universal call to holilieve in and follow Christ, those the pastors throughout the Dio- ness, and by establishing local who make up the,Body ofChrist, cese that each parish must have a Christian communities as "genuthe extension of His Incarnation genuine, functioning pastoral ine schools ofprayer" (pope John through space and time. As a liv- council. Throughout my years as Paul IT's 2001 Apostolic Letter ing institution, the Church natu- a pastor here in the Diocese, I HAt the Beginning of the New In this, the Centennial Year rally experiences changes over found the advice of such parish Millennium," #33). Demographtime, and from place to place. In councils to be enlightening and ics shift, and specific needs of of our Diocese, as we look back the face of these changes it is helpful, and I trust that they will parishes change, but the ultimate upon the history and tradition of necessary to respond so th~t the be of indi~pensable value in this mission ofthe Church always re- our Diocese, we must also look mains the sarne, and the Church to the future, and think carefully unchanging mission of the 0 present DIOcesan endeavor. has an obligation to respond care- about how the needs of the Church may be accomplished.

I'D . . . th +~11 fthi 'llegmnmg ill e Idll 0 s fully to changing realities, so that Church have changed. We must '1he strength and vitality of begin now to plan for the next one the Catholic Church is the rehundred years, so that the Church PROJECTED NUMBER OF DIOCESAN PRIESTS IN ACTIVE MINISTRY sponsibility of all of her memhere in the Diocese of Fall River bers. Each of us, by virtue of our will make greater progress in the baptism, which grafts us onto the work ofspreading the Gospel and vine of Christ, has a responsibilsanctifying the world. With trustity to care for and help build up ing optimism, I look forward to the Church. This is especially the working with the faithful case when the needs of the local rumer throughout the Diocese to acChurch change and it becomes complish this important goal. necessary to respond to those Sincerely yours in the Lord, changes with careful planning.

Some of the more significant changes with which the Church is faced today are the shift

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NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference ofCatholic Bishops.

"A Home at the End of the World" (Warner Independent Pictures) Bland. adaptation, of Michael Cunningham's novel about an unconveQtional triangular romance about a bisexual (Colin Farrell) who is in love with both his gay best friend (Dallas Roberts) and their bohemian female roommate (Robin Wright Penn).

Directed by Michael Mayer and laced with homoerotic images, the tenderly told film explores the human heart's need for love; however, in doing so, it promotes a r:adical re-defining of traditional ideas concerning family and sexuality. An ambiguous view of human sexuality, several sexual encounters with nudity, recurring drug content involving minors, as well as much rough and crude language. , The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is 0 - morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

"Garden State" (Fox Searchlight) Offbeat comedy about a struggling, emotionally autistic L.A. actor (Zach Braff) deadpanning it in a lithium-induced daze, who returns to his New Jersey home after 10 years in order to attend his mother's funeral and, through a series of chance encounters with old slacker friends and an eccentric girl (Natalie Portman), begins to reclaim his life, including his estranged relationship with his father (Ian Holm). Well written and acted, the visually quirky film (Braff's directorial debut) offers witty observations on family, loss and America's fascination with pharmaceutical solutions to life's problems.

However, the movie's hope-affirming message is weighed down by its catatonic talkiness.

Recurring drug content, sexual encounters with partial nudity, and some rough ~nd crude language and humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III - adults.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

"Stander" (Newmarket) True-life drama set in 1970s

South Africa about white police captain Andre Stander (Thomas Lane), deeply disillusioned by the dehumanizing injustices of apartheid, who, along with two accomplices, bucks the racist system he had spent his life enforcing by pulling off a series of increasingly audacious bank robberies, which he rationalizes as a form of civil disobedience.

In spite of a dynamic performance by Lane,director Bronwen Hughes walks a dangerous line between painting a complex portrait of moral outrage and romanticizing Stander's criminal spree as a legitimate form of political protest. Recurring violence, including an intense riot sequence, a few sexual encounters, some nudity, as well ,as rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L - limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R ..::.... restricted.

"We Don't Live Here Anymore" (Warner Independent) Dour but grimly absorbing story of two unhappily married couples living in a university town who end up having affairs with each other's spouses.

Though told with compassion and perception, astutely scripted, and superbly acted by Mark Ruffalo, Laura Dern, Peter Krause and Naomi Watts, the film is almost unrelievedly downbeat. Much rOligh and crude language including profanity, intense sexual encounters, and an unconventional view of marriage and adultery.

The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L - limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

"Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie" (Warner Bros.)

Incoherent animated action adventure about a teen-ager named Yugi (voiced by Dan Green), whose invincible alter ego - an Egyptian pharaoh whose spirit he channels through a mystical amulet he wears around his neck - faces off against an ancient evil demon in a high-stakes card duel, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Based on the Japanese comic book and trading-card phenomenon, this dizzying and disjointed mess is little more than a 90-minute commercial for "Yu-Gi-Oh!" products. Animated violence and some scary images. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is AIl - adults and adolescents.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG - parental guidance suggested.

Friday, August 20, 2004

ANNE HATHAWAY and Chris Pine star in a scene from the movie "Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement." (CNS photo from Disney)

eNS movie review - 'Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement' NEW .YORK (CNS) Once upon a time, director Garry Marshall set out to make a sequel to his mildly charming 2001 romantic teen comedy, "The Princess Diaries."

And so a decree went out to all the girl-power cliches in the land, summoning them to his script, the result being the sweet but schmaltzy "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement"(Disney).

For those who missed the first film, Anne Hathaway plays Mia, a nerdy American teen-ager who learned that she is next in line for the throne of Genovia, a Monaco-like realm somewhere in Europe whose national anthem sounds surprisingly similar to that of Freedonia's in the Marx Brothers' "Duck Soup."

In the original, Mia - under the tutelage of her regal grandmother, Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews) - was transformed from the proverbial ugly duckling into a graceful royal swan.

Now five years and one Princeton degree later, Mia is turning 21 and, with her grandma stepping down, is ready to assume her role as ruler of Genovia. But there is one major speed bump on the way to the castle: Genovian law forbids an unmarried woman to be crowned queen; the same stricture does not apply to male heirs.

Faced with the coronation conundrum, Genovia's parliament is left with two options:

'Either Mia finds a suitable monarchical mate in 30 days, or the crown passes to her royal rival, Lord Nicholas Devereaux (Chris Pine), a dashing homegrown prince whose claim is championed by his Machiavellian uncle (John Rhys-Davies).

In the quest for a groom, it is arranged for Mia to marry Lord Andrew Jacoby (Callum Blue), a handsome young British blueblood. The only problem is she finds herself falling for Devereaux.

Will Mia choose true love or duty? Or, will she have her royal wedding cake and eat it too?

As in the first "Diaries," the mediocre material is elevated' somewhat by the buoyant and beautiful Hathaway, whose sunny smile could light up a small kingdom or two. As always, Andrews adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise graceless and clumsy affair. Also returning are Heather Matarazzo as Mia's old high school galpal, Lilly, and Hector Elizondo as Queen Clarisse's head of securit~ .

At least the original film had a cute Pygmalion premise with Andrews playing Prof. Higgins to Hathaway's goofy Eliza Doolittle. This time around, the derivative humor is spread thin and much more forced. The . film also lacks the freshness of the first installment, a common malady among sequels - unless, of course, the protagonist is a green ogre, spins webs or has the surname Corleone.

Pre-pubescent princesswannabes will undoubtedly find the Cinderella-like ball gowns and tiaras enchanting, but older viewers may find themselves pulling a Sleeping Beauty for much of the film.

"The Princess Diaries 2" is the most recent example of an emerging subgenre, the feminist fairy tale. Along with other recent wish-fulfillment fantasies like "The Prince & Me" and "Ella Enchanted" (which also starred Hathaway), "Diaries 2" freights the traditional storybook formula with preachy dollops of gender politics pap.

With Hollywood serving up a steady stream of toxically violent and hypersexualized fare, you would think that it would be easy to give a G-rated film - with recognizable stars, glossy production values and a name director - an enthusiastic thumbs-up. Sadly, that is not the case. Still, in this day and age, Marshall deserves credit for making a movie that eschews "edginess" in favor of a more wholesome tone and has a positive, family-friendly message.

For that reason alone, this is one "Engagement" you may want to keep.

In spite of some thematic elements and a few brief kissing scenes, the USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I - general patronage.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G - general audiences, all ages admitted.

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friday, Augult 20, 2004

New superior general ofVincentian congregation a Baltimore native

A WORKER sews air bags for Ford at Aguirre Safety Technologies in Detroit. In their statement on political responsibility, the U.S. bishops said they support government policies that "create jobs for all who can work with decent working conditions and adequate pay that reflects a living wage:' (eNS file photo by Jim West)

Portland archbishop testifies during bankruptcy hearing

By ED LANGLOIS CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

Catholic Sentinel, Portland archdiocesan newspaper.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Port"That way she wouldn't have land Archbishop John G. Vlazny to rule on a tricky and sensitive testified before a federal bankissue," he added. "The fact that ruptcy court, saying it was ultithere may be a ruling on the mately his decision, not the property issue is very interesting Vatican's, to file for Chapter 11 and important." federal bankruptcy protection for In July, the archdiocese filed the archdiocese, a first for any papers claiming about $19 milCatholic diocese. lion in assets, saying that During the recent fourcanon law holds that parhour bankruptcy hearing, ish and school assets beHe explained that the bankruptcy long to the parishes and attorneys for those who have claims against the was seen as a way to satisfy allsex schools, not the archdioArchdiocese of Portland abuse plaintiffs, notjust a few; and cese. sought possible Vatican li- allowthe Church to continue Ils misMoney from parishes ability. and schools deposited with sion.

The archbishop, while the archdiocese is held in allowing that he must comtrust, according to Church ply with certain Church laws, archdiocesan property. If she attorneys. said that talks with the Vatican sides fully with plaintiffs on the Trust law, not Church-state before the filing were "appropri- issue, it would set an estimated relations as some media reported, ate, satisfactory and within the $500 million for parceling out, may well be at the center of the law," but that, "in the end, it be- more than 25 times the assets the bankruptcy case. comes my decision" to file Chap- archdiocese now reports.

Plaintiffs claiming sex abuse ter 11.

Thomas Stilley, an attorney have so far sued for a total of Archbishop Vlazny also dis- for the archdiocese, had put for- $307 million. Another 41 cases cussed archdiocesan policies to ward a plan to negotiate settle- do not yet have specific dollar prevent child abuse, which have ments for current and future law- amounts, and 20 lawsuits have been held up for years as a na- suits before tackling the thorny yet to be filed. tional model.

Recently, the national leader issue of property ownership. The He explained that the bank- issue might have been moot, of a group for victims of sex ruptcy was seen as a way to sat- Stilley said, had his plan been abuse by priests visited Portland isfy all sex abuse plaintiffs, not accepted. and asked Catholics not to regard just a few, and allow the Church Perris' move surprised David sex abuse victims as enemies of to continue its mission.

Skeel, a bankruptcy expert and a the Church.

"I thought it was a way of professor at the University of "We are the sons and daughbringing everyone around the Pennsylvania Law School. ters of Catholic families who table and seeing what we could "I had predicted that the judge have been raped and sexually asdo," he told the court. would probably postpone ruling saulted by priests of the CathoThe key issue of whether land, on the property issue, and would lic Church, and we are seeking buildings and savings that belong have waited to see if it looks likes healing," said Barbara Blaine, to parishes and schools are part the parties were able to work out president of Survivors Network of what creditors can claim is ex- settlements," Skeel told the of those Abused by Priests. pected to be decided by the court in the coming months. But appeals could make the process drag on, perhaps for years.

Despite objections by the archdiocese, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Elizabeth Perris set a date for the claimants' attorney to file motions on the relationship of parish property to the

BALTIMORE (CNS) Vincentian Father G. Gregory Gay III, a Baltimore native, was elected as the worldwide superior general of the Congregation of the Mission, known as the Vincentian Fathers and Brothers, and the Daughters of Charity during the religious community's general assembly in Rome in July.

Father Gay, a graduate of John Carroll High School in Bel Air, will oversee more than 3,500 Vincentian priests and brothers and more than 23,000 Daughters of Charity in 84 countries.

The 51-year-old priest is the 23rd successor of St. Vincent de Paul, who founded the congregation in 1625, and the second Baltimorean to hold the position of superior general.

In an interview he gave while visiting his home parish of St. Stephen, Father Gay said his election was a "big surprise."

Since 2000, he has been provincialleader of his order's Central American province in Guatemala.

He had previously spent 25 years working as a missionary in Panama, traveling on horseback, and for several years was a teacher and executive director of the justice and peace council at Vincentian-run Niagara University in New York.

Father Gay told The Catholic Review, Baltimore's archdiocesan newspaper, that he plans to build on the work of his predecessor, Vincentian Father M. Robert Maloney.

He said that means two of his priorities will be sending priests to parts of the world where there are none and encouraging strong lay formation through Vincentian associations such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Marian Vincentian Youth Corp, the Association of the Miraculous Medal and Vincentian

lay missionaries.

Father Gay said he plans to continue the good relationship between the superior general and the mother general of the Daughters of Charity.

Promoting religious vocations will be another priority, Father Gay said.

While his order has a wealth of vocations from the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Africa and Latin America, he noted that there are far fewer vocations from Europe and North America.

"I think if we all will become more faithful to who we are by living a simple life and showing a commitment to the poor, I think young people will be attracted to that and vocations will spring up," said Father Gay, who will lead the Vincentians from the order's Rome base.

Father Gay said his own religious vocation was inspired by the example of Father Elbert Gay, his great-uncle who also was a Vincentian. After his uncle retired, the younger Father Gay remembered visiting one of his parishioners in Baltimore as a 16-year-old John Carroll student.

"We knocked on the door and this poor, old lady came out and she started hooting and hollering and hugging my uncle as soon as she saw him," Father Gay remembered. "I saw that he was crying.

Something told me then that I'd really love to live like that."

A year later, that same teenager entered the seminary and was ordained a Vincentian priest in 1980.

While Father Gay is fluent in Spanish, he said he will have to learn Italian and French. His goal is to visit all 84 countries where there is a Vincentian presence by the end of his six-year term.

Following his election as superior general, Father Gay met briefly with Pope John Paul II to receive a papal blessing.

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. PRACTICE THE DEVOTION OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS, AS REQUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATlMA

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia (seer of Fatima) and spoke these words: "Announce in my name that I promise to assist at the hour ofdeath with the graces necessary for the salvation oftheir souls, all those who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the Rosary (5 decades); and 4. Keep me company for 15 minutes while meditating on the 15 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me."

In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be preceded by the words: "In reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary:' Confessions may be made during 8 days before or after the first saturday, and Holy Communion may be received at either the morning or evening Mass on the first Saturday.

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Friday, August 20, 2004

More than 200 flood-affected families now residing in Bangladeshi church DHAKA, Bangladesh (CNS) - For rickshaw puller Mohammad Abdul Hannan, the De Mazenod Catholic Church compound is dry land and refuge.

It was dark as Hannan spoke to UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. Hannan tried to calm his crying son while his wife cooked. Their son was born in a makeshift shelter at the church July 28.

Hannan, 28, and his then-pregnant wife were driven from their nearby home by the rising waters ofBangladesh's annual flood cycle.

Hooding this year, said to be the worst in 15 years, has swamped two-thirds of the country, affected an estimated 20 million people and killed 1,700. ''We have been here for about 20 days:' Hannan said last week, as his wife took their son. "Different people giving us relief items that drove away our food problems.

We are thankful to all who gave us shelter here and who are providing us food."

Some 205 flood-affected families have been residing in the church compound since mid-July. In early August, the compound was covered with large tents. Old men sat engrossed in thought at the gate in the evening darkness as young children milled around.

The floods are said to be receding, but this is little consolation to people who say they are unlikely to return to their muddied homes until late August. Weather experts have expressed fear that more flooding may occur later in August if heavy rains and water from upstream and neighboring India cause river water to rise again.

This monsoon season floods have been particularly bad in Bangladesh, India and China.

Hena Begum's thoughts were for her eldest son, out in the dark ofthe streets ofDhaka trying to eam a living.

"My l4-year-old son left the shelter in the morning selling 'chanachur' (a crispy snack) in the city. Yet he is not back. Some time back my husband also went out to search for him," she said.

The mother of five said flooding drove her family from their rented home near the church.

"Now we are not in food crisis in this church compound," she said.

"Every three or four days new groups have been coming and providing us relief.. We are safe here.

Church people are keeping regular contact with us."

In the church compound, a Church source said food is distributed at night to avoid people who are not flood victims trying to take advantage of the aid.

On this night, after a 9 p.m. announcement over a microphone, people lined up, holding their identification cards. Women and men formed separate lines; each of the family representatives received one small pack of beef.

After the meat distribution, 20 people from the Dhaka YMCA and National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh distributed rice, lentils, potatoes, salt and molasses, under the watchful eye of Oblate Father Emil Moraes, the parish priest.

He said parishioners are proud that their church has been helping flood victims. CARE, an international nongovernmental organization working in Bangladesh, has loaned the tents that the displaced are using, he said.

Father Subroto Gomes, dean of studies of Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Dhaka, told UCA News that his seminarians pooled money they normally would spend on their own meat and fish to buy a bull as a gift for the flood victims.

Caritas Bangladesh, the relief and development agency of the country's Catholic bishops, also has been distributing aid.

Chinese charity begins. relief for flooding that began in June HONG KONG (CNS) - A Catholic charity in China has begun flood-relief work, while local Church personnel around the country are stretching their resources to assist people hard hit by rains and flooding.

Since late June, unusually heavy downpours have hit 18 of the 31 mainland provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, mainly in central and northern China, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand.

UCA News said that as of August 5 more than 71, million people were reported to have been affected, with damage to 340,000 houses and nearly 14 million acres of crops, according to China's Office of State Hood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters. Some areas still report some heavy rainfall.

Beifang Jinde Catholic Social Service Center, based in Shijiazhuang, some 200 miles southwest of Beijing, is helping some people recover from the disaster. The center was established by the bishops of Hebei province.

Priests in several areas told UCA News they were concerned about Catholic families living in remote mountaiI!ous areas but could offer little help.

In Yunnan, Father Tao Zhibin of Dali diocese told UCA News that most affected Catholics in his diocese live in the mountains where he cannot help much due to distance and the rugged landscape.

In eastern China, a Catholic in Anhui province, famous for its pears, told UCA News July 30 that "most of the pear trees are des~yed and farmlands flooded."

AN AERIAL view shows the Bredjing refugee camp for the Sudanese in eastern Chad recently. Millions of Sudanese have been driven from their homes by violence in western Sudan's Darfur region. (CNS photo from Reuters)

Bishop Gregory asks U.S. bishops for special collection for Sudan

By CATHOLIC

NEWS SERVICE

The United Nations has threatlands. They live in a state of perWASHINGTON - The presi- petual fear and do not have ened the Sudanese government dent of the U.S. Conference of enough food or water to keep with sanctions if it does not rein Catholic Bishops has called on themselves and their children in the Arab militias believed reheads of U.S. dioceses to take up alive," Bishop Gregory said. sponsible for most of the violence a special collection for the more Bishop Ricard, chairman of the in Darfur. About 30,000-50,000 than one million people displaced U.S. bishops' Committee on In- people, mostly black Africans, by ethnic violence in western ternational Policy, was in Sudan have been killed, according to the Sudan. recently and spent two days vis- United Nations.

Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of iting with people displaced by the Sudanese Foreign Minister Belleville, Ill., told U.S. bishops violence in Darfur.

Mustafa Osman Ismail said last that the people of Sudan "need Bishop Gregory said Bishop week that the U.N. figures were your prayers and your help."

Ricard described camps where grossly exaggerated; he put the "The lives of thousands number of dead at 5,000. of people hang in the balOn August 5, the United ance," he said.

Nations reported that huBishop WIlton D. Gregory of Bishop Gregory called manitarian access within bishops that Darfur has deteriorated. The on his fellow bishops to take Belleville, III., told of Sudan ''need your Sudanese government has the people up a collection at their earliest convenience, noting prayers andyour help. 11 been placing restrictions on that Christian, Jewish and 'The lives ofthousands ofpeople World Food Program Muslim groups were con- hang in the balance, 11 he said. flights, causing major deducting "other efforts" on lays in the deployment of August 25 to address the humanitarian staff, accordhumanitarian crisis in ing to a U.N. statement.

Sudan. "tens of thousands of people were Human Rights Watch said ciThe bishop also called for a huddled under plastic sheets to vilians in Darfur faced further nationwide day of prayer for this protect themselves from the driv- atrocities amid growing insecurity coming Sunday. ing rains and wind." in the region.

Bishop Gregory called for the ''They are only a small fraction In a recent report, the agency fund-raiser after speaking with of the millions of Sudanese who said that instead of disarming the Bishop John H. Ricard of have been driven from their Arab militias Sudan has incorpoPensacola-Tallahassee, Fla., who homes and brutalized by conflicts rated them into police and other called him from the Darfur region in this country," Bishop Gregory security forces assigned to guard . of western Sudan after visiting said. proposed safe areas for displaced with refugees.

The bishop said Catholic Re- civilians.

"The people of Darfur told lief Services, which is working in In addition, Amnesty InternaBishop Ricard about how armed Sudan with other Catholic agen- tional has charged Sudan with groups rode into their villages, cies, "will ensure that the funds arresting civilians who spoke with killed family members and drove go to Sudanese people who are visiting officials and journalists people from their homes and most in need." about the dire situation in Darfur.

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Vatican official says Pro-Life stand doesn't impede religions freedom

By CATHOLIC

NEWS SERVICE

PARIS - A Pro-Life stance does not infringe on the freedom of religion; rather, all governments have a duty to protect life from the moment of conception to its natural end, said a top Vatican official.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, head of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said protecting human life "is not a position of faith"; it is an obvious fact born from reason. His remarks appeared in an interview published August 13 by the magazine of the French newspaper Le Figaro.

However, anyone opposed to protecting the right to life also

would be acting against the Catholic faith, said the cardinal.

"A politician who takes a different position, who does not respect the image of God (in man) and the inviolability of the human person, is also in opposition to the rational elements of faith" and to the "fundamental elements of the Christian conscience," he said.

Cardinal Ratzinger's comments follow an ongoing debate within the Catholic community on whether a priest or bishop should deny Communion to a Catholic politician who supports public policies that stand in opposition to Church teachings - particularly

SUPPORTERS OF legal abortion show their commitment to the Democratic party nominees for president and vice president, Sen. John Kerry and Sen. John Edwards, at the Democratic National Convention in Boston in July. The National Right to Life Committee has given Kerry, a Catholic, a two percent Pro-Life voting record since 1984. (CNS photo from Reuters)

Issues

on right-to-life issues.

In June, U.S. bishops approved a statement that said politicians who act "consistently to support abortion on demand" risk "cooperating in evil and sinning against the common good."

They determined that "all must examine their consciences" about their worthiness to receive Communion, including with regard to "fidelity to the moral teaching of the Church in public and private life."

The bishops also added that decisions about any sanctions to be imposed, such as denying Communion, rest with each bishop in his own diocese.

Cardinal Ratzinger~s congregation published a document in January stating that Catholics must not promote or vote for any laws that would lead to attacks on human life.

The "Doctrinal Note on Some Questions Regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life" said that, while the freedom of conscience leaves Catholics free to choose among political parties and strategies for promoting the common good, they cannot claim that freedom allows them to promote abortion, euthanasia or other attacks on human life.

In the interview with Le Figaro magazine, Cardinal Ratzinger said that document and its teaching do not seek to infringe on political or religious freedom, but favor pluralism. ''The state must guarantee freedom of thought and religion. We do not seek to impose our faith on

Continued from page one

reverse the Mexico City policy and to "only appoint Supreme Court justices who will uphold a woman's right to choose."

"President Bush has compiled a record during his first term in office that can only be described as extraordinarily Pro-Life," said Steven Ertelt, editor and founder of LifeNews.com, in what he said was the Internet-based Pro-Life news service's "first-ever editorial."

"And when it comes to the key battles and judicial appointments over the next four years, only President Bush can be trusted to advance the cause of life," Ertelt added in a recent editorial.

The National Right to Life Committee, which tracks the voting records of members of Congress on key Pro-Life legislation, gives Kerry a two percent ProLife voting record since 1984, saying he voted 92 out of94 times against the position taken by the Pro-Life organization.

Kerry's running mate, Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, joined the Senate in 1998 and has voted 11 out of 11 times against the National Right to Life Committee's position on abor-

In early July, Kerry raised the tion-related legislation.

In "Faithful Citizenship," their hackles of his supporters who are quadrennial statement issued ev- working to keep abortion legalery presidential election year when he told the Dubuque (Iowa) since 1976, the U.S. bishops call Telegraph Herald, "I oppose abortion "the deliberate killing of abortion, personally. I don't like a human being before birth" and abortion. I believe life does be-' say it is "never morally accept- gin at conception."

But in follow-up interviews able."

More recently, in their June 18 with ABC News and The Assostatement on "Catholics in Politi- ciated Press, Kerry said although cal Life," the bishops said, ''Those he believed unborn children were who formulate law therefore have "a form of life," they were "not, an obligation in conscience to the form of life that takes work toward correcting morally , personhood in the terms that we defective laws, lest they be guilty have judged it'to be in the past."

A president's most long-standof cooperating in evil and in sinning against the common good," ing effect on abortion might be in his appointments to the U.S. Suthey added.

Christopher M. Duncan, chair- preme Court, the ultimate arbiter man of the political science de- of the question.

Kerry has said he would not partment at the Marianist-run University of Dayton in Ohio, appoint a Supreme Court justice said because Kerry is Catl1olic, who would vote to overturn the the abortion issue "has become 1973 Roe v. Wade decision on more of an issue than it would abortion.

LifeNews.com's Ertelt, in an have been" for another Demorecent follow-up column to his cratic candidate.

But abortion's biggest role in editorial, said that likely turnover this campaign may be as a "lever- means that "the next president aging tool to suggest that John will have the power to determine Kerry doesn't know what he be- whether abortion will remain legal for the next 30 years." lieves in," Duncan said.

others through politics," he said.

But he added that the Church is "convinced that faith is a light

for reason" and that the Catholic politician must shed that light in the political realm.

U.s. CATHOLIC bishops praised passage of the partialbirth abortion ban, which President George W. Bush is pictured signing into law November 4 in Washington. Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry voted six times against the partial-birth abortion ban. (CNS file photo from Reuters)

College

Continuedfrom page one

Donohue-Lynch and Edward Sirois. Its purpose was to inspire the students to internalize their Catholic faith.

Parishioner Bee LeBarre was on board for the first session. "It was an awesome experience," LeBarre told The Anchor. "I was able to understand the meat of the Catholic Church."

Twenty individuals, including LeBarre, signed up for the course.

"It didn't matter the age of the student," LeBarre said. "Each of us received something special from this. We had different doubts and questions about the Church, and the course touched on them all."

Pat Friel, Our Lady of Victory's newly-appointed director of Faith Formation, is very excited about the new partnership. "I believe that formation in faith is not just for children, as many people think," she said. "All catechetical documents since Vatican II stress the importance of adult formation."

Friel told The Anchor the parish religious education program has nearly 1,000 students. "If our adults are well informed about the Catholic faith, then our children will be well informed as well," she said.

"It's interesting to note that Providence College began as a boys' school in 1917," said Father Hession. "Then in 1918 the Dominican Sisters began the first postcampus classes, teaching adults how to teach CCD." Father Hession noted how this partnership continues the school's tradition.

Friel sent all parishioners a "Vision of Faith Formation," telling the faithful, "Formation is a life-long multifaceted process in which we all participate." The PC-OLV partnership appears to be a good fit with regards to Friel's vision.

Father Hession said the partnership is in the infancy of a IO-year test period to "improve the quality of education for students" in the Cape Cod area.

Based on the success of the six-

week pilot course, LeBarre said, "I will definitely continue with this education process. I'm anxious to take the follow-up courses. I've always wanted to study theology, and now I can."

"It's our hope that this can become a vital learning experience not just for Our Lady of Victory parishioners, but for many Catholics on Cape Cod and the Islands," said Father Hession.

The remaining schedule for the first phase of the program is: Fall 2004- "Sacraments: Rites, Roots and Rituals"; Spring 2005 "Prayer in the Catholic Tradition"; and Summer 2005 - "Catholic Christian Morality."

Each course will meet for two hours on one evening per week for six weeks. The college provides students access to a user-friendly online platform named ANGEL (A New Global Environment for Learning), which allows them to interact with the instructor(s) and fellow classmates, should they choose to do so.

Currently, the Providence College School of Continuing Education grants continuing education units (CEU's) to those who successfully complete each course.

Father Hession told The Anchor the hope is to eventually offer college credits for the courses, allowing participants to work towards bachelors and graduate degrees from Providence College.

These are exciting times for the parishioners of Our Lady of Vic.tory Parish and for Catholics in neighboring communities. The vision is bright and the focus is clear - providing quality faith-based education to adults, who in tum, will pass that knowledge on to hungry young minds.

For further information about the Providence College-Our Lady ofVu:torypartnership, contact Pat Friel at Our Lady ofVu:tory Parish, 230 South Main Street, Centerville, MA 02632, or call 508-775-5744.

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HEATHER O'REILLY plays in a match against Mexico earlier this year in Albuquerque, N.M. At 19 she is the youngest member of the U.S. women's Olympic soccer team. Her family and parish in the Diocese of Metuchen, N.J., will keep close watch on the Athens, Greece, games, as she competes with her team members for the gold. (CNS photo courtesy International Sports Images)

THESE YOUTH leaders helped campers enjoy the Summer Happening Program at Saint Mary's Church in North Attleboro recently. They helped provide crafts, music, movies and games to elementary' school-aged children and celebrate the theme "Growing With God." More than 65 youth leaders and campers participated in the program.

SEVERAL BISHOP Feehan High School students earned top honors in its annual science fair. Representing the Attleboro school from left to right are: Ishani Choksi, Peggy McQuaid, Dan Beksha, Matt Hall, Kevin Shanahan, Jennifer Olson, Miles Miller and Meghan Gibson.

The secret life of ducks

BY M. REGINA CRAM CATHOUC NEWS SERvICE

There's no easy way to say this so I'll just spit it out. 1sleep with a stuffed yellow duck named Goober. Yes, I'm serious.

Goober is adorable in a homely sort of way, with beady eyes and a sprig of hair on the top of his pointy head that makes him ,look dorky but sweet. No matter what anyone says, 1 think Goober is awesome. Even if he isn't the brightest crayon in the box.

Goober's life began in the Easter basket of my teen-age daughter Meredith a few years back. One day when Meredith wasn't looking, Goober sneaked across the hall to my room and never went back.

Personally 1 think he's much happier with me. Don't get Meredith started on that topic.

After Goober moved in with me, 1tried to give the poor guy a better name. You know, something cool like Melvin or Stumpy or McCloskey. But no. That girl overheard my plan and she threatened me. My own kid threatened me! Meredith said she'd take Goober back ifl changed his name. 1don't think that's legal because it would be like undoing an adoption. .

Besides, Goober would be . devastated. But Meredith wouldn't budge. That girl gets her stubbornness from her father.

To answer your question, no, my husband is not thrilled about sharing his wife with a stuffed duck, no matter how adorable he is (the duck, not the husband).

Personally, 1think I'm a bargain.

1mean, it's not as if! carry a

Barney doll with me. _ OK, I'll get to the point.

Over the summer 1chaperoned a group of teens to a Steubenville Catholic Youth Conference. (I

keep asking if I'm serious?) We hadn't been at the conference for more than 10 minutes when Goober was snatched from my loving arms and passed around like a beach ball at a rock concert.

Hanging out with Goober became the ultimate sign of coolness that weekend. It was Goober's first Coming tas~ of popularity and I'm pretty of sure he loved it. . .

The only rule was that Goober Age had to be back in my possession , by midnight.

That first night as Goober and know, it's scary to think that I'm I settled into a Little Mermaid the most mature adult they could sleeping bag (no, it's not mine), find.) Throughout the weekend I the girl next to me began to carried a small backpack with giggle. "I've never seen a grownlife's essentials: Bible, water up sleep with a stuffed animal," bottle, chocolate chip cookies, she laughed. and Goober.

"Welcome to my world, Alex."

Yes, I'm serious. (Why do you What I didn't say was that

Goober helps me feel safe. Have you ever seen a small child clinging to his tattered blanket during a thunderstorm? As long as he clutches that blanket, his world is safe. When he awakens during the night, he reaches through the darkness for the one thing that will soothe him - his blanket.

Goober does the same thing for me, and in his dorky little way, he also reminds me to cling to God for protection and love.

Does it make sense? Maybe not, but it's true. As for a grown woman sleeping with a homely stuffed duck, it's been suggested that I never grew up.

Maybe that's not so bad.

"Unless you become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3).

Friday, August 20, 2004

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Catholic attorney draws on faith during judicial nomination process LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (CNS) " wrote, "The concern for rape - Catholic attorney Leon victims is a red herring because Holmes did not expect his nomi- conceptions from rape occur nation to the U.S. District Court with approximately the same for the Eastern District of Ar- frequency as snowfall in Mi"kansas would hinge on what he ami." co-wrote for a "Church newspaLooking back, Holmes said per" six years ago. he regrets the letter's tone.

"I was surprised. I was, yes," "I have said there were things he said in an interview with the that were openly harsh and unArkansas Catholic, Little Rock duly strident," he said. "If I diocesan newspaper. could go back and change some By a narrow margin July 6, of those things, I would speak Holmes was approved by the more softly."

Senate to become a federal In the end, opposition to judge. He was quietly sworn in Holmes' appointment was based July 19 with only his family and on his writings an,d his work to an attorney from his former law end abortion. Holmes has been firm present. active in the Pro-Life movement Holmes submitted samples of in Arkansas for more than 20 his published writings to the years and has given legal advice Senate Judiciary Committee af- to many groups that are trying to reverse the ter his January Supreme 2003 nominaCourt's Roe tion to the fedv. Wade decieral appeals sion. court. Among It was the the samples Pro-Life was a column movement by him and his that drew wife, Susan, Leon and Suthat appeared san Holmes, in the Arkanmembers of sas Catholic the Cathedral in 1997. of St. Andrew Sus a n in Little Holmes, who Rock, to the had conducted Catholic a Bible study Church in the about using early 1980s. gender-neutral The couple language in and their five Scripture, was children bethe primary came Cathowriter of the LEON HOLMES lic at Our article titled eNS photo Lady of Good "Gender-NeuCounsel tral Language: Destroying an Essential Ele- Church in Little Rock in 1989.

Holmes, 53, attended law ment of Our Faith," but Leon Holmes helped write portions of school at night and graduated first in his class at the Univerit and edited the piece.

In it, the Holmeses wrote, sity of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

In spite of endorsements 'The use of male and female to symbolize the relationship be- from both U.S. senators from tween Christ and the Church is Arkansas, Holmes had to endure more than 18 months of accupervasive."

In 1997 the column was not sations and questions about his controversial. "No one ever faith and his views on slavery, commented on it," Leon Holmes women's rights, separation of told the Arkansas Catholic. church and state and abortion. , Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, "There was never 'any feedwas one of Holmes' biggest supback."

But in the spring of 2003, the porters. "The chief attack levcolumn drew a lot of attention eled against Mr. Holmes confrom U.S. senators and members cerns his personal religious beof organizations working to liefs - beliefs that are rooted keep abortion legal who felt in a literal interpretation of Holmes did not support equal- Scripture. They discussed Scripture - not the law. They quoted ity for women.

They only quoted two sen- Ephesians - not court cases. tences from the column: "The And they openly talked about wife is to subordinate herself to how their Church and their faith her husband" and "The woman played an important role in their is to place herself under the au- relationship and their family."

Holmes said, "A lot of people thority of the man."

Holmes' other writings, spe- prayed and I think that was very cifically a letter to the editor in important. There was a lot of a Moline, Ill., newspaper in time I went to the Scriptures to 1980, also drew anger. Holmes get strength."

SICK PEOPLE in Lourdes, France, are assisted by caretakers August 13. The sick come to Lourdes from all over the world seeking a cure from their ailments. (CNS photo from Reuters)

Pope ~hares physical weakness of pilgriDls while praying at Lourdes

By CINDY WOODEN CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

LOURDES, France - Sharing the physical weakness of thousands of his fellow pilgrims at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Pope John Paul II prayed for comfort for those who suffer, for the protection of every human life and for peace in the world.

Although he was fine for most of the August 14-15 pilgrimage, his initial visit of the weekend to the Massabielle grotto, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous, was emotional and difficult.

Pushed in his wheeled throne to the grotto and helped to his

knees, the pope was able to stay erect for less than a minute. He began to slump over, and his private secretaries came to his assistance, lifting him back into his chair.

The text the pope had prepared to read at the grotto was read instead by retired French Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, a longtime Vatican official.

Father Raymond Zambelli, rector of the shrine, offered the pope water from the grotto's spring, holding the glass up to the pope's lips.

Greeting the sick, the pope's text said, "With you I share a time of life marked by physical suffer-

ing, yet not for that reason any less fruitful in God's wondrous plan."

The pope's courage was on display about half an hour later when he struggled mightily through his long homily, even gasping "help me" in Polish at one point and muttering, "I must finish."

"I appeal urgently to all of you, brothers and sisters, to do everything in your power to ensure that life - each and every life - will be respected from conception to its natural end," he said.

"Life," Pope John Paul told the crowd estimated at 250,000 people, "is a sacred gift, and no one can presume to be its master."

TRAILER HOMES are shown in ruins August 15, two days after they were destroyed when Hurricane Charley tore through Punta Gorda, Fla. At least 16 people were killed in southwest Florida and thousands were left homeless after the storm ripped through the area. (CNS photo from Reuters)

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Friday, August 20, 2004

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Pope warns Russian youth not to follow idols ofhedonism, drugs

By CAROL GLATZ

In his message, the pope said it was urgent to pay witness to VATICAN CITY - Pope Christ's living presence in the John 'Paul II warned Russian Church today. youths not to squander hard- - "You must resist, dear young' won freedoms by following the people, today's subtle and lethal false idols of hedonism and temptation to distance,God from drugs. your life or to tum one's faith into "Do not allow the freedoms incidental and formal gestures," your dear nation has won back it said. with the price of great sacrifice "Christ is our true freedom, and suffering to be squandered, having definitively freed us from away by'giving in to false ideals," the slavery of sin. Only in him do he said in a written message re- we find meaning and peace in.our leased by the heart," said the Vatican. "}t t ' cf4 message. . 'aU mus rests, 'ear The pope Many youths in Russia today young people, today's also expressed are "often dis- subtle andlethaltempta- .his hopes that tracted by the tion to distance Godfrom y~ung p.eople, mirages of a n . , With theIr "eneasy and com- your life or to turn ones thusiasm and fortable life, by faith into incidental and vigor," would the temptations formal gesture~"it said. continue to of drugs and hehelp in the task donism, often of bridging diending up as slaves to violence, visions between Russia's Orthomeaninglessness and despera- dox and Catholic communities. tion," he said.

The churches in Russia have Young people need now more experienced "many tribulations in than ever to see other young, the past," including persecution people's "radical loyalty" to ' under communism and lPartyrChrist and the Gospel, he said. dom. But Catholics, Orthodox The pope's remarks came in a and Protestants "persevered in written message for an August their faith in Christ ... their testi11-15 nationwide gathering of mony has become a common Catholic young people in Russia's heritage for us," he said.

Siberian city of Irkutsk. The The Catholic Church "fosters meeting, promoted by the nation's great hope in you, dear young bishops, was part of Russia's people," that youthful enthusiasm preparations for World Youth will provide "new vitality in the Day 2005 next August in Co- mission" of the Church, said the logne, Germany. pope. ,CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

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FATHER BENEDICT J. Groeschel speaks at a ceremony for eight brothers of his order who took their perpetual vows recently in Yonkers, N.Y. Recovering from a near-fatal accident in January, the founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal is slowly getting back to his busy schedule. (CNS photo by Chris Sheridan)

Father 'Groeschel slowed, but at work and walking after near-fatal accident medical plane February 20, and syrups and other mysterious obspent months at Sound Shore jects."

Medical Center in New Rochelle Alluding to damage to his NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. - ' and then Burke Rehabilitation right shoulder and a crushed Franciscan Father Benedict J. Hospital in White Plains before' right elbow, he commented in Groeschel, who hovered near his release in June. his message, "I'm thinking that death after a car hit him January Father Groeschel was inter- people will be calling me \ 11 in Orlando, Fla., is again viewed at Trinity Retreat in New Lefty." walking and working.

Rochelle. It is in a former private In the interview, he showed he The priest, a Franciscan Friar home that was given to the New had regained some use of the finof the, Renewal; walks more York Archdiocese. His fellow gers on his right hand, but said slowly and carries a cane for ex- friars take turns staying with him he probably could not have surtra security. At daily Mass, he is and assisting him. gery on the shoulder and arm beusually a concelebrant _cause he is taking a blood rather than the celebrant. thinner and stopping the And an afternoon nap has medication for surgery become a new feature of Alluding to damage to his right would put him in danger of his life. shoulder and a crushed right el- having a stroke.

"But I walked over a Although Father mile yesterday," he said in bo~ he commented in his mesGroeschel, who turned 71 an interview last week. sage, ''I'm thinking thatpeople will on July 23, anticipates furInternationally known be calling me LeftX" ther recovery, he acknowlfor his retreat work, Father edged that he probably will Groeschel said he had led no longer be flying around a retreat the previous week, His condition means every de- the country. the first since his accident, and tail of his daily life must get spe"I have resigned from the had another scheduled for Sep- cial attention. "I prayed that I board of the Franciscan Univertember. would be able to get out of a sity in Steubenville (O~io), and Mother Angelica's EWTN ,chair and walk, and take care of I will' probably have to resign cable network has been an out- my personal hygiene, and I can from the board of Ave Maria let for his work, and has replayed do that," he said. "What I still University," which is in Florida, some of his old programs during need is help getting dressed and he said. his illness. But he said he had re- tidying up a little."

"I will do my retreats here, corded one new program and Father Groeschel said he and I will preach at churches in planned others. hopes thai by Labor Day he will Father Groeschel said he also no longer requirepersonal assis- the area," he added.

He was postulator for Cardiplans to resume teaching a tance and can return to his own nal Cooke's sainthood cause, but course in pastoral psychology at quarters. But he said he will that role has been given to Fathe New York archdiocesan have to have a hospital bed seminary, St. Joseph's in Yon- , he needs to sleep with his head ther Joseph Giandurco of St. Joseph's Seminary. However, kers, N.Y., this fall. and feet elevated to avoid And he outlined an ambitious edema, or an accumulation of Father Groeschel plans to remain involved in the cause. program of writing - by dicta- fluid.

Citing Blessed Mother Teresa, tion - and editing several books In a recent message on Cardinal Cooke and others, Fathat he expected to see in print his order's Website, later this year and next year. "I'm www.franciscanfriars.com. he ther Groeschel said, "I have been blessed to know five or six terribly busy," he said. commented that anyone in a situ- people who are likely to be canAll this represents enormous ation such as his has to be "preprogress for a priest w~o was pared to live with an incredible onized." And he calls on them for brought back from Florida on a array of pills, capsules, 'powders, their intercession every day, he said.

By TRACY EARLY CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

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