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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River--.-Fri., Sept. 16, 1988
SISTER CORA ASSELIN
Tributes paid 2 sisters at Sacred Heart Home Changes have been taking place at Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford, where Sister Cora Asselin has retired to the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Quebec and Sister Cecile Fortin has coneluded an eight-year term as superior of the sisters at the home. Both sisters received loving tributes in "Caring and Sharing," the home's newsletter. ·Written by Sister Rachel Lafrance, scq, they follow. Sister Cora "On Monday, June 27th, we said goodbye to our dear Sister Cora as she' left to retire to the 'motherhouse in Quebec City after 51 years of service in the Diocese of Fall River, 41 of which were spent here at Sacred Heart Nursing Home. "Sister Cora was born Lauretta Asselin in Quebec City and attended the local school of St. Sauveur, conducted by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame. As the oldest daughter of 20 children, Lauretta learned. very young the art of housekeeping and raising children. So she was ready to enter the Community of the Sisters of Charity in 1930, and pronounce her vows in 1932. Her first' five years were spent in her native Canada caring for small boys. "Then in 1937 she was transferred to 81. Joseph Orphanag~ in Fall River where she took care of AmeriQla orphan boys for 10 years. It was in 1947 that Sister Cora came to New Bedford where she has lived and worked on 2 Center ever siDCilt{Xears went by and we at Sacred Ifeart did celebrate her 50th Golden Jubilee of religious professio.dn 1982. "In ~«hew Chapter 6, V-I, we read 'IW",ul not to parade your gOOd~."before men to attnct their no . : This passage of the Gospel' rates what Sister Cora has IDr the residents on 2 Cent~, heremployea and for her religious companions. Being self·eff:llced, industrious, efficient'lQu1 well-organized, she has al"",,*bad time to help someone in iieed without attracting attention. Plus, she holds the record for always being on time and never being absent from work! "Sister was a coordinator and supervisor of the storeroom for household provisions. She was in cbarge of the cafeteria for 20 years
and did mending and sewing for the residents. In her spare time, she kniued afghans and collected and prepared used stamps for the missions. Furthermore, she was always the right hand for each successive superior and a fervent religious." Home employees bade a special farewell to Sister Cora at a recep~ tion at which the centerpiece was a ship made by Sister Lafrance "to help keep her fond ..memories of New Bedford vivid in her mind." Sister Cecile
"Sister Cecile Fortin has termin· ated eight years as superior of the sisters' community at Sacred Heart Nursing Home. Sister arrived in New Bedford on August 8, 1980. and served as superior, sacristan, eucharistic minister and devoted visitor of residents. '''She now returns to the Maison Mere Mallet in Quebec City for a much~deserved rest. "A native Canadian, born inStRock-de~Aulnaies, L'Islet, Province of Quebec, Sister was a former student of the Sisters of Charity of Quebec. Having entered the novitiate in 1930, she pronounced her first religious vows in 1932, and celebrated her golden jubilee of religious life here at Sacred Heart with Sister Cora in 1982. "Sister had a long career in Canada as a teacher, school principal and local and provincial superior. Here in New Bedford, adapting very well to out American lifClltyle, Sister enjoyed our culture, holidays and people of every nationality. Because of a language barrier, Sister Cecile could hot hold a conversation witli everyone with whom she came in contact, but one of her smiles was worth a thousand words. "We are saddened by ber leav~ ing as this means the end of a relationship which has become meaningful and dear to us. We shall never forget her kind and gentle manner when dealing with the sisters, the residents or the employees."
SALUTING SENIORS
Third Age priests Sometimes they live alone in high rises or apartments, sometimes in private nursing homes or with the LiUle Sisters of the Poor or, if they are lucky and have planned well, in special clergy homes. These Third Agers, who have devoted their lives to serving God as diocesan priests, now 75 years old, Of youngerif they are in poor health, make up the fastest grow· ing segment ofthe Americanclergy. The Third Age label was officially applied to these servants of the people of God at the annual meeting of the U.S. hierarchy last November. It appears in "Norms for Priests and Their Third Age" adopted by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. The nonns, drafted in compliance with the revised Code of Canon Law. are the first to be approved by Rome says Msgr. Colin MacDonald, himself retir· ing as executive director for the Bishops' Committee on Priestly Life and Ministry. Tbe Third Age label was not adopted without debate. Former Bishop William Mc Manus of Fort Wayne-South Bend, IN, 74, said he was probably a member of the fourth or fifth age. Former Bishop Francis Reh of Saginaw, MI, 77. said he preferred the title of "senior priests." Every U.S. bishop will get a copy of the norms, Msgr. MacDonald said, to inform him of the policies and practices outlined to meet the needs of the growing number of retired priests. "The diocese should provide various options for the housing of third age priests, according to diocesan policy," the norms say. "Normally, the retiring priest should be given a choice in regard to his retirement housing." On retirement funding, the norms are more specific: "Each diocese should guarantee that priests be given adequate support through a long~range, financially independent and professionally managed pension fund:'
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BERNARD
CASSERLY
Two retired priests raised ques· tions about the bishops' statement on retirement funding. Paragraph 10 says the "priest should bear in mind responsible stewardship of his own resources. "Participation in the Social Security system, as' well as IRAs or other forms of savings, is considered an essential element of this stewardship. He should also be mindful of the needs of the local church in his last will and testament." Rev. Charles Eggert, episcopal vicar for retired priests in the archdiocese ofSt. Paul and Minneapolis, said he suspected the norms "might be open to some question" on the matter of financial responsibility for retirees. The paper"indicates that a priest is expected to take care of himself - not completely - but he is expected to build up an estate for himself so that in old age he will have invested enough to take care of himself.... "Just suppose a priest does not lay up enough treasure for himself on earth," he asked, "does that mean tne bishop can be free ofany obligation to retired priests?" Rev. Edward Grzeskowiak, who served as the first vicar for retirees in the same see, agreed.. Salaries are better now, he said, but as a priest active for 45 years, he recalled when income was very low. However, both men liked the positive tonc of the norms, Father Grzeskowiak saying "all of these things should have been done long ago.... It's an attempt to deal with retired priests on the basis of fairness." The norms address other needs of Third Age priests, such as provisions for disability, a retirement committee, an index of senior priests, "efforts to provide sufficient medical insurance," and their inclusion in spiritual growth and other programs available to all priests.
THERE'S NOTHING quite like a hug from Grandpa, says Sean. His grandfather, Mike Fitzpatrick of Spokane. Wash., was a recipient of the DeSmet Medal. the highest honor of Spokane's Gonzaga University. He and his wife Yvonne raised 13 children and 27 loster children "with lots of hugging and caring." (Ne/Up} photo)
Dental hygiene tips Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs Secretary Paul J. Lanzikos reminds elders of the importance of good oral hcaltlt. "Often, older adults ignore an important part of health, oral health," said Secretary Lanzikos. "Part offeeJing good and enjoying an active lifestyle means being responsible for proper dental hygiene. The Massachusetts Dental Society recommends you foHow a program that includes daily oral care, nutritious meals and regular dental visits." The Massachusetts Dental Society can provide information and tips on good dental hygiene. The society's speaker's bureau has speakers who, free of charge, will speak to groups of elders. A slide show on good ora\ health and nutrition practices is also available. Modern dentistry can assist elden in maintaining bright, healthy smiles. The Massachusetts Dental Society offen the following tips to elders: - Although root surface decay is prevalent among older adults, fluoride products and new bonding techniques can protect teeth. - Artificial salivas are now available to alleviate dry mouth caused 'by medical conditions or certain medications. - Adaptive devices such as ex· tenders for toothbrush handles and speciaUydesigned floss holders can help individuals afflicted with arthritis, stroke or other medical conditions. - If conventional dentures do not function adequately, you may qualify for a dental implant that permanently attaches replacemePt teeth to the gums or jawbone. By practicing proper dental care, you help your digestive system, your comfort and your overall . health. Formore information, contact Peg Polla nd at the Massachusetts Dental Society between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., 651·7511 or 1-&00-342-8747.
Social Security estimates available The Social Security Administration (SSA) has launched a new service to prillvide a "Penooal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement" to the public upon request. The service will give the public a better understandingabout what they can expect from Social Security. The new-service is a dramatic improvement over the earlier system under which people request· ing a statement of earnings credited to their Social Security records received only a summary of their earnings from 1937 to present, with an annual breakout for the last 3 years. The new statement provides summary earnings for 1931-1950; annual earRings amounts from 1951 to present; benefit estimates for retirement benefits at and before full mit-ernent age, and at age 70; and estimates of family benefits should the worker die or become disabled. The estimates will be realiltic since they will include recent earnings and expected future eantinp inde2led to reflect increases in wage levels over the worker's career.