VOL. 35, NO. 40
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Friday, October 5, 1990
F ALL RIVER, MASS.
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DOMINICAN SISTERS of Fall River and Ossining and Newburgh, NY, celebrate the beginning of their collaborative ministry in a ceremony at the Dominican motherhouse in Newburgh, left picture; right, the Fall River delegates to the .historic assembly of the three communities.
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The nearly 100-year-old Congregation ofthe Dominicans of St. Catherine of Siena, the only community founded in the Fall River diocese, has entered planning sessions with Dominican sisters in Ossining and Newburgh, N.Y. in the hope of developing collaboration among the three communities. Twenty-seven members of the Fall River congregation met in August with the Dominicans of Ossining and Newburgh to begin a
process of reexamining and renewing religious life in the hope of bringing about a new means of living and working together. The New York communities have been involved in such collaborative efforts since 1981. At the August meeting, held at the motherhouse of the Newburgh community, the first order of business of the assembly of289 women was the formal acceptance of the
Fall River congregation into the collaborative process. Sister Elizabeth Menard, Fall River prioress, said, "The enthusiastic welcome of my congregation by the assembly was an overwhelming affirmation which culminates a search which began in 1974 with the first thoughts of seeking more formal ways to collaborate with other congregations: This is an exciting experience." For the Ossining and Newburgh
congregation, the assembly offered a more grassroots interaction and commitment to the process which has already seen the formation of joint leadership ventures. Sister Monica McGloin, president ofthe Ossining Dominicans, said, "The dynamic of three congregations gives a new surge of energy that generates new possibilities." The women at the assembly affirmed a joint planning process that establishes a coordinating
committee composed of members of the three congregations under direction of Sister Lorelle Elcock of Newburgh. Task forces have been set up in the areas of the frail elderly, new membership, property facilities and fiscal concerns in order to collect data and make recommendations. This phase of planning will continue until 1993. The members of the assembly also agreed to begin a process of Turn to Page 13
Bishops condemn 650 attend catechists' parley condom campaign By Marcie Hickey
More than 650 catechists attended the annual diocesan ReligThe four bishops of Massachusetts have joined to condemn ious Education Convention last a tax-funded advertising campaign sponsored by the com- Saturday at Bishop Stang High monwealth to encourage use of condoms as a means of avoid- School, North Dartmouth. Themed "Forming Communities ing sexually transmitted disease. Their statement follows: of Compassion," the convention The Office of Human Sersetts, and six more are infectoffered 40 workshops in three sesed every day." We share the vices of the Commonwealth sions for CCD and Catholic eleconcern of the state authoristates that "there are an estimentary school teachers. mated 30,000 people already ties about this alarming fact The day opened with a liturgy TUrn to Page 13 HIV-infected in Massachucelebrated by Bishop Daniel A. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~""!'Il. Cronin. In his homily, the bishop cited two objectives for catechetical evangelization: "to make disciples of all nations" and "to teach everything our Lord Jesus aske<! us to . teach." The first, he said, is the mission of all baptized Christians, but "what may not be so obvious is that we are engaged in that mission of evangelization in the CCD classroom," where catechists can bring students "to come to know the person of Jesus, appreciate what he did, and enter communion and union with him." Secondly, Bishop Cronin continued, catechists must "teach all that Jesus commanded" with compassion. "The life of Jesus was one long teaching session," said the bishop. "He taught by word and by example. He was the humble servant who had compassion, who allowed his outstretched arms to be nailed to the cross for our salvation." Biship Cronin encouraged his
listeners to build compassionate communities within their own parishes using "the person of the compassionate Christ as the model." Following the liturgy, keynote speaker Sister Marie Augusta Neal, SND, took to the podium on a. stage looking suspiciously like a classroom. A blackboard displaying a world map at her left, the Emmanuel . College sociology professor said' she could not resist giving a "quiz" consisting of a dozen thoughtprovoking questions linking compassion with social justice. Sister Neal asked her audience to consider "How many people are there in your community?"; "What is different about this map from. the one in your grammar school classroom?" and "Are there too many people in the world?" In regard to the first question, Sister Neal challenged her listeners, "How many of you answered five billion? Should not all of the world community be taken into consideration when forming com. munities of compassion?" She pointed out that the map on the stage represented the countries of the world by population and did not have the United States looming large in the center where Americans are accustomed to seeing it. Sister Neal asked participants to consider inner city infant mortality rates, the plight of immigrants, the homeless, Third World debt, and assumptions behind Citi-
zens for Limited Taxation (CLT) and reduction of the capital gains tax. "We read about boat people leaving home because there's nothing for them where they are. We think, 'There isn't enough room Turn to Page 14
,Jlig rock must 'go WASHINGTON (CNS) - Father Jon Cortina, a Basque Jesuit who has lived in EI Salvador for 35 years, said U.S. military aid must end to the strife-torn country. Father Cortina, who was shot at in August in a Salvadoran village, said he harbored no illusions about ending military aid by himself. "I think we need more than one person pushing the big rock to move it," he said at a Washington press conference.
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NEW YORK (CNS) - Jesuit Father James J. Yannarell has been named executive director of the Catholic Medical Mission Board. He replaces Jesuit Father Joseph J. Walter, who is retiring after 23 years as executive director.
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WASHINGTON (CNS) - A leader of the National Right to Life Committee has hailed a federal appeals court ruling which upholds the government's right to withhold funds from overseas population programs which promote' or provide abortions. The ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit in New York said the anti-abortion policy of the U.S. Agency for International Development was constitutional. The Planned Parenthood Federation of America had challenged the socalled Mexico City policy, which denies support to any foreign, nongovernmental organization that promotes abortions as a family planning method.
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Excellent schools "The secret of life? Sure. Give generously on World Mission Sunday."
WORLD MISSION Sunday will be observed Oct. 21. Society for the Propagation of the Faith officials take the occasion to remind U.S. Catholics that the $300 cost of a color TV can mean a year's education for a religious in the missions; that the average $30 cost of a pair of shoes can support a mission catechist for two months; that the $12,000 cost of some new cars can cover most of the expenses of building three chapels in Africa. Contributions may be put in parish collection baskets Oct. 20 and 21.or may be mailed to the diocesan Propagation office, PO Box 2577, Fall River 02722.
Rosary month observances planned by pro-lifers, legionaries October, the month of the rosary, will see members ofthe Legion of Mary conducting a living rosary at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Joseph's Church, New Bedford; and prolifers joining' in the first-ever Worldwide Rosary for Life at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at WomanCare Clinic, an abortion facility at 12 Brigham St., New Bedford. The Rosary for Life will unite pro-lifers in many nations "in praying the rosary, the prayer of Our· Lord's ever-virgin mother, for unborn babies, pregnant mothers and a softening of the hearts of abortionists and their supporters," say organizers. As in New Bedford, those participating in the rosary will gather at abortion sites. Information on the New Bedford action is available from Mary
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Ann Booth, tl~l. (508) 636-4903. She said an American Rosary for Life last year was prayed in some 60 locations and that .the 1990 rosary will be offered in nearly 100 locations in the United States and other nations. The Legion of Mary rosary will unite legionaries in prayer with Respect Life Walk participants in Boston Sunday. Coordinator Alice Beaulieu also noted that it will be the 20th such rosary to be sponsored by the Legion and will be the first in a series of 10 such rosaries planned in preparation for the beginning of the third millennium of Christianity in the year 2000. Among those taking part in Sunday's program, to be directed by Roger Boyer, will be Bethany Souza, a former junior legionary, .who will make a presentation at a statue of Our Lady of Fatima. A procession will include Knights of Columbus, Men of the Sacred Hearts and legionaries. Father Robert Powell, SS.Cc., will speak at the service and also participating will be Rev. Barry Wall, diocesan director for the Legion, Rev. Matthew Sullivan, SS.Cc., a curia spiritual director, and Father Marc Bergeron, pastor of St. Joseph's and director of the parish's junior and senior legionaries. . All are invited to attend the service and participate in the procession. Those wishing to march should meet in St. Joseph's schoolyard at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow the event.
appear this 'lnce 1825
our special e section. All nnext week.
WASHINGTON (CNS)-President Bush honored 26 Catholic elementary schools as the best in the nation at a recent White House ceremony. They were among 221 schools receiving the 1990 Exemplary School Award. "These schools share a vision of hope that they can foster the full potential and development of each child and, by doing that, help make this a better nation and a better world," Bush said.
On hit list DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) - Five Columban priests, a Filipino nun and a lawyer are named on a "hit list" being circulated on Negros island in the central Philippines, Columban officials report. They are accused of being members or supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines, or its military wing, the New People's Army. Of the five priests, four are Irish and one is American. The list, which allegedly came from the military in the Philippines, is handed out at rallies where the priests and nun are condemned, said· a statement by the Columbans in Dublin.
Oct. 6 1916, Rev. Stephen B. Magill, Assistant, Immaculate Conception, North Easton 1987, Rev. Roland Brodeur, Uniondale, New York Oct. 7 1951, Rev. Caesar Phares, Pastor, St. Anthony of Desert, Fall River 1975, Rev. Msgr. Arthur G. Dupuis, Pastor Emeritus, St. Louis de France, Swansea 1988, Rev. Andrew Jahn, SS.Cc., Sacred Hearts Seminary, Wareham Oct. 10 1918, Rev. James C.J. Ryan, Assistant, Immaculate Conception, North Easton 1987, Rev. Boniface Jones, SS.CC., Chaplain, Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford Oct. 11 1952, Rev. James A. Downey, Pastor, Holy Ghost, Attleboro 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-020). Second Class Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Published weekly except the week of July 4 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 $ H .00 per year. Postmasters send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.
.. and second.grade. GUFiflg heF yea1'S . of active ministry. Her assignments included 19 years of service at St. Anne's School, Fall River; and 12 years at a CeD center and a school in Mooers Forks and Plattsburgh, N.Y., respectively. Born in Roxton Falls, Que., Canada, she was the daughter of the late Adelard and Victoria Mongeau. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Obituaries
EDICTAL CITATION DIOCESAN TRIBUNAL FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS Since the actual place of residence of MICHAEL W. GEGGATT is unknown. We cite MICHAEL W. GEGGATT to appear personally before the Tribunal of the Diocese of Fall River on Monday, October 15, 1990 at 10:30 a.m. at 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Massachusetts, to give testimony to establish: Whether the nullity of the marriage exists in the LEWIS·GEGGATT case?
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Galligan
The Mass of Christian Burial was offered Sept. 18 at Maryknoll Sisters' Center Chapel at Maryknoll, NY, for Sister Mary Galligan, 83, who died Sept. 15. A Taunton native, she was directress of formation for nearly 2,000 women at the Maryknoll novitiates in Ossining, NY and Topsfield, MA. The daughter of Louis arid Margaret (Shea) Galligan, she attended St. Mary's parochial school in Taunton and in 1926, two years after graduating from high school, entered the Maryknoll community, following in the footsteps of a sister, the late Sister Louise Galligan. Formerly known as Sister Paul Miriam, Sister Galligan took final vows in 1932, graduating the same year from Mt. St. Vincent College, Mt. St. Vincent-on-Hudson, NY, and beginning her work as formation directress. Sister Galligan served in that post from 1932 to 1964, except for a year during which she was assigned to San Juan Capistrano Mission in California. . After earning a master's degree in theology in 1966, she returned to the Sisters' Center to organize renewal programs for sisters returning from mission assignments. In 1973 she was assigned to Peru for a year, then went to Monrovia, Calif., for medical attention. While there she developed a longtime interest in art, selling several of her works to benefit the Maryknoll community. In 1987 her health necessitated her entering the sisters' nursing home in Ossining, where she remained until her death. Among her survivors are two nieces, Mrs. Margaret Gross and Mrs. Kathleen.Economis, both of Lakeville. and a cousin, Sister Cathleen Toomey, RS M, of Mansfield.
Responsibility urged CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) - Pope John Paul II told bishops from the Philippines that they have a responsibility to raise the moral and religious dimensions of social concerns in their country. Episcopal leadership should be used for "educating and challenging the consciences of your fellow citizens to responsibility before God and before their brothers and sisters," the pope said.
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Ordinaries of the place or other pastors having the knowledge of the residence of the above person, MICHAEL W. GEGGATT, must see to it that he is properly advised in regard to this edictal citation. .
. SISTER GALLIGAN
Si~ter
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Jay T. Maddock Judicial Vicar
Sister Mongeau Sister Marcolin Eva Mongeau, OP, 88, of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena in Fall River, died Sept. 26. The Mass of Christian Burial was offered for her Sept. 28 at the community's convent. . She entered the Dominican community in 1927 and taught first
Given at the Tribunal, Fall River, Massachusetts, on this 1st day of October, 1990.
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CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT The Campaign for Human Development Is an actioneducation program sponsored by the Catholic Bishops of the U.S.C.C. CHD funds self-help and community organization projects and programs throughout the country which aim to attack the basic causes of poverty. Direct services programs are not eligible. Calls for 1991 proposals for projects promoting social Justice are now being made. A pre-application process to determine basic eligibility for CHD funding must be submitted by November 1, 1990. For further information and applications contact CHD office in New Bedford (508) 997-7337.
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4· .THE ANCHOR: -
~iocese
of Fall River.L..<. Fri., Oct. 5; 1990
the moorina.-, All of Life Respect for life means respect for the whole spectrum of existence. For too long the pro-life movement has been selfdivisive in its goals, thereby impairing not only its impact but also its credibility. Many say too many pro-lifers stop at birth. Indeed, there are many who oppose abortion but support capital punishment. In this Respect Life month, as we renew our resolve to 'support pro-life undertakings, it is imperative that we adhere to the very important and definitive statements that came out of the second Vatican Council concerning the church in the ,modern world. The Council Fathers said that "all offenses against life, such as murder:-, genocide, abortion and euthanasia; all violations of the integrity of the human person such as mutilation, physical and mental torture, undue psychological pressures; all offenses against human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary imprisonm'ent, deportation, slavery, prostitution, the selling of women and children; degrading working conditions where men are treated as mere tools for profit rather than free and responsible persons: all these and the like are criminal: they poison civilization." In other words, respect for life must be totally inclusive arid objective, not exclusive and subjective. If our respect fails to achieve this goal, credibility is lost and our cause becomes a source of discord rather than a witness for truth. We must always guard against limited vision and narrowness of judgment. The Respect Life movement, as it continues to call attention to its goals, shouTd seek to develop a mind-set supportive of all aspects of human existence and the environment in which life is sustained. Certainly the baby has a right to.be born, but the child and the adult have an equal right to develop and mature. If one fails to cherish life in all its ramifications, one really fails to understand it at all. Admittedly there are priorities in all of this, often dictated by the exigencies of events. In many cases, reality becomes clouded by emotions and sentiment and attitudes are affected by shortsightedness and misjudgment. Too often the result is confinement to narrow goals and limited objectives. As a result, the Respect Life movement suffers. Given the circumstances of our times, it is vital that each person working for life clarify his or her intent and humbly acknowledge any shortcomings. The life movement embraces a vast range of interconnected and mutually dependent issues, of which abortion is indeed among the most pressing, deserving preeminent concern. The more we do to end this national shame, the sooner will our country be truly fa.ithful to its constitutional commitment to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But let us not stop at abortion. We must care equally about life after birth if we are to be true to our Gospel mandate and ethical principles. Some of the criticism that we as a church receive in this regard is provoked by our own parochialism and provincial insulation. Not all of us are guilty of this, but. many condemn all of us for the shortcomings of some. We should try to avoid prejudicialjudgments. Life is too precious to become the plaything of the dilettante, whether for political purposes or social gain. The Editor
S.T.O. } GENERAL MANAGER:. <Rosemary Dussault ~ t!'llry~t¢$$-FaIiHiver
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RESPECT FOR ALL LIFE IS EMPHASIZED THIS MONTH
"Unto old age and grey hairs, 0 God, forsake me not." Ps. 70:18
When labels are liabilities
By Father Kevin J. Harrington A few pet peeves continue to haunt me. As a sophomore at Providence College, I was taken to task by a Dominican priest and prominent administrator for refusing to answer a question on a form. The question was straightforward as 1was told then, a straightforward answer: "What was my race?" The options listed were white, Negro, Spanish, Indian or other. In the 1960s, Black, Hispanic or Native American had not yet made their debut into our collective vocabulary. Extremely annoyed by the question, I crossed out the word other and substituted the word human with an exclamation point. The priest told me that my skin color left him wondering what to put on the form and that if 1 did not answer the question I would face serious consequences. I told him that 1 could not in good conscience give him an answer and that if he wanted to force the issue I was afraid the Providence Journal would have to become involved. Not surprisingly, after our conversation the issue was dropped. What annoyed me most was that people should be classified by color. How important should the color of my skin be? Why should studies classify their subjects by race in the first place? Most national surveys give results both for the whole population and for blacks or Hispanics. Rarely are the black or Hispanic results positive. There are failures in all groups but black and Hispanic students fail more often. AIDS cuts across all lines' but blacks and Hispanics have more cases. The list goes on and on. Don't misunderstand me. I can understand separating people according to age, income, education, family arrangement or any number 'of other ways. But separating them by skin color makes no sense at all.
I am fully aware of the argument that affirmative action must redress the wrongs that have kept generations of minorities from competing on a level playing field, but what I find especially demeaning is .the tendency of certain middle and upper-middle-elass whites to equate black and Hispanic with poor, underprivileged and/ or deprived. The Cosby show may be fictional but there are many intact black families with college-educated parents who are fully devoted to their children's betterment. Labels can become liabilities, especially when those labels equate racial identity with failure. The proverbial self-fulfilling prophecy can lower expectation of the labeled group. When blacks and Hispanics are singled out as less rich, less capable and less studious, how does one suppose that affects their selfesteem? Twenty-one years after my experience at Providence College, whites are still more likely to go to college: 58 percent enter college within four years of high school graduation, compared with47 percent of blacks and 45 percent of Hispanics. In 1988, 16,000 doctoral degrees were awarded to Americans, only 357 of which went to blacks.
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What's the solution? A College Board survey tracked 15,941 high school graduates through the 1980s and found no appreciable difference among whites, blacks or Hispanics with two years of high school math (algebra followed by geometry). What does this suggest? Maybe we should stop looking at skin color and begin to understand that the human brain functions best when challenged. By the way, my maternal grandparents came from Portugal, just a few miles from Spain, but wild horses couldn't get me to help P.C. fill out that form!
Daily Readings Oct. 7: Is 5:1-7; Ps 80:9,12-16,19~20; Phil 4:6-9; Mt 21:33-43 Oct. 8: Gal 1:6-12; Ps 111:1-2,7-10; Lk 10:2537 Oct. 9: Gal 1:13-24; Ps 139:1-3,13-15; Lk 10:38-42 Oct. 10: Gal 2:1-2,714; Ps 117:1-2; Lk 11:1-4 Oct. 11: GaI3:1-5; (Ps) Lk 1:69-75; Lk 11:5-13 Oct. 12: Gal 3:7-14; Ps 111:1-6; Lk 11:1526 Oct. 13: Gal 3:22-29; Ps 105:2-7; Lk 11:27. 28 Oct. 14: Is 25:6-10; Ps 23:1-6; Phil 4:1214,19-20; Mt 22:1-14 or 22:1-10
How one family respects life By Mary & Bob Kambic Recently we were among a handfull of people who gathered at Mass for the first anniversary of the death of Jim Sherer. As a staff person for the Family Life Division of the Baltimore archdiocese, he had frequently shared views on the church and family with us in our work in natural family planning. As those at the Mass told of how he had encouraged them-religious women, priests, married couples and single people-our particular memory was that Jim,cin suggesting strongly that stress was the underlying reason for undiagnosed physical complaints one of us had, had told us-to ourshockthat living in a nuclear family was the most stressful situation in our society today. This insight, together with Jim's insistence that "radical insecurity" was the only way to live, gave us fruit for introspection over the past year as we rethought our lives as a married couple, parents of four children ranging in age from a pre-schooler to a college fresh-
man, and as people active in social justice causes. What we realized was that through the contradictions and stresses over our 20 years of married life, good friends and family who helped us keep heart and not take things too seriously have been the pillars of our life. When we discussed "radical insecurity" with Jim, we talked of the conflicts that had arisen as our commitment to hospitality.and social justice became more difficult with our own aging and the increase of children; with the move from a rural to an urban setting where Catholic school tuition was ten times higher; and with the realization-a shock to us and our friends-that we "hip" people from the '60s were starting to physically deteriorate in our middle age when we thought that we still had a few good years left! What did this radical insecurity mean? In looking back on our years together, we realized that for us it means that it is important to work for the good of the world. A sense that unless we do what clearly needs to be done, it will not hap-
pen. This is more than a desire for peace or a fight against injustice. It is a vision of Gospel witness, of how the world will be transformed if we do our part. When we met, we both were involved in social change programs-Bob had returned from the Peace Corps (Nepal) and Mary was working with anti-Vietnam-war groups. From our small wedding in Pitts-
burgh in 1970, celebrated by our socially active pastor, Father Jack O'Malley (in between the first Earth Day and farmworker boycott activities), we tried to continue our involvement. The next 10 years saw us become involved in pro-life and natural family planning efforts. Our early marriage gave us the rare opportunity to work together for others, from within marriage. We thought of it as standing together facing outward. Our conversations were light on home decorating and heavy on the politics of spreading the word abo,ut NFP and other causes we cared deeply about. We tried to use our energies to renew the world. A particular grace was the natural family planning job offered to us by the Franciscan Sisters at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For several years this offered us stability while allowing us to establish and operate a shelter for homeless women and children. We learned that serving the poor at the shelter, and the middle class
in natural family planning, kept things in perspective. Of course, the fertile land of Lancaster reminded us of another of our favorite biblical themes, that of personal stewardship of ourselves and our children; the land and its resources. The philosophy of stewardship, meaning taking care of rather than controlling God's creation, became more meaningful as we learned organic gardening; growing some of our own food has long been one of our enjoyments and priorities. We applied stewardship to natural family planning by describing couples as stewards of mutual fertilityr, this implies working humbly together, with God, to exercise responsible parenthood. Stewardship of fertility is in contradiction to contraception, which implies an individual is in control of his or' her own fertility, with no mutual responsibility Parents are also stewards of their children. Our children belong to themselves and God, but Turn to Page Six
DIOCESAN HEALTH FACILITIES OFFICE 368 NORTH MAIN STREET FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS
Rev. Edmund 1. Fitzgerald, Director Rev. Joseph M. Costa, Assistant to the Director
CATHOLIC MEMORIAL HOME 2446 Highland Avenue Fall River, Mass. 679-0011
MARIAN MANOR 33 Summer Street Taunton, Mass. 822-4885
MADONNA MANOR 85 North Washington Street North Attleboro, Mass. 699-2740
OUR LADY'S HA VE!'l 71 Center Street Fairhaven, Mass. 999-4561
~
SERVING THOSE WHO FOR SO LONG SERVED US
How one family respects life Continued from Page Five while they are young we are responsible for them. Presently we live in Baltimore, a more varied setting than rural Lancaster.
Our children live and attend schools in an environment well integrated racially, and forwardlooking religious sisters have made the Catholic schools work. That
THE FAMILY as the foundation of so~iety is among themes of this year's Respect Life program, to be launched in Massachusetts by Sunday's Respect Life Walk in Boston, in which many from the Fall River diocese will participate. (Whitmer photo)
our children have the o.pportunity to meet African-Americans and Asian-Americans on common ground is a source of joy for us. On the other hand, our children are constantly in the midst of family changes. They have seen many of our close personal friends suffer through at least one divorce, and our children's talks with the children in these families imparted an immediate understanding of family distress and its effects. A key lesson is that problems come to all kinds of families even ones where people thought that they had done everything right. Sometimes it seems that people desperately want to hear that if they only do everything right, then "everything will be OK." Frequently at meetings, people complain about the Church: "If only Father would preach about it" - meaning, abortion, peace, natural family planning, disarmament, etc. "then everything would be all right again," as if it could happen by magic. Of course, following the Gospel is risky, as th~ life of Jesus attests. Our favorite anecdote about risk and faith occurred in a parish" meeting where social justice training participants decided one night to be more like prophets. When Father Ed Sanders, one of our favorite Jesuits, came in late and asked what had gone on, he was surprised to hear that everyone wanted to be a prophet. He responded, "Wait a minute, the prophets did not die in their sleep! They went out on a limb, and the people cut the limb om" . . Risk-taking is grounded in secur~ ity. Parents provide security by "respecting and fostering personal dignity ... by means of heartfelt acceptance, encounter and dial-
ttlt is the right of every pregnant woman to give birth• •• •and the right of every child to be born."
IRTHRIGHT An Emergency Pregnancy Service
Attleboro Cape Cod Fall River Falmouth New Bedford Taunton Martha's Vineyard
226·2220 771·1102 675·1561 457·0680 996-6744 822·2921 693-4137
Free Confidential Pregnancy Testing - Friendship - Counseling MATERNITY CLOTHES AND BABY CLOTHES SUPPORTIVE SERVICES. HOUSING PROVIDED WHEN AVAILABLE
ogue, availability, generous service..." (Familiaris consortia). Concretely with our children, we have tried with breastfeeding, reading, and other close contact in the early years, and family vacations, discussions, and open interest in their lives in the teenage years, to help them on their own faith journey, which has to be different from ours since they are a new generation. In trying to live simply, we have limited our material possessions because we believe that neither children nor adults need "everything." We hope that exposure to our many different friends, those who share our religious faith as well as those who do not, has been as beneficial for them as for us. A more recent insight, from one of our confessors, is that "some grace of the sacrament" of marriage can be reserved for the married couple - there is no need to spend all of our energies for others. We do wonder about the mystery of marriage. H ow two people find each other, become one, and remain together, cannot be explained by science. In relationships, we have always chuckled when couples insist on "knowing each other better" before having children, as if we can ever fully know each other! What does it say for the richness of any person that knowing him or her is anything but a lifelong process! For couples yet to be married, we would like to see improved marriage preparation classes that concentrate more on Catholic documents and teaching, rather than on finances and "worldly interests" so prevalent now. A greater emp'hasis on understanding Church teaching may help the thousands of newly married couples cope with a confusing 'N orld . Looking toward the future, we
must constantly reevaluate and balance the needs of our family, families of origin, and the world in terms of what the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Mod.ern World calls us to do: "Families will share their spiritual riches generously with other families too" (no. 48). Lumen gentium also challenges us: "even when preoccupied with temporal cares, the laity can and must perform eminently valuable work on behalf of bringing the Gospel to the world." The conflicts are not easily resolved. As parents krlOw, children need more attention as they get older, not less, and it is easy to become fragmented. We find hope in what Jim Sherer wrote in his training manual, Finding Our Security in God: "This does not mean that God solves our problems, or offers answers to our many questions. God might do all these things. His solidarity, however, is found)n his willingness to walk with us in our confusion and struggles, and in our problems and questions." Recently, we were reminded of. the sense of our small piece in the big picture. A young priest called about setting up a time for a meeting, and after the usual difficulty in finding a mutually suitable time, he said, "Well, what's the difference? Salvation history marches on." With or without us, God's kingdom is here. Hopefully, marriage is helping us to march on. Mary Quinn Kambic is theformer coordinator for Natural Family Planning in the Baltimore archdiocese. Robert T. K ambic is research associate in the department ofPopulation Dynamics, Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore. Both are members of Pax Christi.
The right to choose Following are' condensed excerpts from the 1990 Respect Life Sunday statement of Cardinal John J. O'Connor, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee -for Pro-Life Activities. Editor . Moses put it very simply. Close to death, he called all the people together and said to them: "Today I am giving you a choice between good and evil, between life and death ... between God's blessing and God's curse, and I call heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Choose life."( Deuteronomy 30:15,18) Moses knew something about choice. At the time of his birth it was the law that all male Hebrew babies be put to death at birth. Midwives had a direct order from the kingto throw every male Hebrew . baby into the Nile river. The midwives had to choose between their own possible deaths for disobeying the law, and the lives of male Hebrew babies.The Scriptures tell us: "But the midwives were Godfearing and so did not obey the king; instead, they let the boys live." There is much tal'k today about the right to choose. That's good. It shows we understand what it is to be human. Only human beings have free will, a right God himself has give!1 us: the ability to choose. At the same time, God has given us the abiiity to reason. We are
expected to choose what is reasonable. Thank God our government recognizes our right of free choice. But thank God, too, that our government restricts the exercise offree choice if the choice impacts adversely on the rights of others. But sometimes our government has failed to do this: for instance in the case of the Dred Scott decision, when the Supreme Court went "pro-choice" on slavery. Chief Justice Roger B. Taney wrote the Dred Scott decision. We are told that he was "a deeply religious Roman Catholic." He was '~personally opposed" to slavery, yet he ruled that slaves were not citizens, therefore cou':d not be protected by the Constitution. As .the Taney court of 1856, so the Supreme Court of 1973 also departed tragically from the principle of restricting free 'choice if it deprives others of important rights. The majority of the court argued about the unborn much as Chief Justice Taney argued about slaves. Since they are unborn, they are not citizens and are not protected by the Constitution. Therefore, a mother may choose what is unnatural: the death of her unborn child. But whatever the court does, we cannot lose hope that one day we will convince the country of the naturalness of the pro-life cause.
THE ANCHOR -
The CTy ofthe Unbom
Pro-life gain
There's a wice crying 014 in OUT country toda, And no one can ignore what it's trying to SfJy Composed of ten millions, it still speaks as one And demand< an aaxJIUIting for murder: UWh, can't we litle? Are we not )'OUT children too? "How foolish you are to insist and pre<end That by killing us, all of your problems will end .This new holocaust that you praise as free choice Is a_her false idol to worship Wh, can't we liw? Are ... not your children too? trAnd :YOU women who bear w, how it must hurt to lie And say you feel nothing when our time comes to die But there's no need of conscience, and no need for tears You hove Roe versus Wade in your favor Why can't we live? Are ... ______
Diocese of Fall River ~ Fri., Oct. 5, 1990
7
abortions. Vincentian Father John W. Gouldrick, director of the bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, said the 216-200 vote"is particularly signiflCant because. ever since the Supreme Court's Webster decision of last year, some have predicted a string of defeats for the pro-life agenda."
WASHINGTON (CNS) - The U.S. bishops' ITO-life spokesman has praised the House of RepT~ sentatives' decat of a proposal which would :lave required military hospitals Jverseas to provide facilities and ptrsonnd for elective
fl!l!__r children tool
"What fear need you have when your wisest have SfJid If ...'ll be inconvenient, it's right ... be dead Y_ prj""",'s SfJCTed, as they read the law: The U"ng unborn count for nothing Wh,. can't we litle? Are we not your c~ildTen too? "Some will cry for a dolphin, and weep for a tTee 'All nature is SfJCTed, ' they preach constantly They'll be anguished for rabbits, indignant for wholes, But unmoved by a human child's murder Wh, can't we liw? Are ... not your children tool "But OUT voice will grow UTong in the country some dn.y With the help of ,"ave smJ.s _ too timid to pray The laws will be chonged, and the killing will cease But how many will die in <he meantimel Wh, can't we live! Are ... not :YO"T children toor'
-Word. of.. pro-life song (c)l990 by DiU BlCId<, .. member of St. ~<&beth Seccm ",.,.w., Nardo Fcdmotah
Your voice does get heard By Maureen Dowling are thinking. Each letter strengMembers of Congress will feel thens one side or the other. It is true that members of Concomfortable in raising their voices for the right to life of the unborn gress see only a small proportion only if they feel pressure to coun- of their mail personally but every ter the tactics of pro-abortionists. card or Jetter is read by a legislative or staff assistant. It is up to each of us to create that My experience has been that pressure. quite often it is the constituent Having worked as a legislative who educates the legislative assist-, assistant to It U.S. representative. I ant. A good assistant. in turn. can tell you that writing to your representative is the simplest and presents all sides of the argument and raises the constituents' conmost effective way to create that - cerns when advising the represen· pressure. tative on what stand should be_ Your letter doesn't have to be taken on a particular issue. long or' fancy:- just let him O'r her Even if your representative firmly know that you think abortion is supports so-called ~'abortion wrong and you strongly oppose rights," you should let him or hcr~ use of your hard-earned dollars to know of your opposition.,Know- , support an' activity offensive_ to ing tMee is a sizable'tonstituency." you. 'back borne that -'opposes abortion'· Some may think that one letter prevents members from skirtingwill not mak.e a difference, but . the issue and may also keep them" such thinking only keeps the profrom becoming too outstken in '>1 life side from being heard, and support of pro--abortion m sures. keeps many representatives com- If you cannot make him r her a . fortable in their support for pro- pro-life, -ally, you can at least preabortion policies. vent your representative from beThere is strength in num,~rs. coming a more active pro-abortion. Members of Congress definitely ist. Remember the catastrophic take into account constituents' health insurance scenario. Capitol views and their most common way Hill was literally deluged with mail' of judging opinion is to g~t a mail urging repeal of that measure count. Many people don't vote. but and within one year it was repealed. Your letters do make a difference. those concerned enough to contact their representatives do vote Maureen Dowling is field coordiand our elected officials are very nator for the National Committee ". aware of this fact. for a Human Life A'mendment. Pre- " A congressperson's mail is like viously she was a legislative assistant an info~mal poll on what the voters to a U.S. representative.
AWARE OF the pressures on a young woman facing an unintended pregnancy, organizations such as Birthright offer multifaceted assistance programs for both mother and child. (Whitmer photo)
(John 15:12)
Worldwide Marriage Encounter (508) 432-7909 • (508) 432-1514
j
Ppstor.al care of the sick hrings Ijis life to hospitaliZ~d pltients, nursing' home residents and parsh homebouna. THROUGH HOlPITAL CHAPLAINS AND PARISH PASTORAL CARE OF THE \
. SICK .>ROGRAMS
SerVing Catholic pa'iemsin the following
QTea
hospitals. _
STURDY MEMORIAL, ATTLEBORO. CAPE COD".HYANNIS ST. ANNE'S, FALL RIVER. CI1ARLTON MEMORIAL, FALL RIVER TOBEY, WAREHAM. BAFNSTABLE COUNTY, POCASSET ST. LUKE'S, NEW BEDFORD. MORTON, TAUNTON
"Sometimes thf!<sick are not comidered as persons, and their care can become a 'job' . :-; , You are call~d to 'humanize' sickness; to treat the sick as a creature of God. as a bother/Sister in Christ, It is without doubt a difficult and demandingmiYsion." Pope John Paul II - Addrets w the HospitaIler Order ofSt. JofJn of God
Diocesan Department of Pastoral Care to the Sick 160 Seabury St., Fall River, MA 02720 678-5881 Rev. George C. Bellenoit, Diocesan Director Sr. Shirley Agnew, R.S.M., Assistant Director
tAIDS:_ He came that we might have LIFE and have it more abundantly
What You Should Knovv Your Life What
IS
Aids and How is it Caused?
The letters A-I-D-S .tandfor ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME. When • person is .ick with AIDS, helshe is in the final .tages of a series of health problems caused by a virus that can be passed from one person to another chiefly through sexual contact -or through the .haring of intr.venou. drug needles and .yringes while ".hooting" drug•. This virus .ttacks a person'. immune .ystem (white blood cell.) and damages the ability to fight other dise..... Without a functibning immune sy.tem tolight off other germs. the person becomes .usceptible to being infected by bacteria, fungi, and other virus and malignancies, which may cause life'threatening illness, such as pneumonia . and cert.in type. of cancer.
AIDS is caused by a virus that .ttacks white blood cell. (T-Lymophocytes or T·cell.) in the hum.n blood. Thi. virus is called the HUMAN IMMUNODEfICIENCY VIRUS or "HIV". This virus enters the nucleus of the T-cell. and replicate. until the T-cell i. destroyed. Thi. process continues until the person's immune system is destroyed.
Whal Are The Symptoms of AIDS?
The Diocesan Office of
Family Ministry Rev. Horace J. Travassos Director
Persons infected with HIV may not exhibit any .ymptoms of illness. Some person. with HIV infection .may be ill and have symptoms of weight loss, .wollen glanda. diarrhea, fever. extreme fatigue. shortness of breath, and night .weat•. This condition i. called AIDS RELATED COMPLEX or ARC. AIDS i. the final .tage of HIV infection, with the person .uffering from .uch opportunistic diseases .uch as PNEUMOCYSTIS CARIN II PNEUMONIA or KAPOSI'S SARCOMA. Only a phy.ician can diagnosis AIDS.
All HIV infected person. are capable of transmitting the virus at any .tage of the dise.... through infected blood, semen or vaginal secretions. THE MATERIAL on these pages is taken from a pamphlet prepared jointly by the AIDS ministry of the Diocesan Department of Catholic Social Services and St. Anne's Hospital, Fall River. It is available at the hospital a~nd at an offices of Catho~ic Sodal Services. The addresses and telephone numbers of the offices appear in the advertisement on the facing page. The pamphlet win be available in Portuguese and Spanish in the near future at the same locations.
What Body Substij 'ces could Contam t IS Vlrus 7 HIV has been found in most body .ubstances ofinfected individuals. We must iSSUIlle that it could be present in anything that comes out ofdlebody. HOWEVER, only three body sub.t.nce.:BLOOD, SEMEN AND VAGINAL SECRETIONS have been found to have enough virus to allow tranomission to another person.
How Contagious
I
. liS
Virus?
This is not. highly conta..... virus. It is not .pread in the air or through imect• •·animal. or through casual contact. You mu.t get infeaed blood, semen or vaginal secretion. directly into your blood .tream to become infected. - - - - ------------
Who Can Get AIDS) In Massachusett., 84% of p<rsons with AIDS have been people who practice high risk sexual behaviors and share bloody needles and .yringes during intravenous drug use. If a person is sexually active. or is an intravenous drug user who share. needles. helshe is at risk for contracting AIDS. One act of sex with an infected partner can transmit the virus. The more partners a person has, the greater the risk. Sharing needles, one time, with an infected person can transmit the dise.... . Continually sharing needle. incre.... the risk. Babies born to infected mothers are also at risk. People who have received blood or blood products before the .pring of 1985 may also be at risk for contracting AIDS.
and
Respect All
Where Can You Be Tested For AIDS7 _---l£yon feel Y0tlare at risk for
this virus and you wish to _ .
be tested, consult your phy.ician or your local health department for the confidential test .ite in your area.
How is HI\! Sprea A person'. blood, semen or vaginal secretions can tran.mit the virus. There are three ways these body product. can .pread the virus. first, blood can spread the virus when needles and .yringes are shared with someone who is HlV positive. Blood transfu.ion. and blood products prior to the;spring of 1985 could spread the virus. Presently all blOlld donated is tested for HIV and not used before the reauIts are available. Yau can NOT acquire AIDS by cLmating blood. Secondly, the virus can ~ spread sexually, through intercourse, from someone.<Who is HIV positive. This person-to-person spread .... be in a homosexual or heterosexual relationship. The third means of .prea can be from a pregnant woman who i. HIV positiwcto her unborn child. This can occur during Pregn>Jlq¥atl~time of delivery, or possibly through breast
What About Condoms 7 The Catholic Church teathes that the use ofcondoms is morally wrong. The United State. Public Health Service and Centers for Disease Control recommend that the "risk of iIlfection is most effectively reduced through abstJnenceorsexual intercourse with a lllUtually faithful uninfected parmer. Condoms do not provide absolute protection from my infection. But if properly used, they .hould reduce the ri.k of infection". (MMWR 31 I 1/88). While imdentanding why government officials can .peak poSitively of condoms, the Catholic Church cannot recommeod something contrary to the moral law. The role of the Church is to emphasIZe ·abstinence.
aa.
Is There a Cure For AIDS7 How is HI\! Not S
Nurture
dd?
HIV is not spread by casual contact in schools. parties, in swimming ponls, .tore•• or the workpl.ce. It is not .pread by hugging, shakinghands. or .imply being near a person who is infected withtbe virus. It is not .pread by insect bites, toilet seats. animals or the air.
What Resources 2 Almlable for Inforfr?'l!on and~, ;lces 7 Anonymous Test Si~a: Project Aware, Fall RiveriMA (508) 675-9222 (508) 990-8280 Project Care, New Bedford. MA Other Massachusetts Sites (617) 522-3700 Ext. 470 AIDS Information: AIDS Hot Line AIDS Action Line AIDS InformationiSesvices: Catholic Social Services AIDS Ministry
(1-800) 342-A!DS (617) 536-7733
(508-) 674.,.j681
Drug Treatment InfumaationiServices: St. Anne'. Hospital (508) 674-5741 Ext. 2260 LIFELINE SSTAR (S08) 679-5222 New Bedford Center (SOB) 999-3126 For Human Services Sexually Transmitted Disease InformationiServices: St. Anne's Hospital (508) 674-S741 Ext. 2475
No. Presently there is no cure and there is no vaccine to .prevent AIDS. There are drug treatments, .uch as AZT, which may .Iow the progress of the disease.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES ATTLEBORO 10 MAPLE ST.
FALL RIVER 783 SLADE ST.
NEW BEDFORD
59 ROCK.LAND ST.
P.o. BOX M • so. STA.
226-4780
674-4e81
997-7337
<APE COD 261S0UTH ST. IYANNIS 771-6771
• ADOPTIONS • CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT • CATHOLIC AIDS MINISTRY • COUNSELING • INFANT FOSTER CARE • INFORMATION/REFERRAL • PREGNANCY SERVICES • PRISON MINISTRY
What Can Be Done to Help7 If you are .ingle, live a celibate life. If you are married, continue living the Christian values of monogamous union and sex only within tbe marriage. Refrain from illegal drug use. Encourage your faIllily and friends to do the same. Your life and your health, hoth spiritual and phy.ical, are a precious gift from God, and you .hould protect that gift to the best of your ability. Show your Christian compassion and understanding toward those with AIDS, their families and friends. They don't need your judgement; they do need your caring, .uppOrt and understanding. Become informed on AIDS. Don't become part of the "hy.teria" in our communities. ·Remember bow the infection is .pread Sbar< the accurate information with your family,friends; and ....worke.....·
"fear: one of the barriers in our lives. How can we rid ourselves ofit when it i&so powerful? With knowledge. Accurate information about whatever we fear,. from people who know, not imall-minded people who think they know .Thl!li we must belieVe we bavea greatness with us and a desire to bring that greatness into being. With this desire comes the need for a direction: if not toward something (like compassion, mercy, charity) then away from (Iik~ hatred, intolerance, greed). Jesus set the example. butwben that seems too remote, we have those people around US Who bring to life the Gospel message in their kindness and their courage." (AIDS: Prom Fear to Compassion, by Michael and Barba...- Garrisqn) ,.
something
• REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT • ST. FRANCIS RESIDENCE FOR WOMEN • SOCIAL ADVOCACY SPONSORSHIP: ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS BRIDGE TO OTHER WIDOWED SOUP KITCHEN SPECIAL APOSTOLATES APOSTOLATE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES APOSTOLATE FOR SPANISH SPEAKHG
REV, PETER N. GRAZIANO, LICSW Executive Director
:.Diocescin AIDS ministers: the Gospel respo",-se • By Marcie Hickey uFear and anger. Isolation. The feeling of not being wanted. Fear of infecting others. being afraid to te1l even their own families. Feelings of rejection. that no ODC loves or cares for them. Fear that they've been rejected even by God."
That was how one diocesan AIDS minister described feelings commonly experienced by persons suffering from AIDS or carrying the Al DS virus. At a recent meeting of their , ongoing support group, diocesan AIDS ministers described their
ministry and voiced concerns about their problems in ministering to persons often ostracized because they carry a greatly feared disease. Pastoral care workers said their ministry affirms the dignity of all persons. ]n an environment of fear and accusation, the disease that
Respect ------
All Life THE PERMANENT DIACONATE FAMILY DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER 500 SLOCUM ROAD, NORTH DARTMOUTH, MA 02747
TELEPHONE 993-9935
robs AI DS victims oj their future often robs them of s:lf-worth as well. Pastoral ministers note that they must surmoutt not only patients' physical suffering but also their wounded self-esleem and the prejudice of the comnunity. "Many people will hok at AI DS victims with disgustedhearts," said Fatber Bruce Cwiek<wski, diocesan coordinator of AIDS ministry. ""But if we can 1001C. beyond the virus and the sufferhg it brings, then we might reccgnize many people who never really had a chance." Father Cwiekowsti recalls his first AIDS patient. "Michael," who di<d of AIDS at . age 26, had as a smal. child expc. (fhis palents' marriage. Custody 0·' the boy was given to his father, lut two years later the father drowled after faIling through ice ~ile playing hockey. Michael Wai sent to live with his mother, bu. within two years she was killed IJy a hit-andrun driver. Not yet a teenager the boy 'then was placed with his p~ternal grandmother. "After life in a broten home and the death of both parents, the young man comes t> the realiza· tion that he is gay; said Father Cwiekowski. "" He attempts to make something of himsdf while con· tinuing to search fora lasting relationship. His search is never completed, for in the 25:h year of his life he discovers he las AIDS:' F.ather <;wiekowsli often visited Michael in the 14 nonths before he died, and he c:lebratcd the young man's funeral Mass. "He affected me deeply, being so young:' said the priest, recalling jn partJeular Mi:hael's collection of clowns, each with a te,ae in its eye. "Irs a contradictil)fi for a clown to have tears, and it's a contradiction to have to bU'"y a 26-yearold," said Father Cviekowski. It is also a contradiction that many AIDS patientl, facing a devastating disease aid the social stigma associated' 'wth it, find for the first time hope, "When I visit thc:m, they sense that there is some<ne who cares for them, and that helps them to cope," said Sister Dvmpna Smith, RSM, chaplain at Cape Cod Hos.pital. Hyannis. "Coping has a ht to d,o with relationship rather than action. They realize. "Hen is someone who is not- afraid t) put her arm
around me, to pfay with me: When· their voices are reduced to a whisper, you bend down and listen." AIDS ministers at the support group meeting agreed that theirs is primarily a ministry of presence. ""You're there as a friend," said Father Raul Lagoa, chaplain at ,Morton Hospital, Taunton. "They need friends more than counselors. someone to be a listening ear. Just bdng in the room shows them you care for them," Building an ongoing relation- _ ship with the patient is the first step toward breaking through the feelings of anger, fear and rejection and restoring a sense of selfworth, said Sister Smith. "You tell them who yell are, you talk to them, you go back and you keep going back." Even if God is never directly mentioned, "as chapl-.ins we are aware that a relationship with God is there." said Sister Annette Bibeau, SSA, also a minister at Morton Hospital. She told the story of a young mother who had become infected with AI DS while abusing drugs, '"She was so angry because she had finally gone clean. She had decided to change her life, and her parents loved her so much they took her back home," said Sister Bibeau. "I told her, 'And that's how yod Joves you too: That was the only time in my conversations with her that God was meotioned. I don't know if it helped her at all. But I felt at that moment that God was using me to minister to her." _Al OS victims "are very frightened," said Sister Smith. "Great isolation a.nd gUlh are accentuated when loved ones areo't present. But other relationshlps come to the fore when y_ou're on your death bed. They ask, 'Does God still love me?' I tell them, 'God has never stopped loving you:" Father Lagoa said he finds that Al DS victims need "affirmation that God does love you as you are. For many that's the first time they've heard that or considered It:' Regularly seeing the consequences of AIDS can take its toll on the ministers. "Their feelings of anger, guilt and frust.ration can bring your own to the surface sometimes," Said Sister Smith. .. It is hardest to deal with young people dying - people young Turn to Page II
PATRONESS of the
FALL RIVER DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN
UPHOLDS THE SANCTITY OF LIFE • A DOCTOR examines a patient dying of AIDS, (CNS photo)
Candles on birthday cakes By John P. Gallagher
It was probably an Irishman who said, "the potato is God's little miracle and gift to the state of Idaho." But he would have been wrong. Love is. Life is. F or in that quiet land is a breath of hope at the small headquarters of the Nurturing Network, the only nationwide U.S. alternative to abortion. The now familiar phrase, "a thousand points of light," never touched me with emotional impact until I recognized that the thousand points of light were candles on the birthday cakes of a thousand infants who now live and are loved due to the dream and work of Mary Cunningham Agee. The dream started with the loss of her and her husband Bill's child in a miscarriage. As if the God who writes straight with crooked lines had sent her a message that life for many could be born out of the death of one, Mary put her loss behind her to reach out to other women who thought abortion was their only choice and chance. Few people were as well equipped as she to face the challenge. A Harvard MBA, who has been a senior officer for a couple of the country's major corporations and a specialist in strategk planning, her research indicated the vast majority of abortions were performed on women between the ages of 20 to 28 who were in mid-
college or career. The fear of having to drop out of college or to interrupt a career, coupled with the harassment and pressure of embarrassed parents, boyfriends, and peers whose message is "get rid of the inconvenience and get on with your life" make the choice of abortion appear their only chance. But Mary Cunningham Agee is changing that. With $300,000 of family money from the sale of a home, she began a program that not only provides compatible and loving homes for pregnant women in aliSO states, but arranges medical services, discreet relocations, college transfers and comparable jobs, from secretaries to invest-
MARY AGEE
Diocesan AIDS ministers Continued from Page 10 enough to be your own child," said Father Cwiekowski. Added Father Lagoa, "It's also hard to deal with patients in your own age bracket - the idea that someone your own age is facing death." Some of the frustration the ministers feel comes from the fact that everyone can't be reached. Father Peter Graziano, executive director of Diocesan Catholic Social Services, told of an AIDS victim he encountered on the street. "This man, a street person, approaching middle age, just yelled my name and ran toward me. He said he had AIDS, was totally despondent and giving up on hospitals and medication. I let him know I was there for him anytime, but I haven't seen him since." Just being there to listen can make all the difference, the AIDS ministers said. Father Graziano told of another AIDS patient, a younger man with a wife and a child on the way. "Here was a person who had just about no hope, but wanted to share his experience. I was impressed by his faith. He was putting himself and his entire life in the hands of the Lord." "It's important just to be with them during the period of dying," said Sister Smith, "to affirm the patient as a valuable creation of God. I'd like to think that my presence and attitude of acceptance has led them to reconciliation. I do what I do, and God does a whole lot more." She said she is sometimes "brought up short" by AIDS patients' spirituality - "however recently brought to the surface" -and their ability to cope. The pastoral ministers find it disturbing that society has not yet fully recognized or accepted the AIDS problem. They cite lack of
adequate housing and health care for AI DS patients as chief concerns. "AI DS patients not sick enough to be in a hospital are occupying acute care beds because they have no place else to go," said Father Cwiekowski. "Some can't live alone, others don't want to go back to the drug-infested areas they came from." Although the problem is not widespread, AIDS patients and their families still suffer discrimination from medical professionals afraid to treat them or funeral directors unwilling to accept their bodies, the ministers said. "There's still a lot of education and consciousness-raising to be done," said Father Lagoa, noting that the facts about AIDS need to be conveyed especially to young people. "Society has a long way to go even in recognizing that the problem is there," said Sister Smith, noting that many people think that AIDS is only a problem in large cities like Boston and New York.. "The attitude is, 'not in my community,''' she said. "But the truth is, AIDS is among us." The AI DS crisis, she said, requires the political, social and health care systems to respond to the physical, financial and medical needs of AIDS patients; yet these needs are not adequately addressed. In this connection it is noted that in Massachusetts the passage of Question 3 this November could spell disaster for the already underfunded services that are in place. Said Father Cwiekowski, "Many religious people are saying that AIDS is a statement from God, God's way of telling people that they are sinful and that they get what they deserve. I do not agree with that. Rather, AIDS offers a way for us to prove the kind of Christians we are."
THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Oct. 5, 1990
ment bankers, in order that "the ultimate violence against women" won't be forced upon them by job demands, school associates, family or by a mate. Mary walkS no picket lines, nor is she involved in the polarizing political debate of pro-life vs. proabortion. Her work transcends words. No one supporting "prochoice" can dispute the value of creating another choice without risking the stigma of being labeled "pro-death." Even the very vocal Kate Michelman, president of the National Abortion Rights League, admits in the New York Times, "It is very important to have programs that do insure that women have real options. If they are serving women witho'ut ideologic coercion, that is nothing but good." Mrs. Michelman need not worry. Love is not "ideological coercion." The purest definition of a feminist is one who reaches out to her sister in love and support. The purest definition of being a Christian is one who loves God and his or her neighbor as self. As we commemorate Respect Life Sunday, there is reason for a prayerful celebration for the dream made real, the Nurturing Network at 910 Main Street, Boise, Idaho 8370 I. You might want to send a note along with your prayers to thank Mary, her couple of employees, her I ,500 volunteers and the women and babies - all those points of light that brighten our hopes. If your heart and your home are big enough, you may want to tell Mary that you might want to be a "good innkeeper," even though far from Bethlehem or Boise, who will care for' a pregnant woman in crisis. If that's not possible, a check from you or your parish organization will help the good work to grow and a new generation to live.
Pray for both SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) Archbishop John R. Quinn of San Francisco has asked Catholics to pray both for U.S. President Bush and for Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, "that through conversion of heart he, too, may become an
The work of His hands II-
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instrument of peace." In a statement on the "many questions of conscience" raised by the Persian Gulf crisis, Archbishop Quinn doscribed the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait as "morally indefensible" and said the use of "human shields.against possible military attacK "violates the norms of morality and violates international law."
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We Respect Life by Caring for the Young and the Old Elizabeth J. Novacek L.P.N. President Rev. Edmund J. Fitzgerald Moderator
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Pro..Life Apostolate Diocese Of Fall, River Rev. Stephen A. Fernandes Diocesan Director 233 County· Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
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Continued from Page One and applaud many of the efforts the state is making concerning this startling reality. We do, however, object to the tax-funded, state-supported, condom promotion campaign which is, in our judgment, contrary to the moral dignity of all the citizens of the commonwealth. Our reasons for opposing this program are the following: • the campaign makes no mention of the morality of sexual behavior; • the campaign ignores the virtue of abstinence, which is not only a good in itself but also the only sure method to avoid the consequences of sexual promiscuity; • it denies the truth that the intimacy of sex is the exclusive privilege of married love; • it gives a misleading message about the efficacy of condoms and implies that the use of condoms resolves the question of sexual permissiveness;
It means devising realistic programs that respect the moral and ethical principles of our citizens and affirm the responsible expression of sexual love within marriage. The condom advertising campaign errs in distracting attention from the essential question of moral responsibility by falsely implying that the challenge ofsexual responsibility can be resolved by the use of a condom. Weare convinced that a significant number of the citizens of our commonwealth stand with us in finding this tax-supported program morally unacceptable and its continuance a misuse ofthe authority ofstate government. +Bernard Cardinal Law
• by promoting condoms, the state is in'fact encouraging sexual promiscuity which is ,one of the major causes of sexually transmitted diseases; • it is particularly reprehensible when young people are the special targets of condom propaganda; • young people are being told that the only aspect of sexuality they need consider is avoidance of disease and the only help the state can offer is the use of an unsafe device. By contrast, we believe that the best response to the threats posed by sexually transmitted diseases is to reaffirm publicly and forthrightly the reverence and respect and responsibility every person owes to his or her neighbor. This includes encouraging young people' to base their lives on sound ethical principles, including ~he virtue of chastity. It means affirming marriage and family not only as the proper realm of sexual love, but also as the key to a healthy society.
Archbishop oj Boston +Most Reverend Daniel A. Cronin
Fall River Sisters A history of the Fall River Dominicans notes that "We were founded on Sept. 4, 1891, by Mother Bertrand Sheridan and her companions. At that time, a call for help to educate the youth of a steadily growing parish came from the Dominican Fathers of St. Anne's, Fall River, and the new St. Dominic's parish now known as Blessed Sacrament parish. Leaving Carrollton, Missouri, three sisters arrived and immediately set to work teaching some 3~O students in a spacious basement separated into classrooms. By November, St. Thomas School was opened in Saint Anne's parish in a section called "King Philip." Young women of the parish joined the sisters as assistant teachers. Five of them became the first novices of the new community in August of 1892. By 1895 the sisters opened Dominican Academy
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Bishop oj Fall River +Most Reverend Timothy J. Harrington
Bishop oj Worcester , +Most Reverend Joseph F. Maguire
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Sisters study collaboration with NY nuns Continued from Page One joint reflection and discussion on what they described as the "transformative elements of religious life in need of renewal and revitalization. The three congregations will hold formal meetings, open to all members, in spring, 1991, and spring, 1992. Also present at the August assembly as observers were 11 members of the Dominicans of Kenosha, Wisc., and representatives of congregations in Caldwell, N.J., Blauvelt, Sparkill and Amityville, N.Y" Kentucky, Ohio, lllinois, Iowa and Washington State. Sister Margaret Stechschulte represented the Dominican Leadership Conference. The assembly, said organizers, "ended with a sense of jubilation that something new had begun among Dominicans in the United States."
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and took over the direction of . Saint Anne's School, two schools still staffed by us today. "From Fall River, our influence extended to neighboring towns in Massachusetts and to neighboring states. Eventually; we opened a house in Canada. Interest, enthusiasm, and dedication in the whole area of education have been most evident among the sisters throughout the years. Today education in its broadest sense is still the primary focus of our ministry whether that be in schools, parish centers, hospitals,' on college campuses, in spiritual or retreat centers or in poor areas within our country." A celebration of the Fall River sisters' centenary opens Sunday with a community observance. A public celebration is scheduled for April 28 of next year, when a noon Mass at St. Anne's Church will be followed by a reception and open house at the community'S motherhouse at 37 Park Street, Fall River.
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NOS FALAMOS PORTUGUES
"This is where God wants me."
Sister Maureen Age: 46 N~tiw of: West Long Branch. New Jersey Vocation: Service to God Work: Nursing incurable cancer patients. Prior Experience: Insurance broker for a casualty agency. Interests: Reading. photography. sports. walking. cross stitching and needlepoint.
"For a number o/years rhe thought 0/ entering a religiou~ communi~' would fleetingly cross my mind, The thoughts became more frequent and less fleeting until I had to make a decision .. ,one which I will never regret. It is a bealltifullife that I have been called to. a life lil'ed totally/or God and one II'hi~'h is/lilly rell'arded by His Im·e.
DOMINICAN SISTERS OF HAWruORNE
A religious commu~ity of Catholic ,women with seven modern nursing
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, 7 _,Itj~~,$,:~;;:t'::::>'-"."""_,;~~::; FROM LEFT, Sisters Elizabeth Menard of Fall River, PatJelly of Newburgh and Monica McGloin of Ossining check map displaying ministry placements of their three communities.
facilities in six states. Our one apostolate is to nurse incurable cancer patients. This work is apractical fulfillment of our faith. The most important talent. highly prized by us. is the talent for sharing of yourself-your compassion, your cheerfulness. your faith-with those who have been made so vulnerable and dependent by this dread disease. Not all of our sisters are nurses, but as part of our.apostolate. all directly help in the care of the patients'. If you think you have a religious vocation and would like to know more about our work and community life. why not plan to visit with us. We would be happy to share with you a day from our lives.
Write: Sister Marie Edward DOMINICAN SISTERS OF HAWTHORNE Rosary Hill Home 600 Linda Avenue Hawthorne, New York 10532 or ,call: (914) 769-4794
Please send me more information about your 'AN 10/5/90 Congregation. Name
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AT RELIGIOUS·EDUCATION CONVENTION: from left, associate directo:rsof religious e~ucation Sisters Eugenia Brady? SJC, and Elaine Heffernan, RSM; ~eynote spea~er Sister Marie Augusta Neal, SND; and Father Richard W. Beaulieu, director of, the diocesan department of education.
Center, Bishop Cronin celebrates the opening Mass. At right, Kathie Barboza, principal of S1. Jean Baptiste School, Fall River, who presented a workshop entitled "A Clown Experience." (Hickey photos)
650' attend religious education convention 'Cdntinued'from' P.age One ' ' for :the~' a'nd us.' But ~hat if·' there's no 'them: only 'us?' • "There are homeless for whom no·homes·are being planned. But , did not humanity invent the economy to provide goods and services to those who .need them?" A century ago, said Sister Neal, with the 1891 papal encyclical "On Capital and Labor," "the whole church began to be aware that social teaching was essential to teaching the Gospel." This idea is continued in the 1963 encycical "On Establishing Universal Peace in Truth, Justice, Charity and Liberty," which states that "peace, poverty and human rights are central concerns of a Christian." "Stealingisn't what the poor do when they take what they need to survive; it's what the rich do when they don't share what they have:' pointed out the speaker. She suggested, "We must let go our grasp of things the poor need to survive. We need to know what is causing such conditions' and ' what to do to change them." Forming communities of compassion requires global thinking, she said. "The world can be an exploitative and dangerous place '- or it , can be a community of compassion. We are mandated by the Gospel not to rest until our compassion has transformed" social conscience, she concluded. Workshops The compassion theme was con-
tinued in' workshops offered by Sister Jeannette Serra of the Ed~ mundite Apostolate Center at Enders Island, Mystic, Conn.; Rev.. Jose M..Sousa, vice chancellQr; and Dr. Ernest Collamati, chairperson of the religious studies department at Regis College, Weston. In her presentation, Sister Serra told of a woman she encountered on a recent trip to Brazil. Sister Serra asked the woman, 83, who lived in a tiny windowless hut and had few possessions, "What do you do all day?" The woman answered, "I spend my day waiting for God." "Here was a woman who had no education, knew no theology, but knew the essence of prayer," said the presenter. "Every day she asks God to send someone to visit her, and every day he does. She saw herself as blessed because she had her God." A similar attitude is necessary for religious educators in the 90s, said Sister Serra. "Families are broken up and scattered, faith and trust don't mean anything to these children. Our students must see us believing in life, believing in the church. . .. You are called to see yourself as blessed and to be a blessing to others." Father Sousa explored the compassion of God as conveyed through the Old and New Testaments. ' "We are taught, 'God is unchanging, God is perfect:" he said. But the Old Testament tells
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ofa God who "knows-the affliction and the suffering of his peo-' . pie, not just in his, mind but in ' every fiber of his being." This is a God, said Father Sousa, who has emotions. "God is perfeet, but if he has emotions, he changes. Our emotions affect him; God does respond to us." The presenter added "God' is intimately involved in human affairs. The true love God has for us impels him to be involved." in the New Testament, Father Sousa continued, Jesus becomes the incarnation of God's compassion. "He'chose to become one of us, to share the suffering with us.' Jesus healed the afflicted not to prove he was God but because he was so moved by their suffering that he could not continue on his life's journey without relieving it." "In a world made smaller by technology, communication and interdependence," said Father Sousa, "it is easy to be overcome by the bombardment of our senses with the world's many tragedies and afflictions. Community helps us to be compassionate." Compassion, he concluded, "characterizes who we are as individuals and who we are as Christians."
sionate Church," Dr. Collamati the beatitudes and the Stations of proposed that the compassionate the Cross; guided prayer of the person is one unafraid to become imagination; and presentations by immersed in 'human affairs. organizations including Birthright "Passion, meaning to suffer, to and Pax Christi. undergo, ·to experience, and comA favorite was a workshop by passion, meaning to suffer with," Bishop Feehan High School religstand in opposition to "apathy, a ion teacher Kathleen Killion; who manner of not caring, of excusing spoke on nurturing spirituality "in onese'lf from human affairs for our hurry-up society; in families fear of becoming 'tainted' by con- that are over-scheduled and overnecting with life and the world," stressed; in workplaces where prisaid Dr. Collamati. orities are sometimes at odds with _ The human being is at his or her. our faith systems." moral best, he said, when identifyHer title, "Spirituality for the ing with another human being Frenzied," apparently struck a regardless of distinctions of race, nerve, drawing an SRO crowd to class or sex. . her classroom. The sacrament which identifies Commented a catechist from St. Catholics as people of compas- Mary's parish, New Bedford, "She sion, Dr. Collamati concluded, is was wonderful-we're all frenzied!" the Eucharist. The convention concluded with "Around that table, we break a prayer recited in all classrooms the bread of our Lord Jesus and after the third workshop session. share the cup. Background and "Every time we serve," it said, barriers don't matter." "Jesus prepares a surprise for us. In saying 'yes' in my parish, I am Other Topics offering to 'wash feet'" 'break Participants praised this year's convention and the workshop pre- bread', 'accept crosses', yet enjoy senters. Other workshop topics the surprise of rising to new life as included uses of creativity, music the master, Jesus, did." and humor in teaching; ministerAbout Children ing to immigrants and children "I love little children, and it is with special needs; death and dying; grief and loss; adolescent suicide; not a slight thing when they, who stress; fundamentalism; AI DS; the are fresh from God, love us." annulment process; reflections on Charles DiCkens
In "Passion-Key to a Compas----------------....;,-----------------------
BOY SCOUTS Mike Monteiro, Jeff Williams and Justin Desrosiers of Troop 15, Fall River, prepare to participate in a flag ceremony during last month's retreat/ camporee sponsored by the tri-council Committee on Scouting. 210 Boy Scouts and leaders from the diocese took part in the retreat, themed "A Scout is Thrifty; Not Wasting-Time, Not Wasting Materials, Not Wasting Life." During the weekend, Father Stephen Salvador,' diocesan Scouting chaplain, and Rev. Dr. Leon Tavitian of New York presented ~ program on prayer;s~minarian Charles Jodoin spoke on vocationsi an~ a s.ubstance,abuse program was presented by emergency room staff and EMTs of St: Luke's Hospital, New Bedford. Religious awards were presented by members of the Moby Dick Coun~il of 'the Catholic Committee on Sc;outing. (Rosa photo) , , '
in our schools
, ' .. ',' Symbols following r.eviews, ' indicate both general and Catholic Films Office ratings, which do not always coincide. Recent box office hits General ratings: G-suitable 1. GoodFellas, A-IV (R) for general viewing; PG-t3-2. Postcards from the Edge, parental guidance strongly A-III (R) suggested for children under 3. Ghost, A-III (PG-13) 4. Narrow Margin, A-III (R) 13; PG-parental guidance 5. Funny About Love, A-III suggested; R-restricted, un(PG-13) suitable for children or young 6. Death Warrant, 0 (R) teens. 7. Flatliners, 0 (R) 8. Presumed Innocent, Catholic ratings: At-apA·IV (R) proved for children and adults; , 9. Da/f(man. 0 (R) A2-approved for adults and 10. Hardware. 0 (R) adolescents; A3-approved for adults only; 4-separate classification (given films not morally offensive which, however, require some analysis and explanation); 0 -morally RerJllled wlln pellTlS$1Ol1 of Vallely @ 1990 O'IS GiapllCS offensive.
1. Driving Miss Daisy, A-II (PG) 2. Bom on the Fourth of July, A-IV (R) 3. Blue Steel, 0 (R)
4. Stella, A-J11 (PG-13) 5. Hard to KiD, 0 (R) 6. All Dogs Go to Heaven, A-I (G) 7. Bad Influence, 0 (R) 8. Madhouse, A-III (PG-13) 9. House Party, A-IV (R) 10. Revenge, A-III (R)
ator of the Connolly yearbook, OPUS, has announced that Eric Belanger and Khoi Pham are 1991 coeditors-in-chief. Section editors are Porsha Ingles, Paul Charette, Mark Barabe and Matt Hess.
Bishop Connolly Community Service and Junior Achievement programs are under- , way at Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River. Members of the senior class were commissioned for community service at a Mass on Sept. 30 celebrated by Rev. James Krupa, SJ. Community service has been part of the Connolly senior year since '1972, as it is at all 45 U.S. Jesuitaffiliated schools. This year 72 seniors are participating in the voluntary program, serving weekly at 27 agencies in southeastern Massachusetts and in Rhode Island.
Recent top rentals
Junior Achievement was launched for the year at a student assembly opened by principal Rev. John P. Murray, SJ. Speakers were John Har6ngton, vice chai~man of JA, Fred Kalisz of Fall River JA and Connolly sophomore Tonya DeMelo, who told about her JA experiences.
* * * * The oil paintings of Connolly art department chairman Charles Dwyer are on exhibit at Spring Bull Studio in Newport until Oct. 17. They depict human figures in settings such as backyards, porches and the seaside.
J A is a national program designed to help students become familiar with the business world through classes and by running their own businesses.
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In sports, the volleyball team ranks number one and recently * * * * defeated Somerset. The girls' socJim L'Heureux, faculty modercer team beat Durfee for the second time in a week. The girls face Stang at home today. The boys' soccer team has lost Kristi Shenk and Maureen O'Neill close games to Attleboro and Dartwent to Girls' State at Elms Col- mouth. In cross-country, the boys' lege. The prog'rams teach leader- team defeated Somerset last week ship skills to outstanding high and ran well in ,the Bishop Henschool students. dricken Invitational, finishing Stang cheerleaders earned top ninth of 25 teams. The city chamhonors and 20 awards at the cheer- pionship against Diman and Dluleading camp, based at Southeast- fee is scheduled for Oct. 8. ern Massachusetts University. SenTryouts for the hockey cheeriorcaptain Christina Nunes, named leading squad will take place next -best cheerleader, garnered three week. ribbons and a trophy. Coach ElizSki Club officers are Eric Hatabeth Gonsalves received the' field, president; Eric Pilotte, busiCoaches' A ward. ness officer; Jane Peterson and Tyler Carlson, co-treasurers; Sarah Rodgers, racing coordinator. The team competes in the Cen'tral Massachusetts Ski League.
Bishop Stang STUDENTS AT S5. Peter and Paul School, Fall River, are remembering the men and women of Operation Desert Shield with prayers, letters and special projects. . A wall display at the school, top photo, includes names, of several service persons serving in Saudi Arabia who are associated with 55. Peter and Paul. One is an alumnus who was a pen pal to the seventh graders when they were in fourth grade; another is the nephew of a former teacher. At bottom, students display a portion of a peace chain which will be sent to the Iraqi ambassador to the United Nations. Each student and teacher made a link for the chain, which was assembled during a prayer service on the UN International Day for Peace. Students in grades 4 through 8 wrote to world leaders asking them to work for world peace and all students have written to U.S. troops through Operation Brave Heart. ' Anyone wishing someone remembered by the students may contact the school at 672-7258 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays
Collegians' pro-life conference set American Collegians for Life will host their Fourth Annual National Leadership Tr~ining Conference Jan. 20 to 22 at the Washington Marriott flotel, Washington, D.C. ACL hosts the conference each year in conjunction with the March for Life on the'anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion. The theme of this year's conference is "Abortion: a Baby Can Live without It." Students will attend workshops given by nationally known pro-life leaders, attend a White House briefing and participate in the March for Life. ' Speakers include the Hon. Henry J. Hyde (R-IL); Dr. Jack Willke,
president of the National Right to Life Committee; Hon. Gary Bauer, president of the Family Research Council; Olivia Gans,' of American Victims of Abortion; Illinois Representative Penny Pullen; J 0-' seph Scheidler, Pro-Life Action League director; Randall Terry, director of Opera~ion Rescue; and pro-life physician,Dr. Bernard Nathanson. . 'Conference, registration information may be obta.ined from American Collegians forLife Con- ' ference Committee, 1220 Blair Mill Rd., #115, Silver Spring, Md. 20910; tel. (30 I) 608-9113.
Simplicity "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler."
"Trash Equals Cash" During the 1989-90 academic year, Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth, used 25,000 envelopes, 3,939 rolls of toilet paper, 432 rolls of paper towels and 131 cartons of copy and computer paper. It all equaled some five tons of paper, or the equivalent of 86.3 trees! This year, the school will recycle all envelopes, white ledger paper and computer paper. Key Club members will periodically collect materials from classroom containers for recycling. Such recycled trash results in dollars for Stang, both because the firm pays for it and trash d'isposal costs go down. The ambitious project is headed by science department instructor Rose Grant and was the brainchild of senior Mason Bliss, who drafted the original proposal and did the groundwork to secure a recycling firm.
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Stang sent representatives to Boys' and Girls' State and to a cheerle,ading camp during the ,summer. . Seniors Chris Tholl, Rick Brown and Tim Maloney attended Boys' State at Bentley College, while
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Basketball practices have begun at CVO Hall, Anawan Street, Fall River. Coaches may,contact CVO' associate director Albert Vaillancourt at 672-9644 or 672-1666 to arrange practice times. The CVO 'is open seven days a week. The annual CYO Jamboree and regular season play. will 'begin the second week of Novemb,er., Divisions are Junior Girls A and B, grades 5 to 8; Junior,l30Ys A, B and C, grades 5 to 8; Prep Boys, grades 9 and J0; Senior Boys, grade II to age2J: .
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ST. ANNE, 'FR "THEA'NCflOR'-:"Diocese' Of Fall River~FfL 'Oct~ 5' 1990' . C;.\THOLIC UNIVERSITY " OF CENTRAL AMERICA , St. Anne novena 3 p.m. Sunday, A slide show including views of shrine, followed by healing service the Catholic University of Central until 5 p.m. Annual peace procesAmerica, located in San Salvador, sion beginning at cathedral 6 p.m. will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Monday and ending with Mass at Friends Meeting House, 7th and St. Anne's at 7 p.m. Spring Sts., New Bedford. The show ST. JOHN EVANGELIST, will be preceded at 5 p.m. by a tradi- POCASSET tional Salvadoran meal. Present will Nominations for parish council be Beverly and Christopher Baccelli. CORPUS CHRISTI, SANDWICH CATHOLIC ASSOCIAnON this weekend. First meal of season Christopher, 12, was adopted from a Catechists' and assistants' com- OF FORESTERS for St. John's 55 and Over Family Salvadoran orphanage, also shown missioning Mass 7 p.m. Oct. 10. Dinner and joint installation of noon Oct. 9; reservations: 563-5530. during the show. Organizers hope to Women's Guild meeting with mem- officers from Our Lady of Victory SEPARATED jDlVORCED explain the plight of the Salvadoran bers' fashion show 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10, Court, FR, and Eulalia Court, NB, CATHOLICS people and encourage support for Father Clinton Hall. 6:30 p.m. Oct.'17, Days Inn, HathaFR area meeting 7 p.m. Oct. 9, aid projects. way Rd., NB. Our Lady of Grace parish center, OPERATION RECREAnON SECULAR FRANCISCANS Westport. NB area meeting 7 to 9 234 Second Street Donations of recreation items for p.m. Oct. 10, Family Life Center, N. St. Francis of Peace Prefraternity • • Fall River, MA 02721 U.S. troops in the Persian Gulf are of West Harwich and St. Francis of Dartmouth; Kathleen Glynn of Bay • • Web Offset being collected at St. Joseph's Cape Fraternity mini-retreat voon State Centers for Displaced HomeNewspapers • School, Spring St., Fairhaven, beto 5:30 p.m. Oct. 14, Miramar makers will speak on communica"'III!!P.I Printing & Mailing tween 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays Retreat Center, Duxbury, with tion with children and former spouse ~ (508)679-5262 under direction of Arlene Paiva, Father Fabian Joyce, OFM; Mass and in-laws. Information: 994-8676, 996-1983, and at Image Gallery, 199 and Transitus Service will be cele998-1313. Grinnell St., NB, Thursdays, Fribrated. Information: 394-4094. days and Saturdays under direction ST. MARY, MANSFIELD Catholic Woman's Club 75th anniST. MARY, N. ATTLEBORO of Sue Furtado, 990-7229. DonaSecond Class First Class Healing service and Sunday Mass tions may also be sent to Morale and versary meeting 7:30 p.m. Oct. II, Carrier Route Coding First Class Presort with Father William T. Babbitt, paRecreation Officer, cj 0 Reverse Toys parish center. Special guests will be rochial vicar, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. for Tots Program, USMTM DET, 31 past presidents; "The Singing Third Class Butk Rate Zip Code Sorting APO, NY, NY 09616-5006. Among Nuns," Sisters of Divine Providence list Maintenance Third Class Non Profit items needed are games, cards, balls, from Kingston will present a musical frisbees, sporting goods, toiletries, program. All TO USPS SPECIFICATIONS Montie Plumbing stationery and hard candy. NOTRE DAME de Cheshire labeling on Kirk,Rudy 4-up LOURDES, FR , & Heating Co. HOLY GHOST, ATTLEBORO labeler. And Pressure Sensitive Labeling First Saturday devotions begin Our Lady of Fatima feast and Over 35 Years tomorrow and continue on next four Inserting, collating. folding. procession 5 p.m. Sunday. of Satisfied Service first Saturdays. Grade 8 CCD classes metering. sealing. sorting. addressing. ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA, FR Reg. Master Plumber 7023 begin 10 to 11:15 a.m. Oct. 13; consacking. completing USPS forms. CCD classes begin tomorrow 9:30 firmation classes begin 7 p.m. Oct. JOSEPH RAPOSA, JR. direct delivery to Post Office to 10:30 a.m. for grades 3 and 4, II .,18 for student and adult candidates. , ' , Printing, . ' We Do It All' 432 JEFFERSON STREET a.m. to noon for grades 5 and 7; Fall River 675-7496 Sunday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. for grades ST. JOSEPH, FAIRHAVEN Call for Details (508) 679:5?62 Mass of anointing 2 p.m. Sunday, 6 and 8, II a.m. to noon for grades I school. Children's Mass II a.m. Sunand 2. Confirmation classes 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays. First Friday day; 5th grade students will receive a exposition of Blessed Sacrament rosary. after 8 a.m. Mass today until 6 p.m. SACRED HEART, NB Pharmacy REGIS~~~~~Rr~~~::C1STS October devotions 6:30 p.m., parFirst Saturday devotions with rosary, Benediction and hymns following 8 ish council meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday. Invalid Equipment For Rent or Sale a.m. Mass tomorrow. Those partic- ST. THOMAS MORE, ipating in the Respect Life Walk SOMERSET Surgical Garments Bird· IPPB Machines Jobst Sunday will meet after 6 p.m. Mass Rosary is prayed 8:45 a.m. daily _ ~ • Hollister - Crutches - Elastic Stockings tonight. during October. Surgical & Orthopedic Appliances MARIAN PRAYER SERVICE CATHEDRAL, FR • Trusses - Oxygen - ' Oxygen Masks, Tents & Area Knights of Columbus coun;:;,~', Regulators· APproved, F\?r Medicare Monthly Mass for those enrolled cils will sponsor a Marian family in Purgatorial Society 9 a.m. Satur.-,.-11 24 HOUR OXYGEN SERVICE prayer service 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. II at day. Annual procession in honor of Our Lady's Haven chapel, Fairhaven. Our Lady of Fatima begins at Cathei4-H()~p,:~ 24 HOUR EMERGENC~ PRESCRIPTION SERVICE BlOC;, r Father Roy Yurco, SS.Cc. home dral6 p.m. Monday and ends at St. chaplain, will direct the service, Anne's Church. 673 Main St., Dennisport - 398-2219 which is open to the public. 5T. STANISLA US, FR n O~~:l HI n 550 McArthur Blvd., Rte. 28, Pocasset - 563-2203 ~I~ WIDOWED SUPPORT During October: rosary prayed 7 NB area meeting 7:30 p.m. Mona.m. daily; Mass honoring Our Lady 30 Main St., Orleans - 255-0132 day, St. Kilian rectory basement. of Jasna Gora 7:30 a.m. Saturdays. There will be a video presentation on Saturday rosary begins at 7: 15 a.m.; 509 Kempton St., New Bedford - 993-0492 grief. Information: 998-3269, 992- Sunday rosary 8:40 a.m. in Polish ~(o ....oo" , (PARAMOUNT PHARMACY) 7587. and 5 p.m. in English. Men's Club meeting 7 p.m. Sunday. Holy Rosary ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, NB Sodality Eucharist and brunch meetCCD classes begin Oct. 14 for ing begins with procession into grade 7; Oct. 15 for grades I through church 8:35 a.m. Sunday. 5 and Oct. 16 for grades 6 and 8.
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-ST. STEPHEN, ATTLEBORO CCD classes begin tomorrow for grades I through 6, Tuesday for grade 7 and Wednesday for grades 8 through 10. - Anyone interested in helping plan a parish Halloween celebration may call rectory, 2220641; there will be a 6 p. m. Mass followed by a family party. Women's Retreat Nov. 2 to 4, Family Life Center; registration deadline Oct. 22. HOLY ROSARY, TAUNTON Rosary is prayed daily at 7: 10 a.m., evening devotions with rosary, Benediction and litany are held 7 p.m. Wednesdays during October. Annual blessing of animals noon tomorrow. ST. DOMINIC, SWANSEA Opening Mass for confirmation 10 a.m. Sunday; meeting will follow. Education board meeting 9 a.m. tomorrow. ST. MARY, SEEKONK Grade 9 confirmation parents' and students' meeting 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesd,ay, parish center. Explorer Post I youth group membership meeting 7:30 p.m. Monday. Mass with music by Jon Polce Oct. II. LaSALETTE CENTER, ATTLEBORO Family retreat for all ages, "Roots and Wings," Oct. 12 to 14; information: 222-8530. D.OFI. Hyacinth Circle 71 Daughters of Isabella meeting 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16, Holy Name CCD center, NB.lnstallation of officers 12:30 p.m. Oct. 21, Century House, Acushnet; reservation deadline Oct. 16. ST. THERESA,S. ATTLEBORO Widowed support meeting 7 tonight, church basement. CATHOLIC WOMAN'S CLUB, NB First meeting of season 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10, Wamsutta Club, County St., NB, with presentation by Portuguese Folklore Group. DCCW Diocesan Council of Catholic Women District Ill, Taunton, communion supper planning meeting 7 p.m. Oct. 10, 5t. Mary's parish, Taunton. SHROUD OF TURIN The Shroud of Turin will be discussed by Dr. Anthony Paruta and his wife Marie at a joint meeting of the St. John of God Women's Guild and St. Louis de France Ladies Sodality following a 7 p.m. Mass at St. John of God Church, Somerset, Oct. 17. ST. PATRICK, SOMERSET Rosary is prayed 7:40 a.m. daily during October. CCD teachers' meeting 7 p.m. Oct. 10, parish center. Classes begin Oct. 13.
At synod:
Let prophetic voices reach pope Friday, Oct. 5 - 7:15 P.M.
PRAYER VIGIL FOR VOCATIONS ,REV. ANDRE; PATENAUDE, M.S. & TEAM
Saturday, Oct. 20: 10:00 - 4:00 ,
JOY & HEALING IN SELF-DISCOVERY SA. PHILOMENA AGUDO, F.M.M., Ph.D. Workshop held in Good News Room "Pre-registration requested.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II opened the 1990 Synod of Bishops by lamenting the absence of delegates from communist-ruled China, Laos and Vietnam. But it was the first time since 1967 that bishops were present from all the countries of Eastern Europe. Also attending for the first time were bishops from the Soviet Ukraine and Byelorussia. The synod theme is "The Formation of Priests in Circumstances of the Present Day." One of the first speakers was Cardinal Aloisio Lorscheider of Fortaleza, Brazil, who evaluated past synogs and offered suggestions for improvements. He said many bishops would like the synods to have "a deliberative character". as they do in the Eastern-rite and Orthodox churches. Many bishops see a constantly changing world and wonder how
the pope and the Roman Curia alone can address them, he said. The cardinal praised the preparation stage as a "fruitful" time of consultation among bishops, priests and laity, and the actual synod in Rome as a time when bishops got a real taste of the univers~lity of the church. "The delusions and frustrations begin" when the bishops try to formulate final resolutions, he said. When the final report from the synod to the pope is written, he said, many bishops feel they are "short-circuited." Cardinal Lorscheider also said there is "frustration" about the small amount of information made public during the synod. Generally the Vatican gives only syntheses of the bishops' talks to the media. The cardinal called for more prayer services during the synods and asked that lay people be given a greater role in their deliberations. He also called for future synod
theines that would advance "the dialogue between the church and the world." Cardinal Edward B. Clancy of Sydney, Australia, also asked for greater care in writing the final resolutions. '-'The achievement of consensus in the propositions often results in a certain blandness, the repetition of general truth and the elimination of ideas that are new and challenging," he said. "It is to be hoped that future synods might provide greater scope for the prophetic voices among us to reach the ears of the pope," the cardinal said.
"Well-received" v ATItAN CITY (CNS) - A Vatican commission began reviewing proposed changes to a controversial draft universal catechism and said the text had been generally "well-received" by bishops worldwide.
