10.18.79

Page 1

a1JB1LEE78

diocese

of

t eanc 0 VOL. 23, NO. 42

fall river

FAll RIVER, MASS., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1979

20c, $6 Per Year

.Evangelization路 Parley Begins Major Diocesan Campaign

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"the content of the message is By Pat McGowan "We Care/We Share," a mass- always the same: Christ and ive evangelization program that him crucified." He noted that at present some will reach every home in the Fall River diocese, was kicked 96% of 'the time, energy and off last Saturday at an all-day money ofthe American church is. Evangelization Congress by spent on nurture and maintenrepresentatives of all diocesan, ance of church membership and property and said that the goal parishes. Presented at Bishop Gerrard of the American bishops is to High School, Fall River, by shift the percentages so that Father Alvin Illig, executive di- about 10% goes to outreach. "Bishops see themselves as rector of the U.S. bishops' evangelization committee, the pro- shepherds," he said, "but they gram was introduced by Bishop should turn their crooks upside路 down and make them fishhooks! Daniel A. Cronin. Fall River "is a diocese seri- The single biggest reason for ously trying to evangelize," the 70 million unchurched Amsaid the bishop, who cited the ericans is apathy on the part of U.S. visit of Pope John Paul II, the churched." Father Illig admitted that it which received blanket media coverage, as a modern example is hard to' evangelize in an age of "going out to all the eaI1h" when large personal incomes, ease of moving from one place with the Gospel message. In five presentations, Father to another and the allure of Illig discussed principles tInd various forms of entertainment practical techniques of evangeli- compete ~ith the word of God ...ution. He defined it as "sharing Christ with others by using legitimate form of communication," and reminded congress participants that they themselves must be evangelized "you can't give what you haven't got." A youth ministry training proFather Illig said that evangel:;... ists must be "creative,' daring, gram is. underway in five areas try fresh ideas, but remember of the diocese, with the objective that the job is at best 40% of preparing leaders to offer a drudgery. Work hard, pray, try vital and meaningful program to to bring Christ and the person young people in parish organizayou're working with together tions. In three sessions, to be offer- then step back, pray and let ed in all areas except Fall River. God do his work." Discussing the "Mary model" on three separate evenings, parof evangelization, the priest ticipants will consider various said that, like Mary, thos~ at- aspects of serving youth.' In Fall tempting to share Christ must 路River the program will be given accept him in their own lives, at a half-day session, beginning let him live in them and then at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 at Blessed Sacrament Church hall. 'share him with others. He stressed that Christ is the To be covered are problems mes!?age and evangelizers are of youth ministry, desirable simply messengers but reminded qualities in a minister, how to his hearers, "we can leave our set up a parish team and how to fingerprints on .the message; and plan an attractive program. An each of us can touch people no important' part of the training one else can reach." course will be "a look at youth Outlining the scope of the - people to and with whom we evangelization task, Father III" are ministering and what they ig said there are five U.S. groups think." to be reached: Under the general direction - 49 million active American of Father Marcel Bouchard, Catholics; diocesan assistant director of - 12 million inactive Ameri- religious education, the program can Catholics; , ,will be offered by area teams. - 73 million non-Catholic In Taunton, where it began Christians; at St. Mary's hall last Thursday - 11 million members of non- and will continue on Oct. 25 and Christian religions; Nov. 8, team members are Dan - 70 million "unchurched," J,-eBrun, George Powers, Sister affiliated with no religion. Peggy Fromm, Sharon Hudson Each group must be reached and Kathy Kelly. ' in different ways, he said, but On Cape Cod, where tentative

- but he declared that "every era has felt its age was equally difficult." He noted that the ev~ngelist must believe that what he or she has to offer is truly important and in stressing the importance of friendship and warmth he advised, "You can be true to the Lord Jesus and smile!" On the practical level, Father Illig suggested compiling a list of all within a parish, Catholic or not, and sending out regular mailings. "Within a year they should realize that your parish is a friendly, welcoming place." He also suggested Visitors' Sundays in parishes, occasional Newcomers' Nights in the rectories, sending flowers or other remembrances to hospitalized area residents and having husband and wife usher teams at weekend Masses to greet par.ishioners and keep a special eye Turn to Page Seven

Youth Ministry Program Preparing Parish Leaders

THE ROSARY is returning to its former place of prominence in Catholic life, says Father Patrick Peyton, CSC, famed promoter of the family rosary. (NC Photo)

Rosary Apostle Discusses His Lifelong Devotion CHICAGO (NC) - In Mary's month of the rosary, the man whose name has become virtually synonymous with "the beads" hopes he has "one glorious decade" left to preach his' message of the family rosary. Holy Cross Father Patrick Peyton, whose "Family Theater" once entered millions of homes each week, is 70 now. He still begins each day, as he has each day since his ordination with 15 decades of the rosary and .a 6 a.m. Mass dedicated to Mary. Still the promoter and spirit Ibehind the 'rosary crusades,

Father Peyton says he "lives on an airplane" and sees no end to his life's work. In Chicago to attend a reunion, the Irish priest talked about the fortunes of the rosary in general and of his work in particular. But two years ago, he wasn't planning 10 years ahead. It appeare4 then that he would never travel again. . "iwas' down in the Philippines setting up a permanent rosary crusade when I discovered that my heart was breaking down," Turn to Page Seven

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dates are Nov. 19 and 26 and Dec. 3 and where meetings will be at Our Lady of Victory hall, Turn to Page Seven

Priesthood Day Will Be Nov. 4 Plans are almost complete for an Information Day on the Diocesan Priesthood, to be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4 at Holy Name parish center, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. At the day, young men interested in exploring the requirements and rewards of a vocation to the diocesan priesthood will be able to talk to Father John J: Smith, diocesan director for vocations, as well as to vocation coordinators f~om the Taunton, Attleboro, Cape and Islands, New 'Bedford and Fall River areas of the diocese. Also on hand will be several diocesan seminarians. The program will include talks by the directors and seminarians, a concelebrated Mass and a concluding supper. There will be no charge. The reservation deadline is Sunday, Oct. 28, said Father Smith. Interested young men may register with him by mail or phone 'at St. John the Evangelist rectory, 155 N. Main St., Attleboro 02730, telephone 222-1206.


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10.18.79 by The Anchor - Issuu