10.21.05

VOL. 49, NO. 40 • Friday, <ktober 21, 2005

FALL RIVER, MASS.

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

Bishop convenes priests assembly Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

PRESENTER CHRISTINE Gregorek from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Seekonk, speaks to young people at the Diocesan Gathering for Youth. She and husband John Gregorek spoke on the topic "Sports: Training for Heaven?" With her, from left, are brothers Josh and Jordan Moniz and Matthew Barreira. (Anchor/Gordon photo)

Youth from across diocese gather to conclude Year ofthe Eucharist

By MIKE GoRDON ANCHOR STAFF

NORTH DARTMOUTH - More than 400 young people attended lhe Diocesan Galhering for Youlh Celebrating lhe Yearofthe Eucharist October 16 at Bishop Stang High School and St. Julie Billiart Church and shared. their Catholic faith.

According to youth minister Donna Martyniak of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, New Bedford, the event was "an opportunity for lhe Holy Spirit to reach out to young people."

She came with 30 teens and said an important aspect of lhe day was lhat young Calholics can share lheir faith. "In being here, lhey see that there are many young people who believe as they do. It's a speCial day."

Events began with a skit perfonned by the Immaculate Art Ministries Group, comprised of diocesan youlh. Their ')Jrayfonnance" fo-

cused on the Emmaus Gospel story and was aimed at ''helping teens by showing what young people go through," said participant Amanda Blanchette.

Herfellow perfonner Nate Jezak provided music for the 'group and was glad he could help out. ''This is a chance for me to use my musical talent for God," said Jezak. "I get to evangelize."

Following Eucharistic adoration, teens participated in a series of three workshops. Presenter Mmgie Copeland addressed the topic of prayer while John and Christine Gregorek spoke about sports training and how people must put in similar training and dedication to one's faith life.

John Gregorek recalled he was cut from football in high school and he turned his energy to running. He ran 14-15 miles a day and that training led him to eventually make the

After his apostles had returned from their respective missions, Jesus used to take them away from the crowds so that he could be with them, hear about what they had done and taught, strengthen them in their bonds of love and unity, and refresh them to be sent out again (cf. Mt 6:30-32).

That need for his ministers to have time with Jesus and with each other away from the crowds is just as necessary in our day as it was 2000 years ago. Especially as the demands on priests grow, this time for us to reflect together with the help of the Lord on our priestly work is all the more urgent.

For this reason, at the recommendation of our Diocesan Priestly Life and Ministry Committee, I have called a Priests Assembly from October 25-27. The assembly will begin on Tuesday afternoon and finish on Thursday afternoon.

I'm writing to ask you to pray and offer sacrifices for all the priests of the diocese in particular during these days, so that we may return strengthened by the Lord to serve you more faithfully and with greater love.

One particular sacrifice that I ask you to make is with regard to daily Masses and funerals during those days. We would never be able to accomplish the work that needs to be done in such a short period of time if the priests needed to return each day for Masses and funerals; therefore, I have asked your pastor not to schedule Masses or funerals on those days. In many parishes there will be a Communion Service on those mornings so that daily communicants will not go without the daily gift of the Word of God and the Eucharist. I will also be notifying funeral directors that no funerals may be scheduled for the mornings of October 26 and 27.

It is only because this uninterrupted time for priests to be together is so important that I would ask you to make this sacrifice.

God has blessed our diocese with so many good priests who continue to remain true to the Lord and to you during very challenging days. As we prepare to convene, please let your priests know of your support and prayers.

Priests' annual convocation planned for October 25-27 "Bishop GeoIge W Coleman is calling the priests ofourdiocese to an assembly for a couple of days of shared reflection and

FALL RIVER - The annual two-day convocation ofpriests ofthe Fall River diocese will be held October 25-27 at lhe Conference Center on Goat Island.

Turn to page J3 - Convocation

Turn to page eight - Youth

Espirito Santo, Our Lady of Health parishes to become one

By DAVE JOUVET, EorroR

WOMEN pray the rosary during the annual Columbus Day Procession for Peace in Fall River last week. Story on page nine. (Anchor/Gordon photo)

''Our Lady, who was present in lhe upper room when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles as the Church was born at Pentecost, always directs us to her Son. Our faith is not confmed to a specific place, our faith is in Jesus Christ our Lord and savior."

"No one is going to miss this church as much as I will," said Emily Pacheco, 82, a parishionerofOur LadyofHeallh for 56 years.

"But we have to accept what happens."

Pacheco and herhusband Antone have been very active in the parish fornearly six decades. ''This is no one's fault, and our community will become stronger with lhe merger," she told The Anchor. ''It's a great parish we're going to."

The process began in the sunmler of 2004 when Bishop George W. Coleman asked Fatiler Ferry to be administrator of Our Lady of Turn to page J3 - Parishes

FALL RIVER - With eyes to the future and hopes for a strongerfaith community, Father James Ferry, pastorofEspirito Santo Parish, told members of Our Lady ofHeallh Parish, of which he is administrator, of the challenging and exciting changes that lie ahead.

At all Masses last weekend, Father Ferry revealed plans developed by the pastoral councils of both parishes to suppress Our Lady of Health Parish while inviting parishioners there to become members ofEspirito Santo Parish, effective on the feast ofthe Presentation, Feb. 2,2006.

'The goal ofthe pastoral planning process is to build stronger, more vibrant parishes," Father Ferry told the weekend congregations.

'The merger ofPortugucse parishes helps to insure that these traditions and culture will continue for many years to come.

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Quartet ofNew Bedfordparishes offers church tours

By DAVE JOLIVET. EDITOR NEW BEDFORD - Four New Bedford parishes have teamed up to offer tours 'ot their respective houses ofworship Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Volunteers from Our Lady of th.e Assumption Parish, 47 South Sixth Street; St. John the, Baptist Parish, 344 County Street; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, 230 Bonney Street; and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James' Church, 233 County Street, will be on hand to lead visitors through the church buildings,explaining various nuances and.relaying brief parish histories.

The four parishes have been linked since earlier this year when they formed a regional sub-

THE KNIGHTS of Columbus, Msgr. Jean Prevost Council No. 12380, Notre Dame Parish, Fall River, recently announced the Casey Family as its Family of the Year for 2005. From left: Robin, Jennifer, 'John Sr., and Kristen. Not pictured is John Jr.

group as part of the diocesan Office ofPastoral Planning's "To Build a Stronger Church" pro-' gram.

"When the meetings were finished earlier this year. the four parishes continued to meet," said Janice Lord, a member ofthe Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. .' James Church Committee. From . the additional meetings came the idea for the tours.

"We are looking for ways to work together, and we saw this as a perfect opportunity to 'get to 19l0w each other's parish," Lord told The Anchor. "And it will give others a chance to learn as well." .. The volunteer guides all at. tended a training session with their respective pastors.

"Folks can come any time between 2 and 4 p.m.•" added Lord.

"There will be enough guides to basically begin a new tour any time during those hours."

The tours will last about 15 minutes.

Lord also told The Anchor that the four parishes have already joined together for a special Mass on a recent holy day, and they hope to combine efforts for ajoint conftrmation retreat.

For more information about the tours, contact: Our Lady of the Assumption Parish at 508-9947602; St. John the Baptist at 508992-7727; Our Lady of.Mt. Carmel at 508-993-4704; or "our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church at 508-992-9408

Holy Cross Family Ministries to host All Souls Day Mass NORTH EASTON - A Mass for the deceased members ofthe Peyton Society will be celebrated November 2, All Souls Day, at noon at the St. Joseph Chapel, Holy Cross Center, North Easton.

The Mass will remember those who committed themselves to support .ministries of Holy

Cross Father Patrick Peyton, whose cause for sainthood is on- .. going.

Following Mass, a light luncheon will be served in the Fa.ther Peyton Center. All are welcome. Reservations are requested for the luncheon: please call Holy Cross Family Ministries at 508238-4095, extension 2040.

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THE ST. GEORGE'S Women's Guild recently celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Century House in Acushnet. From left: Past President Lynette Ouellette, President Elizabeth Pariseau, and Past Presidents Connie Souza, Claudette Bisson, Beatrice Harrison,Amy Caron, and Henriette Souza. The guild was founded by the late Father Lorenzo Morais, pastor of the Westport parish. On hand to help the women celebrate were Msgr. Edmond R. Levesque, who was a curate at St. George's when the guild began, and current pastor Father Gerard A. Hebert. Members and guests received a chocolate rose made by Beatrice Harrison.

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PRACTICE THE DEVOTION OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS, AS REQUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA On..D~cember 10.1925. Our Lady appeared

to Sister Lucia (seer of Fatima) and spoke these words: "Announce in my name that I promise to assist at the hour ofdeath. with'the graces ,necessaryfor the salvation oftheir souls, all those who on thefirst Saturday of five consecutive months shall: I. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Comlflunion; 3. Recite the Rosary (5 decades); and 4. Keep me companyfor 15 minutes white meditating on the 15 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me. " In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be preceded by the words: "In reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary."

Confessions may be made during 8 days before or after the first Saturday. and Holy Communion may be received at either the morning or evening Mass on the first Saturday.

Eighteen from diocese to be invested into Holy Sepulchre Order Saturday EAST SANDWICH - Eigh~ teen laymen and laywomen from the Fall River diocese will be among 60 New England Catholics invested as Knights or Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem at a MaSs tomorrow, October 22. at Corpus .

Christi Parish. .'

Admission to the order. ,whose membership includes both clergy and laity. recognizes outs~Cl.ipg service to the Church.. ' . ..' ,.'.

To be invested from the'Fall River diocese are Donald G. and June A. Chabot. Dorothy A. Duffey, Eileen A. Halligan, Agnes A. Maguire, and June Stagliano, all of Mashpee; Saverio N. and Alfreda J. Maldari of East Falmouth; William A. anq Carol A. Pansire of East Sandwich; John 1.

Jr. and Ann D. Pendergast and Joseph 1. and Eileen L. Reardon, all

of Centerville; Robert J. and offer daily prayer for peace in the Regina A. Saunders of Marstons Holy Land.

Mills; and Walter V. Jr. and Saturday's Investiture Mass will Catherine E. Trainor ofFalmouth. bring a total of eight new clergy The Order of the Holy Sepul- members and 52 new lay members chre traces its origins back to 1099 to the Order's Northeastern Lieuand is among the oldest Orders in tenancy, one of its nine divisions the Church. Its name derives from in the U.S., encompassing the the Church of the Holy. Sepulchre Archdiocese of Boston, and the in Jerusalem, which was built over - dioceses ofBurlington, Fall River, the site ofthe crucifixion and burial 'Manchester, Portland, Providence.· place ofJesus and where members' Springfield and Worcester. ofthe Order were knig4ted during Boston Archbishop Sean P. its early years.

O'Malley, who is a member. is the Today, the mission of the order grand prior of the lieutenancy. He is religious and charitable. Mem- will be principal celebrant of the bers must commit to work to main- Mass and will invest the candidates. tain a Christian presence in the Bishop George W. Coleman Holy Land through prayer and ft- will celebrate a Memorial Mass nancial support of its churches, and vigil service for the Order toconvents, seminaries, schools and night at Christ the King Parish in orphanages. They must strive to Mashpee, during which 39 memexemplify Catholic ethical princi- bers will receive promotions in pals in their daily lives and must rank based on service. , . , "I

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Diocese's Religious Ed~c~tion convention set for November 5 > Dozens of enrichment

national consultant for William - "Rituals to Nurture and Environment Programs," with - "Challenging Teens To H. Sadlier and Company.

Sustain Life in Christ," by Jane . Denise Porche, MSW; coordina- Live the WORD: The Way of.

Sister Sullivan, who holds a Ayer, director ofreligious educa- tor, education and compliance, Radical Discipleship," with Sisdoctorate in theology from tion, Catholic Schools Office, Office for Child Protection, ter Jean Revil, campus minister, Bishop Stang High School, North Fordham University, has taught Archdiocese of Boston. She is Catholic Social Services.

By DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR Bonneau will offer a work- Dartmouth; at the graduate and undergradu- the author of the meditation seFALL RIVER - With a theme ate levels. The author of many ries, "A Quiet Place Apart" in St. shop, "Language Of Sacra--'- "As In A Mirror: Essential of "Life is Christ," the diocesan national publications and a well- Mary's Press; ments."

Of A Currfculum," with Marian Office of Religious Education known speaker at national and . - "Reaching Everyone God Lisa M. Gulino, director of Desrosiers, director of the Prowill sponsor its annual fall Reli- regional conventions, she will Gives Us To Teach," with Pat Adult Education, will present' a Life Apostolate in the Fall River gious Education Convention, No- address the topic "Spirituality for Friel, director offaith; Our Lady workshop "A Vision For Cat- diocese. ' vember 5 at Bishop Connolly the 21st Century." It will be an ofVietory Parish, Centerville; The firms that will exhibit the echists."

High School.

Father Edward E. Correia, di- latest in textbooks and material inquiry into the journey toward - "Echoes of Faith Presenta"We're offering workshops the mature act of faith, in es- tion," with Susan Murphy, RCL rector of the Office ofVocations, for religious education, religious during the morning and afternoon sence, spirituality for this new consultant; . will host a seminar entitled, "Op- articles, gifts, and fund-raising in the areas of general interest, millennium. activities, at booths set up in the - "Praying With The Scrip- eration Planting Seeds." elementary, and adolescent and Sessions on elementary edu- school's gymnasium throughout Bishop George W. Coleman tures In the qassroom," with the day, will include: Benziger young adult education," reported will be the celebrant ofthe open- Patricia Pas.ternak, director ofre- cation will include:路 Deacon Bruce Bonneau, dioc- ing Mass at 9 a.m., following reg- ligious education, Holy Trinity - "Connee.ting the Dots With Publishing Company, the esan director of Religious Edu- istration, coffee and exhibits by Parish, Fall River; the Middle School Age Group," Columbim Fathers, Donnelly's cation, who is coordinating the 14 companies that open at 7:30 - "Living the Mysteries of by Kathy Hohl, director of reli- School Apparel, Harcourt Relievent. "Although the convention a.m. the Rosary," with Beth Mahoney, gious education at Immaculate gion Publishers, Holy Cross Following Sister Sullivan's mission director, Holy Cross Conception Parish in North Family Ministries, Pauline Books targets directors and coordinators and Media, Prospect Hill Comof religious education, catechists, keynote address at 10:30 a.m.; Family Ministries, North Easton; Easton; - "Making Great Things pany, Loyola University Press, Catholic School teachers, youth the morning workshops are ex- "Jesus in the Gospel of ministers, deacons, and those in- pected to begin at 11 :30 a.m. The' Mark," with Dr. Patrick V. Reid, Happen" with Joan Collins, prin- Numonics Corp., Providence volved in the Rite of Christian second series of sessions are to . professor of New Testament and cipal, Kane Elementary School, College, Silver Burdett Ginn ReInitiation of Adults, anyon~ who begin at 12:40 p.m., and the third Old Testament theology at Provi- Marlborough; Sadlier consultant; ligion, Tally's Religious Goods, is interested is invited to attend," series at 1:50 p.m. dence College; - "Praying With Scriptures In and W. H. Sadlier, Inc. The following special prayer Bonneau said.

Two, hour-long lunch periods - "Beyond Gluesticks And The Classroom," with Patricia The keynote speaker will be are scheduled, one beginning at Crayons: The Arts And Pasternak, director of religious has been designated to guide this Dominican Sister Maureen 11 :30 a.m., and the other at 12:40 Catechesis," with Susan Kay, education, Holy Trinity Parish, year's convention: "Loving God, from the beSullivan, associate professor of p.m. catecheticalleadership, Archdio- Fall River; theology at St. Anselm College - "Planning For New Teach- ginning you have raised up Workshops on topics of gen- cese of Boston; in New Hampshire. She is also a eral interest will include: - "Current Trends in Safe ers" with Dr. Doris Thibault, di- among us holy men and women rector of religious education, St. to guide us and teach us along John Neumann Parish, East your way of truth. Again today, you have called forth from this Freetown.

Workshops with issues relat- community of faith men and ing to adolescents and young women willing and able to give witness to your love and truth.

"FALL RIVER - Claire M. Estate Planners & Councils EldersFirst, a program of the Di- adults will include: - "Confirmation Retreats," We ask that you strengthen Sullivan, RN, BS, CCM, (NAEPC) is a national organi- ocesan Health Facilities system, EldersFirst Care Management zation 'pf professional estate reflects the philosophy that indi- with Richard Rodrigues, coordi- them and give them thecourProgram director, recently at- planners and affiliated Estate viduals should maintain the high- nator of Youth Ministry for the age they need to be catechists.

Open our hearts, so that, tended the National Association Planning Councils focused on est quality of life and indepen- Fall River diocese; - "Catechesis of Human through them, we may better of Estate Planners and Councils establishing and monitoring路the dence for as long as possible.

42nd Annual Conference in highest professional and educa- Claire Sullivan may be reached at Sexuality: Where Do We Begin?" know and follow your life of love. Amen."

Grapevine, Texas. Sullivan rep- tional standards. NAEPC fosters 508-677-4367 or via E-mail at with Ken Doran; resented EldersFirst and the public awareness of the quality csullivan@dhfo.org. .

St. Anne's Prayer For more information about the Bristol County Estate Planning services rendered by professionCouncil (BCEPC), and partici- als who meet these standards. National Association of Estate "Good St. Anne, Mother of Mary, and pated in a day of council leader- NAEPC builds 'a team approach Planners & Councils call 1-866Grandmother of Jesus, Intercede for me and my ship development, followed by involving cross-professional 226-2224 or visit the Website at two days of advanced technical disciplines to better serve the www.naepc:org. petitions. Amen." public's needs in estate planning and professional education.

She is the first vice president and elder care.

EldersFirst offers a compreand chair of the membership committee at BCEPC, and at- hensive approach to caring for and tended the annual conference on about older individuals. It begins behalf of the area council. with useful, accurate information EldersFirst has been a member on health care options and services and continues with a mis~ of BCEPC since 2002.

The National Association of sion of compassionate care.

workshops are planned.

Area nurse represents diocesan EldersFirst program at national conference

(J)iscover %ur tfuture...

(lJishop Connollj :HighSchoof

Diocese of Fall River

OFFICIAL His Excellency, the Most Reverend Qeorge W. Coleman, Bishop of Fall River, has announced the following appointment: Reverend Pawel A. Swiercz from Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Osterville, to Parochial Vicar, St. Anthony Parish, East Falmouth.

Effective October 19, 2005

373 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA 02720 508-676-1071 x333

Open .7fOuse: Sunday, October 23, at 1:00 p.m. qJfacement ~am: Saturday" December 3 at 8:00' ~.m.

Fee: $20.00 Come experience Bishop Connolly and you will see why students use the words "family" and "community" to describe their school!

Friday, October 21, 2005

_____o.

T HE LANDING ----

, Implementing Vatican II This December we mark the 40th anniversary ofthe close ofthe Second Vatican Council. This week, in The Anchor, we begin a series of articles meant not only to bring to life the persons and events that characterized the propitious days ofthe Council, but to assess its ongoing legacy.

Vatican IT had a dramatic impact within the Church and in the way the Church related to those outside of it. Internally, the Council fathers called for a more conscious and active participation of the laity not only in the liturgy, but in the life and mission of the Church. In a succession ofdocuments; they clearly called all Catholics to holiness, to the assimilation and proclamation ofthe Word ofGod, and to total self-discovery in imitation of the self-giving love ofChrist, who fully reveals himselfto man and makes his supreme.calling clear. They summoned bishops, priests, religious and laity, each according to their state of life, to follow Christ's priestly, prophetic and shepherdly example in the concrete circumstances oftheir daily lives. They deeply enriched the understanding ofthe Church as a commun: ion, calling the people ofGod to become, with God's help, a sacrament of salvation - an efficacious sign ofChrist's saving work in the midst ofthe world.

Outside the Church, the Council fathers made dramatic. and bold overtures, flowing from the Church's faith, toward all people ofgood will. They invited the world to enter into dialogue with the Church for the common good. They launched a new push toward the restoration ofunity amcingall the disciples of Jesus Christ. They praised the Jewish people as the people ofthe Covenant to whom God will always remain faithful. They lauded the' seeds ofthe word that can be found in other religions and affirmed that the Church accepts whatever is good and ~e in the cultures based on them.

They called on all to respect the right to religious freedom, which is based on the dignity ofthe human person and the inviolability ofone's conscience.

They even charted the path for the proclamation of the Gospel in the new and ever improving means of social communications media.

Despite all of these achievements, however, the hopes engendered by the Council have gone largely unfulfilled. When Blessed Pope John XXIIT convoked Vatican IT, the stated aim was to bring about a new birth in the Church's life and mission. He wanted the Council to be a "dawn" which w~)Uld be "a forerunner of most splendid light." .

The fact that these expectations were not met can be seen empirically.

Despite the liturgical reforms, Catholic participation in all seven sacraments is way down. The Council called for a deeper penetration ofsacred Scripture, but 97 percent of practicing Catholics admit, according to a recent study, that the only Scripture they encounter each week is at Sunday Mass.

The efforts to proclaim the Go~pel in a new idiom to the modem world . have been shouted down by an increasingly militant and imposing secularism. The universal call to holiness has been rejected by many Catholics who, without blushing, have flaunted the teachings ofthe Church on sexual morality while still deeming themselves Catholics in good standing. The' greatest statistical documentation ofthe failed hopes ofthe Council can be seen in "Christian Europe," where the birth-rate among Christians is below replacement level and one o.ut ofevery three babies is now MuslirD. The reason why the high hopes of the Council have been met with such negative results is not because the Council has failed. It is because,. for the most part, the Council has not yet been tried and implemented. In the days after the Council, as Pope Benedict said in'a pre-papal interview, ''the impression increasingly gained hold that reform consisted in simply jettisoning ballast, in making it easier for ourselves. Reform thus seemed really to consist, not in a deeper r:ooting of the faith, but in any kind ofdilution of the faith."

People viewed the Council not as a call to greater discipleship, not as a means to "deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow" Christ, but to affirm oneself, throwaway the cross, and go about, more or less, as one pleased.

Benedict began his pontificate bysaying, "As I start in the service that is proper to the Successor ofPeter, I wish to affirm with force my decided will to pursue the commitment to enact Vatican Council II, in the wake of my predecessors and in faithful contiilUity with the millennia-old tradition of the Church. With the passing oftime, the conciliar documents haye not lost their timeliness; their teachings have shown themselves to be especially pertinent to the new exigencies of the Church and the present globalizeq society." .

The best way we could mark this anniversary is to join Benedict by making it our will to enact Vatican II along with him. The first step indoing that would be to read again - or for the first time - the pertinent and timeless conciliar doc~ents, which are the Council's true treasure.

thea~

OFFICIALNEWSPAPEROf TH ··DIOCESE OF FAll RIVER

Published weekly except for two weeks in JUly and the week after Christml!~~Y the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 881 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 - FAX 508-675-7048, E-mail: theanchor@anchomews.org. Subsaiption price by maO, postpaid $14.00 per year.

Send address changes to P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA, call or use E-mail address Member: Catholic Press Association, New EnglandPress Association, Catholic News Service PUBLISHER· Bishop George W. Coleman EXECUTIVE EDITOR FatherRogerJ.Landry fatI1errogertandry@ancttom8W$.org EDITOR David B. Jollvet . daveJollvet@anchomews.org ' . , '.

NEWS EDITOR Deacon James N. DUIltill.. jlnldUllba..@aoc;Il0mlJws.Qt9s •..•..

'•.'

REPORTER Michael Gordon • mlkllgordon@anchom8W$.Qrg ' .

OFFICE MANAGER Mary Chase maryc;hase@allc;homews.org

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the living word

POPE BENEDICT

XVI EM-

BRACES A BOY AS HE LEADS A CEREMONY WITH CHILDREN IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE AT THE VATICAN RECENTLY. ' THE POPE ANswERED QUES-

TIONS AT THE EVENT, TELLING CHILDREN TO CULTIVATE A LIFELONG FRIENDSHIP WITH JESUS. (eNS PHOTO FROM REUTERS)

"COME, MY CIDLDREN, LISTEN TO ME; J WILL TEACH YOU THE FEAR' OF THE LORD" (PSALM

34:11).

The red herring together and agree to write to their r:epresentatives or to sign a petition. But when this happens on a more united front, approved by the Church, the old red herring surfa~ again.

The claim that religiously-based Views have no place in political debate can sometimes make' Catholics hesitant to speak their beliefs. They begin to think that, maybe, th~ir religion should remain a purely private matter. But, as the Second Vatican Council " taught, Catholics not only have a right, but also a duty to participate in shaping social policies. In fact, the Council went so far as to say that Catholic . laity should work to infuse the temporal order with Christian values and "see that the divine law is inscribed in the life of the earthly city" (Gaudium et Spes, #43).

As faithful Catholics, we preach the Gospel, even if it is not welcomed. We contribute our most deeply-held beliefs to the political discourse, just as everyone else does. And as St. Paul urges us, we are not ashamed ofthe Gospel, even ifit is rejected and scorned (Rom I: 16). Rather, we are confident and proud ofour faith, and we are not afraid to share it.

And, ifever we should be tempted to hesitate, we should remember that voicing our faith today, in the current political climate, is a perfect invitation from our Lord to put out mto the deep.

Watchlng faithful Catholics ofthe Church are at times heard to unite recently here in our diocese say that the Church should not get and throughout Massachusetts in involved in certain political or an effort to reverse the offensive social issues, but that she should court ruling on marriage has been get involved in other issues. impressive, indeed. It makes me So, why this double standard? wonder ifwe are seeing the' How can we explain this? Well, sleeping giant ofthe Church finally the explaDl:ltion seems pretty clear awake. . to me. Objection to Catholic And yet at the same time, it is activism has nothing to do with the almost bewildering to hear many question ofwhether or not . across the country react with claims that the Church has no right to get involved in this social and political issue. Vague the" Deep references to the rule of "separation ofchurch and

By Fatl'!erDavid state," as well as to the Establishment Clause of A. Pignato the Constitution, are being invoked as reasons why the Church shciuld be prohibrted Catholics can unite for social and from mobilizing its members to political causes. Rather, it has fight this injustice. .everything to do with whether or It is interesting, however, to not opponents agree with and note when this argument against accept our beliefs. The charge that the Church is and is not raised. . the Church should stay out of Why is it that wh~n the Church politics is sirilply a red herring. The speaks out on issues ofsocial real issue is whether or not the justice, such as iri favor of the Church's teaching is acceptable to rights to health care, education, these critics, who,irOnically, often and a fair minimum wage, or in. boast oftheir "tolerance," even opposition to military hostilities, while they claim that Catholic' she is cheered and welcomed, but views have. no place in sociowhen her members dare to express political discourse. their views on certain other Catholics are citizens, too. They matters, they are told to keep have a right to participate in the quiet? Why is it that when the political process, and to let their Church tries to speak out on the voices be heard They even have a truth about marriage.or euthanasia, right to organize and influence for example, she is told to "stay out social policy. Few would argue that . ofpolitics"? Even some members a group ofCatholics cannot get

Putting Into

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Here, the basics are a treat At about 6:30 oli Monday ritual takes place back home as ing tomatoes and beans. They morning, the door bell calls. children will ring door bells and regularly received a bag of food shout "trick or treat" asking for but now they come about once a From my window above the front door, I can see the two candy or treats. Later, the sweets month. They know that there are will find their way into lunch others who are so much more in brothers waiting, Pedro and bags, or used for snack time. ne,ed. However, for Pedro and Alfredo, ages nine and seven, respectively. As if it were mid The difference between home Alfredo, a ride in t1:le pick-up truck is a treat worth the wait. day, Pedro asks, "iComo and here is that at the mission they aren't asking for treats, amanecio, Padre?" (How did When we arrive at their you wake this morning, house, their mother is Father?) I tell him that I grateful for the food bag, as are all of the folks we work "early" since he's the first to ring the visit. With a hug, or a , kiss on the hand, they doorbell. express their gratitude.

He explains that they The exchange is so are at the rectory

By Father Craig A. because it's the day for humbling. Do they Pregana understand that we are taking food bags to our giving not because we list of needy families. choose to, rather because Pedro's family is on the we must? That it is not a Gospel rather for rice and beans, flour list and they have walked in "option," rather a mandate. and sugar. These simple foods from the barrio because they are the dietary staples of those On Halloween there is always want to ride in the pick-up truck the option of not answering the with Sister Lucia and me. I who are fortunate enough to . door bell for trick-or-treating. assure him that we will go to his have food, by buying it or receiving it through the generos- Here in Guaimaca there is no house, however telling them to option, even when we run out of ity of others. return a little later does not food bags to offer, our mission Most of the parishioners in dissuade them; they are content is clear: "That you love one our mission live in poverty and to sit and wait until we load the another." many others in abject misery. A truck. small one-room "house" will Lord, we know the comMany people come to the mandment, just help us to live it. provide shelter for a half dozen rectory, or to Sister Maria's Father Pregana is a priest or more family members. Pedro medical clinic, asking for food, ofthe Diocese ofFall River and Alfredo belong to a family or "una provision." Many can't serving in the diocesan misof five and they recently moved find work, or simply can't work sion in Guaimaca, Honduras. due to age, or illness. They need from a one-room a90be mud You can send E-mails to structure to a wood-framed assistance to feed their children Craig6204@aol.com, or visit three-room house. They have a and so they come asking for help. . the Website at small piece of land that they are www.HonduranMission.org. beginning to prepare for plantLater in October, a different

Our Mission

Pessimistically optimistic I love Tedy Bruschi. Not like I love spaghetti and meatballs; not like I love cheeseburgers with just mustard; not like I love pizza with any topping possible; not like I love any seafood dish there is. Ooops, I started to stray there. Sorry.

No, I mean I truly love Tedy Bruschi.

There have been a number of people I never met, historical and contemporary, who I can honestly say I love.

Aside from Christ and the Blessed Mother, who are givens, a top on my list is Pope John Paul II. How I would have cherished meeting him.

Others include Mother Teresa, Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Beatle George Harrison.

Once in a while, someone from the sports world pops up on my list: Jackie Robinson, Johnny Pesky, Vince Lombardi and Roberto Clemente.

And Tedy Bruschi.

These folks may be worlds apart in many ways, yet they all have that one quality that touches my heart. They all care or cared greatly for their fellow human beings.

I love people who love people. Not like I love barbecued chicken; not like I love an ice cold garden salad; not like I

Reggie's death, but one cold love fresh com on the cob. hard fact remains: a good man Dam, there I go again. died much too young.

The reason I bring up Tedy Hopefully I'm just being a Bruschi is that I can't put a '. worrywart. Tedy has received finger on my emotions with clearance from medical personregards to his return to the ' nel, legal personnel, Patriots . gridiron. personnel and family personnel.

As a Patriots fan, I'm tickled to death at the prospect of It will be fun to watch him doing what he was born to do - play football, all out, all the time.

It will be absolutely amazing to watch the reception he receives in Foxboro when he steps on the field again, ready' for combat. '

By Dave Jolivet I will keep Tedy Bruschi and his wonderful family in my prayers through 'all of this. And it's comforting to seeing No. 54 roaming the , know that I won't be alone, linebacker spot, especially with Peyton Manning coming to town based on the reactions of in a few weeks.

Patriots Nation this week.

Tedy, we're all pulling for But as a person, I'm worried you, not in terms of wins and about No. 54 roaming the losses, but in terms of your linebacker spot again. health and well being. .

First and foremost Tedy is a Tedy, my wish for you is that family man, and he and his wife have carefully thought this out. your comeback will be as easy as pie - because I love you And I'm glad, but the pessimist man. Not like I love lobster pie. in me is worried.

I have to go now. It must be I can't help thinking back to Reggie Lewis of the Boston . nearly lunchtime.

Dave Jolivetis a former Celtics. He collapsed on a basketball court, and later on, sports editor/writer who during his comeback, he died on . frequently gives his view ofthe unique world ofsports. a basketball court; Comments are welcome at Not many will ever know the circumstances surrounding , davejolivet@anchornews.org.

My View From the Stands

ALFREDO AND PEDRO, brothers living in Guaima<?a, await Father Craig A. Pregana to help him distribute food to needy families in the area. The bags of food include dietary staples such as beans and rice.

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Friday, October 21, 2005

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Bread broken for the JYorld ,

Mission Sunday is an fully the significance orThroughout the world this opportunity for us to increase 'mission, it leads every weekend, we join other , our consciousness of our , individual believer,' the Catholic churches in the brothers and sisters throughmissionary, in particular, to celebratio~ of Mission ' out the world. be "bread, broken for the life Sunday. We are united as one The Gospel this week from of the world." in oui' remembrance ,of our Within this Matthew reminds us to: baptismal vocation to make framework Pope Jesus known and loved. We ,John Paul describes are also called to be one in the participation of oUr efforts and prayers for each of us in this those who represent us in Sunday in noble endeavor - 'to foreign lands. make Christ known.

Each year our Holy Father Or~ina "me '<::.,?I!',"';- ",.,:,' . issues a letter for this cel- .

He notes that each By'Msgr.John of us, by receiving ebration. It was one of the J..;;Ollveira,PA the Eucharist, is last le~ers written by the late challenged to share Pope John Paul II. He based his reflections on the Year of it. He writes that the: "Love your neighbor as "Eucharist leads us to be the Eucharist that concludes , yourself' (Mt 22:39). The generous- evangelizers, this month. actively committed to build- - NationafMission office tells His theme was: "Mission: us that Sisters in Addis Abba, Bread Broken for the life of - _ing a more just and fraternal Ethiopia; found children world." the world.'~While asking us abandoned and alone on the Do we 'do that? Do we to reflect on Jesus "in the streets. Moved to acti9n, they breaking of the bread," even recognize the challenge took ov~r a rundown building given to each of us by oUr offering himself for the life 'and converted it into a safe _of the world, the 'pope carries reception of the Eucharist? home. this thought to us. He reHow have we been "bread In another partofthe minds us that the "Eucharist broken. for the ,life of the world, a Sister strives to helps us, to understand more world?"

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make Je~us known to the poor. Through prayer groups, _ she makes all ages of people aware of whom Jesus is.

They treat others as they would w~t to be treated and, even more so, as Jesus would treat' , them.

Our challenge this Mission Sunday is to be aware ofour missionaries and to assist them by prayer and sacrifice. While everything here is so costly, in the mis~ , sions, $25' supports a catechist for a month, $75 provides for the work of 'religious sisters, and $100 is a.morit~'s help for a mis-

the Eucharist and are asked to make Jesus known in our world where we live and work. Where we meet our loved ones, our family and friends, it is there that the message Of Jesus is to be

itaken.

While we may not be able to bring Jesus to the needy ill a foreign land, we ,are all called, through our baptismal vocation, to bring him to those 'around us. All are in need of God's love.

This is the challenge of Mission Sunday - to make Christ known. We are reminded of our obligation to make it possible for the missionary work of the Church to continue by our prayers and sacrifices. We are to become the "Bread that is Broken for the World."

SIon. Mission Sunday is not , solely to think of missionaries, pray for them and support them.

We are asked to be bread that is broken for the life of the world. We too receive

Msgr. Oliveira is pastor of SL Mary's Parish in New Bedford and diocesan director for the Propagation ofthe Faith.

Praye.r of the Faithful Prior to the liturgical reforms , Roman rite of Mass. of the Second Vatican Council in Vatican II reintroduced both the Prayer of the Faithful and the the mid-l 960s, after the Gospel catechumenate, the latter being (or Creed) the priest said, Dominus vobiscum "The Lord be part of the Rite of Christian .

Initiation ofAdults (RCIA). The with you"; then, after the people had answered, he added, Oremus, "Let us ' pray." Oddly, no prayer followed, and the priest proceeded at once to prepare the altar and gifts for the eucharistic ,.".. . ' ,_", ' , \. 'it.: ~ sacrifice. Evidently, By Fr. Th~inas M.Koclk something had been lost in the passage of tifne.Accordingto some historians, what was lost Prayer of the Faithful, also called was not a single prayer but a 'the General Intercessions, series ofprayers dating back to follows a standard format. The priest invites the congregation to the second century and knoWn pray.. A deacon, lector, or cantor ' since the time of Pope St. Felix ill (483-92) ,as the Prayer of the then reads or sings the specific Faithful. petitions. We make these petitions our own either by silent _ In the first few centuries of the Church, those preparing-for prayer or by a response said baptism, catechumens and , together after each petition, such penitents were dismissed from as "Lor~ have mercy" or "Lord, Mass immediately after the hear our prayer." Finally, the homily. Only baptized Catholics priest sums up all the intentions ' in a concluding prayer. . who could receive holy Com, . As a rule, the petitions are munion were permitted to stay for the remainder of the Mass, succinct and follow this sequence: known as the "Mass of the' for the needs ofthe ChurCh, e.g., Faithful" and now termed the unity, vocations, evange-, Liturgy of the Eucharist. Once lization;-for civil authorities and the catechumens and others had the whole world, e.g., social departed, the faithful offered . justice, peace among nations; for prayers for the Church and her, ,those in need, e.g., the sick, the ministers, for the state, for ' poor, the unborn, the perseCuted; travelers, for their enemies, for and for the local community, e.g., the poor - in short, for all deceased parishioners, newlywed classes ofpeople. When the couples, those just received into practice of dismissing catechuthe Church. mens and others ceased aroUnd In some places, the petitions the sixth century, the Prayer of are followed by the Hail Mary. the Faithful fell out of use in the While, all liturgical prayer is

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concluding prayer is to "collect" addressed to God, there is life, godly and respectful in every the petitions that were just made way" (1 Tim. 2:1-2). With this nothing wrong with asking the in comnnmion withMary and the _ collection of prayers for the Blessed Virgin to pray wIth us, whole Church, and to present _ and for Us, in the Prayer of the needs of the Church and the Faithful. As the mother of Christ, them to God the Father through whole world, the Liturgy of the Mary is also the mother of all the 'Christ in the Spirit (cf. Eph. 2:18). Word comes to an end.

When we pray the Prayer of faithful who constitute Father Kocik, an author of the Faithful, we heed St. Paul's Christ's body the two books, one on the liturgy, is Church. It is only fitting admonition to-pray for everyone: chaplain at Charlton Memorial especially'''for kings and all who that we place our Hospital, Fall River, and resides are in high positions, that we -prayers, and our whole at St Thomas More'Parish, may lead a quiet and peaceable lives, in the hands of _ Somerset the premier Christian and Queen of all Saints.However, in keeping with the spirit of liturgical prayer, I would Please pray for th,e following recommend that the Hail Mary -not be used; as the concluding priests during the coming weeks prayer, since the purpose of the Oct. 24 1982, Rev. Marc Maurice Dagenais, O.P., Retired Assistant, St. Daily Rea~ings Anne, Fall River .Oct 23 Ex 22:20-26; Ps 1994 Most Rev. Joseph·W. gan, M.M, Retired Prelate ofTagum, Phillipines ' 18:2-4,47,51; 1 Thes 1:5c-10; Mt . ' .25 " 22:34-40, , -, 1935,Rev. Reginald Chene, Priory, Fall River Oct 24 Rom 8:12-17; Ps 1950, Rev. Raymond B. ' oin;Pastor, St. Paul, Taunton 68:~,4,6-7,20-21 ; 1988, Rev. James-W:Cennert d CSC, Founder, Stonehill Col_Lk 13:10-17 lege, North Easton~ Oct 25 Rom 8: 18-25; Ps 1999, Rev. Msgr. John J. Ste e ,Pastor, St. Thomas More, 126:1-6; Lk Somerset .

13:18-21 Oct. 2 Oct 26 Rom 8:26-30; Ps 1918, Rev. Francisco L. Jorge, Assi t, Our Lady ofMt. Carmel, 13:4-6; Lk 13:22New Bedford 30 istant, St. Mathieu, Fall 1967, Rev. Edmond L. Dickinson, River ' Oct 27 Rom 8:31b-39; Ps 109:21-22,261990, Rev. Joseph F. O'Donnell, Retire Pastor, Immaculate Con27,30-31; Lk ception, North Easton 13:31-35 Oct. 28 Oct 28 Eph 2: 19:22; Ps', 1923, Rev. Alfred E. Coulombe, Pastor, St. George, Westport 19:2-5; Lk 6: 1'21956, Rev. Stanislaus Kozikowski, OFM Conv., Pastor, St. 16 Hedwig, New Bedford, Oct29 - Rom 11:1-2a,11Oct. 30 12,25-29; Ps 1992, Msgr. Robert L. Stanton, Retired Pastor, St. Paul, Taunton 94:12-13a,142002, Rev. Denis Sughrue, CSC, Director of Postulancy, Holy 15,17-18; Lk Cross Novitiate, North Dartmouth 14:1,7-11

I n Your Prayers

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What we have here ''Never a Christmas morning, never the old year ends - but someone thinks of someone, old days, old times, old friends."

This was one of the lovely .

Christmas cards I received today.

There was a stack of them in my mailbag outside the church office.

Seems Christmas begins earlier and earlier every year. No, wait. These cards are from last Christmas. I just got them. And I don't even have a mailbag outside the church office.

We' do have clear plastic shoe bags on which are posted names and parish groups. I got the idea from Betty Songer of Buzzards Bay. It's an efficient way of getting messages to people usually. Seems last November someone saw an undesignated slot in the shoe bag. They put my Christmas card in it. Others saw the envelope with my name on it.

They, too, deposited their cards.

Who knew? What we have here is a failure to communicate.

Tuesday 18 October 2005 feast of St. Luke

Communication is important in a faith community. The Sunday bulletin and verbal announcements are standard. I remember when there were no Sunday bulletins. Information

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was announced at Mass. The pastor read a typed sheet from the pulpit.

Later, it was the curate's job to type and run-off the Sunday bulletin. In my first month as a priest, I was running off the bulletin when somehow the ink tank exploded. It splattered the orange shag carpet with. gooey globs of ink. I'm surprised Father Bill Farland didn't ask the bishop to trade in his incompetent curate. Maybe he did.

Another time, the printer began rapidly firing over-inked

pages into the air. Many of the soggy sheets landed on the walls and just stuck there. For years, Immaculate Conception Church, Taunton, had wallpaper featuring that particular Sunday bulletin - reading backwards.

The parish bulletin or newsletter remains an important tool of communication. It needs to be fresh, readable, well designed, and accurate. As many names as possible should be mentioned. Photographs are great if you have the capacity; color, even better. Most parishes include a statement of the weekly parish income. I like to also include the expenses.

Sometimes, we attach other materials to the bulletin always stapled so that they will not be left behind.

Brief announcements during Mass are officially allowed.

This is helpful as a reminder, but not the place to go into detail. Here, lay leaders with something to say about an upcoming parish activity are most

Quenching our children's thirst We were about 20 minutes into a day-long Catholic tent revival when our youngest kids started getting restless. It was fall on Cape Cod, and although the morning had begun at a crisp 50 degrees, I could already tell that we had overdressed in long sleeve shirts and pants.

"I'm thirsty," began our four-yearold. ''Me, too!" chimed in two of

the concessiori stand was an unlimited source of free water from the sinks in the rest rooms.

Therefore, to satisfy my children's thirst, what I really needed was a clean vessel, not the water. The water was already there.

An apt spiritual parallel occurred to me as I walked toward the bathroom to refill my two-dollar plastic bottle for the first of many times that day: clean

their questions answered, their desires fulfilled." How wrong I was. It is not possible for me to create the kind of water that would satisfy their true thirst. All I really need to be is a clean vessel that God can use. I Corinthians 6:19 reads like this: "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you

welcome to do so just before Mass begins.

Communication starts outside. The exterior is useful for communicating what is going on inside. This involves more than a changeable lawn sign (which we often use). The church facade itself can communicate. This may be a village, but 10,000 cars pass our front door every day (Somebody counted). During the summer, our facade sports patriotic bunting. When Pope John Paul died, purple bunting was hung.

When Pope Benedict was elected, white and yellow bunting appeared.

Church doors are especially important. We decorate them for Christmas, but for other seasons as well- Easter, Thanksgiving, Lent, etc. People have gotten into it and sometimes decorate the doors anonymously.

Take a cue from the mall parking lots. Notice the colorful banners hanging from the lamp poles. We had portable structures made to accommodate seasonal banners outside. These are located along the main walkway.

Even the steeple bell is a method of communication. One day, as the town Fourth ofJuly parade marched past my front door, I slipped a cartridge into our electronic bell system. How did I know it was the theme from the Broadway musical "Cats"?

Msgr. Joseph Champlain once gave a lecture in our diocese in which he asked if any of our churches had the word "welcome" displayed. I had a sign made. The word "welcome" is more than two feet long.

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were bought at a price."

As Christians we are like recycled water bottles. Jesus bought us for the price of his death on the cross.

When we are bapt~ed in him, we are cleansed, purified from original sin, and filled with the Holy Spirit for the first time. Through ongoing repentance, we are washed clean of actual sin and capable of being recycled or re-filled with the living water.

As the woman at the well and this woman at the concession stand found out, Jesus is the living water. Our part in quenching the spiritual thirst of our children is to be a purified vessel that the Lord can use, empty of ourselves, but full of the living water.

Heidi Bratton is the athome mother ofjive and the author and photographer of11 Christian children's books and one trade book on mothering called "Making Peace with Motherhood and Creating a Better You." Heidi and her husband, John, make their home and grow their faith in Falmouth.

Ships Log. Some people say: "Think globally. Act locally." Works iv. me.

Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Bernard Parish, Assonet.

Comments are welcome at StBernardAssone~oLconL

Previous columns are at www.StBernardAssonet.org.

PILGRIMAGE TO

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his older sisters. ~'Do we have anything to drink?" all five kids began begging all at once.

"Loooord," I moaned, beginning my own begging for the day, "It's too early I in the day for this."

By Heidi Bratton I had brought a toy bag, but because outside food was not allowed in the Melody Tent, I had left food and vessels are what God really needs water in the car for our picnic to carry his love to a dry and lunch. Vrr. What to do? I could thirsty world. God is already here!

God is the source ofliving water, walk back to the car, but it was a long walk, and the first speaker free and overflowing. As Jesus had just begun. I glanced around told the woman at the well (John for a water fountain, but saw 4:13): "Whoever drinks the water none. Begrudgingly, I went over I give him will never thirst to the concession stand and Indeed the water I give him will forked over two bucks for a bottle become in him a spring of water " of spring water. welling up to eternal life."

It's a small thing, but it really How often has a child of mine (or irritates me to have to buy water. I a friend) come to me with a thirst almost always carry a small, to be loved, or a thirst to know recycled soda bottle with me that I God better, or a thirst for an just keep re-filling, because any understanding that would help place you go, at least in the U.S., them solve a problem, and I've you can get all the water you want tried to manufacture some water for free from public water to satisfy their thirsty? Too many fountains or rest rooms. To get a times. portable drink, all you need is a "If! could only say the right sanitary container to fill up; a thing, recommend the right book, bottle, a cup, or even a plastic bag or point them to the right scripture will work! The real rub at the verse," I'd convince myself, ''then conference was that right next to their thirst would be satisfied,

Nobody could possibly miss it.

The cover of our bulletin, too, includes a statement of welcome.

I modified it from a similar one spied at a parish in Florida. Our parishioners are always on the lookout for new ideas.

What about the permanent church signs? Do they communicate how to enter and leave the property? Where things are located? Where the handicapped parking might be found?

We use bulletin boards as well. We post not only posters but also photographs of parishioners in action and children's artwork. If there is some very special event, it gets it's own tripod. I like to post the f'ntire monthly financial printout to keep parishioners fully informed.

In this information age, the great tool of communication is the Internet. Parish Websites are invaluable. But that sounds to me like yet another entry in the

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Friday, OCtober 21, 2005

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Oct. 30 at 1:00 p.m. Fr. Fern Cassista, M.S. presents a Recollection: Job: Man of Suffering, Man of Faith Grief Education Program - Sr. Judith Costa, SSD Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For more information, pleases call or write Retreat Secretary

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Youth -------

Brothers of Hope and "fell in love with God." He told the young people that Rodrigues, coordinator for Youth God knows each and every one of and Young Adult Ministry. He was them and he is present in the Euchathankful for the efforts ofthose who rist. 'The Eucharist feeds the starmade the day a success. . vation in our country. It's powerful. ''It's been an excellent day," said My prayer for you is that you expeRodrigues. ''I'm very pleased \\~th rience nourishment from the Body the turnout." and Blood ofJesus."

Keynote speaker, Brother of Bishop Stang a1unmus Alex Paiva Hope Patrick Reily of Boston Uni- spoke about the impact the Euchaversity, told young people that like a rist has had on his life. He advised religious Sister, he has taken a vow the group to "embrace Christ," and of chastity, poverty and obedience encouraged them to find the time to and as a religious, ''It's myjob to be attend daily Mass because it was an authentic witness for Christ." something that has provided him BrotherReily relayed the story of with strength. his answeiing God's ~ and the path Arianna Carlos ofEspirito Santo that led him in that direction. While Parish, F~ River, said attending the attending school at Florida State celebration was "a good experi-' University he said he was amazed ence." Her friend Jeona Cyr said it at seeing 400-600 young Catholics was an opportunity to "learn how to attendiitg Mass each weekend. It was worship God and how he can help at FSU that Brother Reily met the me in my life."

Continuedfrom page one

1984 Olympic team. But despite his great physical shape, Gregorek said he found himselfin bad shape spiriw~y , "I used to run circles around a track, but God' wants me to circle around the Eucharist," said Gregorek, a parishionerofOur Lady ofMt. Carmel Parish, Seekonk. He advised teens that although they learn many. positive things from sPorts like teamwork and perseverance they must realize that ''the prize that never dies is the Eucharist."

In the third workshop, young people had the opportunity to intera;twith FatherCraig A. Pregana and yowig peciplein Guaimaca, Honduras via alive video feed. Teens took ,roms speaking to F.rtherPregana and their sisterS and brothers at the dioc": esan mission, fmding out about school and life in Central America There was also a workshop for . adults focusing on Catholic citizenship presented by Jane WIlcox.

Bishop Gemge W Coleman was principal celebrant for the closing Mass and told the young people he was privileged to be with them as they spend time with Jesus.

"You've spent the day with Jesus Orrist and you've gotten to know him better. We can't see him with our human eyes but we see him through our eyes of faith," said the bishop.

"He speaks to us in Holy ScripWre and you are his disciples of the 21st centwy," he added. ''You belong to the Lord and he wants to be YOUNG PEOPLE from Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, with you. What extraordinary love New Bedford, take a photo break during the recent youth gathJesus has for us." ering at Bishop Stang High School. With them are youth leadThe events were planned by a committee that included Richard 1. ers Norma Belay and Donna Martyniak. (AnchorlGordon photo)

MCFL to honor Fall River legislator, other Pro-Lifers

By DEACON JAMES N.

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER- State Rep. Robert Correia, D-F~ River, who has stood courageously as a Pro-Life advocate against the sharp barbs of opposition during his 29-years of legislative service, has been nominated for the Massachusetts Citizens . for Life's prestigious John McCormick Award for Outstanding Pro-Life Legislator.

He will receive the award at the MCFL's Annual Fund-raising Dinner November 4 at The Lantana in Randolph.

Correia's Citation notes that he ''has stood courageously for life. His . vote is based upon the principles to protectthe most innocent and depen;. . .dent among us, to protect life for the common good ofsociety."

Correia, who with his wife Patricia, is a member ofFall River's Good Shepherd Parish, said he is proud that his legislature tenure ''has . always reflected my Pro-Life stance, which has found me having to defend myself many times over the years."

Still,he added, ''Beingnominated to reooivethis award from the MCFL is a swprise, and I feel very honored," Correia said .

He said the attacks he's endured

were not as many or as vicious in the early years ofhis political career. ''But in recent years itseems the critics' opponents, paint my Pro-Life feelings as being entin<ly un-American. Forinstance, I am told that I am not in line with how the majority of people re~y feel on the abortion issue. But I feel I share the same opinion ofthe people Irepresent, and that they are mostly Pro-Life."

Correia also noted that while his faith -based tenets reflect his longstanding Christian faith and Catholic commitment, "the issue is not re~y about what religion or denomination I belong to, but rather is about humanity, how people should be towards one another. We are talking about life issues, protection of ~ human life, and this is something that is common to caring people of ~ faiths and generations."

Another area Pro-Life activist to be honored at the dinner is Mary Anne (McGuire) Letourneau ofNew Bedford, one oftwo who will receive the 2005 Ignatius O'Connor Award for outstanding contribution to the Pro-Life movement in Massachusetts. A member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in New Bedford, she is a faithful witness to Planned Parenthood. Shehas served many years

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as a sidewalk counselor at abortion clinics.

Most recently, she volunteered to be one ofthe plaintiffs in the case of McGuire v. Riley to challenge the abortion buffer zone law, said Atty.

Tom Harvey of Charlestown, who ftled the case.

"She is very soft spoken. While others who encounterwomen going to abortion clinics don't have much ofa success rate, Mary Anne is very . successful," Harvey said. , Mary Anne and her husband Robert recently adopted aGuatemalan child who is currently 15-months old.

The 0 'Connor award is given to those unsung heroes of local chapter work who have demonstrated outstanding support of a chapter's local activities. It is named after the late Ignatius O'Connor, who, during the 1970s suffered personal assaults as he' bravely brought the Pro-Life message to the streets and subways ofBoston wearing asandwich board.

Chosen to receive MCFL's Chapter Service Awards are John Giorgio ofSouth Yarmouth, a memberofthe MCFL's Cape Cod Chapter, and Beatrice Martins of the F~ River Chapter.

Turn to page 13 - MCFL '- "

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offer tonight for peace in the world, for peace in your families and for peace in your life." He welcomed Archbishop O'Malley back to southeastern Massachusetts stating "We are grateful you are here and we welcome you home."

The bilingual Mass was celebrated by Archbishop O'Malley and more than a dozen diocesan priests concelebrated. The archbishop expressed his thanks to the . congregation for a warm welcome. "My dear friends. It's a great joy and privilege to be participating in this wonderful peace Mass."

During his homily, Archbishop O'Malley said we must not forget God and the Gospel of love.

"We come together to pray for peace in the world. We are called to be messengers and artisans of peace. We are filled with hope that peace is possible. True peace is God's gift. It's a precious gift from our Lord," he advised.

Archbishop O'Malley commented that peace includes the right to life and respecting one's neighbor and said Pope John Paul II once said "peace is a realized dream." He went on to say that "Peace is possible and therefore it's our duty. Humanity must make the force of reason prevail over BOSTON ARCHBISHOP Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., center, returned to Fall River to join the reason of force.

Bishop George W. Coleman, right, lead thousands in the annual Columbus Day Peace Pro''We call this the peace Mass, cession, which concluded with a bilingual Mass at St. Anne's Church. (Anchor/Gordon photos) but really each Mass we celebrate

j:Thousands drawn "to annual Procession for Peace

By MIKE GORDON

was carried from Espirito Santo Church on Alden Street by men of the parish. Bishop George W. Coleman and Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley OFM Cap., former bishop of Fall River, joined the procession at St. Mary's Cathedral along with many priests and deacons.

For Eduarda Mello oflmmaculate Conception Parish, New Bedford, the peace procession is an event she's attended with her family for many years. She said what keeps her coming back is the fact that it's "important to pray for peace today, for the world and all of us."

St. Michael's parishioner Maria Sousa said she has been coming to the event since its in'ception and "it's become a tradition," that holds a special place in her heart. "Right now, the world is in such bad shape, it really needs our pmyers," she declared.

At St. Anne's, the rosary was recited in seven languages including English, Portuguese, French and Polish.

Rodrigo A. Pereira of St. Anthony's Parish in Taunton was mindful of the need for peace as he walked in the candlelight procession. ''We pray for peace in the world, in Iraq and the Middle East, for victims of Katrina, for victims of the earthquake. Lot's ofpeople need our prayers today."

Bishop Coleman addressed the crowd at S1. Anne's and said "We

nual Procession for Peace.

Parishioners from across the diocese marched from S1. Mary's Cathedral to S1. Anne's Church to attend Mass celebrated by Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap. They walked behind a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, decorated with pink and white mums, which

ANCHOR STAFF

FALL RIVER - Candlelight filled the streets of Fall River on Columbus Day and Portuguese songs and prayers rose skyward causing neighbors to curiously peer through windows as a gathering estimated at 2,000 participated in the an-

,

BROTHERS TYLER AND JASON Jacob of Espirito Santo Parish, Fall River, participate in the Columbus Day Procession for Peace. The boys joined thousands of others on the walk from St. Mary's Cathedral to St. Anne's Church. .

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is a peace Mass. We pray for peace and reconciliation. We offer a sign of peace. We extend our peace to all. We are dismissed from Mass and told to go in peace, strengthened by the Eucharist."

The Archbishop asked what the world would be like if for just 24 hours people could all live by the Ten Commandments. "We would have heaven here on earth. War would be impossible. Heaven can begin here if together we try and say yes to God. We must put our trust in God say 'thy will be done.'"

Mark Lopes was one of those who helped carry the statue during the procession and expressed his enthusiasm ahout it. The Espirito Santo parishioner said "I've been doing it for about seven years and I enjoy it." He went on to say that he became involved because of his father and participating in such a way was something he looks forward to.

"It gives me a good feeling and it's important we pray for peace," he asserted.

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In honor of Sister Lucia dos Santos, seer of Fatima, who died February 13,2005, age 97.

Lucia pray for us.

OPERATION PLANTING SEEDS All are invited to a

Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood OCTOBER

25 • 7 P.M.

AT

ST. THOMAS MORE PARISH,

386 LUTHER AVENUE,

SOMERSET

www.FaliRiverVocations.org

WALK THE ROAD TO EMMAUS NOVEMBER 11-13 AT CATHEDRAL CAMP Approved by the Diocese of Fall River, an Emmaus retreat weekend is for people ages 20-40 who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Christ, regardless of their current level of faith.

Come experience what more than 3,000 others in the diocese have over the past 30 years.

For an application or information, please visit the Website at emmausretreat.com or contact John Griffin at 781-341-1709.

Application deadline for the November weekatd is October .24

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

"Elizabethtown" (Paramount) Sentimental, ifnot completely satisfying, romantic comedy drama about a disgraced sneaker designer (Orlando Bloom) who, after nearly sinking his employer's footwear empire and, contemplating suicide, is dispatched by his mom (Susan Sarandon) to retrieve the remains of his father - who died unexpectedly - in rural Kentucky.

There he reconnects with his foots and, while en route, encounters a sunny, free-spirited flight attendant (Kirsten Dunst) who brightens his view and appreciation of the world. Despite a miscast Bloom and a baggy script, director Cameron Crowe's film celebrates family and love, ' imparting a warm and welcome message that, though full ofrisk, life is ultimately worth living. An implied sexual encounter, an attempted suicide, a questionable (for Catholics) dispersal ofashes, and some rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III - adults. The Mo-. tion ,Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 - parents are strongly cautioned.

Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Nine Lives" (Magnolia) Finely acted nine-part anthology with a central female character in each segment: prison inmate Sandra (Elpidia Carrillo); pregnant Diana (Robin Wright Penn) reconnecting with her old flame in the supermarket; powder keg' Holly (Lisa Gay Hamilton) seething with serious stepfather issues; Sonia (Holly Hunter), with a troubled relationship below the surface; teen-age Samantha (Amanda Seyfried), caught between sparring parents; Lorna (Amy Brenneman), meeting her ex-husband at his wife's funeral; married Ruth (Sissy Spacek), checking into a motel with her would-be lover; Camille (Kathy Baker), facing a mastec-

tomy; and Maggie (Glenn Close) and daughter Maria (Dakota Fanning) visiting a grave. Writer-director Rodrigo Garcia has fashioned a thoughtful - often saq - reflection on mankind's interconnection, with extraordinarily natural-sounding dialogue, which together with the performances, surmount some slow patches. ·Profanity and rough language, premarital sex, some sexual talk and a nongraphic sexual encounter, attempted suicide and murder, and an abortion discussion. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L - limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture.

Association of America rating is R - restricted.

"Two for the Money" (Universal) Uninvolving drama about a former star college quarterback (Matthew McConaughey) with a Midas touch for picking winners seduced into the high-stakes arena of sports gambling by a con-man oddsmaker (a hammy Al Pacino) who runs a top betting operation and grooms him as his protege, until he hits a cold streak. No likable characters and a lame script make director DJ..

Caruso's testosterone-juiced morality play a bad bet.' A sexual encounter with suggested shadowy nudity, a wince-inducing sports injury, gambling themes, a crass scene of urination and much rough and crude language and profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L - limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

"Waiting" (Lions Gate) Crass comedy, about the sophomoric antics of a motley wait staffat a chain restaurantincluding a smug slacker (Ryan Reynolds), his roommate (Justin Long), and his ex-girlfriend (Anna Faris) - during a single hectic dinner shift; Writer-director Rob McKittrick serves up an unappetizing menu of trashy sex jokes and gross sight gags, as tasteless as it is unfunny. Pervasive vulgar humor, some sexual situations, partial frontal nudity, drug content involving minors, excessive rough and crude language and profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is 0 - morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

Movies Online

1_

Can't remember how a recent film was classified by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops?

Want to know whether to let the kids go see it? You can look film reviews up on the Catholic News Service Website.

Visit www.catholicnews.com and click on "Movies," under the "News Item" menu.

"

ATTENDEES EXAMINE a poster of Mother Angelica, founder of the Eternal Word Television Network, during a two-day conference in Denver observilJg the network's 25 years.

(James Baca, Denver Gfjtholic Register)

Denver gathering opens yearlong celebration ofEWTN's 25th year

By JOHN GLEASON CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

DENVER - When Mother Angelica started her work to establish the Eternal Word Television Network, "she knew the Holy Father was calling us to evangelize," said Deacon Bill Steltemeier, chair' man ofthe Alabama-based network.

"Every challenge h~ been met head-on..We are who we are, we tell'the truth, and we're in union with the Holy Father. We love the Blessed Mother and the Eucharist and that's it," he said.

The deacon made the comments during a two-day family celebration at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver marking the beginning of a yearlong celebration ofEWTN's 25th year.

The recent conference, one of several being held in cities around the country, featured prayers, opportunities for eucharistic adoration and seminars with some ofthe network's hosts, including Marcus Grodi, host of "Journey Home," and Jesuit Father Mitch Pacwa, host of''Threshold ofHope" and "EWTN Live."

Also on hand was Raymond Arroyo, host ofEWTN's ''The World Over" and author of "Mother Angelica: The Remarkable Story ofa Nun, Her Nerve, and Network of Miracles."

To close the celebration Denver Archbishop Charles 1. Chaput celebrated a Mass, which was attended

by 2,bOO-people. .

"Mother Angelica hounded me ' like Pope, ,Julius hounded Michelangelo,," he sa~d;' joking' about the writing process. "She's the most revered and feared woman in Catholicism."

He opened his talk by alluding to Hurricane Katrina, which de, stroyed his home in Louisiana, saying, "I'm happy to be anywhere above sea level afterNew Orleans."

Talking about Mother Angelica's freewheeling shows, Arroyo said, ''There was no script, no producer's questions. This worked for her, not necessarily for people like me who need to prepare." , He praised Mother Angelica for .creating the first nonprofit cable network, which has become one of the largest religious networks on the planet. He called her an "apostle of risk."

"God used all the imperfections, the pains and suffering. He perfected that and turned her into the woman who became Mother Angelica,"Arroyo said. ''This woman is a living emblem ofthe power offaith, tenacity and a dedication to God that knows no limits. If you can marshal those forces and throw yourself on his mercy, he will take care ofyou," he added.

Arroyo relayed stories of EWTN's early days, when Mother Angelica created the station in a

garage after leaving a local CBS affiliate station in.protest over its airing ofamovie Called ''The Word" $a! purportedly denied Christ's existence..

"She once said; 'Some people think I'm a woman of great faith, but I'm a coward who keeps moving forward,'" he said.

Arroyo first met Mother Angelica 10 years ago when he was a Washington news correspondent who was assigned to do a story on her. He said people are drawn to her because "she makes sanctity accessible."

Not long after Ted Turner put his Super Station on the air in Atlanta, Mother Angelica, a Poor Clare of Perpetual Adoration, powered up EWTN's first transmitter and the network was on the air in 1981.

By 1987, EWTN was reaching 10 million homes. Four years later, it reached more than 22 million. Its programming is available on cable television and by direct broadcast satellite and is also carried by radio stations in the United States and abroad, mcluding Canada, India, Japan and Australia.

Last year, the network hit the IOO-million-homes mark. The network's monthly operating budget is $3.5 million dollars; the budget is funded totally by donations.

Today, the network produces most ofits own programming, which'can be seen 24 hours a day.

Vatican releases Pope Benedict's first book VATICAN CITY ~ The Vaticanjoined with other publishers in an I8-nation release of Pope Benedict XVI's first book as pope - a collection ofhis speeches from August events in Cologne, Germany. . .

In his newest book, titled "God's Revolution," the pope "outlines the project for his pontifIcate," according to apress release by the Italian publishers, SanPaolo.

The Italian edition hit bookstores in Italy October 11. The English edition publi~ed by Ignatius Press is expected to be ready for release by the end ofOctober.

The I29-page volume "deals with the questions of qmstian faith and the destiny ofhumanity, ofthe state ofIsrael, Islam, the legacy and the future ofthe Church, and society," said the press release.

But instead ofany new pronouncements, the book is a collection of talks the pope gave during the August

18-21 events in Cologne, including World Youth Day and meetings with'representatives of Germany's Jewish and Muslim communities. The texts include the pope's complete remarks, not just his original written addresses.

The Vatican saw there was a need to release the full content ofthe pope's spoken presentations in book form so that they would be available to the wider public.

The papal vicar of Rome, Cardinal Camillo Ruini, said that while the media gave extensive coverage of the youth gathering this summer, the contents of the Pope's speeches "inevitably received rather minor circulation."

Cardinal Ruini, who wrote the book's introduction, said the collection of speeches represents a guidebook and "source oflight" for Christian living.

'

The 40th anniversary of

Vatican II Forty years later, Vatican II continues to reverberate througho~t Church Editor ~ Note: Today we begin a major series ofarticles thisfall to mark the 4f1h anniversary of the end of the Second Vatican CounciL The stories are meant to show that the implementation of the Council and their effects are ongoing.

not just a matter ofbringing them most important thing to come out in one day and passing them the ofthe council. He said many bishnext," Bishop Fernando said. ops thought the council had spoIn the end, the council issued ken in previous documents primafour constitutions: on the liturgy, rily to experts and specialists and . the Church's structure and nature, wanted this document to commuon the Church in the modern nicate a message to the whole world and on divine revelation. It world.

"Gaudium et Spes" called on produced nine decrees: on the Church and the media, the Church to engage in dialogue ecumenism,路 Eastern Catholic with contemporary society and its churches, bishops, priestly forma- problems, bringing Church teachtion, religious life, the laity, ing and moral values to bear on a priestly ministry and missionary world too often tom by hatred, activity. It issued three declara- war and injustice. The document tions: on non-Christian religions, acknowledged that science and Christian education and religious culture have things to teach the freedom.

Church, but also said the Church Most experts list the council's has a mission to sanctify the world biggest achievement as a new way around it. of understanding the Church In the years after its close, the as the "people of God" and not renewal outlined by the council simply a hierarchical structure, . was refined and codified in a numand as a "sacrament" to the world ber ofdecrees, norms and changes with an active mission in all sec- in canon law. The Church witnessed countless changes: tors of human society.

"Lumen Gentium" presented, At'the same time, the Church the Church as a mystery and a experienced some worrisome decommunion ofbaptized believers velopments, including a dramatic moving toward heaven as one drop in vocations and an increase body that is holy, yet imperfect in the number of priests and religious seeking laicization. Mass atwhile on earth.

Although organized hierarchi- tendance fell in many places, cally, the Church as a commun- many Catholics abandoned the ion is a living body whose indi路 sacrament ofpenance, and dissent " vidual members are called to ho- on certain teachings, such as birth liness and who each have specific control, was widespread.

All that has helped fuel a 40roles, rights and responsibilities, year debate over the proper readthe document said.

The Pastoral Constitution on ing and realization of the coun' the Church in the Modem World cil.

Pope Benedict has always dis("Gaudium et Spes") was written more for the average reader and tinguished between the council was approved in 1965, during the and its implementation, saying that what hurt the Church in the council's last vote.

Bishop Fernando remembers decade following Vatican II was the moment well, and he said he "not the council but the refusal to considers "GaudiumetSpes"the accept it."

nostalgic for the' old ways ofwor- re-emerged to become important ship, and at times some Church voices of the council.

Pope John XXIII surprised alofficials - including several in Rome - have criticized the way most everyone when, after only Vatican II has been understood three months as pontiff, he 3;nand implemented. In many cases, nounced he was convening the the ongoing debate reflects issues council. The pope spoke of the that were argued heatedly on the need to update the Church and promote Christian unity; above floor of the council.

By JOHN THAVIS December 8 marks the anniver- all, he said, he wanted to show the CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE sary of the close of the council in modem world that the Church had VATICAN CITY - Forty 1965, and this fall Rome and the been transformed and intellectu~ years after the close of the Sec- Vatican are hosting several com- ally reinvigorated.

Pope John said the world was ond Vatican Council, the deep memorative encounters to reflect transformation it set in motion on how far the Church has come marked by spiritual poverty and needed the Church's vitality. But, continues to reverberate through over the last four decades. the Church at every level, from Pope Benedict XVI, who par- as he later told the council, the the halls ofthe Vatican to the pews ticipated in the council as a theo- Church wanted to offer the modlogical expert, is expected to ern world the "medicine, of of local parishes.

The council's four sessions speak about the importance ofthe mercy" and not severe condemfrom 1962 to 1965 and its 16 land- council's documents. Although he nations.

Preparation for the council mark documents modernized the has criticized some postconciliar ' liturgy, renewed the priesthood . changes, the pope has made it took almost three years, and Pope and religious life, enhanced the clear that Vatican II will be the John, already diagnosed with canrole of lay Catholics, opened dia- "compass" of his papacy. The cer when it began, presided over logue with other churches and compass, of'course, sets direction; only the first of four annual aunon-Christians, and identified the it will be up to the new pope to tumn sessions in 1962. The in~itation to Protestants, Orthodox Church as the "people of God" provide the details. attuned to the problems and hopes , The pope also has emphasized and other non-Catholics to attend that implementation of the coun- had already made Vatican II an of the world.

Although the council defined cil is an ongoing task in the historic event.

Pope Paul VI guided the no new dogma, Catholics who Church, not just something that lived through the Vatican II era happened 40 years ago. One goal completion ofthe council's work, is to make sure Vatican IUs not presiding over the other three seswill never forget the changes some of them abrupt - that vis- viewed as ancient history by sions and directing the important follow-up work 'in areas ofliturgy, ited their Church communities in young generations of Catholics. the mid-1960s.

"Younger Catholics may not be ecumenism, religious life andAltars were turned around so as intellectually aware of the evangelization.

Between 2,000 and 2,500 bishthat priests faced the people. The council, but they are continually Mass in Latin gave way to Mass experiencing its effects," said ops attended each路 Vatican II sesin the vernacular. Other sacra- AlbertQ Melloni, a Church histo- sion, and participants have said the debates ranged from freements were updated and simpli- rian of the Vatican II period.

"Thailks to the council, young wheeling to 'finely tuned, with fied. Men and women ,religious adopted a more modem form of people have been taught to see the verbal skirmishes not uncommon. world not simply as ,a threat to To give just one example, when dress.

Not all the changes were im- Christian life, but as an opportu- the first draft of the Dogmatic mediate, however. Church leaders nity to announce the Gospel," Constitution on the"church ("Lumen Gentium") was presented, it began a long and sometimes con- Melloni said.

Vatican II is sometimes de- was roundly criticized as triumtentious process ofrevising nearly every area of pastoral life, from scribed as a revolution, but it did phal, clerical and legalistic; the the teaching ofreligion to lay min- not appear out of the blue. There document was adopted two years had been 20 previous ecumenical and many amendments iater. istries.

From the beginning, bishops "The council represented a councils in the Church's history, Copernican revolution for the including the First Vatican Coun- recognized that their task was Church, which challenged itself cil in 1869-70. Vatican I defined not just updating Church pracby asking how it could reopen a the dogmas of papal infallibility tices but also a process of dialogue with the modem world," and the primacy ofpapal jurisdic- . "ressourcement," or going back to said Father Dario Vitali, who tion, but the council was sus- the sources of the faith.

There was a sense among parteaches Church history at Rome's pended when war broke out in ticipants that they were indeed_ Europe, and it never resumed.

Gregorian University.

The theological ferment of the making history, said Bishop Frank "Through the council, the Church drew closer to contempo- mid-20th century helped lay the Fernando of Chilaw, Sri Lanka, rary men and women and made groundwork for Vatican II. Pio- one of a handful-of still-active the Gospel meaningful to them. If neering theologians like Domini- bishops to have participated in a there had been no Vatican II, I can Father Yves Congar and Je- session of the council.

"The debate was very system. think: the Church today would be suit Fathers John Courtney a small minority, closed offin rites Murray and Henri de Lubac were atic, with a great exchange of incomprehensible to the modem trying to build bridges between ideas. The documents would Christianity's ancient truths and come back again and again with mentality," Father Vitali said.

Not everyone in the Church the contemporary world. All three amendments, which the bishops sees the council as a positive were silenced in some fashion' by would study. That's why these are thing. Some Catholics are still the Vatican during the 1950s, but very polished documents - it was

POPE .,JOHN XXIII signs the bull convoking the Second Vatican Council Dec. 25.1961. The document said modem society was advancing with technological and scientific progress for which there was no corresponding advance in . morality. He wrote that he would convene the council so that the Church would contribute positively to the solution of modern problems. (eNS file photo)

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Friday, October 21,2005

Pope John Paul II's finalWor'ld Mission Sunday message: Euch~rist = .Missio~ Pope John .Paul II From the. Vatican, February 22, 2005 My Dear Brothers and Sisters, 1. World Mission Sunday, in this year dedicated to the Eucharist, helps us to better understand the "eucharistic" sense ofour life ,as we relive the emotion of the Upper Room when, on the eve of his passion, Jesus offered himself to the world: "on the night he was betrayed, he took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said: This is my body that is for you. Do this in memory of me" (1 Cor 11,23-24).

In my recent Apostolic Letter Mane nobiscum Domine I invited you to contemplate Jesus in the "breaking of the bread" offered for the whole of humanity. Following his example we too are called to offer our life for our brothers and sisters, especially those most in need. The Eucharist bears the "mark of universality" and prefigures in a sacramental way' the time when "all who share one human nature, regenerated in Chd~t through the Holy Spirit and beholding the glory of God, will be able to say with one accord: "Our Father" (Ad Gentes 7). In this way, while the Eucharist helps us to understand more fully the significance ofmIssion, it leads every individual be'liever, the missionary in particular, to be "bread, broken for the

life of the world." not just of the history of the Humanity has need of Church, but also the history of Christ ~'broken bre~d" humanity (car Ef. 1, 10; Coli, 2. In our day human society 15-20)"0 (Mane - nobiscum appear~ to be shrouded in dark Domine, 6); it is possible to meet shadows while it 'is shaken 'by the deepest longings of the hu-' . tragic events and shattered by man heart. Jesus alone can satcatastrophic natural disasters. isfyhumanity's hunger for love Nevertheless, as "on the night,he and thirst for justice; He alone was betrayed" (1 Cor 11, 23), makes it possible for every hualso today Jesus "breaks the man person to share in eternal bread" (cfr Mt 26, 26) for us in life: "I am the living bread which our Eucharistic celebrations and has come down from heaven. offers himself under the sacra- Anyone who eats this bread will mental sign of his love for all live for ever" (In 6, 51). mankind. This is why I under- The 'Church, one with Christ, lined that "the Eucharist is not becomes "broken bread" merely an exptession of com3. When the ecclesial Commumunion in the Church's life; it nity celebrates the Eucharist, esis also a project ofsolidarity for peCially on Sunday the Day ofthe all of humanity" (Mane Lord, it experiences in the light nobiscum Domine, 27); it is of the faith the value of the en"bread from heaven" which ' counter with the Risen Christ and gives eternal life (cfr Jn 6, 33) , is ever more aware that the Sacand opens the human,heart toa rifice ofthe Eucharist is "for all" great hope.

(Mt 26,28). We, who nourish ourPresent in the Eucharist, the selves with the Body and Blood same Redeem'er who saw the of the crucified and risen Lord, needy crowds and was filled with cannot keep this -"gift" to our-' compassion "because they were selves; on the contrary we must harassed, and dejected, like sheep share, it. Passion~fe love 'for without a shepherd" (Mt 9, 36), Christ leads to courageous proccontinues through the centuries lamation ofChrist; proclamation to show compassion for human- which, with martyrdom, becomes ity poor and suffering. And it is a suprenie offering of love for in his name that pastorahvork- God and for mankind. The Euers and missionaries travel unex- chari~t leads us to be generous plored paths to carry the "bread" evangelizers, actively coinmitted . of salvation to all. They are to building a more just and fraspurred on by the knowledgeternal world. I sincerely hop'e the that, united with, Christ "center Year of the Eucharist will inspire

every Christian community to re- opportune occasion to increase spond with "fraternal solicitude our awareness of the urgent ne'to some of the many forms of cessity to participate in the evanpoverty' present in our world" gelizing mission undertaken by (Mane nohiscum Domine 28), the local Communities and many because "by our mutual love and, Church organizations, in particuin particular, by our concern for lar the Pontifical Mission Socithose in need we will be recog- eties and the Missionary Instinized as true followers of Christ tutes. This mission requires the (cf. Jn 13:35; Mt 25:31-46). This support not only of prayer and. will be the criterion by which the sacrifice, but also of concrete authenticity of our Eucharistic material offerings. I take this opcelebrations is judged" (Mane portunity to recall once again the nohiscum Domine 28). ' valuable service rendered by the Missionaries, "bread broken" Pontifical Mission Societies and for the life of the world I ask you all to support them gen. 4. Still today Christ urges his' erously with spiritual and matedisciples: "Give them something ,rial cooperation. to eat yourselves" (Mt 14, 16).

May the Virgin Mary, the In his name missio~aries all over Mother ofGod, help us relive the the world proclaim and witness experience ofthe Upper Room so to the Gospel. Through their ef- that our ecclesial Communities forts there resound once again the may become. authentically words ofthe Redeemer: "I am the "Catholic"; that is Communities bread of life; he who comes to where "missionary spirituality" me will never be hungry; he who which is "intimate communion believes in me will never thirst" . with Christ" (Redemptoris (In 6, 35); they too become missio, 88), is closely related to "bread broken" for their broth- "eucharistic spirituality" of ers, ,some even to the point of which the model is Mary, the sacrificing their life. "woman of the Eucharist" Bow many missionary mar- (Ecclesia de Eucharistia 53); tyrs in our day! May their ex- Communities always open to the ample draw numerous young voice ofthe Sprit and, to the needs men and women to tread the path ofhumanity, Communities where of heroic fidelity to Christ! The believers, missionaries ,in parChurch has need of men and ticular, do not hesitate to offer women willing to consecrate themselves as "bread, broken for themselves wholly to the great the life of the world."

To all I impart my Apostolic cause ofthe Gospel. .World Mission Sunday is an Blessing!

ACTS ,OF LOVE The witoess, of catechists io'Madagasca,r

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They arrive with their families - and their pigs and chick.ens. Some walk miles to get· there, motivated by their love for Jesus and their strong desire to tell others about him. .

The 180 ,catechists in the Dio-' ,cese of. Morondava, Madagascar, partieipate in four-day formation programs every three months, at various locations throughout the island nation off Africa's southeast coast. ' "These men feel that this is a call," offered Bishop Donald Pelletier, M.S. "The Lord provides for the Church with' and through these catechists."

Catechists throughout the Missions - more than 350,000 in Africa alone receive help from the Society for the Propagation of the Faith - speak offaith to those who have never heard the Gospel. In Morondava, they bring the "Good News" ofJesus to villages where perhaps only four percent ofthe population is Catholic - or where there are no Catholics at all. "They find a· hunger and thirst that only Christ can satisfy," Bishop Pelletier 'said.

Many in these villages are of- . ten "held prisoner" by fears and superstitions, added Bishop Pelletier. "Ifthere is a sickness,

that is viewed as a curse, and sometimes others are blamed in a village for bringing difficulties and challenges to others," he ex-,

plained. "The people here have a great sense of the sacred, but they are often also tied up with such superstitions. The cat-

A CATECHIST and his family in Madagascar. (Mission photograph)

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echist, offering them Jesus, literally frees them. They t:ealize that all is from God and that he is always there to help, to love, to comfort, to heal.

"I have seen lives change when someone sees himself or herself as a 'child of God, '" Bishop Pelletier concluded.

And the people in the villages respond to the loving service of these catechists. "I've been in villages where fields 'Ofrice have , been planted just to help feed the catechist and his family," he said. "Now that is truly 'loving one another' all around." , On World Mission Sunday, October 23, we join the Catholics of the world at the Eucha" rist in celebrating our common mission vocation. We offer prayers for the Church's missionary efforts throughout the Oeveloping World, and too we offer our financial help to the So. ciefy for the Propagation of the Faith to,support all those who day after day bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to all nations and peoples.

Bishop Pelletier of Madagascar is a native'ofAttleboro•

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Health Parish. "I agreed because I know there is a shortage of priests and the parish had a need for a Portuguese-speaking priest," Father Feny told The Anchor. The diocese initiated a process shortly after, known as "To Build a Stronger' Church," to examine parish life throughout the diocese.

Part of this process included the fonnation of cluster groups of parishes to produce recommendations for strengthening parish life in all regions ofthe diocese. Our Lady of Health and Espirito Santo parishes were in the same group. , The pastoral planning committees ofeach parish met regularly and eventually arrived at a consensus recommendation to forward on to Bishop Coleman. That decision was the same one Father Ferry announced at Our Lady ofHealth Parish last weekend, and will announce at all Masses at Espirito Santo Parish this weekend.

'These decisions were not easy ones to make," said Father Ferry.

"We all discussed the strengths, weaknesses and needs ofthe people in the parishes. '!'Ie knew what needed to happen."

FatherFenytold The Anchor that

it was important that he speak to the people at OurLady ofHealth Parish first. "It was only right that I speak to everyone at Our Lady of Health last weekend, even though the proce&s won't be complete until next February. ''This gives people illIlple time to consider their own situations, the spiritual good for themselves and their families. Everyone is warmly invited to become a part ofEspirito Santo Parish, and there is time to think about doing that."

Barbam Britto, assistant director of the diocesan Pastoral Planning Office, told TheAnchor''Father Ferry has been so wonderful with the Our Lady ofHealth parishioners." Britto experienced the merger ofher parish with others in 2004. She was amemher ofOur Lady ofthe Angels Parish that merged with Blessed Sacmment and St. Patrick's parishes forming' Good Shepherd Parish in Fall River.

"It's never an easy process," she said. "People need time to grieve. In a sense, it's like a death. But there is life after death." .

Britto said that there were some folks from Our Lady ofAngels Parish who did leave and notjoin Good ShepherdParish. "But, some ofthem

Convocation

Continuedfrom page one

have come back and feel a part of it," she said. 'They just needed to step back a bit. But now they realize that while they may not have their church building, they are still part of the same community - a community that's even bigger and more vibmot." .

Father Ferry and Britto agreed that it can be a sad time for people, but they sp.ould know there is hope.

In his message to the people' of Our Lady Of Health Parish, Father Ferry told them in a sense, it's the "daughtercoming home." OurLady of Health-Parish originated in the early 1920s as a rnission ofEspirito Santo Parish, before officially becoming a parish in 1924. Many in Our Lady of Health Parish today have ancestors who were Espirito Santo parishioners.

More of the logistics of the merger arid suppression will come in the weeks and months to come.

In the meantime, it's Father Feny's hope that the OurLady ofHealth parishioners receive the comfort and· support they so richly deserve. And it's his hope they will accept the heartfelt invitation to share their talents and faith as a member of Espirito Santo Parish.

Publicity chairmen are asked to submit news items for this column to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, 02722. Name of city or town should be included, as well as full dates of all activities.

DEADLINE IS NOON ON FRIDAYS. Events published must be ofinterest and open to our general readership. We do not carry notices of fund-raising activities, which may be advertised at our regular rates, obtainable from our business office at 508-675-7151. ..LECTURES! PRESENTATIONS NORTH EASTON - Holy Cross Father John Phalen will lead a Mission, "The Rosary: a Catechism on a String," October 25 - 27, from 7- 8:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Chapel, 500 Washington Street. This will be a reflection on the beautiful contemplative prayer based on Scripture. Rightly called "a catechism on a string," the mysteries give a summary of faith.

There will be time for rosary prayer and confessions. For additional information, contact 508238-4095 or 800-299-PRAY, or visit www.hcfm.org..

owed will be held November 5 at Saint Luke'.s School. For more information call the diocesan Office of Family Ministry at 508999-6420.

MISCELLANEOUS FALL RIVER - The Fall River Diocesan Choir will begin monthly rehearsals October 25 at 7 p.m. in the chapel at St. Mary's Cathedral. New members are needed. For more information call 508-6781054.

TAUNTON - A class for Girl' Scouts in grades seven, eight and nine to earn religious emblems will be held October 28 from 3:45-4:45 p.m. at the Religious Education Center of Immaculate Conception Church. For more information call Mary Powers at 508-8244452.

RETREATS EAST FREETOWN - The Advent Contemplative Retreat will be given by Father Robert J. Powell November 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cathedral Camp Retreat Center. Registration is required by November 7. For more information call 508761-0746. .

pmyer and fraternity," reported Fa''It also offers time and discussion persons, even a presbytemte, is a finther Mark R. Hession, director of - with assistance - of the topics ished business, but mther a work in Ongoing Formation for the diocese. and matters of the day," Father process," Father Hession stated., "Bishop Coleman still remains a 'These are important moments in Hession added.

Ninety-six priests had registered relatively new bishop, even though the lives ofthe presbytemte and they underscore we belong to a commun- to attend as of the first week ofOc- he is a longstanding member ofour local Church, and these discUssions ion of fellow priests," he said. ''We tober.

NORTH FALMOUTH - The The principal presenterat the con- help to gather the material about the Cape Cod Deanery Prayer are not independent agents or subMASHPEE - The retreat sisting companies. The strength of vocation .will be Dr. Patricia Kelly, state ofour presbytemte. The ques- Group will host a Life in the Spirit "Seasons of the Heart," will be the local Church in the diocese is in president ofKelly Associates, acon- tions include: What are the bless- Seminar on October 22, 29 and held November 5 from 10 a.m. just that, the presbytemte; with the sulting firm in Philadelphia, Pa. The ings? What are the challenges? November 5 at St. Elizabeth Seto 5 p.m. at The Brain Center, chiefpriest or bishop at its head and agency works with bishops and What's going well in your lives? ton Church. It will begin with a 33 Seanest Drive.

For more inthe board of priests." . presbyterates across the United What is needed to strengthen ·the Communion service at 9 a.m. It formation call Peggy bonds offraternity?"

Father Hession called it "a wel- States. will include praise and worship Patenaude at 508-548'-9149.

"Her appearance contin.ues He said that at Bishop Coleman's and witness talks. Coffee and comed opportunity," noting that if any diocesan priest is living alone the work she began last winter direction, Kelly "madeherselfavail- doughnuts will be served at 9:30 SOCIAL EVENTS - understandably with the shortage when she conducted three, differ- able to us, with other assistance, and a.m. of priests, ''this is a good time for ent opportunities for listening with more comprehensible listening FALL RIVER - The DoSEEKONK - A Bible study, him to be together with us and share sessions we call 'appreciative sessions, even one-on-one with Academy Alumnae minican priests who need special help," Fa- led by Pat Pastemak and sponthe liturgy ofthe Church with other inquiry, '" he reported.

Association is hosting its ansored by the diocesan Office of "Priests could attend and she ther Hession reported. priests, especially the Eucharist and .nual Communion Brunch No.would listen to our sharing of The Priestly Life and Ministry . Adult Education, will be held Octhe Liturgy of the Hours." vember 6.

Mass will be celThe priests will concelebrate strengths and challenges, because we Committee, a standing committee tober 25 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of ebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Anne Mass with Bishop Coleman each are always looking for the gmces to ofthe diocesanpriests, is hosting and Mount Carmel parish. The study Church and the brunch will folwill focus on the Book of Psalms. spiritually meet ~ose. No group of . planning the convocation. day. low at McGovern's Family WESTBORO - "Signs of Restaurant, 310 Shove Street.

Continuedfrom page eight Hope, Emblems of Victory," the For more information call New England conference for the Geraidine Saucier at 508-674is a member ofits PrO-Life Commit- separated, divorced and wid- 8387.

Giorgio, described by Cape Cod ings.

"He is generous to a fault, too tee. She is a member ofthe diocesan Chapter Chairman Lloyd McDonald as ''being an extmordinary man, who generous, and is kind not only to us, Pro-Life Conirnittee, an advisor to will go the extm mile" on behalf of but also those we rnight call our ad- the diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate, and chairman ofthe Fall River Chapall things Pro-Life, is a parishioner versaries," McDonald said. .

Martins, who was named public ter ofthe MCFL. of St. Pius X Parish in South "Bea is very thorough, very gmYarmouth. He is married to Nathalie policy coordinator ofCatholic Citi• Prompt 24 Hour Service • Automatic Deliveries zenship in the Fall River diocese by cious and compassionate," said Giorgio.

• Call In Deliveries • Budget Terms Available In his 80s, Giorgio has been a Bishop George W. Coleman in 2004, Madeleine "Maddy" Lavoie, who • Free Estimates member of the chapter's board of has recently been busy assisting par- has been a frequent companion of You Never Had Service directors and also served as treasurer. ish registrations for the marriage Martins on many trips to Boston Until You Tried Charlie's Long active in the Pro-Life cause, amendment. She has worked in co- "where Bea works hard for bills to he has been the chainnan of the opemtion with the Massachusetts be passed dealing with Pro-Life .We're located at ... chapter's annual SummerFair fund- Catholic Council, the public policy measures."

46 Oak Grove Ave., Fall River.

Lavoie, who is the 2004 recipimiser, has captained the chapter's voice of the four Catholic bishops orcal/ ... ent of the Fall River diocese's CarRed Eye Bus that brings participants on a variety ofPro-Life issues.

508-675-7426 • 508-674-0709 Married to John Martins, Bea is dinal John 1. O'Connor Pro-Life to the March For Life in WashingAward, said "Bea certainly deserves a resident of Fall River and a memton, and treats his board members to his culinary delights at their meet- berofHoly Trinity Parish, where she the Chapter Service Award."

MCFL

Charlie's Oil Co., Inc.

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Friday, October 21, 2005

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·tfie Dedication ofMercy Sister Carol Clifford .r~memberedat Holy, Trinity School Mass By

DEACON JAMES

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and where spiritual growth and cool. My most memorable moWEST HARWICH - Mercy faith in God are a normal, 'daily 'ment was when I was skipping Sister M. C~rol (Maureen) part of school life. And so, with down the hall to gym, and Sis- , Clifford, who founded and was sadness and gratitude, we say teT Carol came out' and said, principal at Holy Trinity School farewell for now, ,and thank 'Are you gellin'?' We burst out laughing and when the rest of here since 1994 until illness pre- ' you." , ,The students at Holy Trinity the class joined us, we were all vented her from returning in , September, was remembered by School were everything to Sis- laughirig." ...:.- "One time in after school school officials, students, fam- ter Clifford, Ellis told those at ily and friends at a memorial the Mass. "It seems fitting that a few kids and I were playing Mass October 13. ' we should hear from them, that. cards, and she asked if she could Sister Clifford, 69, died Oc- theIr thoughts and memories ,deal and then she said, 'Okay, , tober 3 at Warde Health Center will speak to us with a pure and the name of the game is poker. in Windham, N.H., after a battle 'comforting voice. I asked them Does everyone know how to to share their most important im- play?' Sister Carol always had with cancer. ' Bishop George W. Coleman pressions of Sister Carol, and things up h~r sleeves - she was . was celebrant of the Mass. The they are amazing. They show a card shark."

- "Sister Carol was one of eulogy, given by seventh-grade what is important in life, and are' teacher Andrew Ems, told of a testament to the lasting impact my friends. She helped me w'ith Sister Clifford's kindness, com- she has had on the lives of so math in the sixth grade. When I, passion, love, and adven~ was tired, she would always ture as related to him by the , say something to perk me students. , up. Once she said, 'Pretend' "Sister Carol was an exI'm a super model.' We both tremely caring, sensitive , laughed." and happy person who al, -"I think Sister Carol's ways thought ofthe children purpose was to help us and first" said Diocesan Superto make our lives happier, intendent of Schools and that's what she did. She George A. Milot: "She was cheerful, friendly and ,'ELIZABETH WYLLIE, seventh-grade student at St. John brought to the school a truly happy." , the Evangelist School, Attleboro, recently qualified to comChristian and joyful spirit, ' A member of the Sisters 'pete in the upcoming Grand National & World Champion, which will certainly remain of Mercy for 50 years, she ship Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City. Elizabeth has a legacy to her great leaderhad devoted herself to been riding for the past five years under the direction of ship." teaching and administration, Jean DeGutis at Equitation Unlimited, Inc. in Plainville. She He said that he -and in Catholic Schools in Mas- has competed in several maJ'or horse shows over the last Bishop Coleman shared the .sachusetts an'd in New Hampshire. few years showing in the Walk Trot Saddleseat Equitation opinion that Sister Clifford "Born in Charlestown, and Pleasure divisions. In the past two years she has been is historically 'the first and she was' the daughter of riding a Morgan horse named SKB Lilyth (Lilly) previously only principal of a Fall River diocesan school who the late Charles and the 'owned by Sharon, Bryant and now owned by the Kaufman , has died in office . Sister lat~ Catherine' (Curran) Family. Elizabeth and Lilly have made a wonderful team Clifford was "not only the Clifford.. wining almost every Championship event. In .Oklahoma MERCY SISTER M.. CAROL CLIFFORD founder of Holy Trinity She receiv¢d a' bachelor City, Elizabeth will be competing with riders from across School, but was its first and .of arts degree in elementary the ~ountry. only principal until her death," many." education from Mount St. Mary Milot noted.

Here are a sampling of the College in Hooksett, N:H., anq Ellis recalled that when Holy student's comments: , a master's degree in elementary Trinity School began, it was ~ '~Sister C,arol was kind and education from Salem State Colwithout a telephone, had very understanding; she lived a life' lege in Salem. little money and 27 children in of giving; she was loving and In Massachusetts, Sister kindergarten, first and second' caring and a friend; she made Clifford taught at St. Mary Star grades. you smile, thought of others and of the Sea Schoof in East Bos~ "Sister Carol, Sister Rose loved everyon~. She saw some- ton and St. Theresa School in and Sister Terrance had what thing special in everyone."

West Roxbury, before her 11 was needed," Ellis said. "They, - "Sister Carol was a kind years of service at Holy Trinity had a vision and they had apd energetic woman. Also one Parish on Cape Cod. , faith. Through Sister Carol's of her adventures was when she Iri New Hampshire, she had dedication, strength and guid- helped us with the Leaf Team by taught at schools in Manchester, ance, the school has grown to donating bags. She said 'hello' Franklin, Berlin and Laconia. include a middle school and and helped me in school. She She also served as principal at has graduated five, eighth- cared about everyone besides St. Mary School in Claremont grade classes; some o'f those herself. She helped and cared for and St. Patrick School in Ports. students are now in college. people." mouth.

We will all carry with us the - "Sister Carol was a great She leaves a sister, Barbara memories of this' great woman lady; she was so many things. LaPorta of Medford; two brothwho lived her lifeforoth'ers, But this is the number one fact ers, Charles A. Clifford of wanted nothing for herself, '--:.... she was the ,best principal. Burlington and Edmund D. and was happy." , She cared more about kids than Clifford of Wakefield; nieces Ellis said one student men-, money, and devoted her life to and nephews; grandnieces and tioned that the school will never 'God at such a young age. She grandnephews; and cousins. be the same. "And it won't, not lived her Christian faith by carHer Mass of Christian Burial exactly," the teacher said. "You , ing for others, and wanted the ~as celebrated October 6 in Our (Sister Carol) created a commu- school to be jus_t like it is."

SECOND-GRADERS Catarina Camara and Allison King Lady of Mercy Chapel in nity where kindness, compas- "She gave us candy and Windham: Burial was in St. Jo~ share a smi,le during a recent lunch period at St. Michael's -sion, love and mercy are the rule Ban9-Aids. She was fun and' seph Cemetery, Bedford.

School, Fall River. (Anchor/Gordo,n photo) ,

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Where are you going, and how fast?

By CHARLIE MARTIN -

PHYLLIS GOODWIN'S second-grade class from St. Joseph-St. Therese School, New Bedford is lending a helping hand this year as they collect food for the parish food pantry.

They plan to make it a year-long project and have already collected a large amount of non-perishable food items.

SPEED OF SOUND How long before I get in, .

Before it starts, before I begin?

How long before you decide Before I know what it feels like? .

Where to, where do I go?

If you never try, then you'll never know .

How long do I have to climb Up on the side of this mountain of mine?

Look up, I look up at night Planets are moving at the speed of light Climb up, up in the trees Every chance that you get is a chance you seize How long am I gonna stand With my head stuck under the sand?

I'll start before I can stop Before I see things the right way up Refrain: All that noise and all that sound All those places that I have found And birds go flying at the speed of sound To show you how it all began Birds came flying from the underground If you could see it then you'd understand Ideas that you'll never find Or the inventors could never design The buildings that you put up All Japan and China all lit up A sign that I couldn't read Or a light that I couldn't see Some things you have to believe But others are puzzles, pUZZling me All those signs, I knew what they meant Some things you can't invent Some get made and some get sent Bird go flying at the speed of sound To show you how it all began Birds came flying from the

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

stuck under the sand" Some ofthe physical world moves at the speed ofsound and light. But you are in control ofyour life's pace, and you detennine your life's direction. You Sung by Coldplay make the decisions that bring meaning and satisfaction. None of Copyright (c) 2005 by Capitol Has Coldplay replaced U2 at the this can develop if you choose to stay "stuck under the sand." top ofthe world's pantheon ofpop/ "Every chance that you get is a rock bands?

Some music commentators think chance you seize," the song says.

But not every "chance" is to be so, but I think it's too soon to say. "seized." God gave you the gift of discernment so you can assess what chances might be helpful and what might be harmful. Sure, you might have the "chance" to drive 85 mph on the interstate, but should you?

Losing your license to a reckless driving charge, endangering your own and others' lives, and perhaps bringing an end to all the promise that your life holds do not define a "chance" to be "seized." In the face ofchoices, use the spiritual gift of discernment.

"Some things you have to believe, but others are puzzles, puzzling me," says the song.

Besides, I'm a long-time, big, U2 That's for sure! Creative, satisfyfan. However, the huge sales of ing lives include space for Coldplay's new disc "X&Y" demonstrate both the quality oftheir mystery. Life presents many "puzzles." Much of life defies music and the group's worldwide rational analysis. Sometimes popularity. events in life tum out far better Off of"X&Y" is Coldplay's than one can possibly understand; current singles hit "Speed of Sound." It's a song full ofquestions: other times they become more painful than could ever be "How long before I get in, before it expect~d. Consequently, the best starts, before I begin?" and "Where course is to be present to whatever to, where do I go?" The song's comes before you, trust God, trust question made me think about how important questions are for personal life and trust yourself.

As a son or daughter ofthe growth.

Father, you are endowed with The song asks, "How long do I freedom to choose the "speed" and have to climb up on the side ofthis mountain ofmine?" The answer: "If direction of your life. Be open to how your questions can lead you to you never try, then you'll never clearer insight about who you want know." That made me think about to be. Allow the gift ofdiscernment that "mountain" we call life. We all to guide your decisions on what need to "climb" life's challenges chances should be seized. and engage our actual life. The Your comments are always climb helps us discover the person welcome. Please write to me at: that God created us to be. chmartin@swindiana.net or a( You cannot discover your life's potential ifyou live with your "head 7125W200S, Rockport, IN 47635. underground If you could see it then you'd understand Oh, when you see it then you'll understand

Internet predators

By I<AsE JOHNST\JN NEWS SERVICE

may ask. Teens could easily lecture their parents about Internet usage before parents could lecture them, but that doesn't answer the question: "Who is butterball56?" We can never be sure who is on the other side ofthat Internet conversation since the majority of chat rooms are unsupervised.

Teens are not children.

They are not ignorant of Internet predators. They have more knowledge of spam scams thari their parents and elders, but sometimes the "safe zones" on the Internet are not safe at all. The revealing ofpersonal information even in the most casual ofchats could be extremely dangerous. Many Internet scarnmers and identity thieves need very little information to take advantage ofan innocent surfer and are pretty good at disguising themselves as

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Since we were little, our parents took us by the hand and told us, "Don't talk to strangers." They instilled a bit offear in us in order to keep us safe, in order to decrease the chance ofstrangers hurting us. A little fear never hurt anyone in this situation. Now in the teen-age years, it seems silly for parents to resort to that old fear tactic, since a teen-ager is smart enough to avoid talking to strangers. Or is it really that silly?!

Who is stylistchicky? Who is matrnan34?

Who is ladybug46? Or wheeliefrog? Or even Kasetate?

These are screen names that pop up in chat rooms on the computer screen. But, we have no idea who types the blog beneath the name. Chat rooms and Internet surfing are areas ofsocial life for many teens that parents are clueless about. ''Blog? What's a blog?" many parents

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peers and digging for seemingly harmless information.

Predator: According to Webster's dictionary, a predator is one that preys, destroys or devours. So, according to this definition, Internet predators are aptly named. There are sexual Internet predators, financial Internet predators, fraudulent Internet predators, racist Internet predators. All of these predators are looking for someone who will just open up slightly to let them in, someone whom they can convince to talk sexually or meet them for a sexual encounter after they have provided a comforting voice in a confusing time, someone to give the little information needed about their parents' financial situation or banking information (teens often

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are tricked when asked to submit information for a prize they've won or could win), or to introduce racist garbage that devours their previous Christian beliefs.

Chances are Wheeliefrog, stylistchicky, or matrnan34 are good people dealing with the same issues you are dealing with or are interested in the same hobbies you are involved in: explaining why you both have navigated to the same chat room.

Still, parents have said for years, ''Don't talk to strangers." But since the Internet age gives us opportunities to talk to others who share our interests, talking to strangers is a reality for many. It's not that simple to avoid these strangers. What teens can do when entering a chat area is to steer the conversation around to college football, rock idols or train collecting. They must be smart, cautious and cold. Ifthe conversation strays, teens should stray from that site - and report the predator.

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