FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD &. THE ISLANDS VOL. 38, NO. 41
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Friday, October 21, 1994
FALL RIVER, MASS.
Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly
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$11 Per Year
Vatican denies Communion to divorced Catholics in unsanctioned remarriages WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Vatican has reiterated the church's ban on reception of holy Communion by divorced Catholics in invalid second marriages. forcing three German bishops to rescind a 1993 policy that allowed some exceptions to the rule, The Vatican statement came in the form of a letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to the world's bishops, dated Sept. 14 and released Oct. 14, It said the church cannot ignore Jesus' clear teaching on the indissolubility of marriage, But The German prelates Archbishop Oskar Saier of Freiburg and Bishops Karl Lehmann of Mainz and Walter Kasper of Rottenburg-Stuttgart - issued a nine-page statement Oct. 14 in which they rescinded their policy permitting some pastoral fle xi bility, However. they defended the theological basis of their 1993 stand and said the issue should still be considered an open question.
They said that their development of a pastoral approach was not in conflict with the indissolubility of marriage. They expressed hope that church dialogue will continue on the controversial issue so that a deeper "theologically and pastorally responsible answer" will be found. The Vatican letter, signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the doctrinal congregation, was approved by Pope John Paul II. It was titled, "Concerning the Reception of Holy Communion by Divorced and Remarried Catholics." It said, "In fidelity to the words of Jesus Christ. the church affirms that a new union cannot be recognized as valid if the preceding marriage was valid." "If the divorced are remarried civilly, they find themselves in a situation that objectively contravenes God's law." it added. "Consequently. they cannot receive holy Turn to Page II
Season of Renewal starts November 10 for diocesan laity As a means of expressing appreciation for the commitment of laypersons involved in parish or diocesan ministries, Bishop Sean O'Malley has announced a Season of Renewal. To open at a 7 p.m, Mass of Christ the King Thursday. Nov. 10. at St. Mary's Cathedral. Fall Riwr. to which both clergy and laity are invited. and to culminate on Trinitv Sunday next June II. the Season is designed to offer opportunities for prayer. enrichment and renewal to lectors. F ucharistic ministers. members and officers of diocesan and parish organizations and all other lay leaders, Father Richard W. Beaulieu. a member of its core planning committee. said the Season is the outcome ofa session held last August. at which representati\es of diocesan ministries shared ideas and suggestions for renewal. He said the Nowmber to June activities are expected to be the catalyst for a comprehensive diocesan ministry formation program. He also noted that the Nov. 10 Cathedral
Mass will be taped for telecasting at 8 a.m. Sunday. Nov. 20, the actual feast of Christ the King, A Prayer for Renewal is offered for daily recitation during the Season. said Father Beaulieu. noting that "the interior life is the place from which Christ's love radiates to those who are served," The text of the prayer follows: "Generous God. we stand in awe before vour presence, Send w\ your Spirit. enliwn our faith that we may proclaim the Good l\ews of vour Son. Jesus. with renewed enthusiasm, Strengthen us for this work, Challenge us to be signs of :- our lo\e, We ask this. inspired by your Spirit. united with vour Son. for you are one God. for ever and ever. Amen." In addition to recitation of the prayer. said Father Beaulieu. man\ opportunities will be a\ailable for Season participants to "come a way by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile" (Mk 6:31), These opportunities will be designed to provide "a place apart" for centerTurn to Page II
TWO-YEAR-OLD Anita Hankinson enjoys a spin on the carousel at Battleship Cove. Fall River. She is the great-grand niece of Father Lucien J usseaume, retired former pastor of St. George parish. Westport. and the former St. Mathieu and St. Roch parishes. both in Fall River. (Studio 0 photo)
I'"""'!'"----In This I s s u e - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . Youth Convention October 30
Multicultural Mass November 6
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St Patrick Parade to Return to Fall River Page 11
u.s. Bishops Have Full Agenda
Pro-Life Essay Contest Announced
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