AN ANCHOR OF THE SOUL, SURE AND FIRM -HEB. 6:19
t eanc 0 VOL. 21, NO. 44
FALL RIVER, MASS., THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1977
15c, $5 Per Year
Gallup Poll Shows Upswing In Catholic Involvement
COMMUNION IN TilE HAND will become an option in the Fall River diocese the weekend of Nov. 19 and 20. (See informative article on page 10.)
NC News Head Will Speak At Hyannis CPA Meeting Richard W. Daw, Director and Editor in Chief of the National Catholic News Service will be featured dinner speaker at a regional Catholic Press Association, (CPA) meeting to be held Nov. 9, 10 and 11 at Dunfey's Hyannis Resort. This meeting marks the first time that the diocese of Fall River has hosted such an event. Editors and staff from over 50 Catholic newspapers and
magazines on the eastern seaboard will be in attendance. Greeting delegates on behalf of all the people of the diocese on Wednesday evening will be ,Bishop Daniel Cronin, who will preside at an opening Mass in historic St. Francis Xavier Church, Hyannis. The Anchor will host a reception for delegates following the Mass. All priests of the diocese Turn to Page Seven
MARRIOTTSVILLE, Maryland (NC) - "I have some good news for a change," pollster George Gallup recently told participants in an evangelizatiol} workshop for priests and pastoral associates of the Baltimore archdiocese. Current statistics show that a higher proportion of adults indicate the Catholic faith as their religious preference than a decade ago, that interest in inner life and involvement in religious
Diocesan Growth Is Manifested
movements has increased, that Mass attendance is holding solid during the mid- 1970s, and that young Catholics (18-29) are attending Mass slightly more often than they did in 1975, Gallup said. In his address on "Who Are
Pope Closes Synod, Asks for Freedom
VATICAN CITY ~NC) - Pope Paul VI closed the fifth world Synod of Bishops with an appeal to governments to respect Children and the elderly were the objects of diocesan concern the religious rights of individat events' that took place .last uals and religious communities. In a speech to the final meetweek at Centerville and in Fall ing of the synod, Pope Paul also River. Last Wednesday ground wat> told synod fathers, who had broken by. Bishop Daniel A. been discussing catechesis for a Cronin on the 17-acre Fern- month, that he is concerned brook estate in Centerville for about the teaching of full, sound a new major facility to provide doctrine in religious education dignified, independent living for programs. The Pope said that the synod the elderly with nursing super- . produced "happy and comfortvision constantly available. On Friday the former St. ing results" and "most useful John's Day Nursery building in suggestions" on catechesis. Regarding religious liberty, Fall River was blessed and dediwhich had become a major theme Turn to Page Eight
NEW BEGINNINGS: Bishop Cronin, aided by Father Peter N. Graziano (center) and Father Thomas L. Rita, places a crucifix on the wall as he blesses new offices of the Diocesan Department of Social Services and Special Apostolates. At right, he joins in groundbreaking .ceremonies for Fernbrook, new facility for the aged to be erected in Centerville. With him, from left, Mother M. Aloysius, O. Carm., superior
the Alienated and Unchurched?" Gallup said there are other signs of a Catholic upswing, among them these facts: - Four percent of teenage boys express some interest in the priesthood or in the BrotherTurn to Page Seven
during the synod, Hie Pope said that "unfortunately the nations are not few where the right of individual men to liberty, the right of families to educate their children, and the right of religious communities to educate their members are totally suppressed or at least unjustly limited." "Still again we plead governments of people that they respect the right of individuals and religious communities to both social and political freedom in the religious field," said the Pope. The Pope urged bishops to pay "vigilant attention" to reTurn to Page Eight
of the Carmelite Sisters who will staff Fernbrook; Lawrence Newman, master of ceremonies for the dedication program; Mrs. Donald C. McGraw, Fernbrook Development Committee member. The Bishop uses an antique shovel belonging to the original Fernbrook owner, Mrs. McGraw the traditional "silver" implement. It was announced that construction of the 120 bed facility will begin immediately.