11.07.08

Diocese of Fall River

The Anchor

F riday , November 7, 2008

Catechists convene at convention

WESTPORT — Several hundred persons serving in various catechetical ministries across the Diocese of Fall River gathered at White’s Restaurant November 1 for a series of seminars, workshops, talks and a Mass.

The annual Faith Formation Convention, sponsored by the diocesan Catholic Education Center was themed, “Encountering the Living Word.”

“Our new format worked very well, and it was well received from what I’m reading in the evaluations,” Deacon Bruce Bonneau, assistant director of Adult Evangelization and Spirituality, said Monday morning.

“It offered a more professional understanding,” he added. “Although there were fewer workshops, what was offered was directed to a greater number of differing ministries. And the venue at White’s Restaurant was well-liked.”

Deacon Bonneau said the new format was the fruit of a January meeting of board members from Religious Education, Youth Ministry and Adult Faith Formation, as well as a new direction to what used to be called the Religious Education Conference, offered by invited facilitators from the Diocese of Manchester, N.H. Bishop George W. Coleman celebrated Mass at White’s for the participants, kicking off the all-day event.

The convention’s keynote speaker was Dr. Michael Carotta, a nationally renown speaker and author. Carotta has worked with adolescents and their spiritual growth in educational, pastoral and clinical settings for more than 25 years.

Turn to page 18

Station churches hosting Pauline Year indulgence

By Deacon James N. Dunbar

UNITED WE STAND — Bishop Stang High School students helped load the food they recently collected into several trucks for delivery. Diocesan schools, parishes and organizations are rallying at record levels to help the needy at Thanksgiving and leading into the harsh winter months. With the difficult economic times, more people are in need and the response has increased as well.

Area parishes, schools, organizations helping more people in need this season

By Dave Jolivet, Editor

FALL RIVER — With the stock market on a daily roller coaster ride, more often heading downward, the number of people feeling the effects of the national economic crunch is rapidly increasing. Families who have normally found the means to easily make ends meet each month, are feeling the fall out from a recession-like environment.

Add that to the hundreds of already struggling families and individuals across the diocese, and the need for food, finances and medicines is skyrocketing.

As has been the case in this diocese since its inception in 1904, however, the number of people who want to help has increased proportionately.

From the Attleboros to Cape Cod and the Islands, students, parishioners, and volunteers have stepped to the forefront to help their brothers and sisters in need.

It’s true that no matter what time of year, being homeless, hungry or destitute is never easy, but things often feel more hopeless around Thanksgiving and Christmas and the ensuing cold winter months.

The diocesan St. Vincent de Paul Society — with chapters in each of the five deaneries — has been busily preparing for this time of year.

“Things are pretty bad now, but they’re only going to get worse,” said SVDP diocesan president Ronald Correia from Fall River. “We haven’t yet seen too many job losses, but the ones who are really feeling the crunch now are the elderly.

“With them living on a fixed income, and food, fuel, rent and medicine costs rising, they’re feeling a financial burden — in each of the deaneries.”

In the Taunton deanery, district president Richard Silvia told The Anchor, “At our usual Wednesday night food pantry, we’ve experienced a 35 percent increase in the number of families who come for assistance.

That’s a big jump, from 100 or so families to 165.” And things don’t promise to get better.

Many parishes across the Taunton Deanery are holding food drives to help the SVDP. “We just had a Scout food drive and the parishes send us

food stuffs as well. We’re not just collecting for Thanksgiving, but we’re banking food to get through the winter months.

I feel that a lot of people who didn’t need help in the past will fall through the cracks and will need assistance.”

Dolores Ferro, New Bedford SVDP president, said, “Financial troubles can happen to anyone.” She told The Anchor that many of the New Bedford Deanery parishes collect food stuffs so the society can supply the food pantry on Bonney Street in the Whaling City, staffed largely by SVDP members. “I think we’re going to see more younger couples with children needing assistance paying utility bills and rent. Our hearts go out to these people. When we’re able, we help people pay gas and electric bills or overdue rents. The monies we get are the Church donations from deanery parishes at the holy day Masses throughout the year.”

In the Cape Cod and Island Deanery, the need is also great this year. Flory McCarthy, chapter president, said “Rents and food prices are very high on the Cape and some people are hurting now.” The 16 Cape SVDP conferences collect food for turkey baskets for the needy, and parishes across the deanery colTurn to page 15

FALL RIVER — Joining with the universal Church to mark the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of St. Paul in Tarsus circa A.D. 8, certain Fall River Diocese parishes are open daily to pilgrims hoping to inspire a meaningful personal encounter with Christ for which Paul is an ideal model.

The jubilee year proclaimed

by Pope Benedict XVI that began June 28 and will continue until June 29, 2009, hopefully will find Christians and all Catholics striving to imitate Paul’s conversion in their own encounter as well as a change of heart to loving God. As part of that, the Holy Father has authorized a plenary indulgence that can be gained by meeting certain criteria and may be applied to oneself or to the souls of the deceased.

To mark the jubilee locally, Bishop George W. Coleman has chosen seven parishes in the five deaneries as designated shrines for the pilgrimage year to encourage various prayers and devotions personal and communal, as well as to obtain indulgences.

They are the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 327 Second Street in Fall River; St. Anne’s Shrine, 818 Middle Street in Fall River; St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 1359 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford; St. Mary’s, 14 St. Mary’s Square in Taunton; St. Mary’s at 330 Pratt Street in Mansfield; St. Francis Xavier, 21 Cross Street in Hyannis; and Christ the King, on the Commons in Mashpee.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, 947 Park Turn to page 13

2

News From the Vatican

November 7, 2008

Vatican study on psychological testing of seminarians finished

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican has finished work on a long-awaited document on the psychological testing of seminary candidates.

The document, titled “Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in the Admission and Formation of Candidates for the Priesthood,” was released at a recent Vatican press conference.

Prepared by the Congregation for Catholic Education, the text was being issued in several languages, including English. The congregation has worked on the document for at least six years.

In 2005, Pope John Paul II told the education congregation that a candidate’s ability to live a life of priestly celibacy must be “carefully verified” so that there is moral certainty about the candidate’s emotional and sexual maturity.

“In light of present-day social and cultural changes, it can be at times useful that educators turn to the work of competent specialists

to help seminarians comprehend more thoroughly the requirements of the priesthood, recognizing celibacy as a gift of love to the Lord and to one’s brothers,” Pope John Paul said.

Later in 2005, the congregation issued norms that ruled out the priestly ordination of homosexuals, but without spelling out who should determine whether a candidate for the priesthood had homosexual tendencies.

Sources have said one reason the document took so long to prepare was that the psychological testing of priesthood candidates remains a controversial issue at the Vatican.

Speaking to journalists at the press conference will be Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the education congregation; Archbishop Jean-Louis Brugues, secretary of the congregation; and Father Carlo Bresciani, a psychologist and a consultor to the congregation who has written on bioethics and sexual morality.

RESTING IN PEACE — The body of Blessed Pope John XXIII lies in a tomb in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican October 28. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, celebrated an evening memorial Mass to mark the 50th anniversary of the election of Pope John. (CNS photo/Giampiero Sposito, Reuters)

Pope Benedict says Blessed Pope John always worked for unity and peace

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Marking the 50th anniversary of the election of Blessed Pope John XXIII, Pope Benedict XVI said his predecessor always worked to increase agreement, hope, unity and peace.

“The pope was a man of peace and a pastor of peace who knew how to open unexpected horizons for fraternity among Christians and dialogue with all in the East and the West,” Pope Benedict said after praying at the tomb of Blessed Pope John.

Some 3,000 pilgrims from the Diocese of Bergamo, the home diocese of Blessed Pope John, traveled to the Vatican to mark the anniversary of his October 28, 1958, election.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, presided at the evening memorial Mass with the pilgrims, while Pope Benedict joined them later for prayers at the pope’s tomb and for a brief address.

Bishop Roberto Amadei of Bergamo told Pope Benedict that his diocese wanted to give thanks to God for the papacy of Blessed Pope John and for “having sus-

tained in him the docility of the Holy Spirit so that he could be a living image of the Good Shepherd.”

“He made himself a brother and father on the pathways of the world, in the East and in the West, to tell of the goodness of the Lord, to give hope and to sow that peace that always flows from the merciful heart of God, the father of all,” the bishop said.

Pope Benedict told the pilgrims, “A truly special gift offered to the Church with John XXIII was the Second Vatican Council,” which he called, prepared and opened in 1962.

“We are all committed to accepting that gift in an appropriate way, continuing to meditate on its teachings and translate them” into the daily life of the Church, he said.

Pope Benedict also used the occasion to ask the pilgrims from Bergamo to remember the importance Pope John placed on

The Anchor

families and on parishes as the most important place for Catholics to grow in and celebrate their faith.

In a 1932 letter to families, the future Pope John wrote, “The education that leaves its ... deepest mark is always that of the home.

I have forgotten much of what I have read in books, but I still recall well what I learned from my parents and elders.”

Pope Benedict said that it is in the family that people learn the primacy of love and become peacemakers.

And, he said, Pope John taught that when parishes increased the experience of communion and brotherhood among their members, the experience would spread and would make people see the downside of “the consumerism and individualism of our time, reawakening solidarity and opening the eyes of people’s hearts to recognize the Father, who is gratuitous love.”

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 52, No. 42

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PUBLISHER - Most Reverend George W. Coleman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Roger J. Landry fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org NEWS EDITOR Deacon James N. Dunbar jimdunbar@anchornews.org OFFICE MANAGER Mary Chase m arychase@anchornews.org ADVERTISING Wayne Powers waynepowers@anchornews.org REPORTER Michael Pare michaelpare@anchornews.org REPORTER Kenneth J. Souza kensouza@anchornews.org Send Letters to the Editor to: fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org POSTMASTERS send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

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November 7, 2008

The International Church

3

Friend of murdered Jesuits in Moscow expresses shock over deaths

VICTIM OF VIOLENCE — A Catholic nun who was raped during anti-Christian violence in the Indian state of Orissa, addresses a press conference in New Delhi recently. The nun recounted how Hindu fanatics attacked her. (CNS photo/Vijay Mathur, Reuters)

Orissa government expedites case of nun raped by Hindu fanatics

NEW DELHI (CNS) — The Orissa state government has decided to expedite the case of a Catholic nun who was raped during the recent anti-Christian violence in the eastern Indian state.

The move came after the nun spoke at a recent press conference in the Jesuit-managed Indian Social Institute in New Delhi, reported the Asian church news agency UCA News.

The 28-year-old nun, who addressed the media with her face covered up to her eyes, was flanked by another nun and a female lawyer. Photographers kept aiming for her face, which she kept turned toward the ground.

She fought tears while reading a four-page handwritten statement recounting how Hindu fanatics attacked her. She said she had no faith in the Orissa police, whom she alleged refused to help her but aided her attackers.

A day after the nun met the press, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik convened a meeting in the state capital and directed officials to speed up the case.

The nun was raped August 25, the day after Hindu fanatics began weeks of sustained violence against Christians in Orissa in response to the murder of a Hindu leader. The violence left at least 58 people dead.

Radical Hindu groups in the media accused the nun of not cooperating and of hiding from the police. They also demanded that she marry her rapist.

The nun met the press three days after the Supreme Court rejected a Church petition that sought to have the Central Bureau of Investigation, the premier federal investigation agency, investigate the rape.

The Supreme Court asked the nun to cooperate with the state police investigation after the Orissa government said in an affidavit that the investigation into the case was progressing and that police already had arrested eight people.

Speaking to the media, the nun recalled: “They threw me to the veranda on the way to the dining room, which was full of ashes and broken glass pieces. One of them tore my blouse and others my undergarments.”

She paused, sobbed and wiped her tears before continuing to read, “They pulled out my sari and one of them stepped on my right hand and another on my left hand and then a third person raped me.”

The nun said the police saw her being attacked and paraded half-naked but ignored her pleas for help.

Divine Word Father Dominic Emmanuel, spokesman of the Delhi Archdiocese and an organizer of the press conference, said Church officials would place the matter in God’s hands if the government refuses to order a Central Bureau of Investigation probe.

In late August, Father Thomas Chellen, who had fled with the nun when they were trying to escape the fanatics, told Catholic News Service that, when the two were dragged from their hiding place, it was like “our crucifixion parade.” He said a gang of about 50 armed Hindus “beat us up and led us like culprits along the road” to the pastoral center, which the fanatics had burned.

“There they tore my shirt and started pulling off the clothes of the nun. When I protested, they beat me hard with iron rods.

Later, they took the Sister inside

(and) raped her while they went on kicking and teasing me, forcing (me) to say vulgar words,” said the priest.

“Later both of us, half-naked, were taken to the street, and they ordered me to have sex with the nun in public, saying nuns and priests do it. As I refused, they went on beating me and dragged us to the nearby government office. Sadly, a dozen policemen were watching all this,” he said.

WASHINGTON (CNS) — A Chilean priest who was friends with the two Jesuits murdered in Moscow expressed sadness and shock over their deaths.

“Everything is so weird,” Jesuit Father Tomas Garcia Huidobro told Catholic News Service. He is currently studying in Washington.

Saying he has “no idea what could have happened” to cause the murders of Jesuit Fathers Otto Messmer, 47, and Victor Betancourt, 42, Father Garcia noted that the work of the Catholic Church in Moscow “is very limited.”

Father Garcia, who lived in Russia in 1999-2001, visited the priests for three months over the summer.

He lived with Father Betancourt in an apartment outside Moscow before Father Betancourt moved to a downtown apartment with Father Messmer in late August.

Fathers Messmer and Betancourt were found dead late October 28 in the downtown apartment.

Father Garcia said that apartment contained nothing to rob.

Father Betancourt “really loved Russia. He was a regular person ... a very good person,” he said.

“He didn’t do anything” to provoke his death, said Father Garcia.

When asked if the priests commented on Russian politics, Father Garcia said “no.”

“They didn’t say anything against Russia. They loved Rus-

sia,” he said.

The priests in Russia “are very careful” about relations with the Russian Orthodox Church and “try not to offend the Orthodox church,” said Father Garcia.

“Catholic priests working in Russia are so focused on working with (just) Catholics,” a small population of mostly foreigners in the country, he said.

In Rome, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican press spokesman, said in a note distributed to journalists that authorities suspect Father Betancourt had been killed before October 26, since he had not shown up to celebrate Sunday Mass that day.

Father Messmer may have been killed October 27 since he had returned to Moscow from Germany that night, Father Lombardi wrote.

The funeral Mass for the priests was celebrated by Moscow Archbishop Paolo Pezzi the evening of October 29 in Moscow’s Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

Father Messmer, a Russian citizen, was born in Kazakhstan. He had been head of the Russian independent region of the Society of Jesus since 2002.

Father Betancourt, an Ecuadorean citizen, studied in Argentina, Germany and Rome and had been working in Russia since 2001.

The two priests worked together at Moscow’s Church of St. Louis of France.

The Church in the U.S.

4

November 7, 2008

In tough economy, agency sees 40 percent increase in calls for help

PITTSBURGH (CNS) — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh is reporting a 40 percent increase in the number of calls from people seeking help as the country continues to struggle with the economy.

Not only is the increase a significant change from this time last year, according to executive director Susan Rauscher, but “we are also seeing an increase in the complexity of the situations.”

Some who had been able to get from paycheck to paycheck are finding that the rising costs of gas, food and utilities “have put a significant strain on their income, which can no longer cover their expenses,” she told the Pittsburgh Catholic, newspaper of the Pittsburgh Diocese.

Others have lost their job or suffered an illness or car-repair bill, causing “an upheaval in their ability to manage their budgets,” she said.

Some, she said, “seem to have been simply pounded down by the current economic situation with shut-off notices, eviction notices and medical bills all pressing for payment immediately.”

The agency is responding by “doing our best to simply be able to return all the phone calls. This alone has proven to be a monumental task,” she said.

At the same time, Catholic Charities is reassessing its current resources to determine if it can provide additional support to these clients.

“This is no small task since needs have already drained half of our annual budget for that department in the first two months,” she said.

Rauscher also said the agency is varying its programming to meet increasing demand and trying to work with other service providers “in a more efficient manner in order to better serve clients.”

Officials are trying to organize teams of volunteer advisers to lead regional workshops to educate people on ways to avert problems before they become a crisis by covering information on budgeting, financial literacy, regional resources, resume writing and interviewing skills.

“We are working with counties to try to facilitate needed responses on a broader basis,” she said, noting that Catholic Charities offices throughout the Pittsburgh Diocese are seeing increases in calls for help.

The agency wants to work closely with parishes, Rauscher said. “It is more important than ever that we don’t duplicate services and are conscientious stewards of the resources entrusted to us.”

Another concern is the approach of cold weather.

“There is a very real sense of urgency,” she said. “It is vitally important that people seek assistance as soon as they anticipate a problem. Many issues are easier and less expensive to resolve before a utility is shut off or an eviction is enforced.

She noted that for almost 100 years Catholic Charities “has been blessed by the trust our neighbors have bestowed on us. We witness it daily, in their acts of kindness, their willingness to volunteer and their financial support of our work. We join our neighbors in a commitment to doing the work of God.”

Come and See Sponsored by The Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement (A Come and See is a weekend of reflection for women considering a vocation to the consecrated life.)

The weekend will include time for prayer and reflection, Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, presentations on St. Francis, personal witness talks and opportunities to meet the Sisters at Graymoor and learn the history of the community.

Vocation Weekend November 14-16, 2008 (5:30 p.m. Friday through 1 p.m. Sunday) Our Lady of the Atonement Retreat House Graymoor, Garrison, NY

For more information or to register: contact Sr. Jean Tavin, SA (1-845-230-8231) Email: vocationministry@graymoor.org

TROUBLING TIMES — A for-sale sign for a foreclosed property is seen in front of a house in Falls Church, Va., in July. (CNS photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters)

Bishop McManus says Church must be generous, prudent in uncertain economy

By Margaret M. Russell Catholic News Service

WORCESTER — In these uncertain economic times “the Church has to set an example of what it means to be generous but also be very deliberate about how we spend the temporal goods the people have given to us,” said Bishop Robert J. McManus of Worcester.

He said he sent a letter to pastors recently urging them to be vigilant with the finances of the parishes.

“In times like this the wisest thing is not expansion,” he said in a late October interview with The Catholic Free Press, Worcester diocesan newspaper. “We have to be very prudent” not to embark on any parish improvement projects that involve significant funds, he added.

The economic crisis also has a dimension that can lead people to seek spiritual as well as material comfort from the Church.

“Sometimes challenging times help people to put things into perspective. And if we are honest in our evaluation of what’s gone on for the last number of years, in some ways some people have been living over their heads,” the bishop said.

“Does having more and more really make us more content about ourselves?” he asked.

In a late October pastoral letter on the economy to the people of the diocese, Bishop McManus said, “For many, the opportunity exists to rediscover a life of trust in God, of simpler choices, or the blessing of family life.

“At this time we find ourselves in a unique position to offer the assurances of the great treasury of Christian tradition, which continues to assert what we have always believed: that our ultimate hope lies in our relationship with the Lord and that our principal virtues are faith, hope and love,” he added.

“This is a very timely message indeed.”

In his letter he also asked parishes to help the needy.

“It is my hope that there be a heightened pastoral concern for those who have suddenly lost em-

ployment, benefits, a mortgage or retirement income,” he said.

“The efforts of parish St. Vincent de Paul societies, Knights of Columbus councils, food pantry workers, justice and peace committees, as well as other existing parish groups, might well play an important role in bringing solace and genuine relief to vulnerable parishioners.”

Bishop McManus promised the central administration of the diocese will also exercise fiscal restraint.

“We have already taken steps to improve the liquidity of many of our assets so as to ensure the cash flow so vital to diocesan and parish operations,” he said. “At the same time, we will continue to exercise prudence in approving requests for funding and for building and improvement projects.”

There was no mention in his letter of the effect the economy might have on the pastoral planning process of consolidating and/or reducing the number of churches in the diocese.

“From the diocesan point of view, I would not use the economic difficulties to say we have to notch up the volume at which we are moving ahead,” he said.

He pointed to the fact that he has always said that the process “will take as long as it takes.”

From the parishes’ point of view, however, he said the economic difficulties “may speed things along if parishes find they cannot afford to keep their doors open.”

The Church’s material role in the crisis, he said, is manifest through our charitable social agencies.

“Already people are talking about seeing a need out there and people approach our churches for assistance. We have to do as much as we can to reach out to these people,” he said.

November 7, 2008

The Church in the U.S.

5

New human body disposal process is raising alarms

NEW ORLEANS (CNS) — It doesn't make for polite dinner-table conversation, but the national Catholic Cemetery Conference is raising alarms about a potential option for disposing of human bodies in which a lye solution dissolves tissues into a sterile substance that can be safely flushed down a drain.

Although no funeral home in the U.S. currently is using the process, known as alkaline hydrolysis, two research medical centers — the University of Florida at Gainesville and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. — make use of it to dispose of cadavers.

The process, which proponents claim is safe for the environment and potentially cheaper than cremation, was developed in the U.S. in 1992 to dispose of animal carcasses. The two medical centers dispose of the liquid residue from the human cadavers by pouring it down the drain.

Minnesota and New Hampshire allow alkaline hydrolysis for animal remains. A funeral director in Manchester, N.H., is trying to get the necessary permits to operate an alkaline hydrolysis tank, but delays have put his plans on hold temporarily. In the process, water and potassium hydroxide are mixed, heated and pressurized in a steel tank to dissolve the body tissues.

Deacon Glenn Tylutki, outreach coordinator of cemetery services for the Archdiocese of Chicago, said he issued the warning about chemical digestion of human remains at the recently concluded meeting of the Catholic Cemetery Conference in Orlando, Fla., because of concerns that the practice violates the Catholic Church's reverence for the sacredness of the human body.

"I guess I don't know how to say it any better than it's a desecration," Deacon Tylutki said. "The process has no dignity and respect for the human body. In our faith, the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit."

In May, Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Conn., chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Doctrine, wrote Archbishop John G. Vlazny of Portland, Ore., that the hydrolysis process produces bone residue that "can easily be crushed into a powder" and returned to the family "just as the ashes

are returned to the family after cremation."

"The many gallons of liquid, however, which contain the matter that was the rest of the body, are to be poured down the drain (or perhaps spread on a field as fertilizer)," Bishop Lori wrote. "Dissolving bodies in a vat of chemicals and pouring the resultant liquid down the drain is not a respectful way to dispose of human remains."

The New York State Catholic Conference publicly opposed a bill considered by the New York State Assembly that would have allowed "chemical digestion of human remains."

The conference said some hospitals and medical facilities that receive human bodies for research support alkaline hydrolysis "to avoid the expense of dignified handling of remains. Alkaline hydrolysis is dubbed to be a quicker, cheaper way of disposal of a human body. Respect and reverence in handling a human body must not be sacrificed for financial benefits to medical research facilities."

The bill failed to get out of either house of the New York State Assembly. Deacon Tylutki said if one or two states approve the process for funeral homes, the likelihood is it will lead to wider acceptance.

Deacon Tylutki said the Church accepted the practice of cremation in 1963 provided that it was not a sign denying the sacredness of the human body. The cremated remains are to be treated with reverence and interred, not kept in an urn in the house, scattered on the seas or kept in a locket.

Sometimes well-meaning Catholics who have not been properly catechized will try to keep the ashes of a loved one rather than properly inter them. Also, children may want to save on funeral expenses.

"Sometimes it's a dollars-and-cents thing," Deacon Tylutki said. "The kids are looking at the bottom line. We need to do more catechesis."

Chemically dissolving the body brings another level of potential abuses to the human body. "I think we need to tell people about this so that if it's slipped into a bill, they will know it's not right and say, 'This is not what we want,'" Deacon Tylutki said

Associate Director of Pastoral Planning

The Diocese of Fall River’s Office for Pastoral Planning currently has a position available for an experienced Associate Director of Planning.

The Associate Director of Planning primarily facilitates the development, training and support of pastoral councils on the parish, region and diocesan level.

The Associate works closely with the Director of Planning in the development of policy and procedure regarding planning issues.

Qualified candidates for this position will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Education, HR, or other related field (Master’s degree preferred); at least 5 years experience in significant professional leadership position or equivalent combination of experience and education. Qualified candidates should be familiar with principles of organization development.

Candidates interested in viewing a complete job description should access: www.fallriverdiocese.org Interested parties should forward a cover letter and resume, including salary requirements by November 12 to: Office for Pastoral Planning Diocese of Fall River 450 Highland Avenue, P.O. Box 2577 Fall River, MA 02722

BUCKING THE TREND — Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Arlington, Va., blesses the DMC Pharmacy in Chantilly, Va., during its grand opening recently. The pharmacy is part of the Pro-Life Divine Mercy Care organization, founded by a Catholic physician who adheres to Church teaching in his practice. The pharmacy will not carry any contraceptive products. (CNS photo/Katie Bahr, Arlington Catholic Herald)

6

The Anchor Heroes of the Bible

Recently a large international study on Catholics and the Bible found that only three percent of Catholics read the Bible each day. Eighty percent of Catholics confess that the only time they hear the Word of God is when they hear it proclaimed at Mass. One of the obvious conclusions of the survey was that even though 93 percent of Catholics in the developed world own a Bible, few of them profit from this divine treasure at their fingertips.

This is one of the reasons why throughout the month of October Pope Benedict convened the triennial Synod of Bishops to study the theme of the Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.

The working document in preparation for the Synod aptly described the situation that bishops from around the globe came to the Vatican to examine and seek to remedy: “For some the Bible is seen purely as a cultural object with no effect on life, while others, instead, display a certain affection for the book but without knowing why.” For many Catholics the seed of the word of God falls on hardened, rocky, or thorny soil. The bishops, well aware of this soil sample from their own diocesan vineyards, wanted to focus the attention and energy of the Church to tilling this soil to make it good, capable of producing fruit 30, 60 or 100 fold (Mark 4:2-20).

At the Synod — as in many times in Church history — the soil of genuine faith was nourished by the blood of the martyrs. This fertilization was carried out in an unforgettably moving five-minute witness by Bishop Antons Justs of Jelgava, Latvia. His words brought the prelates not only to their feet but to tears. They have the power to make readers irrigate this editorial page as well.

“In my presentation,” Bishop Justs began in simple, straightforward English, “I would like to talk about the martyrs of the 20th century and in particular those in my country Latvia These are the priests, men and women who died for proclaiming the Word of God. “ I remember one Latvian priest, Viktors, who during the Soviet regime in Latvia was arrested for possessing the holy Bible. In the eyes of the Soviet agents the holy Scriptures were an anti-revolutionary book. The agents threw the holy Scriptures on the floor and ordered the priest to step on it. The priest refused and instead knelt down and kissed the book. For this gesture the priest was condemned to 10 years of hard labor in Siberia.

“Ten years later, when the priest returned to his parish and celebrated the holy Mass, he read the Gospel. Then he lifted up the lectionary and said: ‘The Word of God!’ The people cried and thanked God.” The Word of God, they knew, was a treasure worth suffering for, even the tortures of a decade in a brutal Siberian labor camp. It was worth getting down on one’s knees to kiss. It contained within the open secrets of a true and definitive revolution. Father Viktors clearly knew the value of the Word of God and became a living witness to its inestimable value.

He was not alone in this testimony. “In Latvia, during the Soviet era,” Bishop Justs continued, “no religious books, no holy Scriptures, no catechisms were allowed to be printed. The reasoning was: if there is no printed Word of God, there will be no religion.

So our Latvian people did what the first-century Christians did: they learnt the passages of the holy Scriptures by heart.

“Still today in Latvia there is an oral tradition alive. We stand on the shoulders of our martyrs to proclaim the Word of God. Our grandchildren remember their grandfathers and grandmothers, who died for their faith; they want to be, in their turn, heroes of faith.

In Latvia we proclaim the living Word of God! We go in the processions and on the pilgrimages, we sing songs and we pray and say: ‘This is the Word of God,’ for which our grandparents died.”

A people learning sacred Scripture by heart, taking the Bible on pilgrimages, proudly proclaiming the Word of God, and seeking to be heroes in witness to it — this is what the Catholic Church is meant to be. As these faithful Latvians demonstrate, the Bible is not a dead document but a “living word,” since the Word of God is not principally a book or a series of books but a Person, an incarnate Word, whom we encounter through the Bible’s sacred words.

Pope Benedict is clearly trying to bring the Word of God alive again in this way in the hearts of Catholic faithful and Catholic biblical scholars. In his Synod intervention, he stressed that the Bible needs to be viewed and read with faith as a living encounter with God and never merely as a dead anthology of humanly-revered texts. Otherwise “the Bible becomes a book only about the past. Moral consequences can be drawn from it, one can learn about history, but the Book only speaks about the past” and its interpretation remains at the level of the history of literature rather than an encounter with a God who is very much alive.

Sacred Scripture is, in other words, more than a Bartlett’s Book of Holy Quotations that we can use to buttress whatever arguments we’re making. It is an encounter with a God who speaks to us, who reveals himself to us, who shows how he has acted in history for our sake, and who manifests to us our origin, our dignity, our weakness, and our supreme calling. For that reason we must approach it with a holy listening to what God is saying and an obedient faith. This is the way by which we will be transformed from “idle listeners” into “doers” of the word (James 1:22). This is the way we will become “living exegetes,” as Pope Benedict is accustomed to say. This is the way we will become true heroes of the faith like the Latvians.

This Year of St. Paul that we are now living is a great opportunity for every Catholic to approach the Bible with renewed faith and zeal. Not only is it an occasion to study the letters that the Holy Spirit inspired St. Paul to write to the first Christians — tackling problems and issues that are still highly relevant today — but it is an opportunity zealously to learn the books of the Old Testament that Paul traveled from Tarsus to Jerusalem to assimilate with relish at the feet of the great Rabbi Gamaliel.

Most importantly this Pauline Year is a time for us to come to know intimately the teaching of the Gospel. Like in 20th-century Latvia, at St. Paul’s time there were no written Gospels to read. He and the early Christians needed to learn the teachings of Jesus by heart. They did and passed on this life-saving treasure by an oral tradition that was eventually written down. They became, by necessity, walking, breathing Bibles. They processed throughout the world, with songs and prayer, saying “This is the Word of God.” And they transformed and renewed the world.

The Word of God has the same power to bring about that true revolution — if only we, like our Latvian heroes, like St. Paul and the first Christian heroes, receive it on good soil and respond to it with a living faith.

November 7, 2008

A tour in anticipation of St. Martin

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ne of the most enjoyable and exhausting age of the automobile!

The following morning we went to see the pilgrimages of my life began on Christmas night during my first year as a seminarian in tomb of the famous St. Ireneus, only to be treRome. With classmates from Illinois and Okla- mendously disappointed that this giant in the hishoma, as well as one from the womb — my tory of the Church, the first real theologian who identical twin, Scot, who was a seminarian with heroically battled to preserve the faith against so me overseas — we flew to Paris and began our many heresies, had the tiniest of churches built ambitious adventure to visit all, or nearly all, of over his sepulcher. On a cold day that church was even colder, totally empty and unkempt. We the sacred spots in France.

On December 26, we “did” Paris. We visited prayed there for the grace to be good and bold Notre Dame Cathedral, the famous shrine of theologians. We then visited the beautiful BasiliSacré Coeur on Montmartre, the Shrine of the ca of Notre Dame de Fourvières overlooking the Miraculous Medal with its tombs of SS. Lou- city of Lyons and headed, with great expectation, ise de Marillac and Catherine Labouré, and the on the 25-mile journey north to Ars, the city made church where St. Vincent de Paul was buried. famous by the patron saint of parish priests, St. We went to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. John Marie Vianney.

It was New Year’s Eve and the village was We even had the chance to visit the Church of St. Germain L’Auxerrois, where there is a chapel almost totally empty. All the stores, including that prior to the revolution housed the remains of places to eat, were closed, but thankfully the the most famous of the four St. Landry’s, who church in Ars and the old rectory were open for was bishop of Paris in the middle of the 600s. We us to pray. After several hours of praying, we collapsed at the end of the day, but we were just were voraciously hungry, so I asked one of the nuns who was praying in the church where starvgetting warmed up.

The following day we picked up a brand ing seminarians might find some boiled potatoes new rental car and drove to the world famous — a reference to the Curé D’Ars famous staple Cathedral in Chartres, where we marveled at its — on New Year’s Day. She was Franciscan and she told me that beautiful stained she could beg glass windows. her mother supeWe headed next rior to allow us to to the Rouen and come to eat with visited various them at their celsites associated ebration in honor with St. Joan of of our Lady later Arc. Finally we

By Father that afternoon. proceeded to LiLa mère susieux and prayed Roger J. Landry périeure graceat many of the fully consented. places associated with the Little Flower. We stayed in a Catholic We thought it would be a small affair. Actually mental institution and slept on hospital beds. The that’s where all the folks in the town were hiding. price was right. One-hundred-eighty-two miles. We were treated, frankly, as royalty, and not just After praying in Lisieux the next morning, in terms of their hospitality: the meal began with we drove to the beautiful quasi-island monastery caviar and got better from there. I’ve been back to of Mt. St. Michel, then to Solemnes, a monastery Ars several times!

The following day we drove from Ars up famous for its Gregorian chant. From there we made our way to Tours, visited the ruins of the until the French Alps to Annecy, the city made once tremendous cathedral built over St. Mar- famous by the great St. Francis de Sales, where tin’s tomb that was destroyed during the French we prayed for wisdom and prudence at his tomb.

Revolution and prayed before St. Martin’s relics. Then through a steady snowfall, we crossed the This third day added 249 miles to the odometer. border into Geneva and visited the cathedral St. The following morning we drove to Poitiers Francis was never able to occupy. Next we travto pray over the tomb of St. Hilary. Then we eled to see the ruins of the church in Cluny that got more adventurous, left the main roads and once was the largest church in the world. Finally traveled through treacherous mountain roads to we sped to Paray-le-Monial, where St. Margaret visit the famous medieval shrine of Rocamadour. Mary Alacoque received the revelations of Jesus During the middle ages, this was the fourth great- Sacred Heart. After 359 miles on the road, includest pilgrimage spot in Christendom, after Rome, ing many through the mountains, we heard Jesus’ Santiago de Compostela (where St. James the words, “Come to me, all you who are weary …

Greater is buried in Spain), and the Holy Land. It and I will refresh you” in a new light.

The next day we journeyed to Nevers to pray at supposedly holds the relics St. Amadour, which legend said was the husband of the St. Veronica the tomb of St. Bernadette, the incorrupt Lourdes who wiped the face of Jesus. They supposedly visionary who appears merely to be sleeping. moved here during the diaspora and while he Then we headed to the great Cathedral of Orleans was here, he allegedly sculpted a miraculous and finally back to Paris. Two-hundred-forty-six image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The isolated miles somehow seemed short.

On our last day we made our way north to sanctuary with a dubious foundation eventually was abandoned after the French Revolution, France’s most beautiful Cathedral in Amiens, but it bore witness to the faith of millions who then southeast to another spectacular one in Rehiked there. After patting ourselves on the back ims and finally to Charles de Gaulle Airport for for being among the few American seminarians the flight back to Rome. Two-hundred-seventyalive to have made the perilous trek to such an two miles.

I still remember the reaction — a startled “inhistoric but deserted spot, we drove through the mountains and arrived at Lourdes, where we in- croyable!” — of the young woman at the airport dulged ourselves by spending a whole day. Two- rental car agency when she read the odometer and realized that we had put on 2,125 miles the hundred-ninety-seven miles.

After a great day of prayer and a little rest in past nine days. She asked where we had gone.

Lourdes, we embarked on the most ambitious We retraced for her the counter-clockwise circle day of our pilgrimage. We drove to the exquisite- we had done of her big, beautiful country. She ly-preserved medieval city of Carcassone, where was intrigued by many of the destinations. Takwe were fascinated by the moats, drawbridges, ing us to be American soldiers on a leave — a crenellated walls and more. Then we moved to common occurrence whenever fit young semiAvignon, the seat of the papacy from 1308-1378, narians travel — she wondered why we chose where we saw what only previously we could those places. That’s when we were able to witonly imagine. After visiting the tiny Church of the ness to her that we were soldiers in another army Popes as well as museums of the Avignon years visiting the tombs of many of our Church miliof the papacy, we concluded that the popes made tant’s greatest heroes.

On Tuesday, we’ll celebrate the feast of one of the right call in returning to Rome! We journeyed Lyons, where we crashed, after 495 miles of driv- those we visited, St. Martin of Tours, who made the transition from a soldier for Caesar to a soling, at the majestic and huge Grand Seminaire.

By this point, you’re probably getting tired dier for Christ — and quite a traveler himself. I’ll just reading this. Imagine how we felt! But Scot write about him next week.

Father Landry is pastor of St. Anthony of and I were 25, Pete and Steve were 22, and we were grateful that at least we were pilgrims in the Padua Parish in New Bedford.

Putting Into the Deep

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Cross and glory

he purpose of the previous the mystery of salvation, that is, talks on St. Paul by Pope into Paul’s Christology.

Benedict has been to examine Those familiar with Paul’s the issues and questions springing from Paul’s Living the conversion and the years that followed immediatePauline Year ly thereafter. This time, the focus is upon the cenBy Father Andrew tral concept of what Paul Johnson, OCSO actually preached during his years of evangelizing.

The Holy Father leads us into a consideration of the letters know that he almost never centrality of the risen Christ in refers to the events in the life of

the earthly Jesus, his miracles or his teachings. He may very well have spoken more of them in person to his flock, but in his letters, certainly, his great concern was to proclaim Jesus as “Lord,” alive now and present among his followers. And yet the risen one is always the crucified one: even risen and appearing to his disciples in the upper room, he bears his wounds and, in greeting, shows them, now made

Nestorianism and the ‘Church of the East’

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November 7, 2008

he first ecumenical council sence, hypostasis, person — were was held at Nicea in hurled about by people who used present-day Turkey in 325. Its them in different meanings. main work was the condemnaNestorius precipitated the debate tion of Arianism, a heresy named by refusing to call the Virgin Mary after the priest of Alexandria in Theotokos, meaning “God-bearer” Egypt who denied the divinity of or “Mother of God.” Although the Son. To protect the unity of this title was already accepted in the divine nature, Arius placed popular devotion, Nestorius thought the Son among created beings: a it confused Christ’s humanity and superior creature, a demigod even, divinity, thus opening the door to but nevertheless most definitely a absurd claims, such as that God was member of the creaturely realm. born, suffered, and died. ConseThe Council of Nicea rejected this quently, Nestorius was willing to position, declaring in the creed it attribute to Mary the title Christodrew up that the Son is “begotten, tokos, Christ-bearer, but not Thenot made, consubstantial with the Father.”

That is to say, the Son of God is himself God The Fullness and therefore uncreof the Truth ated; for only if Christ be fully God, the

By Father council answered, can Thomas M. Kocik he atone for sins and save mankind.

The work of Nicea was taken up by the second ecuotokos. Cyril countered that Mary menical council in 381 at Constan- is truly God’s mother because she tinople, the capital of the Eastern bore one of the Trinity: the Word Roman (or Byzantine) Empire. became flesh for our salvation (Jn This council expanded the Nicene 1:14). Jesus is not a man conjoined Creed, developing in particular the to God but a single and undivided teaching on the Holy Spirit, whose Person, God the Son, who assumed divinity it affirmed. By this time, our human nature. Cyril won the Arianism posed no major threat day at Ephesus; Nestorius was except in parts of Western Europe, condemned and deposed. where it met strong opposition, Because Church and State chiefly from St. Hilary of Poitiers were closely linked at that time, and St. Ambrose of Milan, and especially in the Byzantine world, was ultimately eradicated. theological issues were highly The next major theological politicized. The Christians of the controversy, this time centering on Persian Empire, Byzantium’s the incarnate Lord, was addressed eastern enemy, decreed that at the Council of Ephesus in 431.

Nestorius’ Christology was in St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria, accord with the view always held and John Nestorius, Patriarch of by their ancient community. Thus Constantinople, were key figit was that the Church of the East, ures at this, the third ecumenical as this community was commonly council. Both bishops embraced known, parted with the rest of the the Nicene faith, but they diverged Christian world. in their method of explaining the Cut off from Catholic unity and union of divinity and humanity in wholly wed to Nestorianism, the Jesus. Nestorius distinguished so Church of the East nonetheless emphatically between the two that flourished. Its theological school he seemed to be saying that Christ in Nisibis, famous for such lumiis two persons, the divine Son naries as St. Ephrem the Syrian and the man Jesus, coexisting in (died 373), continued to nurture the same body. Cyril, conversely, scholars and monks, poets and stressed the fusion of our Lord’s hermits. After the Arab conquest divinity and humanity. Either of Persia in 637, Nestorian scholapproach could lead to heresy ars introduced their inquisitive if pressed too far. The lack of a rulers to Greek astronomy, mathshared technical vocabulary made ematics, and philosophy. Over things all the more precarious, as the next few centuries, Nestorian Greek philosophical terms — esmissionaries traveled far and wide

across Asia, penetrating into China and Mongolia. At its zenith (13th century), the Church of the East claimed more than 30 metropolitan sees and 200 suffragan dioceses. Prior to the Portuguese arrival in India in 1498, Nestorians bolstered the isolated Christian community founded there (according to legend) by the Apostle Thomas, providing bishops for the “St. Thomas Christians.” Dynastic troubles and the upheavals of civil war ultimately wiped out the Church of the East in China; but the Italian Jesuit Matteo Ricci, while traveling through China in 1608, encountered a faithful remnant of Nestorians.

Mongol invasions in the 14th century and later persecutions have reduced this once mighty Church, which today styles itself the Assyrian (or East Syrian) Church, to small communities primarily in Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and southern India. In the 16th century a portion of the Church of the East reunited with the Church of Rome while retaining its ancient East Syrian liturgy and customs, forming the Chaldean Catholic Church now centered in Baghdad.

An historic meeting of the head of the Assyrian Church, Mar Dinkha IV (who resides in Chicago), and Pope John Paul II took place at Rome in November 1994 and a joint Christological Declaration was signed. Both Churches recognized the other’s Christology as not only orthodox but actually the same, albeit expressed in different terms. As to the above mentioned Marian titles, the Declaration states: “We both recognize the legitimacy and rightness of these expressions of the same faith, and we both respect the preference of each Church in her liturgical life and piety.” The Assyrian Church and its Chaldean Catholic counterpart have since pledged pastoral cooperation, including the drafting of a common catechism and the establishment of a joint seminary.

With the full reintegration of the two Churches in God’s good time, Christianity’s oldest extant schism will at last be ended.

Father Kocik is a parochial vicar at Santo Christo Parish, Fall River.

glorious and even beautiful in his risen state. As Blaise Pascal wrote, “He is the Suffering one until the end of the world.” Paul’s encounter on the Damascus road revealed to him that the crucified one is the risen one, and the risen one is the crucified one.

The mysteries of the Old Covenant fell open to Paul as he realized this truth. The cross is not simply “accursed by God” but is also the sacrifice of our redemption. “Cursed is he who hangs on a tree” (Deut 21:23) took on new and transcendent meaning for him, since he now knew the Lord had borne the curse of sin for us all. “O happy fault, O necessary sin of Adam” could be Paul’s own words of wonder at the new world of meaning opening up to him. The Old Testament wisdom literature too, especially the Psalms, must have practically exploded with new meaning for him, given his new insights. The wisdom of God, which had been rejected by men in favor of sin throughout the centuries, was now rejected in human form, too.

Tent, law, sacrifice, prophecy: all the forms and figures of the old covenant now were illumined by the incarnation, suffering, death and resurrection of the Lord.

Pope Benedict then discusses the hymn of Philippians 2:611 (which certainly predates the letter itself) and tells of the self-emptying or kenosis of the Wisdom-Son in taking on the form of a slave, who is then exalted and given the name above all others. This hymn is surely proof that, even before Paul, there was the belief that Jesus

was divine, and that this was not simply a Hellenistic “head trip” to raise the spiritual stakes for the new religion. At any rate, the Holy Father says, what is most important here is that the pride of Adam, who wanted to become like God, is reversed and healed by the humility of Jesus who, though in the form of God, emptied himself and became human. This is, paradoxically, the true way to heaven: humility and service.

Lastly, Pope Benedict briefly examines three other places in Paul’s writings where the preexistence and descent to earth of the Son of God are plainly dealt with: 1 Timothy 3:16 (“manifested in the flesh”), Colossians 1:15-20 (“first-born of all creation”), and Ephesians 1:23, where we find that God’s plan of love is to recapitulate all things in Christ, the very origin of all things.

He ends his talk with what we might call a short Christological hymn of his own: “Christ is the epitome of all things; he takes everything upon himself and guides us to God. And thus he involves us in a movement of descent and ascent, inviting us to share in his humility, that is, in his love for neighbor, in order also to share in his glorification, becoming with him sons in the Son. Let us pray the Lord to help us conform to his humility, to his love, in order to be rendered participants in his divinization.” Amen.

Father Johnson is the diocesan director of the Pauline Year and parochial vicar at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis.

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remember back in the Jubilee Year of 2000 a woman I know had just returned from a pilgrimage to Rome. She mentioned she visited a very large church called St. John Lateran.

She had originally thought it was named after a saint named John Lateran and was surprised to discover the Basilica was actually dedicated the “Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour, St. John Baptist and St. John the Evangelist at the Lateran.”

Over the years the nickname became the shortened “St. John Lateran.” Embarrassed by my ignorance of this most important piece of information I repeated in agreement to her as if I had known the name all along. I’m glad I know now.

St. John Lateran is the

The Anchor

November 7, 2008

A church for all the baptized

only archbasilica in the Universal Church’s liturgies world, the oldest basilica in and receives large audiences Rome and the most imporof pilgrims from all over the tant church liturgically for world.

Catholics across the globe.

In today’s reading from St. Upon entering, one sees in Paul we are reminded of the Latin on both sides of the importance of our baptismal main entrance, “The sacrosanct Church of the Lateran: Mother Homily of the Week and Head of All the The Dedication Churches in the City of the Lateran Basilica and in the World.”

It is the cathedral

By Father church of the Diocese Ethan G. McCarthy of Rome, the place from which the Bishop of Rome — pope — teaches most authoritatively. call to be the Temple of God The pope at one time lived at with Jesus Christ as our founthe Lateran Palace next door dation. We need to be careful to the archbasilica. Today the that the foundation of our lives pope lives in the Vatican City is Jesus Christ and no other. and is often associated with With Christ as our foundation the Archbasilica of St. Peter we become the dwelling place where he often celebrates the of the Holy Spirit.

The Church teaches that the church building is a symbol of our bodies and the Church. It is also a place where the baptized come together to worship the savior of the world. If we care for the Church and for our bodies we will build a great earthly and majestic Church.

St. John Lateran, dedicated in the fourth century, is a testament of the greatness of the Church of Rome.

For 1,600 years the people of Rome, with Christ as their foundation and savior, were able to preserve the Christian faith for all the baptized today.

Today’s Gospel story of Jesus’ driving out the moneychangers in the Temple of Jerusalem is a reminder to us

that the Church is his Father’s house. It is a place not for the rich and greedy but for the baptized who offer their bodies — their whole beings — for sacrifice. No longer do we offer sacrifice of oxen, sheep, and bulls, as believers did in Old Testament times, but our entire beings.

The Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour, St. John Baptist and St. John the Evangelist at the Lateran is already built and open to all the world in its splendor and glory, but it pales in comparison to the Church that is currently being built today and until the end of time and that is the Church of the baptized with Jesus Christ as her foundation.

Father McCarthy is chaplain at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Nov. 8, Phil 4:10-19; Ps 112:1b-2,5-6,8a,9; Lk 16:9-15; Sun. Nov. 9, The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Ez 47:1-2,8-9,12; Ps 46:2-3,56,8-9; 1Cor 3:9c-11,16-17; Jn 2:13-22; Mon. Nov. 10, Ti 1:1-9; Ps 24:1b-4b,5-6; Lk 17:1-6; Tues. Nov. 11, Ti 2:1-8,11-14; Ps 37:3-4,18,23,29; Lk 17:7-10; Wed. Nov. 12, Ti 3:1-7; Ps 23:1b-6; Lk 17:11-19; Thu. Nov. 13, Phlm 7-20; Ps 146:7-10; Lk 17:20-25; Fri. Nov. 14, 2 Jn 4-9; Ps 119:1-2,10-11,17,18; Lk 17:26-37.

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can’t remember precisely when I fell in love with history, but it was surely in the first innings of my reading life.

Granted, this was easier in the days when history was written and taught as, well, history — meaning drama, heroes and villains, great arguments, wars and revolutions, and all that other dead white male stuff. I was fortunate in my third-grade teacher, the estimable Sister Miriam Jude, SSND (then a postulant known as Sister Florence); she had sold World Book encyclopedias on the side during her days as a Philadel-

The Christian story and the world’s story phia public school teacher, tive history is a never-failing and talked my parents into pleasure. buying a set. Thanks to the History, that is, like Robert World Book, I was off to the Bruce Mullin’s “A Short historical races. Then there World History of Christiwere Random House’s “Landmark Books,” wonderful history-foryoung-readers, written by real historians, not overly dumbed-down, and costing something

By George Weigel like $.95 or $1.25 for a hardback. I owned dozens, and read more than a few of them several anity,” recently published times. Thus prepared, high

by Westminster John Knox school and college history Press. It is no easy busiwere fun, not drudgery, and to ness, getting two millennia this day, reading good narraof Christian history into 283 readable pages. But Mullin has done the job, in a readable style that makes the fruits of his impressive ample scholarship available to a general audience.

Mullin is a master at sketching brief portraits of key figures in the Christian story. He neatly disentangles the great — and often daunting — trinitarian, christological, and mariological controversies of the first centuries in a thoroughly accessible way. Unlike many, perhaps most, historians of Christianity, he understands that the Christian contest with Islam has been a defining experience of Christian history, ever since the armies of Islam broke out of the Arabian peninsula and swept across what

The Catholic Difference

was, in the seventh century, one of the vital centers of the Christian world — North Africa. His description of the accomplishments of the often-deplored Middle Ages is both just and enlightening, as are his depictions of the Reformation, the Catholic Counter-Reformation, and the European wars of religion. His attention to the tremendous missionary expansion of Christianity in the 19th and 20th centuries is a useful reminder, in this Pauline Year, that great Christian missions didn’t stop with St. Paul — or St. Francis Xavier, for that matter.

What’s the relationship between the story told so well by Robert Bruce Mullin and the history I inhaled with those World Books? When history was taught properly, the sequence was usually organized by chapter headings that read something like “Ancient Civilizations,” “Greece and Rome,” “the Dark Ages,” the Middle Ages,” “Renaissance and Reformation,” “the Age of Reason,” “the Age of Revolution,” “the Age of Science,” “the Space Age,” or some such. From a Christian perspective, however, that is history read on its surface.

For there is another way to schematize the human story. Its chapter headings

would run something like this: “Creation,” “Fall,” “Promise,” “Prophecy,” “Incarnation,” “Redemption,” “Sanctification,” “Proclamation,” “the Kingdom of God.” That story — the biblical story, if you will — does not, however, run parallel to the “real” story as taught in the history textbooks. The story that begins with “Creation” and culminates in “the Kingdom of God” is the human story, read in its proper depth and against its most ample horizon. For the central truth of history is that history is His-story: the story of God’s coming into time and our learning to take the same path that God takes toward the future.

In “A Short World History of Christianity,” Robert Bruce Mullin offers us, not a theological interpretation of history but a concise narrative of the Church’s life in the world — the Church’s life between “Redemption” and “the Kingdom of God.” To know that story is to see how, in specific personalities and communities, both the Spirit promised to the Church and the ancient enemy have been at work, shaping what the world regards as “history.” It’s a story every literate Catholic should know.

George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

The pit and the pendulum

Tuesday 4 November 2008 It’s always a good feeling to — on the shores of Three Mile enter a church for Mass and find a River — Will Roger’s 129th birth full house. It energizes me. There anniversary is a kind of “holy electricity” that added another Mass to the goes back and forth between the weekend schedule. Not only presider and the assembly. If the is the increased attendance attributable to the consolidation of two formerly separate communities, but Reflections of a other folks are arriving Parish Priest from who knows where.

We open wide our doors to

By Father Tim them all. I hope our guests Goldrick feel at home and among friends.

Somebody once said a new priest is boring, chances are that church should be constructed so as congregation is boring as well — to provide a seat for every person and vice versa. Even Fulton J. who may possibly decide to show Sheen couldn’t deliver a soul-stirup at Christmas or Easter. Can you ring sermon to a congregation of imagine? The building would be three, two of whom have already massive — and what would you fallen asleep and the third seeming do with it the rest of the year? to be busy studying the obscure

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The Ship’s Log

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November 7, 2008

print in the newsprint missal. A good listener never heard a bad sermon.

Jesus tells the parable of one sheep in a hundred that wanders off. The shepherd goes out to search for it. I read a comment recently comparing this parable with our experience of a drastic drop in Mass attendance. Spiritual writer Father Edward Hays points out that, out of 100 parishioners, there are no longer 99 sheep still in the fold but only 34. The one sheep that wandered off has now been joined by 65 others. And it’s going to get worse before it gets better. That is indeed a sobering thought. Not that I would abandon the 34 remaining in the fold but how do I reach out to the 66 who

As we forgive those

ast week I had a unique need to maintain an unassuming opportunity to meet a awareness of our own fragility Catholic woman from Rwanda and sinfulness in order to model named Immaculée Ilibagiza. godly forgiveness to our children.

Because I helped choose ImConcerning the power of maculée’s book, “Left to Tell,” the media. “The genocide was as the all-school reading book organized long before it hapfor this year at Bishop Stang pened, partially through radical High School, I was invited meet radio broadcasting. The shooting her and to hear her speak to the of our president was the catalyst student body. Rwandan Hutus, for the genocide, but people had during a horrific three-month been listening for a long time period in 1994, slaughtered most of Immaculée’s family, along with nearly one million other Tutsi tribespeople. Immaculée survived for 91 days by hiding in a pastor’s threeBy Heidi Bratton by-four-foot bathroom with seven other women.

Immaculée came to share not about social justice or before that to drunken broadcastrevenge, however, but about forers furthering hatred for the Tutsi giveness and new life. I believe people, calling them cockroaches her wisdom can help us raise our and encouraging the Hutus to exchildren to know the power of terminate us. Because of this I am forgiveness, to understand how very cautious around the radio evil can silently infect our own and TV.” As Catholic parents, we hearts, homes, and communities, must monitor the input our chiland to employ the power we have dren get from all media sources, to stop it. Here are three of the teaching them not to believe important points that Immaculée everything they read, see, or hear. made to the students and me.

We must also look beyond popuConcerning forgiveness. “No lar news outlets to more inspiring one is 100 percent evil or 100 media, like Immaculée’s book. percent good. We are all weak.

We need to make sure that our We must not attach ourselves family gets firsthand exposure to to people like we should attach the goodness of people around us ourselves to God, trusting them who are striving to serve God like more than we do God. If I can her, which is rarely considered forgive, you can forgive. If God newsworthy. went through all that he did Concerning our knowledge of suffering and dying for our sins God. “In that bathroom, I prayed and forgave, who am I not to?” and asked God to show himself This translates to our Catholic to me in a very concrete way. It parenting in that even when we was my moment to turn into an think we have perfect reasons atheist or to turn to God. When to harbor bitterness and withhe answered my prayer I realhold forgiveness; we do not. We ized, ‘Oh, my goodness, God is

Home Grown Faith

real.’ Even if I didn’t understand everything, like why God would allow all my family to be killed, I knew that God was real. That’s when I thought, ‘I can find out more about God when I get out of this bathroom, but in here I can start with the rosary my father gave to me.” As Catholic parents we must remember to remain docile in God’s hands. We should not think that we have to know all the answers before we can begin to live our faith, but rather believe that we can begin by seeking God with what we do know, and by approaching him with humble and teachable hearts.

Watching Immaculée joyfully interact with Bishop Stang students, including two of my own kids, I was reminded that instructing our children in the Catholic faith, as Immaculée’s parents did for her, is not a fluffy extra for us to get around to after we have attended to all the more practical issues of the day. Teaching our children the Catholic faith is something worthy of much sacrifice on all levels. After meeting Immaculée, I know that if I should be taken out of my children’s lives, as happened to Immaculée’s parents, I would want my children to be as happy and purposed-filled as she is. I know that it is her Catholic faith that brought her through her harrowing experiences in Africa, and which still keeps her going each day.

Heidi is an author, photographer, and full-time mother.

She and her husband raise their six children in Falmouth. homegrownfaith@gmail.com.

have wandered off? Those who have strayed from the pews are as much my pastoral responsibility as those who have stayed in the pews.

Why have my sheep wandered off? Maybe they were bored to death. Maybe they had issues with some Church teaching or other.

Maybe they were scandalized.

Maybe they are disillusioned with leadership (or lack thereof) in the faith community. Maybe their deep longing for the sacred was somehow not being satisfied. Maybe they just lost their faith. It happens.

Where have my sheep wandered? Although 20 million Americans now call themselves “ex-Catholics,” once a Catholic, always a Catholic. Some are attracted to the easy salvation of Fundamentalist theology. Other “former Roman Catholics” are now actually Episcopal Catholics or Congregational Catholics or Methodist Catholics. Although they have disengaged, I’m still their shepherd.

Then there are the “Roaming Catholics,” the spiritually homeless who would never think of joining some other denomination but they are Catholics who could not be called practicing by any stretch of the imagination.

They are unengaged. They are not listed on my parish membership roster. They don’t use the budget envelopes. Their faces are unfamiliar to me. Sometimes the unengaged courageously reach out to me and ask that a baby be baptized or a marriage blessed, or a funeral conducted. My job is to hear out the “Roaming Catholics” not chase them out.

My task is to show compassion to those who have wandered.

Nov. 11, 18, 25 Nov. 11, 19, 2008 Nov. 14 - 16, 2008 Nov. 15, 2008 Nov. 16, 2008 Dec. 5-7, 2008

I must beware of slipping into an attitude of rigidity, clericalism, or legalism. I read somewhere that Jesus was not very fond of these.

Such were the tools of the Counter Reformation. They served their purpose at the time. For those old enough to remember, our war with the world ended and we came out of the trenches decades ago. Ah, but the pendulum swings, as it always does. It still makes no sense to dive back into the pits. My job is to go out and reengage the “fallen away Catholics.” Maybe they are not fallen away at all.

Maybe they were pushed.

Then there are those who never went anywhere, but are still sitting passively in the pews, suffering in silence. They have put up with a lot over the years, never saying a word. Some of those remaining are not always the purified but the petrified. They have all the dignity of the baptized handmaidens and servants of the Lord. They just don’t realize it. My job is to empower them.

Historically, our Church structures have shifted shape over the centuries. We have been continually formed and reformed by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the reason we didn’t implode millennia ago. Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reshaping the Church again? Is this the beginning of the “New Pentecost” our popes have been referencing? Are we becoming a sort of evangelical Catholic Church — smaller but Christcentered, faith-filled, and missionsent? Ask me in a hundred years, when the pendulum swings back — as it always does.

Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton.

~ Evening of Prayer ~ Prayer Shawl Ministry ~ Discovering Life After Loss ~ Aging Gracefully ~ Genealogy of Jesus ~ Advent Retreat

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The Anchor

November 7, 2008

Mary’s Closet a labor of love and an instrument of faith B y M ichael P are A nchor S taff

what someone else’s child should wear?” she asked herself. “So we deEAST SANDWICH — Judy Cole- cided we wanted to put some dignity man remembers just how Mary’s into this. We wanted to set something Closet, a “thrift boutique” run by vol- up where people could come in and try unteers at Corpus Christi Parish in clothing on.”

East Sandwich, came to be.

Father Marcel H. Bouchard, pasShe and other members of the Cape tor at Corpus Christi, agreed. On the Cod parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Soci- grounds of the parish was an aging ety would dubuilding, St. tifully collect Peter’s Hall, clothing and which was beorganize it, as ing used on best they could, an occasional in the church basis by the basement.

Knight’s of When someColumbus. Faone came in ther Bouchard needing help, worked with the volunteers the Knights to would go and make sure they see what they would have could find. An space to use in antiquated systhe parish hall, tem to be sure, freeing up St. but it served its Peter’s Hall. purpose.

Mary’s ClosThen one et was born. day a woman It took came in and countless hours looking for of hard work. something for ANCHOR PERSON OF THE WEEK — Judy But a dedicated her teen-age Coleman. group of voldaughter. One unteers made of the volunteers grabbed a pair of it happen. No longer would donated leather pants. The size was right, but clothing be designated to the church Coleman, who knew the mother who basement. Mary’s Closet opened ofhad come in for the ficially last November. It is open five pants, figured the style days a week, at least five hours each was not. day.

“I knew the family The floundering economy, highand I didn’t think the lighted by increasing unemployment, mother would let her has sadly ensured that Mary’s Closet daughter wear those is a busy place. pants,” she said.

A team of volunteers accept bags And while Cole- of clothing and small household items man’s instinct was from generous people every day. The right, there was some- best they get is organized and placed thing about the en- on sale, while other clothing and goods counter that didn’t sit are constantly being shipped out to right with her. other ministries. Some go nearby, to “Why should I be social service agencies in New Bedmaking decisions about Turn to page 11

Continued from page 10

ford, for example. And other items are sent the poor in far away places, such as Africa.

Barbara Knight, a volunteer at Mary’s Closet, credits Coleman with having the vision and foresight to spearhead the boutique’s creation.

It was Coleman, Knight writes in an email to The Anchor, who looked at the St. Peter’s Hall and saw something more than an aging building. Without pause, Coleman saw an upscale thrift shop where clients could come in and shop.

Coleman not only saw a retail outlet, but possessed drive to make it happen.

“A great deal of work by many volunteers and much imaginative thinking turned this building into Mary’s Closet … Judy was the driving force behind this transformation and she continues to manage the shop. She spends probably more time there than most people do in full-time employment,” wrote Knight.

That Coleman has become a driving force behind Mary’s Closet comes as no surprise to those who know her.

A native of upstate New York, Coleman settled on Cape Cod in 1970 and has been an active member of Corpus Christi Parish since 1994. She had been in the habit of visiting her sister and her husband on the Cape for years. At one point, it struck Coleman that Cape Cod seemed like a nice place to live.

She settled on the Cape with a political science degree in hand. Jobs weren’t so plentiful. So, ever practical, Coleman returned to the classroom, earning a master’s in accounting. She passed the CPA exam and opened her own office. She retired just three years ago.

In hindsight, that background in accounting, that determination to tie things together, has fueled the emergence of Mary’s Closet. When Coleman looked deep into the dark hall and saw that “thrift boutique” that would become Mary’s Closet, she saw all the details. She knew there was a demand. And she knew that through the generosity of others, the supply would be provided.

Father Bouchard sees Coleman’s hard work as an instrument of her faith. He marvels

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The Anchor

November 7, 2008 at her organization.

“I see her faith in her grasp of what it means to serve others and the organized way in which she goes about it,” he said. “She does so much for the poor. And she keeps everything together.”

Her modest approach, he said, is yet another sign of her faith. It is exactly how we are

supposed to serve God. “She does all this work without fanfare or attention,” said Father Bouchard. “She is humble and unassuming. She does all of this to help others.”

Coleman explains it in simple terms. Her faith, she said, was something ingrained in her long ago by her family.

“Faith has always been important,” she said. “It was always subtle, but it was always there. It has always been a part of us. It’s how we grew up.”

Mary’s Closet is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Wednesdays, it remains open until 6 p.m. so that people who like

to stop by after work are able to do so.

Coleman said that sometimes a shopper will ask to see Mary. Perhaps, they want to say thanks. Coleman always smiles when they do.

And then turns and points to the wall behind the register, at a picture of the Blessed Mother.

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O

ne recurrent theme in bioethical discussions is the idea that each of us possesses a basic awareness of the moral law. This distinctly human faculty, which Western culture has referred to as “conscience,” helps us to choose correctly when confronted with basic moral decisions. Even children, when taught about right and wrong, instinctively seem to recognize a law higher than themselves. Deep within his

Making truthful choices of conscience

conscience man discovers that law which he has not laid upon himself but which he must obey. Conscience has been aptly described as man’s most secret core and his sanctuary.

As creatures of conscience, then, we are moved to pursue good and to avoid evil. Yet, in our fallen nature, we are also drawn, mysteriously, towards wrong and

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By Father Tad Pacholczyk

muted or drowned out by other voices around us. As we grow older we may even acquire a certain finesse in justifying personal choices that are not good, choices strongly contrary to the law of our own being. The inner sanctuary of conscience is delicate and easily transgressed, requiring great attentiveness on our part if we are to remain faithful to it.

I recall a powerful story about conscience involving a young couple who cohabitated for many years. Neither of them were thinking much about marriage, and one day the fellow learned that his girlfriend was pregnant. Being Catholic, he approached his priest. All three of them met one afternoon, had rather lengthy discussions, and finally reached a decision together. They decided that

abortion was not an option.

They talked about the possibility of marriage at some time in the near future.

Later the same day, the parents of the young woman came by the couple’s house.

They had been fairly open and accepting of this “live-in” situation.

Over dinner it came out that she was pregnant.

Things changed as a result of this revelation. After the meal, the mother pulled her daughter aside saying, “Look, you’ve got a life to live. You don’t want to spend the rest of your life with this guy. C’mon, dear, you’ve got to get an abortion.”

The next day, the young man and the young woman ran into the priest again. The fellow brought up the discussion with the mother and said they were reconsidering the abortion option. The priest replied, “We reached a decision on that already.” The young man quickly answered, “What do you mean? If I make a decision today, I can change it tomorrow.”

The priest responded simply, “For certain kinds of decisions, you can’t change your mind. If you go back on your decision now, I won’t know who you are

anymore....”

The young man was shaken by this answer, but when he reflected on it later, he understood that the priest was right. Certain kinds of personal choices touch us at the very core of our being.

Accepting or rejecting a temptation to serious wrongdoing like abortion involves our hearts in a far deeper way than many of the lesser decisions we have to make each day, so that in the end, it is our moral choices that define who we are and what we become. By acting against an upright conscience, we violate and disfigure who we are, and become less human. That’s why the priest told the young man that he would not know who he was anymore.

I recall another true story about the gentle proddings of conscience that involved a mom with three children. When she found out she was pregnant yet again, she became fearful and began telling herself she couldn’t support the burden of another child. She finally decided it would be necessary to have an abortion. She arrived at her decision just before going in for her next checkup. The doctor, unaware of her plans, began a routine ultrasound to find out how the pregnancy was progressing. She had brought along her three children, and they were busy playing together on the floor of the examination room. As the doctor ran the scanner over her belly, her little son glanced up from his toy airplanes, pointed to the screen and said, “Look, mommy — a baby!” She left the doctor’s office that afternoon with a new awareness that she couldn’t end the growing life within her.

Through the eyes and heart of a child we are often reminded of what a pure and upright conscience ought to look like.

To form our conscience as adults means to learn virtue, by repetitively and determinately choosing what is good, true and moral. Doing so brings order to our lives and engenders peace in our hearts. Ultimately, we discover how to be fully human only to the extent that we faithfully follow that delicate voice of a properly-formed conscience.

Father Pacholczyk earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, and serves as the director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org

Station churches holding Pauline Year indulgence continued from page one

Street in Attleboro, is also one of the designated churches.

“We’ve placed the official icon of St. Paul at the foot of the altar in the main church and transfer it to St. Mary’s Chapel for the 12:05 p.m., daily Mass so that those who come can take advantage of obtaining the Pauline Year indulgence,” said Father Paul Bernier, rector.

“Because work is being done on the windows in the church we can’t be open all day every day, but certainly anyone who comes by we would make arrangements for in order to allow them the opportunity for the special indulgence,” he added.

As part of the jubilee year Deacon Peter Cote writes a Pauline article for the Cathedral’s parish bulletin every week “ and its seems to be well received,” said Father Bernier.

Msgr. Stephen J. Avila, vicar for the Diocese’s Office of Worship, reported that delivery of the icons of St. Paul to the several parishes is underway, and some have already been formal-

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November 7, 2008

ly enthroned in the designated churches.

“The principle cooperation of the parishes is that they remain open to those pilgrims seeking the indulgences, and to make their parishioners aware of what the Pauline Year is all about,” said Msgr. Avila, as well as when the sacrament of reconciliation is available as well as special hours of adoration.”

At St. Francis Xavier Church at 21 Cross Street in Hyannis, pastor Father Daniel W. Lacroix said he’s placed an icon on the ambo or pulpit as a reminder that those who visit the church may gain the plenary indulgence.

“Planning is ongoing for this entire year dedicated to St. Paul, and that includes upcoming Advent and Lent,” he said.

On Saturday mornings from 9 to 10 a.m., in Sacred Heart Chapel in Yarmouthport, a mission chapel of St. Francis Xavier Parish, an ongoing seminar of reflections on St. Paul is presented by Father Andrew Johnson, who is director of the

diocese’s celebrations of the Pauline jubilee.

At St. Mary’s in Taunton, Father William H. Kelly, CSC, said the church is open to all pilgrims and pertinent information about the indulgence is available.

Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye said the icon has been enshrined in St. Jude’s Chapel attached to the main church and “we invite all to make a visit as well as spend time during the 24-hours adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the First Fridays.”

The icon has been blessed and set in the Shrine in the downstairs church at St. Anne’s in Fall River.

“We have a beautiful statue of St. Paul in the upper church, and so we placed the icon in the Shrine Church because it is where most people will come during the day,” said pastor Father Marc H. Bergeron.

“People can find it all here daily, with confessions from 11 to 11:30 a.m., Masses at 7:15 and 11:30 a.m., and 6:30 p.m., so there is the opportunity for con-

fession, Mass, and time to pray and meet the conditions of the indulgences so easily,” he added.

“There are other services planned and we will be announcing them soon,” Father Bergeron added.

The conditions that must be met to gain the plenary indulgence are: being in a state of grace in a spirit of detachment from any inclination to sin; devoutly take part in a pilgrimage; make a sacramental confession; receive the Eucharist; and say prayers for the intention of the Holy Father.

For those who are able to travel on pilgrimage to Rome, the plenary indulgence maybe gained by a pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. Paul on the Ostian Way. Those unable to make a pilgrimage to Rome or to one of the local designated churches, because of infirmity, will be able to obtain the plenary indulgence by meeting the conditions set forth without the necessity to visit a particular church or shrine.

The metanoia or change of heart Paul often wrote about can come about as Catholics reflecting on his writings and all of holy Scripture, are inspired to pray and attend Masses, holy hours, eucharistic adoration and other services in the months ahead, the pastors noted.

At the same time, the faithful are expected to meet their baptismal missionary promises in carrying Paul’s vital message from their houses of worship into the marketplace for all to see and find inspiration in.

Some pastors have chosen to exhibit a copy of the logo designed for the Pauline Year in

their respective churches.

In essence it shows an encirclement of chains reflecting Paul’s time in prison and chains — of which he boasted — because of his evangelizing efforts; a Maltese Cross referring to his shipwreck and his life-long spiritual fascination and intense devotion to the cross of Christ’s crucifixion.

The logo also includes a sword, reflecting Paul’s death by beheading between 64 and 67 A.D., in Rome the same instrument Paul refers to as “Sword of the Spirit.”

The book of Scriptures portrayed in the center of the logo is emblazoned with tongues of flames, denoting the Holy Spirit.

The numerals “29 VI” at the top of the book refer to the 29th day in the sixth month, which is the feast of SS. Peter and Paul, and the beginning and the end of the Pauline Year.

Other facets of the Pauline Year include Pope Benedict granting permission to observe the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009.

A special diocesan Mass will be celebrated that day by Bishop Coleman in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River at 10 a.m. The plenary indulgence may be gained by the faithful who attend this Mass and observe the listed requirement.

Those who are infirmed may participate in the TV Mass on Channel 6 at 11 a.m.

The observance of the Year of St. Paul concludes on the solemnity of SS. Peter and Paul on the weekend of June 28-29, 2009; either at the Saturday vigil Mass or on the Sunday.

14

The Anchor PILGRIMAGE TO

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T

November 7, 2008

I wonder

wish he were here for us to care oday is my youngest for him — no matter what. son’s 12th birthday. The How I wish he were here to thing is, I haven’t seen Davey in watch the Red Sox with me. I 11 years and 362 days. He was called back home when he was a could tell him stories of when I was a kid and the Sox didn’t tender three days old. win a World Series every four I think of him often, but his years. I wish he could watch the birthday is still an extra special Patriots with me, and he could day. We were blessed enough to learn what words shouldn’t be have him for those three days, said in public. and he made a huge impression It would be wonderful for on Denise and me.

Davey to be here and hop on Today, I wonder what he Igor and take her for a ride looks like. Does he look like around the house. What fun it the old man? Please, God no.

Does he look like his mother? If would be to watch him drive so, what a good looking dude.

Is he short like a Jolivet? Or is he tall — the anti-Jolivet. Is his hair curly or straight? Does he have a warped sense

By Dave Jolivet of humor like his dad, or is he normal like his mom?

Emilie crazy, instead of my havDoes Davey pester the Aling to do it all the time. I really mighty in lieu of me? Does he could use the help. bombard our Blessed Mother Imagine my poor wife with with questions. Does he have a two Dave Jolivets in the same lot of friends? Does he put his house. The possibilities are guardian angel to the test?

Does he ever miss being back simply endless.

I wonder if he would try to here with us? I hope so. hide his peas under the mashed Twelve years ago, the little guy was born with several health potatoes to fool us into thinking he’d eaten them all. It didn’t problems, and we knew that if work for me at 12, but then he survived, he would need a great deal of medical care. But I again, my parents are pretty

My View From the Stands

sharp.

Would he be able to play hoops and Little League or rant and rave for clarinet lessons and then never pick up the instrument again.

Was Davey class clown material? Would I be getting notes from teachers who found him more than a handful? Would he get A’s and B’s, and would he find math as difficult as I did?

It’s one of the reasons I majored in English.

What would I be getting him for his 12th birthday today?

A video game? A new baseball glove? A clarinet? Would the cake be chocolate, vanilla, cherry? Would there be a dozen 12-year-olds wreaking havoc when I went home today?

Would I have to stand at his side each night to make sure he brushed his teeth and washed behind his ears?

Would he, like his old man, have broken several bones or gone to the ER for stitches?

Would I have been able to convert him into a Beatles fan as I did with his three older siblings?

What does he do all day now?

Does he spend a lot of time with his pépère Pete? Does he know when the Bruins will win their next Stanley Cup? Does he point me out to his chums and proudly say, “That’s my pop”? Or does he say, “I never saw that man before”?

Singing “Happy Birthday” would perhaps be appropriate today, but instead, I think I’ll go home and put on a Pink Floyd CD and listen to “Wish You Were Here.”

Happy birthday little dude, and keep us in your prayers. You do say them each night, don’t you?

Students, parishioners, organizations aim to help the needy continued from page one

lect food items for the six Cape food pantries on an ongoing basis.

“We work closely with the Housing Assistance Corporation to provide needy families with help paying utility bills and with fuel assistance.”

The Cape Cod SVDP also takes part in the Cape’s annual Housing With Love Walk, a 108-mile journey from Provincetown to Falmouth to help provide affordable housing to those in need. The SVDP is one of several organizations invited to take part in the annual July walk. This year the Cape SVDP chapter raised $96,000 of the $300,000 final figure.

“I encourage people to take home their parish bulletin and find out when and where we’re looking for help. There are already more families in need this year.

The Attleboro chapter routinely assists five of the six food pantries in the geographic area, as well as assisting the needy at Sturdy Memorial Hospital.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is one of several sources for helping the downtrodden.

La Salette Shrine in Attleboro is holding a “Food Drive for the Needy,” which began on November 1 and runs until November 18. People are asked to make donations of non-perishable foods and leave them in the foyer of the Shrine Church.

Each of the five diocesan high schools have been very active in To help out those who are in a difficult situation this holiday and winter season, consult your parish bulletin for various food and clothing drives and fund-raisers.

To get help, also consult parish bulletins or contact Catholic Social Services at 508-674-4681 or any of the five St. Vincent de Paul chapters: Attleboro: 508-222-8059 Cape Cod: 774-392-1672 Fall River: 508-679-5682 New Bedford: 508-993-6677 Taunton: 508-823-6676 To help the high school communities, contact: Bishop Feehan, Attleboro: 508-226-6223 Bishop Connolly, Fall River 508-676-1071 John Paul II, Hyannis 508-862-6336 Bishop Stang, N. Dartmouth 508-996-5602 Coyle and Cassidy, Taunton 508-823-6164 To assist the La Salette Food Drive, contact: 508-222-8530

15

The Anchor

November 7, 2008

reaching out those in financial dire straits.

Theresa E. Dougall, president of Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth told The Anchor, “Helping others is an integral part of our school mission.” Dougall said many of the students are aware of the tough economic times and we’ve seen an increase in the amount of interest in helping others.

The recently successful school “Rock-a-thon,” collected more than 11,000 pounds of food stuffs to help the Market Ministries in New Bedford, and other agencies through Catholic Social Services.

“We’ve always had a hand in helping others,” said Dougall.

“Our Community Service Program, FIAT, sponsored by the Student Council is always very active in outreach programs.

Bishop Connolly High School students are in the assistance mode as well. “The students can see and some are touched by the tough economic times,” said school principal, Michael Scanlan. “They either know people or of people who are struggling, and that prompts them to action.”

Many Connolly students routinely help out at the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen in the city, volunteering time and money.

The school also has a Thanksgiving food drive, with the donations given to local agencies, and there is the annual Christmas gift drive to help needy families with children enjoy what could be a very difficult time.

In Attleboro, the students and staff at Bishop Feehan High School have four major assistance projects, and have for years. “The French National Honor Society sponsors a ‘Mitten Tree’ where mittens are collected to help keep people warm,” said Feehan president Christopher Servant. “The National Honor Society runs a homeroom Thanksgiving basket drive, where each of the 35 home rooms fill a basket with everything from soup to nuts and a turkey. Together with the homerooms, the staff here puts together another five baskets that are handed out to pre-determined families who have sought help from area parishes.”

Servant said the students also hold a Santa Shop where 150-200 families with children are assisted with the more than 2,500 gifts collected. “And we always have our annual Lenten food drive, part of a national program, where for three straight years, Feehan collected the most food items in the country.

“The students learn of the plight of others in Religion classes, by reading the newspapers and watching TV. And some even feel the pinch themselves. They’re not oblivious to helping others at all.”

Michael Cote, who teaches the Community Service Program as part of Coyle and Cassidy High School’s Religion IV course, and is the Taunton school’s director of Community Service told The Anchor the students have been very busy.

“The students have just begun the school’s 16th consecutive year of running a food pantry,” said Cote. “This year we have a record 120 student volunteers.

At the October pantry, there were from 250-300 families. A survey revealed that 49 families there had never been to a soup kitchen before. Things are difficult out there.”

In addition to working the food pantry, C-C students are in the process of putting together 100 turkey baskets for needy families for Thanksgiving. “The donations come from the students, fund-raisers and from outside benefactors,” said Cote.

Plans are also in the works for the annual toy drive, when students, faculty and families bring a new toy or toys to the school Mass on the feast of the Immaculate Conception. “We call it the ‘Toy Mass,’” said Cote.

“Last year we collected more than 1,500 toys for children who wouldn’t have normally received any for Christmas. Our students

truly respond to the hungry and the needy.”

The sophomore and freshman classes at Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis have been active in trying to help their neighbors.

The school recently ran a canned good drive, won by the sophomore class, where more than 400 foot items were collected to distribute to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry sponsored by St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis.

“The students are aware of the need out there, and they want to be a part of the solution, not just bystanders,” said school principal Christopher Keavy.

The school is also currently holding a collection of new and gently used clothing for the Notre Dame Club of Cape Cod, who will then send the clothing to the needy in Haiti.

Correia also disclosed that the diocesan St. Vincent de Paul Society has planned an big drive for the Christmas season, “Bring Christ Back In Christmas.”

“This year, when we put together gifts for families and children who wouldn’t normally receive Christmas presents, we’re going to include a manger set with each donation,” said Correia. “Not only that, but we’re going to include a book for the children that explains what Christmas is really about — not Santa, but the birth of Jesus.”

Correia said those who would like to help finance the manger sets can contact any of the deanery St. Vincent de Paul offices.

(See shaded box on this page.)

And the Society also plans its usual Toy Drive at the St. Vincent de Paul stores in Fall River at 1799 Pleasant Street and at 141 Washington Street in Taunton.

As Correia told The Anchor, “Things are going to get much tougher for some people in the next couple of months.”

The demand for the essentials is increasing — but so is the response of faithful Catholics across the Diocese of Fall River.

16

Youth Pages

GOOD AS GOLD — Father George O’Brien, a retired priest of the Diocese of Worcester, blesses a crucifix given to St. Pius X School, South Yarmouth, on the occasion of his golden jubilee.

MERCY SHALL BE THEIRS — Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, recently celebrated a Mass and dedicated it, as is tradition, to the academic and spiritual founders of the school, the Sisters of Mercy. The liturgy was celebrated by Feehan’s new chaplain, Father Tom Costa, and was attended by nine Feehan Sisters of Mercy who are either current or former faculty members. The Mass was followed by a tea hosted by Feehan’s National Honor Society to celebrate Mercy Month. Here Senior Spencer Driscoll ushers Sister Michaela Deloia to her seat at the Sisters of Mercy Liturgy and Tea.

THE PLAY’S THE THING — Cast members of the St. Joseph’s Players of St. Joseph’s Parish in Attleboro rehearse for a performance of a modern version of the medieval morality play, “Everyman.”

The production took place in the church hall.

November 7, 2008

CHAIRPERSON FOR A GREAT CAUSE — The Sister Teresa Trayers, SND chapter of the National Honor Society of Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth recently held its annual fall Rock-a-Thon. Students gathered pledges of non-perishable food items in return for time spent in rocking chairs over a two-day period. An excellent effort by students, families, and friends resulted in a record setting 11,504 pounds of food collected. The food is distributed to Shepherd’s Pantry in Fairhaven, Damien’s Pantry in Wareham, and Catholic Social Services Pantry in New Bedford.

Here Junior Lauren Gonzaga rocks for a cause.

PARISH PARTY — “Less than a Carnival More than a Picnic” was the theme for a recent day of fun at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Attleboro. The well-attended event was a great opportunity for the parishioners and their families to relax and spend time together outside of Mass. Volunteers barbecued and assisted at the raffle tables, while older children were face painting and making jewelry with the younger ones. Others enjoyed time in the moonwalks and playing Wiffle Ball in the parking lot.

Youth Pages

November 7, 2008

17

White House report aims to keep inner-city Catholic schools open

By Chaz Muth Catholic News Service

Released in September, the report is a poor urban neighborhoods who attend faith-based schools perform better aca- product of last April’s White House SumWASHINGTON — In the waning days demically than those who attend the public mit on Inner-City Children and FaithBased Schools of the Bush administration, the White schools. We which House is sounding the alarm on a six-year can’t afford f every Catholic university and — gathered eduloss of about 1,200 faith-based schools in to lose any college took on five Catholic cators, school the U.S. and has issued a report it believes more of these schools as a partner, it would do wonder- lobbyists and will help stop the closures. schools.” ful things for the whole Catholic educa- business and The report — “Preserving a Critical Statistics government National Asset: America’s Disadvantaged also show tion system. Losing the schools in the representaStudents and the Crisis in Faith-Based that minor- low-income areas has been devastating tives to exUrban Schools” — shows about half of ity students the faith-based schools that have closed in U.S. urban to these communities. I’m glad to see the amine ways to reverse the since 2002 have been Catholic institu- Catholic high White House issue this report.” trend of faithtions and most are located in poor urban schools are 42 based schools neighborhoods. percent more “The president is very concerned and likely to graduate than minority students shutting down in U.S. cities.

The report proposes a multipronged upset that these institutions are closing,” who attend neighborhood public schools, said Karl Zinsmeister, assistant to Presi- and 2.5 times more likely to earn a col- approach to help inner-city faith-based dent George W. Bush and domestic policy lege degree, Zinsmeister told Catholic schools continue to educate poor and minority students, from encouraging busiadviser. “Statistics show that students from News Service. nesses to invest time, money and resources in the school systems, to partnering colleges with these institutions.

Zinsmeister said the report has not rowing up, we would often hear version of this saying. She would often say: “It’s all fun and games until somebeen forwarded to the U.S. presidential someone say: “It’s all fun and one loses an eye. Then it’s just a game candidates — Democratic Sen. Barack games until someone gets hurt.” It was … who can find the eye.” She would Obama and Republican Sen. John Mcusually a mother’s voice scolding her make us laugh, but those few seconds of Cain — but he hopes they will become children as someone broke into tears. As laughter would slow people down enough aware of it and support the plan, which kids, we would often fool around withto think. That’s usually all it takes. We calls for a minimum of $300 million in out thinking of the consequences. Some just have to think before we do things. federal spending. things never change.

We have to think before we take off with The D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Today’s teen-agers are no different program began in 2004, when Bush than teens of earlier generations. Whether our casual judgments of others or those off-handed remarks that bring tears to the signed into law the federal D.C. School it is rock and roll and the jelly roll, or eyes of friends.

Choice Incentive Act, but it will only punk rock and body piercings, kids The chaplain at my school has a continue if it is reauthorized by Congress are trying to find their identity, express similar favorite saying: “It’s all fun and this year. themselves, and have fun at the same games until someone goes to hell.” Wow Washington Archbishop Donald W. time. Sure, the vehicle of their rebellion … that makes Wuerl praised the program, as well as may change, but you think. a proposed tax-credit plan in Maryland the angst that Now we’re on causes it is basia whole difcally the same. ferent level.

Some recent If we don’t studies even think of the give us a hint

By Jean Revil ramifications at a scientific of our actions explanation as in terms of to why kids are so impulsive. It seems that the part of the who is getting hurt right here, right now, we are so much less likely to think of the brain responsible for impulse control is eternal ramifications. Most of the media the last part of the brain to complete dewe are bombarded with encourages us to velopment. Which brings us back to that live for today, do what we want, and have timeless saying: It’s all fun and games fun. Everything is more and more geared until someone gets hurt. to self-satisfaction. Sin is passé in the We hurt people a lot more than we U.S. This type of life has to catch up to might be willing to admit. Our remarks us. It’s all fun and games until someone are often caustic and sarcastic. Our goes to hell. Will it be us? Will it be those actions are often selfish and we can we love because we don’t have the courbe oblivious to how they impact those age to correct them? around us. Our inaction in many situaSt. Benedict urges the followers of tions is often the cause of heartache. We his rule to “keep the reality of death hurt our friends, our family members, our peers, our co-workers, even complete always before your eyes.” Sound advice.

Our lives on earth will come to an end. strangers with our carefree choices and On that point there is no disagreement. judgmental remarks.

However, along with the reality of Could we think before we speak and death, there will be a day of judgment. save someone’s feelings? Of course we This is the part that is so uncomfortable could. Could we take a minute to realit causes many people to turn away from ize that an action we are about to take the truth. If we acknowledge the reality could be dangerous before we jump in of judgment, then it’s not just fun and without thinking? We could. Should we? games anymore.

Absolutely. Will we? We can at least try.

Jean Revil teaches spiritual theology We can be better people if we want to. and thanatology at Bishop Stang High We can live holier lives if we decide that School. Comments welcome at: jrevil@ holiness is worth the effort. bishopstang.com.

My friend Liz would use a different

“I

It’s all fun and games until ...

G

Be Not Afraid

known as BOAST — Building Opportunities for All Students and Teachers — approved by the Maryland Senate last March.

Based on a similar program in Pennsylvania, it would provide tax credits to businesses that donate money to scholarship organizations for nonpublic school students or to innovative educational organizations for public school students.

The report also recommends the federal government establish a program called “Pell Grants for Kids,” which is similar to the Pell grants offered to needy college students to defray tuition expenses at the college of their choice. “Pell Grants for Kids” would allow elementary and high school students to use similar grant money for the school of their choice.

There would be no church-state conflict, since the funding would be directed to the student and not the school, he said.

Mark Gray, CARA’s research associate, who also addressed the religion writers, said that a 2005-06 study of U.S. Catholic schools showed that rising costs and changing demographics are the primary factors that determine whether Catholic schools stay open.

“If every Catholic university and college took on five Catholic schools as a partner, it would do wonderful things for the whole Catholic education system,” said Father Ron Nuzzi, director of the leadership program for the Alliance for Catholic Education at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. “Losing the schools in the low-income areas has been devastating to these communities. I’m glad to see the White House issue this report.”

18

The Anchor

Catechists convene for annual convention continued from page one

The long-time catechist has expanded his work over the last 10 years to include vocational

renewal, and facilitating seminars for educators, administrators, and catechists. He is also

My Father’s House P.O. Box 22, 39 North Moodus Rd. Moodus, CT 06469 . 860-873-1581 Website: www.myfathershouse.com Email: sbsheldon@sbcglobal.net

We’re celebrating our 25th Anniversary with some special events: Nov. 13 - Thursday - Holy Spirit Breakfast 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Guest

Speaker Mark Farrell is a Catholic Lay Evangelist with a

special gift of healing. He and his wife Roberta travel around

the Country giving Healing Services.

Nov. 15 - Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. MARTY ROTELLA “Living

in the Promise” Journeying with Our Lady from the Old

Testament through the Gospels into the Acts of the Apostles

through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Nov. 16 - Sunday 4:30 p.m. Final 25th Anniversary Celebration

Mass and Guest Speaker Bishop Daniel Reilly who

dedicated My Father’s House 25 years ago. Fr. Bill and RIA

Music Ministry $25 per person/$45 per couple Jan. 12-22 - Pilgrimage to Holy Land - with Fr. Bill McCarthy.

$2,779 pp/dbl.occ. Call Noseworthy Travel, 1-800-929-4684.

Check out our website at www.myfathershouse.com for upcoming Parish Missions

currently the national advisor for Adolescent Catechesis for Harcourt Religion Publications.

Carotta also presented a leadership workshop, “Teaching for Discipleship: The New Challenge of Adolescent Catechesis.”

The convention was designed to assist catechists with enrichment, networking, methods, tools and training techniques, spiritual renewal,

November 7, 2008 and time management.

The morning session included workshops on praying in different ways, infant baptismal preparation, liturgical music, strategies for adult formation, using music in Religious Education with adolescents, and a course for new catechists.

Other presentations included a workshop on Catholic storytelling for catechists, faith formation for children with autism, communicating effectively, maintaining a professional balance in parish ministries, the writings of St.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, November 9 at 11:00 a.m.

Scheduled celebrant is Father Michael Fitzpatrick, chaplain at UMass-Dartmouth.

Call us to have your family reunion here.

Lodging & meals available.

National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette 947 Park Street - Attleboro, MA 02703 Tel. 508-222-5410 . www.lasalette-shrine.org

NOVEMBER EVENTS FOOD DRIVE FOR THE NEEDY

November 1 - 18 — Please leave donations in the church foyer.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Fri. Nov. 7, 12:45 p.m.

FIRST FRIDAY MASS Fri. Nov. 7, 5:15 p.m.

EXTREME EAST YOUTH PRAYER MEETING Fri. Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m. — Lead by Matt Smith

MARY: WOMAN OF THE EUCHARIST

E V E N T S

Sat. Nov. 8, 1:00 p.m. — with Anna Rae-Kelly, MTH ~ Reconciliation Chapel ~

E V E N T S

PRAISE ~ WORSHIP ~ ADORATION

Sun. Nov. 9, 3:00 p.m. — Fr. André Patenaude, M.S.

HEALING ON THE SPOT WITH FR. TOM DILORENZO Sat. Nov. 15, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Welcome Center Auditorium For more information or to register, call (508) 236-9068

PORTUGUESE CONFESSIONS

Sat. Nov. 15, 2:00 p.m. — Celebrant Fr. Manuel Pereira, M.S.

BETHANY NIGHTS “A Place to Begin Again” Fri. Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. — John Polce and guests Music - Witness - Prayer ~ Shrine Church

ENGLISH HEALING SERVICE WITH MASS

Sun. Nov. 23, 2:00 p.m. — Celebrant Fr. André Patenaude, M.S.

M.S. PRAYER GROUPS ~ Reconciliation Chapel, 7:15 p.m.

Mon. Nov. 10 — Padre Pio Thu. Nov. 13 — Intercessory Prayer Tue. Nov. 18 — Pax Christi ~ Fr. John Sullivan, M.S. Tue. Nov. 25 — Life in the Spirit of Reconciliation

NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF LA SALETTE Wednesdays at the 12:10 and 6:30 p.m. Masses.

LA SALETTE & DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS Wednesdays, 7:15 p.m. in the church

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Monday & Tuesday - Thursday & Friday 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday 2:00 - 3:00 & 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday 1:00-4:00 p.m.

BISTRO

Now serving: Sandwiches and Soup Open daily: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Tel: (508) 222-5410 ext. 155

GIFT SHOP/ BOOKSTORE

Open every day from 10:00 - 5:00 p.m. Tel: (508) 236-9090 Featuring gifts for All Occasions - Huge selection of Bibles, Books, CDs, Videos, DVDs & Children’s items.

For online orders: www.lasalette-shrine.org

CONFERENCE HALL & CAFETERIA RENTALS AVAILABLE

Contact: Programs Office - Tel: (508) 236-9068 or Fax (508) 236-9096

LA SALETTE RETREAT CENTER

For more information or to register call (508) 222-8530 - Fax: (508) 236-9089 For a complete list of Christmas Concerts call (508) 222-5410 or go online to www.lasalette-shrine.org

Paul, introduction to Scripture, and parish and children’s liturgies.

Several local individuals served as workshop facilitators, including Congregation of Holy Cross Brother Joseph Esparza; Jane Santos, director of Religious Education at St. Anthony’s Parish in Taunton; Phil Pereira, music minister and organist from St. Michael’s Parish and School in Fall River; Denise Morency Gannon, campus minister at Stonehill College in Easton; Sister of St. Joseph of Cluny Eugenia Brady; Christin Jezak, a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish in Fall River, who performed her one-woman play, “Person-toPerson: A Mother Teresa Project,” at World Youth Day in Sydney Australia earlier this year; Patricia Pasternak, DRE at Holy Trinity Parish in Fall River; and Barbara Domingue, DRE at St. Dominic’s Parish in Swansea and executive director of Community Autism Resources.

Gannon, one of the presenters, told The Anchor “I think the change in addressing adult faith formation as well as parish education of children was healthy; it encouraged all of us.”

She said the new direction was seen in Carotta’s “inspiring and enthusiastic presentation” which keyed on religion for adolescents, and is right up the alley of Faith Formation Director Claire McManus.”

Daryl Gonyon, a teacher of Religious Education at Holy Trinity Parish in Fall River, and a former DRE, said the change of location from a school to a restaurant “proved dramatic as well as relaxing and enjoyable. The new format that addressed the broader faith formation involves so many more people than previously. It was most informative and enjoyable.”

ARE YOU MOVING? The Post Office charges The Anchor 70 cents for notification of a subscriber’s change of address.

Please help us reduce these expenses by notifying us immediately when you plan to move.

Send your new address, moving date, and a copy of your old mailing label to: The Anchor P.O. Box 7 Fall River, MA 02722 or email changes to theanchor@anchornews.org

November 7, 2008

Around the Diocese Eucharistic Adoration:

Eucharistic Adoration

ACUSHNET — Eucharistic adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Church, 125 Main Street, Mondays from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., ending with Evening Prayer and Benediction.

EAST TAUNTON — Eucharistic adoration takes place First Fridays at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, following the 8:30 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 8 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD — Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place at St. Joseph-St. Therese Church, 51 Duncan Street, Mondays following the 8:30 a.m., Mass until 1:30 p.m. For more information call 508-995-2354.

NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic adoration takes place 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 233 County Street, with night prayer and Benediction at 8:45 p.m., and confessions offered during the evening.

NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the rosary, and the opportunity for confession.

TAUNTON — Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord Church, 31 First Street, immediately following the 8 a.m., Mass and continues throughout the day. Confessions are heard from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., concluding with recitation of the rosary and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.

TAUNTON — Eucharistic adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction. Recitation of the rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street, holds perpetual eucharistic adoration. For open hours or to sign up call 508-430-4716.

Miscellaneous: Miscellaneous ATTLEBORO — The Center for Christian Living at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, 947 Park Street, will continue its series for women in midlife, presented by holistic counselor Terri Cesarz, November 11,18, and 25, and December 9 and 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For information and to register call 508-222-8530.

CHATHAM — A Tridentine Mass is celebrated 11:30 a.m. every Sunday at Our Lady of Grace Chapel on Route 137.

EAST SANDWICH — The Women’s Guild of Corpus Christi Parish, will hold its annual Christmas Fair, tomorrow, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Parish Center, 324 Quaker Meetinghouse Road. It will feature handmade crafts and knit and crochet items, gift baskets, white elephant treasures and a luncheon.

FALMOUTH – Birthright of Falmouth is hosting an old-fashioned ham and bean supper tomorrow from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Anthony’s church hall, East Falmouth Highway. Call 508-477-9854 to reserve tickets or for more information.

FALL RIVER — The Portuguese TV Program, “Good News for Life,” (“Boa Nova da Vida”) sponsored by the Communications Department of the Fall River Diocese, will present “How To Read the Bible” on Sunday at 9:30 p.m.

FALL RIVER — Bishop Connolly High School, 373 Elsbree Street, will hold a placement exam for prospective students November 22, 8 a.m. For more information call Director of Admissions Anthony Ciampanelli at 508-676-1071, ext. 333.

FALL RIVER — The Fall River Area Men’s First Friday Club will meet tonight at Good Shepherd Parish, 1598 South Main Street. Mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m. by Father Thomas Kocik, who will speak on Islam following the Mass. A meal will follow. To reserve a seat call Norman Valiquette at 508-672-8174.

NANTUCKET — St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish will hold its Christmas Bazaar during Christmas Stroll Weekend on December 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parish center, corner of Cambridge and Federal Streets.

NEW BEDFORD — Our Lady of Purgatory Parish will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar November 15, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and November 16, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in St. Mary’s School gym, 115 Illinois Street. It will include door prizes, an auction, children’s table and games and traditional Lebanese foods and pastries.

NEW BEDFORD — The annual Holiday Craft Fair will be held November 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in St. Joseph-St. Therese Church, 51 Duncan Street.

NEW BEDFORD — The United Nations’ International Pilgrimage Image of Our Lady of Fatima will be at St. Kilian’s Church from November 21-23. The image will arrive at 9 a.m. on Friday. Open adoration and prayer will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., with a vigil Mass scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CCD children will be praying the rosary on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., with a Mass with the re-consecration of the parish and parishioners to Christ the King beginning at 11 a.m. (12:30 p.m. in Spanish).

Open prayer will again be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information visit www.wafatima-ri.org.

NEW BEDFORD — St. Mary’s Parish will host a Holiday Fair tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, 106 Illinois St. The event will feature a full kitchen, kid’s korner, crafts, bake table, book corner, and Chinese Auction. For more information call 508-942-5031.

NORTH ATTLEBORO — St. Mary-Sacred Heart School will be making Advent wreaths on November 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Sacred Heart church hall. This is a family event with coloring activities centered on the Jesse Tree for the younger set. The symbolism of the Advent wreath will be explained, and Father Dave Costa will bless the wreaths at the close of the event. RSVP by November 10 to Wendy Morris at 508-699-4775.

NORTH DARTMOUTH — The Diocese of Fall River and St. Julie Billiart Parish will present Boston College theologian Peter Kreeft tonight at 7 at St. Julie’s Parish, 494 Slocum Rd. He will speak on “The Power of Paul’s Spirituality: the Certainty of God’s Love.”

SOMERSET — The St. John of God Women’s Guild is holding its annual Harvest Fair November 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the parish center.

Pro-Life

ATTLEBORO — Concerned faithful are needed to pray the rosary outside Four Women, Inc., an abortion clinic at 150 Emory Street, Thursdays from 3-4 p.m., or 4-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m. For information call 508-238-5743.

19

The Anchor

T

We’re all on the same team, guys

bonding and babies. their mistakes, to recommit themhe current understanding Without a doubt, such a world selves to the welfare of their wives of rights often pits comand children, and to mentor one peting groups against one another view is diametrically opposed to another in manly virtue. as though each can only advance all who wish for their children to Her reaction to the extraordinary at the expense of the others, such embark on family lives founded on life-long fidelity and poised to growth of these groups in recent as employers and employees, landlords and tenants, and buyers receive the next generation. Almost years was to cry foul, calling it an every radical feminist preaches insidious use of “mass psychology and sellers. Even more complex that marriage is really a shelter for to present ‘good’ messages of men’s and volatile is the paradigm ofresponsibility and commitfered by the sexual left, ment.” While she finds it in which women can easy to frame winning arguonly find fulfillment at ments against the religious the expense of men. right over various issues of Suzanne Pharr identisexuality, she is quite rattled fies herself as a lesbian by this phenomenon. The and wrote the book “Hocastigations used to isolate mophobia: A Weapon of

By Genevieve Kineke and dismiss patriarchy as an Sexism,” which outlines evil construct cannot succeed the experiences of her if men use their strength and life and the strategy of misogyny, incest and the abuse of authority to protect and serve their those with whom she is allied to power — a belief based on either loved ones. change the definition of marriage personal experience or through a Imagine what good could and family. Her premise is that all accrue if the “battle of the sexes” suffering is a result of “patriarchy,” filtered collection of anecdotes.

They are working diligently to were no longer seen as two comwhich she defines as “an enforced make sure that their tragedies efpeting interests but a collaborative belief in male dominance and fect a complete reconstruction of work for the good of society. The control.” The enforcement comes the family unit, despite the bulk sexual left assumes that this toxic through competition in the marof children who simply yearn for male-female dialectic is fundaketplace which is driven by what stable homes with their biological mental to a redefinition of family. she calls “heterosexual privilege,” parents.

We know better — when men use “dehumanizing gender roles,” and What Pharr didn’t bank on, their God-given authority as Christ violence. The only way to fight did, the Bride is transformed with patriarchy, as she sees it, is to fight though, was the men’s moveradiant beauty. Women should do masculinity itself. She is not alone. ment — a collection of those who acknowledge that some men have all they can to support this men’s It is fascinating to try on her erred in either abusing their author- movement, for their goal benefits goggles, envisioning the world as everyone. an alien place. The sexual left sees ity or abandoning their family responsibilities. In a remarkable Mrs. Kineke is the author of the nuclear family as the seedcourse correction, these men have The Authentic Catholic Woman bed of oppression, fatherhood as banded together in groups like (Servant Books). She can be violent in its very essence, and the found online at www.femininemutual and life-giving love of mar- Promise Keepers and St. Joseph’s Covenant Keepers to repent of genius.com. riage and children as a patriarchal plot. Thus little girls dreaming of SERVICE ... By caring family and service family professionals Prince Charming must be deluded, boys who chase girls on the playTRUST ... In the people you know ground are mimicking the darkest CHOICE ... Custom-designed, personalized tributes side of male nature, and the only AFFORDABILITY ... Dignified services with a budget sexual embrace that is truly fulfill-

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In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks

Nov. 11 Rev. A. Gomez da Silva Neves, Pastor, St. John the Baptist, New Bedford, 1910 Rev. Richard Sullivan, C.S.C., 2005 Nov. 12 Rev. James H. Looby, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1924 Rev. Bernard Boylan, Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1925 Nov. 13 Rev. Louis J. Deady, Founder, St. Louis, Fall River, 1924 Rev. William H. O’Reilly, Retired Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Taunton, 1992 Rev. Clarence J. d’Entremont, Retired Chaplain, Our Lady’s Haven, Fairhaven, 1998 Nov. 14 Rev. Francis J. Duffy, Founder, St. Mary, South Dartmouth, 1940 Rev. William A. Galvin, JCD, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1977 Deacon John H. Schondek, 2001 Nov. 15 Rev. Thomas F. LaRoche, Assistant, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1939 Rev. Daniel E. Doran, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, North Easton, 1943 Nov. 16 Rev. John Brady, Former Pastor, Sandwich, New Bedford, Wareham, 1856

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508-676-1933 508-999-5100

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20

The Anchor

November 7, 2008

ODE TO JOY — The enormous St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford was filled to capacity on October 26 for the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Franck’s Psalm 150. This is part of a series of musical events this fall, which will include an appearance by the Vienna Boys Choir on December 10. (Photo by Diane Medeiros)

Please visit us at: www.CarmelTerrace.org or 508 788 8000 933 Central St. Framingham, MA 01701 On the campus of St. Patrick's Manor