11.17.06

DIOCESE OF FALL RIvER

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER

17,2006

Mass. lawmakers again delay marriage act 4'nendment vote Legal action is being mulled to force legislators to fQlfil1 their mandate I

By

N. DUNBAR BOSTON ---..:. Voting to recess until January 2, Massachusetts legislators on November 9 for the second time avoided taking a stand on a proposed constitutional amendment that 'would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

It was the second setback for supporters of the amendment, which would put what amounts to a ban on gay marriage in the Bay State on the 2008 ballot for a decision by the electorate.

To do that, 50 approval votes - amounting to one DEACON JAMES

quarter of the legislators - are needed in this current legislative term, and another 50 in 2007, to get it on the ballot.

It was one of several local victories for gay-marriage proponents last week. Two days earlier in the general elections, Democrat Deval Patrick was elected governor of Massachusetts, and in January will replace Gov. Mitt Romney, who favors the amendment. Patrick opposes it.

Also, many of those newly elected to the mostly Democratic legislature were among those who had voiced opposition to a vote on the amendment during their cam-

.

paigns. I On a vote of 109 to 87, the lawmakers put off action II on the proposed amendment that had 170,000 Massachusetts ~oters - including many Catholics - earlier this yearl!signing the petition for the joint committee of legislatots to act on. il Last July, the same legislators voted 100 to 91 to go into rece~s putting the matter off to this November.

If the]llawmakers do not vote on the amendment on January 2, the last day the current legislature is in sesII Tum to page 18 - Vote

'Service at the Altar' is local filmmaker's debut

By MIKE GORDON, ANCHOR STAFF SOUTH ATTLEBORO - The short film, "Service at the Altar," a 24-minute piece by Catholic filmmakers Frank D'Agostino and Tristan Rudat, made it's world premier November 5 at the Knight of Columbus Halfto an enthusiastic crowd.

The documentarY features interviews with current altar servers, priests and parish volunteers. The film explores the vital and evolving role of the altar server and puts it into a historical context. Local clergy also shed light on the changing atmosphere regarding priests and the Church following the clergy sexual abuse scandals and how those times have affected them and the image of the priest.

D'Agostino, a parishioner of St. Theresa ofthe Child Jesus in Attleboro, said of the endeavor, "I am hopeful that this film will have a positive impact. I was pleased with the way it came out Tum to page 20 - Film

VAN路TASTIC - These were just some of the more than 800 peoPI~ who purchased tickets for a dinner at Espirito Santo Parish in Fall River, to raise funds for a van for residents of the Catholic Memorial Home. The event raised an incredible $17,000.

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Espirito Santo parisbioners were 'driven'to raise funds!for CMH van

By DAVE JOLIVET, EDITOR

WORLD PREMIERE - Father John A. Raposa, left, pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Attleboro, greets filmmaker Frank D'Agostino at a premier of D'Agostino's short film, "Service at the Altar." (Anchon'Gordon photo)

FALL RIVER ~ "We were driven by this cause," Connie Viveiros told The Anchor in a recent interview. Viveiros, an. activities assistant at Catholic Memorial Home and a parishioner of Espirito Santo Parish, both in Fall River, spearheaded a fund-raising endeavor that collected more than $17,000 to help fund a new van for Catholic Memorial Home residents.

Because so many were driven by the cause, scores of seniors at the Home can now be driven to any number of ac-

tivities and destinations in the area.

Espiriio Santo parishioners and some Catholic Memorial Home elllployees teamed up to plan, prepare, cook and serve a fine Portuguese-style dinneron October 7, that was attended by more ilian 350 people, with another 450 ordering takeout porti6ns.

"This tvas incredible," an elated Mary Jean Storino, therapeutic achvities director at the Home told The Anchor. "It II Tum to page 11 - Dinner II

Marian Medals award cere~ony set/or Sunday FALL RIVER - Eighty-nine faithful from across the Diocese of Fall River will receive the Marian Medal Sunday at St. Mary's Cathedral, at a 3 p.m. ceremony led by Bishop George W. Coleman. The number represents more than 90 percent of the parishes in the diocese.

The Marian Medal is awarded annually for devotion and service to the parish and the Church.

The tradition of recognizing laymen and laywomen

for service was established by Bishop James L. Connolly and the Jwards were presented for the first time by him in 1968.11 The stbrling silver emblem is embossed with the Miraculous Meqal of Mary on one side and the diocese's coat of arms on the other.

A corrlplete list of award-winners and their parishes will appear in1lnext week's Anchor.

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NOVEMBER

17, 2006

Pope: Scientific progress is God's plan if it doesn't threaten life

By CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Scientists must avoid "needlessly alanning predictions," espeVATICAN CITY - Techno- cially when they are not based on logical and scientific advancements sufficient data, he said. And "the in controlling the forces of nature influence of scientists in shaping are a part of God's plan as long as public opinion on the basis of their they are not a threat against human knowledge is too important to be life and dignity, Pope Benedict XVI undennined by undue haste or the said to a group of scientists and pursuit of superficial publicity," he theologians. said.

"Christianity does not posit an Quoting Pope John Paul n, Pope inevitable conflict between super- Benedict said that precisely because natural faith and scientific scientists "know more, they are progress," the pope told some 70 called to serve more." participants attending a Vatican Pope Benedict emphasized the conference on "Predictability in continued urgency for science to Science: Accuracy and Limita- find "safe, alternative energy tions." sources available to all" and to imTop international scientists, in- prove its understanding of natural eluding eight - - - - - - - - - - - - events that conNobel Prize laureHowever, "science's abil- tinue to threaten ates, attended the ity to predict and control the environNovember 3-6 must never be employed ment and plenary assembly. . . people of the Pontifical a[Jal!}st human life and Its H 0 ~ eve r , Academy of Sci- dlgmty but always placed at Pope Benedict ences. its service, at the service c aut ion e d In a private au- of this and future genera- against believdience at the tions," the pope said. ing that science Vatican, the pope can explain evtold participants that God created erything and satisfy all of human beings with reason and en- humanity's "existential and spiritrusted them to be the caretakers of tual needs." nature and all its creatures.

Scientific advancement has By being able to better predict lured people into thinking God and nature, science "has contributed to religion no longer have a place in a the protection of the environment, world that mankind has learned to the progress of developing nations, control, he said. the fight against epidemics and an "Science cannot replace philosoincrease in life expectancy," the phy and revelation by giving an pope said. exhaustive answer to man's most He said this improved steward- radical questions" such as the ship of creation not only clearly meaning of life and death. shows there is "no conflict between While the laws of nature have God's providence and human en- become mostly predictable, science terprise" but that "the work of pre- must remember that humans trandicting, controlling and governing scend the material world and cannature ... is itself a part of the not be subject to the same kind of creator's plan." scientific methods and expectaHowever, "science's ability to tions, he said. predict and control must never be Unlike other natural phenomemployed against human life and ena, humans are inherently free and its dignity but always placed at possess the faculty of reason, the its service, at the service of this pope said. Any attempt to "predict and future generations," the pope and condition the human world said. would involve the loss of what is Scientists, therefore, have an human in man and by failing to recimportant duty to use their knowl- ognize his uniqueness and transcenedge wisely and ethically in order dence could dangerously open the to benefit all humanity, he said. door to his exploitation."

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Published weekly except for two weeks in the sumfrier and'the~wel:\ Christmas by the Catholic Press ofthe Diocese of FalIFliVer','aa7fu" Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 -, theanchor@anchomews.org. SubscriptionprjQepy send Eiddress changes to P.O. Box 7, Fall Ai PUBUSHEA路 Most Reveijrl EXECl.rnVE EDITOR F8therRogerJ.Lartd EDITOR Oavld Iil. Jollvet ' NEWS EDITOR DeacOn James N.Durt REPORTER Mike GordOn OFFICEMANA<;ER MaryChase Send Letters to the Editor to: fatberro8 POSTMASTERS send address changes to TheAncbor,路. 'l THEANCHOR(USPS-S45-020) PeriociiC1llPostage.]>:U

PAPAL GREETING - Pope Benedict XVI greets a 24-year-old Muslim from Turkey, during his general aUdienc~ in St: Peter's Square at the Vatican recently. She was among a group of 90 young people of vanous faiths that had gathered for an interreligious dialogue in Assisi, Italy. The pope is set to visit Turkey November 28-December 1. (eNS photo/courtesy of L'OsseNatore Romano)

Baptism, good works not enough for true Christian living, says pope

By CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERViCE VATICAN CITY - Baptism and good works are not enough for true Christian living; it requires daily and total giving of oneself to Jesus with humility and adoration, Pope Benedict XVI said.

During his November 8 weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict continued a series of talks about important personalities of the early Christian community by focusing on the life of St. Paul.

St. Paul had been a pious, even fanatical, observer of God's laws before his conversion from Judaism after meeting the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, the pope said.

But, he said, after meeting Christ, St. Paul suddenly realized his piousness had been marked by a search to improve and "build himself' into a righteous person.

He had been living for himself and

his own justification, the pope said.

But with Christ, the apostle Paul came to understand the importance of self-giving and that his life should be dedicated to living for Christ, not for an improved form of himself.

St. Paul said how people are made just in God's eyes and saved

by Jesus is "pure grace, an unmerited gift of God's radical love" and is not dependent on performing good works, the pope said.

To be justified means to be embraced by "God's merciful justice ~d to enter in communion with him and, as a consequence, to be able to establish a much more authentic relationship with all our ~rothers and sisters," he said.

The pope said St. Paul's writings help define Christian identity as being about "receiving Christ and giving oneself to Christ," not about searching for oneself.

Pope Benedict recalled St.

Paul's words, "It's not enough to say that Christians are baptized or believers" in Christ. The pope said it is also important that the faithful are in Jesus, bound up in a "mystical union" that does not erase the distinction between Christ and the faithful.

Christians are called to be a part of Christ's life daily, and one's "faith must be marked by a constant attitude of humility before God, indeed adoration and praise," said Pope Benedict.

Belonging to God ought to instill a spirit of "total trust and immense joy," he said.

He said St. Paul taught that nothing can separate the faithful from God's love and that Christian life "rests on the most stable and surest rock imaginable."

It is from God's unwavering love that "we draw all our energy" and strength and are able to face life with all its ups and downs, he said.

To prepare for Quebec congress, pope urges emphasis on Eucharist

By CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE VATICAN CITY - In preparation for the 2008 International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec, Pope Benedict XVI asked Catholics around the world to deepen their appreciation of the value and importance of the Eucharist in their lives.

"How great is the need of modern humanity to rediscover in the eucharistic sacrament the source of its hope," the pope said November 9 during a meeting with members of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses and with the organizers of the June 15-22, 2008, gathering in Canada.

Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Que-

bec, host of what will be the 49th International Eucharistic Congress, participated in the meeting and illustrated the work accomplished to promote the theme "The Eucharist, Gift of God for the Life of the World."

Pope Benedict said he hoped that as the Quebec congress draws near, more and more Catholic parishes would teach their members about eucharistic adoration and make time for parishioners to contemplate, adore and spend time with Jesus present in the sacrament.

The pope said the preparation also should be helped by his forthyoming document on the Eucharist, a document containing his reflections on points raised during

the 2005 world Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist. He did not give a publication date.

Eucharistic congresses, he said, are important celebrations for the entire Church and occasions for Catholics to show the world how they respond "to the love of the Lord supremely manifested in the eucharistic mystery."

The congresses are occasions to help people better understand "the most holy Eucharist, which is the most precious treasure left to us by Jesus," the pope said.

Because Jesus gives himself in the Eucharist, Pope Benedict said, it is a sign of his great love for all men and women, a love that Catholics are called to share with the world.

NOVEMBER

3

17, 2006

How to get the most out of Christmas; a secret revealed

By DEACON JAMES N.

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - Hundreds of families who regularly juggle resources just to get by, find Christmas a painful time as they struggle to give their children something to make the season brighter.

To help meet those needs, Catholic Social Services of the Fall River Diocese takes up the challenge yearly, and in doing so, turns to parishes across the diocese for help.

In coming weeks approximately 25 parishes will set up The Giving Tree in their churches and halls, instruinenta1to The Gift of Giving program that provides a yuletide gift for needy children.

"This program has provided gifts to 758 families consisting of 1,854 children in 2004 and in 2005 we served 856 families consisting of 2,074 children," Arlene McNamee, executive director of CSS, said in a recent letter to the diocese's pastors. . "In 2005 we dispersed a total of 6,222 gifts that consisted of clothing and toys," she added.

Those go to people of all denominations who come with needs that have not been met by other organizations, federal, state or local.

Calling the effort "a beacon of hope to many families who otherwise would have a bleak holiday, McNamee said, "We cannot meet the demands without the assistance of the parislles."

The Anchor recently talked wi~h Mary. Lou Frias, 'vo1unteer coordinator for The Gift of Giving program "The 'It's better to give than receive axiom' really makes for a Christmas Spirit that cannot be duplicated," Frias said, explaining how the program works. .

She made it clear that its success is accomplished by many volunteers, who spend time collecting, wrapping and labeling the donated gifts, which is a giving ministry in itself.

"Most of the people, the volunteers who walk through our door to help us keep coming back," said Frias. "That's the heart and soul of one-mindedness serving the Gospel. They represent churches of all faiths, schools, clubs, youth groups, families, all of them having the saine need --'--; a vehicle for giving."

A native of Dartmouth, Frias, who is married and has two adult children, has been at the helm for nine years, operating out of several venues and now at the CSS' central office at 1600 Bay Street.

"Our aim is to give each needy

child a great outfit of clothes and a great toy," she said. "It is for children, or adults who might be handicapped. For families of five .or more we toss in other things, basic needs like blankets and shampoo that are given on a regular basis to CSS." .The Giving Tree is the central instrument of the program.

Parishes, schools and private organizations set up Christmas trees with simple paper tags.

Each tag represents a gift for a needy child. Community members choose a tag, buy the indicated gift and return it un-. wrapped to the parish tree from which it came, no later than December 10. .Two volunteers pick up the gifts from the parishes and bring them to the Bay Street site where an army of volunteers wrap, sort . and label.

"While the program is begun by me, a volunteer, all of us volunteers start in Octobe~ lining up workers," said Frias. "We have 25 parish secretaries and usually one other person to start. As the scope widens, we have volunteers whc;> also go out and shop for the gifts.

"Our school used to do more than 10,000 tags for us. Now a business does it for us free as a project," she said. "God is good..

We don't miss a beat. We invite people from all organizations and schools and agencies and clubs - and many parishes - to come and help us. And they do.

The program has a life of its own.

It is the spirit to giv,e back what has been given us, and it is working all the time. It is truly the presence of God." .

Another facet of the program involves the Christmas dinner.

The Gift of Giving Program also collects food and turkeys, which go into baskets, and given to needy families who would have no Christmas dinner except for this exceptional gift.

For Frias, "all this has an amazing energizing effect. My Christmas, 'and those of all of the volunteers, is made long before the day arrives."

A former professor at UMassDartmouth, and currently an ad: ministrator at Bridgewater State College, the 53-year-old Frias recalls answering the volunteer's call for the program in 1998.

This miracle of Christmas has many stories, she· told The Anchor.

"One year we ran out of g~rl's jeans size 10-14. We were really distressed. Then came a knock on the door and a person came in with severalla.rge plastiC bags ... filled with girl's jeans in those

sizes," said Frias.

Volunteers. are slated to order preparations and wrap items at the Bay Street location from 9 a.m., to 9 p.m., on December 4, 5,6,7,11,12,13,14,18,19 and 20; and on December 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Organizations or persons wishing to assist may contact Mary Lou Frias at 508-9936569, or on her cell phone 508878-7588; or contact CSS in Fall River at 508-674-4681.

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HELPING HANDS - Cheerleaders from Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouthll and Religious Education students from Joseph's Parish, 'fall River, help out at last year;s Giving Tree.

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NOVEMBER

17, 2006

Most marriage questions pass; limits put on cloning, abortion WASHINGTON (CNS) - Voters and Oregon by identical margins of in seven states approved constitutional 54 percent against to 46 percent in faamendments defining marriage as the vor. union of one man and one woman WISCOnsin'S five bishops had urged November 7, but Catholic-backed Pr0- a "no" vote on the death penalty, say-路 posals to limit human cloning and ing that Catholics must ''value human embryonic stem-cell research in Mis- life, even when that life might seem souri and abortion in South Dakota unworthy to us." But the measure adwere defeated. vising the Legislature on the state senBy a narrow margin, Arizona ap- timent passed, 55 percent to 45 perpeared to become the first state to de- cent. feat a propoSed constitutional amendOn the marriage issue, most ofthe ment on same-sex marriage. In another proposed constitutional amendments rebuff to the recommendations of the won easily with up to 80 percent of state's Catholic bishops, voters inAri- the vote. The measures defuUng marzona approved proposals sharply lim- riage as the union ofa man and woman iting state services to illegal immi- won in Colorado (with 56 percent in grants and making English the state's favor), Idaho (63 percent), South Car0official language. lina (78 percent), South Dakota (52 Measures that would have required percent), Tennessee (80 percent), VIrparental notification before a minor's ginia (57 percent) and Wisconsin (59 abortion were voted down in Oregon percent). and California, while voters in WISThe bishops of Tennessee had. consin approved an advisory referen- urged Catholics to vote for the mardum that could lead to reinstatement riage amendment. As they indicated of the death penalty in that state. in that letter. "The nature and purpose Proposals to raise the minimum of marriage is divinely given, not the wage won approval in six states, while result ofsocial conventions or legislavoters iri Michigan approved a consti- tive entitlement," Bishop David R. . tutional amendment to ban affirmative . Choby of Nashville said. action programs that take race or genIn Colorado, 59 percent of voters der into consideration for public em- also declined to give approval to "doployment, education or coritracting mestic partnerships" between people purposes. Michigan's bishops had of the same sex. urged defeat of the amendment.

More than 80 percent ofAlabama In all, there were 205 ballot ques- voters approved a constitutional tions before voters in 37 states, and amendment on marriage there in June.

Catholic leaders had taken stands on But with some mail~in ballots still many of them. to be counted,Arizonavoters appeared But none were more closely to buck the nationwide trend, defeatwatched than the proposed Missouri ing their proposed amendment by a constitutional amendment that would 51 percent to 49 percent margin. permit any stem-cell research allowed By three-to-one margins, howunder federal law -to the point of ever, the state's voters approved meaallowing human cloning, its opponents sures that make EngllshArizona's ofsaid - and the South Dakota vote on ficiallanguage and deny illegal immiwhether to repeal a law banning most grants the right to get bail or receive abortions in the state. Millions were punitive damages in lawsuits. spent on each of those campaigns.

Proposals to raise the minimum Although the Missouri proposal wage passed in Colorado (53 percent appeared to be headed for defeat dur- approval), Arizona (66 percent), Mising most of election night, it eventu- souri (76 percent), Montana (73 perally won approval by a 51 percent to cent), Nevada (69 percent) and Ohio 49 percent margin.

(56 percent).

The South Dakotalaw was repealed Rhode Island Bishop Thomas 1. by a wider margin, with 56 percent of Tobin of Providence had urged apvoters opposing the near total ban. proval of a $50 million bond fund to Proposals to require parental noti- provide affordable housing throughfication before a minor undergoes an out the state, and 66 percent of the abortion were defeated in California voters agreed..

DISREGARD FOR LIFE - An abortion foe and a supporter of legal abortion confront each other during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington November 8. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases challenging the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

Justices focus on differences in abortion ~ethod in oral argument

By PATRIQA ZAPOR

ments inserted to remove parts of the dead fetus' body. These complicaWASHINGTON - In two hours tions can be avoided when the fetus is killed when part of it is outside the of oral arguments November 8 over a federal law banning a procedure mother's body, they said. known as partial-birth abortion, SuSolicitor General Paul Clement, preme Court justices and attorneys who argued for the federal governconsidered the intent of Congress in ment in both cases, said Congress had passing the bill, the differences besufficient evidence "that partial-birth abortions were never medically nec- . tween types of abortion and who gets essary, and that safe alternatives were to decide when those differences always available such that no woman matter. would be prevented from terminatThe court heard appeals of two ing her pregnancy. lower court rulings that both "So assuming you're right found the 2003 Partial Birth that it is constitutional for ConAbOttion BanAct to be unconIn an "intact'D&E" or what the law stitutional because it does not gress tO'ban the ('intact D&E'), calls partial-birth abortion, a live feinclude provisions allowing its wouldn't the same reasoning tus is partially delivered and an inci- apply?" Ginsberg asked. use in some cases to protect a . sion is made at the base of the skull, "Couldn't Congress make woman's health.

From the direction of the through which the brains are re- similar findiitgs with respect to questioning, Justices Stephen moved, and then the dead body is what is the most common .

Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, delivered the rest of the way. method for second-trimester abortions?"

John Paul Stevens and David Souter seemed to be looking '''There is quite a different for commonality between the federal moved, and then the dead body is de- situation when .Congress comes in la~ and a similar Nebraska statute livered the rest ofthe way. In the other and tries to deal with the primary that they voted toovertum in 2000. procedure, known simply as dilation . abortion method in the second trimes. The fifth vote in that five-to-four and extraction, the fetus is killed ter," he said. "Here, though, Congress majority ruling was cast by now-re- while inside the mother, then 're~ didn't go after the dog, so to speak, it tired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. moved. went after the tail." . Her replacement on the court, Justice Arguing that the court should upJustice Stevens challenged Samuel Alito, asked no questions hold lower co~ that found the law Clement over the validity of some during the two hours devoted to oral unconstitutional, attorneys for the evidence Congress cited to show arguments.

Planned Parenthood Federation of that partial-birth abortion is never Justice Anthony Kennedy, who America and Leroy Carhart, the Ne- .necessary. Clerrtent conceded that was among the minority in opposing braska abortion doctor who brought that路 might undermine some find.the 2000 ruling, and Chief Justice one of the current cases and the one ings of Congress and that the SuJohn Robertsjoined Breyer, Ginsburg decided in 2000, said "intactD&E" preme Court would be entitled to and Stevens, in particular, in question- shooldremain a legal option because -defer to the lower court's concluing aspects ofCongressional findings it reduces the risk of injury to the. sion ~ver those of Congress in some cited in the law. Roberts, like Alito, pregnant woman. . cases. . joined the court last year. Both have They explained that in some cases . Decisions in the two cases CATHOLIC VOTERS -Catholic parishioner Flora Jones, left, con- been presumed by some analysts to the unchallenged dilation and extrac- Gonzales v. Carhart and Gonzales v. tion method.leads to perforation of Planned Parenthood - could come suits with her friend, Gladys Jackson, a~ she casts her vote at a be likely to uphold the federal law. polling place in Christ the King School in Nashville, Term., Novem- ' But both Kennedy and Roberts the woman's uterus and other com- anytime between now and the end of ber 7. (CNS photolTheresa laurence, Tennessee Register) asked a series ofquestions that sought plications of having medical instru- the term in June.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

.to define the differences between the banned procedure, known to physicians as "intact dilation and extraction" and a different one, not targeted by the ban, which is路considered to be . the alternative and fallback procedure used for second-trimester and later abortions.

In an "intact D&E" or what the law calls partial-birth abortion, a live fetus is partially delivered and an incision is made at the base ofthe skull, through which the brains are re-

NOVEMBER

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THE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

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The US. lists H~ as a terrori~t. organization, 'and diplomats and· officials ofUS.-based aid agencies are forbidden to have any cont4 with Hamas.

Since Hamas won the election, Israel 'I has refused to pass along tax revenue

and customs duties it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority.

As a result; most government workers'have not been paid in months, many are striking, ~d widespread discontent has increased.

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.National Shrine of O~r Lady ofLa Salette . 947 P~k Street - Attleboro, MA 02703

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NOVEMBER 23,2006 - JANUARY YOUNG CASUALTY - Malik Fayez, 10, recovers from a bullet wound to the head in a Beit Jalla hospital in the West Bank recently. The Palestinian boy, who lives in neighboring Bethlehem, was shot at while throwing stones at an Israeli Defense Forces jeep in his neighborhood. Israeli soldiers were searching fOT a Palestinian militant. (eNS photo/Paul Jeffrey)

Jerusalem Church leader s~ys U.S. ,could guarantee Israel'ssu,rvival JERUSALEM (CNS) - As viO:lence increased in the Holy Land, the top Catholic official iIi Jerusalem said the survival ofIsrael could be guaranteed if the U.S. government were to change its policy toward the region. ''The main question for the U.S. administration and for Israel is survival," said Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem during a recent inte~iew with Catholi« journalists from the United States, ~'But if the US. wants Israel to survive, 'to be recognized, then it should take measures to surround Israel with friends. But current U.S. policy is surrounding Israel ' with enemies. That's not the way to proteCt your friend." .

Israeli forces moved into the Gaza Strlp November 1 in an effort to halt _ rocket assaults on southern Israel. Five . .days ofIsraeli air raids and gunfire left nearly 50 people dead.

Patriarch Sa~bah said the United States and Israel were provokiIig con. flict and that the Palestinians were re- ' , acting to Israeli oppression. ''They (palestinians) are n9t terrorists, they are people who are living under oppression and who are reacting;' said the patriarch, adding that some do not react at all and "go on living their lives in despair and humili- . ation and poverty." , , The patriarch said some inilitia groups do ''react with violence, including terrorist actions, killing inJiocents here and there."

However, he said that ''the Israelis and the AmericanS say these Palestin-., ians are terrorists because from their own soul they want the destruction of , Israel. But that's wrong. ''These people do not want to destroy Israel without any reason. They are reacting to Israel because they are oppressed by Is[<l61. Put an end to this oppression and you'll put an end to this idea of destruction;' he said. , In late September, following Pope Benedict XVI's remarks on Islam in a speech in Gennany, several churches were attacked·in the West Bank and Gaza, reportedly by angry Muslims.

Church leaders in Jerusalem, while acknowledging occasional tensions; claimed the attacks 'were an anomaly

and that Palestinianofficials responded quickly to stoP furtherviolence.

Patriarch Sabb$ said the incidents point to the ~eakness of the Palestinian Authority, which is crippled by internal political tensions and is nearly penniless. The U.S. and European.

Union have withheld funds until Harnas, the militant group that runs the .

Palestinian government, renounces violent actions, agrees to honor previ-, ous agreements signed by ~e Palestine Liberation Organization and accepts the existence of Israel. . The financial boycott was initiated

A WAY TO CONTINUE THE MISSION OF JESUS

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Consider the work

OPENING CEREMONY & BLESSING Every Day at the Outdoor Manger 4:55 p.m. .

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Saturday']! December 9 Replacing Fr. Pat· 3:00 p.m. Seamus Byrne-Celtic Singer & Flautist 4:00 p.m![ Mass Long Island University Chorus 7:00 p.m. Hosanna & Lourdes Ringers !3:00 p,m. Fr. Crowley Pipers & Drummers

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Closed !!November 23, December 24,25 & 31.

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Satt!rday & Sunday 12:00 - 9:00 p:m, January 1 2:00 - 9:00 p.m.

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Your gift through the Society for the Propagimon ofthe Faith today helps support catechists lilce Geoffrey throughout the Missions as they proclaim this great "Good News.

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Faith in your Will will help support the proclamatiDn of the' C{ospel well into the future - your own legacy oflove to the poor ofthe Missions. '. .

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to young men like Joe.

S,tate

GUESTS ARTiSTS

'I In Shrine Theater . Monday - Friday 4:00 - 8:30 p.m.• Saturday - 'Sunday 2:00 - 8:30 p.m.

.a catechist in

God's love to traumatiZed child soldiers who have

City

ILLUMINATIONS

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS FR PAT

"Good News" of.

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Tuesday - "Sunday - Church 3:00. &. 7:00 p.m..

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day, he brings the

Address.

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Every 'Day 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

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Uganda. Day after

Name_'_ _-:--

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.INTERNATIONAL DISPLAY OF NATIVITY SETS'

~akwonyero,

. Rev. Msgr. fohn E. Kozar. NaH~nal Director

"

.' ~,very Day 2:00 to a:OO p.ll).

No Confessions Nov. 23, Dec. 25, & Jan. 1, 2006 p.ec.24 & 31: 2:00-5:00

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of GeOffrey

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7:00 p.m. Monday, November 27 John Porce 4:30. p.m. S:aturday, December 2 Michelle's School of . _I, Dance-Ol,ltdoor Manager ' 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 4 Classic Sound , 8:00 p.m. Monday, December 4 Portuguese Christmas Concert ' 5:00 p.m, Sunday, December 10 Terri GarY-By Outdoor Manager 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 11 Dream Believers Chiidren·Puppet Show 8:00 p.m. Monday, D~pember 11 Dream Believers Shepherd-Puppet Show 8:00 p.m. Saturday. December 16 Hispanic Drama 7:00 p.m. Monday, december 18 St Benedict Youth Choir of Warwick RI 8:00 p.m. Mon~:ay, December 18 Brazilian Christmas Concert 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 22 Hispanic Christmas Music

THERE IS A WAY...

escaped from rebel camps -

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Monday - Friday 12:10 & 5:30 p.m.

Saturday - Sunday 12:10,4:00 & 5:30 p.m. . lDecember 24-Midnight Mass' .

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Saturday, December 9-1 :00 p.m. Indian Mass Saturday, Decemberil16- 5:30 p.m. Bilingual Mass-Spanish & English .

following a Harnas victory in January elections. Analysts argue Harnas won in large part because P3J.estinians were fed up with corruption and division in the'ruling Fatah Party as well as the lack of progress in the peace process. ''Those who make policy in Israel and America .., try to insist that it is the Muslims who' are persecuting Christians here. But there is no persecution by Muslims against Christians," said Patriarch Sabbah. "Our problems don't come from Muslims; they come from a society in which there is no authority." 't-

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SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

WHERE THERE IS A WILL,

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2006 La Salette Christmas Season Theme: "Lord, You Are Our Hope"

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The stakes of January .2 . Playing politics is n'othing new for politicians. We are all accustomed to how legislators, when they may not be able or want to defeat a bill on the open floor, seek to use the rules of the legislative process to their advantage, by relegating bills for "further study," or killing them in com- . mittee, or filibusterIng debate. While such ploys generally leave most people feeling a little dirty about the process ':""-like lawyers' using fine print to .swindle widows - they do play by the agreed upon rules of · parliamentary warfare. Legislative majorities andminorities, Democrats and Republicans, liberals, moderates and conservatives have all taken advantage of them at one time or another to advance their causes.

What happened on November 9, however, is of another order. When. the majority of Beacon Hill legislators meeting in Constitutional Convention voted to recess until the last day of the legislative term, they were not dealing with pieces of legisiation and the rules of the state House of Representatives or Senate. They were taking up citizen-initiated proposed C:onstitutional Amendments and were therefore bound by the explicit rules of the M~ssachusetts Constitution which they swore an oath to uphold.

Article 48 of that Constitution specifies that when amendmeQts proposed by citizen initiative petition come before the legislature, "they shall be voted upon," and this action must be "only by call of the yeas and nays." The Massachusetts Constitution, as a check and balance on the Legislature, requires lawmakers to vote, for otherwise the legislative leadership could simply abort initiatives it opposed by refusing.to bring them up for a vote. Moreover, in order to prevent the majority from summarily . killing any citizen petition of which it disapproves, while still giving the legislature some' means to prevent the Constitution from being modified indiscriminately, Article 48 establishes that the petition must receive sup~ port of one-quarter of"lawmakers in two successive sessions. If it does, then the petition passes to the voters. The only way to kill a petition on Beacon Hill, according to article 48, is to get three-quarters of legislators to vote against it in a convention roll-call.

Opponents of the Protection of Marriage Amendment were notable to line up the supermajority of 151 of 200 votes needed to kill it ~ and they knew it. Rather than accept defeat and do their duty, they boldly resorted to the unconstitutional means of trying to prevent a vote. As people on all .sides of the Protection of Marriage Amendment recognize; the recess until · January 2 is just a charade to try to kill the petition without voting on it.

It is enough of an injury to the practice of the constitutional rule of law wht<n four activist justice~" on the .Supreme Judicial·Court ignore their duty to int~rpret the state Constitution and instead decide to insert within it a "right" to same-sex marriage - an invention that would have shocked the authors of the Constitution and almost all of their predecessors on the· state's highest tribunal. It's even worse, however, when legislators ignore' their oath of office and the constitutional rule of law to prevent citizens from exercising their explicit and un-invented constitutional right to the prOCess of constitutional amendment. If such ploys are allowedto stand, then we woulq no longer be dealing with a form of government in which the people are supreme and in which all of us .are bound by the rule of law.

This is recognized even by opponents of the Protection' of Marriage Amendment. As one of them, the Boston Globe's Scot Lehigh, wrote" earlier this week, the effect of the lawmakers' action is to say that "Massachusetts citizens have no right to amend therr constitution if the Legislature disapproves.... In reality, lawmakers have nullified Article 48 ...

If lawmakers could have.denied the amendment the 50 votes it needed to proceed, they would have dealt it a perfectly legitimate defeat.... No matter. For same-sex marriage supporters, the opportunity to kill the amendment now simply proved too tempting - even though doing" so meant abusing the constitutional process.... I realize it's hard for people to look · beyond their own position on an issue to consider constitutional concerns. Instead, the. ends will almost inevitably justify the means for partisans. But there's a broader principle"at issue here: Do citizens really want a legislature that repeatedly ignores an essential provision of the very constitUtion it is sworn to uphold? Further, iflawmakers can disregard the constitution with impunity, wQo, really, is sovereign? After last week, it's hard to argue that the real amending power lies with the citizens.'" ' It's obvious that one reasOn the legislative leadership is trying so hard by unconstitutional means to prevent the Protection of Marriage Amendment from going before the voters in 2008 is because they fear that voters · may approve.it. But the Issues involved in the Constitutional Convention go beyond the redefinItion of ~arriage. It is an attempted practicilI redefinition of our entire form of government - a rewriting "of the Constitution without a Constitutional amendment.- to enable a majority of legislators to prevent citizens from amending that same Constitution and keeping their government in check and balance. .Therefore it is critical, in the next six weeks, that citizens remind their legislators where sovereignty rests and that they will not allow their lawmakers to disregard the constitution with impunity. A list oflegislatbrs in .. need of such reminders is found on page 18.

The Anchor

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NOVEMBER

17, 2006

the living word F~EN-YEAR-OLD

MILAGROSA IS HELD BY HER MOTHER AS SHE CELEBRATED HER BIRTHDAY, OR "QUINCE

ANOS," A TRADITIONAL CELEBRATION WHERE THE YOUNG GIRL COMES TO MASS WEARING A NEW DRESS AND CARRYING FLOWERS. WITH THEM IS FLORENCE PREGANA.

(SEE

STORY IN FATHER . PREGANA'S"OUR MISSION" COLUMN ON PAGE SEVEN).

"I HAVE NO GREATER J()Y THAN TIllS, TO HEAR OF . MY CHILDREN WALKING IN THE TRUTH"

(3 JOHN

1:4).,

Th~

priest and eternal life

As an icon, the priest exists as for those familiar with the Gospel, divine providence. As one who a window to the divine. His mere where Jesus said; "For in the helps others to have an eternal presence conveys certain mesresurrection they neith~r marry perspective on life, the priest sagesfroin God, and signals to . nor are given in' marriage, but are . . reminds us to the live the words people the existence of supernatu- like angels in heaven" (Mt 22:30). of St. Paul, who said, "If then you ral, transcendent truths. Perhaps Additional evidence of eternal were raised with Christ, seek what .the most important of these is the life is given by the priest's effort is above, where Christ is seated at existence of eternal life. to live a life of simplicity. Even if the right hand of God. Think of Living in and surrounded ·by a priest does not take a vow of 'what is above, not of what is on radical poverty, his effort to earth" (Col 3: 1-2). world that would have us believe 'there is aothing more than the imitate Christ still includes the And lastly, the priest provides . , visible, tangible world, the world with evidence· the priest stands as a of eternal life by his powerful reminder that commitment to discithere is, in fact, someplined prayer. When thing more than this . people see a priest in world and this life. By prayer, they know that he his consecrated identity is talking to someone not and; by the example of his of this world. They can' life, he provides people see and detect that he is in with evidence of eternal communication with life. someone who lives This message is conveyed in goal of not storing up for himself. beyond this world. If the priest is different ways, including the treasures on earth, but rather known as a true man of prayer, he symbol ofthe cleJjcal attire worn obtaining treasures in heaven, signals to others that there is more than 'this earthly life. by the priest. The very uniform by kno~ing that "where your which the priest isidentified in treasure is, there will your heart As the SecondVatican Council be also" (Mt 6:21). By limiting stated in its Decree on the Ministry . the world signals to others that he and Life of Priests, "[Priests] has died to this world and is living his possessions to only what he for something beyond this life. By truly needs, the priest provides a . cannot be ministers of Christ his daily appearance in black, the powerful reminder in a materialis- unless they be witnesses and tic culture thatthere is more than dispensers of a life other than priest recalls the words of St. Paul, who wrote, "For the world earthly life" (Presbyteronim, . this life of material goods. in its present form is passing The existence of eternal life is Ordinis, 3). Among the many away" (lCor 7:31). also evidenced by the way the messages contained in the icon of priest speaks. Hopefully, the A more compelling reminder' the priest is the truth of life after· priest 'is known to think and speak death. By his dress, his celibacy, of eternal life is given, however, by the priest's promise of celiof heavenly things, and is not his simplicity, his conversation and bacy, which for many is the most afraid to remind others to do the . his prayer, the pri,::st provides the same. The priest should be known world with evidence of eternal life. .fascinating aspect of his identity. as one who walks through this life Although many find celibacy to Father Pignato is chaplain at be bizarre, odd, or even crazy, it with one foot in this world and Bishop Stang High School in nonetheless signals to others that one foot in the next, keenly aware North Dartmouth and is secre-' there is something beyond this of spiritual realities and always tary to Bishop George l¥. present life. This is especially so r~ady to attribute eve.nts to God's Coleman.

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I. NOVEMBER

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17, 2006

The Anchor

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The undying faith of pare,nts_ volunteers to begin the Center for The meeting at the Rehabilitachildren living with disabilities. tion Center was scheduled to begin The Center reminds us of how at 9 a.m., which, mHonduran important it is to refer to the time, means somewhere around 10. Actually, no one is upset by the late start as it gives folks & chance to meet and greet. This day, the parents of J/!I , children with physical and mental challenges have gathered to share their struggles and plan how the Center can meet ....- - - - - - - - - - their needs. children as "living in situations of A couple of years ago one of disability" rather than "disabledthe Center's directors, Martha children." These kids enjoy the Barahona, celebrated her retiresame rights to education and ment from the Education Departassistance as all children, however ment. She worked with two other

in a country with such a severe level of poverty, it is not easy to get the needed assistance.

A typical example ~f the challenges faced by the parents isLeyla Garcia, a mother from the village called "Las Canas," or "the Sugar Cane." Her fouryear-old son, 'Carlos, cannot walk, talk or sit up on his own. She must carry him everywhere. On a recent visit to Las Canas, I saw her arriving at the chapel for Mass carrying Carlos in her arms. Although he appeared more alert, it was obvious that he had grown since our last visit and his mother

Customizing your funeral entrance song Requiem aetemam as the casket is The General Introduction to the Order ofChristian Funerals instructs the priest, whenever possible, to brought into the church, or the sublime In Paradisum at the final commendation. "involve the family in planning the funeral rites: in the choice of texts and rites provided in the ritual, in the Color can convey meaning as powerfully as music, selection of music for the rites, and in the designation of kneeling, folding one's hands, lowering one's voice, or liturgical ministers" (No. 17). Most funeral homes and making the Sign of the Cross. In the Roman Rite, the Priest may wear black or violet vestments for funerals parishes provide booklets to help the family "customand other Masses for the dead Black, the traditional ize" the funeral rites. If you're thinking ahead to your own funeral, you may want to know now what your color of mourning in Western countries, acknowledges our need to grieve. Violet signifies both penance and options are and make your choices known to your loved ones. hope-filled expectation (hence-the use of violet in Lent and Advent), and so reminds us that we must be There are more than 70 biblical texts available for use as the first reading (from the Old Testament exCept cleansed of sin before we can see the face of God. In during the Eas~ Season), respOnsorial psalm, second the United States and some oth~r countries, white is reading (from the New Testament epistles), and Gospel. permitted as an option, to symbolize the joy and .

Perhaps your favorite triumph of Christ's Scripture passages will be -"""'"!""'!"!'~~~~~-";"~""--:;::"-"'In resurrection. 'Just as the among these. It's possible ''1 ,'/--;).:'\(>,"", <~. ~. ~ words "confession;' for your family and S' ~CatboJ "penance," and ''reconcilifriends to assist at your :2'E,,ation" each emphasizes a funeral by proclaiming ~ particular aspect of the the Scripture readings '; 'By Father sacrament of God's and, if the Funeral Liturgy <\ThomasoM~ Kocik ' forgiveness, so each of is a Mass, by presenting ,"'- ~~_~- pc ~ these three colors the gifts of bread a n d - <--: ~, symbolizes a particular wine. However, before Christian perspective on designating someone to read, be sure he or she is a death (yes, even black, for the simple reason that practicing Catholic and able to do so competently and mourning is a very human need, and nothing human is comfortably. The responsorial psalm, furthermore, alien to'Christians). Since the Church allows the priest a choice, it w()uldn't be out of place for you to request should be sung by a cantor whenever possible (No. 157). Remember, too, that only a priest or deacon may your preference, if you have one, when planning your read the Gospel at Mass. . funeral.

Iesmso worth mentioning t:bat;.' whenpre-arranging Music is integral to the Catholic funeral, which, as we've seen, includes not only the Funeral Liturgy but your fu.l:lera1, most funeral directoi$itellliz.e all costs, also the Vigil for the Deceased and the Rite of C9mmit- but sometimes they do not itemize the stipends for the tal (Realistically or not, the ritual for the vigil does call church (for the parish, organist, cantor, etc.). If they do not, and if your finances allow fot it, you may want to for an Opening song and a sung responsorial psalm).

Well-chosen music can touch the mourners at levels of include the stipends in your funeral arrangements, human need that words alone often fail to reach. The ~ereby sparing your family those out-of-pocket expenses later. music chosen for funeral rites "should express the Paschal My~I)' of the Lord's suffering, death, and Thlliffarwe've surveyed the three "stations" of the ROllWil'Catholic funeral: the Vigjttot the Deceased, triumph over death, and should be related to the readings from Scripture" (No. 30). Secular music is not the FurieraI Liturgy (usually a Mass of Christian appropriate, nor is the use of recorded music permitted. Burial), and the Rite of Committal. We've also noted It's always a good idea to check with the priest or the importance of having Mass offered for the dead, parish musician to ensure th8t the niusic you request is and why the Church prefers burial to cremation. Today liturgically appropriate. Instead of hymns, it is always we considered ways in which you can personalize your possible to draw from the Church's rich treasury of funeral rites and involve your fanijJy in their celebraGregorian chant, which expresses reverent sentiment tion. In the next and final segmentofthis miniseries, without sentimentality and, as the Second Vatican we'uLa1imess how you might $C()Uiage your "faithful· ' Council insisted, is especially suited to the Roman suMv()t$" to honor your memory in a genuinely , liturgy. At funerals especially, when most people are Catholic fashion. not inclined to sing, it could be a welcome break from FatherKbcik is chapIoin at ChDrlJon Memorial routine to have the cantor chant the hauntingly beautiful BospiItJl in Foil River.

Ie ",;U_o,eial.Jl:ites::::

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looked drained. After Mass, we spoke about the posl~ibility of Il ., . finding some type 0f carnage lor Julio. Leyla explai~ed that Carlos can not sit up by himself, so the carriage would have'I to accommodate his need. i In another villag~, "El Nance," there is a young girl who was not expected to live be~pnd her second birthday. Her parents II name dher Mi'lagrosa, or "h t e miracle." Recently, I she celebrated her 15th b~day, or "Quince AfIOS," a tr~ditional celebration where t~e young girl il. comes to M ass wear-ng a new dress and carrying flowers.

During the special Mass, the II parents stand with tpeir daughter ask for in front of the altar 'to I God's grace and th~ Blessed Mother's intercession.

On the day ofhet 15th birthday, Milagrosa's mother barried her daughter in her arm~ from their house up the hill to fue chapel for II her special Quincienera Mass.

(See picture on pag¢ six.) ]1

Although Milagrosa cannot talk or walk, her parents offered the . prayer on her behalf. The celebration was a remarkable testament to the faith of her parents.

Such parents find support at the Rehabilitation Center, which struggles too, against many odds: the lack of rehab equipment, special teaching tools, education materials, and an adequate facility. We in the U.S. expect that the needs of all children will be met; in Honduras, however, the reality of poverty makes it an extra burden. We are fortunate in Guaimaca for the determination of Martha Barahona and her team, which keeps the Cen!er focused on its mission of honoring the dignity of each child of God. This Thanksgiving as we gather around the holiday table, let's remember that it is a symbol of God's table where each of us has a place, May we give thanks for our blessings and, in tum, bless others. www.HonduranMission.org

il

Pure and simple It's so easy to become ta10te d by the world aroundII us. After having watched thell sporting world for four dedCles, and 'I writing about it for ,another 10 or so, I sometimes become immune to what money has Idone to the games.

11 Agents, salary caps, contracts that have no meanibg, complairiing athletes, coachJs and owners, have all become r06tine.

I miss the 1 days when I • covered high school sports.

There was sport at its best.

I recall covering the New England Patriots for a couple of years for a secular paper. The players' parking lot was filled with expensive utility vJhicles, the I locker rooms werestate-of-the art with all the bells arid whistles. .

J There was nothing Jacking for the pampered players. I Luckily for me, Jattended a CYO basketball game last weekI • end and got a refre~her course 10 what the games really are.

The contest wa~l between two girls teams from a ~air of Catholic schools in Fall River.

It was the JI first game of the season, and one of the teams only 9ad four players who could show up.

No, the game wasn't forfeited.

Ii They played four-on-five basketball.

It should be noted thin this was the II first competitive basketball game II any of the four had ever played. . For two 12-minhte halves, the quartet ran up and aown the court, working hard, mrng mistakes, .

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Ieam10g . f rom mIst . akes, ' an d

• fu n. hav10g ,The other team periodically ushered in fresh troop~, as they should have. , During time-outs, the four rested on the bench with eyes fixed on their coach lis~ening to his instructions.

There was no complaining.

They didn't walk back on to the court with heads hanging. They

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simply mustered up what energy they had left and waited for the whistle to resume play: The four lost by a landslide, but it didn't matter. They did their best. While the four girls gulped down a post-game soda sporting red faces and sweaty hair, parents and team members of the opposing school congratulated their courageous effort.

Sports, the way it should be played.

All of the girls on the court played for the fun of it. Aside from some exercise and fun, there was no compensation involved.

Although I did reward one of the fantastic four with a couple of Coney Island hot dogs on the ride home. She gladly accepted my offer.

And Emilie didn't even need an agent.

dtwejolivet@anchomews.org

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The Anchor ,

NOVEMBER

17, 2006

Heaven and earth shall pass away Several years ago I received a letter from a former college classmate who informed me that his wife, who like himself was unbaptized, would soon be entering the Catholic Church, "She has been preparing for almost a year to become a Catholic," he declared, startling me. "Two weeks ago we went to the cathedral where she was invited by the bishop to write her name in what was called the Book of the Elect. I am not a believer so I wasn't invited to sign the book," he said. "Does that mean I'm going to hell?"

Although my former classmate's words expressed a certain disdain, they also conveyed his curiosity abo~t life after death.

For us Catholic Christians the Church's liturgical year is almost over and so is Ordinary Time. As they pass away, the Church turns to readings about the end of life and the end of time.

In today's Gospel we are warned by Jesus that at a time

unknown to anyone but his Father, "Heaven and earth will pass away" (Mk 13:31). When we listen to today's readings about the end of the world and the end of life, we have to ask ourselves if we are prepared. Daniel says those whose names are found written in the book shall live forever while "others shall be everlasting horror and disgrace" (Dn 12:1-3).

If time is running out, perhaps we had best ' make sure our names are written in that book. Is time really running out? To look around today, it certainly appears that way. Even though we live in an age of great technological and electronic marvels that promise us abundant leisure time, most people seem to find themselves in perpetual motion. We rush from appointment to appointment, multi-tasking along the way and often quite distressed

because we have run out of time.

In today's first reading, Daniel says the end "shall be a time unsurpassed in distress" (Dn 12:1). Now I am not claiming that we are approaching the end

an

times, for only the Father in heaven knows when the end will come. However, as the Church approaches the end of the year, it seems prudent that we pause, catch our breath, and accept the reality that one day the end will come. Jesus tells us when heaven and earth pass away, and surely they will, "My words will not pass away" (Mk 13:31).

In Mark (13:24-27) Jesus says that after the tribulation, the

Son of Man will send out angels to gather his elect. Let us not forget, they are the ones whose names will be found written in the book.

What about my former classmate who asked if he was destined for hell because his name was not written in the book of the elect? The author of the Letter to the Hebrews tells us we are saved, "consecrated" in the words of the passage, by the one sacrifice of Christ (Hb 10:14). ,According to the "Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church," "The entire life of Christ was a free offering to the Father to carry out his plm of salvation ... his suffering and death showed how his humanity was the free and perfect instrument of that divine love which desires the salvation of all people" (CCCC 119).

Therefore. it is dear our loving

God desires the salvation of all people, including my skeptical classmate. But let's not forget the words of Daniel, "Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace" (On 12:2).

How can we know we will live forever? On our part including my skeptical friend - the one thing necessary for salvation is faith. It is freely given by God who loves us and it excludes no one who truly seeks it. However, it is an invitation that requires a personal response. To believe in God is "to assent to all the truths which God haS revealed because God is Truth" (CCCC 27). These "are the words that will not pass away, and believing in them puts our names in the book.

Father Dahl is pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Provincetown.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat, Nov 18, 3 In 5-8; Ps H2:1-6; Lk 18:1-8. Sun, Nov 19, Thirty-third Sunday in ordinary time,Dn 12:1-3; Ps 16:5,8-11; Heb 10:11-14,18; Mk 13:24-32. Mon, Nov 20, Rv 1:1-4;2:1-5; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 18:35-43. Toes, Nov 21, Rv 3:1-6,14-22; Ps 15:2-5; Lk 9:1-10. Wed, Nov 22, Rv 4:1-11; Ps 150:1-6; Lk 19:11-28. Thurs, Nov 23, Rv 4:1-10; Ps 149:1-6,9; Lk 19:4144. Fri, Nov 24, Rv 10:8-11; Ps 119:14,24,72,103,111,131; Lk 19:45-48.

Regensburg revisited:. the Islamic response In mid-October, 38 Muslim leaders wrote an "Open Letter to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI," in response to the pope's September lecture at Regensburg University and the international controversy that followed. This unprecedented letter could - just could - help move history in a more benign direction. Understanding both what the Muslim leaders said, and the need for further clarification (and action) on their part, is of the utmost importance.

First, consider what they said.

Unlike those portside Catholic commentators who thought that the pope had been too abstractly theological at Regensburg, the

Muslim leaders "applaud" the pope's "efforts to oppose the dominance of positivism and materialism in human life" and they welcome the pope's call for an intellectually serious encounter between Muslims and Christians.

They also accept, . without cavil, the pope's explanation that the condemnation of Islam by the medieval Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus, which Benedict referenced in his lecture, cannot be taken to reflect the pope's own views on the faith of Muslims.

The Muslim leaders also insist

The Franciscans Immaculate Conception Province (OFM)

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CANADA 2210 Lawrence Ave. East Toronto ONT. MI P 2P9

ing. They also suggest that, in the "oo.some [who] have disregarded a mainstream Islamic tradition, God long and well"established cannot command the irrational tradition" seems a rather ariodyne (like the murder of innocents) description of those jihadists another crucial point in the . whose radical interpretations of ongoing contest with the Qu'ran, often reflecting the those jihadists whom teachings of the Wahhabi sect, are Canadian commentator the most dynamic force in the David Warren aptly Islamic world today. Nor does the styles as "postmodern letter address the grave problem psychopaths 00. trying to of Shia Islamic apocalypticism, as reconstruct the condiembodied by Iranian president tions of seventh-century Mahm~ud Ahmadinejad and his Arabia." There are evident belief that he can accelerhistorical questions to be ate the coming of the messianic engaged in debating the signatoage by means of nuclear holotations of "jihad" as an obligaries' assertion that the rapid caust. tory holy war of conquest, to be spread of Islam in its fIrst Absent two important figures waged against all infidels until centuries was primarily "politi(Shaykh Muhammad Sayyid Allah's soverejgnty is acknowlcat' Still, it is not without Tantawi, head of the al-Azhar edged by the entire world. Who University in Cairo, and Shaykh else but the jihadists could the 38 significance that the Muslim leaders close their letter by Yusuf al-Qardawi, an influential signatories have in mind when . appealing to "what is common in jurist), the 38 signatories "they write that "If some have essence in our two Abrahamic represent the A-list of internadisregarded a long and welltraditions," the two great comtional Islamic authorities. They established tradition in favor of mandments as proclaimed in now face a large question of utopian dreams where the end Mark's Gospel: love of God action: how willing are they to justifies the means, they have without reservation, and love of challenge, discipline, and, if done so of their own accord and neighbor as oneself. needs be, dramatically without the sanction of God, his What, then, needs further marginalize the jihadists who prophet, or the learned tradiclarification? It would have been preach and eommit murder tion"? In this context, the helpful had this letter acknowl"without the sanction of God, his signatories "totally condemn" the edged the psychotic anti-' â&#x20AC;˘ prophet, or the learned tradimurder of a nun in Somalia in Semitism that infects too much of tion?" Each day's headlines reaction to the Regensburg the Islamic world today; an Islam remind us that that crucial lecture. in genuine dialogue with Chrisquestion remains to be answered.

The signatories go on to invite tianity cannot but be in dialogue But it is now in play, globally. the pope (and, by extension, the with Christianity'S parent, The world can thank Benedict Church) to a serious theological Judaism, as well. The Muslim XVI for that. dialogue on the transcendence of leaders' letter tends to treat .

George Weigel is a senior God, and on the relationship of contemporary jihadism as almost fellow ofthe Ethics and Public God's nature and attributes to a peripheral phenomenon: Policy Center in Washington, D.C. human categories of understandthat the Qu'ran's injunction against "compulsion in religion" cannot be trumped by other Islamic texts. Thus they reject contemporary jihadists' interpre-

9

Can you hear me now?

Tuesday 14 November 2006Port-O-Cal~ Harlem - "Loosen up. lighten up Day" I took the express train to New York City. I assumed the word "express" applied to the train, not realizing it also applied to the passengers.

These folks live their lives on the fast track. They are in a big hurry. In the midst of all the rushing, I never even noticed there was a designated "Quiet Car." I sat in a "workaholic car" with all the rest.

It was a learning experience. I had no idea that multi-tasking had become so pandemic. Nobody noticed the scenery or even interacted with the people around them.

Each passenger was on his or her own planet. Everybody was working at something very, very important.

Some were clicking away on their lap top computers. Others were

making and receiving one phone call after another. I never knew there were so many ring tones. I overheard one man on the phone: ''Where am I, you ask? I have no idea:' He got that right. Some

..

passengers wore earphones, clearly signaling "Go away. Leave me alone:' Three friends were sitting together but not saying a word to each other; the women were simultaneously using their cell phones. Perhaps, I thought, they're talking to each other over the phone - but I doubt it. I looked out the window for awhile then read a book on Marine Corps boot camp. Next time I'll sit in the Quiet Car. Years ago, I heard some futurist predicting that one day there would be something called the cell phone. People would be able to phone each other anytime from anywhere. Cell phones will never sell, thought I. Who would want to

A Catholic education .in a Catholic system couldn't conceal the decidedly and clear to be used for tuition:' This is the third in a series of Nonetheless, non-Catholic agen(Ja of several my husband and I columns ofgiving aU Catholic kids important faculty members which determined that it was during high a Catholic education. indiscreetly filtered through the school, even more than during The presumption of the series is curricula and down to the students. college, that we wanted our teens that we, as Catholic parents, are So disillusioned were we, that we to continue in a system oflearning primarily responsible for giving . only barely considered a Catholic where their hearts, hands, and our children an education that school when our oldest was ready heads would be educated side-byincludes the essential ingredients for high school.

But, thank heaven, side.

Praying that God would make ofCatholic teaching no matter we did consider one; Bishop Stang up where we lacked financially, we where they learn their ABCs and applied for need-based 123s. If our child is ___....""""'__I'i'!!!'l'!i'!""!'l!"'l"dr-~=~--,..financial aid, my husband enrolled in a Catholic gOt a second job, we school, then all the refinanced our house, cut essential knowledge in household spending, and the ways of the Faith- gratefully accepted help heart, hand, and head from extended family. It's knowledge - are going no fun to realize we can't to be mixed into our have or do everything, but child's school day.

In considering ifwe weigh the cost of .

High School. We have yet to meet providing the pleasures and perks Catholic institutions it is important a teacher, coach, or administrator oflife against the cost of giving to look at each school individually who is not living his or her life in our child a Catholic education, we and with an eye to four important such a way as to be a good, might find that we can balance the points: first, consistency in Catholic role model to their bank book by replacing one with applying Church teachings across students, not to mention dedicated the other. In our diocese, needall classes and programs; second, to academic excellence. The based scholarships for elementary the model ofCatholic Christian spiritual and intellectual integrity and middle school students are living provided by the faculty; available through the generous third, whether religion teachers and of Bishop Stang High School has renewed our faith in Catholic efforts oftbe St Mary's Education campus ministers are in line with schools, and we are genuinely the MagisteriUlll, enthused, and Fund. Need-based assistance is grateful to be parti}ering with them alSo offered by individual high engaged; and fourth, the vision and in educating our high school schools. spiritual commitment of school students.

In tenns of distance, every administrators. Intellectual rigor Cost and distance are the most school will be different, but all and all our other educational formidable barriersto enrollment have car pools, and some have desires remain important, but we in a Catholic school. In the busing. Faith in God's providence, will not accomplish our goal of Diocese ofFall River in 2006,the hard work, and getting assistance giving them a thorough and lowest Catholic school tuition is where possible, that is how most authentic Catholic education by $1,850 per year forpre-kindergarfamilies are able to enroll their kids sending them to an institution that ten and the highest is $6,950 per in a Catholic school. Even if the has for whatever reason morphed into just another private school year for high school. That's a lot of cost or thecolll1l1ute appears clams to shell out for school with a veneer of Catholicism. insUfll1o~taPle, I would encourtuition, so parents may need to Our two oldest children age fumiliestoinvestigate the make some hard financial attended a Catholic grammar lifeloIlgbeIlefits of giving their decisions. Parents I've talked to children a good Catholic educaschool in Oiliforniathat had just come up with tuition by delaying such a veneer. Relationships with tion. Ne.xt week a side trip on our home repairs, driving used cars, teachers and admiriistrators that educational.journey to welcome and dipping into savings accounts.

Advent and the new liturgical year. began with mutual respect, ended Others sacrifice vacations,boats, with confusion and disappointHeidi is an autlwr, plwtogragolfing, eating out, and recrement. After three years of involvepher, andfull-time mother. She ational shopping. We have never and herfamily live in Falmouth. ment with the school, having holy had a stash of cash labeled "free Iwmegrownfaith@yahoo.com. statues and crosses everywhere

be constantly connected to a phone?

Silly me.

Once I called Father Marc :, Bergeron on his cell phone. How did I know he had hi~ phone volume on high? How did I kDow he was in the cathedral? How did I know thenBishop O'Malley was preaching on , the Beatitudes? I heard the bishop say, ''Blessed are the Poor in spirit.

Blessed are the meek~ RING. RING. And blessed are priests who tum off their phones when the bishop is preaching." Oh, dear ,"- yet another modem Bible translation. I recently saw a newspaper photo of Cardinal O'Malley in Rome. The cardinal was .checking his cell phone messages. Not only that, but, as I read in The Anchor, the cardinal is now the preeminent Boston blogger.

I am not making this up.

There is a family story that one day my great-grandfather was working in his fields.A salesman selling stocks approached - at the cost of 25 cents, some new up-start company called AT&T. My greatgrandfather, being a sensible man, , chased the guy away. Telephones?

Ridiculous. The appl~ doesn't fall far from the tree.

You want to be empowered? You want to experience tranquility? You want to know freedom? Shut off your cell phone. You:think God can't run the world for a single day without your help? Why not begin on.the Sabbath Day?, The Sabbath has ~iblical roots (Gen: 2:2). "And on the seventh day, God rested." Why did G-d rest? Was G-d tired?" asks my Jewish friend Arthur Arkanese. Arthur never uses the vowel in the Divine Name.

God rested because the work of creation was whole and holy. God :,

],

"

saw that creation was perfect and good. Imagine that - even without human assistance.

God was also modeling behavior for us. We are created in God's image. Notice, please, that when all other things were created, God said ''Let there be" but when human beings were created, God said ''Let us make man in our own image."

Unlike all other created things, we are partners with God in the work of creation. We even got to name the animals. We also need to take our Shabbat rest. Sabbath is a time to leave worldly concerns behind, a time to get in touch with God and to revisit the original blueprint for the human race. Shabbat is the time to appreciate our blessings and to realign ourselves with creation. God created Shabbat for us.

Most of us work too hard. It's called the American work ethic. The result is, believe it or not, Americans are less productive. The overworked suffer from discouragement of the soul, routine, physical exhaustion, and psychological fatigue. We allow work to enslave us. We are no longer free. Slavery is not a healthy human condition.

Salvage your Shabbat - be it a day, an afternoon, or an hour. It's time not for outer work but for inner work. It's a summons to the soul to rest in God, calling us to wisdom and right-living. Take a break. Enjoy God, yourself, one another, and all creation.

'The work will always be there.

But if we do not rest and pray, we will not have the wherewithal to do our work," said Mother Thresa.

Father Goldrick is pastor ofSt. BernardParish, Assonet.

StBenuudAssonet@aoLcom.

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Eagle Scout a good example for others

They are the lucky ones-the . people who are thankful-who are happy and thankful for what they have been given. They corrie from all walks of life, all levels of material success; rich and poor, tall and short, young, middle-aged and elderly.

Perhaps you are one of them.

This does not mean that thaqkful persons do not wish for some things, and hope for others. It does not mean that thankful persons do not have goals that they would like to reach that would make their life more fulfilled. Nor does it mean that thankful persons are not at times saddened or overwhelmed by the stress and difficulties of life, but rather, they appreciate each and the blessings of their life.

It is sometimes a challenge to remember to be thankful.

The responsibilities and problems of life can take us out of the present moment ... away from the present day. Other times we find ourselves amazed by the simple joys of life and the little gifts that come to us each day.

The service project DYNAMIC DUO _ Eagle Scout Justin Dion stands white water rafting was As we that the North Attleboro near a Smokey the Bear Fire Danger sign he cre- definitely his favorite. the approach the resident completed was ated, in North Attleboro. toughest challenge was the construction and the Emergency Preparedweek of Thanksgiving, I would ness badge, which inimplementation of a Smokey the Bear Fire Danger like to offer some reflections on Level Sign at the World War I Memorial Park in North volved organizing search parties to find several "lost" some of these simple joys of Attleboro. survivors of a mock plane crash.

Christ that I have experienced '~t the park there are many campsites and many Among those he earned were chemistry, law and at St. Pius X School. people come with their families to use them;' said Dion. crime prevention. The badges required to reach Eagle One day, after my sixth'They sometimes light fires in the grills to cook and Scout include FirstAid, Citizenship in the Community, this can be dangerous in dry or windy weather and the Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, grade religion class, Sarah, one sign will communicate to people current fire danger Communications, Environmental Science, Personal of my students, came up to me conditions. Hopefully they will read the sign and con- Fitness, Personal Management, Camping, and Family and said, "I made this for you." trol their fires, thus lessening injuries and forest fires." Life.

It was a little yellow flower, When he was looking for a project to do, the park In Troop 33, Dion has been a good role model for ~ which she had fashioned out of service thought the sign would be abeneficial one and his· peers, serving as an assistant patrol leader, patrol yellow construction paper by a after he got design specifications, Dion, with assistance leader and senior patrol leader. When the group goes series of successive folds. from his father, bought supplies and began worlc in their camping or to the national jamboree, the Scout makes basement. sure that firewood is collected and cut, tents are put up When she gave it to me, I was 'We had to meet certain specifications with the sign and fires are built properly. Through his many campso surprised, but mostly it just and announcements of changing conditions like high, ing excursions with the Scouts, Dion became a memwarmed my heart. A dozen moderate and extreme are stored in the back ofthe sign ber of the Order of the Arrow for having exemplified roses would not have meant as for easy access by park personnel." After five months the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life and being helpmuch. I said to her, "Thank you of hard work the project was completed in early 2006. ful and cheerful in his service to.others.

Sar~h. That made my day." In His mother Diane said, ''His father, Dennis, and I 'Through Boy Scouts I've learned to be a leader, to Sarah I saw the heart of Christ. are very happy and proud to see him earn his Eagle be honest and all the Scout Law principles. I've folAnother occasion occurred rank. He did a unique project that means something for lowed those and its put me on a steady path:' He will the community. Justin has learned a lot of leadership bring those skills with him to college eventually where during' the· first week of school. through his involvement in Scouting. It has provided he hopes to study electrical engineering.

During one of our first meethim with some great real-life and hands on experiences:' Dion's lo-year-oldbrother Cameron is also involved ings, I told my seventh grade The Scout was quick to point out that the project in Scouting. His 14-year-old sisterAubrey, a freshman religion class that they would involved many people and he was grateful for their as- at Bishop Feehan and is an altar server at the parish. be putting their chairs up on the sistance. Those included Chris Dion from Christopher She said of her older brother's accomplishment, ''I'm desks after seventh period so Builders, Bill Gaskin from General Maintenance, proud of him and what he's achieved." that the custodian could sweep Debbie Hilmilton from the WWI Park Zoo, the MassaDion has also helped at the annual Lion~s Oub Comchusetts Forestry Service, all the members and leaders munity Breald'ast for several years and along with his ~the floor after class. A few days in his Troop and his parents for ''milking sure I got the troop, and has assisted tfte community in other ways later, I was having a lively job done. It was ~ce to work with my father on this;' including buildfug signs, restoring picnic tables and discussion with this wonderful Dion added. cleaning up parks and cemeteries. group of students, and with all Father David A. Costa, pastor of Sacred Heart Par"Scouting has impacted my life in many positive of the excitement of the first ish, praised the efforts ofDion and said the former stu- ways;' said Dion. ''I'm a better person because of my week of school, I completely dent at St. Mary-Sacred Heart School has always been . involvement." forgot to remind them about the a good role model for others. chairs at dismissal. As the

By MIKE GORDON, ANCHOR STAFF

''He is a very caring and faith-filled young man," NORfH AlTLEBORO - Justin Dion is a great said Costa. He was involved here as an altar server for example for young people. He enjoys helping others many years and because ofhis devotion to his faith and whenever he can and knows where hard worlc and dedi- the Scouts he is a great example to other young Cathocation can lead. lics."

Dion's dedication to Boy Scouts as a member of '1 was an altar server for five years and I enjoyed Troop 33 at Sacred Heart Parish recently put him in a assisting at the Mass;' said Dion. His troop meets once unique class. After completing a service project, the a week at the parish and that has been a positive expe16-year-oldDion was awarded the rank ofEagle Scout, rience for all 12 members of the troop according to the group's highest honor. It was a moment that was a Dion. culmination of 10 years in Boy Scouts and one that he "I often think of the Scout law, which calls us to be will not soon forget. reverent and serve God. That's important to me. Being ''It's a great honor to become an Eagle Scout," said involved in Boy Scouts at the parish has strengthened Dion. ''It was a lot of work and quite a big project, but my faith."

I can look back and feel a sense of accomplishment in When he is not busy with the Scouts, Dion enjoys reaching this goal." helping his father, a member of the St. Vmcent de Paul Dion joined Scouts as a Tiger Cub at age six, the Society. ''I help out with the annual turkey dinner and very first year he was eli- ,.---.".-.--~......--------,-----,----r-=-~-----'-----, collecting toys at Christ. gible to join, and has enmas. We also did some joyed his many years in furniture drives. As a Scouting and the opporScout we are called to help tunities it's brought him. others and there is joy in To receive the rank of that."

Eagle, a Scout must demHe also works during onstrate leadership in his the summer as a caster troop, exhibit the prinand packer. ciples of Scouting in evDion is a junior at eryday life, earn more Bishop Feehan High than 21 merit badges and School inAttleboro where do a final service project. he is a member ofits fencOnly five percent of all ' ing team. He tied for third Scouts reach the coveted in the state championship rank. Following his aclast year and said of his complishment, Dion reinvolvement, ''It's someceived many congratulathing I've enjoyed a great tory letters including ones deal." He also likes to scuba dive. from Governor Mitt Romney and Presidents Dion earned 32 merit Jimmy Carter and George badges as a Scout and said W. Bush. he enjoyed them all, but

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students filed out of the room I remembered the chairs and realized that I would just put them up myself. But one student had stayed behind. His name is Joe and he said, "I'll put the chairs up Mrs. MacKoul." As Joe silently helped me put the chairs up, I saw in him, the servant Christ.

In an eighth-grade student, I saw Christ in another way. It was during a "team-building" day for the seventh- and eighthgraders. The students were divided into different groups.

Each team was met with a series of challenges, which they had to solve utilizing all of the members of the group. All of the students did a wonderful job that day, working out their differences, arriving at group decisions and solving their problems. But one student in particular stood out as a leader among her peers. Her name is Nikki. She always offered words of encouragement. If any

student was feeling frustrated or hurt because his or her individual performance was not helping the group reach their goal, and other students were getting impatient, she would use her words of encouragement and kindness to bring the group together. In Nikki, I saw Christ, the peacemaker.

I am thankful for the "Christ" that I have seen in these students and that I have seen in all of my students in many other ways.

And I am thankful for my husband and my children and for all of the wonderful Catholic communities in this diocese, which I have had the opportunity to experience since moving to Cape Cod five years ago.

As we awaken each day . as we go to sleep each night . as we gather around the Eucharistic table, the table of "thanksgiving," may we be thankful for all of our blessings in Christ Jesus.

Greta is the author and illustrator of "The Ocean Flowers, A Parable of Love" and numerous articles. Greta and her husband George, with their children are members of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee.

.~ The Anchor

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"She became part of our f$ily we adopted the little Italian ~I into our Portuguese family." I: After more than a dozen weeks of planning and preparing, lithe big day arrived. For four hours 400 people arrived at the Espirit~ Santo church hall to pick up their take. out orders. "Each order ";'as prepared on the spot," said Storjno. Joe Paiva and Gabriel CamaraII transformed hundreds of pounds of ingredients into savory beef, Cfhicken, and fish dinners. , I Later that day, anotner 350 people jammed into the h~1 for a sit-down dinner, accompanied by raffles and entertainment frJm aDJ. Following a blessing and a welcome from Father Fe~ry, the evening went off without dhitch. of "I've been involved in sJveral 'I these dinners over the last 10 years," said Viveiros. "But this ~as the best-tasting of the bunch! Everything went so well. Thete were II small obstacles along the way, but

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KITCHEN MAGICIANS - Some of the more than 60 volunteers from Espirito Santo Parish, Fall River, take a short break from peeling potatoes and garlic, marinating beef, chicken and fish, and preparing vegetables and soup for a recent dinner that raised more than $17,000 for a new van for residents of the Catholic Memorial Home.

Dinner

with prayer and hard work, the dinner was perfect."

Many Espirito Santo parishioners have gone on to become residents at Catholic Memorial Home, and Stofino and Viveiros both agreed that has something to do with the huge success story.

"Groups from Espirito Santo come to the Home for weekly recitation of the rosary in Portuguese," said Storino. "Some feel, 'Someday we'll be here.'They think the world of the Home."

"I hope this brings many smiles to the Catholic Memorial Home residents who might not otherwise get out and about," said Furtado.

Storino said the dinner was in honor ofTheresa Borges, a resident of the Home and an Espirito Santo parishioner. Borges attend the October event with her family. "And this was in memory of Hilda Pavao, a former parishioner and Catholic Memorial Home who has since passed away."

Ii Continued from page one

was unbelievable. I was like a puppy being led around not knowing what I was doing," she said referring to being taken on the ride of her life during the five weeks of preparation.

Storino had nothing but praise for the Espirito Santo parishioners, their pastor Father James Ferry, and Viveiros for taking on. the project and seeing it through a very successful completion. "In working with these good people, I became part of their family," said Storino.

"So many gave their time, donations, and talents to make this a dream-become- real ity -become huge success story. This was the most money the Espirito Santo parishioners ever raised at one event.

It was good food and a good time."

Helping others is not a new concept for the men and women at the Fall River parish. Through the years, parishioners at Espirito Santo have rallied behind many causes for those in need. "Whenever there is a worthy cause, the people of this parish work incredibly hard to do the best job possible, and that's what they did for this project," Father Ferry told The Anchor. "The Espirito Santo parishioners love their Church, are well-rooted in their faith, and are pious people .. who enjoy being together as community."

The Catholic Memorial Home van story began nearly a year ago, and it snowballed into an avalanche of good will. "Last year, Espirito Santo parishioners started a Giving Tree for Alzheimer's patients at the Home," said Viveiros, who has been employed there for a year and a half. "So we began a special bond . with the Home at that point."

Prior to acquiring the passenger van, CMH had to rent transportation to take residents on special outings, and that happened only

once or twice a year. "Because the rentals were in large demand by other facilities, we couldn't take our residents out often," explained Storino. "We feel it's very important for our seniors to be able to get out of their surroundings with more frequency. That's why we purchased the van. We've been thinking about it for at least five years now."

The Home was able to begin using the vehicle early this past summer. "We took some residents out for ice cream, and many of them had tears in their eyes," said Viveiros. "They were so happy, it made me cry. Right then, I knew I had to do something to help finance this van."

In July, Viveiros rallied her fellow parishioners and they ran a malassadas sale that netted more than $3,000 for the van. "I asked Mary Jean if she now wanted to make some 'real money,'" said Viveiros. That's when plans for the dinner began.

As usual, Father Ferry approved of the plan as long as his parishioners were in agreement. They were.

Viveiros, fellow parishioner Mary Lou Furtado, and Storino jumped into ·the task at hand.

"I helped out because it's an important cause," Furtado told The Anchor. "Anything we can do to help our seniors in nursing homes is a good thing."

The trio enlisted the help of approximately 60 parishioners and two cooks. After several meetings over good food and much laughter, the date and the menu were set.

For the next several weeks the .trio sold tickets, shopped, ordered supplies and planned for the event.

Several businesses in the Fall River area generously donated suppliesfor the dinner. The Portuguese radio station in Fall River, 1400 AM, welcomed Viveiros, Storino

and several committee members for several spots promoting the event.

"I got to practice what little Portuguese I could speak on the radio spots," said Storino.

After receiving an advanced sale of more than 800 tickets, the shopping list was enormous: 700 pounds of potatoes; 100 doze.~ eggs; 400 chickens; 600 pounds of beef; 50 pounds of garlic; and spices, bread and soup. "Incredibly, more than half ofthe ingredients were donated," said Viveiros. Actively supporting the cause wereA~ores Bakery, Michael's Provision, Portugalia Imports, Arruda's Dairy, Reis Market, and Raul Benevides of 1400AM. "What impressed and touched the parishioners most was the fact that Mary Jean helped with everything, from cleaning, to peeling potatoes and garlic," said Viveiros.

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WHAT'S COOKING? Well for Joe Paiva, left, and Gabriel Camara of Espirito Santo Parish, Fall River, it was 600 pounds of beef, 700 pounds of pqtatoes, 400 chickens, 50 pounds of garlic and more spices, veg~ltables and soup, for a recent fund-raising dinner held at the parish. The pair recently whipped up a scrumptious Portuguese-style ijinner for 806 people.

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NEW SET OF WHEELS - This is the new van purch~~ed by the Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River, used to take residents of the Home to various activities and pleasure trips in the area. !I

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17, 2006

eNS video reviews . NEW YORK (CNS) - The fol- Hawks succeeds best in evoking the lowing are capsule reviews of new honest, homespun virtues of rural and recent DVD and video releases America but is less convincing in from the Office for Film & Broad- portraying the moral conflict becasting of the U.S. Conference of tween pacifism and patriotism.

Catholic Bishops. Theatrical movies Though its resolution may seem on video have a USCCB Office for dated today, the issue remains basiFilm & Broadcasting classification cally unchanged in our nuclear age. and Motion Picture Association of Wartime violence. The two-disc America rating. These classifications DVD features commentary by film refer only to the theatrical version of historian Jeanine Basinger; the the films below, and do not take into featurette "Sergeant York: Of God account DVD releases' extra content. and Country"; a Cooper biography; ''Gary Cooper: The Signature a short; a cartoon; and an assortment Collection" (1941-1959) of Cooper trailers. The USCCB OfHollywood's most taciturn star fice for Film & Broadcasting classijoins the crowd of legendary screen fication is A-I - general patronage. icons accorded their own boxed sets. ''Springfield Rifle" (1952) As with all these Warner releases, Sluggish Civil War tale directed presentation is exemplary, and all by Andre de Toth with a Union offeature excellent prints, though ex- ficer (Cooper) working undercover tra features vary from title to title to expose a ring of trmtors (led by with Cooper's Oscar-winning role as Paul Kelly) supplying the ConfedWorld War I pacifist-hero "Sergeant erate Army with stolen Yankee York" getting the most deluxe treat- horses. Murky plot with stylized viomemo ~ lence. No extra features on the DVD. None have been rated by the The USCCB Office for Film & Motion Picture Association of Broadcasting classification is A-I America (Warner Home Video). general patronage. ''Dallas'' (1950) ''The Wreck of the Mary Deare" Laconic Western in which a (1959) former Confederate officer (Cooper) What starts as a dandy mystery comes to Texas seeking the outlaw goes sour after a salvager (Charlton raiders (Raymond Massey and Steve Heston) boards a floundering, Cochran) who torched his home and storm-tossed freighter and discovkilled his family in wartime Geor- ers it abandoned by all but the capgia. Directed by Stuart Heisler, the tain (Cooper) who insists he is still formula plot has some interesting in command of the vessel. From wrinkles as Cooper pretends to be a there on, matters pale considerably U.S. marshal, saves a Mexican ranch as director Michael Anderson plods from land grabbers and finds true through the captain's trial by a mariromance (Ruth Roman) along the time court, with entirely predictable way. Frontier violence and romantic results. Some stylized violence. No complications. No extra features on extra features on the DVD. The the DVD. The USCCB Office for USCCB Office for Film & BroadFilm & Broadcasting classification casting classification is A-I - genis A-II - adults and adolescents. eral patronage. ''The Fountainhead" (1949) *** Melodrama from the Ayn Rand "Cars" (2006) novel about a brilliant architect (CooDelightful computer-animated per) whose uncompromising stan- movie set in a world of anthropodards win the friendship of a self- morphic autos about a cocky racecar made millionaire (Raymond (voiced by Owen Wilson) which, Massey) and the love of his wife while en route cross-country to com(patricia Neal) before the architect pete in a prestigious championship, dynamites a housing complex whose is unexpectedly detained in a neconstruction has deviated from his glected desert town, where his grow路designs. The muddled plot is treated ing friendship with the town's fourwith such gravity by director King wheeled residents (Paul Newman Vidor that it becomes a monumental and Bonnie Hunt, among them) efbore with unconvincing characters fects a change of heart regarding spouting self-important twaddle. fame in the fast lane. Co-directed by Sexual situations and suicide in plot John Lasseter and Joe Ranft, the film resolution. The DVD features a new has a full tank of humor and emomaking-of featurette. The USCCB tions - not to mention bar-raising Office for Film & Broadcasting clas- visuals - while its solid storytelling sification is A-ill - adults. imparts a charming message about "Sergeant York: 1\vo-Disc taking the time to appreciate what Special Edition" (1941) really matters in life. The colorfully In the dark months preceding packaged DVD contains deleted America's entry into World War II, scenes, two animated shorts and Cooper had one of his best roles as more. The USCCB Office for Film Alvin C. York, a backwoodsman & Broadcasting classification is A-I from the Tennessee hills who - general patronage. The Motion wrestled with his religious convic- Picture Association of America rattion that killing was immoral and ing is G - general audiences. All went on to become a battlefield hero ages admitted (Buena Vista Home in World War I. Director Howard . Entertainment).

A SUBORDINATE CLAUS - Elizabeth Mitchell and lim Allen star in a scene from the movie "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Cla'use." For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below.

(CNS photo/Disney) guardian.

Quirky dramatic comedy about a lonely and neurotic IRS auditor The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause" (Disney) (Will Ferrell) who wakes to find Lame third go-round in which his life being narrated by a seeman overwhelmed Santa (Tim Allen) ingly omniscient voice only he can must balance family responsibili- hear, which turns out to belong to ties - including a pregnant Mrs. a famous reclusive author (Emma C (Elizabeth Mitchell) and visit- Thompson) working on a new . ing in-laws (Ann-Margret and novel in which he is the protago~'t()viite Alan Arkin) - and his stressful nist and that predicts what will seasonal duties, while a jealous happen to him,.including his death.

(Ca.IJ)~ulllte~ Jack Frost (Martin Short) tries to By turns sentimental, funny and, NEW YORK (CNS) - The fol- usurp Santa by sabotaging his in the end, modestly profound, dilowing are capsule reviews of North Pole operations and tricking rector Marc Forster's existential movies recently reviewed by the him into giving up the red suit. The farce touches on issues of fate and Office for Film & Broadcasting of movie's sweet message about the free will, while imparting a wonthe U.S. Conference of Catholic importance of family and the derful message that the little moBishops. power of love, unfortunately, ments - the smiles, hugs and "Harsh Times" (MGM) . comes wrapped in a slapdash script small acts of kindness - we ofGrim and gritty urban drama路 clumsily directed by Michael ten relegate to footnote status in about a psychologically unstable I Lembeck, who, in rightly criticiz- the narrative of our daily living soldier (Christian Bale) who, re- ing the crass commercialization of are what give life its meaning. An \ turning home to Los Angeles af- Christmas, forwards a secular view implied sexual encounter, brief ter serving in Iraq, reverts to his of the holiday that ignores its reli- locker-room rear nudity, a jarring former street-thug ways and gious underpinning. Brief mildly traffic accident, as well as a whose fracturing mental frame rude humor and a minor divorce couple of crude expressions and precipitates a self-destructive spi- theme. The USCCB Office for an instance of profanity. The ralof violence and crime into Film & Broadcasting classification USCCB Office for Film & Broadwhich he drags his best friend is A-I - general patronage. The casting classification is A-III (Freddy Rodriguez), much to the Motion Picture Association of adults. The Motion Picture Assodismay ofthe latter's lawyer girl- America rating is G - general ciation of America rating is PG13 - parents strongly cautioned. friend (Eva Longoria). Bale's audiences. All ages admitted.

Some material may be inappropri"Stranger Than Fiction" explosive and scarily credible perate for children under 13. formance notwithstanding, the ac(Columbia) tion is bleak and brutish, compounded by the script's nihilism and morally problematic ending, which undermines whatever writerdirector David Ayer may be trying to say about the culture of violence, including (its desensitizing effect, especially on those in combat. Pervasive rough and crude language and profanity, intense and graphic violence, some disturbing images, Scheduled celebrant is euthanasia, drug content and a Father David Frederici, suggested sexual encounter. The in residence at Our Lady of USCCB Office for Film & BroadVictory Parish in Centerville casting classification is 0 - morally offensive. The Motion Picture and chaplain at Cape Cod Association of America rating is Hospital.

R - restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult

l(:::!_'"

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, November 19 at 11:00 a.m. c.

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Dominican Nuns marking 800 years of inonastic life In solidarity with the nllssion of _ FALL RIVER - On December devotion to the Mother of God, estheir preaching Brothers as well as 3, the First Sunday of Advent, the pecially to her rosary.

Order of Preachers, commonly .

According to the Website for the the whole Dominican family of known as the Order of St. Dominic, Dominican nuns in North Guilford, third order Dominicans, the nuns, will begin a 1O-year celebration of Conn., life in a Dominican monas- by the dedication of their lives and special events marking 800 years of tery today has not changed much their prayer, accompany "the Word Dominican monastic life for some since those first nuns. The Liturgy which does not return to God with3,500 Dominican nuns residing in. of the Eucharist and the solemn out accomplishing that for which it chant of the Divine Office have the was sent" (Js 55:10).

250 monasteries across the globe.

The nuns were an integral part . The history of the order begins foremost place in the daily schedin 1206. Dominic de Guzman, sub- ule. Provision is likewise made for of this "Holy Preaching" from the prior of the Chapter of Canons at the rosary, private prayer and study. very start since their life was ordered to the salvation of the Cathedral in Osma, Spain, souls. It was only in Decemwas seeking the best way to ber 1216, that Dominic recarry out the Lord's work in The pominican nuns live a life ceived from the Holy See the the local Church. After travwholly dedicated to contemplation. final approval for the order. eling in southern France, he Their lives are centered around the . Now the friars, nuns, apand his Bishop Diego were celebration ofMass and the chanted ostolic Sisters, and Dominiaware of a great need for good preaching among the prayer of the Divine Office. For Do- can laity are spending the 10 people who had been led minicans there is a special empha- years from 2006 to 2016 celaway from the Church by sis on common life and the commu- ebrating the foundation of the nity expresses the desire to be "of order. In the United States false teachi!1g.

In particular there was a . one heart and mind" through the there are 16 monasteries of group of wOqlen who had monastic observances of prayer, cloistered Dominican nuns. been very active in the hereti- work, and recreation, enclosure and All of these monasteries will cal sect and had been con- silence. Because of a profound love. be sponsoring special festiviverted by St. Dominic's of the Word of God who is truth, ties to mark the 800th anniversary. preach4Ig. Now these women study also plays a unique role in the were free and eager to give In honor ofthis anniversary, life ofthe nuns. themselves to the true faith, the Holy See has declared all monasteries as places of pilbut were in danger of being lured back to false doctrines unless "Community life unfolds with grimage during this jubilee year from they could continue to be fed with simplicity and joy in an atmosphere the First Sunday of Adyent, 2006 to authentic teaching and also have an of energetic work and peaceful rec- Epiphany Sunday, 2008 and a plenary outlet for their generous response oiIection, the Website states. "Hours indulgence under the usual conditions of prayer blend into hours of work to all ofthe faithful who come to pray to God. On the evening of July 22,1206" and recreation to create an indefin- at anyone of the Dominican monasDominic was praying about this in able family spirit, a union of hearts teries in the world.

For more information on the celthe little town of Fanjea,ux in south- which makes all one without effacern France. As he looked out over ing the individuality of each mem- ebration and the Dominican nuns the countryside, he saw a globe of . ber. Work is one of the more com- of North America visit the Website: light descend from heaven and it mon forms of asceticism, yet mu- www.usaopnuns.org. Available seemed to rest on the abandoned tual understanding and sisterly through the Website for purchase church in the neighboring village communion are fostered by various are medals, calendars and books of Prouilhe. When this vision was forms of recreation. Daily house- produced to mark the anniversary.

Mike Gordon of The Anchor repeated three times, he became hold tasks and the various types of convi,:\ced that God was directing handwork by which the community staffcontributed to this story. him to obtain this church and gather is supported afford opportunities the converted women there. for the use and development of each This monastery became the one's talents, but above all, the unC.C. NATIONAL nucleus of what would later develop erring vision of faith pierces the deMORTGAGE into the Dominican order. It was a tails of this simple life to find within place for Dominic and the preach- its framework union with God bearers who were gathered around him ing fruits of salvation for ~." to spend time resting, studying and The life of the Dominican nun Low, low rates starting at reflecting between their apostolic ~s a life of hidden apostolic fruitfulness. Called to be free for God journeys.

The Dominican,nuns live a life alone, the nun's unceasing search NO POINTS, NO CLOSING COSTS wholly dedicated to contemplation. for God brings her into commun1ST, 2ND, 3RD MORTGAGES PURCHASE OR REFINANCE Their lives are centered around the ion with the entire world. The cry IMPROVEMENT, REPAIR celebration of Mass and the chanted of St. Dominic, "0 Lord, what will DEBT CONSOLIDATION CREDIT CARD PAY OFFS, prayer of the Divine Office. For become of sinners?" becomes her HOME EQUITY, COMMERCIAL Dominicans there is a special em- own While she is keenly aware that 2ND HOMES, TUmON, SELF EMPLOYED NO INCOME VERIFICATION phasis on common life; the com- she is the first in need of the mercy POOR CREDIT - NO CREDIT munity expresses the desire to be of God. PAY OFF LIENS & ATIACHMENTS FORECLOSURE-BANKRUPTCY "ofone heart and mind" through the APPLICATION TAKEN ON PHONE monastic observances of prayer, NO APPLICATION FEE. Montie Plumbing . FAST SERVICE. WE CAN HELP! work, and recreation, enclosure and & Heating Co. silence. Because of a profound love CALL NOW Over 35 Years Cape Cod 508-362路7777 of the Word of God who is truth, of Satisfied Services New Bedford 508-992路1400 study also plays a unique role in the ~Reg. Master Plumber 7023 life of the nuns.

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A Dominican nun of the Monastery of Ou~ Lady of the Rosary in Summit, N.J., kneels in adoration. The monastery maintains perpetual Eucharistic adoration and perpetual rebitation of the rosary.

EIGHT-HUNDRED YEARS OF TRADITION -

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.The' Saints & Singers Chorus I

One $ma{{ Chi{i[

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Christ~asjPerformance Schedule

Date Fridav. 12/1 Sat.. 12/2 Sunday, 12/3 Friday, 12/8 Sat., 12/9 Sun., 12/10

Location II Swift Memorial, Sagamore Beach Easton Baptist, North Easton Bourne United Methodist, Bourne First Congregational, Hanson Ourl!Ladv of lourdes, carver St. Margaret's, Buzzards Bay

Time 7:30 PM 6:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:00 PM

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PRACTICE THE DEVOTION OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS, II AS REQUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia (seer of Fatima) and spok~ these words: "Announce in my name that I promise to assist at thk hour ofdeath with the graces necessary for the salvation of the~ souls, aU those who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confession~12. Receire Holy Communion; 3. Recite the Rosary (5 decades); a1ul4. Keep me company for 15 minutes while meditating on the 15 ~ysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of . n/aking reparation to me."

In a spirit of repa~~tion, the above conditions are. each to be preceded by the wo~: ''In reparation for the offenses co~tted against the Immaculate Heart of Mary."

Confessions may be btade during 8 days before or after the tirst Saturday, and Ho1yICommunion may be received at either the morning or evening Mass on the first Saturday.

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$ The Anchor $ Conference examines natural moral law, its place in doctors' practice

BOSTON (CNS) - Reason can the reasonable response of explain- Moral Law and the Ends of Medilead all people to understand the ing why he could not play and . cine." In his talk Arkes said the arnatural moral law, according to schedule the activity for a later time. guments often used to justify aborspeakers at this year's 75th annual Gerald P. Corcoran, the Catho- tion simply do not hold up when conference of the Catholic Medi- lic Medical Association's president- applied to real-life situations. cal Association held in late Octo- elect and 2006 conference chair"The same strain on the psyche man, said he was encouraged by of the mother and the finances of ber in Boston..

The conference, with the theme Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical, the family could arise with the adof "The NatUral Moral Law: God's "Deus Caritas Est" ("God Is dition of an aged parent to the Gift to Humapity," focused on the Love"), issued last January. The let- household, and when it comes to universal ethical principles in medi- ter, published after the conference's straining the psyche of a mother, cal practice. topic had been chosen, puts a re- there might be a better case for reJohn M. Haas, a bioethicist and newed emphasis on the natural law, moving the 13-year-old that is alpresident of the National Catholic he said. ready the terror of the household Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, The first day of the conference rather than the offspring that hasn't said the Church teaches that con- included three speakers from had the chance to show any malevotraceptives are intrinsically evil be- Catholic, Jewish apd Islamic back- lence yet," Arkes said. cause of natural law. Contraceptives grounds who spoke about precepts Psychiatrist Richard treat fertility as a defect, and it is applicable to medical practice in Fitzgibbons, director of Compre'unreasonable to treat a good as if it their respective faiths. These talks hensive Counseling Services in were an evil, he said. emphasized the common medical Pennsylvania, spoke about pro"While we are under no obliga- goals that the three monotheistic grams initiated to respond to the tion to realize all goods of which religions share, he said. clergy abuse crisis in his talk on we are capable, we. are obligated Corcoran said this year's confer- "The Crisis in the Church and Adonever to act against a good as ence exceeded his expectations. Iescent Males." . Nearly 400 physicians, nurses and though it were an evil," he said.

Most problematic are the abuse During his talk on "Contracep- medical students from more than 30 prevention programs used for intion and the Marital Contract," Haas states participated in the confer- structing children, Fitzgibbons illustrated this point with an ex- ence. said. ample. He said if his son asked him In addition to lectures, the event The association planned to ask to join in a game of basketball and featured d~ly Mass, perpe!Ual ado- the U.S. bishops at their November he could not, he could respond in ration and the annual white Mass meeting "to please rescind these two ways: Haas could yell and be- for doctors. programs as soon as possible." rate the boy for asking - treating Hadley Arkes, a professor of Both lon~time participants and .the good of their friendship as if it political science at Anlherst Col- first-time attendees said they found were an evil - or he could offer lege, spoke on "Abortion, Natural the conference enriching.

Bishops' vote could lessen future diocesan contributions t<? Holy See 'WASHINGTON (CNS)-Ifthe

u.s. bishops decide at their current meeting in Baltimore to reduce diocesan assessments for the U.'S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, it could also lead to some U.S. dioceses giving less to support the Holy See in coming years.

"It's possible; but it doesn't necessarily follow," said Bishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Duluth, Minn., USCCB treasurer.

The bishops, meeting November 13-16, are slated to vote on a proposal that would reduce their assessments for funding USCCB activities by 16 percent in 2008 from a current yearly total of $11.9 million to $10 million. The reduced ft,mding proposal is part of a larger pl~n for significant cutbacks in USCCB committees, staff and operations.

But since 1992, according to the Canon Law Society of America's "New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law," U.S. bishops have been asked to make annual diocesan contributions to the Holy See that match the amount they are assessed to fund the bishops' conference..

Canon 1271 of the Church's law code says that "according to the , resources of their dioceses, bishops are to assist in procuring those

means which the Apostolic See needs ... to offer service properly to the universal Church."

The law itself does not specify how much dioceses should contribute or how they should determine an appropriate contribution.

But Bishop Schnurr told Catholic News Service by telephone that in the early 1990s Cardinal Edmund C. Szoka, then head of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, "brought to the attention of the American bishops this particular canon - 1271 - and, I remember, he addressed the body of bishops at that time, that this is a responsibility that the dioceses have to be taking seriously."

"Subsequent to that, the bishops did vote on a proposal that ... the benchmark would be to give an amount equivalent to the assessment that goes to the bishops' conference," said Bishop Schnurr, who at that time was associate general secretary of the conference. . "A lot of dioceses have been working toward that aild some have actually achieved it," he added.

"But there are a good number that have never reached that benchmark."

Cardinal Szoka; an American, was archbishop ofDetroit before he was called to the Vatican in 1990 to

help put the Holy See's finances in order after years of deficits.

In Rome the now-retired cardinal told CNS that shortly after he took up his new Vatican post, "I asked Pope John Paul II to approve a meeting of the presidents of the episcopal conferences to explain this canon (1271), which was new.

The meeting took place in April 1991. I explained the financial situation of the Holy See, another explained the law and another the scriptural background of this canon."

"We did not tell bishops how much they had to give, but we encouraged them to inform all the bishops in their conference of their obligation under canon law to do what they could," he said.

The equal payments are not dictated by canon law and a,re not dictated by any other Vatican norm, he noted.

Contributions to the Vatican "are an obligation under canon law. A reduced contribution to the episcopal conference does not mean automatically a .decrease in contributions to the Holy See," he added.

The equal payment proposal "was a benchmark. It was a guideline. But it was never mandatory," he said.

NOVEMBER

17, 2006

â&#x20AC;˘ The Anchor news briefs 'Economic Justice for All': Where does it fit in today's society?

WASHINGTON - Since 1997, more than 36,000 copies of a lOthanniversary edition of "Economic Justice for All," the U.S. bishops' pastoral letter on the economy.and Catholics' role in it, have been sold, as well as about 57,000 copies of a U.S. bishops' reflection on the 1986 pastoral's lOth anniversary. No figures are available on sales when the document was first issued. Its legacy, though, suggests that the pastoral letter has staying power beyond that of th.e sales figures.

One outgrowth of "Economic Justice for All" is "the explosion in corporate social responsibility and linking business practices to our higher calling," according to Charles Clark,associate dean of the economics and finance department at St. John's University in Jamaica, N.Y. "Th~re are tons of groups that look at spirituality in business, both Catholic and non-Catholic, and even outside of that a larger percentage of management professors are now looking at questions of corporate social responsibility," he added in a telephone interview with Catholic News Service. "Everything is framed in terms of the corporation as citizen."

Monument to Hansen's disease patients proposed in Hawaii HONOLULU - The hundreds of leaning, weathered gravestones all over Kalaupapa on the Hawaiian island of Molokai are the only public markers left to identify the people who lived and died in that isolated place. But those graves, numbering perhaps 1,300, represent only a fraction of the more than 8,000 people exiled there over the peninsula's 140-year history as the compulsory destination for Hawaiian patients with Hansen's disease, formerly known as leprosy. The rest of the sites have been lost to the ravages of time and nature. One of the first proposals of Ka Ohana 0 Kalaupapa, a group of Kalaupapa patients, family members and friends formed three years ago, was to create a monument that would display the names of all 8,000-plus patients who were sent there from 1866 to 1969. That group includes two relatives of Honolulu Bishop LafJY Silva - his great-grandfather, Joao Santos, who died in 1921, and Santos' daughter, Minnie Santos Aruda, who died in 1943. "I would like to add my voice to those who are endorsing the project,~' the bishop wrote in October to Rep. Steve Pearce, RN.M., ~hairrnan of the House Resources Committee's Subcommittee on National Parks.

Conference yields practical ways Catholics can address poverty SAN FRANCI.SCO - Many of those who attended the October "Point 7 Now" national conference on global. poverty in San Francisco said they'came away with a better understanding of just how big the problem is and the sense that everyday Catholics can really do something about it. "I was struck by the magnitude of the problem," said Gerry Fried, from St. Joan of Arc Parish in San Ramon. "I am glad that the Catholic Church is doing something about this and encouraging parishes to get behind the program." Thomas Kirk, from St. Joan of Arc Parish in Oakland, said, "The Lord hears the cry of the poor, but the response must come from us." The goal of the "Point 7 Now" conference, held last week at St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco, was to mobilize U.S. Catholics against global poverty. It was sponsored by the San Francisco Archdiocese along with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and a handful of other Catholic institutions. In addition to speeches outlining the scope of global poverty, time was set aside for participants to form working groups to explore specific ways to help mobilize Catholics to support the U.N. Millenniwn Development Goals and the Catholic Campaign Against Global Poverty.

Pope to German bishops: Live, profess faith to counter secularization VATICAN CITY - In a world searching for real meaning, Catholics must be ready to live and profess their faith in a manner that is clear to nonbelievers and respectful of the members of other religions, Pope Benedict XVI told a group of German bishops. "Germany shares with the entire Western world the situation of a culture dominated by secularization in which God tends to disappear more and more from the public consciousness, the uniqueness of the image of Christ pales and the values formed by church tradition increasingly lose their effectiveness," the pope said. He met November 10 with 34 bishops from Germany, the first group of prelates from his homeland to make their "ad limina" visits during his pontificate. Bishops make the visits to the Vatican every five years to report on the status of their dioceses. Pope Benedict told the bishops that despite the availability of apparently endless forms of belief and lifestyle people want answers to the ultimate questions of life and meaning, and many of them seek those answers from the Church and its members.

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NOVEMBER

17, 2006

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$., The Anchor , Pope is first Ilbuyer of bond supporting children's iinmunizations worldwide ,

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-did not say how much money the . pope would pay for his bond.

VATI'CAN CITY i[- Pope The bond purchased by Pope Benedict XVI was to be the of- Benedict and others sold by the ficial . first buye},I of a finance. facility will fund the multigovernment bon~ that will Global Alliance for Vaccines and support a campaign toAmmunize Immunization.

500 million childr6,n in the Jean Pierre Le Calvez, a world·'s poorest counthes. . spokesman for the alliance, told.

The Pontifical Cduncil for Catholic News Service that Pope Justice and Peace ahnounced Ben~dict's decision to buy the that Cardinal Renat~r Martino, first bond had "great symbolic council president,. wo.uld go to value."

London to pick up th~ bond on Even with just $1,000, he behalf of the pope. !I said, ~'you can immunize 30 The bonds' will be II issued by children." the International.Finance FacilIn the world.'s poorest counity for' Im~unization~ an inter- tries, the alliance focuses on first • STONEHILL COLLEGE, NORTH EASTON national developme¥ funding immunizing children against po.agency supported by tpe govern- lio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus ments of Great Britain, France, and measles. The alliance also is Norway, Sweden, Idly, S'pain, working to spread the availabilSo~th Africa .and Bra~il. ity and use of "underused vac- .

I . Pope John Paul II gave his cines" for diseases, including '1 . specific support to th~ launch of hepatitis B, and yellow fever.

By MIKE GORDON bard prepare them'as future lay leaders, the International FinJnce FacilThe alliance has estimated They tell me that they work , I .

ANCHOR STAFF and struggle to put their children in the Church." ity during a June 20Q4 meeting that its .current funding levels, NORTH EASTON -Graduates through aCatholic education and Another student who's benefited with Gordon Brown, the British without the money from the , I from the four diocesan Catholic when they receive the scholarship. from the scholarship is senior John chancellor of the exchequer, bonds, will help prevent the high schools who attend Stonehill it's like a reward for their efforts. 'Pepin. He is a member of the cam- / who came up with the· idea of deaths of 1.5 million children College are eligible for 'a special They say, you understand wha~ we pus ministry group, chapel, choir, selling bonds backed by govern- . between 2006 and 2015; the I scholarship called the "Stonehill- are going through." resident assistant and still finds time men(s in order'to raise money bond funding will help p~event Fal~ Rive£, Diocesan Scholarship," It's a win-win situation accord-each weekend to play his guitar at quickly for de~relopment an additional five million child making college more affordable. projects. deaths froin diseases that can be ing to Murphy. ''They are glad to two Masses.

Established in 2001, the schol- continue their studies at a post-sec"Stonehill has been the perfect The immunization project was prevented by immunization: arship has awarded more than $1 ondary level and we're glad the fit for me," said Pe~. "I have en- designed to test the fe,asibility of Before the bonds went on million, an average of $6,000 in in- school can help our local Catholic joyed my time at school very much selling' su.ch mUltig~vernment ,sale, the largest,donors to the al- dividual schohu:ships. high school students." and I'm gratefulfor the scholarship bonds. liance were the Bill & Melinda ''We're proud of this scholarship One of the students aided by the I received. It's made a difference ·The proje~t hopes:to raise'$4 Gates Foundation and the U.S. and the opportunities it avails," said scholarship is senior class president and been a help to my family.'" . billion over the next 10 years to government.

Brian Murphy, Stonehill's dean of Jeona Reilly, a graduate of Bishop Also a graduate of Bishop Stang,., fund a massive vaccirlation camThe bonds have been· given admissions. ' Stang. She is studying marketing Pepin is currently looking into paign; the eight sbonsoring the top "AAA" ratings by the "I see these bright young high and fine arts and said the scholar- graduate programs and hopes to countries have pledg'ed enough. world's major rating agencies; school seniors who are articulate ship made a "big difference" for her pursue a master's degree in sQIdent money over the next 20 years to the sale is being handled by and ready to make a difference in and Jier parents. affairs. redeem the bonds with interest. Goldman Sachs and Deutsche the world an,d when they come to The Vatican ann~uncement Bank.

"It provided a great opportunity "My Catholic faith plays an in~ Stonehill they bring that enthu~iasm to come to this wonderful school strumental role in my life here on here and continue, to grow in their . and being here has given me the campus," said Pepin. "We recently NATIONAL saiINE OF OUR LADY OF LA SALETTE faith here." chance to grow and travel. I've been had a Stonl?hill Encounters Christ ~4 CHRI.STMASFESTIVAL O.F LIGHTS ;~ The idea for the scholarship to Ireland, Rome and last summer I retreat and Iwas a retreat leader for ~ ANNUM.C~STMASBAZAAR ~ carne $er the college hosted a con- took a class in Paris during the sum- that. It was a great opportunity. ference for New England Catholic mer."

Activities like that have allowed me To kick-off our <;:hristmas Festival of Lights we have our high schools and colleges in the In addition to being senior class .to develop my faith more." ~ooual Christmas Bazaar '. early 90s. It explored'the Catholic president, Reilly also is a member The scholarship is open to any " N 9 00 p.m.

November,[ 24tb - 25.t b.....

000-: mission, identity questions and how of the school's choir and works as graduate of a diocesan high schOol II Noveqlber 26tb ..... N000 -80'0 : p.m. high schools and colleges could a resident assistant. "I've learned so and who meets Stonehill's high acaLa Salette Christmas Cards Knitted Items Raffle help each other to promote the ben- much at Stonehill and the scholar- demic standards and who is acB~ught Goods Religious Articles/Jewelry Curtains . efits of Catholic education. ship has really hel'ped me out. cepted to the college. Since it's inGreeting Cards Baked Goods Arts & Crafts Items Out .of this .outreach and dia- Through my education here I feel 'ception, 54 graduates of diocesan Pictures with Saota Claus logue Stonehillbegan working with I'm well prepared for the future." high schools have received the 947 Park Street t AttIebdto, MA t S08·ZJ6.906lI t Festlvlll'of Lights - Nov23 -Jan 1,2007 high scho,?l guidance counselors When she gra.dua'tes, Reilly scholarship and many have received II •. and principals to further its schol- hopes to work for a clothing com- other aid from the college. Curarship program. pany. She is 'a parishioner at St. Julie rently there are 28 students across According to Martlri Billiart Parish, North Dartmouth. the·f()ur'classes that receive Jhe McGovern,Stonehill's director of According to Murphy, part of the Stonehill-Fall River Di9cesan communications and media rela- reason that graduates of Catholic Scholarship.

• Prompt 24 IIHoUr Service • Automatic Deliveries tions, the college wanted to recog- , high schools are having such suc"Students entering Stonehill • Call In Deliveries • Budget Terms Available nize the efforts that parents inJhe cess at Stonehill is they are so well from our.CatholiC schools are "fo~ II • 'Free 'Estimates' diocese make in seeking to have prepared. ''We see what a terrific,job . cused on helping others," said You Never Had Service their children obtain a Catholic ' local Catholic schools are doing to Murphy. "They have the courage to Until You Tried Charlie's high school education. "We. 'see it prepare 'their students and 'when work towards a more just and comas a way of giving ~amilies it re- they arrive here,they impact and passionate world and our hope is II We're Igeated 8;.t ,.. bate on their investment in' Catho- shape Stonehill College. Their in- that they will enjoy their experience 46:0ak Grove Ave., Fall River lic high school education." volvement in their own faith is here learning more about their faith 'I' orcall ...

Murphy agreed and added, "Par- something to behold." He added, and receive a quality education.

508~675-7 426'· 508-674-0709 ents have told·me it's terrific th~t "We try to support them as they They, make an impact here. They Stonehill offers such a s~holarship .. ' conti~ue to grow in their faith and find ways to help others."

By CINDy,WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS S~RVICE

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Scholarship offers Catholic students diverse opportunities at Stonehill

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YOUTH PAGES

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i7, 2006

PAST SAINTS - First-grade students at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro marked All Saints Day by dressing as a saint and sharing with classmates and visi, ,tors a short story of why that person was named to sainthood. The annual program is FUTURE SAINTS - Catechist Lisa Moreira teaches her first-grade CCD students a collaborative effort between the school's music director, Sue Fortin, and first-grade teacher, Paula Bedard. at St. Louis de France Parish in Swansea.

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'Celebrate Religlou,s' Educat.ion I

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The questions,~f Religious pducatiori

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that come from little stories and dramas disD~gthe month of November, each of connected from the n~al questions offaith and the dioceses of New England designates one a vision of the coinmon good. The first task week to celebrate the ongoing faith forma- of catechesis, as Isaiah said, '~is to restore the tion of the young people in our parishes; It is breach." , After three years offormation, Jesus asks a time to acknowledge the ministries of the directors, coordinators, and volunte~r cat- Peter the difficultquestion, "Who do you say echists as they assist our bishops in the hand-' that I am?" Peter respo~ds with the right aning on of our Catpolic faith. ' , swer almo~t in spite of himself. Peter can The theme for'this Catechetical Year is' answer the question about who Jesus is, but '''Who do you say that I am?" This familiar 'stumbles when the more important question passage, in which Jesus asks the disciples IS asked, "What does that mean?'; In essence, collectively, and Peter individually, points to Jesus turns the tables on Peter and on us, saythe fact that Jesus know,s that unless you are ing, "Jf I 'am the Messiah, then who are you asking the right question you wi\! inevitably in relationship to me?" . 'come up wIth the wrong answer. If Jesus had When superficiality, half-truths, and culnot been the question then Christ would never tural lies are the source' of our questions, have been the answer: rather than questions of ultimate concern, the It seems to me that in many instances ,answers reached will be largely insufficient, Religious Education, whether it be for adults, sometimes irrelevant, and lead nowhere in the adolescents, or children, is answering ques- journey of faith. As, a result, the great tragtions that, by and large, few people are ask- edy ofour age is that our people suffer from -ing. It is not that the answers are wrong, In as a lack of vision, unaware of the transcendent much as it is that, in the first instance, the meaning ,to their lives, and their unarticulated questions; unless properly developed and needs go unmet. Our live's are lived in quiet formed, wilt" n~vet lead to the answers that desperation. , matter. : The task of faith formation is to lead, asIn our culture today, we quickly and eas- ' sist, help, and provide accessibility to the ily confuse substance with the superficial; sacredness of our world and into the myscontent with -form; and peripheral matters tery of God. The essential religious queswith core beliefs. The first step in forming tion, in which, we all must be formed, is.the faith-filled people'iil our culture is not to dis- question that God asks Adam and that Jesus miss ~eir superficial questions, but to form asks Peter: "Who are you?" and "Whose are them to ask the right questions. You can:t you?" reach, or for that matter, hold the truth, with ' Etty Hillesum, in her ~ook, An Interrupted . questions that are misperceptions and distrac- Life, described the basic question well whtm tions. The answers would be simply passing, she writes: "There is a really deep well ~~­ accidental, and sometpnes illusory: side me and in it dwells God. Sometimes I In a,world in which there have been so am there too! But more often than not stones many betiay'ats of trust, the,fust question of and grit block the well and God is buried faith may not be "Does God exist?" but "Can beneath. ~en God must be dug out again."

God be trusted?" Can we rely on the promThe questions for Religious Education are ise that God:s creation is' good? Can we rely' how do we'teach our young people to unon the good news of Christ? How ,can we earth the stones and grit that block the"well" talk about "saving souls" unless people real- and how do we continue to help them clear ize that they have a soul and that it is worth the stones and grit to find God. saving? The questions so often asked are ones It is as' simple and as difficult as that.

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Faith Formation is a lifetime process at East Taunton parish

By DEACON BRUCE BONNEAU

the facilitator of the parish's Bible Study.

Holy Family Parish in East Taunton is fo- Merle told me that ,the current Bible Study cused on Faith Formation for all ages. There Program was started six years ago by semiis a Religious Education Program for youth narian Greg Bette,ncourt and offers two or in grades one to nine for sacramental prepa- . three Bible Study sessions each year. Meetration with classes to reinforce what the par- ing once a week, the participants seek to ents are teaching in the home. For older youth strengthen their faith through study and disthere is Youth Ministry and Retreat Teams. cussion of the Scriptur~s. The. course of study All of these programs are heavily attended alternates between Old and New Testament and supported by the adults of this parish. books. A variety of study guides have been At Holy Family formation doesn't end used including those by Scott Hahn (Ignatius with confirmation. It continues'into the adult Catholic Study Bible) and Kevin Perrotta community. Kathy and Bob Craig are, the (Loyola Press). Many parishioners have been coordinators of Adult Faith Formation. I attending the program for two or more years, asked Kathy and Bob why they thoughtAdult and have formed a strong community, develFaith Formation was so important. They ex- oped leadership skills and have served their plained how for years they have been in- parish generously. There are approximately volved with the Religious Education Program .25 people attending the current session. for the children. When they spoke with the There is a women's prayer group, orgaparents, they learned that the parents wanted nized by Kathy Craig, that-meets twice a to know more about their faith. Last year they month. It meets' the first Saturday of the decided to try an Adult Faith Formation class , month after the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Ann's in on Sunday.mornings during the time the stu- Raynham and on the last Friday of the month dents were attending class. It was well re- when it meets in different homes. The men's ceived. This year the Craigs scheduled speak- group meets every Tuesday morning for a ers and topics and did a lot of advertising. As sunrise rosary.· On Wednesdays it gathers a result,' a~endance has increased. again,to pray.

The Craigs are also presenting Echoes of I asked Mary Joyce Phillips, a presenter, Faith, a program designed to stren~en the in the Sunday morning Ad\llt Faith FormaReligious Education teachers' abilitie~ in the tion and a participant in the Echoes of Faith, classroom. 'Echoes of Faith also has a theo- , the Book Discussion Group an~ the Bible logical component which is open to anyone Study, how she felt about the formation opwho would,like to attend. More than 20 people portunities that are available. She replied, have begun the certification process for this "MY'faith has always been important to me,' program. Echoes ofFaith is offered on the sec- but the faith formation programs strengthen ond and fourth Mondays of the month. my understanding. I'm living a better CathoAnother part of the Faith Formation Pro- lic Christian life on a daily basis because of gram is a Catholic Book Discussion Group them, and I'm constantly impressed by the facilitated by Tom Eddlem. Books were dis- other people who come as well. There is a tributed to parishioners over the summer so sense of Christian love and bonding among' that they would have time to read the book ,those of us who attend. We are all growing and be ready for the discussion group in the together. The two presentations that I've done fall. There are about 10 people participating have been challenges, but it's also been ajoy ·in this Book Study. The book that the group' to give them." . is currently studying is, "Pierced by a Sword," The Spirit is alive in East Taunton and

by Bud Macfarlane Jr. Adult Faith Formation is an ongoing part of I also spoke with Merle Coughlin who is daily life.

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Pope asks young people to be messengers·of peace VATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope Benedict XVI asked a group of young people from different religious traditions to be messengers and witnesses of peace, tolerance and dialogue.

Speaking November 8 during his weekly general audience, the pope offered special greetings to 90 young people from 29 countries at the end of their five-day conference on dialogue an~ peacemaking.

The young people, representing 13 religions, had met inAssisi, Italy, at the invitation of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Pope Benedict told the young people that the world needs prayers for peace.

"Genuine prayer transforms hearts, opens us to dialogue, understanding and reconciliation," he said. "It breaks down the walls erected by violence, hatred and revenge."

The pope asked the young people to retum to their own religious communities "as witnesses to the spirit ofAssisi, messengers of the peace which is God's gracious gift and living signs of hope for our world." .

Zeynep Ozbek, 44, a Muslim participant from Istanbul, Turkey, said she thought it was important for the Vatican to convoke young people to discuss faith and peacemaking because "young people are more open to different ideas, to differences, and they have more hope for the future."

Ozbek and three other Muslim participants at theAssisi meeting are studying Christianity and dialogue at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University: Their studies are supported by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious ~alogue.

French Cardinal Paul Poupard, president of the council, told the young people that a willingness to dialogue. is a sign of spiritual maturity.

Ozbek told Catholic News Service she agreed with the cardinal: "I think being spiritually mature means being at peace with yourself, your faith and your God. If you do not have a good relationship with God, you cannot be at peace with others."

The fact that the conference left ample time for prayer was important, she said.

'The spiritual side of our religions gives us common groUtid;' . she added.·..Peace and justice are the basic principles of all religions."

While almost half of the participants were Catholics or other Christians, the conference also included 11 Muslims.

Omar Siijah, a 30-year-old Muslim from Gambia and a student;it Gregorianpniv~rsity,said the conference would· be "very helpful for peacemaking if we act on what we discussed."

"My peace is meaningless without linking it to the peace of another; my joy is meaningless without the joy of another," he said.

YOUTH PAGEs

Living withl grief .

By CHARLIE MARTIN -

HURT Seems like it was yesterday . When I saw your face You told me how proud you were But I walked away If only I knew what I kr:lOw today I would hold you in my arms I would take the pain away Thank you for all you've done Forgive all your mistakes There's nothing I wouldn't do To hear your voice again Sometimes I wanna call you But I know you won't be there Refrain: Oh, I'm sorry for blaming you For everything I just couldn't do And I've hurt myself by hurting you Some days I feel broke inside But I won't admit Sometimes I just wanna hide 'Cause it's you I miss And it's so hard to say goodbye When it comes to this Would you tell me 1 was wrong?

Would you help understand?

Are you looking down upon me?

Are you proud ofwho I am?

There's nothing I wouldn't do To have just one more chance To look into your eyes And see you looking back If I had just one more day I would tell you how much I've ,. missed you Since you've been away Oh, it's dangerous It's so out ofline to try and tum' back time Sung by Christina Aguilera Copyright 2006 by RCA If you just Cl:U}'t get enough of Christina Aguilera, then her new dual-disc "Back to Basics" is for

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

you. This'double CD is hdr first studio work in four years. 'I The initial disc features R&B, hip hop, even a touch of blues as she honors some of those whb contributed to these sounds in th6 past. The second disc showcases hJr collaboration with rock produter Linda Perry. It offers a wide raAge of her familiar musical approac~es including the recent single "Huh." , "Hurt" presents a reflection on I someone's death. The song's character says, 'There's nothing I wouldn't do to have just one more:chance to look into your eyes and ~ you looking back." She also wonders: "Are you looking down upon mb? Are you JI proud ~fwho I am?"

LOSlpg someone yo~ love to death is very difficult. In Ithis situation, one's soul responds ~ith grieving, which is necessary yet unpredictable. Some days one may feel I' ready to re-engage with ]life while other occasions seem ovelM'l[helming with the sense of loss. I When living with grief, be gentle with yourself. Seek out th~ companionship ofthose who trulybre about you. Share with God all y'our feelI ings and hurt.

The song's character ~ays, "I'm sorry for blaming you for bverything " I just couldn't do." She also recogII nizes that "I've hurt myself by hurting you." '.

II It is normal to feel such regret.

But it helps to remember '~hat faith teaches us. On the other side ofdeath there is -only love. We din be sure that we are forgiven for orlr mistakes in judgment or for behJviors that hurt someone who has dibd.

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is its deeper message about life: Today is what counts. None of us knows how long we or others will live. Consequently, if there ever was a time for love, it is today.

All of us can benefit from asking ourselves, "How well do I love?" For example, do you act with kindness toward others, even those who don't always treat you in the same manner? .

Further, do you try to build others up by a.ffirffiing their strengths and overlooking their weaknesses?

Letting others know that you notice their positive abiHties helps them to see how much goodness God has placed within them.

Al'so, do you practice being aware of others' difficulties rather than complaining about yoUr own?

Everyone meets with disappointments. When you give your attention to what others are going through, then you are committed to making a positive difference in our world..

Finally, are you ready to forgive rather than to hold petty grudges?

As the song suggests, life is short.

In allowing resentments to dominate your emotions, you are simply robbing yourself of new possibilities.

Will you hurt others in life? Assuredly. Are you likely to be hurt by others? Yes. Acknowledge the hurt and then change your focus. . This day is the time for kindness, positive encouragement and, if need be, forgiveness. Today is the day for love!

Comments are always welcome.

Please write to me at: chmartin@swindiana.net or at 7125W 200S, Rockport, IN 47635.

State it strong, state it loud :1

I am a Catholic. There, I've said it. Many of YQU might be saying ''Dub. Of course you're a Catholic.

You're writing for a Catholic newspaper and you're a youth minister in a Catholic parish." But what strikes me most about the phrase, "I am a Catholic" is how infrequently I and maybe we say it.

I mention ibis today because I have had a num~ of instances in the last several weeks that have caused me to think about being a Catholic and more importantly about telling others that I am a Catholic.

I am a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The purpose of this volunteer organization is to support the U.S. Coast Guard in their work.

On my particular Coast Guard facility we patrol harbors once a week and participate in training drills on Wednesday evenings.

Several weeks ago we were out on our final training mission of the year. After completing the drills, one of our trainees and I were standing . watch on the back deck of the boat. I have served with him the last six

months but this was really our first time spending any time in general discussion outside of Coast Guard business. During our talk he blurted out that he was a Catholic. I felt an immediate bond and we spent the remainder of the mission talking about our faith. He shared his devotion to Mary and his weekly rosary sessions and I shared my work with young people and my faith journey.

It amazed me what a difference ''I'm a Catholic" made in our relationship. No longer were we just two boating guys volunteering in the Coast GUard, but we suqdenly had a stronger bond that 01.1f common Catholic faith gave us. And I have been pondering what happened since then.

We are Catholic ... state it strong, state it loud On the following Sunday I .participated in the World Youth Day Convention at Bishop Connolly. The

convention ended with an inspiring liturgy, at the conclusion of which, one young person read a closing meditation entitled, ''A Catholic is.. ," I was struck by one verse in particular: ''A Catholic proclaims the Lord's Gospel, thus publicly acknowledging Jesus Christ and his

Church. A Catholic is willing to stand up to ridicule and suffering in the service of the Gospel truth."

We are Catholic ... state it strong, state it loud.

The following week, our youth council at St Dominic's participated with the young people in our Grade Six-Eight FaithWays program. The topic of the projects that were developed during that ~ hour

session was,"The Church Through the Ages." During the learriing sessions, the young peopleiin the program learned a lot about our Catholic heritage. They leaked about the founding of hOspitals, shhools, and universities by the ChJkh, and the caring for people in neJa through the Catholic Charitib.. We, the Catholic Church, ha\oe much , to be proud of what ,has been accomplished over qte last . ~,OOO years since Cfist left the earth commanding us to go I out and change the world for the better. . . II .

We are Catholic:l ...state It strong, state it lowtl All of these events led me to think about what could be:accomplished in the world today: if we all put ourselves out there. Have we ever declared to another iliat we are six Catholic? With one in evehr II people in the world a baptized II Catholic (more than l.09\billion), imagine what could be aa;omplished if we worked together to make a difference in the vrorld?

In order to find each other, unite and work together to proclaim the Lord's Gospel through action, perhaps the first step is a simple one, declaring to each other, ''I am a Catholic."

These events of the past several weeks, the recent debates during the election season, and the atrocities going on in the world tOday give me cause to believe that we need publicly to continue this long joumey, to stand out as beacons of light and I)ot to cower and hide the fact that we are Catholic under the bushel basket.

The lyrics from one of my favorite off-Broadway plays, "Altar Bayz," sums up the lessons of the last several few weeks: 'TlIDe to break out and break free and finally say, I am Catholic; And I'm proud Sing it strong, sing it loud. I am Catholic, hear me roar in numbers too big to ignore. And I'm not gonna hold'back no more...."

I am a Catholic.

Frank Lucca is a youth minister at St Domink's parish in Swansea.

SIDominit:YouthMinislry@co

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NOVEMBER

17, 2006

Catholic Votes by Party

said Edward F. Saunders Jr., executive director of the MCC. "It wasn't favored by anyone, But placed just before the marriage amendment to create confusion. It was aimed at taking up time and making it so late in the day that legislators would move to recess, as they did."

When the convention began at 1 p.m., there were not sufficient votes to recess, '.'but there was a lot of arm twisting and calling in of chits as the afternoon went on," reported Saunders.

"The amendment was Number 20 on the agenda and everyone knew that if it came to a vote it would pass. So opponents resorted to some gamesmanship and maneuvering to kill it procedurally."

While "it doesn't look good for us because January 2 is the final day for action, we have just learned that the healthcare provision, one of the other matter on the convention's agenda, sent to a committee in July and also denied action, has filed suit a.d 00 nationwide exit polJlng. with the Supreme Court," Saunders re02006CNS Source: 2006 number from 1!Ie NewYOlklimes, 2004 from CNN ported.

"The healthcare proponents allege the legislature had violated Article 48 of the state constitution and are seeking a declaratory judgment seeking the matter be put to an up or down voted on January 2. " It is something we will be looking ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) - During the Catholics felt excluded from the political into," said Saunders.

Meanwhile, another statement on the is- last 40 years, an increasing number of process.

"But today I think the question is less sue is forthcoming from the four Massa- Catholic politicians have demonstrated a willingness to separate their faith from their about anti-Catholicism and more about chusetts Catholic bishops, who are among . public service.

And that, according to Colwhether this faith you profess shapes your those attending the U.S. bishops meeting Carroll Campbell, "has been very leen decisions on a day-to-day basis," she said. in.Baltimore this week, he told The Anchor.

Larry Cirignano, director of Catholic damaging to the Church's witness in the "If it doesn't on crucial moral questions, then do you really have a right to appeal to Citizenship in Massachus.etts, said "The world and in tM public square."

Campbell is a fellow at the Ethics and the Catholic vote on the basis of your idenlegislators have ducked us again, and we now have to deal with the legal ramifica- Public Policy Center in Washington and tity as a Catholic politician?"

Campbell, a member of St. Clement of tions, and look at what the Governor Rom- also host of the Eternal Word Television Rome Parish in St. Louis, identifies today's Network show "Faith and Culture."

She is ney will do on separation of powers in gov. also a former speechwriter for President crucial moral issues as the "life issues" ernment, and as executive officer of the W. Bush.

George abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem-cell state" to make sure legislators take action She made the comments in a telephone research and cloning - as well as the deon a petition filed by the voters who exThe Catholic Spirit, newsof the family and traditional marinterview with fense pect their legislators to take action on. paper of the, St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdio- riage.

Other Catholic politicians have subsecese.

She is scheduled to address the intersec- quently drawn on Kennedy's example, ~ovember tion of politics and religion during a talk Campbell said, especially Catholic politiNovember 21 at the Cathedral of St. Paul. cians who promote a right to abortion.

Their approach, however, damages the The theme of her presentation will be "The

By DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR eluded: :Demetrius Atsalis of Barnstable, Church's witness iii the world, she said.

America's Kennedy Compromise: How BOSTON - Here's how members ofthe Antonio F. D. Cabral of New Bedford, First Catholic President Inaugurated an Era "This has in many ways given even nonMassachusetts House and Senate represent- Stephen R. Canessa of Lakeville, Patricia of Compartmentalized Faith in Politics."

Catholics a sense that these issues really ing districts that fall within the Fall River Haddad of Somerset, Matthew Patrick of Campbell's talk is rooted in a speech that don't matter all that much to the Church Diocese voted on the motion to recess rather Falmouth, William M. Straus of then-presidential candidate John F. and that they're not all that central to Christhan take up the constitutional amendment Mattapoisett, Eric T. Turkington of Kennedy delivered in September 1960 to tianity - that the right to life is in some reestablishing marriage as the union be- Falmouth, and Cleon H. Turner of Dennis. the Greater Houston Ministerial Associa- ways something that can be overlooked or Senators voting to recess included: Joan tween one man and one woman. tion. At that gathering, Kennedy declared: compromised,"路 she said.

Representatives voting against a recess Menard of Somerset and Mark Montigny "I want a chief executive whose public acts The separation of faith from politics also and favoring taking a vote on the amend- of New Bedford. are responsible to all groups and obligated risks damaging the influence of Catholic The tally, provided by the Massachusetts ment included: Robert Correia ofFall River, to none ... and whose fulfillment of his voters, according to Campbell.

Susan W. Gifford of Wareham, Shirley A. Catholic Conference, noted three lawmak"If Catholic politicians can get away presidential oath is not limited or condiGomes of South Harwich, Robert M. ers whose votes changed, tioned by any religious'oath, ritual or obli- with this, and Catholic voters either overLast July, Senator Mark Pacheco of Koczera of New Bedford, John A. Lepper look that or directly support them, the gation." ofAttleboro, Jeffrey D. Perry ofEast Sand- Taunton voted to recess the convention Kennedy said he was not "the Catholic Catholic vote becomes diluted to the point wich, Elizabeth A. Poirier of North apd put off the vote. On November 9, candidate for president" but "the Demo- ... that it begins to resemble the votes of Attleboro, John F. Quinn of Dartmouth, Pacheco voted not to recess and take up cratic Party's candidate for president who Americans at large," she said.

Michael J. Rodrigues of Westport, David the vote.

Campbell added: "In the case of politialso happens to be a Catholic. I do not ';Legislators who last July voted to stay B. Sullivan of Fall River, and Philip Travis cians who support something that directly speak for my Church on public matters of Rehoboth. an(ft3ke up the issue, but who voted on contradicts .the central teachings of the and the Church does not speak for me."

Senators voting against a recess and to Nov~inber9 to recess until January 2, Campbell told The Catholic Spirit that Church, and who get lots of Catholic votes take up the amendment were: Robert 2007, included, Rep. Demetrius Atsalis Kennedy may have felt that drawing a sharp while doing so, it becomes very hard then O'Leary of Barnstable and Mark Pacheco . of Barnstable, Rep. Stephen R. Canessa line between his faith and public service for other Catholics to reconcile their faith of Taunton. of Lakeville, and Rep. William M. Straus was the only way a Catholic politician and their public stands because they don't Representatives voting to recess in- of Mattapoisett. could gain higher office in an era when have to."

sion, it will die.

What hurts most is that the 50 votes needed during this current legislature "are there," said Daniel Avila of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, the public poiicy arm of the four Massachusetts Catholic bishops. They have spoken out strongly in urging lawmakers to meet their responsi- . bility to take up the matter.

"The majority of the legislators acted l.ike they did because they realized the 50 votes were there. The legislators violated their constitutional obligation to take up the matter by voting to opt out of taking 'action," Avila asserted.

"For Jhose who voted to take it up it was truly a profile in courage. It was not that they voted for or against the amendment ... but simply that (the majority) decided not to vote. It's incomprehensible they would decide not to send the matter to the people."

Because the lawmakers voted to recess, "it makes it difficult to decide whether they really will act on the matter come January and whether Governor Romney by power of his office ought now to reconvene them," Avila noted. " If they had voted to adjourn, they would have killed it. We might question now whether any more pressure will move the legislators," Avila stated.

Earlier November 9, lawmakers' voted 196 to 0 to reject a proposed amendment that would bar same-sex marriages and invalidate thousands of same-sex marriages already conducted in the wake of the Massachusetts Supreme Court's November 2003 ruling that guarantees same-sex marriage.

That vote came after Democratic Sen. Jarret Barrios, an openly gay member of the legislature, pointed to his wedding ring as he warned colleagues that putting samesex marriage on the ballot would open the doors to a negative campaign vilifying gays.

"We are confused how this measure got on the constitutional convention agenda,"

Vote tally for 9 con-con motion to recess

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NOVEMBER

19

17, 2006

Maryknoll Sister Regan, 99; was a religious fOF 75 years

Around the Diocese ~ -i"" ,...;.

IEucharistic Adoration~,

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WEST HARWICH - Perpetual eucharistic adoration is held at Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel.

For more information call 508-4304716.

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ATTLEBORO - The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette is currently holding its annual Thanksgiving food drive. Non-perishable food items may be left in the church hall. For more information call 508222-5410.

ATTLEBORO -A blood drive will be held tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. For more information call 508-222-5410.

FALL RIVER - A Mass for sons and daughters serving in the military and those that have given their lives in defense of the United States, will be celebrated Sunday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 160 Seabury Street. Following Mass, breakfast will be served to military guests and their families. For more information call 508-673-0852.

and popular Christian music. Bishop GeorgeW. Coleman will celebrate Mass at 5 p.m. and a buffet banquet wilI follow at the Century House. For more information call 508-995-7600.

ATTLEBORO - The 54th annual Festival of Lights at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, featuring more than 300,000 lights will begin November 23 at 5 p.m. It is themed "Lord, You are Our Hope," and wi1l include the indoor display of international nativity sets, and concerts by Father Pat at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

Lights are i1Iuminated nightly from 5-9 p.m. Parking and admission are free. For more information call 508222-5410.

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MARYKNOLL, N. Y. - Sister Rita Marie Regan, 99, a Maryknoll Sisterfor 75 years and who served as a missionary in China and Taiwan, died November 4 at the Maryknoll Sisters Residential Care facility here.

Mindanao Island in the Philippines.

At her profession of vows on Jan. 6,1934, she took the! name Sister Rita Marie. Her final vows were made in 1937 in Hong Kong, durI ing her first mission assignment.

She taught English and catechetics II

in the Diocese of Kaying, where she became superior of the Sisters there.

In 1951 she was placed under house arrest by the Communists and was forced to leave China.

Sister Regan then served her Congregation in New York until

ATTLEBORO - Singer John Polce will perform his Bethany Nights program tonight at 7:30 at the National Shrine of Our Lady ofLa Salette. It will include music, prayer and healing.

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FALL RIVER - St. Francis Residence women wi1l have a table displaying their "Sober Sacks" today at the Highlander NursinglRehabilitation Center on Highland Avenue 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sacks are pocket books made by the residents.

FALL RIVER - A pilgrimage with NORTH ATTLEBORO - St. Bishop George W. Coleman to Wash- Mary's Parish, 14 Park Street, will ington, D.C., for the annual March hold its annual Christmas Fair NoFor Life is being organized by the vember 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate for will feature homemade baked goods January 21-23. It will include Mass, including French meat pies, a candy at the Basilica of the National Shrine store, fresh wreaths and centerpieces, of the Immaculate Conception. A hand-made wooden crafts, hand-made youth bus, which will return on Janu- knit and sewn goods, kids comer with ary 22 will accommodate youth at.a .games an~pri~s, face painting 1 P',J!l. reduced fare. For more information to 4 p.m., raffle table, silent auction, 50/50, library, photos with Santa, St. call 508-997-2290.

Mary's Choir performance at noon INDIA - St. Antony's Parish, a mis- and the kitchen wi1l serve breakfast sionary church in India seeks items and lunch. for its school children and to continue its mission. Especially needed are ORLEANS - A Work of Human pens, pencils, markers, magazines, Hands Craft Fair wi1l be held tomorused cards, holy pictures, rosaries, row from 2-6 p.m. at the St. Joan of statues, medals and scapulas. They Arc Parish Center, 61 Canal Road. can be sent in care of Father Paul Work of Human Hands is a partnerCruz, St. Antony's Church, I ship between Catholic Relief Services Kanjirakodu, P.O. Kundara - 691501, and SERRV International that proKolIam, Kerala, India. motes economic justice for low-income artisans overseas and advances MASHPEE - The Third Order'of an alternative approach to internaCarmelites will meet Sunday' for tional trade through the sale of fairly prayer and study folIowing the 10:30 traded handcrafts, foods, coffee and a.m. Mass. They also meet Sunday tea. For more information calI 508nights to pray the Liturgy of the 896-8829.

Hours and rosary at 6:30 p.m. in Saint Jude's Chapel. For more infor- TAUNTON - A penny sale will be mation calI Sue Pumphery at 508- held tomorrow at 5 p.m. at St. Jacques' Church, 248 Whittenton 563-2238.

Street. Refreshments will be available NEW BEDFORD ~ The Daughters and a raffle for items including turof IsabelIa, Hyacinth Circle No. 71, key dinner baskets will be held. For will meet November 21 at 7 p.m. in more information call Irene Silvia at the hall at HolY' Name of the Sacred 508-824-9650.

Heart of Jesus Church. Refreshments will be served. For more information calI 508-990-7595.

ATTLEBORO - Grief Education !Retreats Programs are offered at the La Salette Retreat House. Sessions provide indiCENTERVILLE - ECHO of Cape viduals with the opportunity to find Cod, a Catholic retreat program for ways to cope during painful times. high school students, is now accept- Upcoming sessions will be held De. ing applications for the next Boy's cember 4 from 10:30 a.m. to noon; ECHO weekend, November 24-26 at December 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and the Craigville Conference Center. For December 18 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. more information call Mary Fuller at For information call 508-824-6581.

508-759-4265 or visit the Website: NORTH DARTMOUTH - A diwww.echoofcapecod.org. vorced-separated support group will meet November 27 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum ACUSHNET - St. Francis Xavier Road. It will include a the video "ForParish's Centennial Year will close De- giveness." Refreshments wi1l folIow. cember 3 and they will mark the occa- For more information call Bob sion with a 4:30 p.m. concert of sacred Menard at 508-673-2997.

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In Your Prayers ..._.._..

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Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks November 21 Rev. Stephen 1. Downey, Retired Pastor, Holy Ghost, Attleboro, 1975 Rev. James F. Kenney, Retired Pastor, Corpus Christi, Sandwich, 1994 November 23 Rev. James E. Smith, Retired Chaplain, Bethlehem Home, Taunton, 1962 Rev. Msgr. Christopher L. Broderick, Retired Founder, St. Pius X, South Yarmouth, 1984 November 24 Msgr. Daniel F. Shalloo, Retired Pastor, Holy Name, Fall River, 1991 November 25 Rev. Philias Jalbert, Pastor, Notre Dame de Lourdes, Fall River, 1946 Rev. Dennis Spykers, SS.CC. Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Wellfleet, 1971 November 26 Rev. James R. Bums, P.R., Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River, 1945 Rev. Charles Porada, OFM, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Bedford,

2000 November 27 Rt. Rev. Patrick E. McGee, Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1948

508-676-1933' 508-999-5100

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Our Lady of,Fatima to Sister Lucia, Blessed Jacinta and Blessed Francisco July 13, 1917 "I shill come to ask fJr the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart, and the CoIIUIiunion of Reparation on the First Saturdays. If my requests are heedbd, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace. If not, she willl~preadher errors thi'oughout the world, causing wars and persecution~ of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will havd much to suffer, various nations will be annihilated. In the end, my llnmaculate Heart wQ.1 triumph. The Holy Father will cOIiSecrate Russia to me, and she will be converted, and a period of peace will be gran~ed to the world. In Portugal, the dogma of the Faithl'l:will always be pres.~.'rved, etc."

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20

Film

Continuedfrom page one

and think it's a story worth telling:' He was thankful to all those who turned out to view his creation and he dedicated it to the young.

He went on to say that at the heart ofthe film is a "positive message" for

viewers. "We should strive to live a life of service towards our neighbor. I think this film brings to mind the messages of hope, promise and forgiveness."

According to his collaborator,

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Rudat, ''The film was originally a project for D' Agostino while he was a graduate student at Fitchburg State College."

At the time he was working towards his master's degree in communications, D' Agostino had to create a media project that would better an existing business.

"I came up with the idea of helping the Church and, as part ofthe hours of community service I did for this, I also served at Mass."

Among those featured in the film were altar servers John Brent and Erica Parenteau of St. Stephen's Church.

Ten-year-old Parenteau has been an altar serverfor a year-and-a-halfand said that being in the film was "a fun experience:' She added, "Serving at the altar is calming. It's good to serve God in that way."

When Erika talks in the film about the priest's saying what Jesus said at the last supper while at the altar, it's

easy for one to see the pride she feels.

Her younger sister Evelyn and her mother Rose, who was all smiles, accompanied her to the premier.

Thirteen-year-old John Brent has been an altar server for five years and considers it an important job. "I like · it. It's fun and a good way to give back to the Church." His two youngerbrothers and sister will soon be walking in his footsteps. His mother Robin said, "When Isaw him up on that screen I've never been so proud."

The film is tightly edited and those featured speak directly to the camera · as if they are communicating with members of the viewing audience in· stead of an interviewer. Split screens were dramatically used and music and sounds of the Mass were inserted effectively throughout.

Among the priests interviewed was .• Father Michael Carvill, FSCB. He is pastor at St. Joseph's Church in Attleboro.

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WATCHING WITH INTEREST - Evelyn, Rose and Erica Parenteau attended the recent premier of "Service at the Altar," a film by D'Agostino, a parishioner from St. Theresa of the ChildJesus in Attleboro.

(AnchonGordon photo)

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''These young men were excited about shining a positive light on altar servers and that is an important endeavor. Hopefully a project like this will lead more parents to encourage their children to become altar servers:' Father Carvill added, ''Children get much out of being altar servers. The Church is a community and youth is a vital part of that community."

Henri Brousseau is a volunteer sacristan at St. Joseph's, and after hearing about the film, wanted to be a part of it.

"I serve Mass every day and work with altar servers. I tell them that when they are serving they will never be closer to God. I think this film will do a lot of good and I was impressed by it."

Special minister of holy Communion Eleanor Purdue of La Salette Shrine and Father Richard Roy, pastor ofSt. John the Evangelist Parish in Attleboro, also appeared in it.

Father John A. Raposa, pastor at Holy Ghost said, "Altar servers add a solemnity to the Mass and procession.

I see the life of the Church in them:' Father Raposa also spoke candidly about the scandal and how in the aftermath he found himself creating more space between him and the servers or Religious Education Students. In the film he stated, ''There was a tendency to distance myself and it was always something in the back of my mind, because you want to avoid even the suggestion of improper conduct."

After viewing the film, Father Raposa expressed hope that it would ''have a positive impact" on people and said, "We're heading in the right direction."

An interview with Father James W. Fahey, pastor of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus began and closed the film.

In it he said, ''The trust we had was created by the priests we had over 100 years ago. The only way that is built up again is through the service of the priest. We must serve the community ofbelievers generously and freely. We must be there for them through all aspects of their lives and it will heal."

When the lights came on and the applause subsided, Father Fahey said, '''The film was very well done and they did a great job. I think it will have a positive impact."

D' Agostino is a member of the local school committee and belongs to the Screen Actors Guild. He's appeared in several films. Rudat is a musician and video artist who has created music videos for several rock bands.

D' Agostino is currently focusing on a distribution deal for the film and entering it in a more than 30 nationwide and worldwide film festivals, including the annual events in Newport and Provincetown. He also has eyes on entering the film into the Academy Awards short-film category. It is not yet available for purchase by the public.

D' Agostino received approval from the Diocese of Fall River prior to filming his work.