11.21.03

VOL. 47, NO.44 • Friday, November 21, 2003

FALL RIVER, MASS.

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

Icons signifying theme of diocese's centennial will be blessed Sunday

By DEACON

JAMES N. DUNBAR

FALL RIVER ---'- Ask any young person today what an icon is and they will probably tell you it is a picture-symbol of one of the many computerized programs they home in on via the computer.

But in the realm of the sacred, the word "icon" has been used for centuries to refer to images of holy subjects painted on wood.

On Sunday, at St. Mary's Ca-

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BISHOP GEORGE W. Coleman joins fellow bishops during the opening prayer of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' general meeting in Washington last week. Issues deatt with at the meeting included food and farniworkers, and members of the National Review Board reported on the clergy sex abuse crisis. (CNS photo by Bob Roller)

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thedral, following the awarding of the Marian Medals to many devoted parishioners from acrms the diocese for their service, Bishop George W. Coleman will bless icons specially chosen to recall the 2004 celebration of the centenary of the founding .of the Diocese of Fall River in 1904.

Those icons will be enthroned during ceremonies in all the parTurn to page 13 - leon I

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Bishops' Dleeting covers sex abuse crisis, farDls, budget and devotions ~

Bishop George W Coleman and Fall ship, conflict-of-interest policy and severalliturgical matters.

River diocese representatives During the November 10-12 meeting they also attended the meeting in the nation's elected a new secretary, a Pro-Life committee chaircapital. man and chairmen-elect for eight other committees.

By

DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR AND CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON - Members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops wrapped up their annual meeting last week having discussed and voted on a vast array of issues from sex abuse by clergy, same-sex unions, agricultural concerns, popular devotions, socially responsible investment, steward-

For Bishop George W. Coleman, it was his first time attending as a bishop. The last time the U.S. bishops met, he attended in his role as administrator of the Fall River diocese.

Also at the meeting was Msgr. John F. Moore, director of communications for the Fall River diocese, and John E. Kearns Jr., assistant director.

Msgr. Moore said it was "very nice to see our Turn to page 1J - Meeting

Reversal urged for Massachusetts decision on same-sex marriage ~

Fall River Bishop George W Coleman releases statement page seven.

WASHINGTON (CNS) The decision by Massachusetts' highest court to overturn a ban on

same-sex marriages "defies reason" and rejects "an understanding of marriage tested over thousands of years and accepted nearly everywhere as the key to a stable society," the Massachusetts Catholic Conference said immediately after last Tuesday's ruling.

The agency representing the

commonwealth's Catholic bishops, said in a brief statement that the decision of the Supreme Judicial Court in the case of Goodridge v. Department of Public Health "must be reversed."

"As devastating as the ruling is, it will not end the debate," the Turn to page seven - Marriage

Marian Medal award recipients - page six

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Friday, November 21, 2003

Father Pat concert to benefit Our Lady's Haven FAIRHAVEN - Our Lady's Haven Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitative Care facility is sponsoring a concert tomorrow featuring Missionaries of La Salette Father Andre Patenaude (Father Pat) at SI. Joseph's Church, 100 Spring Street.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. and will run until 8:30 p.m., at which time a reception will take place in the church hall.

Father Pat is a musician, singer, composer and recording artist who has released 16 albums and is known for his graceful tenor voice and charismatic concens which take place

across the world.

Thousands have experienced the healing touch of his unique ministry of original songs of healing and praise.

The proceeds from the concert will benefit the 117 residents of Our Lady's Haven. The skilled nursing and rehabilitative care facility is a member of the Diocesan Health Facilities, a system of five skilled nursing and rehabilitative care facilities sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Fall River.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at Our Lady's Haven or by calling 508-999-4561.

New Bedford Deanery to host two Advent penance services NEW BEDFORD - The New Bedford Deanery is preparing two Advent penance services in preparation for Christmas.

The first will take place at St.

JEFFREY E. SULLIVAN FUNERAL HOME 550 Locust Street Fall River, Mass.

Rose E. Sullivan William 1. Sullivan Margaret M. Sullivan

Lawrence Church on County Street in New Bedford, beginning at 7 p.m.

St. Joseph's Church on Walnut Street in Fairhaven will be the location for an afternoon service for those who prefer not to go out after dark. The service will begin at I p.m.

Priests from several local parishes will be available for the sacrament of reconciliation at both events.

For" more information call either parish.

MARIA PARKER, right, associate director for public policy for the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the Roman Gatholic Church in the Commonwealth, recently served as moderator at a Vatican-sponsored symposium at the United Nations in New York. Seated to Parker's right is Cardinal Edward Egan of the Archdiocese of New York, and to his right, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

·MCC official attends Vaticansponsored UN syDlposiuDl

By MARIA PARKER, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR PUBUC POUCY, MASS. CATHOUC CoNFERENCE '

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NEW YORK - On October 7 I had the wonderful opportunity to serve as moderator for a significant program at the United Nations. Sponsored by the Holy See's Mission to the UN, the symposium addressed the world~wide impact of Pacem in Terris, an encyclical of Pope John xxm. I was invited to participate in my role as chief

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THE ANCHOR (USPS-545.Q20) Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Published weekly except for the fu5t two weeks in July am the week after Christmas at 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese ofFall River. Subscription price by mall. postpaid $14.00 per year.

POSTMASfERS seo1 address changes to The An:hor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA mT12.

representative to the UN for the World Union' of Catholic Women's Organizations and was honored to be at the podium with a distinguished group of presenters that included: UN SecretaryGeneral, Kofi Annan; Hon. Julian R. Hunte, president of the General Assembly; and three cardinals: Edward Egan of New York, JeanLouis Tauran, former Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, and Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Archbishop Celestino Migliore, apostolic nuncio for the Holy See Mission, hosted the event.

In preparation for my role as moderator of the symposium, I was struck by the timelessness of this prophetic encYclic;l~!o fully

understand the importance of this landmark document, let's go back in history to the time when this encyclical was written. Pacem in Terris created quite astir in 1963, for the world was in a profound state of disorder. In 1961, the Soviet regime had erected the Berlin Wall. One year later, the Cuban Missile Crisis had brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.

Many believed humanity was condemned to live in a precarious condition of cold war, dreading the fact that an act of aggression could trigger a nuclear holocaust.

After communicating with Premier Krushchev during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Pope John first mentioned his desire to write an encyclical on peace. UnfortuTurn to page /3 - Symposiulll

In Y ozl'r Prayers Please pray for the following priests during the coming weeks Nov. 24 1991, Msgr. Daniel F. Shalloo, Retired Pastor, Holy Name, Fall River Nov. 25 1946, Rev. Philias Jalbert, Pastor, Notre Dame de Lourdes, Fall River 1971, Rev. Dennis Spykers, SS.Cc. Nov. 26 1945, Rev. James R. Burns, P.R.., Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River

2000, Rev. Charles Porada, OFM, Our Lady's Haven, Fairhaven Nov. 27 1948, Rt. Rev. Patrick E. McGee. Pastor, St. Mary, North Allieboro Nov. 28 1959, Rev. Adricn A. Gauthier, Pastor, Sl. Roch, Fall River Nov. 29 1965, Rev. Francis A. McCarthy, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset

Friday, November 21, 2003

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My Dear Friends in ,Christ, D~spite the best efforts of concerned Catholics like those in the Diocese of Fall River, 33 million people in our country remain

caught in the cycle of poverty. Poverty in' America holds in its grasp one-in-six children, one-in-10 families, and one-in-10 seniors. Since J970, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has worked in our name to help people break the cycle of poverty - not just for a day, but for a lifetime. CCHD projects in our diocese and throughout the United States support low-income people as they work together to solve community problems, increase educational opportunities, and create jobs.

CCHD relies on an annual parish collection to fund anti-poverty programs in communities across the country. In recent years, CCHD has been forced to'turn down nearly halfthe groups that apply for help. I 'urge you to give generously to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development when the annual collection is taken in your parish on November 22 and 23, 2003. We send 75% of the donations to the CCHD national office to ,support anti-poverty projects across the country; 25% stays here in our diocese to fund local self-help initiatives that benefit our local communities.

The Coalition Against Poverty works across the Fall River diocese on preserving funding for Mass. Health, housing and benefits for legal immigrants. They work to protect public housing from demolition and on closing corporate tax loopholes. Also, they work on ensuring equitable education for all.

We can bring'a lasting end to poverty in our nation if we work together. Please support the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. May God bless you.

Sincerely yours in Our Lord,

+ .JytdOt-Bishop George W. Coleman

Give to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

For more inform'ation, or to get involved in the work of CCHD, call the Catholic Campaign for Human Development ,at 800-946-4CHD or visit our website: wwwousccb.org/cchd. Š 2003, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Inc., Washington, D.C.

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Friday, November 21, 2003

the living word

Teaching authentically At their recent national meeting, the United States bishops heard a report from 'the. Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the use of the Catechism. The findings of this committee were given by Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes ofNew Orleans and they created quite a stir. The ' crux of the difficulties rests in two areas.

First and foremost, the 'publishers or' high school religion series have not be. able to receive a Declaration of Conformity from this national committee:The archbishop stated that over the past two-anda-half years, nearly two-thirds of the conformity reviews that were conducted on high school catechetical materials have ended with the judgment that the materials were not only inadequate for conformity, but also could not be amended, and therefore need~d to be rewritten.

A calise for real worry is that many of the materials found to be inadequate are still widely in use throughout the country. There should be a genuine alarm to this situation because our young people are not learning what it means to say the sole Church ofChrist subsists in the Catholic Church, or the'true ecumenical teaching of our Church. It's the old bromide that "We are all going the s'ame way" and that "One religion is as good as another."

In another circumstance, it was found that the sacramental theol- , ogy, which our young people are being taught, is often severely flawed.

In some texts they are 'taught that the sacraments were instituted over a period of time, with the ,implication they can'still be changed. The distinctive role of the priest may be sidelined or even ignored; it is the community who baptizes or confects the Eucharist; questions are raised concerning the sacrament, of marriage without reference to man and woman, husband and wife; the relationship between the moral life in BISHOP NICHOLAS A. DIMARZIO'OF BROOKLYN, N.Y., IS WELCOMED BY IMAM AHMAD this world and the life to come is often not treated; faith and morals MAIHOUB TOAN INTERFAITH CELEBRATION OF RAMADAN IN BROOKLYN RECENTLY. IT WAS are often viewed as an optional personal choice: THE FIRST TIME A BISHOP OF BROOKLYN HAD ATTENDED SUCH AN EVENT. THE "iFTAR" A The avoidance of definitive objective teaching is endless.- Sad to MEAL THAT TRADITIONALLY ENDS THE MONTHLONG MUSLIM FAST, WASSPONSORED'BY THE say, the sacred Scriptures are viewed as merely human texts. The divine role is often obscured by the historical critical methods that igARAB MUSLIM AMERICAN FEDERATION. (eNS PHOTO BY ED WILKINSON, THE TABLET) n'ore the rich p~tristic and spiritual interpretation in the Church.

Archbishop Hughes stated that he wanted to emphasize that com"HE MUST TURN FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; mittee members were not saying that every high school religion book HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT" (1 PETER 3:11). was problematic. However, there are a number of doctrinally deficient texts that are currently being )Jsed, sUPP9sedly to educate and , ,form our young people in faith.

Given the confusion ofthe times, the subjectiveriessofthought and the lack of moral purpose, this report should be an eye-opener to all who wish to teach as Jesus taught. The uncertainties that permeate our daily lives demand that we have goals and guidelines of right living that will engender in us the strength and courage needed to survive as persops of faith. Textbooks are secondary educational tools, necesBy FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK And they may be considered make this a peaceful, relaxed sary and needed to form the whole person. To help parents, the prime CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE event? What topics should be . valuable because they are -:-educators of theirchi Idren, we must have resource materials that coravoided? Should the television chosen with care to express the Have you figured out yet rectly, honestly and truthfully reflect the teachings of the Church. We what Christmas gifts you are , heartfelt desire of giving oneself be left on or put away in order must carefully preserve the unity of faith and fidelity to Catholic doc- going to give to your husband, to another. to promote conversation?': trine. , No matter how tasty the food Before going out to shop, wife, children, parents and At the publication of the "Catechism of the Catholic Church" our friends? Have you made any take a few moments to re'!JIie'ct may be, what matters most is the camaraderie served with it. . on your love for the person for Holy Father, Pope John Paulll, stated that the Catechism is given to tra-.;el arrangements to see whom you are buying a gifL~Get If people arc enjoying each the Church's pastors and the Chlistian faithful that it !pay be a sure relative~ or friends during the personal. Look into the persotfl's other, the food will taste that and authentic reference for teaching Catholic doctrine. In this light, holidays? What about your soul and ask yourself: "What is . much better. we should support our local eff9rts to bring all religious teaching texts menu? Have you thought abo'ut If you travel, rather than it that I so cherish in this into conformity with authentic teaching as given to us in the ,Cat- who likes what and what you getting he or she all caught up in the person?

What does are going to serve? echism. To ignore this would only plunge our young people into greater mean'to my life? What would it ,packing and the arrangements, Yes, it's that time of year doubt and darkness. try to get caught up in the again. The rush is on. People are be without this person?"

The Executive Editor making,plans, hoping to'make '.

Don't take your love for person or people you are going another for granted, 'but use the to sec. Take a moment to reflect the holiday season as festive as holiday's to renew it at a deeper on who they are, what they have possible. level. been through and what their Interestingly, the word If.you practice this little feelings and emoti9ns might be "holiday" comes from two, meditation,. you won't have to during the holidays. E!1ter into English words, "holy day," and their world, and don't get stuck the word "holy" meanS "sacred" worry about finding the right gift. It will find you. in yours. This will make the or :'consecrated to."

OFFICIAL NE'WSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL IlivER packing and the arrangements .

Before preparing menus aJld As we rush off to buy gifts Published weekly by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River much more rewarding and much going through the hassl~ of and make the holidays some887 Highland Avenue . , P.O. BOX 7 less stressful. cooking huge dinners, repeat thing special in our lives, it Fall River, MA 02720 Fali River, MA 02722路0007 Finally, remember that what this meditation and ask yourself might help to view all this ' Telephone 508-675-7151 FAX 508-675-7048 some fundamental questions, YQu are getting r~ady for is a activity in the context of E-mail: TheAnchor@Anchornews.org holiday, a holy day, a day such as: "How can I create an consecrating ourselves to' Send address changes to P.O. Box, call or use E-mail address consecrated to someone. Take. a atmosphere that takes tlie rush another. But what would this , moment before it all begins to out ofeating and allows more entail?

EXECUTIVE EDITOR thank God for'this time in your Gifts have two values. They , time for peoplcto enjoy each Rev. Msgr. John F. Moore other? Will music softly playing life and to ask him to grace you may be considered valuable , EDITOR NEWS EDITOR OFFICEMANAGER with a better understanding of in the background enhance the because 'they ar~ expensive, James N. Dunbar Barbara M. Reis David B. Jolivet what he wants for you right now. spirit of the moment? H:ow do I unique and difficult to obtain.

'Putting the' holiday 'i,n the hol'iday s.eason

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Friday, November 21, 2003

5

This'year I'll get it right I swear this year I'm going to . the sting of Game Seven of the get it light. No more "wait 'til next Yankees-Red Sox fiasco so year," mantra (although, as a Sox quickly, but the Pats have sucfan, those words readily flow from ceeded. I'm thankful for having the heaIt at the drop of hat). Nope, one of the best coaches in all of this is the year I remove the turkey from the freezer with time to spare. This is. the year when I reach into the bird to removc the tidily packaged innards, and they're not still frozen. This year I won't

By Dave Jolivet nced a winch to lift the beast over the sink in order to scrape out handfuls of pink slush before football. I'm thankful for a team smothering it with aromatic that doesn't quit; that rose from the seasonings. ashes of Buffalo, N.Y.; that No sil-ce, the word procrastinaprepared grilled Tuna before a tion will not be included in my national television audience; that holiday feast recipe. In fact, while looked the injury bug square in the I'm on a roll, I'm goi ng to take this eye and then squashed it. I'm oppOltunity to make a list of things thankful for Gil Santos and Gino for which I am most thankful.

Capelletti. And I'm thankful that First on the list is I'm thankful Manny Ramirez doesn't play for there'll be no. turkey procrastinathe New England Pauiots. tion this year. Even though the I'm thankful for another chore is still days away, I'm tremendous charge from the gates confident it will get done on time. by the Boston Btuins. I'm thankful their inevitable collapse Next, I'm thankful for the New won't happen until spling training England Patriots. There's not much that could have taken away begins, thus diverting my atten-

My View from the Stands

tion. I'm thankful for Joe Thornton, Glen Mlln"ay and Mike Knuble stilTing up memories of Phil Esposito, Wayne Cashman and Ken Hodge from the early '70s Cup teams - and I'd be even more grateful if the rest of the team could do the same. I'm thankful for the roar of the Boston crowd when the B's net a goal. And I'm thankful that Manny doesn't play for the Btuins.

Thanks are also in order for the resulTection of Yin Baker's career, and more importantly, his life. The Celtics may not win it all this year, but some things rise above that and Baker has.

Thanks too for Paul Pierce and his efforts to become the on-court leader of the team. I'm thankful for a team that plays hoops without hoopla. And I'm thankful Manny doesn't wear green.

This part of the list becomes a little more difiicult, but I'm reminded of lessons leamed as a lad at St. Anne's Schoolsometimes we must be thankful for the hardships too ... they help

Diocese· to observe World AIDS Day I

FALL RIVER - A Mass for World AIDS Day will be celebrated December I at noon at St. Mary's Cathedral, to remember those who have died from HIV/AIDS, those living with the virus, and families, fliends and caregivers involved.

All are welcome to join in this oppOitunity for prayer and remembrance, which is sponsored by the Office of AIDS Ministry of the Fall River diocese.

Bishop George W. Coleman will be the plincipal celebrant.

"Every year since the AIDS Oflice was established in the Fall River diocese il"\ 1993 with Dr. Krysten Winter-Green as dire.ctor, the Mass or liturgy held on World AIDS Day is the focal point of our work and ministry," said Joan Cuttle, Education Progmm manager for the office.

A number of students from di-

ocesan schools will attend the Mass.

Schools sending students are Espirito Santo, Holy Trinity, St. Anne, St. Stanislaus and SS. Peter and Paul, all in Fall River, and Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford.

Madeleine Grace, organist and choir director at the cathedral, will offer music at the Mass. Her daughter, Elizabeth Grace, a student at Bishop Stang High School in North Dmtmouth, will be the cantor.

A massive AIDS quilt made of panels created by students in diocesan schools will hang in the sanctuary of St. Mary's Cathedral.

Cu,We said that World AIDS Day, observed every December I, is important, "because it provides an op- . portunity to bring an .awareness to people that we're still living with this vitus; there is still no cure."

us grow. With that thought in mind, and tears in my eyes, I proudly say I'm thankful for the Boston Red Sox. I'm thankful for Messrs. Wemer, Henry and Epstein. I'm grateful for Trot Nixon, Jason Varitek and David Oltiz. I'm thankful for Fenway Park and NESN. I'm thankful for Geny Remy, Sean McDonough and Don Orsillo. And I'm thankful that my family puts up with me during baseball season. .

There, that wasn't so bad ... I think I've grown.

I'm also thankful for a dear friend who took her Case High School volleyball team within a whisker of a state championship.

Folks outside the Swansea area should know what a wonderful job you've done Denise. . And most impOitantly of all, I'm so very thankful for all the blessings the good Lord has bestowed on me - my family and friends, my job, my home, my country and my Church. I'd also like to shoot out a thank you to all the wonderful people \yho've Emailed me through the year just to talk sports. That's just an added bonus in an already enjoyable job.

And if someone thinks of it, maybe you could send me an Email four or five days before Thanksgiving to remind me to take

the bird out of the freezer! Thanks.

I wish evelyone a blessed Thanksgiving 2003.

Dave Jolivet, editor of The Anchor, is a former sports editor/ writer, alld regularly gives olle fail's perspective 011 the ullique world ofsports.

Comments are welcome at davejolivet@allchomews.org.

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Bishop Coleman to award

.prestigious Marian Medals .Publicity Chairmen ar~ asked to submit news items for this column to The Anchor, P.O. 80x 7, Fall River, 02722.

Name of city or town should be included, as well as full dates of all activities. DEAD路 LINE'IS NOON ON FRI路 DAYS. Events published must be of interest and open to our general readership. We do not carry notices of fund-raising act,ivities, which may be advertised at our' regular rates, obtainable from our business office at 508路675路 ,7151.

mation call 508-678-3030.

MISCELLANEOUS - A pilgrimage with Bishop George W. Coleman to Washington, D.C., for the annual March for Life is being organized by the Pro-Life Apostolate for January 21-23. It . will include Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immacu'late Conception. For more information call 508-997-2290. ' MISCELLANEOUS - Community Nurse & Hospice Care is hosting a Holiday Memorial Service on December 4 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 16 Temple Place, Fairhaven. Reservations are required py December 1. For more information or to register call 508~ 999-3400.' . '

ATTLEBORO - Singer mu'sician John Polce will present "Bethany Nights," an evening of song and prayer, tonight at 7:30 p.m., at the La Salette Shrine. For more information call 508-222NEW BEDFORD - Diocesan 5410.

Director of Adult Education Lisa Th'e annual Festival of Lights 'Gulino will lead a Bible study on begins November 27 at 5 p.m., and Genesis and Exodus November 24' runs daily through Janumy 4. This and December I from 7-~:'15 p.m., year's theme is "50 Years of at Our Lady of Fatima Church. For Grace." The annual Christmas dis- more information call the'Catholic , play features thousands ,of lights Education Center at 508-678-2828. and decorations.

NORTH DARTMOUTH MASHPEE - The Third 01'- A Widows Support Group, for pcr- . derofCmmelites will meet Decem-, sons who have been widowed five bel' 21 beginning at 5:30 p.m., in years or less, will meet December the St. Jude Chapel at Christ the 3 at 7 p.m.; at the diocesan Family , King Palish. It }ViII include prayer, Life Center, 500 Sloc!lm Road. rosmy and study. For more information call Dottie Cawley at 508NORTH DARTMOUTH 477-2798.

The Franciscans of the Immaculate will pre~ent a prayerful concert with MISCELLANEOUS .:...- The Father Maximilian Mary, featuring next Retrouvaille weekend will be classical guitar and voice Decemheld January 16-18 and offers' ber 7 at 7 p.m., at St. Julie Billiart couples a chance to heal and renew Church, 494 Slocum Road. Rosary , troubled marriages. Rediscover will precede the concert at 6:40 p.m. yourself and your spouse and a lov- For more information call 508-993ing relationship in marriage. For 2351. more information call 1-800-4702230 or the diocesan Office ofFamNORTH EASTON - The ily Ministry at 508-999-6420. public is invited to participate in the , praying of the 20 mysteries of the MISCELLANEOUS - The rosary on Sundays at 5 p.m. in the Massachusetts Citizens' For Life chapel of the Father Peyton Center Group has a 24-hour resource at Holy Cross Family Ministries, hotline called "Her Choice," dedi- 518 Washington Street. The' daily cated to giving 'men and women rosary at 9 a.m. and Mass at noon impOltant information about alter- , Monday-Friday is also open to the natives to abcJltion. For more in'for- public.,

.Mashpee Knights of Columbus to sponsor blood drive MASHPEE - The Christ the King Council of the Knights of Columbus are teaming up with the American Red Cross, Foster 'Burton Company, and the' Mashpee community to ensure that a safe, adequate blood supply isavailable when needed in the area.

The groups are sponsoring a blood drive at Christ the King Church, Jobs Fishing Road, on .

November 25 from I to 6 p.m.

Nearly 1,600 units of blood are

n:quired 'each day to help those in need in the Mashpee community. The goal of the blood drive is to maintain a five- to 10-day community blood supply. ,It only takes an hour oftime, and .a small pinch, to help someone in ' need. Anyone 17. years of age or older, weighing at least 110 pounds, and in good health can donate. ' 'For more information call 1800 c GIVE-LIFE (1-800-4483543), or visit the Website at www.newenglandblood.org.

FALL RIVER - More than a hundred people chosen by their colleagues iii parishes across the diocese will come forward Sunday in St. Mary's Cathedral to receive Marian . ~edals given ann,ually for devotion and service. , The ceremonies at 3 p.m., will include a prayer service at which Bishop George W. Coleman will preside. .

The tradition of recognizing laymen and laywomen for service was established by Bishop James L. Connolly and the awards were first presented by him in 1968. The sterling silver emblem is embossed with the Miraculous Medal of Mary on one side and the diocese's cmlt-of-arms on the other.

As The Anchor .went to press, a partial list of medal recipients was available. They and their parishes are: " Tomasa Alamo, St. Joseph Parish, (Spanish Apostolate), Attleboro; Christopher J. Cargas, St. Mark Parish, North Attleboro; Doris (Richard) Castro, Holy Ghost Parish, Attleboro; Paula Doyle, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Seekonk; Paul G. Hubrich, St. Mary Parish, Mansfield. . . L. Raymond Laferriere, St. Joseph Parish, -Attleboro; Michael W.Lewis, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, South Attleboro; Mary Martin, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Attleboro; Johanna (Anthony) Medeiros, S1> Mary Parish, Norton; Liam T. Murray, St. Mary Parish, North Attleboro; Rita Paquin, St. Stephen Parish; Attleboro; Paul B. Pinsonnault, Sacred Heart Parish, North Attleboro; NinaA. (Calvin J.) Anderson, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Wellfleet; Mary V. Becker, Christ the King"Parish,Mashpee; Mary K. (Adolph) Bishop, St. Anthony Par' ish, East Falmouth.

Yv.onne Rochelle ~abral-Edwards,St. Peter ~he Apostle Parish, Provincetown; Marguerite Conroy, Corpus Christi Parish, East Sandwich; Judith A. Cooper, St. Pius X Par_ish, South Yarmouth; Mary P. Drouin, Sacred Heart Parish, Oak Bluffs; Jacqueline Fitzpatrick, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Orleans; Peg (Kenneth) Fleming, Our Lady of the Cape Parish, Brewster; Clarence Heufelder, St. Joseph Parish, ,Woods Hole; 'Margaret Kelley, St. Elizabeth Parish, Edgartown; Florence Jo-' seph McCarthy Jr., S1. Elizabeth Seton Parish, North Falmouth; Regina (John) McEvoy, St. Patrick Parish, Falmouth; Paul F. Nugent, St. Joh'n the Evangelist Parish, Pocasset.

Janice (Americo) Poliseno, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Hyannis; Joan Rosmarie Ryan, Holy Trinity Parish, West Harwich; Janet R. Ryder, St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish, Nantucket; Elizabeth Mary Stephens, St. Margaret Parish, Buzzards Bay; Patricia Thomas, OurLady of Victory Parish, Centerville; Eleanor F. Tompkins, St. Augustine Parish, Vineyard Haven; Jacqueline M. Treacy, Holy , Redeemer Parish, Chatham;' Vera Araujo, . Holy Trinity Parish, Fall River; Veronica Beaulieu, St. John the Baptist Parish, Westport; penise (Antonio) Bninco, St. Bernard Parish, Assonet.

Nelson Paul Carpentier, St. Louis de France Parish, Swansea; Leonie (Louis) Chagn.on, 'Notre Dame Parish, Fall ,River; Jeanne (Joseph) Goyette, St. Michael Parish,

Swansea; Timothy J. Kelly Jr., St. Stanislaus parish, Fall River; Patricia (Robert) Latinville, SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Fall River; Maria do Ceu Lopes, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Fall River; Frank Lucca, 8t.

Dominic Parish, Swansea; Gerald J. Mauretti, Holy Rosary Parish, Fall River; Maria do Carmo Medeiros, Santo Christo Parish, Fall River; Virginia Mercer, St. Joseph Parish, Fall River; Mario Pavao, St. John of God Parish, Somerset. .

Louis Rego, St. Michael Parish, Fall . River; Antone B. Rezendes, St. Anne Parish, Fall River; Donald Rogers, Holy Name Parish, Fall River; Mary Theresa (Stanley) Sieczkowski, St. Thomas More Parish, Somerset; Antone Silvia Jr., St. Patrick Parish, Some,rset; Henry Simard', Parish of the Good Shepherd, Fall River; Maurice Sirois, St. Mary Cathedral Parish, Fall River; Idalina Sousa, Espirito\Santo Parish, Fall River; Beda (Edward) Sperduty, St. Mary Cathedral Parish, (Spanish Apostolate), Fall River. ' Joan (Alfred) Verville, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Westport; Paul White, Sacred Heart Parish, Fall River; Margaret Wiles, Immaculate Conception Parish, Fall River; Lucille Georgette Allain, St. Joseph-Saint Therese Parish, New Bedford; Natalie (Jo- ' seph) Arsenault, St. Francis of Assisi Par. ish, New Bedford; Therese Bonneau, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, New Bedford; Humberto Borges, St. Mary Parish, South Dartmouth; Richard Boucher, St. Patrick Parish, Wareham;- Laurier Cormier, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Acushnet; Andrzej (Andrew) Fejdasz Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, New Bedford; Gilda (Robert) Gomes, St. John the Baptist Pari~h, New Bedford; Mary Lourdes (Albert) Houtman, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, New Bedford. ' Beatrice Hurley, St. George Parish, Westport; Vivian A.' (John) MacedO, Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, New Bedford; Maria Luiza Medeiros, Our Lady o{Mount Carmel Parish, New Bedford; Donald Medeiros, St. James Parish, New Bedford; Betsy A. Peckham, St. Julie Billiart Parish, North Dartmouth; Donald Racine, St. Lawrence Parish, New Bedford; Margaret. E. Sylvia, St. Mary Parish, New Bedford; Kathleen L. Talbot, St. John Neumann Parish, East Freetown.

Antonio D. Vasconcelos, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, New Bedford; Joseph Amaral, St. Anthony Parish, Taunton; Helen (Stanley) Baran, Holy Family Parish, East Taunton; David Henry Bisio, St.- Joseph Parish, Taunton; Lorraine (Alban) Bourque, St. Jacques Parish, Taunton; George Brennan, Immaculate Conception Parish, Taunton; Eileen Cole, St. Paul Parish, Taunton; Paui Gilchrist, St. Ann Parish, Raynham; Kevin Joseph Kiernan, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Taunton.

Richard Mendes, St. Mary Parish, Taunton; William Morse, Immaculate Conception Parish, North Easton; Fay (Alfred) Perry, 5t. Peter Parish, Dighton; Michael Reilly, Annun- . ciation of the Lord Parish, Taunton; Linda Sullivan Holy Cross Parish, South Easton.

7

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Friday, November 21, 2003 ..L_ - - .-L - }( '\ _ _ _ _ _ _ _------:;-.;Jle'~analOI\..Y==_=_==_=_=_=_=__

Marriage statement said. "We urge the state Legislature to send the Marriage Affirmation and Protection Amendment Act to the 200.6 bal-

Ca/llinlled from page aile

lot. Thus the people of Massachusetts can reaffirm marriage as the union between one man and one woman, overriding the

Statement of Bishop George W. Coleman The marriage of a man and a woman is not just one form of association or institutional model among many others.

Marriage as the union between a man and a woman has served the common good by providing children with both a mother and a father, and by bringing men and women together according to the moral order.

I reject the attempt to reduce all intimate personal relationships to the same level, leading to the disap-

pearance of the civil institution of marriage as understood in all human societies since time immemorial.

The decision announced today in the Goodridge case is disappointing and should be reversed. ;.It is my hope that the state legislature will send the Marriage Affirmation and Ptbtection Amendment to the 2006 ballot to let the people of Massachusetts reaffirm marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

court's misguided decision in furtherance of sound public policy."

In its 4-3 decision, the court said that "barring an individual from the protections, benefits and obligations of civil marriage solely because that person would marry a person of the same sex violates the Massachusetts Constitution."

The court stayed the opinion for 180 days "to permit the Legislature to take such action as it may deem appropriate in light of this opinion."

Calling marriage "a vital social institution" that both "provides an abundance of legal, financial and social benefits" and "imposes weighty legal, financial and social obligations," the majority opinion by Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall said the Massachusetts Constitution "forbids the creation of secondclass citizens."

The Commonwealth, the court said, "has failed to identify any constitutionally adequate reason for denying civil marriage to same-sex couples."

Christmas Giving Program seeks toys, food and clothing for needy FALL RIVER - Christmas is families to be wrapped they could ing that they've helped people. just around the corner and it's not . use your assistance during'the "There is a lot of gratitude and tears of joy," said Hernandez. too early to start thinking about Advent season.

The toys come from collections "Last year a mother who came in helping others and what better way to do that than with the annual done at parishes, places like Saint said of her daughter, 'This is her food, clothing and toy drive spon- Anne's Hospital and also through Christmas, if it wasn't for you I sored by Catholic Social Services. the Toys for Tots Program spon- wouldn't have one.' We're doing something good and that makes us Each year through the generos- sored by the Marines. ''This is a very important pro- feel good." ity of people, pmishes and organiThis year the program's headzations within the community,the gram," said Hernandez. "We have Catholic Social Services Christ- roughly 400 families in Fall River quarters is at the Fall River Cathomas Giving Program collects and 200 in New Bedford that we lic Social Services office located food, new clothes and toys in or- help. We know rents are high and at 1600 Bay Street. Donations are der to provide gifts for low income utility bills are coming in so we want made through your local parish families and for some children to make sure that every child has a through giving tree programs. For more information about the prothose are the only Christmas pre- gift to open on Christmas Day." Hernandez said that the pro- gram or volunteering an hour or sents they get under their tree.

Applications are being taken gram~gives her and other volun- two of your time call Mary-Lou until Thanksgiving according to teers a lot of happiness in know-. Frias at 508-878-7588.

Carol Hernandez of Catholic Social Services for families wishing to sign up. The day after the holiday is when the process gets started and volunteers organize the gifts as they come in.

They "shop" from the donaRome - Assisi - Montecassino - Orvieto tions of clothes and toys to match items up with lists that needy families have provided. Each child is given toys and clothes and each ,~ ..... family also receives a basket of .~' .~ Led by '~ . food. Other volunteers wrap the Bishop George lv.

Coleman presents and put collections in of our Fall River Diocese large plastic bags that are later picked up by the families.

Come, join him Oil this Last year they had nearly 200 special pilgrimage volunteers throughout the Christmas season, but Hernandez said they are always looking for more help.

All Star Travel "Every year it grows more and 1200 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, MA 02771 more and we have a need for new The official agency for the Centennial Pilgrimage volunteers because sometimes it comes down to the wire," said Call Today: 1-800-649-3390 Hernandez. Whether you'd like to It's not too early to reserve, don't be shut out! wrap presents or pick out gifts for

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"We are mindful that our decision marks a change in the history of our marriage law," the decision said.

"Many people hold deep-seated religious, moral and ethical convictions that marriage should be limited to the union of one man and one woman, and that homosexual conduct is immoral," it said. "Many hold equally strong religious, moral and ethical convictions that samesex couples are entitled to be married, and that homosexual persons should be treated no differently than their heterosexual neighbors. Neither view answers the question be-

fore us."

If it takes effect in 180 days, the decision changes the law only in Massachusetts.

The majority decision said the Massachusetts Constitution "is, if anything, more protective of individualliberty and equality than the federal Constitution; it may demand broader protection of fundamental rights; and it is less tolerant of government intrusion into the protected spheres of private life."

The MCC scheduled a press conference for Tuesday at 3:30 p.m., in the State House.

FOSTER PARENTS: Seeking compassionate adults to open their homes to a young man or woman, age 18-22 to assist in the transition to independence. The young adult will be employed or enrolled in a training program or school. A tax-free $21,000 plus per year stipend, extensive training, and 24-hour support services are available to the foster parent. Call Family Service Association's LIFT Program at 508-730-1138 ext. 3303 for information.

Father Pat in Concert November 22 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, 100 Spring St., Fairhaven to benefit Our Lady's Haven, Fairhaven ~-_.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Our Lady's Haven, 71 Center St., Fairhaven, or call 508-999-4561. A reception at the church hall will follow. Join us for an inspirational evening and help support this wonderful skilled nursing and rehabilitative care facility. advertisement

Two Massachusetts Priests Host

Alaska Cruise And Pacific Northwest Vacation l3t:!.J0YTHl3 LONCj PAYUCjHTHOURS IN THl3 'LANP-OF- THl3-MIPNICjHT-SUNf ' . On June 25 th , 2004; join your Spiritual Directors Fr. Ralph Tetrault (retired pastor of St. Patrick Wareham, Cape Cod) and Fr. George Almeida (retired pastor of Our Lady of Fatima, Swansea, MA) on this 15-day vacation including a 7·day Alaska Cruise with Holland America Line and a 7-day Pacific Northwest vacation.

This will be Fr. Almeida's second year as host for this Your Man Tours vacation sailing on the ms Zaandam. Mass will be celebrated daily on board ship for those in the group who wish to participate.

Your group will fly into Seattle for a night before a scenic motorcoach drive to Vancouver where you'll board the five-star ms Zaandam. Next, travel through a wondrous maze of forested island and glacier calVed fjords, past charming coastal villages, migrating whales and calving glaciers to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and spectacular Glacier Bay. After the cruise you'll start a 6-night motorcoach tour visiting British Columbia, the Cascade Mountains; Washington; the Grand Cooley Dam; Lake Coeur d' Alene; Montana; Yellowstone (Old Faithful) and Grand Teton National Parks; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Idaho Falls; Utah; the Great Salt Lake; Monnon Tabernacle; and more. You'll fly home after a night in Salt Lake City. Family and friends are welcome! Prices for this 15-day vacation start at only $2330 (per person, db!. occpy.) including port charges, taxes, lots of included escorted motorcoach sightseeing through out the Pacific Northwest, the 7-day deluxe Alaska cruise, 7·nights in quality hotels RIT air from Boston or Providence, transfers, and baggage handling. $50 deposits are now due.

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Fall River diocese marks its centennial The following are the next in a series of historical sketches of the parishes comprising the Diocese of Fall River, founded in 1904. The series will run' in chronological order from oldest to newest parish, according to diocesan archives, concluding in March, 2004, the centennial anniversary of the diocese. Please note that ALL parish histories will run in the order they were founded - including parishes that have been suppressed or merged. Histories ofmerged parishes will run according to the time-line.

Holy Name Parish, Fall River FALL RIVER In 1923, when Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's parishes were bursting with increased numbers of parishioners, Holy Name Parish was established.

That same year, plans for a church were formulated and the first Mass - for what was 188 parish families - was celebrated on June 10, 1923 in a tent on Stanley Street by its first pastor, Father George B. McNamee.

Because there was no rectory as yet, Father McNamee resided in the rectory of St. Mary's Cathedral.

By 1925, the church on Read Street was completed and officially dedicated by Bishop Daniel F. Feehan. The Holy Name Society, Altar and Rosary societies and the Children of Mary were organized. A Men's Club was formed later, as were a CYO and Boys and Girl scouts troops.

Shortly before his death in 1938, Father McNamee pur-

chased a plot of land on Hanover Street, two blocks away from the original church, which included a large private residence to be used as a rectory.

Father James A. Coyle became the second pastor. He completed work on the rectory and by 1940, when the parish listed 1,800 members, plans for a new church had been completed and the cornerstone laid for the new church on Hanover Street.

The firm of Magginis and Walsh of Boston constructed the house of worship, which wascompleted in 1941.

Father Coyle died in 1955 and was succeeded by Father William H. Harrington. Under his pastorate a new school was built - at the site of the original church - and it , opened its doors in September, 1960, staffed by Holy Union Sisters.

In prior years, the Mission-, ary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity conducted the

nufseryclassesandcatechetical work of the parish.

Msgr. Daniel F. Shalloo became pastor in April, 1967 and served until his retirement from active ministry in 1987. During his tenure the church was painted and carpeted. A carilIon was installed in memory of Bernard F. Sweeney Jr.,- who had been the church's sexton for 42 years.

Msgr. Shalloo was succeeded in June, 1987 by Father Francis L. Mahoney. During his pastorate the church received a major overhaul internally and externally.

Currently, Father Mahoney is on a sabbatical leave. Father MichaelA. Ciryak, OFM, is the parochial administrator. Joseph and Joy Viveiros are coordinatOrSofreligiouseducation,and Sandy Cummings is school principal. The rectory is at 709 Hanover Street, Fall River, MA 02720. It can be reached by telephone at 508-679-6732; and '

by FAX 'at 508-675-4755.

HOLV NAME CHURCH,

FALL RIVER

Our Lady of Health Parish, Fall River .,.".",;' r

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. FALL RIVER - Because there was no Portuguese church in the area that covered Plymouth Avenue, Stafford Road and Rodman, Chicago, Jefferson and Warren streets, in the early 1920s, the Portuguese people there had to attend Mass at,Santo Christo, Espirito Santo or S1; Elizabeth's.

A Portuguese priest, who did not have faculties from the diocese, set up his own church at the comer of Cambridge and Baker streets and some of the Portuguese families started to attend this church, which was eventually destroyed by fire.

A group of people began having meetings with Father Manuel Travassos, the pastor of Espirito Santo Church, about having a Portuguese church built on Cambridge Street.

As Father Travassos was so concerned about this unauthorized Portuguese Church, he approached Bishop Daniel F. Feehan, who suggested that a church be built in this area.

For some reason, the owner of the land where Our Lady of Health currently stands did not want to sell it so a chu'rch could be built. Using his ingenuity, Father Travassos, asked a

neighbor, who lived across the street from this piece of property, to buy the parcel.

The Charles Hodgate Company began constructing a building on June 20, 1923 and the first Mass was celebrated in it by Father Travassos on December 25 of that same year.

The church remained a mission of Espirito Santo Church until it was raised to the status of a parish on June 20, 1924.

The official dedication took place on Nov. 9, 1924 and Father Francisco Correia Bettencourt was mimed the first pastor.

Father Bettencourt was succeeded by Father Jose A. Martins who, in turn was followed

by Father Arthur C. dos Reis.

When Father dos Reis was transferred to St. Anthony of Padua Church, Father Antonio Luis C. da Silva became the pastor. Father da Silva was replaced by Father Jose Marie Bettencourt Avila.

Next came Father Joseph' Cabral and he was succeeded

by Father Joao Vieira Resendes. When Father Resendes was transferred to Espirito Santo, Father A.

Castelo Branco became the new pastor. However within two years Father Branco was transferred and Father Maurice Souza became the new pastor until he was transferred to the Cape and Father Luiz Gonzaga Mendonca replaced him. In 1970, Father Manuel Andrade became the pastor.

DlIring the tenures of Fathers Pereira and Luis Cardoso the parish continued to grow. Father John Martins succeeded Father Cardoso. Father Martins had a new steeple constructed and placed at the front of the church.

Father Martins was replaced

by Father Steven Furtado and he was replaced by Father Jose A.F. dos Santos. Under Father dos Santos' tenure the inside of the church was redone ..

The current pastor is Father Michael M. Camara and the permanent deacon is Robert A. Faria. Christine Mello is the reI igious education coordinator and Dolores Pavao is the parish secretary. Lawrt;nce Oliveira is the sexton. The rectory is located at 642 Cambridge Street, Fall River, MA 02721. It can be reached by telephone at 508-672-2793.

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Friday, November 21,2003

9

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, South Attleboro SOUTH ATTLEBORO St. Theresa's Parish was founded in October, 1925, the year St. Theresa of the Child Jesus was canonized and she was chosen as it patroness. The new parish was to serve people living in the sprawling farm community situated between the cities of Attleboro, Pawtucket and Central Falls.

While there were Catholic churches in the vicinity, they all were within the Providence diocese.

When Father Joseph La Rue arrived in 1925 as the first pastor, he inherited a parcel of land containing a house at Washington and Baltic streets purchased by Bishop Daniel F. Feehan in 1923. It had a debt of $12,500 attached and it took another $3,000 to get a parish underway.

There were few parishioners. For several months Masses were celebrated in a restaurant at Washington and Bacon streets.

A temporary chapel built on posts with a flat roof and with a hot air furnac~ became the first church.

Within a year a gable roof was built, a vestry added on, and for the next 30 years it was to serve the community of faith.

By 1929, when the Great Depression arrived, there were only 120 families on which the parish counted for support.

Father La Rue served until 1947 when Father Anatole Desmarais assumed the pastorate. He remodeled the church and drained the swampy land adjoining for use as a parking lot.

Following Father Desmarais, Father Stanislaus Goyette was named the pastor and he served until 1954. He began a building fund for a new church. The project was continued under Father Gerard J. Chabot. The new $325,000 church was completed and on May 16, 1957, was dedicated and blessed by Bishop James L. Connolly.

In 1964 the last note was paid on the church debt and in 1967 land and a house adjoining the parish property were purchased for a parish center and a convent.

The latter was occupied by three Holy Cross Sisters in September, 1969, the same year Father Chabot was made a monsignor.

In September, 1970, the parish center was dedicated.

When Msgr. Chabot died in February, 1983, Father Edmond Levesque was named the pastor. He undertook major improvements to the church.

In July 1990, Father Louis R. Boivin became pastor. He was followed in 1994

by Father Robert F. Kirby. In 1997 he was

followed by Father David M. Andrade as administrator.

On Dec. 20, 1997, Father James W. Fahey was named the pastor, and he is the current pastor. Theresa Paquette is the co-

ordinator of religious education, and Sandy Vincent is the parish secretary. The rectory is at 18 Baltic Street, South Attleboro, MA 02703. It can be reached by telephone at 508-761-8111; and by FAX at 508-7615475.

ST. THERESA OF THE CHILD JESUS CHURCH, SOUTH ATTLEBORO

Catholic Festival of Faith draws thousands to Chicago

BY MIcHEu.E MAmt.I Cmtouc NEwsSaMce CHICAGO - Organizers ofthe Catholic Festival of Faith on Chicago's Navy Pier wanted to put the Catholic Church's diverse face on display during the recent event - both for Catholics who often may only see others who look like themselves or who worlc on the same issues, and forthe whole Chicago metropolitan area.

The face on display was multiracial and multicultural. Liturgies and prayers were conducted in a multitude of languages. and presenters offered more than 200 sessions on everything from encouraging teens to practice chastity to coping with mental illness and finding Christ in the movies.

And the face on display was happy, said Vmcentian FatherJoseph C. Geders, director of the Chicago Archdiocese's department of evangelization, catechesis and worship.

"I remember seeing happy people," said Father Geders, the event's main coordinator, in an interview with The Catholic New World, Chicago archdiocesan newspaper. "People were happy to be there."

He added that be saw people from just about every kind of group, not only ''tier one" Catholics, whom he described as those "who are already very involved," but also ''tier two and three" Catholics who "might be a little more on the fringe."

Altogether, an estimated 17,200 people were registered over the four days, Father Geders said.

At the festival's Youth Day, high school students reclined on the floor of Navy Pier's grand ballroom and listened to Chicago Cardinal Francis E. George's homily. Three days later, more than 2,000 people clapped and swayed to Gospel music during the recessional of the c1os-

ing Mass.

In between, there was technorock, mariachi and classical music.

Chicago personality Wayne Messmer performed a one-man play about Blessed Damien de Veuster, the Belgian Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary missionary priest who served at the lepercolony ofMolokai in the Hawaiian Islands.

Attendees also could hear Cardinal George talk about "God's Forgiveness Made Visible: The Sacrament of Penance" and then go to confession.

Father Bryan Massingale, a moral theology professor at St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, set the tone in the fIrst keynote speech, saying that Catholics must understand who they are as a church before they can understand their mission to the world.

"The Church is the Body of Christ, a people of every race, language and way of life, gathered by God to give glory and praise by becoming one body, one spirit in Christ for the life of the world," Father Massingale said.

That means that no one gets to choose who else is part of the Body ofChrist, he said, because all people are called by God. Father Massingale said God is like his father, who put together lunch by cleaning out the refrigerator, throwing everything into one pot spaghetti and mashed potatoes, kidney beans and fried chicken - and heating it up.

"We are a huge pot into which God has poured every type of human being;' Father Massingale said to a crowd dominated by Catholic school teachers and catechists.

"God just went into the refrigerator and threw it all together and stirred it up and that's the Catholic Church;' he added. "Our level of holiness ranges from saint to strug-

gling to scoundrel. But the Church, the Body ofChrist, knows no boundaries, no exclusions. There can be no 'no vacancy' or 'no welcome' sign over the doors of any of our churches."

Father Massingale's message was repeated in many ways over the course of the weekend, from Jesuit FatherJ-Glenn Murray talking about the need to sing one another's music, to Holy Angels Parish pastor Father Robert Miller's discussion of the need to see affordable housing as a moral value, to St. Pius V School Principal Nancy Cullinan Nasko suggesting ways parishes and schools can support Latino families.

Bishop Nicholas A. DiMarzio of Brooklyn, N.Y., discussed the challenges that new waves of immigration pose for American parishes.

"Everybody can have their own Mass time, but how do we bring them together?" he asked. "Migration, by definition, is about a change, and as a newcomer comes into our presence, into our churches, we also have to change."

Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan offered a workshop on Catholic leadership, and Cardinal Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Man of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, spoke about ''Family and Faith." Archbishops from Poland and the Philippines also participated.

Special events included the archdiocese's annual Asian Gala and the "Nache de Gala" ofthe Hispanic ministries office, along with a special charismatic prayer meeting and an evening of Chicago-themed entertainment hosted by comedian Tim Kazurinsky.

Catholic radio host Jeff Cavins offered the keynote, telling his story of how he left the Catholic Church and became an ordained Protestant minister, only to return to the Church and to teach its people over

the airwaves. His experience reso- teachers to the gala banquets- have nated with many participants, said gone on in the past, but this is the Father Geders. first time they have been brought "Several people approached me together, Cardinal George said. and said they had left the Church "The idea wa<; to do together what for whatever reason and were now we do separately," he said, adding returning," he said.-"'That's what this . that ''we can get lost in the boxes." was all about, the new evangeliza- The archdiocese carne together, he tion, holding Jesus up for the world said, "so that we can see again our basis for unity, which is our faith in to see. It seems to have worked."

Many of the events at the festival Jesus Christ" - from the catechetical sessions for

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Friday, November 21, 2003 .

eNS book review "IMMERSED IN THE SACRED: DISCOVERING THE 'SMALL S' SACRAMENTS,"

by Kathy Coffey. Ave Maria Press (Notre Dame, Ind., 2003). 191 pp.

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tidian lives: simple grace.'" She says that these "small s" sacraments "transcend denominational boundaries and open a way to all seekers who want to deepen their ordinary experiREVIEWED BY ence."

EUZABElli RACKOVER In this diary of extended perCAlliOLIC NEWS SERVICE sonal essays Coffey pro'poses This book is a "small s" sac- scenarios for readers to discover their own prayers and blessed rament.

Let me explain: Life, as de- surprises. She finds sacramenscribed by author Kathy Coffey, tal moments not just in a snowis a series of minor blessings, bound hotel room but also in a prayers and surprises masquer- department store dressing room. ading as daily chores, getaways, (I can't,wait for my next run-in errands. sidebars and commit- with the ironing, for instanc'e, so ments. In the same way, a se- I can see just how much holiries of memories, meditations ness I can divine from pressing and "small r" revelations to- table linens and blue jeans!)

Coffey has chapters on the gethel: shape the enlightening message of "Immersed in the sacraments of friends, family, strangers and my personal faSacred."

Samuel Taylor Coleridge vorite, since I discovered "The said it pretty well several cen- Power and the Glory" only returies ago: "He prayeth best, cently, "Graham Greene's Unwho loveth best / All things both likely Saints."

Coffey is a very good writer. great and small." It's easy to see the great miracles of this world Her style is very informal with - birth,'heroic rescues, selfless' a friendly tone, and her strucsacrifices, the outpouring of ture is superb. She writes, "The lui man compassion in response crafting of words has always deto a great tragedy. Coffey, an lighted me; I play with their editor and frequent workshop beauty and weigh their meanspeaker, shares with her readers ings as some would handle prethe "small s" sacraments of cious stones."

To tell the truth, I feel a bit daily life.

"The only door we have to shy writing about her book bethe absolute, the only bridge to cause her communication skills the sacred begins in this world, are vastly superior to my own. I opens through concrete and spe- can only encourage you to take cific places," Coffey writes in a a moment to find this book and chapter called "Gazebo: Place tuck into it a pen to make notes of Reconciliation." If we can see about some of her precious the divine in the mundane, it stones. makes each day holy.

Then, armed with new eyeCoffey writes that grace sight for "small s'" sacraments, "creeps into the unlikeliest go on out to the garden, or your cracks and the mag unseemly office, or the laundry room, or surprises." The possibility of out into rush hour traffic and grace "helps alleviate the bur- create something precious of den of dragging ourselves to .. , your own. You'll be surprised yet another drudgery. We begin by what's out there - your own to see how 'sacramental rites divinity, your own spirituality. wait to be replicated in our quo- Your own "small s" sacraments.

eNS movie review

NEW YORK (CNS) - An orphan raised by Santa'~ tiny toymakers journeys to New York City in search of his real-father in the.goofy yuletide comedy "Elf' (New Line).

Despite narrative holes more glil,ring than Rudolph's shiny nose, director Jon Favreau, trying to jump-start the holiday way too early, crafts a family-friendly fable, but uses the secularizing sieve of jingle bells and mistletoe to filter out any explicit religious references about the true meaning of Christmas.

"Saturday Night Live" alum Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a foundling who, as an infant, crawls into Santa's sack of toys during a stopover at an orphanage and accidentally winds up being taken back to the North Pole. The stowaway is adopted by the workshop's pointy-eared foreman, Papa Elf (played with droll sobriety by Bob Newhart), who raises Buddy as one of the Keebler kin.

Though popular among the junior. Muldoon is a voice stu- pint-sized population of Christdent at the New England Con- mas Village - especially his servatory Preparatory School as teammates on the Billy-Bartyish well as a violinist with the basketball squad - Buddy, who school's Youth Philharmonic grows into Ferrell's uber-elf .frame, realizes he will never quite Orchestra.

As its name suggests, Schola fit into their Lilliputian world.

Cantorum of Falmouth is both After Papa Elf tells him the truth a concert choir and a learning ,about his past, Buddy decides to environment for male and fe- travel to New York and search out male singers who can sight-read his biological father. and who wish to expand their His voyage of elf-discovery musical horizons. To that end, leads him to Walter (James Caan), it recently sponsored an all-day a workaholic publisher of workshop featuring well-known children's books who perennially English choirmaster, composer, makes Santa's "naughty" list. Igcantor and organist, Peter Lea- norant of having fathered a child Cox. in his youth, Walter, now married The choir is currently re- (to Mary Steenburgen) with a 10cruiting new singers in all year-old son (Daniel Tay), disparts. For more information, misses Buddy's story, convinced please contact Choir Manager there is more nut than nutcracker Oliver Muldoon at 508-548- to the oversized elf.

4428 .

As much an outcast in the big

Cape Cod churches to host Schola Cantorum performances FALMOUTH Schola Cantorum of Falmouth will present its annual St. Cecilia's Day concert of Renaissance sacred choral music tonight at 8 p.m., at St. Patrick's Church, Main Street, Falmouth.

The concert will be repeated Sunday at West Falmouth United Methodist Church, Route 28A, West Falmouth at 4 p.m. There is no admission charge and there is ample parking in the church parking lots.

Founded in 2002, Schola Cantorum's goal is to explore the vast heritage of liturgical music from the early Renaissance to Baroque periods.

The choir, which was recently featured on WCAl's with Mindy Todd, is conducted by Paula Muldoon, a home-school

WILL FERRELL stars in a scene from New Line Productions's "Elf." (eNS photo from New Line Productions) '..

city as in the North Pole, Buddy lands an appropriate job in the toy department of Gimbel's - standing in for Macy's - but is fired when he gets into a riotous brawl with the store's Santa after alerting a line of anxious children that the co.unterfeit Claus, is ariimpostor.

After bailing Buddy out ofjail i!nd confirming his paternity via a DNA test, Walter reluctantly agrees to let his sugarplum scion move in. Buddy's boundless energy - fueled by anall-sugar diet which designates candy an essential food group - turns the household upside down, which ultimately proves right side up. With December 25 rapidly approaching, Buddy takes it upon himself to help his father find his innerelf by injecting some holiday cheer into Walter's cynicaf:heart - and possibly saving Chri~tmas in the process.

Favreau sets the film's nostal-I gic tone early with a retro open- ' ing credit sequence, cleverly paying homage to classic RankinBass Christmas TV specials like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Rein-" deer," which also dealt in a lighthearted manner with similar themes of alienated misfits.

Ferrell is convincing as the socially inept man-child, bringing both a disarming credulousness and an unfettered wackiness to the role. Though well cast as the mirthless malcontent, Caan is not given much to work with. Unlike Scrooge's metamorphosis which unfolds slowly during his three ghostly visitations, Walter's turnaround from Grinchy to gracious seems sudden and contrived. Unlike Dickens' misanthropic miser, Walter comes across as a family man whose priorities are miscast and whose cynicism is fueled more by overwork than any inherent animus against his

'Elf'

fellow man.

Supporting roles include Zooey Deschanel as the coworker who wins Buddy's heart, and Ed Asner as the man in the red suit.

Apart from a scene where Buddy innocently gets drunk with a mailroom clerk and a few l<lin'e sight gags, the candy-cane humor is less "naughty" than "riice."

Most of the film's ho-ho-hos are generated by watching the gangly Ferrell prancing around Manhattan in yellow tights.

Regrettably, while "Elf' is full of Christmas spirit, spirituality is noticeably absent. Searching for a Nativity or another even remotely religious symbol in the film's winter wonderland is like trying to find a wrapped gift in Whoville after the Grinch came to town.

Further evidence of this avoidance of overtly Christian references includes the fi 1m's we1l-intentioned climax. Echoing "The Cricket in Times Square." in which an insect silences a cacophony of consumerism by playing "Silent Night" on his wings, the movie ends on an upliftingliterally - note when Santa's sleigh is powered by a crowd of cynics-turned-carolers. Yet unlike the cricket's sacred symphony, "Elf's" Christmas magic is worked by a rousing, albeit secular, chorus of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town."

On that count, though warmhearted and brimming with holiday cheer, this film could do with some' elf-improvement.

Due to minimal mildly crude language and humor, the USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I1- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG - parental guidance suggested.

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Friday. November 21, 2003

Meeting

COlltilluedfrom page olle

own bishop taking part, and to meet again with (Boston) Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley, and also (retired Hartford) Archbishop Daniel Cronin.'"

While "there was a lot of substance to the meetings, some of them were not covered well in the secular newspapers because they were just looking for the sensational," he added.

He said a report, given by Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes of New Orleans, revealed that an ad hoc committee had reviewed 25 high school catechetical texts since mid200 I and found most lacking in key doctrinal areas. (See "The Mooring" on page four and story on page 15.)

"Archbishop Hughes said that the materials that have' been reviewed 'were not only' inadequate for conformity to the Catechism of the Catholic Church; but could not be amended and therefore needed to be rewritten.'"

Msgr. Moore recalled, 'It was an amazingly scary report, to see how much sociological rather than faith experience is the norm in teaching and how the national committee is going to handle it."

And while the secular press did not handle the issues on one-man, one-women marriage well, "the U.S. bishop did remarkably well on that," Msgr: Moore asserted.

He was referring to the bishops overwhelmingly approval of a short teaching document on why 'same-sex unions should not be given the social or legal status of marriage. The bishops were told that rapid developments on the issue across the country led the USCCB Administrative Committee in September to seek development of ,the statement in time for' the November meeting.

The 2,000 word statement, "Between Man and Woman: Questions and Answers About Marriage and Same-Sex Union," states that marriage between a man and a woman is God's plan, seen in nature and in divine revelation. It was approved in a 234-3 vote. ' Kearns, who has attended other meeting of the bishops, said he found it interesting "to hear the bishops discuss the various issues and craft the documents as shepherds of the Church, and forward the work of so many vital offices centering on such things as migration, education, vocations, priestly life. and even farm work."

He added that, "we sit in the press section, and have a good opportunity to see things working. When one sees so many things going into a document, the work by the committees and its many draftings then see it amended, accepted and voted on, it is amazing it gets done so quickly."

He said it was also interesting to see how the events were covered by the newsmedia.

On the first day of the annual fall meeting, held at Washington's Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, Msgr. Moore said that the bishops heard a presentation on the work of their National Review Board, formed last year in the wake of the clerical sex abuse crisis, and were told of major national studies on the crisis and the U.S. bishops' response to it that will be released early next year. . "I found it a very positive report, especially being told. a nationallay committee was trying to turn the corner on the abuse scandal," Msgr. Moore added.

The studies will include a report on the extent of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests and deacons since 1950 by .the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York and the review board's consensus report on interviews with bishops, priests-abusers, victims and a wide array of professionals regarding the "causes and context" of the abuse crisis.

The bishops also unanimously approved their first new document on agriculture in 14 years: "For I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Food: Catholic Reflections on Food, Farmers aQd Farmworkers." The document, which examines agricultural issues from genetically

modified crops to crop subsidies and market forces affecting rural life both in the United States and in the nation's trading partners, passed with a 237o vote.

The bishops spent time discussing the need for guidelines on how they should handle relationshi ps wi th ~atholics whose actions in public life are not in accord with Church teaching.

Approved, in 236-6 vote with two abstentions, was a pastoral statement encouraging popular devotions but cautioning that those devotions should never supplant the liturgy, the primary 'form of th.e Church's worship and sacramental I.ife .During the meeting the bishops also approved: - a stewardship document that encourages young adults to change the world by using their gifts and ski lls to embrace the Church's social teachings; - a revised edition of "Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest" and a revised edition of "Guidelines for the

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There will be refreshments served in the Parish Center immediately following the service. For more information call Estelle Stanley 508-775-4319.

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Pro-Life Activities. He succeeds Cardinal Anthony 1.

Bevilacqua, now retired archbishop of Philadelphia. They also chose new chairmen-elect for eight other committees who will automatically succeed the current chairmen at next year's fall meeting.

They heard a report on plans for their 2004 special assembly in Denver, which will involve discussions of a possible plenary council of the U.S. Church.

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The bishops elected Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan of Santa Fe, N.M., as the new secretary of the USCCB, succeeding Bishop William B. Friend of Shreveport, La. They also elected Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore to a three-year term as the new chairman of their Committee on

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ancholY

Friday, November 21, 2003

Pope, beatifying'five Europeans, ,say~ charity strengthens' Church By

CINDY WOODEN

receive the Eucharist frequently.

"An apostle of mercy, he passed long hours in VATICAN CITY - The Church is made upof the confessional with a particular gift路 for putting faithful who are,bound together by charity and ~ho sinners back on the correct path, reminding them of reject modern culture's tendency, to give value only the grandeur of divine forgiveness," the pope's hom-' to money, Pope John Paul II said after beatifying ily said; five European religious.

Italian Brother 'During the recent Luigi Maria Monti, Mas's in St. Peter's 1825-1900, a nurse and Square: the pope beatifounder of the Sons of fied a Spanish, priest and the Immaculate Concepnun, a BClgian priest, an tion, Italian brother and a His life, the pope French nun. wrote, "was entirely The Church, he said in dedicated to healing the his homily, is made up of wounds of the bodies "living stones, that is, of and souls of the sick and the those united by one of orphans"; ,faith, by participation in Spanish' Sister the sacraments and by the Bonifacia Rodriguez de bond of cbarity."

Castro, 1837-1905, "The sai n ts are the founder of the Sister Servants of St. Joseph, a , SISTER NIRMALA Joshi, Mother Teresa's successor as particularly, precious stones in this spiritual congregation originally superior of the Missionaries of Charity, accompanies a relic temple," he said. dedicated to providing a containing the blood of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta to Pope John Paul read religious and technical a Mass of Thanksgiving in Calcutta recently. The relic, which the introduction to his education to poor was blessed by Pope John Paul ,II during' Mother Teresa's' homily, then allowed women. beatification at the Vatican, was to be taken to parishes in aides to read the sections The nun, Pope John Calcutta. (CNS photo by Anto Akkara) of the texts that referred Paul said, offered the to each ..beatified 'relipoor a "spirituality of . work which affirmed glOus. their dignity and made , Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the POPE JOHN Paul II kneels in frontofa cruci- all of their activity, duri~g Congregation for Saints' fix at a Mass of beatification at the Vatican re- though apparently Causes, was the principal cently.

The pontiff beatified Spanish Father Juan humble, an offering to VATICAN CITY The find it reawakens in us the necessity celebrant of the EuchaNepomuceno Zegri Moreno, Belgian Franciscan God and a means of Vatican and local Catholic commu- of sacrifice and penitence." nities are using this year's Ramadan' The secn:lary ofthe intelTCligious . rist; the' pope rel1)ained FatherValentin Paquay, Italian Brother Luigi Maria sanctification"; , Monti, Spanish Sister Bonifacia Rodriquez de - French Daughter as a fenile time to plant seeds of dialogue council, Archbishop Pier seated facing the altar.

'The newly beatified' Castro, and French Daughter of Charity Rosalie of Charity Rosalie peace and n::conciliation with Mus- , Luigi Celata, took part iQ the MusRendu. (CNS photo from Reuters) Rendu, 17~~-1856, who lim neighbors. lim "breaking of the.fast," called were: opened clImcs, schools - Spanish Father J u a n , For the approximately one billion "lftar," in Turkey.'s capital, Istanbul.

Muslims around the world, His participation added an interna- NepomucenoZegriMoreno, 1831-1905, founderof the' and orphanages in the poorest neighborhoods of ,Paris and convinced wealthier Catholics, including Ramadan - all of November tional presence to the Ramadan Mercedarian Sisters of Charity.

The pope's homily said the priest, who had a Blessed路Frederic Ozanam, founder of the St. Vincent represents the holiest !p0nth of the event. which saw local Church year. The faithful fast from dawn to. members invited by Muslim lead- "profound Eucharistic piety, understood very well de Paul Society, to care for the poor.

The pope sai~ she "joyfully made herself the serdusk evel)' day and this form of peni- ers to participate in the evening meal how the proclamation of the Gospel must be trans, lated into a dynamic reality, capable of transforinvant of the poorest in order to restore the dignity of tence. together with prayer, offers and celebrations. , ing the life of the apostle," particularly in the sereach one through material assistance, education and Muslims one way ofgening closer Events such as this one took place teaching them the Christian mysteries." to God and strengthening bonds with in many parts of the world, but es- vice of the poor; - Belgian Fr~nciscan Father Valentin Paquay, Among the 38 princip'al concelebrant~ at the litfamily and community. _ pecially in countries where the also was, an early urgy was.Msgr. Salmon Lagagneur, a dIstant rela1828-1905; a famed confessor; he This emphasis on community Cl1ristian communities represent a leader in the movement to encourage the faithful to tive of Sisler Rendu. spirit makes Ramadan an auspicious decided minority: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Vatican officials, churches reach out to Muslims Ramadan

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- in Pakistan, the bishops were time for Christians to foster Muslim fliendships, Msgr. Felix Machado, using Ramadan to strengthen Chrisundersecretary of the Pontifical tian-Muslim ties. In the eastern city Council for Inten'eligious Dialogue, of Multan, Christians and Muslims' told Catholic News Service. together broke the first day of fast"Interreligious dialogue is all ing - which began this year in most about fOlming friendships and it's places on October 26 - in a joint only as a friend that one's words can celebration; gain credibility and ensure that dia- in Amman, Jordan" the logue has a fl1Jitful outcome," Msgr. Melkite Catholic Church donated Machado said. . funds to the city council to pay for "We're not asking Christians.to 2,000 free meals for poor Muslims imitate their Muslim brothers and during Ramadan. Every evening the sisters," he added, "but rather to city of Amman was organizing the show deep respect fortheirtraditions 'post-sunset meals for people in ne~d , and, when possible, participate to- at the end of the daily fast; , gether in a common gesture of soli- in Ambon, Indonesia, the lodaritv," cal bishop sent a special message to The cleansing PQwer of fasting Muslim leaders expressing the" is emphasized in both Christian and Church's full support and spiritual Muslim traditions. But Msgr. closeness during Ramadan. In his Machado said that "witnessing our message, Bishop Petrus Canisius Muslim neighbors take part in a full Mandagiwrote, "We Christians month of daily fasting is edifying." value'the example you set through DUling Ramadan, he said, "we prayer, fasting and helping the Chlistians can see how obedient needy. Ramadan offers an opportu'Muslims can be to God and we can nity to move forward in peace'and he moved by their dedication and, . forgiveness."

Agency concerned abotitAfghani constitution VATICAN CITY - Afghanistan's draft consti"In the draft of the constitution, freedom of wortution would declare the country an Islamic state and ship is conceived in terms foreseen by Shmiah (Is, curtail freedoms of other religio~s, a Vatican agency lamic law), ahd therefore does not admit the possibilsaid. ' ity of evangelizing or making conversions," Father The constitution, unveiled in early November, does Moretti said. not provide much more religious freedom 'than the The draft con~titution h.as a "~ecide~ly Islamic policies of the previous Taliban government, said a tone" throughout Its 160 m:lcles, FIdes Sal? recent article published by Fides, the Vatican's misThe date on the cover IS 1382, follOWIng the Is, sionary news service. lamic cale~dar: It states thati.t is the duty of the go~''The hope, is that in this discussion phase of the ernment to InstItute and organIze mosques and IslamIC constitution, Western diplomats can exert pressure and, religious centers. It says Afghan citizens are free to ask that authentic freedom of religion be recognized organize political parties and social organi.zat.ions ~ in the new Afghanistan," the agency said. which must, however, conform to the pnnclples of The constitution, which will be debated in the Af- ,Islam. ghan Parliament December 10, establishes Islam as ' ''These instl1Jctions are in contrast with other secthe state religion but says that other religions would tions of the constitution that affirm th~ st~te m.ust rehave freedom of worship. ' s p e c t and protect the freedom and dignity 01 evel)' Father Giuseppe Moretti, who heads the Church's person" a!ld ensure democratic policies for all, Fides, .. . ' .. , missionary jurisdiCtion in Afghanistan, told Fides that said. "it remains to be seen what is meant by freedom of Father MorettI Said that asIde from, the constltuworship - whether the interpretation will be restric- tion .he i~ hopeful ~bout the future ?f interreligious tive or whether, for example,auth9rities would allow relatIOns In Afghanistan. ~~m~ Mush~ leaders the~路e the construction of a church outside an embassy com- have already shown a positive Interest In the Cathohc pound.".

Church's activities.

CENTENNIAL PRAYER Diocese of Fall River 1904 -2004

ORACAO CENTENAR Diocese de Fall River 1904-2004

God our Father, your Son, Jesus Christ, brought the Church into being by the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Grant your blessing to the Church of the Diocese of Fall River . as we observe this Centennial year.

Through the intercession of . the Blessed Virgin Mary, our patroness, who was present with the disciples at Pentecost, grant continued growth to this family of faith.

Enlighten us that we may discern the Spirit's action in the accomplishments of the past.

Inflame our souls with the Spirit's p0"Yer that we may continue to carry out the work that is ours as followers of Christ.

Fill us with gratitude in this year of jubilee and let us embrace the future with hope, confident that you, the Lord of all time and history, will remain ever with us.

We ask this through Christ the Lord.

Icon

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Friday, November 21, 2003

ORACION DEL CENTENARIO Diecesis de Fall River 1904-2004

Deus nosso Pai, Teu filho, Jesus Cristo, criou a Igreja por graya do Espirito Santo.

Concedei tuas benyaos a Igreja da Diocese de Fall River, nesta ocasiao do seu centenario.

Por intercessao da Santissima Virgem Maria, nossa padroeira, que esteve presente com os Ap6stolos no Pentecoste, auxiliai 0 crescimento continuo desta familia de fe. lIuminai 0 nosso espirito para que possamos discernir a aCyao do Espirito Santo em tudo o que realizamos no passado.

Inflamai as nossas almas' com 0 poder do Vosso Espirito, para continuarmos a cumprir a tarefa que nos diz respeito como seguidores de Cristo. Neste ana jubilcir, enchei-nos de gratidao e fazei que enfrentemos 0 futuro com esperanya, confiantes de que 0 Senhor de todos os tempos e hist6ria, permanecera ' conosco para todo 0 sempre. por Cristo• Senhor Nosso.

Isto Te pedimos J

Dios Padre nuestro, tu Hijo Jesucristo trajo a la,existencia a tu Iglesia por el don del Espiritu Santo.

Derrama tus bendiciones sobre la Iglesia de la Di6cesis de Fall River en este ano del Centenario que celebramos.

Por la intercesi6n de nuestra patrona, Santa Maria Virgen quienestuvo presente con tus discfpulos el dia de Pentecostes, concedenos que podamos seguir creciendo como familia defe. lIuminanos para que podamos discernir la acci6n del Espiritu en todos los acontecimientos del pasado Inflama nuestras almas con el poder del Espiritu para que podamos continuar realizando las obras que nos corresponden como discfpulos de Cristo.

Uenanos de gratitud en este ano del jubileo y permitenos que podamos abrazar el futuro con esperanza confiados en que tu, el Senor de la historia permanecera siempre con nosotros.

Te 10 pedimos por Cristo, nuestro Senor.

COl/lil/ued frail! page ol/e

ishes of the diocese on Sl!nday, begin to speak to us. When they colors. Other nuns in her commuNovember 30, which is the first do connect, they speak to our in- nity help with the less exacting ~unday of Advent. ncr searching for God. parts of the work, preparing wood In essence, the painting and The icon chosen for the Fall panels and applying gold leaf. vcncration oF-icons dcpicting God . River dioccse's centennial gives The pattern for this icon is very in the Trinity, Jesus Christ, the us a window into the divine as old, conforming to Byzantine traBlessed Virgin Mary, and many well as reflection on the rich heri- ditions dating from before 800 saints, is an ancient tradition, well tage that has been handed the A.D. Mary and the Apostles arc developed by the third century, faithful Catholics of the diocese touched by "tongues of fire" as tested by the iconoclastic contro- since its beginnings in the early the Holy Spirit, shown as a dove accompanied by fire, descends versies of the eighth and ninth 1800s. centuries, and brought to full Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, chair- upon them, transforming a group flower in the Byzantine age and man of the of the Centennial Cel- of frightened people into bold later in the Orthodox Christian ebrations Committee, said the proclamation of the GoodNews, churches of Eastern Europe. icon chosen "has to do with a ·as found in the Acts of the The Fall River diocese has Pentecostal celebration which Apostles, chapter two. used icons in the past for various ties in with the centennial's The Apostles are' shown gazcelebrations, such as the millen- theme, 'The Spirit Gives Life.' ing heavenward in poses of surnium year 2000.

The Virgin Mary, who is the pa- prise and apprehension. TJ:adition The painting of icons follows tron of our diocese and who our does not name all of their portraits a set of rules that arc very differ- cathedral is named for, is pic- explicitly. Naming them yourself ent from the more realistic and tured prominently. It is felt this is an interesting meditation. They humanistic art traditions of the will present a visible sign in ev- all have halos of gold surroundWest. cry one of our churches of some- ing their heads. Halos are used in .

At first glance, these images thing that is connected with the iconography to identify saints.

Gold, being a metal that doesn't appear to be distorted and gro- celebrations." tesque, stiff and lifeless. They do The icon is the work of Sister cOlTode, is used to symbolize Divnot always have an immediate Marie-Paul of a convent of ing light.

Mary is shown in her tradiappeal to the emotions or imagi- French"speaking Benedictine nation. And the veneration paid nuns located ncar the summit of tjonal garb of a dark red to icons, the miracles attributed thelMount of Olives in ancient . hOl1lophorion, a combination veil and cape, over a blue dress. The to them, and their prominent place Jerusalem. in the liturgy of Eastern Christians ,Born in Egypt of Palestinian three stars gracing her clothing seems strange. .~ lmd Italian descent, she paints in symbolize her virginity before, But aftcr study and prayerful the Byzantine style, following during and after Jesus' birth. She reflcctions these ancient icons carefully the ancient patterns and gazes toward th'e viewer with

SYlTIposiUlTI

hands raised in prayer, her dignified manner in sharp contrast with that of the Apostles.

Below Mary is a man with a long beard, crowned head, and bearing a cloth holding 12 scrolls.

The Greek letters identify him as Cosmos, "the world." He is a symbolic representative of the world's multitudes gathered together in Jerusalem for the Festival of Weeks at the time of that first descent of the Holy Spirit.

The man shown is in a walled-off dark place, the world without faith.

According to descriptions of-

fered by Printery Housc, Conception Abbey, Conception, Missouri, the man's crown is the rule of sin and he is aged by the sin of Adam. The scrolls rcprcsent the teaching of the Twelve Apostles, bringing the light of faith to his dark world.

While icons are images of the sacred and reverence paid to them shows respect for the persons portrayed, they should receive veneration similar to that shown to Holy Scripture or to the cross, though never the adoration reserved for God alone.

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

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia (seer of Fatima) and spoke these words: "Alllloullce ill my name that I promise to assist at the hour ofdelJth with the graces necessary for the salvation oftheir souls, all those who 011 the first Saturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the Rosary (5 decades); and 4. Keep me company for 15 minutes while meditating on the 15 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intelltioll of making reparation to me."

In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be preceded by the words: "In reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary."

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

COl/IiI/lied frOIl! page IWO

nately, days later, he was diag- del' laid down by Gpd be dutifully .dom will build peace if people act nosed with cancer with only a few observed." He went on to identify according to reason ang llssume remonths to live. Yet he found the . essential conditions for peace in sponsibility for their own actions . timc' and the energy to present to the four, precise requirements of Otherwise peace is nothing more thc world this beautiful encyclical. the human spirit: truth, justice, than an empty word."

John XXIII discerned that hu\I is a magnificent work, mark- love, and freedom." manity had entered a new stage. He "Truth will build peace if eving the first time that Catholic tcaching on peace was elaborated ery'individual sincerely acknowl- noted that people were becoming on in a sustained way and provid- edges not only ~is rights, but also more aware of their relationship to ing the world with a blueprint for his own duties towards others. Jus- God and that the world was becomtice will build peace if in practice ing increasingly conscious of spilipcace.

The pontiff truly believed that everyone respects the lights of oth- tual values. Human rights movepeace was possible, as summed up ers and actually fulfills his duties ments were emerging in ·virtually in the first sentence of his encycli- toward them. Love will 'build every part of the world inspired by cal: "Peace on earth, which all men peace if people feel the needs of the conviction that every human of cvery era have most eagerly others as their own and share what being is equal in dignity. The pope yearned for, can be firmly estab- they have with others, especially saw in this phenomenon the potenlished and sustained only if the or- the values of mind and spirit. Free- tial to change history. -

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Friday, November 21, 2003

SSe Peter and, Paul School celebrates eight deca~es.

FALL RIVER - Earlier this taurant were graduation photos month, SS. Peter and Paul School, dating backJo 1928. Three photo with the help of alumni, parents, cakes were also on display feafaculty and students, celebrated turing the Sisters of Mercy, a its 80 th anniversary.

1940s classroom and honoring Bishop George W. Coleman' teachers and principals Sister celebrated Mass at SS. Peter and Ruth, Sister Grace and current ,Paul Parish at Holy Cross Church Principal Kathleen Burt.

Entertainment was provided and helped celebrate 80 years of faith, family and education. Sis- by students and included a preter Elaine Heffernan, offered a sentation of Saints Alive, a hisBible representing faith and the tory and life story of 16 saints as portrayed by fourth-grade stuSist~rs of Mercy. Mary Janick, her daughter and grandson of- dents. Grades three and five profered a rosary representing tpree vided music.

"We are truly proud of our stugenerations of families who attended the school. Eli~abeth dents who performed so beautiPatricio, a second-grade teacher, fully tonight," said Pastor Stephen B, Salvador. "I am honored to be r~presenting the faculty offered. a among our alumni, family and textbook.路 Following Mass, a social and friends who continue to support dinner was held at Rachel'~ in our mission of education at SS. Dartmouth. Displayed at the res- Peter and Paul School."

Holy Trinitv Cub Seoul Pack 74 .

West Harwich, Massachusetf$

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BOYS IN the Holy Trinity School Cub Scout Pack No. 74 of West Harwich, get ready to march in the annual Cranberry' Festival Parade in Harwich. Fr.omleft: ScoutsAl1drew Perrino, A.J. Boucher, Joseph Beasley, Jeffrey Hadley, Brendan Keefe, Paul Krusell, Colin Merrill, Stephen Hadley, Matthew Perrino, Seth Andreasson, Sean Hurley-Delvecchio and T.J. Pagliaro.

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FOURTH-GRADERS performed Saints Alive during a recent celebration of SS. Peter and Paul School, Fall River.

Each gave a presentation on their chosen sair:lt to alumni, family and friends of the school. They are joined by pastor Stephen B. Salvador and Bishop George W. Coleman.

CHILDREN FROM St. Joseph-St. Therese School, New Bedford, dance at the recent Family Potluck Supper Dance. Many families shared their favorite dishes and old" family recipes. Leftovers were donated to the Market Ministries Homeless Shelter. Below, Allison Ventura smiles after winning a jar of candy corn during a recent Family Night. Her guess for the numb-er of candies in the jar was closest.

THE 2003-2004 student council for Holy Trinity School, West Harwich, was recently elected to office. Each student will help plan activities and events for their peers and will meet on a regular basis. From left: Advisor Michelle Turner; Nikki Yannatos; Frank Pagliaro; Emily Domain; Vice President Toni Alongi; President Catherine Manning; Secretary Krista Kenyon; Julia Stratton; Treasurer Nicole Argyridis; and Advisor Linda Mattson.

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Friday,'November 21, 2003

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Tennis lessons for life

By KASE JOHNSTUN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

DIFFERENT VOCATIONS are depicted in artwork drawn by Jessylea Richards, a student at St. Henry School in Nashville, Tenn. (eNS photo from Tennessee Register}

From the mOlfths - and pens - of children come'prayers for vocations

By ANDyTELU CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Children are helping the Diocese of Nashville's efforts to promote vocations.

Father Jim Almour, diocesan director of vocation promotion, asked the plincipals at all the Catholic schools and the directors of religious education at each parish to have students in grades three through eight compose a prayer for vocations and draw a picture that could be used on prayer cards.

"We came up with an idea: Wouldn't it be great for the kids to have a prayer for vocations - at their level - and for them to perhaps compose it," Father Armour told the Tennessee Register, Nashville's diocesan newspaper.

"It's not only an oppOltunity for them to be creative. it's also an opportunity for them to think about their,own vocation," he added.

The contest was divided into two age categories, grades three-five and grades six-eight, and a prayer and drawing was selected from each age group.

The winning prayers were com-

Tennis is a difficult sport to play by yourself. You serve. You follow the ball. It bounces on the turf. It bounces off the fence. It rolls to the net. You serve. You follow the ball.

Recently, I had a screw removed from my knee. It was a quick and prelly much painless procedure. The swelling was minimal, and I was sent home only hours after I shaved my leg and wrote a big "Yes" on that knee.

"Six weeks," my doctor told me. "Stay off it for six weeks."

The next ..

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"You should call your parenL~ or Keith," Mary said. "I am sure they will help. They offered."

I just shrugged it off. "We will be fine. We don't have that much left to do today."

I said this at eight in the morning. Eight o'clock at night rolled around. I was still making the trips up and down the stairs, and Mary was cleaning myoid apmtment. My prediction for gelling done early dlifLed away hours ago along with memory of the late, warm autumn weather.

By the end of the second day, my knee was black, blue and ... swollen again. I

weekend I had to complained. I move from one Ir~~:1 moaned. I complained. I apartment to moaned. I posed by Holly Harrison, a fifth- so they will not grow lonely. Please another. This was ? ~ annoyed myself. grade student at St. Henry School grant us our prayer so that we can my third move in ft 0, 'IIi Those who in Nashville, and Rebecca Cypcar, serve you better. Grant this through two years time. I olTered to help me a sixth-grade student at St. Andrew your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and figured it would . .- - - - - - - - - -... move called again be a piece of savior. Amen."

Church in Sparta. cake.

My fiance, Mary, and I dug to ask if I needed their help, and I Here is Holly Harrison's prayer: The winning drawings were by Jessylea Richards, a fourth-grade "Dear Lord, Please open the hearts into my stuff without any help. We told them I was already done. Most said OK. Some called me dumb for student at St. Henry School, and of all men and women so that there were a good team, as I have lifting on my knee, but then showed Bonnie Hardie, a sixth-grader at St. can be a new flowering of holy vo- helped her move her apartment concem and said, "We would have Ann School in Nashville. cations. Lead each and every one twice in the last year.

Up and down three levels of helped if you said you wanted it."

The two cards have been printed of us to a holy life by knowing your They would have. and distributed to the school prin- personal plan for each of us. Let us stairs we hauled my stuff. The Genuine people made genuine cipals and pastors in the diocese to all find happiness by doing your snow tumbled down on us, creating slick unstable pathways offers because they were con' be handed out to their school and will. cerned. I guess I just didn't want to "Bless those who choose mar- for a tom knee and a tired girl. religious education students, Father Many offered to help me move, bother them, so I turned down Armour said. He also encouraged riage and family life. Guide them but I didn't take them up on their their offer when I could have the pastors to make the cards avail- in your love and wisdom. Bless really used the help. able to any of their parishioners, he those who choose to live a dedi- generosity. By the end of the first My knee is still aching, and I cated single life. May their lives evening, my knee had swollen out added. have to keep taking ibuprofen to Here is Rebecca Cypcar's prayer: bear the fruit of your will. Bless of control. Black-and-blue patches keep the swelling down a week "Dear Lord, You help us every day those who desire to serve you in the ' circled around it, and I lay on my after it should have stopped and we pray to you for an increase priesthood and diaconate - the couch complaining, whining and swelling. Stubborn. of vocations in your Church. We shepherds of your Church, your generally angry that I had pushed my knee too far.

I could have used someone to pray that more men and women will people and your world. Bless, Pride. return volley. Many stood on the come to the priesthood, diaconate watch over and guide the commuWe began again early the next other side of the COUlt swinging nities of sisters dedicated to your and the religious life. their rackets, but I didn't place the "Wf:- pray for those who are work and guide them by your Holy morning. It had been snowing for two days straight and was not ball in bounds. dedicated to marriage, that you will Spirit. Mayall know Christ, the true Maybe I will bother fliends and bless them with many happy years light of the world, and offer this looking to let up, so I picked Mary family next time, and hope they together. We pray for those who light to others and may each of us up, we drank our coffee and ate bother me back when they need live a single life that they may re-, serve through faithful service and our bagels before we went out in the cold. help. member you are always with them enjoy eternal life. Amen."

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Bishop says many high school catechetical texts deficient WASHINGTON (CNS) - The bishop heading the U.S. bishops' Ad Hoc Commillee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism criticized the quality of many high school' catechetical textbooks cun'ently in wide use throughout the United States.

Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes of New Orleans said the ad hoc committee had reviewed 25 high school catechetical texts since mid-200 I and found most lacking in key doctrinal areas. He did not name any specific books or publishers, however.

After his remarks outlining some of the deficiencies, two bishops wondered aloud whether the U,S. bishops should publish their own textbook.

Archbishop Hughes said the committee had no recommendation yet to offer on whether to develop a high school catechetical series. He noted, though, that

as to CUITent suitability, there is not "any one complete high school series.from any of the major publishers whose texts are most frequently used in this country."

Matelials that have been reviewed, he said, "were not only inadequate for conformity (to the 'Catechism of the Catholic Church'), but could not be amended, and therefore needed to be rewritten."

Among his examples of deficiencies, the archbishop said that the Catholic Church is described in some texts as "one Church among many churches. Our young people are not learning what it means to say that sole church of Christ subsists in the Catholic Church," Doctrinal matter \Vas introduced to students with "tentative language,"'he added, giving the impression that Catholic doctrine is one position among others "rather

than a matter of truth."

Sacramental matters, according to Archbishop Hughes, were "seriously flawed" in the texts, leading students to think that the sacraments were developed "over an extended period of time with the implication they can still be changed" and that sacraments celebrate "moments in life" and not that they are an encounter with Christ.

Some texts suggest, he said, that "it is the community who baptizes, or confects the Eucharist." Further, Catholic teaching on women's ordination in the texts is "ambiguous or even misleading," the archbishop charged, while the sacrament of maniage is referred to in telms of "partners" rather than to "man and woman or husband and wife," On sexual teaching, "there seems to be reluctance to name premarital or extramarital intercourse as sinful," Archbishop

Hughes said, with morality presented as "a matter of options and personal choice," while the "relationship between the moral life in this world and in the Ufe to come is often not treated."

In teaching about the nature of God, some books try to "avoid masculine titles" so that God the father is refen'ed to only as "God," while some texts "speak of Jesus without noting his sonship or divinity," Archbishop Hughes said, adding that "the third person of the Tlinity" is often refen"ed to as "the Spirit of God, or God's Spirit," Scriptures, the archbishop said, are defined as, "to a large degree, merely human texts," while the religion books try to make miracles seem ordinary, with some of "the miracles of Jesus explained as a result of lucky timing," he added, eliciting chuckles from some of the bishops.

ftndaYJI t-lovember 21, 2003

Vatican: Education holds key to societal harmony

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avoid transforming one's sense of ATHENS, Greece (CNS) The key to harmony in a cultural belonging into a barricade multicultural society is not ignor- against others," Archbishop Pittau ing cultural differences, but learn- said.

Especially when they work ing about them well enough to know the values they share, a closely with families, schools are invaluable places for helping chilVatican official said.

Archbishop Giuseppe Pittau, dren understand their own culture secretary of the Congregation for and the cultures of others, he said.

Like any educational process, Catholic Education, spoke at the recent conference of European he said, learning to value other cultures is a progressive process, education ministers in Athens. . Education, he said, is essential which must include knowledge of to the process of constructing a one's own culture in order to be united Europe marked by solidar- able to appreciate the values of ity, democracy and respect for the others.

The aim is to create "a harmony diverse cultures of its member nations and of the peoples who of differences," he said. "That move to the continent in search means learning to live as one and, above all, to construct a common of a better life.

"Each culture is an attempt to destiny."

Archbishop Pittau urged the reflect on the mystery of the world and, in particular, on the education ministers to be couramystery of man," he told the con- geous in searching for ways to ference. "It is a way of express- promote multicultural undering the transcendent dimension of standing.

Ignoring a culture or putting life."

People need to know and value aside things like religious beliefs their own cultures in order to . because they are more difficult grow and develop, to have a to deal with, he 'said, does not sense of identity and to' under- serve the purpose of education, stand how their families conceive which is to help each person grow the world and their place in it, in kno~ledge and in values, inhe said. cluding those inspired by faith.

"But it is also necessary to

FATHER MARTIN L. Buote, above, pastor of 81. Anne's Parish, New Bedford, welcomes children dressed as their favorite saint .at a recent Mass. The children are homeschooled and get together with parents every few weeks for educational and spiritual activities. "It's a wonderful thing," said Father Buote of the children's participation and singing at Mass. At left, Rachel Perry played the part of a lion along with her brother Anthony, ' while another brother, Daniel, portrayed his namesake.

Clergy Trends Study shows CoIholic dergy numbers declining while others tile on the rise.

Percenl of change in dergy numbers over a 20-yeal period fTom 1981102001:

Downed helicopter pilot in Iraq was brother of Boston priest

By MEGHAN DORNEY CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

The number of路 Catholic dergy dropped from 58,534 in 1981 to 45,713 in 2001. In that some time the U.S. Catholic population grew by 14 million, a27 percent increase.

Source: YeclJbook of Ameriam and Canadian Churthes 漏 2003 (NS GraphiIS

BOSTON ~ Chief Warrant Officer Kyran Kennedy, a native of Massachusetts and a brother of Boston archdiocesan priest Father William Kennedy, was killed in Iraq November 7 when the Army Black Hawk helicopter he was piloting crashed on the banks of the Tigris River near Tikrit.

The cause of the crash was still under investigation, but Iraqi insurgents are suspected of shooting down the helicopter.

Five others on board were also killed.

Kyran Kennedy, 43, the fifth of Kevin and Geraldine "Gerry" Kennedy's JO children, grew up in Boston's West Roxbury neighborhood and was an altar boy at St. Theresa of Avila Parish there.

He went on to graduate from Xaverian High School in Westwood in 1978 and attend college at the University of Mas-

sachusetts in Boston. He enlisted in the Army in 1989 and became a member of the 5th Combat Aviation Battalion of the JOist Airborne Division stationed at Fort Campell, Ky. He was deployed to Iraq in February.

"All of us are extremely proud of Kyran, and he died doing the job he was sent to do," his family said in a statement released after his death. "We love him and he will be dearly missed."

Father Charles Higgins, parochial vicar at the Kennedy family's home parish, said that in the four years he has been at the parish he has witnessed a family with a firm commitment to their Catholic faith and to their country.

"They are a beautiful family," he said, "the kind of down-toearth, faith-filled family that would have sons who would volunteer for the military."

Father William Kennedy, or-

dained for the Boston Archdiocese in 1987, is a Navy chaplain on active duty within the United States.

Father Higgins expressed the parish's support for the Kennedy family during their time of loss, saying, "The whole parish is grieving with them, and we hope they feel the comfort of our prayers."

The pilot is survived by his wife, .Kathleen (Barb) Kennedy, and children Christopher, II; Kaitlyn, nine; and Kevin, three.

The family is currently living in Hopkinsville, Ky. According to Father Christopher Coyne, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Boston, a memorial Mass for Kyran Kennedy was to be held in Kentucky in midNovember. A funeral Mass was not yet scheduled but was to be said at St. Theresa of Avila Church sometime after the memorial Mass, followed by his burial in Milton.