11.27.2020

Christmas lights continue to glow at La Salette Shrine, with COVID-19 guidelines ATTLEBORO — La Salette Shrine in Attleboro has become known throughout New England and beyond for its display of religious Christmas

Jan. 3, 2021. However, there will be many restrictions to assure the good health of everyone.

No one will be allowed on the grounds of the

Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, November 27, 2020

The La Salette Missionaries strongly feel that during this time of pandemic, the traditional Christmas Illuminations are needed more than ever as a sign of hope in these times of loss, stress and anxiety.

Illuminations. Because of COVID-19 and the pandemic, much thought has gone into this year’s event.

After due consultation with the authorities, a decision has been made to hold the Christmas Illuminations that began on Thanksgiving Day and will continue, beginning at 5 p.m., through

Shrine without wearing a face mask. Individuals and family groups will need to respect the mandate for Social Distancing. The occupancy of every facility will be limited according to the mandates of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This includes the 8 Turn to page 10

Solar panels in a parking lot at Stonehill College in Easton are providing a very cost-effective and ecologically safe energy alternative. Projects similar to this are being installed across the diocese at various parishes and schools. (Photo courtesy of Stonehill College.)

Some diocesan parishes, schools are looking skyward to efficiently meet their energy needs

By Dave Jolivet Editor

davejolivet@anchornews.org

The statue of Christ at La Salette Shrine appears ready to welcome visitors to the Festival of Lights, following state health guidelines. (Photo by Robert Gillis)

ACUSHNET — In 2015 Pope Francis released an encyclical on the environment, “Laudato Si’ (Praise Be), On the Care of Our Common Home.”

In it he said, “The pace of consumption, waste and environmental change has

so stretched the planet’s capacity that our contemporary lifestyle, unsustainable as it is, can only precipitate catastrophes.”

It was a warning from the Holy Father that humankind should, “clean up its act.”

In March of 2017, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., presented the Dio-

cese of Fall River with his “Rebuilding in Faith and Hope,” message, outlining the path the diocese should take to ensure its existence, Spiritually and physically, for many years to come.

In his message Bishop da Cunha stressed the importance of rebuilding our diocesan parishes, schools 8 Turn to page three

Parish Faith Formation ministries reach out to students, families

By David G. Carvalho

Diocesan Faith Formation Senior Director dcarvalho@dioc-fr.org

FALL RIVER — As we continue to move through an unprecedented year, parish Faith Formation and youth ministry programs not only launched but continue to find ways to minister to families.

The need to foster a sense of community, engage isolated individuals, and ensure safety have

weighed on the minds of parishes. “So many things are cancelled and shut down,” shared Nate Schaff, director of Youth Ministry for Good Shepherd Parish on Martha’s Vineyard.

“Students are spending more and more time on devices, separated from their peers. Now more than ever, they need a place to socialize and come together as a community, especially a community of faith.”

In trying to balance the need for meaningful interaction with safety guidelines, many par-

ishes across the diocese have adopted different program models. As of mid-October, approximately 60 percent of parishes adopted a hybrid model, with an additional 33 percent going fully remote.

Transitioning to a hybrid model meant reassessing the use of facilities and putting in new program structures. For Santo Christo Parish in Fall River, this meant organizing students into groups that rotate their presence 8 Turn to page† eight November 27, 2020

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Bishop Connolly High School, In Force Technology and Fall River Police Department join forces as partners in school safety BOSTON — Massachusetts-based software company In Force Technology, LLC has joined forces with Bishop Connolly High School and the Fall River Police Department to protect the school’s students and staff in the event of an active threat. Teachers and faculty will now have the ability to immediately notify first responders at the Fall River Police Department of an active threat and communicate directly with them during the event to provide mission-critical details needed to end the threat as soon as possible.

PROBLEM WITH LEGACY 9-1-1 Traditionally placed

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9-1-1 calls can take an average of two to four minutes to be routed from the centralized public safety answering point (PSAP) to the closest responding agency, lengthening the time for first responders to get on scene. The second underlying problem at-risk facilities face is the inability to effectively communicate with each other from inside the same building and to collectively provide specific details of an active threat to law enforcement, causing additional time delays and leading to confusion when

† November 27, 2020

law enforcement arrives.

ABOUT IN FORCE TECHNOLOGY, LLC School safety has always been the mission of In Force Technology. Its leading-edge software ap-

plication, IN FORCE911, enables an alert to reach all internal staff and responding agencies in less than four seconds; in addition, the app provides a two-way communica-

tion window where staff and faculty inside a school can provide real-time intelligence-sharing with each other and with police officers responding to an active threat. When seconds matter most, reducing response time and increasing communication is the goal of IN FORCE911.

The IN FORCE911 software application empowers school faculty, staff and administrators with the ability to launch an alert from any device in seconds, rather than minutes. IN FORCE911 sends alerts and messages simul-

taneously to the dispatch consoles, in-vehicle terminals and mobile devices of police officers in the field regardless of duty status, avoiding the call routing process. First responders also have immediate access to a school’s digital building schematics, aerial photos, emergency operational plans, and Internet protocol (IP)-based camera feeds, which are integrated through the IN FORCE911 application to plan the best approach for ending the threat.

The two-way communication window enables those experiencing the threat to share information; as a result, school staff 8 Turn to page 12

Diocesan parishes, schools look skyward for energy continued from page one

and ministries “Spiritually and materially,” and for these institutions to become “financially sustainable.”

On the “material” aspect of the rebuilding process, the diocesan Finance Office, along with the Catholic Schools Office and a number of volunteers, began looking at opportunities to assist parishes and schools. It is with this plan in mind that solar energy cropped up in many conversations as a way of producing efficient and a more cost-effective way to produce electricity in parishes and schools.

Not only did this endeavor fall into line with Bishop da Cunha’s hopes for parish entities to become financially sustainable, but it also meshed nicely with Pope Francis’ message in Laudato Si’.

Since the brainstorming sessions that began three years ago with regards to the practicality of pursuing solar energy projects for the diocese, great strides have been made on that front.

Joseph Harrington, director of the diocesan Finance Office, recently told The Anchor about several solar energy projects that are well off the ground in Acushnet, New Bedford, South Yarmouth, and Chatham.

“We began the search to learn what we could do on a diocesan level to support a group of our parishes and schools,” he said.

“It’s not an quick and easy process. The economics include state and federal incentives that can be very complicated. You also need a partner that can help navigate issues around

engineering, local zoning issues, and interconnecting with the grid managed by local utilities. All that has to be resolved before a project can physically begin.”

Harrington also added that the process, as complicated as it is, is a win-win dynamic for the diocese, parishes and schools involved. “In addition to the economic value add, the savings to our environment are dramatic. We also saw

solar experts, Forefront Energy and Resonant Energy, to assist in the larger-scale process now going on.

Forefront Energy is contracted for the projects at St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth and Our Lady of Grace Chapel, at Holy Redeemer Parish in Chatham.

St. Pius X plans on installing solar carports.

An illustration of this type of solar field can be found on page one. The size will

School in Acushnet and St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford plan to install rooftop systems, having the panels installed on the roof of a particular structure on the parish or school campus.

Sacred Heart Nursing Home in New Bedford will have carport and rooftop systems.

According to Harrington, the Cape projects are currently awaiting results of an interconnection group study at Eversource Energy, one of the largest energy providers in parts

“In addition to the economic value add, the savings to our environment are dramatic. We also saw this as an opportunity to teach our school children about the benefits of renewable energy.” — Joseph Harrington, director, diocesan Finance Office this as an opportunity to teach our school children about the benefits of renewable energy.”

And one didn’t have to look far to find a great solar energy success story within the diocese. Stonehill College in Easton, the only Catholic college in the diocese has, since 2014, been utilizing and expanding solar energy sources on its campus.

Craig Binney, associate vice president for Finance and Operations at the school, told The Anchor, that encompassing all its solar farm and other panels “generate nearly seven million kWh (kilowatt-hours) annually, which is approximately 40 percent of Stonehill’s annual usage.” All told, Binney estimates the college “will save $3.2 million over the next 15 years.”

Also, several schools and parishes in the diocese have completed or initiated projects of their own.

Harrington and his staff have reached out to two

be scaled down from the example shown, but the theory is the same. The panels are installed in the parking lot, and they serve a dual purpose; they absorb the sun’s energy and they also provide shelter from the elements for cars and faithful when at the parish.

The project at Our Lady of Grace Chapel in Chatham will be ground mount, meaning the panels will be installed on the grounds of the location not being utilized.

Resonant Energy is in charge of the projects on the other side of the bridges.

St. Francis Xavier

of eastern Massachusetts.

“They hope to have the report by the spring/summer of 2021,” Harrington told The Anchor. “It normally takes three to four months for construction and testing, so we’re looking at the end of 2021 before operational.

It does show just how long it can be to get such projects complete.”

As for the other projects west of the Cape, the hope is to have construction begin at the end of this year or in early 2021.

Harrington also told The Anchor that he hopes St. Francis Xavier School and Resonant Energy can

collaborate on an exhibit at the school to enable the students to learn about the solar panels showing up on their roof.

Madeleine Barr is the liaison between Resonant and the diocese. She told The Anchor, “I love the idea of doing an educational activity with the students at St. Francis to help connect them to the equipment being installed on their building. In the past, we’ve shared some resources with the teachers and have explored putting a monitor in the lobby or a classroom that shows the production of solar on a graph. One of our partners had their students make their own graphs that were hung in the hallways that matched how solar production correlated to different weather conditions. There are lots of options available to explore.”

Harrington also reached out to a colleague, Peter Rusin, with whom he shared a Christian Leadership Institute (CLI) expe8 Turn to page seven

November 27, 2020 †

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onscious of the Christmas music emanating from the students’ party down the hall, I focused upon my work. I knew a student had entered, but I kept my eyes on the paper hoping he’d let me continue. The senior asked, “What are you up to?” I put my red pen down knowing grading would have to wait. He then asked, with a tone of fear in his voice, hypothetically what would happen if someone did “X.” I recognized both the courage that took as well as the foolishness of action “X.” Today, I am remembering his boyish smile as he stood before me. In our own way, based upon our own poor choices, each of us is akin to that young man in having issues to discuss. Have you ever wondered why Advent is about penance and sacrifice?

Advent allows us time to reflect upon who we have been and who we might be. Christmas Day as we commemorate mankind receiving God’s gift of Salvation, within our imperfect being, we need to find the courage to smile and stand humbly before God. When we examine the clash between who we have been and who we could be, we may despair at where to start or even if change is possible. However, with a loving

The Provident Hand of God

God as sculptor, the possibilities are endless. As St. Luke reminds us, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Lk 1:37).

For most of my life, my perspective was simply to endure difficult situations. A Provident God would pick one up from the dust.

Difficulties seemed a painful way God chiseled away then smoothed rough edges.

One thing that moved me to rethink that was a painting where the artist had captured the craftsman’s loving care for his creation. Reflecting upon that image shifted my thoughts away from the pain of difficulties to wondering what the craftsman might hope emerged from the situation. I began to experience challenges in a different light.

Second, I brought my friend Sister Claire Dumont, SS.CC. to a retreat entitled “Cracked Pots: A Spirituality of Receptivity.” The essence of that imagery was that those cracks and chips (and the experiences behind them) made

each of us a unique vessel ready to help God with specific tasks so as to help transform the world. I have since come to associate the Japanese art of Kintsugi with that philosophy. In Kintsugi, a golden lacquer is used to mend pottery.

By its very imperfections, the once cracked pot is transformed to a unique and beautiful piece.

Knowing one is treasured and has been uniquely prepared for and chosen to face that situation encourages creativity. Also, one need not fear one’s action may not be sufficient. In all the passages regarding judgment, only those who refuse to act are called to account. Challenges simply become opportunities to help God transform the world.

“St. Theodore Guerin came to America in 1840 to form a mission and school in Indiana. Her advice to her fledgling community was, “If you lean with all your weight upon Providence you will find yourself well supported.” Let us reflect upon one early challenge her community faced. The 1842 harvest was sufficient to provide for the winter. On October 2, arson destroyed the barn, the entire harvest, and the carts and plows!

St. Guerin’s words convey her faith in a carrying through, not a protection from, difficulties. Today, as together we suffer through the pandemic, her words are a gen-

tle reminder of God’s love and support for each of us. God has a plan. Even if one does not immediately see the way forward, one must simply trust in the guiding Hand of God.” St. Theodore Guerin also said, “We are not called upon to do all the good that is possible, but only that which we can do.” Facing a difficult situation, one can ask oneself — what is it that I might be called to do here?

Back to my student, I knew that he would be safe. He knew his decision had been a poor one. He was scared. I recognized his trust in me. The real issue was discussing sometimes one needs to stop to think before acting. Was the best persuader a call to his parents, detention, or talking with him?

I said today I was too busy for discussing hypotheticals. I waited.

Again, that disarming smile as he admitted he had actually done it.

We began our discussion with the question what is the power of the words “I dare you to do it?” Why did they put reason on hold? We went on to discuss one important thing for an adult was to learn from mistakes. A good start was imagining a different answer. For him, what might be an acceptable way to refuse an I dare you?

As the student left, I glanced up at the cross. I hoped I had accomplished all that was needed.

I walked past the now calm party.

Returning to my desk, there was peace in my heart as I picked up my pen to continue my grading.

Anchor columnist Dr. Helen J. Flavin, Ph.D., is a Catholic scientist, educator and writer.

† Diocese of Fall River † OFFICIAL Appointment

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has made the following appointment: Reverend Monsignor John A. Perry, P.A., Administrator of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville, and Our Lady of Hope Chapel in West Barnstable.

Effective: December 1, 2020 4

† November 27, 2020

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n December we will mark the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ disembarking in Plymouth, Mass.

What they endured, and how the responded Spiritually to it, are guides for us as we mark the national holiday of Thanksgiving and begin to formulate year-end reflections.

When the Pilgrims lowered the anchor in Plymouth Harbor on Dec. 16, 1620 and disembarked two days later, they were filled with hope.

They had survived a perilous three-month journey on an inhospitable Atlantic with only one casualty. Their incessant prayers for a safe arrival had been heard. They had finally landed in the new world and were ready to begin a new life. Little did they know the year that would await them.

Of the 103 who disembarked, 52 would die before winter was over. Governor John Carver, their leader, succumbed quickly to fever.

Ten of the 17 husbands and fathers died. Fourteen of their 17 wives also perished. The young wife of soon-to-be Governor William Bradford drowned in Plymouth harbor before even reaching shore.

Those who avoided the grave remained in grave danger because of fevers, famine and freezing temperatures. Yet they never gave up hope.

In March came the arrival of English-speaking Squanto, who taught them various survival tactics, like how to distinguish between poisonous and good plants, to tap maple trees for sap, to fertilize soil with dead fish and to plant corn and beans. When that soil produced a modest harvest a few months later, they organized a feast not just to thank Squanto, Samoset, Massasoit and their large families, but principally to thank God for all His blessings since their arrival.

The 51 survivors easily could have looked at the previous 11 months as the worst year of their lives. They had

Our duty and Salvation buried almost as many bodies in the ground as they had taken baskets of food from it.

Yet they were able to thank God so heartily in spite of the suffering they had undergone because they believed those hardships and blessings were both part of God’s direct or permissive will. Their personal and communal suffering could not shake their trust in the God they knew loved them and was looking over them.

They convened full of gratitude because they realized they were on a pilgrimage not only to Plymouth but to Paradise. Everything — adverse or propitious, life and even death — was somehow, they knew, part of God’s plans for them on their journey not merely to the new world but to a New World.

That final destination, and their faith in the God’s guiding and awaiting them, gave meaning to the sufferings and joys along the way.

Likewise, little did any of us know the year that awaited us as the ball dropped in Times Square to inaugurate 2020. From past experience we recognize that each year will have ups and downs, but few anticipated that the present year would seem to recapitulate the Book of Job: a worldwide plague with its massive physical suffering, death and mourning; the collateral damage from the pandemic’s attendant economic, educational, cultural, transportational and even Spiritual lock-downs; riots in our streets flowing from unhealed racial harmony and destructive rage; and widening political chasms that are destabilizing the country, turning fraternity into enmity, and putting our common future at risk, since a nation divided against itself cannot stand.

If gratitude during this time of widespread anxiety and foreboding would al-

ready have been challenging, government restrictions and public censure of private gatherings for Thanksgiving and the Advent season as potentially super-spreader events threaten to rob many of the traditions that annually help to counteract complaining, pessimism and despair.

Yet, even if it is going to require far greater effort to cultivate and live with an attitude of gratitude, it is even more important this year than

in times of normal adversity and blessing. Thanksgiving comes easily when the blessings are abundant. When, as the Pilgrims learned, thanks are given during adversity, the spirit of gratitude has a chance to become more extensive and existential, as we begin to see Divine caresses in the midst of crosses and learn to appreciate far more things that on sunny days we are prone to take for granted.

There’s a very important dialogue that happens in the heart of every Mass. After the priest and people pray that God will be with each other and help them lift up their hearts to Divine realities, the priest says, “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God” and the people respond, “It is right and just.” Underlining that truth, the priest turns to God the Father and prays, “It is right and just, our duty and Salvation, always and everywhere to give You thanks.”

To thank God always and everywhere is the right thing to do, whether on beautiful days or torrential downpours, when we feel like a million bucks or are in the ICU, when we receive promotions and bonuses at work or get pink slips, when we are in Church for a

Baptism or a funeral. To thank God in all places and times is not just what we owe to the God Who gives us life but it is also our Salvation. We are saved through thanksgiving.

We see this in the dramatic Gospel scene of Jesus’ healing of the 10 lepers (Lk 17:1-11). He cured 10, but only one returned to express gratitude. Jesus’ question, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?,” shows the concern not of an insecure egomaniac obsessed with people’s appreciating His generosity and entering into His debt, but rather of a Redeemer Who wanted to give a far greater gift than the healing of leprosy.

Only the grateful leper would receive the gift of Salvation since only he had a heart open to receive it, only he had the sense that the Giver was even greater than the healing He had bestowed.

The other nine likely looked at their disease and even their cure with residual anger toward God, as if they had somehow been sadistically chosen for years of unjust punishment. They likely looked at their healing the way people might view getting released by a kidnapper: while grateful for their liberation, they wouldn’t send thank-you notes to the one who had held them in bondage.

The grateful leper’s soul hadn’t been destroyed by a leprosy of bitterness, complaining, cursing, or ingratitude. He probably thanked God for all the little things he received from His hands, like the generosity of people who would provide food or share a kind word. When he received the big grace of his cure, he did what he probably always did and sought to thank the Giver. And over time he doubtless grew to thank God even for his years of leprosy, because if he hadn’t been a leper, he may never have en-

countered Jesus the way he did and may never have received the gift of Salvation by faith.

In normal times, some of us would be candidates for honorary doctoral degrees in complaining. The glass is never full enough. The beach is too sunny. The water is too wet. When we’re asked about how we’re doing, we can grumble about a slight toothache rather than express our gratitude that our eyes, ears, nose and every joint of our body is without pain. Some might even complain about the menu at the Last Supper.

That’s why it’s essential for us to learn and live with hearts lifted up to God in gratitude, since gratitude is a precondition to receive what God desires to give. God has directly willed or permitted everything that has happened to us, since even out of the humanly inauspicious God seeks to draw Spiritual good. “Everything,” St. Paul reminds us, “works out for the good for those who love God” (Rom 8:28).

So a few practical lessons: The first is to make sure our prayer heavily features praise and thanksgiving to God, rather than just petition, intercession and contrition.

The second is to fight to overcome the temptation to obsess about what we don’t have rather than to thank God for what we do.

The third is to learn to thank God even for the things the world considers curses, because like with the grateful leper, they can become for us relative blessings through bringing us into life-changing communion with the Savior.

“In all circumstances give thanks,” St. Paul tells us, “for this is the Will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thes 5:18).

Fulfilling that Divine vocation is our duty and Salvation as well as the way we can best serve and help others at the end of a difficult year.

Anchor columnist Father Roger Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.

November 27, 2020 †

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Editorial Good and bad shepherds

In our last edition of The Anchor, due to the publishing deadline, we were only able to put one paragraph into the editorial regarding the sad and frustrating report issued by the Holy See regarding the climb through the Catholic hierarchy of Theodore McCarrick, who went from being a priest of the New York Archdiocese to eventually becoming the cardinal archbishop of Washington, all the while preying upon minors and seminarians.

McCarrick has now been removed from the clerical state but the grave injury that he did both to his direct victims and to the entire Mystical Body of Christ (all the faithful members of the Catholic Church) is far from being healed. As the report details, many other clergymen were complicit in the crimes that McCarrick committed, by their actions or inaction.

Our bishop, Most Rev. Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., commented on the report in his November 11 statement. “The McCarrick case is a very disturbing matter for the Church especially here in the United States, and the report is a difficult and painful reminder of past failure. The 400-page long document will take some time to read and reflect upon. I believe it is imperative to understand and fully acknowledge the grave mistakes and faults of the past, no matter how embarrassing or scandalous, in order to ensure that they are never repeated.”

Bishop da Cunha also noted a sad reality: “The scourge of clerical sexual abuse and misconduct has touched every diocese in the nation and continues to affect us all deeply. The impact, sadly, is greatest on the victims who have suffered tremendously. I ask you to join with me in prayer for those victims of abuse who have been grievously harmed by members of our Church.”

In the Bible shepherds are warned repeatedly of the Lord’s punishment for those who mistreat the flock, telling us that it would “be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea” (Mk 9:42).

In the Old Testament book of the prophet Zechariah, God announced that a “foolish shepherd” will come along “who will take no note of those that disappear, nor seek the strays, nor heal the injured, nor feed the exhausted; but he will eat the flesh of the fat ones and tear off their hoofs!” This is an apt description of the destruction which has been wrought upon the Christian community by all of this abuse and complicity. Think of all the innocent people upon whom crimes were committed by men supposedly of God! This past Sunday we heard in the first reading God condemning evil shepherds. “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been pasturing themselves!

Should not shepherds, rather, pasture sheep? You have fed off their milk, worn their wool, and slaughtered the fatlings, but the sheep you have not pastured.

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 64, No. 23

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Published biweekly except for one week in autumn by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720, Tel. 508-675-7151; FAX 508-675-7048; email: subscriptions@anchornews.org.

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† November 27, 2020

You did not strengthen the weak nor heal the sick nor bind up the injured. You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost, but you lorded it over them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered and wandered over all the mountains and high hills; my sheep were scattered over the whole earth, with no one to look after them or to search for them” (Ez 34:2-6).

What Ezekiel reported from the Lord points out the injury to the entire community through these attacks upon individuals. The abusers and their enablers weren’t giving appropriate pastoral care during these years of abuse and in the aftermath even more souls have been pushed away from the Church. Think of all the people scandalized by such horrors who have stated that they will never darken the doors of a Catholic church!

Mindful of this reality, Bishop da Cunha wrote, “As we reflect on the inadequate responses by Church leaders detailed in the report, as bishop I am firmly resolved to do all I can to protect any child or vulnerable adult from any person acting under the authority of the Diocese of Fall River. To support that mission, I have expanded our Safe Environment Enterprise to oversee preventative efforts, a comprehensive response to any allegation of misconduct or abuse and, through our Victim Assistance Coordinator, provide ongoing pastoral support.”

Besides being the month in which we pray especially for the dead, November begins with Vocations Awareness Week. St. Augustine, in his sermon, “On Pastors,” discussed good shepherds. “I find that all good shepherds are one in the One Shepherd. It is not that good shepherds are lacking; they are there in the One Shepherd,” who is Christ.

Offering us hope, St. Augustine added, “Do not imagine that there will be no more good shepherds, or that we shall find them lacking, or that the Lord’s mercy will not produce and establish them. But all good shepherds are one in the One Good Shepherd; they form a unity. If only they feed the sheep, Christ is feeding the sheep. Christ Himself is the shepherd when they act as shepherds. ‘I feed them,’ He says, because His voice is in their voice, His love in their love.”

Through our Baptisms, we are all made members of the flock, but also made shepherds in Christ the Good Shepherd — whether we are called to shepherd our family members, our co-workers, our neighbors, or people we just meet once in a store. In the Church some are called to shepherd fulltime as members of the clergy. We ask all the great saints who were good shepherds while on earth to pray for us, to help us imitate Christ and heed His command to St. Peter, “Feed my sheep” (Jn 21:17).

Daily Readings † December 5 - December 18

Sat. Dec. 5, Is 30:19-21,23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35—10:1,5a,6-8. Sun. Dec. 6, Second Sunday of Advent, Is 40:1-5,9-11; Ps 85:9-14; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8. Mon. Dec. 7, Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9ab,10-14; Lk 5:17-26. Tue. Dec. 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Holy Day of Obligation, Gn 3:9-15,20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6,1112; Lk 1:26-38. Wed. Dec. 9, Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4,8,10; Mt 11:28-30. Thu. Dec. 10, Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1,9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15. Fri. Dec. 11, Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4,6; Mt 11:16-19.

Sat. Dec. 12 Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a,10ab; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:3947. Sun. Dec. 13, Third Sunday of Advent, Is 61:1-2a,10-11; (Ps) Lk 1:4650,53-54; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8,19-28. Mon. Dec. 14, Nm 24:2-7,15-17a; Ps 25:4-5ab,6,7bc,8-9; Mt 21:23-27. Tue. Dec. 15, Zep 3:1-2,9-13; Ps 34:2-3,6-7,1719,23; Mt 21:28-32. Wed. Dec. 16, Is 45:6c-8,18,21c-25; Ps 85:9ab,10-14; Lk 7:18b-23. Thu. Dec. 17, Gn 49:2,8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab,7-8,17; Mt 1:1-17. Fri. Dec. 18, Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2,12-13,18-19; Mt 1:18-25.

Parishes, schools look skyward for energy continued from page three

rience, and is now involved with Faith Energy Investors (FEI), a national firm that helps Catholic and faith-based organizations reduce their energy costs, “so that more funds can be spent on carrying out the true mission of the Church.”

Rusin told The Anchor that Eversource was a great fit for solar energy for the three off-Cape projects. “I was asked to find if solar was an option to the Church and only four areas of the country made sense, i.e. where we could guarantee savings for the Church,” he said.

One of the four areas was in the Fall River Diocese.

He said Eversource is a good fit because, “First the incentives are a high and secondly the ability to assign the electricity to multiple accounts, not just the property the system is located on, ensures the Church will never be at risk.

“The systems being installed are called community solar systems, in that the electricity can be sold to other Eversource customers. This is important, as it allowed for larger systems to be constructed which lowered the overall cost per unit of electricity generated and provides another safety mechanism.

“Now these buildings are able to take advantage of the energy efficiency programs (MassSaves is also the best efficiency program in the country) and double their operational savings. A true winwin, if this sounding too good to be true, it is legitimate and yes, it is amazing and that is why I pressed my contacts to meet with Joe [Harrington] and Jim [Bouchard, Chancery Finance Office] as soon as I could. As I said, my organization looks to reduce operating costs for the Church and part of my job is to find the best markets and the Diocese of Fall River is in the best market for solar and efficiency in the entire country. 2020 does bring some good news once in a while.”

Harrington told The Anchor that prior to all of the active projects taking flight, “We met with

parish finance councils, parish councils, parishioners, pastors and principals because it was crucial they be actively engaged. Their insights were critical and we wanted to make sure that they knew 100 percent of the savings go to the stakeholders, them.”

Harrington said all involved were shown, “Here are the savings you’re going to see.”

In the recent “State of the Diocese of Fall River Report,” one of the Cost Savings Initiatives — 2014-19 (and beyond), was a projected $7.2M in Diocesan Organized Solar Initiatives. “This represents the economic benefit of the diocesan solar projects over the next 25 years.” It seems the journey to that goal is well underway.

According to the EPA’s “Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator,” the new solar projects will offset the equivalent of 3,000,000 pounds of coal or 277,000 gallons of diesel fuel burned each year. If you add in the projects completed at the parish level and Stonehill College, the benefits increase. Harrington stated, “If you include all of our solar projects we safely estimate that the Diocese of Fall River is the largest private non-profit producer of solar energy in the state.”

The marriage of the pope’s Laudato Si’ and the bishop’s “Rebuilding in Faith and Hope,” does indeed appear to be a win-win fact of life.

“The real benefit to community solar, beside financial security, is that it truly is Laudato Si’ in action,” added Rusin. “Other parishes or schools in Eversource territory can get a subscription for part of the array and participate in the electric cost savings. Additionally, businesses or parishioners can also participate in community solar programs and save money without having to put solar on their roof and have an opt out option.

“It really can be a catalyst to reach parishioners in a different way. We can practice Catho-

lic Social Teaching and care for Creation while reducing our costs, which is something everyone can get behind,” said Rusin.

The pope said, “When we destroy Creation, we destroy that sign of God’s love.” Not an option in the Diocese of Fall River.

Happy 90th Birthday to Sister Rita Teasdale!

Thank you for your service to the bishops and priests of our diocese for so many years!

November 27, 2020 †

7

Faith Formation ministries reach out to students, families continued from page one

between in-person and remote learning. “Each group meets in house every other week”, shared Ozzie Pacheco, who serves as the director of Faith Formation at Santo Christo. “This has enabled us to have much smaller class sizes (no more than eight students per class), thus keeping with safety guidelines during this pandemic.”

Moreover, their athome component has been positively received.

“Every week we have more and more parents/ families becoming aware that we have started”, said Pacheco. “What they are most excited about is that they are provided with all the resources they need to continue Faith Formation at home.”

For Good Shepherd

8

Parish, the use of digital programs allows them to focus more on students and prepare for any potential closures. Schaff explained that most of their students have opted for in–person meetings and that using digital programs took “some of the pressure off when planning and running our gatherings so we can focus more on building relationships, which is crucial to meaningful youth ministry.” Using digital programs also “makes it easy for those who are at home while also giving us a backup in case the situation worsens and we need to cease gathering [in-person].”

Part of their pastoral response has focused on providing opportunities for teens to process their current realities and to ask

† November 27, 2020

with masks and spread out in the Sanctuary. As of now, their Christmas Pageant difficult questions, includwill make use of the entire ing how to apply faith to their lives. “We want to give church to allow for partici[students] a space and com- pants to socially distance.

Renee Dee, who serves munity to dive into their as the director of Religious faith,” Schaff explained. “I Education at Our Lady of want our students to ask the Cape, shared that, after the hard questions of us as teachers and catechists, oth- a tentative start, volunteer erwise they will go looking teachers are “now enjoying generating creative and elsewhere.” This is, in part, educational videos like because “on top of everyseasoned professionals.” thing going on in the lives They transitioned gatherof students and families, COVID has created another ings to their hall (to allow barrier we have to get past. for more space), with stuWe have faced the challenge dents grouped by age and attending in-person every head on by talking about four weeks. In the interthe problem of evil with our students and discussing im, families enjoy at home lessons through both the how to invite God to be program’s YouTube channel with us in our difficulties.” and materials picked-up via The challenges of this a drop box. Families were Fall have also meant celalso able to come and enjoy ebrating old traditions in family learning centers, new ways. At Our Lady which were spaced out of the Cape in Brewster, throughout the hall’s classfor instance, their annual rooms for single family use. reenactment of the appaNow, the parish is planning rition of Our Lady of La for a hybrid Advent book Salette continued, albeit club to enrich parishioners

in the upcoming Liturgical season.

In conjunction with new approaches to ministry, parishes worked to improve communication with families. While Santo Christo Parish sees its students less in-person this year, they have kept in touch with families more consistently.

“This pandemic has offered us a very special blessing — communication with parents has been at an all-time high”, Pacheco shared.

A similar sentiment was echoed by Dee. Our Lady of the Cape grew its livestream capabilities and social media presence, while instituting text-notifications and weekly email blasts, which Dee points out has been well received by even more seasonal attendees of the Cape parish. “Overall,” Dee said, “feedback from parishioners and students include comments that they still feel connected while they are away.”

While parishes, ministries, and programs have seen changes, Schaff, Pacheco, and Dee all seem to agree that their mission remains the same. “We are not just trying to impart information about God or the Church to our students”, shared Schaff, “but to lead them to truly become disciples of Jesus who seek Him daily.” And until an end to the pandemic arrives, Dee pointed out, “ministry continues — in creative ways we would not have imagined or attempted pre-pandemic.” Because, despite all the uncertainty and surprises 2020 brought, “we have been given an opportunity to ‘reach out’ to those who hunger and thirst to know Jesus,” said Pacheco. “Let’s not waste that opportunity, especially now.”

David Carvalho: dcarvalho@dioc-fr.org.

A

s a parent trying to make sense of 2020 and wondering how to make the next few weeks special for my kids — especially for my daughter’s first Thanksgiving and Christmas ­— I wanted to offer some thoughts I’ve worked through in prayer and reflection. I don’t know who needs to hear this, but here it goes.

As parents, we want to give everything to our kids — the very best — so that they can succeed and become who they were meant to be.

But we can be our own worst enemies.

While the present age allows us to access a plethora of information in an instant, it also fuels an all too human desire: to compare and judge.

We can be tempted to compare ourselves to the family down the street, the “other” parent, the professional “mommy blogger,” and feel as if we are failing as a parent; as if everyone else seems to be “doing parenting right” while we lag behind.

This can be especially tempting in the midst of a pandemic, where parents have juggled a variety of roles and changes, while being concerned with how all of this affects their children’s well-being.

The most used adjectives I hear are “overwhelmed,” “stressed” and “uncertain.”

And so we can begin to compare; to wonder if

To parents what we’re doing is right; to wonder if we know what we are doing at all.

Please, don’t do that.

Don’t compare. Don’t subject yourself to that.

Sure, there are always things we can do better and we should always be learning.

But the fact that a parent asks the question “Am I doing good enough,” or “Are my kids loved,” means that they take the vocation of parenthood seriously.

And, as Steven Furtick once put it, only “my Maker is my mirror.” So look to what our Maker asks of us instead.

In the Catholic Rite of Marriage, the bride and groom are asked a series of questions before the consent of the Marriage vows. One of these is: “Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church?”

Notice what it doesn’t say.

It doesn’t say that we need to be like the family down the street, or ensure that our kids have top marks on reading and math, or that this holiday season is picture perfect.

Nope. None of that.

Yes, I recognize that these are not necessarily bad things. But they’re not everything. And they’re not what the vocation of Marriage, and by virtue of that, what par-

enting asks of us.

We are asked to “accept children lovingly from God” and “bring them up according to the law of Christ and His

Church.”

So love your kids.

Love them with all you have. Love them like God loves them.

There will always be work to do. There will always be another Zoom.

Be there will never be another one of your child.

And if you work to ensure anything, help them to be saints. Because, as novelist Léon Bloy once wrote, in the end, “The only real sadness, the only real failure, the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint.”

The world does not need more perfect scores.

It doesn’t need more perfect resumes. Right now (and always) it needs holy men and women of God. So don’t compare yourself to the parent blogger or to what the “other” parent is doing right now, when you are overwhelmed and feel like you can’t keep it together. The grass is always greener on the other side.

Don’t worry if this year’s Thanksgiving and Christmas are different

and you can’t give your kids everything you wanted to give them, and in the way you wanted to give it.

Love your family and love the Lord.

Pray with your family. Pray for your family. And, most importantly, let them know you are praying for them.

Because when you love them and help them love God, you’ll give them everything they

need and reveal to them the true gift of Christmas: Emmanuel, Christ with us.

P.S. And when you are drained, lean on God Who is our Father. Let Him love you, feed you in the Sacraments, and show you who you really are.

Anchor columnist David Carvalho is the senior director for Faith Formation, Youth, Young Adult and Family Life Ministries for the Diocese of Fall River. Contact: dcarvalho@dioc-fr.org.

November 27, 2020 †

9

Catholic Social Services lists a number of happenings

Gift of Giving Program 2020 CSS is pleased to announce that the Annual Gift of Giving Program will continue this year.

However, due to the significant challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program will operate in a very different fashion.

Normally, the success of this program depends on the generosity of our donors and the over 150 volunteers who carry out its many moving pieces.

However, due to the restrictions on gathering and being able to safely socially distance, it is not possible to have the number of volunteers necessary to organize and execute the program the way it

has been done in the past.

Recognizing that there are still so many families and children in need this year, we want to continue to provide gifts and clothing, but in a way that keeps everyone safe.

To this end, instead of putting up trees throughout the Diocese with specific requests for gifts, clothing, and other necessities, we are asking that you consider donating a gift card, in any denomination, from either Walmart, Target, or Amazon. This will allow us to provide gift cards to each of the families in the program so that they can have items delivered either directly to their door, or through contactless pick-up at the stores.

A subscription to the would make a wonderful gift for a loved one, a friend, or yourself. It’s a publication that provides a Spiritual uplift and keeps Catholics connected to our Church — locally and beyond.

If you are not already a subscriber or are interested in giving an Anchor subscription as a gift, please consider subscribing for $29/year at www.fallriverdiocese.org/ subscribe or mailing a check to: Anchor Press, P.O. Box 318, Congers, N.Y., 10920.

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† November 27, 2020

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those across the entire Diocese that have supported and sustained this program in the past.

In light of the pandemic we have come up with the safest way to modify the program so that no one is put at risk. If you have any questions regarding this year’s Gift of Giving Program, please reach out to Catholic Social Services at 508-674-4681.

CSS adds six new board members Catholic Social Services is pleased to announce the addition of six new members to its Board of Directors.

They are:

Thomas Dwyer Mark J. Gendreau Carol A. Nagle Kathleen Sylvia Patrick Villella John T. Weldon They join the existing board members and officers: Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., president and treasurer; Father John Murray, clerk, secretary; Father Richard Wilson; Father David Costa; and Kevin Kiley, assistant clerk.

Catholic Social Services is excited to have this esteemed group provide governance and leadership to further advance its mission.

Fall River Diocese revives Catholic Guild for the Blind

The Fall River Diocese has appointed Catholic Social Services to revive the dormant Catholic Guild for the Blind, which had been a vital presence many years ago.

The first step in revising the guild is to undertake a Needs Survey in conjunction with the feast of St. Lucy, Patroness of the Blind, on December 13.

“We want to distribute the survey through parishes and other media outlets” said Susan Mazzarella, CEO of Catholic Social Services, during a meeting of a small group assisting in reviving the Guild.

Additional details will follow in a future edition of The Anchor.

La Salette Festival of Lights will shine, following safety guidelines continued from page one

Shrine Church for religious services, the Gift Shop, the Cafeteria, the Welcome Center and the Museum of Christmas Crèches. Parking restrictions will be enforced depending on the number of visitors. The lights go out at 9 p.m. each evening to respect the curfew time in Massachusetts. There are no entrance fees.

The La Salette Missionaries strongly feel that during this time of pandem-

ic, the traditional Christmas Illuminations are needed more than ever as a sign of hope in these times of loss, stress and anxiety. The Lights at La Salette proclaim the true meaning of Christmas. La Salette will do all which is necessary to safeguard the health of all.

The Christmas Illuminations began in1953 when the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette established a Catholic Shrine in

Attleboro.

The Shrine was inaugurated on Dec. 8, 1953. To celebrate the opening, so close to Christmas, a Nativity scene was displayed and some evergreens were decorated with Christmas Lights. Since that very humble beginning, the religious illuminations have grown to become the largest religious display in New England. In recognition of the importance of the La Salette Shrine, the Roman Catholic Bishops of the United States have designated this shrine as The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette.

The faithful of every religious denomination have made it a tradition to come to La Salette to view the Illuminations during the Christmas Season. The Shrine has never charged any entrance fee. The Shrine remains open to all.

T

he season of Advent marks the start of a new Church

Year.

Advent, the four weeks before Christmas, is a season where we wait in joyful hope. It is a time of preparation, desire, longing and expectancy. It is a season of the Word, an eager and happy preparation for the celebration of the Incarnation, the Word-made-flesh, Jesus. We sing Alleluia! Hurry, the Lord is near!

Advent is not a penitential season similar to Lent. During Advent, we recall the first appearance of Christ and we reflect on His second coming. For us today, we also acknowledge Christ’s third coming.

That is the coming of Christ to us every day. We celebrate that Christ is present, here and now, living among us. We recount the ageless expectancy of the Messiah by reliving the great historical events of our Salvation today.

Advent is not simply a time when we prepare for Christmas.

There’s so much more.

During Advent the Church prepares us for Christ’s coming in three distinct steps through the words and actions of the prophet Isaiah, John the Baptist, and the Virgin Mary. Think of Advent as the story of a great adventure about to unfold: When Advent arrives, the tunes of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Prepare the Way of The Lord” are enchanting our thoughts. Their repetition in lyric and tune suggest the centuries of waiting in hope by the faithful who unceasingly believed in the promise foretold by Isaiah. He prophesied that Mary would bear Jesus Whom he called Emmanuel, God is with us.

In the Old Testament, Isaiah reveals the pending arrival of the Messiah. This progressive announcement helps to build our anticipation and our sense of longing.

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a Son, shall name Him Emmanuel,” (Is 7:14).

In the New Testament, John the

Advent — The wait begins Baptist announces the Advent of the Messiah. Through his words, we are prompted to complement our Advent longing with a desire to reform our lives.

Matthew 1:22-23 “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with Child and bear a Son, and they shall name Him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us” (Mt 1:2223).

It was of Him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: “A voice of One crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.’”

God chose Mary to become the Mother of God. The Salvation of God’s people is built on a human framework. The history of our Salvation is based on longing (Isaiah), reformation (John the Baptist), and intimacy with God (Mary).

During Advent, the Scripture readings focus on the past, present and future: Christ was born, Christ is truly present here and now, and Christ will return at the second coming.

Advent and Symbols When we talk about the prayers and songs of Advent let’s not forget the rich symbols present during the Liturgy.

We see the Advent Wreath — a symbol of Advent — itself filled with symbols. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent.

The candles give light — symbolic of Christ as the light of the world.

The flame of the candle is a light in the darkness just as Jesus is a light to our world today. The evergreen branches are a sign of life. They are arranged in a circle to symbolize eternal nature of God. Even the ritual of lighting the candles in additive sequence is symbolic. On the fourth week, the greater brightness of all four candles is symbolic of the closeness of the arrival of the

Messiah! It’s not only the birth of Jesus at Christmas that we remember. Christ is among us right here, every day.

Three of the four wreath candles are purple. The candle for the third week is pink. It has special meaning on the Third Sunday of Advent called Gaudete Sunday.

Gaudete is a Latin word which means “Rejoice.” It signifies the nearness of the Lord’s coming.

Pope Francis called Gaudete Sunday the “Sunday of Joy.” He asked that instead of worrying about everything we have not done yet to prepare for Christmas we should instead give thanks for all the good things in our lives given to us by God. Advent and Hope Advent is a wonderful time for us to slow down the pace of our lives and learn to wait. We rush everything! Our culture has caused us to want it all and want it right now.

How impatient we can become waiting 30 seconds for a traffic light to change.

During Advent, we wait for the coming of Christ. The Scriptural perspective focuses on the past, present and future: Christ was born, Christ is truly present here and now today, and Christ will return at the second coming.

The human perspective we should develop during Advent is one of patiently waiting for our lives to “happen.”

Anything that’s really good is worth the wait. Something that’s really good “happens” over the course of time. The actual “happening” is a non-stop continual event in itself. If you view the “happening” within a short slice of time, you only have a snapshot of the moment and failed to experience the fullness of the event. And so it is with Christ.

Jesus’ coming to us is an unending event. As we wait in hope,

our hearts become more inviting.

Each “moment” of time you invite and He accepts is another cumulative experience of the undying love of Christ in your life.

Cultivation of friendships requires patience and time. If you and a friend don’t spend the time to experience each other, the relationship will never grow. But if you allow time for nurturing, you both will grow and share your combined life experiences. Without simply taking the time, you could completely miss the potential richness of the relationship.

Christ is eager to share His life with us. But He doesn’t want it to be a rushed event. He wants it to be like a friendship that takes time and grows over a cup of coffee and conversation. Jesus wants to “happen” in our lives.

When we hurry life, we impose mortal time restrictions on Christ’s “happening” in our lives. When we wait patiently for Christ to “happen,” we become more aware that Jesus is “happening” all the time to us. Christ’s coming is a never-ending experience.

During Advent, prepare your heart with prayer so you can fully divert your attention to experiencing the Word in the Scripture readings. Let the Word magnify your own personal longing, reformation and intimacy with God. At the start of Advent, we are encouraged to watch, wait and reflect. As the season draws on, the mood of the music grows anxious.

The lamenting and impatience of the people grows. The beat picks up. The emotions elevate. We believe! We hope! We trust!

“The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy” (Is 35:5-6).

While we may not be able to gather singing publicly during the pandemic may our hearts be filled with the music of the angels as we anxiously prepare for the coming of Christ. Come, Lord Jesus. Come now and forever.

8 Turn to page 13

November 27, 2020 †

11

F ocus

S

everal years ago, I heard this story: A man who had passed away was getting a tour of Heaven with St. Peter. They approached a room that was bustling with activity. There were angels and babies everywhere. When asked, St. Peter told the man that is the room where babies receive their souls.

Moving on they came to another room where angels were working. When asked, St. Peter indicated that this was the room where prayers and requests were received. It was extremely busy with millions of angels moving to and fro. Moving on they came to another room, likewise filled with millions of angels hard at work. When asked, St. Peter indicated that this was the room where blessings were sent to those who needed them or requested them.

Finally coming to the next room, the man saw a huge room with only one angel at work. When asked, St Peter told the man that this is the room where thanks to God were received!

With the Thanksgiving

season upon us and Advent approaching, perhaps, we might take a moment to think about this story and what it means to us.

So often we turn to God when we are in need of something. Do we, however, thank God for all that we do receive each and every day?

In the Gospel for Thanksgiving Day we heard the Gospel of Jesus cleansing the 10 lepers. The striking part of this story as we will hear, is that Jesus cleansed all 10 of the lepers but only one came back to give Him thanks.

One out of 10. In fact, the one that came back was a Samaritan, an outsider.

Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not?

“Where are the other nine?

“Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

Just as in the angel story

A subscription to the would make a wonderful gift for a loved one, a friend, or yourself. It’s a publication that provides a Spiritual uplift and keeps Catholics connected to our Church — locally and beyond.

If you are not already a subscriber or are interested in giving an Anchor subscription as a gift, please consider subscribing for $29/year at www.fallriverdiocese.org/ subscribe or mailing a check to: Anchor Press, P.O. Box 318, Congers, N.Y., 10920.

12

† November 27, 2020

C hurch Y outh One in 10

on

that I shared with you at the beginning of this article, we ask for things from God and we receive so many blessing from Him. However, is it just as in the leper story, that there is a room needing only one angel to handle all of the thanks we give to

God? I wonder how we might have acted had we been given what the 10 lepers received that day? Would we have come back to give thanks for what we just received, or would we have just gone back to out normal lives?

Sometimes we respond to something done for us with a rote “thank you.”

That’s not what I’m talking about. This always reminds me of the little child, whose

parents say, “Now say thank you.” While a good lesson, the little child most likely repeats the parent’s words without really meaning it.

What I’m talking about is a deep gratitude. A true appreciation for what God or others have done for us.

We receive so much from God and from others.

Do we appreciate all that is done for us or do we just take it all for granted? Just like the 10 lepers we may let the many blessing we receive be hidden by the negatives in our lives and surely leprosy like this pandemic is a negative! We may have some difficulties in our own lives, like illness, or unemployment or perhaps even difficulties with others. We can surely find things in our lives to be grateful for or can we only do so if we see others that are less fortunate than ourselves?

During these Thanksgiving and Advent seasons,

let’s first and foremost give sincere thanks to God for our faith in Him and for all He has given to us. Let’s also give thanks to our parents, and teachers, and religious, and others who make our lives better and easier during this difficult year who we, perhaps, forget to thank.

I pray that we may all be more the like that one leper who was not only cleansed, but, because of his faith, because of his giving thanks, was made whole again.

I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving and Advent season and a sharing of a heartfelt and blessed “giving of thanks” to each other this holiday season, as different as it may be.

Anchor columnist Frank Lucca is a deacon in the Diocese of Fall River assigned to St. Mary’s Parish in Dartmouth and a campus minister at UMass Dartmouth. He is married to his wife of 43 years, Kristine, and the father of two daughters and their husbands, and five grandsons!

So blessed!

High school, police, and technology firm team for safety continued from page two and faculty are prompted to take actions in coordination with pre-existing training, protocols and procedures to best protect those under threat.

“We are excited about our partnership with the Fall River Police Department and the team at IN FORCE911 because together we can create the most secure and safe environment for our students,” said BCHS Presi-

dent Christopher Myron.

“The ultimate goal of this relationship is to provide a sophisticated and unified communication system which protects students from active threats.”

Brandon Flanagan, CEO of In Force Technology, commended the school’s ongoing safety efforts.

“Despite a national pandemic, President Myron recognized the

necessity and importance of increasing school safety and security by ensuring a safe teaching and learning environment for both staff and students,” said Flanagan. “Bishop Connolly possessed the forethought to work collaboratively with its Fall River law enforcement partners to enhance police response time and communications for the benefit of the entire school community.”

Saint Vincent’s Services hosting Virtual Memorial Tree Lighting on December 6 FALL RIVER — On Sunday, December 6, St. Vincent’s Services will host a Virtual Memorial Tree Lighting outside of the St. Vincent’s Chapel at 2425 Highland Avenue, Fall River at 4 p.m.

The tree will glow with lights representing the name and memory of

loved ones. In addition, each name will be added to its Memorial Book and will be remembered and prayed for during each Liturgy offered at St. Vincent’s Chapel.

Due to COVID-19 SVS will host this annual event virtually and will livestream the Blessing of the

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass

on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, November 29 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Immaculate Conception Church in New Bedford

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass

on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, December 6 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from St. Anthony Church in Taunton

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, November 29 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Paul E. Canuel, retired priest of the Fall River Diocese

Sunday, December 6 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Anthony Szakaly, C.S.C., Director of Campus Ministry & Alumni Minister at Stonehill College, Easton

Tree on the Saint Vincent’s Services Facebook page.

Honor the memory of a loved one by sponsoring a light on the 2020 Memorial Tree for $10 each.

All proceeds go directly to support programs that benefit the children, youth and families served by Saint Vincent’s.

Memorial Tree Lights can be purchased by

visiting the Saint Vincent’s Services website at saintvincentsservices.org, or sending a check to Saint Vincent’s Services. For more information please call Jenny Reis 508-6798511.

May God bless you and your family during this Christmas season!

Advent — The wait begins continued from page 11

Jesus’ coming to us is an unending event today and throughout all time. We are encouraged to watch, wait and reflect. We focus our attention on experiencing the Word in the Scripture readings. We let the Word magnify our own personal longing and desire for change in our lives and intimacy with God.

“O radiant light, O Sun Divine of God the Father’s deathless face, O image of the Light sublime that fills the Heavenly dwelling place” — (“Phos Hilaron,” Fourth-century hymn).

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!

Rick Swenton is a parishioner of St. Pius X

Church in South Yarmouth and is a member of the choir and a cantor. He has a certificate in Lay Ministry from the Archdiocese of Hartford with a focus on Liturgy and Music and is a published church music composer.

He resides with his wife, Gail, in South Dennis.

Our readers respond: Can we say Thank You? After what we have been through in 2020, can we say Thank You? Our quick response is, “Are you kidding me!”

OK. 2020 — The Year that changed the world.

Coronavirus (COVID) spread from China throughout 184 countries.

Entire nations were on lock-down. Stock markets crashed. Millions of people were out of work. In the U.S. we had 30,000,000 newly-unemployed, worse than the Great Depression of 1929-1939. Grocery stores emptied. Toilet paper was the greatest product in demand.

In Houston, Texas, 7,000 cars lined up for food boxes. Restaurants and bars closed, many to never reopen. In the U.S., we had double the total deaths of the 10-year

Vietnam War, 300,000 by year end. In Fall River, one favorite market closed as the entire family of four all died within three days from COVID. Deaths in the U.S. averaged 1,000 daily at one point. This pandemic filled hospitals to full-capacity; temporary hospitals had to be erected overnight. All medical personnel suffered through the worst crisis of our time. All dental clinics and barber shops closed.

My daughter Suzanne gave me and Lauretta hair-cuts in our home. Granddaughter Melanie had to give me a temporary tooth-filling in our home!

To salute all who were giving their all for our survival, such as medical, police, fire, food-services and countless others, the Air Force Thunderbirds

and Navy Blue Angels flew over numerous cities. It is moments like this that remind us of blessings. Life does go on.

It may take some effort to find something to be thankful for at this time of Thanksgiving, but we can do it if we really try. For our sake, we must try. We are not so deaf that we cannot hear of something to be thankful for, nor are we so blind that we cannot see something to be thankful for. A moment of gratitude makes a difference in our attitude. This Thanksgiving season is that moment.

Now is the acceptable time.

God Bless America!

The land of the free and the home of the brave who keep it that way!

Daryl Gonyon Capt., USAF Ret. Fall River

November 27, 2020 †

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To advertise in The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at 508-675-7151 or waynepowers@ anchornews.org In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests and deacons during the coming weeks: Dec. 5 Rev. Eugene J. Boutin, Manchester Diocese, 1986 Rev. Coleman Conley, SS.CC., Chaplain, Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford, 1990 Rev. James W. Fahey, Retired Pastor, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, South Attleboro, 2016 Dec. 6 Rev. Joseph L. Cabral, Pastor, Our Lady of the Angels, Fall River, 1959 Rt. Rev. Msgr. John H. Hackett, JCD, Chancellor, June-December 1966, 1966 Rev. Joseph K. Welsh, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Victory, Centerville, 1971 Rev. John T. Higgins, Retired Pastor , St. Mary, Mansfield, 1985 Dec. 7 Rev. Thomas F. Daley, Retired Pastor, St. James, New Bedford, 1976 Rev. Ambrose Bowen, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Taunton, 1977 Rev. James W. Clark, Retired Pastor, St. Joan of Arc, Orleans, 2000 Dec. 8 Rev. John F. Broderick, Pastor, St. Mary, South Dartmouth, 1940 Dec. 9 Rev. Rene Patenaude, O.P., Retired Associate Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1983 Dec. 10 Rev. Thomas C. Briscoe, Former Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1918 Rev. Andrew S.P. Baj, Former Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Bedford, 1971 Rev. Leonard M. Mullaney, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony, Mattapoisett, 2014 Dec. 11 Rev. Edward L. Killigrew, Pastor, St. Kilian, New Bedford, 1959 Dec. 12 Rev. Paul F. McCarrick, Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1996 Dec. 13 Rev. Reginald Theriault, O.P., St. Anne, Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1972 Rev. Adrien L. Francoeur, M.S., La Salette Shrine, North Attleboro, 1991 Dec. 14 Rev. Msgr. John J. Hayes, Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford, 1970 Rev. Edward J. Burns, Retired Pastor, St. Mark, Attleboro Falls, 2015 Dec. 15 Rev. Mortimer Downing, Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1942 Rev. John F. O’Keefe, Assistant, St. Patrick, Fall River, 1955

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† November 27, 2020

Deacon Robert G.L. Normandin SWANSEA — Deacon Robert G. L. Normandin (74) of Somerset, died November 15 in the Country Gardens Nursing Center, Swansea, after an extended illness.

He was the husband of 55 years of Paulette (Jean) Normandin.

Born in Fall River, a son of the late Joseph Leo Normandin and the late Edna (Barcelou) Normandin, he was a gifted musician and singer who made his living at first in The Premiers and later The Reflections. He later became an electronics engineer, retiring from music to spend more time with his family.

Bob and his wife taught catechism together at St.

Louis de France Parish in Swansea and he eventually became ordained as a permanent deacon in June of 1987.

He is remembered for

his witty sense of humor and his “Deac Bob jokes.”

He was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren to Fenway Park.

Bob was a gift to all who knew him and blessed many lives with his genuine love and caring.

He was always ready to lend a helping hand and was always available to anyone who needed him.

He also made his family a close and loving clan, with many beautiful memories. He deeply enjoyed his role as a deacon and caring for the people he served. He was an amazing man and will be greatly missed.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Jason Normandin and his wife Mandy of Shrewsbury; two daughters, Tracy Hamner and her husband Kevin and Melody Lavoie Costa and her husband Jeff all of Somerset; eight grandchildren, Matthew Lavoie, Hannah Lavoie, Meaghan Costa, Emily Hamner, Madison Hamner, Hailey Kennett, Zachary Normandin, and Alexandria Normandin; and two great grandchildren, Jackson Kennett and Monroe Kennett.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated November 21 in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Swansea. Burial was private.

To leave an online condolence go to www. hathawayfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewey Body Dementia Association at www.lbda. org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deacon Robert G.L. Normandin, please visit https://www. hathawayfunerals.com.

I

truly enjoy the folks who contribute their time, talent and most importantly to me, their emotions with The Anchor.

We have a plethora of excellent writers who contribute to this paper with thoughtful, inspiring and entertaining columns and stories.

Trust me, it is not easy to share your heart and soul in print with others. There are always those readers who don’t agree for some reason, take offense (or defense) with what we have to say. That’s just the risk we’re all willing to take.

We received a letter to the editor after deadline for this edition, but after reading it, I felt it had to be included in this Anchor.

The letter, found on page 13, was from Retired U.S. Air Force Captain Daryl Gonyon, and the message was powerful yet simple: 2020 has been a year of havoc and chaos, yet we still have so much to be thankful for.

So I shuffled a couple of already completed pages, removed a couple of often-

I second that emotion used Anchor promos and found a home for Capt.

Gonyon’s thoughts.

Daryl, thank you for sharing and thank you for your service to our country.

It’s appropriate because I wanted to write about my Army-Navy Game experience from 2018, and Gonyon’s closing paragraph, “God Bless America! The land of the free and the home of the brave who keep it that way!” was the perfect segue.

I wanted to write about that game because it was the realization of a bucket list item, and because that classic, that is one of my favorite sporting events, is a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be no Army-Navy tilt in 2020.

On Dec. 7, 2018, the 77th anniversary of the horrors of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, I set out an a solo road trip to Philadelphia with one ticket to “America’s Game,” in tow.

The next morning, I took a Lyft from the hotel

to Lincoln Financial Field on game morning. I wore my Naval Academy jersey

and stocking cap. And more importantly, I wore my dad’s dog tags from his service days in the Navy aboard a destroyer in the South Pacific during the worst of WWII. Larry wasn’t a sports fan, but I wanted his presence there, and that of his shipmates.

It was cold and windy and I couldn’t care less. The atmosphere alone warmed my heart. Thousands of service women and men and service families gathered to celebrate football, celebrate America, and celebrate the freedom civilians often take for granted.

I’m going to miss ArmyNavy on TV this year, but

canceling the classic is prudent. Safety first.

With that in mind, I reiterate what Capt.

Gonyon expressed, thanks to healthcare workers, our military, our police, fire and emergency personnel. Thanks to everyone who works to limit COVID-19’s wrath.

The Spanish Flu pandemic of 1917 lasted two years. Let’s all work together to make sure this pandem-

ic ends in 2021. That way Army-Navy can beat each other up next December, and we can gather with family and friends safely and without limits once again.

And rest in peace my old friend, Teri Gumkowski. We shared a lot of laughs and Spiritual moments while on Cursillo music ministry for many years. You raced the good race. Prayers for you, and prayers for you Chuck, and your family. davejolivet@anchornews. org.

Please support the TV Mass Donate online at www.GiveCentral.org/FRTVMass Or mail your check payable to: Diocese of Fall River – TV Mass, 450 Highland Ave. Fall River, MA 02720

Holy Family Parish 370 Middleboro Avenue East Taunton Register for Mass attendance online at hfparish.net and click on the ‘Sign up’ icon Weeknight Masses at Parish Center (438 Middleboro Ave.) at a variety of times, including Saturdays at 7 p.m.

Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. at the church November 27, 2020 †

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Collection to assist area Religious is December 12-13

FALL RIVER — The Diocese of Fall River will hold the Retirement Fund for Religious collection December 12-13.

The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) coordinates this annual appeal and distributes the proceeds to assist eligible U.S. Religious communities with their retirement needs. Nearly 30,000 senior Sisters, Brothers and Religious Order priests benefit.

Last year, the Diocese of Fall River donated $112,168.28 to the collection. In 2020, the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts received financial support made possible by the Retirement Fund for Religious.

Visit retiredreligious.org to learn more.

A subscription to the would make a wonderful gift for a loved one, a friend, or yourself. It’s a publication that provides a Spiritual uplift and keeps Catholics connected to our Church — locally and beyond.

If you are not already a subscriber or are interested in giving an Anchor subscription as a gift, please consider subscribing for $29/year at www.fallriverdiocese.org/ subscribe or mailing a check to: Anchor Press, P.O. Box 318, Congers, N.Y., 10920.

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† November 27, 2020