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CAPE COO & THE ISlANDS

VOL. 48, NO. 46 • Friday, December 3, 2004

FALL RIVER, MASS.

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

Pope asks religious to continue serving poor in face of injustice

By JOHN THAVIS CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE VATICAN CITY -Pope John Paul II asked members of religious orders to continue to serve the world's poorest and neediest in the face of "unheard-of' forms of injustice and exploitation.

He made the remarks in a writ-

ten message to more than 800 participants of the first International Congress on Consecrated Life in Rome last week.

"Throughout the centuries, love for others, especially the most defenseless, the young and children, and those who have lost Tum to page 13 - Poor

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Annual collection for retireJ

HOLY UNION Sisters residing at Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River, gathered for this photo to remind folks across the diocese that the annual Retirement Fund for Religious will take place during the weekend of December 11-12. Seated from left: Sisters Irene_Silvia, Evelyn Sepe, and Frances Dwyer. Standing is Sister Maryellen Donahue, pastora are ,assistant at the home. (Photo by Mercy Sister Elaine Heffernan) / .' ;

religions is December 11-12\

By DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR

stitutes for their retirement needs.

Money is distributed to U.S. religious institutes according to a formula based on the ages, membership and level ofretirement needs. Grants to individual orders in 2003 ranged from $1,000 to about $500,000. Collection funds also have been used to meet communities' emergency needs and to fund projects aimed at cutting an order's costs.

The collection is the most suc~ cessful Church appeal in the United States. But despite its success, Pre-

AND CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

FRANCES W. REILLY, of St. Paul Parish, Taunton, receives the Marian Medal from Bishop George W. Coleman at ceremonies at St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River, recently.

Reilly was one of 82 people who received the award recognizing dedicated service to parishes across the diocese. (John Kearns Jr. photo)

FALLRIVER - The Appeal for Retired Religious who selflessly served for many years will be held in parishes of the Fall River diocese - as in most dioceses of the United States - on December 11 and 12.

This year's collection carries the theme "Share in the Care."

Mercy Sister Elaine Heffernan, episcopal representative for religious in the diocese, in a letter to all pastors, thanked them and their parishioners for their "generous response during the past 17 years."

She noted that the diocese "has given without stint to assist religious congregations of Sisters and Brothers to care for their elderly and retired members. This aid has enabled the religious to continue their service to the people in spite of reduced numbers available for their works."

Last year, the diocese contributed $135,200. It brings the total diocesan contribution for all years of collection since 1988 to $2.33 million.

"Your support is greatly appreciated and you can be assured tJ:!,at the retired religious will remember you in their daily prayers. Be assured of my prayers too, for your intentions and for the choicest ofblessings during the Advent season," Sister Heffernan said.

Catholics in the United States donated more than $28 million to last year's Retirement Fund for Religious and more than 98 percent of the collection went directly to religious in-

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dous Blood SisterAndree Fries, ecutive director of the National Religious Retirement Office, said n¥igious institutions in the United Stat;es continue to ''face increasing need."

In the 2003 annual report for the Retirement Fund for Religious, Sister Fries noted that in the collection's 16-year existence it has brougllt in $444 million, an amount that huns out to be just over half of what was spent on care for elderly religious in 2003.

Tum to page three - Religious

Friday, December 3, 2004

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MORE THAN 400 parishioners recently gathered in StAnn's Parish Center in Raynham'for a luncheon following ,a Mass to celebrate the "burning of the mortgage" for' the center. '

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THE ST. ANN'S P~rish PCistoral Council.greet Bishop GeorgeW. Coleman, center, at the Raynham parish's reCent celebration of the "burning of the mortgage" for the Parish Center.

From left: Deacon John Welch, Mary Elizabeth Sargent, Beth Tomase, Claire Deluca, Paul Murphy, Bishop Coleman, Cathy Bettencourt, Lil Schleicher, Jim Mulvihill, Karen Weeks, and pastor, Father Michael K. McManus. Missing are Paul Gilchrist and Peter Marshall.

Raynham parish ·'burns mo~tgage' for Parish Center

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RAYNHAM -:- Parishioners of St. Ann's Parish celebrated the "burning of the mortgage'"of the Parish Center on November 7 here. Bishop George W. Coleman was the principal celebrant of a celebration Mass, joining pastor, Father Michael K. McManus and Deacon John Welch...

The church was filled to capacity, and afterwards the more than 400 attendees were treated to a homemade Italian luncheon prepared by parishioner Joseph Aliberti.· The Parish Center was built in 1989 to serve the growing needs of the parish community. Father

Daily Readings .

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Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 5:17-26 Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3,10-13; Mt' 18:12-14 .

Gn 3:9-15,20; Ps 98:,1-4; Eph 1:3-6,11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Is 41 :13-20; Ps 145:1,9-13ab; Mt 11 :11-15 Is48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4,6; Mt 11:16-19 Sir48:1-4,9-11; Ps 80:2-3,1516,18-19; Mt 17:9a,10-13 Is 35:1-6a, 10; Ps 146:6-10; Jas 5:7-10; Mt 11 :2-11

1111III1III11111111111111111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-<l20) Periodital Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Published weekly except for the first two weeks in July and the week after Christmas at 887 Highland Avenue. Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press ofthe Diocese ofFall River. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year.

POSTMASTERS send address changes to The Anchor. P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

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.Gerald T. Shovelton was pastor at the .time construction began. ' Today, the parish is home to more than 1,800 families and there are'more than 1,000 children in the Religious Education pro,gram. Since its completion, the Parish Center has been well-used by the many parish groups and organizations.

In brief remarks, Father McManus thanked the parishioners for their continued generosity,

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noting that with their help, the debt was retired four years early, saving the parish more than $24,000.

Father McManus cited Richard Vieira, chairman of the Parish Center Planning Committee, and members ,Joseph Bettencourt, John Dolan, Donald McKinnon, and Edward Roster.

Bishop Coleman likewise thanked the parishioners and sampled luncheon delicacies.

In Your Prayers Please pray for the following priests during the coming weeks Dec. 6 . 1959, Rev. Joseph L. Cabral:Pastor, Our Lady of the Angels, Fall River 1966, Rt. Rev. Msgr. John H. Hackett, Chancellor of Fall River Diocese, June-December 19~6\ 1971, Rev, Joseph K. Welsh, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Victory, Centerville \ \ ..-_ ., .

1985, Rev. John T. Higgins, Pastor Emeritus,-St. Mary, Mansfield )

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1976, Rev. Thomas'F:Daly, R~ti~ed Pastor, St. James, New Bedfum \\ 1977, Rev. Ambrose Bowen, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Taunton \ \ 2000, Rev. James W. Clark

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Dec.S 1940, Rev. John F. Broderick, Pastor, St. Mary, South Dartmouth Dec. 9 1983, Rev. Rene Patenaude, O.P., Retired Associate Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River; Director of Youth Activities Dec. to 1971, Rev. Andrew S,P' Baj , Dec. 11 1959, Rev. Edward L. Killigrew, Pastor, St. Kiliari, New Bedford Dec.t2 1996, Rev. Paul F. McCarrick, Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River

I Friday, December 3, 2004 Religions

_-.~l-)('\

the anQndI\.Y

ContinI/ed/rom page olle

CHRISTM S oARTS CRAFTS

'The generosity of our people is gratifying," said Bishop Wtlton D. Gregory of Belleville, m., outgoing AND president of the U.S. Conference of th th DECEMBER 4 & 5 Catholic Bishops. "Catholic lay men B.M.C. DURFEE and women have not forgotten those HIGH SCHOOL who sacrificed so much for them."

The 2003 collection enabled the FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS retirement fund to distribute basic grants to 541 religious institutes, representing 38,903 senior members 70 years old and older. This amounts to MERCY SISTERS, from left, Barbara Hunt, Gertrude 0 approximately $513.38 per religious '2.0 n 'Donnelly, Patricia Custy, Denisita Sullivan, and Alminda Diniz 1~~\a\1"O~S •• r.

• ~~~\C.\NG overage 70.

Signs of the crisis began to show sit for a photo at the Landmark in Fall River. (Photos by Mercy FALL RIVER SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION in the early 1970s as health care costs Sister Elaine Heffernan) skyrocketed and demographics of religious orders shifted. Church officials launched the appeal when it became obvious that funds available to U.S. religious orders for retirement were insufficient Although some religious collect Social Security, the average annual Social Security payment to a retired THERE IS SO MUCH TO SEE, PLAN ON SEVERAL VISITS religious is $3,874 compared to the national average of$10,836 per person.

3. "Christmas in the Holy Land" Annual At the same time, religious comTree Festival, showing Dec. 4 to Jan. 9, 2005. munities began to cut costs and raise Exhibition of hand-made ornaments created by additional monies by selling prop25 regional Catholic schools (grades K to 5).

1. Creating St. Peter's erty, converting structures so they could be maintained more economiArchitectural Treasures of the Vatican cally and developing efforts for costShowing through Jan. 9, 2005. A Michelangelo efficient care of their elderly memmasterpiece, his 440-year-old, 16.5-foot high bers. wooden dome model is the centerpiece of more Because of the collection, many than 140 priceless items on loan from the Vatican. religious institutes have been able to Come to New Haven and journey back in time to work together to plan and execute Renaissance Rome as you walk through the 176numerous strategies aimed at manyear-long design and construction of the worldaging their retirement-related needs.

In addition, the National Religious famous basilica. Included are oil paintings, Retirement Office has been able to models, engravings, sculptures, mosaics, offer hands-on assistance to institutes tools, rare books and documents. with critical financial needs.

The National Religious Retirement Office, based at the U.S. bishops' headquarters in Washington, is 2. Jerusalem and the Holy jointly sponsored by the USCCB, the Land Rediscovered 4. Light from the Age of Leadership Conference of Women Showing from Nov.i., 2004 through Augustine, showing through Religious, the Conference of Major Jan. 9, 2005. Includes 90 beautiful Superiors of Men and the Council lithographs of renowned artist Apri/16, 2005. On loan ofMajor Superiors of Women Reli- David Roberts' 1838-39 epic from Harvard University, gious. travels across the Holy Land. the exhibition includes 104 Nationwide, 174 ofthe country's On loan from Duke University. red clay ceramics produced 195 dioceses participate in the Na- The below image was drawn in in 5th century North Africa. tional Retirement Fund for Religious the holy Shrine of the Nativity collection. Most that do not participate directly operate their own fund at Bethlehem. drives or had started local collections before the national appeal began.

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DOMINICAN SISTER Gertrude Gaudette relaxes at the Landmark in Fall River.

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4

Friday, December 3, 2004

the moorin&.-,

the living word

Advent - don't miss it From coast to coast the featured front-page story did not center on the war in Iraq, the politics of the Ukraine, Iranian nuclear curbs or the current struggle in Palestine. The spotlight story was the annual rite of shopping and holiday sales. Millions rose early in the night to be at their favorite store for the 5 a.m., opening. Thousands waited in long lines to begin their Christmas shopping. With credit cards waving, mobs swept through the aisles of stores, buying everything in sight with an "on sale" tag. Indeed, this so called Black Friday has become a capitalistic high holy day. More people are celebrating this day ttIan Christmas itself. Their energies and sacrifices are directed to what can be bought, rather than the real meaning of Christmas gifts themselves. So great is the lure of a cheap dollar, many Europeans are flying to the United States to do their Christmas shopping. All in all, we are collectively removing the real meaning of Christmas and replacing it with a rather flawed commercialism.

There will be a few people waiting in line for the opening of the Advent season. "0 Come, 0 Come, Emmanuel" has been drowned out by "Jingle Bells." To be sure, some people will go to their respective church for Christmas services. However, for many it is purely a cultural reality, not a religious one. It's something we do, rather than what we are. For this reason alone, Advent should be a special time for each and every one of us. , We spend so much effort and energy in trying to buy the right gifts for people on our shopping list. Getting caught in all the circuslike antics of the times, we often forget ourselves living in a very real world. It's so very important that in the process of trying to please so many people that we do not ignore the truth of our own self. We must give ourselves time. December and the end of the current year can make us think a great deal about time.

Perhaps we should be asking ourselves, "What is time?" "How do we experience time?" "Is time our bitter enemy?" "I have no time for you" or "I'm press~d for time." "My job does not give me time."

In such a mind-set, time becomes a very cruel master. It makes us slaves. We have no time to do the things we really want to do.

In a very charming book, Gerard 0' Collins, S.J., tells us that Advent offers us an alternative view of time. He reflects, "Instead of being an enemy on the scene of very careful planning and efficient activity, time involves the coming to us of our loving God. In December, God comes to us - through the wilderness and desert of our lives and our world."

Advent time is a gift held out to us by the God who comes to heal and save us. It is that time to appreciate how our earthly existence is tied to our eternity. It is a time for new beginnings. Each and every one of us dreams of another chance, a fresh start. Advent is that time. We begin a new liturgical Church year. The Church today, more than ever in our lifetime, needs a renewal, a new time to dispel the darkness. This is a collective hope. We need to come together to light a light. We have cursed the darkness for far too long. The time to light that single light is now. If we fail to do so, we are bound to continue our wandering in a very dark world. This need not be. We can gather around this Advent time and wait in the warm light. God is coming to us and wants to heal our wounds. Now is the time to accept this love, this light, that we once more be renewed.

Surely we all get caught up in the excitement of this unique,sea~ son of the year. Yet, it is most important that we not lose our way or ourselves. This is not an easy task, but ~deed a most necessary one.

Amid all the shopping and parties of the t;ime, let',s not forget th,!! a new day is dawning, and our loving God draws near to us.

The Executive Editor

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Published weekly by the Catholic Press of the OIQCElS 887 Highland Avenue \ • Fall River. MA 02720 ·Fall RIVt:lr,tMA,*021(!2210 Telephone 508-.Q7eh7151 FAX 5P~75;'1~ J%»wt':'%';'¥ E-mail: TheAnchor@Anchomews.org i . ," Send address changes to P.o. BoX. cab or'\Jse'te-ril/f1iJ#

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Aev. 'Msgr. JOhR~ModIe' ~< EDITOA "NEW$EDITOR W~ $fOfFtfE'MAN" David 8••Jolh,.t »JamQ$N. Dl.Jn., '~" ~~Bf!~£a,"'!.I~iJ t . t·· •••

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IN THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH CALENDAR OF HOLY DAYS, DECEMBER

8 IS

CELEBRATED AS THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF MARY.

IT IS

A

DAY ON WHICH CATHOLICS ARE OBLIGED TO ATTEND MASS. POPE PIUS

IX FOR-

MALLY DEFINED THE DOGMA OF. THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION "INEFFABILIS DEUS" ON DEC.

8, 1854.

''I EXULT FOR JOY IN THE LORD, MY SOUL REJOICES IN MY GOD; FOR HE HAS CLOTHED ME IN THE GARMENT OF SALVATION AND ROBED ME IN THE CLOAK OF JUSTICE, LIKE A BRIDE ADORNED WITH HER JEWELS" (ISAIAH 1:10).

New beginnings With the first Sunday of Sea of Galilee, Jesus borrowed a Advent, the Church begins a new fisherman's boat for a sedentary liturgical year and The Anchor, not pulpit. After he was done preachmissing a beat, inaugurates a new ing, he told the owner, ''Put out column. into the deep water and lower your I'm grateful to Monsignor nets for a catch" (Lk 5:4).

Moore for the confidence he has That was a strange imperative shown in me by encouraging me to to come from a carpenter to an begin this feature. I hope that what expert on that sea. Fish were, after I write will live up to that confidence and be worthy of your eyes and time.

Advent provides an appropriate template for what I hope to do with these weekly columns.

By Father Roger There are two principal J: Landry movements in Advent.

The first is Christ's coming toward us, in the past (Bethlehem), in the future (at . all, caught in shallow water during the end of time) and in the present darkness, not in deep water during (through the Church, sacraments~ daylight. Moreover, the fishermen grace, Sacred Scripture, ordinary were exhausted and frustrated after life and even through a newspaa long, empty night's work. per). The second movement is our But at the Master's word, the going out to meet him. Like the fishermen put out again and the wise young women in the Gospel, catch overwhelmed both their nets we recognize the appropriate and their boats. Then Jesus told the action of requited love: ''The owner, Simon Peter, something Bridegroom is coming; Let us go even more startling. Despite his out to meet him!" (Mt 25:5). sinfulness, from that point forward, , These two movementsPeter would be a fisher of men.

Christ's action and our response Trusting in the Master's word, are, when you come right down to he would again put out into the it, the most interesting and deep water - even at times when important events in a person's life. it might have seemed futile, even Often, however, they do not get when he was fatigued and frusmuch attention. I hope with this trated. Because of those efforts, column to make a small contribueach of us was eventually caught tion to changing that. and hrought into his boat.

The column as a whole will , That instruction to Peter, ''Put take its name from one momentous out into the deep," was chosen by intersection of Christ's action and a the fisherman's 264lh successor as person's reaction in faith. the motto for the Church not just in One morning at the shore of the our lifetime but for the third

Putting Into the Deep

Christian millennium. Pope John Paul IT finds in the encounter of Christ and Peter the paradigm for the encounter of Christ and every disciple today, wherein Christ asks us to trust in him, despite our unworthiness, as he sends us out as fishers of our contemporaries.

The Holy Father writes in his apostolic letter to end the Jubilee Year, "Due in altum! (Put out into the deep!). These words ring out for us today... we must look ahead, we must put out into the deep, trusting in Christ's word. On that occasion, it was Peter who spoke the word of faith: "At your word I will let down the nets." As this millennium begins, allow the Successor of Peter to invite the whole Church to make this act of faith.

Putting into the deep is a response to that invitation.

I'm happy that this title quite nicely fits into the "nautical" theme of this Catholic newspaper, with its "Anchor," "Steering Points" and ''Mooring.''

I also hope that !he title will symbolize an attempt to get "beneath the surface" of various current events in the Church and in the world.

But most of all, I hope that it will be a vessel from which various evangelical fishing expeditions may be attempted.

Christ still comes. Christ still calls. Let's lower the nets.

Father Roger}. LaruJry is a parochial vicar at St Francis

Xavier Parish, Hyannis.

5

Friday, December 3, 2004

Thinking of you Maybe it's because I've worn can't help but recall images of like to return the favor, and say that I'm thinking of you now. my Red Sox on my sleeve for clusters of black and white the past 40 years, but I've habits dotting Fenway Park.

Next weekend is the annual There seemed to always be Retirement Fund for Religious, received an inordinate amount and I appeal to all Red Sox fans of phone calls, E-mails and snail Sisters rooting for the Sox at to dig a little deeper this year, Fenway. mails congratulating me on the and give our retired Red Sox world champiSisters a hand. onship.

I'm willing to wager As elated as I already that through the years, was, these communinearly all of us have ques make me feel like I been touched by the was part of the team. kindness, gentleness, and I've lost count of the compassion of one or times that folks havf

By Dave Jolivet more of these devoted told me that "I was women. thinking of you when From my days at St. the final out was made!"

Anne's School to this new It warms my heart to think that All of the games of the '67 millennium, my life has been others had me in mind at one of World Series against the St. enriched countless times by Louis Cardinals were during the the greatest moments in the their faith. day, and the nuns at St. Anne's history of humankind.

It's easy to see why our School in Fall River allowed us It's only been a month, but Blessed Mother is such an truthfully I can't remember what to bring in a TV to watch. I'm inspiration to the Sisters of today. still not sure if it was for us or I was thinking about when the Whether in a teaching role, that MOMENT happened. I only for them. of a nurse, a parish assistant, or Until this year, I thought the recall releasing a howl as if any of the hundreds of jobs they wonderful nuns of this region baying at the blood red (Sox) perform, our Religious Sisters were Sox fans because of their moon. (Luckily my neighbors conduct themselves with the love natural instincts to love and care living in the townhouses for the downtrodden. I hope after and care that can only come from flanking my own were Sox fans Our Lady. this season, they don't feel the too!)

So next weekend, let's take need to become Yankee fans!

An interesting note to the care of our own and support our Well Sisters, at this time I'd notes I've received since is that many of the well wishers were nuns. If I were to break down PRACTICE THE DEVOTION OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS, the greetings by professions, AS REQUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA Religious vocations win by a On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia landslide. (seer of Fatima) and spoke these words: "Announce in my Some of the Sisters I heard name that I promise to assist at the hour ofdeath with the graces from were good friends who, by necessary for the salvation oftheir souls, all those who on the first knowing me, knew of my Saturday of five consecutive months shall: fondness (some would say 1.

Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the obsession) with the Sox. But I Rosary (5 decades); and 4. Keep me company for IS minutes while also heard from others who, meditating on the IS mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of through this column, just wanted" making reparation to me." to share in the moment.

In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be It's interesting that the Red preceded by the words: "In reparation for the offenses Sox and Religious Sisters have committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary." gone hand-in-hand since I've Confessions may be made during 8 days before or after the been following the Olde Towne first Saturday, and Holy Communion may be received at Team. either the morning or evening Mass on the first Saturday.

When I think of the 1967 Impossible Dream season, I

retired religious.

And while I'm on the subject of Our Lady, did anyone see the ABC-News special on Medjugorje a few weeks back?

One scene showed Ivan, one of the visionaries, prayerfully walking up the mountain in

BOSTON COLLEGE

My View

From the Stands

Mashpee parish hosts Mass/organ music on Sunday MASHPEE - Christ the King Church on Mashpee Commons will be the site of a Mass featuring music by organist Corey BassettTtrrell, Sunday at 11 :30 a.m. .Featured pieces include variations on "Saviour of the Nations Come" by Hancock; "Sleepers Wake" by Buxthehude; "Lo, How a Rose Ere Blooming" by Pruvis; and variations and improvisation on "0 Come, 0 Come Emmanuel" by Bassett-Tirrell.

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Medjugorje wearing, of all things, a Red Sox jacket - and this was before the World Series! I'm not sure if there's a connection, but just in case thanks Mom! Comments are welcome at dave;olivet@anchornews.orr:.

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* Various Booths Open

Friday, December 3, 2004

'Friends of the Creche ATILEBORO- The National Shrine ofOur Lady ofLa Salette, 947 Parle Street, is now presenting its annual Festival of Lights until January 2. Formoreinfonnationcall508-2225410 or visit them on the Web at www.lasalette-shrine.om路 ATILEBORO - Catholic Social Services, 10Maple Street, is sponsoring a support group for women struggling withrelationship issues that have resulted in feelings ofabandonment, loneliness and anxiety. It meets on the second and fourth Thesday of each month from 6-7 p.m. Fore more information call 508-226-4780.

FALL RIVER- The Fall River Area Men's First Friday Cub will

meet tonight at 6 p.m. for the celebration ofMass at Sacred Heart Church, 160 Seabury Street A meal will follow in the church hall featuring guest speakerBernie Hermanfrom the District Attorney's office. For more information call Normand Valiquette at 508~72-8174.

FALLRIVER-A healing Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Church December 7 at 7 p.m. Confessions will be heard at 6 p.m. The rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m.

Benediction and healing prayers follow the Mass.

NORTH DARTMOUTH Residence Inn by Marriott, 181 FaunceComerRoad, is currently having a food drive to help catholic Social Services raise food for needy families. Canned goods and non-perishable food items are collected 24 hours a day by staff members. Fore more information call Monica Gouin at 508-984-5858 ext. 173.

NORTH DARTMOUTH The Oncology Center,480 Hawthom Street, will host an education and support program entitled "Life, Part II," Thursdays from 9-10 am. for cancer patients and their families. It offers participants a supportive atmosphere for sharing experiences and is facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker. For more information call David Molloy at 508-979-5858 ext 1043.

NORTH DARTMOUTH The diocesan Divorced-Separated Support Group will hold its annual Christmas party December 13 from 7-9 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road. For more information call Bob Menard at 508~73颅 2997.

NORm EASTON - Public adoration of the Eucharist in observance ofthe feast ofthe Immaculate Conception of the Blessed VIrgin Mary will take place in the chapel of the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street on December 8 beginning with the praying of the rosary at 9: am. and conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 4 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at noon. Forinformation call

Who could imagine celebrating Christmas in a works honoring Jesus' birth.

Christian home without a creche? Having a The society is appropriately international since, touchable image of what happened that while the basic creche always has included Jesus, earthshaking night in Bethlehem makes the story Mary and Joseph, each design found worldwide of Jesus' birth come more dramatically alive for reflects the culture and the people from which it 508-238-4095. us. originates.

St. Francis of Assisi must have believed this.

Mary pointed out as one example the reconPOCASSET -St Francis ofthe struction of the Neapolitan creches of the 17th and Cape Fraternity gathers on the sec- He is the one credited back in 1223 with begin18th centuries, done by interio,r designer Jeffery ond Sunday ofthe month at 2 p.m. at ning the custom of physically representing this St. John's Parish Center, 841 Shore great night with live people representing the Holy Gueno. "Alongside the traditional Holy Family, Road. On December 12 the Litwgy Family. So powerful leading artists of the ofthe Hours will be explained. There and joyful was this day created teeming will also be a video about Our Lady reminder of the scenes of contemporary of Guadalupe. The Rosary for Life corning of the Lord village and rural life," ~TheBottom will be recited. Refreshments will fol- that in centuries to said Mary. low. For information call 508-548- come replicas of the The Friends of the 6338 or508-759-3130. All welcome. Nativity scene became Creche are kept a subject for artists informed of creche TAUNTON - The Coyle and and a Christmas

By Antoinette' Bosco exhibits, artists, Cassidy High School Music Depart- tradition for families. traditions and new ment will sponsor two performances .

There is actually a information uncovered ofthe Taunton Lights On Festival to- society devoted to about Nativity sets night in downtown. The concert band honoring the Nativity. Calling themselves Friends worldwide through their quarterly newsletter, and will perfonnfrom 5:3(}'8:30p.m. of the Creche with members worldwide, the Creche Herald. Rita Bocher, who edits this Thechoir will presentaconcertatPil- soc~ety was founded in 1999 as a way for people impressive professional newsletter, says it has grim Church at 6: 15 p.m. For more who collect replicas of the Nativity scene and "readers around the world." She said it was her informationcallDavid Renoni at508- want to increase their knowledge of the history of "love for the creche," which is such a beautiful 823~164. creches to join with others of similar passion. "blend of the spiritual and the artistic," that led I use that word "passion" with great respect her to communicate with others of like mind.

TAUNTON - Members of the after learning about this society from Mary' A while back I had the privilege of vie~ing an Taunton District Council of the St. Herzel, a devoted member. Actually, we couldn't incredible collection of nearly 200 creches Vmcent de Paul Society will sponsor have met in a more appropriate place - the assembled by a longtime friend, Father Robert a 7 p.m. Mass December 6 at Holy annual gathering of the Pax Christi members in Tucker, pastor of a Connecticut parish. They were Rosary Church for the intentionofthe 2002. My book"Choosing Mercy, A Mother of made of almost every kind of material and came canonization of Blessed Frederic Murder Victims Pleads to End the Death Penalty" from many different countries. One of his favorOzanam and in memory of deceased had been given that year's Pax Christi Award. . ites was a creche from Ireland, a gift of a parishiomembers. Its regular monthly meetMary was there at a table with materials about ner. ing will follow in the church hall. the new society. It seemed so appropriate to me "The feast of Christmas is universal and that a growing group of people devoted to honortimeless," he said. "What better way to celebrate it WAREHAM - A Day of Reing the birth of the Prince of Peace would be at than by honoring Christ, who gave us the greatest flection for Bereaved Spouses will be gift of all - himself, represented by these held December 18 at the Sacred the Pax Christi gathering.

With enthusiasm, Mary told me about the creches."

Hearts Retreat Center, 226 Great For more information on Friends of the Creche Neck Road. For more information Friends of the Creche, in the United States an E-mail MaryHerzelatFherzel@aol.com. or write visit the Websiteatretreats@sscc.om organization of more than 400 people who collect and otherwise honor the Christmas Nativity and to Rita Bocher, 117 Crosshill Rd., Wynnewood, or call 508-295-0100. who share their love, knowledge and artistic Pa.19096.

WEST HARWICH - Members ofthe Holy Trinity Church Charismatic PrayerGroup will sponsoran Advent'celebration December 16 at By the time you read this, yet, and "unlike lO-year-old decade, surrounded by cotton 7:30 p.m. in Darnien Hall. It will be- chances are that both you and I grilled cheese sandwiches, this , balls inside a clear-plastic box. gin with praise and worship followed will have missed out not only on Pop Tart comes without a bite No news reports I saw by teaching on Advent arid the Eu- a chance to have purchased on taken from it." indicated whether or not she had charist by Deacon Joe Mador. For eBay half a grilled cheese "Maybe you want to add to submitted the sandwich to more information call Alice Bahnsen sandwich with a purported your collection of food that church authorities for any type at 508-398-1139. image of the Virgin Mary on it, resembles biblical characters, or of authentication - or to any but also a Pop Tart with health officials for wEsT HARWICH- The Per- an image of the Virgin comments. petualAdoration ChapelatHolyTrin- Mary as well.

It is probably totally ity Church, Route 28, seeks adorers . As I write this, the untrue that the Dairy for several time slots. They are: Sun- bidding for the grilled Council of America days at 8 am. and 11 am.; Mondays cheese sandwich is wants to feature Duyser at 3 am.; Thesdays at4 am.; Fridays hovering somewhere and the sandwich in a at 3 and 4 am.; Saturdays at 2 am., 2 between $22,000 and billboard campaign

By Dan Morris p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. For information eBay's maximum bid of promoting grilled call Jane Jannell at 508-430-0014. cheese sandwich sales. $99.9 million. EBay was .....- - -......--......----tl~ quite forthright in For the record, I saw a WESTPORT - Mass in honor admitting that some of the $99.9 maybe you're just looking for a picture of the Pop Tart on eBay. It ofthe Blessed Vuginis sungeach Sat- million bids might not have good bite to eat. Either way, this very much resembles a woodurday at 9 am. at Our Lady of Grace 'been serious.

Pop Tart is a must have," the burning project I did in the third Church, 569 Sanford Road. The r0The price on the Pop Tart had seller said on the eBay listing. grade, only it features a bad sary is recited 20 minutes before reached $4.25 - but there were (This is all true.) , rendition of the Vrrgin Mary rather Mass. Formore information call 508- still two days and four hours left That's not all. ''Thanks to than a horse with a huge head.

67~171. for bidding, so heaven knows preservatives, it will keep for Yes, I know what you parish how high it might have climbed. years on your bedside table and stewardship committee people YARMOUTHPORf - Father Unfortunately for the Pop it won't require the use of are thinking. EBay auctioning of Roger Landry will lead a Moming of Tart seller, the grilled cheese plastic bags or cotton balls.

And, images of Church heroes and Recollection, themed "Lessons from I don't know about you, but I've heroines on food items might the Life of St. Francis Xavier," De- item made international news never seen a Pop Tart with have great potential'for fund cember 4 at Sacred Heart Chapel on and, thus, was dominating the mold." raising.

Summer Street. It will begin with the auction.

Still, the Pop Tart person did Diana Duyser, who owns the That might be more than a celebration of Mass at 9 am. and innot seem discouraged at all.

As a famous half a grilled cheese half-baked idea. cludes Adoration ofthe Blessed Sacsandwich, said the personal relic Comments are welcome. Erament, two conferences on prayer matter of fact, he or she made the important point that the Pop has been perched on her bedmail Uncle Dan at and reconciliation.

Tart had not even been toasted room nightstand for about a cnsuncleOl@vahoo.com.

Line- .

Half a grilled cheese

The路 offbeat 'world of ,Uncl,e Dan

~andwich

A Communion wafer for Celia'c sufferers?

Q. More than a year ago we

diet it may be life-thr~atening, leading to malnutrition,.pancreatic disease, possibly some forms of cancer and a variety of other physical and neur910gical disorders.

Since awareness and diagnosis of the illness haS increased in

wrote to you about Communion for our daughter who has celiac disease. You replied that no hosts were available that satisfied the Church's requirement for the Eucharist and ' were also safe for those with this disease.

Our daughter will be ready for her first Communion this coming spring. We read on a celiac Website that a new

By Father form of bread is nearly gluten-free and mediJohn J. Dietzen cally acceptable for Catholic Communion. recent decades, it has been Is this true? It is something we discovered that about one in and many other parents of every 130 Americans is affected, such children have been vastly more than was previously desperately hoping for. (Pennbelieved. sylvania) A. It is true, and apparently it The special problem for promises to solve the problem for Catholics, of course, is that a host of families. First, a little eucharistic bread must be made from wheat, of which an essenbackground for those who may tial element is gluten. Until not be familiar with this physical recently, no one had found a way affliction. Celiac is a disease in which gluten, a protein found in to make edible hosts with a sufficiently small amount of , barley, wheat and other cereals, gluten safe for celiac sufferers cannot be tolerated. and at the same time liturgically The disease can be insidious, attacking digestive organs slowly acceptable.

For a long time, the but often with serious conseBenedictine ~isters of Perpetual quences. Without a gluten-free

Questions. and Answers

Adoration'in Clyde, Mo., have baked Communion hosts for parishes and other institutions.

One of the community, Sister Jane Heschmeyer, set out to find a formula that could be used by celiac patieilts. , WiUi the help of other sisters in her convent, after numerous experiments and consultation with physicians, grain specialists; attorneys and other related experts, a recipe was developed for hosts with a gluten content of only .01 percent.

Dr. Alessio Fasano of the University of Maryland, a Catholic, has researched and written extensively about the disease. He and other medical experts, whose findings have been published in the magazine Gluten-Free Living, regard the new formula as safe for almost all celiac sufferers. Obviously, however, patients should seek the advice of their personal physicians before receiving these hosts in Communion. For some, even this small amount may be unsafe.

One suggested solution has been to receive the Eucharist in the form of wine rather than bread. Parents of some children with the disease have told me,

Catholic Relief Services quietly pulls out of Iraq BALTIMORE - Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. Catholic overseas relief and development agency, quietly pulled its foreign personnel out of Iraq last June because the situation had become too dangerous for them.

Sean Callahan, CRS vice president of overseas operations, said in November that the agency did not annou,nce its decision at the time because it pulled its people out one at a time to avoid bringing dangerous attention to them or to other foreign humanitarian workers in the country.

The Catholic Review, Baltimore archdiocesan newspaper, contacted Callahan following the recent release of a video apparently showing the executionstyle murder of Mar-garet Hassan, country representative in Iraq for CARE International, the largest humanitarian charity in the world. Hassan, who held dual British and Iraqi citizenship, had been abducted and held captive by insurgents in Iraq since midOctober.

Callahan said it was a sad and difficult e,lecision to remove CRS personnel from the country, "but the threat was too great. It wasn't worth the risk." He said Hassan's abduction and death confmned that the CRS decision was correct.

The Baltimore-based worldwide agency established a presence in Basra in southern 4"aq in June 2003. At the time,' the local .Shiite residents, who had been oppressed by Saddam Hussein's regime, welcomed them, according to Anna Schowengerdt, who coordinated the agency's humanitarian projects in the southern third of Iraq.

The four foreign staff members, who worked with about 50 locally hired Iraqis,

however, that many wines have additives or fermentation products that contain gluten.

Several months ago the new recipe was approved by the Vatican and later by the American bishops for eucharistic use.

Families facing this problem might speak with their parish priest. Simple procedures are possible to accommodate children and adults who cannot tolerate the usual wheat hosts.

Information on the altar breads produced by the Clyde

Sisters is available from their Website, altarbreads@benedictinesisters.org, or by calling 1-800-223-2772.

Afree brochure answering .questions Catholics ask about receiving the Holy Eucharist is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651.

Questions may be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address, or E-mail: lidietzen@aoLcom.

Our Lady's Monthly Message From Medjugorje

l

November 25, 2004 Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina "Dear Children! At this time, I call you all to pray for my intentions. Especially, little children, pray for those who have not yet come to know the love of God and do not seek God the Savior. You, little children, be my extended hands and by your example draw them closer to my Heart and the Heart of my Son. God will reward you with graces and every blessing.

"Thank you for having responded to my call."

Spiritual Life Center of Marian Community 154 Summer Street Medway, MA 02053· Tel. 508-533-5377

DIOCESE OF FAll RIVER WHICH INCLUDES CAI'E COD A:-.ID THE ISli\i\:DS

Sl r1r\I{V'S EDUC/,nON FUND Lookiny for the ryerfeel 9iol iday Sift?

were able to travel around the area freely and without fear, she said at the time.

As late as last March CRS planned to remain in Iraq for at least another year.

But the situation deteriorated, Callahan This Holiday Season Give the Gift That Says You Really Care. said. The increasing boldness of Iraqi inHonor a student, parent, teacher or friend while supporting the non-profit Saint Mary's Education Fund surgents, the abductions and murders as well that provides "need-based" scholarships to children who wish to attend one of the as the hardening of attitudes toward the ocCatholic schools of the Diocese of Fall River. cupying U.S. and British troops on the part of local Iraqis made life simply too dangerAll gifts are tax-deductible and will benefit a child's educational future. ous for the staffers, who were no longer able Your Dollars Will Help: to move freely, he said.

• Provide opportunity to receive a Catholic education.

• Serve culturally and economically diverse populations, He said CRS has had to give security is• Distribute over 600 scholarships to Diocesan studenlS. sues increased priority since the Sept. 11, It is our hope to fulfill the dreams of many young children and their families by making a Catholic school experience a reality.

2001, terrorist attacks in the United States.

Those attacks created a climate that has r'-~-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-" Levels of Giving to Sponsor An Angel: forced CRS to put more reliance on local You can also make a donation "In-Honor-Of" or "In-Memory-Ol" someone special.

• staff members who are native to the regions The average cost of tuition ior one year is $3,000.

I where the agency operates out of conceJ;11 0$25 0 $50 0 $100 0 $250 0 Other: • that CRS foreign nationals might be targeted For every donation, a holiday card will be mailed to those yOll wish to honor. because they are more easily identifiable, Donor Name _ _ '_'_.'_"_~' '_'_.'__ he said. _ _ _ _ phonc'-_ Addrcss _ "It's appropriate given the times we live Cily -Stale Zip _ in," Callahan said, "but sad that we have to give so much consideration to security."

GIFT CARD MESSAGE He said CRS continues to provide aid in To: --'-From: _ Iraq through the local Catholic charities operations, but it will not send its own perRecipient Name -:_ ~;onnel back in unless there is a secure zone· Mailto: ---------------:-----in which the agency can operate.

Working' through local offices and an Address ~--------Phone----~----extensive network of partners, CRS now • City State Zip _ operates on five continents and in over 90 • Your contributions are lax deductible as allowable by law.

L._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._·_~_·_·_·_·_·_·~ countries.

"We will maintain a presence in many Please cui along dOlted line and mail to: lane Robin; Execulive Fund Rai"" • SL Mary', Education Fund' PO Bo, 405 • Monument Beach. MA 02553 countries and possibly expand in some ar- "When you touch the Sponsored by International House eas," Callahan said. "But we will not try to lives of children, you '1l1i1liillllli of Pancakes increase our international staff, but rather touch the future: '4ll increase the local, national staff and give H Theirs and Yours them more authority."

-- Sponsor ~n ~ngel

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friday, December 3, 2004

Pope increases status of Caritas Interna.tionalis, 'Cor Unum' link

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) Raising the technical status of .Caritas Internationalis, the umbrella group of Catholic aid agencies, Pope John Paul II also strengthened the supervisory role the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum" has over it.

In a recent letter presented to Carjtas Internationalis, Pope John Paul conferred on the group the status ofa "public juridic personality," strengthening its ties to the Vatican and fonnally recognizing that the federation carries out its charitable activities in the name of the Catholic Church.

Caritas Int~rnationalis, whose statutes were approved by the Vatican in 1951, is made up of 162 Catholic relief, development and social service agencies working in almost 200 countries.

Most ofthe member agencies are Caritas or relief and development agencies 'sponsored by national bishops' conferences, such as the U.S.-based Catholic ReliefServices or the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace.

"Cor Unum" is the Vatican office responsible for coordinating and promoting charitable giving.

In his letter to Caritas Internationalis, Pope John Paul said he was raising the organization's status ''to confinn the ecclesial role played by this well-deserving confederation" and in response to a re, quest made by the group.

In doing so, he said, "I entrust to the Pontifical Council 'Cor Unum' the task of following and accompanying the activity of Caritas Internationalis, both in the internationalsphere as well as in its re-

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gional groups."

The council, he said, should be infonned about CantaS initiatives, should participate in Caritas meetings and should review Caritas documents prior to publication.

Lynn Yuill, Caritas communications director, said obtaining the new legal status had "been in 'process for years. It is seen as.a very positive step for Caritas."

Msgr. Karel Kasteel, secretary of "Cor Unum, " said a close relationship with a Vatican councilor congregation is automatic once an organization is granted the status given to Caritas Internationalis.

"All ofthe member agenCies refer to their national bishops' conference in internal matters, but as soon as they engage together in international projects, they refer to the Holy See," he said.

The papal act "is the fullest recognition of Caritas Internationalis and, at the same time, it strengthens its link with 'Cor Unum,' although Caritas Internationalis remains autonomous," Msgr. Kasteel said. ''If they need the help ofthe Holy See, they go through us," he said, "and when the Holy See needs them, it comes through us."

Msgr. Kasteel said the Vatican already approves the federation's statutes and the election of new officers.

The new status and relationship with the council is not an attempt to take over, he said. "Why would 'Cor Unum' want to take over a network that works so well? They are very, very trustworthy and they do excellent work everywhere."

HOUDAYSPENDING Most u.s. consumers say they will spend less

than $1,000 on Chris1mas gifts this year. For compaIfson, the average household donates more 1ban $1,500 annually. .

$1,000+

29%

$250-999 \ 41% '\

$0.249\ 16% \

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opinion 11"

HAN BUI, center, stands among other liturgical dancers and some 1,700 people on hand for the Rosary Rally in late October on the grounds of Our Lady of Vietnam Church in Riverdale, Ga. (CNS photo by ,Michael Alexander, Georgia Bulletin)

Georgia ros8J;y rally draws mix of cultures, generations to honor Mary

By ERIKA ANDERSON

prayed in Chinese. the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, As the rosary ended, young Viet- who gave everything he had, who RIVERDALE, Ga. - A 13-foot namese girls in white dresses with gave his own life, that we might be statue of Our Lady of Lavang was crowns of white daisies adorning saved."

He spoke of the "complexity of the centerpiece of the annual Ro- their heads came forward two by sary Rally, held this year for the first two, holding small bouquets of events" that make Catholics one time at Our Lady of Vietnam flowers in each hand. In between family "on this special day, when Church in Riverdale. the two rows of girls were young the Vietnamese Catholics ofAtlanta The celebration, led by Atlanta boys dressed in suits and holding join with all CatholiCs to celebrate ' Archbishop John F. Donoghue and candles. the woman who is mother to us all, followed by a Mass, brought toThe girls perfonned a dance in the Blessed VIrgin Mary." gether a mix of cultures, genders front of the statue of Our Lady of Following the Mass, a VietnamLavang, as Vietnamese music ese feast ofegg rolls, fruits and vegand generations to pray.

With the stirring, steady beat of played in the background. As they etables awaited the crowd. a bass drum, the procession began,¡ finished, the girls placed their bouFather Dung Nguyen, judicial Jed by members of the Knights of quets at the foot of the statue, and vicar of the Metropolitan Tribunal Columbus honor guard, followed the boys placed their candles in a and a native of Vietnam, said devoby priests of the Atlanta Archdio- golden urn at the statue's base. tion to Mary is strong in his homeIn his homily, the archbishop land. cese, including Our Lady of Vietnam's pastor, Msgr. Francis spoke of the human need to be con''We work less there, and there Pham Van Phuong, and the arch-. nected, to feel cared for and loved. have been a lot of struggles that This is especially evident in the way people have gone through, so the bishop.

Deacon Bert Berding of St. a young child reaches out to his faith is strong," he said. "You still see many people going to daily James Mission in Madison wel- mother and father, he said.

"But even as we see and answer Mass, almost everyone." comed the crowd, many of whom stood along the lawn facing the to our children's needs, God sees Father Nguyen also said the new large statue of the Blessed Mother. us - he sees us as his little chil- statue and shrine are a blessing for Speaking in English and Viet- dren, and he answers our needs," the entire community. namese, Msgr. Phuong told the con- he said. "He ties us together and "It's an occasion of great joy for gregation about the statue, which is keeps us as one family. He does this our archdiocese and for any Cathomade of solid marble and sculpted by making us desire, above all lic, that now they can come and ofby Phan Chi Lang from Da Nang, things, to receive the love ofhis Son, fer prayers in the shrine," he said.

Vietnam. He then assisted the archbishop as he blessed the statue and the shrine around it with holy water.

The statue symbolizes the appearance of the Blessed VIrgin to Vietnamese converted by French missionaries and persecuted in the late 18th century. Catholics sought refuge in the central Vietnamese forest ofLavang, known for the La' Vang tree; the word also means "crying out."

The soft tapping of rosary beads could be heard as the Marian prayer began. Archbishop Donoghue led the fIrst decade in English, while ACTOR MARTIN Sheen marches in a recent protest Msgr. Phuong led the next decade against the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Co. in Vietnamese. The third decade was offered in Spanish, while the operation, formerly known as the School of the Americas, at fourth was in Latin and,the fifth was . Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga. (CNS photo by Dan Horan) CAlliOUC NEWS SERVICE

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Friday, December 3, 2004

9

Vatican exhibit shows art of ancient world is not all black and white

By JOHN

THAVIS

in the act of speaking to the army, wearing the armor of a military commander and the imperial VATICAN CITY - Imagine the "Venus de sash.

Milo" with painted red lips, blonde hair and blue In the colorized version, the deep red of the eyes. sash matches the emperor's red lips.

Far-fetched? Cartoonish? A new Vatican MuPreparing the painted reproductions was a big seums exhibit maintains that for the ancients col- job, and the work on the statue of Augustus was ored statues were nothing out of the ordinary financed in part by the Florida chapter of the Vatithey were brightened with pigments to make them can Museums' Patrons of the Arts. stand out in temples or family courtyards.

It wasn't simply a matter of dabbing on paint.

But because modern The experts had to enVOLUNTEER ANDY Asiano refills a container with bread eyes have grown used to gage in some high-tech to give away at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City. the bleached-white look reconnaissance first.

(CNS photo

by Octavio Duran) of Greek and Roman While some statues statuary, the Vatican exstill bore traces of origihibit will probably nal pigment - yellow shock as many viewers ochre was found in Caligula's ear, for exas it pleases.

"Even for us, it's a ample - most of the SILVER SPRING, Md. - Be- . felt particularly blessed to have had big effort," said color had weathered fore Mary Frances and Bill Jaster the experience of service as a famFrancesco Buranelli, diaway. But in many cases were married 25 years ago, they had ily. . rector of the Vatican the experts were able to "We all experienced something talked about doing some kind of Museums. "We're lookvisualize the paint pattogether," Mary Frances Jaster said service work in the Church. terns by using modern ing at these items with It turned out those discussions of the time her family spent with techniques like X-ray eyes conditioned by Catholic Worker when her children we~n't just talk either. Because as fluorescence, ultraviolet taste. We have to try to Bill Jaster, who directs Colorado . were ages sjx and 11. "We each had and infrared photography, look at them with the Vmcentian Volunteers with his wife, a transformation and we can reflect spectroscopic analysis eyes of the ancients." put it: "We've been in ministry since on that together," she added. and scanning electron miBuranelli spoke at a Many of the conference particiwe got married." croscopes. recent press conference The couple, who first worked in pants, like the Jasters, are listed in Chemical analysis of to unveil the exhibit, youth ministry in the Denver arch- the l20-page catalog of the Cathothe pigment traces al"The Colors of White," diocese, also went to Central lic Network of Volunteer Service, a lowed them to recompose which features 15 America with a Catholic Worker 41-year-old national membership painted reproductions, A REPRODUCTION statue of an archer the origina.l pain.ts em- group for a year with two of their organization based in Maryland. . . ployed, usmg mmerals some of them alongside from a fifth century B.C. Greek temple IS on and vegetable dyes. The children. For the past 10 years they The network is essentially a clearthe marble originals. have directed Colorado Vincentian inghouse that links volunteers with For museum habi- display.in a new exhibit on colored statues at green came from mala- Volunteers, working directly with ministries they might be interested tues, the effect can be the Vatican Museums. Although most of the chite the blue from azur- full-time volunteers who live in a in and ministries with potential voljarring. In some cases, paint has worn off ancient statues, experts ite a~d the red from cin- community together during their unteers. the vivid pigments tend used modern technology to ascertain the paint nabar, but some more year of service in various Denver The organization's 2003-04 anto replace gravitas with patterns on the original statues and creat~ sub~le hues ~.ere syn- programs. nual membership survey, released a sense of whimsy. painted reproductions. (CNS photo from Vatl- thetic composItions.

The Jasters are hardly alone in during the conference, also showed The painted version can Museums) The Vatican exhibit, their dedication to Church ministry that, of the 12,689 volunteers who which is open free of of a marble lion that are part of the Catholic Network of as a couple. once guarded a sixth-century B.C. Greek tomb has charge until the end of January, is the result of a According to a survey released Volunteer Service, 11,830 serve in a bright yellow body, blue mane and stylized red groundbreaking collaborative effort between the recently by the Catholic Network the United States and 859 are in inwhiskers. It would not be out of place in a mod- Vatican and two other museums, the Glyptothek ofVolunteer Service, there has been ternational locations; most volunin Munich and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptothek in a 44 percent increase in the past year teers, or 78.3 percent, are 25 years ern nursery room.

A small statue of a crouching archer now wears Copenhagen. in the number of married couples of age or younger, and 79 percent "Younger people were the most positive about serving as volunteers and a 119 per- have at least four years of college polychrome diamond-patterned tights and a yelthe show. The older visitors were less convinced, low helmet. cent increase in the number of education, representing an eightTwo busts of the Roman Emperor Caligula are but many of them came back to see it more than couples with dependent children point increase from the previous striking: In the uncolored marble original, he once," said Vinzenz Brinkmann of the Munich who are volunteering. year; and that the majority of volseems to gaze out from the depth of history; in museum.

The Jasters, who were in Silver unteers are women.

Officials of the Vatican Museums emphasized Spring in mid-November for a nathe flesh-toned reproduction, he comes to life.

The oldest member program is The star of the show is a large statue of the the experimental nature of the exhibit and said tional conference of the Catholic Gould Farm in Monterey, Mass., Emperor Augustus, discovered about 140 years they had no intention of colorizing their vast col- Network of Volunteer Service, told established in 1913. It is a ago at a villa outside Rome. Augustus is depicted lection of statuary.

Catholic News Service that they farnilylike community on a workwould not have done things differ- ing farm for adults with mental illently in their marriage and that they ness.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Like Denver couple, more married people becoming Church volunteers

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Pope says every Catholic has duty to evangelize in contemporary world

By JOHN THAVIS CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE . VATICAN CITY - On the 40th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's pronouncement on the nature and role of the Church, Pope John Paul II said every Catholic has a duty to evangelize the contemporary world.

The recently published "Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church" offers a useful tool to lay men and women who want to implement Vatican II's teachings in modem society, he said.

The pope made the remarks at a noon blessing last week from his apartment window overlooking St.

Peter's Square. He sounded congested and had to pause several times while delivering his short talk.

The pope said Vatican II had wanted to emphasize Christ as "the light of peoples," or "Lumen Gentium, .. the title given to the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, which was issued Nov. 21, 1964.

It presented the Church as a mystery, as a communion of baptized believers, as the people of God, and as a pilgrim moving toward fulfillment in heaven but marked on earth with a real, though imperfect, sanctity. "'Lumen Gentium' marked a milestone in the Church's progress

"

along the road ofcontemporary society," the pope said.

"It stimulated the people ofGod to assume with greater decisiveness their responsibilities in the building up ofthat kingdom of God that will have its fulfillment only beyond history," he said.

"Evangelical animation of the temporal order is, in fact, a duty of every baptized person, in particular of the lay faithful," he said.

The pope said the Church's efforts in the world need the support of prayer. In that regard, religious orders deserve the' spiritual and material assistance of the whole Church, he said.

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.Despite. problems, review board work deepened',faith" say's B~.rke .

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By AGOSTINO BONO '. CATt!OL.IC NEWS SERVICE

.WASHINGTON - Although itmeant raising "holy hell" with some "recalcitrant, bishops," her work as a路 member of the' National Review Board' deep'enedher faith, said Justice Anne M. Burke.

Her 29-month term as a charter'member of the lay board that monitors Church compliance with sex abuse prevention policies transformed her into an active Catholic, said Burke, who has been interim head of the board since June 2003.

"Before, I was a 'passive' Catholic, not really quite involved in Church affairs except through charity events," she told Catholic News Service. .

Burke, an Illinois Appellate Court judge, was interviewed while she was in Washington to attend her last board meeting in November.

When the sex abuse crisis first broke in early 2002, "it piqued my interest, mostly from the legal standpoint, not necessarily from Catholicism," she said.

This' changed after her June 2002 appointment to the lay board, which works under the bishops, said Burke.

It not only transformed her into an active Catholic but opened the door to all the laity having a more effective voice in .

Church affairs, she said.

The board's role in preventing child sex abuse in the Church "is a grace from God, a mission. It's a calling," she said. "Once we embarked on the work of the board, it was the Holy Spirit that kept us going."

"I believe in faith and I.'m sure handled the situation. , Jesus Christ doesn't want his priests to be Working on the hoard was also an op'conducting themselves as many have over portunity.to s,ee'''gieat virtue" along with , "great sin," she said. ' ,the past 50 years," she said. '\Nor do I' believe,Jesus Chris't wants . The virtue belong's to rnany v~ctims, ,his'disciples and his bishops to be acting 'who despite their'anger have stayed in the the way they did," Burke said, citing Church and to the, numerous pri,ests not "mismanagement and poor decision- involved in abuse "who are remarkable making" in the way many bishops men who have nurtured American Catholi-

. JUSTICE ANNE Burke confers with another .member of the National Review Board at the February 27 release of a national study on clergy sexual abuse. The John Jay College of Criminal Justice study showed that 4,392 clerics had been accused of sexual abuse against 1O,667~ alleged..victil1)s between 1950 and 2002. (C~S file photo by Paul Haring) ,

cism for decades," she said. , "And I-'feel so disheartened for. them (priests) because they are disheartened," she said. "As lay people we should reach out to them and encourage them." , Although board members came from different professions and "different walks of Catholicism," these differences became irrelevant as the board focused on sex abuse prevention, she said.

Burke expressed her appreciation for the deep spirituality shown by other members ofthe board. "It's energizing and electric as amatter of fact," she said.

Burke added that leaving the board will not mean returning to being a passive Catholic. "There is no return," she said.

"The crisis has opened the door for the laity in the United States to become more active, because it's partly our fault as well, because as passive Catholics - as most of us have been trained to be - this happened right under our noses," she said.

Burke urged the continuance for the time being of the controversial "zero tolerance" policy by which any cleric who admits to child sex abuse or is found guilty through an approved process is removed from ministry.

"We have to have some guidelines by which our children are going to be safe," she said. ,Eventually, "zero tolerance" can be eliminated, she said. "But, we have to ; ,make sure that there are standards every : step oithe way; that victims are protected, .. their rights protected."

Bishops need time toreflect~ dialogue, new president says

By JERRY F,L.TEAU CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON - The new head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops sees the bishops entering a period of greater reflection, dialogue and relationship: building. .

"I think we're dealing with cultural issues today that have never been faced before," Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash.; said in an interview with CatholiC News Service after. he was elected USCCB president for the next three years: "Because we are facing such significant societal issues," he said, "there's been a desire among the bishops for an opportunity to discuss the issue~' among themselves - pastoral issues that are complex but ones that the bishops need to discuss with more time available."

One key area the bishops dealt with was what changes should be made in the content and flow of their meetings in coming years.

Their responses to a series of questions posed during that session confirmed what Bishop Skylstad gauged to be their views on the need for USCCB meetings to devote less time to statements and projects, giving more atten-

tion to conversation and reflection about difficult pastoral concerns.

"There is some concern about documents, as they're brought forward, taking up so much time in terms of processing," Bishop Skylstad said.

He 'said last June's meeting held near Denver "demonstrated how much the bishops desire to have an opportunity to talk and to discuss issues" outside the usual format of having a document In front of them to be amended and voted on. That meeting was conducted mostly in the form of a reflective special assembly. These assemblies, usually lasting a week or so, replace the spring business meeting every three or four years.

The bishops discussed ways to follow up on their June assembly, where they focused on current pastoral issues such as evangelization and catechesis, declimng . Mass attendance and sacramental participation by U.S. Catholics, and the lack of new vocations to priesthood and religious life.

In a series of straw votes they indicated that they wOl~ld like to devote a full day of their two-anda-half-day meeting next June to continuing those discussions and make their entire June 2006 meeting a reflective special assembly.

The June 2007 meeting is already . Catholics' political responsibili- in approaching practical ways of scheduled to be a special assem- ties when it comes to public poli- proclaiming" what the Church bly. cies that conflict with Church teaches about those complex isBishop Skylstad said itwas too teachings on fundamental moral sues. early to say how those suggestions questions. , "When you look at the diverwould be worked out; but "there's One of the important concerns sity" within the Church, he added, clearly an indication,that the bish- in deepening relations among "certainly you see the tensions. ops would like to spend more time bishops, he said, is "to see how But I think what is remarkable is in the special assembly-type. ex- . we can become even more unifi~d how well it works." perience. You hear some of the . bishops indicate that maybe ev-' ery other year will be an opportune time to do that."

He said USCCB business meetings are "filled with constant activity," from early morning breakfast to late evening committee meetings, and those gatherings "don't allow for a lot of interac. tion among the bishops themselves in terms of sharing and reflection."

"I suspect there's路 a strong sense of a need to develop relationships among ourselves. We live in a world of a lot of polanty" and I think as we look to who we are as a bishops' conference, we see how ~e need to continue to deepen and better our relationships among ourselves," he said.

BISHOP WILLIAM S. Skylstadof Spokane, Wash., left, During the U.S. presidential campaign this year, the media the newly elected president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic gave extensive coverage to the Bishops, attends the bishops' meeting in Washington with different approaches different the outgoing USCCB president, Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of bishops took on questions of Belleville, III. (CNS photo by Paul Haring)

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Friday, DectmbWI,2oG4

Boston archbishop sells some parishes, delays closing others BOSTON (eNS) - In mid-Ncr leave a total of 83 parishes and 67 vember Archbishop Sean P. churches closed. Of the other 16 O'Malley of Boston put the proper- churches, eight will serve new parties of 16 closed parishes up for sale ishes created in the reconfiguration but gave six parishes that were slated and eight will remain opeh as worto close an extension on their clos- ship sites operated by a neighboring ing date. parish.

He also issued a letter to all The closings have met resistance Catholics ofthe archdiocese explain- on a number offronts. By early Ncr ing that the draconian measures he vemberparishioners in seven closed has taken are the result of declining parishes and one slated for closing Mass attendance, the priest shortage were staging round-the-clockprotest and financial troubles that are ''worse sit-ins. than most people realize."

Archbishop O'Malley's letter In the wake of the clergy sexual was released November 13, two abuse ~dal that has enveloped the days after he met with 18 priests archdiocese since 2001, the archdicr whose parishes were scheduled to cese has suffered a 50 percent loss close by mid-January. The archin income, he said. bishop told them the closing deciHe also cited a growing shortage sions would not be reversed, but he of priests, contrasting the 50 to 60 offered them an opportunity to exnew priests ordained yearly a half- tend the closing date. century ago with the seven ordained .

Within the next several days, afthis year. "Over 100 of our present ter consulting with their parishes or pastors are in their 70s or 80s," he parish advisory bodies, at least six pastors requested the extension. wrote.

Five brokerage companies "If difficult decisions are not made now, the mission ofthe Church among whom !;he properties are diwill be seriously compromised in the vided are to solicit offers for at least future," he wrote.

90 days and submit them to the In May, at the end ofa five-month .archdiocesan Real Estate Office and planning process, Archbishop its advisory committee for their recO'Malley announced that 70 of the ommendations.

357 parishes in the archdiocese David Smith, archdiocesan chanwould be closed. cellor, said he will review those recWith some changes made in the ommendations and forward them plan since then, 47 parishes had been with his suggestions to the archclosed by mid-November, and the bishop, who will make final decirevised reconfiguration plan will sions in consultation with his finance

council and college of consultors and, if necessary, the Holy See. The clergy abuse settlements ''have been paid in great part by the sale of the archbishop's residence and adjacent property, as well as by insurance," but the scandal caused a 50 percent reduction of annual income, he wrote.

"Subsidies to poor parishes, ethnic apostolates, formation programs and Catholic schools are all affected.

Many parishes are unable to pay their bills. The pension plans for laity and clergy are in danger," he continued.

"Some people think that reconfiguration will mean a great surplus of money for the archdicr cese. Unfortunately, this is not true."

The archbishop, who is a Capuchin Franciscan, also described his personal anguish over the parish closings, calling it ''the hardest thing I have ever had to do in 40 years of religious life," He said several years of depressed investment earnings, which have hurt pension and retirement accounts nationwide, have left the archdiocese ''with an unfunded pension liability of $80 million."

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A VIAL of flu vaccine sits on the counter of a medical center in Great Neck, N.Y., in late October. Catholic hospitals and other health institutions have been playing a central role in dealing with a nationwide shortage of flu vac?ine that ha~ left many communities scrambling to find solutions for their most vulnerable populations - the elderly, children under two, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses. (CNS photo from Reuters)

Catholic response to flu vaccine shortage: ethics, common sense

By NANCY FRAZIER O'BRIEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON - It's not a problem that Congress has been able to solve. ' But Catholic hospitals and other health institutions have been playing a central role in dealing with the nationwide shortage of influenza vaccine that has left many communities scrdlllbling to find solutions for their most vulnerable populationsthe elderly, children und~r two, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses.

The crisis arose in early October when Chiron Corp. ofSan Francisco announced that because of a contamination problem at its manufacturing plant in England it was withdrawing its Auvirin vaccine from the market, leaving only enough in the United States to vaccinate about a third of those to whom the vaccine is usually targeted.

During a recent conference call sponsored by the Catholic Health Association, ethicists working for Catholic health care systems said decisions on allocating a scarce resource like flu vaccines must be based on an ethical discernrnent process rooted in justice, fairness and a certain measure of common sense.

Father John F. Tuohey, director of Providence Center for Health Care Ethics at Providence St. Vmcent Medical Center in Portland, Ore., whose health system received only 20 percent ofits vaccine order, said the facility gave highest priority to high-risk patients such as residents of its long-term care facility, medically fragile children, chronic dialysis patients and those with HIV. Any remaining vaccine then went , to health care workers, with priority given according to which workers spent the most time with patients.

Mark Repenshek, health care ethicist at Columbia St. Mary's' in Glendale, Wis., and Joseph Piccione, corporate director for mission integration for OSF Healthcare System in Peoria, m., were among the con-

ference call participants who said their organizations were offering education as the best response to the vaccine shortage.

They are not alone.

The Monroe Clinic, a Catholic health system in Monroe, Wis., sponsored by the Co~~gation ofSisters r of St. Agnes, InItiated a program called "Good Health Manners" to help people protect themselves and prevent the spread of germs that caused not only influenza but other airborne illnesses such as colds, pertussis, SARS and meningitis.

The program's key points, distributed on fliers and bookmarks, include instructions to: - cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing; - discard tiss~es into, the tras~; .

-wash hands nnmediatelYWlth soap and water or use an alcohol hand sanitizer; - stay home if you are feeling ill; - see your doctor if you have a fever and cough; --.: take all medications as pre~ scribed.

'In a public service announcement related to the shortage, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers those simple tips and more.

"Other good habits, such as getting plenty of sleep, engaging in physical activity, managing stress, drinki,ng water and eating good food, will help you stay healthy in the winter and all year," says the CDC announcement. "In addition, antiviral medications are available for ~u­ enza and can be used to prevent mfluenza and to treat the flu if they are started in the first two days of the illness."

Another flu vaccine option for healthy individuals between the ages of five and 49 is the nasal-spray flu vaccine AuMist. It is not recommended, however, for health care workers who care for patients with severely compromised irnrnune systems and cannot be given'to pregnant women,

Undermining family causes 'deep wound' to society, pope says

By SARAH DELANEY

torting its role, cause a deep wound to society which often provokes irreparable damage," he said.

VATICAN CITY - Those who undermine the The council, he said, must address changes to fundamental role of the family cause "a deep wound the status of the family at the national and internato society" that is often imtionallevels.

The Church opposes possible to repair, Pope John Paul II said, legislation that permits In an apparent refersame-sex marriage or gives legal status to cohabence to laws being passed in many Western countries iting couples.

Cardinal Alfonso that expand the definitions of family, the pope said the Lopez Trujillo, who leads protection and promotion the Pontifical Council for of traditional marriage and the Family, told the pope families by the Church is during the audience that a matter of "exceptional council members had "reurgency." flected on the current chalThe pope gave his lenges to the family and to warning in a audience last life." He said such chalweek with the Pontifical lenges "are a concern for Council for the Family at humanity," reported the the conclusion of its threenewspaper, Vatican L'Osservatore Romano.

POPE JOHN Paul II blesses the faithday plenary assembly at The pope gave a special the Vatican. ful gathered in St. Peter's Square for the nod to young couples, urgTheh IPodPe and °tthde r noon Angelus November 21 at the VatiCh urc ea ers repea e ly ing the members of the Chi' have been calling attention can. The P?pe als? called upon a!, 0 ICS council to "renew your efto what they see as the cul- to eV':lngehze, saYing .that the ~ew Com- forts to foster young famitural and legal erosion of pendlum of the Social Doctnne of the lies." the established concept of Church" is a useful tool in implementing Young couples, likemarriage between a man the teachings of the Second Vatican Coun- wise, should "cordially acand a woman under way cil. (CNS photo by Daniele Colarieti, cept and intelligently value the discreet, delicate and in many developed coun- Catholic Press Photo) tries. . generous help of other "The family based on marriage is a natural and couples," he said. irreplaceable institution and is the fundamental elThe theme of the plenary session was "The Misement of the common good of every society," Pope sion ofMature and Experienced Couples Toward BeJohn Paul said. trothed and Young Couples." Council members are "Those who destroy this fundamental fabric of clergy, Vatican officials and lay Catholics, including human society, not respecting its identity and dis- several married couples from around the world.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Gay'marriage proposals destructive to society, Vatican official says

By JOHN ;rHAVIS CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY - Instituting forms of gay marriage does not help homosexuals and is "destructive for the family and for society," Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger said.

Cardinal Ratzinger said recent legislative proposals for gay marriage are part of a larger modem rupture between sexuality and fertility. They mark a radical departure from the conviction that the union between a man and a woman guarantees the future ofhumanity, he said.

Cardinal Ratzinger, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, made his comments in an interview published recently by the Rome newspaper La Repubblica.

The interview dealt primarily with Europe, where several countries have moved toward recognizing gay marriage.

Cardinal Ratzinger said this is a trend that "separates us from all the great cultures of humanity, which have always recognized the particular significance of sexuality: that a man and a womaJi are created tojointly be the guarantee ofthe future ofhumanity, a guarantee that is not only physical but also moral."

The cardinal said the Church should have "great respect"'for homosexuals as people who "are suffering and want to find their way to live justly." But creating forms of gay marriage "does not really help these people," he said.

Gay marriage legislation ha" an effect that goes beyond the homosexual population, Cardinal Ratzinger said. It promotes the idea that, because they may be legal, all such unions are morally acceptable, he said.

The cardinal said gay marriage proposals were just one example of the tremendous changes challenging European culture.

'The low birth rate and immigration is changing even the ethnic composition of Europe. Above all, we have passed from a Christian culture to an aggressive form of secularism that at times is intolerant," he said.

As an example ofthis intolerance, the cardinal cited a case in Sweden where a Christian minister was imprisoned for preaching against homosexuality on the basis of Scripture.

Cardinal Ratzinger said Islam represents a special challenge for Europeans. In a positive sense, he said, Christians should be reflecting on the deep religious practice ofMuslims, their firm faith in God, their awareness that we "are all under God's judgment" and the observance ofcommon religious practices - all things that Christians in Europe are losing, he said.

On the other hand, the cardinal said, Muslims should learn from the Christian culture the importance of religious freedom, and the separation between ~hurch and state.

He said Christians should demonstrate to Muslims that "a God that allows more freedom to human beings" also offers them more space for cultural development.

Cardinal Ratzinger said that despite worrisome signs ofa decline in religion in Europe he was confident that "the faith is not dead" on the continent.

"I am sure that even in the context ofa multicultural society, and even with these great disputes, the Christian faith will remain an important f~tor, capable of furnishing moral and cultural strength to the continent," he said.

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Friday, December 3, 2004

Army Spc. Doerflinger remembered for his caring ways, desire to serve

By GERARD PERSEGHIN

Doerflinger had been assigned.

CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE He was a member of the 25th SILVER SPRING, Md. -Army Infantry Division's Stryker Brigade Spec. Thomas Karl Doerflinger, the Combat Team at Fort Lewis. He 20-year-old son of a prominent graduated from basic training at Catholic Pro-Life advocate who Fort Benning, in Columbus, Ga., was killed November 11 while on Feb. 20, 2003. duty in Iraq, was remembered as In a private ceremony before the son, brother, soldier, student and Mass, Collins presented the family friend at a funeral Mass at St. John . with the Bronze Star Medal, the Baptist Church in Silver Spring. awarded for service in combat, and After the November 19 Mass, the Purple Heart, awarded to memspeakers paid tribute to his gentle bers of the armed forces wounded and caring ways and his desire to or killed in action.

The Doerflingers released a serve his country as a soldier after the Sept. I I, 200 I, terrorist attacks statement in which they outlined their son's reasons for joining the on the United States.

He was the son of Lee Ann and Army and his knowledge ofthe risk, Richard Doerflinger of Silver saying that he volunteered "to serve Spring. Richard Doerflinger is the his country and protect innocent deputy director ofthe Secretariat for people. Even as we grieve for our Pro-Life Activities at the U.S. Con- loss, we honor the ideals he stood for and ask others to do the same." ference of Catholic Bishops.

In his homily Father Francis Young Thomas enlisted in the Army after he graduated from Kazista, pastor of St. John the BapSpringbrook High School in 2002. tist, told the congregation that "the Deployed to Iraq October 15, the death of a young person seems parsoldier was part of a unit that was ticularly repugnant because there is hit by small-arms fire only weeks no chance to live life at all."

"It's a mystery that causes deep after he arrived. He died on Veterans Day in the city of Mosul in pain and loss," he said. 'The promise of the life he hasn't lived is frusnorthern Iraq.

His funeral Mass drew hun- trated. To see the talents God has dreds, including Archbishop Edwin given us, and to see those possibiliF. 0' Brien of the U.S. Archdiocese ties cut off, challenges us."

He noted that 20 years ago the for the Military Services, and Maj. Gen. James M. Collins Jr., of Fort Doerflingers brought their son to be Lewis, Wash., where Thomas baptized at St. James Church in

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Mount Rainier, Md. 'Thomas was signed, sealed and delivered into the Church. As we bring Thomas to the church for the last time, we remember that in baptism, he became a child of God. So today we cover his coffin with a funeral pall to remind us eternal life is given to us through the resurrection of Jesus," the priest said.

Father Kazista explained to the congregation, "Mourning is a sign of love. Painful as it is, our mourning signifies a privilege. Those who have never loved cannot mourn. So when Jesus said on the Mount, 'Blessed are they who mourn,' we understand."

Among the people who eulogized Thomas Doerflinger, at the end of the Mass was his oider sister, Anna, 23. She told how as a little girl, she prayed for a brother to come into her family's life.

"He was always 'little,' always my baby brother. He loved nature . and bird watching," she said. "He was a man of integrity, courage. My little brother put his life on the line for something he believed in. He always wanted to do something worthwhile."

Besides his parents and older sister, Thomas Doerflinger is survived by another sister and a brother. Following the Mass, he was buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring.

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the sense of life and feel rejected by everyone, has inspired consecrated men and women to give of themselves without reserve," the pope said.

"Continue to offer yourselves for the world, always aware that the only measure of love is to love without measure," he said.

The pope said the modern world needs religious men and women more than ever. Members of religious orders need to show

contemporary society that the sacrifice of one's own goals and projects in the service of the Gospel is a source of real happiness, he said.

They also need to offer the credible witness of Christian values to a society that often seems disoriented, he said.

"The people of our time are sometimes so poor inside that they are not even able to understand their own poverty. Our age places

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The pope said contemporary society often does notIeave space for unselfish expressions of love.

That increases the responsibility of religious to serve those in need, to "bind every wound" and to respond to spiritual needs wherever they present themselves, he said.

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Friday, December 3, 2004

'Feehan seniors win awards

SECOND-GRADERS from Patricia Olejarz's class at St. Mary's School, New Bedford, wave flags prior to a Veteran's Day prayer service. Roland Gendron, chairman of the POW MIA Veteran's of Foreign Wars, spoke at the service.

ATTLEBORO - Bishop Fee- awarded the school's 2004-2005 han High School Senior Matthew Daughters of the American RevoHall, has been recognized as an lution Award. Each year the Masoutstanding writer by the National sachusetts Daughters of the Council of Teachers of English. American Revolution honor high He is the son of Joseph and Marie school "good citizens."

Hall of Attleboro;' The award program was estabThe NCTE honored 689 high lished by the DAR to recognize school seniors nationwide in the high school seniors who are out2004 Achievement Awards in standing in character and exhibit Writing and the annual awards qualities of good citizenship., The recogniz~ writing excellence . "good citizen" elected by the high b.ased on students' writing school must exhibit qualities of samples and on impromptu dependability, service, leadership, themes written under supervision and patriotism in the school, home for the competition. Winning stu- and community. dents and their schools receive Avila is the son of David and certificates recognizing their ac- Maureen McCarthy Avila of complishment and booklets list- North Attleboro. He is a high honors student at Feehan, and has reing their names.

Hall is 'percussion captain for cently been named a National the marching band, captain of the Merit Semifinalist. He is a memmath team, a member of the de- ber of the Bishop Feehan band, bate team, vice president of the debate team, school newspaper National Honor Society and and Big BrotherlBig Sister propresident of the French Honor gram. He is a member of the NaSociety. tional, Spanish, Science, and TriSenior John Avila, has been M Music honor societies.

MATT HALL

JOHN AVILA

PRINCIPAL JOSEPH Sullivan, left, of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, New Bedford, congratulates students who won gift certificates in its annual candy sale.

Behind Ian O'Brien from left are: Kiyanna DePina, Shirley Pimentel and Maria Pinheiro. Above, first-grade students and their chaperones Shirley Monte and Katie Goncalves enjoy a recent STEPHEN TWIRAGA, a parishioner of Immaculate Convisit to a New Bedford Fire Station after finishing a study ception Church, North Easton, was the cantor during a recent Mass at The Catholic University of America in Washinglesson on fire safety. ton, D.C., where he is majoring in music.

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Friday, December 3, 2004

I

Catholic school students on hand as Bush spares lif~ ,of turk~y

By RICHARD SZCZEPANOWSKI , CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

THE YOUTH Ministry in Action group at St. Mary's Parish, South Dartmouth, recently held a Winter Wear Drive, collecting clothing items for the homeless and poor. (Photo by Eric Rodrigues)

ST. PAUL and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary parishes in Taunton, recently sponsored a four-session Methodology Course for teachers in the Religious Education program.

Janet Rausch, Religious Education coordinator at St. Patrick's Parish, Somerset, was the presenter. Coordinating the course were Religious Education leaders Jacqueline DaSilva and Carol A. Souza.

WASHINGTON - Students at Immaculate Conception SGhool in Northeast Washington had a rare opportunitY to watch in person 'as President George W. Bush exercised a presidential prerogative and issued a pardon to stop a scheduled execution.

In ceremonies at the White House Rose Garden November 17, Bush issued an executive pardon to Biscuits, the national Thanksgiving turkey presented to him by the National Thrkey Federation.

With the action, Biscuits was guaranteed not to wind up on the president's-oranybodyelse'sThanksgiving Day table. Instead, he will live out his life at Frying Pan Park in Vrrginia.

Immaculate Conception stu~ dents were the only students in the nation invited to the ceremony.

After pardoning Biscuits, Bush invited the students to pet the turkey.

The president shook hands with the students, asking them what grade they were in, posing for pictures with them and wishing them a happy Thanksgiving. Vice President Dick Cheney and outgoing Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman also attended the ceremony.

"I was excited to pet a turkey and meet the president," first-grader Jordan Barge told the Catholic Standard, newspaper ofthe Washington Archdiocese.

Sixth-graderJerome Wellington said he was "surprised and happy" at the invitation to meet the president.

In remarks before pardoning the bird, Bush offered a special greeting to the students, calling them his ' "special guests."

"I'm glad you took this field trip

to the White House. I'm grateful to : your school and the parish for sharing some of your blessings during the holidays," the president told the students. He also praised the school and parish for distributing food to the needy in their community. ' ''This is the 40th year Immacu..: late Conception has provided food baskets, to families in the Shaw' neighborhood, to make sure they have plenty to eat for their Thanksgiving dinner," Bush said. "For the sake ofourfeathered guests, l' m not going to elaborate on the contents of those baskets."

Since 1964, the parish has passed out at least 100 food baskets each Thanksgiving to needy famili(fs, Catholic and non-Catholic, who live within the parish boundaries. The turkeys are provided by anonymous donors, and the parish collects or purchases the other food items that complete the well-stocked baskets.

"I was surprised and pleased that the president would make mention of this important pastoral charity," said Father James Watkins, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, who 'accompanied the children to the White House. "An event like this can only serve to renew and strengthen our commitment to public Christian service in the Shaw community."

During the ceremony, Bush reminded his guests that this was an election year, joking that Biscuits - and his running mate Gravy won a "neck-and-neck" vote to earn the title of national Thanksgiving turkey. The Whit~ House Website hosted an election to pick the turkey that would be pardoned. Biscuits and Gravy beat the turkey team of Patience and Fortitude.

"It came down to a few battle-

ground states. [t was a tough contest, and it turned out some 527 organizations got involved, including Barnyard Animals for Truth/~the president teased, in thinly veiled ref,erences to his own bid for re-election. 'There was a scurrilous film that came out, 'Fahrenheit 375 Degrees at 10 Minutes Per Pound.'

Now, it's a time for healing."

The president then struck a serious tone, speaking of"our men and women of the armed forces, many of whom are spending Thanksgiving far from home."

"Last Thanksgiving, I had the privilege of meeting with our military serving in the Baghdad area of Iraq. Those men and women, like all who wear our nation's uniform, have volunteered to serve," Bush said. 'Through their courage and skill and sacrifice, they are keeping our country safe and free. America is proud of our military. We're proud ofour military families. And we gave them our thanks every day of the year."

Bush also reminded Americans that Thanksgiving Day is set aside to honor and thank God. "We are a nation founded by men and women who deeply felt their dependence on God and always gave him thanks and praise," the president said. "As we prepare for Thanksgiving in 2004, we have much to be thankful for: our families, our friends, our beautiful country and the freedom granted to each one of us by the Almighty."

Father Watkins called the White House visit "an exciting moment of education for our children." He said it "inspires our children to give generously to those in need, but also at the same time to show gratitude to God for the blessings we have received."

Snapshots of you

By KASE JOHNSTUN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE The snapshot is taken, you are held in your parents' arms, clueless to your surroundings as your godparents try to find a perfect angle to snap a photo of their new godchild. For some reason, right before the photo is taken, you open your eyes just enough to take the picture, revealing the ham you are to become.

The snapshot is taken, you kneel with veil or bow tie on the pews of your hometown church. Twenty-some odd kids your age kneel next to you, tongues out in front of t~emi adorned in their miniature suit or perfectly white dres~.

Your father holds the camera

just as you tum to give a quick smile out of the comer of your mouth, glancing to let him know you always know when a picture of you is about to be taken, revealing that sixth sense that lurks in every eight-yearold, the ham, the center of attention.

The snapshot is taken, now in a larger suit with larger knees or in a longer dress with heels. Twenty-some odd high school students kneel next to you as you repeat your baptismal vows.

You glance up again, and this time tongue out as your father whip~ out his,camera , trying to catch you without you looking, but your quick glance exposes you for the showoff

you are.

The snapshot is taken, you sit in the pews with your parents, nodding off during a . boring homily. Next to you your

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Coming of

Age older brother flicks your leg with a palm on Palm Sunday, and you awaken just in time for the Eucharist, sloughing off the . drowsiness until you return to . your seat to battle it again. , The snapshot is taken, you;'

hold teammates' hands right before a track meet or basketball game, wearing matching uniforms, mentally preparing for the next match, asking God for strength and courage, hoping to glance up between plays to a random camera for the newspaper shot or school yearbook so there would be proof of your playing abilities.

The snapshot is taken, you clasp hands at the foot of your bed, kneeling. You disregard . the discomfort of the pain in your knees from your last soccer game. Leaning slightly , over you ask for strength the next day, to be more like Christ, to treat otl}ers with respect, to follow the Commandments.

With the'pain of swelling rising

through your legs you ask for forgiveness, trying to recall the thoughts and actions that break from what you had been taught.

You glance up to find no camera to document your moment of prayer, to capture your deeds for the paper or for your godparents. You glance up, avoiding a cheesy grin for a flash of light and a one-hour exposure. You glance up, hoping for a moment of peace in your day that only the two of you know about, a picture, a flash, a moment to do something not for anyone else, but to take a picture of ':V~o you want to be.

What pictures do you want in your spiritual scrapbook? .E-mail: . kasetate@hotmail.com.

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Friday, December 3, 2004

Mother Teresa's successor brings message of God's love to Denver

By ROXANNE KING CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

DENVER - With the humility and simplicity of her predecessor, Blessed Mother Teresa, Sister Nirmala Joshi brought a message of love and tenderness to Denver.

The superior general of the Missionaries of Charity was in the Denver Archdiocese recently for her fIrst visit to the Sisters of her order who operate Seton House, a home for AIDS sufferers. . Following an early evening Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception celebrated

by Denver Auxiliary Bishop Jose H.' Gomez and concelebrated by several priests, Sister Nirmala deliver~d a brief message to the several hundred people w~o attended the liturgy. ''Today I bring you the message that Mother brought the world, that God is love," Sister Nirmala , said.

"He loves us with the most tender, personal and unconditional love," she said. "It doesn't matter how poor, how insignifIcant, how simul we may be." . . " Out of love for us, she continued, God sent us his only son, Jesus, who suffered, died, rose from the dead and ascended into heav'en to save us from sin and . death. ' "But he has not left us orphans," SisterNirmala said, noting that Christ lives among the faithful "as our food and drink of life, eternal life" in the sacrament of the Eucharist.

"He's here to feed us with his Body and Blood - to transform us into himself so that we may become his heart and his hands," she said. "He's here to give us the Holy Spirit, to open our minds and hearts so that we may recognize him in the various disguises of our ' suffering brothers and sisters."

With the same 'piety and charisma of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India, who founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her devotion to the world's neediest, Sister Nirmala echoed her predecessor's

~

constant refrain about the "poor, . est of the poor."

"He comes to us in the poorest of poor as the hungry one, the thirsty one, the homeless one, the lonely one, the unloved and unwanted one, the sick and the dying one," Sister Nirm<:lla said. "To give us the opportunity to satiate his hunger and thirst for our love."

Dressed in her order's distinctive white sari trimmed with blue ~tripes and wearing thin rubber flip-flop sandals, the nun also expressed her gratitude for the prayers and help people in the archdiocese have extended to the sisters who operate Seton House.

A Hindu convert to Catholicism, Sister Nirmala was born in 1934 in Duranda near Ranchi in India's eastern Bihar state to a family of the priestly Brahmin' caste. She joined :the Missionaries of Charity at age 24. She was elected superior of the order in March 1997, six months before Mother Teresa died.

Sister Nirmala came to Denver after visiting her order's missions in New Mexico. From Denver she headed to the Missionaries of Charity's home in San Francisco.

She fIrst arrived in the United States after attending the 48th International Eucharistic Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, in October. Prior to her New Mexico stop, she visited members of her order ministering in the Chicago and Detroit areas.

In his' homily, Bishop Gomez said Mother Teresa, who is a candidate for canonization, is an extraordinary example of holiness . and simplicity of life for contemporary society.

He recalled that in a prayer, she said, "Let me preach to you, without preaching. Not by words, but by example."

As Mass attendees lined up after the liturgy to greet Sister Nirmala and receive religious medals and a holy card, she was asked what message she most wanted people to take home.

"Love one another," she said.

"Remember, God loves us tenderly and wants us to do the same." .

POPE JOHN· Paul II and President Ronald Reagan meet in this undated file photo. Two top foreign policy officials in the Reagan administration have said that the pope and Reagan shared information in the Cold W,ar, but did not engage in coordinated actions to topple the .

Soviet bloc. (CNS I?hoto) .

Officials say pope, Reagan shared Cold War data, but lacked alliance, . By AGOSTINO BONO '.

CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

the~nited States thought of Poland Allen said that although he was as a means to the disintegration and. quoted 12 years ago as saying that, WASHINGTON-1\votopfor- . collapse ofthe main danger, the main the Vatican and the United States formed ''the greatest secret alliance eign policy officials in the adminis- adversary, the Soviet Union."

Rowny, a Polish-American and in history" he meant it "as a metatration of the late President Ronald Reagan have said he and Pope 10hn aCatholic, said that although his task phor, not as a statement of fact."

"Not once, to my knowledge, did· Paul II shared information about the was to briefthe pope on arms reducCold War but did not engage in co- tion talks the pope would quickly Washington and the Vatican plan jointly to achieve a policy objective," ordinated actions to topple the So- tum the topic to Poland. viet bloc. . ''He wanted me to tell him about said Allen, currently a senior fellow ''We were more interested in hav- Reagan's'views of Solidarity and a at the Hoover Institute on War, Revoing the pope on our side and not in free Poland," said RoWDY, referring lution and Peace at Stanford Univerhaving him do something for us," to the independent trade union move- sity in California.

Allen said Reagan used other said Edward Rowny, Reagan's main ment that became the leading oppoadviser and negotiator on nuclear sition group to the Polish commu- prominent Catholics in his government to brief the pope. These innist govemment in the 19808. arms talks.

Richard V. Allen, Reagan's 1981The pope "was always pleased to cluded CIA Director William Casey 82 national security adviser, said hear that the president backed Soli- and roving ambassador Gen. Vernon Walters, he said. there was "a convergence of inter- darity," said Rowny. ''The pope was fascinated with Casey would fly secretly to Rome ests" but not an alliance between the United States and the' Vatican dur- Reagan's ability to negotiate with in a windowless C-141 blackjetand "be'taken undercover to the VatiGorbachev," he said. ing the Reagan presidency.

Rowny said Reagan believed that can," said Allen.

Reagan was president from 1981 Both officials said that the public to 1989, a period that saw the Soviet the fact that Pope John Paul was Union lose its political hold on its Polish would be an important factor stances of the Vatican did little to East European allies, which led to in the eventual liberation of Poland. influence either U.S. or Soviet policy. the eventual breakup of the Soviet Union and the peaceful end of communist governments in the Soviet bloc. Pope John Paul was elected in October 1978.

Both are considered pivotal figures in ending the Cold War; there often has been speculation that Reagan and the pope - both strongly anti-e(jmmunist - worked together to topple communist rule in Europe.

Rowny, who briefed the pope four times on Reagan's behalf, was interviewed recently by Catholic News Service. Allen gave a talk last week at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington on the INDIAN PRIESTS and lay people carry the remains of the pope, Reagan and the collapse of 16th-eentury Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier in a procescommunism. sion in Goa, India, November 21. St. Francis Xavier first arrived Allen said the pope and Reagan in Goa in 1542, baptizing many among India's lower castes. were on "parallel tracks" in the Cold War, but the pope was primarily in- Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are expected to honor the terested in the situation in his native saint during a 43-day exposition of his remains, which happens Poland while ''President Reagan and once every 10 years. (CNS photo from Reuters)

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SISTER NIRMALA Joshi, the superior general of the Missionaries of Charity. (CNS photo by Craig Robinson)

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