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FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER --_ ····-FOR·SOUTI-IEAST MASSACHUSEtts

. . CQO&"lHE ISlANtiS . /-... . .. '

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VOL. 45, NO. 49 • Friday, December 21, 2001

FALL RIVER, MASS.

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TH~ANCHOR-Di6cese of Fall Rive.r-Fri., December 21, 2001

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Saint ~nne's lists changes in Health Network schedule

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Eucharistic Holy .....

Hour and devotions' ' to Our Lady of LaSaiette andDivine Me..cy are held 'every ~ednesday evening at 1: I 5 p.m.

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New sites include Somerset-Swansea Walk-In Center and FIRSTFED Center for Breast Care.

in the Shrine Church at LaSalette Shrine ",,941 Park St•• AttI~bor~

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FALL RIVER - The' schedule for the Women's Health Network program of breast and cervical cancer services for January and February are 'announced by ~ . , Saint Anne's Hospital. ~O Two new changes in services . . and sites are effective with the coming year.

All clinics at Saint Anne's Hos-

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Daily Readings 2 Sm 7:1-5,8b12,14a,16; Ps 89:2-5,27,27; Lk 1:67-79 (Vigil) Is 62: 1-5; Ps 89:45,16-17,27,29; Acts 13:62:1617,22-25; Mt 1:1, 250r1:18-25 (Midnight) Is 9:1Dec 25 6; Ps 96:1-3,1113;Ti2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 (Dawn) Is62:11"12; Ps 97:1,6,11-12;Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 (Day) Is 52:7-10; Ps 98: 1-6; Heb 1:1-6;Jn1:1-18 or1:1-5,9-14 Acts 6:8Dec 26 10;7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd4,6,8ab,16bc-17; Mt 10:17-22 1 In1:1-4; Ps Dec 27 97:1-2,5-6,11-12; In 20:2-8 1 In 1:5-2:2; Ps Dec 28 124:2-5,7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 1 In 2:3-11; Ps Dec 29 96:1~3,5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 .Dec30 ,Sir 3:2-6,12-14; Ps 128:1-5; Col 3:12-21 or 3:1217; Mt2:1315,19-23 1 In 2:18-21; Ps Dec31 96:1-2,11-13; In 1:1-18 Jan 1 . Nm 6:22-27; ~s 67:2-3,5-6,8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16~21' 1 In 2:22-28; Ps Jan 2 98:1-4;Jn 1:1928 Jan 3' 1 In 2:29-3:6; Ps 98:1.-3,6; In 1:29-34 Jan 4' 1 In 3:7.:10; Ps 98:1,7-9; In 1:35-42 1 Jn~:11-21; Ps Jan 5 100:1 "5;Jn 1:4351 Is. 60: 1-6; Ps Jan 6 72:2,7-8,10-13; Eph 3:2-3a,5-6; Mt2:1-12 Dec 24

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS, ADVERTISERS AN'D FRIENDS

the ancho.(S) STAFF This message sponsored by the following business , concerns in the Diocese of Fall River . WALSH PHARMACY • GILBERT C. OLIVEIRA INSURANCE ·AGENCY

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THE ANCHOR (USPS-545.m<l) Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Published weekly except for the first two weeks in July ani the week after Christmas at 887 Highlanl Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Calholic Press of the Diocese ofFall River. SulJ;cription price by 'mail, postpaid, $14.00. per year.

POSTMASTERS seoo address changes to The An:hor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA fJ2m.

January 8, 8:30 a.m.~3:30 pital previously held at the Hudner Oncology Center, will now be held p.m., SSTAR, 400 Stanley Street, at the hospital's FIRSTFED Cen- Fall River, 508-675-1054; January 12, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., ter for Breast Care. , Also, beginning in January, a FIRSTFED; January 15, 9 a.m.-noon, new, additional site, the SomersetSwansea Walk-In Center at 67 Somerset-Swansea Walk-In CenGrarid Army Highway, Somerset, 'ter, 67 G.A.R .. Highway, will host the mobile mammogra- Somerset, 508-678-5631; January 16, noon-3:45 p.m., phy van.

Through a grant from the Health First, 102 County Street, Women's Health Network of the Fall River, -508-679-8111 ; , January 26, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Massachusetts Department of Public Health, free services are avail- FIRSTFED. Schedule for February 2002: able to,: uninsured and February 5, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 underinsured women who meet p.m., SSTAR; the various criteria.

February 9, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., , A registered nurse and registeredradiology technologist pro- FIRSTFED; February 12, 9 a.m.-noon, v,ide mammograms, clinical breast exams, Pap tests and physi- Somerset-Swansea Walk-In Cencal exams in the mobile mammog- ter; February 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m., raphy van at various sites.

Other health services, include FIRSTFED; February 20, noon-3:45 p.m., free breast and cervical education and further diagnostic testing as Health First; February 23, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., needed. Portuguese-speaking staff and interpr~ters for other FIRSTFED. languages are available.

For more information contact ( CORRECTION Maria Cabrales, RN, at 508-675The ordination of Seminar5658. ian, Jeffrey Cabral of North Appointments are necessary Dartmouth to the transitional for all services by calling the host diaconate will be held Satursites below. day, Jan. 5, 2002 at 1·1 a.m., Schedule for January 2002: in St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall January 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m., River. An earlier story had FIRSTFED Center,' South Main given an erroneous date. The and Middle streets, Fall River, Anchor regrets the error.

508-675-5658;

In Your Prayers Please pray for the following priests during the coming week Dec.24 ' 1886, Rev. James K. Beaven, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton 1914, Rev: Timothy 1. Duff, Assistant, St. Joseph, Woods Hole Dec. 27 1956, Rev. Thomas J. Stapleton, Pastor, Corpus Christi, Sandwich ' .

1970, Rev. Msgr. Armand Levasseur, Pastor Emeritus, St. Anne, New Bedford .

1995, Rev. Manuel Andrade, Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River ~,

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Dec. 28 1955, Rev. Charles R. Smith, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, .

Fall River 1987, Rev. Edward 1. Sharpe, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset; Rev. Clement Paquet, O.P., Assistant, St. Anne, Fall River Dec. 30 1991, Rev. Thomas C. Mayhew, Pastor, Our Lady ofMt. Carmel, ' , ' .~ , Seekonk '

. Jan~l/~

1955, Rev. Jose Yaleirb;Pastor, ~t. Elizabeth, Fall River , 1956, Rev. Antonio ~. Fortuna; P;istor, Immaculate Conception, New Bedford 1968, Rev. Francis R. Connerton,SS.STD., St John's Seminary, Plymouth, Michigan , Name, New Bedford 1975, Rev. Leo T. Sullivan, Pastor, "t";:loly \

Jan. 4 1961, Rev. Eugene L.Dion, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River ' 1999, Rev. Joseph L. Powers, Founder, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, No. Falmouth .

Jan.S 1994, Rev. William McClenahan, SS.Cc.

Jan. 6 1906, Rev. James F. Rqach, Founder, Immaculate Conception, Taunton 1997, Rev. Rene G. Gauthier, Pastor, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River

Bishop· 0 'Malley's Christmas Message December 200 I Dearly beloved in Christ, The first Christmas Carol was composed and sung by angels, "Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth." We incorporate this car-ol into the Mass Prayer: the Gloria. It is a constant reminder that Christmas is a feast of reconciliation and peace. The ancient prophecies describe the Messianic Age as one where wolf and lamb, lion and cow, child and viper live in peace and harmony.

It is a time of healed relation-

ships. On this birthday of the Prince of Peace, there is no bet- . ter way to celebrate than by making peace - letting go of rivl!lries, resentments, petty vindictiveness, anger, and upset. Christmas is about peace because it is about forgiveness. If God can forgive the human family for all the sins since the sin of Adam and Eve, we must learn how to let go, how to forgive. Let us begin with our own families and close associates.

Once we have healed those personal relationships, we are in a better place to work for peace among nations. .

THEANCHOR-DioceseofFall River-Fri., December21,2001

This year "peace on earth" is uppermost in our minds. Terrorism has brought the battle line to the center of our cities, our workplaces, airports, and post offices.

Our sense of security is shattered.

As the Holy Father has said in his New Year's Letter, "Terrorism is built on contempt for human life."

Christmas could happen only because Mary said "Yes" to God and "Yes" to life. We reaffirm the

Gospel of Life and its important place in establishing peace in the world. The more respect we have for human life, the greater the prospect for world peace. .

Each year we celebrate at the end of the octave of Christmas, January 1'I, the "Feast of the Motherhood Qf Mary" and World Peace Day, linking the Gospel of Life and the quest for peace. This year the Catholic Bishops have asked our people to make January 1st a special day for prayer. In addition to reminding our people that we are obliged to come to Turn to page six - Message

Rev. John Santone, C.S.c., Administrator, Holy Cross Parish, South Easton.

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OFFICIAL His Excellency, the Most Reverend Sean O'Malley, O.EM. Cap., Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the nomination of the Very Reverend Arthur J. Colgan, C.S.c., Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, and has made the following appointment:

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THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., December 21,2001

themoori~

the living word

The Christmas Child One of the more gripping stories of the Christmas narrative comes from the Gospel of Matthew. He writes, "When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the astrologers, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys two-years-old and under in Bethlehem and its environs" (Matt. 2: 16).

Only Matthew narrates the account of Joseph taking Mary and Jesus into Egypt while Herod slaughtered the children of Bethlehem. Herod was a past master in the act 'of assassination.

He tried to armihilate the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of the Jews; he murdered much of his family. including his wife and eldest son; he, arranged for the murder of m'any of the nobles of Jerusalem. At the news of a new king, he acted out what would be expected, namely, the murder 'of the new Messiah. .

What, makes this story so relevant for Matthew is to support his understanding of Jesus as the new Moses. Remember pharaoh had all the male children killed at the time of Moses' birth but he escaped when his 'mother placed him in a basket on the Nile River.

Pharaoh's daughter found him, taRing him as her own child. In like manner, Matthew's understanding is to reflect that Herod is a new pharaoh ordering the murder of children at the time of Jesus' birth and his flight into Egypt. In this way he is able to quote the prophet Hosea who reflected, "When Israel' was a child, I loved him and out of Egypt I called my son" (Hosea 11: 1).

Today it is important for us to· notice the witness of innocent children. The first 9bvious witnesses are those children who are aborted. We believe that. life begins' at the moment of conception. . An aborted child is. a martyr. Abortion is a slaughter of the innocent. Th'e process might be clinically clean, but its end is as devastating' as the actions of Herod in Bethlehem. In a very real way an aborted child is. one who is put to death because of his or her potential faith in Jesus. The Matthew story is much alive .here in , our own time and place.

The second reflection of this. narrative has to do with the millions of children who are forced to flee home and nation. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, there are children allover the. face of. the.earth who. are refugees from war and. terror. Just think of .the thousands of children who were orphaned by the actions of September 1L- 'Phe 'war.in Afghanistan· Qas fqrced, mil- . lions to flee for the very safety of their lives. Amid the horrors 9f our times, children are the first to pay the high price through loss of parents or guardians.

In other places children are the victims of famine and starv(ition. How many times do we view .such faces impassively as we sit in our comfortable chairs watching the evening. news? How oftep do we ignore the basic needs of children because they atedifferent faces· and colors outside the realm of our own social order? How many children are the victims of racism and discrimination because of our own indifference and bias?

These are some very hard questions' that, many would feel inappropriate for this particular season. Yet, if we hold that Christmastide is a special time for children, then we should open our eyes to the reality of our times. Children are witnessing the' many reflections of the infant Christ in their suffering and poverty. As we look into the manger scene, allow reality to set in. Go beyond a mere creche' figure. Let the eyes of the soul bring vision of heart into your person. And, as the. story of Christmas is heard let it not fallon deaf ears. Make it come alive as we reach out to all children giving them hope and love. We can do this if we remember that the innocence of all children bears witness to the Christmas Child.

STAFF SGT. DAN HOTTLE OF KANSAS CITY, Mo., BRINGS A BIT OF HOLIDAY SPIRIT TO A WAREHOUSE TAKEN OVER BY U.S. MARINES AT CAMP RHINO IN AFGHANISTAN. HE DISCOVERED THE CHRISTMAS TREE IN A SHIPMENT OF READY-TO-EAT MEALS FOR THE TROOPS. (CNS PHOTO FROM REUTERS)

"THEY WILL· REMEMBER ME I~ FAR COUNTRIES" (ZECHARIAH 10:9).

Parish health care

for the working poor

By FATHER EUGENE'HEMRICK CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

Deeply inspiring is the only way I can describe "Parish Outreach: Health Care for the Working Poor," a seminar held in November at the Washington Theological Union in Washington. , The seminar focused on volunteer health care centers that are serving thousands of people in the United States who often have no health care coverage or, worse, no hope of recovering from serious Executive Editor illnesses. What is especially inspiring is that this work mirrors Christ, who forever was curing , the infirm. Through his example he taught us that caring for others in this way is one ofthe.greatest acts of love we can perform. ,;. .

The seminar started with a '. ,.OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER' touching story of Dave, a happy, . P~blis~ed.we'eldY by the Qatholic Press, of the Diocese of Fall River outgoing, singing waiter in a lo887 Highland Avenue P.O. BOX 7 cal restaurant. It was recounted Fall River, MA 02720 Fall River, MA 02722-0007 by a member of the Shepherd's , +efephon~ 508-675-7151 FAX 508-675-7048 Hope health care facility in Or",E-mail: TheAnchor@Arichornews.org lando, Fla., who knew Dave.

Send addres~ changes to p.o.. Box, call or use E-mail address .One evening Dave suddenly, became dizzy and had to be rushed EXECUTIVE EDITOR to the hospital. Doctors told him Rev. Msgr. John F. Moore . he needed extensive tests to learn EDITOR NEWS EDITOR OFFICE MANAGER the causes of his dizziness. Being , David B. Jolivet James N. Dunbar Barbara M. Reis employed part time and having

~anc:~ ~

no me~ical coverage, Dave quickly drained his savings, before the ~eeded tests could be performed. Everything seemed hopeless until Shepherd's Hope heard of his plight, took him under its care and worked 'to obtain the needed tests.

Today 16 percent of the U.S. population is like Dave: without medical insurance or hope if a serious medical problem occurs.

It is predicted that this percentage will climb dramatically in the near future. Rising doctor and hospital expenses, and an increase. in prescription 'drug costs, which. are creating a decline in employer medical coverage, are the main ,causes of this situation.

To aid uninsured people like Dave, volunteer health services such as Shepherd's Hope are being created in local communities, especially by churches. One advantage. churches enjoy when they establish such facilities is having doctors and nurses in their congregations to call upon. An even greater advantage is' being able to spiritually connect church health services with living the Gospels.

These centers require good

managers who can attract volunteers' and provide them with the proper training. Especially essential to the operation is finding the right facilities. It was heartening to learn that local counties and hospitals often donate medic~l supplies, free lab services and equipment. One reason is that the health care centers often detect early stages of serious diseases in poor people, thus enabling the disease to be attended to immediately. Early treatment often means fewer emergency cases at hospitals, which by law would be required to admit these patients h~d the disease progressed.

From a financial point it was encouraging to learn that doctors working in these centers regularly donate large amounts of prescripti.on drugs they receive as free samples.

Most parishes can and should establish health care centers. Why emphasize getting into this difficult business? For one thing, because in serving the physical health needs of the sick and the poor, mirror Christ, who cared for them ·so well. In doing so we 'practice a Nital principle of the spiritual life.

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A New England Christmas 'Twas the night before Christmas on trusty Trot Nixon, and at Fenway Park, With Urbina and Lowe The lights were extinguished, we'll hand out a lickin'" . the field was quite dark; From April through June, Red Sox were hung on the they were just getting warm, big old Green Monster, So come October they While potential buyers took.all by storm.

Such a wonderful dream . nibbled on lobster.

The fans hit the sack with one I never enjoyed, thing on their minds; New England was jumping, A Red Sox World Series, a winner thls time.

I too turned in after a meal of roast pori<, hoping that Santa snubbed the Yanks of New Yori<o Just as I drifted into a fine sleep,

By Dave Jolivet I envisioned Ramirez taking Clemens so deep.

And Nomar was back, and his wrist was like iron; our spirits were buoyed. . His bat was alive and But it ended too soon, opponents were cryin'. for something did wake me; It enveloped my dream and I saw Pedro releasing fastballs like darts; left me quite shaky.

His shoulder was sturdy, I wasn't concerned 'bout the source of the noise; like a mighty robot.

For sure it was St. Nick Jason was crouched behind the plate like before, dispensing some toys.

I was much too upset that the Erasing base-stealers . before they could score. season had ended before it began, A glanc~ in the dugout revealed a surprise; my joy was s~spended.

Reality returned as I lay Dwight Evans was ~ere, in my bed, assisting our guys! and that wasn't good for And all season long, ole Jerry and Sean' the Sox colored red.

From the broadcast booth For even before it turned 2002, . emoted this song: TheYankeesgotbette~ and Toronto did too.

"On Daubach, on Guapo,

My View From the Stands

THEANCHOR-DioceseofFaII River-Fri., December21,200l

I Pray to end abortion I

While we in New England were still up for sale, The pin-striped New Yorkers had already set sail.

As owners were meeting and swapping and trading, The Red Sox did nothing, now all hope is fading.

So Santa, I'm begging and praying and' pleading, Please make a trade so we won't take a beating.

Or, bring us an owner not afraid to spend money, Who'll keep Fenway Park filled with fine milk . and honey.

In a season that should be filled with great cheer, Already, for Sox fans, it's wait 'til next year.

And the sad part about it, I say with no glee, Next year for we fans will be 2003.

So please dear St. Nick, I don't want a new Vette, a Mercedes, a Lexus or a new Beamer yet.

I just want the Red Sox to win the big fight.

Merry Christmas to you, and to you a good night.

I would like to wish all those who have shared the pains and woes ofNew England sports with me in 2001, a very blessed Christmas and a peace-filled 2002..

Dave Jolivet is aformer sports editor/writer and the current editor of The Anchor.

Comments are welcome at DaveJolivet@Anchornews.org.

Tally's Church Supplies wishes a blessed Christmas to all parishes of the Diocese ofFall River.

Thank you for your continued support.

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MAY THE CHRIST CHILD FILL OUR HEARTS 'WITH HIS PEACE AND JOY THIS CHRISTMAS. !F&1J. {jas~ao Oliveira &

!F&1J•. 'Brian JI.{bino MASS SCHEDULE CHRISTMAS EVE - DEC. 24

CHRISTMAS DAY - DEC. 25

<6PMVigil- English .

11:30PM Concert of Carols.

12 Midnight Mass - Bilingual

10AM Mass - English 12 Noon Mass - Portuguese

FELIZ NATAL! / MERRY CHRISTMAS!

6 THEANCHOR-DioceseofFallRiver-Fri.,December21,2001

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What is ·"little Christmas"?

Q. Why is the feast of ofCana. Traces of all three remain Epiphany called ''Lit~le Ch.rist- today in our Epiphany liturgy.

Nearly all the Eastern churches mas"? The dictionary refers to Epiphany as celebrated on eventually came to celebrate the January 6, but it doesn't always birth' of the Savior on December fall on the same date. Explain? 25. The Armenian church still observes it, along with Epiphany, on (Connecticut) A. The feast of Epiphany. January 6.

(Greek word for manifestation) is the last day of the Christmas season in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, which may be one reason for the "Little Christmas" designation.

By Father Today its primary focus John J. Dietzen for us is the coming of the magi to the infant Jesus, symbolizing the revelaIn the United States and some tion of his coming to the gentile other countries, Epiphany is now world as well as to the Jews.

A related but surely greater rea- observed on the Sunday between son, however, is that it is the last January 2 and January 8, which day of the popular Christian cus- explains the difference in dates.

Q.. I recently attended a tom celebrating the 12 days of Christmas. The custom originated course on Christian morality in England during the time be- offered by our archdiocese. We tween 1558 and 1829 when Catho- were informed that the Church lics were forbidden to practice any has now adopted the Hebraic outward expressions of their faith, translation of the fifth commandment; "Thou shalt not including Christmas.

Some propose that each part of murder" instead of "Thou shalt the popular carol with that' name not JOIl!' When and why did this was code for some aspect of Catho- change take place? (New York) A. I'm not aware of any offilic doctrine. Seven swans a-swimming, for example, denoted the cial change, but the commandment· seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Four has never been understood to procalling birds were the four Gos" hibit all killing, but rather what pels, and so on. we woule! generally call murdf<r.

Also, gifts of some sort apparently were offered on the 12th day, January 6. The king or queen of England traditionally makes an. offering of gold, incense and myrrh to the royal chapel on that FALL RIVER - Bishop Sean day. All these together prompt the designation of Epiphany as "Little O'Malley, OFM Cap., will be the principal celebrant of the ChristChristmas."

Epiphany is a much older feast . mas Mass to be televised on in the Church than Chdstmas, WLNE-TV, ABC Channel 6 on ranked with Easter and Pentecost Christmas morning from 10 to II as the· three major feasts of the a.m. It will be a delayed broadcast year. For a long time, particularly of the Christmas Vigil Mass celin the East, the day celebrated the ebrated at 4:00 p.m. on Christmas three major manifestations of our Eve at St. John Neumann Church Lord: The coming of the magi, the in East Freetown.

Also, the Christmas Midnight baptism of Jesus at the Jordan and the miracle· at the wedding feast Mass to be celebrated by Bishop

Questions and Answers

ChristmaslNew Year's Masses to be broadcast

Message May the peace of Chi'i~t; the newboi'n King be In YOUi' heai't and in YOUi' home today and in the new yeai'.

Merr,'Y Chi'id;ma~ and Happy New Yeai' fr,om the ~t~ff and family of COi'pU~ Chi'i~b Pai'is-h ~a~t Sandwich, Ma~~achu~eth

The Hebrew verb "rasah" used. in the list of the commandments in Deuteronomy 5, for example, refers to homicide, either intentional or accidental, but not to killing of animals for food, or capital punishment, or killing in battle, all of which were practiced in Hebrew culture.

• Thus, the more correct translation, there and in the listing of the Ten Commandments as given in .Exodus 20, is: "Thou shalt not murder." This would cov~r all killing not explicitly authorized under Mosaic law.

I doubt that your instructor presented this meaning as ·an alteration. It is, in fact, the ancient interpretation of the commandment. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 2258-2330) explains the similar traditional Christian understanding of this part of the Decalogue.

A free brochure in English or Spanish, answering questions Catholics ask about baptism practices and sponsors is available by sending a stamped, selfaddressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 01651.

Questions for this column should be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address, or e-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.

Mass on January }5l, we are also inviting all of our Catholics to pray the rosary for peace on that day. I, myself, will celebrate a Midnight Mass on New Year's Eve at the Shrine of St. Anne in Fall River. All are welcome to join me to begin the New Year in prayer for peace. What could be a more meaningful way to usher in our New.Year than coming to Mass and asking for God's bles~ing on our lives in the New Year? It is a beautiful tradition in our Church that is too often eclipsed by secular celebrations and revelry.

In order to heal our personal relationship and establish a just society and peace on earth, we need the spiritual resources that will come to us only through prayer: personal prayer, family prayer, and communal prayer. As

O'Malley in Portuguese at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford will be aired on the Portuguese Channel at 4:30 p.m. on Chllstmas Day. The Portuguese Channel is carried by many cable. television systems in the area.

Bishop O'Malley will also be the principal celebrant of a Midnight Mass at St. Anne's Church, Fall River on New Year's Eve, for the intentions of world peace.

Continued from page three

we kneel before the creche this Christmas, may the birthday gift we bring Jesus be a renewed commitment to be people of prayer, a people who keep holy the Lord's Day by coming to Mass each Sunday. No other New Year's resolution will be as significant in our quest for peace and harmony in our homes and in our world.

Assuring you of my prayers and best wishes for each and every one of you in this Christmastide and throughout the New Year, I remain, Devotedly yours in Christ,

Bishop of Fall River

THE ANCHOR -:- Diocese of Fall River - Fri., December 2.1 , 200 I

CHRISTMAS, .BLESSINGS ,.. , .' ,.FROM , THE PARISH FAMILY OF CHRIST THE KING MASHPEE, COTUIT, -MARSTON,S MILLS

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REV. MSGR. RONALD- A. TOSTI RE~ GREGORY MATHIAS RE~ JAMES F. LYONS RE~ E'DWARD J. BU:Q.NS. ,RE~ KENNETH GUMBERT"O.P•. ·.RE~MR.ROBERTD.LEMAY.,,::, . RE~ MR. FRANK D. FANASIA ' SR. ANNETTE ROACH, O.P., SR. CLAIRE SINOTTE, O.P. SR. DYMPNA SMITH, R.S.M. ,

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THEANCHOR-'DioceseofFall River-Fri., December 21, 2001

Priest, exec debate value of human cloning at Massachusetts hearing

By CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE AND DEACON JAMES

AN ITALIAN artisan displays newly created creche figures in a Naples workshop. The three kings, or wise men, are depicted as bearing gifts of U.S. firefighter helmets and were crafted by artists Ulderico Pinfildi, Alfredo Molli and Giovanni Sir:mo of Naples. The figures are- part-of a- Nativity set that will be displayed in a New York church. (CNS photo from Reuters) ,

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any other animal. ADd of course if 'where therapeutic may take us in the you are a human being, you have future, but what it does when we human rights. Those hurrian rights carry it out today.

Permit me to speak very directly accrue to you because you, by nature, belong to the community of with you since the time is short: men, and. all of us came into the therapeutic cloning is not wrong beworld- via that saine embryoriic tra- cause it might lead to cloned infants jectory. As a former embryo myself, one day; it is wrong because of what I recognize how it's encumbent it is in itself. As surprising as it may upon me to speak for and protect sound, therapeutic cloning, from the those who happen to still be in those moral-ethical point of view, is actually a greater evil than reproductive very early embryonic stages.

BOSTON - A priest-scientist and an executive ofa Massachusetts biotech company that said it cloned the first human embryo disagreed over the value of human cloning during a state legislative hearing December 12.

Although Robert Lanza, medical director of Advanced Cell Technology in Worcester, said that human life began when the embryo was implanted in the woman's uterus and not in a laboratory dish or test tube, Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, a priest of the Fall River diocese who has a doctorate-in neuroscience, said that , a human embryo is a human being from the very start.

While Lanza said that"clearly the use ofcloning to generate stem cells has ethical concerns and objections," he added. "I will argue, however, that the potential therapeutic benefits far outweigh the possible harm." But Father Pacholczyk, parochial vicar at St. Patrick's Parish in Falmouth, noted, "as a former embryo myself, I recognize how it's incumbent upon me to speak for and FATHERTADEUSZ Pacholczyk of the Diocese of Fall River protect those who happen to still be on human cloning during a hearing of a Massachutestifies' in those very earlyembryonic stages;' setts Senate committee. (CNS photo by Cory Silken, The Pilo~ the priest toldthe committee.

The joint hearing was sponsored That's why I would like to spend cloning. Why? Ask yourself the'folby the Mlliisachusetts Senate Committee on Science and Technology a moment looking at the distinction lowing question: which is really to discuss legislation on human clon- between therapeutic and reproduc- worse from a moral standpoint: to tive cloning, because that distinction, create a new child who is an identiing.

Lanza's company published a pa- which is at the heart of our debate cal twin to somebody else via clonper November 25 saying it was the today, is widely misunderstood and ing, allowing him to come to term first to clone a human embryo. He rrusconstrued. In actuality, there's no and to be born (and thus to live), or said his company was opposed to differenc~ between reproductive to create that same identical twin, for human reproductive cloning and cloning, apd therapeutic cloning,. 'the conscious and premeditated purwould use embryos only for thera- There's only ~cloning, and the dIS- pose of contravening 'his life in orpeutic experiments. tinction comes later when 'Y9u ask -der to harvest his tissues? Which, is Father P~holczyk said there was what will be done with the cloned in fact the worst of the two? Therano difference between reproductive human being after it's manufactured. peutic cloning manipulates human Will you implant it into a uterus, or ' beings and violates their dignity by cloning and therapeutic cloning.

'There's only cloning, and the will you contravene it to gain access creating them for the express purdistinction comes later when you ask to its harvestable cells and tissues? pose of destroying them by the exwhat will be done with ,the cloned These considerations begin to reveal traction of their stem cells:·We con- human being after it's manufac- the inconsistency of preparing leg- sciously choose in this way to ex, tured," said Father Pacholczyk. islation which would penalize the ploit powerless human beings as facThe state Senate has three bills one form of cloning without penal- tories for their bodily' tissues. That in committee related to human clon- izing the other. is why therapeutic cloning is invariNow it's probably safe to say that ably and without exception an iming. , The hearing also included discus- most people are opposed to making moral kind of research activity, sion of a bill that would establish a cloned infants. Some of these same whie!! ShOlild not be permitted in a commission on law, ethics and tech- people, though, don't objectto clon- civilized society. nology that would advise the gov- ing in order to harvest tissues. They We stand in need of insight and ernor and the Legislature. would see therapeutic cloning as wisdom to be able to grasp this Father Pacholczyk presented his morally problematic only because it simple truth: that therapeutic cloncredentials: Here is what he told the might push us further along that dark ing represents an immediate evil, a -committee members: path to making infants who are threat which is even more danger"I did my doctoral work in neu- . clones. But if we think that way, we ous than the very serious threat roscience at Yale University, where are missing something very, very which may soon arise from reproI focused on cloning genes which important here. The real issue is nor ductive cloning." are expressed in the human brain. I also worked for several years as a molecular biologist here at Massachusetts General Hospital, before going to Rome to do advanced work in theology and in bioethics.

I am convinced you really don't have to be a rocket scientist in order to appreciate that embryonic human life is inviolable and deserving ofunconditional respect. The argument hinges on- a simple biological affirmation, namely, that a human embryo is a human being. It is a human being because it is a being that is human, not a being that is zebra, or a being that is cat or a being that is

There's help for dealing with grief during the holidays By'KATHRYNNE SKONICKI CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

ROMEOVILLE, III. - Father Ed Grotovsky, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Manteno, was a husband, father and then widower before he was ordained a priest in 1994. He remembers his first holiday as a widower'after he lost his wife of 24 years as "horrible, just tiorrible."

He tried Christmas shopping for four children ages 12 to 21 but could not seem to buy anything.

He recalled thinking, "If Mary Ann (his wife) were here, I wouldn't have to do this."

In the final week before Christmas, he felt a change. "Once I began doing what I came to the mall to do, my spirits lifted and I wasn't concentrating on myself, but thinking about my four children and the joy I wanted to bring them," he said. "It is important not to pity ourselves during the holiday season by keeping what used to be in front of ourselves."

Father Grotovsky offered this advice for comfort-givers: "If a friend or relative has lost a loved one and this is their first Christmas season, the most important thing we can do is listen."

He told Catholic Explorer, newspaper of the Joliet Diocese, that sharing stories of the deceased person assures the family

that just because the person is gone, it doesn't erase the memories.

When the cause of death was suicide, the survivors may feel guilt, shame and embarrassment as well as grief, said Father Charles Rubey, founder of an organization called Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide, a Chicago-based program of Catholic Charities. .

"I cannot stress enough the importance of being open," he said. "Ignoring the elephant in the room" does not help in this situation. . Father Rubey endorses starting some new rituals to honor those who' have passed away. "I'm a ,great believer in ri~uals. People who have died due to suicide or other means should be remembered in some way," he s~d. . Carol Etscheid, bereavement coordinator at Joliet Area Community Hospice, also recommended starting new holiday traditions that honor the deceased and also let survivors celebrate.

Her program has helped 600 families from five Illinois counties who lost loved ones this year.

She suggested these holiday traditions: '-light a candle each morning and extinguish it in the evening throughout the holiday season;

THEANCHOR-DioceseofFall River-Fri., December21 ,2001 bereaved on New Year's Eve. That night is traditionally thought of as one fOf couples and can be

- create a special toast to the deceased loved one; - place a single flower on the table in honor of the presence of the loved one; - observe a moment of silence or recite a prayer before the meal or at another time; - review the family photo album with other family members; .

- share favorite stories about the loved one; - plant a tree in the yard; - draw a picture, place it inside a helium balloon and let it fly up to heaven; Charlotte Hrubes, director of Joyful Again!, a ministry for widows and widowers; offered these suggestions topeople who are trying to survive the holidays without a loved one: - take it easy. Allow time to grieve, to stay healthy and do whatever you feel like doing.

Delegation or omission of traditions is not necessarily a bad thing; - keep, in touch. When the entire family is together and laughing, the holidays can be fun.

It is when everyone's gone and the house is quiet that the loneliness'sets in, said Hrubes.. "Little telephone calls are better than one big event"; - make a phone call to the

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EWTN plans special Christmas programming

By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

- "Nicholas: the Boy Who Became Santa," a 'WASHINGTON - Here is a listing of some of "Saints and Heroes" presentation based on historical the Christmas specials and special episodes of regu- fact and tradition, 7-7:30 p.m. Saturday, repeated 81ar programming on the EWlN cable channel. All _8:30 p.m. December 24, and 11-11 :30 a.m. Decemtimes are EST. ber 26; - A Christmas episode. of "Cherub Wings:' - ''The Legend of the Chrisbnas Flower:' an which combines live action and 3-D animation to animated Yuletide tale of the poinsettia plant, known help young viewers grow in faith, 4:30-5 p.m. to~ in Mexico as "fa flor de Nochebuena," the Christday, and 4-4:40 p.m. December 24; , mas Eve flower, 8-8:30 p.m. ~unday, repeated 1- "Starlight Esqtpe," a r~telling Of the story of 1:30 p.m. December 24; how the Christ Child escaped persecution by King - Mass with the pope live from St. Peter's Herod and was visited by the Magi and the shep- Square, 6-8 p.m. December 24; repeated 8-10 a.m.

-herds, 4-4:30 p.m. today and 7:30-8 p.m. Decem- December 25; ber 23; , - A live Christmas Eve Mass from the Basilita - "A Star for Jeremy:' an animated tale of of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Concep,howalittleboyandatinystareachhavetheirwishes tion in Washington, 10:30 p.m.-l a.m. December come true at Christmas, 6:30-7 p.m. Sunday and 5- 24; 5:30 p.m. December 25; - Christmas Eve Mass from EWlN; 1-2:30 - A classic installment of "Life Is WQrth Liv- a.m. December 25, repeated 7-8:30 p.m. Dece~ber fig" in which Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen discusses, 25; - The pope's blessing "urbi et orbi" ("to the the real meaning of Christmas, 9-9:30 p.m. today, repeated 2-2:30 p.m. December 24; city and to the world"), live at 6-7 a.m. December _ - "Go Look in the Manger:' based on a true '25, repeated 8:30-9:30 p.m. December 25 and 2-3 story of how an eight-year-01d boy in 1966 learns and 10-11 a.m. December 26; forgiveness at Christmas, 11-11 :30 a.m. December - Christmas Day Mass live from the Basilica 24, repeated 4-4:30 p.m. December 26; of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Concep- ''In the Beginning: The Birth of Jesus:' an tion in Washington, noon-2 p.m. December 25, reanimated version of the CJu:istmas' story, 10-10:30 peated inidnight-2 a.m, December 26; a.m. Saturday and 4:30-5 p.m. December 24; - ''The Great Mr. Hande~" a film focusing on - ''The Story of the SelfiSh Giant," in which a the latter years in the, life of the composer of "The grandfather uses OscarWilde's tale ofthe same name Messiah;" 10 p.m.-midnight December 25; to unlock the meaning of Christmas for his grand- "The Fourth Wise Man:' starring Martin daughter, 4-4:30 p.m. Sunday; Sheen as a wise man who also sees the star of .

- The ''Life on the Rock" Christmas special Bethlehem and begins his own journey to encounter 1 with host Jeff Cavins, 10-11 a.m. today, 1-2 a.m. Christ, 8-9 p.m. December 29, repeated 1-2 p.m.

'I Saturday and II p.m.-midnight Sunday; , January 2, and 3-4 a.m. and 10-11 p.m. January 3; 1 - A Christmas-themed special presentation of - The first episode of "In the Footsteps of -I ''The World Over," 8-9 p.m. today, repeated 5-6, Christ" titled "Palestine: Year 0," which marks the 1 p:m.-Sunday.and,IO-11 a.m. December 24; , birth of Jesus, 9-9:30 p.m. December 29, repeated ~ ''Welcome the Savior:'in which host Nanny 2-2:30 p.m. Jan~ary 2, aDd 4-4:30 a.m. and 11-11 :30 1 Feather shares a story of ho~ people rrllght have ' 'p.m. January 3; ,.

1 coine to krio~ Jesus at.the timtfofhis birth; 9~9:30- , - :New ¥e'ar's ,Day Mass live from EWTN, 1 a.m. ,Saturday; repeated iI-II :30' a.m. December midnight-1 :30 a.m. January I, repeated 8-9:30 a.m.

I' 25 and 4:39:5 p.m. D~emb~r 2~,; .. " " , : and7-8:30 p.!!'. January 1; . ..

1 - A Christmas speCial of''The Gospel Accord- .- New Year's Day Mass live from the BasilIca , ing to Luke," featuring events, surrounding Jesus' of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Concep1 birth, 11 p.m.-midnight today, r,epeated 1-2 p.m. tion in Washington, noon-1 :30 p.m. January I, re1 Saturday; , '" '" peated midnight-I :30 a.m. January 2. ..

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TV's broadcast ,networks feature' Ch'ristmas special~

WASHINGTON (CNS) ~, to the debate and the 'actions of Here's a listing of religion-themed nations at a time like this. One of Christmas specials scheduled to be the panelists is Jesuit Father Thobroadcast by the TV networks." mas Reese, editor in 'chief of - "The Greatest Gift:' de-' America, the weekly Jesuit magalivered to NBC affiliates this week zme. ~ for, airing during the Christmas.' : Other panelists include the Rev. For,Christmas: On Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24th, all - season, features Grammy Award- " Bob Edgar, a former congressman Citizens-Union Savings Bank lobbIes a.nd drive-tips will close at 2PM, winning vocalist Sandi' Patti, the ,:. and now the general secretary of Harlem Boys' Choir, the Brocton the National Council of Churches; For New Year~: On New Year's Eve, Monday, December 31st, all - ., Adven.t Children's Choir, singer ·Rabbi 'James Rudin, senior interCitizens-Union Savings Bank lobbies and drive-ups will cl~' at '3PM:' , Wintley Phipps and Christmas re- .'-' religibus adviser of the American flections by Rear Adm. Barry C. Jewish Committee and a former ATMs and on-line banking al www.cubLink,com are available 24 hours a day, 7days a week.

B~ack, c~ief ofNavy chaplains. ," mJijtary, chaplain; Imam Feisa1 From all of us to all of you, happy holidays - and here'~ t02002!~' "'~, ,The ho~rkmgprogiam\vil]jn~, - ~hd1.!1 ~a~f of the AI Farah cludea· special retelling of the Mosque in New York City, founder Christmas story by individuals af- of the American Sufi Muslim As·fected by the:September 1l:terrqr \ ~j(1c'ladon; Elaine Pagels, a' attacks (check local listings).

Princeton University religion pro- "Responding to Tragedy: fessor; and Nicholas Vreeland, a SAVINGS BANK Religion in a' Ti~e of Terror:' Buadhist monk who is director or an interfaith religious special that - Tile Tibet Centerin NewYorkCity Fall River , Somerset Seekonk examines the role and responsibil- and editor of "An Open Heart," on Somerret Plaza, Route 6 174 Taunton Avenue, Route 44 Main -Office: 4South Main Street ity ,of religion in the struggle the teachings of the Dalai Lama.

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The program is produced with the cooperation of the National Council of Churches, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Southern Baptist Broadcast Communications Group.

- Pax will reprise "The Face: Jesus in Art," on Christm!ls Day, December. 25, 4-6 p.m. "The Face," which premiered at the Radio City Music Hall in March an~ had an Easter-season showing on hundreds of PBS affiliates this year, looks at the many artistic representations of Jesus through different times and cultures.

The USCCB's Office for Film and Broadcasting, in a review, called it "never less than visually stunning" and "not to be missed." , Reviewer Gerri Pare said, "The film is an unforgettable tribute to the power of Christ's image to inspire ~e people of the world," adding it was "a splendid blending of words and images with state-ofthe-art cinematography."

Poll shows improved view of ~ "Muslim-Americans since attacks WASHINGTON (CNS) Since the September II attacks, .Americans' opinions of Muslims in this country have improved, even though some believe the terrorist attacks were motivated in part by religion.

According to a nationwide poll by the Pew Research Center for the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, the percentage of people who have a favorable opinion of .'Muslim-Americans increased from 45 percent in a March 200 I poll to 59 percent in a November poll. The results were released a week ago.

Thirty percent of those questioned believe religious beliefs were the main factor in why terrorists attacked the United States, while 49 percent said political beliefs were the cause, 10 percent said it was both and II percent either said they don't know or had other answers.

Among Catholics, 50 percent said the faiths are very' different, compared to 44 percent of nonevangelical Protestants and 63 percent of evangelical Protestants.

Very few people polled agreed even slightly that the attacks on the United States are a sign that God no longer protects the country. Of the whole group polled, eight percent agreed with the statement.

Among Catholics, five percent agreed. The larges.t group·to concur with the statement were evan-

gelical Protestants, of whom 12 percent agreed.

Vastly more people think religion is gaining in influence on American life since the September attacks, the poll also showed. In the November poll, 78 percent said religion is increasing in influence. Just seven months earlier, 37 percent agreed with the statement while 55 percent said religion was losing influence.

That 78 percent is the highest number to say religion is becoming more influential in more than 40 years of polling, according to the Pew report. All those people who say religion is becoming more important in the country aren't necessarily going to church more themselves, according to the poll.

About 46 percent said they went to religious services in the last seven days. A March poll found 43 percent said they attended religious services once a week or more. Responses were approximately the same in September 2000 (45 percent), June 1997 (38 percent) and June 1996 (39 percent).

The Pew poll also asks about people's opinions of various religions in addition to Islam - specifically whether their opinion of different faiths is favorable or unfavorable.

On Catholics, 29 percent said their overall opinions are very favorable and 49 percent said they

are mostly favorable. In March, the same question found 19 percent had very favorable opinions of Catholics and 55 percent said they think of them mostly favorably.

Seventy-seven percent said they have very or mostly favorable opinions about Protestants and 75 percent said that about Jews. Atheists came in for harsher views, with 32 percent saying they think of them favorably, while 49 percent think of them unfavorably.

THE ANCHOR - Diocese ofFall River - Fri., December 21,200 I

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Resolved: No more worry waiting

THEANCHOR-Diocese ofFall River-Fri., December 21,2001

DARTMOUTH - The Catholic Community of UMassDartmouth gathers for Mass every Sunday evening at 8 p.m. in the main campus center, auditorium , Room 006. Students and others are aIways welcome to join in prayer and song. Mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m. on holiday weekends.

FALL RIVER - St. Mary's Cathedral is holding its eighth annual ~hristmas Carol Sing December 30 at 3 p,m. in the church on Spring Street The one-hour program consists of many familiar carols and is free and open to the public.

FALL RIVER - The Espirito Santo Church Choir will entertain patients at the Catholic Memorial Home Sunday at 2 p.m. For more information, call 508-672-3352. ' "

NEW BEDFORD - Devotion to Our Lady o~ Perpetual Help is celebrated every Tuesday and devotion to Divine Mercy every Thursday following the noon Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. For more information call 508-992-9378.

NEW BEDFORD - The second annual sing-a-long Han~el's

"Messiah" will be held January 4 from 7-9 p.m. at the Grace Episcopal Church. For more information call 508-993-0547..

NORTH DARTMOUTH-A Separated-Divorced'Support Group will hold its last meeting of the year December 27 from 7-9 p.m. at the Diocesan Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road.

NORTH DARTMOUTH The next Retrouvaille weekend will be held January 11-13. It offers couples a chance to heal and renew troubled marriages. Rediscover yourself and your spouse and a loving relationship in maniage. For more information call 1-800-4702230 or the diocesan Office ofFamily Ministry at 508-999-6420..

NORTHDARTMOUTH-...:..A pilgrimage with Bishop O'Malley to Washington D.C. for the annual March for Life is being organized by the diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate for January 21-23. It will include Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. A youth bus is set to leave a day early. For more information call

508-997-2290.

My New Year's resolution this year was in- waiting."

Wow, did that hit home. If I had to count all spired by Ray Romano, the star of "Everybody Loves Raymond." . the times in my life that a good achievement got I became impressed early in life with the ro- short shrift because I worried immediately that I manticism of new starts and how we ,get the wouldn't be able to keep up the good work, I'd chance every January 1 to resolve to make some. run out of numbers. I thought about relatives, I can hardly remember friends and co-workers I have known who have a year! didn't tell somebody, usually my patient been similarly bogged children, about the resodown.

First I remembered lutions I was making.

In time, these became that when I was a teen1. ager I read that "worry a kind of frothy ritual, having a boring is the interest you pay on By. Antoinette Bosco money that you never sameness every year. You know: Don't gain had." Now, I asked myweight. Do more exer- ...._~-------.....:.:....'-......_ _.... self, why is it that we let cise. Stay in better touch something as ambiguous with friends. Don't criticize co-workers. Eat more as worry take root in us when we get to be adults? vegetables. Throw out the old clothes in the What are we really afraid of? Each of us has closet. to find our own very personal answers to those Yet, some years I'd come up with a new reso- questions. I know that for many of us worry is lution, one that was worth going for. This is one the baggage we carry after some traumatic event of those years. shakes our lives. We worry that if we were hit I"ve probably seen, at most, a half dozen epi- once, we can be hit again, and we live in mortal sodes of "Everybody Loves Raymond," laughing terror of a new pain shattering us, one we might a lot at each one of them. I credited Ray Romano not be able to handle. for his talent and would have assumed he was a So we live with miserable, constant "worry celebrity 'with a strong dose of c~mfidence. . waiting." ' Then I saw him interviewed on a morning Thanks to Ray Romano, I learned something show. There he was, saying honestly that every- important, and I made a New Year's resolution: thing might be going well for him, but always No more "worry waiting." lurking in the background is his fear that he won't I invite you to join me in this resolution. There's, measure up for the next opportunity. He said he's help, too, from above, if we can believe, as these always got "worry waiting," and while he smiled, words, found on a mantel in an old English hohe projected an honesty about this fear, of the tel, profess: "Fear knocked at the door. Faith anfuture. swered.' No one was there."

Have a happy, worry-free Ne~ Year!

I grabbed a pencil and wrote it down: "W~)ITY

The B'ott'om' L· ne

:CHRlstMAS.IN tHE- VILLAGE' 2001 ' .

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Sponsored by 51. Bernard Catholic Church and

th~

United Church of Assonet

.' . :. CALENDAR OF EVENTS :: Friday, December 21 " . _ 6:30-9PM - "Miniature'Christmas Village" Exhibit· Button Event (St. Bernard Hall) • lOSt. Nicholas - an Exhibit" - Button Event (St. Bernard Hall) - Trees of Christmas" Exhibit ~ Button Event (St. Bernard Hall) - "Christkindle Cafe".and Marketplace - Button Event.

(St. Bernard H a l l ) , 6:30-9PM - "Christmas Nativities Around the World" - Button Event (United Church Hall) 7:00 PM - ''The Femmes"Apponequet High School Girls -Button Event (United Church Hall) Saturday, December 22 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM - "Santa's Christmas Hayride" - Tickets $3.00 (St. Bernard Parking Lot) 1:00-4:00PM .& 6:30-9 PM - "Miniature Christmas Village" Exhibit - Button Event (St. Bernard'Hall) , - lOSt, Nicholas - an Exhibit" - Button. Event (St. Bernard Hall) - Trees of Christmas" Exhibit - Button Event (St. Bernard H a l l ) .

- "Christkindle Cafe" and Marketplace - Button Event . (St. Bernard Hall) .

1:00"4:00PM & 6:30-9 PM - "Christmas Nativities Around the World" - Button Event (United Church Hall) .

7:00 PM - "Little Saints of Christmas" Pageant - Button Event (St. Bernard Church) .

Sunday, December 23 1:OO-4:00PM . & 6:30-9 PM - "Miniature Christmas Village" Exhibit - Button Event. . .

(S1. Bernard Hall)

~. "St. Nicholas - an Exhibif' - Button Event (St. Bernard Hall) -Trees of Christmas" Exhibit - Button Event (St. Bernard Hall) - "Christkindle Cafe" and Marketplace - Button Event (St Bernard Hallr

1:00-4:00PM

& 6:30-9 PM - "Christmas Nativities Around the World" - Button Event (United Church Hall)

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EXHIBITS ARE CLOSED MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 ANDTUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 Wednesday, December 26 thru Friday, December 28 .

6:30-9PM - "Miniature Christmas Village" Exhibit - Button Event (St Bernard Hall) . ~ "St. Nicholas - an Exhibit" - Button Event (St. Bernard Hall) - Tr.ees of Christmas" Exhibit - Button Event (St. Bernard Hall) -"Christkindle Cafe" and Marketplace - Button Event (St. Bernard Hall) - "Christmas Nativities Around the World" - Button Event 6:30-9PM .(United Church Hall) Saturday, December 29 and Sunday, December 30 1:00-4:00PM . & 6:30-9PM - "Miniature Christmas Village" Exhibit - Button Event (S1. Bernard Hall) .

- "St. Nicholas - an Exhibit" - Button Event (St. Bernard Hall) - Trees of Christmas" Exhibit - Button Event (St. Bernard Hall) - "Christkindle Cafe" and Marketplace - Button Event (St. Bernard Hall) 1 :00~4:00PM & 6:30-9PM .- "Christmas Nativities Around the World" - Button Event • (United Church Hall) , Monday, December 31 11 :00 PM - "Ecumenical New Year's Eve Prayer Service" (St. Bernard Church)

fvtWlt' .butt~ CU'"~ cw~ at" cUL ChY~ ~ithet V~ (W~ CNndt at 1Joth, Churc:Juw. COft'w$5.00 ~CNndt$1.00c:J\ildreN\l. ' .

A po-vLL011Iof~pv~ wIlL ~ "Our S(,fter'}'P~" ~ 00fte¥'ed- Wom.eY\lCNndttheA:r ~ Directions to Assonet Village. Freetown, Massachusetts. Take Route 24 to Exit 9, follow Route 79 one half mile. The Churches are both on Main St. one quarter mile apart. Telephone 508-644-5585. Website: www.ChristmaslnTheVillage.com

Senior issues This is the season when we start to think about New Year's resolutions. AARP suggests that you spend some time as a volunteer to help make your .community stronger.

The resources of many community organizations have been stretched thin by the September 11 terrorist attacks and the weakening economy. "Together we c'an strengthen our nation, starting with our neigh-

Nancy Boland

Johns~n borhood," says Deborah Banda, state director of AARP Massachusetts.

According to Banda, "Homeless shelters need help to provide a hot meal on a cold day. Community centers still need that fresh coat of paint.

And there is always a child who needs a story read, it game· shared or extra encouragement. At some point in time, we could all use a helping hand."

"Strong communities are not only the best defense against terrorism, they are the best defense against just about every possible harm to the public good, including economic downturns," says AARP CEO William Novelli.

According to AARP's research, a majority of 50-plus Americans want to make volunteer activities part of their blueprint for life. "People age 50 and over represent an enormous reservoir of energy and talent," says Banda. . For ideas about volunteer opportunities in Jhe community, call 1-800-424-3410 or log on to http://www.aar.p.orgl ma and click on announc~­ ments.

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Mobility equipment is now available for senior citizens 65 or older, according to Andy Wedermyer, spokesperson for Seniors in Motion.

The program is making motorized and manual wheelchairs, three and four wheel scooters and other medical items available to elders who qualify. This equipment is usually available at no cost to the individual.

Seniors in Motion is a program that features in-home assessments by ~rained local rehab specialists. A hardship policy is in place to help those without a full funding re-

source'. It allows elders to remain in their own homes and out of a nursing facility.

Wedermyer said, "Today, physical impairments do not have to equal loss of independence." To see if you qualify and for more information or a brochure, call 1-800-5941225.

fied mental health professional.

@hristmasc0'f(emories

***

As we experience tlie warmtli and wonder

May the peace and joy of the holiday season remain with you throughout the New Year!

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of this festive season, may all th~t is Christmas em6race you and yours.

.Nancy Boland Johnson is a parishioner of Our Lady of .

Victory Parish, Centerville.

***

According to a Mayo Clinic Health Letter, feeling angry now and then is normal, especially when the anger is due to specific a event and you control it at a modest . level and duration.

For some people, anger and hostility are long-term habits or personality traits. They feel angry too frequently, too intensely and too long. That is not good for their health. Anger triggers a variety of responses in your body. Your heart races and your blood pre.ssure increases. Your muscles tense and arteries dilate to carry more blood..

A study shows that anger can· also cause atherosclerotic plaque to dislodge. which can block an artery that supplies blood to your heart muscle.

This can lead to a heart attack and' sudden death. Risk of a sudden heart attac~ is almost three times greater in people with high levels of anger.

The healthiest way to express anger is. to be assertive but not aggressive. State your position clearly, calmly and respectfully. To manage anger healthfully try the following: - think before you respond. Listen carefully. Try to understand the other person's point of view; - find your triggers. Keep a record of what triggers your anger and try to avoid them; - look for humor .in the sit.uation. Humor helps put some distance between you and the stressor; - exercise. Regular exercise can help reduce frustration; - angry words can cause stress in your body. The same words spoken calmly won't; - take time out. Count to fo, practice slow deep breathing, or just walk away from anger triggers. Wait a day before answering a letter that makes you angry.

If you find that you can't control your anger, ask your doctor to recommend a quali-

THEANCHOR-.DioceseofFall River-Fri., December21,2001

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1-508-675-2121 1-800-643-7537 in Rhode Island www.sladesferry.com

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Saint John the Baptist Parish n~w Bediord~ .massachusetts ReD. maurice O. 6auuin, Pastor ehristmas mass Schedule Christmas Eve Vigil 4:00 PM English Midnight Mass 12:00 AM Bilingual Christmas Morning 9:30 AM English 11:30 AM Portuguese

neW Year's Dal} masses December 31st Vigil 4:00 PM New Year's Day. 10:00 AM

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B Blessed ehristmas and a noll] and nealthl] new Year to am '~'.

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14 THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River - Fri., December 21, 2001

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KINDERGARTEN STUDENT Seth Moniz of Saint Joseph ,School, Fairhaven, spends time With his grandmother Mildred Dias during arecent grandparent luncheon. Many grandparents turned out for the day and an opportunity to spend time with their young charges;

MORE THAN 60 students and chaperones from the religious education program of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Attleboro, recently went on a field trip to Edaville Railroad in Carver, which included rides on the carousel, above, and a stroll through a Christmas village, below.

NOTRE DAME, Fall River, students line up for an unusual race in the school's gyninasium where representatives from each class raced a toy pig as part of a magazine subscription drive. Classes who sold the most magazine;; earned a spot in the race and competed for a pizza party. Below, fifth-graders in Catherine Hague's class are all smiles after winning the race.

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CLASS OFFICERS for the Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, class of 2005 were recently elected. Each will be a member of the student council and plan class activities. From left are: David Libardoni, president; Kristen' Giuliano, secretary; Kasey Ryan, vice president; and Michael L.:Homme, treasurer. .

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. STUDENTS FROM Mrs. O'Korn's third-grade class at Saint Mary-Sacred Heart Schoof, North Attleboro, gave presentations on various heritages. They were required to research a country of their choice and make six items that represented that nation and put them into a box, decorated with the country's flag. The students then used the items.to teach the class. .

Two New Orleans archdiocesan priests drown in fishing accident路

By PETER FINNEY JR. CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

GOLDEN MEADOW, La. Two priests of the Archdiocese of New Orleans who were on a south Louisiana fishing trip drowned after apparently falling into the water from their disabled 17-foot boat, authorities said.

The bodies of Msgr. JQhn Nguyen Phuc, 43, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Destrehan and dean of the St. John-St. Charles deanery, and Father Benedict Joseph Quang, 37, pastor of St. Gertrude Parish in Des Allemands, were recovered December 7 in relatively shallow water about five miles from Golden Meadow.

Sheriff Craig Webre said the priests, neither of whom could swim, apparently encountered mechanical difficulty with their boat's steering. He speculated one priest attempted to fix the power steering cables and fell into the

water, and the other priest drowned while trying to save him.

"They apparently had a mechanical problem because part of the steering mechanism was disabled," Sheriff Webre said. "The tools they were using to fix it were still on the boat. We found fish in the ice chest. We think one of them fell in because the life preserver door was opened up, and there was one life preserver on board and one in the water."

The deaths sent shock waves throughout the archdiocese. Both men escaped Vietnam by boat as teen-agers and immigrated to New Orleans, which has an extensive Vietnamese community.

"These are two young priests, . one 43 and the other 37 years old, who have given so much in service to the archdiocese and had many years ahead of them in fruitful ministry," said Coadjutor Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes,

who rushed to the scene. "We pray for the repose of their souls, for their families and for the parish communities they leave behind."

The two priests fished regularly together; at least once a week, friends said. They left shore about 8 a.m. December 6. When Father Quang failed to show up for a 4:30 p.m. Mass later that day, parishioners contacted tHe authorities.

Father John-Nhan Van Tran, who often fished with the two priests, told authorities where he thought they might have been fishing. Rescue workers found their flat boat resting quietly against the marsh in heavy fog around midnight, but they could not find the priests.

Officials narrowed the search by using highly trained dogs to sniff out their whereabouts. The priests' bodies were found within 100 yards of the boat.

"The water is only about five-

,THE ANCHOR -'- Diocese of Fall River - Fri., December 21,200 1 reet deep, but the bottom is probably about four feet of mud," Sheriff Webre said. "If one of them fell in and panicked, it could have'easily happened."

Deacon Ted Roussel recalled how Msgr. Phuc had in 12 years 'endeared hims.elfto young and old in the parish. In 1999, he was named the youngest monsignor in the archdiocese.

15

"He used to take all of us deacons out to eat, especially on the weekends when we preached," Roussel said. "I feel as though I lost a son. I lost more than a pastor. I lost five people in one."

Msgr. Phuc was ordained to the priesthood in 1983. Father Quang was ordained in 1991 and had served as pastor of St. Gertrude since 2000.

S Wt'e-Y~ of S~ J cnep~ of 'B01t'01'\I J 361 years later our mission continues: ~, to heal divisions . .. ~ .. ~ to unite people ~j ~~,~ to bring people closer to God

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and to one another

For more information about us or to send donations: Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston Office of Development 637 Cambridge Street Brighton, MA 02135 617.746.2114

www.bostoncsj.org

MACHNOWSKI -

SCHICK

FUNERALHOlVlE cfeU';~ ~It U'rdt/u RICHARD MACHNOWSKI Owner & Director

THE CHRISTMAS in the Village banner stretches across Main Street in Assonet Village.

The event, co-sponsored by St. Bernard's Church and the United Church of Assonet, helps raise funds for "Our Sister's Place," aiding battered women and their families.

508-995-5005 472 Ashley Blvd.路 New Bedford, MA 02745

St. Stanislaus Parish Community wishes the fullness of Christmas Peace to one and all"Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia Wszystkim!"

Saturday, December 22

3-4 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation (Polish/English)

Monday, December 24

7:00 a.m. Late Advent Holy Mass followed by recitation Of Chaplet of the Divine Mercy & Intercessions 7:30-8 a.m. Final confessions before Christmas . The Vigil of Christmas 4:30 p.m. Vigil Eucharist of Christmas: Organ, ' , , traditional carols 10:30 p.m. The "Mid-Night" Mass of Christmas .

Solemn Proclamation of The Birth of the Lord, ' Blessing of 2001 Nativity Scene Concelebrated Liturgy; Organ with Luke A. Wrobel & Kelly Wilbur Duet Congregational singing before &- during Liturgy

Thesday, December 25

The Birth of the Lord + Christmas Day 8:00 a.m. Concelebrated "Mass at Dawn" Organ with Traditional Polish/English Carols 10:00 a.m. Solemn Concelebrated "Mass for Christmas Day"': Preceded by Youth Narrative of the Birth of the Lord; Organ with Parish Choir & Congregational si~ging 6:00 p.m. Carols-by-Candlelight: Evening Prayer of Christmas with Exposition of Blessed Sacrament A Sincere "Welcome" - "Witamy" - to All!

Fr. Robert S. Kaszynksi, Pastor

Fr. Christopher Stanibula, Parochial Vicar路 Rev. Mr. Frank W. Mis, Permanent Deacon

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16 THEANCHOR-Diocese~fFallRiver-Fri.,December21,2001

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