AUGUST 03, 2003, vol 53, no 16 by CatholicNews

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HE SUBJECT of human sexuality has been in the news recently. Here in Singapore, the decision by the government to allow homosexuals to work for government triggered much discussion in the media and social circles. This has prompted the Catholic Church to issue a statement through the Archdiocesan Bioethics Committee explaining the position of the church. “This is an issue where we make the clear distinction between showing love for the person with homosexual tendency, while making firm our stand that the homosexual act goes against the natural moral law,” it said. The Catholic Medical Guild explains that homosexual orientation springs from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental predisposing factors, and the choices “conscious and unconscious” that the person suffering from the orientation has made, and that it can be cured. Meanwhile, the Vatican has been reported to be planning to release a statement opposing the legalization of “gay marriages” in light of such legislation in Canada and the United States. Sources say that the statement warns lawmakers that voting for these measures is gravely immoral.

ARCHDIOCESAN BIOETHICS COMMITTEE Catholic Archdiocese Of Singapore

Homosexuality I refer to the recent discussion of the subject of homosexuality, and would like to take the opportunity to explain our position on this subject. This is an issue where we make the clear distinction between showing love for the person with homosexual tendency, while making firm our stand that the homosexual act goes against the natural moral law. Under no circumstances, therefore, can such acts be condoned.[l]

is becoming dependant on alcohol or becoming a basketball star - depend on the interaction between the genes, the individual, and a person’s response to his environment. Likewise, even if a genetic predisposition exists, there must be the interaction of this predisposition with the individual’s choices, given the environment he was put in, that in the end brings out the homosexual orientation.

The Catholic Church affirms respect for the dignity of every human being including those with homosexual tendencies. The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. For most of them it is a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. [2]

There is a clear difference between, on the one hand, one who has a homosexual tendency and, on the other hand, one who actually acts on this tendency and chooses to engage in the homosexual act. While they may not consciously choose their desires, those with a homosexual tendency do have the ability to choose whether they act on those desires, just as an alcoholic has the choice of whether to act on his desire to get drunk.

Yet while loving every human person, homosexual or heterosexual, we gently but firmly challenge every individual to do good and avoid any evil that is unworthy of his or her human condition and dignity. Persons with homosexual tendencies are no less challenged than the rest of us in living out a full and meaningful life. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of friendship, love and prayer, they can and should gradually and resolutely overcome their difficulties.[3] The basis for our stand on why homosexual acts go against the natural moral law lies in the beauty of the sexual act as originally given it by the Creator. The true meaning of the sexual act is achieved when a man and woman give themselves totally to each other within the institution of marriage, and this total giving of oneself to another, being love-giving and life-giving, directly gives rise to the possibility of new life.Sexuality, by means of which man and woman give themselves to one another, through the acts which are proper and exclusive to spouses, is not something simply biological, but concerns the innermost being of the human person as such. It is realized in a truly human way only if it is an integral part of the love by which a man and woman commit themselves totally to one another until death. [4] Pope John Paul II praised Pope Paul Vi’s (above) “courageous positions in defense of human life" in the encyclical Humanae Vitae, which declared artificial contraception to be immoral. CNS PHOTO

July 25 also marked the 35th anniversary of Humanae vitae (Of Human Life), one the most controversial church documentts in recent history.The storm of criticism caused by Pope Paul V i’s rejection of contraception continues to create dissent today. While stating the church’s teaching, Pope Paul VI was aware of the difficulty this might cause many married couples and he advised them not to be disheartened even if they fail to live up to the requirements but to partake frequently of the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation. Despite lingering unhappines, empirical evidence is proving the wisdom of the encyclical. O

The union of the spouses achieves the inseparable twofold end of marriage: the good of the spouses themselves and the transmission of life.[5] Doctors tell us that many behavioural traits - whether it

Experienced therapists can help individuals who want help in this area uncover and understand the root causes of the emotional trauma which may have given rise to their same - sex attractions and then work in therapy to resolve this. All this takes time. In this respect individuals suffering from same-sex attraction are similar to the many other men and women who have emotional pain. Those who wish to be free from same-sex attraction frequently turn to religion, to professionals, and to trusted acquaintances for help and compassion. We must avail ourselves so that they find the help and hope they are seeking. There is every reason to hope that every person experiencing same-sex attraction who seeks help can find freedom from homosexual behaviour and many will find much more, but they will come only if they see love in our words and deeds. This has worked for many in the past, and it holds hope for many more in the present and future.

Yours Faithfully

Rev Fr James Yeo Co-chairman Archdiocesan Bioethics Committee Catholic Archdiocese Of Singapore

R e fe re n c e s:

VATICAN ON “GAY MARRIAGE”

page 7

UNDERSTANDING HOMOSEXUALITY page 8

CONTRACEPTION page 9

1.C C C , 2357 2. ibid, 2358 3. ibid, 2359 4. P ope Jo h n P a u l II, F am iH aris C o n so rtio , 11.

5. CCC, 2363 C C C re fe rs to C atec h ism o f th e C ath o lic C h u rc h

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St Gabriel’s schools celebrate 50 years

St. Gabriel’s Secondary and St. Gabriel’s Primary Schools celebrated their 50th foundation anniversary on May 31. Staff, pupils, parents and old boys gave thanks to God for blessing both schools with outstanding ' 4—

academic results and good spiritual and overall developmental programmes for their pupils. Archbishop Nicholas Chia concelebrated the golden jubilee Mass with former St.

Gabriel’s students (from left) Frs JJ Fenelon, David Thexeira, Brian D ’Souza, Adrian Anthony, Alex Chua, John Chua and Paul Lim at the Church of the Immaculate Heat of Mary. □

Award winning education St. Gabriel’s School rose from the missionary spirit of the Brothers of St. Gabriel and the goodwill of the Paya Lebar - Upper Serangoon community. The idea of establishing a Catholic school in Paya Lebar was first mooted by Bishop A. Devals before the outbreak of the Second World War. Unfortunately, he died in Bahau during the Japanese Occupation of Malaya and the plan was shelved. Later, Archbishop Olcomendy recommended and the Brothers of St. Gabriel, led by Bro Louis Gonzaga, accepted the mission of building a school in the area. A two- storey building was constructed and on June 3, 1953, St. Gabriel’s School opened its doors to 212 Primary One to Standard Two students.. The school grew quickly under the principalship of Brothers Elzear, Raymond, Adolphus, Emmanuel and Noel. By 1968, the student population was 2000. This made a feeder primary school necessary. Thus on January 24, 1969 a long cherished dream was realized when 1350 pupils moved into a new building at the junction of Highland Road and Yio Chu Kang Road. A short time after its establishment, St. Gabriel’s Primary School made its mark with its excellent discipline, academic performance and wellbalanced programmes. In December 1987, the Primary School moved to a larger school in Lorong Chuan.

Brother Louis Gonzaga (seated centre) and seven pioneer teachers at the opening of the school in 1953. From left: (seated) Mr Paul Lee, Brother Raymond, Brother Louis, Mrs K. Leong and Mr Leo Remedios; (standing) Mr Francis Sim, Mr John Grosse Jr. and Mr John Teo.

St. Gabriel’s Secondary School With the ever-growing popularity of the only Catholic boys school in that area, the school relocated to the present site at Serangoon Avenue 1 in 1992 and officially opened by Brigadier General George Yeo. The school is undergoing PRIME(Programme for Rebuilding and Improving Existing Schools) this year and will be equipped with the latest facilities. □ St. Gabriel’s clinched the top value-added academic awards for the Express Course for the past five years and the same award for the Normal Academic Course for the last two years. □ It is the top value-added all-boys school in Singapore. □ The school also won the Sustained Achievement Award for Uniformed Groups from the Minister of Education for the second year running. □

St. Gabriel’s Primary School At the primary school, the staff endeavour to value-add every boy’s education by creating a sense of belonging and a family spirit for all Gabrielites. This includes a wholesome Catholic

environment combined with character development programmes to bring about excellence in academic achievement and co-curricular activities. The boys consistently perform above National standards for PSLE in English, Mathematics and Science. The school also excels in soccer, being the National Champions for 2003. The staff of both schools, with the support of parents and the Brothers of St. Gabriel, continue to live their mission to “Shape lives for service to God and Nation”. To view the schools’ website visit: http:// www.gabrielites.org □

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Montfort School’s heritage gallery was officially opened on July 12 by an old boy (Class of 1966) Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Lim Boon Heng. The gallery documents over 80 years of the institution’s history as well as the development of the Upper Serangoon area where a large Catholic community lived. It is located in the school library. The idea to set up the gallery arose when Montfort School approached the National Heritage Board for assistance. A small team then worked enthusiastically for four months on the project, looking through old school magazines and photographs , and drawing on the memories of teachers. The product of this labour of love was unveiled by Mr Lim during the school’s 87th Founder’s Day. Mr. Lim studied 12 years in the school to pre university level. The history of Montfort dates back to 1916 when Father H Duvelle set up Holy Innocents’ English School in a two-storey house situated next to the Nativity Church along Upper Serangoon Road. Over the years, the student intake increased. In 1936, the management of the school was placed in the hands of the Brothers of St Gabriel. As a result Holy Innocents’ School was renamed Montfort School, in honour of the Founder of the Gabrielite Brothers, St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort. The students who attended Montfort School in the 1960s came mainly from humble family backgrounds. In fact, the 1961 class register displayed in the heritage gallery showed that the

occupations of parents were mostly bread sellers, farmers and fishermen. However, the pupils were in no way disadvantaged. Reinforcing this view in the Founder’s Day address, Mr. Lim said, “Financially we were poor, but the learning environment was rich. If there was one thing that inspired, it was the dedication to serve, exemplified by the Brothers’ of St Gabriel. The Brothers took vows to serve through education. This flame lit new fires among the teachers. It spread to students as well.” The school has produced many priestly vocations . Among them is Archbishop Nicholas Chia. The story of the Archbishop as a student is displayed prominently in the gallery. Indeed, the Montfort Heritage Gallery brings a sense of nostalgia to many, illustrates the rich tradition of the Montfortian family - a tradition that has been passed from one generation of Monfortians to another - and the strong sense of family loyalty among Monfortians. One example is the late Mr Teo Kar Leng, an ex-principal of the school, who composed the lyrics of the school song. His grandson, Kenneth Har, is a secondary three pupil of the school and a third generation Montfortian. It was he who presented Mr Lim with a copy of the school song sung by the school choir during the opening of the gallery. The heritage gallery will enhance this sense of belonging and loyalty to the alma mater and inspire present and future Montfortians. □

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MANILA - Philippine President

Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo thanked the church for its support at the close of a 20-hour mutiny by about 300 soldiers who accused top defense and military officials of corruption. Arroyo said the soldiers, who occupied a luxury apartment near Manila early July 27, had returned to their barracks and would be investigated. Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila issued a pastoral statement July 26 disclosing the existence of a plot to destabilize the government. He called on the faithful to be “vigilant” and “ready to move to whatever action may be called for and necessary to guard our president and the legitimate government and to keep our nation in the way of peace.” His statement was read several times that day over the church’s ZNN-Radio Veritas. On television that evening, Arroyo ordered the military and police to arrest “a small band of rogue junior officers and soldiers who have deserted their posts and illegally brought weapons with them.” At dawn July 27, rebel soldiers

wearing camouflage with red armbands rigged explosives around a commercial complex in the Makati financial district, southeast of Manila. Their leaders and others in the group occupied a local apartment complex, where foreign diplomats and executives live. During press conferences at the building, they accused top government officials of corruption and appealed for public support for their cause. That morning, Cardinal Sin urged people through ZNN-Radio Veritas to remain vigilant and not support the mutinous soldiers. To the mutineers, the cardinal said, “This is your archbishop, Jaime Cardinal Sin, speaking to you, the enemies of our peace. God will not bless those who spread violence and lies.” The soldiers accused the defense and military leaders of selling arms and ammunition to Muslim separatists and communist rebels. Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes told reporters that evening that the charges were “unimaginable and ridiculous,” but he later recommended that a commission be formed to

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Don’t be surprised if you are confronted by “fishermen” as you leave the church after Mass during the coming weekends. These are members of the New Evangelization Team (NET) who will be inviting Catholics to

the Open House Day of the next NET School of Evangelization to take place on August 30 at the Church of St Bemardette in Zion Road from 2.45pm. Taking their cue from Jesus’ call to the apostles to become “fishers of men” (Mt 4:19), the Netters will be enrolling Catholics

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investigate the allegations. Early July 28, Arroyo issued an ultimatum to the renegade soldiers to surrender and authorized the use of “reasonable force” to end the ordeal, but the mutiny ended without violence after hours of negotiation. In a message to UCA News following the mutiny, Archbishop Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato, president of the Philippine bishops’ conference, said the government should “look seriously” into the soldiers’ grievances and institute “serious and radical reforms to prevent corruption.” He stressed, however, that the way the soldiers aired their grievances is “obviously morally wrong and should not be condoned.” □ u c a n , c n s

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for the School’s 16th intake which will begin on September 11,2003. Classes will be held at the Church of St Bemardette once a week on Thursday evenings from 7.45pm. The programme lasts 18-20 months. NET is one of the formation arms of the Archdiocesan Commission for Missionary Activity (ACMA). The school of evangelization was initiated in 1986 in response to the call of Vatican II to involve more lay people in the ministries of the Church. The school’s programme is focused primarily on discipleship that leads to evangelization. Most of the Netters who complete their formation have returned to serve in various ministries in their parishers. Those who wish to enrol or want to know more about the Open House can send an email to neteam@pacific.net.sg or call Elizabeth HP no: 9324-0471. □

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BAGHDAD —The new USinstalled administrator of Iraq has spoken publicly and movingly of how his Catholic faith is a source of inspiration for him in his testing mission. “There is no doubt in my mind that I cannot succeed in this mission without the help of God,” said Paul Bremer, a veteran diplomat and anti-terrorism expert. “The job is simply too big and complex for any one person, or any group of people to carry out successfully.” Mr Bremer, 61, recalled how as he was preparing to leave for Iraq last month he asked his wife Francie to help him find one more thing - a finger rosary to keep in his pocket. And speaking of the importance of prayer as he undertakes his job, he added: “We need God’s help and seek it constantly.” Members of the Church of the

Little Flower in Maryland, where the Bremers serve as eucharistic ministers, and Mgr William Kane of the Church of the Little Flower described Mr Bremer as a man of “faith, integrity and commitment.” “I pray for him every day,” said Mgr Kane. US President George W Bush personally appointed Mr Bremer to the role in which he will oversee the reconstruction effort and establishment of a representative government in Iraq in the wake of the war. Arriving as the top civilian authority last month, he faced the immediate challenge of helping restore key services like

electricity, water service and refuse collection, and then helping revive the nation’s economy and infrastructure. The most impressive thing about the Iraqis is their selfconfidence and skill,” said Mr Bremer. “This was the most advanced country in the Muslim world 50 years ago - and women here were by far more integrated into society than anywhere else in the region. “But the people, and particularly the women in the past decade, have been seriously tyrannised for two generations. They will need a long time to recover.” □

administrator to Iraq Paul Bremer talks with students in a school in Baghdad. Bremer visited the school to meet with students and teachers and discuss their postwar needs. U .S.

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China’s the same HONG KONG —Living under the

shadow of Communism for 50 years has made many Chinese muffle their dissent, but Hong Kong Bishop Joseph Zen’s critical voice seems to have risen in volume. As bishop of Hong Kong’s 200,000-plus Catholics, Bishop Zen has decried the Chinese government’s lack of religious freedom. He said that many people think China has changed and allows its residents to practice religion freely. “But they don’t know the communists,” he said. Asked whether clerics should stay out of politics, Bishop Zen responded, “We don’t like to call it politics. It’s human rights, it’s basic rights, it’s not politics.” □ ZENIT

“Dirty money” rejected MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine bishops’ conference has instructed the Church’s Social Action National Secretariat to fight corruption by not accepting donations from corrupt sources. “Corruption is the abuse of power, in the ambit of the government or in the private sector, for personal enrichment,” says a pastoral document recently signed by Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, outgoing president of the episcopal conference. “But it is the poor who end up losing.” The text was issued at the end of the episcopate’s assembly in

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Bob Hope died a Catholic LOS ANGELES — Entertainer Bob Hope died a Catholic, according to Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles. “One of my greatest joys is knowing that Bob Hope died as a Catholic,” Cardinal Mahony said in a July 28 statement. “Over the years I would invite him to join the church, but he would respond in his typical humor, ‘My wife, Dolores, does enough praying to take care of both of us.’ But eventually her prayers prevailed and he was baptized into the Catholic Church and was strengthened these past years through the regular reception of holy Communion.” Hope was 100 when he died July 24 at his home in Toluca Lake outside Los Angeles. Although he became a Catholic after retiring from show business — his last NBC special was in 1996, when Hope was 93 — the comic and actor was long associated with Catholic endeavors nationwide, often in partnership with his wife, a lifelong Catholic. One such endeavor was the Our Lady of Hope Chapel at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, made possible by contributions from the couple. Joking for reporters and mugging for the camera before the dedication of the chapel in May 1994, Hope said, “My face has helped me with my marriage and my career — I mean my faith .... My faith has helped me in every way in my life.” Hope got his start as an entertainer in Cleveland when he was 18 years old and he started doing a vaudeville act. The fifth of seven sons, he was bom Leslie Townes Hope in Eltham, England, on May 29,1903. In 1907 Leslie’s father brought the family to Cleveland. Hope’s generosity was as long-lasting as his career. He was one of 100 celebrities to contribute prizes on actor Don Ameche’s behalf to help a 1949 building drive at Ameche’s childhood parish, All Saints in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1999, a half-century later, Bob and Dolores Hope matched actor Paul Newman’s $250,000 donation to Catholic Relief Services to assist Kosovar refugees with a quarter-million dollars of their own. In 1962 Hope received an honorary degree from Georgetown University in Washington; his son, Tony, graduated from Georgetown that year. It was one of dozens he received during his lifetime.

Hope never attended college in real life, he cracked, because of “something called high school.” Hope was on the first honorary committee of Catholics in Media Associates, formed in 1993 to honor Catholics in the entertainment industry for their contributions. That year, at age 90, Hope was chosen one of the 10 most admired American men in a poll of 10,000 readers of Good

Bob Hope receives an honorary degree from Georgetown University President Jesuit Father Edward B. Bunn in June 1962. The legendary comedian and actor and wife Dolores donated generously to Catholic causes. Although his wife was a lifelong Catholic, he did not receive the sacraments of the church until later in life.

Housekeeping magazine. In 1999, Hope was selected as the top entertainment figure of the millennium in an ABC News telephone poll. In addition to his hundreds of NBC specials, Hope had a business relationship with NBC dating back to 1936 on NBC’s radio network. He also volunteered his talents for radio shows aired by Family Theater Productions. Hope was also a regular host of the Academy Awards. In 1999, Hope received a standing ovation at the Emmy Awards for his contributions to television. Hope also starred in close to 50 movies, the last of them being 1979’s “The Muppet Movie.” His best-remembered films are the “Road” movies that also starred Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. In his long life, Hope received numerous awards as a testament to his long and successful career in radio, TV and movies, as well as his charitable works and his annual Christmas visits to tell jokes to troops stationed overseas, from World War II to

the Persian Gulf War. Just some of the awards and honors Hope received were: papal honors designating him as a Knight Commander of St. Gregory the Great; the Tree of Life Award from the Jewish National Fund; the Father Flanagan Award for Service to Youth, given by Girls and Boys Town; the Hal Roach Entertainment Award from Loyola Marymount University, which honored the memory of the Hollywood producer who made stars of Laurel and Hardy, Harold Lloyd and the Little Rascals. With Hope, though, the jokes never stopped coming. He once said Catholic comic Danny Thomas was so religious that highway patrolmen stopped him for having stained-glass windows in his car. At a 1965 testimonial dinner for Cardinal James McIntyre of Los Angeles, he said: “Being married to a Catholic is almost like being one. I had to go all the way to Vietnam to get meat on Friday.” And during one of Hope’s grueling Vietnam tours, he attended a Christmas Mass celebrated by Cardinal Francis Spellman of New York — and promptly fell asleep. He approached the cardinal afterward and told him, “I’m sorry. I fell asleep at your Mass.” Cardinal Spellman replied, “Don’t worry. I saw your show at the Paramount and I fell asleep too.” In a 1969 interview with the Catholic Herald, Milwaukee’s archdiocesan newspaper, he was asked where he thought the increasing use of nudity and sex in entertainment was taking America. Hope replied, “I think we’re all going to the police station to be arrested, (that’s) where. I mean everybody — those who are doing it and those who are watching.... I like jokes and stories. But when you see some of this stuff, it’s too much.” Commenting on his own career, he told the newspaper, “I inherited a voice from my mother and a sense of timing from my father and found out I could make people laugh.” Hope is survived by his wife of more than 69 years, Dolores, their four adopted children — Linda, Anthony, Nora and Kelly — and four grandchildren. According to a CNN report, his family said they will hold a private burial and scheduled a memorial Mass for Aug. 27 for relatives and close friends. □ c n s

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view of humanity that excludes God and Christ. “Paradoxically, the birthplace of human rights risks losing its very foundation,” he said. He said the Church could offer Europe a precious gift: faith in Christ, “source of hope that does not deceive.” “How can such a deep desire for hope be satisfied? It is necessary to return to Christ and begin again from him,” the pope said. Vatican officials have lamented that a draft constitution under consideration by the European Union contains no specific reference to the continent’s Christian heritage. Church officials are lobbying for a change in the text as negotiations continue. □ cn s

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28, the Vatican said the document’s title is “Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons.” The document, to be published in Italian, French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Polish, coincides with a growing movement in Europe and North America toward granting gay couples the legal protections and benefits of marriage. In late July, Massachusetts’ highest court was widely expected to rule in favor of legalizing same-sex marriages; similar legislation was enacted in 2000 in Vermont. Also in July, Canada’s government proposed a draft bill to legalize same-sex marriage; Belgium, Denmark and Netherlands already have legalized such unions. Opposition to gay marriage, including opposition among white U.S. Catholics, has dropped significantly in recent years, according to a poll released in July by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. Just 41 percent of white Catholics today oppose legalized gay marriage, in contrast with 60 percent in 1996. Support for such measures among white Catholics has increased in the same period from 31 percent to 47 percent. A senior Vatican official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the new

document had been in the works for at least a year and was meant to help combat growing pressure in some parts of the world to legalize gay unions. “Because there is something of a movement in the direction of recognizing these kinds of unions, there is a desire to be helpful to the bishops, the universal church” and Catholic politicians, the official said. The official said the document “offers arguments from human reason” about the foundational role of marriage in wellfunctioning societies and “the complete absence of an analogy between the marriage of a man and a woman and the union of two men or two women.” The document was intended to help local bishops present convincing arguments against legal recognition of gay marriages, to give direction to Catholic lawmakers, and “to help anybody who has to confront the matter,” the official said. It warns Catholic lawmakers that it is “gravely immoral” to vote for such measures, according to AP.Biscom, an Italian news agency that published portions of the text July 25. At the same time, the official said, the document “strongly insists on respect” for homosexual individuals and should not be interpreted as encouragement of “unjust discrimination” against gays. □

CatholicNew s □

Sundays August 3 and August 10,2003

PfiotoNiws Please Lord, let there be rain Dominican Sister Rene Weeks leads residents in Alamosa, Colorado, U.S. in prayer for an end to the drought. It has been four years since substantial rains have watered crops in the West. The resulting economic downturn has left rural churches struggling to survive. □ c n s

Passageway of popes reopened A night view show s the fam ous “passetto di B orgo” during the first hours o f its official reopening in Rom e late July 24. The passageway is a m edieval fortified bridge connecting Vatican City to Castel Sant’Angelo and was used in the past by the popes to escape the Vatican to the security o f the castle. Pope Clem ent VII was the last to use the route to escape during an attack on Rom e in 1527. ■ c n s p h o t o s

Cyclists pass mural of Cuban singer Celia Cruz

Lottery winner to support parish projects Bernadette Gietka, winner of the Maryland Mega Millions lottery, stands in front of Holy Rosary Parish in Baltimore. With her winnings - US$112.8 million, the second largest payout to an individual winner in U.S. lottery history, but US$ 76 million after taxes - Gietka has a number of plans that include her parish - producing a musical that celebrates the sanctity of life, installing air conditioning in the church, setting up a charitable foundation, and donating funds to promote religious vocations. The part-time letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, who works three other jobs, is absolutely sure in her mind that God was behind her good fortune. □

Cyclists pass a tribute mural to Cuban singer Celia Cruz. The salsa legend died July 16 and was buried in New York following a funeral service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Auxiliary Bishop Josu Iriondo of New York praised her as a woman who remained humble despite the fame she achieved and who gave and received love from ordinary people. He said the singer, who was black, initially suffered from some prejudice, but was “very confident of herself’ and overcame the prejudice “with humility and determination.” The previous day, throngs estimated by the funeral home manager to number 20,000 passed by to view Cruz, who lay in an open bronze casket holding a crucifix. □

Malnourished children live in squalor A mother and her malnourished children stand in their cardboard shack built along the concrete wall of a Mexico City overpass. The Mexican bishops’ conference will officially launch the National Solidarity Campaign Aug. 20. It is a programme to set up community kitchens in poor neighbourhoods, and is based on a model developed in Brazil. □

Mel Gibson in peace talks over ‘The Passion’ Actor Mel Gibson chats with Janet Kistler, an employee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, as he leaves the bishops’ headquarters July 21. Gibson, in town for a private screening of his film, “The Passion,” met privately with Msgr. William Fay, USCCB general secretary to show that there was no animosity. The meeting took place a month after the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Gibson’s Icon

Productions were involved in a spat over “The Passion.” The dispute centered on the use of what Icon Productions said were unauthorized copies of a draft script used by a group of Catholic and Jewish scholars to critique the screenplay. The group said the script was antiSemitic and the movie would inflame anti-Jewish feelings. The film has yet to find a distributor. Gibson, a Catholic, is the father of seven children. □

Sundays A ugust 3 and A ugust 1 0 ,2 0 0 3 □ CatholicN ews

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NewsBriefs

Ex-gay is ok MY ADVENTURE into the gay scene started with fun and excitement. But years later, it had fundamentally changed me spiraling me downward into a depression that nearly cost me my life. How neat it was when I visited my first gay bar and saw a real live “drag show.” It seemed that at last, I was truly “finding myself’ and “just being me.” But in time, that joy left, and my life began to play out like a soap opera. During those long years living on an emotional

This article has been written by the Catholic Medical Guild in response to misrepresentation of medical facts on homosexuality published in the letters section of some secular media. Are people born homosexual? It is convenient to attribute human behaviour to genes. This is especially so for a behaviour that baffles, like same-sex attraction. Many researchers have championed the belief that homosexuality is written in our genes. Yet despite numerous exhaustive attempts, no “gaygene” has been found or validated conclusively by modem science. (Crewdson 1995; Horgan 1995; McGuire 1995; Porter 1996; Rice 1999). If sexual orientation is determined by one’s genes only, then every pair of identical twins, (who have identical genetic makeups), should have the same sexual orientation. Numerous reports however show this to be not so. If it is not in the genes, then what? Case studies show the frequent presence of one or more of these environmental factors in people with homosexual orientation (this list is not exhaustive): — alienation from the father in early childhood because the father was perceived as hostile or distant, violent or alcoholic (Fisher 1996 ; Pillard 1988) — mother was needy and demanding of her male children, (Fitzgibbons 1999) — mother was emotionally unavailable to her female children, (Bradley 1997 ; Eisenbud 1982) — sexual abuse or rape (Beitchman 1991; Bradley 1997; Engel 1981) — parental loss through death or divorce (Zucker 1995) — separation from parent during critical developmental stages (Zucker 1995). However we want to stress that every individual is different, and different influences are at

roller coaster, my personality gradually changed from that of a caring and ethical individual into a hard-hearted, self-centered woman that I didn’t like at all. When I looked into the mirror, I’d become someone I didn’t even recognize. I also hated the double life that being a lesbian led me to live because in my heart, I knew something was wrong with this life. One night as I sat and watched lesbian couples dancing and socializing in the bar, I pondered over a particular irony of lesbian

life: Here were women who didn’t like men, acting just like them! Gradually, I began to question what

I was seeing. There was something unnatural about this lifestyle, something fundamentally distorted. In a few fleeting thoughts I wondered about the Bible that I had always trusted as my guide - it never seemed to mention people of the same sex having sex. □ Thus began the personal testimony of Linda Wall (left). Ms Wall now lobbies U.S. state and federal legislators from an ex-gay point of view and aspires to a political career. Read the full story of her journey into lesbianism and out of it at www.narth.com, the website of thw National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality.

Understanding homosexuality play in different persons. So not everyone with a homosexual orientation will necessarily have experienced any of the above environmental factors. It is also true to say that not everyone who has experienced any of the above situations will end up with a homosexual orientation. It has also been found that people with same-sex attraction often have other associated psychological problems such as severe depression (Fergusson 1999), severe anxiety, conduct disorders and personality disorders (Parris 1993; Zubenko 1987). This points to the presence of deeper underlying issues and perhaps to a need for inner healing. Genes, the environment and individual choice

leads to homosexual acts will arise only if the individual makes this choice (which may be easier or more difficult to make as a result of his enviromeantal influences). While their desires may be unconsciously aroused, those with a homosexual orientation can choose whether to act on those desires just as an alcoholic can choose whether to act on his desire to drink For this reason, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Basing itself on j Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered. They j are contrary to natural law . . . Under no circumstances can they be approved “ (CCC 2357).

Can one stop being Human behavioural traits homosexual? whether it is becoming dependant on alcohol, or becoming a Yes! Dr Lawrence Hatterer, a basketball star - depend on the renowned psychiatrist, once said, interaction between the genes, | “I have ‘cured’ many the individual and his response to homosexuals. Many of these his environment. ‘cured’ (I prefer to use the word To be a basketball star, a ‘changed’) patients have person would need the relevant married, had families and live genetic advantages: genes that happy lives. It is a destructive make him tall, genes that give him myth that ‘once a homosexual, good hand-eye coordination, and always a homosexual.’ It has so on. But this potential could made and will make millions easily be thwarted: he would not more committed homosexuals. reach his full height if he did not What is more, not only have I eat proper food when he was but many other reputable young; he would not be good at psychiatrists have reported their shooting or passing if he did not successful treatments of the have friends to play basketball treatable homosexual.” (Tripp & with or if he did not have a mentor Hatterer 1971) to teach him the necessary skills. An article by Dr. Warren An essential factor for his Throckmorton, “Initial Empirical becoming a basketball star is his and Clinical Findings Concerning willingness to commit himself to the Change Process for Exthe physical and mental training Gays,” was published in the June required to be one. 2002 issue of the American Likewise, homosexuality. Psychological Association’s Even if a genetic homosexual publication Professional predisposition exists, a Psychology: Research and homosexaual orientation that Practice. He said: “My literature

suggests that sexual orientation, once thought to be an unchanging sexual trait, is actually quite flexible for many people, changing as a result of therapy for some, ministry for others and spontaneously for still others.” The journey out The Catechism states, “The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. They do not choose their homosexual condition; for most of them it is a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. The persons are called to fulfil God’s will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition” (CCC 2358). “Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of selfmastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection” (CCC 2359). For a Catholic with same-sex attraction, the goal of therapy should be freedom to live chastely according to one’s state in life. Some of those who have struggled with same-sex attractions believe that they are called to a celibate life. They should not be made to feel that they have failed to achieve freedom because they do not experience desires for the other sex. Others wish to marry and have children. There is every reason to hope that many will be able, in time, to achieve this goal. With the power of grace, the sacraments, support from the community, and an

M ark’s story “I thought I had the homosexuality under control. I ’d been a Catholic f o r five years, went to daily Mass, prayed the rosary daily, went on one or two retreats a year, and volunteered at m y parish. Yet, after a series o f crises occurred, I once again became involved in addictive, homosexual behaviour.”

Find out what happened at www.couragerc.net

experienced therapist, a determined individual should be able to achieve the inner freedom promised by Christ. Experienced therapists can help individuals uncover and understand the root causes of the emotional trauma which gave rise to their same-sex attraction and then work in therapy to resolve this pain. All this takes time. In this respect, individuals suffering from samesex attraction are no different than the many other men and women who suffer emotional pain. Those who wish to be free from same-sex attraction frequently turn first to the Church. We must avail ourselves so that they find the help and hope they are seeking. There is every reason to hope that every person experiencing same-sex attraction who seeks help from the Church can find freedom from homosexual behaviour and many will find much more, but they will come only if they see love in our words and deeds. Where can one go for help For a testimonial of a person who has journeyed with his same- sex attraction, visit: www.couragerc.net/ TestimoniesPeter.html Those who would like to learn more about the subject, visit: www.narth.comwww.ssaml.com or www.couragerc.net You may also wish to see a counsellor at Family Life Society. Call 6488-0278 to make an appointment. Concluding points We must remember that a person with homosexual orientation is no more and no less a sinner than the rest of us. And that the orientation springs from complex interplay of genetic and environmental predisposing factors, and the choices “conscious and unconscious” that the person suffering from the orientation has made. The fact is that there are people who have previously had same sex attraction and yet have successfully turned away from it, and that there are many who are also now happily married. All this tells us that there is a way out. “For with God, all things are possible”.

CatholicNews □

Sundays August 3 and August 10, 2003

Feature contraception (n) the practice of or method used in deliberately preventing a woman becoming pregnant as a result of having sex THIS JULY 25 marks the 35th anniversary of one of the most controversial Church documents in recent history, “Humanae Vitae” (Of Human Life) which affirmed the consistent Catholic teaching on the sanctity of marital love and the error of contraception. The storm of criticism that followed has still not abated. Church bashing because of this teaching is encountered in offices, in the media, in government and among friends. Many Catholics (apparently as many as 80 per cent of American Catholics) reject church sexuality teaching. But it is also true that very few actually understand what this church teaching really is , and why. Moreover, many priests have failed to address this subject from the pulpit - whether in a positive, rational way or at all. In this and the next five issues, we will publish a series of articles that we hope will help you appreciate better what the church teaches and the reasons why. So let’s put aside our prejudices and misconceptions and open our minds and hearts as we approach this subject. The series is written by Fr William P. Saunders and first appeared in the Arlington Catholic Herald.

I n t h e b e g in n in g . God reveals the right relationship between man and woman EFORE addressing the issue of contraception, one must first understand the Church’s moral teaching concerning marriage. The Church does not simply deliver a moral teaching in isolation; rather, the moral teaching is undergirded by a moral framework of how life ought to be lived in the eyes of God. In this case, the moral framework is what God has revealed concerning marriage. In the creation account of Genesis, we find the beautiful truth, “God made man in His image; in the divine image He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27). In this one verse, we find an intrinsic goodness and dignity to each human being. We also recognize a goodness to our human sexuality both man and woman are made in God’s image and likeness, and both masculinity and femininity are equally good. Yes, man and woman are different anatomically, physiologically, and even psychologically (as admitted by many psychologists, even “feminist” ones). These differences do not indicate inequality, instead complementarity.

“God has created each one o f us, every hum an being, for greater things— to love and to be loved. B ut w hy did God m ake wom en? B ecause a w om an’s love is one im age o f the love o f G od, and a m an’s love is another im age o f G od’s love. Both are created to love, but each in a different way. W oman and m an com plete each other, and together show forth G od’s love more fully than each can alone. That special power of loving that belongs to a w om an is seen m ost clearly when she becom es a mother. M otherhood is the gift of God to w om en. How grateful we m ust be to God for this w onderful gift that brings such joy to the w hole w orld, w om en and men alike! Yet we can destroy this gift o f m otherhood, specially by the evil o f abortion, but also by thinking that other things like jobs or positions are m ore im portant than loving, than giving oneself to others. No job , no plans, no possessions, no idea of “freedom ” can take the place o f love. So anything that destroys G od ’s gift o f m otherhood destroys his m ost precious gift to w om en - the ability to love as a w om an.” — M other Teresa

God takes the rib from the man to create “a suitable partner,” whom the man recognizes as “‘This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called ‘woman’ for out of ‘her man’ this one has been taken.’ That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body” (2:23-24). Pope John Paul II reflected that in A fresco of Adam and Eve covers a portion of a wall marriage “man” in the former St. Ann Church in Woonsocket, R.I. in the moment of The church has been converted into an art center communion truly named St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center. becomes the image of God, With this truth, we must also “an image of an inscrutable divine view our human life not just by communion of Persons.” the confines of this world, but also Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in the with a view to a supernatural and gospel affirmed the teaching of eternal destiny. God has made us Genesis. When asked by the for Himself, and we hope one day Pharisees about divorce, Jesus to find this life fulfilled in the replied, “Have you not read that at Kingdom of Heaven. the beginning the Creator made In the next verse of Genesis them male and female, and (1:28), we read, “God blessed declared, ‘For this reason a man them, saying, ‘Be fertile and shall leave his father and mother multiply; fill the earth and subdue and cling to his wife, and the two it.’ “Here is marriage, a God-given, shall become as one’? Thus, they God-designed institution. If we are no longer two but one flesh. could think of the best way to Therefore, let no man separate realize that “image and likeness of what God has joined” (Matthew God,” it would then be in 19:3ff). marriage. In this sacred union, man Given this basis in Sacred and woman - each made in God’s Scripture, we hold marriage as a image and likeness with their sacrament in our Catholic belief. similarity and their uniqueness Vatican 13’s Pastoral Constitution comc together as one. The second creation account of of the Church in the Modem World (Gaudium et Spes) spoke Genesis reinforces this idea: Here,

beautifully about marriage: Marriage is a partnership of life and love designed by God and endowed by Him with its own proper laws, with various benefits, and with various ends in view. Both husband and wife “surrender themselves to each other” and give their “irrevocable personal consent.” Marriage involves a mutual giving of two persons, which entails total fidelity and permanence. Moreover, the love of husband and wife which binds them together as one overflows, and they may participate in creation, giving birth to children. Through the sacrament they live and the bountiful graces offered by our Lord, couples are fortified to fulfill their duties to each other and their family. As such, marriage is clearly the foundation of the family and the whole human race. Therefore, we speak of marriage not as a contract but as a covenant. Just as God made a covenant of life and love with His people of the Old Testament through Abraham and Moses, just as Christ made the perfect, everlasting, and life-giving covenant through the blood of His cross, so marriage is a covenant, a permanent bonding of life and love. (For this reason, St. Paul frequently used the image of Christ and His Church in explaining the love of husband and wife (e.g. Ephesians 5:22ff).) Therefore, when a couple exchanges vows, they are promising a love of fidelity, permanence, exclusivity, and perpetuity to each other and God. Man and woman enter into a lifegiving covenant with God as husband and wife. Next week, we will continue the “foundational discussion” in addressing the expression of love in marriage. Fr. Saunders is pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Potomac Falls. □

The wisdom of Humanae vitae Humanae vitae warned of the dangers of a contaceptive mentality: loss of respect for women and human life, the weakening of the family, and population control by govemments.These have come to pass in the form of sexual permissiveness among young and old, single and married; high rates of divorce and single-parent families; abortion on demand. Pope Paul VI feared that governments would impose contraceptive methods on people, thus intervening in “the most personal and intimate responsibility of husband and wife.” Such pressure can take many forms. The British government gives more bilateral overseas aid for abortion and population control(US$422 million) than for clean drinking water and sanitation (US$128mmillion). Sterilization, widely used as a contraceptive method, has

frequently been imposed on people. In Peru, for example, a parliamentary commission is investigating the forced sterilization of more than 300,000 rural w om en. The health dangers of the first generation of contraceptives are well known. Less publicized however are the problems related to pills in use today. Contraceptive use is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. In Norway, an eight-year study involving nearly 100,000 women found that those taking oral contraceptives were 25% more likely to develop breast cancer. The longer the pill was taken, the higher the risk. Church approved natural family planning, specifically the Billings ovulation method, compares favourably with contraceptives. The most recent study, carried out with 992 couples in China, showed a 99% success rate. □ z e n i t , c n s , o t h e r s

Sundays A ugust 3 and August 1 0 ,2 0 0 3 □ CathoIicN ews

Special Report D

Beyond the gloomy headlines By Father John Catoir I HOPE you’re having a good day. The headlines don’t help much to bolster one’s feelings. Fear of the next terrorist attack is always hanging over us. Sometimes we fall into a bad mood without realizing it. But Jesus said, “Be of good cheer.” He also said, “Oh you of little faith.” He wants you to trust him. Moods are passing things. Don’t look out the window to see how you’re going to feel each day. It’s up to you to decide, from within, what mood you’ll be in. It may take hours to shed the blues, but if you don’t fight them they will haunt you. The will says yes or no to the thoughts you think. Even in the midst of sorrow you can step up and claim the divine joy that is present within your soul. It’s not a feeling that you have to force; it’s a form of knowledge that you cultivate. Feelings will follow in time.

Here is a lovely quote from Pope John XXIII on this point: “Our faith lays claim to the whole person, body, mind and soul, intellect and will. It calls people to raise their minds above the challenging conditions of this earthly existence and reach upward for the eternal life of heaven.” Living our life as though we were under water can be suffocating, but if we remember to come to the surface we can change the atmosphere. Gloom and doom are left down below. So decide to pop your head out of the dark world of bad news. Breathe some of the fresh air that God wants to give you. Treat yourself to joy. St. Catherine of Sienna overcame dozens of serious problems in her life by clinging to faith. Once a slightly deranged man fell in love with her and demanded her attention. She tried over and again to be free of him, but he persisted. Finally she had enough and really told him to get lost. He threatened suicide if she spumed him. She still said no. He left brooding; later, to her horror, he took his own life. What a memory to have to carry, and yet she went on bravely. Later in life she was able to say, “All the way to heaven is heaven.” This does not mean that she was always happy, but it implies that joy

is deeper than the sorrows of any given day. Joy is God’s life in us. We can always fall back on God’s radiant joy. Robert Mueller was the No. 2 man behind five secretary-generals at the United Nations. His bosses came and went, but he stayed on year after year for more than 30 years, ensuring continuity and stability. Here is one of his most delightful quotes: “Decide to be cheerful. Render others cheerful. “Praise the whole of creation with your cheers. “Be a rock against sadness, pessimism and hopelessness. “Switch on and keep on all the cheerful buttons in yourself. “Whistle, sing and smile at life; feel like dancing. “See the bright glory of God everywhere and in everyone. “Say yes to life, immensely, cheerfully, ecstatically, enthusiastically. “Bring your precious contribution to the happiness and ascent of humankind. “Believe in the immortality and everlasting effects of your goodness. “If you do this you will honor God and attain the highest goal of Christianity.” □ cm

Humour works wonders! By David Gibson

IT IS IN humour’s nature to relax things, That’s why humour and laughter are ; among the “basics” of leisure time. But j humour is good for much more than that. For example, when things really seem “stuck” at home, humour can enter upon the scene to play what may be its j greatest role. I’m talking about times i when there is a big problem to figure | out or an important goal to achieve — | the times when family members tend to ; overfocus on their “problem” in all its details. I ’m talking about times when Laughter, it is said, is good medicine. the intensity of the desire to resolve an j

important challenge as quickly as possible becomes not only counter productive, but virtually drives laughter away for the time being. Humour’s true potential can come into clear view at times like these. A dash of humour may work wonders by relaxing things, reintroducing smiles to the situation, helping those involved to appreciate each other more, and a new and better atmosphere for dealing with the challenge they face. So humour, it appears, can serve as a channel of grace. □ cns

A key to healthy living By Father Eugene Hemrick DURING a mission given by a Jesuit priest in our parish, I noticed he always finished with a spiritual exercise. He never let us rest after his talks, but rather prodded us to discuss and reorder his thoughts among ourselves in order to make them meaningful to our personal lives. As I went through these exercises, it dawned on me that we were practicing a high form of asceticism. “Asceticism” in Greek means practice and exercise — exercise in the proper directing of one’s life. As discomforting as asceticism sounds, its main purpose is to bring our lives into

better order, making them healthier and more enjoyable. The order asceticism creates is especially beneficial to our health, the way we relate to others, and our spiritual life. Most of us would agree that we are forever in need of more sleep. We know from experience that a good night’s sleep gives us more zest and a better outlook. We also know that the worst opponents of a good sleep are staying up late watching brainless programs, those with excessive violence, and the late news, which is nothing more than a recap of news we’ve already heard. Add overeating to this, and we guarantee ourselves a rough night’s sleep.

Asceticism counsels us: “You know you don’t like the results of these habits, and that every time you avoid them you feel better. Don’t rest on good intentions to change them, but do something about them! Reorder them to give you a healthier sleep, and watch the difference this makes!” If a relationship is drying up with someone close to us, asceticism would advise: “To counter the growing distance you feel between a good friend and yourself, don’t just mull over it, but talk it out with the friend or someone with whom you feel comfortable. Hunt for ways to rekindle the friendship, to enliven it.”

Applied to our spiritual lives, asceticism simply comes down to following Christ’s command that love is the greatest of all the commandments. But, we might ask, how do love and asceticism complement each other? Among its wonderful qualities, love means being well disposed toward others; it means forgiveness and peace-making. If we think about it, we find that each of these qualities is forever urging us to reorder our lives. If, for example, we find it difficult to forgive someone, asceticism counsels us: “Work hard to reorder your thinking about this person. Don’t look solely at the hurt he (or she) caused you. Look at the whole

person. More often than not you will find that the ultimate cause of your hurt is that the other person is hurting. A certain goodness is missing in his life, and you have become the scapegoat for the disappointment that entails. Don’t lock your thinking into one position about him! Reorder it by replacing your warring disposition with a peace-loving disposition. Change your outlook.” Asceticism would end by telling us: “Note how a little reordering, rescheduling and restructuring of things that are out of order dispels that which is taking the joy out of our lives. That is what I am about.” □ cns

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Life is great!

happiness, the pope, even though obviously in pain, was able to give it his all in his homily and the singing of the Mass. By Father Eugene Hemrick As I breathed in the moment’s exhilaration, I told myself, “Life doesn’t get any better than this!” APRIL 27,2003, was as good a day as it could be for me. At 8:30 But it did get better. In the afternoon I walked up the a.m., I walked from the North American College in Rome to St. Gianicolo Hill alongside the Peter’s Square for the Vatican to the Doria Pamphil Park. beatifications of Father Giacomo As I entered its magnificent Alberione, Father Marco expanse of rolling lawns framed by Rome’s stately umbrella pines, d’Aviano, Sister Maria Cristina Brando, Sisters Eugenia Ravasco, I was greeted by the energetic Sister Maria Domenica Mantovani sounds of children playing. Seeing and Sister Giulia Salzuno. children in their spontaneity and People from all parts of the carefree play is the perfect way to world crowded into St. Peter’s forget one’s worries. As I strolled through the park, Square wearing colorful neckerchiefs painted with I passed young lovers pouring out portraits of their favorite blessed. their life stories to each other. The ceremony began with the Proud parents pushed babies in reading of the lives of each their strollers or held a young blessed. When this concluded, child by the hand. These children two choirs sang about the glory were so immaculately dressed of the day, and cheers went up as that you would think they were the drapes covering the portraits about to be baptized or make their of the blesseds were slowly | first Communion. I also came across elderly couples sitting pulled back. Nothing is more joyful than quietly on a bench, lending their the celebration of an inspiring life comforting presence to each that reflects God’s life among us. other. And every so often an To add to the occasion’s elderly gentleman would strut by

standing tall and straight as if to say, “I still have it!” Not all was idyllic. I did pass feuding couples and parents having difficulties keeping their children in line. And too, someone would limp by with a sad, dour look, making me wonder what had darkened his or her life. As I left the park and reflected on the day, I thanked God for allowing me to enter into life’s many intriguing facets. Saints direct our thoughts to the divine life within us that yearns to serve and sacrifice self for others. Parenthood at its best, like sainthood, reminds us of the love behind service and sacrifice. Young people in love reflect the spring-like freshness of life. Children help us to recall how vibrant life can be when we make it playful and leave our worries to God. Elderly people who still are deeply present to each other after weathering life teach us the enormous depths to which love can go. Finally, those who are in pain alert us to the never-ending work of dispelling darkness with light.

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CNS

Don’t let the past drag you down By Father John Catoir THE LORD reads hearts. He knows that you are a good person. Despite your sins and imperfections, he knows you want to do the right thing. Just as Jesus saw the good intentions of the prostitutes, he sees your soul and recognizes your noble identity. His courteous treatment of those who followed him was a sign of love. He chose Matthew, j a despised tax collector, to be one

St. Peter knew he was a coarse sinner. Remember his words, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Jesus ignored him and his guilty feelings. Jesus simply said, “Don’t be afraid, from now on I will make you a fisher of men” (Lk 5:8-10). Jesus can read hearts. He knows goodness when he sees it. Why is it so difficult to tell scrupulous people that God’s love transcends all their guilt feelings? Locked in self-reproach, they

Slow down, don’t go too fast By Father Eugene Hemrick

deliberation and control that is | deterioration and a loss of created in our lives when we slow | vitality.” ; down, it won’t be old age that Slowing down isn’t “WHENEVER people confess comes to mind for them. Rather synonymous with a “slowdown,” that they are impatient, I suggest they will get a sense of the : either, which, according to the as a penance slowing down their maturity or, perhaps, sanity that thesaurus, suggests “stagnation” way of life. They are to start their i results. and “letting up.” In most cases, penance by leaving the I think of slowing down as a | slowing down is a sign of mature confessional slowly, praying a virtue. It counsels us to be alert to deliberation and wisdom. prayer of thanks slowly and all the little urges we have to run, Some weeks ago I went to a slowly walking out of the church.” bolt, speed and rush. It advises: golf tournament to see what it is Of course, in addition to “If you are tempted to dart that separates the professionals countering impatience, slowing across the street when stoplights from the amateurs. As I watched down lowers blood pressure. are red and there is a break in the the pros hit practice shots, what Slowing down is a winner when traffic, take a deep breath, look immediately caught my attention it comes to achieving inner peace. j around, enjoy the environment was their constant effort to slow But what does it mean to slow and wait until they turn green. down in order to make their down? “When you take off for work, swing more deliberately smooth. Slowing down often has don’t become like a launched On the other hand, the one thing connotations of getting older. If rocket and explode out of your golf hackers have in common is a we have a fast step and slow it i home. Take a moment to become rushed swing. down, we may think to ourselves, composed, and then walk slowly When people detect the “People will see this as a sign of

to the door and down the walk with this thought in mind, ‘If I start the day under control, that’s how I’ll conduct myself throughout the day.’ “Before retiring in the evening, recite the prayer Blessed Pope John XXIII would recite before going to bed: ‘Lord, I have done everything I could do today, now I leave the rest to you. I am going to sleep.’ Slowing down means avoiding the temptation to let the business of the day and world events rush around in our minds after we hit the pillow.” There is a saying in Italian that goes something like this: “Go slowly and you will go a long way; go with too much gusto, too often, and you go to your death.”

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CNS

seem unable to forgive themselves. God forgives them, but they don’t feel forgiven. They do not know that their feelings are not facts. St. Francis of Assisi knew this. He held on to his joy even in times of rejection. Yes, St Francis suffered bitter rejection from members of his own community. The important thing is not to let the past drag you down. Your holiness depends more on God’s love for you than on your worthiness. It has more to do with the desires of your heart than with the state of your moral perfection. There is in each of us an I innate desire to be close to God. We want to be accepted and loved by our Supreme Maker. We want be in harmony with his will. Since it is nearly impossible to attain the highest ideals of Christianity without huge doses of grace, we inevitably experience guilt. This feeling is a good thing. It can spur you on to do better. Guilt is a friend, not an enemy — that is, unless you become obsessively guilty. Every night make an act of contrition for anything your conscience tells you is truly a sin. | Wipe the slate clean, and experience God’s forgiveness. If | you still tend to feel unworthy, | thank the Lord for your humility, ; and go to sleep. God is unchanging love. The | next time you beat yourself up with guilt feelings, examine the [ true desires of your heart, and trust in his mercy. □ c n s

Sundays August 3 and A ugust 1 0 ,2 0 0 3 □ C atholicNews

r s ile

W h y I g o t o M a ss By Mary Jo Pedersen SLUMPING down in the back seat so as not to be seen in the car with his family, Colin broke his sullen silence with the question, “Why do we have to go to church every Sunday anyway?” At age 14, he had figured out how to needle his parents, using logic laced with sarcasm. “You just said that our family is on the go too much and that you have too many things to do. You want just one day to relax! Then here we are going to sit in church for an hour and hear the same thing we heard last week. Why?” Colin’s dad was tempted to say, “Because I said so,” which had been his father’s response to him. But instead he laid out his own reasons one by one. “First of all, I’m going because I’m grateful,” said Colin’s father. “A few really good things happened this week, and I want to say thanks to God. “Second, I’m worried about a test the doctor has scheduled for me. “Third, I need God’s help in parenting a stubborn adolescent.

“That’s about it for this week. Ask me next week, and my answer might be different.” People come to liturgy for different reasons. Some go out of fear or duty. Others go because of personal needs or because their friends are going. Some go purely for the sake of worshiping God. The Catholic Christian tradition encourages us to celebrate liturgy in order to praise and give thanks to God for the unconditional love spilled out in

Jesus’ death and resurrection. People streaming into the church on any given day may be present at liturgy in very different ways. Sometimes it seems as though I am only partially present at liturgy. My body is there, but my mind is wandering off to the day’s activities or the past week’s burdens. On my better days, I am more completely present; attentive to the homily and open to the Eucharist’s calming, healing power.

Danger to the young in the Internet

A question of character

What happens in school or in the homes of friends should also be known by parents and discussed with their offspring. By Father William J. Byron, SJ THERE is no technical fix that will protect children from pornography and predators on the Internet; the challenge is reducible to a question of character. Filters can help. So will enforcement of existing laws. New laws are on the way. But at the end of the day, personal character is our last best hope. Just as children have to learn what is good or bad for them in the consumption of food and drink, they have to be encouraged to internalize the values that will prompt them to consume only appropriate Internet imagery, reject hate speech and other offensive messages

delivered on computer screens, and, most important of all, be aware of the perils of participation in chat rooms. Children typically know more about the Internet than do their parents. Children can, and in most cases are quite willing to, partner with their parents in setting age-appropriate guidelines for use of the Internet at home. No child should have a personal computer with Internet access in his or her private bedroom. The place for the computer is in a hallway or family room in open view of random passersby. There are technological tools to help a parent find where a youngster is going online, but privacy considerations and principles of positive parenting suggest that the most effective way to find out is simply to ask. As one observer noted, “Keeping a child out of harm’s way on the Internet has as much to do with a parent’s ability to talk openly with a child as it does with how computer savvy a parent is.” What a person does in secret tells you a lot about that person’s character. Character development is the key protective strategy to protect youngsters from pornography and predators on the Internet. Strong character will help a child shun secrecy for openness and, without worrying about getting caught or getting away with it, just go ahead and do the right thing. □ cn s □ E-mail: wbyron@holytrinitydc.org.

I can only bring to liturgy what I am and what I have on any given day. Like Colin’s father, I bring my gratitude, my worries and concerns, my anger and frustration. Like others filling the pews, I bring my life to liturgy, dragging my blessings and brokenness with me. The comfort derived from regular participation at liturgy is that no matter how we are in attendance, half or wholeheartedly, we can count on Christ’s faithful presence. Jesus is as present to us at liturgy as he was 2,000 years ago to Zacchaeus in the treetop or to the woman at the well. The sacramental gifts, blessed and broken like our lives, bring us fully and miraculously into the company of Jesus every single time we celebrate liturgy. His healing, reconciling power is always available to us even when we slip into the back row five minutes late with a bit of a headache. Whether we enter the church alone or with family, we enter into a worshiping community that is itself another family. We belong to this family by virtue of our baptism, whether we know the names of the people inside the church on that particular day or not. We are present at liturgy as

Celebrating sacraments lessen stress

part of a body of assembled believers with whom we share a common journey. At Mass we are all nourished, healed and forgiven by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, brought to us by the mystery of bread and wine. When the priest mixes the water and wine together, all the distinctions between us disappear. We are then “neither Greek nor Jew, woman nor man, slave or free.” We become one body. The term “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word for “thanksgiving.” Though I don’t always enter into liturgy with gratitude, the liturgy itself draws me into a larger celebration of thanksgiving than I am capable of by myself. We are called to gratitude and celebration of God’s love for us by the prayers, the readings, the music and the ritual actions of kneeling and standing, raising and grasping hands and signing ourselves. No matter what our motivation or fervor of attendance, liturgy invites us into the saving embrace of God again and again for the simple price of our presence. □ cns □ P edersen is coordinator o f the L eadership in F am ily L ife Training P rogram m e f o r the A rchdiocese o f O m aha, Neb.

Reviewed by Brian T Olszewski

GREGORY Popcak’s book God Help Me! This Stress Is Driving Me Crazy is for those whose spiritual and emotional growth is stunted by anxiety. A licensed psychotherapist, Popcak takes what all Catholics have at their disposal- Scripture; Book: God Help Me! This Stress Is prayer; the sacraments of penance, Driving Me Crazy Eucharist and anointing of the sick; and Publisher: Loyola Press, Chicago. sacramentals - and demonstrates how they Paperback; 150 pp. can be used to lessen life’s stress. Price: S$29.00 per copy. As he guides readers, Popcak reminds them that discerning what God wants of them - and trusting totally that God G R E G O R Y K. P O P C A K will not let them down will eradicate the anxiety and the accompanying stress. Writing from his own experience of This needing to trust God and sharing stories about clients and how they 1 ** 1 changed their stressful situations, [ IS <drivii Popcak provides direction that is me practical, possible, and enjoyable. razy Parts of the book are intense, like j the chapter “Find Where You Left Finding BALANCE through God's Grace Yourself’ which details problems adults must rectify by examining their childhood roots. But that section is offset by the chapter “Practise Joy” in which he shows readers how they can do just that by developing a sense of humour and doing things about which they could say, “I could never do that.” The overwhelmed who exclaim, “God help me!” will find help in this book. □ c n s

□ God Help Me! is available at Catholic Book & Media Centre, 2 Highland Road, Singapore 549102

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By David DiCerto AN OUT-OF-WORK ad exec discovers that necessity is the “father” of invention in the entertaining family comedy “Daddy Day Care” (Columbia TriStar). Though the fish-out-of-water plot is mired by a schmaltzy ending a blind audience could see 90 minutes away, director Steve Carr’s film is buoyed by its heartwarming — albeit heavyhanded — affirmation of fatherhood. Charlie Hinton (Eddie Murphy) is the natural byproduct of that most American of competitions — the rat race. His job at a hip advertising firm affords him the ability to provide an affluent lifestyle for his wife, Kim (Regina King), and 4-yearold son, Ben (Khamani Griffin). Yet privilege is not without cost; Charlie has paid the high price of success by sacrificing quality time with his son. When his biggest account tanks, Charlie and his partner Phil (Jeff Garlin) find themselves on the short end of corporate downsizing. With only his wife’s paycheck left to shoulder the burden of living expenses, Charlie and Kim are forced to take Ben out of pricey day care at

Eddie Murphy

DAY0ARE Good show for fatherhood the exclusive Chapman Academy — the Ivy League of child care facilities, run by Miss Harridan (Anjelica Huston), the school’s jackboot taskmistress. Charlie, left tending Ben while Kim is at work, concocts a scheme to operate a day care center out of his house. The business venture quickly pays dividends. But Charlie, who has enlisted the help of Phil and bumbling fellow ex-employee Marvin (Steve Zahn), soon discovers he is in way over his

head — a dilemma which affords Murphy ample playtime for comedic show-and-tell. Predictably, the three men begin to bond with the children, inducing mawkish epiphanies about the joys of parenting and much hand-wringing over the merits of returning to the dog-eatdog daily grind of a 9-to-5 job. The success of their venture also siphons kids away from the stuffy Chapman Academy, setting up a confrontation with Miss Harridan, who will stop at

nothing in steamrolling the upstart competition. With “Daddy Day Care,” Murphy, whose recent hits include “Shrek” and the “Dr. Doolittle” franchise, completes his professional metamorphosis from raunchy comedian to bankable star of family fare, a transformation which lends credibility to his portrayal of the squeaky-clean Charlie. While much of the film’s charm is generated by the adorable moppets, the threadbare

narrative keeps Murphy in a holding pattern of toilet-training and diaper jokes, many of which feel recycled from other movies of the men-rearing-toddlers ilk such as “Kindergarten Cop” and “Three Men and a Baby.” Nevertheless, though the humor is flat and forced at times, the film’s theme of parenthood is presented in a positive light, making it easy to applaud and suitable viewing even for many pre-teen youngsters. However, one question never addressed is why many of the parents in the film, several of whom are rolling in cash, need day care at all. Far from being single parents, whose work schedule necessitates the use of day care, most of the parents come across as merely too busy golfing, shopping, or pursuing careers to be bothered with such trifles as parental duties - a disconcerting message which seems at odds with the main thrust of the film. Due to some toilet jokes, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is AII - adults and adolescents. The Singapore rating is G - General Audience. □ cn s □ D iC erto is on the sta ff o f the Office f o r Film & B roadcasting o f the U.S. Conference o f C atholic Bishops.

Young, single and confused? Here are ten rules to help you make that all- important relationship work.

differences divide.” Not that you but promises to cool it once you should marry your clone, but start a family? Think again. “I some similarities help when the wills” don’t always materialize going gets rough. after “I do.” 2. It’s hard to teach an old dog 4. Assumptions are the new tricks. termites of relationship. By Therese J. Borchard I wish I’d thought of that line myself, but I I DON’T pretend to be Dr. Love, heard it somewhere. As with the secrets of enduring and much as certain people ] satisfying relationships. (including me) hate However, after responding to confrontation, clear letters from young people for an communication is key advice column I wrote titled to an honest, trusting | “Therese’s Pieces of Advice: A relationship. Tackle Gen X Hotline,” I know better misunderstandings now what not to do. before they snowball My relationship rules are out of control. rooted in history, mistakes and a 5. You do marry the little research from the real Dr. family. Loves out there. You can’t make fun If you are young, single and of your in-laws too confused, here’s a little many times without unsolicited advice — in the form getting in trouble. You of generalizations, of course. It’s don’t have to agree up to you to apply them to your with them or even like relationship’s specific dynamics. If you are dating a guy who them, but you have to respect 1. Compatibility goes a long two-timed his previous four them because blood is thicker I way. fiancees but claims to be different than you think. This is common sense, really, now, think twice about investing 6. Be nice to each other. but who looks for qualities in a time into confirming his There’s a no-brainer that is spouse that you’d require in a conversion. more difficult than you think. roommate? Dr. John Van Epp, a 3. What you see is what you Wait 10 seconds before you snap marriage and family counselor, get. at your wife in public or say makes a bold argument in his Beware of empty promises. something after a few drinks that video “How Not to Marry a The woman of your dreams loves she will be sure to remember the Jerk”: “Opposites attract, but five whiskey sours every evening next morning.

7. If you’re not happy with yourself, you’re not going to be happy with anyone. Trying to find that special someone who will complete you in every area of your life? Better first clean out the baggage of your past and find a few things that fulfill you as a person. 8. Make time for each other. If you are like me, time is your most valuable asset, which is why it’s important to devote it to your life partner. Michael Leach, co-editor with me of “I Like Being Married” (Doubleday), contends that “familiarity breeds content.” 9. Forgive. Popular author Marianne Williamson once wrote that “without forgiveness love has no meaning.” Not that you need to turn a blind eye to a husband who just cheated on you for the 30th time, but many relationships could benefit from a little forgiveness because no one is perfect. 10. Be careful where you get advice. With just seven years into the game of marriage, I’ve got a lot to learn, which is why I rely on the experts — couples holding hands after a half century — for advice on love. □ cns

MINDLESSLY violent action flick in which Miami narcotics cops (Will Smith and Martin Lawrence) must bring down a Cuban drug lord (Jordi Molla) smuggling millions of dollars worth of ecstasy pills into the United States while protecting an undercover DEA agent (Gabrielle Union) in over her head. Director Michael Bay’s protracted sequel visually assaults with its senseless, slow-motion gunplay and explosions while the strained plot is a pastiche of extraneous scenes. Relentlessly stylized graphic violence, a sexual encounter, recreational drug abuse and constant rough language with some profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O — morally offensive. □ cns

Sundays August 3 and A ugust 10, 2003 □ CatholicNews

Science and pregnancy Scientific advances raise new issues that confuse us. We need the moral voice of the Church for clarity. AT JUST 19 weeks of pregnancy, my husband and I viewed with breathtaking clarity the four chambers of the foetal heart. Only a few months after conception, baby No. 2 shows off his or her 10 toes, 10 fingers, elaborate spine and complex brain on the monitor in front of us, which the sonogram technician studies with haunting concentration. The small foetus is already his or her own person; the miracle

that began at conception develops and grows, moving and kicking within my womb every day. I already consider myself a mother of two: one weighing approximately 30 pounds, kicking and thrashing on the kitchen floor when I attempt to limit his sugar intake; the other approximately a pound, fluttering inside, just as active as his or her older brother. Should this little person have rights? After witnessing a 19week sonogram and feeling tiny

feet hit my uterine wall, it is impossible for me to say no. Partial-birth abortion is banned in 40 states in the US after Week 23. That means 10 states allow a mother to terminate life after a foetus has begun to kick and in some cases is able to survive outside the womb. Twenty-eight states now prosecute a person for harming a foetus. Both abortion and foetal rights are personal matters for me these days. The subject has

THE LAST W ORD

In search of a post affluent society We live in curious religious times. A spiritual mainstream society renaissance of sorts is happening in the Western If this is true, and I suspect it is, then what's world, even as church attendance is in steep being asked of us today is that we find a new way decline and fewer and fewer of our own children to live out our faith within the affluence and are walking the path of faith with us. sophistication of our culture. The Church is generally blamed for the second How might that be done? Jesus tells us that we half of this equation, but the evidence mostly enter the kingdom of God more easily when we doesn’t point that way. Indeed, in some ways, life are poor, childlike, innocent, and helpless. We had at the level of parish and church community has those qualities in abundance before we became never been more finely tuned, more biblically affluent, educated, and sophisticated, but we had literate, or more healthy liturgically than it is today. them by conscription, not by choice. They came We have wonderful program mes for nearly with our place in society. Moreover we had them everything, a clergy that’s well trained, and a laity prior to having affluence, education, wide that’s participating more and more in the ministry experience, and acceptance within the mainstream. of the Church. For the most part, at the level of Our innocence was a first innocence, our poverty parish life at least, we ‘re doing a lot of things right. a first poverty, and our reliance on God was often But we’re less apt at something else. Today, it dictated simply by our helplessness. Faith and faith seems, we know what to do with someone who communities work well when, there's poverty, walks through our church doors, naivete, innocence, and but we do n 't know how to get helplessness. They don’t work anyone who is not already going nearly as well within affluence, to church to enter those doors. We sophistication, and self-reliance. are better at maintaining church life The task for us then, however than at initiating it. difficult, is to become post-affluent, The reasons for this are post-sophisticated, post-critical, complex and often are more bound and post-self-reliant. We need to to what s happening in the culture become “inner immigrants”, living than to any particular failure inside out freely those qualities of poverty, the churches. As Reginald Bibby innocence, and powerlessness that points out, the high premium that our econom ic, social, and By Fr Ronald Rolheiser we put on individuality within our __________ educational status once forced on culture is a bigger culprit than poor us. church services. Lack of space in our lives for But how do we become those things? That's the Church, more than dissatisfaction with it, is precisely the task. Our generation’s job is to learn the bigger issue. People, Bibby says, tend to treat what those things mean, enflesh them, and then their churches in the same way as they treat their pattern them for our children and for others to families. They want that connection, even if they follow. Each generation of believers must, like the want to be left alone most of the time. Hence, just Jewish prophets, eat the word of God, digest it, as our grown kids don’t come home all that often, and give it its own flesh. Giving faith to others, they aren’t in church all that often either. especially our own children, is not the simple task What’s to be done? What's being asked of us? of handing on a treasure-chest of eternal truths, I like something that the Canadian bishops said like one passes on a baton stick in a relay race. at the Synod of America in 1997. Commenting Each generation, our own no less than any other, on how the Catholic Church in Canada had very has first to give its own flesh to those truths. much grown up inside of immigrant communities One of our major faith tasks then is to model a and how it had flourished there, the bishops new way of being poor, innocent, chaste, and commented: “In Canada we know how to be powerless inside of affluence, sophistication, Catholic when we are poor, under-educated, and experience, and the power and self-reliance these culturally marginalised, but we don't yet know bring. how to be C atholic when we are affluent, Oliver Wendall Holmes once commented that educated, and culturally mainstream. These things he wouldn’t give a fig for the innocence that lies are new to us and we have still to find our way on this side of sophistication, but would give his within them.” The situation, I suspect, isn't much life for the innocence that lies on the other side of d ifferen t for m ost P rotestant and Jew ish it. The task of our generation of believers is to communities. Our faith communities tend to work find and model that innocence which lies on the m uch better in im m igrant settings than in other side of sophistication. □

moved from a hot-button issue to be debated with my pro-choice friends over dinner to an issue that accompanies me to the doctor’s office. Having run a mental marathon during my last pregnancy when I agreed to take tests that screened for Down’s syndrome and other birth defects, I knew better this time. If the only purpose for the tests was to give me the option to terminate a By Therese pregnancy that wasn’t Borchard perfect, I would pass. But then the nurse sprang another one on me: Would I consider preserving the stem cells in my baby’s umbilical cord in order to assist research on various cancers, genetic diseases, blood disorders and immune deficiencies? This stem-cell option differs from the controversial embryonic stem cell research, which requires destroying human embryos. However, the whole issue makes

me uncomfortable because it blurs the line between God-given life and medical advances. Protecting the life of the unborn isn’t always such a black-andwhite issue anymore. Science and technology are making it increasingly difficult for young adults — especially young moms — to separate right from wrong, ethical from unethical, savvy from irresponsible. With each new scientific or technical advance, we are thrust again into a heated debate. I can no longer keep up with the arguments from each side on every new issue. I’m confused. I need to rely on the moral voice of the Church for clarity. It has done its homework over the last 2,000 years. I want to protect my children in any way I can. And so I let my faith guide me, in the maze of options, toward life. □ c n s •

A •

Signs of contradiction That’s what we are, and for that we have to pay a price American scientist had purposeWHEN ARCHBISHOP Cormac created a hermaphrodite embryo, Murphy O’Connor spoke for the again in a laboratory”. The first time on his return from the cardinal’s underlying message consistory at which the pope had was that something has gone created him cardinal, he recalled badly wrong with our culture, and the portrait of the English and that we all need to awaken from Welsh martyrs in the English our moral torpor before it is too | College in Rome, where he had late. once been rector. Underneath the Paradoxically, it is always portrait, he recalled, there is a when the Church addresses the motto which reads “I have come prevailing culture in such terms to send fire on earth and what that its relevance to that culture would I but that it be kindled”. becomes, in the end, most readily It was now his dearest wish, accepted. All human cultures pass he went on, that the modem away; all merely human cultures, Church would discover the same since we are fallen creatures, are enthusiasm and courage in estranged from and proclaiming and often aggressively witnessing to the true hostile to God's faith: “Never”, he purposes. Never was said, “...has there been we that more true than it more need for hope is now; and never was and for meaning, as it more true that a our society has set its Church which simply mind on other gods, fast parrots what it takes and on roads that are to be a society’s most not the roads to life.” well-meaning values Cardinal O’Connor is sooner or later has shown that he regarded by that understands it is the society as utterly pointless: “A Church’s vocation to be a Church which is married to the prophetic voice, preaching in the Spirit of the Age”, said the wilderness of what has become in Anglican Dean Inge, “will be a many respects an alien culture. In widow in the next.” a strongly worded article in The There is, of course, a price to Sunday Telegraph, he recalled pay: in the short term, we will the country reeling from recent reports that scientists in Israel and always be despised for holding fast to what the world regards as the Netherlands have successfully foolish. “removed the immature ovaries But then, we are signs of from an aborted foetus and matured the eggs in a laboratory” contradiction, or we are nothing. CATHOLIC HERALD and that two days later “an

In the short term, will always be iespfe«ifiir holding to what the world regards as foolish.

□

CatholicN ews □

Sundays August 3 and August 10, 2003

J e s u s fe e d s th e h u n g ry fter this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so A

many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost. So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled

twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” !

PUZZLE

A secret message from Jesus Decode this message from Jesus and see what you can do. In this puzzle, B stands for ‘Bread’ and F stand for ‘Fish’. Cross out all the B ’s and F ’s to find out what Jesus wants you to do. Write the message below.

FYBOFUCB AF N H B E F L

BPTFHBEH UBNFGBRF YTBOFBFB

READ MORE ABOUT IT IN YOUR BIBLE. JOHN’S GOSPEL CHAPTER 6.

Q&A 1. What did Jesus say to the Apostles when he saw the large hungry crowd? 2. What was Philip’s reply? 3. What was Andrew’s suggestion?

Fill in the blanks to discover some of the miracles Jesus performed in the Gospel of John. Chapter numbers are given to help you find the answers. 1. Jesus changed water in to ____ . (Ch. 2) 2. J e su s____ the official’s son. (Ch. 4) 3. “Take up your mat a n d ____ (Ch. 5) 4. J e su s_____ 5,000 people. (Ch. 6) 5. Jesus walked o n _____ . (Ch. 6) 6. Jesus b rou gh t_____ back to life. (Ch. 11) 7. P eter’s net was full o f ____ . (Ch. 21)

B IB L E A C C E N T The four Gospels record the important events in the life of Jesus. The books of Matthew, Mark and Luke are similar, and many stories from one can be found in the others. For this reason they are called the “synoptic” Gospels, from the Greek word that means “view together.” Some Bibles and religious education books include charts that show where these stories occur in the three Gospels.

Each of these books is told from a different point of view. Matthew, for instance, wrote about the things Jesus said, while Mark wrote about the things Jesus did and Luke focused on Jesus as a human being in addition to his being the Son of God. John’s Gospel was the last to be written and was intended to show the importance of believing in Jesus in order to live forever with him in heaven.

Sundays A ugust 3 and August 1 0 ,2 0 0 3 □ CatholicNews

Sunday, August 3 □ Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15; Psalm 78:3-4, 23-25,54; Ephesians 4:17, 20-24; John 6-24-35

Our Ji'yiliBr arid gkrjarDua b pjf dm r] 1mil ylm m on

Pope John Paul II speaks during a midday blessing at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, July 13. The pontiff praised European Union enlargement but expressed concern over western Europe’s “fragmentation,” which he linked to issues of extreme individualism and weakening of interpersonal ties. □ c n s p h o t o

Pope John Paul I I ’s 41Decalogue for Europe” MADRID - In his last two Angelus messages, the Holy Father expressed his hope that Europeans not be satisfied by a “Europe of merchants” but rather by a “Europe of values.” This article, prepared by the press office of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, presents John Paul II’s proposed Decalogue for the construction of the new Europe-“Ecclesia in Europa.”

Europe, in its history and in its present, is extensively and profoundly penetrated by Christianity. The Christian faith has shaped European culture, making “one whole” with its history and, despite the painful divisions between East and West, Christianity is the religion of all Europeans. The values advocated by the Gospel will contribute to construct the Europe of the spirit, the Europe of hope. Hence, the European Union will have no solidity if it is reduced only to the geographic and economic dimension, as it must consist above all of agreement on values.

Christian inspiration can transform the political, cultural, and economic integration in a coexistence in which all Europeans will feel at home and form a family of nations and a model for other areas of the world.

The Christian roots are, for Europe, the principal guarantee of its future. To ignore, forget, or conceal the Christian heritage in Europe is an injustice, an offense, a profound impoverishment that sooner or later will have to be accounted for.

This is why in the future European Constitution reference must be made to the religious heritage, particularly the Christian, and that its rights must be respected and recognized.

In the present context, impregnated with laicism, materialism, and consumerism, the Church must be a consistent witness of the transcendent dimension of human existence.

Europe must continue in its defense and promotion of the inviolable dignity of every human person, in his/her entire vital cycle and in the totality of his/her inalienable rights.

The Europe of the future will be a Europe of love and preferential and permanent service to the poor and needy, a Europe that promotes the culture of solidarity.

9. The foundations on which a Europe united in diversity will be built are acceptance, respect, sympathy, dialogue, and fraternity. 10. Therefore, “do not be afraid! The Gospel is not against you, but for you.” “In the Gospel, which is Jesus, you will find the sure and lasting hope to which you aspire.” □ z e n i t The pope’s “Ecclesia in Europa” is available at http://www.zenit.org/ english/visualizza.phtml?sid=37964

HAVE YOU ever dreamed about being bom into a hearts to him so he can fill us and change us. family as rich as the Lees of OCBC or the Wees of Scripture gives many examples of people who opened themselves to God and were changed. UOB or the Kweks of Hong Leong? What would Cornelius sought God in prayer and was surprised you do with all that money? Well, the truth is that by the Holy Spirit (Acts 10). Mary Magdalene in God, we have the richest Father imaginable! After all, he owns everything in the universe. He pursued Jesus wholeheartedly and with great joy even has the power to create whatever else he wants found him at the tomb (Luke 24:1 -9). Paul and Silas sang and worshipped God and were released from to. What’s more, God’s heart is so full of love that prison (Acts 16:16-35). he can’t help but lavish priceless gifts upon us, his Our hearts are starving to receive God’s love, children. waiting to be watered with his grace. Deep within, When the Israelites asked for food in the desert, we all long to know that God loves us as his own God gave them exactly what they needed. He children. If we will sit quietly before the Lord each wasn ’t even put off by their grumblings. Similarly, day in prayer and receive his when the throngs gathered body at Mass with open hearts, around Jesus, he not only fed All the wealth represented he will feed us. So let’s go to them, he gave them more than in the Singapore financial him. Let’s ask him for the grace they could eat. In both district is as nothing to love our families and to instances, God’s main goal was compared to the riches God reach out in service to our to manifest his love in such a neighbours. L et’s believe in way that it would move the our Father wants to give each of us. him with our whole people to trust him hearts. Then, w e’ll with their lives. find ourselves doing Those who his work in our lives. crowded around Jesus asked him a sim ple question: “What must “Lord Jesus, I marvel at your desire to fill we do to do the works us to overflow ing of God?” And he gave with your life and an equally sim ple your love. You are the answer: “Believe in bread o f life. In love m e.” The greatest and trust, I will open “work of God” we can my heart to today." ever do is open our

Sunday, August 10 □ 1 Kings 19:4-8 Psalm 34: 2-9; Ephesians 4: 30-5:2; John 6: 41-51

Fill the emptiness with Jesus ELIJAH wanted to die. He’d had enough. He was tired and discouraged. He had zealously dedicated himself to serving the Lord, and all his hard work had worn him out. He had just finished challenging the prophets of Baal and demonstrating that the God of Israel is the true living God. But now Jezebel, Israel’s unbelieving queen, was after him, and he had to flee for his life. After all he had done, Elijah began to wonder whether he had accomplished anything at all. Have you ever felt so discouraged that you just wanted to curl up and die? Worse yet, have you felt like God had abandoned you? Have you ever said, “Lord, I did everything you told me to do, but I feel so exhausted and discouraged”? How did the Lord respond to you when you were in that place? God let Elijah rest. Then he sent an angel with food and drink. The angel told him, “Get up and eat, otherwise the

journey will be too much for you” (I Kings 19:7). Elijah did as he was told, and so was refreshed and strengthened to continue on his journey to the place where he would hear the Lord again. Doesn’t Jesus do the same for us! He told the people in the town of Capernaum, “I am the living bread that came down

The Prophet Elijah Receiving Bread and Waterfrom an Angel 1625-28; Musee Bonnat, Bayonne, France

j from heaven. Whoever eats of i this bread will live forever” I (John 6:51). Today he continues to offer us his entire life-giving self in the Eucharist. When we are exhausted and | discouraged by difficulties on ; the journey of life, Jesus is with us, always ready to give us the | chance to rest in him. “Get up and eat,” he says, “otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” Today at Mass, as you receive Jesus, the Bread Life, listen for his words of encouragement and comfort. Open up to him every area of your life where you experience difficulty and need. Let him fill your emptiness. Listen to him as he tells you how much he wants be your food for the journey. “Lord Jesus, when I am discouraged and austed, help me to turn to you. I believe, Lord, that when I seek you, you will answer me and save me in every trouble. Lord, I take refuge in you!" □

CatholicNews □

Sundays August 3 and August 10,2003

mis CatholicNews Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

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I P M

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The average Catholic asks, “Are we merely subjects of an institution to be regulated by church norms, or are we persons who live our Catholic faith with sincerity and freedom according to the light God gives us; a light that comes not only from the church’s magisterium but from our own life experience?” I believe we are the latter. Nevertheless, I have a strong commitment to the church as a true guardian of the faith. The church has a grave responsibility to insist that its teachings be followed. Why? Because in our pop culture the deposit of faith constantly is being trivialized. We need the church to teach and clarify the truths of our Catholic faith. Now having said that, I believe we still have to dig deeper to reconcile the conflict between the church and the modem world. There is a growing disconnection between the laity and church authority. We need to bridge the gap before it is too late. This

issue is not merely one of faith, but of morality as well. Our popular culture regards conscience as nothing more than a private opinion. Morality is accepted in today’s world as purely a contractual relationship between parties. Whatever they agree to is considered morally right. Therefore they would argue that abortion is OK because the parties consenting to it are all adults. What about the rights of the infant in the womb? In truth, morality is about objective rights and duties, not subjective needs and desires. In my book, “Enjoy Your Precious Life,” I tried to bridge the gap between the church’s cold insistence on the objectivity of the moral law and the human need to live a reasonably happy life. The two must be respected without compromising either. When you are unable to live up to the highest standards of the human spirit, I would recommend that you follow the advice of St. Augustine, “Do what you can do, and pray for what you cannot yet do.” Walking away from the church is not the answer. □ cns

AS I SEE IT

Publish church teaching on homosexuality THERE is no discussion of our church teachings pertaining to homosexuality either in the secular or Catholic media (such as the Catholic News and the Archdiocesan website) even as a debate proceeds in the local media. Some people may take this silence to mean that the Catholic Church has nothing of value to say on homosexuality and how it relates to society. How far that is from the truth! The Catholic Church has a rich deposit of teachings on such human issues as the dignity of human persons, human sexuality, marriage and family life, and the moral life. Some of these are expressed in recent magisterial documents such as Humanae vitae, Persona humana, Familiaris consortio, and the Letter to the Bishops on the Pastoral Care of

Homosexual Persons. This present debate presents an excellent opportunity to familiarize Catholics and others on the richness of our Catholic moral tradition on such a complex and personal issue as sexuality. I encourage the leaders of our church to make use of various channels of communication, especially the Catholic media, to shed light on homosexuality and the appropriate response of Catholics and society. Comment also on related issues such as human sexuality and family life in general, for the Church has many beautiful and challenging things to say. We can all benefit from a timely reminder of what the church teaches so that we can conform our lives more closely to the Gospel. This may become an

encouragement to those ordained and lay members of our church who already exercise the ministry of teaching. Simon Ho

I SUGGEST that some thought be given to publishing the Catholic Church’s understanding on homosexuality. Friends from other Christian denominations have told me that their churches are educating their members on this matter. They are keen to know what the Catholic Church teaches about this subject. I have read two documents on this issue published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (Persona Humana & Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons). I

find them to be important in relating my Catholic faith to this current moral debate. Can the Catholic News publish a summary of these documents or any other relevant material? I believe the Catholic News has an important role in informing and educating Catholics in the marketplace, particularly on an issue such as this, which plays a pertinent role in shaping moral values of both the young and old in our community. Such information can also help the laity appreciate and be guided by Catholic teaching in the light of a changing moral climate. This will also prevent any possible ambiguity, particularly when a Catholic Religious Sister has been quoted in the Straits Times as saying (in reference to homosexuals) “ ....a group of people who, I believe, would not

NFP: Don’t be misled by press reports CATHOLICS should not be misled by the account of a report in the local press, “Women ovulate more frequently” by Dr Roger Pierson of the University of Saskatchewan who came to this unlikely conclusion after studying only 63 women over one month. His observation that some women have several waves of ovarian activity each month coincides with the known medical facts of the last 40 years. But his interpretation of these findings that fertile ovulations can occur more than once on different days during one menstrual cycle is incorrect His hypothesis is all the more surprising after his observation that all the women released only one

egg during the study cycle and the only two who appeared to ovulate more than once had abnormal cycles in which conception could not occur. Details of such waves of ovarian activity occurring without repeated ovulations were known and published in the scientific literature in the late 1950s and early 1960s by Research Scientist and Gynaecologist ProfessorEmeritus James Brown DSc, FRACOG. Prof. Brown’s daily study of approximately 10,000 ovarian cycles in a large spectrum of women had led him to conclude that,"... once ovulation has occurred, another ovulation cannot

occur in the interval to the next menstrual bleed.” Unlike the obsolete Rhythm Method, referred to by Dr Pierson, which counts days, the Billings Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning judges fertility and infertility by the waves of mucus discharge patterns that a woman observes as her hormones rise and fall, and comes complete with rules to allow for these waves. Named by the World Health Organisation after its founders Drs John & Lyn Billings and with 50 years of research behind it, the method is now used worldwide. It was introduced to China in 1995 by the Chinese Ministry of Health,

where it is now being used by more than 2,686,400 fertile couples with a method success rate of 99% for avoiding pregnancy. For more information on: Prof Brown’s findings www.woomb.org/bom/science/ variants Billings Ovulation Method www.woomb.org/bom/index World field trials www.woomb.org/bom/trials/trials Report by Prof Qian ShaoZhen of China www.woomb.org/bom/trials/ chinaLaunching. Dr Ian Snodgrass NFP co-ordinator Family Life Society

want to be what they now are if they have a choice”. Coming from a Religious and therefore from someone whom many lay Catholics would implicitly accept as authoritative, such generalizations may confuse. As the Letter to the Bishops clearly states, “what is at all costs to be avoided is the unfounded and demeaning assumption that the sexual behaviour of homosexual persons is always and totally compulsive and therefore inculpable.” The Letter goes on to speak of the “fundamental liberty which characterizes the human person” and the call to conversion through collaboration with the liberating grace of God. Hence in the light of such pronouncements, I hope that issues pertaining particularly to moral and ethical beliefs with regards to the Catholic Church will be made by the relevant persons who are competent and sanctioned to do so. Michael C. Mukunthan Singapore 570309

Visit these sites for church documents concerning homosexuality and related topics: Humane vitae www.vatican.va/holy_father/ paul_vi/encyclicals/documents Familiaris consortio www.vatican.va/holy_father/ john_paul_ii/apost_exhortations/ documents Letter to the Bishops www.vatican.va/roman_curia/ congregations/cfaith/documents/ Persona humana www.vatican.va/roman_curia/ congregations/cfaith/documents/

Sundays A ugust 3 and August 10, 2003 □ CatholicNews

Strict procedures needed to collect Communion for sick I REFER to the letter by reader Ms Maggie Poey (Viewpoints CN July 6 and 13) who said that she tried to collect the Host from another parish but was refused, even though she produced an “authorisation card” showing that she was a communion minister. I would like to say that she cannot simply go without prior arrangement to another parish and expect her request of releasing the Sacred Host to be entertained, with or without an authorisation letter. Ms Poey, your own parish knows you, seen you at Mass, interacted with you as a member of your parish group. Another parish has no means of doing that. All kinds of identity fraud occur daily: passports, cheques, credit cards, even with photo IDs being produced. This can easily occur with the Host if the practice you are advocating is made commonplace. The theft or desecration of the sacred Host is the ultimate sacrilege. The Body of Christ is sought after by disciples of the devil for their own ceremonies. No efforts at checks and security must therefore be spared. Wherever work or travel takes me, I notice the reverence and strict care with which Catholic communities all over the world handle the Eucharist, so the conduct of Holy Family Church is really a global norm. If, as a result of Ms Poey’s request for clarification on the

M IG R A N TS

I AM WRITING on behalf of a Protestant friend whose father, a Catholic, passed away recently. It seems that her father could not have a funeral Mass at his parish because there was no suitable time slot. She then sought the help of a nearby parish and was told that the matter had to be dealt with by her father’s parish. However, out of compassion, I guess, a lay man was sent to help in the prayer sessions. I asked my friend to offer Masses for her father after the funeraland to join her mother (who is Catholic) in praying for the dead. She consented and made the arrangments. But to her disappointment, the priest did not mention her father’s name during the Masses. She was told that his name would be on the notice board instead. My questions are: 1. What priority does a funeral Mass have versus other activties in the parish? 2. If the parish is unable to say the Mass, can we approach other parishes? Is there a ’territorial’ problem?

3. Is it a practice now not to mention names during Mass ? Sebastian Liew Singapore 151002

I do not miss editorials I DISAGREE with Joseph Lee of S462509 when he said that most readers would prefer reading an editorial in the Catholic News (CN: July 20-27). On the contrary, I believe the majority of readers would prefer to know everything about the Church in Singapore, in particular, news of the various societies, organisations, events like the charismatic sessions and the whereabouts of each and every priest, nun and religious brother. In all probability, only a very small number would be interested in editorials. Joseph Lucas Lee Singapore 650213

ELIZABETH YEO CHW EENEO

FRANCIS CHIA TECK YEW

Departed:Aug 8, 1993

Departed:Oct 5, 1960

CMG RETREAT

M ad o n n a B az a a r B ig Sale. N ew an d used ho u seh o ld item s, baby p ro d u c ts, toys, c lothes, books, shoes and b ags fo r ch ild re n and adults. Date: A u g 3, 8 .3 0 am - 2 pm . P lace: 11 H illsid e D riv e (fo rm e r S t J o se p h ’s C onvent). Enquiries: 62848797 / 6 280-5 4 2 4 . T o g e t there: B us 136 fro m A n g M o K io to w ard s Y io C hu K ang R oad; B us 85/111 from O rchard R oad.

A ll h ealthcare w orkers (doctors, n urses etc) are in v ited to co m e aw ay... to rest... to recharge... a t a h a lf-d a y re tre a t o rganized b y the C atholic M edical G uild o f S ingapore. Date: S unday, A u g 1 7 ,2 - 5 .3 0 p m . Place: K ingsm ead H all, b ehind S t Ignatius C hurch. Theme: T h e H e alin g P o w e r o f Jesus th ro u g h M ary. R etre at Director: F r G in o H enriques. K indly indicate y o u r interest via em ail to C M G sin g a p o re @ y a h o o .c o m .sg o r jo h n h u i@ c y b erw ay .co m .sg fo r c aterin g purposes. You m a y a lso re g iste r by c alling Jo h n a t 6 4 5 8 -8 5 9 6 o r S ally a t 9748-0 2 4 0 .

I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, even if he dies, shall live; and whoever lives and believes in me, shall never die. (John 11:25-26). Dearly missed and fondly remembered by all loved ones.

MASSES

In lo v in g m e m o ry o f

Date:Aug 30-S ep 6 . Place: P attaya, T h ailan d . Cost: SS 500 (incl airfare, fo o d and lo d ging). Briefing: A ug 23 , 2 pm . A p p lic a tio n c loses on A ug 9. Enquiries: stall@ sin g n e t.c o m .sg o r call G eorge 9739-9216.

Questions about funeral Masses

In loving memory of

MIGRANTS COMMISSION

above matter, the Archdiocese wishes to draw up standard guidelines for the collection of the sacred Host by lay ministers, may I suggest: Volunteers Wanted 1. Collecting from another N u rsin g A ide te a ch e rs are urgently parish on an ad-hoc basis for n eed ed to te a ch w o m en m ig ran t w orkers convenience should be w ho w ant to upgrade them selves a t the M ad o n n a S kills C entre on 11 H illsid e disallowed as a general rule. D rive. Enquiries: 673 3 -1 6 7 9 /9 6 6 8 -6 8 3 0 Certain exceptions may be made, o r C M I 6280-5424. for example, volunteering to Help Desk Volunteers Needed distribute Communion in a H ope H aven, a co u n se llin g service for hospital within another parish m ig ran ts, is a p ro je c t o f C M I. P racticin g boundary; .or moving to a distant co u n sello rs, p ara -c o u n se llo rs to m a n help housing estate temporarily to take desk s in L ucky P la z a and L ittle In d ia are u rg e n tly need ed . T rain in g / b rie fin g w ill care of a sick parent. be given. D uty takes place o n ce a m onth 2.When these special fo r 3 hou rs. Enquiries: 6280-5424. circumstances exist, there must be prior written arrangement, ACM A photo ID included, between both parishes, endorsed by their respective priests, who in doing so, vouch for their Communion «?|'j ■»j • minister’s identity and «»> joli and /;Vjiif(y>' . authenticity. There must be a preintroduction and verification, at least by phone call, by the proposed visiting minister to a designated officer of the external Oaie: (Sal)30Auy- (Sal)eSept 2003 hill iivc-utproflwiimrt.-..;; parish. PUf.e; Pat'a/*, Tolland ‘: . •. ? Cos!:-, SJMC (inclusive of return airiar* food 4ndl6d(|£pq). ;; 3. Permission granted should i, Vf prt-Dt-parluuBilling. |S.it) i l Au<j 2003 Tinie: 2 pm not be indefinite but should be P"l”'- J» ViU'JU'» Mj»>Iji..UMhti-MuuyIwkMwht' renewed if necessary, after the ,1-"'■ Xftfa oil: ,andIjJ *»U1vL*l» tlirir Million fixed period during which the special situation exists. 4. The external parish should MISSION ORIENTATION PROGRAMME 2003 reserve the right, without O rg an ised b y A C M A . A w eek -lo n g liv e -in prejudice, to withhold he p ro g ram m e in T h a ila n d to d isco v e r w hat privilege of releasing the sacred m ission is and w hat the C h u rc h is asking o f e ac h C atholic to b e m issionary. Host if in doubt. Colleen Kim Thomas Singapore 271009

RETREATS I S E M IN A R S

LEARN HOW TO EVANGELIZE T h e N E T S ch o o l o f E v a n g e liz atio n invites y ou to th e ir O p en H o u se at St B e rn a d e tte ’s C h u rch o n A u g 30. C all 9 3 2 4 -0 4 7 l o r e m ail n e te am @ p a cific .n e t.sg fo r details.

PASTORAL COURSES CHRIST AND THE MORAL LIFE 10 sessions w ith F r D avid G arcia, op. V ery often in o u r lives, w e are fa c ed w ith c o n flic ts o f d uty and re sponsibility. H ow d o w e m ak e the rig h t m o ra l c h o ic es as a m e m b e r o f a b e lie v in g c o m m u n ity ? H ow d oes the C ath o lic m oral trad itio n gu id e us to m ake the rig h t decisio n s w ith fid e lity to the w ill o f G od and c o m m itm e n t to the gosp el? W h at k ind o f im pact d oes fa ith in Jesu s h ave on us w hen w e m ake p e rso n al m oral ch o ices? Day/Time: T hu rsd ay s, 7.4 5 p m -9 .4 5 p m . Date: A ug 7, 14, 21 , 28, S ep 4, 11, 1 8 ,2 5 , O c t 2 ,9 . Venue: S in g ap o re P asto ral Institute. Course Contribution: $30. O rg an ised by S in g ap o re P asto ral Institute, 2 H ig h lan d R oad. Enquiries: 6858-3011 Fax: 6858-2011 E m ail: sp i@ c a th o lic .o rg .sg . T o d o w n lo a d an app licatio n form , v isit o u r w ebsite w w w .c a th o lic .o rg .sg /S P I/

RCIA C A TE C H IS M CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER Date: W ednesday S ep t 17 at 7.45 pm . N o n -c a th o lic s w ho w ish to kn o w the C ath o lic F aith and C atholics w ho w ish to deepen th e ir u n d e rstan d in g o f the faith or to jo u rn e y as sp o n so rs w ith the c atech u m en s are w elcom e. R egistration fo rm s are a v ailab le at the R eception O ffice. Enquiries: M r A nthony G oh (6284 -3 7 1 8 , 9 7 8 8 -6 4 0 1 ) o r M rs M o n ica K w o k (628 8 -9 7 1 2 o r 9682-7808).

Third Anniversary

Fourth Anniversary

CATHOLIC NURSES GUILD ANNUAL MASS AND CELEBRATION Date: S un d ay A u g 17, 6.15 pm : M ass and sp ec ia l ble ssin g by A rc h b ish o p N ich o las C hia. Venue: C h u rc h o f Im m ac u la te H e art o f M ary, H ig h la n d R d. A ll n u rse s are re q u e ste d to c o m e h a lf a n h o u r e arlie r fo r re gistration. T h e c eleb ratio n is o p e n to all n u rse s, d o c to rs an d h e alth -c are w orkers. A fte r m ass, th e re w ill b e a bu ffet dinner. Cost: $8/-. F o r b u ffet d in n e r in fo rm atio n c all Ja n e t (6 4 4 2 -8 5 4 6 ) o r y o u r h o sp ita l b ranch rep resen tativ e.

CATHOLIC PRAYER SOCIETY LUNCH TIME MASS SCHEDULE Singapore Conference Hall, F rid ay 12.40 an d 1.20 p m (2 n d and 4th F rid ay s - ta lk at 12.40 p m fo llo w e d by m ass at 1.20 pm ) Suntec Tower Three - The Rock (T uesday 1 2 .1 5 a n d 1.15 p m ) Victoria Theatre (W ednesday 11.30 am , 12.15 and 1.15 pm ) SGH Alumni Building, L e v e l 2 H all W ednesday 12.15 an d 1.15 p m Grand Hyatt Hotel (F riday 12.40 an d 1.20 p m )

MONICA KOH KIM HUAH

Left us for the heavenly Lord on A ugust 10 2000 1999 O n th is d a y in A u g u s t a y e a r a p a r t Y o u le f t u s f o r y o u r h e a v e n ly re w a r d W e m is s y o u d e e p in o u r h e a r ts U n ite d in h e a v e n ly j o y y o u w a tc h Y o u r c h ild r e n h e re o n e a r th R e m e m b e r in g y o u w ith s o m u c h lo v e Y o u r lo v in g c h ild r e n a n d g ra n d c h ild re n .

Sixteenth Anniversary

O THERS BOOK OF EXODUS Date: S e p t 3 to 5 N o v 5 by F r A m b ro se V az (D irec to r, B ib lic a l A p o sto late).

Venus: C h u rc h o f C h ris t th e K in g from 8 .0 0 p m to 10.00 p m (1 0 W ed n e sd ay s). C o u rse o rg a n iz e d by C h u rc h o f C h ris t th e K in g . A d m is sio n is free.

STEPHEN YEO KAM KOK

K. PITCHAI Departed: Aug 3,1987 In loving m em ory of

ROSARY DEVOTION GROUP 28TH ANNIVERSARY Venue: C h u rc h o f S te p h e n , 3 0 S a llim R d. Date: A u g 2 0 to 22 , 7 .3 0 p m R osary. 8

R est in peace, dear loving husband and father, Sixteen years have passed. B ut you are still in the hearts o f your loved ones. A lw ays rem em bered by wife, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. M ass w ill be held on Aug 3 at Sacred H eart C athedral, Johor Bahru at 6 pm.

Seventeenth Anniversary 2003

p m M ass. A ll are w elcom e.

PARISH FEAST NOVENA Theme: U n v e ilin g th e m y ste rie s - T he R o sary A s A M o d el O f P ray er. Venue: C hurch o f O u r L a d y Q u e en o f Peace. Date: A ug 14 a t 7.15 p m nig h tly (R osary) and 8 p m (M ass).

SHARING THE GIFT OF CHRISTIAN MEDITATION A 5 -se ssio n p ro g ra m m e p re s e n tin g an u n d e rsta n d in g o f th e e ss e n c e an d the p u rp o se o f th is w ay o f c o n te m p la tiv e p ra y e r k n o w n also as ‘p u re p r a y e r’. Who For: N e w c o m e rs an d m e d ita to rs. A ll w ho see k to d e e p e n th e ir p ra y e r life. Dates/Time: A u g 1 2 ,1 9 , 26 , S e p 2, 9 (5 T u e sd ay s). 8 .0 0 - 9.15 pm . Place: C h u rc h o f S t M ic h a e l (In th e ch u rc h ). Registration: $ 1 0 , by A u g 8 . Inquiries: P e trin a 6 2 9 1 -9 2 7 2 (9 a m -2 p m ). stm ik e @ sin g n e t.c o m .sg O rg a n is e d by: C h ristia n M e d ita tio n C o m m u n ity .

Departed: Aug 9,1989 O nly the memory o f bygone days And a sigh for a face unseen; A constant feeling that G od alone K now s best what should have been. A lw ays rem em bered by your loving wife, C hris N oel (son) and D iana and D errick (grandchildren).

Ninth Anniversary In loving m em ory of

LOUIS TAY BENG CHOO Bom: Dec 13,1928 Departed: Aug 10,1986 W e rem em ber and cherish the happy times together, R em em bering them today and forever. A lw ays rem em bered by wife Lucy, children V eronica, V incent and G regory and their families.

Nineteenth Anniversarty In m em ory o f our beloved father

THANKSGIVING H oly Spirit; you who m ake me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal. You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life w ith me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never w ant to be separated from you no m atter how great the material desires m ay be. I w ant to be w ith you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. Please continue to intercede for me. Amen. Christabell

St Jude, thank you for your help and intercession. My m other’s surgery in D ecem ber 2002 was sucessful and outcom e favourable. Thank You! M. Yong Special thanks to holy apostle, St Jude for prayers answered. A lso grateful thanks to our Father, Sacred H eart o f Jesus, M other M ary, O ur Lady of Perpetual Succour for the countless intercessions, miracles and prayers answ ered during m ost difficult and troubled times. Please continue to bless us and intercede for us. Jordana and

Winy.

MARY LAZARUS Departed: Aug 8,1994 In our prayers she is fondly rem em bered, Sw eet memories cling to her name; Those w ho loved her in life sincerely, Still love h er in death just the same. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. M ay she rest in peace. Amen. D early m issed by children, grandchildren and loved ones.

A.P. JOHN Departed: Aug 16,1984 M ass will be offered in memory o f our beloved father A .P. John at St Joseph’s C hurch, V ictoria Street on Saturday, A ugust 16, 2003 at 6 pm. Love from your children Kerw in (Johnny), Nancy, Ranny, M orris, M ary, in-law s and grandchildren.

CatholicNews □

Sundays August 3 and August 10, 2003

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ANTHONY B E N JA M IN Departed: Aug 6,1995 W e cannot forget you O ur loved one so dear, Y our m em ory grow s Sweeter year after year. Lovingly remembered by wife, and children. In loving m em ory o f

Departed: Aug 1,1996 W e often think o f bygone days W hen we were together, The fam ily chain is broken B ut m em ories live for ever. Sadly m issed by his fam ily, mother, brothers and sisters. S econd A n n iv e rsary In loving m em ory of

M IC H A E L JE N N IF E R GOM ES GOM ES 28/09/29-10/08/2002 16/12/56-12/07/1989 Loving husband, Loving daughter, father & grandfather sister and aunt

Time may heal the broken heart. Time may make the wound less sore. But time can never stop the longing, For the loved one gone before. Fondly remembered by all. Mass offerings to be held at 9.30 am on Sunday August 10, 2003 at Church of the Holy Trinity (Tampines).

Remembered with love and deeply missed by Sylvia and all loved ones. F o u rtee n th A nniversary In everloving memory o f

Only the memory’s left, O f the happiness we knew , But the love that kindled memory’s torch W ill feed our whole life through. Y our loving wife, children, son-in-law, daughter-in-law , grand-daughters and grand-sons. E leventh A n n iv e rsary In loving m em ory of

Fourth Anniversary In loving memory of

PA LEY Departed: Aug 6,1999 His smiling w ay and pleasant face Are a pleasure to recall; He had a kind w ord for each And died beloved by all. Some day w e hope to meet him, Some day, we know not when, T o clasp his hand in the better land, Never to part again.

D A V ID K A M C H IN SO O Departed: Aug 15,1995

ISABEL D’COSTA Departed: Aug 1, 1999 Deeply missed and lovingly remembered by

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TA N M A N IE Departed: Aug 11,2001 Broken is the family circle, O ur dear one has passed away, Passed from the earth and earthly darkness Into bright and perfect day B ut we all m ust cease to languish over the grave o f her w e love, Strive to be prepared to m eet her, In the better w orld above. A lw ays rem em bered by husband Joannes Yeo B uan C hye and daughter Florence Yeo.

SOONG KOK FU SIMON Departed: Aug 16,1999 Today recalls sad memories, Of a dear father gone to rest, And the one who thinks of him today Is the one who loves him best. Sadly missed and always remembered by loving wife, sons, sisters, brothers, in laws, relatives and friends. Mass will be celebrated at Church of St Teresa, Kampong Bahru on Saturday, August 16 at 6 pm.

PH IL O M E N A D O R A IR A J D eparted:Aug 5 ,1 9 9 2 W e cannot forget you O ur loved one so dear, Y our m em ory grows Sweeter year after year. D eeply m issed by husband, children, grandchildren and loved ones. M ass will be celebrated at the Church of Our Lady o f Lourdes on Tuesday, August 5, 2003 at 6 pm.

H E N R Y S IO W Y EU N P O Y IN T H A M K IM TERESA Departed:Aug 1 5 ,1985Departed:Aug 26, 2000

That day, it will be said: See this is our God in whom we hoped for salvation; Yahweh is the one in whom we hoped. We exult and rejoice that he has saved us. Always remembered by children and loved ones.

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Sundays A ugust 3 and August 10, 2003 □ C atholicN ew s

A worldwide television event Mother Teresa’s beatification VATICAN CITY - Mother Teresa’s i beatification, planned for the same day the silver anniversary of John Paul II’s pontificate will be celebrated, will be turned into a worldwide television event, Vatican sources say. The Pontifical Council for ; Social Communications has released information for broadcasters regarding coordination of telecasts of the Mass to be celebrated by the Holy Father for the beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and to mark the 25th anniversary of his ! election to the papacy. On Sunday, Oct. 19, from 7.55 a.m.-10.30 a.m. (GMT), John Paul II will celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Square for the beatification and the silver anniversary. It will not be the first time that a Vatican celebration has a worldwide audience. The opening of the Holy Door at Christmas in 1999 was one of the major television events of all time. Television coverage of these ceremonies, for worldwide distribution, will be provided by RAI (Italian Radio and Television) in cooperation with the Vatican Television Center and coordinated by the Pontifical Council for I Social Communications. These telecasts will be available in Europe through the EBU (European Broadcasting Union-Eurovision); in the rest of the world through INTELSAT. Television networks and stations which wish to take part in these worldwide telecasts are asked to contact: Telespazio Sergio Bemardi Tel: 39 06 4079 3487 Fax: 39 06 407 1790 e-mail: I customer_support@telespazio.it. The Pontifical Council for

An Indian labourer listens to a radio July 23 in Calcutta in front of a mural depicting Mother Teresa. The Noble Peace Prize winner, missionary to the destitute and founder of the Missionaries of Charity, is to be beatified Oct. 19 at the Vatican. Being named blessed is a key step on the way to sainthood. Mother Teresa, who died Sept. 5,1997, was considered by many a saint during her lifetime. In 1999 Pope John Paul II lifted the normal five-year waiting period to begin her cause. Calcutta is the place she began her work with the poor and the headquarters of the order, c n s P HO TO

Social Communications will make available, for those who request it, commentary for the celebrations in any one of the following languages: English,

French, Spanish, Portuguese and Ukrainian. Television networks and stations which, for technical reasons, cannot make use of

satellite audio signals can contact, for telephone circuits with the Vatican: Telecom Italia Joseph Soureal Telephone: 39 06 3689 4067/4657 Fax: 39 06 3689 4506/4413 For fully equipped positions for television commentators in the Braccio di Carlo Magno, next to St. Peter’s Basilica, interested networks and stations are asked to contact Laura Maggiore at RAI. The Council for Social Communications will cover the technical expenses for satellite uplink. For developing countries which find themselves in particular difficulty, on recommendation of the respective papal representative, the council will cover downlink expenses, but not the expenses for local/national transmission of the programmes. The program of events surrounding the beatification and a form for requesting free tickets to the Mass are available on the sainthood cause’s official Web site: www.motherteresacause.info.

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Celebrations in India NEW DELHI, India — A film festival, food distribution to the poor and several interreligious events are among programs the church in India is planning for the beatification of Mother Teresa in October. “All the 148 dioceses in the country will have some programs” to mark the Oct. 19 event, said Father Donald De Souza, deputy secretary general of the Indian bishops’ conference. Father De Souza said that the events’ theme will be “to spread the ideals” Mother Teresa promoted through her life so people can “know what Christianity is all about and why we are committed to help the poor.” On the national level, the bishops’ conference plans a symposium on Mother Teresa’s legacy. The conference is preparing a book with personal accounts from several national leaders on the impact the late nun had on their life. The conference also is lobbying the government-run national television and regional TV channels to run films on Mother Teresa, he said. Each regional bishops’ conference and diocese is planning its own events, such as free medical services, concerts and food distribution, he said. Father Dominic Emmanuel, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Delhi, said the archdiocese will arrange blood donation and cultural programs, interreligious meetings and food distribution. There are also plans to highlight in the media the values Mother Teresa embodied, he said. D c n s

ZENIT

Legal protection for Mother Teresa’s name

Catholic Church of St Ignatius

C O L U M B A R IU M □ 2-um Family Niches from $5,000-$10,000 □ 8-urn Community Niches at $1,000 per urn space □ Memorial plaques from $1000 *Ready end 2003

For advance application for Niches, please call the church office. Tel: 6466 0625 / 6466 3225 120 King’s Road Singapore 268172 Monday: 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm Tuesday - Saturday: 9 am to 4.30 pm

P U B LIS H E D BY A R C H B IS H O P N IC H O L A S CH IA , 2 H IG H LA N D R O AD #01-03, SIN G A P O R E 549102.

ROME - The Missionaries of Charity are seeking legal protection of the name of their founder, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, as well as the name of the order and the order’s logo. Sister Nirmala Joshi, Mother Teresa’s successor as superior general, said in a July 9 statement that Mother Teresa “expressed on a number of occasions her wish that her name not be used by any other individuals or organizations without her permission.” “Respecting her wish, we have made the same request many times since her death in

1997 and shall continue to do so,” said the statement faxed from the order’s motherhouse in Calcutta. The Missionaries of Charity have filed for the legal protection of the names with the copyright office of India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development. Mother Teresa, the Missionaries of Charity and the order’s logo can be protected under India’s 1950 Emblems and Names Act, which already protects the names of Mahatma Gandhi and India’s first prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. □ cn s

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