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VOL. SO, NO.1¡ Friday, January 6, 2006

Southeastern M~ssachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

FALL RIVER, MASS.

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Pope John Paul~ death; a new Benedict; hurricanes and marriage top 2005 news

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, By DEACON JAMES N. 0uNaAR

losses were on the agenda for CathoFALL RIVER - The April 2 lics in 2005.

The diocese had kept vigil as the death ofbeloved Pope John Paw II, who had a significant impact on the 84-year-old world traveling John secular world as well as a profound Paul II, suffering from a variety of influence on the entire religious aihnents, and silenced by a tracheworld during his 26-yearpontificate, otomy, lapsed into a coma and died.

An April 7 Memorial Mass celappears the single greatest remembrance of2oo5 for Catholics every- 'ebrated by Bishop George W. Coleman in St. Mary's Cathedral where. , For many it was a sudden test of was attended by parishioners from faith. While more were to come, across the diocese. Masses in many Catholics in the Fall River diocese southeastemMassachusetts commuresponded generously andwith com- nities found Catholics linked in passion to the global needs of suf- prayer and by satellite joining with fering humanity, at the same time an estimated three million pilgrims, assertively meeting the challenges who, along with world dignitaries and religious leaders d~scended on here at home.

Devastating tsunamis and deadly Rome for the,April 8 fimeral Mass hurricanes, the war in Iraq, a meet- for the pontiff-the first polish pope ing ofthe world's youth, a synod of - celebrated by German Cardinal bishops on the Eucharist, an instruc- Joseph Ratzinger, dean of the Coltion on homosexuality and the or- lege ofCardinals.

As 115 cardinals from 52 coundained, an amendment against samesex marriage, parish mergers, a re- tries world wide gathered in Rome kindling of the priest sexual abuse on April 18 for a conclave to elect a scandal and its financial ramifica- new pope, the question the cardinals tions; reaching out via Catholic were asked most often was: Who is Charities, a new school, end of life ' worthy to walk in the Pope John issues, and pastoral changes and Turn to page two - Review

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BISHOP GEORGE W. Coleman meets ~ith Pope Benedict XVI during a December 14 General Audience at the VaticaQ. The passing of Pope John Paull! in April, and the election of the 78-year-old Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as his successor were two of the top news stories for ~005. (L'Osservatore Romano photo)

Area young men ihvited to attend informational D~iY of Reflection

By DAVE JOLIVET,

STEVE GANGLOFF, center, coordinator of the Abstinence Challenging Teens in Our Neighborhoods Program, sponsored by Catholic Social Services, leads two students through an exercise at a recent presentation. (AnchorlGordon photo)

Abstinence program well received by diocesan teens

By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

FALL RIVER - The Abstinence Challenging Teens in Our Neighborhoods Program, ACTION, has helped teens in more than a dozen Catholic schools here in the diocese and has recently been presented to religious education classes with equal success, according to coordinator

Steve Gangloff.

"The teens are learning that a healthy relationship starts with loving themselves. They are learning that they are valuable, special and important," he said. "Choosing abstinence until marriage has a positive affect on many aspects of one's life."

Gangloffhas been bringing the Turn to page 15 - Program

EDITOR

NORTH DARTMOUTH - It's a day meant to inform not recruit, says Father Edward E. Correia, director of the diocesan Vocations Office. He's speaking of the Day of Reflection to be held January 15 from 3-5 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road.

"This event is meant to help answer questions high school seniors and college-aged young men may have about the priesthood," said Father Correia.

"I don't want people to think this is a recruiting drive. It's strictly informational. A place they can ask questions without pressure."

Father Correia suspects some young men are afraid to inquire about the priestly way oflife, even though their questions remain. The Day ofReflection is an opportunity for young men who have questions about a religious calling to get the information they desire without feeling as though they are making a lifetime commitment at this time.

Attendees will hear three different perspectives with regards to the priesthood: from Gregory Bettencourt, a young man currently preparing for the priesthood in the seminary; from Father Thomas E. Costa Jr., who was ordained last July; and

from Father Richard R. Gendreau, a 36-year veteran who was ordained in 1969. :"I think an event like this is important because I th()Ught about the priesthood only after I went to college," Father Gendreau told The Anchor. "The calling may have been there earlier, but I wasn't aware of it. :"It was only after college that I spoke to people w~o encouraged me not to push the calling aside, but to look into it." ;:Father Gendreau also mentioned that through his years as a priest, he's worked with many seminarians. "I know some ofthe questions these young men are asking themselves, and I think I may be able to he/p." '~Father Gendreau added that a day of reflection lil{e this could help a young man who is struggling with unanswered questions. "If I can give some insight, it could trigger something within someone."

I:Father John M. Murray, Cape Cod Deanery vocation coordinator, in residence at Our Lady ofVictob' Parish in Centerville, will celebrate the televisi6n Mass to be aired Sunday at 11 :00 a.m. on WLNE Cnannel6. Diocesan seminarians will serve as acolytes for the Mass.

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(@hUnarg Father Donald J. Grimes esc WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -Congregation of Holy Cross Father Donald J. Grimes, 60, of Moreau Court, the community residence for the Congregation at King's College, where he had been vice president for Academic Affairs since 2001, died December 14.

Born in Providence, R.I., the son of the late J. Clement Grimes and the late Agnes Grimes, he was professed in 1972 and ordained to the priesthood on Apri128, 1973.

Prior to becoming vice president, he had served as dean offaculty, professor and chairman of the Department of Theology and a faculty member at King's College since arriving there in 1972.

Father Grimes received his undergraduate degree in history from Stonehill College, Easton, Mass., in 1969; a master's degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1972, and a doctorate in theology from Fordham University in 1981. He also studied at the Pontifical North Ameri-

can College in Rome, and did research at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University.

The recipient of many academic, leadership and service honors and awards, he had authored more than 50 articles and reviews on theological, ecumenical and historical issues in several leading publications.

He enjoyed American Civil War history and college sports, served as the chaplain for King's College men's basketball teams, and participated in numerous workshops and colloquia.

Father Grimes leaves a sister, Maureen Fitch; a nephew, a niece, and great-nieces and great-nephews, all of Rhode Island.

His funeral Mass was celebrated December 19 in St. Joseph's Chapel in Easton. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, Easton.

The KaneFuneralHome in Easton was in charge ofarrangements.

St. Anne's Prayer "Good St. Anne, Mother of Mary, and Grandmother of Jesus, Intercede for me and my petitions. Amen."

In honor of Sister Lucia dos Santos, ,

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Lucia pray for us.

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Friday, January 6, 2006

Continuedfrom page one

Paul's footsteps?

The answer came quickly two days later when Cardinal Ratzinger, the 78-year-old guardian for the Church's doctrine for 24 years, was elected the 265th pope and took the name Benedict XVI. He was chosen on the fourth ballot by at least a two-thirds majority ofthe votes cast in secret in the Sistine Chapel.

It was a surprisingly quick conclusion to a conclave that began with many potential candidates and no clear favorite. . Pope John Paul's sainthood cause was immediately opened.

By any measure, it was an extraordinary year for Pope Benedict XVI. He made his first papal trip a visit to Germany to preside over World Youth Day in Cologne in August where hejoined with amillion young Catholics from across the world.

Among them were 48 young adults from the Fall River diocese.

But his biggest memory was not the cheering and chanting that greeted him from the immense crowd. Instead, he said, it was the sound of silence - the "intense silence ofthose million young people" as they prayed together in a field before the exposed Eucharist.

The pope said the rediscovery of adoration in the Church was also evident at the world Synod ofBishops in October, which closed the Year of the Eucharist. He said eu. charistic adoration and the Mass were once seen in opposition by some in recent years, but rejoiced that it seems to have been overcome.

Diocesan happenings

The Fall River diocese celebrated the eucharistic year initially proclaimed by John Paul II in October 2004, with day-long eucharistic devotions - at Lenten Station Churches - held each Lenten weekday in one of 40 different parishes across the diocese, which also offered a morning and evening Mass.

It was directed by Msgr. Stephen 1.

Avila, diocesan director of the Office ofWorship.

More than 400 young people attended an October Diocesan Gath-

ering for Youth at St. Julie Billiart Church in North Dartmouth, as a finale for the year of adoration.

Pope Benedict offered a most detailed analysis ofVatican II, which ended 40 years ago. He said the council's great task was to help heal the rift between the Church and modernity, in three specific problematic relationships: faith and science, Church and state, and Christianity and other religions.

The year had just begun when Catholics showed their giving spirit at the parish level in record relief efforts for millions affected by the December 2004 tsunamis that killed more than 180,000 in 18 countries in Asia and Africa. With Bishop Coleman's approval for a diocesanwide collection, Fall River parishes generously collected a total $763,330 toward the $121 million given to Catholic Relief Services.

Led by pastor, Father William M. Costello, St. Anthony's Parish in East Falmouth led all other parishes in collection returns, bringing in a whopping $66,873.

But the call for assistance was not to end there. Thirteen hurricanes caused many to dip into their pockets to assist thousands impacted.

August 25's Hurricane Katrina slammed Florida, ravished Louisiana and Mississippi, inundating and shutting down New Orleans. While it caused at least 1,309 deaths, it displaced approximately 300,000, and its damage to coastal Louisiana and Mississippi was estimated at $5 billion, making it the worst natural disaster in U.S. history.

The Fall River diocese became home for hundreds ofthe displaced.

Not only did parish collections total an amazing $1 million, but many diocesan organizations also offered shelter, food, clothing, furniture and jobs. Again, St. Anthony's Parish in East 'Falmouth, topped the giving, with $75,082.

It proved an adventure for deacon candidate Karl Buder of Good Shepherd Parish on Martha's Vmeyard. He delivered a truck, tools and goods to an exiled Louisiana electrician, and used his expertise as a

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former federal probation officer to get him back in the good graces of the courts.

And the generosity widened, as the 96 parishes in the diocese combined in the 64th annual Catholic Charities Appeal to reach the $4 million mark, the highest ever reached in the endeavor. The milestone was a 3.2 percent increase over the 2004 figure.

Catholics also were in solidarity, supporting the effort by the four Catholic bishops in the Commonwealth in support of a citizen's initiative petition drive, VoteOnMarriage.org. In essence, it asks for a constitutional amendment to define marriage in Massachusetts as the union of one man and one woman. It responded to the November2003 ruling ofthe Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court that forced the state to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

With assistance from the Massachusetts Catholic Conference and Catholic Citizenship, from September 21 to the third week in November, signatures for the amendment were gathered at parishes in the Fall River diocese at the request of Bishop Coleman. The diocese provided 16,000 in-pew signatures to the tota1120,000 gathered across the state - well beyond the 66,000 needed.

It means the amendment can be brought before the state Legislature, which gets to vote on it twice in two successive sessions, and if adopted by 25 percent, then the electorate can vote on it in 2008 when it appears on a statewide ballot.

Although the 2005 Massachusetts municipal elections were considered "off-year" and less important compared to the 2004 Presidential campaign, nine parishes, four in Fall River, four in New Bedford, and one in Taunton, conducted "get-out-thevote" campaigns with great intensity.

Priests of the diocese joined in a Priests Assembly in October convened by Bishop Coleman, to reflect on their priestly ministry and ask God's help to accomplish it.

Particular memories were awakened as the world, nation and diocese marked 9/11 's fourth anniversary ofAl Qaeda's suicidal terrorist attacks on American soil in crashing four jetliners, two of them into the World Trade Center's Twin Towers in Manhattan.

At Mass and in prayer, we remembered Congregation of Holy Cross Father Francis Grogan of North Dartmouth, who was aboard one of the planes.

Prayers and Masses were also offered for those killed in terrorist bombing attacks in London's bus and subway system; and at a Jordanian hotel.

Catholic schools It was also a good year for Catho-

lic schools and their students.

The hard-working St. Mary's Education Fund presented a check for $683,433 to Bishop Coleman" proceeds from the OctoberFall Dinner and the Summer Scholarship Dinner hosted by the Fund.

Continued on page three

Friday, January 6, 2006 Continuedfrom page two

The money will be used to pr0vide need-based financial scholarships to hundreds of Catholic students at Catholic elementary and middle schools throughout the di(}cese. To date, the Fund, begun in 1991, has provided millions ofdollars in scholarships to children, and will assist more than 650 students this year.

After long discussions and financial planning involving the St. Francis Xavier High School Corporation and the Fall River diocese, it was announced that the proposed $10 million new Pope John Paul II High School would become a reality on High School Road in Hyannis.

The school is to open in September 2007. A principal will be hired for the school in June or July.

Fall found new principals at four diocesan schools and an administrative system using a team approach at Bishop Connolly High School.

Twenty-one fourth-grade students at St. Mary's School in Mansfield won national fame as authors for theirjoint effort in publishing "Haiku Hike" an introduction to the art of Japanese Haiku poetry. It was the winning entry in Scholastic Book Fairs nationwide contest Conferences Catholic teens showed they were no slouches when it comes to their faith. More than 5,000 teens from the region attended the four-day, annual Steubenville East Youth Conference held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro. It offered the opportunity to strengthen their relationship with Christand enjoy fellowship with others through prayerful talks and the celebration ofthe Eucharist.

At the same time, a well-attended, two-day family affair, aimed at rejuvenating and inspiring every member in Catholic families to live his or her faith for all the world to see, was led by Boston Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., on the campus ofStonehill College in Easton.

In March, approximate1y250men from the Fall River diocese were among 2,000 men who attended the first Boston Catholic Men's Conference at Boston High College High School in Dorchester. Keynote speaker was actor Jim Cavieze~ who played Jesus in the movie, '''The Passion ofthe Christ" He challenged his listeners to become ''warriors'' for .

Christ, and ''to step into the world and express their faith in public."

Catholic education and action As October ended, dozens of enrichment workshops were held as the diocese held its annual Religious Education Convention at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River.

Pr(}-Life and Respect Life as well as end-of-life issues were brought to the fore.

Seven motor coaches ofenthusiastic Pro-Lifers from the diocese participated in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. to help show the world and remind America's lawmakers, that respect for life is very much alive in their hearts. It marked the 32nd anniversary of the Supreme Court's dreadful1973 decisions in the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton cases that legalized abortion in America

The young people again joined in the spring Respect Life walk in Boston.

Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, a priest ofthe diocese as well as a doctorofneuroscience, director of education at the National Catholic Bi(}ethics Center in Philadelphia, testified before a Massachusetts legislative committee airing embryonic stem-cell research. He said embryonic research is inhumane and immoral, but pointed out that use of adult stem cells is not only supported by the Catholic Church, but theiruse has shown remarkable results.

And while Christians were inspired by Pope John Paul II's :final hours, they were distressed when Terri Schiavo, 41, the brain-damaged Florida woman who for 15 years had been impaired and could breath on her own but required nutrition and hydration through a feeding tube, was starved to death. After unsuccessful intervention by the White House and Pr(}-Life leaders, appeals courts had ordered her tube removed at the request of her estranged husband As the national debate continued on the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq, area families continued to mourn the loss of kin numbered among the war dead. Swansea's St. Louis de France Parish made its own contnbution to bring a practical message ofloving concern to wounded American servicemen, with its "0peration Comfort: The Patriotic Pillow Project" Women parishioners crafted red, white and blue pillows to bolsterthe spirits ofwounded GIs in military hospitals overseas.

Vatican developments Atthe fall Synod ofBishops from the across the world in Rome in October, many in the news media viewed the assembly as ashowdown debate on celibacy and married priests,eucharisticsharing,Cath(}lic politicians and Communion for divorced and remarried Catholics.

While the actual content of the 250,000 words of discussions included those topics, the conclusions were far less dramatic than the headlines. Traditional teachings and disciplines were maintained and reemphasized November's long-awaited Vatican instruction on homosexuality and priestly formation drew a sharp line against priestlyordination of homosexuals, but in the process raised a series ofdelicate questions for Church leaders and seminary officials.

The nine-page instruction, prepared by the Congregation for Catholic Education, saidthe Church cannot ordain men who are practicing homosexuals, who have "deep seated" homosexual tendencies, or who support the "gay culture."

Those who have overcome ''transitory" homosexual tendencies, however, could be ordained, it said The instruction's bottom line was that those with strong and stable same sex attractions should not be accepted into seminaries orordained to the priesthood.

Personnel changes Dozens ofpriests were involved in transfers and new assignments throughout the diocese. They included:

Father Edward E. Correia as diocesan director ofVocations, replacing Father Craig A. Pregana, who accepted an assignment to the diocesan Mission in Guaimaca He immediately began to enlist help from clergy and laity; Father Gerard P. O'Connor, an official of the Congregation for the Clergy in Rome, was named a Chaplain to His Holiness Pope John Paul II, with the title of monsignor. And Msgr. Daniel A. Hoye, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish, became president ofthe Canon Law Society ofAmerica At The Anchor, the diocese's newspaper, Father Roger Landry

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was chosen by Bishd Coleman in June to replace Msgr. JohnF. Moore, who retired from His executive editor's post he hadh(;lld since 1977.

Father Landry was one of several new heads ofministry appointed.

Others included FatherDavid M. Andrade as diocesan director ofPastoral Planning, Fath~r Gregory A. Mathias as diocesan director ofFamily Ministry and direqor ofthe Family Life Center; Father Marek S. Tuptynski as diocesan director of Pastoral Care of the i Sick, Deacon Robert D. Lemay as qiocesan director ofthe Rite ofChristian Initiation ofAdults, and Marian Desrosiers as diocesan director of the Pro-Life

Apostolate.

Msgr. Moore also retired as director of Communications for the diocese. He was succeeded by John F. Kearns Jr., who had been assistant director of Communications since 1984.

Father Landry hit the deck running. Within weeks several new columnists from the ranks ofclergy and laity came on board with weekly columns. They included Father David A. Pignato, secretary to the bishop; Father Tim Goldrick of St. Bemard's in Assonet; and FatherTad Pacholczyk.

Father Thomas M. Kocik wrote Continued on page 12

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T HE LANDINGTearing down a false wall Five days before the celebrationofthe birth ofJesus, mostAmericans got aChristmas present and the American Civil Liberties Union a long overdue lump ofcoal.

These desserts came in the form of a decision by the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court ofAppeals, which upheld a lower cotrt's decision allowing a Mercer COlmty Kentucky courthouse to include the Ten Commandments in a eourthouse display. County executives in 200 I had incorporated the Ten Commandments in a framed exposition of the foundations of Kentucky law, alongside the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, the Magna Carta, the Star-Spangled Banner, the national motto "In God we Trust," the preamble to the Kentueky Constitution, the Bill of Rights and a picture of Lady Justice. The ACLU sued saying that the inclusion of the Ten Commandments was an unconstitutional violation of the principle of"the separation ofchurch and state" enshrined in the establishment elause ofthe First Amendment.

On December 20th, the three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit not only decided against the ACLU, but in very candid language exposed the falsity ofthe entire line ofargumentation by whieh the ACLU and its allies have been tlying to strip-mine American public institutions and society of all references to God. Judge Riehard Suhrheinrich, writing for the 3-0 majority, said that the ACLU's argument "makes three flUldamental flaws." In describing what those errors are, he gives every Americana useful constitutional primer onhow to respond to the ACLU's secularist aggression: "First, the ACLU makes repeated reference to 'the separation of church and state.' This extra-eonstitutional construet has grown tiresome.

The First Amendment does not demand a wall of separation between church and state. Our Nation's histOly is replete with governmental acknowledgment and, in some cases, accommodation of religion. State recognition of religion that falls short of endorsement is constitutionally permissible."

"Second, the ACLU focuses on the r~ligiousness of the Ten Commandments.

No reasonable person would dispute their sectarian nature, but they also have a secular nature that the ACLU does not address. That they are religious merely begs the question whether this display is religious; it does not answer it."

"Third, the ACLU erroneously - though perhaps intentionally -equates recognition with endorsement. To endorse is necessarily to recognize, but the converse does not follow."

Judge Suhrheinrieh fIrst says that the "separation of church and state" is not a constitutional principle. The fIrst Amendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment ofreligion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Its purpose was to prohibit our national legislature from establishing anational church.

It was not meant to ostracize religion from the public square. Otherwise, those who wrote lhe Bill of Rights, and the courts that interpreted the Constitution for 90 percent ofour nation's history, would never have allowed things like prayer in 1egislati.n'es.' " . .. " . Seco'ridIy,'liesays that just because the Ten ConnI1andments have a religious origin, this doesn't mean that every mention and u<;c of them has a religious purpose. In additional to their obvious historical influence on the formation of Western law, they clearly can have a secular purpose. Just imagine the secular impact if those who passed by the Court display resolved for whatever reason to keep them: there would be a dramatic decrease in murders (fIfth commandment), divorces (sixth), robberies (seventh), and broken contracts (eighth). Family courts would have nearly empty dockets (fourth and sixth). The major cause ofmany crimesenvy (ninth and 10th) - would be addressed. And if people decided to keep the obviously religious fIrst three commandments, then they would be professing belief in a God who eares about how we love our neighbor in deeds.

Lastly, Judge Suhrheinrich says that the mere recognition ofreligion isn't tantamount to forcing others to follow it. The constitution does not protect the "hypersensitivity" of "egg-shell plaintiffs" who deem any mention of God in the public square as a brutal violation oftheir constitutional rights: "Ifthe reasonable observer perceived all govemment references to the Deity as endorsements," he notes, "then many ofourNation's cherished traditions would be unconstitutional, including the Declaration of Independence and the national motto. Fortunately, the reasonable person is not a hypersensitive plaintiff."

"People may take offense to all manner of religious as well as nonreligious messages," he continues, "but offense alone does not in every case show a violation. Our concem is that ofthe reasonable person. And the ACLU, an organization whose mission [according to its own Website] is 'to ensure that ... the government [is kept] out of the religion busiriess,' does not embody the reasonable person."

In other words, the ACLU is unreasonable and the ordinary citizen has a better grasp on the meaning of the Constitution than ACLU lawyers do. Thankfully, at least three such ordinary citizens are federal appeals court judges in Cincinnati.

And hopefully Judge Samuel Alito will prove himself to be one in his hearings next week.

thea~

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

Published weekly except for two weeks in JUly and the week after Christmas by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 - FAX 508-675-7048, E-mail: theanchor@anchornews.org. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year.

Send address changes to P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA, call or use E-mail address Member: Catholic Press Association, New England Press Association. Catholic News Service

PUBLISHER - Bishop George W. Coleman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Roger J. Landry fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org NEWS EDITOR DeaconJamesN. Dunbar jimdunbar@anchornews.org REPORTER Michael Gordon mikegordon@anchomews.org OFFICE MANAGER Mary Chase marychase@anchornews.org

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Friday, January 6, 2006

,

the living word

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AN IRAQI GIRL PRAYS AT HOLY FAMILY CHURCH IN BAGHDAD DECEMBER 30. AN IRAQI MAN DRESSED AS SANTA CLAUS DISTRIBUTED CHRISTMAS PRESENTS TO CHRISTIAN IRAQI CHILDREN AT THE CHURCH. (CNS PHOTO FROM REUTERS)

"NATIONS SHALL BEHOLD YOUR VINDICATION, AND ALL KINGS YOUR GLORY" ••• "BUT YOU SHALL BE CALLED

'My DELIGHT,' AND YOUR LAND "ESPOUSED" 62: 1, 4).

(ISAIAH

A sign to be contradicted not accept his teachings. The During the Christmas season, Baby in the manger would grow the Church's reflection on the up to require obedience to the birth and infancy of Christ truth - not dIe truth as each includes a remembrance of the person defmes it, but the objecPresentation, when Mary and Joseph brought the Child to the tive, eternal and universal truth temple, according to the requireof God, He would challenge us with the unchangeable truth ments of the law, It was there that the aged Simeon took the about how we were created and Child into his arms and prophhow we are to live. This truth esied, "Behold, this child is often requires self-sacrifice and self-denial. It requires abstaining destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign from temporary pleasures for the that will be contradicted ... " (Lk sake of eternal joys, It requires 2: 34). It was a prediction of the opposition and rejection that Jesus would later face, The wonder of the Christmas event and the divine love that motiBy Father David vated it make it difficult A. Pignato to imagine how anyone could have rejected that baby born out in the cold for our salvation. But contradicsubmitting to the creator and his tion and opposition rose up plan for creation, even when our against the Christ Child almost own desires run contrary to it. It immediately. By a paranoid fear requires that we love God even of losing his power and wealth, more than we love ourselves. For King Herod sought to destroy the those who are unwilling to child, and even resorted to killing accept and obey this truth, contradiction and rejection of the all the infant boys in Bethlehem under two years of age (Mt 2: 16). Christ Child are the only remaining option, As St. John wrote, ''The true Because Christ faced this light, which enlightens everyone, contradiction, it is simply naive was coming into the world. He and unrealistic to expect that was in the world, and the world those who follow him will not be came to be through hinI, but the met by similar opposition. If world did not know him. He there were no sin in the world, came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept then such contradiction and him" (In I: 9-11), rejection might be avoided. But The reason people could the truth and the reality is that contradict and reject this loving much of the world still does not acccpt Christ, and so those who Christ Child is that they would

Putting Into the Deep

are truly faithful to Christ are often rejected and contradicted.

If Our Lord was contradicted, it is not reasonable to think that his followers will not be. Our Lord himself warned us, "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.... If they persecuted me, they will persecute you .. ," (In 15: 18,20).

This contradiction and rejection can even come from among those who claim to follow the Christ Child, What greater contradiction can there be than the recent bold and absurd claim from a high profile public figure, who claims to follow Christ, that Our Lord did not focus on or emphasize personal holiness? How right St. John was! "He canle to what was his own, but his own people did not accept hinI" (In 1: 11).

Facing opposition and contradiction for our faith is one important way that the Christ Child asks us to put out into the deep with him. It takes courage and trust to put out into deep waters, and the same is true when we are called to defend Christ and his teachings against those who would contradict, reject or misrepresent them.

As it was for Christ, rejection and opposition are the sure lot of those who follow him truthfully, In 'fact, given the present state of affairs, rejection mId opposition might be one of the surest signs that a person is actually living faithfully to Christ.

Friday, January 6, 2006

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A spectacular stem-cell scandal now suspect, including his claim A remarkable story ofscienlaboratory, including a female tific fraud, scandal and deceit has to be the first person to ever clone graduate student. Hwang had. a dog, an afghan hound named recently attracted international always denied these persistent Snuppy. The full extent ofthe headlines. The scandal has its rumors, but eventually acknowlorigins in South Korea, in the fraud committed by Hwang may edged not only that two junior take months, or even years, to sort laboratory of Dr. Woo-suk Hwang researchers on his team had out. of Seoul National University. donated ova, but also that other How could such serious ethical Many promoters of human women had received payments violations occur, and on such a embryonic stem-cell research for ova used in his research. massive scale? There have been watching the were dozens ofpeople in saga unfold with a kind Making Sense Hwang's laboratory, and of"collective mesmerhis most recent published ized despair," as one ut of . ,¥ ...:~ paper had 25 contributing commentator put it. Back in March of2004, Bioethics authors listed. How could they all have missed so Hwang published a paper

By Father Tad much fraud and deceit? claiming to be the first person to produce cloned What really happened?

Pacholczyk The backdrop against human embryos. About a year later, he published a which this scientific work took place, a backdrop of ongoing second paper where he claimed to This was followed by another hype about the medical potential have produced stem-cell lines stunning disclosure by one of which were tailor-matched to of cloning, provides an important Hwang's collaborators. He patients with specific diseases, clue to answering that question. opened the floodgates when he again by using cloned embryos.

Hwang, and indeed ne.arly all announced that the celebrated The work was widely hailed as a advocates of cloning human patient-specific stem cells were embryos, have a long history of groundbreiling achievement, fraudulent. Hwang had massaged fibbing about miracle cures from perhaps even of such caliber as to the data - nine of the cell lines draw the attention of the Nobel their research. Ailments ranging referenced in the paper were Prize Committee in Stockholm, from paralysis to Alzheimer's apparently faked, and the authencould be cured, they assure us, if ticity ofthe remaining two was Sweden. Hwang was on the fasttrack to superstar-status in his the government would only give also doubtful. Soon other serious native South Korea. us more funds and loosen a few problems came to light regarding ethical restraints. Given the his publications. Seoul National The first bump in ~e road came in November when allegaenormous pot ofglory perceived University quickly launched an tions resurfaced that some of the investigative probe because of the by scientists at the end of that rainbow, researchers in their eggs that he had used for his snowballing concerns over cloning experiments came from Hwang's work. VIrtually all ofhis frantic rush have hardly paused to women who worked in his catch their breath and consider the groundbreaking successes are

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A cheese log at shortstop?

Home Towne Team on opening Did you ever go grocery day iii a few months. shopping on the day the sales flyer expires? All that's left are I've been engrossed in Red picked-over items and none of the Sox goings on since the mid1960s and never, ever, have I seen big sale items remain. And the the team in such off-season substitutions pale in comparison to the originals. disrepair. Ever.

In several ways, the baseball Did you ever go Christmas operations branch of the Red Sox shopping on Christmas Eve day?

If you're lucky you'll be able to reminds me a chicken with its score a curious looking cheese log or a cologne that's a cross between antifreeze and air freshener.

Did you ever go to the fridge two days after Thanksgiving hoping to

By Dave Jolivet nibble on a nice chunk of juicy gobbler meat? Odds are, at least in my home, that you'll end up gnawing on head chopped off. The organization is running about aimlessly dried up sliyers rife with tendons in the last turkey leg. with no direction or purpose, and If you have ever experienced quite simply, with no head.

John Henry? Not a clue. Tom any of the aforementioned scenarios then you'll know the Werner is the quintessential silent mood in the front office of the partner. Larry Lucchino? Not a Boston Red Sox. clue. Co-GMs Ben and Jed? Not I shouldn't have to write about a clue - squared.

For the first time in a long, the Sox for my first column of 2006, but team's sorry state of long time, I'm not concerned about scoring Sox tickets this affairs leaves me no choice. season. I don't think it's worth the Since the 2005 World Series ended, teams have been wheeling ett:ort to get tix this season because the Sox brass has its own and dealing to prepare for the '06 season. Well most teams anyway. agenda, and that agenda is not The Boston Red Sox have meant to please its rabid fan base. waited until Christmas Eve to do Johnny Demon, I mean their shopping, and there's Damon, as a ball player, was not nothing left. Don't be surprised if worth $12 million a year. But as a ballplayer, fan-favorite and a in fact a curiQus looking cheese public relations tool, the Sox log is playing shortstop for the

My View From the Stands

should have signed him.

It seems no one wants to come to play for Boston. Why? Because the Red Sox are baseball's version ofthe Boston Bruins. At last glance, the Bruins were six slots away from being the worst team in the NHL ... for now.

No matter what anemic moves they may make betWeen now and opening day, the Red Sox will be a far cry from our beloved 2004 world champs.

Red Sox management gift-wrapped a longawaited championship after 86 long, long years, and they seem bent on repeating as champs in another 86 years.

Come Saturday night, the New England Patriots begin a run at a fourth championship in five years.

Owner Robert Kraft surrounds himself with people who know what they're doing.

Come March, the Boston Red Sox begin a run to stay out of the American League East cellar - a team with its head chopped off.

Is there any hope at all for the 2006 season?

Let's see - it's January 6 and they haven't made a substantial addition to the team.

Yes there's hope if we can make the playoffs with a curious looking cheese log playing shortstop and a dried out old turkey leg playing center field.

Comments are welcome at davejolivet@anchornews.org.

5 .. deeper questions raIseI!d by thoIS technology.

Hwang himself appears to have fallen prey to a grievous, but fairly common, ethical mistake: somewhere along thd line, he concluded that good ends can justifY evil means. H~ realized that a little data cooking could have good effects; it would be good for Korea; it would be good for the University; it would be good for funding his work, an'd it would be good for pr6moting belief in embryonic stem cells as a way to help sick pe6ple. He reasoned that as long as the ends were good, any ethical issues that might come up in the course of his research could bel conveniently minimized ana ignored.

That approach to ethical thinking, i' • of course, happens tq be preCIsely the same approach taken by most human embryonic stem-cell researchers when they try to justifY the troubling research they do. They stress how their research may one day have gqod effects possible cures for suffering patients - so any etlllcal issues that might come up regarding the destruction of embryonic human life can be minimized and ignored.

Stem-cell researchers today routinely violate the most basic ethical norms regardipg the protection of human subjects every time they make cell lines out ofhuman embryos. Is it really such a surprise that s,ome of these same researchers turn out to be involved in the greatest ethical scandal to befall sci~6ce in decades? If Hwang and other researchers like him are willing to do something as ethically troubling as creating human life merely to extinguish:it for its stem cells, why would they be particularly disturbed about: cutting other ethical comers, like ~ing to vulnerable graduate students for their eggs, or fabricating data?

Many researchers speak fondly of "codes of self-regulation" and "mechanisms ofethiFal oversight by scientists themse~~es." The serious transgressions ofthis scandal remind us how these ,I

I

vaunted codes and mechanisms amount to little more than smoke and mirrors when the researchers themselves take custody ofthe hen house.

The spectacle of the South Korean stem-cell scandal strengthens the view that some stem-cell scientists are not averse to playing fast and loose with the truth. The revolutionary medical advances they try to read in the tea leaves end up requiring serious ethical violations, both in the exploitation of vulnerable women, and especially in the sacrifice of innocent human life. It is not just Hwang's dishonesty and sleight of hand that gives a black eye to the field of human embryonic stem-cell science. It is also the many other promoters of this renegade research, who have long been skirting or ignoring the moral concerns raised by their work. As Americans ponder this scandal, hopefully we will become more measured and less starry-eyed in our future assessments ofhuman embryonic stemcell research. Especially when we come to be asked in state legislatures around the country to pour millions ofdollars into an unproven and unethical science, one hopes that better judgment and stronger ethics will prevail.

Perhaps we will fmallY have the courage to draw some long overdue ethical lines and choose to safeguard the youngest and most vulnerable members of our own human family by promoting the moral and scientific high ground. That high ground offers us a uniquely appealing path into the future, paved with new and exciting breakthroughs that are occurring, almost on a weekly basis, from morally praiseworthy forms of medicine such as adult and umbilical cord stem-cell research.

Father Tadeusz Pacholc'!J'k, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in neurosciencefrom Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard.

He is a priest ofthe Diocese of Fall River, and serves as the Director ofEducation at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.

Our Lady's Monthly Message From Medjugorje December 25, 2005 Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina "Dear children! Also today, in my anns I bring you little Jesus, the King ofPeace, to bless you with His peace.

Little children; in a special way today I call you to be my carriers of peace in this peaceless world. God will bless you. Little children, do not forget that I am your mother.

I bless you all with a special blessing, with little Jesus in myanns.

"Thank yOU!i for having responded to my call." .1

I

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

Friday, January 6, 2006

We have come to worship him ''We have come to worship him," or in the translation of this weekend's Gospel, "We have come to do him homage." That is what the Magi from the East, or as some people call them: the wise men or the astrologers or the three kings, said to King Herod for their reason for visiting the foreign land of Jerusalem. "We have come to worship him." This was also the theme ofthis past summer's World Youth Day, the first for our beloved Pope Benedict XVI, where thousands and thousands of young people descended upon Cologne, Germany, to come and worship Jesus Chiist our Lord.

For the past few weeks, during this Christmas season, thousands and thousands of people have visited churches, chapels and cathedrals, all over the world, to come and worship Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, the light of the world,

manifested himself to shepherds, revealed to the nations. In fact, who were poor and homeless. that is what today's feast of Jesus next revealed himselfto Epiphany is all about. The word the Magi from the East, foreignEpiphany comes from a Greek word meaning "manifestation" ers, priests of a foreign religion, who came to worship our Lord, or ''revelation.'' Our God is so and to offer him gifts ofgold, good that he chose to send his Son to us. The Lord of Lords and creator ofthe universe made himself Homily of the Week known to all the world.

Epiphany of Now, because ofthe birth and the Epiphany the Lord ofthe Lord Jesus Christ, there can be no mistake,

By Father no ignorance, no foot Jeffrey Cabral dragging, no tepidity: God has come to us! frankincense and myrrh.

And when God came, who The Scriptures make it very recognized him? Not too many clear that the messiah, Jesus, the people. Not even King Herod, light of the world, comes to all who was ofJewish descent. people. All people are invited to Today's psalm says that "all come to the Light. kings shall pay him homage, all Sadly, we know and recognations shall serve him." It is interesting to note that Jesus did nize that many nowadays do not "come to worship him." Mass not first manifest himselfto attendance has dropped. Belief kings and queens. He first

generosity, change of heart and a in the real presence of the Eucharist has diminished. Fewer change oflife. The other "way," the way of Jesus men and women respond to the invitation to serve God's Church Christ, has its own light, the as faithful priests or consec~ted sacred Scriptures and tradition, and its own food, the religious. However, we must Eucharist, the Body and Blood recognize that we are all gifted of our Lord Jesus Christ. by our Lord. We may not Every time we gather to celhave gifts ofgold, ebrate the Eucharist we not only frankincense and myrrh, "come to worship him," but we but our gifts are the ones are also guided by the way, the ofour hearts, our selves, truth and the life, who is Jesus and our very lives.

Christ, the king of all nations.

From Jesus Christ, the Let the examples of the light ofthe world, we have received the gifts of journey of the Magi from the East and the pilgrimage of the life, light, forgiveness, thousands of youth to World peace,justice,and salvation. We are called to share Youth Day, inspire all of us to these gifts with others, the gift of offer and share our own Godgiven gifts with all those Jesus Christ himself. The Magi whom we meet. Come and were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they return to worship him!

Father Cabral, ordained in ''their country by another way."

2002, is parochial vicar at St When we offer the gift ofour .

Anthony Parish and is chaplain very selves, we open ourselves ofCoyle and Cassidy High to "anoth~ way." The other School, both in Taunton. ''way'' is the way ofopenness,

Peace and cookies Peace is like a cookie. Peace is a result, a final product, not a raw ingredient. How do I know this? Well, I know it because in trying to create p'eace, I have never been able to do so in the absence of faith, hope, love, and a few other specialized virtues.

The comparison to cookies is an easy leap, then, because you can't make cookies without some basic raw ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, plus a few other specialized ingredients.

Peace is like a cookie.

I started my quest to understand what 'peace' was when

In these settings, peace is venerated as the bandage of choice for all the world's ills.

But if that is true, then why such a bad adhesive? Through the centuries and across all cultures, why doesn't peace stick?

My son and I mused further only to find that the whole concept of peace was so nebulous as to be meaningless. We tried hard to identify the single most important ingredient of peace, but couldn't. We had to conclude that peace simply isn't a stand-alone deal. Without unselfish love, peace isn't possible between two people much less nations of people.

Without hope that difficult times will get better, peace fades as quickly as it is sparked up.

Without convicted faith that, in the end, good will prevail over evil, those who labor for peace only look suicidal. And yet Jesus himself, following the custom of the Jewish people, kept greeting people with "shalom" meaning "peace be with you." Peace, therefore, just couldn't be as impossible as it seemed to be to myson and me.

All of which makes me think of cookies. Before I am able to' serve up and savor a warm plateful, I have to obtain the . right ingredients, measure them out in the right proportion for the type of cookie I want, and mix the ingredients together for just the right amount of time.

Several weeks ago, we baked a few hundred cookies. To celebrate St. Lucy's Day,

r-----------r--:::--'.., Home Grown Faith

By Heidi Bratton

my teen-age son asked me if I thought peace was possible in the Middle East. I answered him, like a good lawyer, by stalling; "Well, that depends on what you mean by peace." Like all clever teens, he raised his eyebrows and rebuked, "You know, mom.

Peace, as in no war." So much for my legal career. . His ql.Jestion was brought on by the deluge of Christmas cards wishing everyone peace, secular holiday songs prattling on about the idea of peace on earth but with absolutely no moral context, and the continued unrest in the Middle East. In these contexts, peace was being ,. worshiped as the zenith of all human desire; worshiped with the devotion that Christians are supposed to offer to God alone.

December 13th, we usually bake and give Christmas cookies to our friends and neighbors with a Christmas card. During that bake-a-thon, I found myself mulling over the conversation I had with my son about peace, and wondered which ingredient ofthe cookies being baked was the most important. Then, smack in the middle ofpressing a Hershey's , Kiss into a warm ball ofjustbaked peanut butter dough, the answer hit me. The most important thing wasn't an ingredient. It was the heat! I can mix together and roll into little balls all the ingredients I want, but without heat, I will never have a cookie.

And so it is with peace. Jesus is the most important element of peace. Without Jesus we, can roll together as many virtues and

Daily Readings Jan 7 Jan 8

.

Jan 9

Jan 10 Jan 11 Jan 12

Jan 13

1 Jn 5:14-21;'Ps 149:1-6a,9b; Jn 2:1-11 Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:2,7-8,10-13; Eph 3:2-3a,5-6; Mt 2:1-12 1542:1-4,6-7; Ps 29:1a,2,3ac4,3b,9b-10 or Acts 10:34-38; . Mk 1:7-11 1 Sm 1:9-20; (Ps) 1 Sm 2:1,48; Mk 1:21 b-28 1 Sm 3:1-10,1920; Ps 40:2-5,710; Mk 1:29-39 1 Sm 4:1-11; Ps 44:10-11,1415,25-26; Mk 1:40-45 1 Sm8:4-7,1022a; Ps 89: 1619; Mk 2:1-12

good intentions, wishes and . works as we want, but we will never have peace. Jesus told his disciples in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." In other words, worship Jesus, not peace. In this coming year, when we experience strife or unrest, we can minimize them by pouring into the mix of our lives as many of the raw ingredients of faith as possible,

then standing back and praying, we can let them and ourselves be baked in the fire of God's love. Sweet peace in increasing measure will be the result.

Heidi Bratton is the at-home mother offive and the author and photographer of11 Christian chiJdrens books and one trade book on mothering called "Making Peace with Motherhood and Creating a Better You. " Heidi and her husband, John, make their home andgrow theirfaith in Falmouth.

In Your Prayers Please pray for the following . priests durinf the coming weeks ..\ \\

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1982, Rev. William F. MO~''fas~~~~_<;;oYUS\Christi, Sandwich /

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1919, Rev. Jourdain'Charron, Q.l>., Dominican Priory, Fall River 1938, Rev. GeotgeH. Flanagan~,P~tor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River \ \ 1977, Rev. Msgr. Emmanuel So~ \Ie Mello, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Taunton \\ . \ \

Jan,12 \ \

1918, Rev. Thomas P. Grace, Pastor;.st. Patrick, Fall River 1930, Rev. Manuel C. Terra, Rdti\ed Pastor, St. Peter, Provincetown v

Jan. 13 1954, Rev. Emile Plante, M.S., La Salette Seminary, Attleboro

Jan. 14 1977, Rev. John J. Lawler, M.M., Maryknoll Missioner

Jan. IS 1948, Rev. Thomas F. Kennedy, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Woods Hole 1972, Rev. Vincent Marchildon, O.P., Director, St. Anne Shrine, Fall River 1977, Rev. Msgr. John E. Boyd, Retired Pastor, St. Patrick, Wareham 1997, Rev. Harold A. Whelan Jr., SS.Cc., Ph. D.

7

Friday, January 6, 2006

Gifts are worth giving 6 December 2005 - St. Nicholas Day - Port-O-CallSt. Anthony School, New Bedford Here I stand in St. Anthony School Auditorium, New Bedford. All the kids are gathered round. The wee ones wear bishops' miters they made in honor of St. Nicholas. I am dressed as Ebenezer Scrooge. The kids and I are going to stage an unscripted play, have some fun, and maybe learn something along the way.

Yesterday I set out costumes in the teachers' lounge. Principal Elizabeth Lavigne then recruited a couple dozen children

for the production. No acting experience necessary, only being more or less of a size to fit a

costume.

The vehicle will be the traditional Christmas gift-givers worldwide, as explained by Scrooge. The message will be God's gift to us of his Son. First on stage is a choir of

angels, bringing the gift of Good News for the entire world.

Then enters a troupe of assorted shepherds.

They bring humble gifts for the Christ Child - a stuffed sheepdog and a lamb puppet.

From the Orient come Magi. They bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Magi's entourage includes jesters and a military guard (getting even more kids involved).

In come Sweden's Saint Lucy and Star Child. She brings her parents breakfast - traditional sweet buns and coffee. A younger sibling holding a star leads the way.

'You, too, go into my vineyard'

Then comes Norway's Julenisse. This mischievous elf promises to refrain from playing practical jokes during the Holy Season. Good behavior is his gift.

From Holland comes Saint Nicholas. He joyfully gives away bags of gold (oranges). Accompanying him is the chimney sweep Sooty Peter. Peter carries a bag of coal in case someone has been naughty, which is highly unlikely.

From England comes Father Christmas with the gift of joyous celebration.

Enter stage left the American Santa. The kids already know the gifts they hope he will be bringing.

Lastly, Mary and Joseph.

Mary is carrying the Christ Child. Scrooge gets to hold the Baby and is overwhelmed with the true spirit of Christmas. The end.

The kids laugh at the silly antics of Scrooge, but I suspect they get the point. Christmas is about God's great Gift. Jesus is the reason we gift one another.

26 December 2005 Homeport - Feast of Stephen The Advent/Christmas season is the most hectic of the year in the parish. Something in my schedule had to go. I decided to hold all my Christmas cards and gifts until after Christmas Day. When the holiday hoopla is over, my Christmas begins. Each night during the Twelve Days of Christmas, I sit quietly, light a candle, play some Christmas CD's (they've vanished from the radio), and savor my gifts one by one. A card is a gift. I ponder the Christmas art on the cover, then open the card and look to the signature. If there is a handwritten note, it's a bonus. I think of the people who took time to send the greeting and say a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift that person is in my life.

They say it isn't so, but Christmas really is about gifts the gifts we are, not the gifts we give.

I am gifted. God has blessed

my life with many wonderful people. They are God's gifts to me. I think of individual parishioners in the Village and in other assignments, of brother priests, of friends and family, of young and old. The spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet-To-Be come visit me again.

6 January 2006 - Feast of the Epiphany (traditional) When I get to the bottom of my card basket, I find handmade thank you notes from the children at St. Anthony School.

These are huge and colorful.

SOJrlP. are covered with scoops of silver glitter. One has a pop-up greeting to jum~ nut when I open the card. Another has a bright blue feather glued to the cover.

Looks like something that fell off a costume.

"Thank you for making us laugh. You are very funny," says Catarina. "You make a good Scrooge. At first 1 thought you were really he. Are you?"

Victoria wonders. "I give you an A+," says Christianie generously. "Best Christmas pageant ever!" raves Justin. Elizabeth is still curious: "You were very funny at our school the other day.

Were you as funny the next day?

How old are you, anyway?" "My brother was in the play. I'm not sure, but I think he was supposed to be a shepherd or something," David speculates. "I learned stuff," says Jared, a man of few words. Mission .accomplished.

These kids ate too young to realize that they are themselves the gifts. It's the end of yet another wonderful Advent/ Christmas season. Merry Christmas to all and to .all a good night!

Love, Eb Scrooge

to the impulse of the Holy Spirit At their November 15, 2005 are called to the fullness of and to the voice of Christ, who Christian life and to the perfecmeeting, the U.S. bishops is giving them an especially tion of charity, and this holiness approved a document to guide urgent invitation at this mothe development of lay ecclesial is conducive to a more human ment" (Pope John Paul II, service in the Church. The way of living even in society Christifideles Laici). Now more here on earth. '" In our times the document entitled, Co-Workers than ever the invitation to take Church has written as never in the Vineyard of the Lord, an active, conscientious and examines the dispositions of the before on the nature, dignity, responsible part in the mission lay ecclesial ministers and spirituality, mission and responof the Church in this present discusses their human, spiritual, sibility of the lay faithful. moment in history is imperative. intellectual and pastoral formaWho are the laity? The laity Today's state of affairs tion. This four-part series of articles will ....---------.,..""'::;.::"-....,... both in the Church and in social, economic, explore who the laity political and cultural life are, and the dignity and requires a commitment importance of their to pursue personal vocation and service holiness, dedication to a within our Catholic deep prayer life and Church.

By Lisa M. Gulino living out faith in both Jesus often explained words and actions. the Kingdom of God by May the landowner way of parables and not ask us at the 11 th hour of are all the faithful except for images. In the parable of the our lives, "Why do you stand sower and the seed, he said the those in holy orders or those here idle all day?" (Mat 20:7) whole world is like a vineyard who belong to a religious state Montie Plumbing The work that awaits everyone waiting to be transformed in approved by the Church. Lay & Heating Co. of the Lord is in the vineyard view of the final coming of the people through baptism are great; there is no place for reign of God (Mt. 13:38). Later incorporated into Christ and Over 35 Years idleness. At the prompting of the Jesus likens the kingdom of integrated into the people of of Satisfied Services Holy Spirit our bishops remind heaven to a landowner who God, and are made sharers in Reg. Master Plumber 7023 us with even greater urgency went out early in the morning to their own particular way in the JOSEPH RAPOSA, JR. that the "landowner" is now hire laborers for his vineyard priestly, prophetic and kingly 432 JEFFERSON STREET repeating his invitation: "You, and then again that same day to office of Christ. They are given FALL RIVER 508-67S·7496 too, go into my vineyard." call others to send them too (cf. their own important role to play Mt. 20:2, 4). Together these in the mission of the Church and parables set before our eyes the the world (cf. "Catechism of the Lord's vast vineyard and the Catholic Church," 897). The multitude of persons, both vocation of the layperson is to Website: cssdioc.org women and men, who are called seek the Kingdom of God by CAPE COD and sent forth by him to be engaging in temporal affairs and FALL RIVER TAUNTON NEW BEDFORD ATTLEBORO about the business of the in directing them according to 261 SOUTH ST. 1600 BAY ST. 78 BROADWAY 238 BONNEY ST. 10MAPLEST. kingdom. This call of the Lord God's will. The work of sanctifiHYANNIS P.O. BOX M - SO. STA. 508-824-3264 508-997-7337 508-226-4780 Jesus - "you too go into my cation is done in the midst of 508-771-6771 508-674-4681 vineyard" - never fails to daily life, work, family, recre• ABUSE PREVENTION • COMMUNITY ORGANIZING resound throughout the ages and ation and service to others. The • ADOPTIONS: • COUNSELING is in fact addressed "to every lay faithful are truly luminaries INFANT • HOUSING COUNSELING person who comes into this of Christ's light and love; they INTERNATIONAL • IMMIGRATION, LEGAL EDUCATION world" (cf. John Paul II, bring the Gospel of hope and AND ADVOCACY PROJECT SPECIAL NEEDS Christifideles Laici). peace into the secular world of • INFORMATIONIREFERRAL • ADVOCACY FOR: The United States bishops, in economics, politics, arts, SPANISH & PORTUGUESE SPEAKING • INFANT FOSTER CARE their document, "Co-workers in culture, and society.

FISHERMEN • PARENT/SCHOOL CRJSIS INTERVENTION the Vineyard of the Lord," As the bishops' document PERSONS WITH AIDSIHIV • REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT remind us that all of us are suggests, there is a sense of PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES • HOUSING FOR WOMEN: personally called by the Lord to urgency within this call of Christ ST. MATHIEU'S CAMBODIANS a mission on behalf of the to his people. The Council, the DONOVAN HOUSE • BASIC ENGLISH FOR LIFE-LONG LEARNINO ST. CLARE'S/ST. FRANCES' • CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ChUf~h and the world. Quoting late pope, our present Holy • BASIC NEEDS the Council, the bishops write, Father, and our own U.S. SPONSORSHIP: SAMARJTAN HOUSE "The basic call is the same for bishops all are making an SOUP KITCHEN SPECIAL APOSTOLATES: all the followers of Christ, earnest plea in the Lord's name COMMUNITY ACTION FOR AP0STOLATE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES for the the laity to give a "glad, namely 'that all Christians in BETTER HOUSING I APOSTOLATE FOR SPANISH SPEAKING whatever state or walk of life generous, and prompt response

Lay co-workers in the vineyard

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

8

Friday, January 6, 2006

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ON A tradition from yesteryear, a young parishioner kisses a statue of the newborn Infant Jesus following Christmas Mass celebrated by Franciscan Father Francis de Sales Paolo, in S1. Margaret's/S1. Mary's Church in Buzzards Bay. MIDNIGHT MASS in S1. Jacques' Church in Taunton was celebrated by pastor, Father Thomas E. Morrissey, near the creche recalling the birth of Jesus, the reason for the season. Extraordinary ministers of holy Communion gather at the altar during Mass.

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THE STUDENTS of S1. Pius X School, South Yarmouth, in conjunction with the S1. Pius X Parish Religious Education Program, provide gifts to Cape Cod children in need of assistance.

THE PARISHIONERS of S1. John the Baptist, Westport, were indeed generous and filled with the true spirit of Christmas. The Giving Tree, which displays the beautifully wrapped gifts for residents of Sacred Heart Home in New Bedford and others, truly exemplifies the heartwarming meaning of this holy season.

ST. LOUIS DE FRANCE Parish, Swansea, had a blessing of the nativity sets. Religious Education students took part and led with Christmas carols. The students of Grade 10 later hosted an open house at the Religious Education center. A Christmas village and miniatures were on display. Hot chocolate and hot apple cider were served.

NATURE'S GIFTS of trees and poinsettias were at the heart of decorations and lights near the sanctuary of S1. Peter's Church in Dighton to usher in the birth of Christ and the Christmas season.

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Friday, January 6, 2006

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.1(.:,''': CHILDREN AND adults joined in song at the Christmas Eve Mass at S1. Joseph's Church in Fall River.

SIDNEY DAVIS presents Father Richard L. Chretien, pastor of Notre Dame Parish and administrator of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, both in Fall River, . with the Baby J~sus at Christmas Eve Mass.

YOUNGSTERS ENACT a Live Nativity scene at S1. Francis Xavier Church in Hyannis. The Choir is that of the S1. Francis Xavier Preparatory School, under the direction of Velna Zuzick.

THIS CRECHE enhanced Christmas Masses at S1.

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ANGELS APPEARED at S1. Joan of Arc Church in Orleans at Christmas. Here they sang their announcement of the Christ Child in a concert and pageant directed by Judy Burt Walker, coordinator of Religious Education in the parish.

ST. NICK leads children and adults on a sleigh ride during Christmas in the Village events in Assonet Village.

Friday, January 6, 2006

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Sacred Hearts Father works andprays, in hope men answer call to priesthood

By DEACON JAMES N.

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administrator at St. Joseph's Parish FAIRHAYEN - A recent sur- in Fairhaven, said. vey on economic growth in the But he agreed that the "confusion United States shows a growing and in family life" is also a current facalarming reluctance among young tor and as a result young people are people to make long-term commit- trying to find their own way alone. ments in regard to education and "Certainly the family is not as jobs, causing a societal instability central as it was, with more broken affecting millions ofpeople. families than ever, and not as many "It's also one ofthe principal rea- fathers actually present today, and we sons why men aren't answering have to remember that family plays God's call to serve him and the a major role in one's vocation," he Church and his community as a explained. priest," opines Sacred Hearts Father "If parents are not praying or Christopher Santangelo, a native of going to church and these are not Freetown, who recently returned important to them, it doesn't make here. sense that a young person in that Although it is regularlysuggested family would consider a religious by vocation recruiters that the lack vocation. There is no longer the paof priests might rest heavily on the rental support coming that they failure ofparents to teach their chil- would have received in past generadren how to pray and therefore be tions." unattuned to God's call when it With technology opening new comes, Father Santangelo, a mem- vistas in how people can live their ber of his religious community's lives, ''there are many more attracVocations Team, sees it more tive options presenting themselves broadly. than our parents and grandparents "At a time when many young had," Father Santangelo stated.

"Our go-go secular culture says people are finding it difficult in our modern culture to make a commit- 'Keep on going because you can ment to so many things, including enjoy yourself and still make marriage, not making a lifelong com- changes every step along the way mitment to the priesthood under- anytime you feel like it.' There seems standably follows," the religious to be no constancy. And people see priest, newly assigned as parochial enjoyment in different ways. While

those ofus experiencing it maintain that the important and difficult work in the Church also has its manyjoys and its graces, many in today's society consider them too intangible for their liking."

But what might seem a mountain ofhurdles hasn't destroyed his optimism.

"I remain very hopeful," Father Santangelo said assertively. "We have to be open to the older model and the newer one. God said he would provide for his Church. And so with hope and prayer the Sacred Hearts Fathers are reaching out to try to help men to take the time and make the effort to discern if they have a priestly vocation," he told The Anchor.

The decision to consider a religious vocation, unlike those ofyesteryear, are currently being made at an older age by men who have had a taste of life and its good things and successes, and are encountering feelings that while it is good, something more transcendental is missing, he added.

"We in the Sacred Hearts Congregation are just now taking on those 'second career' people wanting to discern a vocation, and that's new for us. But we're moving right ahead."

Father Santangelo's newest assignment follows eight years at Nassau in the Bahamas, his first station as a priest. He was ordained in February 1999 at age 34. Members ofhis family reside in Rochester and Bridgewater, and in Freetown where he grew up and was a member ofSt. John Neumann Parish.

His ownjourneyto the priesthood provides a unique look at the call to vocation.

Following graduation from Apponequet High School in Lakeville, he entered Northeastern University and studied engineering.

"Although I could comfortably do the math and science very well, I wasn't really into it," he recalled. ''The bottom line for me was to combine the knowledge with working with people. After my freshman year I realized engineering was not where I belonged."

Following some soul searching he attending a Vocations Awareness Day program. "It sparked something in me," he said. "I wanted to give a religious vocation atry, so that in the years to come I dido't have to say to myselfthat I never tried."

"I was 21 years old when I became a seminarian with the Fall River diocese. I attended St. John's Seminary College in Boston, and

then studied theology for six years at St. John's Seminary there. But after completing my third theological year realized I was not ready to take on the commitment to priesthood. I took a three-year sabbatical. After that I decided I would join the Sacred Hearts Congregation and continue the process in my vocational journey with them."

Father Santangelo said that the sabbatical "was one of the best moves Iever made. It was excellent."

Noting that the seminary college he attended at St. John's has since closed, he offered an opinion. "I don't think it was such a bad thing to close it. While it was an excellent experience for me, however, the priest-religious of today need to be very well rounded. A religious college-seminary atmosphere can be very cloistered and closed in. Modern Church life requires much more of us priests. If it means having the seminarian attend a secular college and have some kind of formation within that for priesthood and religious life, I see that as far better."

As a member of his Congregation's Vocations Team, which meets quarterly to plan and extend vocations outreach, Father Santangelo's duties involve interTurn to page 12 - Call

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Did you ever wonder?

Did you ever wonder just what is it that makes a person choose to serve God as a priest?

Did you ever wonder how your favorite priest became so happy and so at peace?

Did you ever want to ask questions about the priesthood, without being considered a recruit?

If you a high school senior or college-aged man and can say "yes" to any of these questions, then consider attending the Day ofRtijlection at the diocesan Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road, North Dartmouth on January 15 from 3-5 p.m.

This day, which includes presentations from a seminarian, a newly-ordained priest, and a seasoned veteran priest, is an opportunity to learn more about the priesthood. This event is informational and NOT meant as a recruiting session.

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For directions or more information, contact your parish pastor, or Father Edward E. Correia at 508-673-2808. You may be glad you did.

Friday, January 6, 2006

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Missionary Sister says desire ahd prayer key in discerning vocatiQn

By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

NEW BEDFORD - When asked why she joined the Missionaries ofCharity, Sister Mary Noelita smiled and responded simply, "I.wanted to give my life to God." She is doing just that now, serving as superior for the congregation's home here where she and three other Sisters provide a variety of services for people in the diocese. Sister Noelita joined the Missionaries of Charity shortly after high school in India and said it has been a wonderful experience.

"We are always helping people and they are very happy when we visit," Sister Noelita said of the visits they make to local nursing homes and to shut-ins. The four Sisters make those visits each week and also spend several hours with prisoners at the Bristol County House ofCorrection and jail facility in Dartmouth where they pray, read the Bible and give talks to about 15 inmates.

"The main part of our day is prayer," she said. "We have adoration ofthe Blessed Sacrament and say the Liturgy ofthe Hours.

We need prayer to keep working."

Sister Noelita, who has now been superior for a year-and-a-half, said when she first considered a religious life she was unsure which order she would join. "I grew up where there were many Catholic people and I talked with my grandparents and parents about it. I didn't know which one to choose and prayed about it."

She encouraged anyone considering a vocation to religious life to pray.

The Missionaries of Charity have been

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serving in New Bedford since 1992 and offer a night shelter for women and chi1dren. It is located on the second and third floors at their convent and they average about 13 people a night. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the Sisters spend time with visitors and pray with them. Lights out is at 9 p.m. and in the morning they provide breakfast.

They also work with families and teach religious education at Holy Family-Holy Name School. Sister Thereslina, who has been a religious for nearly 20 years, is in charge of that.

"I enjoy working with the children," said Sister Thereslina. "It's nice to see their eagerness to learn."

The Sisters welcome about 30 children to the convent each Saturday for a program which includes prayer games and an afternoon snack. Sister Carmelina has been a Missionary of Charity Sister for nearly 25 years. When asked about her role in New Bedford her response was "Wherever there is a need, I go and help."The symbols of their congregation are the habit, which is white with blue stripes; their sari, which is traditional clothing of people in India and a crucifix sewn into the upper piece of clothing.

"Mother Teresa chose blue and white for the Blessed Mother," explained Sister Noelita about their habit.

In their work with the shut-ins the Sisters spend time talking with the elderly and often times will cook them a meal.

"They are so happy to see us some cry," said Sister Noelita. "They are good people.

They share their joys and sorrows with us."

Sister Noelita met Blessed Mother Teresa while in India and recalled she V楼as always telling people to smile and that God loves them. "She was always motherly,. always loving and caring and always understanding," said Sister Noelita.

In theit:meeting room, a map ofthe wqrld has colored pins marking the numerous!llocations ofthe Missionaries ofCharity. There are more than 50 Missionaries of Charity houses in the United States and Sister """'.....-:: II

Noelita said that each one is different.

If there is more work to be done in the diocese the location will have more Sisters. Sister Noelita said most of the vocations they receive come from India and Africa. Although there is a difference between life in New Bedford and that ofIndia, they are more or less doing the same work.

For more information about the Missionaries of Charity call 508-997-7347.

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MISSIONARY OF Charity Siste'rs Thereslina, Carmelina and Mary Noelita stand before a world '11ap marking' the many areas their congregation serves around the world. They have been l, helping the New Bedford community since 1992. (AnchorlGordon photo)

Having said 'yes' to God, Mercy Sister feels enriched

By MIKE GORDON

Education coordinator at Holy Qhost Parish, Attleboro. While doing all that, Sister Elaine managed to obNORTH DARTMOUTH Mercy Sister Elaine Heffernan said tain her bachelor of arts degree that being a religious means saying from Catholic Teachers College in yes to God. Fifty-five years after she Providence, R.I., and earned a first said that yes, Sister Elaine is master's degree in education from still serving the Lord and the people St. Michael's College in Vermont taking courses during the summer of the Fall River diocese.

"I never left the diocese," said months.

Those teaching days behind her, the Fall River native. "I've been fortunate because I always had great Sister Heffernan now serves the diocese as episcopal representative assignments."

Sister Heffernan attended Catho- for religious, a role she has filled lic high school and was a student for five years.

"It's been very interesting and under the Sisters of Mercy for 12 years. In her senior year, she inves- I've enjoyed every minute ofit," she tigated the idea ofreligious life. She said. "I know most of the religious and several classmates joined the women and priests so it's really been Sisters of Mercy and helped shape a joy for me to work with them."

The job requires her to be availthe lives of many students through their dedication to Catholic educa- . able for religious men and women. tion.

She does so by visiting them and "I've always been in education," setting up programs like retreat said Sister Heffernan. "I always days. She also organizes a major suwanted to teach ... even when 1was periors meeting f9r all religious in high school 1 thought about it. I serving in the diocese at which they discuss problems and progress. always enjoyed it."

"I visit religious who are in nursHer first 11 years were spent working inNew Bedford elementary ing homes and assisted living like schools administered under St. Catholic Memorial Home, The James Parish. She then was princi- Landmark in Fall River and at Eppal at St. Patrick's School in Fall och Senior Health Care ofHarwich River before serving as Religious which has about 20 Good Shepherd ANCHOR STAFF

Sisters."

Sister Heffernan said that working as the episcopal representative has been a great experience. "It's enriched my life. I hear many stories from the religious Sisters and it gives me hope. They've dedicated their lives to God and they are very willing to share that with you."

In addition to her visits, Sister Heffernan also helps with placement for religious when they are ready to retire, conducts prayer services and sometimes finds work for

the Sisters.

As a Sister ofMercy, she is committed to a life ofprayer, service and community and she ekplained that her congregation believes that each person is called for some purpose in life.

The symbols ofthe,congregation are a ring they wear ~d the cross known as ''the Merc}\l Cross."

Their motto is "ifhy will be done." She said they were founded by the Venerable Catherine McAuley who established The House of Mercy for nomeless and abused women in DUblin, Ireland, in 1827. There are 25-40 Mercy Sisters in the diocese, among more than 12,000 Sisters ofMercy continuing their mission helping others. ''We worked in m~y schools including SS.Peter arid Paul~s, St. Mary School, and St. Joseph's School. We also have missions in Belize and Honduras." Some of the Sisters are working in pastoral care and a few are still mvolved with education.

Even after more tpan 50 years ofreligious life, Sister Heffernan is not slowing down. She is currently planning the February4, World Day for Consecrated Life ,at the Cathedral which will be open for all reli:1

MERCY SISTER ELAINE HEFFERNAN

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gious men and women and vocation teams. They will be meeting with Pope Benedict XVI in March at a Vicar's meeting.

Sister Heffernan was hopeful that more people will answer the call to vocations, but said it is difficult today because there is so much lay people can do in the Church.

"People don't want to commit themselves for life. We really need to pray for vocations."

She was thankful for all the assistance provided by Bishop George W. Coleman and former Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap. "'Illey have been very available when I needed them and I'm thankful for their help."

"I've had a very happy life," she concluded. "All my assignments have been very fruitful and enjoyable. I look back to when 1 had 54 students in first grade and it was a bit overwhelming, but 1 really enjoyed it. It made a big impact on my life and I still have pupils that call me today."

Sister Heffernan is one of more than 300 religious men and women. working and living in the diocese.

For more information about the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas call her at 508-992-9921.

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Continuedfrom page three Earlier in the year it found a Ten a series on the Mass. Other colum- Commandment display OK at the nists included Lisa M.Gulino, direc- Texas Capitol, but not in two Kentor of Adult Education for the dio- tucky courthouses. cese; Heidi Bratton, a Falmouth auAt the busy Massachusetts thor and artist; Greta MacKoul, an Catholic Conference, the public author and illustrator from Mashpee; policy voice of the four Catholic Frank Lucca, a youth minister in bishops in Massachusetts, Atty. EdSwansea and the chair and director of ward F. Saunders Jr., of Quincy rethe YES! Retreat, as well as the Chris- placed Atty. Gerald D'Avolio as extian Leadership Institute; Jean Revil, ecutive director in July. directorofCampus Ministry atBishop As the year ended, Maria C. StangHigh School; OswaldoPacheco Parker, associate director for Public and Louis "Bud" Miller.

Policy for the MCC since 1998, anThe Anchor also initiated and fea- nounced her retirement. tured weekly homilies prepared by Celebrations priests of the diocese.

There was much to be thankful Parishioners saw well-known for.

Once again, the diocese took time priests and Sisters transferred or retired, and greeted new clergy and to cite members ofthe criminal jusreligious. tice system by bestowing its prestiNationally, 23 U.S. bishops gious St. Thomas More Award for reached retirement age and submit- service to Judge Armand Fernandes ted letters of request. of New Bedford; Attorney Russell The retirement request of four Redgate ofMarstons Mills; and Aslocal pastors was approved by sistant Register of Probate Stephen Bishop Coleman. They were, Father 1. Hanna Bento R. Fraga, Father Peter N. Not forgetting its dedicated layGraziano, Msgr. Edmund R. men and laywomen, the diocese Levesque, and Father Francis L. awarded Marian Medals to more Mahoney. than 100 people for service to the Two new priests were added to Church. the diocese in July, when Rev. Mr. The path of the sainthood cause Karl C. Bissinger ofFall River, and taken by Servant ofGod, CongregaRev. Mr. Thomas E. Costa Jr. of tion of Holy Cross Father Patrick Seekonk, were ordainedto the priest- Peyton, the famed "Rosary Priest"hood. Father Costa was assigned to who is buried within the diocese in St. Mary's in Mansfield. Father Easton - was clarified by a new Bissinger immediately set out on a definitive biography ofthe Irish-born 1o-week mission to recruit religious priest by Holy Cross FatherRichard vocations before returning to Rome Gribble. FatherPeyton died in 1992. to study towards a degree in scripThousands joined, with Archtural theology. bishop O'Malleyatthe annual candleBishop Coleman kept busy. He light Procession for' Peace held in visited the diocese's two mission October, The pilgrims marched from parishes in the Guaimaca region of St Mary's Cathedral in Fall River to Honduras in March, and returned St. Anne's Church for a Mass and a saying he was "impressed and in- homily by the archbishop. spired" by the people he met as well More good new came with the as those ministering there. During the opening in September in Fall River, five- day visit he found him engaged ofA Woman's Concem, acenterproin parish ministry, and blessed a new viding pregnancy health services for parish center and dormitory for women ofthe Fall River area young women named for Blessed Parish changes Marie Poussepin, foundress of the Many parishioners felt the impact Dominican Sisters who direct St. of fewer priests, diminishing attenAnne's Hospital in Fall River. dance and higher maintenance costs.

The world of politics The greatest heartbreak came in The diocese's Catholics, as good January as a raging fire destroyed St. citizens, kept abreast ofhappenings Peter the Apostle Church in on the political scene.

Provincetown, constructed in 1874 The eyes ofPro-Lifers brightened and one ofthe oldest parishes in the as President Bush's nominee, Judge diocese. Miraculously, the Blessed John G. Roberts, a practicing Catho- Sacrament in the charred tabernacle lic, was sworn in as the 17th chief recovered from the fire was found justice of the U.S. in early October. intact. Bishop Coleman and pastor He replaced Chief Justice William Father Henry J. Dahl in ajoint stateRehnquist, who died in early Sep- ment announced that a new parish tember. church would rise from the ashes.

As the year ended, Samuel Alito Even as the Boston Archdiocese Jr., a former U.S. attorney and also a reverberated with the closing of 62 practicing Catholic - and likewise parishes, 15 ofwhich filed appeals, President's Bush's nominee to the locally, the fifth anniversary of the high cowt- was preparing for con- 2000 three-parish merger of the fIrmation hearings. He would re- former St. Elizabeth's, St. William's place Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, and St. Jean Baptiste as Holy Trinity who indicated she would retire as Parish on Stafford Road, Fall River, soon as her replacement was on the was celebrated with a Mass in Aubench. If Alito is chosen, it would gust. make him the fifth Catholic on the In October, with eyes to the fucurrent nine-member cowt - with ture and hopes for a stronger faith a majority of Catholics for the first community, it was announced that time in history.

Our Lady of Health Parish in Fall Ironically, the Supreme Court River will be suppressed and its pa. began to hear cases on religious rishioners invited to become memrights, end of life issues including bers of Espirito Santo Parish effecparental notification before a minor tive February 2, 2006. .could obtain an abortion.

As 2005 ended, parishioners ofSt

theanc~ Michael's Parish who, since a 2001 merger could opt to attend Masses at its church in Ocean Grove or at its sister site at Our Lady of Fatima Church on Gardiner's Neck Road, received permission to move into the latter as its sole site. It was prompted by economics. The parish was renamed St. Francis ofAssisi Parish.

Anniversaries More than 1,000 people gathered in August to celebrate the centennial ofOur Lady ofthe Assumption Parish in New Bedford by attending Mass celebrated by Bishop Coleman at New Bedford High School to accommodate the huge congregation.

Another centennial milestone was reached by St. Joseph's Parish in Attleboro that began with 13 Franco-Americans in the early 1900s.

At Chatham, members of Holy Redeemer Parish in May celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding oftheir parish as well as the 25th anniversary ofthe dedication oftheir church.

In January, the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts ofJesus and Mary opened its centennial ofarrival in the diocese in 1905 with a service at St. Joseph's Parish, Fairhaven. Several other events were held during the ensuing year.

Celebrating significant anniversaries as priests were, Msgr. Levesque, 50 years; Father John C. Martins, 50 years, and Father Marc P. Tremblay, 25 years.

Holy Union Sister Eugenia Margaret Ready was cited at a party that marked her 65 years ofreligious life; and Sister of St. Joseph Rita Deschenes, observed her 50th anniversary as a nun. Dominican Sister of Hope Gertrude Gaudette celebrated her 60th year in religious life, and Dominican Sister ofHope Rose Gravel, marked her 70 years, mostly in teaching.

Holy Cross Father Mario Lachapelle became vice postulator for the sainthood cause of famed ''Rosary Priest" Holy Cross Father' Patrick Peyton, who is buried in North Easton within the diocese. He replaced Holy Cross Father Thomas M. Feeley, a contributor to The Anchor, who died in April at the age of 74.

The remarkable accomplishments during the past 30 years by the Missionary Sisters ofGuadalupe ofthe Holy Spirit were celebrated at a Mass and fiesta at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in New Bedford in June. The Sisters, who serve the Hispanic Apostolate ofthe diocese, minister at parishes in Taunton, Attleboro, Fall River, Cape Cod and Nantucket.

The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts ofJesus and Mary celebrated its centennial of arrival in the Fall River diocese at a Mass in St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven; and St. Anne's School ofNursing grads marked their 50th reunion.

The Dominican Sisters of Charity ofthe Presentation also celebrated 100 years of service to the diocese as staffers of Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River.

The diocese's Permanent Deacons gathered to recall and celebrate its 25-year anniversary, and seven of the deacons ordained in 1980 Par-

Friday, January 6, 2006 ticipated in the observance at St. Joseph-St. Therese Church, New Bedford, where they were ordained.

Entertainment On the entertainment and new books circuit, Dan Brown's bestseller, ''The Da Vmci Code," brought a great deal of controversy. Some saw it only as an interesting piece of fiction. Others took it as an attack against Christ and his Church. Due to be made a move this year, it contends that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, producing offspring whose descendents are alive today.

It revived conspiracy theories long ago proven to be hoaxes.

December's released of "The Chronicles ofNarnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" proved a warm Christmas blockbuster.

Anglican C.S. Lewis' masterpiece is an allegory, in which the lion AsIan, is killed and resurrected. The story represents Christ.

Renewal ofsex abuse norms Clergy sexual abuse of minors again were a part of the U.S. bishops' meeting in June in Chicago as they have been since June ~002.

Major items were approval of the 2002 "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People," and the _related "Essential Norms" implementing the charterlegislatively. The bishops adopted those by respective votes of229-3 and 228-4.

Several dioceses, plagued by multi-millions ofdollars settlements in abuse lawsuits, sought bankruptcy protection.

In a long holdover criminal case, Father Paul R. Shanley, a notorious serial abuser in the Boston archdiocese clergy sex abuse scandal, was found guilty of four counts of rape and child abuse.

James Porter, 70, a former priest ofthe Fall River diocese, who served 20 years in prison for sexually molesting children in the diocese where he served in the 1960s, died ofcancer February 11.

Father Stephen A. Fernandes, former director of the Pro-Life Apostolate in the diocese, pleaded

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guilty in Superior Cowt to charges of possession of pornography and posing a child in the state of nudity.

He was sentenced in December to eight months in the Duke's County House of Correction on Martha's Vmeyard, and is eligible for parole in March.

In other news, the diocese reached a settlement in the amount of $1.3 million in its civil case against Father BemardKelley, torecoverfimdsmisappropriated from St. Joseph's Parish in Woods Hole and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Wellfleet.

Deaths Among those who died during 2005 were: - Mercy Sister M. Carol (Maureen) Clifford, 69, founder and principal at Holy Trinity School in West Harwich; October 3, after a battle with cancer.

- Portuguese Carmelite Sister Lucia dos Santos, the last of three Fatimavisionaries, died February 13 in her cloistered convent in Coimbra at the age of97. On May 13, 1917, when she was just 10 years old, Sister Lucia and her two younger cousins claimed to have seen the Blessed VrrginMary at Fatima, Portugal, near their home; - Brother Roger Schutz, 90, world-renowned founder ofthe ecumenical monastic community of Taize, France; August 16 after being fatally stabbed by a deranged woman; - Fort Worth, Texas Bishop Joseph P. Delaney, 70, a native ofFall River who was ordained a priest for the Fall River diocese, died July 12 at age 70 after leading his Texas diocese since 1981. He had battled pancreatic cancer for two years; -Cardinal Jaime Sin ofManila, 76, leader of ''People Power," that led to the ouster oftwo presidents of the Philippines; June 21, from kidney ailments; - Italian Msgr. Luigi Giussani, 82, founder and spiritual guide ofthe Catholic lay movement Communion and Liberation; February 22 ofcomplications from pneumonia.

Continuedfrom page 10

viewing possible candidates, screening them "and trying to sensitize our whole community about openness to spread our message that vocations are very much alive. We have to make it clear that older and younger men can respond to their vocation to the priesthood and religious life."

The ongoinggoal, he added, is that ''we have to do the best we can to get our Sacred Hearts message out- to our parishes first ofall, and then out to all who might contact us by letter or on the Internet and let them know we are a very much alive congregation and accepting vocations."

On the international level, vocations to the Sacred Heart Congregation are doing well, with seminaries in Africa and Asia ''bursting at the seams," Father Santangelo reported.

"But we are doing poorly in the United States," he said candidly. ''We currently have two men at the pre-novitiate stage, which is essentially a time ofdiscernment But we have no one, and have had no

one in the novitiate for the East Coast Province. in the United States since my ordination in 1999.

"With so much at stake it means worKing diligeotly in a resurgence ofactive recruiting for the priesthood ... and to the religious life, and that's what we are vigorously pursuing."

Anyone who feels he or she has a vocation should contact the Sacred Hearts Vocations Office, Vocations Director Sacred Hearts Father William F. Petrie, P.O. Box 111, Fairhaven MA 02719-011 ; or visit the Website www.sscc.org.

Father Santangelo offered further advice.

"At the same time the person should continue to pray and remain open to where the Lord wants to lead him or her. It is not easy. There is not a lot ofsupport for young men and even young women to even think about discerning a religious vocation. Try to find a good person you can trust, like your parish priest perhaps, to talk it out."

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Friday. January 6, 2006

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EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ATTLEBORO - Volunteers are needed for Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration at St. Joseph's Church, 208 South Main Street.

For more information call 508226-1115.

Shepherd Parish, 1598 South Main Street. Mass will be celebrated by Father Freddie Babiczuk and a meal featuring guest speaker Barbara Medeiros will follow. For more information call 508-672-8174.

SUPPORT GROUPS

HEALING MASSES ATTLEBORO - A healing service in Spanish will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. It will be led by La Salette Father John Sullivan and music will be provided by the S1. Charles Music Ministry.

FALL RIVER - A Mass and healing service will be held January 12 at 6:30 p.m. at 5t. Anne's Ch·urch. Rosary will be recited prior to Mass and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will follow.

LECTURESI PRESENTATIONS FALL RIVER - The Fall River Area Men's First Friday Club will meet today at 6 p.m. at Good

NEW BEDFORD - A men's prayer group will meet Sunday at 8 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua's convent on Bullard Str.eet. They will reflect on the Gospel, discuss a virtue and pray. There will be an opportunity for reconciliation. For more information call Michael Correia at 508-998-9266.

Notice The Anchor E-mail server malfunctioned from 12/24/05 - 113/06.

Any E-mails sent to thea1chor@anchoorg during that period did not arrive and should, if possible, be resent.

Notre Dame Choir to perform at Seekonk parish

choir's Website at www.nd.edu/ -litchoir and click on Choir Tour 2006.

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SEEKONK - As part of its winter tour of the northeastern United States the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir will sing a concert Saturday, January 14, at noon in Our Lady ofM1. Cannel Church, 984 Taunton Avenue.

The concert is free, but a freewill offering will benefit the parish's S1. Vincent de Paul Society at a time when its resources are dangerously low. .

The 70-member choir performs a select repertoire of a capella and accompanied sacred music from the Renaissance through the 20th century.

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Welcome to my space Once a month I get the From screen names to pictures distinct privilege of sharing some to feedbacks, there is a lot of vulgar, crude, basically unchristhought or insight on our Christian journey together.

This month, I have an observation and a challenge. As a teacher in a Catholic school, I have heard a great deal about myspace.com, and my observation is that a lot of what I've heard

By Jean Revil and seen is really disturbing: boasts concerning drinking and sex, pictures, especially of tian content. For some, myspace females, that are immodest to say seems to be providing them with the least, language that really an alter ego. Students that I know doesn't need to be there. are portraying themselves as

Be Not Afraid

Program program, through Catholic Social Services, to Catholic schools and parishes as well as public schools, for the past three years and said he's pleased with the reception.

The curricula focuses on relationship and character education, peer pressure and refusal skills, building self-esteem, the risks of teen sexual behavior, the benefits of abstinence and encourages parental involvement.

Attendees are also encouraged to sign an abstinence pledge.

"We cover decision making skills, goal setting, healthy and unhealthy relationships, risk behaviors such as alcohol and drugs, developing friendships, the difference between love and infatuation, the risks of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, emotional consequences, benefits of waiting and being aware of media influence," said Gangloff.

Other topics include setting boundaries, avoiding situations that put one at risk, developing skills to respond to peer pressure, learning assertiveness skills and the understanding that it is never too late to be abstinent.

"It relies heavily on the development of skills to make healthy choices," he said. According to Gangloff, the program also strengthens the character traits of teens including self-respect, respect for others, compassion, courage, self-discipline, honesty and determination.

Presentations utilize interactive techniques like role playing, real life case studies and small group discussions.

Gangloffand his staffare booked up solid for most ofthe school year and recently delivered a presentation to more than 250 ninth and IOthgraders from the religious education classes at Corpus Christi Parish, East Sandwich. Each presentation is an hour and a halflong.

Student Kevin Bendeef agreed that abstinence until marriage can have a positive affect on ones life

someone I've never met, a darker side that surely does not tell the whole picture. And then there's Tom. Have you met Tom? He's a "friend" on just about every space I've visited. I think he must be going for some kind of record for greatest number of friends. Has anyone ever met Tom? Is he real?

For people who don't know you, whatever they read on myspace is going to identify who you are - true or not. So what you should want is for it to reflect the real you!

Myspace was never meant to

Continuedfrom page one.

and said, "You don't have to worry tion coordinator at Corpus Christi about stress. Just worry about goals said she found the program to be and things you want to achieve in- very informative. stead of sex and SID's." One can "It was great," said Amaral. focus time on "education, career "The students received a lot of and family," he added. good information and they all enBendeef said he found the pre- joyed it. Mr. Gangloff did a great sentation to effective because it job." was "interactive and more hands When asked how important on than a lecture. Everything con- . such a program is for teens, Amaral nects and flows and the movie responded; "It's very important. made me think," he added.

She said today's society is sendSimilar presentations were ing teens the wrong message about given at St. Bernards Parish, sex. "I'm hopeful that teens are Assonet; St. Joseph's Parish, North embracing abstinence and considDighton; St. John of God Parish, ering their Catholic faith when they Somerset; and St. Lawrence Mar- make decisions." tyr Parish, New Bedford. A few Amaral is in her third year as slots are still open for additional coordinator and followed up the parishes to schedule presentations program with a video by Jason aIld between now and the end of the Christalina Everett entitled "Roschool year. mance Without Regrets," which Other students who filled out addresses the Catholic view of abanonymous questionaires follow- stinence. Students also received the ing the presentations had this to booklet "Pure Love," which gives say: a Catholic response to questions "This program helped me teens ask. choose to wait. I know there are "It's important that a clear stanteens whose choice is not to have dard is set for teens in our comsex and I choose to be one ofthem. munity and that abstinence until I decided if anyone pressures me marriage is the expected behavior." to have sex then I will strongly He added that we must empower refuse and walk away." our teens "by demonstrating that Another wrote: we believe they can make in"I feel this program helped me formed and healthy decisions." a lot. It taught me to stand up to For more information about the pressures and realize how im- ACTION or training for school portant I am." educators call Steve Gangloff at Jane Amaral, religious educa- 508-674-4681.

be a bad thing. It's a wa~ for people to connect with mends and blog with strangers. Jrs a vehicle for sharing thoughts, ideas, feelings ... and it l:Ias the potential to be an incredible force for good. Some scnools are educating parents about a variety of Websites such as myspace.com. And some adults are telling kids to get off that site, that it's "bad news." It's not the Website that's bad. It's how some people have chosen to use it that makes some of us cringe.

And so, here's the challenge: how about making a New Year's resolution to let people see the real you this year. So many of you are so much more than the images on myspace. Where is your heart ... Where is your faith ... Where is your desire to make a difference in the world' ... your suggestions for making a positive impact? Where is the hope ... the joy ... the wonder? I know these things are in you, I've seen them, heard them, and grown as person because of them. My faith is stronger because young people have shared their faith and their questions of faith with me. My passion for Christ is greater because young people h~ve inspired and motivated me.

I will not let a Website disillusion me because I know

who you really are; I know your potential, your energy, and your hunger for truth. I know that there is tremendous good in this myspace generation. So, take up the challenge! This year, starting today, take up the challenge of transforming myspace. Christians do not run from the world, they transform it. Myspace boasts 17 million visitors a month. If myspace is the world of your g~neration, than it's time for all Christians on the site to do the work that God calls us to do. If you can transform a Website, then maybe there's more hope than you think for changing this world.

Jean Revil is director of Campus Ministry at Bishop Stang High School, where she has taught for 27 years. Comments are welcome at jrevil@bishopstang.com.

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Why the priesthood? this way is only a gift from God. No person can serve such a diverse write for this article, the first thing group ofpeoplewithoutGod's grace, that kept coming to mind was the but when a priest opens himself to many people who pray and support that, then the rewards are amazing. vocations throughout our Diocese.

It then becomes very important Having been home for the past few for youngmen to reflectwithin themmonths in my parish, I have encounselves and consider ifGod has given tered many people him those graces to who really and trUly A serve his people and want young men to " S my own discernment has live the life of the continued over the past five priesthood. To be a become good priests to serve them and the years as a seminarian, I have married man with a come to realize more and more lovely wife and famentire Church in the future. However, oUtily is a trnly beautiful side of this group, that the saying that a priest has vocation from God, there is often questiona family, a very large family, is one that is part ofthe ingand even skeptiactually true." nature ofeach person, cism when people but if a young man finds that he has been hear that a young man wants to discern a pri¢ly vocation. job," there is a certain practical side given a special grace to serve God There are many reasons for this. to it that must promote the reasons and his people and to do so chastely Certainlythe inabilityto get married why it is as attractive, ifnot more, to and celibately, then there is aresponand have a family ofone's own con- say yes to God and his Church in sibility to use those gifts. Jesus himtributes to this. Oftenpeople will say, the priesthood. selftold us not to be ashamed ofthe ''Don'tyou like children? Don't you As my own discernment has con- talents his father gave to us, but to want afarnily?" The answer to these tinued over the past five years as a use them. ''Do not hide your lamp questions, at least for myself, but I seminarian, I have come to realize under a bushel basket; Do not bury believe in almost all cases, is and more and more that the saying that a your talents in the ground." All should be 'yes.' But, is this not the priest has a family, a very large fam- Catholics have aresponsibility to dispoint of choosing the priesthood, ily, is actuallytrue.Atfirst it seemed cern what talents God has given should it not require sacrifice? that itwasjust away to make ayoung them and then how to use them for Should it not mean a life where there man feel better about the fact that he the bettennent ofhis people and his is an extra cross to carry for the love would not have his own family, but glory. Even more is the responsibilofGod? I have come to understand that the ity then.ofa young man who feels Also, the lack ofstatus or money, people you serve, if you do so with he has been given the grace ofa callin comparison to other professions, patience, holiness and love, will ing to the priesthood. makes the choice less desirable. AI- come to consider you as part oftheir Thus, I sayto anyyoung manwho though a life in the priesthood is not own families. The ability to serve in may feel he has the gifts to serve the Bv GREGORY BETTENCOURT

As I was reflecting upon what to

simply ajob or even a career, it must be realized that any young man who is consideringthe priesthood is likely also considering other careers in his life, careers that could make for a comfortable and even happy life. Although the priesthood can't be sold to young men as 'just another good

Church as a priest or a desire to be fonned to do so, to simply take the fust step and trust God. Trusting in God is never easy, especially since it is a decision that effects one's entire life, but ifhe has reflected honestlythat God has really given him a calling, then God will never leave during the journey and give him ·all he could ever need That at least has been my own personal experience.

Sure there are doubts, nervousness and even fear, but it is natural to feel these things when considering taking a job, considering marrying or any other decision that is so important. Yet, realizing that God allows

us to be nervous in order to understand how much we really need him, makes it easier to accept and deal with those feelings. ' Ifyou know someone you think should consider the priesthood, encourage them. If you know someone already discerning the priesthood, support him. And ifyou yourselfare reading this article and consideringthe priesthood, take that first step and let God unfold before you a great journey.

Seminarian Gregory Bettencourt is cu"ently on a Pastoral Thar at Holy Family Parish in East Taunton.

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

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

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

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

Boston Catholic Men's Conference "Band of Brothers in Christ" Mardi 4, 200f), 8 am to 6 pm .& lEMliibitioo Cmter, South Boston If you dwose 0Df IlDOmf!IlIt this year (and this Lent!) to explore your Catholic faith, make it flu! 2006 BmiIon CadlDIk Men's Conference.

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Organist/Vocalist

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