02.06.98

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t eanc 0 VOL. 42, NO.6. Friday, February 6, 1998

FALL RIVER, MASS.

FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly

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The Catholic press: Leading the way computer and a modem and set up your own web site. Put together some newsletters and distribute them by fax or mail or in a shopping center. A lot of people are providing content (information) but few are providing context. Decades ago, the challenges of owning By CHRISTOPHI:R GUNTY and operating a television station or printing PRESIDENT, CATHOLIC PRESS ASSOCIATION press usually assured that great attention was paid to detail and accuracy. Now, in the inDorothy Gale had no problem following stantaneous world of satellite transmission the yellow brick road . . . and the Internet, accuas it led out of" racy often takes aback Munchkinland. But February is Catholic Press seat. when she arrived at an Month and this serves as a For more than a reminder for readers of The century, the Catholic intersection, she became confused. A Anchor that Subscription press in North straw-headed scareWeekend is Feb. 7 and 8. To America has provided stay abreast of all the issues information and incrow was no help. Indecisive, he finally that affect the Church and its sight. Standing on that tradition, members of recommended, "Some people do go both people and what's going on the Catholic Press Asways." in the diocese, read The An- sociation bring their These days, the choreach week.To subscribe expertise to this new choices you face in the or renew your sUbscription, information age in the media are even more call (508) 675-7151, Mondays hope of merging a confusing than that inthrough Fridays, 9 a.m.- 5 commitmentto inform tersection in Oz. A educate with cur.. p.m., or write, The Anchor, and hId h un d re d te IeV1SIon rent tec no ogy an channels to choose P.O. Box 7, Fall River MA media structures. from, video stores on 02722. While still reliant on every corner, magaprinted publications zine sections in grocery stores filled with magazines, books, newsletters and newspachoices, and the Internet providing gigabytes pers - as their primary format, Catholic pubof information at a keystroke. Some of the lications are embracing new technology, usmedia available are quality - well-made and ing computers to function more efficiently, worthwhile, uplifting and inspirational. But as well as to branch out into cyberspace pubthe vast majority may lead you astray. lishing, helping to bring the Church to a new Anyone can be a publisher today. Buy a Turn to page ii-Press

PrOViding information and insight from a framework of faith has been the goal of Catholic newspapers for more than a century.

Nellie Gray marches to the pro-life drum •

March for Life chairman says work continues year round By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Just how much work and planning go into organizing the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.? Just ask Nellie Gray, founder and president of the March for Life Fund, whose tireless efforts have helped to complete successfully 25 marches on our nation's capital and you'll find that work does not end with the March in January and pick up 10 months later but is a year-round project. "It involves a great deal of planning, making contracts with hotels, that we just completed for next year, getting permits from the police in six jurisdictions, setting dates and right now we're also trying to wrap up this year's march," said Gray. "It's an around the clock project." The staff helping to organize the March is not very large, said Gray, but all are volunteers who donate their time to the cause. Gray has been involved in the March since its start in 1974 when three Long Island, New York

Knights of Columbus asked her if they could meet at her house to plan a gathering in Washington on the anniversary ofthe Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion. "It started from there and I've been doing it ever since," said Gray. Two of thQse Knights of Columbus, Bill Devlin and John Mawn, are still actively involved in the March each year. The third, Jack Short, is deceased. When asked what keeps her going, the 73year-old Gray said "It's all the people I've met over the years who are involved and come forward to help save babies." Difficul. ties include tne fact that the issue she fights is a very depressing one. "It's a sad and heinous thing for America, and we've still a long way to go," declared Gray. She said the urgency of the issue and the large amount of work that has to get done motivate her. "We love God and our neighbor, but people don't always act that way. Americans need to stand· up and as an American I cannot understan'd other Americans letting this (abortion) happen," said Gray. She added that the March for Life is a small step in the fight to stop abortion and Tum to page ii-Gray

THE FACE OF NEWS-As the largest weekly newspaper in the Southeastern Massachusetts area, The Anchor since April 1957 has offered a Catholic population of approximately 400,000 in five counties news of the Church and events throughout the Fall River Diocese including activities in 112 parishes, schools and high schools. Here are some photographs recording events we reported in recent months.

Religious ed leaders told to welcome media By ANDREA BARAN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

ERIE, Pa. - In an era when even kids' pets are electronic, a priest who produces videos for St. Anthony Messenger Press asked religious educators to welcome media into their classrooms. "We're raising people in a different way," said Franciscan Father Greg Friedman. "In religious education, we need to realize we're teaching people in a different (electronic) way. It means not being afraid of electronic media and culture." The priest, who is director of video projects for Cincinnati's St. Anthony Messenger Press and Franciscan Communications, spoke to religious education leaders of the Erie Diocese Jan. 22. In an interview with the Lake Shore Visitor, the diocesan newspaper, Father Friedman

said he enjoys meeting catechists who use videos in class. "These are the people who are dealing with my program at the very end," he said. "My purpose was to orient them how better to use religious media." Father Friedman has worked in communications as a writer, editor and producer. He has a master's degree from the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University and a certificate in pastoral communications from the University of Dayton. "It's an exciting time for communicators," he said. "Communications in service of the church are so cruciaL" Although the electronic age brings expanded opportunities, he urged viewers of religious education videos or network television shows to use their discretion while viewing programs. Turn to page 1I-Leaders


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THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River. -

Fri., Feb. 6, 1998

Sister Francois Ouellette, OP

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FALL RIVER-Sister Francois Marie Ouellette, 97, of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, 37 Park St., died Jan. 30 five days after her 60th anniversary as a religious. A native of St. Angele Merici, Canada, she was the daughter of the late Magloire and Amerilda (St. Laurent) Ouellette. She entered the Dominican community Jan. 25, 1928 and made her final profession of vows Aug. 4, 1933. She taught in St. Anne's School, Fall River, for a total of33 years during four assignments between 1928 and 1966; and in St. Francis Xavier School, Acushnet, from 1936 to )938 and) 940 to )942. She also taught religious education classes in Peru, N.Y, from) 953 to 1954 and in St. Philippe School, Quebec, Canada, from) 966 to 1968. Returning to Fall River, she was a sacristan for her community from )968 to )985, retiring in ) 986. Sister Ouellette is survived by nieces and nephews. Her Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Feb. 2 and interment was in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River.

Sister Margar~t Donnelly, SUSC TIVERTON-Sister Margaret Donnelly of the Holy Union of the Sacred Hearts, 5), of St. James Convent, 49 Nanaquaket Road, died Sunday at the convent after a long illness. Born in Fall River, Mass., the daughter of John J. Donnelly of that city and the late Marie (Hughes) Donnelly, she had been at the convent for) 0 years. Sister Donnelly entered the Holy Union Sisters' novitiate on Sept. )3, ) 964 and made her final profession on Aug. )7, ) 974. She received her bachelor of arts degree in theology from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., and a master of arts degree in counseling psychology from Assumption College, Worcester, Mass. She also earned a master's degree in social work from Rhode Island College. Sister Donnelly spent severa) years of service within her congregation, serving as coordinator of personnel and ministries and provincial councillor. She was a a member of the formation team. She was a delegate to the general councils of the congregation and served on many committees. She was a teacher at St. Mary School in Taunton, Mass., Sacred Hearts Academy in Fall River, and St. William School in Baltimore, Md. She was also a chaplain at St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford, Mass., and a counselor at the 'Interfaith Counseling Center in Fall River. She was a child and family therapist at the Community Counseling Center and a clinical social worker at the Oncology Center, North Dartmouth, Mass., where she worked until a few months ago. Besides her father she leaves four brothers: John Donnelly of Beverly, Mass., Edward Donnelly of Foster, Paul Donnelly of Fort Bragg, S.C." and Michael Donnelly of Baltimore; a sister, Anne Fortin of Fairhaven, Mass.; and nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 4 at Holy Name Church, Fall River. Interment was in St. Patrick Cemetery, Fall River.

Worcester's Bishop Flanagan dies at 89 By

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WORCESTER, Mass.-Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan, first bishop of Norwich, Conn., and second bishop of Worcester, died at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center Jan. 28 after a long illness. He was 89 years old. His funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 2 at St. Paul's Cathedral in Worcester, with burial following at St. John's Cemetery. As head oUhe Worcester Diocese from 1959 to )983, Bishop Flanagan was widely known for his ecumenical involvement, his implementation of church renewal following the Second Vatican Council and his activism on justice and peace issues. He was an early opponent of nuclear weapons, publicly opposed restoration of the death penalty in the I 970s, and in 1972 urged amnesty for conscientious objectors to the Vietnam War. "He was a good and gentle person, a man of great faith and wisdom who loved and served us with pastoral dedication and unwavering conviction," said Worcester's Bishop Daniel P. Reilly. "He led Catholics and others to an authentic understanding of the Second Vatican Council which has so transformed the church of our day," Bishop Reilly added. "Because of his special insights and genuine openness he became a well-known and respected leader in New England and nationally in the ecumenical and interfaith movement that followed the council." Trained as a canon lawyer, Bishop Flanagan also played a key role in advancing new court procedures for marriage cases - some of which eventually made their way into general church law, simplifying annulment procedures for Catholics around the world. Born March 31, 1908, in Proctor, Vt., Bernard Joseph Flanagan was ordained a priest of the Burlington Diocese Dec. 8, )93), after studies at Holy Cross College in Worcester and the North American College in Rome. He held parish assignments in Vermont from 1932 to )940, when he was sent to The Catholic University of America for graduate studies in canon law. He earned a doctorate in )943. He was chancellor of the Burlington Diocese from 1943 until) 953, when he was named first bishop of the newly created Diocese of Norwich. In August 1959 he was appointed second bishop of Worcester, succeeding Bishop (later Cardinal) John 1. Wright. He attended all four sessions of Vatican II, 1962-65, and kept his people informed about council events through a steady series of "Letters from Rome" published in the CathoLic Free Press, the Worcester diocesan newspaper.

SEMINARIANS INSTALLED-Fall River Diocese seminarians AndrzejKozanko, second from left, and Darius Kalinowski, second from right, were admitted to the ministry Clf reader and acolyte respectively by Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami, Fla., at recent cermonies at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Mich. Kalinowski was also admitted to candidacy for sacred orders. Attending the rites from the Fall River Diocese were, left, Father Gregory Mathias, assistant Vocations Director, and at right, Father Craig A. Pregna, Vocations Director.

Catholic Action League blasts Mass. Sellate DEDHAM-The Catholic Action League of Massachusetts has criticized the Massachusetts Senate for its passage of a proposed domestic partners law, which would extend taxpayer supported health care benefits to the domestic partners of state employees. The bill, which must still be acted upon by the House of Representatives, would also permit cities and towns to provide domestic part~. ner benefits to municipal employees, allowing the City of Boston to implement its )996 domestic partners ordinance. The League called the measure "flagrant special interest politics, which assaults both the consciences and the pocketbooks of taxpayers." Catholic Action League Executive Director C.J. Doyle stated: "The Massachusetts Senate is engaged in an arbitrary redefinition of the family on behalf of an aggressive and politically connected interest group. This bill would undermine the family by creating an unwarranted equality. between homosexual unions and illicit heterosexual unions on one hand, and the institution of marriage on the other. Taxpayers, unfairly and in violation of their sincerely held religious beliefs, would be forced to subsidize behavior many find to be immoral.

••••••••••••••••• The Anchor is grateful • ••• to Father Peter V. Conley, • • • : • • : • • : •

editor of The Pilot of Bos- • ton, who graciously sup- • plied the photographs of : Bishop Sean O'Malley, • OFM Cap., with Cuban : President Fidel Castro. and on a Havana street • that appeared on pages 1 : and 13 ofthe Jan. 30 issue.•

•••••••••••••••••

Correction

Last week the Anchor ran a photo of area nurses in which Mary Schruckmayr was incorectly listed as an RN from ~t. Peter parish, Dighton. She is from St. Elizabeth Seton parish in Falmouth. Jean Quigley, RN, from St. Peter's, Dighton, was pictured but not listed.

As the proponents of this measure well know, it is an incremental step towards the legalization of same sex marriages." He added that: 'The ease of registration for domestic partnerships, their provision for immediate, unilateral and unconditional termination and the complete lack of liability between partners, constitute an open invitation to fraud and abuse on an unprecedented scale." '. . . in )99) , 'pr~pone!1ts of the idea

admitted that it cost up 1:0 $8 million per year just to COvt:r municipal employees in the City of Boston. . "Incredibly, advocates now argue that it will cost only $3 million to cover all state employees in Massachusetts," said Doyle. "Moreover, at a time of increased sensitivity to domestic violence, it is a:llonishing that the Commonwealth would seek .to. promote such an irregular relationship as a domestic partnership."

In Y ~ur Prayer's Please p~ay for the following priests dit*~'ng the coming week

~

CROLOGY ebruary 7

1991, Rev. Arthur N. Rle[t, O.P., St. Anne Shrine, Fall River

\February 8

1996, Rev. Raymond P.

Jf~ty, ChaPla~in D

f~JOh~

ebrua '.-9

1963, Rt. Rev. Ms J. elly,-Pas or, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River -----r~~-Rev:-Peter J. McKon , SJ., Bishop Connolly High S,:hool, ~FaIT'River

1985, Rev. Vincent R. Dolbeo, tA., Assumption College

Febro~

10 Mansfield 1966, Rev. Edward L. 0' Brien\ 1. Mary, 1983, Rev. Lucien A. Mador~ etired Chaplain, Mt. St. Joseph School, Fall River. Director, Notre· me Cemetery, Fall River Febru

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1910, Rev. John O'Connell, Foudd r, St. John Evangelist, Attleboro 1961, Rev. John J. Sullivan, S.T. tI.~astor. Holy Rosary, Fall :River 1987, Rev. William J. MCMahon~ e.tired Pastor, St. Joan of Arc, Orleans .

Februar U 1961, Rev. Stanislaus B. Albert, Fairhaven

SS\~Cc" \

Sacred Hearts Monastery, .

PRIESTS CURREN .Y SERVING February 7 February 8 February 9

Rev~~ichael Camara, OFM

Rev.

ymond Cambra

Rev.

llliam G. Campbelll

Pa~1 E. Canuel Rev. L~j,~A. Cardoso

February 10

Rev.

February 11 February 12 February 13

Rev. Pahl '('0.. Caron Rev.

Mi~~el Carvill


Bishops' appeal for Texas woman's life unheeded

THE ANCHOR -

ing the Feb. 3 execution of Karla from drug-addicted prostitute to Faye Tucker in a statement issued clean-cut, Bible-quoting model earlier by the chairman of their Do- prisoner. mestic Policy Committee. Her conversion won her the supIn a Jan. 29 leUtlr, Bishop Will- port of television evangelist Rev. iam S. Skylstad, chairman, echoed Pat Robertson and others who supBy CATHOLIC NEWS SE:RVICE Pope John Paul II and the Texas port the death penalty but believe WASHINGTON - The U.S. Catholic Conference in encourag- she should have been spared beCatholic bishops joined in oppos- ing Texas Gov. George W. Bush to cause she had changed. grant clemency to Bishop Skylstad said the U.S. Tucker, who was ex- bishops have consistently proecuted Feb. 3 for two claimed their opposition to capital 1983 pickax murders. punishment since 1974. "Capital punish"Our opposition to the use of the ment diminiShes all of death penalty reflects our commitus and contributes to- ment to human life and human digwards a brutal cycle of nity," he said. "Executions end a violence which is all life, deny that dignity and remove too prevalent in our so- any chance for repentance and forciety," Bishop Skylstad giveness." said. "As we have said before, we be.He noted that while lieve injustice without vengeance," Tucker, 38,.apparently . Bishop .Skylstad said. "We are "reformed her life and unconvinced that our society can turned away from the teach that killing is wrong by killbehavior that once led ing those who kill." her to commit horrible He also expressed sympathy for and grisly crimes," the the families of the people Tucker U.S. bishops "stand helped kill. against capital punishAt the ti me of the murders, ment in all cases, even Tucker was a 23-year-old prostitute when the murderer ap- who had been using drugs since she pears unrepentant." was 8. Tucker's case reShe and a boyfriend had broken ceived a great deal of into the apartment of an acquainpublicity because she tance, Jerry Lynn Dean, when they KARLA FAYE TUCKER seemed to have under- were confronted by Dean and a gone a transformation woman, Deborah Thornton. They

Convicted murderer was executed by lethal injection Feb. 3.

killed and mutilated Dean and Thornton with Dean's pickax. Tucker admits her part in the murders. "Our call for mercy in this case does not in any way detract from the brutality of Tucker's crime," Bishop Skylstad said. "We can only imagine the depth of loss felt by the surviving victims. Our prayers and sympathy remain with them." Tucker was the first woman executed in Texas since 1863 and the first in the United States since 1984, when Velma Barfield was executed in North Carolina for poisoning her boyfriend. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles was asked to commute her sentence to life in prison on the grounds that because of her conversion she was no longer a threat to society. The board rejected her appeal, barring intervention by federal courts. Action by the governor was her last resort.

cooperation with SS. Peter and Paul School, the award goes to Kelly for outstanding personal and professional achievements. Throughout his life, he has consistently pursued the highest possible professional and personal standards and he is an example of how Catholic schools educate people to take leadership roles in their community and beyond. "It is with great pleasure that we recognize distinguished graduates from our Catholic elementary schools," said Dr. Robert Kealey, executive director of NCEA's department of elementary schools. "The education they received in the elementary years has provided a firm basis for growth and achieve-

ments in their adult lives," he added. Kelly credits SS. Peter and Paul School for preparing him in a unique way to meet the responsibilities of adult life. A strong Godcentered curriculum and a family that saw the school as an extension of their own beliefs for their children were the foundation for his success and havll become a hallmark of Kelly's beliefs and strong Catholic convictions. SS. Peter and Paul School strives "to teach as Jesus did" and so prepares students to become adults who put into practice the values and ideals they learned in their early years of education.

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11II1111111111111111111111111 TIlE ANCHOR (USPS-545.Q20) Periodical Postage Paid at Rill River, Mass. Published weekly except for the first two weeks in July am the week after Christmas at 887 Highlam Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720 ~ the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Rill River. Subscription price ~ mail, postpaid $14.00 per year. Postmasters send address changes to The Anchor, P.o. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02Tl2.

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RECOGNIZED-William Kelly (far right) receives the Distinguished Graduate Award from Father Stephen Fernandes and Kathleen A. Burt, principal of SS. Peter and Paul School, Fall River. Currently a professor of English at Bristol Community College, Kelly was recognized for his outstanding personal and professional achievements. He graduated from SS. Peter and Paul in 1967.

Fri., Feb. 6, 1998

COFFEE HOUSE: "LEVITE" Saturday, February 7- 6:30 p.m.

Local graduate recognized nationally FALL RIVER-Saints Peter and Paul School announces that the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) has named William Kelly a 1998 NCEA Catholic Elementary School Distinguished Graduate. Kelly graduated in 1967 and is currently a professor of English at Bristol Community College. Having published five textbooks focused on the writing process, Kelly holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island; and was selected as the 1997 Massachusetts Professor of the Year. Sponsored by the NCEA's Department of Elementary Schools in

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Renewing the face of Earth

As we look into the new century, uncertainty as to the ecologiWORLD ,MARRIAGE DAY cal health of human beings and their environment is emerging as a . WILL BE CELEBRATED priority issue. One does not have to be an alarmist to be concerned AROUND THE COUNTRY about the vefY serious environmental challenges that confront us ON FEB:8.'·ITIS A today and will certainly continue well into the fragile future. DAY SET ASIDE TO While much is being done to nurture the environment, much remains 'to do with regard to purifying our water supplies, .con- HONOR BOTH HUSBANDS AND WIVES AND THE fronting toxic waste issues and halting destruction of our rain forFAMILY AS THE BASIC ests. Without constant vigilance and action aimed at preventing or UNIT OF SOCIETY AND solving environmental difficulties, every man, woman and child TO RECOGNIZE J'HE on this planet is at risk.. The recent defeat of the Cape Cod Land Bank proposal by the BEAUTY OF FAITHFULvoters of Barnstable County shows the complexity of dealing with NESS, SACRIFICE, AND environmental issues when people have to stand up and be counted. JOY IN MARRIED LIFE. The basic issue of protecting the environment by setting aside laws in all the Cape towns was really not the crux of the matter. Poll after poll clearly indicated the vast majority of Cape voters would NC pho!o hy Mimi FOr.;Ylh vote for the Land Bank. The fragile ecology of the Cape is well A man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, known, as is the fact that: excessive growth and real estate development have put it at risk of destruction. What the voters reacted to and the two beco~e one.body.Genesis 2:24 in this particular issue was the tax method proposed for establishing a Land Bank. It reflected a narrow view of taxation and the voters said no to it. They did not reject the use of tax moneys for conservation; indeed, the majority felt that a broader tax base should be established with regard to this particular issue. What the voters rejected was the political machination used to support the Land . Bank proposal. People do not want politicians dealing them a stacked deck of "On the contrary, I merely wish to where all local autocephalous'Orthocards. This particular issue was clouded by the usual smoke and • Dialogue .with Rome on stress that despite mutual visits, com- dox churches would be represented mirrors conjured up in political back rooms. Voters rejected politiissues such as papal mon prayers and evident good will, 17 alongside Roman Catholic. represencal scare tactics and in this case felt they should have a voice in the ,,' years have passed since our theologi- tatives," he said. ' primacy keys on tax process, reminding themselv~~ that taxation. without represencal dialogue began, yet we perceived unity. tation is tyranny. . have not achieved the hoped-for progress and .By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE The future for I~nd banks an9. open spaces programs is bright, will be ending 'the second but open f}li.n~s ,ar~ ~eec;ltrd)e,p,ro.~H~e.op~n!p'r9k~r~'!1e~t~e~hod~.. ; :··:·B·iiJs~·~~~;',1i6t.gh.i·m~ ~ The t'fiiill~nnitim JwithOut"re-'Conservation c~nl1qt .and ,lJIu~.t -_INjltb~ an. :e,Hf,is,.t'o,(politi.cal issue ·spilJt",alJea~e.roftheworld's200 ., . , ~il- ?glliningunity;V, '/.1', >-::,~.It( that is actually merely ~elf7~~rv;ing. The, stak~s ~or the environ~ . lion Orthodox said a solution to the ., P :a,·t r i a.r c'h ment as well as for social justice are high when it.comestodevel- issue of perceived proselytism by East- Bartholomew's remarks oping public policies promoting the health and life of hu'man com- em-rite Catholics is an unavoidable came in the wake of December talks among rep- . munities and their natural environments: . ' precondition for further dialogue. The most profound and serious, manifestation 9f the moral im-, "The Catholic Church must give resentatives of 12 Orthoe the Orthodox a satisfactory response dox churches at his see in plications underlying our ecological problems is that of the lack of regarding Uniatism, if we are really to Istanbul, Turkey. He said respect for Iife displayed in areas of environmental pollution. For return to the themes ofdialogue," said the meeting's aim had example, in many cases the interests of production prevail over Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch been to "revitalize and develop" an inter-Orthodox those of the dignity of workers and their lives. Delicate ecological Bartholomew of Constantinople. balances are upset by uncontrolled selfishness. People have lost "Orthodox Christians still have the 'stance on relations with impression Uniates (Eastern-rite Rome, adding that Cathoall sense of priorities when they save the whale but kill the' baby. Catholics) are engaging in proselytism, lic and Orthodox negotiaWe must always recall that respect for life and above all for the and that the Catholic Church is follow- tors would try to fix adate dignity of the human person should be the guiding norms with ing an expansionist policy with col- for full-scale talks when regard to any sound economic, industrial or scientific progress. laboration'from Polish missionaries," , they meet near Rome in' The complexity of'ecological questions is evident to all, but as we the patriarch said in'iminterview with .June. Belgium's La Libre Belgique daily. Discussions have been seek solutions for them we cannot forget that no peaceful society The Orthodox'leader said a solu- , stalled since 1993, when can afford to neglect either respect for life or the integrity of cre- tion to the "painful question" of East- · Vatican and Orthodox PATRIARCH BARTHOLOM EW ation. Proponents of the culture of death s6 prevalent in our social em-rite Catholics was necessary to re- representatives agreed at Balamand, Lebanon, that order totally fail to grasp this fact when they show no respect for open dialogue on key,issues such as : the model of Eastern rites should be The world's Orthodox population human life. papal primacy. ' . ,. . . . "We all have,.to live up to our re- · rejected "as a method of seeking includes nine patriarchates and 15 selfWe call and muSt renew the face' of parth by viewing all sponsibilitiesJor.eliiniOliting negative unity." The representatives acknowl- governing,orautocephalous,'churches, ation as a gift and nourishing that gift by our care and concern. As impressions which can 'only feed op- ·-edged, that Christians were, free to de- varying in size from ~O million ,memindividua.\s, as insti~~ti6ns, as a people, we. need d change of heart position frorillvery conservative, anti- , ~ide their-church,affiliations "without hers in Russi,,! to the see '''f ~ount if we are to pr~serv6 'and protect '6~r pl~n~t'·, I l l . ' ' " " " " 'ecumenical'bishops,". he said, · ~xtenja"p.ie,s~~re:'~. ;. ' .. ' "" ~ .'l. ,Sinai, whifh h~ju~,t909,af\hel;Cnts. ... . The Eaitor' ,... ~.'Clarificationds indispensable to • The Balamand Document, which. Although recognized as "first 'Patriarch .'i, ?'.' \...... \'. " ensu~-P1'()gress.in.sinyerjty.and (ra- .' drew' on p({\vibus discussions in Ger':", among .' 'equals,'" Jininyand Italy, gained cautious' ap~ " Bartholomew has faced accusations of - - - - -. .- - - - - - - - - - -•.- - - - - - . . . :ternity an(Ho tigjn tackling.more es, . '. . ·f·.' ", ~ • ~ential questions," thc'patnarch sai~ ·proval from <the. ~uss'ian OrthO(JOXI exceeding his authority through con,~ tIe s.m.d Cathqlic-Orthq<:!ox.ties had ,Church:inJuly, but sp¥ked oQjections ·-.tac~ with bre~away churcl1e!! in Es_.f~QJ~,§Pl1Je.§as~m<; qte:C3:tho!iF,,~d .. t(}Ai,a ~d ~aced0!Ji~.? . i . r ;,qI1~~Q~,~R~rrirti'!i9;es::,,,.,. _'"",. h:~; ". . .~i~ f!~t5on~~~ts;~ith. th~. P?pe, ,In his La,Llbre BelgIque mt~rvlew, - mcludmg a hlstonc June 1995 Vatican ", .". pu~es ov~r ~he.reyiv~d E!l~t~rn-rite OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER . 9t~01i~.<;h~rches,:whic~ are loyal, to "Patiiarch B'ilrlhdlbine.w· 'saio he ad"' \"visit, were alsoquesfioned'lly'several , Published weekly by The Catholic pfess'~f the Diocese of Fall Rive; Romeiwhjle retaining m~ny cp~cter- ·'mired'Pope John Paul II's ~~great sine ";Orthodox churches. . istics ofthe Orthodox Ii~urgy. · ~erity a!1q"cQurag~~' in, P'VPosing a ..,: ,Asked if hl1:,<;ould sumn~on .other 887 Highland Avenue .' . ' P,O. BOX 7 However, headded thatthe,Ortho- ,sNdy ofpapal primacy,!lS. well.as.in . QrtlJodox leaders~9agree'to a policy Fall River, MA 02720 Fall River. MA'02722-0007 dox ch~rch was "naturally c1oser'~ to recogni~ing that it pos~d an "essenti~! tqward the Catholic Church, the patri" 'Telephone 508-675~7151 ' Catholics than to Protestants and said obstacle to unity" in its present form: 'arch said-his'role was to'''coo'fdinate • '1I";" •. FAX (508) 675-7048 both churches firmly, wished to "over"The fact that he has invited theo- pan-Orthodox questions,"and "exSend address!;~anges to.·P:o.; Box 7 or call telephone number above come all obstacles." 'Iogians and other competent people to pound and guarantee inter~Orthodox "Some people have the impression investigate this question is a great en- unity." However, he added that unanimity NEWS EDITOR . I myself have become more conserva- couragement," the patriarch said. EDITOR GENERAL MANAGER . "We would like to see this essen- was "not essential" and that ecumeniRev. John F. Moore Rosemary Dussault James N. Dunbar tive regarding ties with Rome.·But this is not true," Patriarch Bartholomew tial problem submitted to an ecumeni- cal decisions rested with eactl church's continued. cal forum of theological dialogue, governing synod. ,

Patriarch sees identity of Eastern-rite church necessary

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Mother Angelica reports being healed

The EWTN founder contends the healings came during a prayer session that included the rosary.

By CATHOLIC

NEWS SERVICE

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Mother Angelica, founder of the Eternal Word Television Network, reported that leg and back pains that have kept her in braces for the past 40 years were healed after a prayer session that included a recitation of the rosary. She had suffered spinal injuries affecting her back and legs in an accident involving a scrubber. Mother Angelica, 74, disclosed the healing Jan. 29 on "Life on the Rock," a youthoriented talk show MOTHER which is shown on the EWTN cable channel. The healing took place the day before the program was broadcast, she said. On her own EWTN show, "Mother Angelica Live," she always has been seen seated. On "Life on the Rock" she was seen walking a few steps unaided as she was introduced to a standing ovation from the studio audience. She also stood with program host Jeff Cavins for the length of the show's first segment Mother Angelica, head of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, said that after doing her "Mother Angelica Live" show Jan. 28, she went into her office" where a woman - whose name was not disclosed on "Life on the Rock" was praying. Mother Angelica had told the woman she could use the office. The woman had wanted to visit the Birmingham monastery founded by Mother Angelica. "She said Our Lady told her to come," Mother Angelica said. The woman asked to pray the rosary with Mother Angelica. Since

the woman did not speak English, Mother Angelica offered to pray the first few decades of the rosary in Latin, to which the woman agreed. The woman took over with the fourth decade, praying in Italian. Midway through the rosary's fourth decade, the woman reported having a vision of Mary and Jesus. According to Mother Angelica, Mary told the woman "she was pleased with what we were doing for them and for the church. Then she began to cry over many things, especially priests, and religious who are losing their faith." Mother Angelica said the woman asked her, "Would you like me to pray for you?" "I said sure," she replied. ANGELICA The woman then asked, "Would you take your braces off?" Mother Angelica complied, but at first "what I thought was going to happen did (happen)," she recalled. "Both legs went this way," she explained, waving her arms in circles. "My body went every which way. and so did my legs." The nun added, "I walked to the door to my office. I had a hard time turning around. When I did turn around, I felt a heat on my ankles. I thought, 'Wow.' I walked a little bit. I walked back and forth. "Every time I walked back and forth I tIoticed my legs, my 'ankles started coming in - gently, very slowly, but they were coming in and straight" She said the woman prayed for her a second time. "I also wore a back brace," Mother Angelica said. "And so I stand before you today without the back brace," she added to applause from the studio audience of youths. Mother Angelica also reported having no asthma attacks the day following her healing, adding that in she could n

the previous two months without an attack. "I didn't ask to be healed," Mother Angelica said, "but (God) did it. He did it out of love ... and I appreciate it" She said that she didn't know how the healing took place. "I was a cripple, in braces. Now I walk. And that's awesome."

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Mother Angelica attributed the healing to the rosary, saying people declare "the rosary is a weapon" so often that they forget its power. "The rosary is powerful for healing. The rosary is powerful for inner strength. The rosary is powerful," she said. She added her belief that her healing is a sign of "an awakening

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Weekly Gener~l Audien~e Message'::: Pope John Paul n Dear brothers and sisters, .. Continuing our catechesis in preparation for the Great·Jubilee of the Vear 2000, today we reflect on Christ, who was sent by the Father for the solvation of the world. Jesus defined,his mission as one of service. Rather than reveal himself as the glorious Son of Man, he shpwed his desire to serve, in particular when he washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper:Christ's mission of service culminates in his giving of his life as a ransom for many. He is the universal Savior who offers the gift of salvation to all. H~ is the one mediator between God and humanity. While Christio~s recognize the presence of 'savfng Ell~ments in other religions, they know that these depend upon the, grace of Christ. Following St. Louis...Marie Grignion de Montfort, we can soy: "Jesus Christ is the 'alpha' 'and the 'omega,' the beginning' and the end of all things... We can do all things through Christ, with' Christ and in Christ... · " ' , . I eKtend a specjol welcome to the Marist Brothers, and I encourage them to continue to give faithful witness to their special ~harism. I greet the participorrts in the Gregorian Chant' Study Week and the students from Loyola University. Upon all the English-speaking pilgrims. and visitor.s I cordially invoke the blessings of almighty Gqd,

Fri., Feb. 6, 1998

of God's love and existence.... I hope my pain and my healing both say to all of you that Jesus is Lord and he is love." A spokesman for EWTN said Mother Angelica was not available for an interview.

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Diocese of Fall River -

Letters to the Editor

Fri., Feb. 6, 1998

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Fond memories Dear Editor, Your recent article on the 35th anniversary of the televised Sunday Mass brought to mind many fond memories of a very special priest, Father John Hogan. He started the television ministry for the diocese and touched the lives of thousands of viewers of all religious persuasions for many years. He was a man of wit and charm, gifted with an engaging, warm personality. Initially, the Mass was celebrated on a very small table in a very small studio with only a few chairs for a handful of congregants. The time frame for the Mass in those days was 40-45 minutes. Father Hogan would always be ready to either fill a 30-second slot or one lasting five to six minutes, depending on the length of the Mass. He would share with the people some of the latest religious news, both local and national. In commemorating 35 years of religious televised broadcasting, thanks in abundance,to the early pioneers, Father Hogan, the various nuns from the Saint Savior Day Nursery and the long- term music ministry of Margaret Sullivan. Father Stephen Avila and John Kearns continue to build on this solid past with their own special talents; special thanks to both of them. Father Peter N. Graziano Saint Mark's Parish, Attleboro Falls

Alcoholism is hush, hush I found the editorial on binge drinking and young people (Anchor, Jan. 9) very interesting. I am delighted a Catholic newspaper would address the problem of drinking because in over'50 years of faithful church attendance, I have never, ever once heard a sermon on the subject of alcoholism. InterestingMargaret A. Murphy Falmouth

The sec'ret of this pope~'s' ~rength' By FATHER

EUGENE HEMRICK CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

It is no exaggeration to say that the pope took Cuba by storm. From the moment his plane landed, he crisscrossed the island and minced no words in addressing Cuba's spiritual and social ills, as well as the U.S. embargo of Cuba. No doubt his private talks with Fidel Castro followed suit. As I followed the pope's visit, I had to wonder where he gets his amazing energy. Here is a man who was seriously wounded in an assassination attempt; fought a long battle with infection afterward; walks with a cane due to a hip injury that didn't heal properly, and trembles unceasingly due to a debilitating disease. Just getting out of bed in the morning must be difficult. Though the pope gets away from Rome now and then for a rest, he never gets away from the church's agenda. And this man is 77. Actually, the pope's struggles with aging and poor health must pale by comparison with the mental strain he constantly undergoes. He must contend with severe divisions in the church and with global problems: war; the plight of refugees; the degradation of humanity. His ability' to keep going at the pace he does makes me wonder: What is the secret of the pope's strength? Ironically, a basketball commentator helped me to answer this question. He was talking about another amazing man with fantastic drive, Michael Jordan. The commentator pointed out that Jordan, unlike other players, may come down with the flu, but he never goes down sick. Repeatedly Jordan

is physically pounded, but never gets seriously hurt. Jordan's life is filled to overflowing with responsibilities on and off the court, yet none of this interferes with his concentration during a game. The announcer concluded, "All I can see is, Jordan loves basketball like no other player, and it is this love that drives him." When I think of the role the pope fulfills, all I can say is that he must love it very much. But what exactly is that role? I believe he loves being Christ's messenger on earth. The messages he gives us are filled with an energy which cannot but energize him. He is forever imploring us to promote human dignity to new levels. He teaches truth aimed at liberating us from whatever enslaves us or can cause us to self-destruct. He encourages us to look to God for healing, as well as to recognize that God is the source of the world's beauty. Most of all, he beseeches us to have loving hearts. Some people would disagree and say that what Pope John Paul really loves is the exhilaration of the crowds. No doubt crowds energize him, but anyone dealing with large crowds over time will tell you they soon become very tiring. No human being could endure the pope's pace solely on the basis of crowd exhilaration. Something much deeper must be behind his strength. I believe that the real secret to Pope John Paul's strength is to be found in the fact that he spends his time communicating God's goodness and love for us. This is what gives his tired legs strength, his beleaguered mind clarity and makes his voice tireless. It is the same love St. Paul tells us can move mountains.

Reflections on the\last days- of January The eruption of the story about the alleged affair between President Clinton and a young former White House intern upstaged what would have been January's best-covered story: Pope John Paul II's historic trip to Cuba. But in the light - or should I say dark - of the allegations about the president, top newscasters who had gone to Cuba hastily. returnee! to the United States. Networks knew their bread that week would be buttered by doing a full-scale turnaround to focus on the White House'. And why is that? Clearly, if the president is involved in a scandal or in illegal actions, this is serious and it affects us all. We should know about it. But what I saw in the media in the days after the story first made headlines was not news reporting. It was gossip and calumny and slander, speculation, prejudgment and lynching all done in the name of "the public wants to know." The sad thing is, we .do want to know. Everybody, including myself, was talking about the crisis. We were being force-fed the story, item by item, ad nauseam. In the land of the free, tragicalIy,an accused person now is judged guilty until proven innocent. What a sad development for a people whose nation was founded on magnificent human rights documents: the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. This bhitant persecution of a president was going on at the same time Pope John Paul II was talking of human rights in a country we've turned our backs on: Cuba. The pope's statements about the dignity of each human person, a dignity guaranteed by Jesus Christ, were magnificent and forthright. I believe the homily he gave at the last Mass in Cuba, in Havana's Plaza of the Revolution, with

Fidel Castro sitting in the first aisle, is a classic that wilI be read and studied for genl~rations to come. One network found enough restraint to hold off for a couple of hours on the White House crisis while it broadcast that Mass. The program briefly lifted spirits.

The Bottom Line By Antoinette Bosco

I needed that break because I was overwhelmed by sadness at what I saw happening in our land. Independent counsels have unbridled freedom to go after intimate details of a person's sexual history. The office of the presidency is rn turmoil brought on by repeated accusations from women who claim to have had sexual affairs with the president. If the accusations are true, we can c'ry for our country. If our president is unfaithful to his wife, can he be faithful to his people? If our president is innocent, can anything make up for the crime that has been committed against him? Chinese philosopher Shu Ching in 490 B.C. wrote, "Heavensent calamities you may stand up against, but you cannot survive those brought on by yourself." The president must answer which is true for him. Meanwhile, the country judges him moment by moment, reveling in the gossip. What a sad and tragic time.

Your chi,ld's temper.ta~t ..ums Dear Dr. Kenny: My S-year-old throws a fit every time he doesn't get his way. I tell him to do something. He says no. If I insist, he may throw himself on the floor, kicking and screaming. This will go on for 10-15 minutes iff don't do something. I have tried everything. It's almost impossible to ignore. Please help. (Chicago) You have described the "garden variety" temper tantrum. Because of the strong arousal and the emotion involved, it can be hard to handle and impossible to stop with words or lectures or threats. The I-S-R method is a good way to deal with temper tantrums. The "I" stands for "interrupt." You need a sudden attention-grabbing event to replace your earlier verbal attempts. Blowing a whistle works well. Other possibilities include ringing a belI, sounding a gong or saying an agreed-upon magic word (e.g. "pumpkin"). Obviously, the whistle (or other device) needs to be readily available. The "s" stands for "substitute." You and your son already will have discussed the matter. When you blow the whistle, he will immediately perform a specified physical activity. The substitute activity must be physical to capture and refocus the arousal and energy. This is why time-outs and requiring him to sit still do not work welI in tantrum control. Sitting stilI is the problem. The child is too filled with emotional energy to comply easily. The substitute activities should be short and attractive. Good examples are 3:5 jumping jacks, 35 somersaults or running once around the outside of the house. To make the latter more fun, you might time him and encourage him to set a personal record each time. The "R" stands for "reward." As soon as he is performing a desirable activity (e.g. jumping jacks), reward him with a small treat. One very popular treat is bubble gum from a bubble-gum bank. He gets one and gets to guess the color. If he guesses right, he wins an additional

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25 cents. Other minirewards include points toward a small prize, pennies or nickels, healthy food snacks or whatever is likely to motivate the child to play the I-S-R game.

family Talk With Dr. James & Mary Kenny Obviously, this plan needs to be explained to your son ahead of time. Work it out in a calm moment, not when he is having a tantrum. Let him participate in setting the details. The more he does so, the more likely it will work. Unfortunately, some parents are so focused on lectures and punishment that they object to the above plan. They feel a child should not be rewarded for doing good. Why then do they reward him when he is doing wrong? Any discipline that takes time involves secondary gain. The attention that lectures and timeouts and grounding provide is a clear reward. Every parent (and teacher and supervisor) has complained: "I don't understand. The more I get after him, the worse he gets." And then they give the reason. "He's just doing it to get attention." Of course. Making discipline a game can be effective in stopping tantrums. The important issue is not whether it sounds good but whether it works. Authoritative and punitive responses to tantrums are ineffective. Capturing the energy and diverting it can be much more successful. Good IUI;k!

Reader questions on family living and child care to be answered in print are invited. Address questions: The Kennys; St. Joseph's College; 219 w. Harrison; Rensselaer, Ind..'.47978. ,.. . \

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Explaining to a child why Jesus died Q. As I try to explain my Catholic faith to my 5-year-old, I get into a bind on why Jesus died. All my life I've been told he died for my sins, which sounds like in payment for my sins. This makes God sound like a sadistic accountant. I know our God is a loving God. I would appreciate whatever expftanation you can give. (Illinois) A. First, it is essential to remember we are dealing here with an awesome mystery, one closely connected to the mystery of the Incarnation itself. How God can become fully human and still remain fully God is a truth we can never completely understand or adequately put into human categories and experiences. The same is true of this incarnate God's redemptive actions as they relate to us and to his and our Father. Mystery though it is, Jesus gives us some wonderful glimpses of what was really happening in his suffering and death. Most important, as he repeats often in one way or another, his sacrifice was a free act of the infinite Spirit of love that flows between himself and the Father. There is, as Jesus says, no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. Thus, for neither Father nor Son was the cross a humiliation, a degradation, an imposed sentence. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in its treatment of the subject, says the sacrifice of Jesus "expresses his loving communion with the Father. 'The Father loves me because I lay down my life: said the Lord, '(for) I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father'" (No. 606; Jn 10:17, 14:31). As I noted, we simply have no human experience of this kind of love to compare it with, to help us understand it. Which brings us to your question. If it was not the suffering and pain and death for its own sake that made the cross redemptive; then what wa!! it? Again, the Gospels give us numerous insights. The "sins of the world" to be taken away by the Savior were all to some degree victories of the powers of evil, of the seductive insinuation that some-

how human happiness and fulfillment will be found in disobedience to God, in surrendering to the powers of vengeance and destruction rather than to those of love and life. At least once Jesus had to rebuke the disciples themselves for wanting to take revenge on those

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By Father John J. Dietzen who rejected Jesus, to kill them (Lk 9:51). When Gentiles approach the disciples, apparently hoping to provide Jesus an escape from the rising tide of hatred around him, he answers that the grain of wheat must die to produce fruit. '~When I am lifted up from earth, I will draw everyone to myself," he said. When I am on the cross, I will attract everyone to me (In 12:32-33). This attractive power was the love he talked about. On the cross he absorbed all the hatred and evil of human sinfulness and turned it back, not in revenge or escape, but in love. By some mysterious insight his taunters seemed to sense what was happening. Come down from thecross and we will believe, they said. But he did not. This is why Jesus calls the cross his hour of glorification, his supreme fulfillment as Savior, sent by the Father. And why the church's liturgy sings "Regnavit a ligno Deus," God reigned victorious as king, from the cross. This may be too much for your 5-year-old. You can break it up for her.

A free brochure answering questions Catholics ask about annulments is available by sending a stamped,' self-addresseCl envelope to Fath«::r John Dietzen, Holy Trinity Church, 704 N. Main St., Bloomington, III. 61701. Questions for this column should be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address.

for-ripeness technique. In this event, why not make the sign before you jump into the center of a four-way stop or before you open a letter from the IRS or Ed McMahon, or before you try starting your car if you own any like ours (except Tonka).

The offbeat world of Uncle Dan By Dan Morris

Actually, if I'd been smart I probably should have crossed myself right after I handed car keys to any of our teen-agers. And then repeated the gesture when the car pulled back into the driveway with a healthy driver and full complement of doors, fenders and headlights. Although I thought dropping to my knees and chanting "Thank you, God. Thank you, God" was sufficient. OK, OK. Here's my confession. Sometimes I fear we verge on being a little too casual about this wonderful sacramental movement. I worry that perhaps we stir the air out of unconscious habit, almost forgetting that our hand has traced a symbol of incredible grace. On the other hand (no pun intended here either), making the sign of the cross when coming up to bat certainly beats spitting.

Your comments are welcome always. Please send them to Uncle Dan, 25218 Meadow Way, Arlington, Wash. 98223.

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The sign of the cross at bat It is not, not, not true that I made fun of making the sign of the cross when I recently had the courage to ask the bold, yet possessing-a-soft-bubblegum bouquet question: Do baseball players who make the sign of the cross when they come up to bat actually hit the ball better? If I was making fun, maya loaded cement truck back over my 1982 Datsun pick-up, nicknamed Tonka, which I hold dear. If irreverence was in my heart, may the Sonics not make the play-offs. Worse, if I meant any disrespect, may my teenagers learn some of the things I did when I was their age. How more sincere can one be? Making the sign of the cross is a great thing, a handy (no pun intended) sacramental, a comforting gesture. However, let's be honest here. Some of us Catholics make crossing ourselves the equivalent of blowing on dice before you roll them, not that I would know anything about that. If crossing oneself sucked luck out of the air, you would see people all over Las Vegas and Atlantic City crossing themselves with right hands and pulling the slot handles with lefts. As a matter of fact, you'd probably see a whole new line of left-handed slot machines manufactured for Catholics, because everyone knows you're supposed to cross yourself with your right hand. Even left-handed Catholics know that. You'd probably see Mass attendance soar near casinos. You'd create Easter, Christmas and casino Catholics. If crossing oneself "creates" divine "luck," you'd see me making the sign before I bought a cantaloupe because I really never learned the thumping-

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Feb. 6, 1998

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8

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Feb. 6, 1998

Oasis of peace thrives among Arabs, Israelis Orit said that in two years when she goes acter of Neve Shalom/Wahat aI-Salam. A come from the surrounding area. Arabs and Israelis study together and learn to the area Jewish school and her Arab possibility, said Najjar, is to pass another law making Neve Shalom a special status area, each other's language, although Hebrew is schoolmates go to the Arab school, she will uniting the two new projects and allowing still the dominant language in conversations. be able to tell her new Jewish classmates that If there are three Arab children playing and . there is no difference between Arabs and them to build as a new community. "We can't oppose them building, but we an Israeli child joins them, the language will Jews if they start saying "bad things" about ',. . Arabs. By JUDITH SUDILOVSKY just don't want them to be part of us," said automatically change from Arabic to Hebrew, "This is just my home," she said of the CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE Najjar, who is originally from Nazareth and noted Najjar. Ten-year-old Orit Kita'in said: "We get village where she was born. "I don't feel that has four children. NEVE SHALOM/WAHAT AL-SALAM, Though everyone who lives here has come along well in school. There is no difference there is anything different here." . Israel - The seeds of Israeli-Arab under- with ideological convictions, people soon dis- between Jews and Arabs." standing are being planted one family at a cover it is not easy to time in this village community begun by a live in the village, French Dominican priest. said Rayek Rizek, the This month, it will be one year since 00- current general secreminican Father Bruno Hassar died. But tary, who came at the Abdessalam Najjar still recalls vividly the day urging of his wife in 25 years ago when the French priest met him 1984. "Living here is and his friends and announced that he was establishing an Israeli-Arab peace village. like riding on a boat Father Hassar had spoken to the group of without an oar: you idealistic university students and, at his urg- don't know where it ing, six of the young people had traipsed out is going to take you. to the hills between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Slowly you realize it to see this exceptional ,village. is a difficult way of The priest was waiting for them at the top life," said Rizek. of a hill next to a small hut, recalls Najjar. Neve Shalom/ They asked him where the village was. Wahat aI-Salam runs "He looked around and said, 'Now that a guest house comyou are here, then we have Neve Shalom.' plete with pool and We had no idea that all the stories he had outdoor sports court, told us were a dream," said Najjar, who was a restaurant and a in one of the first four families to come and School for Peace, establish the village in 1978. Najjar is now which offers co-existresponsible for public relatjons for the vil- ence seminars for diflage, called Neve Shalom/Wahat aI-Salam, ferent groups: It also or the Hebrew and Arab words for-Oasis of has its own elemenPeace.. " , ,tary school, up to the "Yle aske(him how-mlichnioney:!i'e'had, ,e_ighth:'gi-lld~,'_with :..RAYEK RIZEK, general secretarY,of the Neve Shalom community in Israel, points to an aerial and he reachea into his pocket and said' he' 16~ s~dents, almost photograph c5fthevillag'e:-Fbondecr2s-yearS"agb bY'a'Bominican priest, it is home to 32 f~lmilies. ' ha~ $20," recalled Najjar. . two-thirds of whom Half,' the residenis-:-are ,'.)1.raoFfralf are~J'ewlshr::(GNs'/HTlf-phbtb) 'II!" ~ '~l 'J': \' .,. :1':;":' i::'·~:,:":,,'!' Father Hassar reassured the stunned group that $20 would be enough, Najjar said, and told them that $20 and the desire to build was worth more than $20 million and no desire to build. . "He was far from being a practical person," said Najjar, a religious Muslim. "I never in my life met a person like him." Father Hassar had leased the barren land for the peace village from the Trappist monks By CINDY WOODEN - providing an accelerated laicization in 1954. Much of his early priesthood was at the nearby Latrun Monastery. Today the CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE spent at Santiago's Catholic University, process for priests who left active ministry, village has 32 families - half Jewish and VATICAN CITY - Any Vatican-ap- where he was a theology professor, dean of were civilly married and are about to die; halfArab Muslims and Christians. Ten more - expanding the very few circumstances families are in the process of constructing proved changes Catholics see or hear at Mass the school of theology and for nine years in which the Vatican will examine laicization in the next few years will be those that pass chancellor. their homes. .He was an expert at the Second Vatican requests from priests under age 40; They hope eventually to have a total popu- the scrutiny of a Chilean cardinal-designate. of the ConThe 71-year-old pro-prefect At the time, Cardinal-designate Medina Council and continued working witli several lation of 150 families, said Najjar, and their waiting list is full of potential residents. Ev- gregation for Divine Worship and the Sacra- .of the post-conciliar commissions, which led .said the general rule of making a priest wait to ery family.that applies must go through a ments, Archbishop Jorge Medina Estevez, to his receiving in 1966 an honorary doctor- be laicized until he is over 40 is a good idea. "Sometimes a priest initially thinks about screening process, and only those that prove was one of 20 prelates named cardinals Jan. ' ate from the University of Notre Dame in ' leaving the ministry, but later becomes aware Indiana. to be strong emotionally as well as economi- 18 by Pope John Paul II. As head of the congregation since midHe has been a member of the International that this was a transitory phase, and he wants cally are accepted. The peace village is facing its first major 1996, Cardinal-designate Medina has been Theological Commission and of the commis- to take up his ministry again," he said. The speedy dispensations for those in problem: Two new Jewish settlements are deeply involved in the long process of work- sion that prepared the new Code of Canon ing with U.S. and other English-speaking immediate danger of death who want to have in addition to serving as secretary-genLaw, planned to go up on either side of them, thus harming any possibility of eventual growth. bishops to find an acceptable new Lectionary, eral of the fourth conference of the Latin their civil marriages blessed by the Church is an extraordinary, but pastoral response, he One of the projects is a private venture while containing the Scripture readings for Mass, American bishops in 1992. and said. in the ongoing process of approving a of Rancagua, Named auxiliary bishop the other i~ government-supported. ' The Church, "who is a merciful mother, What worries the villagers is not having Sacramentary, containing the Mass prayers. Chile, he was ordained to the episcopate by While the Congregation for the Doctrine Pope John Paul II in a 1985 ceremony in St. seeks to help these priests so that, having new neighbors but that these two communities will effectively be annexed to Neve Sha- of the Faith took much of the lead in work- Peter's Basilica. He was named head of the reached the end of their lives, they will find lom against their will because of a law that ing with U.S. cardinals and bishops on the diocese two years later, and in 1993 became themselves before God in a situation which is regular," he said. prevents new communities from being built Lectionary, it was Cardinal-designate Medina bishop of Valparaiso, Chile. who formally confirmed approval of the first During last fall's Synod of Bishops for Also in 1993, he was asked by Pope John in the center of the country. One way of getvolume of readings last fall. to direct the papal Lenten retreat. America, Cardinal-designate Medina Paul II ting around that law is to simply add on to The approved Lectionary was the object Cardinal-designate Medina was one of strongly defended the Catholic Chun;h's inexisting communities, such as Neve Shalom. Neve Shalom/Wahat aI-Salam is an ideo- of intense debate and compromise, particu- eight heads of Vatican offices who signed a sistence on the enduring bond of marriage. The prelate was responding to the request logical community, said Najjar, and the larly because of its now-limited use of inclu- November instruction clarifying the roles lay people may and may not fulfill in the liturgi- of several bishops that the Vatican ea1ie rules people living there fear if the two new settle- sive language in references to people. Before coming to the Vatican, the future cal and ministerial life of the church. preventing the reception of Communion by ments are tacked on to it, the whole characcardinal was part of an even bigger drafting people in second, civil marriages and by Earlier in the year, he issued clarifications ter of the village will change, since the new residents will not have the same goals and effort with implications for the universal of special situations in which priests or per- couples living together without marriage. church: in 1987 he was appointed to the com- manent deacons may be dispensed from the "It would be inconsistent to seek to parcommitment. mittee charged with writing the "Catechism of celibacy. obligation ticipate in eucharistic Communion while The High Court heard the cases on the of the Catholic Church," a position he held The clarifications focused on: one's practical life shows a rejection o:fGod's planned communities and asked those inuntil the project was completed in 1992. - making it easier for widowed perma- law; this appears evident in situatiom, of covolved to see if some kind of solution could Born in Santiago, Chile, on Dec. 23, 1926, nent deacons to marry again while continu- habitation and adultery, although not only in be found that would preserve the unique charJorge Medina Estevez was ordained a priest . ing their ~inistry; these," he told the synod.

Seeds.of one priest's work lead to understanding and harmony in the mixed community.

Chilean cardinal-delegate is sacraments' guardian·


THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

9

Fri., Feb. 6, 1998

Clinton agenda: Child care, ban on cloning •

State ofUnion's priorities find some matches on USCC's list. By PATRICIA ZAPOR CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

The law requires employers of more than a certain number of persons to permit workers to take time off for family emergencies and medical problems. Clinton said the law should be expanded to allow parents to take time off to see their children's teachers or take them to the doctor. Each of those items was on the agenda of Catholic Charities USA for this year. The board of trustees for the Church's domestic social services organization in December approved an 18-item legis-

lative agenda that also included expansion of food stamp availability for immigrants and additional funding for emergency food and shelter programs. Catholic Charities' top three priorities were child care, food stamps for immigrants and a managed care patients' bill of rights. The USCC also is pressing for child-care benefits, a minimum wage increase and protection for Social Security and medical benefits. On other subjects, Clinton reiterated his reasons for keeping U.S. peacekeeping troops in Bosnia and warned Iraqi Pre!;ident Saddam Hussein, "You cannot defy the will of the world" in preventing United Nations weapons inspectors from searching for banned nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. He encouraged Congress to pay the United States' debt to the United Nations. The Senate has held up payment ofmore than $800 million in U.S. dues to the world body for several years over objections to various U.N. policies such as those which include abortion in family planning programs. "It's long past time to make good on our debt to the United Nations," Clinton said. "More and more we are working with other nations to achieve common goals. If we want America to lead, we've got to set a

WASHINGTON - President Clinton's legislative agenda outlined in the State of the Union address includes many items on the priority list ofthe U.S. Catholic Confewnce and Catholic Charities USA. An increase in the minimum wage, subsidies for child care, expanded access to medical care, tax breaks for families and a ban on human cloning were among issues on church agency agendas that were raised by Clinton in his Jan. 27 speech to ajoint session of Congress, The speech mixed recitation of his administration's achievements with dozens of new and ongoing goals. Most of'the issues Clinton raised received little more than a few sentences of reference, but fixing the Social Security funding problems, addressing education deficiencies and making child care and medical care more widely available were dominant themes. Among the president's points: i - an expected surplus in the PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON federal budget after next year should first be directed toward savin~ the Social Sec~rity syslem, he saId. Some financIal analysts have . said the program is in dan Iter of . ~. runlling 'out 'of money by' th~ time....•·· .. .~~ careJ.UI',~answ·ers~today's Baby Boomers reach r e t i r e - ' , -ment age. Clinton said the White • Questions from scandal with c~ildren w~1I not only . work on other Issues children may House would sponsor a conference. on Social Security this December children. about 'fI~/te raise, but also on issues brought up and host a series of meetings on the House Impropnetles by other adults. subject around the country; pose tough job If a child asks a question about - "In. an economy that honors for parents. the ep.isode, )ou can answer. their opportunity, all Americans must be questIOn With more questIOns: By MARK PATIISON 'What did you hear? What did able to reap the rewards of prosperity," Clinton said. "Because these CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE somebody tell you? What's on your times are good, we can afford to mind?''' Goulston said. take one simple, sensible. step to WASHINGTON - Answering By asking questions, "they can help millions of workers struggling children's questions about the see that you're more interested in to provide for their families. We White House crisis over allegations them," he added. should raise the minimum wage"; of sexual improprieties by President Just make sure, he advised, that - "Child care is the nl~xt fron- Clinton can be a tough job for par- "the purpose of your question is to tier we must face to enable people ents. find out what's really going on with to succeed at home and at work," It's tough even for someone who that person" and is not meant just Clinton said. He proposed federal offers advice to parents on how to "to get them off your back." assistance to pay for chi Id care; deal with it. If children ask questions about scholarships and background In a Jan. 27 interview with sex or adultery, "try to be as spechecks for child-care workers; a Catholic News Service, Dr. Mark cific and precise as possible" in annew emphasis on early learning; tax Goulston, a psychiatrist and author swering them, Goulston suggested. credits for businesses that provide from Santa Monica, Calif., said he The younger a child is, the less child care for employees; and a asked his 8-year-old son, Billy, likely he is to ask questions on his larger tax credit for child care for what he thought about President own about the scandal, he said. working families. Clinton. The boy replied, "I But when they do askquestiQns, "If you pass my plan, what this wouldn't vote for him because he's it comes as "a shock to us that they means is that a family of four with a liar." might not be able to trust their an income of $35,000 and high Goulston said he told his son, leader," he added. When posed by children, these child-care costs will no longer pay "We shouldn't jump to conclusions a single penny of federal income until we have all the facts," To questions "cut to the core of their tax," Clinton said; which Billy responded, "It doesn't personality and their sense of - he encouraged Congress to matter. It's too late now. I'll have to safety," he said. pass a consumer bill of rights about change my name." What they may be thinking, medical care. "You have a right to The brief conversation brought without putting it into words, know all your medical options," home a point to Goulston, that "at Goulston said, is, "Is the world safe, Clinton said. "You have the right to his age, my son knows more about Mom and Dad? Can I trust my choose the doctor you want for the lying and telling the truth than he teachers? Can I trust the policeman? care you need. You have the right does about sex." Can I trust the news? Can I trust to emergency room care wherever It also illustrated to Goulston what I read?" and whenever you need it. You have that children are much less skeptiHe acknowledged the question!i the right to keep your medical cal and cynical than adults. are hard for parents to answer since records confidential"; Goulston, who writes a column they themselves don't know what - the president said he wants for Parenting Insights magazine and to make of the issue despite - or to expand the Family and Medical appears frequently on CNN, ABC because of - the continuous barLeave Act of 1993 to extend its cov- and MSNBC, said some techniques rage of news, analysis and speculaerage to another 10 million people. parents can use in discussing the tion in the media.

good example." Clinton also looked farther to the future, predicting that children born this year may well live to see the 22nd century. "As part of our gift to the millennium, I propose a 21 st century research fund for path-breaking scientific inquiry," he said. Funding for the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and the National Cancer Institute would

be significant. But research in some areas should be limited, Clinton said. "We must continue to see that science serves humanity, not the other way around," he said. "We must prevent the misuse of genetic tests to discriminate against any American, and we must ratify the ethical consensus of the scientific and religious communities and ban the cloning of human beings."

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10

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

After'your/parent rrioves·1(j(

Fri., Feb. 6, 1998

IAi."U alm'.:1 NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting.

"Deceiver" (MGM) Talky psychological thriller about a rich JT!urder suspect (Tim Roth) undergoing a series of lie detector tests administered by two detectives (Chris Penn and Michael Rooker) with occasional flashbacks about the crime and pivotal events in the lives of three principals. Written and directed by Josh and Jonas Pate, the movie begins with an intriguing situation but soon gets lost in increasingly bizarre plot twists which make the story unlikely and the characters unlikable. Criminal violence, intense menace, sexual situations, recurring rough language and occasional profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV - adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Associ~tion of America rating is R - restricted.

''Deep Rising" (Hollywood)

:,.-.

Scary monster movie in which nearly all the passengers aboard a luxury cruise ship are drained of their blood by serpentine sea monsters, leaving a motley band of thieves and innoc~rig; (led by Treat Williams) trying to evade the relentless creatures. Writer;;director Stephen Sommers doesn't bother with character development, relying instead on fearsome special effects as the horrific monsters chase their prey. Frequent fantasy violence, some rough language and a few instances of profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

"Great Expectations" (20th Century Fox) In this reworked and updated version of the Charles Dickens classic, a poor Florida youth (Ethan Hawke) is given the chance to make good in the New York art world, thanks to an anonymous patron (Robert De Niro), but his expectations center on winning the love of the cruel girl (Gwyneth Paltl:ow) he has idealized from his youth. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, the movie keeps the core of Dickens' story while making all kinds of changes to adapt it to a contemporary American setting but, as a modern coming-of-age tale, the results are uneven and largely uncompelling. Some stylized violence, sexual situations, brief nudityand.occasional profanity and rough language. The U.S.., Catholic Conference classification is A-III . . '". , '., . . • ,il. '.'.' " •. - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating IS R - restricted. . 1.,

'.

"Phantoms" (Dimension) Dreary horror movie pitting a shape-shifting monster against a smalltown sheriff (Ben Affleck), two sisters (Rose McGowan and Joanna Going) and an eccentric professor (Peter O'Toole) who holds the key to destroying the deadly menace. Director Joe Chappelle uses familiar cli. ches to advance the narrative, but neglects to build the suspense necessary to make the fright formula work. Recurring fantasy violence, some profanity and occasional rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

'Slappy and the Stinkers' is mindless entertainment By HENRY HERX CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

---

_ NEW YORK - Feeble fun with five kids and a sea lion sums up the / charmless family comedy, "Slappy and the Stinkers" (TriStar). The kids are primary-grade students at a private academy whose dull headmaster, Morgan Brinway (D.O. Wong), is so rattled by their mischief he calls them the Stinkers. On a field trip to an aquarium, the Stinkers spot Siappy the sea lion and decide to sneak it home with them in order to release it into the ocean. Slappy, however, balks at going into the sea and before the Stinkers can figure out their next move, the sea lion is stolen by a mean agent for a Bulgarian circus. But the villain is no match for the resourceful half-pints whose homemade weapons inflict much bodily harm on the man before they escape with Siappy in the movie's climactic chase down a mountain log chute. Directed by Barnet Kellman from a woefully inadequate script by Bob Wolterstorff and Mike Scott, the result is a mirthless slapstick comedy of "cute" kids outsmarting half-witted adults. The antics of the Stinkers result in a lot of property damage that is anything but cute and is rarely amusing. The witless level of comic invention at work here includes Siappy gobbling down a package of laxatives, with odious results. With low humor as its main appeal, it's the kind of mindless entertain- . ment that offers nothing to anyone. Because of slapstick violence, bathroom humor and crude language, the U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II - adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG - parental guidance suggested.

a nursing home By

MONICA AND BILL DODDS

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

What can you expect after Mom or Dad first moves into a nursing home? In many cases there may be guilt, -anger, and new worries for a while. . Under the best of circumstances, you and your parent have discussed' the nursing-home option and reached the same conclusion. When the time comes, this is the place. But in most families, for a variety of reasons, it simply doesn't happen that way. But even when it does, the change can trigger strong emotional reaction. Why? As a caregiver it can be h~lrd not to look on this as a failure. The goal - said or unsaid - was to keep Dad out of a nursing home, and that didn't happen. Somehow this is partly your fault. If only you had tried harder; if only you had done a better job providing care. Coupled with that is anger. It's easy to be mad at Mom. (If only she had tried harder.) Mad at health care professionals. (Why can't they just make her better?) Mad at God. (Why my mother?) Then there are the new worries. Yes, Dad now has staff around him at all times, but how good is that staff really? Have you made a mistake placing him in this particular home? Your 'parent is experiencing strong emotions, too. Mom may.be angry at you - and the rest of the family - and may express it by using whatever tactic works best: hostility, blame, badgering, pouting, sarcasm, the silent treatment. Then too, she may act out, being surly and rude to the staff. Whether your father admits it or not, most likely he's afraid. This, most likely, is something he dreaded. And community life is never easy. With those things in mind, here are some suggestions: -Don't give Mom false hopes if there's little or no possibility of her ever moving out of the home. If you do, that single thought may become so all~consuming she doesn't give the place a chance. -Realize the care your parent is now going to receive may be superior medically, but it probably can't match yours when it comes to love. -It can take time for the staff to learn what your father likes and

what he doesn't like. They will try to adapt the daily routine to please him but can only go so far. There has to be give-and-take among the aging parent, the family and the .home. -The more you, family or friends are around, the greater the likelihood that your parent will. receive better care. This doesn't mean Mom is being treated poorly when you're not there but that she may be treated better when you are. If you live a distance from your parent's nursing home, arrange for a friend or relative to stop by and visit. If that's not possible, consider hiring a case manager to go see how

she's doing. -Reassure Dad that he is not being abandoned. You .are not placing him in a wareholJlse. You are making sure he's living at the place that can best provide the care he needs. -Help make Mom':; room more homey. Put a family picture on the bed stand, a favorite doily on the chest of drawers, a familiar afghan on the bed. (But don'l leave anything of financial value lying around.).. '-Realize and admit that there is a sense of grief. It hurts to put a loved one in a nursing home. It hurts to have to move 1:0 one.

Our Lady's Haven seeks volunteers FAIRHAVEN-Volunteer opportunities exist in the pastoral care and therapeutic activities departments of Our Lady's Haven extended care facility and they are seeking people to share their time with residents. Consider sharing your spiritual gifts with nursing home wsidents as a Pastoral Care Volunteer.. Provide personal visits for prayer, comfort and support. If you enjoy card games and other such activities, a:id the therapeutic activities department and share one afternoon a week from 1 to 4 p.m. playing games with residents. Games include bingo, various card games, bowling and volleyball. The department also needs eucharistic ministers who have completed the diocesan training program. Time is a valuable gift and if you are interested in sharing yours please call Sister Maria Cravedi, director of pastoral care, or Lillian LaFrance, director of volunteers, at 999-4561, for more information.

Marian Awards air on cable TV ;('

,

The Marian Medal Awards ceremony continues to air on local cable access channels throughol:lJthe diocese: in Barnstable, Chatham, Dennis and Harwich Feb. 13 at 1:30 p.m., and March 6 at 7:30 p.m., or;l'channeI3; in Fall River Feb. 10 at noon and 11 p.m., Feb. 12 at 1 p.m., and Feb. 13 at noon on cable ,channel~; and in, ¥ansfield Feb. 1Oat 8 p.m.cvQh Cable channel 8.

GREETING THE BISHOP-Sister Joseph Anne Shea, O.Carm., introduces her sister Marie Shea, a Catholic Memorial Home resident, to Bishop Sean P. O'Malley OFM, Cap., after his celebration of Mass at the home's chapell. Sister Joseph assists in the Fall River home's therapeutic activities department.


THE ANCHOR -

Press

NELLIE GRAY (far left) smiles as marchers, arriving at the Supreme Court bUilding, pledge their support to the pro-life cause and state where they're from. 1998 marked the 25th anniversary of the March for Life and Gray has been involved as many years. She hopes more Americans will stand up for the pro-life cause and has already begun plans for the 1999 March in Washington.

Gray

Continued from page one

people need to do more. "The March raises awareness, but people should continue to be involved in the pro-life movement throughout the year and the best way is to educate others in their communities." A good start is to develop programs stressing that life begins at fertilization, she said, because many people still don't think of the fetus as a human being. Gray, who is a memb':r of Saint Mary Mother of God parish in Washington, D.C., wants to push now to get the personhood bill passed, a bill that has been kicking around Washington for several

Leaders

years. It states that the liberties and rights given Americans by the Constitution apply to everyone from fertilization on and she hopes to find support for the bill in Congress with the help of pro-life supporters. After the 1998 March for Life was completed, Gray s~id she felt it absol utel y made ad ifference and added that "this day (Jan. 22) cannot go by without this effort." When looking back, she commented that the March was like a drop of water hitting a piece of marble and although the impact may not be seen right away there is hope that it will eventually break through. As long as there are chi1-

dren to save, Nellie Gray will continue to promote the pro-life cause and weaken the foundation of abortion in the United States because, she says, "there's an enormous amount to be done," and so many people are still not marching to her drum..

If you would like more information about the March for Life in Washington, D. c., or would like to find out how you can get involved write to: The Marchfor Life Fund, Box 90300, Washington, D. c., 20090 or call its office at (202) 5433377.

man said the world is rapidly moving toward a video-oriented society. For classroom use, he told the leaders to pmview videos and to watch them all the way through before class. He also urged them to follow a video with a discussion and/or work from a printed guide. "If you don't watch it (a video) all the way through, you're looking for disaster. Kids are media savvy," he said. His videos have explored subjects such as adult baptism, the Eucharist, child baptism, and the Way of the Cross. He is working on videos about the sacrament of reconciliation, death and dying, the rosary and ministering to the sick. He's also planning a series on prayer and on morality. Covering these topics in a video is a prayerful process, he said, but in 30 minutes you can't be as thorough as you could with printed material. "You can't expect a religious video to do what the catechism does. It's communicating something at a different level- at the heart and senses, not the head," he said. His series, "Catholic Update Video," is an extended library of

about 50 tapes. He has made eight videos so far with four more scheduled for 1998. Adult groups use the tapes, including small faith-sharing groups or formation programs like RCIA. The 30-minute videos have a magazine program format and feature a host. There are different segments including a story, a real-life witness, a "lesson" from an on-camera teacher and a music video. At St. Anthony Messenger Press, Father Friedman works with an audio engineer and sound mixer. He has two associat(: producers, one a catechist, who write and check the videos' content. Surrounded by creative types at St. Anthony Messenger Press, Father Friedman said, he can walk down the hall and bounce ideas off book editors, writers and others. Sometimes his co-workers even show up as "talent" or actors in his videos. Long hours in front of an editing machine or writing scripts can be mundane, the priest added, but the team's finished product always brings him joy. "I have an appreciation for what is beautiful and I love to tell stories," he said.

Fri., Feb. 6, 1998

11

Continued from page one

arena for evangelism and enhancement of the Catholic faithful. The Catholic press continues to provide the context to go with the content. Catholic publications often present greater background and depth about stories that affect the Church and its people than other media. Secular media usually don't have the expertise or the experience to cover stories about faith and how it affects people's lives. It's not that they are incapable of doing so, but when the Catholic press approaches a story, it does so from within the frame of faith. That frame makes a big difference. This year, the theme of Catholic Press Month is "The Way, the Truth and the Life." We chose the theme to reflect Jesus Himself who should be the center of all our concerns. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Therefore, Catholic publications strive always to direct their readers to Jesus, His Father and the Holy Spirit. So many choicesin media poinr( us the wrong way. 'They don't tell '

us the truth. They don't show us how to live our lives as good, moral people. As we approach a new millennium, it becomes even more important to know how our faith affects the way we live. Catholic publications attempt to give you the information so that you can make better choices. We are at an information crossroads. We could be overloaded with information and so confused about our options that we simply give up in despair. Or, we can look to the future with hope, as Pope John Paul II encourages us to do. In a time of confusion, the CathoI ic press can be a guide. In a time of despair, the Catholic press can be a beacon of light. When you're at the crossroads, faced with all kinds of media these days, choose wisely. Read Catholic books, magazines, newspapers and newsletters. Point yourself toward the Way, the Truth and the Life.

(Christopher Gunty is also associClte publisher of The Catholic Sun, Diocese of Phoenix, Ariz.)

The Message With A

Mission

Continued from page one

For example, the television show "Nothing Sacred" has Catholics talking. The producer warns readers and viewers that television is a system, and a secular network show must go through a screening system of technology, electronics and people. "We can challenge the producers of the show when their values don't match ours," he said. "If you seriously disagree with it, you can turn it off or challenge it." One project Father Friedman said he found challenging was working as an associate producer for the public television documentary, "Thomas Jefferson: A View from the Mountain," produced by Journey Films. He helped documentary producer Martin Doblmeier on the project. "I felt that producing a program that explored racism was important. I felt that doing this show was a very good use of my time as a communicator," he said. Doblmeier is now working on a documentary of the lat(: Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin of Chicago. It is scheduled to run on PBS this year, he said. In his talk to diocesan religious education leaders, Fatlwr Fried-

Diocese of Fall River -

The Catholic Newspapers, Magazines and Books Bring The Message Home

Catholic Press Month 1998

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12' . THE ANCHOR ~'Diocese orPall River ~ Fri.,.Feb: 6; 1998 . , ..

Soldiers assigned to guard nuns in Philippines •

Government acts following threats from rebels to kidnap two Trappistines. By

CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - The Philippine government has assigned soldiers to guard a contemplative Trappistine monastery in the southern Philippines amid threats to kidnap two of the foreign nuns there. "Gov. Hilario de Pedro III (of South Cotabato province) has deployed military in the area," said Oblates of Notre Dame Sister Susan Bolanio. She is justice and peace officer of the Philippines' Marbel Diocese, in which the monastery of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance is located. Her remarks were reported by UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. Sister Bolanio told UCA News Jan. 19 that Our Lacly ofMatutum Monastery in Polomolok, some 630 miles southeast of Manila, has been receiving letters from

former Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels demanding 3 million pesos (US$71, I00). She added that the letters said failure to pay the money could lead to the abduction of nuns. One Filipino nun and nine foreign nuns - mostly Italians - live in the Trappistine monastery. The first extortion letter was signed with the name of the extremistAbu SayyafIslamic group, Sister Bolanio said. But she added, "We're not really sure ... even if they sign itAbu Sayyaf, it can be anyone who wants money." Abu Sayyaf has been held responsible for terrorist activities . and kidnapp'ings in the South, The Trappistine monastery is about six miles from the national highway, and the nuns' safety was among topics discussed at the Jan. 16 provincial peace and order council meeting led by de Pedro, , Sister Bolanio said. She added that "as of our meeting there was no information that the nuns are evacuating" the monastery they established in 1994.

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Oh adorable and Divine Will, behold me here before the immensity of Your Light, that Your eternal goodness may open to me the doors and make me enter into It to form my life all in You, Divine Will. Therefore, oh adorable Will, prostrate before Your Light, I, the least of all creatures, put myself into the little group ofthe sons and daughters of Your Supreme FIAT. Prostrate in my nothingness, I invoke Your Light and beg that it clothe me and eclipse all that does not pertain to You, Divine Will. It will be my Life, the 'center of my intelligence, the enrapturer of my heart and of my whole being. I do not want the human will to have life in this heart any longer. I will cast it away from me and thus form the new Eden of Peace, of happiness and of love. With ItiI shall be always happy. Ishall have a singulantrength and a holiness that sanctifies all things and conducts them to God. ' ' Here prostrate, I invoke the help of the Most'Holy Trinity , that They permit me to live' in the cloister of the Divine Will arid thus return iri me the first order'of creation, just as the creature , was treated. . . . ' , : , . . ' . '. . • . Heavenly Mother, Sovereign and Queen ofthe'pivine Fiat," .: take my hl;l~d,and: introduce mf; ints> the Light o( the Divine, Will. You will De my guide, my most tender Mothe,r, and will teach me to, live in and to maintain myself in the order. and the bounds of the Divine Will. Heavenly Mother, I consecrate my whole being to Your Immaculate Heart. You will teach me the doctrine ,of the Divine Will and I willlisterfinost attentively to Your'1essons. You will cover rile with Your mantle so'that the infernal se..pet:1t dare not penetrate in~o this sacred Eden'to entice me and make,I .fall Into the maze of the human will.. '.', Heart of my greatest Good, Jesus, You will give me Your, , flames that they. rrtay I;mm me, consume me, and feed me to ·form.in me the Life of the Divine Will. Saint Joseph, you will be my protector,the guardian of my heart; and will keep the keys ofmy will in'your hands.' You will '. keep my heart jealously and shall never give it to me again, that I may be sure of never leaving the Will of dod... . My guardi'an Angel, guard me; defend me; help me in everything so that my Eden.may flourish and be the instrument that draws'aU 'men.into:the Kingdom of the Divine Will:. Pirrien: o

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( In Honor ofLuisa Piccarreta J865- J947 Child of the Divine Will)

C'uba's

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revitalize~d"oChilrc~h'

impresses bishops It appears the spark of faith remained despite religious .repression.

Cuba's bishops, and the fact that the pope blessed the cornerstone for a new seminary, a sign that the number of young men interested in the priesthood is growing. "The experience today was something that benefited me more

than it benefited the people of Cuba," the archbishop said. ''To see a church that has suffered so many years in the springtime of its revitalization ... a church that has gained so much from the suffering it's been through."

By ANA

RODRIGUEZ-SOTO CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

MIAMI - Two cardinals and three Florida bishops who accompanied Miami Archbishop John C. Favalora on his one-day pilgrimage to Havana Jan. 25 all expressed admiration for the Catholic Church in Cuba upon their return. Several even predicted that there would be no turning back for religious faith - and freedoms - on the island. "It is not possible to kill the faith. It is not possible to extinguish the human spirit," Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles told The Florida Catholic, Miami's archdiocesan newspaper. He added that during his brief visit he had seen "plentiful proof of the life of the church in Cuba" and proof that "for all those years, PILAR CASTILLO AVILES poses in front of a table filled many people were practicing their with dolls, cards and other items she uses while giving readCatholic faith." He called for "deeper ties be- ings and consultations at her Havana home. She mixes Catween the people of Cuba, the tholicism with the African religions that mark much of Cuba's church in'Cuba, and ourselves." popular religiosity. Pope John Paul II critized equating CaAsked whettier there would be tholicism with Afro-Cuban cults during his recent fivl~-day visit a political change as a result of the to Cuba. (CNS/Banta photo) pope's visit, the cardinal answered, "It is not possible to go back. There are new freedoms: Nowaiid~always; . forward, with very concrete steps." Bishop John 1. Nevins ofVenice, Fla., recalled his previous visit to the island in 1983, when as auxil- . iary bishop of Miami, he attended Cardinal Jaime Ortega Alamino's • Parental voice in education options was among installation as archbishop of Havana. The entire ceremony, Bishop issues pontiff voiced during Cuban visit. Nevins said, took place inside the By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE cathedral because "no assembly was allowed outside." WASHINGTON - The head of the National Catholic Educ:ational AsAbout, 1,000 people attended ~oc'iatiQn in Washington applauded Pope John Pa~1 II's call for educational that ceremony, mostly elderly choice in Cuba during his five-day trip to the island nation. women with their grandchildren, "With the entire world as his audience, John Paul put the !ipotlight on Bishop Nevins recalled. Tha~ this key issue-parental choice in education," said NCEA president Leonard . , ' ,. . memory contrasted starkly with DeFiore in a,recent statement. The pope s comments were made 10 a homily on the family, deltvered what he witnessed Jan. 25 in the' ,'. . . Plaza of the Revolution a'Mass 'aF f du(ing Mass Jan, 22 in Saota Clara" te~ded by hundreds of thousands of' PORe Jo~n. ~aul said. Cuban famili~s today experience the .same ch~lpeople, many of ths:m ~04ng. ,'. !~n.g7s ,as~a~!ltes around the w~rld.l?ey struggle f~r a better Itfe, he s~ld, , ~'What a great experience forme' . 10 which fun~ament~1 human. nghts are ~u~ra~tee~. ~ork.' food"h~usl~~, to'seethe joy ofthe people," Bishop health, educatJ~n, SOCIal ~ecunty~and,partl~lpatlOn 10 t~e Itfe of s?clety. , Neyinssaid. "The whole~world . The pope said the f~mlly, t,~e school and t~e ,:hurch. m~,st 'filrk, togeth~r must have been.rejoicing." " ,~n behalf<?f ~~ban chIldren. Do not ~e afraId, he sal~,. OP~~I your famlI" • "Just a f~w qecacl~sago, missjles Ites and schools to ,the val.ues ,?~ the Gospel of Jesus Chnst, whll;h are never , , ' ," , were aimed at each other's coun- a threat t? ,any SOCial ,proJect. t' " . t d Cd' (Ad J Regardtng the educatIOn of'chlldren, the pope SaId publtc authonty has fIe.S, nq e .ar Ina. am . 'no right to take the placeofp'arerits. ' , . J . ;. I· " MaIda of DetrOIt.' In· Havana that " " ,. , .. ' '.. . h h d C b "'P' "Consequentlyparents ... should be able to choose for thelrc:hlldrenthe resl- pedagoglca .' I met h0d ,t he eth'Ica I an d'" . . , dmormng t F'd '1 Ce at seenh u an, th' CIVIC content .an d there I"Igl'JUS \nsplra: . ~n ' I e w. as ro e~c an~ e sIgn tion which 'will enable them:to r~c~ive ~n~i'~te~ral education;" he said. o pea~e" Ith. ajl t ose ho came . "They must not expect everythtng to be gIven them," Pope John Paul ' ...•. \ . "'. ·added."'They· shotil'd assume'their mission as educators wtiile~seeking opup !,o'!'lIm. .We all need to reac~ out WIth a portunities and'creating adeg!late structu~es within'civil societ:V." " lovtng he~rt tha~ recogn~zes funda- .: In hisstateinent;'De.Fiore' said more than 250 Cuban Catholic schools mental"nght~ 10 the. hve~ of all were 'nationalized after'iherevciliition. ' , t , " '''.. '." .peop~e, Cardtnal MaIda saId. l.o ., ;., "0atholiCea1Jcatorsin itl1is country are ·both encouraged that the pope '. " ,BIShop ,Norbe~t M. D~r~ey .of set the stage for this remarkable statement," he said, "and discouraged that Orland? ~al? h~, WItnessed sIgns of parents in the United Slates also lack· this basic freedom, ,.uhless they have rec?ncllIatJon at the Mass, a~d financial resources." . ". " DeFiore added "'Whether in Cuba'or the United'States familie~ should notIced how the young people Itstened ,~nte~tl~ to th~ po~~'s me!'- -be given school choices -"7 especially parents with:low or ~i'ddle incomes. sage,' He s lIke theIr spIrItual, fa- .The children of the poor are our-children, too." the~ or !?randfather. ~ey know he's In an interview with' Catholic News Service in Havana during the papal say 109 ,I~portant thtngs," ' . trip" Cardinal John J. O'Connor-of New York said the task ahead' is to enAr;hblshop, F.a~al?ra, descTlbed ,courage the, Cuban government, to grant greater' fl'€;edoms. to the Cuban .Cl\ba s,church ~ ,alIve,ale.rt, val- church... '.' . ,. .;( "j ,,' . ' '." iant.", .' . "Freedom for a Catholic press and-Catholic schools -:- that's what will . He qotedthe jQy'.jnJh~ f~~.~.s .9.f consolidate.changesin the longrun," he said..... .. ... " .."

.Pope's' callfor'Cul)an school choice laud.ed

Jo


THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River'- Fri., Feb. 6, 1998

13

Polish bishops urged to support family life •

Promotion of the involvement of lay people also among suggestions given during "ad /imina" visit. By LYNNE WEll. CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II asked bishops of southern Poland to strengthen their support for families and to promote the involvement of lay people in the church. The pope addressed the bishops Feb. 2 during their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican. Bishops around the world make this trip every five years to report on conditions in their dioceses. Among the group was Cardinal Franciszek Macharski of Krakow, who leads the archdiocese that was under Pope John Paul's care when he was a prelate in Poland. "Every meeting with the Polish bishops is a glorious return for me to the people and the places which are familiar and dear to me," the pope began. . Noting that Poland had undergone many changes since its emergence from communist rule, Pope John Paul said egotism and injus-. tice had recently. taken their toll on "the world in which we live."

, "This world often loses contact with God, negates his existence, falls into religious indifference," he continued. "On the face of the world, deformed by sins, one can see emptiness, sadness and even the absence of hope. These phenomena are ·also evident in our country." The pope asked the bishops to ensure that the church does all that it can to strengthen social institutions to transform Polish society. Starting with the laity, Pope John Paul pointed out that lay members had begun to take enthusiastic part in evangelization and in local church affairs. "Our strength must be oriented first of all toward the formation of spiritual ties between humanity and God, and at the same time, to deepening the ties of understanding and love between people," he said. "To this end, church and lay organizations in the community can be put to use." Pope John Paul said lay people also should be made to understand their significance as family members, because social life in Poland was facing "great danger" from "informal unions" such as samesex partnerships and "a tendency to recognize (them) as families." The pope added that fami lies were being "mo1tally threatened" by abortion rights advocates who

promote "the negation of the right to life of the unborn." "With real pain, I have observed in our country the forces oriented toward the legalization of homicide of unborn children," he said. The church in Poland must do more to create a culture that supports families, therefore encouraging women to carry their pregnancies to term, Pope John Paul said. "In our country, the family should be surrounded by love," he said. "Do all that you can, so that the family in Poland does not feel alone in its attempts to preserve its own identity, defend its rights and fundamental values, help it in the realization of its mission and its role." Pope John Paul said young Polish people in particular need more support from the church, lest they "passively submit to the ... consumerist pseudo-culture" without developing real values or "a true sense of life." Economic changes left many segments of Polish society without resou~ces and feeling abandoned, the pope said. ' "It is not poss.ible to close our eyes to their daily needs for housing, nourishment, medicine, or employment,", he said. "May the voice of the church be clear and audible everywhere on behalf of these people and their rights."

POPE RETURNS-Pope John Paul II is welcomed back after his trip to Cuba by Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi. The pope said he hopes the results of his trip there parallel those of his first visit to Poland; and told visiting Polish bishops that they must strengthen their support for families and lay ministries. (CNS photo from Reuters)

Pope encourages peace in Northern,Ireland GerInan~bisbops((instr~eted'.'~" . J

to halt abortion certificates: president of the German bishops' conference, said at a Jan. 27 press conference in Mainz that he welVATICAN CITY - Pope John comed the papal letter. Paul II instructed Germany's bishA Jan. 25-26 meeting of the leading members of the conference ops to have Catholic organization's did not result in a decision on when stop issuing certificates that enable the counseling centers would be rewomen to obtain abortions after quired to stop counseling. Most lay organiissuing the zations urged a documents, compromise so that Bishop wome!' considering Lehmann said. However, ,he abortions would not stop going to added, the bishthose agencies for ops considered 1an. 1;'1999, an counseling. ,The German bishops' 1oiiilIo ..... "ideal" date. conference said it would ·consider chu,rch-affiiiated coun,'seling cenBishop Lehmann ;pointed out that Pope John Paul did not want its options, but comply with the pa- lers.",,· , 1, ~". , pal ins.tructio"". .' He added ,that German Catho- -l"to leave pregnant women alone in German law lets a woman have tiss,' with their. "rich .po~eJil.t!al a,ryd · their'need" or' "to reduce the work an abortion qnly after obtaining a. , ;ntellectu~l. powers,_ ~s well as of coun·seling." : , " • document from a state-approved . iflnovativeness, and, crearivity" TM bishop said he antiCipated social.~ervicescenter that shqws she. w.ou~d figure. o~t h<;>w to. keep the '. months' of debate among Gefman reeeiv,~d counseling at least three I . ,church frol]1 lo~ing i~~, inflHence in 'Catholics ovei-' hbw to 'resolve the matter, which he characterilled :as a days b.cfore:the p,rocec;Jure. ' . , :.. pregn<;incy c~)Un~~ling ;afte~:elimi'.'test of nerves" Ifor the German Catholic organizations opt1rate ' nating tne c~rtjpcates. p' .,,", . ", ' 259 ofth~.1,685 such certifi~d (len"., " .Th~ pope a'so.l,Jrg~wqrk.ers for 'church. . . The SkF was'among the.first Orters in Germany. The Catholic cen,;-' ,~h4rch-~ffili~teq.Fp'un.~elingce/l,ters ters are run either by th,e, (Jerman, ,,~'to continue to,jfigh~f~r.~IJ.,who ganizations to note that tne instrucbranch QfCaritas"th€l C~tholic. have po ~oi~eand:cann9t.yet c,le- · tion gives lhe church in Germany ,\'room for maneuver," Church'~,jl).t~ma.ti.onal aid agency". fend th~ir own lives.". . or the Catholic Women's Social SerA separate state\1lent issued by · '. In a printed statement, the orgavices Agency, known by its initials the Vatican al1d repril1ted in its nization ,said "we' understand this in German as the SkF. . ,/ newspaper, VOsservatore Romano, - request to mean that there is'a·need In a letter dated Jan. 11 and re- said the pope's letter demonstrated to correct the appearance of ambileased at the Vatican Jan. 27, Pope "his faith in the German bishops guity'of this certificate, so that not John Paul. said this arrangement and their collaborators" by leaving only is it viewed as proof of prodraws the church and its dependent the timetable and .execution of his life counseling, but also cannot be organizations "into a situation instruction in their hands. misunderstood as the justification which puts ·their concept in the Bishop Karl Lehmann ofMainz, for terminating a pregnancy."

By

LYNNE WElL CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

question of the protection of life in conflict with the goal of their counseling." The pope said this "dilemma" must be eliminated. Without giving a deadline, the pope asked that "ways be founC! so tha~ such a certificate is no longer issued in

Pontiff welcomes British ambassador; asks for talks instead of violence. By LYNNE WElL CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II has urged all parties in Northern Ireland peace talks to have patience and remain open despite obstacles such as continued violence. The pope told Britain's new ambassador to the Holy See, Mark Edward Pellew, that 'the peace talks should proceed "in the hope that the desire for reconciliation and trust will prevail, in spite of the enormous difficulties involved and recurring moments of crisis." Ambassador Pellew presented his credentials to the pontiff Jan. 31. The previous day, Catholics and Protestants throughout Northern Ireland demonstrated against violence by militants trying to disrupt the talks. Political representatives of seven Protestant and Catholic groups had returned to the British-ruled province to continue the intermittent meetings.on its,future. The talks started in June 1996. Pope John Paul said dialogue that aims to promote peace anywhere in the world was "admittedly difficult,"'but added 'that "patience, good will . and genuine openness" were needed to produce results. The pope also applauded Britain for promoting human rights worldwide and took the occasion 'to underscore his support for the Universal , Declaration o(Human'Rights. I " \ .' - . • , Pope John Paul also 'reiteYated his hope that; like-Britain, a1l cbuntries eventually would sign'a recent international'agreementbanning.anti-per. sonnellandmines. He noted/that the· British government had committed . funds, to r.emoying such mines worldwide. I. . :: " An~ he spok,e ,i"n f~yor of ongoing European Uniol1,deliberiltipns on the regulation of the arms trade. noting that "nations which produce and export arms have a serious moral responsibility to ensure that this trade . does not further increase the'threat 'to' pe~ce within countries 'anQ among nations."'" " , . . , PeIlew, who had just served for six years as head of the British Foreign Ministry's North America department, said his.government, "as a major supplier, carries a particular responsibility to ensure that the arms trade is managed responsibly, so. as' to avoid the use of arms exports for internal repression or external aggression." ,. ., ' The ambassador said his government. was heafte.ped by.the ~orthern Ireland talks, adding that there was a "real prospect of an agreement on all aspects of this problem." He noted that church leaders in the province had made "untiring efforts" at establishing peace, and he thanked Pope John Paul for supporting the peace process.

,..


THE ANCHOR -

OUf

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Feb. 6, 1998

Catholic Schools e

LOCAL WINNERS in the Bourne Council of the Knights of Columbus Basketball Free Throw contest were determined recently on the Cape. They are (front left to right) Eric Dugas, 14; Danny Izzo, 12; Ruth Szatkowski, 12; and Daniel Clay, 13: Winners not pictured are Christopher Newell, 11, and Kayelyn Collins, 10. Organizers of the competition (in back row left to right) are Zoel Roy, Larson Coffin, Ken Pereira" and Paul 'O'Keefe.

OUf

Catholic Yout

EIGHTH GRADER MICHAEL MACHADO of St. Jean Baptiste School, Fall River, was awarded a plaque and cash prize in the school's poster contest by the Fall River Noontime Lions Club. His poster depicted the Lions'theme of "Peace andHarmony." Kathleen Barboza, principal, stands beside him holding a plaque in recognition of the school's partic:ipation. Lions' president Arthur Silvia (left) and former president Jack Rua (far right) made the presentation and said they were proud of the school's efforts.

Scholarships available to students . F.ALL,RIYER;--:-More thal1 ' River, 02720, telephone (508.) 675-0800. Completed applicaawarded by the Fall River Scholarship Foundation to deserving Fall River students this year, inFALL RIVER-While some procluding eight $1 ,000 scholarfessionals visited classrooms, other ships. The scholarships are available classes went to businesses in the area not only to high school seniors but as students at SS. Peter and Paul paralso to all deserving students in ticipated in National Shadow Day any of their four years of higher Feb. 2, a day set aside for businesses education. This is the only com- and professionals to "shadow" or inmunity based foundation to offer troduce students to careers by helping them explore various professions financial assistance to local stuand letting them see how things' dents who are currently enrolled learned in the classroom translate into in a college degree program. real-life applications. The mission of the foundation Throughout the day, policemen, is to provide financial resources nurses, a National Guardsman; and· for local students attending the fireman visited the kindergarten, colleges of·their choice. Schol- while first graders enjoyed a variety arships are awarded based on of parent speakers. The second gradneed, academic standing and the ers listened to Tony Dejesus of New student's ability to express career England Pest Control discuss his caobjectives in an essay. reer and John Silva from the' UniverAdditional scholarships c~m be sity of Massachusetts - Dartmouth awarded, based on donations spoke on astronomy. Fifth graders heard about opporfrom residents, businesses and corporations itHerested in assist-' tunities that Kevin Palana of FUN ing local students. Scholarships can be awarded in the name of the donors, who can present them at a ceremony' i'n May. ATTLEBORO-Freshman , Since the Foundation was be- Erika Hoffman recently returned gun in 1995 it has awarded over with a gold medal from the Swed$40,000 in scholarships to Fall ish International Precision Skating River students from local high. Competition in Gotelorg, Sweden, schools, including Bishop Stang where she skated with the Warwick Figure Skaters Association preciand Bishop Connolly. . sion team, the "Superettes." Erika This amount includes both the skates an average of 25 hours a Aime Lafrance and the Reverend week, 50 weeks a year to prepare for Paul McCarrick Memorial Schol~ her competitions. arships. The Feehan boys' swim team Applications are available placed second in the prestigious from the guidance counsellors of Max Read Memorial meet at Brown area high schools and also from University. Senior Steve Finocchi the Scholarship Foundation of- broke the school record for the 50 fice at 46 North Main Street, Fall yard freestyle with a time of 22: 18..

$15,000 in scholarships will be

tions must be received by Apri I

7.

.

'Shadow Day' to begirl 107 found working in radio and a representative of MediaOne spoke to students in the sixth and seventh grades regarding the variety of skills needed to operate a television station. Eighth grade students visited the Fall River District Court where they witnessed the activities of lawyers, judges, probation offic~:rs, court clerks, and computer programmers. Principal Kathleen BUlt said that although students in middle school have a few years before they will be considering careers, such a program is valuable. "No matter h!)w young the student, education is training for life, training on how to lise God's gifts wisely and creatively,'" she commented. This is the first year the school celebrated National Shadow Day and like other career days it helped motivate students and show them life's many. choices.

Feehan students win awards

TROOPER DAVID PAINE, JR., selected as the "1997 Officer of the Year," by the Bristol County Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter, addresses seniors at Bishop Feehan on the perils of alcohol and drugs. Trooper Paine, an 11year veteran'of the State Police, was accompanied by three ir)mates whose lives had been directly affected by the use of drugs. Paine graduated from the Attleboro school in 1979.

Freshmen Casey Cronin won the 200 individual medley with his time of2:05. Art departmt<nt chai~man Brenda Loiselle has been informed that four students won awards in the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Contest. Three of the four received honorable mention awards: sophomores· Leigh Ausiello and Cliff Wells :and junior Merrillee Fazio. Freshmen Emily Broderick received a pn:stigious "Gold Key" award for hel' untitled effort. , The students' paintings will be on exhibit at the State Transportation Building in Boston through Feb. 27.


THE ANCHOR -

Our Rock

Diocese of Fall River -

. r~::1

By CHARLIE MARTIN

A Song for Mama You taught me everything And everything you've given me I always keep it inside You're the driving force in my life There isn't anything Or anyone that I can't be And it just wouldn't feel right If I didn't have you by my side You were there for me To love and care for me When skies were gray Whenever I was down You were always there To comfort me And no one else can be What you have been to me You'll always be the girl In my life for all times Refrain: Mama Mama you know I love you (Oh you know I love you) Mama Mama you're the Queen of my heart Your love is like Heaven from the stars Mama I just want you to know Lovin' you is just like Food for my soul You're always down for me Have always been around for me When I was bad You showed me right from my wrong (Yes you did) And you took up for me When everyone was downin' me You always did understand You gave me strength to go on There were so many times Looking bacl( when I was so afraid And then you come to me And say to me I can face anything And no one else can do What you have done for me You'll always be You'll always be The girl in my life (Repeat refrain) Never gonna go a day without you Fills rr-e up just thinking about you I'll never go a day Without my mama (Repeat refrain) Written by Babyface Sung by Boyz II Men Copyright (c) 1997 by Motown Record Cqrp.

How do you feel about your parents? In Boyz II Men's "A Song for Mama," the singer expresses gratitude and love for his mother. The song is their second chart hit off their new CD "Evolution." He explains from where his love and gratitude stem: "There were so many times looking back when I was so afraid, and then you come to me and say to me I can face anything." His mother continued to believe in him even when the voice of self-doubt grew large. He says: "You took up for me when everyone was downin' me," and "You gave m,: strength to go on." His mother even was "around for me when I was bad." Consequently, "you're the queen of my heart" and "no one else can be what you have been to me." The song reminds us to look for the good that is sometimes taken for granted in our relationship with our parents. Of course, few parent-teen relationships are ideal. Both parents and teens have problems, and these situations can influence what happens between them. Sometimes the pain comes out as anger, mistrust and criticism. Sometimes the emotional climate at home is far different from what the song describes. If this is the case in your family, don't give up hope. If parents and teens do not write each other off, over time they are likely to experience change and, perhaps, God's healing for the hurt. Maybe this will not occur during the teen years, but I have witnessed many parent-teen relationships improve over time. If your relationship with your parents resembles what the song describes, then it is time to acknowledge this blessing. Words are important, but actions are even more demonstrative. Think of ways to convey your gratitude and appreciation. If you happen to be a parent reading this column, I suggest that you examine your behavior and attitude toward your teen. Would your son or daughter say that you are a blessing for his or her life? If you have doubt about the answer, start now to alter your approach. Yes, you are the parent and have the task of setting limits and defining responsibilities. Yet rnuch that is positive, encouraging and light-hearted can be generated by the respect and care that you convey while doing this. Perhaps your teen won't record a song for you, but your behavior and attitude will have lasting effects on his or her spirit. You can help your teen discover more of the person that God invites him or her to be.

Your comments are always welcome. Please address: Charlie Martin, 7125 W 2008, Rockport, Ind. 4'7635.

15

Coming of Age

and Role Love among parents and teens

Fri., Feb. 6, 1998

FORYOOTH

•

ABOOT YOOTH

Untangling infatuation By AMY WELBORN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

What's the difference between infatuation and authentic love? Think about the following story: Two teens started dating a few months back. At first it was the usual mutual infatuation at work. You know how that feels. The excitement of attraction, the pleasure that comes from knowing that someone is attracted to you, the pride in dating someone and the good times from hanging out with someone you like were all a part of it. But after a couple of months, Sandra started losing interest. The infatuation passed, and what remained was a certain level of affection, but nothing she could call "love." But she kept dating the guy. It eventually got to the point at which she didn't even like kissing him, didn't want to be in a relationship with him. But she kept dating him. She even continued to say "I love you" to him. Why? There are many reasons people stay in dating relationships even when they're no longer terribly interested in the other person. There's the fear of the unknown. This is a secure thing, they reason. This person likes me, and as long as I stick with him I'll have someone to hang out with on Friday nights. It might be a little scary to be all alone again. There's the fear that maybe I'm wrong, maybe this person is right for me and I just need to get over whatever is bothering me. But probably the strongest deterrent to breaking up, even when

the relationship no longer is doing much for you, is this: "I don't want to hurt him." Of course you don't. No one with a conscience wants to cause another person pain. It would be really frightening if a person's response to this situation was: "Great! I get to break up with Suzie tonight! It will be a blast to see her cry!" Heavens, no. But in a situation like the one I've outlined, clear thinking is in order - clear thinking about what respect is, how we should treat others and our responsibilities toward other people. -First, in your mind, do a little role playing. What would you want if you were dating someone who wasn't that crazy over you, but only kept it up because of pity? Isn't that kind of insulting? Wouldn't you want that person to be honest with you, end it, so you can move on and find someone who is really interested in you? Would you want to be wasting your time? Would you want to be lied to? I doubt it. So if you wouldn't want that, it's a pretty sure bet that the person you're deceiving wouldn't either. Finally, it is only a shallow sort of respect that prompts us to lie to other people in order to spare their feelings. If we have a deep, true respect for others based on their integrity as children of God, we know that everyone deserves honesty, and we are obligated to give it to them. It's not easy. It's not painless. But just remember - the longer you wait, the more painful it will be, and the more your own integrity will be compromised by your own deception, no matter how well-meaning it might be.

Owl program will soar into school NEW BEDFORD-The Holy Family-Holy Name School will host an educational program on Feb. 13 about one of the most interesting species of birds in the world, the owl. The "Eyes on Owls" program will feature lectures, question and answer periods, and an exciting live owl demonstration. The presentation will be given by naturalist Marcia Wilson and will focus on the owls of New England. Through the use of a slide presentation compiled by her photographer husband Mark, Marcia will introduce the audience to owls

they may spot in their own neighborhoods. The presentations are open to the community and will be given twice during the day. The first will be from 8:30-9:45 a.m. for pre-school to fourth grade and the second for grades 5-8 from 10-11: 15 a.m.

PRAYER W"ORXS


16,

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Feb. 6, 1998

help call 994-0925. FALL RIVER - S1. Stanislaus School will host an informational. evening on youngadult ministry on Feb. 8 from 6-8 p.m. Meet new people, enjoy refreshments, conversation and find out what young adult ministry is about. For more information call Pam Sefrino at 995-4659 or Liz Rocha at (401) 624-2956.

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Publicity Chairmen are asked. to submit news items for this column to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, 02722. Name of. city or town should be included; as well as full dates of all activities.. Events published must be of interest and open to our general readership. We do not normally carry notices of fundraising activities, which may be advertised at our regular rates, obtainable from our business office at (508) 675-7151. ATTLEBORO - Following the weekend Masses on Feb. 7 and 8 La Salette Shrine will offer special'

blessings for health in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. For times contact the shrine at 222-5410. A healing service will be held at the shrine at 2 p.m. Feb. 8, including Mass, song and praise. Those attending will have the opportunity to be prayed over individually. The service will be led by Father Richard Delisle. The musical group Levite will be at the La Salette coffee house Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. Every Wednesday all are invited to the La Salette/Divine Mercy Holy Hour held in the chapel at7: 15 p.m. DIGHTON - The Office of Adult Education will offer a 4week

course, "Introduction to Mary," at St. Peter Church Feb. 12,19,26 and March 6 from 7-8 p.m. The course will use the Catechism of the Catholic Church to instruct on the key teachings on Mary and wilFexplain consecration ,to Jesus through Mary according to St. Louis de Montfort. The instructor is Lisa M. Gulino, director of the Adult Education office. Call 678-2828 for more information. FAIRHAVEN - S1. Joseph's parish invites everyone to join its monthly community gathering, "Soup's On," Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. in Damien Hall. There will be. a variety of homemade soups and salads· available. For information or to

Sister PreJean nominated fo·r a Nobel Prize By LAURA.B·. DUHE CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

BATON ROUGE, La - Sister Helen Prejean, a Sister of S1. Joseph of Medaille and wellknown opponent of the deathpenally, said Feb. 2 she has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize: Sister Prejean's comments came as she was fielding calls from the media around the world concerning the execution scheduled the next day in Texas of condemned killer Karla Faye Tucker. Sister Prejean, who met with Tucker and others on Texas' death . row last fall, said the actual act of putting somebody to death is lost on many. ih this country, due to the abstractness of capital punishment. "We distance ourselves from them," meaning those facing. death by execution, Sister Prejean said in a·telephone interview from New Orleans with The Catholic Commentator, newspaper of. the Diocese of Baton Rouge. "They are not human, they have crossed' the line;" she said. "When we see she's human, that she's obviously. a. sensitive, loving person, we identify with her, and it maRes it harder. for us to kill her.'" Sister Prejean, who is a native of Baton Rouge, was worki ng with the poor in New Orleans when a simple request to·write to Louisiana death-row inmate Elmo Patrick Sonnier changed her. life and her ministry. She wrote back to him and realized he was all alone, she has said. "My heart was drawn to hiiil and I began visiting him. One thing led to another and'! became the last face he saw before he died."

That experience was so terri- death-penalty advocates. She said fying that Sister Prejean could not the revision removed wording that watch Sonnier be executed. She allowed for the death penalty in did watch two other inmates· die cases of "extreme gravity." in Louisiana'~ electric .chair. She said she feels she may .. She drew on the' three execu- have played at· least a small part· tions for her·.besHelling book in the revision. Last January she "Dead Man Walki ng." The book's sent Pope' John PauJ:II a letter outsuccess allowed her to take her lining her views on the death penanti-death penalty message alty. around the' world. In an interview with the It later became the basis for a Brooklyn diocesan newspaper, critically acclaimed movie of the The Tablet, Sister"Prejean said her same title, featuring Susan letter to the pope "tackled headSarandon, who won an Academy on the traditional teaching which Award in 1995 for her portrayal allows the death penalty in cases of Sister Prejean. of extreme gravity and absolute About the Nobel nomination, necessity and showed him how Sister Prejean said she would these words were being used by gladly accept the honor if she its supporters." were chosen to re- ..........--,.....-.,......, ceive it, especially if it meant advancing the debate on the death penalty in the United States. The prize comes with more than $ I: million that she said· would go to her order. "I, would be glad in that it might help my country abolish the death penalty," she said. "We don't bat an eye at the death penalty in the U.S.," she continued," but in other parts of the world they are lining \ up to abolish the death penalty." Sister Prejean said she was encouraged by last year's revi~ sion of the "Catechism of the Catholic Church" that she said "de- fanged" SISTER HELEN PREJEAN wording used by

HYANNIS - Catholic Social Services will hold an information session at 261 South S1. Feb. 11 from 7-9 p.m. for people interested in adopting an older/special needs child. For further information call 771-6771. A support group for parents, families and friends of gays and lesbians will meet on Feb. 9 and the second Monday of each month, from 7-8:30·p.m. at the Catholic Social Services building. The group'offers support in a safe and confidential setting and newcomers are welcome. For information· call 77'1-6771. HYANNIS - The Life Issues Resource Center provides educational material regarding adoption, legislative issues surrounding abortion, pamphlets, videos, speakers and referrals for anyone needing hefp with an unplanned.pregnancy. Sponsored by Massachusetts Citizens For Life the center is open Tues. through Thurs. from 1I a.m. to 4p.m. and Sat 11 a.m. to' I p.m. For more information call 7712255. MANSFIELD- A series of four monthly Natural Family Planning

classes will begin on Fl~b. 15 from 2-4 p.m. at S1. Mar.y's parish center. To preregister or for more information contact Jon· or Maureen Howey at 339-4730. The Pro-Life Committee of St. Mary's will meet at the parish Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. New members welcome. For information call Mary Hughes at 339-8517. MASHPEE - The fr:iendly visitor program· of Christ the King parish S1. Vincent de Paul Society seeks volunteers to visit homebound seniors for an hour or more weekly. For information call Lynne Waterman at 477-7766. NEW BEDFORD .. A young adult basketball game will be held at Holy Name parish on Feb. 24 from 7-9 p.m. Men and women are invited for an evening of fLin, exercise, and friendship and all skill levels of players are welcome. For more information conract Angie Byers or. Bud Miller at 678-2828. TAUNTON - The District Council of Catholic Women will hold its open board meeting'on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Sacred' Heart Church hall. Michael Reilly of the St. Frances Samaritan House will be the guest speaker and all are welcome to attend. WEST HARWICH - The S1. Francis of Peace Fraternity, SFO, will meet on Feb. 8 at the Holy Trinity Church. Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 R.m. and a business meeting and refreshments will- follow. Inquirers welcome. FOJ information call Katherine Fit:~gerald at 394-0323.

Vatican, Rome diocese enter on new dialo~~ue •

New apostolic constitution deals with changing situation'involving Muslims and other religions currently in Rome. By LYNNE WElL CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY - A new papal instruction on relation!: between the Vatican and the Rome Diocese takes note of the changing situation in Italy for Muslims and immigrants. Pope'John'PauIU delivered the document Feb. 2 to Cardina.! Camillo Ruini, his vicar for the Diocese of Rome. The new'apostolic constitution, "Ecclesia in Urbe" ("The Church in the City"), was released the same day. The document noted that the church had undertaken "works of welcoming and solidarity toward Islam and otheneligions present in Rome, as welI:as dialogue and collaboration, in order: to off,;:r them a clear testimony to the' faith and: to Christian life." It also called inter-religious dialogue with the city's Jewish community "an objective of the' Church of Rome" in keeping with the precepts of the Second Vatican Council. Noting that poverty in Rome had grown, particularly among its immigrant population, the document said the situation pre~lented "a stimulus for demonstrating the Church of Rome's traditional spirit of welcoming and solidarity throughout the centuries." The decentralization of public offices charged with immigrant affairs· "requires Christians to be present and to participate. with an acute sense of responsibility," the apostolic constitution said. "Rome presents all the characteristics of a capital'of a modern state, in which the problems and difficulties of the entire.nation are reflected as if in a mirror," the document said. "This seat of the principa:l national institutions, a cultural, social and political center of primary importance, contributes to creating' particular needs for its residents." Pope John Paul said· the new apostolic constitution was meant to bring the Vatican-Rome relationship into line with recent changes in canon law and "changing social and ecclesial circumstances" in the Christian community. He noted· that the last such document had been issued 20 years before by Pope Paul VI.


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