02.11.00 by The Anchor

t eanc 0 VOL. 44, NO.6· Friday, February 11, 2000

FALL RIVER, MASS.

FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETIS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

Religious gather for World Day for Consecrated Life By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

FALL RIVER - World Day for Consecrated Life was celebrated on Feb. 6 at St. Mary's Cathedral and it was a chance for religious throughout the diocese to gather together and renew their vows and commitment to the Church. Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., was principal celebrant at the 3 p.m. Mass and was pleased to see so many religious in the Cathedral. "In starting this day three years ago, the Holy Father Pope John Paul II, reminds us of the great gift of consecrated life," the bishop said. "Consecrated life is at the heart of the Church and is a gift that comes from God. It is a call to belong completely to the Lord and the Holy Father invites all of us to take stock of our own lives and celebrate the great gift the Father has given us." The bishop also asked those in attendance to pray for the many religious who are ill or retired and could not be at the Mass fortheir "life of prayer, service and sacrifice." He stressed that the concern of religious towards all people and their dedication to God and the Church is an important thing. "We owe a debt of gratitude to the religious here in the United States and we thank you." A special banner with logos was on display near the altar and it represented the religious communities of the diocese. People admired it following the Mass and the bishop said it was a delightful display. The Mass was concelebrated by Augustinian Father William T. Garland, La Salette Father Dennis Loomis, Franciscan Father of the ImTurn to page 13 - Day

.~~,!

DOMINICAN SISTER Lorraine Beauchesne presents a photo of

religious order symbols to Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., during Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral celebrating World Day for Consecrated Life. Religious attending the service renewed their vows. (AnchodGordon photo)

Diocesan scholarships now available FALL RIVER - The Diocese of Fall River is again making available through the St. Mary's Education Fund, need-based scholarships for students who will attend Catholic elementary and middle schools in the 20002001 school year. Students currently enrolled in a diocesan elementary or middle school or who are accepted for enrollment for the 2000-2001 school year are eligible to apply. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the principal of the school where their child!children attends or will attend, for further information and an application. Anyone interested in enrolling their child! children in one of the 24 elementary and middle schools in the Fall River Diocese should contact the principal of the school in which they have interest. Once the child is accepted, they then may apply for financial help from the fund. Scholarships from the fund are awarded solely on the basis of financial need. In the current school year, 309 elementary and middle school students are receiving assistance from it. The St. Mary's Education Fund was established by the Fall River Diocese in 1991 from proceeds of the sale of the former St. Mary's Home of New Bedford. The interest from the fund along with receipts from the annual St. Mary's Education Fund Fall Dinner and a summer benefit on Cape Cod provide the financial backing for the yearly scholarships. From 1995-1996 through 1999-2000 more than $1 million was distributed from the proceeds of the efforts of the St. Mary's Education Fund Scholarship Committee to more than 1,400 students in diocesan elementary, middle and high schools. It is anticipated that over $500,000 will be distributed to an additional 400 students during the 2000-200 I school year.

Sounds of silence: mandating quiet time in schools raises questions ~

Even as Catholic Schools Week was being observed, public schools in some states were given time for reflection prior to classes. By CAROL ZIMMERMANN CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON - Across the country there has been a lot of noise in some state legislatures about mandating daily moments of silence in public schools.

In the first days of February, lawmakers As some legislators see it, the minute of silence is a positive step in quelling the vio- in both Colorado and Virginia approved legislation to allow lence in our nation's schools. In Colorado, the Senate education a moment of silence at the start Others see it as committee voted Feb. 3 to advance a of the school day. crossing the line bill to the full Senate that would require of separation be- public schools to have a moment of Similar legislation is pending in tween church "quiet reflection" and to also post the Illinois and Misand state and getting a foot in the ~Te.n_C.o.m.m_a.n.d.m.e.n.t.s•. .. sissippi. A handful of other states door for school • prayer, which the U.S. Supreme Court already have some version of a moment-ofbanned in public schools in a 1962 decision. silence law.

Virginia, like some other states, already has in place the option of observing a moment of silence, but teachers have not been required to announce the purpose of the reflection time and few of its school systems have followed it. In Colorado, the Senate education committee voted Feb. 3 to advance a bill to the full Senate that would require public schools to have a moment of "quiet reflection" and to also post the Ten Commandments. On Feb. 1, Virginia state senators overTurn to page 13 - Silence

Pages 7-10 II Bishop O'Malley's pastoral on marriage II

THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFallRiver- Fri., February '11,2000:

OOhttuary .Mrs. Lucy Mahoney NEW BEDFORD - Mrs. Mrs. Mahoney was a memLucy B. Mahoney, wife of the ber of St. Lawrence Church, late Francis C. Mahoney and New Bedford and its Guard of mother of Father Francis L. Honor, the Helpers of the Holy Mahoney, pastor of Holy Name Souls and St. Luke's Hospital Parish, Fall River, died Febru- Alumni Association. She was ary 4, several weeks short of awarded the Marian Medal from the Diocese of Fall River her 101st birthday. Born in New Bedford, the 'on Dec. 7,1990. She enjoyed crocheting. daughter of the late Thomas J. and the late Johanna (Moore) Besid~s her priest son, she Leonard, she was raised in St. leaves two daughters, Marie M. Leonard's, Newfoundland and Fitzgerald of South Dartmouth in 1915 returned to New Bed- and' Louise Whelton' of ford where she lived for the rest Wayland; five grandchildren of her life. She attended and two great-grandchildren. Fitchburg Normal School and She was the mother of the late . was graduated from St. Luke's Anne C. Francis'. Hospital School of Nursing in Her funeral Mass was cel1921. She was a registered ebrated Monday in St. nurse who worked as a visiting Lawrence Church. Burial was nurse and home nursing in- in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Bedford.. structor.

Saint Anne's Hospital gratefully acknowledges contributions to the Tribute Fund during December." . Through your generosity, our mission of "Caring for our Community" is profoundly enhanced.

IN MEMORY OF: Frank Andrade James P. Bird Antone Britto Irene Capeto Jeanette Chaunt Ruth M. Connery Dorothy Fillion Theodore Fillion Maria Franco Joseph R. Glennon Edward Iwanski Kathleen A. Keame Romeo Levesque Arthur J. McGough, Jr. Anne Martins ' Anna Natale James O'Brien· James O'Neill Arthur Paulhus Mary Pemberton Stephen Plichta Lucy Sparks Gail Squillace Anthony Vasconcellas Mary Viveiros Fred Weglawski

Stella Beben George Botelho Alice E. Brodeur The Casey Family Vincent Coady Joseph Desjardins James Fillion Adaline Franco Mariana Franco ' Elizabeth C. Harrington Mr. & Mrs. Jan Iwanski David Laberge Geraldine Lucciola Jeanne Macinnis Lionel Medeiros Genevieve Nowak Michael O'Brien . Raymond E. Parise Mary Ann Pelletier Rev. Felician Plichta Courtland Roach Gennaine SI. Pierre Mary O. Sullivan Nonnan J. Vautrin Stacey Viveiros Sr. M. Wilfreda

Helen Biello Victor B. Boucher Beatrice Capeto Alme Chaunt John E. Collier Walter J. Eaton Paul Fillion Antone Franco Albert R. Gauthier Willie Holmes Antoinette Janeczko Mr. & Mrs. Hennan Lapointe. Sr. Therese Lussier Richard N. Marshall Edward C. Michno . Stanley Nowak Richard O'Brien Mildred Partington Raymond Pelletier Mary Plichta Mr. & Mrs. John Ryan Joseph C. Saulino VYilfridA Talbot Manuel Viveiros Wayne Viveiros

THE BOURNE Council of the Knights of Columbus recently held its annual Basketball Free Throw Championship at the St. Margaret Parish Center, Buzzards Bay. Winners will advance to the regional tournament. Front row: Sean Hester; seated from left: Justin Secher, Eric Chapman, Zoel Roy Jr. and Justin Chapman; standing: Larsen Coffin, Kendra Forde, Ken Pereira, Amanda Hester and Fred Alden.

Parent education series will focus on managing asthma FALL RIVER - Parents can learn what causes asthma, how to avoid flareups and how to control asthma at a series of educational meetings in this city and New Bedford offered by the SouthCoast Asthma Educational Support Gro'~p,' an .affiliation of Catholic Social Services and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. "Catholic Social Services believes these meetings can help parents to keep their children healthier, avoid lost school and work time, reduce stress and fatigue and prevent trips to the

Daily Readings Feb 14

Jas1:1-11;Ps 119:67-68,7172,75-76; Mk 8:11-13 Feb 15 Jas 1:12-18; Ps ·94:12-15,18-19; Mk8:14-21 Feb 16 Jas 1:19-27; Ps 15:2-5; Mk 8:2226 Feb'17 Jas 2: 1-9; Ps 34:2-7; Mk 8:27-

Maiy Pallotta

Feb 20

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MaJaER CARf'TAS CHRISTI •

HEAlTH CARE SYSTEM 'M cf

c.c.n-

31, 1999

L.'_'_-_._._ ._._.- - - - - - - -_ _---'

Jas 2: 14-24,26; Ps 112:1-6; Mk 8:34-9:1 Jas 3:1-10;'Ps 12:2-5,7-8; Mk 9:2-13 Is 43:18-19,2122,24b-25; Ps 41 :2-5,13-14; 2 Cor 1:18-22; Mk 2:1-12

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SAINT ANNE'S HOSPITAL

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In ·Y~ur Pray'crs ...

Please p~ay for the followlng priests d~ring the coming week

33 Feb 18 Feb 19

IN HONOR 01<':

emergency room due to asthma," Asthma Medications," Dr. Katz; says Denise Porche, coordinator May 16, "Caretaker Stress Manof the SouthCoast Asthma Edu- agement"; and June 13, "Managing Your Environment," with cational Support Group." There will be time for ques- Quigley as group leader. In New Bedford, at Our Lady tions and answers and for parents to share ideas with each other in of the Assumption Parish Center a group setting. Different topics where Spanish translations and and speakers will be featured at freechildcare will be available, monthly meetings, The pro- the series will be held: Feb. 16, grams, which will run from 6 to "ABCs of Asthma," Dot Cabral, 7:30 p.m., are free and open to LPN; March 15, "Managing and Preventing Asthma," Dr. J.P. the public. In Fall River, where the ses- McGuire; April 26, "Use and Missions will be held at Santo Christo use of Asthma Medications," Dr. Parish Center, and at which Por- McGuire; May 17, "Caretaker tuguese translations will be of- Stress Management"; and June 14, fered, the dates, topics and speak- "Managing Your Home Environers will be: Feb. 15, "The ABCs ment," with Cabral as group of Asthma," Jean Quigley, RN; leader. For more information call March 14, "Managing and Preven.ting Asthma," Dr. Alan Katz; Catholic Social Services at (508) April 25, "Use and Misuse of 674-4681.

,An:hOr,·P,O..Box 7,.FaII River,.MA.02722.

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February.14 1932, Rev. Charles E. Cler\S.-"Pastof.'St. Roeh, Fall River 1980, Rev. Msgr.-Franeis-E. MtKeon, Pastor Emeritus, Sacred Heart, Taun~~ . \\. . February 15 1910, Rev. Joseph G. Lavalle, Past<;>t;St. Mathieu, Fall River 1957, Rev. James C. Conlon, Pastor, St. Mary, Norton \

February 16 1983, Rev. Alphonse J. LaChapelle, As~i~tant, Holy Ghost, Attleboro \

February 1~ " . 1895, Rev. Andrew J. Brady, Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River 1953, Rev. Leopold Jeurissen, SS.CC., Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fairhaven \

February 20 \ \ 1922, Rev. James H. Fogarty, Pastor, St. LoJis;' Fall River 1986, Rev. Raymond M. Giguere, O.P., Assis~nt, St. Anne, Fall River '..r'-)

lHEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., February 11,2000

George Weigel's columns to run in The Anchor Editor's Note: A syndicated column by 'well-known author George Weigel, a Roman Catholic theologian and essayist, as weD as one of the outstanding social critics of our times, will soon be running regularly in The Anchor. Weigel, Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., is a Roman Catholic tbeologian and one of America's leading commentators

GEORGE WEIGEL

on issues of religion and public life. A native of Baltimore, he was educated at St. Mary's Seminary and University there, and at the University of St. Michael's College in Toronto. In 1975 he became assistant professor of theology and assistant (later acting) dean of studies at St. Thomas Seminary in Kenmore, Wash., near Seattle. In 1977 he was named scholar in residence at the World Without War Council of Greater Seattle, a position he held until 1984. During that time he was a regular columnist for The Catholic Northwest Progress and the Seattle Weekly. In 1984-85, Weigel wa~ a fellow of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. There, he wrote "Tranquillitas Ordinis: The Present Failure and Future Promise of American Catholic Thought on War and Peace" (1987). He IS the author or editor of 12 books, including "Catholicism arid the Renewal ofAmerican Democracy" (1989); "Freedom and Its Discontents" (1991); "Just War and

Saint Anne's appoints director FALL RIVER- Saint Anne's Hospital recently appointed Norman G. Zinger program director at the Center for Behavioral Medicine at the hospital. Zinger will oversee the management and day-to-day operations of its geropsychiatric partial hospital program, which provides short-term intensive treatment for people ove'r the age of 55 who are experiencing psychiatric problems. These may include depression, anxiety, grief, confusion and memory problems. . Zinger is from Portsmouth, R.I., and holds a master's degree in social work from West Virginia University. He has previously served as the program director for the Horizon Mental Health Management Corporation for 15 years. Since 1984 he has managed and marketed psychiatric inpatient and

outpatient services. He has also developed new geropsychiatric treatment programs, acute care partial hospitalization programs and adolescent treatm¢nt programs in West Virginia and Ohio.

VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II has named U.S. Cardinal Bernard F. Law of Boston as a member of the Congregation for Bishops. The announcement last week increases the number of U.S. cardinal members of the congregation to five out of 26. The congregation is in

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Pope names Cardinal Law to Congregation for Bishops· By CAlliOLIC NEWS SERVICE

the Gulf War" (1991); and "The Final Revolution: The Resistance Church and the Collapse of Communism" (1992). In addition to his books, Weigel has contributed op-ed columns, essays and reviews to major U.S. opinion journals and newspapers. From 1986-89 Weigel served as founding president of the James Madison Foundation. In 1989 he assumed the position ofpresident of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, where he has led a wide-ranging, ecumenical and inter-religious program of research and publication on foreign and domestic policy issues. He is currently Senior Fellow of the

center and is writing a biography of Pope John Paul II. Weigel and his wife, Joan, live in North Bethesda, Md., with two of their three children, and are frequently to be found in Baltimore's

charge of preparing the pope's nominations of bishops around the world. Cardin~1 Law is already a member of Vatican congregations for Eastern churches, sacraments, evangelization of peoples, religious, clergy and education. He is also a member of the Vatican councils for culture and the family.

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-THEANCHOR-,- Diocese of Fall River --:Fri., February n,7OQQ... '

the living word

the moorin&...Abolishing the death penalty The governor of Illinois should be congratulated. Last week he announced a moratorium on executions in his state. This action was prompted by the well-founded concern that the state might execute innocent people. Since the death penalty was renewed in Illinois, 13 people on death row have been exonerated. One of those men found innocent came within two days of his execution! It must always be remembered that the inalienable right to life of every human individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation. This right must always be respected by civil society and representative political authority. .Thes~ human rights depend neither on individuals nor the state; they belong to human nature and are inherent in the person. The Church has reflected 路in its teaching: "The moment a positive law' deprives a category of human' beings of the protection which civil legislation should accord them, the state is denyipg the equality of. all before the law." When the state' does not place its power at the service of the rights of each citizen, the very foundation of a body politic based on law is undermined. The Illinois decision is indeed an upholding of just law in its truest sense. In the last few years the !TIad rush to execute has been an appalling denial of human rights. Many states simply do not follow due process, denying the accused legal rights such as public defenders. It is interesting to note that Florida and Texas, the Bush boys' states, are determined to implement the death penalty regardless of risk. Texas has become almost notorious . in its failure to ensure a non-partisan approach to the appointment of justices. As elected officials, many have run on a death penalty platform. Even our own Commonwealth has adopted a "punishment fits the crime" mind-set. Nationwide, more than 80 people have been released from death rows after their innocence was established. As Illinois Gov. George H. Ryan reflected, it is a question of fundamental fairness; o(ensuring that the guilty are punished,not the innocent. As new means are developed, such as DNA testing, -those charged with the law must not rush to make judgments that will make people guilty before they are tried. Innocence has alway's been the standard of a law that ensures the human rights of its citizens. To pursue the implementation of death penalties in a response to the whims of mass hysteria is juridical suicide. It is wrong for physicians to play God in the matter of abortion; it is equally wrong for politicians to do the same in reference to the death penalty. As campaign 2000 continues its inevitable path, could we hope that. those seeking the highest office of the land speak frankly and honestly on the issue. To win voters and endanger the innocent is villainous. The president of our country has no greater responsibility than to protect the honesty and integrity of our justice system. Candidates who refuse to support reform in the matter of death penalties fail to reflect the moral leadership that is needed to protect the fundamental right of all citizens. Much rhetoric will be heard on this subject as politicians try to win the White House at all costs. Somewhere along the line they must address the life or death mistakes of the system. The only real way to assure innocence, freedom and human rights is to abolish the death penalty. It will pe interesting to see which candidate has the guts to do this.

The Editor

the ancho.<sJ

OfFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Published weekly by The Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River P.O. BOX 7 .887 Highland Avenue Fall River. MA 02720 Fall River, MA 02722-0007 Telephone 508-675-7151 FAX (508) 675-7048 Send address changes to P.O. BOll 7 or call telephone number above

EDITOR GENERAL MANAGER Rev. Msgr. John F. Moore Rosemary Dussault ~

NEWS EDITOR James N. Dunbar

LlAR't flAlSS - FALL R,IVER

GROUP OF DUCKS SOAK IN SOME S.UNSHINE ON ACOLD WINTER AFTERNOON AT THE TURNER RESERVOIR IN EAST PROVIDENCE,

R.I.'

"THE BIRDS OF THE AIR NEST BY THE WATERS; THEY SING AMONG THE BRANCHES. HE WATERS THE MOUNTAINS FROM IDS UPPER CHAMBERS; THE EARTH IS SATISFIED BY THE FRUIT OF HIS WORK" PSALM 104:12-13.

Christianity's future in Asia By FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE I believe that we're reaching an opportune time for the spread of Christianity in Asia, despite the great challenges that face the Church there at the moment. Today there are more than one billion Catholics worldwide. Starting with the Far East, the Philippines have 70 million people, 84 percent of. whom are Catholic. Interestingly, South Korea has the fastest growing number ofconversions in the world. Each year it records approximately 150,000 baptisms. It is also the fourth largest Catholic country in Asia after the Philippines, India and Vietnam.. Although India has a large number of Catholics due to its size, its Catholic population, when compared to other religious populations, constitutes only 1.7 percent of the total. In other Asian countries Catholics are a very small minority. They represent 0.1 percent of China's population, 2.5 percent of Indonesia's, 0.35 percent of

Japan's, 0.66 percent of Pakistan's and 0.18 percent of the population of Bangladesh. Clearly, Catholicism has a long way to go in Asia. But Pope John Paul II seems convinced that it will be a continent where the Gospel will spread widely in the third millennium. The revered spiritual writer, Trappist Father Thomas Merton, had the same belief. Just before his death, Father Merton realized the richness of Eastern spirituality and began to work on new ways to benefit as a Christiari from the strongest aspects of its mysticism. In earlier days in路 the Church, others - in a manner like that of Father Merton - envisioned a similar interaction of Slavic and Greek cultures with Christianityand made it happen. This Christian encounter with local cultures is one reason Christianity spread so rapidly during those times. Just imagine what would happen if the wisdom of Confucius, . Buddha, Mohammed and other Eastern spiritual leaders were

taken seriously by Christians - if authentic dialogue between Christian spirituality and Eastern spiritualities became ordinary rather than extraordinary. Today the Internet is rapidly breaking down barriers that would have taken centuries to cross in the past. This is enabling more people from Western cultures to study Eastern cultures, and vice versa. As the world grows smaller, Asian nations can be expected to exert more and more p~wer and influence in the world. This makes it all the more important that Christianity and the religions and cultures of Asia be in the closest possible dialogue. It becomes inore and more essential that we know each other and that Christian values take deeper root on that continent. I recommend we watch the statistics on Asia closely in the next few years. If Christianity spreads there as Pope John Paul II believes it will, the world will be a safer place. It is essential and possible to bring the peace and love of the Gospel to every part of the world.

THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., February 11,2000

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THREE-MONTH-OLD Kyle, left, and five-week-old Fisher get plenty of attention from their mothers Addrienne Brown, left, and Jennifer Smith and two Sisters of Life, Mary Kolbe Larson, seated, and Mary Sara Fleming. (eNS photo by Maria R. Bastone, Catholic New York)

House for unwed moms called 'bit of heaven in . Hell's Kitchen' By JOHN BURGER

and a birth," she said. Of the 17 women they have NEW YORK - A "little bit of taken in since they moved into Saheaven in Hell's Kitchen" is how cred Heart in 1998,_ seven have Robert 1. Monahan described the given birth. Jennifer Smith, one of six mothresidence for women in crisis pregnancies at Sacred Heart of Jesus ers now living at the convent, gave Convent on Manhattan's West Side. birth to a son, Fisher, in late DeGranted, Hell's Kitchen, as it cember. . ''This is a really supportive enonce was called, is not the fearsome neighborhood it used to be, but the vironment," she told Catholic New Sisters ofLife at Sacred Heart have . York: ~'The sisters are there to go to developed a recipe there that serves the doctor with.us or provide spirias an antidote to the ,"culture 6f tual help cir help us with the babies -, death" many say is permeating so- . or just talk to us. '. "It's important to me, especially ciety today. The women call their residence since I'm not married and my famin the neighborhood now known ily is so far away. It gives me a as Clinton, a "holy respite" - a chance to get myself together to peaceful, prayer-filled environment provide for Fisher and myself." Smith said that although she is where maternity services and a helpnot Catholic, she appreciates the ing hand are offered. "Here women are welcomed into sisters' offer of spiritual help. ''They're here to pray for us and the arms ofJesus, to let them know that they are a unique and with us," she said. "We're inunrepeatable creation," said vited to go to chapel with them. Monahan, who is retired from Wall The whole environment is Street and active in Catholic causes. peaceful. We can sort through He spoke to a gathering in the our problems. It gives us a lot hall at Sacred Heart Church after a of space. I feel very respected and supported as awoman here." recent Mass. U.S. Rep. Christopher H. He and well-known speaker and author Father Benedict J. Smith, R~N.J., a Catholic who Groeschel, a Franciscan Friar of the chairs the Congressional ProRenewal, have formed the Friends Life Caucus, said at the recepof the Sisters of Life in response to tion after Mass that the Sisters New York, Cardinal John J. of Life offer a vision that O'Connor's concern for putting the counters the fact the vulnerable congregation he founded on asound are often ignored, . financial footing. . He said that prayer is essen"Cardinal O'Connor has said . tial to the success of the Prothat the 'cathedral' he wishes to leave Life movement and called on is the Sisters of Life," Father guests to imitate the sisters in Groeschel told 100 persons duri!1g praying for the conversion of the Mass at Sacred Heart. "His ca- politicians who support aborthedral will be well cared for when tion. "This means praying for the Clintons, praying for the he goes home for his reward." Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, Gores," he said. The sisters, who also have superior general of the Sisters of Life, told Catholic New York, two convents in the Bronx, archdiocesan newspaper, that might open a fourth in upstate women in crisis pregnancies often Suffern this spring. Retreats would be given need "a place where they can rest there for people in the Pro-Life and get their bearings." "Often they're desperate for a movement by, among others, place to stay, and this may make Cardinal O'Connor, if his the difference between an abortion health permits it. CAlliOUC NEWS SERVICE

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508-672-6400

TIlEANCHOR':'- Diocese ~fFall River- Fri., February 11,2000

Are·there services for a miscarried child? Q. Three years ago, my first pregnancy ended tragically in a miscarriage at home. My husband and I were devastated and were· left trying to decide how to humanely dispose of the body. Our parish priest told us that the Catholic Church makes no provision for miscarried babies. Why is there no service of any kind to memorialize our children who die before birth? Some form of liturgy would greatly aid the grieving process parents face. (Massachusetts) A. You are right. The special kind of hurt that can result from the death of one's child before it is bom deserves to be recognized and soothed by the community's prayer and liturgy. Perhaps your priest was not aware that Catholic funeral guidelines adapt in several ways to experiences like yours, which unfortunately are not uncommon. First, full funeral rites may be celebrated for children whose parents intended them to be baptized but who died before baptism. Since there is no requirement that the body be present, a funeral or memorial Mass is totally appropriate after a miscarriage. Other ceremonies, with prayers and Scripture readings chosen to meet the particular needs of the family and friends, are possible and entirely appropriate. These provisions are explained in the Church's "Or-

der ofChristian Funerals" in the sec- service ofJesus Christ, baptism ritu- 2,7). alized that commitment and at the Marriage, in his view, was essention on funeral rites for children. Q. In connection with my re- same time was the channel of grace tial for the human race, but sex was sponsibilities as a deacon, I'm re- needed to become faithful Chris- ' a dangerous force that could destroy questing any information you tians. Other sacraments later fol- society. For centuries this teaching might offer about the history of lowed this understanding, each in made it difficult to assume that marriage is a sacrament. Christian marriage. Certainly the its own way. It was this understanding, that the The sacramentality of marriage, first converts to Christianity from among the pagans and Jews did sacraments are themselves sources of course, was closely related to the not receive the sacrament of mar- of God's life and help, that kept Church's involvement in the wedmarriage off the "official" list for ding ceremony. In early Christian riage as we know it today. My question is, When did the many centuries. Marriage, particu- centuries the Church generally fol~_"'I..- lowed Roman marriage Church establish matrimony as a sacrament? ,...-----------£-:-:-::::aii laws. A Christian marriage was simply one between Why was this done? two baptized persons who (Florida) dedicated themselves to live· A. Anything approachtheir faith in Christ together. ing a complete response to By the year 400, some both ofyour questions is far bishops and priests began to beyond the scope ofthis colBy Father bestow a blessing to the umn. Some background inJohn J. Dietzen formation, however, should· _ couple, either the day behelp your search. fore the marriage or at the First, in order to understand your larly sexual intercourse, was widely festivities following the civil cerquestion "why," it is essential to re- accepted as necessary to alleviate emony. The only Christians then acmember what the word "sacrament" sexual desire and to have children, tually bound to receive a Church means. In pre-Christian times, a but in itself it could not be a source blessing of their marriages, by de"sacramentum" was the Latin term ofgrace, since sexual desire and ful- cree of Popes St. Siricius and St. for a pledge of money, for example fillment, even in marriage, was al- Innocent I, were priests and deacons. in lawsuits. The loser forfeited his ways bad. . Gradually, more marriages were deposit. St. Augustine, who wrote more celebrated as sacred ceremonies, until Later it was the oath of loyalty about marriage than any other early around the year 800 when liturgical to Roman officers and gods, taken theologian, believed sexual relations weddings in church were widely acby recruits for military service. This were sinful, and anyone who en- cepted as normal. was the meaning ofthe word picked gaged in them committed sin. "A It took a long time, however, up by the early Christians for their man who is too ardent a lover of his before theologians could also .wife," he taught, "is an adulterer, if knowledge marriage as a sacrament, primary ceremony of initiation. When people cortunitted them- .the pleasure he finds in her is sought an authentic source of grace just selves to a new life of holiIless and for its own sake" ("Against Julian," the other six sacraments.

Questions an d Answers

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_ Augustine's concept that original sin was transmitted from parents to children by sexual intercourse remained strong. From St. Thomas Aquinas onward, however, it increasingly was accepted that Christian marriage is a true sacrament, continuing throughout their life, and enabling husbands and wives to live and grow in a holy life together. At last, the ecumenical councils ofFlorence (l439) and Trent (l 563) listed marriage as one of the seven sacraments. According to Trent, the fathers, councils and tradition of the Church "have always taught that marriage should be numbered among the sacraments." Catholic teaching today contains many other profoundly rich biblical, theological and psychological insights on the sacrament of marriage. That marriage is a full-fledged sacrament, however, a source of divine grace for Christians in that vocation, remains of course the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. A free brochure, in English or Spanish, outlining marriage regulations in the Catholic Church and explaining the promises in an interfaith marriage is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651. Questions may be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address, .or e-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.

~toryt~lIh,g

"The greatest of teaching tools I was having a conversation with a friend who clout of storytelling; and so she chose that form of said she no longer went to church even though she teaching. "Jesus," she pointed out, "was 1 a magwas raised a Catholic. As she talked, she went on nificent storyteller." In the past 18 years, Crehan about how difficult it was to keep to all the rules. has presented "Stories of Angels," "Women Who It became clear to me that she had gotten stuck Have Encountered Jesus" and other Gospel stories somewhere along the to young people and way in a morass of do's adults. l;lnd don'ts. She had I found we were on never held hands with the same wavelength the one who expressed when she said, "Somelove, over and over, in where along the way in words and actions. our tradition we seem to I ventured to tell her have focused our teachthat I long ago had ing on creeds, formulas By Antoinette Bosco. learned that the story and doctrines, instead of came first, before the the ongoing story of theology and the catGod's great care for his echism. I suggested she people. Let's first tell get to know Jesus, and I started telling her stories the story!" about who Jesus was. Crehan has learned the power of a s'tory in the Actually, I had a lot of help doing that. I had reactions of her audiences. "A holy peace seems to just read a wonderful book called "Stories to Tell enter a place when a story begins." She speaks in and How to Tell Them," subtitled, "I Remember first person so a story comes very alive. "A story Jesus." The stories are all first-person accounts, puts images in a person's head, and they remain. remembrances of different characters that take the That's the power of story to connect with the imagilisteners on a journey through the most important nation, the deep, wonderful space where time and events in the life of Jesus. I wanted to talk to the place are suspended." author, Diane Crehan, and called the publisher, Crehan is a mother of six who has lost two chil~ Twenty-Third Publications, to get her phone num- dren. She lost a baby girl at 16 months and a son ber. Surprisingly, I found she lived only a few at age 29. Only by the grace of God did she and miles away from me and that both of us are inher husband find peace and joy. volved with work for the Institute for Religious Jesus' story, Crehan said, has the unforgettable Education and Pastoral Studies program at Sacred climax that "from death comes life." Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. Always a small Crehan's book is especially suited for parents world! to help them learn how to become storyteller Crehan explained that she started as a story- teachers for their children, with emphasis on the teller when she was asked to lead a parish confir- Bible. "There's a power in telling stories," she said, mation retreat. Trained in elocution, she knew the "and parents should use this."

The Bottom· Line

LOCAL RESIDENTS visit a beachside memorial to crash victims of Alaska Airlines flight 261 in Oxnard, Calif. The plane, heading for San Francisco, developed mechanical problems and crashed nearby in the Pacific Ocean Jan. 31. More than 80 people were on board. (CNS photo from Reuters)

THEANCHOR- Diocese of Fall River- Fri., February ~ 1,2000

MARRIAGE: AN AMERICAN CRISIS ...·A

PASTORAL LETTER OF

BISHOP SEAN P. O'MALLEY, OFM CAP. . . ,..

Dearly beloved in Christ,

life. Between 1960 and 1990, the num- the Oval Office, but around the dinner ber of children who experienced the tables where loving parents share their the Colonial period, French his- divorce oftheir parents increased from life, their faith, their friendship with their torian, Alexis de Tocqueville, in his ob- less than one percent to more than 50 children at meal times, when families servations about our country wrote: percent, and one-third of the children come together to be nourished by prayer, "Religion is often powerless to restrain born today are born out of wedlock. by conversation, by being together. men in the midst of innumerable temp- Divorce was touted as a means to tations which fortune offers. It cannot greater equality for woman. Actually, P ope John Paul II has said in moderate their eagerness to enrich them- divorce has contributed to the femini- "Familiaris Consortio:" that the first selves, which everything contributes to zation ofpoverty. After a divorce, moth- and fundamental contribution ofthe famarouse, but religion reigns supreme in ers and children typically experience a ily to society is the, "very experience of the souls of the women who shape 73percent decline in their standard of communion and sharing that should charmores. Certainly, of all countries in the living, while men experience a 42 per- acterize the family's daily life." By beworld, America is the one in which the cent increase. In 90 percent of the di- coming what it is meant to be, the fammarriage. tie is most respected and vorces, the responsibility of raising the ily is the first and most efficacious school where the highest and truest concep- . children falls to the women. No won- of socialization, which takes place tion of conjugal happiness has been der a woman in the Irish Dilll said that, through their welcoming of each other, conceived." "a woman voting for divorce is like a their disinterested availability, their generous service, turkey voting their deep soliTwo centuries later, we do not find for Christmas." darity. the same optimism. In responding to a national survey in 1980 asking AmeriThe Holy cans if they held the ideal of two people Violence I I······· I . Father has sharing a life and a home together, 96 against written in his percent ofall Americans agreed with this women and I': letter to famiideal of an enduring relationship. Yet, children has lies: "It is not when aske~ whether "most couples get- also increased an exaggerating married today exPect to remain mar- dramatically tion to reaffirm the ried for the rest of their lives", 60 per- with that the life of cent said "No." Love and commitment breakup of nations passes the family. are attractive, but difficult. through the According to t jf')f . \ ' .~ ~~ family ... and his 1994 "Letter to Families," the Surgeon Pope John Paul II identifies soine ofthe . General, the ~I .~~. % through the basic dangers to family life tOOay: a ram- home is often Yj~are "---.~_......JLdI family passes ~ II . /Y 'P~" the primary pant individualism opposed to true per'- more danger1~.Jt(e.dlf)eK.".' ~ current of the sonalism, the ethic of utilitarianism that ous for civilization of treats persons as an object of use, a du- women and tove." alism reminiscent ofthe ancient ideolo- children than . gies ofGnosticism and Manichaeism. All the streets. On these evils encourage selfishness and he- average, 57,000 wives are violently as~ COHABITATION donism, and give rise to the plague of saulted each year by their husbands, divorce and the anti-life mentality so 216,000 by ex-husbands, and 200,000 W hen the rich young man asks manifest in the widespread practice of by their boyfriends. The risk ofphysical and sexual abuse against children has es- Jesus what he must do to receive eternal contraception and abortion. calated, often due to the absence of the life, he is expressing our human longing ''Love and marriage go together like biological father and presence of boy- for happiness, true happiness that is more than' pleasure, or having fun, or being a horse and carriage," and. in some sec- friends and other transient males. entertained, happiness that is complete tors of modem society they are becomThe sad statistics ofAmerican life in and forever -living in God's love for ing as obsolete as that outmoded form oftransportation. The Boston Globe un- the 90s adds up to a typical family with all eternity. Jesus' initial response is: der the rubric, "Goodbye Ozzie and a higher degree ofinstability, more stress, "Keep the Commandments." That is the Harriet," reports that only seven percent and greater personal turmoil than is com- fIrst program for happiness, for social of American households have stay-at- monly recognized. Often chemical so- justice, and for world peace. home moms and working dads. Even lutions are used to solve spiritual probMany oftoday's most serious social in times of prosperity, our economy is lems, and separation is used to solve inand spiritual problems exist as a result terpersonal problems. not family-friendly. The same report of our neglect to live the Commanddocuments the fact that only 36 perBelievers who are "married in the ments. What is more alarming is that by cent of the U.S. households are comprised of married folk; the other 64 Lord" have a special role in salvaging not obeying the Commandments we percent are made up of single parents, society from the free-fall spiral that threat- jeopardize happiness in this life and in ens civilization itself. The grave prob- eternity. As Americans we are great lovcouples who cohabit, widows, etc. lems that beset our world today will not ers of freedom. It has been our glory to find solutions around the great oak con- exalt democracy and liberty, but we By the same token, the divorce revolution has taken its toll on family ference tables in Geneva, New York, or sometimes forget that true freedom is

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based on truth and implies sacrifices and responsibilities. Today, "freedom" is often a euphemism for individualism or selfIshness. Obeying the Commandments is not easy, and we all have frequent falls. In his moving sermon in "Moby Dick," Father Marple says, "To obey God, we have to disobey ourselves - and that is always hard."

In today's world, many people opt to cohabit and claim to be "following their conscience." Too often, what they mean is "choosing what comes easiest" rather than making a moral decision. Conscience is the voice of God speaking to us in the intimate depths of our heart, helping us to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil. That voice, when authentic, never contradicts the Commandments that Moses brought down from Mount Sinai and which St. Paul says are written on our hearts. The choice to live together outside of marriage is always a violation ofGoo's law. The Church Community is aware of the societal, economic, and culturaljnfluences that weigh so heavily on all of us and that lead many young Catholics to opt for cohabitation. Our objections are not borne ofprudery or an "old-fashioned" world view. The Church has observed the devastation and unhappiness that has been caused by the weakening of the institution of marriage and the breakdown of family life. Our criticism of cohabitation is not one of selfrighteousness, but rather oftrue pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being of our people and the future of society where materialism and individualism are undermining the common good. People list manyjustifications for cohabitation such as: "It is more economical," "It is a good way to test the relationship," ''We need to know one another before we have children together," "Goo doesn't care;' "Everyone is doing it," "It's a private matter." None ofthese justifications is entirely accurate and only serve to perpetuate the contemporary myth that cohabitation is a reasonable and moral preparation for marriage, or a good alternative to the institution ofmarriage. We used to call it "living in sin." Then we forgot what sin was about, and it became "living together." The more technical term is cohabitation, but in a word it is "joining together what God has not." The results for many individuals, and for American society as a whole, have been most distressing. In fact, co-

THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., February 11,2000

"THE FAMILY IS THE FIRST THEATER â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘. rious demographers are concerned about a "demographic winter" that could set The Church's regard for the sanctity in during the next 50 years. Aging popu- The average "living arrangement" lasts 15 months. After a year of sharing oflife extends to the marriage act which lations of the developed nations of the an apartment and a life with someone as in God's plan is at once unitive and pro~ West and the AIDS epidemic on the ifhusband and wife, "parting can be such creative. Contraception separates these African continent are going to have very ~weet sorrow." It can be as painful as a two meanings that God has inscribed in grave consequences. Many Western nadivorce, giving rise to the modem phe- the being ofa man and a woman. ''Thus tions are experiencing negative populanomenon of "premarital divorce"; and, the innate language that expresses the tion growth rates. The Italians, Spanish, far from producing marital stability, when total reciprocal self-giving of husband French Canadians, Austrians, and cohabitating couples do get rrul.rried they and wife is overlaid, through contracep- Swedes are on the way to contracepting . tion, by a ... contradictory and aborting themselves into extinction. language, namely that ofnot The United Nations estimates that giving oneselftotally to the for $40 billion per year, the world's poor other" (F.c.): "Shared prayet and time could have adequate food, water, saniContraception which tation, health care, and education... a spent together are essential "sterilizes" a marriage act is sum that could be acquired by asking ways of strengthening family life substantially different from the 225 richest people to contribute four marital relations to percent of their wealth. The problem is and the vocation of married life. limiting periods ofnatural infertility. not so much one of population but of The- capacity for forgiveness, In fact, if a couple always selfIshness. practices contraception, the service, and self~discipline must Church The second myth about the Catholooks on that marbe cultivate'd in young hearts if riage as unconsummated. lic Church's teachirig is that Catholics are supposed to have as many children they are to grow into men and as God will send them or practice "Roman Roulette," as the Rhythm Method NATURAL FAMILY women apt for the vocation of waS dubbed because of its defIciencies. PLANNING married life." This .is a,parody of what the Church Currently, ~ striking teaches. The Church simply asks marcommercial is being aired on ried coupl~s to respect the marriage act. television that advertises In the ScriptUres and in the Magisterium birth-control pills. The ad portrays a love, marriage, sexuality, and transmishave 50 percent higher odds of divorce. beautiful young woman planning a trip sion of life are inexorably connected, Last yefU", Rutgers University published a report: "Should We Live ToAs Catholics we believe in the words to Paris as she explains that she is put- and connected, in that order. Natural famgether? What Young Adults Need To ofJames Healy: "...that sexual intimacy ting off having children by taking con- ily planning (N.F.P.) respects the integKnow About Cohabitation Before Mar- fmds its true home in marriage: a public, traceptives. She explains how these pills rity of the marital act which should alriage." Doubtless, the study was faithful, exclusive commitment to each not only prevent pregnancy but are also ways be an act of love open to life, a prompted by the growing acceptance of other, and an equally important lifetime good for one's complexion. This idyllic true giving of oneself. cohabitation in our country. There are commitment to the children who may soliloquy is followed by a moment of Since the time ofPius XII, the popes now more than 4.2 million couples who be created from this marriage" ("Living truth, a disclaimer, no doubt written by cohabit. It has also had an influence on Together & Christian Commitment" P.3). able corporate lawyers, saying that the .have called upon scientists to develop the thiriking oftoday's high school stuproduct does nof prevent AIDS or ve- and improve methods of Natural Famdents. The report notes that 60 percent nereal disease, and in some women can ily Planning. New ways to avoid pregofhigh school seniors think, "It is a good cause heart attacks, strokes, and cancer; nancies have been discovered that are SANCTUARY OF LIFE and furthermore, the ominous voice just as effective as those artifIcial means idea to live together before getting married." At the same time that there has Much ofthe violence in our society warns that if you smoke, don't even of birth control which have such dambeen a tenfold increase in couples living comes from a fundamental attack on life think about taking the pill. What the aging spiritual and physical side-effects. together, the marriage rate has dropped itself. The Holy Father calls it "the cul- commercial fails to point out is that the A real breakthrough in N.F.P. was 41 percent. ture of death." But the Church firmly possible physical perils ofcontraception made by two Australian doctors in the believes that human life, even if weak are eclipsed by the spiritual perils that 1950s. The Ovulation Method allows a The fInds ofthe Rutgers Unive~ity and suffering, is always a splendid gift accompanythis practice. couple to know when a woman is fertile study coincide with many other research of God's goodness. Against the pessiprojects on cohabitation. Typically, co- mism and selfIshness which casts a There are two myths about the (about 100 hours per month). Some use habitation results in greater unhappiness. shadow over the world, the Church Catholic Church's teaching on contra- this method to bring about conception, The experience ofcohabitation damages stands for life: in each human life She ception. The fIrst myth IS that the Church others to avoid conception. The method attitudes about pennanence and commit- sees the splendor of that "Yes," that is responsible for a world population ex- is deemed so efficient, cost effective, and ment and makes couples more apt to di- "Amen," who is Christ Himself plosion.. The actual teaching of the trouble-free that even the Chinese govChurch contrasts sharply with this as- ernment is actively promoting it. vorce. Couples who cohabit experience ("Familiaris Consortio" #30). more domestic violence and the use of sertion. The Church advocates that From the point ofview ofa believer, sexual favors as a controlling device irf The family that God meant to be a people have children in the context of a relationship. One British study found safe haven of unconditional love is fast marriage and that they make a respon- N.F.P. is an acceptable way to space that children living with cohabiting par- becoming the venue for the worst crimes sible decision as to the number of chil- one's children and practice responsible ents are 20 times more likely'to be vic- of betrayal: abortion (where parents dren they are capable ofraising and edu- parenthood. The decision about having tims of child abuse as those of married eliminate their own children), and eu- cating. If these injunctions were ob- children is an important moral decision parents. Cohabiting couples have more ,thanasia (where children eliminate their served, the world population prob.lem that a couple must make, before God, fIghts over money. Cohabitators might own parents). Christian marriage and the would be much smaller than it is. In fact, and with a spirit offaith and generosity. end up being "pressured into a marriage" Christian family must be a "Sanctuary the world populationcrisisis itselfsomeOne of the side benefIts 'ofN.F.P. is by circumstances and expectations that of Life." Our reverence for the gift of what ofa myth. (cf. Max Singer, "Poputhat only about two percent of the marAtlantic Monthly.) Selation Surprise," gravely diminish a free and responsible life stands as the centerpiece ofCatholic habitation has been described as, "acancer eating away at the front endof marriage." It has diverted tens ofmillions of Americans from getting married and has increased the odds of divorce of those who marry after living together. Likewise, aPenn State University study confInns that "the more monthsc9fexposure to cohabitation that young people experienced, the less enthusiastic they were toward marriage and childbearing."

decision and commitment.

social doctrine and moral t~aching. ...... ,.

TIIEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., February 11,2000

•••

FOR MARRIAGE PREPARATION."

riages that practice this method ever end empty promise of contraception," and HOPES AND STRATEGIES FOR in divorce. It is oI)eofthe best predictors notes that Japan is about to legalize THE NEW MILLENNIUM of a permanent marriage commitment, the sale of "the pill." Japan presently no doubt because this method demands has the lowest illegitimacy rate and To rescue the family in this time of intimate communication between the the lowest divorce rate of any of the deterioration, we need to consider stratspouses, profound respect for each other, industrialized countries. "The impact egies that will strengthen marriage and and a spirit of self-giving. It takes the of 'the pill' may be more ominous for help families survive the adverse presburden offamily planning from the wife this traditional and family-oriented sures they experience in today's world. and shares it with the husband. country than public officials realize," These strategies need to be developed predicts Teresa Wagner. and reflected upon by our priests, deaSome people think that N.P.P. is too cons, and laity. If we do nothing, the situcomplicated, but it isbeing used successAnother interesting fact is that ation will only continue to grow worse. fully by illiterate people in EI Salvador, newer forms of Natural Family Plan- The following are topics that I recomIndia, and Bangladesh, and many other ning are more efficient than pills or mend to your prayerful reflection. Third World Countries. With a minimal condoms - 18 percent of those who of training, couples are able to practice use condoms and 12 percent of those 1. - The first area ofattention must N.P.P. and avoid the pitfalls ofthe artifi- who take "the pill" experience preg- be how better to prepare people for marcial forms ofcontraception. nancy within two years. It is estimated riage. The preparation needs to be rethat half of those seeking abortions mote as well as proximate. Self-masRecently, a syndicated columnist were using artificial birth control. In- tery and self-giving are indispensable wrote an editorial in the secular press deed, abortion has become an accepted virtues for a successful marriage, and which appeared locally in the Cape Cod· form of birth control. In the United need to be learned from childhood as Times (Oct. 25, 1999): "Pope Paul VI: States, one third ofall pregnancies end part ofour human and religious formaRight on Contraception." The author in abortion. tion. begins by explaining that he was raised a Catholic, but chose to leave the Church atthe age of22 in 1963 because he disagreed with the Church's teaching on birth control. Looking at society since those days, Mr. McManus says he has come to see the wisdom of Paul VI's "Humanae Vitae," the Encyclical that reaffirms the traditional teaching of the Catholic Church (indeed of Christian Churches in general until recent times). He cites the predictions ofPaul VI that widespread use of contraception would lead to "conjugal infidelity and a general lowering of morality." Indeed, since "the pill" began to be sold in 1960, out-of-wedlock births have jumped from 224,000 to 1.2 million, divorces have increased three-fold, abortions have doubled, and cohabi:. tation has increased ten-fold, from 430,000 to 4.2 million. In addition, separating love, sexuality, and the transmission of life has contributed mightily to the degradation of women, confirming another prediction of "Humanae Vitae." .Some Evangelical Christians are beginning to rethink their support of artificial contraception. The Family Research Council recently published an article, "The

The family is the first theater for marriage preparation. Parents should take every opportunity to encourage their children to have a high regard for the Sacrament of Marriage as a pivotal part ofGod's plan for humanity. Shared prayer and time spent together are essential ways ofstrengthening family life and the vocation of married life. The capacity for forgiveness, service, and self-discipline must be cultivated in young hearts ifthey are to grow into men and women apt for the vocation ofmarried life. 2. - Catechetical programs, Catholic school curriculum, youth ministry, retreat movements and Confirmation programs must include some conferences and discussions geared at preparing young Catholics to have a sense of vocation and mission and to have an understanding of, and reverence for, the Sacrament of Marriage. There, too, our young people could be taught the virtues that counteract prevailing cultural trends of promiscuity, materialism, and individualism that undermine people's marriages. 3. -In our parishes and on the diocesan level, we must intensify our efforts to prepare those who come to our parishes asking to be married. Ironically, the other Sacraments receive much more preparation than the Sacrament of Marriage: Confmnation, First Penance . - First Communion Programs are generally two years long. The RC.LA. process consists ofone year of weekly instruction, and preparation for permanent diaconate lasts three or four years, while preparation for the priesthood is six years.

THE HOLY FAMILY

"Christian marriages, sanctuaries of life and love, are a leaven in our world, a beacon of hope for a better future. We have before us the Holy Family at Nazareth, Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Theirs was a community of love and fidelity, and a testimony on the centrality of marriage and family in the history of salvation."

We encourage the introduction of surveys like FOCCUS, a premarital questionnaire that helps measure compatibility between the fiances and facilitates conversations in areas ofdiscrepancies. .

In the proximate preparation, the witness of committed mamed couples, deacons and their wives, and various professionals are an invaluable contribution to the preparation of future mamages. 1

THEANCHOR-DioceseofFallRiver-Fri.,February 11,2000 ,.

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY

I f'

FEB. 13 .

. .............

We all owe a debt of gratitude to 7. - More must be done to acquaint them with great success':-rhese._m~th- marry in Gh~rcQ continue to attend those dedicated individuals who have the community at 'large with the ad- ods are effective and are consistent. _~Church, and aISo have a'prayer life at --~ worked with our Family Life Office vances in Natural Family Plarining that with Catholic moral theoiogy and the :home. '- . and Pre-Cana Program and the En- ,have come about and to dispel many meaning of marriage. They are inmyths that exist about the teaching of deed marriage building ~peri~!1~搂'" "The Jarrniy that prays together, gaged Encounter. that put couples in touch with the -stays together" - is not just a cliche, the Church in this area. ecology of their own bodies, and in but a formula for success. 4. - We must all work harder to disAs statistics indicate, coupl~swho no way compromise the health of the suade young people from cohabitation through parental advice, sermons and practiceN.F.P. develop very strong mar- - women with chemicals or devices. CONCLUSION homilies, Catholic schools, CCD pro- riages and almost never end in divorce. 8. - Groups like Teams ofOur Lady grams, and youth ministry. This should Marriage for Christian spouses imbe done early on, so that our young The work of the Couple to and Marriage Encounter are invaluable Catholics will understand the negative Couple League, Dr. Mercedes resources to strengthen marriages both plies a response to God's vocation and consequences of this practice. Wilson's Family of the Americas, and by the spirituality they promote and the the acceptance of the mission to be a communication skills sign of God's love for all the members ofthe human family by partaking in the 5. - The spiritual nature ofmarriage thatthey foster. definitive covenant of Christ with the as a Sacrament needs to be stressed/I:he Teams of Our Lady Church. The Holy Father has stated it ritual recommends that occasionally a is a spiritual movement so clearly: "The family is the heart of parish should celebrate_the SaCrament of Matrimony at a parish liturgy on Sunin the Church that was the New Evangelization." day as a way of teaching the ecclesial founded in France in The witness ofChristian married life dimension ofthe Sacrament. Ethnic par1939 by Father Cafferel ishes and smaller communities where when young couples has always had a powerful impact on many parishioners know each other lend, asked him, "How do society. In one of the early Christian. themselves to this kind of celebration. we find God together?" documents, the "Letter to Diognetus," Sunday marriages help to place the wedThe Teams have suc- we read: "Christians are not distin- '\, , ding in the context of a community of. cessfully mentored guished from the rest of mankind by . faith that is not only responsible for premany couple,S on the either country, speech, or customs; yet, paring the couple, but also for nurturing path to holiness and to the whole tenor of their way of living their sacramental life as a married a deeper communica- stamps it as worthy of admiration and couple. Such a parish celebration of a . tion with each other and admittedly extraordinary. They marry . wedding is a clear sign that "marriage in their children. In our like all others and beget children; but. _,' the Lord" is building up the Body of own diocese, the teams they do not. expose their offspring'to' Christ. exist in Portuguese and the elements to kill them. Their table is . English groups, and spread for all, but not their bed. They When you,ng people think about have made an invalu- find themselves in the flesh, but-they "marriage preparation," their minds tum able contribution in do not live according to the flesh." to gowns, groomsmen, bands, cake and strengthening married caterers, the honeymoon and how to pay Christian marriages, sanctuaries of life. for it all. Our task is to convince them to life and love, are a leaven in our world, -spend a little more time and energy in 9. - Our annual a beacon of hope for a better future. As preparing for the. marriage thari (or the celebration of wed- a community of faith, we must recomwedding. The wedding is one day, mar,ding anniversaries and .mit ourselves to foster this vocation in riage a lifetime. renewal of vows each the Church. We have before us the Holy October in the Cathe- Family at Nazareth, Jesus, Mary, and Oftentimes, weddings cost many dral is an important Joseph. Theirs was a community oflove thousands of dollars and are a serious way that the Catholic and fidelity, and a testimony ofthe cendrain on the [mancial resources ofa famCommunity publiCly trality ofmarriage and family in the hisily. People should be encouraged to have acknowledges the he- . tory of salvation. simpler celebrations that will allow the roic witness of our so bride and groom to enjoy their wedding many Catholic May the spirit of Nazareth reign and be freed from the pressures of excouples who faith- in the homes of all our Catholic famiac~ fully and generously lies and may we be able to communicessive demands and'countless details. Iive their married vo- cate that spirit to the young men and . Some couples are intimidated by the women preparing to receive the Sacracation in our midst:. cost of a wedding and therefore hesiment ofMatrimony in this millennium. tate to seek a Church wedding. There 10. - We need to needs to be a clear message that a keep teaching the imStrengthening marriage ~d.f~lies Church wedding does not require all portance ofthe Sunday 路could be the most important accomthe expenses so often associatedwith a Mass in the spiritual life plishment of this New Millennium. Let wedding celebration. us embark on this task, following the other organizations have done much of the family. advice o'f St. Ignatius of Loyola, to promote the new scientific meth6. - We need mentoring couples, ods of Natural Family Planning that Indeed, one of the most promis- founder ofthe Jesuits, who said, "Work husbands and wives who have experi- are 98 percent effective in avoiding ing statistics relating to marriage is that as if everything depended on you, pray enced the joys and sorrows of married pregnancy and are also very useful although half of the U.S. marriages as if everything depended on God." . life and who live the Sacrament. Such for couples struggling with infertility end in divorce, that number drops to couples could help both in diocesan who wish to conceive. one in 50 when the couple is married Devotedly yours in Christ, programs and' also in parishes both in in Church and continues to attend preparation programs as well as in sup- . Couples worldwide are choosing Church regularly. More astonishport groups aimed at strengthening the Sympto-Thermal Method and the ingly, the failure rate drops to one in young couples in their marriages. Billings Ovulation Method and using 1,105 marriages when the couple who Bishop of Fall River '

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"Our annual celebration of wedding anniversaries and renewal of vows each October in the Cathedral is an important way that the Catholic Community publicly knowledges the heroic witness of our so many Catholic couples who faithfully and generously live their married vocation in our midst:'

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TIIEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., February 11,2000

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MUSIC MINISTER ANTHONY HOPKINS portrays Titus in the recent film adaptation of Shakespeare's early work. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV - adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted. (CNS photo from Fox Searchlight Pictures)

New releases lack morals

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(:aaJ)~ulle~ NEWYORK-Following are recent capsule reviews issued by the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting. ''Eye of the Beholder" (Destination) Pathetic psychological thriller about a British agent (Ewan McGregor) who becomes obsessed with the icy American murderer (Ashley Judd) he has been assigned to investigate. As directed by Stephan Elliott, the trashy melodrama is unintentionally laughable,

presenting an absurdly smitten lence, and intermittent foul lanagent who chooses to protect the guage. The U.S. Catholic Conserial killer instead of her random ference classification is 0 victims. Recurring brutal violence, morally offensive. The Motion " promiscuous sexual situations, Picture Association of America some nudity, brief drug abuse, fre- rating is R - restricted. quent rough language. The U.S. "Titus" (Fox Searchlight Pictures) Catholic Conference classification Epic drama in which a is 0 - morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of wronged mother (Jessica Lange) America rating is R - restricted. avenges the death ·of her first"Holy Smoke" (Miramax) born son at the hands of a Roman Sordid drama about a young war hero (Anthony Hopkins) by Australian woman (Kate Winslet) bringing death and despair on the entangled in an Indian cult who hero and his family. In this adapuses her sexual prowess to tum tation of Shakespeare's first sucthe tables on the American cess, director Julie Taymor (Harvey Keitel) hired by her fam- matches the characters' consumily to deprogram her. As directed ing feelings of revenge by showby Jane Campion, the battle of ing the unrestrained brutality and wills between the main characters decadence that Shakespeare usuquickly degenerates into an ex- ally left to the imagination. Reploitative sexual tug of war, mak- curring graphic violence, several ing the film seem more about explicit sexual situations, and numanipulative lovers than a sincere .dity. The U.S. Catholic Confereffort to release a mind from the ence classification is A-IV clutches of a cult. Several graphic adults, with reservations. The sex scenes, full frontal nudity, Motion Picture Association of homosexual situations, some vio- America rating is R - restricted.

TV programs of note NEW YORK (CNS) - Here are some television programs of note for the week of Feb. 20: Sunday, Feb. 20, 7-9 p.m. EST (ABC) "Jungle 2 Jungle" (1997). Workaholic Wall Street trader (Tim Allen) learns to bond with his visiting, newly discovered l3-year-old son (Sam Huntington), who was raised by his estranged wife in a Venezuelan rain forest. Director John Pasquin's clash-of-cultures comedy limps fitfully along, depending heavily on Allen's appeal as a TV sitcom star. Implied premarital relationship, comic violence and some coarse humor. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification of the theatrical version was AIII - adults. The Motion Picture

Association ofAmerica rating was PG - parental guidance suggested. Monday, Feb. 21, 7:30-8 p.m. EST (8BO) "The Princess and the Pauper." From the "Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child" series, the story of the rich and poor girl who trade places in their kingdom so the people can learn to respect everyone without regard to status or possessions. Tuesday, Feb. 22, 8-9 p.m. EST (PBS) "Roman Bath." From the "Secrets of the Lost Empires" series, a "Nova" documentary in which an attempt is made in Turkey to recreate the innovative ancient public bathhouse of Rome with its intricate plumbing and

heating and airy vaulted domes. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 8-11 p.m. EST (CBS) "The 42nd Annual Grammy Awards." Music's top artists are honored as Rosie O'Donnell hosts with performances by Elton John, Santana, Backstreet Boys, TLC and Ricky Martin, among others. Saturday, Feb. 26, 8:059:35 p.m. EST (TBS) "2000 Trumpet Awards." Hosted by Lynn Whitfield and Dennis Haysbert, and celebrating outstanding African-Americans in law, politics, entertainment and other fields, this year's honorees include Patti LaBelle, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Time Warner Inc. president Richard Parsons and Lou Rawls.

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Jubilee ad campaign reaches Bishops launch Internet out to women after abortions THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River-Fri., February 11,2000

provlder that blocks porn

By NANCY FRAZIER O'BRIEN CATtlOUC NEWS SERVICE

were to air 200 times a week in chosen from among 600 to 1,000 . the three dioceses; three placards quotes culled by Alvare and Wills Quitorio said, "but I have seen the results - I've tried it on my own WASHINGTON - When that were to be placed in 860 bus from the Web sites, books, articles computer." Helen Alvare and Susan Wills of . and subway locations; billboards and conversations. Alvare said her office made a Despite stiff competition in the the U.S. bishops' Pro-Life office at seven sites in the metropoliPhilippine's Internet market wanted to know how women feel tan area; and a Web site deliberate decision not to tie the home to more than 200 Internet ser- after an abortion, they went to·the (www.hopeafterabortion.com) of- ad campaign to the 27th anniverfering information and guidance sary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme vice providers - Msgr. Quitorio experts. Court decision that lifted most state In' addition to researching the in nearly a dozen languages. said he was optimistic about I restrictions on abortion, cbcpNet's chances for success in the topic in some two dozen Jan. 22 or the Jan. 24 83 percent Catholic country. books and 150 magazine March for Life. "Internet retailers have already articles, they visited The program of information and out"It's not about what started negotiations to gain access" seven or eight Web sites reach on post-abortion grief and healwe march about in the to the service, he said. ''We're get- dedicated to women's ing is the bishops' Pro-Life committee's' same way," she said, addting a very, very good reception." post-abortion experience. ing that some post-abor. Emphasizing that generating in- Even more importantly, contribution to the jubilee year theme come was not the initiative's first, Alvare spent an estition counselors expressed ofreconcwation. . purpose, Msgr. Quitorio said sub- mated 30 hours on th.e concern about mixing the scription rates would be consider- phone with women who message of reconciliation ably lower --:. perhaps by 20 per- agreed to share their exwith the anti-abortion cent - than prevailing commer- periences and talk about the emoAlso available through the cam- theme. cial Internet providers. tions that an abortion had left with paign are leaflets on "How to :ralk The multimedia campaign was . And by hosting its own Web sites them; to a Friend Who Has Had an Abor- funded with $300,000 from the on the new server, the bishops' conThe result was a multimedia ad tion," as well as posters and Knights of Columbus to develop ference will see substantial savings, campaign that debuted this month .bumper stickers with the message: and produce it, and "at least anhe said. The bishops own two sites, in the archdio~eses ofWashington "Something inside' dies after an other $300,000" from tile People he said: the conference's home site, and Baltimore. and the Diocese of abortion." ofUfe, a grass-roots Catholic Prolaunched in January 1999, and a Arlington, Va., and will be made Each'of the radio ads, placards Life ,fund-raising group, to place special Philippinesjubilee year site, available to dioceses throughout or billboards gives a toll-free the ads on radio and on buses and which was to be linked to the the country. The campaign, Alvare number ' that will automatically subways, Alvare said. Another Vatican's jubilee Web site. said, is "loaded with women's ex- connect callers to a representative $15,000 is available to help about' The Web site of the Catholic . pressions of rheir experiences." of Project Rachel in the Washing- 10 dioceses - on a first-come, The program of information ton, Baltimore or Arlington dio- first-served basis - to adapt the Bishops', Conference of the Philippines is.. : w w w . c b c p . n e t l . · . and outreach on post-abortion grief. ceses, depending on where he or ads with their own phone numbers and healing is the bishops' Pro- 'she. is'calling from. Project and names; . Life committee's contribution to Rachel,th~ Gatho!i.c outreachpfoOne pleasant surprise d.l,l~ing the jubilee yem: theme of reconc "grarr(of post~abprtionhealing,i~. placement of the ads, Alvare said, ciliatiOll. . present und.er that name<:>f another.' .was that "we had no difficulty buyUnder, the overall, theme, ',' mime.ilfabout 140-U.S.:dioceses~<~, ;ing the mediaYie wanted.." .. ;;_ .. I' . . ..... "Something inside dies after' aJ;l~~':Alvaies'iii(L';':'; ::''. :'J'-<'~ -": ":". "We thought we would be fightabortion," thy campaign includes ..' ..... ~ The rndioads and'piacards:cort- ,'ing our way with every me9ia outfour 60-second'nidio ads in En-..: 'tamjilrect'q'uotes from Wonjen who let, but we didn't have to fight at Oh adonibl'e and Divine Will, behold me here before the glish and two in Spanish thai have. 'had abortions, They were . all," she said. "Nobody .~aid no." 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 of the 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 ~ Four suspects sought of the three ~ Frank whether any criminal charges the human will to have life in this heart any longer. I will cast it in fire that killed three . will be filed in the case, the Caltabilota, John Giunta and away from me and thus form the new Eden of Peace, of happiAaron Karol- was 18 and from newspaper said. students and injured ness and of love. With It I shall be always happy. I shall have The report said the three nonNew Jersey. 58 others. a singular strength and a holiness that sanctifies all things and students had been asked to leave In a Feb. 1 letter to the Seton conducts them to God. the dormitory about 45 minutes Hall community, Msgr. Robert By CATtlOUC NEWS SERVICE Here prostrate, I invoke the help of the Most Holy Trinity Sheeran, president', thanked before the 4:30 a.m. fire by resithat They permit me to live in the cloister of the Divine Will and NEWARK, N.J. - Nearly those who "have had any role, dent assistant Dana Christmas, thus return in me the first order of creation, just as the creature three weeks after a dormitory large or small, visible or hidwho was badly burned in the was created. fire that killed three students and den, in sustaining us during this blaze and remains in critical coninjured 58 others at Seton Hall dition at Newark's l)niversity time' of mourning for our .dead Heavenly' Mother, Sovereign and Queen of the Divine Fiat, . University, investigators believe and caring for our injun:~d stuHospital. S/le has not been able take my hand and introduce me into the Light of the Divine the. fire was deliberately set, The dents." to speak to investigators. Will. You will be my guide, my most tender Mother, and will Star-Ledger newspaper QfNew"The extent of your generAt least one of the three nonteach me to live in 'and ·to maintain myselfin the order and the .. ark reported. ous outreach has been breathtakstudents was believed to have .bounds of the Divine Will. Heavenly Mother, i consecrate.my The report said investigators , ing," he said. "It warms my heart remained in Boland Hall, the whole being to Your Immaculate Heart. You will teach me the were seeking four suspects and. Catholic university's freshman and gives me solid enc,ounigedoctrine of the Divine Will and I will listen most attentively to were focusirig on a dispute bedormitory, after being asked to' ment for the time ahead:" Your lessons. You will cover me with Your mantle' so that the tween students in the freshman leave, the report said. Msgr. Sheeran, who has re. infernal serpent dare not penetrate into this sacred Eden to endormitory and three nonstudents located to Boland Hall,' where Preliminary tests conducted tice me and make me fall into the maze of the human will. who were asked to leave the he lived as an undergraduate in by the State Police .have found Heart of my greatest Good, Jesus, You will give me Your dorm less than an hour before the 1960s, also thanked the resino traces of accelerants such as flames that they may bum me, consume me, and feed me to the Jan. 19 fire broke out. dents there for their welcome. lighter fluid or gasoline in the form in me the Life of the Divine Will. "This was not an accidental "These are such difficult days ashes, paint scrapings and Saint Joseph, you will be my protector, the guardian of my fire. Someone started the fire," rubble taken from the scene of for so many of you, yet you are heart, and will keep the keys of my will in your hands. You the fire, The Star-Ledger rewelcoming me with open arms," said an anonymous official will keep my heart jealously and shall never give it to me again, quoted in the newspaper. he wrote. "Your notes under my ported. that I may be sure of never leaving the Wtll of God. The Star-Ledger said investiMeanwhile, the university door each morning, your welMy guardian Angel, guard me; defend me; help me in evgators had not determined come visits, your decorations on community continued its healerything so that my Eden may· flourish and be the instrument whether the fire was set as a ing process following a campus my door all make me feel privithat draws all men into the Kingdom of the Divine Will. Amen. memorial service for the three leged to be with you during this prank or in an attempt to cause semester." freshmen killed in the fire. Each injuries. Also undecided was ( In Honor of Luisa Piccarreta 1865-1947 Child of the Divine Will)

ROME (CNS) - Dismayed by the proliferation of pornography on the Internet, the Philippine bishops' conference has launched an Internet service provider that bars access to porn sites on the Web. In addition to furthering the bishops' "crusade against pornography," the service, called cbcpNet, will also generate income for' Catholic conference activities, said Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III, the conference's assistant secretarygeneral. Launched at the beginning of the year, the service was' to be offered to the general public by March, Msgr. Quitorio said in a recent phone interview from Manila. ''We're just waiting for the government permits to go commercial," he said. "Right now all our officesjn the conference are up (on the server), and we are going to link to all the dioceses nationwide before we commercialize." - At the heart of the project is specially designed software that blocks users from accessing Web sites with pornographic content. The conference's computer programmers "haven't revealed to me how they filter out the porn," Msgr.

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TIIEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., February 11,2000 Continued from page one

maculate Peter Damieo Fehlner, sionary Servants of the Most . Marie, and Sister of Charity of Franciscans of Primitive Obser- Blessed Trinity Sister Anita Quebec Theresa Bergeron. vance Father Patrick When asked what drew Magee, Institute of the Inher to religious life, Holy carnate Word Father Union Sister Ruth Curry Gustavo Dominguez, Father who has served for 53 David .sharland of the years, 38 as a teacher, Youth Apostles, Sacred said, "I wanted to serve Hearts. Father Thomas people and I loved to McElroy, and Father Edteach." ward Healy. Rev. Mr. Father Angelo Ramon Dominquez, a tranMichael of . the sitional deacon, assisted at Franciscan Fathers of the the Mass.. Immaculate, sat with Following the homily colleagues during the by Bishop O'Malley the Mass and was enthusiasreligious stood and retic about the day and the newed their vows to live a call to religious life. "We life following in the ways have devoted our life to of Christ. Mercy Sister the Blessed Mary and we Elaine Heffernan, episcobring the mystery of the pal representative to reliImmaculate Conception gious, said that to see so to other people. It's immany religious come toportant to bring people to gether and renew their Christ," said Father vows was a moving expeMichael. "My vocation rience: . has brought me closer to "It'~ 'very uplifting," God and I'm very gratesaid Sister Heffernan. ful for it," he added. "It's a wonderful celebraThe bishop closed by tion and great to hear evsaying that the strong eryone again profess their Catholic education system vows." of this country was made When asked what reliso by the commitment of gious life offered young our religious. "Religious people, Sister Heffernan life is a sign of the arsaid they can find "a sense rival and fullness of the of spirituality" adding that Kingdom of God. Our it's exciting to work for the vows of poverty, chastity Church today. and obedience are proRetired Sacred Hearts phetic statements about Father Albert Evans who what is important in has served for 56 years, today's world and as we agreed 'that religious life glimpse once more today can offer a lot to young the loving face of God, people today. "They can follow him generously, dedicate themselves to fill your hearts with joy something real and positive and our lives will invite A BANNER with the symbols of the others to follow us as and eternal." Presentation of the gifts religious orders within the diocese was well." was made by Dominican on display during a Mass celebrating A dinner for religious Sister Lorraine World Day for Consecrated Life at St. was held at White's of Beauchesne, Dominican Mary's Cathedral, Fall River. (Anchor/ Westport following the Sister Lorna Riordan, Mis- Gordon photo) Mass. 0

Silence

Physician-assisted suicide bill legalization fails in California SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) Legislation to legalize physician-assisted suicide in California was recently halted when its sponsor deelined to bring it to the floor of the state Assembly for a vote. The legislation - AB 1592 was modeled on an Oregon law. It would have permitted physicians to provide lethal prescriptions to certain ''terminally ill" patients, within guidelines. The measure was carried forward last June as a two-year bill and needed to be considered in the state Assembly by the end ofJanuary. The bill's author, Assemblywoman Dion Aroner, a Demqcrat from Berkeley, reportedly felt she did not have the votes necessary to pass it and quietly let the matter drop. This was in stark contrast to a fevered effort last spring to nudge the controversial bill out oftwo committees. Aroner's office did not respond

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to inquiries from Catholic San Francisco, newspaper of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, but in an interview with the paper last July she said the proposal constituted a humane response to troubles at the end of life. Opponents of the bill Feb. 1 expressed relief and satisfaction about its collapse. East Bay attorney and author Wesley J. Smith said "a very diverse and creative coalition of strange political bedfellows came together to oppose Aroner's killing agenda." He said coalition members - ineluding disability rights activists, advocates for the poor, Catholics, ProLifers, medical professionals, hospice officials, and migrant farmworkers - joined "to send the unequivocal message that it would be wrong to transform doctors into killers." _ - - - - - - - - -.......

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whelmingly passed the "minute of silence for meditation, prayer or reflection" with a 28-11 vote. The measure is expected to be passed by the House and has already been endorsed by Republican Gov. James Gilmore. Prior to the vote, some heated debate took place on the senate floor where Republican Sen. Warren Barry, who sponsored the bill, insisted that it was "not a religious crusade." "It's about helping students reflect on who they are and where they're going," he said, "while trying to do something to stem the spread of violence in schools." Sen. Kenneth Stolle, another Republican, cautioned against promoting religion and referred to his own experience of being a victim of religious bigotry as a Catholic attending college in the Bible Belt. But he conceded that a moment of silence would be "good for our children" based on the tradition that the General Assem-

bly begins its daily session with a prayer. Sen. John Edwards, a Democrat, who said he went to a seminary and considers himself a religious person, said he had problems with a bill "that, in effect, requires a moment of prayer." "We are offending the First Amendment, and we're offending thQse whose beliefs are different than ours," he added. Catholic officials tend to react cautiously to the issue of prayer in public schools. U.S. Catholic bishops, for example, have not taken a public stance on the issue since 1983. Mercy Sister Lourdes Sheehan, secretary of education for the U.S. bishops, told CNS Feb. 4 that she personally has "no objections to a moment of silence because it doesn't coerce anyone to pray." "The problem has always been with imposed prayer," she added. And Leonard DeFiore, president of the National Catholic Educational Association, said he

An Internship Program Two-Year, Part-Time Certification Program Orientation: Saturday, September 9, 2000 This Program is Affiliated with

St. Michael's College Continued from page one

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Colchester, Vermont didn't see how a moment of silence could do harm, but he also did not see it as the ultimate panacea for troubles within schools. Bill Bassett, professor of law at Jesuit-run University of San Francisco, said in a previous interview with CNS that nothing is wrong with a moment of silence, unless it is a "backdoor attempt" to reintroduce specific religious values. Jesuit Father Robert F. Drinan, a former congressman and a Georgetown University law professor, expressed a similarly cautious approach. He told CNS he was sure the moment of silence legislation would "prevail in some way" but he questioned the neutrality of those who are behind it. "I think it's masquerading something," he pointed out. But despite his own uncertainty, he joked that some teachers may welcome the measure - if for nothing else than to "shut the students up for a minute."

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THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., February 11,2000

I OUR

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

•

OUR CATHOLIC YOUTH

Connolly students nominated for National Scholarship Program FALL RIVER - Seniors Kristin Kokoszka and Jessica Nadeau of Bishop Connolly High School, were recently nominated to compete in the National Honor Society scholarship competition sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Both are members of the school's National Honor Society. Principal Anthony Nunes announced their nomination and they are hoping to be among 200

National Honor Society winners chosen to receive $1,000 scholarships in the spring. Kokoszka. and Nadeau were selected based on their leadership skills, participation in service organizations and clubs and their outstanding academic record among others. "Kristin and Jessica have demonstrated exemplary achievement in their academic work and service to their school and commu,!ity," said Gerald N. Tirozzi, executive director of the NASSP.

"They are fine examples of the outstanding caliber of young people in America's high schools." While at Connolly both have been involved in a variety of activities. Nadeau has been NHS vice president and is vice president of the senior class. She is also a member of the French NHS and has worked with the school's community serv.ice program. Kokoszka is a member of the Portuguese National Honor Society in addition to the NHS. '

JUNIOR-HIGH students at Holy Fami!y,.Holy Name School, New Bedford, gathered recently to colle'ct and help distribute food to those in need during the winter months'. More than 50 families were assisted by the students. From left are: Morgan Gryer; Daniel Freire,· Sarah Freire, seventh-grade teacher ,Franciscan Father Christopher Gomes and custodian Bob Goldblatt. .

. Distinguished graduate named By MIK'E GORDoN , ';' ANc;HOR. STAR" ,

BISHOP FEEHAN High 'School, Attleboro, was one of many diocesan schools celebrating Catholic S.chopls Week. Stud.ents.at l~e sctlOol reflected on their education and ;. agreed that ~aving praY,~r 'and-Christ in·their sGhool has made a difference in 'their lives. .From .left, above 'are: Tim.othy ,DownilJg, Jule'e' Thomas, Katherine McBrine, Jessica .' MacMal)~s,'Daniel Owe,,! and ~ndrevi.Dagesse:,'BeI0w, senior Fred Loewen gets a les····son in karafe. from Michael Killion, who'is:a fourth degree black belt, during Kathleen .: 'Le~m's sociaI.JustiC?e·c1ass on',non-violsr:lt C;OlifJ.ict'tesblut!ori. .~

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thing was discipline. The teachers, in Catholic schools are very FALL RIVER - SS: Peter dedica~ed according to Father and Paul SC~lOol recently an-, Creightqn and he s~id that he also . nounced that the National Catho- learne,d how tb. be de.dicated lic Educational Association. has through his Catholic education named Sacred Heart Father Henry and he took from it a "strong sense of loyalty.': ' , . ,.' Creigh~on a 1999 NCEA Catholic Elementary School Distin-. .Rob~I;t K~aley, ex~cuti:ve direcguished Graduate. The award was tor of the NCEA's Department of present~d.to.Father Creighton for .Elementary Schools said' it is "a his 'outstapding personal and pro- great pleasure to recognize distinfe s s i:o n aJ guished gradu.....;..;....._ _......, . ates from achievements ... and his' leaderCatholic elship , ·role ementary . 'schools," and within' the' commu'nity.' . . the education ; ··they received Father Creighton provides a firm graduated ,in b~sis for 1935 and curgr,owth and rently is retired ,achievement in and living at their adult the· Damien lives. House with the The aWllrd Sacred Heart was estabCommunity in , ,lish~d out of a , Wareham. He recognition also graduated ' , that the sigfrom Msgr.' FATHER HENRY CREIGHlON,SS.CC. nificant 'acCoyle High . complishSchool, Provi- . .' ments 'of dence College and. the Sacred Catholic elementary school Hearts Seminary. alumni are a hallmark of CathoIn a recent telephone interview, lic education. It highlights "people with The Anchor, Father, who as adults put into practice the Creighton said he was "shocked" values and ideals they learned in upon hearing that he had been their Catholic elementary chosen for the award. "It's some- schools," added, Kealey. The thing I never expected, but I'm award was first presented in 1991 honored," said Father Creighton. and Father Creighton joins an "It's a good feeling," he added. impressive list of Catholic school Father Creighton said he alumni including an FBI direclearned a lot through Catholic tor, a governor, a senator, and a schools and said that the biggest mayor.

Some e-mail rules By CHRISTOPHER CARSTENS

kind to this quiet fellow, the one everybody else ignores, and I admire you for it." Or it could mean: "I can't imagine why you're risking

our friendship." All those differences are exMore and more teens use epressed outside the simple mail these days. Mostly it's terwords themselves. rific. You can communicate But when those same words with·your friends at almost any are typed in an e-mail, the time, from almost any place. reader can only guess at the As immediate and conveemotional content - and those nient as e-mail is, it has real guesses are often wrong. It is limits. There are times when" way too easy forfeelings to get relying on e-mail for commulost or misread or just totally nication can cause problems. confused when all you have are It has been said that when the words. 0 FOR YOOTH • RBOOT YOOTH two people are talking, only 20 Here are some rules for uspercent of the communication ing e-mail that may help you is in the form of words. The your friendships with the popu- avoid blowing up a perfectly rest is expressed through looks lar kids to hang out with this good friendship because you and gestures, tone of voice and dork." misunderstood something that body language. "You like him" could mean: came over the Internet. Let's take a simple example, "I think you're getting a crush - Don't trust really importhe sentence,. ','You like him." , on Larry." , tant communication to e-mail. "You like him?" could mean, Those little electronic notes are How many different things could those words communi- "I think you're' getting a crush good for information - What's cate, depen~ing on the tone of on Larry, ,and I thin~he's re- the homework? Where's the voice, the position of the eye- ally wrong for you:' Or, "You party? - but not for feelings brows, the presence or absence LIKE hi'm!" could mean: "I and deep relationships. of a smile; think you're getting a crush on - If a friend has hurt your "You like him" could mean: Larry, and he's my boyfriend, feelings, don't send an e-mail. "I have noticed that you are and it's an, absolute betrayal of, Call, or eve,n better, talk about CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

. -.~?1l Coming

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Our Rock and Role A Valentine's Day song - not!

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THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri" February 11,2000 it face to face. - Never, ever, ever send email when you're angry. Those cute and witty comments you toss off are almost certain to be read as hostile and belittling. Remember, once you click "send" it's gone, and you can never get it back. Sending email when you're mad is a lot like throwing gasoline on a fire. Things will flare up and get worse. - Finally, when you get one of those e-mails that hurts your feelings, or makes you confused, or convinces you that it's really time to cross Janine permanently off your list of friends, let some time pass before you reply. Don't get caught in a flame war, sending nasty e-mails back and forth until you both really

hate each other. Let some time pass, and'then don't send an e-mail. Pick up the ph~me or talk with the person face to face. "Hey, Janine, that sounded like you were really mad. Did you really mean it that way?" As soon as you have more than the words on the screen, it's likely that you'll remember why you're friends. The other 80 percent of the information will be there, and you'll have a chance to see each other as whole people. That's when real communication can happen.

Your comments are welcome. Please address: Dr. Christopher Carstens, c/o Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017.

RETREAT MINISTRY ASSOCIATE r'--!

The Passionists Calvary Retreat Center in Shrewsbury, Mi}.,::isseeJ~i~ga>~i~te~ or laywoman to join its retreat t¢am prese'ntlyconsls~gof a Passionist priest, a Passiomst brother ,~md a laytri~n. The responsibilities of this full-:-tUne\ltosition ind~de all aspects of team: retrea~\pre~~h.ingf~~ wen's a~d women's retreat weekends\,I::eit:eats .for~relig\o~s,r day & evening programs as well~s youth rette~ts7 :erior retreat ministry and team exp)rience a plus/Must provide one's own housing and tripsportaJi6r( Salary & benefits. Send resume, includingt!u'§~professionalreferences to: Center Administrator, Calvary Retreat Center, P.O. Bo~ 219, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 by March 10, 2000.

By CHARLIE MARTIN· CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

I Wanna Love You Forever You set my soul at ease Chased darkness out of view Left your desperate spell on me Say you feel it too I've got so much more to give This can't die, I yearn to live Refrain: I want to love you forever And this is all I'm asking of you Ten thousand lifetimes together Is that so much for you to do? 'Cause from the moment that I saw your face And felt the fire in your.

sweet embrace Let's bike this now before it's I swear I knew I'm going to gone like yesterday love you forever 'Cause when I'm with you My mind fails to understand there's nowhere else What my heart tells me to do That I would ever And I give up alii have just to want to be, no I'm breathing for the next be with you And that would do second I've always been taught to win I can feel you loving me ... And I never thought I'd fall I'm going to love Be at the mercy of a man (Repeat refrain.) I've never been Forever Now I only want to be right Sung by Jessica Simpson where you are (Repeat refrain.) Copyright (c) 1999 In my life never have I learned by Sony Music that heaven ever waits Entertainment

LOOKING FOR a song to express Valentine's Day sentiments? Jessica Simpson's "I Wanna Love You Forever" has all the overdramatic, little-to-dowith-real-love statements that are traditional on this , day! The girl in the song says a new guy has left a "desperate spell" on her. She never thought that she would "be at the mercy ofa man." However, she says, ''1 give up all I have just to be with you.... I only want to be right where you are." All she asks for in return is that they spend "10,000 lifetimes together." Did you think 'she would settle for a mere 9,000? Whatever she is feeling, it is not love. Perhaps it is immense need. In her litany of the effects of this beginning romance, does she ever address what the other person feels? No. She is totally immersed in her own emotion. Further, she believes that her whole happiness depends on being with this individual. Love is nothing like this. No one relationship should consume us. In fact, such relationships act more like addictions than healthy, loving partnerships. Any addiction, including a relationship addiction, compromises our soul and eventually leads to chronic unhappiness. God made us with the capacity to interact with many aspects of life. When we focus on only

,R~se Hawthorne Lathrop Home

1600 Bay Street

Fall River, MA 02724 (508) 673-2322

9fea[tn Care for in.currzfJk canar patients wna affortl to pay for nursinB cafe elstulflere. lnaivUlualiwf care atuf attention in an atmospnere of peaa atuf warrntFr. wliere Cove, wuferstatuf'tntJ atuf wmpassion prevail tJ3eautifuC setting overCoof(jng 9tlt. :Hope tJ3ay.

the feeling of being in love, we lose the many ways that we Can express our individuality. Love does not put us at someone's mercy. Love supports an individual's strengths and preferences. It never demands that someone sacrifice his or her values so as to be in the relationship. In a healthy romance couples have conflicts when individual differences surface. Such conflicts are valuable. They help each person know more about the other and sometimes even clarify what is important to the individual. When conflicts are worked out in a spirit of fairness and respect, love is truly expressed. Both people become more of the persons that God invites them to be. Indeed, when each person reveals more of God's image and likeness, love thrives. Songs like this, and most Valentine's Day cards, are poor expressions of the' wondrous gift of love. If you are really interested in learning what it could mean to love someone forever, read St. Paul's words in I Corinthians 13. Then, don't ask for 10,000 lifetimes, just try to apply these words to loving others one day at a time.

Your comments are always welcome. Please address: Charlie Martin, 7125 W 200S, Rockport, Ind47635.

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JUBILEE YEAR PILGRIMAGE SUNDAY Sunday, February 13 - 2:00 p.m. Chapel - Father Gabriel Theme: The Cross & Discipleship GRIEF EDUCATION PROGRAM Monday, February 14: 10:30 a.m. "Hope: Grief's Best Music" Thursday, February 17: 6:30 p.m. "Reconciliation as Healing" Counseling Center / $1 0 per session COFFEE HOUSE: "BRETHREN" Saturday, February 19 - 6:30 p.m. - Donation Cafeteria - Meals served 'till 6:30

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1BEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., February 11, 2000

Iteering pOintl ATTLEBORO - The musical group Brethren will headline the La Salette Coffeehouse on Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. They will be joined by the musical group Spirit. All welcome. For more information call the Shrine at 222-5410. A Healing Service in Portuguese will be held at the Shrine on Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. It will be led by La Salette Father Manuel Pereira and include the opportunity· for people to be prayed over and anointed individually. All welcome. The Counseling Center at the Shrine continues its Grief Education Programs for those dealing with the death of a family member or loved one. February dates include: Feb. 14 "Hope: Grief's Best Music," from 10:30 a.m. to noon; Feb. 17 "Reconciliation as Healing," from 6:30-8 p.m.; and Feb. 28 "Grief and Reconciliation," from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more information call the center at 223-8220. CENTERVILLE - The Cape Cod Widowed Support Group will meet on Feb. 23 from 1:3Q..3:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Parish. The topic will be "Managing Money." All welcome. For information call Dorothyann Callahan at (617) 267-5258. EAST FREETOWN - A program for young adults in their 20s and 30s who would like to participate in Pilgrimage 2000, entitled 'The Church and the Rock: Where is Christ's Church Today?" will be held on Feb. 15 from 7-9 p.m. at Cathedral Camp. It will include prayer, reflec.tion and discussion of major themes of the Catholic faith. For more information call 675-3847. All welcome. FAIRHAVEN - Sacred Hearts Father Tom McElroy will be guest speaker on Feb. 22 from 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Parish. He will address the topic "Being Disciples of Jesus," and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served. FALL RIVER -

A Eucharistic

cies will meet Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at the Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish center. It will include Mass and newcomers are always welcome..

and 30s who would like -to participate in Pilgrimage 2000, entitled 'The Church and the Rock: Where is Christ's Church Today?" will be held on Feb. 13 from 7-9 p.m. at St. Pius X Parish. It will include prayer, reflection and discussion of major themes of the Catholic faith. For more information call 675-3847. All welcome.

NORTH DARTMOUTH - A Separated-Divorced Support Group meeting will be held on Feb. 14 from ·7-9 p.m. at the Diocesan Family Life SWANSEA - Daylong AdoraCenter, 500 Slocum Road. It will be an open topic meeting. All welcome. tion of the Blessed Sacrament is held Healing Service with Fathers Patrick For more information call 999-6420. at St. Dominic's Church every First Magee and Pierre Lachance will be Friday of the month. It begins folheld on Feb. 13 beginning at 2:30 SOMERSET - A prayer service . lowing 8 a.m-. Mass and continues p.m. It will include the novena and for vocations will be held on Feb. 17 until 6:30 p.m. when a holy hour and veneration of the relics of St. Anne beginning at 7:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Benediction will begin. On the first and Benediction of the Blessed Sac- More Parish. The evening will in- Saturday of each month devotions rament. All welcome. clude song, prayer and refreshments. to Our Blessed Mother follow the 8 All welcome. For more informa- a.m. Mass. All welcome to join in FALL RIVER - A Eucharistic tion call 673-7831. prayer. Day of Prayer for Vocations to priestly and religious life will be celebrated TAUNTON The Youth SOUTH YARMOUTH - A proon Feb. 17 beginning with Mass at gram for young adults in their 20s Apostles Institute will hold a meet7:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. It will include Eucharistic adoration, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass at noon. All welcome.

MANSFIELD - A Mass celebrating the Jubilee Year will he held at St. Mary's Parish on March 5 at noon. Bishop Sean P. O'Malley will be principal celebrant. All welcome. " MANSFIELD - If you or a loved one needs extra prayers or would like to join the Prayer Chain of St. Mary's Parish call Rita Roah at 339-4483 or Marilyn Healy at 339-2668. MANSFIELD - A series of four monthly classes on Natural Family Planning sponsored by the Couple to Couple League, will begin on Feb. 20 from 2-4 p.m. at the St. Mary's Parish center. For more information or to preregister call Jon or Maureen Howey at 339-4730. NEW BEDFORD - The Courage Group will meet Saturday at the rectory of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish beginning at 7 p.m. Courage is a support group for Catholic men and women who are confronting same sex attraction issues and who are striving to lead chaste lives. For more information call Msgr. Thomas Harrington at 9923184. NEW BEDFORD - Calix, a group which enlists Catholic men and women who are gratefully celebrating recovery from alcoholism, drug addiction and other dependen-

Pope notes low.birth rates, urges Italians to have more children By JOHN NORTON CATHOLIC NEWS SEflVlCE

VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II, calling Italy's riegative birth rate "worrying," urged Italians to have more children. "The worrying demographic decline registered in recent years cannot but be for Italian society a motive for attentive reflection and stimulus for renewal, both in mentalities and in cultural, political and legislative decisions," he said Sunday during the Angelus prayer in St.Peter's Square. He said that the government needs "to remove the obstacles which hinder families," and that couples must "revive the culture of love and life, rediscovering (their) mission as parents, assumed by them at the moment of their marriage." The pope's appeal came during the Italian Church's annual Day of Life, established two de-

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This message sponsored by the following business concerns in the Fall River diocese GILBERT C. OLIVEIRA INSURANCE AGENCY GLOBE MANUFACTURING COMPANY· FEITELBERG INSURANCE AGENCY WALSH PHARMACY· DURO FINISHING CORPORATION

VATICAN CITY - The number of Catholics in the world reached 1.045 billion, about 17.4 percent of the global population, the Vatican reported. The statistics, from 1998, were included in an updated pontifical yearbook presented to Pope John Paul II on Feb. 5. The number of Catholics represented a new high, up about 40 million from 1997, and the percentage of the global population marked a slight increase, too. The Americas, considered as a single continent by the Vatican, had the strongest concentration of CathoJics in the general population, with 63.1 percent. It was followed by Europe with 41.4 percent, Oceania with 26.9 percent, Africa with 15.6 percent and Asia with 3.1 percent. Of the total Catholic population, 49.5 percent lived in the Americas, 27.8 percent in Europe, 11.4 percent in Africa, 10.5 percent in Asia and eight percent in Oceania, the Vatican said. The statistics showed a slight . increase in the number of priests

WAREHAM - A weekend of prayer and renewal for women entitled "Be Still and Know That I am God," will be held March 3-5 at the Sacred Hearts Retreat Center. For more information call Peg Ormond at 824-357~ or the center at 295-01 00. WEST HARWICH - The St. Francis of Peace Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order, will meet Sunday at Holy Trinity Church. Mass will be said at 1:30 p.m. and a business meeting and refreshments will follow.

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cades ago after the country's legalization of abortion. Italy's declining birthrate featured prominently in a recent report by the country's bishops, which pointed to government statistics for 1998 recording 533,000 births and 577,000 deaths. The country's average of 1.2 children per couple, some projections suggest, will reduce the population from the current level of 57 million people to 41 million by 2050. About 4 million abortions haye . been performed in Italy since the· procedure was legalized 22 years KNIGHTS AWARD ago, Olimpia Tarsia, national sec~ . Cardinal James Hickey, archretary of the Italian Movement for bishop of Washington, will reLife, told Vatican Radio. . ceive the Gaudium et Spes In a press release, the Rome Award of the Knights of CoDiocese's social secretariat for life lumbus, the highest award reported it had persuaded 2,000 women not to abort their children given by the 1.6 million-memout of6,400 free crisis pregnancy ber Catholic family fraternal consultations in the past 10 years. service organization. Formal

World Catholic population up, number of priests .increasing CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

ing for its members, as well as for men wanting to find out more about the community and its work with youth on Feb. 15 beginning with Mass at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Church. The meeting will be held in the parish center from 8-9 p.m. All welcome. For more information call Youth Apostles at 672-2755.

worldwide, which went from 404,208 in 1997 to 404,626 in 1998. The number of seminarians also rose, from 109,171 in 1997 to 109,828 in 1998. "The increase in the number of candidates for the priesthood appears especially satisfactory in the churches in Africa and America, particularly in Latin America. In Europe the situation has remained unchanged in the western area and has shown a strong resurgence in the east," a Vatican statement said. Worldwide, the statistics· showed a continuing increase in the numbers of permanent deacons, lay missionaries and catechists. The number of people officially involved in the Church's pastoral activity in 1998 was· 3,692,582. That includes 4,439 bishops, 264,202 diocesan priests, 140,424 religious priests, 25,345 permanent deacons, 57,813 nonpriest religious men, 814,779 religious women, 30,772 members of secular institutes, 56,421 lay missionaries and 2,298,387 catechists.

presentation will be made on April 1 at the Basilica of the NatiOnal Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the Jubilee Year pilgrimage of the K. of C,. to' the shrine.

Bishop Carmody .of Tyler, Texas, named to head Corpus Christi By CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE WASHINGTON - Pope John Paul II has appointed' Bishop Edmond Carmody of Tyler, Texas, to head the Diocese of Corpus Christi. . Bishop Carmody su.cceeds Archbishop Roberto O. Gonzalez, who was installed last Mayas head of the Archdiocese of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and had been serving as administrator of Corpus Christi until a successor could be named.· The appointment was announced last week in Washington by Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States.