02.17.06

VOL. 50, NO.7· Friday, February 17,2006

FALL RIVER, MASS.

Southeastern M,assachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

RCIA candidates' Rite of Election set for March 5

By DEACON JAMES N.

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - Dozens of. people, accompanied by their sponsors, will affix their names to the Book of the Elect at the Rite of Election ceremonies March 5 at 3 p.m., in St. Mary's Cathedral.

"This is the second step in Christian initiation, which closes the period of the catechumenate proper, that is, the lengthy period offormation ofthe catechumens' minds and hearts," explained Deacon Robert D. Lemay, director ofthe RCIA for the Fall River diocese.

The RCIA's primary focus is on those who are not already Christian and have not been catechized. The Rite ofElection is a

parish community.

The third stage, one of purification and enlightenment, coincides with Lent. The preparations include the three public celebrations of the scrutinies marked by the presentations ofthe Creed and the Lord's Prayer at the local parishes.

It ends with the celebration of baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil in their own parishes.

After that follows a fourth stage called mystagogy, when they explore their experience of being fully initiated through participation with all the faithful at Sunday Eucharist and through appropriate catechesis.

"That's when the individual,

"Evangelization is necessary for Christian initiation. Men and Women hear the Gospel proclaimed by word and deed and come to a particular Christian community as a result of this initial stirring in faith. The process ~ i,)-:)f\ I~~. whereby adults both hear and ~~ ~ respond to this Gospel in the V~D/ ~ Catholic Community is called '-t <. ..~~. the Rite of Christian Initiation" ~ d" ;r:::. " (of Adults). - "The RCIA ~ :J,')i;.

Transforming the Church," Thomas Morris.

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time when the community ac- now living a full relationship with knowledges their readiness, and the Church, is on his or her own," celebrates, he said.

Lemay said, quickly adding, "it's "Although the registration a lifelong process." deadline by parishes is upcomAt Christ the King Parish in ing, we can expect from 50 to 75 Mashpee, where Lemay exerfrom the diocese to be initiated," cises his diaconal ministry, the new Christian, sponsors and said Lemay. . The celebration, which offi- friends gather at a special cially coincides with the opening "agape" to celebrate. of Lent - this year on March 1 The first stage in the RCIA pro- also marks the beginning of . cess, called the precatechumenate, the final, more intense prepara- began with the Rite of Welcomtion for the three sacraments of ing and the Rite of Acceptance, initiation: baptism, confmnation when the individual first exand first Communion, during pressed an interest in becoming which those who have signed the a Christian or a Catholic, and book and are now called "The began to explore with the help of Elect," will be encouraged to fol- the parish community, what his low Christ with greater generos- or her relationship with Christ ity. might be and how that might be The RCIA is based on the enriched and deepened by joinprinciple that the process ofcon- ing that community of faith. version proceeds gradually, in 'That stage can begin an~ime . stages. Progress from one state to during the year and it starts at the the next is marked by a liturgical parish level," Lemay explained.

Tum to page 13 - RCIA celebration in the midst of the

FATHERS HECTOR Fabio Arredondo Arango, Carlos Alberto Patino Villa, and German Correa Agudelo, of Medellin, Colombia, recently arrived to help with the Hispanic Ministry in the diocese. They will be assisting parishes in communities in Fall River, New Bedford and Nantucket for the next three years. (Anchor/Gordon photo)

Diocese extends a welcome to three Colombian priests •

By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

NEW BEDFORD - Three priests from Medellin, Colombia, will be serving the Hispanic communities of Fall River, New Bedford and Nantucket this month.

Fathers Hector Fabio Arredondo

II

Arango, German C::orrea Agudelo and Carlos Alberto Patino Villa will serve in the Fall River diocese for I three years.

The Anchor sat, down to speak with the three priests recently with Father Richard D' IWilson serving as translator. FatheiHector has been

a priest for three years and Fathers German and Carlos have served for five years each.

For quite some time Colombia has been sending priests all over the world to assist other countries, according to Father Wilson. They curTum to page 11 - Priests

I

Thousands seek tal be 'energized' at Boston Catholic Men's Conference >

Registration is also mounting for the recently-announced Women's Catholic Conference.

i an energizing effect as they meet others like them in

I!~e C~ur~~ a~d choose to celebrate their brotherh?od 'i m Christ, Said Scot Lan~, co-founder and coordinaIitor of the Boston Catholic Men's Conference.

The twin brother of Father Roger Landry, execuBy DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR II tive editor of The Anchor, Scot Landry said the gatherSOUTH BOSTON - With a projected attendance I ing generates "a special kind of excitement because it of close to 5,000, the Boston Catholic Men's Confer- is a new experience for most Catholic men," who find ence will host Catholic men from across the New En- 1 it an unforgettable spiritual encounter.

"A total of 2,200 men attended the first conference gland Area in a unified show of faith March 4, at the New Boston Convention in 2005, and' as of today and Exhibition Center . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - , (February 10) we already have 4,500 registered and here.

The all-day event, I i ' we're looking at 5,000," which begins with a the coordinator enthusicheck-in at 7 a.m., and I' astically reported. continues until 6 p.m., will SOUTH BOSTON - With the success ofthe BosScot Landry and five feature six keynote adton Catholic Men's Confetence founded in 2004 with others founded Boston dresses, breakout discusthe goal to bring men together in the hope ofcreating a Catholic Men in 2004 sion sessions, an opportustronger union between them and Christ, Catholic with the blessings of two nity for the sacrament of women in the New Eng1al1d area have been clamoring advisors and Archbishop for a similar gathering all their own.

O'Malley. penance, adoration of the "We are a lay-run Blessed Sacrament, and a This year, on Friday, March 3 - a day prior to the conference for Catholic Men - Catholic women in group m . the arc hd'IOcese 4 :30 p.m., M ass w h ose principal celebrant will be the area will hold their own conference at the New and there are no priests Boston Archbishop Sean Boston Convention Center to hear a keynote speaker, on our working team," he P. O'Malley, OFM Cap. participate in workshop seSsions, have the opportunity added.

"It is a great event for for the sacrament of pen al1ce, spend some time in adoTum to page two _ men in Lent because it has Tum to page .two - Women Men

Catholic women to hold their own convocation

Friday, February 17, 2006

Holy Cross College exhibition keys on Catholic culture, worship WORCESTER - Works of art that focus on the preservation of religious objects by Catholics during the "penal times" under British law, will be exhibited at the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery at the College of Holy Cross from February 22 to April 13.

The exhibit, "Catholic Collecting, Catholic Reflection 1538-' 1850: Objects As a Measure of Reflection on a Catholic Past and the Construction of Recusant Self-Identity in England and America," is free.

Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Satur-

.. i

day 2 to 5 p.m.

The objects on exhibit, acquired with great risk, embodied the faithfuls' bonds with God, Church tradition, and each other.

When suppressed, many Catholics during the period at issue, came to identify their faith with the prayer books, paintings and objects of ritual such as Mass vestments and chalices that they were able to obtain or hide. These Catholics became known as recusants - recusing themselves from oaths of loyalty and participation in the state-sanctioned religion.

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Men

Continued from page one

Its goal is to lead Catholic men He said flyers with all the inforto meet in fellowship with other mation about both conferences Catholic men, in hopes it would lead were to be distributed at all Masses to relationships with Christ and help at Holy Name Church on the Febthem to be better Christian men as ruary 11-12 weekend.' ''We expect those will generate they live out their vocations.

"We think we have lined up an "many more ofour parishioners to outstanding group of spirited and get on board for the conferences," talented speakers for this year's con- he added.

"What I've heard is that with vocation," said Scot Landry.

They include: just a few days into plans for the - Franciscan Capuchin Father Women's Conference, reportedly.

Raniero Cantalamessa, former di- already 1,700 women had signed rector of religious studies at the up," he told The Anchor.

Speaking briefly from his cell Catholic University of Milan and preacher to the papal household in phone, Pacheco, who teaches at a Rome who is a sought-after speaker public school in New Bedford, said a private bus will carry the men to internationally; - Father John Corapi of the So- Boston on the Saturday. ciety ofOur Lady of the Holy Trin"And we will obtain a bus or a ity, and often seen on EWTN. He is large van to bring the women to a former soldier, millionaire busi- Boston on the Friday before that, nessman, drug addict and homeless depending on how many sign up."

The men's group will leave for person, who became a priest at age . 44, earned doctorates in dogmatic Boston at 6:15 a.m., on March 4 theology and who now preaches to and will return about 7 or 7:30 p.m.

"It's a fairly long day, and we millions across the world; - Dr. Scott Hahn, a professor are looking forward to being at of theology and Scripture, popular Mass which will be celebrated by lecturer and author who has helped Archbishop O'Malley, who was thousands of fallen away Catholics our former bishop in Fall River." to return to the faith; Pacheco said "sometimes be- Sean Forrest, an acoustic rock cause we're out in the world earnmusician, author, and retreat mas- ing a living and dealing with all the ter who after his conversion hits is- things we have to, we can lose track sues head-on to challenge people of of our faith values and need to be all ages to stop being lukewarm and reminded of them. When we meet open their hearts to the mission of with other men in a conference serving Christ; such as this, we see our common - Boston Archbishop Sean P. issues and can also learn from one O'Malley, OFM Cap. another new ways to handle them At Holy Name Parish in Fall and revive our faith. Father Corapi River, David Pacheco, who is orga- has experienced the world and can nizing the trip for a contingent from offer us realistic advice how to adthere, reported last week that 15 vance spiritually in the face of all men had already registered for the that."

Concerned that Cape Cod had conference - and that several women had signed for the newly- offered just a few nibbles thus far, Richard Roberts of St. Francis announced Women's Conference.

"Because the Men's Conference Xavier Parish in Hyannis, who is is also hosting the Women's Con- coordinating that area's registration ference, we are planning transpor- and transportation to the Confertation for the women too," Pacheco ence, said optimistically, "It's probably just too early." reported.

WOOlen

Although several men from his parish have signed on - in obvious response to a flyer in the parish bulletin and strategically placed posters, he had hoped to make all the arrangements before leaving to visit Italy.

"When I arrive home I'll probably face a pile of registrations," he said with a laugh.

Roberts said he took on the coordinator's job because "I was so very inspired after attending the Catholic Men's Conference last year. I found I had a lot of faithfilled company."

He said he also met and talked with three or four Methodists, one of them a pastor. . "He said to me, 'we have the same values. We're probably getting as much if not more out of this conference than you are.' We had a good visit. I think there is a lot of interest in how Christian men should practice their faith coming from those who are not just Catholic."

Edwin Aldarondo, who is coordinating the group coming from St. Kilian's Parish in New Bedford, reported that 17 men have signed up from his parish.

"I attended the conference last year, and it was so outstanding an experience there was no way I was going to miss it this year," he said.

"It was so wonderful, so thoughtful, so worshipful that I wanted to lead others to have that same experience too."

Landry reported that there will be many options for lunch under $10 at the food court at the Convention Center; and that it will host an exhibit.

The Center has parking for cars and buses, and there are many private lots nearby. There is also metered parking along Summer Street within minutes of the Center.

For more information visit: BostonCatholicMen.org; or call 617-316-1098.

Continued from page one

ration of the Blessed Sacrament, view exhibitions of various Catholic education materials and new books, and enjoy dinner and group discussions.

Even as the overall program is still being fmalized approximately 1,700 women from the region had registered as of February 10 "and we're anticipating anywhere from 2,000 to 2,500 to be attending," reported Scot Landry, coordinator of the Boston Catholic Men's Conference, who is also helping to coordinate the Women's Conference.

"There have been so many requests coming in for a similar conference, butjust for Catholic women, and so we quickly put one together," Landry said.

"So overwhelming has been the response we can might imagine that with greater preparation the attendance at the conference for women might be eVen greater than that for the men," he added.

The Conference will begin at 4 p.rn. Theearly program will last from 4 to 7 p.rn. A later program will begin at 7 p.rn., and end at 10 p.rn.

As at the Men's Conference, there will be many options for dinner at the Convention Center.

The principal speakers will be Father John Corapi and Boston Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap. Father Corapi, a professed priest member ofthe Society ofOur Lady of Holy Trinity, admits he comes from an "extreme background."

Following military service in Vietnam he became a millionaire businessman in Hollywood, and became addicted and homeless before a remarkable conversion. After ordination at age 44, he eamed a licentiate and doctorate in theology.

A popular speaker internationally, and frequently a guest on EWTN, his audio and video series on the "Catechism of the Catholic

Church" and the teachings of Jesus Christ have been widely acclaimed and are used throughout many religious education courses.

Father Corapi's message is that ofChrist - the Good News of truth and goodness, love and mercy.

Archbishop O'Malley, former bishop of Fall River, is well known for his many pastoral letters and the pilot program in screening and prevention policies subsequently adopted in many dioceses in clergy sexual abuse cases. He is also known for the accompanying healing ministry he exercised in that regard in the Fall River diocese in the 1990s and subsequently as a bishop of the Diocese ofPalm Beach, Fla., as well as in the Boston Archdiocese.

Parking for cars and buses is available at the Convention Center; at private lots nearby; and at metered parking along Summer Street.

For more information visit: BostonCatholicWomen.org.

the anchoiS)

Friday, February 17, 2006

Youth ·ministers to renew commitment at conference

By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

MANSFIELD - The 2006 New England Conference on Youth Ministry will be held March 3-5 at the Mansfield Holiday Inn. It will offer youth ministers an opportunity for prayer, fellowship and to network with colleagues. More than 200 are expected to attend.

It will feature keynote speakers Michael Carotta and his wife Catherine Cronin Carotta. They .have been married for 25 years and <lre nationally known authors, educators and consultants. Over the past few years, they have been working in the area of vocational renewal, developing retreat days to help people renew their commitment and work through challenges.

Franciscan Father Tom Washburn of St. Francis Xavier Parish in New Milford, Conn., will also be a presenter. He is a New Bedford native and grew up as a member of what is now Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Parish.

Father Washburn holds a master of divinity degree and a master of theology degree in sacred liturgy from Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge.

Father Washburn will be speaking on the new national directories for catechesis published by the U.S. bishop's conference.

"I'll be taking that document from theory into action," said Father Washburn. "We'll be focusing on what a youth minister does with that document and how they can put it into action."

Father Washburn has been involved with the New England Conference for years, but this will mark the first time he's been a keynote speaker. "I'm looking forward to it. It's a wonderful gathering of youth ministers," he said. . "Youth ministry is one of the most exciting areas in Church ministry right now," commented Father Washburn. "This conference is a great time for fellowship and for sharing ideas. It's energizing."

Nancy Murphy has been vol-

unteering with youth at St. Mary's 7:30 p.m. The Carotta's will give Parish in Mansfield for nearly 10 the keynote address "Vocational years and is also looking forward .Seasons," at 8:30 p.m. and the evening will close at 11 :30 p.m. to the conference.

"It recharges us all on many levSaturday, March 4, will begin els and the workshops always con- with the celebration of Mass at tain current topics that are helpful 7:30 a.m. Breakfast will follow in our work," said Murphy. "I'm and participants will attend the looking forward to the speakers session "Sustaining Commitand the opportunity to network ments and Challenges and Pracwith other youth ministers." tices," from 9 a.m. to noon. The The event will begin March 3 afternoon will include several at 5 p.m. Exhibits will be on dis- workshops and the opportunity play throughout the evening and for reconciliation. Among those the welcome will commence at Tum to page J 3 - Ministers

Since his present domicile is unknown, i.n accord with the provision of Canon 1509.1, we hereby cite Donald Perry to appear in person before the Tribunal of the Diocese of Fall River (887 Highland Avenue in Fall River, Bristol County, Massachu· setts) on March 3, 2006 at 2:30 PM to give his testimony regarding the question: 15 THE ARRUDA·PERRY MARRIAGE NULL ACCORDING TO CHURCH LAW? Anyone who has knowledge of the do· micile of Donald Perry is hereby required to inform him of this citation.

Given at the offices of the Diocesan Tribunal in Fall River, Bristol County, Mas· sachusetts on February 10, 2006.

IRev.) Paul F. Robinson, O. Cann., J.C.D. Judicial Vicar (Mrs.) Helene P. Beaudoin Ecclesiastical Notary

:;;E..q2~~~",;:: U,

OFFICIAL

II

His Excellency, \he Most Reverend George W. Coleman, Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the nomination of the Very Reverend Michael Kolodziej! OFM, Conv., Minister Provincial of the Conventual Franciscaq Friars, and has made the following appointment: II

Rev. Germain Kopaczynski, OFM Conv., Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Perpdtual Help Parish in New Bedford.

I~

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4

Friday, February 17, 2006

THE LANDING The Church as a community of love In his encyclical "Deus Caritas Est," after describing who God is and who we are, Pope Benedict turns to what the Church is.

The Church, he says, is "God's family in the world." Jesus Christ came from heaven to earth to found a family, and, as he himself said in the Gospel, "Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother" (Mk 3:35). Doing God's will, love and family all go together, Benedict teaches, because obedience is not indentured compliance to something imposed on us from the outside, but a simple response of love to God who loved us (rrst. When we love God, we love what he loves. We begin to want what he wants and reject what he rejects. With great satisfaction, we begin to say, "thy will be done!"

This image of the Church as a family united in a communion of love all seeking to do God's will is one of the richest ecclesiological images that can be proposed. The Church is not a society of independent thinkers, all with equally valuable opinions. It is not a Sunday social club where strangers convene to listen to self-help lectures and sing uplifting musical solos in juxtaposed pews. It is a family with an almighty Father in heaven, a Nazarene mother, a frrst-born son who is clearly the favorite, and brothers and sisters from every race, nation and tongue. The health and strength of this family depends on their union in doing the Father's will and their communion in love.

Tn the early Church, this union in will and communion oflove were obvious. Pope Benedict references' the passage in the Acts of the Apostles in which St. Luke provides a kind of "definition of the Church:" ''They devoted themselves to the apostles' teachings and communion, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.... All who believed were together and had all things in common" (Acts 2:44-45).

The frrst Christians sought the will of the Father through prayer and through the teaching of the "father figures" God had given them in the apostles, and they grew in mutual love through the celebration of the Eucharist and the sharing of all their goods with those in need. Like a family, they knew that they were "in it together," and acted accordingly. And imitating their Father's love, their own was overflowing.

They knew that God's family was meant to include all those their Father created, and so they turned their love toward others.

Pope Benedict said that this love manifested itself in three essential ways: the proclamation of the word of God, in speech (kerygma) and deeds (martyria); the public worship of God through the celebration of Mass and the sacraments (leitourgia); and the exercise of the ministry of charity (diakonia). The gift of the revelation of God's love is the frrst act of charity; helping others to reciprocate God's love by joint adoration is the second; and moving them to love and serve others as God has loved and served them is the third. For the Church to express her deepest nature, she must put all three into practice. "The Church cannot neglect the service of charity," Benedict writes, "any more than she can neglect the sacraments and the Word."

Pope Benedict says that this three-fold love of neighbor, grounded in the love of God, "is first and foremost a responsibility for each individual member of the faithful, but it is also a responsibility for the entireecclesial community at every level: from the local community to the particular Church and to the Church universal in its entirety." In other words, each disciple, each parish, and each diocese must focus on the love for others that is meant to animate each of these three areas. Just as the Church as a whole cannot neglect any of them, neither can a disciple, a parish or a diocese.

Pope Benedict, quoting St. Paul, gives us the motivation to redouble our personal and ecclesial efforts to the encounter with Christ in his word, in the sacraments, and in others: ''The love of Christ urges us on." Christ loved us so much that he came to announce to us the Good News of the Kingdom, to institute the sacraments for our salvation and sanctification, and to serve others us in love rather than be served.

Now, through the words of his earthly vicar, he says to each of us, to our parishes, and to our diocese, ''Love one another as I have loved you."

theanch~

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

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

Send address changes to P.O. Box 7, :'=a11 River, MA, call or use E-mail address Member: Catholic Press Association, New England Pre" Association, Catholic News Service PUBLISHER - Bishop George W. Coleman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Roger J. Landry fatherrogetlandry@anchomews.org EDITOR David B. Jollvet davejolivet@anchornews.org NEWS EDITOR Deacon James N. Dunbar jimdunbar@anchomews,org REPORTER Michael Gordon mikegordon@anchornews,org OFACE MANAGER Mary Chase marychase@anchornews.org

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the living word

BRAZILIANS ATTEND A MASS ON THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSASSINATION OF SISTER DOROTHY STANG IN THE JUNGLE TOWN OF ANAPU, BRAZIL, NEAR WHERE SHE WAS KILLED. SISTER DOROTHY, A MEMBER OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR, LIVED IN BRAZIL'S AMAZON REGION FOR NEARLY FOUR DECADES, WORKING TO PROTECT THE LAND RIGHTS OF PEASANTS AND SPEAKING OUT CONCERNING THE ECOLOGICAL DANGERS OF DEFORESTATION. (eNS PHOTOIPAULO SANTOS, REUTERS)

"LEARN TO DO GOOD; SEEK JUSTICE, REPROVE THE RUTHLESS, DEFEND THE ORPHAN, PLEAD FOR THE WIDOW" (ISAIAH

1:17).

The paradox of freedom As recent public debates have excellence and happiness, and focused on the nature and extent ultimately in the perfection of of freedom, it seems an opporheaven.

This basic truth is a paradox tune time to consider the truth of because the laws that promote our the paradox of freedom. Simply stated, the paradox of freedom is freedom often appear as limits or restrictions on freedom. And this that we are actually more free paradox of freedom is something when we recognize and accept what appear to be certain limits that our culture and society to our freedom. Put in other words, we are actually more free when we bind ourselves to the truth.

This paradox is one of the deep truths

By Father David revealed to us by Christ, A. Pignato when he said, "For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my vehemently oppose. For the sake will find it" (Mt 16:25). It world, freedom is measured by was also the main theme of the absence of any restraints on a Pope John Paul the Great's 1993 person's actions. For the world, encyclical "The Splendor of freedom is defined as license to Truth," in which the late Holy do whatever a person wills, and Father explained that there is an any nonns that prohibit certain "essential and constitutive actions are considered to be relationship" between freedom restraints on freedom. and truth, which includes those Contrary to modern opinion, laws of God that regulate our however, these laws of God are freedom, such as the Ten not a burden, a denial or a Commandments (Veritatis restriction on freedom, but rather the path to full and splendor, No.4). complete freedom (Veritatis When a person is willing to accept the truth, including these splendor, No. 18). As Pope John moral laws, his freedom is Paul II wrote, "God's law does actually enhanced. Just as the not reduce, much less do away scientist who accepts the truth with human freedom; rather, it that 2 + 2 = 4 is free to get all protects and promotes that the way to the moon, and just as freedom" (No. 35). The prohibithe pianist who accepts the truth tions in the moral law are in no way limits to a person's freeand order of musical scales is free to play the works of Mozart dom, because they only prevent a person from doing what will or Beethoven, so too is the person who accepts the truth of actually limit his freedom.

This truth is something that J God's moral laws free to live in

Putting Into the Deep

end up discussing each time I visit inmates at the local jail.

They tell me that they've learned the hard way that if they had only accepted and respected those minimal restrictions on their freedom, set forth in the civil law, they would be enjoying much more freedom now.

But in their pursuit of the unlimited freedom of crime, they lost almost all of their freedom.

I always remind these men that they were created to be free, and to use that freedom for happiness. As St. Paul wrote to the Galatians, "Remember that you have been called to live in freedom - but not a freedom that gives free reign to the flesh ... " (Gal 5:13). God has crafted a moral order that is the grammar of the universe, and when a person follows the truth of that moral order, he finds true freedom. The moral laws that appear to be restrictions on our freedom are not arbitrary rules imposed on us by God. Rather, they are a blueprint or recipe for human happiness, both here on earth and later in heaven.

As our society continues to discuss the nature and extent of freedom, our greatest contribution to this debate can be to point 'out that the notion of unbridled liberty is animalistic and uncivilized, while genuine freedom is actually enhanced by obedience to the truth, a universal truth established by God, which is the best guarantee of our freedom.

Friday, February 17, 2006

theanchof:S) II

Progress and priorities Guaimaca now has it's fIrst traffic light. There's always traffic in town; however, it is . primarily from all the bicycles.

Lately, there have been a few more trucks and school buses which are used as public transportation from the outlying aldeas.

It seems that a new traffic light is a sign of "progress." It was installed in the final months of the term of the By out-going mayor. Lately she has spent time and money to "beautify" the town, including a complete make-over for the park across from the church. There are new plants, a few new columns at the entrance, her name painted in big letters on the wall, all to.honor her term as mayor, perhaps.

However, little else has happened in the preceding four years; the poor still seek food, shelter, and work. Priorities.

On Saturdays, Sister Lucia

travels to the poorest of the barrios to distribute food bags to needy families, mainly comprised of single mothers with numerous children. As she passes by the renovated park, she is quick to share her opinion about

Our Mission Father Craig A. Pregana

the money spent for the renovations. She doesn't think the mayor has her priorities in order.

Food, housing, and education are more urgently needed, says Sister Lucia. With a wry smile, she comments how fortunate the town is to have such a thoughtful mayor. "Now the poor will have a beautiful place to sit and rest as they try to fInd food for their

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children." Sister has seen the needs of these families and works to alleviate the suffering.

Our nascent St. Vincent de Paul Society is an effort to reach out to the poorest of the poor.

Our simple group is comprised of Sister Lucia, Denis, Jose, me, and the generous benefactors back home. Every other week, Jose goes to the· local store and buys the food in bulk: rice, beans, sugar, flour, etc. He spends a day or so dividing the food into bags that will be delivered on Saturday mornings.

Denis or I load the bags on the truck and travel with Sister Lucia to the various homes of the needy families.

Although it is only a mod~st offering, the aid is gratefully received. The amazing part is that some families have made progress in fInding work and have told us please give their

food bag to a needier fllmily since there are other families in .

I greater need. ' Maybe the town do~s need a traffic light at the cornh near the renovated park, or maybe it is just a display of "progress." With children suffering malimtrition and families living in s~bstan­ dard conditions, one has to wonder about prioritie~ and i progress.

How fortunate are we who

live in the U.S. Food is readily available, as are housing and education. Yet a similar question arises: In our "progress," have we become more sensitized to the needs of our brothers and sisters? Are we more generous now that we have so much? It's something to think about the next time you're stopped at a traffic light. .

E-mails are welcome at www.HonduranMission.org.

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We both love ice cream I truly cherish receiving Emails from folks all across our diocese. I must be honest; I prefer the correspondence from those who agree with me. But I do get a kick out of the occasionalletter telling me I'm all wrong and don't know what I'm talking about. They keep me on my toes.

Once in a while, I get a letter that makes me glad I'm a sports

My View From the Stands

By Dave Jolivet

fan and a Red Sox fan. But today I received a letter from a nice man that made me ashamed of both.

Ken, I had to re-read your letter several times to absorb it.

I have several good friends who are (gulp) Yankee fans, and that has no bearing on what we think of each other, or should it.

It's a game - only a game.

What you said is so true, "You like the Sox, I like the Yanks. We both love the game.

That is why there is chocolate and vanilla, but we both love ice cream."

In Ken's letter, he told me about a visit he and his young teen-age son made to venerable old Fenway Park to catch a Yankee-Red Sox game. Ken's son has Muscular Dystrophy and is wheelchair bound.

Through a close personal contact Ken and son met the Yankees before the game - all complete gentlemen.

Then, wearing their Yankees apparel, the pair settled in to

enjoy a typical New YorkBoston affair.

That night happened to be the game that Yankees' outfIelder Gary Sheffield had a run in with a Sox fan during a play in right field.

Ken told me that before the incident there was the usual Sox-Yankee fan bant~r, but after the run-in and after some of the fans sloshed down too much beer, things got down right frightening.

To make a long, sick story short, Ken and his son had their special night cut short, fearing for their safety.

Ken also added that some Yankee fans in the Bronx are no better.

How often do we watch clips of European soccer matches and rub our eyes in disbelief at the fan violence and chaos? Well, much like the advent of the killer bees to the U.S., the sting of ignorant, selfIsh people has infIltrated our sports venues.

Players fIghting fans; fans fIghting players; fans fIghting fans; players fIghting players.

When will it all end? Or will it?

Ken, I'm so sorry you and your son had to endure what you did at such a wonderful baseball cathedral as Fenway.

Please let your son know that not all Red Sox fans are like that. Let him know that there are those of us who, like you, love the game. We enjoy the rivalry, but not at the expense or human dignity and rights.

Red Sox-Yankees; BruinsCanadiens; Celtics-Lakers; Patriots-Colts; USA-Russia;

Duke-North Carolina; UCLAUSC; Notre Dame-everyone they're all just games.

We all root for one or the other, but the bottom line is we're all in this together. We're all brothers and sisters, and that's no game. , Ken, please let your son know that there are those of us who still believe that. Please.

GUAIMACA'S IifIRST traffic light hangs above a street used mostly by pedest~ians and bicycles. Some locals question the priorities of politicians when more should be done to help the poor and the t1omeless.

Comments are welcome at davejolivet@anchornews.org.

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Friday, February 17, 2006

Child, your sins are forgiven ''Lord, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you" (ps 41 :5).

As a young hard of hearing teen-ager struggling with the typical teen-ager's angst, I used to ask God, "Why do I have to deal with this? Give me something else to deal with." As time went on and I became more and more aware of the world around me, I began to see that being hard of hearing was a small price to pay compared to the loss of eternal life because of my sins. Freedom from sin and death is much more appealing to me than freedom from my hearing loss.

The world is passing away,but life with God is forever. '''Thus says the Lord: Remembernot the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new" (Is 43: 18-19a).

In the very beginning of time, God created the heavens and the earth and then man. But somewhere along the way, Adam and Eve turned against God in disobedience. In their disobedience to God, sin and death entered into the world. In other words, the communion between God and man was lost. Through their rejection of God's com-

and his Church. The Church is mandment, man and woman the sign of the new and eternal banished themselves from covenant. In every Mass, we paradise. celebrate that same new and But God had a plan to restore eternal covenant in the Eucharist, communion and paradise. the source of the unity of the Abraham was called to establish Church. a covenant with God which Jesus Christ is the way to began the long journey toward freedom from sin and death. communion between God and From the cross, Christ estabman. Later, God called Moses and the descendents of Abraham from slavery Homily of the Week into the desert. It was in the desert that God led Seventh Sunday his people to freedom and established a new of Ordinary Time covenant. In this

By Father covenant, God established the CommandEthan G. McCarthy ments to preserve his people from sin and lished the Church on earth to disunity. But the people of God continue the mission to preach continued to sin and despite their the Gospel and forgive sins. sinfulness, God continued to lead Through our baptism, we were them on the way to the Promised washed clean of our sins and Land. brought into the Church. But To fulfill the promises God despite our baptism, we continue made with Abraham and his to sin against God. If we sin descendants, the Father sent his against God after baptism and we only Son to be born among us. In can only receive baptism once, the sacrifice of Calvary, from the wound on Jesus' side, poured how. can we be restored to communion with God if sin forth blood and water, which breaks that communion God established God's new and desires with us? eternal covenant between God

In the reading from St. Paul to the Corinthians, he was speaking to the Christian community of Corinth that accused him of being selfish because he was leaving them behind in favor of the Macedonians ahd leaving them with Silvanus and Timothy. .In his own defense, St. Paul says, "For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us, Silvanus and Timothy and me, was not 'yes' and 'no,' but 'yes' has been in him.

For however many are the promises of God, their yes is in him; therefore, the amen from us also goes through him to God for glory" (2 Cor I: 17b-20).

The same word that the Apostle Paul gave to the Corinthians is the same word that Silvanus and Tunothy gave. St. Paul went on to say that the anointing they received is the same anointing of Christ by the Holy Spirit. Their "word" is identified with the "Word" who is Christ. When they spoke to the Corinthians in communion with the Word, the word they spoke is the eternal Word.

Jesus Christ gave the apostles

and their successors the ministry to forgive sins. It is in this ministry that they were given Christ's mission to restore creation in him.

It is the same ministry which bishops possess, and their priests in union with them, by virtue of apostolic succession. They don't forgive sins by their own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ. Since this is the case, it is Jesus who has the power to forgive our sins in the sacrament of penance. The priest forgives sins by virtue of his priesthood which comes from Christ.

Therefore, when you receive absolution in the sacrament of penance, you receive the same absolution that Jesus gave to the paralytic 2,000 years ago in Capernaum.

How much more wonderful it is to be free from your sins, to be given the hope of eternal life, and communion with God, than it is to pursue in vain the bodily perfection in a life that is passing away?

Father McCarthy is a parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish in Norlh Easton and a part-time student ofAmerican Sign Language.

True Love Many people are afraid to approach the issue of same-sex attraction because they have friends, family members, coworkers or neighbors whom they know or think may be homosexual.

They are aware of their friends' suffering and struggles. They love them and want to be compassionate.

Gay activists insist the only answer is for everyone to be tolerant and accepting of what they call "diversity" and that anyone , who does not embrace the gay agenda in its totality is a homophobe or worse.

How can Catholics reconcile their desire to be truly loving, compassionate, and accepting with the unchangeable teaching that homosexual acts are always contrary to God's rules for sexuality?

Behind this apparent dilemma lies a false assumption - namely that persons who experience samesex attractions were born that way and are powerless to change.

This is simply not true. There is overwhelming evidence that samesex attraction (SSA) is a preventable and treatable psycho-sexual developmental disorder originating in early childhood experiences.

Persons with SSA did not choose to have these desires. Many have no idea where they came from.

Unfortunately the media has publicized the search for a "gay gene" and many people assume that search has been successful and science has discovered a genetic cause for SSA. But this is not the case. All the studies in this area

have failed to turn up any repliearly childhood problems, a failure and treatment of the problem. in many cases to identify with Parents who saw obvious probcable scientific evidence for a lems were told not to worry about biological cause for SSA and the one's same-sex parent or peers. search has for the most part been When persons with same-sex it, when sensitive interventions abandoned. attraction say, "I always felt could have made a difference.

If same-sex attraction were different," they are accurately We didn't pray as a Church for genetically determined, those struggling with these then identical twins would _-----------r----~""h problems. Persons always have the same experiencing same-sex pattern of sexual attracattraction were left to tion. Numerous studies of struggle alone in shame twins, however, have and embarrassment. It is found that this is not the not surprising that many case. Research on felt betrayed by the members of a twins'

By Dale O'Leary Church, embraced the gay registry in Australia found agenda, and saw "coming27 sets of identical male out" as a relief. twins in which one member was describing their early experiences.

This tragedy is compounded by homosexual. In only three cases The problem is that they weren't the fact that the boys whose (II percent) was the other also . really different. They were obvious problems weren't homosexual. Of 22 sets of female physically normal boys or girls addressed in the 1960s were identical twins where one was whose masculine or feminine among the first cohort of those identity was not sufficiently who died in the AIDS epidemic. homosexual in only three cases (14 percent) was the other also affirmed and supported.

Before we as a Church can homosexual. Same-sex attraction The tragedy is that all this was address the political questions cannot, therefore, be genetically understood by psychiatrists surrounding homosexuality, we predetermined. working in this field in the 1960s. must sincerely repent for these Why do so many people think These therapists were excited failures. that scientists have found a "gay about their findings and hoped that This done, we must also reject gene"? Because the gay activists teachers, physicians, parents and the gay agenda. If a person is had research which showed that if pastors would take this knowledge, chained to tree, cold, thirsty, people believed that same-sex identify at-risk children and hungry, which is more loving: to attraction was genetically deterprevent the development of sameleave him where he is and bring mined they were more likely to sex attraction. This didn't happen him blankets, water and food, or support the gay agenda. They and for that we as Church must get a hack saw? True love brings a therefore promoted the "born this bear some of the responsibility. hacksaw. way/can't change" myth. . We didn't want to deal with the Real love for persons with Does this mean that persons issue openly and so nothing was same-sex attraction requires us to with same-sex attraction have done. We didn't offer guidance to speak the truth. Persons with SSA . chosen to be that way and can parents, to priests, and to others have a right to know that they are simply choose to stop having who could have made a difference. real men and real women called by same-sex attractions? No. While We didn't offer specific counsel to God to live their masculinity and each person with SSA has his or those experiencing same-sex femininity to the fullest. While it is her own unique personal history, attraction. We didn't educate the true that treatment is not always for many SSA is a symptom of general public about the causes successful, that it not reason

Truth

'and Compassion

simply to surrender. Therapists working in the field and support groups for those struggling with the problem should be encouraged to work harder. Unfortunately, gay activists have been trying to suppress the truth about SSA and to have successful therapy methods labeled unethical.

Most of all we must pray for those we know who struggle with this problem. God's love and grace are the answer.

Dale O'Leary is an interna-

tionaUy recognized lecturer is author of"The Gender Agenda: Redefining Equality." She regularly lectures in Massachusetts in supporl ofthe Church's teachings on the gift ofhuman sexuality.

Daily Readings Feb 18 Feb 19

Feb 20 Feb 21 Feb 22 Feb 23 Feb 24

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 Jas 3:13-18; Ps 19:8-10,15; Mk 9:14-29 Jas 4:1-10; Ps 55:7-11,23; Mk 9:30-37 1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 16:1319 Jas 5:1-6; Ps 49:14-20; Mk 9:41-50 Jas 5:9-12; Ps 103:1-4,8-9,1112; Mk 10:1-12

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Wrapped in love 11 February 2006 - National Shut-In Visitation Day Homeport Sometimes I'm asked to bless some rather unorthodox items: a wilting over-watered houseplant, a kid's rickety tree house, a set of "lucky" bingo cards. I count 167 prayers in the Book of Blessings; a blessing of bingo cards is not among them. Although there is a generic "Blessings for Various Circumstances," some things are better left unblessed.

One day Mrs. Pina drove up to the rectory in the pouring rain, asking me to bless her new preowned car. I figured blessings for "Various Means of Transportation - Motor Vehicles" covered the situation nicely. She thanked me for the prayer and, backing up her car, promptly bumped into a tree. Mrs. Pina insisted I must have said the wrong words or such a thing would never have happened.

Think quickly. "0 Lord, please disregard previous prayer.

Amen." Mrs. Pina seemed satisfied with the recall.

There's something going on here in the Village. An astute pastor can tell. People are coming to the door asking me to bless shawls. I learned that a group has been meeting weekly during the

fall and winter months. Parishioner Carol Levesque is the convener. It's a prayer group that makes shawls. The participants pray as they work. What will they think of next?

The garments represent the "embrace of an inclusive, unconditional, loving God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, hug, and beautify," says the ministry's Website. It all began in 1998 with Janet Bristow and

Victoria Galo at the Hartford, Conn. seminary of the United Church of Christ. What a great idea. The ministry is nondenominational. It can be done in either an individual or group setting. The shawls can be knitted, crocheted, quilted, or machine-made. The crafter or the recipient can be man, woman or child. If the recipient is a male, it's a boldly colored "lap robe"; if an infant, it's a white or pastel baby blanket.

The shawl maker begins each session with prayer for the recipient.

Sometimes a rosary bead is woven into the shawl. When the shawl is completed, it's blessed and sent on its way. Often a prayer card is included or a sewn label naming the sponsoring prayer group. Sometimes the shawl is personally delivered by the maker and prayerfully draped over the shoulders of the recipient The shawls might celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, friend-

Hail Mary, full of ...

As parents we stopped asking high she should tum the heat. I replied without thinking, "You questions about certain things can tum it on as high as you long ago. "Why is the sky blue?" for example, or, "Why do would like; water doesn't bum."

Sitting nearby, my eight-year-old cats have whiskers?" We enjoy hearing a child ask these sorts of thought this very curious and asked, "Why not?" questions, however, because "Well," I explained, "because they remind us to wonder at the water evaporates instead of beauty of God's creation.

As an adult, I have developed the habit of bringing my child-like questions to God, our heavenly Father. I bring them to him with the attitude of the father of a demon-possessed boy in

By Heidi Bratton Mark 13 who exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief." burning." As those words My questions always begin, slipped out of my mouth, my "God, I believe what you have son's question became a word revealed though Scripture and picture to answer my question tradition, but, I was wonderabout why Mary needed a ing ...." I can almost see God savior, too. I'll explain in nonkneel down and pat me on the scientific terms the insight God head when I tug on his heavenly gave me. robes in this way.

Water is a not like regular "My dear Heidi, it's just not "stuff." Stuff bums. Water does as complex as you think," he not. In the same way that we grins. throw water on stuff to stop it "Yes, Lord, I know," I from burning, it is the presence respond, "but I'm still not of water inside of stuff that can getting it. Could you give me a prevent it from burning in the visual aid?" first place. An example of the About five years ago I began first situation would be throwing asking God to help me underdry spaghetti noodles into a hot stand a mystery about Mary. I fire. In a few seconds the couldn't grasp that if sin is what dehydrated pasta would burst condemns us to hell, and Mary into flames. To save the spanever sinned, then why did she ghetti from burning we would need Jesus as her savior? Years have to pour water on it. An went by with no insight pro- . vided. Then, while the kids and I example of the second situation would be putting spaghetti sauce were preparing lunch recently, I in a hot pan. Due to the preshad a revelation.

My 1O-year-old had just put a ence of water in the tomatoes, the sauce wouldn't bum as pot of water on the stove to boil quickly as the noodles did. Prespaghetti when she asked how

Home Grown Faith

existing water in the sauce would prevent it from burning.

In both situations, however, it is the water that saves the stuff from burning.

If we go back and substitute "Jesus" for "water" in the previous paragraph, we see that our condition at conception is much like that , of the dry pasta. We are born dehydrated or without the grace of God due to original sin. In order to be saved, we have to have the waters of baptism or the grace of God poured over us and into our lives. Mary, on the other hand, was born fully hydrated or "full of grace," as the angel called her at the Annunciation. As Pope John Paul II used to say, "full of grace" means "full of God." Mary's condition was more like that of the spaghetti sauce. In both situations, however, it is Jesus that saves both us and Mary.

I know that mystery is a part of the faith life, but I believe God delights in the deeper questions and wonderings of his earthly children. I further believe that he wants to help us understand our faith more fully and will therefore answer our questions, even if it takes years.

If there is something you've been wondering about, I encourage you to give a little tug and say, "Father, I believe, but I was just wondering...."

Heidi is an author, photographer, and full-time mother.

She and her husband raise their five children and grow their faith in Falmouth.

ship, or professional achievements. The shawls might be intended to console the grieving, comfort the ill, or bring hope to the depressed. The shawls might even be used to wnip newly baptized babies.

There is a homebound woman who loves to crochet here in the Village. Eunice Burton has produced hundredsllof items over the years. She stacks them in those plastic conta~pers. Eunice donates several afghans to the "craft table" at pari,~h events. A pity it is that shoppers don't seem to be as interested in handcrafted items as they once IWere. The handiwork is labor-intensive and sometimes the materials are expensive. Eunice keeps on crocheting. What to do? Recruit Eunice in the Shawl Ministry.

The Shawl Ministry is spreading. Our panshioners, like many others, heard about it from Barbara St. Cyr. Barbara is a prime mover in furthering the cause. She forme~ the group at St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth. More than a hundred shawls have gone out from there to homebound and nursing home patients.

St. Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans has two groups - one meets in homes during the day and another in the evenings in the chapel. Joan Valicenti supervises. Parish Nurse Mary Regan heads the Shawl Ministry at Our Lady of th~ Cape Parish in Brewster. AnoV1er group meets at Holy Cross Parish, South . Easton, led by Parish Nurse Virginia Croak. Christ the King Parish, Mashpee, has just II

announced that this community too is ready to take up the project. Sister Dympna Smith, RSM, Director of Pastoral Care, will be organizing it.

There is a very active Shawl Ministry led by Sister Catherine Donovan, Pastoral Care director at the Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River.

There are also Shawl Ministry groups in Attleboro, Chatham, Edgartown, East Taunton, Falmouth, North Attleboro, Provincetown, Harwich, and on Martha's Vineyard. Shawl Ministry workshops and retreats are held throughout the United States.

I receive a package in the mail from Barbara St. Cyr of the St. Pius X Shawl Ministry. In the package are a "lap robe" and a note. She says she is praying for me and wants to enfold me in God's love. Barbara explains she's been very busy lately and hasn't quite had time to finish the project, but she's sending it along just the same. I laugh out loud. The "lap robe" is about the size of a postcard. I may look silly, but at least it keeps my left knee toasty. Barbara promises to send me a regulation-sized garment as soon as her schedule allows.

Maybe the next edition of the Book of Blessings should include a Prayer for Shawls.

VlSit www.shawlministry.com for further information. Also "Knitting into the Mystery - A Guide to the Shawl-Knitting Ministry" by Susan Jorgensen and Susan Izard; Morehouse Publishing, 2003.

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BARBARA ST. eVR, right, presents a prayer shawl to Pearl, an 89 year-old nursing home resident.

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18

Character" ComprassWn Valueso

Catholic Schools Week snapshots

SECOND-GRADERS Courtney Smith and Samuel Seybert enjoy sundaes they made during Catholic Schools Week at St. John the Evangelist School, Attleboro.

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FIRST-GRADE STUDENTS at St. Pius X School in Acushnet make cutouts of themselves for their teachers. From left: Mikaelah Richardson, Jordan Standish, Katie Davis, Kiera Mulcahy, and Lucy Vander Mel. STUDENTS FROM St. Joseph-St. Therese School New Bedford er:-tjoy a visit from Miss New Bedford during Catholic Schools Week. She joined with the children in a school-wide art project to create a School banner. Every member of the school Family added their own unique part; a figure of themselves.

There's not much time left to submit your Catholic Schools Week activities photos!

Please E-mail the photos to: davejolivet@anchomews.org, or mikegordon@anchomews.org by February 19.

The final installment of photos will run in the February 24 edition of The Anchor.

KYLIE BATISTA, a Pre-K student at Notre Dame School, spins to music during a Catholic Schools Week talent show at the Fall River school. (Anchol1Jolivet photo)

ST. ANNE'S CHURCH in Fall River was standing room only for a CSW prayer service attended by all nine Catholic schools in the city. (Anne Cabral photo)

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Operation Planting Seeds The main purposes of the excerpts from the latest edition of the "Diocese of Fall River Operation: Planting Seeds" newsletter are to promote greater awareness throughout the diocese about the need for vocations and to educate people of all ages - from parents to children, families to single people - what a vocation in the Church really means.·It is also meant to help people learn how to talk about and promote an openness to a priestly vocation in a young man who may have serious questions about what it means to be a priest, how one goes about studying for the priesthood, or just how to take an initial step in a discernment process of a vocation: Promoting vocations to the priesthood is the work and responsibility ofevery baptized Catholic in the world. Vocations work must be a top priority and awareness of the need for priestly vocations must be instilled in the hearts ofall Catholics ofall ages.

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I1lJ.les e only M Non d the rnea con"s OVe Into th aWay Aft ass in Christ., an \ 1irst began to thinK th uPPose You h d e church P~kin er that, eVen, t'\onsh\P· "en.h grade d co'ntinued to at You Wa a to travel to g lot I tho -J h se \ n I started t nted to attend M Boston ev U~ht, \n t e riesthOod, a years. iest aged oth 0 pray daily fo ass." It Was ~1)' time sider t~~,~r the n~y.t 1~:the diocesan~~\e 0' At S ers to do the r vocations en that about \ ttract\on 'The e~a t" e fonn d t. Thomas M saIne, and encOUr~ \ 'e\t an a \ reasons. ed rne to se peo Ie a VOcation A Ore Parj~h-in-s ,>=--~jl-----_-\c-t:\ood 10f s~"er~ o'IJn me a\\o;done 10r othWe 'P e ranging in a war~ness Te Olllerset, We th~ priests ~ rngood they ha: 'a dio c: ere the first an~ fro, 16 to 8~ of about 10 ' 1ir~t-hand t e hO is considen~gst.

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Stud~nts ~bout the Pnesthood, from 2. ~~.,~. OO-Jl-tfh;, at Ihe"AC),fl H01J!11Ufn;: young pe~pCe do n~t possess tFt; Famlly Life Center, 500 Slocum RoadJ North D~f!J'WUJ~ ',tfl!:tliranddrif!~CongWttfiouta reasonwfiy; I ,/ lJ Iiow many,.utifartunate(y, after empty ande.{* Sunday, April 30, 2006 - Informatiqn Day a~9--ut t~e . . - - -fiaustive 'sei;lrcF¥.~, disappointedandem6itteretf, Priesthood for High School Freshmen, ~oP'lOm.qrei and\ /-"._. (fu!:ye gived and~ti{{ give tfiemse{ves up to deJuniors, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at St. Franci~r..qf Assisi ChUrch 1 ~ipqfr!""'dfiow~any fiave succeededin reacfiHall, 530 Gardner's Neck Road, Swan~ea --' , [. -ing}lie trutfi onfy afteryears oftonnentedques-

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Holy Hour for Vocations, on Sunday, May 7, 2006, 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral 327 Second Street Fall River

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film. %s~ Cfins,t ca{Cs yo~, 6utfie ca{Cs ~o~ m trutfi. HlS carrlS demanding, 6ecause fie mVltes you to Cet yourse{ves 6e "captured" 6y fiim compCete(y, so tfiat your wfioCe fives wi{{ 6e seen in a different {igfit. Let yoursefves 6e seized 6y Jesus and try to five justfor fiim!

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Diocesan Vocation Office 530 Gardner's Neck Road Swansea, MA 02777 508-673-2808

Visit our Website at www.FaIiRiverVocations.org

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DVD/vid-eo review NEW YORK (CNS) - The following is a capsule review of a recent DVD and video release from the Office for Film & Broadcasting ofthe u.s. Conference ofCatholic Bishops.

''Tim Burton's Corpse Bride" (2005) Darkly enchanting animated love story based on a Russian folk tale about a timid groom (voiced by Johnny Depp) whose arranged marriage to the shy daughter (voiced by Emily Watson) ofstuffy aristocrats, is derailed the night before they are

to wed when, practicing his vows alone in the woods, he finds himselfbetrothed to a dead girl (voiced

by Helena Bonham Carter) he inadvertently reanimates. Though a bit morose for young children, the delightfully macabre fable from codirectors Tim Burton and Mike Johnson imparts a gentle message of selfless love which should warm most hearts - beating or not. Mature thematic elements, a villainous clerical character and folkloric fantasy content. (Wamer Bros.)

Movies Online Can't remember how a recent film was classified by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops? Want to know whether to let the kids go see it? You can look film reviews up on the Catholic News Service Website.

Visit www.catholicnews.com and click on "Movies," under the "News Item" menu.

The Franciscans Immaculate Conception Province (OFM) Vocation Director: Br. Charles Gingerich, ofm Email: Charles848@aol.com Website:

THE BELOVED and mischievous monkey opens his eyes wide in wonder in a scene from the animated feature film "Curious George." For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie CapSUles below. (CNS photo/Universal Pictures)

WWW.FRANCISCANVOC.ORG 1-800-521-5442 (days) 1-888-521-5442 (evenings) 978-863-0042 978-863-0041 (evenings only) FAX: 978-863-0172 USA 459 River Road Andover, MA 01810-4213 CANADA 2210 Lawrence Ave. East Toronto ONT. M1P 2P9

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Sunday February 26th Cf1) 3:00 pm

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ICallVSUII11es NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Curious George" (Universal) Delightful and disarming animated adventure based on the beloved children's books by A.H. and Margaret Rey, about an inquisitive chimp - George - who befriends a museum curator (voiced by Will Ferrell) searching for a legendary idol for his failing museum, and who eventually stows away, leaving his jungle home for New York, where much monkey . mischief ensues. Directed by Matthew O'Callaghan, the simply told but visually vibrant film stays faithful to the gentle tone of the books, imparting a warmhearted message about friendship, which though geared toward youngsters adults will find charming. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I - general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G - general audiences. All ages admitted.

"A Good Woman" (Lions Gate) Reasonably faithful and effective - but rather dank updating of Oscar Wilde's Vic-

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torian-era melodrama "Lady Windermere's Fan" now set in 1930s Italy, concerning a notorious woman (a miscast Helen Hunt) who disrupts the lives of wealthy young newlyweds when the starry-eyed young wife (Scarlett Johansson) suspects the lady is having an affair with her husband. Director Mike Barker has cast his female protagonists with Americans, but it's several of the English supporting players (Tom Wilkinson, Roger Hammond and JQhn Standing) who come off best, and while Howard Himelstein's script purloins several of Wilde's choice epigrams, the overall rewrite is below par. Implied adultery, attempted seduction, a character with implied past promiscuity, some mild husband-wife bedroom intimacy. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III - adults.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG - parental guidance suggested.

Some material may not be suitable for children.

"The Pink Panther" (MGM-Columbia) Amusing update of the Blake Edwards comedy series with Steve Martin successfully assuming Peter Sellers' mantle as the impossibly inept Inspector Clouseau who, this time, must solve the murder of a soccer coach, with the assistance of a resourceful secretary (Emily Mortimer) and an unflappable aide (Jean Reno), hired by the duplicitous police chief (Kevin Kline) who hopes to solve the case himself and win the Medal of Honor. Shawn Levy directs with a sure comic touch (a few comic misfires notwithstand-

ing), and despite some off-color humor and knockabout slapstick, the film is relatively devoid of objectionable elements.

Some sexual humor and innuendo, some suggestive costuming, crass expressions and humor, and slapstick violence, making this most suitable for older adolescents and up. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG - parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

"When a Stranger Calls" (Screen Gems) Mediocre remake of the marginal 1978 psychological thriller about a high-school student (Camilla Belle) who, while baby-sitting at a secluded lakefront home, is terrorized by the phone threats of an unseen homicidal stalker, only to discover that the calls are coming from inside the house. Director Simon West forgoes plot and plausibility in favor of easy jolts, but does manage to create an unnerving atmosphere of isolation and suspense through suggestion, while keeping the violence relatively tame. Some violence, including a hand skewered by a fire poker, scenes of menace and child peril, implied murders, brief images of dead bodies and scattered crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 - parents strongly cautioned. Some mate-rial may be inappropriate for children under 13.

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rently have priests serving in France, the United States, Brazil, Spain and Italy.

Father Wilson has been director of the Hispanic Apostolate since 2000 and said the idea of having priests from Colombia serve here has been a long time coming. A friend of his who was studying in Rome knew ,of a priest named Father Oscar Alvarez Zea, who wanted to improve his English. The friend suggested to Father Wilson that Father Oscar might work in New Bedford over the summer.

Father Oscar came to New Bedford and stayed at what is now Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church. He worked with the Hispanic community there, at the Cathedral, in Hyannis and Nantucket. ''I was very impressed by him and his work ethic," said Father WIlson.

Shortly after he left, another priest arrived and through these men Father Wilson learned more about the Archdiocese of Medellin and the idea of having the visitors stay here for a longer period of time took shape.

"Members of the Hispanic Apostolate and I spoke to Bishop George W. Coleman about the idea and he embraced it," said Father Wilson. ''We wrote a letter to the archbishop of Medellin and at that time Father Oscar had completed his doctorate and was working as the chancellor. A meeting was arranged and in November of 2005, Father Wilson went to Colombia to finalize the details and meet the priests.

They have been in our country only a week and are currently residing at the Cathedral. They will soon relocate to the communities in which they will serve.

Father Hector will be stationed at the Cathedral. Fathers German and Carlos will be helping out at Our Lady ofGuadalupe at St. James and St. Killian's in New Bedford, and Our Lady of the Isle in Nantucket.

Father Wilson said they have "a diocese-to-diocese agreement and it's not that uncommon," for such a contract to be drawn up. The agreement is for three years, but is not binding. ''This is very important for our diocese," said Father Wilson. ''They will have an understanding of being a new immigrant in our diocese.

They will see things in our culture that even I would not see."

When asked how it's been so far, Father Hector said, "It's been unusual. It's very different. It's another culture, language and reality. But even though it's very different, it's the same humanity and you can see how people understand each other."

Father Carlos' family was sad at his leaving, but he added, "at the same time they are happy for the service I am doing for the universal Church."

Father German agreed, stating that his family was also sad, but noted, ''This is important because of the service we're providing."

"It's also cp1 opportunity for us," added Father Carlos. "It expands

one's vision of the world, knowing another language. and culture. We will return to Colombia, but we will not return the same."

Although there was a language barrier in our interview, it was easy to see that each priest was emotional when it came to his family back home. But their dedication and enthusiasm to serving the people of this diocese was also manifest.

Father Carlos recalled a phrase that convinced him to take this journey. He said "One's faith is strengthened by giving it out, and from that I said 'yes' to the archbishop's request."

Each of the men was a pastor in Colombia. Father German helped build a church. He was in charge of a cemetery. ''I was very busy and had a lot of work, but I was happy with my life and my priesthood," he said.

Father H~ctor added that their faith in Christ will be most important as they adjust to this country. ''We were uprooted from very established lives," he said.

Father Hector was pastor in a poor community. "Like Father German I had a lot of work. At my parish the priest is like the dad of the community. He is asked to help resolve issues offood, housing and heath problems, and situations of violence. Through us, the Church serves those functions."

Father Hector was not alone in dealing with issues of violence involving guerilla armed forces. Father Carlos also was dealing with those groups and stated that they have a strong presence in the community.

"As a priest," said Father Hector, "you inspire confidence and respect," and that is why he acts as a mediator.

The three priests each said they hope to give good service to the people of America, especially to those whose English is not very good. According to Father Wilson, the men have already had a positive impact in the Spanish communities and he's heard parishioners stating it was like having a Mass in their old countries. ''We all have the same goal of giving good service," said Father German. "We also hope this pastoral ministry will help us to grow and we can bring that Qack to our country."

In Colombia, vocations to the priesthood are thriving and all three agreed that it was the environment people grow up in that leads to that.

Schools and families push for vocations and in Colombia it is seen as important as becoming a doctor or engineer.

"A priest working in a poor neighborhood keeps the peace," said Father Hector. "He listens to people's problems. He works with the young people: He is a central figure worthy of imitation and many say they would like to become one so they too can help people."

Father Hector added that his family was very Catholic and he served as an altar boy along with his brothers, so pursuing a vocation

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was a natural choice. " The road to the priesthood for Father Carlos was more complex because he was raised as a Protestant. "In my life I met a Jesuit priest with whom I had discussions. I studied in a Catholic school and we critically examined religion. We made a serious study of the true faith and I went to a minor seminary to know it more."

At 16, Father Carlos made his first Communion and at 17 he began studying to become a priest.

"It caused a change in my family. They all wanted to know about the Catholic Church."

For Father German the path to his priesthood came from education. He was studying to be a teacher and while student teaching, he met a seminarian. After talks with the man; Father German began to "feel a pull" towards the priesthood.

He said the transition to serving here in America will not be too difficult. Recalling a recent Mass, Father German said it was like celebrating a Mass back in Colombia ''We were warmly welcomed and even though we cannot speak English very well it has not been too difficult."

A goal for Father Carlos is to learn" a lot about American people and how

they live the faith he.! in such a secufarized place. "I t~ink that will strengthen my own faith," he said.

Father German described being in America like the Scriptural story of Abraham's giving up his family

for God. "You must trust in God's will," he declared.

Father Wilson is seeking volunteers to help the priests learn English. If you are able to help, please call him at 508-992-9408.

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Friday, February 17, 2006

New obstacle to CatholicAnglican unity arising

By SIMON CALDWELL CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

was hampered by differences between Anglican principles of LONDON - The prospect of "Scripture, tradition and reason" ordaining women as bishops in and Catholic principles of Scripthe Church of England means ture, tradition and teaching authat the quest for unity is at a pla- thority.

"I think the reasonableness of teau, said a British cardinal.

There is "no doubt that recent Anglicanism has come under developments in the Anglican Com- pressure," the cardinal said. "In munion with regard to the ordina- a real sense England is 'terra tion of women as priests and now ecumenica' (an ecumenical as bishops - even more profoundly land), and we've got to keep on because a bishop is in a particular this road in every possible way, way a figure of unity - as well路 as but the present difficulties are other developments in the ethical certainly something that gives me sphere have meant that ecumenism no pleasure."

Although the Church of Enis at a plateau," said Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor of gland decided in 1975 there were no theological objections to the Westminster, England.

The cardinal spoke at a Lon- ordination of women as priests, it don press conference February 6, was not until 1992 that it voted to the same day as the first session allow the ordinations, which led of the Church of England's gen- to about 400 English Anglican eral synod, at which Anglican clerics converting to Catholicism.

In July, the general synod leaders were scheduled to debate the ordination of women as bish- voted to remove the remaining ops, a move Church officials obstacles to wO,men becoming have said ~ill present a new ob- bishops, following. the example stacle to Anglican-Catholic unity. of three other Anglican provinces "It's probably inevitable that that already have women bishin due course [in the Anglican ops.

Last week, the synod agreed Communion] there will be the ordination of women as bishops," to "take note" of a January 16 resaid Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor. port by the Church of England's "If you have women as priests, House of Bishops, which outit's an inevitable conclusion. I lined a possible process - and don't think that there will be as the authority by which the ordimany (Anglicans) wishing to nation of women as bishops change and become Catholics as might proceed.

The proposals, set out by a .a result of the ordination of (women) bishops - I think they' working party under Anglican would have done so already at the Bishop Christopher Hill of time of the ordination of women Guildford, England, seeks to legally open every Anglican diocese (as priests)."

Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor to women priests by 2012. In adsaid he was also saddened by the dition, the pmposals would allow apparent failure of the Anglican parishes that reject women bishCommunion to accept the con- ops to choose a male traditionalclusions of the Anglican-Roman ist bishop for their care. The synod Catholic International Commis- was to debate the proposals.

In October the Department of sion, especially in the area of auDialogue and Unity of the Cathothority in the Church.

"I'm very sorry about the dif- lic Bishops' Conference of Enficulties th,ey (Anglicans) en- gland and Wales said the "ordicounter in all kinds of ways in nation of women would undoubtterms of their communion with edly create a further major obeach other, which is becoming stacle" to reconciliation.

"Even within the present situvery, very impaired in all kinds of important ways," he said. ation we share as an 'ecumeni"Personally, I can't avoid disap- cal partner' the concern ofthose pointment, but I also can't avoid who foresee irreparable damage understanding the difficulties for to the internal visible and spiritual unity of the Church of Enthe Anglican Communion."

He said ecumenical dialogue gland," the bishops said.

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

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

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

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

A PARISHIONER at St. Bridget's Church in Rochester, N.Y., raises his hands in prayer at the start of a recent Sunday Mass. African-American Catholics have made great strides in developing black Catholic leadership over the past two decades, but they face new challenges, black Catholic leaders said in interviews with Catholic News Service. (CNS photo/ Mike Crupi, Catholic Courief)

Progress, new challenges seen for black Catholic community WASHINGTON (CNS) named the director of the just- definitely have more black CathoAfrican-American Catholics have formed bishops' secretariat, it was lic men and women in ministerial made strides in developing black just months after the sixth Na- roles and black Catholic men and women educated in ecclesiastical Catholic leadership over the past tional Black Catholic Congress two decades, but they face new the first such congress in nearly a disciplines than we had 20 years challenges, said black Catholic century - had convened and ago - probably more than we leaders contacted at the start of drawn up a National Black Catho- have work for."

Black History Month, which is lic Pastoral Plan focusing on evan"That presents a two-pronged observed each February. gelization. At the time there were problem," he added. "Here in "There's stilJ so much work about 1.3 million African-Ameri- Chicago we have a problem of that needs to be done," said can Catholics. Now there are more placement of these educated Beverly Carroll, executive direc- , than two million.

Catholics. They're not always One of the main areas covered well received in the white partor of the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for African-American Catholics by the plan, which was subse- ishes, and then in the urban areas in Washington. quently endorsed by the U.S. bish- it's a matter of a parish being able "We remain a marginalized ops, was the development of black to afford a professionally trained minister so that they can live off group," Dominican Sister Jamie ministry and leadership.

"The mission (today) is still the of what they have learned and T. Phelps, a professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame same - evangelization," Carroll worked for. That is a touchy issue in Indiana and director of the In- said. "The focus of our work is right now."

All three cited the closings of stitute for Black Catholic Studies . still what are the best ways to at Xavier University in New Or- spread the good news in the black Catholic schools in black neighleans, said in a phone interview communities. What has changed borhoods as a major loss for Afriwith Catholic News Service. is how we go about responding to can-American Catholics. Bishop Perry said it is in Catholic grade Auxiliary Bishop Joseph N. that路 mission."

Perry of Chicago, chairman ofthe . She said the 1980s were an ex- schools and high schools that bishops' Committee on African- citing time of growth, vitality and most vocations are nurtured. In one's college years the dynamic American Catholics, also inter- enthusiasm in black parishes. viewed by phone, said a lack of Drawing from the black bish- of career and vocation choices black priests and seminarians is ops' joint 1984 pastoral letter, changes, he said.

Carroll said a major concern in "What We Have Seen and Heard," a concern.

Most of the country's African- there was an emerging sense "that the black Catholic community is American priests were ordained we were no longer the recipients "to have a stronger outreach to in the 1970s and 1980s, before of someone else's leadership, that youth and young adults." When vocations declined across .the 'we had responsibility to be evan- the seventh National Black Cathoboard, he said, and "they attended gelizers in our own community. lic Congress met in ]992, its foThis opened doors to all kinds of cus was family life and how to Catholic schools."

"As Catholic schools close, programs and activities that were prevent family disintegration and the alienation of young black especially in urban areas, there is black-led," Carroll said. not that formative influence" that She said leadership programs Catholics.

Carroll said the National Afripreviously led young black men such as the Institute for Black to consider priesthood, he said.

Catholic Studies have empowered can American Catholic Youth Only one percent ofU.S. priests black Catholics to take'up minis- Ministry Network, formed in are African-American although terial and leadership roles in their 1986, has been working to develop mentors to work with three percent of the U.S. Catholic parishes.

Sister Phelps said that since it . youths, and in many places black population is African-American.

In recent years, however, the an- began in 1980 the institute has parishes that cannot afford to hire nual U.S. seminary surveys by the trained more than 1,000 people, a full-time'youth ministry coordiCenter for Applied Research in the mostly laity, for ministry and lead- nator have pooled resources to hire one who will work with two Apostolate have showed four per- ership. cent to five percent of seminarians While there is a shortage of or three parishes at once.

She said family prayer is an black priests, religious and semiare African-American.

In 1988, wl'1.:n Carroll was . narians, Bishop Perry said, "we important support for family life.

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Friday, February 17, 2006

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION WEST HARWICH - A holy hour. will be held Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, Route 28. Rosary will be followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The event is sponsored by the Pro-Life prayer groups of Holy Trinity and Holy Redeemer parishes.

HEALING MASSES ATTLEBORO - A healing service will be led by Father Andre Patenaude February 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. For more information call 508-2225410.

FALL RIVER - A healing Mass will be held February 23 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Anne's Church, 818 Middle Street. Rosary will precede the Mass at 6 p.m.

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will follow. For more information call 508-674-5651.

MISCELLANEOUS ATTLEBORO Ned Dougherty will present a picture slide presentation on his meeting "The Lady of Light," Saturday at 7 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. For more information call 508-222-5410.

FALL RIVER - The Sisters of the Reparation of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus will present a one-hour talk on the message of DMne Mercy, February 26 at 3 p.m. at St. Stanislaus Church, 36 Rockland Street. Eucharistic exposition, Benediction, and veneration of a first-class relic of St. Faustina, and recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will follow the presen-

tation. All are invited.

MASHPEE - The Third Order of Carmelites will meet Saturday for a day of prayer and stUdy following the 10 a.m. Mass.

For more information call Dottie Cawley at 508-477-2798.

MASHPEE - The Christ the King Parish Knights of Columbus are hosting a blood drive February 21 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the parish hall. To make an appointment, call the Red Cross at 1-800-448-3543.

NEW BEDFORD The Daughters of .Isabella Hyacinth Council No. 71 will meet February 21 at 7 p.m. at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. For more information call Marianne Trundy at 508-990-7595.

RETREATS NORTH DARTMOUTH The next Retrouvaille weekend will be March 31 to April 2 and offers couples a chance to heal and renew troubled marriages.

Rediscover yourself and your spouse and a loving relationship in marriage. For more information call 1-800-470-2230 orthe diocesan Office of Family Ministry at 508-999-6420.

SOCIAL EVENTS ATTLEBORO - Singer John Polce will perform his Bethany Nights program February 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. For more information call 508-222-5410.

CENTERVILLE - Our Lady of Victory Parish's high school youth ministry program is sponsoring a "Faith Nighf' for teens

In Your Prayers Please pray for the following priests during the coming weeks Feb. 21 1997, Rev. Msgr. Luiz G. Mendonca, PA, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, New Bedford

Feb. 22 1954, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jovite Chagnon, Founder, St. Joseph, New Bedford

Feb. 24 2002, Rev. Edward F. McIsaac, Retired Chaplain, Rose Hawthorn Lathrop Home

Feb.25 , 1988, Rev. Leo J. Ferreira, v.G., Pastor, St. Mary, Brownsville, Texas 1998, Rev. William T. Babbitt, Assistant, St. Mary, North Attleboro

and their parents with nationally acclaimed performing artist Sean Forrest, February 26, in the parish center from 6: 15 to 8:45 p.m.

Teenagers, bring your parents.'

Parents, bring your teenagers.

Pizza and refreshments will be served. Call Karen Perella at 508-771-9378 (ext. 123) for more information.

FALL RIVER - District One of the Fall River Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will meet February 27 at 6:30 p.m. for Mass at Holy Trinity Church. A business meeting will follow. Affiliates are asked to bring refreshment donations to the parish center prior to Mass. For more information call 508-673-6145.

FALMOUTH The St. Patrick's Council of Women will host coffee and a program on March 1 following'the 9 a.m. celebration of Mass. Guest speaker Peg Patenaude will address the topic, "Embracing Humanity: Learning to Forgive." For more information call 508-548-1065.

SUPPORT GROUPS NEW BEDFORD - Courage, a support group for people dealing with same-sex a,ttraction while trying to live chaste lives will meet February 25 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church's rectory, 233 County Street. Meetings combine prayer and sharing. FOr more information call Father Richard Wilson at 508-992-9408.

NORTH DARTMOUTH The Diocesan Divorced-Separated Support Group will meet February 27 from 7-9 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road. For more information call Bob Menard at 508-673-2997.

Refreshments will be served.

ORLEANS - The SeparatedDivorced Catholics Support Group will meet Sunday at 7 p.m. in the ,parish center of St. Joan of Arc Church, 61 Canal Street. Guest speaker Ann Dextraze will address the topic, 'The Aspect of Change and the Process of Change." For more information call Father Richard Roy at 508255-0170.

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"Generally, it formally begins in parishes sometime in thc;: fall. And because RCIA is a process, not a program, it can take a shorter or a longer period for differentpeOple," he added.

After the catechumens are called

by Bishop George .:w. Coleman and sign the Book Of the Elect at the upcoming March5 ceremonies, ''they are prayed for illII a special way to help them prepare more fully for the sacraments they will receive at Easter," he said. Thefr sponsors will ,continue to accompany the elect in church and supportjithem in their Lenten preparation. . ''Ofcourse before this Rite ofEIection is celebrated, th~ catechumens are expected to have undergone a conversion in mind and in action and to have developed ~ sufficient acquaintance with Christian teaching as well as a spirit of faith and charity," Lemay told The Anchor. ''They must have the intention to receive the sacrhments of the Church, a resolve they will express publicly in the actual celebration of the rite."

The path the candidate has taken has involved many people, and will continue to, Lemay pointed out.

''The bishop, priests, deacons, catechists, godparents and the entire community, in accord with their respective responsibilities and in their own way, should, after considering the matter carefully, arrive at a judgment about the catechumens' state of formation and progress," the RCIA director said.

"Following the election rite they should surround the elect with prayer, so that the entire Church will accompany and lead them to encounter Christ," he commented.

As part of the ongoing catechesis, a retreat day for the Elect, and those who have been called to continuing conversion, will be held April 1, at Cathedral Camp in East Freetown. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.

It will be led by Mercy Sisters Dympmi Smith and Shirley Agnew, who will present "Continuing Our Faith Journey."

RCIA coordinators, team members, and sponsors are also invited to attend.

Pre-registration for the retreat day can be made on the RCIA Website: www.rciafallriver.com prior to March 20.

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Ministers topics are "RespOliding to Teen Culture," "Scouting and Athletics in Youth Ministry," and "So You're New in Niinistry with Youth?" The evening will close with dinner and entertainment.

Sunday, March 5, will include a breakfast buffet 'and a session with Father Washtlum. The conference will conclude with the celebration of Mass at 11 a.m.

Father WashbJrn said firsttime attendees will experience "solidarity with other youth min-

Continuedfrom page three

isters and a deep sense of spirituality." He advised that such a gathering can be an eye opener because "they can make connections with other local youth ministers.

We're very lucky in New England that we have a vibrant youth ministry and I'm glad to be coming home. It will be an uplifting experience."

For more information about the conference call the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at 508-675-3847.

In honor of Sister Lucia dos Santos, .seer of Fatima, who died February 13,2005, age 97.

Lucia pray for us.

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St. Anne's Prayer

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Friday, February 17, 2006

Coyle and Cassidy alumnus to cover Winter Olympics.

STUDENTS FROM St. Anthony's School, New Bedford, prepare for a candy sale at Walmart as part of their annual fund-raising efforts. More than $1,600 was collected to benefit school programs. Below, students gather in the gymnasium to pray a living rosary in honor of Mary.

TAUNTON - NBC Olympics & Sports has extended an offer to 20-year-old Coyle and Cassidy High School alumnus, Adam Bagni, to participate in its internship program at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy. He is currently an undergrad at La Salle University in Philadelphia.

The internship, offered every two years, is considered by many to be one of the. most prestigious communication internships in the United States.

Thousands of students from across the country apply, but only 100 were hired by NBC. "It's was a great honor to be selected for this onc~-in-a lifetime opportunity," said Bagni.

"I'm very humbled to be selected for such a distinguished honor."

NBC specifically targeted six communication-based universities to recruit potential interns for the Olympics including Syracuse University, Ithaca College and the University of North Carolina.

Bagni said, "There's no

doubt in my mind that the education I received both at Coyle, and at La Salle, have played a major role in where I am today. It's really amazing how well Coyle prepared me for life after high schooL" Bagni is the director of Sports Programming at WEXPAM 530, La Salle University Radio, in Philadelphia. The sports department has been nominated for numerous local and national awards, and is well known for having some of the most extensive sports coverage of any college radio station in the United States. In addition, Bagni serves as the play-by-play man for many of La Salle's sports teams.

Bagni will likely serve as a logger, a production assistant who takes detailed notes on Olympic events, at the International Media Village. He is expected to work 12-hour days, seven days a week during his month-long stay in Torino, which he will chronicle in La Salle's newspaper The Collegian.

COURTNEY ALE~, a parishioner of Holy Redeemer Parish in Chatham, was recently named student editor for the St. Michael's College newspaper The Defender.

Alex is a senior journalism major at the Vermont school and daughter of Edward and Janice Alex of Chatham. Her mother told The Anchor, "She really loves to write and I'm very proud of her."

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SARAH CABRAL, a firstgrader at SS. Peter & Paul School, Fall River, recently placed first in the Friendly's Restaurant drawing contest in the Over Five-Year-Old category. She was treated to a kid's meal and ice cream sundae at the Swansea restaurant.

CURRENT MEMBERS of the Bishop Connolly High School ice hockey team watch their predecessors participate in the annual Alumni Game at Driscoll Rink in Fall River.

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Friday, February

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College football player to tackle priesthood ALEXANDRIA, Va. (CNS) - During his college career, seminarian Ben Kessler has always been up on the latest priest jokes.

That's because the 6-foot-2inch, 25O-pound 21-year-old spent the last four fall semesters not only studying the Gospels, but also studying playbook Xs and Os while starring as a defensive end for the football team at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.

He attends St. John Vianney College Seminary on the university's campus and also takes classes at the university.

Kessler was at Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria February 4 to discuss the relationship between his two great loves, God and football, which he said many consider to be polar opposites. ''The stereotypical seminarian is seen maybe as a nerdy guy, real calm, real giving," Kessler said.

"Whereas a football player is seen as 'in your face' - a dumb jock."

But Kessler argued that the two pursuits have much in common. He said there was a "fraternal aspect" - men sharing a bond together - that rings true for both seminarians and football players, and that the two groups of men are both "changing the world."

"Putting the two together creates a better person," he said.

Through athletics, Kessler said, he has tried to get closer to Christ, whom he compared to both a football player and a seminarian. He is the Christ who throws the

money changers out ofthe Temple and also the Christ who is love, the young man noted.

Kessler's talk was sponsored by the local organization Catho-' lic Athletes for Christ. The football player said it is up to Catholics to "meet Christ where he's at" with the sacraments, particularly confession and the Eucharist. He urged those' present to "step up to the challenge."

After discerning his vocation since he was in the fifth grade, Kessler arrived at St. Thomas and said he ''felt a great peace" inside his heart.

"I didn't know if I was going to be a priest, but I know that was where God was calling me," he said. Fully expecting to stay at the seminary for two months at the most, Kessler will graduate with a four-year degree in May. He said his time at St. Thomas has taught him to "see the world with the lens of Christ."

Kessler, along with teammate Billy Schreiber, who introduced Kessler at Blessed Sacrament and who is also considering a vocation to the priesthood, will begin a Catholic Athletes for Christ project at St. Thomas before Kessler leaves to study at the Pontifical North American College in Rome this July.

Once in Rome, Kessler will act as a liaison for the group of athletes and specifically its founder, Ray McKenna. ''Think about the impact that athletes have on the world," Kessler said. "Pray for the success of Catholic Athletes for Christ."

15

How personal change can happen

By CHARLIE MARTIN - CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE A reader from Carrollton, Miss., mis and earthquakes. This is where you BETTER DAYS and who sees this column "in the Mis- come in. I encourage every parish And you ask me what sissippi Catholic newspaper, asked me youth group or Religious Education I want this year And I try to make this to. review the Goo Goo Dolls latest class to come up with a way to conkind and clear release "Better Days." She said it was tribute to ongoing recovery. Some of a song ofhope for her, especially when you may be involved with actual onJust the chance that maybe we'll it was used by CNN as the background . site generosity. Most others can focus find better days 'Cause I don't need boxes soundtrack for the footage of Hurri- on raising more money to donate for cane Katrina. devastation. The song the long haul toward better days. Be wrapped in strings And designer love and empty also introduced the C~ listing of creative and have fun. Give hope charities working to help those affected through action. things Don't forget your local community, Just the chance that maybe we'll by the storm.

The Goo Goo Dolls lead singer :,md especially your middle or high school. find better days So take these words songwriter Johnny Rzeznik spoke Life is full ofproblems and challenges. about how he never dreamed the song Check in often with your friends to see and sing out loud what is occurring. When they tell you 'Cause everyone is forgiven now about their hurts and disappointments.

'Cause tonight's the night the listen well. Don't sugarcoat their conworld begins again cerns; be positive about how they can I need someplace simple where work through these situations. More we can live And something only you can give important, become an ongoing source And that's faith and trust and of support as they face their difficulties. Once more, give hope through peace while we're alive action.

And the one poor child who saved Draw upon hope when facing your this world own setbacks. Don't pretend that cerAnd there's 10 million more who tain outcomes don't discourage you, probably could would have such pertinence to a na- but choose how much power you will If we all just stopped and said a tional disaster. His intent ip writing the give to disappointment. Refocus on . prayer for them song was to articulate his' views ofthe hope by carefully evaluating what has So take these words and unfairness in people's lives caused by occurred. Then, if possible, design a sing out loud 'Cause everyone isforgiven now political and social views. new plan that could take you to your 'Cause tonight's the night the The song's charact~r comments goal. If this goal is no longer attain. world begins again that he is tired of "boxes wrapped in able, look into your heart and see what I wish everyone was loved tonight string," "designer love" and all that he else attracts you. feels are "empty things." Rather, he Life is an ever-changing and abunAnd somehow stop this seeks ''faith and trust and peace while dant opportunity. Give hope to yourendless fight we're alive." He wishes that "every- selfthrough action. Listen to what your Just the chance that maybe we'll one was loved tonight,': and that all heart is looking for, and begin to take find better days God's people could find "betterdays." steps toward your new objective.

So take these words and They can. Much depends on how Christians model their discipleship sing out loud the followers of Jesus translate their on Jesus' teachings and vision. Jesus 'Cause everyone isforgiven now hope into specific actions. Consider knew that his Father never would 'Cause tonight's the night the these suggestions for being an effec- abandon those he loved. Model your world begins again life on Jesus; give hope to all you 'Cause tonight's the night the tive agent of hope in our world: TV news focuses on what happens meet, and back this hope up with acworld begins again today. We need to keep the effort go- tion. This puts you on the road to "betWritten by Johnny Rzeznik ing after the headlines if we want to terdays."

Sung by Goo Goo Dolls E-mailchmartin@swindiana.net. (c) 2006 by Warner Bros. help those hurt by hurricanes, tsuna-

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Jesus called me on my cell phone We had 'the opportunity recently to attend the new off-Broadway musical hit, "Altar Boyz." While dubbed a musical-comedy sp_oof about a fictitious Catholic boyband (think N'Sync) on the last night of their national "Raise the Praise" tour, I found the songs, while mostly'humorous and funny, oddly thought-provoking as well.

Many of the songs keep playing through my head, but one in particular grabs my attention the most. That song, with the opening lyrics, "Jesus called me on my cell phone," really seems to capture what I want to chat about with you this week.

Before anyone thinks I'm being sacrilegious or that I'm a little off, I want to be clear that Jesus hasn't actually called me or anyone else I know on a cell phone. However, that song establishes an important point for me - Jesus will go to any length to call us to himself and he surely could call on that cell phone if he

your life to. get the call from Jesus. wanted to ... couldn't he?

He's calling you all the time. In We're all called in different ways. While I was fortunate to fact, he might be calling you right now. You just have to listen for the grow up in a loving, faithful family, it really wasn't until later in beep, the ring, the sound of an life that I felt a real call from Jesus. incoming text message or the I like to say that in my young life I never said no to Christ, it's just that I never said yes either. It wasn't until 1988 that I got the call. I'm glad I answered. Through the efforts and prodding of By ~rank Lucca my wife, I attended a weekend retreat called Cursillo and I have to say it was a life-altering experience. knock. He's asking you to go out Jesus didn't use a cell phone, but it and spread his Word to others ... to do his work. He wants you to was a clear connection nonetheless. Through the people he placed answer. Are you ready to answer the call? Riiiiinnnnnnnng. on that weekend, I heard what he I think one of the best opportuhad to say to me -loud and clear.

When I left the weekend, I knew nities to hear the voice of Jesus and exactly what he wanted me to' do. what he may be calling to talk to you about is by attending a retreat My work with youth today is a just as I had. But don't wait 36 direct outgrowth of that weekend.

There are many opportunities in years like I did. Besides your local

Be Not Afraid

parish retreats, there are many other opportunities here in our diocese to attend a retreat. For post-confirmation young people in grades nine-12, the YEs. Retreat (fallriveryouthministry.orgl yes.htm), to be held March 17-19 at Cathedral Camp is a perfect opportunity to leam what CHrist wants for you. For those in college and into early adulthood, an Emmaus Retreat (emmausretreat.com), like one being held April 2830 might be the opportunity. There are other opportunities like ECHO (www.echoofcapecod.org) also offered in our diocese. Take a look at one of these opportunities if you feel the call to do so..

Some of us may have other opportunities to get the call. A priest, teacher or friend might help us hear the call. Just listen. He's dialing you all the time.

Even if you've answered the

call, sometimes in our lives the signal fades and we can't hear Jesus anymore. That's what is so great about our God. Jesus will continue to call and call and call until we pick up again. I guess that's the key ... we have to be the one to pick up the phone. When we finally pick up, we'll hear that crystal clear voice telling us that we are always welcome back and he'll tell us exactly what He wants us to do. We just have to be open, to listen and then act on the call.

And never worry how long you talk, roaming charges do not apply.

I'll close by paraphrasing the final stanza of the "Altar Boyz'" song, "He'll fax you, he'll beep you, he'll even try to E-mail your soul." Is it your time to answer?

Frank Lucca is a youth minister at St Dominic~ Parish in Swansea, is the chair and a director ofthe YES. Retreat and director ofthe .Christian Leadership Institute. He is a husband andfather oftwo girls.

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Friday, February 17, 2006

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