02.24.06

- -.....

,

.

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

FALL RIVER, MASS.

VOL. SO, NO.8· Friday, February 24, 2006

Where souls are fed: St. Anthony's Food Pantry·

Boston's Archbishop O'Malley appointed a cardinal by pope

By DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR NEW BEDFORD - "I need to have the food and some soup to make things OK," the 60-year-old woman with a thin smile said, leaning back against the wall in the basement ofSt Anthony's Church on Acushnet Avenue.

It was a stark reminder that the " ...and I shall be healed."

Catholics pray in unison before receiving holy Communion, refers to the whole person, soul, mind, heart - and body too.

It was also a reminder that St. Anthony'S Parish's team of volunteers, led by Paula Briden, were indeed catering to the whole person at its Food Pantry, where, every Thursday, approximately 80 people line up to eat a hearty soup and take home a bag of needed groceries.

'This place makes a difference in my life and for the kids," an unmarried 22-year-old mother said. She and her 26-yearold boyfriend colint on his occasional "day-laborer" pay to feed them and their three-year-old and one-year-old children.

What little they had was lost when a recent fIre badly damaged their apartment - where they still continue to live despite its lack of ordinary utilities. Without a car and any assistance compensation run out, they ''feel trapped."

Tum to page 13 - Pantry

By DEACON JAMES N.

DUNBAR AND eNS NEWS REPORTS

RULES FOR LENT Wednesday. March 1, is Ash Wednesday. The Church's regulations for the Lenten season follow: - abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays during Lent and Good Friday for those aged 14 and older; .

- Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are to be observed as days of fasting for those aged 18 to

59.

Fasting is defined as eating only one full meal and two light meals during the day. Eating between meals is not permitted; liquids, however, are permitted.

REGISTERED NURSE Paula Briden takes the blood pressure of Margharita Cruz at St. Anthony's Food Pantry in New Bedford on food distribution day. Briden is executive director of the parish-run pantry which also offers lunch to the needy every Thursday. (Anchor Photo)

FALL RIVER - Wednesday's announcement that Boston Archbispop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., former Bishop of Fall River, had been named a cardinal

by Pope Benedict I .

XVI, brought resounding cheers and applause across the diocese. .

As The I!Anchor went to press, a statement was still awaited from Bishop George W. Coleman, who succeeded the Cardin~l-designateas bishop of Fall River in July 2003.

Bishop Coleman is traveling in Guaimaca, Honduras, visiting two missionary sister parishes and clergy the diocese sponsors there.

Msgr. Stephen J. Avila, who had been Cardinal-designate O'Malley's secretary for six of the former bishop's 10year tenure in the Fall River diocese, said, "It's certainly wonderful and I'm overjoyed. It's a confmnation for me ... that the Lord knows what he is doing.

"Knowing Cardinal-designate Sean as well as I do, having been with him in public and behind the scenes, I think he humbly accepts the honor as a true servant of the Church.

He certainly never looked for any recognition such as this.

But the Ch\lrch - and many people - over the years have come to recognize the blessing he is, not just his service and fidelity, but his loyalty to the mandate of the Gospel and living it out every day."

The pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown.

Msgr. Avila said, "I know that the cardinal-designate never imagined anticipated that anything like this would happen to him; that as a young friar studying and teaching in Washington, he thought that's where he would always be: there, or in the missions."

But much like St. Francis of Assisi, the itinerant founder of the Franciscans himself, the calls by the Church for his ministry ~nd talents have taken Cardinal-designate 1)' Malley far from the life of a missionary priest he imagined.

His timely summonses to go and heal not one, but two dioceses-and an archdiocese troubled with clergy sexual abuse scandals, is mysteriously but effectively reflected by his episcopal motto emblazoned on his coat of arms: "Qupdcumque Dixerit Facite" ("Do whatever He asks of you"). .

or

eYo's rich history continues throughout diocese >

Thousands of young people are participating in eya basketball leagues

By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

EAST TAUNTON - The Fall River diocesan CYO has a rich history and thanks to many dedicated people more pages are being added to it each year. Thousands of young people have benefited from the CYO sPorts programs and the current basketball league is no exception; according to diocesan CYO Director Father Jay T. Maddock.

'The CYO has been a great source ofjoy for myself and all who have participated in its programs," he said. ''Part of it is from my own experience as a child in Mansfield working with FatherJim Kelly. He encouraged us in CYO basketball and when I became a priest I saw the program as a great way to help young people, It's a way that the Church can provide good things for children and minister to them."

Currently the CYO, partially funded by Catholic Charities, offers a basketball program for boys and girls which runs from October to April. Each year it also sponsors local golf tourna-

,

-I

,

~

I.

I"

'.

f"

']

I

••

-'

•

"

<'",

ments whose champions participate in a diocesan tournament.

The basketball program, which has teams in. the Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton deaneries, has nearly 2,000 participants. They range from fourth-grade to age 21. At the close of the season, the leagues hold banquets where trophies and awards are presented. A keynote speaker, often times a prominent sports coach or figure, also giv~s an address. ''We had a CYO program at each parish I was assigned to and I always thought it was very important," Father Maddock said. "It's part of the life of the Church and its children." , Father Maddockbecame the Fall River CYO director in 1982 and diocesan director in 1994. He has dedicated many years of serVice to diocesan youth and is among a distinguished group ofpriests who have made an impact through the y e a r s . . .

Fathers Paul F.·McCarrick and Walter A. Sullivan, for whom the Fall River CYO is now dedicated, are names Turri to page three - CYO 0

.

'-

,

,

... .','

\

.. ' ....

; ~,.-

,'"

'

\

-,

•

GIRLS FROM the undefeated St. Anne's Cya team take a br~ak before their basketball game at the Sullivan-McCarrick Cya Center in Fall River. They and hundreds ibf boys and girls participate in Cya programs thr<~ughout the diocese. (AnchodGordon photo)

Friday, February 24, 2006

®hitnaru

Father Thomas E. Morrissey served diocese for 45 years TAUNTON - Father Thomas River until 1967, he spent another E. Morrissey, 70, pastor of St. five years at St. Mathieu's until Jacques Parish since June 1988, assigned to Notre Dame Parish in died suddenly Monday. He cel- 1972. ebrated the 45th anniversary of In 1980 he was named adminordination to the priesthood on istrator of the former Sacred February 2.

Heart Parish in New Bedford, Born in Fall and became River, he was the pastor of St. son of the late Jacques in James and the late Taunton in 1988.

E x ina Father (Champoux) Morrissey's Morrissey. He atother diocesan tended Notre duties include Dame and the being moderator former Msgr. of the CYO and Prevost grammar pageants in Fall River, district schools and graduated from moderator of the the former Msgr.

Diocesan CounPrevost High cil of Catholic School in 1953.

Women, and chaplain at In preparation Taunton State for the priesthood FATHER THOMAS he studied at St. Hospital as well E. MORRISSEY as to other orgaCharles College in Catonsville, Md., and St. John's nizations.

His funeral Mass was celSeminary in Brighton.

He was ordained a priest on ebrated today in St. Jacques Feb. 2, 1961 by Bishop James L. Church with the Most Reverend Connolly in St. Mary's Cathedral, George W. Coleman, Bishop of Fall River, as the principal celFall River.

After ordination he served from ebrant. Burial was in St. Jacques 1961 to 1964 as a parochial vicar Parish lot in St. Joseph's Cemat the former St. Mathieu's Parish etery, Taunton. The RiendeauMulvey Funeral Home of in Fall River.

Following service at the former Taunton was in charge of arSt. Jean Baptiste Parish in Fall rangements.

PILG'RIMAGE I TOUR TO

"THE SHRINES OF ITALY" Spiritual Director: FR. JOSEPH P. McDERMOTT, Pastor, Immaculate Conception Church 122 Canton St., Stoughton, MA 02072

Letters to the Editor We join with our bishop, Most Rev. George Coleman, in expressing our deep appreciation to those 'Yho support our mission of Catholic education. As we in the Catholic Schools Office continue to live our mission, " ... working collaboratively to help schools to assist families to live the Gospel," each Catholic school in the Diocese of Fall River implements this mission in its own unique way. We also want to thank the parents, the children's primary educators, who entrust their children to our schools as partners with them in this sacred task.

Congratulations to The Anchor for proclaiming the value and importance of Catholic education.

George A. Milot, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Donna A. Boyle, Ph.D. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Kathleen A. Simpson Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Great editorial, "The Truth About Roe"; although a small "but" in a paragraph concerning Norma McCorvey "she had previously given one up." One what? Better to emphasize the humanity with, one baby or, one child.

I hope you like your new ')ob." Blessings.

Claire Twitchell Cotuit I was interested in reading the story on Catho~ lic education. I wish you could have given Cape Cod schools a little more focus. I've watched them grow - how great this is. Also, there was no mention of the new Pope John Paul II High School projected for a 2008 opening. I contributed a small amount of money to this school and was so sorry the diocese did not help this high school open a little sooner. Ijust feel badly that this did not happen and looked like some poor public relations for the Church.

Mary Raycraft Dennis

Cape Cod must continue to endure extended days and lengthy commutes if they are to pursue Catholic education beyond middle school grades.

Why is a high school not opening as an extension of the well-established St. Francis Xavier Middle School? Wouldn't it be easier to fake a successful school- with an infrastructure already in place - and add one grade per year? Wouldn't this approach have made a grade nine opening in September 2006 possible?

Carol Keefe Yarmouth Port I have read your thoughtful letter on Catholic schools, but again I wince at the words in the same sentence: "militant secularists are trying to indoctrinate public school children with favorable portrayals of gay marriage" along with other horrible infractions. Yes, it is hurtful, insensitive, regardless of the intent. We need to promote a loving, unified Church rather than a broken one.

Homosexuality in the Church remains at issue because God is unsatisfied! I suggest a Lenten challenge: being gay privately in everything we say and read ... Scripture, GLobe, exemplary Catholic writings ... from a homosexual perspective. Use "we," "us," and "our," as inclusive from this planet. Reflect how the Church hurts with words of rejection, judgment, prejudice ... as if today's lepers. Reread Jesus' words: doing to the least of my brothers, you do to me, or love God and others, as the Father loves us unconditionally.

It is one thing to carry the cross, but another to impose it necessarily. The seeds of conscience have been planted in the vineyard, to grow, while unsightly weeds are pruned. By example, reach out with love to us as well as behind our backs.

We are all God's children.

Anita Mathews Dennis

Your short time at The Anchor has produced good results in the publication. The Landing gives a good view of what's coming up. The addition of several local writers adds a Fall River flavor. The position of the Church is always given on issues of local interest Keep up the good work.

Father Roger Nolette OSB As the diocese is celebrating Catholic EducaOsterville tion Week I question why high school students on

Letters are welcome but the editor reserves the right to condense or edit for Clarity if deemed necessary. Letters should be typed, no longer than 100 words and should include name, address, and telephone number. Letters do not necessarily reflect the editorial views of The Anchor.

Letters should be sent to: The Anchor, Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722-0007, or E-mailed to fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org.

SERVICE By caringfamily and service-family professionals TRUST In the people you know CHOICE... Custom-designed. personalized trilJUtes AFFORDABILITY... Dignified services at affordable cost PROPOSED ITINERARY: Date: June 19 - 29,2006 (11 days, 10 nights) Amount: $2,999.00 per person, Double Occupancy $485.00 (additional), Single Supplement Inclusive Features: - Round trip air - Round trip transfers to your hotel - Baggage handling - Hotel accommodations - Hotel taxes & service charges - Nine (9) breakfasts & nine (9) dinners - All sightseeing per itinerary by private bus with the service of English-Speaking Guide - Ordinarily, daily Mass

508-676-1933 508·999·5100 ~

a. £1XI.I.IV,UiJ

• .AQfI1JX. c:ouctG.DI'.

a:u:::cau.

www.waring.sullh:an.com '\ 5E~"Ct:f'\Mn.Y.\!TlU.\l1!Or AllH SlR\lCECOlU'.l'....L m ROCKSTRLLT. F.\I.I.RI\l:R. ~\,\ (0""0 .i:£l.b;oZ1>i

!Jlem.e.m&Jt 6o.m£01te 6pedal.

- St. Anthony of Padua - Venice - St. Catherine of Siena - St. Francis of Assisi - Loreto (Our Lady's House) - Lanciano (Bleeding Host) - San Giovanni - St. Padre Pio - Monte Cassino - Rome I St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Sistine Chapel - Catacombs

...

Light a virtual candle at

HathawayFunerals.com

H

ATHAWAV FAMILYl

DIOCESAN TRIBUNAL FALL RIVER. MASSACHUSETTS Decree of Citation Since his present domicile is un· known, in accord with the provision of Canon 1509.1, we hereby cite Kevin A. Cardin to appear in person before the Tribunal of the Diocese of Fall River '(887 Highland Avenue in Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts) on March 6, 2006 at 2:30 PM to give his testimony regarding the question: IS THE JOSEFEK·CARDIN MARRIAGE NULL ACCORDING TO CHURCH LAW? Anyone who has knowledge of the domicile of Kevin A. Cardin is hereby required to inform him of this citation.

Given at the offices of the Diocesan Tribunal in Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts on February 13, 2006.

(Rev.) Paul F. Robinson, O. Cann., J.C.D. Judicial Vicar

FUNERAL HOMES

For further information you may contact: Margaret Oliverio @ 781-762-2029 or 781-344-2073

Helping people find hope.

.

':

(Mrs.) Denise O. Berube Ecclesiastical Notary

Friday, February 24, 2006

CYO

dia of Chicago History," the CYO sought to combat delinquency, Americanize ethnic Catholics, and bridge social divisions during the Great Depression.

Father Maddock thought that the CYO program here also began in the 1930s. "Sheil thought that the CYO would give young people the discipline and moral guidance they needed. He said it would come in the form of a basketball, a baseball, or a pair of boxing gloves," Father Maddock pointed out.

Years later, Bishop James E. Cassidy named Father James Gleason as the first Fall River CYO director. The current gym on Anawan Street was purchased

Continued from page one

that many former CYO players will remember. Father Sullivan served as diocesan director from 1959-1970 and Father McCarrick took over from 1970 unti11994.

Father Sullivan wrote about the aims and purposes of the CYO. He said, 'We are responsible primarily for promoting growth in grace before God and man in our Catholic youth. We hold that dances, trophies, medals, athletics and debates are not ends in themselves, but only part of our work in keeping our youth busy; and always with the idea of drawing youth closer to Christ through work and play. Our aim is to promote the whole young man and woman, developing the spiritual and the material."

Although there are fewer sports offered these days, those thoughts, penned in 1961, still stand true today according to Father Maddock. ''From a spiritual standpoint it's a parish-based program and we rely on the parishes to get adults involved as coaches who are good role models. We hope that they are people of faith and good moral character and they're sharing those things with the young people as their coach."

Father Maddock said that years ago there was a priest in charge of each CYO center at each of the five deaneries. At that time there were three and even sometimes four priests working at a parish.

Now, dedicated lay people guide the program and without them "we couldn't exist," said Father Maddock.

"In each area there are probably more than 70 teams and that's a lot of volunteers. For them to make such a commitment in today's busy world is a great thing.

They do an amazing job," he reflected.

One of the people Father Maddock cited is Fall River director Albert "Val" Vaillancourt, who began work with the CYO in the 1960s as an umpire and referee.

He said that the Fall River CYO basketball program is "very active" with more than 10 parishes involved.

"We have 53 boys and girls teams and more than 500 children involved here in the city," Vaillancourt said. They are broken down by skill level into three divisions and Vaillancourt said that's important to keep teams balanced. There are an equal amount of girls ana boys teams and Vaillancourt recalled a time in the 1970s when there were only four.

"The CYO is a great outlet for children. They get a spirit of competition and fair play and an opportunity to improve their skills," said Vaillancourt. ''They also develop friendships and good values."

According to Vaillancourt, the success of the program is due to the "support of parents," and many volunteers. At each game there are two timekeepers, two scorers and two officials.

"I started in the era of Father

McCarrick in 1966 and I've done lots of different jobs over the years," said Vaillancourt. "I've enjoyed it. I find it interesting in the sense that I see myself making a difference."

That spirit of making a difference is what led Bishop Bernard J. Sheil to found the CYO in 1930 in Chicago. He had worked as a prison chaplain and saw the benefits of an athletic program with prisoners. He brought a boxing program to the youth of Chicago and it was later expanded to include other sports. .

According to the "Encyclope-

from the Irish Americ~ Temper~ ance Society in the 1940s and is still being used today.:: When asked about the goals of the CYO in getting y~png people to play hard, work tQgether and win or lose with class and dignity, Vai llancourt said, i:'That still stands today."

On any given aft'ernoon the gym is bustling with' activity as basketball season progresses. Referees blow whistles, tlie hom from the scorers table sounds and boys and girls play basketpall.

On a recent Thursday, a team from St. Anne's Pahsh in Fall River took on SS. Peter and Paul Parish, also in the ilcity. Claire Midura watched th~ game from

the stands rooting for her son Paul from SS. Peter and Paul. "This is a great program," she said between taking photographs. ''This is my son's first year of involvement and he's having a blast."

Steve LeClair was also watching the game and his son Justin, a third-grader, plays on a team from Espirito Santo.

"Our children want to come here," said LeClair. "I've been coming here for 30 years. I played basketball at St. Anne's and the CYO provides excellent recreation. It's also a nice family night out. Here kids learn good sportsmanship and good lessons for life."

Continued on page 14

One child. One sponsor.

e

pee I

Nutritious food, a good education, clothes and medical care, children need these essential things to grow and reach their potential. They also need love, encouragement and hope, gifts of the heart. fit,

When you sponsor through Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, you give your support and your heart to a child, youth or aging person in a developing country. Your sponsored friend will benefit from the chance to overcome the obstacles of poverty and from the knowledge that someone cares.

You'll be blessed with an ongoing relationship as you get to know your sponsored friend through letters and photos. And yo~ also be able to write your new friend to share yom prayers and encouragement.

CFCA sponsorship is grounded in Catholic social teaching, and offen! a way for people of good will to :lcti\'c1r participate in the call to walk with the poor and vulm:rJ.blc in tlur world. :\1ake a difference in the life of a child, youth or aging person by becoming a sponsor today. Simply complete the forol below and mail it to CFCA, call us toll-free at (800) 875-6564 or sponsor

Selena, 7 years old - Guatemala

online at www.cfcausa.org.

Thanh to the generous support of someone like YOIl. Selena n.'ceivt!s benefits includingfamilyfood baskets. vitami11S. educational enrichment â&#x201A;Źlasses, school supplies, clothing, health carl.' and spiritualformation.

'~ CFCA: Offering hope. Restoring dignity. Worldwide www.cfcausa.org \

24287

YES, I'll sponsor: 0 Boy 0 Girl 0 Teenager 0 Aging 0 Most in need I'll contribute: 0 Monthly $30 0 Qyarterly $90 0 Semi-annually $180 0 Annually $360 Mail to:

Payment method:

o Enclosed is my first contribution of $ o I authorize CFCA to charge my credit card: Choose credit card: Card # Cardholder Name Address City Email

_MasterCard

(Payable to CFCA) _Monthly _One time only _Disc~ver _Visa ~Amex Amount $ " .00 Exp. date _ _ I _ _ Signature ..,..-_ _

CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN AND AGING

StatelZip Phone ( __ )

a Please send me more information about sponsorship.

.,

..

,

"

_

P.O. Box 805105 Kansas City, MO 64180-5105 800-875-6564 www.cfcausa.org

Friday. February 24, 2006

THE LOANDINGThe Church and politics One of the least commented upon sections of fope Benedict's first encyclical on God's love deals with the Church and politics. In an era in which the Church in various countries is getting accused of tampering in the political order, however, this section may prove over time to be among the most valuable. One thing is beyond debate: in the 1DO-year history of the Church's formal social teaching - from Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum 1891 to John Paul II's Centesimus Annus a century later - Benedict's exposition of the relationship between Church and State is undoubtedly the clearest and most concise.

Those who have not yet read Deus Caritas Est might' wonder how a political treatise fits into an encyclical on the love of God for us and our love for God and others. The context was Benedict's surgical enucleation of the defects of Marxism. Marx had criticized the practice of Christian charity for retarding the pursuit of justice for the poor by soothing the consciences of the rich and preserving the social status quo. The real way to help the poor, he and his followers taught, was to eliminate charity and make the poor so miserable that they would have no alternative other than to rise up in revolution and overturn the social order. This, the pontiff declares, was "an inhuman philosophy" that sacrificed people today to the "moloch" of a putative better tomorrow. The real way to make the world more human, Benedict retorts, is not "by refusing to act humanely here and now [!:Jut] by personally doing good now." Rather than deceler. ating the pursuit of justice, charity expedites it.

While, happily, there are few card-carrying Marxists today, there are still many who think that the Church's charitable endeavors get in the way of real social improvement. The inexorable progress of the modem social welfare state would triumph, they assert, if the Church were out of the picture. At best, the Church's activities are superfluous and inefficient; at worst, the Church, and her teachings, are regressive and harmful. These are the critics to whom Benedict responds with his tractate on the Church and the state, on charity and justice. . The Holy Father says that the pursuit ofjustice is the "fundamental norm of the State," and the "aim and the intrinsic criterion of all politics." This is a very high and positive view of politics and government. Politics must be more than "a mere mechanism for defining the rules of public life" or the means to allow political victors to divide public spoils It must seek to "guarantee to each person, according to the principle of subsidiarity, his share of the community's goods."

Benedict says that it is not the Church's responsibility to wage a "political battle to bring about the most just society possible." Yet, he adds, "at the same time she cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice." As an institution, the Church's involvement in the pursuit of justice is indirect: it seeks to give ethical guidance about the authentic requirements ofjustice and "reawaken the spiritual energy without which justice, which always demands sacrifice,cannot prevail and prosper." The institutional Church's duty is to purify and liberate human reason from the ethical blind spots that can arise from "the dazzling effects of power and special interest," and to help "reason become ever more fully itself."

While the Church as an institution has merely an indirect role in bringing about a just ordering of society, the lay faithful, as citizens of the State, have a direct obligation. Benedict states that the mission of the lay faithful is to strive to configure social life correctly according to the principles ofjustice. This ardent lay political participation is an act of "social charity," the pope says; it is a genuine expression of the love of neighbor. For Catholic lay citizens, therefore, not to get involved in the political pursuit to bring about the most just society possible would be a lack of love.

The clarity of this Benedictine. distinction between the indirect involvement of the institutional Church and the direct participation of Catholic lay faithful in achieving a just social order could not be more timely. For far too long in our Commonwealth - perhaps due to the cancer of a clericalism abetted both by clergy and laity bishops and priests, the visible faces ofthe institutional Church, have been too directly involved in the political nitty-gritty, and the lay faithful have not been involved enough. That's changing, as more lay faithful, in groups like Catholic Citizenship, are taking the political lead on issues of social justice and more clergy are seeing that their principle duty, and largest impact, is found in the courageous formation of all citizens in the truth of the dignity of the human person.

Benedict's encyclical provides the "spiritual energy" to continue in this needed direction, which, God-willing, will yield great fruit.

'theanch~

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

Published weekly exceptfor 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 peryear.

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

PUBLISHER· Bishop George W. Coleman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Roger J. Landry fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org NEWS EDITOR Deacon James N. Dunbar jlmdunbar@anchornews.org REPORTER Michael Gordon mikegordon@anchomews.org OFRCE MANAGER Mary Chase marychase@anchornews.org Send Letters to the Editor to: theanchor@anchomews.org POSTMASTERS send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

TIffi ANCHOR (USPS-545..()20) Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass.

the living word

POPE BENEDICT XVI BLESSES A CHILD AT THE END OF A RECENT WEEKLY GENERAL AUDIENCE IN PAUL VI HALL AT THE VATICAN.

(eNS

PHOTolDARRIN

ZAMMIT LUPI, REUTERS)

"YOUR BLESSING BE UPON YOUR PEOPLE" (PSALM

3:8).

From fear to love· the self. Instead of worrying One of the best ways to put out into the deep in our faith is about what might happen to by examining more closely the ourselves, our concern is on motives for our religious lives. how our actions might affect If we already do the right thing, another, whom we love. the next step is to do it. for the· Now, most of us who try to be faithful to God at least begin right reason. with motives of fear. But we're Sadly, the primary motive for many who are faithful to God is supposed to "grow up" in our fear. In particular, we might fear the punishment for being unfaithful to God, and so we are careful to be dutiful in our spiritual and religious lives. For

By Father David example, fear of A. Pignato punishment, or having to go to confession, might be the main spiritual lives, and mature in our reason why a person is careful relationship with God. We're not to miss Mass on Sunday. ~upposed to graduate from While it is true that "fear of the Lord is the beginning of motives of fear to motives of love. As Christians, we're wisdom" (Ps Ill: 10), it is also supposed to make the transition true that there is a better, more perfect motive than fear. The from selfish motives to unselfish better motive is always love, ones.

Just as a child might initially especially love for God. obey his parents out of fear, but One of the reasons that love later grows up to obey and is better than fear is that love is less selfish. When a person acts respect his parents out of love, out of fear, even in his relationso too should we in our spiritual lives leave fear behind and ship with God, his focus is still very much on himself, as he strive to follow God because we love him. For example, we worries about what might happen to him if he disobeys or should be faithful to attending displeases God. But when a Mass on Sunday, not because we grudgingly want to fulfill an person is faithful out of love for God or another, the focus obligation, but because we are remains on tht< other, rather than eager to worship God, to hear

his Word, and to receive him in the Eucharist with hearts full of love.

As St. John tells us, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love" (l Jn 4: 18). If we want to perfect the motives for our religious lives, we need to identify fear and replace it with love.

After all, God deserves more than our fear. He deserves our love.

And if ever we are tempted to be content with fear as the motive for our religious lives, then perhaps we should consider how different the Church would look, if we were able to mature to motives of love. St. John tells us that "God is love" (l Jn 4:8), so where there is only fear, it will be hard to find God. But if we practice our faith out of real love, then the presence of God in the Church will become more visible, and the Church will be more effective as an instrument of salvation. As the Body of Christ, who loved us to death, the Church should be known as a community of love, rather than a society of fear.

The sooner we mature from fear to love, the sooner God can accomplish even greater things in the Church and in the world.

Putting Into the Deep

,.,',".',."

"

.•

l

..

,.

.

..

,

•

;,'\':'

l"

,.

, '\

"thea~"

Friday, Febru~ry 24, 2006

Gil.

Once was too much You've never cheated before, Did you ever have the experience in grade school when and you didn"t want to then, but you just didn't study enough for there was a big fat F standing in a big test? Come game day you knew you were in trouble and the thought of rubbernecking for an answer or two popped into focus.

That little voice inside your head, the

By Dave Jolivet one that sounded like a combination of your mom, dad, pastor and school principal repeated over your way, and before you knew and over, "Don't do it ... it's it, you were giving your best wrong." impression of a giraffe. Sud-

MyVlew From the Stands

denly you felt icy-cold fingers clutching the back of your giraffe neck. Busted.

Your one and only time - busted.

Thankfully, you learned a valuable life lesson that saved you from a potential life of crime and punishment.

I think it's safe to say we've all been busted for doing something we shouldn't have done once in our lives - but not at the price that poor Lindsey Jacobelli~ paid last week at the

The Easter can,dy I went into a grocery store the other day and there it was - the .

Easter candy. Right there in the middle of the store - couldn't miss it. Maybe it is there to remind us that the season of Lent begins ne.xt Wednesday, although I doubt that this is what the retail-marketing professionals had in mind. Can you just imagine a display of bread and various cans of soup next to the candy, with a sign reading: "Lent begins Wednesday, everything for your Lenten Supper right here."

Let's not hold our breath on this one.

Does the Easter candy arrive months before Easter so that ambitious young people can have early Easter egg hunts? This would

friendship and giving. And many people enjoy the cards, the letters, the parties and the presents. But often the obligations of Christmas can make us weary or distracted, and we find that there is little time for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and time to draw closer to our Lord.

The season of Lent, the 40 days before Easter, can offer a completely different experience, as people don't expect as much from each other at this time. It is typically not a time when family photos are taken and sent, and few cards and presents may be exchanged. That is why it is a special time to listen to the still, small voice of God saying, "I love you and you are mine." There is a

Ask him and I'm sure he will answer.

Go ahead, ask him.

God will surely listen.

And if you find that you must indulge in that Easter candy, if the chocolate and marshmallow bunnies hold you captive, it's okay.

God will understand.

For God is truly a merciful and loving God.

Our Journey of Faith·

By Greta MacKoul surely remind them of Jesus Christ and who he is, and all that he has done for us.

Is it there so that we can all get an early 'jump" on the little sugary marshmallow bunnies, and chocolate appropriately shaped for the season?

Is the, Easter caqdy there so that mommy or daddy or uncle or grandma can pick out a child's perfect Easter basket, confident that the best selection was available, and God forbid, no "last minute" shopping?

I guess as a culture we might be. used to the commercialization of holidays and sacred seasons.

Surely we can hardly get through October withoutbeing reminded that Christmas is "on the way."

Commercialization can and does have an effect on the seasons of Christmas and Easter. One has to have a strong and abiding faith to retain the spiritual gifts that Advent and Lent offer.

I think that for many people, Easter can offer a greater time for spiritual growth than does Christmas. This is not to say that the Christmas season is not a wonderful time for joy and love and

~I

"

'

"I

j'l

I"'"

'.'

"', ' ".

· 01 ymplc . ames 10 Wmter Turin, Italy., I Jacobellis, a native New Englander, the darling pfthe snowboarding circuit, the girl, who before the Gamesllbegan, made you want to apply for a VISA card you didn't qeed, threw away a gold meqal for the sake of a little showboating.

The wavy-haired snbwboard II. cross phenom was neanng the finish line with the gola medal practically around her heck when she gave in to tebtptation and added a little flair to her downhill run, crashed And had to settle for silver.

II What happened to Jacobellis on a mountain slope inl: Italy is the kind of thing some Ipeople would like to see happen to the I scores of braggarts, gloryhounds and nasties whb gain all the attention and gloryllin the wacky world of sports' l How many of us wouldn't like to see someone liIJe T.O. or Roger Clemens taste al[ittle humble pie?

I How many athletes taunt, jeer, cajole and humiliAte their opponents on a regul~: basis?

How come folks like these

don't end up sliding down a mountain on their backsides?

As far as I know, Lindsey Jacobellis isn't anything like the classless athletes who dominate the headlines. She, like many of us, was taught a valuable life lesson. Unlike us she lost an Olympic gold medal in the process.

Some folks, in fact most folks are just meant to humbly do the best we caQ. I hope Lindsey Jacobellis doesn't carry her Olympic disaster around her neck like an albatross.

The whole world knows she should have won the gold medal. But the whole world saw her grabbed by the scruff of her neck with an icy pair of fingers.

And I have a feeling that most of the world knew to some extent what she was going through.

When Lindsey Jacobellis watched the gold slip through her gloved fingers, how many of us were brought back to a day when we didn't study enough for the big test?

Comments are welcome at davejolivet@anchornews.org.

II

.. , an For VISItors to 91ur Povere11 0 Cepter,. th",IS IS everyday problem.

II

r-----------.,...-~~-...,io_I collective sense

among the Catholic community encouraging all to look inward.

AshWednesday may be one of the strongest' reminders of the need that we all have to turn our lives to God. Even the secular world is aware when they see the ashes on our foreheads that the season of Lent has begun, and that it is an important time to many people.

We are encouraged to change, to make our lives holy, to forgive, to make sacrifices, to put God first.

Yes, it could be that God looks down upon us sadly during the Christmas season, wishing that more people would take the time to draw closer to him. But, as Lent approaches, possibly, a more joyful God is dancing in the hiavens, as God the Father, and Christ Jesus anticipate the EaSter season. Could it be that this season, there will be many more people who will remember the gift? Could it be that one more person will realize what Jesus Christ gave to us? Could it be? ..

So savor this Lenten season, and take some time for God. God is always waiting for our return.

He is always waiting for us to embrace him more deeply. Maybe ask him if there is anything you might change in your life that would allow you to draw more closely to him, to Christ Jesus.

5

Single moms wAh kids to' feed, elderly folks who can't stretch thel: dollar to the first of the month, homeless perSONS with nowhere to turn.

I

'

For as little as $1125, you can put two bags of groceries in the larms of a needy family. .

Good, nutritious food that can get them thr~pgh and offer hope.

Please open your compassionate heart and hblp us help the needy.

For your generous gift of $12 or more, I woJld be happy to send you this beautiful St. Anthony Key Ring. Carry it with you as a reminder of your generosity and with the th4nks of your Franciscan A.friends at St. Francis Chapel &. City Minist~ .:.

LCenter. . ' _

,

I

THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF ST. ANTHONY AND ST. JUDEII

Franciscan Friars • St. Francis CllQpel & City Ministry Center

S8 Weybosset Street • Providence, Rhode Island 02903 www.stanthonystjude.com

Kt)' Ring shDh'n aduaJ sl-ze,

II

Dear Father Frank,

o YES, I'll helpl

I have enclosed a gift of 0 $50 0 $25 0 $15 0 $, to help cover the cost of groceries for a need} family.

o o

My check is enclosed.

_

II

My gift is over $12. Please send me the FREE St. Anthony Key Ring,

(please print)

Address,

1 '1

f-

_

1

City_' Phone (

~---­

I ..,..."...---,.....-If--

Name,

I State.

,)

,

Zip,

i

Email,

Your gift is tax deductible to the extent of the lak. Thanl? you for your generosity.

II II

_ _ AAl06

'"

•• ..:.. _.• -L .....-. .. J< •. '" the~

Friday, February 24, 2006

Christ, the bridegroom of our souls "I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart ... I will espouse you to me forever ... and you shall know the Lord." These words, taken from today's first reading, disclose the central message of the prophet Hosea: the relation between God and Israel WllS that of bridegroom and bride.

The Lord raised up Hosea to remind his chosen people Israel that their covenant relationship with the Lord was to be marked the same intimacy, exclusivity and fidelity that exists between a man and his wife.

Although God always remained faithful, Israel was often unfaithful, frequently departing from the way that the Lord had marked out for them. Their neglect of the Jewish ritual practices and observances showed that their hearts were far from the Lord, and that their love for him had grown cold.

disciples. Instead, Our Lord The Lord sent Hosea to the refers to himself as the Israelites to invite them into Bridegroom, and consethe desert in order to recall quently he embodies and them to the love they had fulfills what the prophet shown in the past. The desert Hosea had said 700 years may seem to be an odd venue earlier. Jesus, in his response for God to woo his chosen to a rather innocuous quespeople back to him, yet the desert - harsh, silent, and remote is the ideal setting to Homily of the Week win back Israel's faithfulness, fidelity Eighth Sunday and love. In the of Ordinary Time desert, Israel would be separated from the

By Father distractions that TlmothyP.Driscoll caused its love to grow cold, it could tion, stepped into the place of hear God without disturbance, the God of the Old Testaand thus rekindle its relationment, asserting the same ship with him. rights and privileges. The Son Jesus, in the Gospel for of God, by becoming man, today's Mass, also speaks in potentially espoused himself terms of betrothal when to all humanity. asked why his disciples did Christ's reply also anticipates not fast. He neither dethat there would come a time nounces the Jewish fasts, nor when his followers would need rules out the practice of to fast: "But the days will come fasting in the lives of his

when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day." Our Lord prophesied his own death, and his death is the culmination of his mission as Bridegroom. By his sacrifice on the cross, Christ established a new and everlasting covenant between God and his people.

Just as God called Israel into the desert to speak to the heart of his people, fasting is meant to give Our Lord our undivided love and attention. If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit Jhat there are times when we allow our relationship with the Lord to grow cold and we find ourselves very far from the Lord. We so often get caught up in the hectic pace of daily life - working, taking the kids to soccer practice, watching our favorite show, keeping

abreast of what's happening in the world - that we can easily fall into the rut of missing Mass, neglect our prayer life, and fall away from the s'acraments. It is precisely when this happens that we should give ourselves over to fasting, sacrifice, and intense prayer, so that the Lord can speak to us, and we can hear him without disturbance or distractions.

It is fitting that we should meditate upon these Scripture readings this Sunday as we, the Church, prepare to undertake that 40-day period of prayer, mortification and self-denial called Lent.

Christ, the Bridegroom of our souls, awaits us and wishes to speak tenderly to our hearts.

Let us not miss the opportunity to renew our relationship with the Lord.

Father Driscoll is parochial vicar at Espirito Santo Parish, Fall River.

The truth about the human person In defending marriage as the union between one man and one woman, the Church is not imposing its religion on nonCatholics, but reminding everyone - officials and voters, believers and non-believers . that laws and regulations must be based on the truth about the human person.

A Massachusetts court may have forced a redefinition of marriage on the state, but elsewhere the tide is moving in the other direction. Appellate courts in Arizona, New Jersey, ' and New York have found that marriage can be defined as the union between one man and one woman without violating anyone "rights." Two-thirds of the states now protect marriage either with statutes or constitutional amendments and others are moving in that direction.

Most of the amendments passed by wide margins.

A New Hampshire commission tasked with studying the issue recently concluded that "marriage is more than a personal commitment of two adults. After careful consideration, the Commission has reached the conclusion that what same sex couples are seeking is not marriage at all, but a wholesale redefinition of marriage that will fundamentally change the institution." (www.nhhousegop.com/Reports/ legislative_reports.htm) The N.H. Commission argued for caution in light of a "broad, extensive body of evidence" which supported "the presumption in favor of the marriage of a man and a woman." It voiced concern

children's rights and the that a change in the definition' of marriage would "impact primacy of those rights over parental rights regarding adults' aspirations." homosexual sex education in Those working for the schools," and "further erode redefinition of marriage presented studies which they the right to speak against homosexuality by employees and others."

The members of the Commission were clearly aware of the ways in which persons who simply affirmed their adherence to long

By Dale O'Leary established religious teachings on sexuality have been faced with various sanctions. claim prove that there are no This month a French differences between children governmental commission raised by same-sex couples after extensive study conand those raised by their cluded that marriage should biological, married father and mother. The problem is that not be redefined to include same-sex couples. It also these studies don't meet the recommended that same-sex minimum standards for valid couples not be allowed to research. Most use very small samples, often drawn from adopt or create children by artificial insemination or the friends of the person surrogate motherhood. doing the study. Some don't The French commission Was even compare children raised motivated by considerations of by same-sex couples with "the consequences for the those raised by their biologichild's development and the cal married parents, but construction of his or her instead use children raised by identity of creating a fictitious single mothers as a control filiation by law - two fathers, group. or two mothers - which is The researchers don't ask biologically neither real nor the hard questions and don't plausible." follow the children over time.

Citing the "principle of In several studies, the authors caution, the commission did not accurately represent supported "the fundamental their own data. Judith Stacey principles of the law of and Timothy Biblarz, supportfiliation, which are based on ers of the redefinition of the tripartite unit of 'a father, a marriage, reviewed the studies mother, a child. '" According to and found that several studies their report, the government uncovered substantial differmust put children first by ences which the authors failed acting "to affirm and protect to mention in their conclusions.

Truth and Compassion

, " ',',

It is tragic when a child is separated from one or both biological parents. When such a separation cannot be avoided, it is the duty of respOlisible adults to provide the best possible situation for the child. A same-sex couple by definition cannot provide a parent of both sexes and is therefore never the best possible placement.

Tragedies happen, but no one should be in the business of. making tragedies by purposefully creating permanently fatherless or motherless children. Of course, same-sex couples who acquire children love.them, but such natural emotions will only make it harder for ,them to admit that they put their own ' desires above their children's needs. Their children will have a normal desire for a daddy, and feel guilty for not being content with two "mommies."

There are already numerous reports of children conceived by artificial insemination for female couples asking for a daddy.

A 1998 article by Barbara Eisold, "Recreating Mother," discusses the case of a boy given by a surrogate mother to a male couple. At four-and-ahalf the boy was so obviously troubled that he was referred to a female child psychologist.

The boy "was often beside himself with anxiety. He wanted desperately to be linked by other children and by [his teacher]. He had trouble waiting and was not certain

about what would make him likeable." He fantasized about buying a mother.

No one has a right to a child. It is the children who have the rights in this matter.

Their best interests must be the primary concern.

The Church in defending their rights is standing up for the truth. She calls others to stand with her.

Dale O'Leary is an internationally recognized lecturer is author of "The Gender Agenda: Redefining Equality."

She regularly lectures in Massachusetts in support ofthe Church's teachings on the gift ofhuman sexuality.

Daily Feb

Readi~gs

25 Jas 5:13-20; Ps 141:1-3,8; Mk 10:13-16 Feb 26 Hos2:16b,17b, 21-22; Ps 103:14,8,10,12-13; 2 Cor3:1b-6; Mk 2:18-22 Feb 27 1 Pt 1:3-9; Ps 111 :1-2,5-6,910; Mk 10:17-27 Feb 28 1 Pt 1:10-16; Ps 98:1-4;'Mk 10:28-31 March 1 JI2:12-18; Ps 51 :3-6a, 1214,17;2Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:16,16-18 March 2 Dt 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 9:2225 March 3 Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51 :3-6a, 18-19; Mt 9:14-15

'\'~I·"~·J.''''''''-'''·''' ,"",."".,~, "j'''.' '," .. ,- ......_\ ...,"._ ... \~\ .. :\1' .. (~ ....... <~,

Friday,

Febru~ry 24, 2006 •

2-4-6~8,

the_~""

"

Who do we appreciate? all events, including ours. Yikes!

We regroup by cell phone and decide to transfer the event to the church hall. Our hall is small. It will be "cozy." Then comes another call. The propri-' etors have heard the latest weather report and change their

20 February 2006 - Fall River - "Hoodie-Hoo Day." Citizens are urged to go outside and yell "Hoodie-Hoo" to chase away winter. (I am not making , this up.)

Our parish has one last fling before Lent - Parishioner Appreciation Night (See page 14 for photo).

Anyone, of any age, who has shared his or her gifts with the faithcommunity, is invited as guests of the parish.

This year 248 people received invitations.

Administrative Assistant Sue Nordeste coordinates the function. She's very good at it.

A caterer is hired, a hall rented, a OJ employed. We're ready to rock and roll. Mostly.

It's a tricky time of the year, weather-wise. Wouldn't you know we'd pick the weekend of a blizzard? We should have realized it was the Full Snow Moon. We didn't.

The team of parish decorators goes to work. When everything is done just right, the proprietors inform us that they are canceling

strenuous for this old man. Most of the men are happy to sit quietly, wolfing large plates of lasagna. I do, however, get to do the Chicken Dance with my two-year-old friend Ericka.

This event is not about parish fund-raising. It's about parish spirit. We love giving awards and recognizing outstanding accomplishments. We even give certain awards twice.

Whenever someone 'receives the Marian Award or the Pius X Youth Award from Bishop Coleman in the Cathedral, we later recognize those individuals in front of their parish community.

We give a leaf to both Lillian Pickard and Billy Morin. It's not a real leaf; it's a leaf-shaped plaque. It will be added to our ''Tree of Life" in the church vestibule. The Tree of Life is growing. There are already two trees and, I suppose, eventually a forest will spring up. On the wall is a quote from spiritual author Father Edward Hayes: "In the Tree of Life, our roots are forever entwined." In a

minds. We can use their facility after all. Gm. Well, all is forgiven. Everybody has a grand old time. We get to meet Baby Richard, the· newborn son of two members of our choir. The women and girls are up on the dance floor immediately. Not to be outdone, the high school and college boys take up the challenge. They don silly hats provided by the OJ. The boys prefer something called" Cotton-eyed Joe" and "YMCA" - both much too

Not so fast As March approaches, talk in favor of doing something more kid-oriented. I look back at the our house turns to what we will experience now and just laugh. give up for Lent. Chocolate, What a spoiled little child I was coffee, and candy bars make up being about not getting what I the three C's of fasting for me wanted that day. because they are the little Following the promptings of luxuries of life that I love the the Holy Spirit, I did give up the most. The Lent I gave up coffee whole coffee shop routine and was as grueling an . experience as trying to plant tulip bulbs in February, but God taught me something that year that helps me even now.

Every Monday afternoon of that school year my oldest child attended

By Heidi Bratton CCD about 20 minutes from home. My usual routine was to go to a nearby coffee shop with the four headed to a small, nearby children's museum instead. The younger kids (ages two, four, five, and seven at the time) and kids had a blast and were completely entertained without to let them pass that hour playing with straws and cups. I an ounce of input from me. It turned out to be a better situawould savor my coffee, read the tion all around. Why hadn't I paper, and hope the kids thought of it earlier in the year? wouldn't make too much of a Oh, yeah, because I had long mess. I could have engaged ago filled that time slot my own them a bit more, I know, but by four o'clock in the afternoon my way. In retrospect I can see that God took my grumbling as a creative juices had been bled question. He taught me that no dry.

The first Monday of that Lent one was going to die if I broke my fast, but that if I kept it, it happened to be a cold drizzly just might allow for something day, so I was eager for my cup better to happen. of comfort. Except, it was Lent.

We don't fast during Lent in "Oh, man, as if the day wasn't order. to avoid punishment, to miserable enough," I objected. strut our spiritual stuff, or to "What does fasting really do except ruin my day?" I coerce God into doing somegrumbled up to heaven. "Who is thing for us he otherwise wouldn't do. We fast in order to going to die if I just go anyway loosen our grip on the luxuries and have a cup of tea or even and indulgences of this world or, the coffee I want?" I was on the maybe more importantly, to verge of going, but I felt the loosen the grip they have on us.

Lord asking me to give up the We fast in order to cleanse whole coffee experience in

ourselves of things that have usurped the place that God is supposed to occupy in our lives.

Here are some ideas to consider when choosing your fast this Lent: 1. Try fasting as a family.

Soda. Condiments. TV. Slippers.

Fasting as a family gives' everyone the chance to bond and support each another, so pick something creative, even funny, for the whole clan and stick to it.

2. Do something positive. This is a good idea for young kids who don't really have too . much control over what they eat, when they watch TV, or the like. For kids of first Communion age and older, though, I think there is more merit to giving something up.

Self-sacrifice for a good cause is among the most important disciplines to teach and model for children as they mature in their Catholic faith.

3. While we are fasting, we can't forget to pray. Fasting and prayer go together like Adam and Eve. Prayer helps us focus on the event for which we are fasting (Easter in this case) instead of on the fasting itself.

Let's look for creative ways to use this Lent to remove one thing from our lives, and then wait expectantly to see what God can teach us through this simple sacrifice.

Home Grown Faith

. ,

I ,

• ,

,

•

,

,. "

I

"", • J.

I

• "•

1

~

.,'

".,.

~

~

':l " _,

~

',' ~

I

i:

" \

,

,

.. ," " •• ... "

, , : '

"

\

'.'

Heidi is an author, photographer, andfull-time mother.

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

• • \

,

~.

\

,

, • .

"

~

.,'

...-:

.. , , ,".

'

,

,

7

parish community, truer words were never spoken.

We also give a "Parishioner of the Year Award" to that individual or couple whose ministry has been outstanding. Carol and Paul Levesque get a leaf.

The Knights of Columbus present the "Altar Server of the Year" award to one of our kids - Jeff Scudder. The Religious Formation Office awards a "Catechist of the Year" to an exceptionally effective teacher - Mary Midura.

We even give surprise gifts just for being a child of a certain age. Ten-year-old Cameron wins a set of matching glass tumblers. Oops. He trades it with a kind parishioner who is a medical doctor. She has won a big jug of chocolate-covered pretzels. Nobody goes home empty-handed.

Actively involved parishioners are the life-blood of a parish. It is due to them that a parish accomplishes anything.

They are not on salary, but neither are they volunteers.

They are baptized men and women, boys and girls, who claim their rights and responsibilities as members of the faith community. This pastor ,recognizes their work and applauds them.

Immediately after the event, I receive E-mail from a parishioner: ''To St. Bernard's Church A great big thank you for

inviting us to the Appreciation Dinner Dance. My family and I had the most wonderful time and were able to meet even more of the St. Bernard congregation. I moved to Massachusetts seven years ago and had searched to find what I had in my hometown. I even began trying different denominations until I felt like giving up.

However, I'm glad I stopped in at St. Bernard this past summer, I felt 'at home.' I was compelled to 'give this church a try!'

Sometimes we don't realize what a smile or a friendly hello can do to a newcomer. However, this congregation has opened its arms to us 1nd I am realizing my wish for my daughter to have a strong extended Cathol if' family. I look forward to being involved in this church and to giving my daughter what I was so fortunate to have back home. God Bless you all!"

What a joy it is for a pastor to pass this note to parishioners on a snow-bound Sunday morning.

A parish certainly doesn't go looking for thank-yous, especially when we set out to thank others. But it warms the heart of any priest.

OK. Party's over. Lent's acoming.

Father Goldrick is pastor ofSt

Bernard Parish, Assonet Comments are welcome at StBemardAssonet@aoLcom.

Previous columns are at www.StBemardAssonetorg.

Continuing a Tradition of Excellence in Educatingfor Ministry since 1971

LOYOLA SCHOLARSH I P Will fund 50% to 70% tuition for lay, vowed religious, priests and deacons working in a New England Diocese: Boston, MA Bridgeport, CT Burlington, VT Fall River, MA

Hartford, CT Manchester, NH Norwich, CT Portland, ME

Providence, RI Springfield, MA Worcester, MA

Also available to those who have been volunteers in parish, diocesan or other church ministry for five or more years.

http://www.bc.edu/irepm

'.',

\

\

I

;

I

.

Attleboro woman relishes more than a century ofCatholic faith Editor's note: Thisfeatures begins a weekly series called "Living Stones -Anchor Person ofthe Week." We will spotlight a person in the Diocese of Fall River each week who exemplifies what it means to live the Catholicfaith with joy and enthusiasm..

Her spiritual outreach doesn't end there.

"When residents here need prayer or comfort, they know I will be there for them," she said.

"People will come to me and say, 'Blanche, please pray for me.' I have a daily intentions list and I devote one decade of the rosary to

By DAVE JOLIVET, EDITOR each special intention."

ATTLEBORO - How fitting it is to iniDugas told The Anchor that people tell her tiate this series recognizing Living Stones of that she's a special person, to which she humthe faith with someone who was born in the bly responds, "But I'm just doing what God same year the as the founding of the Diocese wants me to do." of Fall River. In her 101 years, Mrs. Blanche One of her most special moments in a life Dugas has lived through nine popes, 18 U.S. filled with them was receiving the diocesan presidents, and six additions to the United Marian Medal Award at the age of 99. She a States of America. Yet one thing has remained wears the medal adorned with the Blessed • ~ constant for the .-_---==;----::~=_:_~-~=_=__.:=_=====~---'--__= Mother every

'·~:~~:F:;~: ~~j0ii:-;j{~~;'r·)~:/r::£~~7:~~:~~~ Joseph's Parish

-~-ff~--;'~'=i_c~mfi-g--":,~~S-~~~ ceive such rec~..,.. ~.-~, ~.•'.'-'.'_' l~.~....}~-e-;"".~."'::~-~-i{.~.';:' '. ,"~~ ognition," she

in Attleboro: her faith in God '~,i~ .,);;~ G~"~er~n;dr:~I( said. ~~~~a'~ c- -;f ,3:~~~.-'"'.~ .'-'~' ,.~" M rs. D ugas and the nee d to ~. ":-"",::,,..., '-:-b;:;:£:'<'~ &l>ti£«;: ,:-1 ,;:~;.r' ,,,;- j i'.: '" say the rosary was married to every day. "My faith has been Phillipe Dugas for 56 years before he passed away in very important to me," she told The Anchor in a recent 1983. "He was a wonderful interview in her home. "I've man," she said. They had done a lot of praying through four children, one of whom the years, and I've received a who has since passed away. lot of miracles."

She has 21 grandchildren and When Mrs. Dugas was one great, great grandchild. born Blanche Cloutier on De"There are five generations cember 23, 1904, Teddy of us," she beamed.

Roosevelt was president, and There were a few times Pope St. Pius X was the Holy in her life when her faith Father. The Diocese of Fall was shaken, Mrs. Dugas adRiver was only six months·"~ ,,:, mits. "But, it came back beold, and her home parish . cause it was never really

..,'

VISITORSTO the Vatican Museums look up with Raphael's famous School of Athens in the background. The Vatican Museums are celebrating their SOOth anniversary this year. (eNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

J.

Vatican Museums trace origin to sculpture bought 500 years ago

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Although they have thousands of objects on display and even more in storage,' the Vatican Museums trace their origin to one marble sculpture, purchased 500 years ago.

The sculpture of Laocoon, the priest who, according to Greek mythology, tried to convince the people of ancient Troy not to ac- cept the "gift" of the Greeks' hollow horse, was discovered Jan. 14, IS06, in a vineyard near Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Pope Julius 11 sent Guiliano da Sangallo and Michelangelo seph Beaudry and George ;~ right from the start." She' BonarrOti, who were working at the Vatican, to check out the discovery. \ ; .

On their recommendation, the pope immediately purchased the sculpParish in 1905, where she's the moments when she ture from the vineyard owner. been a member since its in- _. MRS. BLANCHE Dugas, doubted her faith.

The pope put the sculpture of cepUon. .

When asked what advice "M d d 101 , a -member of St. Laocoon and his sons in the grips y gran parents an my Joseph's Parish in Attleboro, she. would give to young of a sea serpent on public display parents greatly influenced my holds last year's parish cen- couples just starting out, she at the Vatican exactly one month faith in God," she said. "I can tennial book. Mrs. Dugas was didn't hesitate and said, "I'd after its discovery. . still see my father gathering nearly a year old when the tell them just what my parU.S. Cardinal Edmund C. all seven of us to say the ro- parish was founded in Sep- ents told me - keep God in Szoka, president of the office governing Vatican City State, which sary after supper every tember 1905, and the Dio- yourmarriageandsaytheroincludes the museums, marked the night." That tradition contin- cese of Fall River was just six sary together each day."

SOOth ailOiversary of the museums ues to this very day. "The first months old when she was "Young people are too by presiding over a recent press thing I do each day is to say born. Her family was instru- broad-minded today," she conference. my prayers and my rosary, mental in the founding of the said. "They have to focus Over the course of the centuand then watch morning parish. (AnchoJiJolivet photo) on God. With aU the wars he said, the popes have colries, Mass on television," she told and hurricanes going on, I lected important art and artifacts, The Anchor. "At night, I say another rosary and think God is trying to tell us something. To ''preserving them from oblivion watch another TV Mass." In between, Mrs. get us back on track. I'm just an old-fashand destruction and presenting Dugas' day is filled with reading and with more ioned girl and that's the way I feel." them to successive generations.'" prayer."

Mrs. Dugas doesn't consider herself special "Artists of every epoch were With parents and grandparents so active in or unusual. "My faith means everything to me," called to express themselves and the Church, it couldn't help but rub off on Mrs. she said. "I'm thankful to God for all he's giving to reveal their vocations at the service of beauty and of faith," CarDugas. "I've been in women's guilds and me, including keeping my mind sharp and alert. I dinal Szoka said. groups <\Od the Ladies of St. Anne," she re- love my faith. It makes me feel good inside."

Each year the Vatican Museums The Anchor encourages readers to nomicalled. "We would make items for cancer paallow four million people from J tients and deliver food to people who needed nate othersforthe Person ofthe Week- who every nation and faith to admire the J it." Her years spent in assisted living facilities and why? Submit nominations at our E-mail work of human genius, much of it , have been far from idle. Mrs. Dugas has been address: theanchor@anchomews.org, or write produced in praise ofGod, he said. instrumental in bringing in a weekly Mass at to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA Cardinal Szoka celebrated a, Canterbury Woods, where she now resides.

02722. special Mass for the museums' employees in the Sistine Chapel,

.0;,i

~~~6:;:'~':.:..:;::::;~ ~~~~:::;e~s~~~~e~h~~

r~"

\ ~~~~~ ~:~ I~!sw:1:n :'::~

~~~~~~rh~~l~~~~a:~~~~O~;h

1

" .

-

...

•

~

..

.-

f . I ' . ' ..

..

...

..

'.

J,'~'

".f_.~.;:';'.f;'.;,1 ~

~

•

....

.

•

,I

the centerpiece of most people's visit to the museums.

The calendar of special events for the 500th anniversary celebrations also includes: - the October opening of a new segment of the Roman Necropolis, an ancient burial ground that includes the site ofthe tomb of St. Peter under St. Peter's Basilica. The new segment, covering an area of almost 600 square yards, was discovered three years ago when the Vatican began excavations for an underground parking garage.

Francesco BuranelIi, director of ' the Vatican..,Museums, said the new section includes about 30 burial chambers and about 70 individual tombs "where the visitor can immerse' himself in an intact burial ground of imperial Rome." Many of the tombs, dating from the first century B.c. to the third century after Christ, are decorated with frescoes, mosaics and carvings, he said; - the April unveiling of newly restored murals by Bernardino di Betto, better known as "Pintoricchio," in the Borgia Apartments. While the project is ongoing, the murals depicting events from the lives ofChrist and Mary will be revealed; - the November opening of a special exhibit dedicated to the Laocoon sculpture, which Buranelli said had a major impact on artists from the moment of its discovery.

"The contortion of the limbs and the suffering on the faces of the poor Trojan priest and his two sons, entangled in the coils of the monstrous serpent sent by Athena and Poseidon, were the best interpretation of that 'pathos' and that anatomical movement so central to artistic research" beginning in the ISOOs, Buranelli said.

• • •. .. ~ '0 .. ":t .... "I ., • 't 'r " '. ~ "," • I" f r .. .. • • ." '/ .. " • ~ ~ ~ ~ •.•.•.•• '".f.~.f.f•. ,.-.'.~ •. '.. 't, ... _, 'f:' .".'."'... ~.\.\'\ .• "',"'.'\~~,'\\'\,\\,\\,\\\\\\\~,'.l'

Olympic ilbiathlete from Minnesota

finds calm, strength in prayer ,,

-,

,. ',/.

THIS IS the cover of the special Olympic edition of St. Mark's Gospel. Some 50,000 free copies of the pocket-sized paperback are being distributed to spectators, visitors and parishioners at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. The Bible Society in Italy published the sevenlanguage volume, a project spearheaded by the Italian bishops' conference together with the Italian Waldensian and Orthodox churches. (CNS photo)

Churches distribute free Olympic edition of St. Mark's Gospel

By CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE TURIN, Italy - While official sponsors of the Winter Olympics are handing out bagfuls of freebies, churches are distributing a special Olympic edition of St. Mark's Gospel.

About 50,000 free copies of the pocket-sized paperback are being distributed in Turin as part of a joint initiative promoted by the local Catholic, Waldensian and Orthodox churches. .

The Bible Society in Italy published the seven-language volume after the Italian bishops' conference promoted the idea. The Gospel distribution revives an initiative carried out during the jubilee year 2000 when 200,000 copies ofSt. Luke's Gospel were distributed to hotels in Italy.

Cardinal Severino Poletto of Turin told Catholic News Service that visitors to Turin will fjnd the

special-edition Gospel in their hotel rooms, but this volume "is not just to consult, but to take home as a gift, as their own."

Valdo Bertalot, secretary-general of the Bible Society of Italy, said he hoped the booklet would be a resource for all Christians and serve as a tool for evangelization.

Even though it will not have the same kind of influence on most sports fans "as CNN," it will have some impact because this ecumenical initiative "gives a sign of unity between the churches," he told CNS from his office in Rome before the Olympics began February 10.

People who think of"Catholics fighting Protestants or against Orthodox" may find the joint project refreshing "as a sign of communion in a world where everything is being stressed as antagonistic" and at loggerheads, he

said.

Bertalot said the initiative is a concrete example of living out God's call for unity and cooperation, and he hopes it serves as an example for people in the sports world.

The St. Mark's Gospel project "proposes a world that doesn't stress competition, but stresses the humanity of the other. The athlete is 'not an enemy, but is a companion, a brother ... that we are creatures of the same God," he said.

He also said he hopes the Gospel comes in handy for people who are looking for "a spiritual moment" during the bustle and excitement of the Olympics. The Gospel reminds people that the race across the finish line or winning the ice hockey match "is not the last race; it's just a parable for the real one" where everyone seeks salvation in life after death, he said.

TURIN, Italy (CNS) - Carolyn back to face the German and RusTreacy, the so-called underdog sian team favorites in the women's biathlete, found the needed calm six-kilometer relay. and inner strength to make the XX Treacy, who proudly noted she Olympic Winter Games by praying was born on the feast of St. Joseph, a novena to the Infant of Prague.

March 19, said her Catholic faith Facing top-notch athletes and helps her commit so much time and harsh, icy weather at the mid-Janu- energy training to become an Olymary Olympic trials in Fort Kent, pian.

Maine, the .23-year-old native of "Sometimes I struggled doing Duluth, Minn., recited the spiritual the biathlon because I thought of prayer "every day, once an hour for other people with no money and no nine hours in a row," she told Catho- opportunity to pursue a sport," she lic News Service. said.

She was considered "a major The eight years of intense trainunderdog" at the weeklong trials ing and traveling allover the world and had failed to make the U.S. have reaffirmed her Catholic faith, team for the 2002 Winter Games in Treacy said. ''Because of biathlon I've been Salt Lake City.

1)le prayer to the child Jesus in- to Mass in 12 different countries" cludes the lines, "I implore you to and has seen "how the Body of assist me in this necessity, for I Christ extends Peyond countries' firmly believe your divinity can as- borders," she said.

"I may not know the language" sist me," and "Take from us all affliction and despair, all trials and in which the priest is celebrating the misfortunes with which we are Mass, "but I know what's happenladen." . ing" and can feel a bond with God Treacy, a senior at Dartmouth and the rest of the congregation as.

College in Hanover, N.H., said she the host is being consecrated, she got into the biathlon after her high said. sÂŤhool skiing coach recommended Treacy said her mother and fa. she give it a try. ther come from Catholic families The biathlon combines cross- and they helped her "make sure I country skiing with.22-ealiber rifle knew that God was always present target shooting. and that I could always count on "I had never picked up a gun him. " before, much less hunted," she said, The biggest influence on her adding that she was terrified the first life, she said, has been her grandtime she handled the firearm. But mother, who was a national-class she said she enjoyed the challenge swimmer, college basketball ofshooting, even though by the time player, devout Catholic and "really she gets to the target range her heart had a true intimate connection with is racing and lungs are heaving, praying." making aiming extremely difficult.

She recalled one.day when she, Treacy and three of her team- a friend from high school and her mates were scheduled to be the U.S. grandmother were taking a walk. starters in a 7.S-kilometer cross- ,She said the friend, who was not country sprint in the Italian town of very religious, asked her grandCesana San Sicario, near the bor- mother why she prayed all the time.

"My grandmother said, 'Beder with France. She said she hoped strong finishes in that race would cause God is a friend and by prayqualify the team for a 100kilometer ing we get to know each other's pursuit race later.. Then it will be voices better,'" she said.

Though it won't compete, Vatican seen as global Church at Olympics TURIN, Italy (CNS) Though the tiny nation wedged in the middle of Rome has its own flag and national anthem, Vatican City State will not be vying for any medals at the Olympic Winter Games in Turin.

Although the head of the Vatican's Church and Sport division of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, U.S. Father Kevin Lixey, a member of the Legionaries of Christ, was in Turin representing the Vatican, he was not waxing skis or lacing skates.

Instead he went as an observer to "take the pulse, to find out more" about how different

countries were providing pastoral and spiritual care for their Catholic athletes, he told Catholic News Service.

"Every country does different things, so I see an opportunity to maybe get some synergy going," to network with chaplains and national Olympic committees and to look for ways pastoral plans could be shared among the different nations, he said.

Father Lixey said he did not think the Vatican would ever start training its own Olympians.

"We're not a team competing, but we're there for all the

athletes," he said.'

The priest said some people tend to see the.Vatican as a country that might want to boast its own national identity, but the pope is not the leader of a nation; he is the universal shepherd guiding the world's faithful.

"We're every country really.

We represent the Church throughout the worl~, not just the small city state of Vatican City," said the priest, a native of Flint, Mich.

"We're not for one side or the other. In some sense because of that we have more value in our presence," he said.

CAROLYN TREACY competes at the Biathlon Olympic Trials in Fort Kent, Maine, recently. She said she found the needed calm and inner strength to make the Olympic Winter Games by praying a novena to the Infant of Prague. (CNS photo/Paul Phillips, Competitive Image)

..;

110

Friday, February 24, 2006

..,

Please support

ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL PIPE ORGAN FUND All contributions will be gratefully received.

Rev. Paul Bernier, 327 Second St., Fall River, MA 02721

St. John the Baptist Church 945 Main Road, P.O. Box 3328 Westport, MA 02790

ACCOMPANIST POSITION St. John the Baptist Church is seeking to fill an Accompanist Position for its 9:30 and 11 :00 a.m. Sunday Masses. Opportunities for weddings & funerals are available. If interested send a resume or call the Rectory at 508-636-2251.

Yes, you can have an affordable vacation in Southern Maine!

How would you like to .•. Enjoy the scenic beauty of a 66-acre

PAUL WALKER stars in scene from the movie "Eight Below:' For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo/Disney).

estate from your window? Take a leisurely stroll to the village of Kennebunkport? Spend a sun filled day at Kennebunk Beach, only minutes from your room? Relish a hearty Maine breakfast served daily? Relax and rejuvenate at a salt water pool?

Enjoy an inexpensive vacation?

Your opportunity to explore this wonderful experience is only a telephone call away... .

Franciscan Guest House 26 Beach Avenue, Kennebunkport, Maine 04046 207-967-4865 www.franciscanguesthouse.com Business Conferences, Family Functions and Motor Coach Tours Welcome

Saint Faustina and the Message of

The Divine

erc

The Sisters of Reparation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

60 minute talk on Divine Mercy

recitation of the

Chaplet of Mercy veneration of n

First Class Relic of Saint

Faustina

Eucharistic Exposition &.

Benediction

Religious articles will ·be ·available

St. Stanislaus Church 36 Rockland Sr., Fall Rivers, MA

Sunday February 26th @ 3:00 pm

lC~S ~'l(),vii(e

(CallJ)~Ulllle~ 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.

"Eight Below" (Disney) Winning family-friendly adventure inspired by real events about a team of sled dogs left behind during a forced evacuation of a remote Antarctic research station who struggle against the odds to survive in the inhospitable environment while their devoted handler (Paul Walker) races against time and indifference to mount a rescue mission.

Set against spectacular South Pole vistas, director Frank Marshall's film balances action and heart-tugging emotion in telling its captivating tale of friendship and canine courage.

Some human and animal peril, predatory violence, and a few sad scenes that may upset the· youngest children. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II - adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG - parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

"Freedomland" (Columbia) .

Overheated and grim melodrama about an emotionally fragile woman (Julianne Moore)

who says she was carjacked near British pastor Laurence Sterne's a predominantly black housing 1767 novel, "The Life and Opinproject, with her assailant tak- ions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleing off in the car with her son in man," considered unfilmable bethe back seat, and the police de- cause' of its wildly nonlinear tective (Samuel L. Jackson) who structure. Director Michael attempts to uncover the truth Winterbottom offers a good while keeping racial tensions at chunk of the 18.th-century bay. Joe Roth's film, based on story, but devotes equal time to Richard Price's bestseller, is the off-camera travails of lead finely acted by its two leads and actors Steve Coogan and Rob

by Edie Falco as the head of a Brydon, both "playing" themmissing-children advocacy selves, while a bevy of solid group, but despite a worthy actors (Jeremy Northam, Kelly premise, a redemptive ending, MacDonald, Stephen Fry, and a central character imbued Gillian Anderson) lend appeal with a strong faith the movie is to an unevenly satiric film that undermined by plot contriv- won't appeal to every taste. ances. Much profanity and Overall bawdy tone, rough lanrough language, racial epithets, guage and some profanity, riot violence, some blood, drug crude expressions, sexual situreferences, an intense emotional ations and much innuendo, unbreakdown, an unwed mother, related partial and rear nudity, adultery, domestic and child brief full frontal child nudity abuse, a fall from a window. The including diaper changing and USCCB Office for Film & a crude sight gag, graphic Broadcasting classification is L childbirth scene, permissive - limited adult audience, films view of premarital affair, whose problematic content parenting, and adultery. The many adults would find trou- USCCB Office for Film & bling. The Motion Picture Asso- Broadcasting classification is ciation of America rating is R- L - limited adult audience, restricted. Under 17 requires films whose problematic conaccompanying parent or adult tent many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture guardian.

"Tristram Shandy: A Cock & .Association of America rating is R - restricted. Under 17 reBull Story" (Picturehouse) Fitfully amusing saga of a quires accompanying parent or movie crew attempting to film adult guardian.

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 Web~ite.

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

I..--_Fr_ida_y,_Feb_rU_ary_2_4,_200_6

March 5th 6:00 P.M.

the ancholS>..;.;......;;......;...;~··

111

-J

St. Dominic Church - Swansea --G.A.R. Highway .

THEME Poor Man's Supper

l

Donation: Adults $3.00 - Children $1.00 Proceeds to be given to Fall River Soup Kitchens II

.

I

After the Following Services Refreshment~ will be served March 12th 7:00 P.M.

St. John of God - Somerset Brayton Avenue THEME Sheltering the Homeless and Clothing the Naked I

Ii

"~~: __\"~4""'"

tq

·1~l';Jl~."1

;

_

Ii

March 19th 7:00 P.M.

St. Patrick Church - Somerset South Street THEME Visiting the Sick and Comforting the Sorrowful Ii

II

Anointing of the Sick Cere'mony March 26th 7:00 P.M.

St. Louis de France - Swansea Buffington Street THEME Instructing and Counseling the Doubtful .

I

St.· Francis of Assisi - Swanse'a Gardner's Neck Road THEME Bearing Wrongs Patiently. - Forgiving All Injury

April 2 7:00 P.M.

Confession to follow

'il • . '."1,.".

, " ". •

Ii'

.

'; ~

"', \

.,. ~!

,/

,0

I J

112

Friday, February 24, 2006

Text of Pope Benedict XVI's message for Lent "Jesus, at the sight of the crowds, was moved with pity"(Mt 9:36)

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Lent is a privileged time of interior pilgrimage toward him who is the Fount of Mercy. It is a pilgrimage in which he himself accompanies us through the desert of our poverty, sustaining us on our way toward the intense joy ofEaster. Even in the ''valley ofdarlmess" of1which the psalmist speaks (ps 23 :4), while the tempter prompts us to despair or to place a vain hope in the work ofourown hands, God is there to guard us and sustain us.

Yes, even today the Lord hears the cry of the multitudes longing for joy, peace and love. As in every age, they feel abandoned. Yet, even in the desolation of misery, loneliness, violence and hunger that indiscriminately afflicts children, adults and the elderly, God does not allow darkness to prevail. In fact, in the words of my beloved predecessor, Pope John Paul II, there is a "divine limit imposed upon evil," namely, mercy ("Memory and Identity," pp. 19ft). It is with these thoughts in mind that I have chosen as my theme for this message the Gospel text: "Jesus, at the sight of the crowds, was moved with pity" (Mt 9:36).

In this light, I would like to pause and reflect upon an issue much debated today: the question of development. Even now, the compassionate gaze ofChrist continues to fall upon individuals and peoples. He watches them, knowing that the divine plan includes their call to salvation. Jesus knows the perils that put this plan at risk, and he is moved with pity for the crowds. He chooses to defend them from the wolves even at the cost of his own life. The gaze of Jesus embraces individuals and multitudes, and h~ brings them all before the Father, offering himself as a sacrifice of expiation.

Enlightened by this paschal peoples does not consist merely in truth, the Church knows that if we material means or t~hnical soluare to promote development in its tions. Rather, it involves the procfullness, our own gaze upon manlamation ofthe truth ofChrist, who kind has to be measured against educates consciences and teaches that ofChrist. In fact, it is quite imthe authentic dignity of the person possible to separate the response and of work; it means the promotion ofa culture that truly responds to people's material and social needs from the fulfillment of the to all the questions of humanity. profound desires of their hearts.

In the face of the terrible chalThis has to be emphasized all the lenge ofpoverty afflicting so much more in today's rapidly changing ofthe world's population, indifferworld, in which our responsibility ence and self-centered isolation toward the poor emerges with ever stand in stark contrast to the gaze of Christ. Fasting and almsgiving, greater clarity and urgency. My venerable predecessor, Pope Paul which, together with prayer, the' VI, accurately described the scanChurch proposes in a special way dal of underdevelopment as an during the Lenten season, are suitoutrage against humanity. In this sense, in the encyclical, "Populorwn Progressio, " he denounced ''the lack of material necessities for those who are without the minimum essential for life, the / moral deficiencies ofthose who are mutilated by selfishness" and "oppressive social structures, whether \ due to the abuses of ownership or \ to the abuses of power, to the ex- .

I. ploitation of workers or to unjust transactions" (ibid., 21). As the antidote to such evil, Paul VI suggested not only "increased esteem for the dignity of others, the turnPOPE BENEDICT XVI ing toward the spirit of poverty, waves to the faithful from the cooperation for the common good, window of his apartment at the the will and desire for peace," but Vatican recently. (eNS photo/ also ''the acknowledgment by man Dario Pignatelli, Reuters) of supreme values, and of God, their source and their finality" (ibid.). In this vein, the pope went able means for us to become conon to propose that, finally and formed to this gaze. The examples above all, there is "faith, a gift of of the saints and the long history God accepted by the good will of of the Church's missionary activman, and unity in the charity of ity provide invaluable indications Christ" (ibid.). Thus, the gaze of of the most effective ways to support development. Even in this era Christ upon the crowd impels us to affmn the true content of this of global interdependence, it is "complete humanism" that, acclear that no economic, social or cording to Paul VI, consists in the political project can replace that gift "fully-rounded development ofthe of self to another through which whole man and of all men" (ibid., charity is expressed. Those who act 42). For this reason, the primary according to the logic of the Goscontribution that the Church offers pel live the faith as friendship with to the development ofmankind and God Incarnate and, like him, bear

\

r-

~.

Fri & Sat - 8 pm Lecture: 7: 15 pm Sun -3:00 pm Lecture: 2: 15 pm

Low, low rates starting at

4314%*

432 JEFFERSON STREET FALL RIVER 508-675路7496

Cape Cod 508-362-7777 New Bedford 508-992-1400

Free application on Internet WWW.ccnm.com

www.gdaf.orglstages Tickets: 508-240-2400

MB#1161 'APR 5.78, 30 ,r$10k min.

,

,

.

, " , , " ...

\

Lent puts before us, pointing toward the victory ofChrist over every evil that oppresses us. In turning to the Divine Master, in being converted to him, in experiencing his mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, we will discover a gaze that searches us profoundly and gives new life to the crowds and to each one of us. It restores trust to those who do not succumb to skepticism, opening up before them the perspective ofeternal beatitude. Throughout history, even when hate seems to prevail, the luminous testimony of his love is never lacking. To Mary, ''the living fount of hope" (Dante Alighieri, Paradiso, XXXJll, 12), we entrust our Lenten joUrney, so that she may lead us to her son. I commend to her in particular the multitudes who suffer poverty and cry out for help, support and understanding. With these sentiments, I cordially impart to all of you a special apostolic blessing.

Over 35 Years of Satisfied Services Reg. Master Plumber 7023 JOSEPH RAPOSA, JR.

CALL NOW

Church of the Transfiguration Rock Harbor, Orleans, MA

Missio, " II).

It is this integral salvation that

Montie Plumbing & Heating Co.

NO POINTS, NO CLOSING COSTS 1ST, 2ND, 3RD MORTGAGES PURCHASE OR REFINANCE IMPROVEMENT, REPAIR DEBT CONSOLIDATION CREDIT CARD PAY OFFS, HOME EQUITY, COMMERCIAL 2ND HOMES, TUITION, SELF EMPLOYED NO INCOME VERIFICATION POOR CREDIT - NO CREDIT PAY OFF LIENS & ATTACHMENTS FORECLOSURE路 BANKRUPTCY APPLICATION TAKEN ON PHONE NO APPLICATION FEE. FAST SERVICE. WE CAN HELP!

February 24, 25, & 26 March 3, 4, & 5

the course of history by those who claimed to be disciples of Jesus.

Very often, when having to address grave problems, they have thought that they should first improve this world and only afterward tum their minds to the next. The temptation was to believe that, in the face of urgent needs, the first imperative was to change external structures.

The consequence, for some, was that Christianity became a kind of moralism, believing was replaced with doing. Rightly, therefore, my predecessor, Pope John Paul II, of blessed memory, observed: 'The temptation today is to reduce Christianity to merely human wisdom, a pseudoscience of well-being. In our heavily secularized world, a 'gradual secularization of salvation' has taken place, so that people strive for the good ofman, but man who is truncated .... We know, however, that Jesus came to bring integral salvation" ("Redemptoris

C.C. NATIONAL MORTGAGE

...

THEATRE COMPANY

the burden ofthe material and spiritual needs oftheir neighbors. They see it as an inexhaustible mystery, worthy of infinite care and attention. They know that he who does not give God gives too little; as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta frequently observed, the worst poverty is not to know Christ. Therefore, we must help others to find God in the merciful face ofChrist.

Without this perspective, civilization lacks a solid foundation.

Thanks to men and women obedient to the Holy Spirit, many forms of charitable work intended to promote development have arisen in the Church: hospitals, universities, professional formation schools and small businesses. Such initiatives demonstrate the genuine humanitarian concern of those moved by the Gospel message, far in advance ofother forms ofsocial welfare. These charitable activities point out the way to achieve a globalization that is focused upon the true good of mankind and, hence, the path toward authentic peace.

Moved like Jesus with compassion for the crowds, the Church today considers it her duty to ask political leaders and those with economic and financial power to promote development based on respect for the dignity of every man and woman. An important litmus test for the success of their efforts is religious liberty, understood not simply.as the freedom to proclaim and celebrate Christ, but also the opportunity to contribute to the building of a world enlivened by charity. These efforts have to include a recognition of the central role of authentic religious values in responding to man's deepest concerns, and in supplying the ethical motivation for his personal and social responsibilities. These are the criteria by which Christians should assess the political programs of their leaders.

We cannot ignpre the fact that many mistakes have been made in

PRACTICE THE DEVOTION OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS, AS I;IEQUESTED 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, all those who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the Rosary (5 decades); and 4. Keep me 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.

Friday, February 24, 2006

~'

RETREATS FALL RIVER - A Lenten series on meditative prayer will be held on the six Mondays of Lent at 6 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish. It will begin on March 6 and be led by Charles Demers. Each talk will include a brief instruction followed by meditation in the form of Lectio Divina. . SOCIAL EVENTS 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 their refreshment donations to the parish center prior to Mass. For more information call 508-673-6145.

.

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 508673-2997. Refreshments will be served.

FALMOUTH The St. Patrick's Council of Women will be host to coffee and a program on March 1following 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.

Taunton parish to host Lenten prayer services

TAUNTON - For six weeks of Lent, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, 80 Bay Street, will host a prayer service with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Wednesday evenings from 7-8 p.m. beginning March 8.

The rosary, Litany of Lent, and WESTPORT - A Woman's other prayers will be offered for Concern of Fall River is sponsoring an increase in vocations to the a Chowderfest Match 4 from 5-7 p.m. priesthood and religious life, and at White's ofWestport, 66 State Road. for those who have wandered This is a free dinner celebration and from the faith that they may find introduction to outreach to women their way back to the Church. and couples in crisis pregnancies. VolThere will be quiet time for unteers for A Woman's Concern are . personal reflections and intenalways needed. For more information tions. call Bea Martins at 508-678-3351.

All are welcome to attend and spend time before the Blessed SUPPORT GROUPS NEW BEDFORD-Courage, a Sacrament.

The prayer service will not be support group for people dealing with same-sex attraction while trying to held March 8 because of the live chaste lives will meet Saturday Taunton Deanery Mission.

In Your Prayers Please pray for the following priests during the coming weeks Feb. 28 2005, Rev. Roland B. Boule, Retired Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford Feb. 29

1980, Rev. Msgr. James Dotah, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton MarchI / '.

1906, Rev. James F. Mastersoit1l<'ounder;~Patrick, Somerset 1948, Rev. Msgr. P.L. Dam(\SeRobert, P.R., Pastor, Notre Dame, Fall River ..'

2003, Rev. John McCarthy, CSC;S'tonehill College, North Easton 2004 Rev. William W. Norton, Re~d Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Wellfleet '. .

March 2 .

1936, Rev. Antoine Berube, Pastor, St. Joseph, Attleboro 1941, Rev. James 1. Brady, Retired PaStor, St. Kilian, New Bedford 1952, Rev. Tarcisius Dreesen, SS.CC.,Sacred Hearts Monastery, Fairllaven .

1962, Rev. Alphonse E. Gauthier, Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford 1970, Rev. J. Orner Lussier, Pastor, Sacred Heart, North Attleboro .

March 3

1960, Rt. Rev. Msgr. TImothy P. Sweeney, LL.D., Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford March 5

1850, Rev. James McGuire, Pastor, St. Mary, New Bedford 1995, Permanent Deacon Manuel H. Camara March 6 1906, Rev. Joseph F. McDonough, Former Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton 1932, Rev. John W. Quirk, Founder, St. Joseph, Taunton; Rev. Bernard P. Connolly, S.S., St. Charles College, Maryland; 1996, Rev. Antoine Lanoue,O.P.

Pantry

Continued from page one

"We can walk here, and there are clothes available for us and soup and groceries which help us make it," she said. When I asked if there was enough milk for the children, it hit his pride. "I'm still working to support them when I can get it," he blurted out. Then, realistically, he added, "So we're here."

"We are Catholics ... and are starting to come to church here," she said, with the first smile I had seen since we began talking.

No one knows better how the body and soul are linked than Paula Briden, whose first hat is that ofregistered nurse at the Surgery Center at St. Luke's Hospital, and whose other hat is executive director of St. Anthonis Food Pantry.

A nurse for more than 35 years, Briden, married, with two boys and a girl, has only been a parishioner at St. Anthony's since June. ''When I walked through the door I was convinced this was the parish for me," she said. When a call went out from our newest pastor, Father Roger Landry, for workers at the food pantry, which had been in operation for about 18 months ... under Father (Christopher) Gomes, "I volunteered," she said.

A nurse for three days a week and on cali after that, "I figured I could help out. Suddenly, I was in charge."

It means scheduling pickups of pasta, cereal, and dried milk, and canned vegetables from the Boston Food Bank in Taunton. Produce comes free from another part of the food bank in Boston wheneverBriden can find someone to make the pickup.

'This week we got free fresh milk and eggs and carrots from Boston," she said proudly.

"We're averaging about 80 people coming to us a week, which might relate to 320 to 400 family members," she said. ''In the past year attendance has grown by about 20 percent. Last year we served a total of nearly 4,000 people."

The many loaves of bread and rolls come from FredTwomey ofthe St. Vincent de Paul Society of Corpus Christi Parish in Sandwich. That group gathers donations from stores and markets in the Cape area.

Sometimes donuts come in from .Ma's Donuts in New Bedford, and muffins and other pastries too.

"Some stores are quick to help," she said. 'This morning I walked into Stop & Shop and the manager gave me a caseload ofplastic bags, which I badly needed."

She also praised the many contributions that regularly come from parishioners.

"In our bulletin we put out a call for clothes - winter coats and all kinds ofgarments for adults and children, and there was a wonderful response," Briden reported. "And you mayor not be surprised that the call for blankets and towels are many and ongoing."

She said even the most ordinary of things are sought after.

"Someone brought in an old toaster. I would have thrown it out if it belonged to me. But someone said they needed if and were so happy to have it. It nearly broke my heart."

..

~

Even as we talked a woman, accompanied by her hpsband who was carrying a small child, was checking out a pair of infant's dungarees. ''We've just arrivcil from Arizona and. are trying to gdt settled in New Bedford, she said. 'These clothes are for this boy, our grandson,?' she said.

'This is wonderful ... you people do so much for us," she told the director.

Briden was quic~ to note that she "could never do all this by myself' and has 20 helpers, about 10 of whom show up e~ch week to bag and serve the foodstuffs, and do other chores. Some are frOm St. Anthony's and some from other parishes across the city. ' • One ofthem is Maureen Pride. A parishioner at St. Mary's in Dartmouth, she has volunteered at the pantry for two rhonths.

A retired I teacher, she taught the first and second grades at the Westport Elementary School for 36 years.

"Being a volunteer here is very satisfying and I'm Iloving it," Pride said. 'The participants are always so grateful and poFte and respectful."

As we talked, in came the man who handles the n~<:ords for the pantry - among othe~ jobs.

'This is my olaest son, Ross," Briden said. "I incorporated him because he's good' with computers ... and he used tolibe a chef at the Meridian in downtown Boston."

A full-time student of liberal arts at Bristol Community College, he's looking to UMaS~-Dartmouth to study business. ''This is a great place to help people and they ~ly appreCiate it," Ross Briden said. "Some ofthem are really hurting. It's not something you see i,l public all thertime. And sometimes they ask for Mvice on getting on with their lives."

Although the meal and foodstuffs are handed out free, there are mandatory guidelines abd a record is kept of those who receive them. !:

"Everyone has to register. We need and accept a picture ID from various agencies verifying these people are needy, and these are part of the records we need to keep," the director noted.

As they packed the plastic bags, Paula Briden noted, "Everyone gets a similar bag filled with two veg.etables, a cereal, and a protein such as pasta and a starch, all according to Food Service guidelines. We put in other things such as cake mixtures given us by parishioners, when they . ·come in. Ifthere are more in the family we give extra bags. They take the loaves ofbread they think they need.

We use the honor system." . . But those coming for groceries to supplement their staples also are served a wonderful hot soup, bread, beverages and paStries when available during the winter months.

"Claire Fern is our soup maven, and she makes a delicious soup," Briden said. "In her other life she works for a dentist and is one of our parishioners."

This past week, besides the soup, the participants were also served a pastry and pudding. "We also had popcorn left over from Wednesday night's bingo, and we handed that out too."

With all the busyness ofthe food pantry on its working day, Paula Briden had one final and personal service to offer.

Putting a stethoscope around her neck, she unrolled the blood pressure cuff she will use to screen participants for high blood pressure. "I also offer to write down their prescriptions on a card they can carry, so they can easily show what medications they are taking."

It was nearing 11 a.m., and the pantry would soon open its doors to those who from noon to 2 p.m., would savor food and would, like every Thursday, walk out with a helpful assortment of foods to keep soul and mind together.

Then what was left was carefully packed away. The were many empty shelves; but many, many smiling faces.

St. Anne's Prayer

II

"Good St. Anne, Mother of Mary, and Grandmo~er of Jesus, Intercede for me and my . : petitions. Amen."

In honor of Sister Lucia dos Santos, . seer of Fatima, who died I,February 13,2005, age 97. " Lucia pray for us.

,

Charlie's Oil Co., Inc. • Prompl 24 Hour Service • Automatic Deliveries • Call In Deliveries • Budget Terms Available • Free Estimates

You Never Had Service Until You Tried Charlie's .

We're located at ...

46 Oak Grove Ave., Fall River - "

orcal/ ...

508-675-7426 • 508-674-0709

. , .1-,

~:

.

114

Friday, February 24, 2006

Continued from page three

STUDENTS AT St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro recently welcomed war veterans who shared memories of their service. From left: Ray Gallop with his daughter Karen Newman, school resource teacher; David Nocera and his daughter Diane Blaha, school administrative assistant; Ernest Tasho, grandfather of student Noah Bridgestock and Gerald Lynch, father of student Tim Lynch.

BISHOP FEEHAN High School Sophomores Tim Michaud and Allison Steiner work at .3t'S Closet where they organize donated clothing for the St. Vincent de Paul Society store. They and other Feehan students and families help ensure that donated clothing gets to those in need.

t

FOUR-YEAR-OLD Marsela Leverone enjoys St. Bernard Parish Appreciation Night recently. See Father Tim Goldrick's column on page six for a related piece. (Photo

by Paul Levesque)

/'

~

,

. J

'

,~.

After the game, boys from Espirito Santo's eighth-grade team got ready for their own game. Ryan Amaral said "basketball is my favorite sport," and that's why he likes the CYO. His friend Peter Braga added, "It keeps you in good shape," while David Rodriguez said, "It's fun and a good way to stay out of trouble."

Sandy Bernier and her husband Paul Bernier are coaches for the 14-0 girls' team from St. Anne's. Paul has been coaching the sixth-graders for 14 years and was attending the game on a lunch break from his job as a policeman. His daughter Casey is a member of his team.

Carlos Gaspar is coach of the SS. Peter and Paul team and has been doing it for two years because "I love working with the kids and they have a great time playing basketball."

Donald "Butcn" Morrisson directs the Taunton CYO and has been involved in the program for more than 30 years. He has fond memories of playing in the baseball and basketball teams of Immaculate Conception. Parish and said it was his love of sports that led to his being a director.

"I love the CYO. There's nothing else I can say," he declared.

In Taunton there are more than 750 children involved with 78 teams. "They begin in the fourth grade and we have a league for young men up to 21.

The league plays its games at Taunton Catholic Middle School and uses the building five nights a week and then from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. It plays 450 games during a season and has more than 150 volunteers.

Morrison said it used to play their games at the Taunton CYO building until it burnt down years ago.

"I enjoy working with children and I love this program," said Morrisson. "We enjoy getting a kid who's nine involved and then watching his progress over the next 12 years. We have a lot of kids who are now 21 who started when they were fourth-

graders."

Morrisson taught CCD for about the same amount of time he's coached and said the CYO should be an extension of the parish. "It's not just a basketball league. It's meant to shape the character of our children. When you see kids wearing ajersey that reads St. Anne or St. Paul, it doesn't get any better than that."

He remembered his favorite person growing up was Father McCarrick. "He really cared about the youth as Father Maddock does now."

George Viveiros had a similar story and has been involved as the director of the New Bedford CYO for more than 10 years.

Prior to that was a coach for 10 years at Holy Name.

"I love basketball and enjoy helping kids," said Viveiros.

"The CYO is a good safe environment for them."

There are nearly 80 teams in the New Bedford program and more than 850 children participate. All games are played at the Kennedy Center and Viveiros said it's like one big family.

"We have a banquet at the end of the season and give out team awards. It's fun and nice to see how the kids improve over the course of a season." Viveiros' only regret is that he wishes he could do more for the kids.

"They learn how to play like a team and work together and it goes way beyond the wins and the losses. We're even planning a Website to post scores and team information and we'd like to have them working on that."

Even the referees were enjoying the game and helping out.

Cousins Peter and Luke Nasiff worked the game and Peter told me he's been working for three years as a ref.

"I played here as a youth and this is an opportunity for me to help out and give back. You never forget where you started from."

Each year there is a needfor volunteers to become involved in the CYO. If you'd like more information, please call Father Jay T. Maddock at 508-8245707.

Diocesan CYO All-Star tournaments路 are F.ebruary 26 FALL RIVER - The Fall' River Diocesan CYO will sponsor its annual All-Star Basketball tournaments Sunday. The games pair the best CYO players from different areas of the diocese in competition with one another.

The Junior Boys Tournament will take place at the SullivanMcCarrick CYO Center in Fall River. Fall River will play Taunton at 1 p.m. New Bedford will play the winner of game one. . The presentation of All Tourney

Team and MVP trophies will follow each 2 p.m. game.

At Taunton Catholic Middle School, the Junior Girls Tournament will begin at 1 p.m. with Fall River matching up against Taunton. New Bedford will meet the winner of game one at 2 p.m.

The Prep Boys Tournament will be held at the Kennedy CYO Center in New Bedford. Fall River and Taunton will play the 1 p.m. game and the winner will take on New Bedford at 2 p.m.

lsi --

Friday, February 24, 2006

The masterpiece The David. It is one of the most famous marble sculptures in the world. David is 13-anda-half feet tall, and it took 28 months to complete it. David is standing with a sling over his shoulder. Rock in his hand.

Looking at something Goliath - to his left. His eyebrows furrowed in confident concentration. The statue captures David right before his battle. You can find it in Florence, Italy. It was chipped, and sculpted, and sanded and polished in the mid-1500s by Michelangelo, probably the most famous sculptor in history.

First, I want to talk about the-real David. We read about

could become. Even Leonardo Da Vinci was asked to consider working the marble, but, likewise, he couldn't see what the marble could become.

Each of these artists could not see what was deep inside the marble.

Many people looked at that marble block, but could see nothing. Nothing. No potential.

Then came Michelangelo. His dad was a businessman and a minor official in Florence. He wanted his sons to restore the family name to its former glory. He wanted his children to earn money, own properties, and make connections with the ruling class. He wanted his son, Michelangelo, to become a respected businessman. But

,...----------r--:::::-If-t

Be Not Afraid

By Bud Miller

him in the Bible. His story begins with one of God's prophets named Samuel.

Samuel was told by God that' the next King of Israel was one of the sons of a man named Jesse. Samuel goes to Jesse's house and tells him what Goo has decided. Jesse lines up his sons, and Samuel goes down one by one, but as he looks at each of them, he knows that none of them is God's chosen king. Samuel is confused and asks Jesse if these were all his sons. Well, there was one more, but it couldn't be him, Jesse said. He's the youngest, and was just a shepherd, a tender of sheep. Samuel insisted that he be sent for. As soon as he was brought before Samuel, he knew immediately that he was the next king. Jesse couldn't believe it - and David's brothers didn't want to. To explain this to Jesse, Samuel spoke a profound truth, "Man looks on the outside, but God, he looks on the inside."

Now to the story of The David. In 1464 AD, 11 years before Michelangelo was born, a large block of marble was cut. An accomplished sculptor was commissioned to create something out of it. But he couldn't think of what to do with it, and eventually gave up the job. In 1476, when Michelangelo was just one year old, another artist was hired to work on the marble.

As with the first artist, he could not see what the marble

Michelangelo wanted to be an artist.

This infuriated his father.

Artists were lower class. But Michelangelo decided early in life to follow his passion.

At 13, Michelangelo became an apprentice to a well-known painter and began painting and sculpting. He proved to be very talented. At some point, he was invited to do something with the block of marble. The David was always in that block of marble - but nobody could see it except Michelangelo. Read that again - David was always in there.

It took a young sculptor to set David free. The real David's dad and brothers could not see anything special about him, but God could see a King.

Michelangelo's dad was concerned about family name, and thought Michelangelo's life direction was foolish.

Today, Michelangelo's works of art are priceless. People travel all over the world to see The David, and the Pieta, and the Sistine Chapel.

Last month I said that God meant something when he created you. Have you ever felt like others just can't see the "real" you? They don't see the potential. But something great is already in you. Reaci that again: something great is, ' already within you. God can see it. Let him chip, and sculpt, and sand, and polish you. He is the Master Sculptor, and you are a masterpiece-in-themaking.

Bud Miller is the director ofReligious Education at St. Patrick's Parish, Wareham.

Lessons for this side of the great divide

By CHARLIE MARTIN THE GREAT DIVIDE I have run to the ocean Through the horizon, chased the sun I'.ve waited for the light to come And at times I would give up You have wrapped your loving arms 'round me And with your love I'll overcome You have clothed me when I was weak You have given unselfishly Kept me from falling, falling Everywhere but my knees Refrain: You set me free To live my life You became my reason to survive the great divide You set me free I've been on heaven s doorstep With the door open, one foot . inside I've cried out "God, give me answers" "Please hush child.

I'll tell you why "You have loved me when I was weak "You have given unselfishly ','Kept you from falling, falling "Everywhere but your knees" , Repeat refrain.

Oh our love is beautiful " Oh isn't this beautiful?

Child it seems that you have been everything Our love is beautiful Stood by my side while we survive the great divide Isn 't this beautiful?

Repeat refrain.

You became the reason to survive the great divide You set me free You set me free You set me free Sung by Scott Stapp Copyright (c) 2005 by Wind-Up If you were a Creed fan like me, then you probably were disappointed about their dissolution.

Now former lead singer and principal writer Scott Stapp has a debut solo disc, "The Great Divide." If you appreciated Creed's

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

sound and approach to music, then you will enjoy Stapp's new individual work.

'The Great Divide" unfolds as a conversation that could be interpreted as a person's dialogue with God. The person in the song tells God: "You have wrapped your loving arms 'round me.... You have clothed me when I was weak. You have given unselfishly. Kept me from falling, falling, everywhere but my knees."

In turn, God says he sees this person's efforts. With gratitude, the

individual responds that God has "set me free to live my life. You became the reason to survive the great divide."

Indeed, each of us can be confident that God is present and deeply involved with our lives.

While the life you live is God's gift to you, what you do with it is your gift to God. Consider these actions for this side of "the great divide": - realize that you came from God and are going back to God. Thus, make the awareness of God an ongoing practice in how you live each day. Do this consciously by setting aside at least five minutes each day to talk with God or, even better, be with God. Do this by becoming quiet and focusing on how much you are cherished by God. As the song suggests,just allow the love to flow between you and God; - live in the present time. Sure, the future requires some planning, and reflecting on the past can teach us lessons. Visit the future and the past, but place your primary attention on now. Ask yourself

often: ''What choices can I m~e today that add meaning, adventure and purpose to how I live?"; - admit to mistakes (see how you can do things differently in the future), then let go of them. There is no positive benefit gained from dwelling on what you did wrong.

Use guilt only as an immediate message from your soul that lets you know you are violating your own or someone else's dignity.

Then return to your values. Guilt should not rob you of the promise inherent in this present moment; - think about your life in very positive and expansive ways. Try not to predetermine your limits, but instead, live in such a way that you bump into them naturally. When you do, congratulate yourself on living with enough courage and self-determination to discover who you really are; - be kind, and learn through kindness to become even kinder.

Everyone's life is a mixture of sorrows, surprises and satisfactions.

Your kindness is a gift that you can give to each person. Being kind demonstrates your direct connection with God. Resolve to mirror this connection to each person you meet; - savor the good times when love thrives. Life comes to us as a series of moments. Be grateful for moments of love that help your soul soar.

In reality, the "great divide" is only an appearance. God is right here, in this moment, whether the moment be good or difficult.

(Special note to religious educators: I enjoy collaborating with theology and religion students and with parish groups. If you and your class would like to share your thoughts on one of Stapp's other songs or another current song, contact me at the E-mail address below.)

Your comments are always welcome. Please write to me at: chmartin@swindiana.net or at 7125W 200S, Rockport, IN 47635.)

Operation Rice Bowl materials available BALTIMORE, Md. - Millions of Catholics from more than 15,000 parishes, schools and community groups in the U.S. are ready to launch Operation Rice Bowl, Catholic Relief Services' (CRS) Lenten tradition. New materials offered by CRS make it easfer than ever to participate in the program, which helps Catholics in the U.S. pray, fast, learn and giv~ in solidarity with our brothers,and sisters overseas during the ceJebration of Lent.

Operation Rice Bowl began as a program of the Diocese of Allentown, Penn., in 1975, and was adopted nationally by CRS in 1976. Almost every diocese in the U.S. participates in Operation Rice Bowl, and parishes and schools adapt Operation Rice Bowl's resources to make the program fit

',I

fo'

I',

I

I

with the unique needs of their communities. For inforination on what your local diocese has planned for Operation Rice Bowl, please contact Jeffrey Griffith at the number listed above.

"At its core, Operation Rice Bowl gives Catholics in the U.S. an opportunity to live out their faith in solidarity with those less fortunate around the world, people who are easily forgotten," said Beth Martin, Director of Operation Rice Bowl for CRS. As part of the launch of this year's program, Operation Rice Bowl has new materials available to make it easy for Catholics to participate. The cardboard Rice Bowl remains the Lenten centerpiece of the family dinner table, ' and has been integral since the program's beginning. The follow-

", " . . '

:.r

~

,

ing materials are also available in English or Spanish: - The Home Calendar Guide, which offers daily prayers and reflections; - the Educator's Guide, which provides lesson plans and discussions for schoolchildren in grades one-12; - the Community and Parish Guide, which offers activities and resources for parishes and faith communities, and a redesigned, interactive Website, www.crs.orgt Operation Rice Bowl, that contains new Lenten resources and activities.

For more information on Operation Rice Bowl, please visit the Website, www .crs.org/Operation Rice Bowl, or contact Jeffrey Griffith at 410-951- 7245, or Email him at Jgriffit@crs.org.

'.

'-- 116

'----------------------~..;,=..::...::...;:~....::....:::::....-_-------------------

Catholic Schools Week snapshots .;..'("'",~"

~';:~.:' ~'~

,~,

AS PART of Catholic Schools Week activities students from St. Mary-Sacred Heart School of North Attleboro completed a community service project collecting food for Lenore's Pantry, donating more than 900 items. From left: Sean Fitzpatrick, Teagan Sweet, Elizabeth Howard, and Margaret Fitzpatrick.

....

II

;)

"

.

~

-'\

'

.~

./ r-

TIME WAS set aside during Catholic Schools Week for the students at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, New Bedford, to enjoy "Game Day." Stephanie .Sousa, Marissa Garcia, Lindsey Oliveira, Karissa Cundiff, and Adam Mendonca join in a game of Twister.

PARENTS OF St. Joseph-St. Therese, New Bedford, students served ice cream sundaes to celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Principal Brenda Gagnon helped the youngsters in line.

..

February is Catholic Press Month

Subscribe to the

â&#x20AC;˘..

anchob

* Because of a printer error, Anchor Subscription Weekend has moved to February 25-26 To subscribe send a check for $14 made payable to The Anchor to P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

Name:

Parish:

Address: City:

__

_~

_

_~

State: _ _ Zip:

_

This Message Sponsored by the Following Business Concerns In the Diocese of Fall River GILBERT

C. OLIVEIRA INSURANCE AGENCY *

FEITELBERG INSURANCE AGENCY

MIDDLE SCHOOL students at Holy Family-Holy Name School, New Bedford, participated in the National Readers' Digest Word Power Challenge during Catholic Schools'Week.

Pictured are the classroom champions.

..

"

..

\

~

\