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‘May His Words transform our hearts.’

Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

Friday, February 24, 2017

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The Anchor - February 24, 2017

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Marriage Encounter weekend retreat coming to diocese

word “Marriage,” they said they think back to the Creation story in Genesis when SOMERSET — Our Adam first saw Eve and Lady of the Cape Parish shouted with joy, “This at in Brewster will be hostlast is bone of my bone and ing a Worldwide Marriage flesh of my flesh!” and that Encounter weekend retreat Marriage is the realization April 22-23, something that of that desire in each person hasn’t happened in the Fall to be connected in one flesh River Diocese for a long to another person for the time. rest of their lives.

“There has not been a The Sacrament of MarMarriage Encounter weekriage puts Christ present in end held in the diocese for a couple’s midst. Like the very many years,” said Deb other Sacraments, Marriage Sousa, who along with her is not just for the good of husband, Doug, is an area individuals, or the couple, rep for WWME. “The but also for the community closest locations have been as a whole, which was why at Miramar Retreat Center the couple and the Faith in Duxbury and at a hotel Formation Office for the in South Kingstown, R.I. diocese worked to bring However, it had been one WWME more local. of the goals we set with “Promoting Marriage Claire [McManus, direcEncounter on the Cape has tor of the diocesan Office been a particular interest of Faith Formation] to host of ours over the years,” said one in the Diocese of Fall Doug. “There is a growing River as part of the Office population of year-round of Faith Formation’s efforts residents to whom we to develop more Marriage have wanted to reach out. enrichment events.

We have also been keenly “The opportunity arose aware of the challenges for when Father William Kali- couples to attend weekends yadan, the current pastor at off-Cape because of the Our Lady of the Cape, exdistance. Being able to not pressed an interest in hostonly hold a weekend in the ing a weekend at the parish diocese but also on the Cape to one of our team couples, will be a great opportunity David and Karen Demers, to reach couples who might who had been parishioners otherwise not be willing or of his when he was stationed able to make the drive to an in New Hampshire. From off Cape location.” there, we were brought on Deb added, “We also board, Claire, and another of see it as an opportunity to our team couples, Brian and establish a presence on the Ann Kolek, to help coordiCape for those couples who nate the event.” in the past may have atAs members of St. John tended but were not able to of God Parish in Somerset, find or connect with other Deb and Doug, have been encountered couples in their part of the Marriage minis- area. Going forward, we see try of the Fall River Diocese this as a chance to establish for the past couple of years, a share group there to recommitting themselves after connect with couples who’ve they attended a WWME attended in the past and to weekend in March 2014. support couples who will When the couple hears the Turn to page 19

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff beckyaubut@anchornews.org

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The Anchor - February 24, 2017

Pastoral planning data presented to diocesan priests

Bishop to form team to address concerns

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org

RAYNHAM — Convening what he called “a very important meeting for all of us,” Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., led his brother priests in prayer before listening to what was termed a “Presbyterate Research Briefing” in the aftermath of the recent parishioner and parish leader surveys commissioned by the diocesan Task Force for Pastoral Planning.

Conducted by the Boston-based TDC nonprofit consulting firm, the diocesan-wide study took the form of two primary survey tools — an individual parishioner survey and then a self-evaluation done by parish teams.

“The survey tools were launched in the spring of 2016 and were out in the field through summer 2016, and then we aggregated that information, synthesized it, analyzed it, and brought it back to a working group that was really our sounding board on this,” explained Mike Arkin, project manager for TDC. “They helped debrief us about the information and also provided guidance about what additional inquiry we should be doing.”

Having collected all this data, including an overview of some of the noteworthy demographic trends across the diocese, a summary of what Arkin called “Topline Research Findings” was presented to the priests gathered in the parish center of St. Ann’s Church in Raynham on February 15.

Arkin first noted that over the past 10 years, the

number of total registered Catholic households in the diocese had declined by seven percent. The total population is aging and is expected to remain flat over the next five years, but households with children is expected to decline.

In the past five years, 40 percent of those parishes surveyed experienced a significant decline in average weekend Mass attendance.

Based on data collected from 2015, 70 parishes in the diocese used less than 50 percent of their total capacity on average, while 18 parishes used less than 25 percent of their total capacity.

Over the last decade, parishes have also reported a notable dip in participation, with Marriages down by 47 percent; Baptisms down 44 percent; overall enrollment in Religious Education down 27 percent; Confirmations down 24 percent; and First Communions down by 16 percent.

With 84 parishes currently located in 46 distinct cities and towns across the diocese, Arkin cited that 10 towns have multiple parishes, with the greatest concentration located in New Bedford and Fall River, with 12 each, and Taunton, which claims six.

About half of the parishes in the diocese are also located within close geographic proximity to each other, or less than a two-mile radius. Of these 43 close-knit parishes, the Fall River Deanery tops the list at 17; the New Bedford Deanery has 16; while the Attleboro and Taunton Deaneries each have five.

There are no parishes less

than two miles apart within the Cape Cod Deanery.

With 72 percent of the parishes in the diocese reporting flat or declining revenues over the last three years, there’s also a concern that an estimated 28 parishes now have critical or serious facilities needs totaling an estimated $25 million according to an assessment done by Deacon Thomas Palanza, facilities consultant for the Fall River Diocese.

“There are many indications that there are some parishes in distress,” Bishop da Cunha said, after assimilating all the data. “We see that Mass attendance has gone down; the Sacramentals have gone down; there are parishes in debt and facilities are in need of repair — so there are parishes in distress, we can’t deny that.

And there are parishes that may not be sustainable for the future, and we have to accept that reality.”

While Arkin presented a generalized, diocesanwide overview of the survey Turn to page 15

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Need for Christian assistance in Holy Land is ‘greater than ever’ Local members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem seek more faithful Catholics to help struggling brothers and sisters in Holy Land

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

EAST FALMOUTH — Since Jesus instructed His Apostles to deliver His message of love and reconciliation, beginning where it all started in the Holy Land, then to all corners of the earth, the task has been one filled with trials, tribulations, conversions and Salvation.

While Jesus’ Holy Land seems to be light years in the past, the Sacred ground on which He trod is still home to thousands of Christians who face the same discriminations and dangers of their ancestors more than 2,000 years ago.

Simply put, these courageous followers of Christ cannot do it alone. They constantly need the prayers and support from their brothers and sisters who, through the grace of God, don’t face such perils.

The Fall River Diocese, nearly 6,000 miles west of where the Son of God first ministered, is home to a loyal group of faithful Catholics, whose mission in life is to grow in their own faith, and ensure Christians in the

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Holy Land are able to do the same.

The Knights and Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, whose mission it is to provide for the needs of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, currently has more than 60 members in the Fall River Diocese, joining more than 850 fellow members in five New England states and 35,000 brothers and sisters in 45 countries across the world.

Included in the diocese’s membership are 15 priests and deacons, along with Bishop Emeritus George W. Coleman, and most recently, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. Former Fall River bishop, Cardinal Sean P. O’ Malley, OFM Cap., of the Boston Archdiocese is the order’s Grand Prior for the Northeastern Lieutenancy.

Bishop da Cunha became an order member at the latest investiture service. “I celebrated Mass for a gathering of members in the Fall River Diocese and they asked me to become a member,” the bishop told The Anchor. “I am very

The Anchor - February 24, 2017

Two women, Lady Karen Boucher of Yarmouthport, Lady Elizabeth Quinn of West Barnstable, were among five people from the Diocese of Fall River who were recently invested into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem by Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, the order’s Grand Master and Holy Father’s representative, at Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston. (Photo by George Martell)

glad to be a part of such faithful people who do so much good work for the Holy Land. They are wonderful people who offer many prayers and much financial support.”

The Diocese of Fall River’s representative, Thomas A. Murray, Knight Grand Cross Holy Sepulchre, a member of St. Anthony’s Parish in East Falmouth, told The Anchor, “While

there are a good number of clergy and ordained individuals in the order, it is made up of mostly lay people, with an 80 to 85 percent lay membership worldwide.”

Murray continued, “We hope to increase lay enrollment in the Fall River Diocese because Christians in the Holy Land are in dire straits.

Their needs are even greater than ever before.

Our goal is to help them provide for themselves.

Christians are a living part of the footsteps of Christ — Christ’s presence still there.”

“It is so critical that the order helps those in the Holy Land,” added Bishop da Cunha. “In this time in history it is so important to maintain the presence of the Church in the Holy

Land.”

The order’s origin tracks all the way back to 1099, when Christians reclaimed their rightful presence in Jerusalem after hundreds of years of exile.

According to its website the order is charged, in its constitution: “To strengthen in its members the practice of Christian life, in absolute fidelity to the Supreme Pontiff and according to the teachings of the Church, observing as its foundation the principles of charity which make the order a fundamental means of assistance to the Holy Land.

“To sustain and aid the charitable, cultural and social works and institutions of the Catholic Church in the Holy Turn to page 20

Lenten 40 Days for Life campaign begins March 1 Prayer launch, Mass planned for February 26

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org

ATTLEBORO — With all the recent publicity surrounding the new Trump Administration and the defunding of Planned Parenthood, longtime 40 Days for Life coordinator Ron Larose expects “a fair amount of activity” at this year’s Lenten campaign outside the Four Women Health Services Clinic in Attleboro.

“We’ve already been seeing that since the election, with the pushback by those who promote abortion who FALL RIVER — Father José António Ferreira dos Santos, 89, died peacefully on February 7 at Catholic Memorial Home.

Father Santos was the son of Francisco Ferreira dos Santos and Clementina Dias Ferreira, was born in Cucujaes, Aveiro, Portugal, on Jan. 14, 1928.

He attended the local elementary school directed by the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in Gandarinha. Responding to the Lord’s call to the priesthood, he entered St. Joseph Seminary in Falgueiras.

He studied philosophy and theology at St. Theresa Seminary, also in Felgueiras, and was ordained a priest in Pombeiro, Oporto

by Most Reverend D. Antonio Ferreira Gomes, bishop of the Archdiocese of Oporto, on July 19, 1953.

After ordination Father Santos taught French, Latin, Greek, Holy Scriptures and music in connection with the Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, was a missionary in Mocambique, Africa, vice-rector

have some discomfort with our presence there at the site,” Larose recently told The Anchor. “We’ve seen this before in presidential elections where the alternate groups seem to be threatened by our presence there.”

The 18th 40 Days for Life campaign will kickoff on Ash Wednesday, March 1, beginning at 6 a.m. at Angel Park, a public rightof-way just outside the sole remaining abortion clinic within the Fall River Diocese, located at 150 Emory Street in Attleboro. The peaceful prayer vigil will

run daily through April 9 at the location.

The idea is simple: To stand and pray, united for life in a small corner of the vineyard at the last remaining abortion clinic in the entire southeastern region of Massachusetts.

“Over the last few campaigns we’ve had more and more parishes coming as groups to the 40 Days for Life, which is very heartening for us to see,” Larose said. “The word is spreading and I think there’s a greater awareness now than there’s ever been. We’re very encouraged. I think

all the Pro-Life groups are more and more energetic since the election.”

Although he didn’t attend the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. this year, Larose credits the appearance of Vice President Mike Pence at the Pro-Life rally as one of the key catalysts in re-energizing the Pro-Life effort.

“With the support we’ve been getting from the current administration, I’m sure we’ll make great strides towards protecting religious liberty and supporting the defunding of Planned Parenthood, in

which their main objective is to provide abortion services, and not ‘women’s health care,’ as they claim,” Larose said.

“A few of our regular prayer warriors did attend and they were very uplifted by the attendance and by the support that the march provides to all Pro-Life groups around the nation,” he added. “As usual, our young people are leading that effort throughout the nation, which is most heartening for us as ProLifers who have been in the movement for many Turn to page 21

Father José A. dos Santos dies at age 89

and director of St. Joseph Seminary in Felgueiras, chaplain of St. Vincent de Paul College in Lisbon, and chaplain of the Portuguese Merchant Marines as well as a preacher and Father Superior in Santa Quiteria, Felgueiras.

On Jan. 30, 1970, Father Santos arrived in Fall River, and was assigned to St. Michael the Archangel Church, Fall River, from which he was transferred to St. John the Baptist Church, New Bedford, on Sept. 24, 1971. In 1982 Father Santos was then assigned to serve as a parochial vicar at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, New Bedford in 1982, and was finally named pastor of Our Lady of Health Parish, Fall River in 1994 until his retirement with residence at Cardinal Medeiros Residence and Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River.

While a parochial vicar at St. John the Baptist, Father Santos initiated the Parish Charismatic Prayer Group, remaining very

involved in the Renewal for the past 40 years, even as a member of the National Service Committee and diocesan liaison for the Diocese of Fall River. Besides many other ministries, Father Santos was also involved in the Portuguese Pre-Cana Diocesan preparatory programming.

Father Santos had three sisters, Maria da Conceicao Ferreira dos Santos, Maria Lucinda Ferreira dos Santos and Maria Aldina Ferreira dos Santos and three brothers, Joaquim Ferreira dos Santos, Alfredo Ferreira dos Santos and Manuel Ferreira dos Santos, all deceased. He also had several nephews and nieces, all from Portugal and South Africa.

A Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church on February 18. Burial followed at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in New Bedford.

Arrangements were under the care of Cabral Baylies Square-Lamoureux Funeral Home, New Bedford.

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Anchor Editorial

Being prophets

On February 18 the diocese bade farewell to Father José António Ferreira dos Santos. On page five of this edition of The Anchor you can read his life story.

Father Santos was part of proud tradition in the Diocese of Fall River of priests arriving from the native lands of our parishioners to come and serve them here. Some of the priests (there were more than two dozen present, together with Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., and several deacons, as well as a church full of laity) who concelebrated his funeral were also immigrants from Portugal, like Father Santos.

Bishop da Cunha reminded everyone at the end of Mass of how Father Santos crossed the Atlantic to come and serve here and now he is making an even more important crossing aided by our prayers.

The preacher of the funeral Mass, Father Henry Arruda, also was an immigrant from Portugal and had lived with Father Santos at the Cardinal Medeiros Residence for Retired Priests in Fall River (Humberto Cardinal Medeiros also was a priest of the Fall River Diocese who was Portuguese-born).

Father Arruda, at the beginning of his homily, invited “all here present, who were, in some way or another, touched by Father Santos’ loving and generous priestly ministry, to please stand and remain standing.” Almost everyone in the church stood up.

Referring to the first reading at the funeral (Is 25: 6a, 7-9), the homilist noted, “Isaiah the prophet uses prophetic language, lifting up the vision of a weary people in their search to build the Kingdom of God. In place of burdens and veils that cover and blind people, in place of fear of death, tears and reproaches, Isaiah proclaims God’s Salvation for the people, ‘This is the Lord to Whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that He has saved us.’”

What Father Arruda was referring to was the difficulties that all people experience, but especially in Father Santos’ ministry he was dealing with the specific challenges that immigrants face. The people who Father Santos served most of the time were people who had left Portugal looking for a better life (as well as their children and grandchildren, who were born here). Most had left the country when it was still a dictatorship with a poor educational system. They came in search of “the American dream,” and yet Southeastern Massachusetts in the early 1970s, when Father Santos arrived, was not going through a renaissance, but rather a decline. Nonetheless, Father Santos, like Isaiah, was called upon by God to help the people remove the veil from their eyes which blocked them from seeing the presence of the Lord in their OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org

Vol. 61, No. 4

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The Anchor - February 24, 2017

midst.

Father Arruda noted that “This prophetic role,” about which Isaiah wrote, “belongs in a special way to the priests of Jesus Christ, and Father José was one of those prophets throughout his almost 64 years of priestly ministry.”

From Catholic school or Religious Education, we know that prophets are not Nostradamus-like figures telling us what the future will bring, but rather people who show us what the present actually is — a time of encounter with our God. Father Arruda reminded the congregation of how Father Santos acted as a prophet, thanks to his Baptism and his ordination. “Every one of us here at one time or another has brought to him our difficulties and burdens, not just to seek some immediate guidance, but to help us look beyond our Job-like despairs, to more peaceful and joyous days, when tears are wiped away from our faces and our spirits are buoyed up with God’s compassion and mercy. Father José assured us of the love, the compassion, and the mercy of Jesus Christ, and helped us leave behind sorrows and disappointments, and discover the presence of Jesus walking at our side every step of our journey.”

All priests are called to do this — as are all baptized Christians, since after we are baptized, the priest or deacon anoints us with Holy Chrism and prays, “As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of His Body, sharing everlasting life.”

Our Divine call to be prophets in our world is not given to us just so that we can console people. Our prophetic witness is also a call for those observing us to respond to God’s invitation to them to move from observing to acting (with the understanding that this action always comes as a fruit of prayer). Preaching in Portuguese, Father Arruda reminded his listeners of how Father Santos’ ministry invited people to “use the gifts and talents which the Holy Spirit had abundantly given them.”

“Father José’s precious gift to us was that he pointed us toward God, and called us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our Way, our Truth, and our Life. May our sharing of Father’s story and life give us hope to continue forward along our journeys to the Kingdom of God,” Father Arruda urged the people.

May we seek to be these prophets of the Kingdom, always guided by the teachings of the Holy Spirit in the Church, so that we, too, can give hope to people in whatever darkness they face. May that Christian hope then move them to action, according to God’s plan for us, so as to make the world one which is full of the light of God’s love.

Daily Readings February 25 — March 10

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Feb. 25, Sir 17:1-15; Ps 103:13-18; Mk 10:13-16. Sun. Feb. 26, Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Is 49:14-15; Ps 62:2-3,6-9; 1 Cor 4:1-5; Mt 6:24-34. Mon. Feb. 27, Sir 17:20-24; Ps 32:1-2,57; Mk 10:17-27. Tues. Feb. 28, Sir 35:1-12; Ps 50:5-8,14,23; Mk 10:28-31.

Wed. Mar. 1, Ash Wednesday, Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6b,12-14,17; 2 Cor 5:20 — 6:2; Mt 6:1-6,16-18. Thurs. Mar. 2, Dt 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 9:22-25. Fri. Mar. 3, Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6a,18-19; Mt 9:14-15.

Sat. Mar. 4, Is 58:9b-14; Ps 86:1-6; Lk 5:27-32. Sun. Mar. 5, First Sunday of Lent, Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Ps 51:3-6,12-13,17; Rom 5:12-19 or 5:12,17-19; Mt 4:1-11. Mon. Mar. 6, Lv 19:1-2,11-18; Ps 19:8-10,15; Mt 25:31-46. Tues.

Mar. 7, Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7,16-19; Mt 6:7-15. Wed. Mar. 8, Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4,12-13,18-19; Lk 11:29-32. Thurs. Mar. 9, Est C:12,14-16,23-25; Ps 138:1-3,7c-8; Mt 7:7-12. Fri. Mar. 10, Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8; Mt 5:20-26.

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big danger to growth in faith is letting it become routine.

That’s one of the reasons why I have always been a big supporter of ecclesiastical holy years, which provide a prism through which to look with fresh eyes and renewed hearts at all the interconnected aspects of the life of faith.

In the last 20 years, Catholics have been blessed to have had more such holy years than at any time in history: we’ve had years dedicated to God the Son (1997), God the Holy Spirit (1998), God the Father (1999), the Incarnation (2000), the Rosary (2002-3), the Eucharist (2004-5), St. Paul (2008-9), the priesthood (2009-10), faith (2012-3), consecrated life (2014-6) and mercy (2015-6).

As a disciple and as a priest, I have grown so much from the graces of these years and have sought to help others profit from them that, I confess, I’m almost on a little Spiritual and pastoral “withdrawal” from not having one to focus the Church’s attention since last November’s close of the Jubilee of Mercy.

The absence of an officially declared holy year, however, provides the opportunity for popular devotion to fill the vacuum. I would suggest that 2017 would best be lived as a “Year of Fatima,” a time to celebrate the centenary of the appearances of Our Lady to the three shepherd children in the Cova d ’Iria in Portugal, to ponder the messages entrusted by Mary to them, and to imitate the response of Lucy, Francisco and Jacinta.

Over the course of the

The importance of the Fatima centenary

the God Who sent His next several columns, Son as His Incarnate that’s what I will try to Word, Who founded do.

But before we get there, the Church to share His I’d like first to address the Gospel, Who sent the subject of “private revela- Holy Spirit to guide that Church into all truth and tions” so that readers will prevent it from erring, know where apparitions ever, on teaching delike Fatima fit into the practice of the Catholic faith.

Private revelations Putting Into refer to the visions and apparitions, the Deep approved by the Church, that have

By Father taken place since Roger J. Landry the completion of the New Testafinitively what we are to ment. believe and do. Such faith The “Catechism of the is different from any form Catholic Church” writes, of human trust, opinion “Throughout the ages, or belief, because it is there have been so-called founded on a trust in God ‘private’ revelations, some of which have been recog- on the basis of which we accept what He reveals nized by the authority of and build our life on it. the Church. They do not Private revelation, on belong, however, to the the other hand, is acceptdeposit of faith. It is not ed as credible and probtheir role to improve or able with what we could complete Christ’s definitive Revelation, but to call human faith, prudence, or purified comhelp live more fully by it in a certain period of his- mon sense. In the case of tory. Guided by the mag- Fatima, for example, we can examine the “miracle isterium of the Church, of the sun” that occurred the sensus f idelium knows Oct. 13, 1917 and recoghow to discern and welnize that what happened come in these revelations defies human explanawhatever constitutes an authentic call of Christ or tion — as the reports of His saints to the Church” communist journalists present that day attest — (67).

When the Church rec- and adds great credibility to the shepherd children ognizes a private revelawho said that Our Lady tion — a reputed vision would give such a sign. or apparition since the We can similarly evaluate completion of the New Testament — as worthy of the content of the messages given to the simple belief, we do not believe shepherd children, see it like we do the truths how they clearly exceed contained in the “pubthe children’s intellectual lic revelation” of Sacred formation, recognize how Scripture and tradition, predictions given have but look to it as a means to live the faith contained come to pass, and notice in Scripture and tradition how they lead us back to Christ and His definitive more fully. public revelation.

Public revelation deWe would not believe mands an act of faith in

in it the way we believe in the Eucharist or in the inspiration of Sacred Scripture — on the basis of our faith in God Himself — but like we would believe that George Washington really was the first president or that video of an earthquake on the other side of the world testified to real events rather than what was doctored.

If, as the Church teaches, definitive revelation — what we really need to know and believe — finished with the completion of the New Testament, why does God permit and engage in private revelation? The “Catechism” explains, “Even if Revelation is already complete, it has not been made fully explicit; it remains for Christian faith gradually to grasp its full significance over the course of the centuries” (66).

The future Pope Benedict wrote in 2000 that just because public revelation has come to an end with the fulfillment of the mystery of Christ, “this does not mean that the Church can now look only to the past — condemned to sterile repetition.” Rather authentic private revelations are like the “charism of prophecy,” which “explain the will of God for the present, and therefore show the right path to take for the future.”

Authentic private revelations provide the “actualization of the definitive Revelation,” they apply it to our circumstances here and now, so that we may “recognize the presence of Christ in every age,” “understand” and

“interpret” them in the Divine light, and “respond to them rightly in faith.”

While they do not teach us anything new that is necessary for Salvation, they may offer new emphases, devotions, Liturgical practices — like, for example, Jesus’ revelations to St. Juliana of Liège about Corpus Christ, to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque about the Sacred Heart or to St. Faustina about Divine Mercy — that can nurture one’s faith, hope and love.

They can be a “genuine help in understanding the Gospel and living it better at a particular moment in time,” as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger wrote, which means that although one is not “obliged” to use that help, they should not be easily disregarded.

What criteria does the Church use to evaluate private revelations and pronounce some worthy of belief — like the Marian apparitions in Fatima, Lourdes and Guadalupe — and reject the vast majority of claimants, from pure frauds to well-meaning people who mistakenly but earnestly believe they’re chosen seers? Approval normally involves several elements, including that the message contains nothing contrary to Christian faith or morals (the deposit of faith), the recipients are credible, there’s nothing in the message impeding its being made public, and people are authorized prudently to accept it.

That’s precisely what took place in Fatima, as we’ll explore in upcoming columns.

Anchor columnist Father Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.

The Anchor - February 24, 2017

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“N

o one can serve two masters.”

This is Jesus’ opening statement in this Sunday’s Gospel from Matthew. What is Jesus telling us? What is it we need to be wary of ? Jesus goes on to tell us that we “cannot serve God and mammon” (mammon — Aramaic for wealth or property). Yet He understands that as humans we have some basic needs that necessitate us having wealth and property and is not against it. Rather His warning is that we should be careful not to be enslaved by such materialistic things. In other words, foregoing all else in the pursuit of all things, to the exclusion of all that truly matters.

We are told not to worry, to have faith and believe. We are asked to trust that all that we need will be given to us. One of the

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Whom do I serve? most debilitating aspects onto material things, lest of our humanness is our we have nothing later on. ability to allow doubt and We become slaves to our fear to become road blocks, fears and doubts, and lose inhibiting our growth. This focus of what is right in undue stress and worry, front of us. We allow our keeps us from becoming worries to create a wedge who we are meant to be; in our relationship with the person God sees and God and the promises of wants us to be, and the potential that lies within.

In the Palm Jesus emphasizes of His Hands that nature is abundantly proBy Rose Mary vided for, yet it Saraiva does no work. Reminding us that if God can do so much for the birds, fields His Kingdom. and flowers, how much Jesus tells us to not more can He do and want worry about tomorrow, for us? We are all children to focus on the here and of God and are deserving now. Looking at our own of His abundant mercy and lives, how often have all love. Besides Jesus asks, the plans and preparations “Can worrying add a single that we made been totally moment to your lifespan?” thrown out the window the When we hold onto next day? For any of you our doubts and fears, we who have suffered a major block out what is good and loss or upheaval in your meaningful in our lives. lives, you fully understand How often have we missed the magnitude of what out on an opportunity, or this means. One moment did not venture forward, everything is going well because fear was holding and according to plan, and us back? This fear is what the next we are hurled into Jesus is talking about, and a topsy-turvy world, where what causes us to hold nothing makes sense. Situations that remind us that tomorrow is not a guarantee, and that whatever happens is literally beyond our control, so why lose sleep

The Anchor - February 24, 2017

over it? However, there are times and events in our lives that we must prepare for in advance, God knows this, and fully understands.

The key is to not lose sight of the Kingdom of God, living lives that are righteous, and leading others to the promises as well; while keeping it all in perspective.

The most essential message of this Gospel is to have faith, to believe, and to fully trust that we are being taken care of. We are asked to lead by example, and to live lives that bring glory to God, Our Father.

This is the last Sunday before we begin our Lenten journey, a time to reflect on our lives and what we need to do to continue our Spiritual growth. This is a time to let go of whatever burdens are keeping us from God’s love and abundance, and to allow our spirits to soar.

During this season of Lent, we are asked to sacrifice, to give up something dear to us. Many will give up favorite foods and beverages, others will opt to do more almsgiving, or to offer up forgiveness more readily. Whatever a person decides to do requires a change — a change in

habits, dietary preferences, and more conscientious living; this is a time when we often become very aware of our selfcenteredness. We begin to realize that we have placed importance on the “mammon” in our lives, instead of what brings God praise and glory.

Therefore, we must scrutinize our lives and honestly look at what “master” we have chosen to serve. Is our choice bringing us joy and fulfillment or is it leaving us afraid and in doubt? Do we let go of what blocks us or do we choose to hide behind it?

As we prepare for Lent and the death of Christ Jesus, let us look to our own lives, and ask ourselves: “Am I of little faith? Do I let worry, doubt and fear control my life?” The most important thing for us to remember is to be completely honest with ourselves. To approach Lent from the viewpoint that this is the perfect time to mend the gaps in our relationship with God, to remove things that impede the flow of His love and mercy, letting His abundance pour into our lives. A time to break the bonds that enslave us, and to fully trust the promises that Jesus made to us, when He chose to take up the cross bearing the weight of our sins. Remembering to put our “trust in Him at all times, pouring out our hearts before Him” (Ps 62:8-9).

Anchor columnist Rose Mary Saraiva lives in Fall River and is a parishioner of St. Michael’s Parish, and she is the Events Coordinator and Bereavement Ministry for the diocesan Office of Faith Formation. She is married with three children and two grandchildren. rsaraiva@dfrcs.com.

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Thinking through the temptation of cohabitation

en and women clearly need each other and naturally gravitate towards arrangements of mutual support and lives of shared intimacy. Because women are frequently the immediate guardians of the next generation, they have a particular need to ascertain if there will be steady support from a man prior to giving themselves sexually to him. The bond of Marriage is ordered towards securing this critical element of ongoing commitment and support. Cohabitation, where a man and woman decide to live together and engage in sexual relations without Marriage, raises a host of issues and concerns.

Sex, of course, has a certain power all its own, and both sides may be tempted to play with it in ways that are potentially damaging, all the more so when they decide to cohabit.

One concern is that cohabitation can often become a rehearsal for various selfish patterns of behavior.

It perpetuates an arrangement of convenience, popularly phrased as, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?”

Even as many women try to tell themselves they are “preparing” for Marriage by cohabiting with their partner, they may sense the trap of the “never ending audition” to be his wife, and become intuitively aware of how they are being used.

Cohabitation also invites the woman to focus on lesser concerns like saving on rent or garnering transient emotional attention from her partner by moving in with him and becoming sexually available.

Even as a woman becomes attuned to the power of sex from an early age, she can eventually fall prey to an easy mistake. Aware

that sexual intimacy is also instead keep their options about bonding, she may open so they can always suppose that by surrenderbeat a hasty retreat to the ing this deeply personal part exit. Or as Chuck Colson of herself through cohabita- has put it: “Cohabitation tion, she now has a “hook” — it’s training for divorce.” into a man and his heart.

Many studies confirm that While such an arrangement the divorce rate among can trigger various platitudes, (that he Making Sense “cares for her,” “loves her”, etc.) experience Out of shows it doesn’t typiBioethics cally help him reach

By Father Tad the commitment Pacholczyk reflected in those all-important words, “Will you marry those who cohabit prior to me?”

Marriage is nearly double Cohabitation, in fact, is a the rate of those who marry relationship that is defined without prior cohabitation. by a holding back of comSome researchers bemitment. The notion that it lieve that individuals who somehow allows both parcohabit are more unconties to “try out” a Marriage ventional to begin with, beforehand is conveniently being less committed to make-believe, a kind of the institution of Marriage “playing house,” mostly be- overall and more open to cause it’s impossible to try the possibility of divorce. out something permanent Others suspect something and irrevocable through more insidious — that livsomething temporary and ing together slowly erodes revocable. As Jennifer Ropeople’s ability to make back Morse has described a commitment by setting it, “Cohabiting couples are them up into patterns of likely to have one foot out behavior that work against the door, throughout the succeeding in a long-term relationship. The members relationship. Both may of a cohabiting couple prac- actually be true. tice holding back on one Various risks correlate another. They rehearse not strongly with cohabitation. trusting.” They don’t devel- Compared with a married op the elements crucial to woman, a cohabiting woman a successful Marriage, but is roughly three times as

likely to experience physical abuse, and about nine times more likely to be murdered.

Children also tend to fare poorly when it comes to these live-in arrangements. Rates of serious child abuse have been found to be lowest in intact families; six times higher in step families; 20 times higher in cohabiting biologicalparent families; and 33 times higher when the mother is cohabiting with a boyfriend who is not the biological father. Cohabiting homes see significantly more drug and alcohol abuse, and bring in less income than their married peers. Cohabitation is clearly bad for men, worse for women, and terrible for children.

“Marriage,” as Glenn Stanton notes, “is actually a very pro-woman insti-

tution. People don’t fully realize what a raw deal for women cohabitation is.

Women tend to bring more goods to the relationship — more work, more effort in tending to the relationship — but they get less satisfaction in terms of relational commitment and security.” While Marriage doesn’t automatically solve every problem, it clearly offers a different and vastly better set of dynamics than cohabitation for all the parties involved.

Anchor columnist Father Pacholczyk earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, and serves as the director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org.

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Secrets of the fourth Gospel: A new approach

or a period of time the identity of Jesus. The but a day to complete in the early years first of these insinuations a certain task. Andrew of the Church, it was felt of identity is found in the brought his brother to necessary not to speak, or verses Jn 1:9, 15, 29 and Jesus, presumably during write openly about some 30. The Logos was comsome other 24-hour peof the beliefs of Chrising into the world (1:9), riod, since he had stayed tians. This was the age of He ranked above John with Jesus that first day, the disciplina arcani, the the Baptist because He but if “the next day’’ of discipline of the secret. existed before him (1:15); verse 1:43 is speaking of While the three synoptic Jesus was coming Gospels preceded that toward him (1:29), period of time, the fourth “He ranks above Guest Gospel was subject to it. me because He Early in Matthew, existed before me” Columnist Mark and Luke, Jesus is (1:30).

By Father identified by those auA parallel phrase Martin L. Buote thors as: begins the text 1. The son of Abraas the first words ham (Mt 1:1), the Son of of the fourth Gospel 24-hour days, we have Mary (Mt 2:11). are identical to the first a contradiction in time.

2. The Christ, the Son words in the Greek verThis exposes another seof God (Mk 1:1). sion of the Old Testacret of the fourth Gospel: 3. The Son of God (Lk ment. This gives us a clue certain references to days 3:38). that there might be a are actually references to The author of the greater connection betasks, not to time. fourth Gospel never uses tween the two. The logos What is the task of his own words to identify existed from all eternity that first day? Jesus meets Jesus! in the day before time.

Simon, son of John, and The Greek language He was coming into the gives him the iconic name was the common interworld (1:9). After the and title of Peter! national language of the day of eternity, the “next ‘’The next day” of 1:43, Mediterranean basin at day’’ (1:29), was the day the second task day, Jesus that time. The term for of time. John the Baptist finds Philip (a man with “word” in Greek was logos. saw Jesus coming toward a Greek name) and NaThis term among pahim (verses 1:29-34), but thaniel (a man with a gan philosophers (Plato, in these verses, Jesus does Jewish name). Jews and Zeno, Aristotle, etc) nothing. At this point, non-Jews will come to and Jewish philosophers we have an example of Jesus in the Church.

(Aristobolus, Philo, etc.) ambiguous language. John The tasks of these first indicated some connecsaw him coming toward two days see the structure tion to the Divine. So him in the Old Testament of the Church (in Peter, the author of the fourth prophecies (1:23) and the the head), and the memGospel chose to use Logos personal revelation made bership of the Church (in as a technical term to to him (1:6,7), and also Jew and non-Jew). Thus, engage Jew and gentile in saw Him coming toward we are justified in calling an instructional dialog. him where John was bap- these first two days, Jn Instead of identifying tizing.

1:29—Jn 1:51, the Book Jesus, he identifies the Verse 1:35 repeats “the of the Church.

Logos as being with God, next day,” but this is the Chapter two, verse as being God ( Jn 1:1), as same day after eternity one announces “the third being the Father’s only looked at from the point day’’ as the beginning of Son (1:14). of view of time. Now, JeJesus’ signs (2:11). This From this point on, we sus is doing things. He is sign, and those that folhave to understand that walking, engaging people lowed, resulted in belief our author makes use in conversation, etc. We throughout the third day. of a great deal of paralnote that two of John’s The closing sign of lel phrases, ambiguous disciples stayed with him the third day was the words, and other forms that day. Consider this private revelation to the of word play to insinuate not a day of 24 hours, disciples that Jesus is 10 The Anchor - February 24, 2017

God; the theophany of walking on water and the Divine self-identification “I AM.’’ Many versions of the Bible mask this identification by using the ambiguous translation, “It is I” ( Jn 6:20).

However, several times in the remaining chapters, the same Greek phrase occurs where it cannot be translated as a mask, so I believe the strong translation is completely justified here.

Immediately after this theophany, we again encounter the phrase “the next day.’’ This marks day number four, and the signs continue, but alongside belief, we see disbelief growing, and there is even the prediction of betrayal (6:71). The greatest sign of the fourth day is the raising of Lazarus in chapter 11. The fourth day ends with the decision of the authorities to kill Lazarus also (12:11).

Days three and four constitute the Book of Signs.

Day five begins immediately after the decision to “kill” Lazarus in verse 12:12. This is the beginning of the Book of Glory and starts with a royal procession into the city of Jerusalem. However, the ancient aphorism ad astra per aspera” (to the stars through hardships) holds true here.

At His betrayal, Jesus asks the same question He asked of John’s disciples, “Who (or what) are you looking for?” The disciples answered, “Where are You staying?” To which Jesus said, “Come and see.” The arresting soldiers answered Jesus, “Jesus of Nazareth.’’

And He replied, “I am He (or, I AM).” Considering that this Gospel is a text for catechumens, they would be asked at the beginning of instruction, “What are you looking for?” The answer at the end of instruction would be, “Jesus of Nazareth, the I AM.’’ As Judas left the Last Supper to betray Jesus, the author notes “It was night” (13:30). When Jesus appeared before Pilate for His trial and Passion, “It was morning” (18:28).

Thus, “evening came and morning followed” (Gen 1:5,8,13,19,23,31). The Passion occurred on the sixth task-oriented day.

The words to signify that God had completed Creation, and the word from the cross for completion contain the same Greek root. Now the insinuations of the author are complete. Jesus is not only to be identified with the Logos, but with God! On the seventh day, the Sabbath, God rested. On the seventh day, the Sabbath, Jesus rested in the tomb.

The work of God in creating the world is matched by the work of the Logos bringing about new life and a new world (the Church) in a new week of Creation. The Gospel is an instruction text. The Gospel shows the disciplina arcani. Ambiguity and other word play are used extensively.

Jesus is both Logos and God. The identity of Jesus was hidden in plain sight throughout the Gospel.

Read the Gospel anew!

Father Buote is a retired priest of the Fall River Diocese.

Fake news and alternative facts Wednesday 22 February 2017 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — George “I-cannot-tell-a-lie” Washington’s birthday. he media these days is abuzz with accusations and counter accusations concerning “fake news and alternative facts.” The general public is confused by this strange turn of events, but it’s in fact not new at all.

It was, dear readers, while attending college in Canada that I first became aware of the existence of fake news and alternative facts. It was during the Vietnam War. We seminarians were allowed to watch the 6 p.m. news — but only until the first commercial.

If we watched a news program broadcast from the United States, the commentator stood on the north lawn of the White House. There the grass was always green, the sun shone and a single squirrel scampered playfully in the background. It was very comforting for me to see that all was well in the United States. The optics, unfortunately, were presenting alternative facts.

If we happened to choose a Canadian television network, the pictures showed the White House surrounded by barbed wire barricades with strategically placed machine gun nests. Just outside the White House gate, an angry mob chanted and burned American flags.

Truth be told, all was not well in the United States.

The Catholic Church knows about these strategies. We’ve been the subject of fake news and alternative facts for several centuries. Science has proven that if a lie is told

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often enough, it tends to Persons (not four) in the become, in the minds of Blessed Trinity: Father, many people, a proven fact. Son, and Holy Spirit. The Responding to these alter- saints, including Mary, native facts and fake news are human, not Divine. stories is called “apologetThe saints are our brothics.”

Here are both facts and “alternaThe Ship’s Log tive facts” about the Church.

Reflections of a Fact: The auParish Priest thors of the New

By Father Tim Testament were our Goldrick church leaders. The Church determined which books were inspired by God and would ers and sisters who have be included in the Bible gone before us in faith. We and which were not. It was pray for their intercession our monks who dedicated before God and together their lives to preserving we worship the one God, the Bible by painstakingly living and true. It’s called copying every single letter the Communion of Saints. into priceless manuscripts.

Alternative fact: CathoToday, each time Catholics lics worship idols. assemble for worship (for Fact: The Bishop of any of the seven SacraRome is the most recogments), the Bible is pronized ethical leader in the claimed. The proclamation world. Since the pope has of the Scriptures is very no political bones to pick, often followed by homiVatican diplomats (and letic application. A large even the pope himself ) number of today’s most are often called upon to acclaimed Biblical scholars mediate between feuding are Catholic. Our rotatnations. They often succeed ing system for reading the in calming international Bible at Mass allows the crises between feuding naassembly to hear all the tions. major passages over a peAlternative fact: The riod of time. Consequently, pope is intent on controlpracticing Catholics can ling the governments of often recite Bible passages nations. from memory, although we Fact: During the Menormally don’t quote chap- dieval period of European ter and verse. Several other history, the Church was denominations have ada beacon of scholarship, opted our method. Most of education, art and archithe catechetical programs tecture, music, jurisprufor our children are Bible- dence, political science, based. Adult Bible studies social services, economics, in Catholic churches are engineering, and medicine. common.

There was no such thing Alternative fact: Cath- as the “Dark Ages” for the olics don’t know the Bible. Church. Just step inside Fact: We believe in one La Sainte Chapelle in Paris God. It’s the first line of (or any other Gothic-era our Creed. We don’t worchurch). It was obviously ship Mary as some sort of not designed and built by goddess. There are Three blithering ignoramuses.

Alternative fact: During the “Dark Ages,” the Church kept people ignorant, illiterate, poor, and subservient.

And the list of alternative facts goes on, but I won’t.

So how does a Catholic counter alternative facts and fake news about the Church? First, get the real facts.

Don’t rely on hearsay or heresy.

Knowledge comes from study. Catholic apologists (many of whom are converts to Catholicism) are a good resource.

Next, have a reasonable discussion with the misinformed. This isn’t easy. Ask the source of the alternative facts. Are the sources reliable or tainted? What

is the motivation behind them? Acknowledge unflattering facts you know to be true. Most importantly, be kind.

You and your debate opponent may come to agree on at least some things — or maybe not if biases, prejudices, and bigotry have taken firm hold of a person’s reasoning process.

In the end, “alternative facts,” no matter who promulgates them, are nothing but lies in disguise. They are rooted in ignorance. In spite of what people say, ignorance is not bliss.

As the late great Jimi Hendrix once asked, “If ignorance is bliss, why aren’t there more happy people?” Good point.

Anchor columnist Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.

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New Bedford parish to hold Lenten Mission with noted composer, author, musician

NEW BEDFORD — Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 47 South Sixth Street in New Bedford, is

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hosting a Lenten Mission on March 25 at 6 p.m. and March 27 at 3 p.m.

Leading the mission will

The Anchor - February 24, 2017

be internationally-known Liturgical composer, author and recording artist, Grayson Warren Brown.

Brown began his Liturgical ministry in the late 1960s in a small innercity parish in New York City where he learned early in life how significant

an authentic, Spirit-filled experience of worship can be to people in need of hope.

His many years of experience working in a multicultural parish has given him a unique insight into the power that good Liturgy can instill in people of all backgrounds.

Grayson now divides his time writing, composing and traveling, giving workshops, speaking at conven-

tions and conducting parish missions.

His down-to-earth approach to Scripture and Liturgy, along with a dynamic speaking style, makes him one of the most sought-after presenters in the country.

For more information, contact Mercy Sister Marianna Sylvester at 508-982-1462 or at mariannasylvester@gmail. com.

Charis retreat to help young adults ‘find answers’

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff beckyaubut@anchornews.org

NORTH DARTMOUTH — A Charis retreat titled, “What Next?

Finding Answers with Faith Retreat,” will be held at Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham, and there is still time to register for the March 3-5 retreat that will help young adults between the ages of 18-35, connect with fellow peer members who are navigat-

ing a period of transition while focusing on ways God is present in the midst of uncertainty.

“We do a different theme each year. That’s one of the reasons the Office of Campus Ministry partnered with Charis about four years ago,” explained Father David Frederici, chaplain at UMass Dartmouth. “When Deacon Frank [Lucca] had come on board back in 2013, we were looking for a retreat that would be

a great catalyst for getting people more involved in their faith. We were looking at off-college retreats, and there were a couple that were popular among campus ministries in young adults.”

Faced with substantial numbers of young adults leaving the Catholic Church, Charis was founded by the then-Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus in 2000 to reach out to these young men and

women with the unique gift of Ignatian Spirituality. St. Ignatius of Loyola challenges individuals to find God in all things.

Charis helps young adults see this grace or “charis” in Turn to page 19

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I

am not as agile as I once was in my younger days — just a few years ago. So with a pull from Christina and a push from her husband, Chris, I managed to climb into the back of the truck and settled down between my two guests on the wooden bench behind the cab. Then we were on our way over the rocky road to Kalawao with the ever young, 92-year-old John Arruda behind the wheel. The last time I had travelled this road on the back of a truck I suffered permanent damage to my undercarriage.

Now I was attempting to conduct a tour while at times holding onto that wooden bench. Fortunately John slowed the pace as soon as he caught up to Eric in his truck.

Big John to the rescue

This situation had come about strongest part of my whole anatomy. because only a few days prior to So I am now planning on having this escapade, as I was preparing to the great John Arruda teach me katake a group of pilgrims from the rate! After all, Kalaupapa John came International to my rescue Airport in and offered Moon Over Kalaupapa to take my Molokai town, and as guests to see

By Father I was putting the holy sites Patrick Killilea, SS.CC. the station of Kalaupapa wagon into and Kalareverse, the wao. Like gear shift lever broke in my hand.

Tom Brady, he came through in the This was the second time this had clutch. happened in a short span of time John Arruda, now 92 going on and prompted mechanic, “Too Tall 29, is our oldest patient but does not Andrew,” to suggest that my hand act his age. While his home is on was too strong. Of course I have the island of Kauai, John spends a often claimed that my hands are the good deal of his time here with us

in Kalaupapa and is not only helpful but insightful and entertaining. He is a real favorite of the ladies and he acknowledges that. So I was more than delighted that on this occasion we had him with us, not just as our driver, but as one with a real feel for the history of the peninsula. John interacted with our guests and along with Eric was invaluable to me in telling the story of the settlements, a story of pain and a story of compassion, a story of despair and a story of triumph. I hope that we can again do a joint pilgrimage to Kalawao but this time I will sit in his cab.

Aloha.

Anchor columnist Father Killilea is pastor of St. Francis Parish in Kalaupapa, Hawaii.

March 1 is deadline for upcoming Women and Men’s Conference

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The Anchor - February 24, 2017

FALL RIVER — As Lent quickly approaches, so does the deadline to register for the Fall River Diocese Women and Men’s Conference. The registration deadline is March 1.

This first-ever Women and Men’s Conference in the diocese is a one-day Lenten program featuring nationally-noted speakers, prayer, music, and Mass, along with opportunities for quiet reflection and fellowship.

It will take place March 11, in the Ames Sports Complex on the grounds of Stonehill College in Easton, beginning with praise and worship music and the praying of the Rosary at 8 a.m.

The theme for the conference is, “Thirsting for hope — Can you drink the cup I drink?”

Keynote speakers will be Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM Cap., of the Boston Archdiocese and the former Bishop of Fall River; and Dominican Sister Terry Rickard, who is president and executive director of RENEW International. Leading breakout sessions will be contemporary Christian music artist ValLimar

Jansen; and evangelist and humorist Michael Cumbie.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will be principal celebrant and homilist of a Mass to conclude the conference.

The day will also include an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, time to visit the many vendors on hand, and lunch. Cost for the conference is $45. Continuing Education Units are available.

In a message on the conference, Bishop da Cunha said, “During Lent, we are called to look for ways to grow in faith, to deepen our relationship with God. This year, in our own diocese, this Women and Men’s Conference is an opportunity for just that: a renewal of faith as we journey towards the celebration of Easter. It is my hope that many of our parishioners will participate, and I look forward to being with them.”

Register online or obtain additional information at www.fallriverdiocese. org or pick up a flyer at a parish in the diocese for mail-in registration.

Pastoral Planning data presented to diocesan priests continued from page three

results to the presbyterate, parish-specific profiles were also made available to individual pastors after the meeting.

Before delving into these detailed assessments, Father Jay Maddock, pastor of Holy Name and St. Bernadette parishes in Fall River, wanted to know what indicators were used to denote a “parish in distress.”

“In the profiles you are going to receive, we have not indicated that, but assumptions could be made

if you were looking at the different rankings and you saw your parish is in the bottom 25 percent in all those key categories,” Arkin said. “However, the group hasn’t yet decided how they are looking to fully codify the data to assign to a ‘distressed parish.’ That will be the work conducted by the (implementation team) over the next several months.”

“There are also indications that the number of parishes within the diocese, as we saw in those cities

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 February 26, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Kevin J. Harrington, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New Bedford.

March 5, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Richard M. Roy, pastor of St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth.

in close proximity to each other,” he added. “How can we collaborate and share and towns that had parresources? There are many ishes within a two-mile ministries that parishes can radius, may also not be do in clusters and as partsustainable,” Bishop da ners.”

Cunha said. “So given the Admitting there will be demographic capacity of “situations where a merger the parishioners — and the or closure may be necesnumber of people attending sary,” Bishop da Cunha said Masses, we have to recogthey will have to be “honest, nize that something has to courageous and discerning be done.” with the pastor and parish To that end, the bishop leaders in making this most said he will establish an difficult decision.” implementation team “You’re not going to get comprised of existing a letter from me saying members of the Task Force ‘Your parish is merging or for Pastoral Planning along closing.’ This is going to be with “new members” who a process and we’re going will “take all this data and to walk through it with formulate a final report with you and your parish leadspecific recommendations ers,” the bishop said. “We’re that we can address.” going to talk — there will “We will ask the combe dialogue and conversamittee to outline a set of tion — and we’re going to recommendations as to explore the options, but we the specific path that each have to be courageous and parish will need to take,” sincere with the reality of Bishop da Cunha said. the situation.”

“There are options that we Perhaps of greatest conneed to seriously consider. cern to the bishop and his Some parishes will remain brother priests is the fact as they are canonically, as that 29 parishes within the parishes. But they all have Fall River Diocese now have to begin a process of rea pastor who is at or within newal. And we’re going to five years of retirement age. have to work with each one Nine parishes have a pastor of them.” aged 70 and above, while The implementation another 20 parishes have a team is expected to conpastor between the ages of vene this month, with an 65 and 69. eye on having a final pas“At the outset, I talked toral planning report with about 29 priests who are recommendations ready for at or within five years of release in May. retirement age, and I believe “At that time, I’m also ex- we have nine currently in pecting to publish my first seminary, so the way that pastoral letter,” the bishop stacks up is it looks like the said. “That’s going to be talent pipeline is not ultireleased in conjunction with mately going to meet the this final report. It will be needs of the diocese moving called ‘Rebuilding in Faith forward were the number and Hope,’ and that’s going of parishes to remain the to be pulling everything same,” Arkin said. together to launch this new Given the statistics on revival for our diocese.” the number of diocesan “There will most likely be priests eligible for retiresome collaborations and in- ment over the next five vestments in key programs years, Father Andrew in some of the parishes, Johnson, pastor of Good especially those that are Shepherd and St. Stanislaus

parishes in Fall River, asked how this matter should be addressed.

“I think people in the parishes are going to want some kind of a mechanism or procedure in place to know how we’re going to do that,” Father Johnson said.

“We’re talking about 2020 coming up.”

Bishop da Cunha agreed that one of the key factors in considering whether existing parishes are sustainable in the diocese is going to be the number of priests available to pastor them.

“We have 29 pastors who are going to reach the age of retirement in the next five years,” Bishop da Cunha said. “That’s a serious number. We can’t just wait for that day to happen. We need to begin to talk about it and figure out how we’re going to address it. Thanks be to God, we have nine seminarians now and we may have three of four entering next year and we’re going to have, hopefully, three transitional deacons ordained in May. That’s good news. But it’s not enough to replace those who are coming up for retirement. So that’s certainly going to be part of our recommendations.”

Noting that the pastoral planning survey had presented them with some challenging data to consider, Bishop da Cunha urged his priests not to leave feeling “discouraged, disappointed or down.”

“This has given me hope and an opportunity to work with all of you — to rebuild in faith and hope. And if we do that, we will be OK, we will be fine, and we will be successful,” the bishop said.

“The Church of Fall River is not going to die. Clearly, there is still a lot of work to be done. Nobody can deny that. But we all have to embrace this challenge together.”

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For and About Our Church Youth

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hroughout our lives we find ourselves on many different journeys.

Each journey has a lesson to teach. Each journey transforms us, or at least should start to transform us, into better people. What journey are you on right now? Getting through high school? College? Finding a job? Preparing for Marriage? Whatever it is, here is a short CPR course to get you through it, to invigorate you, revive you, so in the end there’ll be no doubt in your mind that you traveled well on your journey and did your best to be transformed into a better person.

Before beginning a journey some thought and preparation must be put into it. Many times we feel we don’t have enough of something we need for the journey — like time, energy, money, etc. Consider yourself blessed because this need for something that you feel you can’t get for yourself helps you realize what you actually do need most: God. Your journey helps you to depend on God. Sadly, the world often tells us that if we depend on others we are weak.

Wrong! Depending on God doesn’t make us weak it makes us strong. When you feel weak and empty inside the first real transformation begins to happen: you make room for God. What a great friend to have as you start your journey.

God wants to walk with you every step of the way.

Let Him in!

CPR is an acronym for community, prayer and repentance. Let’s look at each of them.

Every journey that has 16

Be transformed

at its root the purpose of ask Him to bless my fampeople, and, a people who I offer this prayer as transforming oneself must ily and friends. You know, are always given second you think about your next begin by building bonds somehow, the cup of coffee chances. That’s real love. We journey: “Lord, strengthen of support with family, tastes much better after all carry unwanted baggage. me on my journey so that friends and the Church. prayer, and, my day just got Examining our conscience I look past the doubts and You never really walk alone; a better outlook. Wherever helps us to know what it fears which tempt me to your community is always your journey takes you, find is that weighs us down, abandon my efforts to live with you. Transformation is the form of prayer that is burdens us and makes us justly as God’s child. You not meant to be a personal convenient for you. Maybe anxious. Your journey of created me from the dust affair, but one that transformation helps of the earth and breathed goes beyond our ego: you to purge yourself Your own life into my It’s not just about of the unnecessary very being. You recreated me it’s about us. It’s weight you carry. me in Christ through the very OK to depend True repentance waters of Baptism so that on others, because guides us out of the I might share as a person

By Ozzie Pacheco when we do, we darkness and leads Your fullness of life. May come to the heart of us to our destinamy community strengthen what community retion, the light of me to seek Your justice; ally means — giving selfless it’s on the bus, or driving to Christ. Repentance means may my prayer lead me love and service, wash each work or school. Maybe it’s letting go and letting God. to become makers of other’s feet, forgive one in the morning, mid-day or In a few days the Church peace; may my repentance another, welcome the poor at night. What it’s imporwill begin its Lenten quicken the seeds of Your to your table, celebrate life tant is to make time for journey. I pray you will be reign, present in all hutogether. As a youngster, prayer. Don’t know what to a part of it. What are you man hearts, and growing just starting out in minispray? Read the Bible. Don’t going to do this Lent? in mystery, as I await with try, I was asked to describe like praying alone? Pray Whatever it is, know that joyful anticipation the my community. And so I with others by attending you will have made a good resurrection of Jesus, Your described where I lived, my daily Mass. journey, one that includes a Son. Amen.” neighborhood, etc. OthFinally, every journey change for the better, when God bless. ers did the same. The point includes repentance. We at the end you find yourself Anchor columnist Ozzie of the question was to see aren’t perfect. God knows at the foot of the cross. And Pacheco is Faith Formation if any of us ever thought that and we know that. But, then you can say, “I have director at Santo Christo of “our community” as the remember, we are a loved traveled well.”

Parish, Fall River. whole world. I never forgot that — the world is my community. It taught me a valuable lesson on thinking “outside the box.”

Every journey must also include prayer. Time, time, time! Who’s got the time for prayer? Make time!

Commit yourself to prayer every day. Let me try to make it easier for you; it’s not so much how you pray, but that you pray for an amount of time that is appropriate for your commitments. Commit a specific time every day, if that’s To celebrate the closing of Catholic Schools Week, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., more in line with your busy recently celebrated a Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church in Hyannis for students, faculty daily schedule. Each morn- and administrators from Catholic schools within the Cape Cod Deanery. Students from St. Margaret Regional School in Buzzards Bay, St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth, and ing, before I get my cup of coffee, I take a few minutes St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School and St. John Paul II High School, both in Hyannis, were in attendance. Here Bishop da Cunha distributes Holy Communion alongside to tell God how much I Father Michael Fitzpatrick, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church. (Photo by Kenneth J. love Him, to thank Him Souza) for the new day and to

The Anchor - February 24, 2017

Be Not Afraid

For and About Our Church Youth

Kindergarten students in at Holy Name School in Fall River recently used Apple TV to “fly” to Holland.

Thanks to a Harwich Cultural Grant, pre-school students at Holy Trinity School in West Harwich enjoyed a wonderful puppet show during Catholic Schools Week.

During Catholic Schools Week, students at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro enjoyed many activities including participating in the Rhythm Room with Rick Morin. The third- and fourth-graders learned about the art of drums, percussion and rhythm through playing the drums on buckets.

As part of Catholic Schools Week, the first-graders at Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford spent time reading with their eighth-grade prayer pals. Here Yoselin reads to Skye.

Middle school students from St. Joseph School in Fairhaven observed Catholic Schools Week National Day of Service by volunteering at Gifts To Give in Acushnet. After a short orientation, students got to work preparing gentlyused donations that will be gifted to children and families in need.

First-graders at St. Michael School in Fall River celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a door decorating contest and Patriot’s pride day.

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For and About Our Church Youth

American Heritage Girls Troop MA3712 recently presented girls with badges, event patches and service stars at the midyear Court of Awards Ceremony. From left: Macy O., Siera L, Trish Larkin, Abi E., Sara M., Emily D., Emma P., Ireland L., and Sarah B.

Eighth-grade students from St. James-St. John School in New Bedford recently presented faculty and staff with essays during teacher appreciation day.

Twenty-eight students from Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro recently traveled with the vice principal, Al Svendsen, and social studies teacher, Mike Deady, to CatholicTV’s studio in Boston to participate in the taping of “The Sunday Mass.” Celebrating the Mass was Father David Costa, Feehan’s chaplain and pastor of St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart parishes in North Attleboro, as well as the director of St. Mary-Sacred Heart School. Bishop Robert Reed, director of CatholicTV, greeted students, gave them a tour of the studio and hosted lunch.

Student volunteer Marianela Dutra Africano from Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River recently assisted in the Connolly coat drive with coordinator and Spanish teacher Patricia Coulombe. They and others packed boxes of winter clothing donations for delivery to St. Anne’s Church Food Pantry in Fall River. From November through January, the school’s world language honor societies collected coats, sweatshirts and outerwear accessories to benefit children and adults served through the parish’s community outreach program.

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The Anchor - February 24, 2017

The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about our diocesan youth. If schools, parish Religious Education programs or homeschoolers have newsworthy stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, send them to: schools@anchornews.org

Marriage Encounter Retreat weekend coming to diocese

Charis retreat to help young people

attend this weekend and future ones as well.”

Though the retreat is being labeled as a weekend retreat, the format is deviating slightly from previous retreats in that couples have the option of not staying overnight.

“The couples who attend this weekend will have the full Marriage Encounter experience that a couple attending any other weekend would,” explained Doug.

“What is different about the weekend we will be holding at Our Lady of the Cape is that it is a ‘non-residential’ weekend; that is, the couples will not be staying overnight. We are piloting this option to cut down on the cost of the weekend, but also to reach out to couples who might find it difficult to arrange babysitting for an overnight or who just might prefer sleeping in his or her own bed.”

“We also hope that this option will make it more likely that couples from the Cape attend, even though it will be open to any couple no matter where they are from,” said Deb. For those who might still want to stay overnight, arrangements have made with Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club in Brewster to offer discounted accommodations to those who are attending the weekend.

“We should also emphasize that Marriage Encounter also explores the Sacrament of Holy Orders,” said Doug. “Priests who attend the weekend come to understand their ministry as an ongoing relationship of love with their spouse, the people of God. Presenting the Church under the model of the ‘Bride of Christ’ helps the priests and couples who attend to appreciate more fully the relationship be-

the midst of transitions in careers and relationships, in their struggles and joys.

Charis offers retreat experiences in the Jesuit tradition for men and women in their 20s and 30s, helping them to develop deeper Spiritual lives and stronger connections to faith communities.

Father Frederici said he and Deacon Lucca liked the structure already in place with the Charis program. Materials were already created, and Father Frederici knew he “didn’t have to recreate the wheel” to offer a comprehensive and Spiritually fulfilling retreat. Father Frederici is rotating through each of the eight themed retreats currently offered, and Charis has been adding new retreats as the years have gone on, though the foundation of peer fellowship has always remained the same.

“When we create our team, it’s made up of college students and one or two other young adults in their late 20s or early 30s, so that when we break down into small groups,” said Father Frederici, each group is formed with agerelated group members.

“Small groups and personal reflection are important aspects of the Charis retreat model,” he continued. “A lot of people like the Emmaus model, but what really captures the students and the young adults with the Charis retreats is the fact that they’ve had some pretty intense Spiritual experiences; one of the most powerful retreats I’ve been on was when I went to a private retreat at a monastery. I didn’t have a lot of activities or table discussions, or things like that; ultimately

continued from page two

tween the Sacraments of Holy Orders and Matrimony. Again, we see our role as facilitating this understanding and helping couples and priests to live it.”

Deb and Doug, along with two other couples and a priest, plan on giving talks during the retreat. Presenters will offer up personal experiences on Marriage, and how the Sacrament of Marriage empowers couples to not only love each other, but to show the love of Christ to others.

Couples will arrive at Our Lady of the Cape on Saturday morning and be greeted by the team couples and priests. After a short introduction, the focus will be on how to communicate better, particularly in terms of sharing feelings. Exercises are given to help couples understand how they typically express or avoid expressing his or her feelings. An introduction to the technique of “dialogue” as it is practiced by WWME will be used to explore each other’s feelings as it relates to different areas of the couple’s life.

“Then we discuss Marriage as it is understood by the wider society and contrast it with how it is understood by the Church,” said Doug. “We ask them to explore their own ideas about Marriage and how that has affected their relationship.”

“On Sunday,” said Deb, “we invite them to explore Marriage as Sacrament and challenge them to live their love in such a way that it inspires those around them.

We also offer them ways to stay connected to the larger Worldwide Marriage Encounter community and participate in its mission to renew the world and the Church through the Sacra-

ments of Matrimony and Holy Orders.”

Beyond that, the real focus of the weekend is on the couples who attend. Each couple will have time to explore their relationship and to learn about each other. By listening, each couple will be given the tools to continue to live out the Sacrament of Marriage fully, and share it with others.

“One thing we always try to emphasize is that the focus of the weekend is always on the individual couples,” said Doug. “At no point in the weekend do we require couples to share with the whole group. All the exercises are centered on helping them grow in their relationship and to empower their Sacrament.”

There is a limit of 16 couples for the weekend retreat, so it is recommended to register early. Couples can register for the retreat through the website, www. wwme.org. Once on the website, go to the “Find a Weekend” tab and type in “Brewster.” A couple may also contact the registration couple, Steven and Michelle O’Leary at 800-710-9963, who can walk them through the process.

Those who would be interested in staying overnight at the Ocean Edge Resort can contact that facility directly (508-896-9000) and ask for the Marriage Encounter discount.

“Marriage Encounter can benefit couples no matter how long they have been married,” said Deb. “We have had couples attend who have been married as few as three years and as many as 45. They all remark how surprised they were to learn something new about their spouse and how excited they are to discover even more.”

continued from page 13

the retreat is about the experience with God, and the encounter with God. “There are many different ways that can happen. A lot of people when they think of retreats, they’re thinking back to their high school retreats, and this [Charis retreat] is totally different.

In the Charis retreat model there are still presentations given, opportunities for prayer, Mass, and taking some prayer experiences from the Liturgy Hour. It is a Jesuit retreat program, so there’s an introduction to the Ignatian Spirituality.”

Ignatian Spirituality invites individuals to encounter God in the practical, real experiences of daily life.

Based on the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the 15th-century patron saint of retreats, it promotes an understanding of God as an active, loving, and constant presence in our lives. In community with others, people respond to God’s love and come to know Him through the world around us. Seeing “God in all things,” the Ignatian contemplative strives to become a “man or woman for others,” demonstrating faith through everyday acts of love. More than just a way of thinking or belief, Ignatian Spirituality is a concrete way of life that fosters deeper prayer, offers a medium for discernment, and nurtures a commitment to social justice. It is a Spirituality of the heart that recognizes the Sacredness of lived experience.

Even as a team member leads each small group, there is plenty of time offered for individual reflection time. Spiritual direction is also an integral part of the retreat “to help them learn about God’s presTurn to page 22

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Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., left, presented the “Silver Palm” award to Thomas A. Murray, second from left, Knight Grand Cross Holy Sepulchre, at the annual Investiture dinner of the Northeastern Lieutenancy. Also presenting were Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, the order’s Grand Master and Holy Father’s representative, and John Monahan, KGCHS lieutenant of the Northeastern Lieutenancy. The award was for meritorious service to the Lieutenancy on behalf of the Diocese of Fall River. Bishop da Cunha was also invested into the order that weekend. (Photo by George Martell)

Five from diocese invested into Order of the Holy Sepulchre continued from page four

Land, particularly those of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, with which the order maintains its traditional ties.

“To support the preservation and propagation of the faith in those lands, and promote interest in this work not only among Catholics scattered throughout the world, who are united in charity by the symbol of the order, but also among all other Christians.

“To uphold the rights of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land.”

Murray told The Anchor that membership in the order is multifaceted. “Membership is meritorious in the sense that we are involved in our Church, diocese, and parish work. It is not enough to be nominated due to weekly attendance at Mass only.”

Membership generally 20

occurs when an individual is nominated by a member, or as is often the case, by a parish pastor.

Murray said that the commitment to become a member of the order is a very serious one, yet it is also a great opportunity for one to grow in their own faith and relationship with Christ.

“There is a financial commitment each year and a Spiritual program of prayer and an effort to enhance one’s Spirituality.

“A daily continuum of prayer individually is a crucial way to assist our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land. We also have several occasions during the year when the local order meets and when we gather with the New England Lieutenancy. Usually at the beginning of Lent we go to the cathedral in Boston to prepare for the

The Anchor - February 24, 2017

Holy Week Triduum. We also travel to the Pastoral Center at the chancery in Boston for a day of recollection or a retreat.”

The Fall River members gather for Mass and invite members from the New England Lieutenancy, as well as all pastors in the diocese.

“Praying with each other for those in the Holy Land truly makes us feel a part of the people there. While the need for financial support is great and critical, the Spiritual aspect is as important and more,” added Murray.

Members are also encouraged to make a 10-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land. “It is a very Spiritual and emotional journey,” Murray said of the pilgrimage. “We visit where Jesus walked, the very bedrock of where we are committed to assist,

financially, Spiritually and prayerfully.”

Each year the Fall River members attend an investiture weekend, when new members are invested into the order, and other members may receive promotions.

“It’s a wonderful weekend,” said Murray. “On Friday, we have a prayer service and also present promotions to some members.

“On Saturday is the actually investiture ceremony where we welcome new members and hold our annual business meeting as well. And there is usually a guest speaker from the Holy Land.”

At the latest investiture weekend, held at Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston, five people from the Fall River Diocese were invested: Bishop da Cunha, Father Christopher M. Peschel, Lady Karen Boucher of Yarmouthport, Lady Elizabeth Quinn of West Barnstable, and Robert Boucher of Yarmouthport.

Murray explained that the financial support generated by order members is used largely on education. “The focus is on education and providing support for students and faculty in the Holy Land. Locally, we have adopted a school in Amman, Jordan, which has a student population ranging from kindergarten to high school. We provide assistance to pay the teachers and to provide scholarships for students in need.

“While we are a Catholic group, we welcome all Christians and Muslims. Part of the beauty and the strength of the

Holy Land is the peaceful mingling of peoples of all races and religions.

We feel that if the students see that acceptance is welcomed and encouraged, they will grow into adults who will hold the same values and principals, thereby ensuring peace in the Holy Land.”

While the large majority of members are lay people and provide the most financial support, the presence of cardinals, bishops, priests and deacons is welcome and necessary to provide Spiritual guidance and direction.

“Cardinal O’ Malley has always been very supportive of the order, as well as Bishop Emeritus Coleman,” said Murray. “And now Bishop da Cunha has expressed the same enthusiasm. He is very appreciative of the mission to which he is called through being a member of the order.”

Murray told The Anchor that hopes are high for an increase in membership in the Fall River Diocese. “We encourage all our wonderful pastors to consider nominating women and men whom they feel will be a strong asset to assisting Christians through the turmoil in the Holy Land.”

Murray expressed a strong desire to visit interested parishes, through an invitation from the pastor, to speak about the order and the great work it performs and the even greater Spiritual benefits it provides members.

For more information on the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem; or for pastors to invite a member to speak at their parish, contact Tom Murray at tom@ withintegrity.com.

Lenten 40 Days for Life begins March 1 continued from page five

years. It’s great to see so many young people involved.”

For the first time this year, the Attleboro 40 Days for Life campaign will join with its Boston and Worcester counterparts for a special prayer launch service at The Betania II Retreat Center, 154 Summer Street in Medway. The service will begin February 26 with a Mass celebration at 4 p.m., followed by a presentation by internationally-known Pro-Life speaker Dr. Anthony Levatino at 5 p.m.

“There will be a Mass and then Dr. Levatino will be speaking,” Larose said.

“It’s a very worthwhile event, it’s open to the public and is free of charge.

The Boston campaign is taking the lead on this and they actually do a launch like this every year.”

An obstetrician/gynecologist and an attorney, Dr. Levatino previously conducted abortions but had a conversion after losing his daughter and is now currently medical director of two pregnancy help centers.

“I did abortions in my office and in the hospital, including D&E abortions in private practice in the Detroit area from 1981 until 1985,” Dr. Levatino shared in a recent testimony. “My experiences are not all that unique. I was not terribly comfortable with abortions. I had some personal reasons why I was not comfortable with it.”

“My discomfort came at that point because there was this tremendous conflict going on within me,” Dr. Levatino said. “Most of the time in our practice was not spent doing abortions. It was providing obstetrical care for people

who wanted their children.

It is very common for your obstetrician to have an ultrasound machine. We use that ultrasound machine on a daily basis.

“As a doctor, you know that these are children; you know that these are human beings with arms and legs and heads and they move around and they are very active. But you get reminded — every time you put that scanner down on somebody’s uterus — you are reminded. Because you see the children in there — hearts beating, arms flinging.”

The Attleboro 40 Days for Life campaign will also have a small local prayer service at the vigil site on Saturday, March 4 beginning at 8 a.m., followed

by Mass celebrated at 9 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 41 Linden Street in Attleboro.

The largest and longest coordinated Pro-Life mobilization in history, the nationwide 40 Days for Life campaign includes prayer and fasting, community outreach and participation in peaceful vigils at sites throughout

In Your Prayers Please Please pray pray for for these these priests priests during during the the coming coming weeks weeks

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

Feb. 27 Rev. Philip Gillick, Founder, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1874 Rev. Joseph N. Hamel, Founder, St. Theresa, New Bedford, 1956 Rev. John G. Carroll, Retired Pastor, St. Margaret, Buzzards Bay, 1995 Rev. Roland B. Boule, Retired Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford, 2005

the country like the one in Attleboro.

Since its inception, 40 Days for Life has generated measurable life-saving results in more than 130 cities where it has been implemented. Some locations have reported as much as a 28 percent decrease in local abortion numbers and hundreds of new people getting involved in local life-saving ministry efforts.

Since the first coordinated 40 Days for Life campaign took place in 2007 through the end of 2016, local campaign leaders have reported these blessings — God’s answers to their prayers: — 4,535 total campaigns in 675 cities and 40 countries; — 725,000 individual participants; — 19,000 churches; — 12,668 lives saved from abortion;

— 143 abortion workers quit their jobs; and — 83 abortion facilities have been closed.

Larose invites everyone in the diocese to take advantage of this Lenten season to pray and fast as a witness to the Gospel of Life.

“We feel this is our chance to really make some inroads with the abortion lobby, if you will,” Larose said. “And we’re optimistic that this administration will have a significant impact on our country.”

For more information about 40 Days for Life or to sign up for vigil hours in Attleboro, visit www.40daysforlife.com/ attleboro.

For information about the February 26 ProLife Prayer Launch in Medway, email annie40days@gmail.com or call 781-769-5398.

Feb. 29 Rev. Msgr. James J. Dolan, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1980 March 1 Rev. James F. Masterson, Founder, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1906 Rev. Msgr. Peter L.Damase. Robert, P.R., Pastor, Notre Dame, Fall River, 1948 Rev. John McCarthy, CSC, Stonehill College, North Easton, 2003 Rev. William W. Norton, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Wellfleet, 2004 March 2 Rev. Antonio Berube, Pastor, St. Joseph, Attleboro, 1936 Rev. James J. Brady, Retired Pastor, St. Kilian, New Bedford, 1941 Rev. Tarcisius Dreesen, SS.CC., Sacred Hearts Monastery, Fairhaven, 1952 Rev. Alphonse E. Gauthier, Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford, 1962 Rev. J. Omer Lussier, Pastor, Sacred Heart, North Attleboro, 1970 March 3 Rt. Rev. Msgr. Timothy P. Sweeney, LL.D., Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford, 1960 March 5 Rev. James McGuire. Pastor St. Mary, New Bedford, 1850 Permanent Deacon Manuel H. Camara, 1995 Rev. James A. McCarthy, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, Falmouth, 2007 March 6 Rev. Joseph F. McDonough, Former Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1906 Rev. John W. Quirk, Founder, St. Joseph, Taunton, 1932 Rev. Bernard P. Connolly, S.S., St. Charles College, Maryland, 1932 Rev. Antoine Lanoue, O.P., 1996 Rev. Jerome Lawyer, C.S.C., 2006 March 7 Rev. Arthur P.J. Gagnon, Pastor, Holy Rosary, New Bedford, 1958 March 8 Permanent Deacon Victor Haddad, 2014 March 9 Rev. Msgr. Henry J. Noon, V.G., Pastor, St. James, New Bedford; Vicar General, 1934-47, 1947

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Charis retreat to help young people continued from page 19

ence.”

“Some of them after the retreat, either with one of us or a pastor near their home, will seek out Spiritual direction afterwards,” said Father Frederici. “Everyone’s journey is different but there are some fundamentals. Everyone is searching for meaning and purpose, and when they go on the retreat and get there, and actually experience and encounter God in a very powerful way — and it’s different for every person — they ultimately discover that underlying desire that there’s something more.”

Common questions that many who attend include: “How do I keep this going after the retreat? How do I continue this when I go back to school? When I go through finals? When I graduate? How do I keep this going while balancing work, and perhaps even family?

“In any retreat program, as in the model of Charis, is we need to stay connected to others,” said Father Frederici. “It’s important to create those communities closer to home in a local parish with another group of young adults. We help them identify how to take control and responsibility for that in their own life.”

It can be challenging for young adults in their 20s and 30s to negotiate the many transitions, challenges and obstacles life presents. By taking time off and time away for a Charis retreat helps provide the practical tools of Ignatian Spirituality in a community of peers, helping them to see God’s presence and work in their lives.

For more information, directions and registration for the upcoming Charis retreat, go to www.

FallRiverCampusMinistry. com.

Around the Diocese

The Fall River Area Men’s First Friday Club will next meet on March 3 at St. Joseph Church on North Main Street in Fall River. The celebration of Mass begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. The Mass celebrant will be Father Jay Mello, pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish.

Following the Mass, members of the club will gather in the church hall next door for a hot meal prepared by White’s of Westport. Following the meal there will be a guest presentation by Dr. Jeremiah Lowney. New members are always welcome. For more information, contact Norm Valiquette at 508-672-8174.

An Attic Treasures Sale sponsored by the St. John Neumann Women’s Guild will be held on March 11 in the parish hall, located at 157 Middleboro Road in East Freetown from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A continental breakfast and hot homemade lunch will be served and the hall is wheelchair accessible. Admission is free. Take the Chace Road exit off Route 140. For more information, call 508-763-2569.

A bereavement support group to help people cope with the loss of a loved one meets on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Catholic Education Center, 423 Highland Avenue in Fall River. The current session runs through February 21 and another session will be held from March 14 through April 25. The basis of the group is to allow individuals to share their experiences, feelings and emotions with others who are on the very same journey. There is no fee to participate and parking is available adjacent to the building. If you are interested in joining the group or would like more information email rsaraiva@dfrcs.org or rosemarysaraiva@ gmail.com, or call 508-678-2828, extension 27.

The Taunton district of St. Vincent de Paul Society, 141 Washington Street in Taunton, will be having an end-of-season yard sale on March 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome.

A Women’s Day of Recollection: Finding Jesus in Everyday Life will be held on March 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Corpus Christi Parish in Sandwich. Radio host, author and inspirational Catholic speaker Allison Gingras will share with humor and personal experiences, practical ways to grow Spiritually while meeting dayto-day obligations. The free event includes inspirational presentations, discussion, lunch, and more. For more information or to reserve a seat, visit https:// lentday4women.eventbrite.com or call 508-243-1133.

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Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

ASSONET — Beginning September 14, St. Bernard’s Parish will have Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the altar at the conclusion of 9 a.m. Mass and the church will be open all day, concluding with evening prayer and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.

ATTLEBORO — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the Adoration Chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 71 Linden Street, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

ATTLEBORO — The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette holds Eucharistic Adoration in the Shrine Church every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. through November 17.

ATTLEBORO — There is a weekly time of Eucharistic Adoration Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church on North Main Street.

Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the La Salette Chapel in the lower level of Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays beginning at noon until 7:45 a.m. First Saturday, concluding with Benediction and concluding with Mass at 8 a.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, Monday through Saturday, from 6:30 to 8 a.m.; and every first Friday from noon to 8 a.m. on Saturday.

East Freetown — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John Neumann Church every Monday (excluding legal holidays) 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady, Mother of All Nations Chapel. (The base of the bell tower).

EAST TAUNTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the chapel at Holy Family Parish Center, 438 Middleboro Avenue, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On First Fridays, Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m.

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m. Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration. Refreshments follow.

FALL RIVER — St. Bernadette’s Church, 529 Eastern Ave., has continuous Eucharistic Adoration from 8 a.m. on Thursday until 8 a.m. on Saturday.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has Eucharistic Adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

FALL RIVER — Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street, has Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady of Grace Chapel.

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with 3 p.m. Benediction in the Daily Mass Chapel. A bilingual holy hour takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

FALL RIVER — St. Joseph’s Church has a Holy Hour every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m., with Benediction at 6:45 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Michael’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Benediction at 5:30 p.m.

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday following the 7 a.m. Mass, with Benediction at 4:30 p.m.

HYANNIS — St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, 347 South Street, Hyannis, has Eucharistic Adoration from noon to 3 p.m., daily Monday through Friday.

MANSFIELD — St. Mary’s Parish, 330 Pratt Street, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Benediction at 5:45 p.m.

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Mass every First Friday with special intentions for Respect Life, followed by 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel, concluding with Benediction Saturday morning followed immediately by an 8:30 Mass.

NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration takes place 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 233 County Street, with night prayer and Benediction at 8:45 p.m., and Confessions offered during the evening. Please use the side entrance.

NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the Rosary, and the opportunity for Confession.

NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel Fridays from 7:30-11:45 a.m. ending with a simple Benediction NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., ending with Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time.

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 5 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration also takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

NORTH EASTON — A Holy Hour for Families including Eucharistic Adoration is held every Friday from 3-4 p.m. at The Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street.

NORTH EASTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Immaculate Conception Church Chapel on the first Wednesday of the month beginning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, until 6:40 p.m. Those wishing to make a monthly commitment can sign up on the parish website at www.icceaston.org or call the parish office at 508-238-3232.

ORLEANS — St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Road, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday starting after the 8 a.m.

Mass and ending with Benediction at 11:45 a.m. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m. Mass.

OSTERVILLE — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 76 Wianno Avenue on First Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549.

Taunton — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction. Recitation of the Rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

Taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street. Exposition begins following the 8 a.m. Mass. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day. Confessions are heard from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 5 p.m.

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church takes place 9 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Friday. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall. ~ PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ~

East Sandwich — The Corpus Christi Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich. Use the Chapel entrance on the side of the church.

NEW BEDFORD — Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street, offers Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For information call 508-996-8274.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549.

WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street (Rte. 28), holds perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. We are a regional chapel serving all of the surrounding parishes.

All are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.

Relics of Christ’s Passion coming to New Bedford parish

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org

Lady of Sorrows, and in honor of the 100th anniversary of Our Lady’s NEW BEDFORD apparitions at Fatima, the — St. Anthony of Padua program also highlights a Parish, 1359 Acushnet Av- perspective on Mary as she enue in New Bedford, will accompanied Jesus on the kickoff the Lenten season path to Calvary.” with a special presentation According to Father Ocof the Relics of the Passion tavio Cortez, I.V.E., pastor on March 3 beginning at of St. Anthony of Padua 6:45 p.m.

Parish, meditation on and All are invited to join veneration of the relics of them for a unique opporthe Lord’s Passion is the tunity to engage with the perfect way to prepare for meaning of God’s love as the Lenten season. given to us by the Father “The relics can connect via His Son’s Passion. This us through time and space special program entitled, with Our Lord Jesus in His “Call from the Crucified suffering and death,” Father Heart,” is being sponsored Cortez said. “Aided by these as part of a new nationwide relics, our senses can better tour by the Apostolate for help us imagine the kind of Holy Relics that highlights suffering Our Lord Jesus a collection of rare relics endured for our Salvation.” from the Passion of Our Although Father Cortez Lord, with prayer, music, has yet to see the collection reflection and an opportufor himself, he said he is nity for personal veneration. sure it will be a very special According to the AHR moment in his life and for prayer program, the preall those who attend. sentation “is intended to help you walk beside Jesus throughout His Passion, using excerpts and materials from the Gospels of SS. John and Luke, meditations on the Passion by the Passionist Missionaries and the writings of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich in her book, ‘The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.’

“As a tribute to Our

“As Catholics, we venerate and respect all those things that are connected with the great mysteries of our faith — be it the remains of saints, ancient churches, Eucharistic miracles, even mountains and rivers — so how much more should we venerate the things that touched Our Lord Jesus Christ?

The faithful can therefore expect to be touched very deeply by the contemplation of these relics,” Father Cortez said.

The Relics of the Passion presentation is organized into a one-hour meditative program with supporting musical pieces that serve as a guide to help the faithful accompany Jesus through His suffering during the Passion. The program ends with an opportunity for personal veneration of the relics.

The collection includes eight Holy relics that would

only be seen in displays generally found in Rome or the Holy Land. Among them: — A relic of the True Cross; — A piece of stone from the table or room where the Last Supper was held; — A piece of the Column of Flagellation; — A piece of the Crown of Thorns; — The effigy of the Veil of Veronica (touched to the original veil); — A replica of the Holy nail which contains filings taken from the true nails that were imbedded in copies to make relics of a lower class; — A piece of bone from St. Longinus, the centurion who pierced the side of Jesus; and — A thread from the cloth used as the wrapping for Christ’s Burial Shroud.

The new 2017 program, “Call from the Cruci-

fied Heart,” is designed to highlight a facet of what is believed Christ’s message is to us from various scenes during His Passion. There will also be an exposition of the Holy Eucharist — a required part of the meditative portion of the presentation — to underscore that time-transcending gift that connects us from Jesus’ Passion to His presence with us today.

The Relics of the Passion is presented by the Apostolate for Holy Relics, an organization founded 10 years ago in Los Angeles. The AHR is guardian for more than 1,200 relics organized into special collections, such as the eight rare relics that make up the relics of the Passion.

For more information about the group or collection, visit www.relictour.com, or contact the St. Anthony of Padua Parish rectory at 508-993-1691.

The Anchor - February 24, 2017

23

A little jam could be just the thing

I

t’s a tsunami that’s been picking up momentum for some time now — and none of us can escape its destructive path. It’s the division among people that grows wider every day. It’s black against white; it’s liberal against conservative; it’s DemoMy View crat against From Republican; the Stands it’s Christian against MusBy Dave Jolivet lim.

It’s nobody’s fault, and it’s everybody’s fault. And frankly, it’s downright scary.

I recall when I was a young lad growing up in the tumultuous 60s, watching riots, demonstrations, body counts from Vietnam, assassinations, and chaos on the black and white TV nearly every evening.

Those days are back, and worse than ever. People who claim to be for “everyone’s rights,” are just that — except if you disagree with their point

of view. Then these people advocates would just as soon burn down your business and shoot you in the face with pepper spray than hold a civilized dialogue.

People who have been friends for years on Facebook are unfriending each other because of differing political points of view.

It’s madness, yet it’s becoming a part of our everyday life.

I have a strict policy not to discuss politics, or my point of view, for that matter, on social media. I like all my friends, regardless of their philosophies.

What I do post mostly are musicoriented news bits. Songs on YouTube, news about artists (as long as its apolitical), and the like.

The other day I saw a video of more than 800 people who gathered

with various instruments to play, of all songs, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.”

It was awesome. Hundreds, from different races, colors, religions and ethnicities all in tune and on the same page.

That’s what music is — constant.

One can’t change the notes. They are what they are. It’s been that way since David played for the Lord on a harp.

Musical chords are described as three or more notes played together to form a specific sound — a sound that is melodic and pleasing. Three or more different notes working together

to create something good.

No matter where one is from, what one believes, what one’s point of view is, the laws, mathematics and theories of music cannot be changed.

I jammed with Danny this weekend for the first time in a while, and the music, while rock-oriented, was cathartic.

What this world needs is to step back, let the tsunami wash over us, then get together and jam. Maybe not “Sweet Home Alabama.” Maybe something more like, “Give peace a chance,” with harmonies. davejolivet@anchornews.org.

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The Anchor - February 24, 2017