03.20.98

t eanc 0 VOL. 42, NO. 12 •

Friday, Marc.h 20, 1998

FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS

FALL RIVER, MASS.

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly

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$14 Per Year

Catholic Relief Services officials visit Fall River are in need regardless of race, ethnicity or religion. While the agency initially worked in Europe in the aftermath of World War II, providing for rebuildBy JAMES N. DUNBAR ing of society FALL RIVER-As Catholic Relief Ser- by way of vices reflects on its dual task of continuing immigration to provide assistance to the disadvantaged and resettleworldwide as well as fulfilling its Gospel ment after mandate and the social teachings of the years of war, Catholic Church, it is reassessing the work the next sevit does, said Kenneth F. Hackett, executive eral decades found it director of CRS. Hackett, along with Father George growing and Brubaker, CRS' director of Church Affairs, evolving.

55 met with Now, FATHER GEORGE Bishop Sean years later, it BRUBAKER P. O'Malley provides ason March 12 . sistance to millions of people in more than to give him 80 countries around the world and has an an update on annual operating budget of nearly $250 miltheCRS pro- lion.

"Wt:- are continuing to grow and spread ·grams.

Bishop and serve as the mechanism of the Catholic O'Malley is Church in America reaching out in solidarboard ity, generosity and compassion to people in a member of needy countries around the world," said Hackett. A native of West Roxbury and a CRS. In an in- former veteran member of the Peace Corps, terview with he has served CRS in Africa and Asia for 26 The Anchor, years and as executive director since July 1993.

KENNETH F. HACKETT Hackett and In January, Hackett visited Cuba with Father Brubaker talked about the key elements of Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore. The their work - to develop structures and insti- purpose of the visit was to deliver $200,000 tutions that meet people's basic needs, to worth of medicine and vitamins to the Curespect the sanctity of life and to honor hu- ban bishops in anticipation of the visit of Pope John Paul II. In November 1997, he man dignity.

They also talked about a new assistance led an interfaith delegation to North Korca program that includes reconciliation among to assess conditions in that troubled country. warring groups.

CRS was founded in 1943 by the U.S. Turn to page 5 - CRS Catholic bishops to reach out to those who

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NEWLY ARRIVED Sisters of Mercy gather for a photograph outside St. Joseph Convent in New Bedford in 1892.

Sisters ofMercy to observe anniversary in diocese the Diocese of Providence was established.

The cities of Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton and the communities of Cape Cod became part of that diocese.

The' first sisters came from Providence to New Bedford on March 19, 1873, at the request of Father Lawrence McMahon, pastor This is thejirst in a two-part series on the of St. Lawrence Church, to establish a Cathohistory ofthe Sisters ofMercy in the Fall River lic hospital to be known as St. Joseph HospiDiocese. tal. There was no hospital in the Whaling City at that time. Not only were the residents'

By SISTER CATHERINE FELTON RSM medical needs to be met, but also those of ARCHIVIST FOR THE REGIONAL COMMUNITY the seamen coming in on ships, especially OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY the whaling ships.

Father McMahon purchased a three-story FALL RIVER-In the musical "The Fiddler on the Roof," the principal character, building, later known as St. Lawrence ConTevya, in the song, "Tradition," makes it clear vent, admirably suited for hospital purposes. that one needs to know where he came from The doctors and people of New Bedford were delighted. Physicians offered their services if he is to know where he is going.

Nothing could be more important to the free as well as instruments and drugs. They Sisters of Mercy as they prepare to celebrate inaugurated a financial drive to raise funds their devotion and service to the Fall River for the facility on April 14, 1873.

When the hospital opened in June, 1873, Diocese, as well as plan for the millennium' the first superior was Sister M. Borgia Douyear and a future of continued service.

When the Sisters of Mercy came to Provi- glas. The sisters who came as nurses included dence, R.I., in 1851, the city was part of the Sisters M. de Pazzi Tobin, Gonzaga Norman, Hartford, Conn., diocese. The bishop of Hart- Matthias Riordan, Wilfrid Furlong and ford resided in Providence because it had a Louise Carr.

The hospital prospered from the start. For greater number of Catholics than had Hartford. At the time, there were only six priests support, funds were realized from an annual fair, from fees paid by the Marine Hospital to serve the few parishes.

Sister Frances Warde began her ministry Servic(~ of the U.S. for the care and mainte.. in Providence by taking over the schools that nance of sick and disabled foreign seamen, had been established in the parishes of the and from fees paid by local patients. No one Cathedral of SS. Petcr and Paul and St. paid more than $7 a week for board, care and Patrick Church. She also was the adminis- medicine.

In 1884, St. Luke's Hospital was opened. trator of St. Mary School in Pawtucket and St. Mary School in Newport. The following St. Joseph's Hospital was closed becaus(: year, Sister Warde sent sisters to Hartford and there was a great demand for school teach.. ers at the time, and the sisters took up that New Haven.

What is now the Diol:ese of Fall River was duty.

Tum to page 5 - Mercy part of the Boston diocese until 1872, when

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Celebrations in April will mark the 125th anniversary of the nuns'arrival to serve the needs of area communities.

Diocese praised for its generosity in annual appeals as well as Lent's Operation Rice Bowl.

National plan set to foster strong marriages

By MARK PATTISON CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON -A plan to keep good marriages from going bad, and to stop bad marriages before they start, wilI soon be going nationwide.

Backers of the plan, called Marriage Savers, say the program has found homes in 80 cities in 32 states, and point to dramatic reductions in divorce rates in cities where the program has been implemented.

Journalist and author Mike McManus, a Presbyterian layman who founded Marriage Savers with his wife Harriet, said at a March 12 press conference in Washington that the Catholic Church has been a leader in marriage preparation programs that other churches could emulate.

McManus singled out the six-month -

or longer - preparation period required in U.S. dioceses, plus the Engaged Encounter, Marriage Encounter and RetrouvailIe programs offered by Catholic dioceses and parishes nationwide.

Premarital inventory questionnaires are used before about only 10 percent of alI marriages, McManus said, yet the "Prepare" questionnaire has an 80 percent accuracy rate at predicting divorce.

"Too many churches are blessing machines," McManus said, but "beller a broken engagement than a broken marriage."

Divorce is a "silent kilIer," bringing about greater consequences than families split apart, McManus said. Children of divorce are five times more likely to commit Turn to page 2 -

Marriage

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Mar. 20, 1998

Sister Marie Coutu SUSC FALL RIVER-Sister Marie Louise Coutu, also known as Sister Rose Cecile, 79, of the Religious of the Holy Union of the Sacred Hearts, who resided at Sacred Hearts Convent, 47 Prospect St., died there March 14 after an illness of a few months. She had been an elementary school teacher and administrator for 45 years before retiring.

Born in Cambridge, a daughter of the late Louis and'Rose (Duclos) Coutu, she was the youngest of nine children.

Sister Coutu entered the Holy Union Novitiate here on Sept. 8, 1936, and made her final profession on Aug. 15, 1943. After completing her. training at the novitiate she earned a bachelor's degree in education from Boston College. She studied at Assumption College, Worcester, the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in Baltimore, at Fordham University in New York and at Bridgewater State College.

She taught at Sacred Hearts Academy, Holy Name and St. Michael schools here and at St. Mary and Sacred Hearts schools in Taunt0!1 where she aiso served as principal. She also taught at St. Anthony School in Portsmouth and in schools in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

In later years she wa~ assistant principal of Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton, and assisted in the literacy education program at St. Anthony of Padua Church here.

RITE OF ELECTION-Candidates for the initiating sacraments from Corpus Christ ParShe is survived by nieces and nephews. ish in East Sandwich who are in the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Her funeral mass was celebrated March 18 at Sacred Hearts Convent. joined with Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, center, Father Marcel H. Bouchard, left, and Father Interment was March 19 in St. Patrick's Cemetery.

Henry J. Dahl, right, for a photo after the ceremony of signing the Book of the Elect at St. Mary's C~thedral, Fall River, on March 1.

Sister Blanchette OP

Prevent abdu,ction program offf~red

FALL RIVER-Sister Mary of the Trinity Blanchette, OP, 80, of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, 37 Park St., died March 14.

Born in West Warwick, R.I., Aurore Yvonne Blanchette, she was the daughter of the late Pierre and the late 'Lillian (Grenier) Blanchette.

A Domincan sister for 50 years, she received a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and a master's degree in religious studies from Providence College in 1971 and 1976 respectively. ' She was former treasurer of the Congregation of St. Catherine of Siena, and had taught in Fall River, Plattsburgh, N.Y., New Haven, Conn. ano Acushnet.

She leaves two sisters, Cecile Moniz of East Greenwich, R.I., ahd Therese Blanchette of North Kingstown, R.I.; a brother, Joseph A. Blanchette of Coventry, R.I., and nieces and nephews.

She also was the sister of the late Pierre Blanchette.

Arrangements are by the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 S. Main St.

Marriage suicide and twice as likely to get pregnant outside of marriage, he ' noted.

Divorce rates tripled between 1960 and 1980, al though there was a 10 percent drop in divorce rates in 1986, McManus added. Moreover, there has been a 41 percent drop in the wedding rate since 1960, and cohabitation rates are seven times what they were then.

"These people are not happier people," McManus said. Marriage Savers, which has been endorsed

by Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore, stresses Church involvement in marriage preparation and the use of "mentor couples" to help the engaged, the recently wed and couples dating each other seriously to recognize rough spots during a marriage, and to teach techniques to get through them.

Pollster George Gallup Jr., who wrote the foreword to McManus' "Marriage Savers" book and will head up the group's efforts in New Jersey, said "Divorce is a scourge in our society ... spreading dysfunction throughout our society."

Calling U.S. divorce rates an "epidemic," Gallup spoke of the United States as "a fatherless society" where nearly half of all school-age children will come home from school without their father being home.

Gallup said Marriage Savers dovetails with two trends in America: mentoring, and people taking faith seriously as a positive influence in their lives.

Continued from page one

William Pierce, a Catholic who is president of the National Council for Adoption and a Marriage Savers board member, said Catholics and Protestants "can work together on some of the ideas that our church has pioneered."

Pierce said Marriage Sa'vers illustrated the principles of devolution and subsidiarity, "letting local people, local state folks have the power to move these things forward."

PROUD FAMILY.;.....Bishop Sean P. O'Malley stands with deacons Michael E. Murray (left) and John Murray at a recent Mass at Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton. Both father and son are alumni of the school, Michael in 1966 and John in 1990, and continue to give their spiritual support and love to the Coyle and Cassidy community. Deacon John Murray is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood later this year.

In Your Prayers Please pray for the following priests during the coming week NECRO~OGY

PRIESTS CURRENTLY SERVING '. March 21

March 22 1940, Rev. Joseph A. Marti St..John the Baptist, New Be

Rev. John P. Driscoll

March 22 Rev. Clement E. Dufour

March 23 Rev. James W. Fahey

March 24

::~~:~~1!l1!111t1~~R:e:v.~p~a~tr;iC~k~F.

1918, Rev. Jam M Patrick, Somerse 1964, Rt. Re ntonio P. Vieira, Pastor, O.L. Mt. Car , New Bedford

March 25 SS.CC. Fanning Rev. Manuel T. Faria Q~h_~6

'~. ,.:--'.

Rev. Thomas Nf:"Feel~~;-CSC

March 27

~

Rev. Peter M. Damian Fehlner, FFI

Escape S(;hool, a nationally recognized program that teaches children and parents techniques of avoiding abduction, will be offered at no charge March 26, 7 p.m., at St. Thomas More Church, Somerset, and March 27 at Veterans Memorial building, 72 Bank St., Fall River.

Sponsored by Waring,oSullivan Funeral Homes, Fall River; Birchcrest Funeral Home, Swansea; and Rose Sullivan Funeral Home, Somerset, the presentation will be made by Robert Stuber, a former police officer and author of "Missing! Stranger Abductions: Smart Strategies to Keep Your Child Safe."

He will discuss teaching children how to identify suspicious strangers by their actions and how to escape from such persons.

For information call (781)5993600 or (978) 581-2300.

Daily Readings.

Mar. 23 Is 65:17-21; Ps 30:2,4-6,11-13; In 4:43-54 Mar. 24 Ez 47:1-9,12; Ps 46:2-3,5-6,8-9; In 5:1-3a,5-113 Mar. 25 Is 7:10-14;8:10; Ps 40:7-11; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38 Mar. 26 Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106: 19-23; In 5:3'1-47 Mar. 27 Wis 2: 1a, 12-:::2; Ps 34:17-2U!3; In 7: 1-2,10,2!5-30 Mar. 28 Jer 11 :18-20; Ps 7:2-3,9-12; In 7:40-53 Mar. 29 Is 43: 16-21 ; / Ps 121:1-6; Phil 3:8-14; Jn8:1-11 11111111111111111111111111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-020) Periodical R:!stage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Published weekly except for the first two wf:eks in July am the week after Christmas at 8m Highland Avenue. Fall River, Mass. 02720 ~ the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River. Subscription price ~ mail, postpaid $14.00 per year.

Postmasters send address changes to The Anchor, P.o. Bo]( 7, Fall River, M~ 02722.

New documents co:ncern permanent deacons

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THE ANCHOR -

documents were not aimed at any abuses, but were published in order to ensure consistency in the training and ministry of deacons around the world.

After centuries in which the diaconate was only a transitional phase before the priesthood, the CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE Second Vatican Council called for VATICAN CITY - Permanent a reinstitution of the permanent deacons are ordained ministers diaconate. whose spiritual and intellectual Cardinal Laghi said there are preparation must prepare them to currently 22,390 permanent deabe models of Christ the st:rvant, say cons in the world, more than half two. new Vatican documt:nts. of them ministering in the United The permanent diaconate is a vo- States. In the investigation and concation sealed by ,..._ _- _ -......_ -_ _ sultation phases :RdtentialcaoJ:Ji(Jatl}'s' of preparing the the Sacrament of Holy Orders, documents, he which is reserved "I" ",., .. " Hi"· said, "we were to men, Vatican b~"~f1roll~~.lif'Bret~p,~~' very inspired" by officials said durratoryprogram.,lfJtr9- the norms already ducing them to various published by the ing their March

Fri., Mar. 20, 1998

3

The publications key on the consistency in the teaching and training of deacons.

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PRESENTS ITS 20TH ANNUAL EASTER CONCERT ENTITLED

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kin'ds of prayer,;.a deeper: undiH$t?ncJlng ofWl7at the diaconate.is and ageneralintrbduction to Church tiiaching,

The Vatican published "Fundamental Norms for the Formation of Permanent om~ of the Deac'ons," by the Congregation for said.

Catholic Education, and the "Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons:' by the Congregation for Clergy, together in a single 144page volume available only in Italian.

Cardinal Pio Laghi, head of the education congregation, said the

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trying to ensure the norms are hom 0 g e n eo u s throughout the Church," he said. documents At the Vatican press conference for the presentation of the documents, Cardinal Laghi and other Vatican officials were asked about the possibility of a return to the early Christian community's practice of having deaconesses.

Turn to page 1J - Deacons

Tomb of K of C founder Father McGivney was unharmed.

By RITA REALI CATHOLIC NEWS SEBVICE

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -A man with two prior arson convictions has been arrested in connection with a fire at St. Mary Church in New Haven, where Knights of Columbus founder Father Michael J. McGivney is buried.

The fire damaged St. Mary Church but left unharmed the tomb of Father McGivney, who could

EDICTAL CITATION DIOCESAN TRIBUNAL FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETIS

Since the actual place of residence of ARTHUR D. LEAVITI is unknown.

We cite ARTHUR D. LEAVITI to ap-. pear personally before the Tribunal of the Diocese of Fall River on Tuesday, March 31, 1998 at 10:30 a.m. at 807 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Massachusetts, to give testimony to establish: Whether the nullity of the marriage exists in the Fobert - Leavitt case?

Ordinaries of the place or other pastors having the knowledge of the residence of the above person, Arthur D. Leavitt, must see to it thaI he is properly advised in regard to this edictal citation.

Paul F. Robinson, O. e~rm., J.e.D. Adjutant Judicial Vicar Given at the Tribunal, Fall River, Massachusetts on this the 10th day of March, 1998.

Thursday, March 26 8:00 PM St. Margaret's Friday, March 27 8:00 PM First Baptist Saturday, March 28 8:00 PM Holy Trinity Sunday, March 29 4:00 PM St. John Neumann's Thursday, April 2 8:00 PM St. Mary's Friday, April 3 8:00 PM St. Mary's Saturday, April 4 8:00 PM St. Patrick's Sunday, April 5 4:00 PM St. Elizabeth Seton A/ree-will offering will be taken to benefit the chorus' annual music scholarship.

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Arrests made in New Haven church arson •

Diocese of Fall River -

become the first U.S. diocesan priest to be canonized.

Kevin John Smith, 29, of New Haven, was charged with arson in the first degree, criminal mischief in the first degree and risk of endangerment in the first degree,according to New Haven Fire Department Assistant Chief Allyn 'R. Wright.

Smith's bail was set at $200,000.

The suspect reportedly ignited some paper towels in a bathroom stall, according to the police report.

Worshipers at midday Mass were sent into the street when the fire was discovered. No injuries were reported in the three-alarm blaze.

According to Michael Grant, another assistant chief of the New Haven Fire Department, damage to the 1832 structure was largely cosmetic. Initial estimates put cleanup and repair costs in the tens of thousands of dollars.

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THE A~CHbR ~:Diocese of Fall River ~ Fri., Mar. 20, 199,8.. _ :

the living word

themoorin~ Choosing Rightly

:'Am.<;mg frequent targets of the liberal media such as the New York Times and its satellites ar~ the so-called rightists of the Christian Coalition. The recent approval by the House Judiciary Committee of a constitutional amendment to allow the practice of religion in public institutions and on government property has once more riled those who, wnth various arguments in support of separation of Church and state, oppose public recognition of religious' practices.

This bill, they contend, would allow agents of government, including educators and judges, to display religious symbols in classrooms and courtrooms. They are also petrified that prayer might be offered before classes or legal proceedings. Together with Americans for the Separation of Church and State and the Civil Liberties Union, these very power brokers are calling for all-out opposition to the decision of the Judiciary Committee even before it reaches the Congress. There is nothing like public expression of religious beliefs to get their bandwagon rolling down the left lane.

All extremes should be avoided. Virtue lies in the middle. Either extreme of religious sentiment brings chills to those who uphold our nation's motto, "In God We Trust." With the resurgence ofthe religious right, there are indeed those who would sanction a return to public burning, be it in Boston or Florence. There can be little doubt that the blindness to right order of many fundamentalists is a constant threat to our democratic process.

However, we should realize that there are millions of Americans who desire to see a renewal of moral and ethical principles on all levels of our society. Members of the extreme right would impose such a renewal by law, not choice. It is their methodology that is flawed. Admittedly, the road to the abyss is paved with good intentions but when people are blinded by their own partisanship the rights of others are often trampled.

Yet what can be said of religious zealots can also be true of neopragmatists who banish the realities of faith to the world of closed doors and narrow minds. Their unrelenting determination to rid public life of religion has occasioned a moral decay that is permeating.all facets of American living. Under the guise oftheir biased interpretation of the principle of separ~tion of Church and state, they are determined to enforce a religibus mentality of t~eir own making. The tyra~ny of liberalism is as dangerous as the obstinacy of the fundamentalist.

The Church emphatically teaches that the right to religious free-: dom is exercised in human society and is subject to certain regulatory norms. It would be well in this particular circumstanc'e to recognize that in the use of all freedoms, the moral principle of personal and social responsibility should always be observed.

It is imperative in the exercise of religious freedom to adhere to the concept that religious bodies have the right to be unhindered either by legal measures or 'by governmental action. It then follows that such bodies should not be prohibited from demonstrating the special value of doctrine in areas concerning society and its expressions in human activity.

Somehow the New York Times mentality ignores th~ fact that one of the essential duties of government is to protect the religious freedom of its citizens. Government should by word aT!<J example create conditions favorable to fostering the moral and 'ethical qualities associated with right living,justice and peace and the common good.

Our nation .is currently .~t.a moral crossroads. The absence of ethical standards has affected all levels of our life, from the home to the W~ite House~ Congress seems unwilling to act to safeguard the righfs of all citizens, while the Supreme Court plays God with all our lives. ,;Moral and ethical accountability must be restored if a sense of responsibility is to return to our land. Muchlike the Roman Empire, we will self-destruct if we fail to rise to this challenge. ,

I

The Editor

theancho~

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Published weekly by The Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River P.O. BOX 7 887 Highland Avenue Fall River, MA 02722-0007 Fall River, MA 02720 Telephone 508-675-7151 FAX (508) 675-7048 Send address changes 10 P.O. Box 7 or call telephone number above

EDITOR Rev. John F. Moore

GENERAL MANAGER Rosemary Dussault

NEWS EDITOR James N. Dunbar

. . . . . UAl'V PRESS - FALL AIVEA

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CHINESE GIRLS BRING UP THE OFFERTORY GIFTS DURING MASS CELEBRATED IN GOVERNMENT-APPROVED ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH IN BEIJING, ALTHOUGH CHINESE BISHOPS WILL NOT ATTEND THE SyNOD OF BISHOPS FOR ASIA, THE "OPEN" AND "UNDERGROl!ND" CHURCHES OF CHINA WILL LIKELY BE DISCUSSED DURING THE APRIL 19-MAY 14 MEETINGS AT THE VATICAN.

"But may all who seek you exult and be glad in you, and may those who love your salvation say ever, 'The Lord be glorified.'" Psalms 40:17.

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A' Sunday Dlorning dilemma

This editorial appeared March 20 in The Pilot, newspaper of the Boston Archdiocese, and is reprinted . with permission.

By· FATHER

PETER

V. CONLEY

EDITOR, THE PILOT

The Massachusetts Council of Churches spoke this week about a disturbing problem shared by Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic families everywhere. It is an issut< born not of malice but a growing insensitivity to the religious tradition of our churches - Sunday morning worship

as a lack of concern for injured senand Sunday school.

Many public activities - but espe- sibilities.

There are communitie!: throughcially sporting events - are scheduled on Sunday mornings, creating a pain- out the state in which solUl:ions have ful dilemma for children and parents. been found. But in everyone of They must choose between God and them, it began with clergy and parsoccer, which is an unfair and unwar- ents speaking up and insisting that .their children have the right to both ranted pressure on youngsters.

The fact that most Catholic par- play and pray.

The Rev. Diane Kessll~r, as Exishes have a Saturday evening vigil Mass does not excuse uS from be~ ecutive Director of the Ml':ss, Couning part of the ecumenical attempt cil ofChurches, put it clearly: "If the to rescue Sunday as the "Lord's broader community becomes sensiDay," This should be a joint venture tized to this issue, we're sure people can work together to come up with in our religious communities, To be told to "reschedule your all' sorts of inventive solutions," 'worship" is both insensitive and inThis is a project that deserves sulting - showing a lack of appre- unqualified ecumenical support ciation for the needs ,of various from everyone of us who glories in . groups in our diverse culture as well the title "Christian."

Letter 'to the Editor

Dear Editor, Although partial-birth abortion has been condemned by the medical profession as never justified, the profession has taken no action against its practitioners: Consider what kind of mind it takes to hold a perfectly formed human child squirming in one's hands and then puncture its skull and suck itH brains out. Do such as these really qualify to be called medical doctors? Then why are they still members of the profession in good standing and allowed to continue this horrific practice?

The byword of the medical profession used to be "abov.e all do no harm," and the Hippocratic Oath used to say "I will give no deadly medicine," It also included an explicit prohibition against committing abortion. What has become of the medical profession when it welcomes into its rankS those unethical practitioners who have prostituted their skills to destroy human life, accept abortion when the:"e is no medical indication and intrude themselves ioto families by condoning surgery on minors without parental permission or knowledge? Yet many, duped by the wedge of issues of pain and personal autonomy, want to trust this thoroughly corrupted brotherhood with end of life decisions for the weakest and most vulnerable among us. ."

We are not far from the experience of the Netherlands where euthanasia is legal. The Dutch now fear entering their own hospitals, where many lives are involuntarily ended in spite of sO-CaIlE!d safeguards, ' Alfred Lemmo Dearborn, Mich.

CRS

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Mar. 20, 1998

Continued from page one

Hackett praised the tremendous generosity ofAmerican Catholics.

"American Catholics during Lent contribute to the American Bishops Overseas Aid Appt:al. We benefit from that appeal, receiving about 85 percent of it," he explained. "In addition, in FalI River, as in other dioceses, you have Operation Rice Bowl. It is a Lenten program of prayer, fasting and sacrifice. We take 75 percent of the funds raised in that and use it for the poor overseas. The remaining 25 percent remains in the diocese for various things."

Hackett said that Operation Rice Bowl has grown steadily "and has realIy taken off as a family program. People are looking for something to create a sense of values in their children. I can tell you from personal experience that this is a wonderful vehicle to start talking around the kitchen table at night of what your faith means, what it means to be a Catholic.

Young children bring up the question, 'Why should we be concerned? How abou t the poor people in this country?' It opens up conversation about the poorest of the poor and what you can do about it."

Catholics in the Fall River Diocese "are extremely generous," Hackett said. "Over the last three years, parishioners have come up with close to $300,000, placing this diocese among the top 25 in the nation. The people here are also very generous to the annual Bishops Overseas Aid Appeal. Both programs have generated approximately $600,000 in the last three years." He added that "that amount is over and above what individuals contribute to the CRS as well as to special collections for places such as Rwanda, and other things."

Asked where the money goes, Hackett made it very clear. "It changes people's lives. We use it so that children in such countries as Rwanda that were so devastated by that terrible 1994 uprising get food, clothing and medicine. We use it to support programs that give hope to women in Indonesia who are trying to get small businesses going. We use it to help farmers in the Philippines buy fertilizer, and they pay back the loan. It helps people move along and get out of their poverty."

When natural disasters and war devastate countries such as Cambodia, Ethiopia, Rwanda, EI Salvador, North Korea, India and dozens more, CRS is there to provide help through its offi<:es in more than 40 countries. It has the expertise and resources to help a community endure the pain and dislocation that often accompany a disaster, and to assist its people as they rebuild.

As civil strife continues to plague many of tht: countries where the CRS stafflive and work, the agency has been confronted with the reality that even the most carefully designed development project may be destroyed in a month of civil war. It has meant a reexamination by CRS of its work.

Planning ahead means taking a good look at El Nino, said Hackett.

"As we see millionaires' homes rolling down the cliffs into the ocean on Cape Cod and in Califprnia, and the impact of the devastating floods affecting the poor-

est areas of Peru, Indonesia, Kenya and Bolivia, we see it is impacting millions of people. Although El Nino will eventually go away, wiping out poor pt:rsonf homes and farms means they don't recover in a couple of months. El Nino is the single largest issue we are facing pervasively around the world in the next couple of years."

Father Brubaker, who works in CRS' domestic outreach program, stays in touch with representatives in all the dioceses, giving them training at the Baltimore headquar-

Mercy

tel's. He also meets with advisory groups. "Those meetings point how we are relating to the various dioceses and parishes. While we are a Catholic overseas agency, it .is necessary to have a presence to the people in the pews."

He also works with a program for seminarians, Global Fellows.

"We take the seminarians to Africa in the summer to visit CRS projects and the countc~rpart agencies we work with. It offers the students a broader understanding of poverty and the worldwide mission of the

Church."

Another facet of CRS planning includes a "new" theme of reconciliation," Father Brubaker reported. "It brings together people and groups in Rwanda and Eastern Europe who have been engaged in hostilities to begin a dialogue that will help rebuild the

5

civil society. It is not just aimed at Catholics but hopes to engage all groups who have been in conflict in a more constructive dialogue."

Hackett added, "This is Scripturally relevant given what we find in the world ... people who are hurting. In the way we assist we are also trying to reconcile."

Continued from page one

By the 1880s whaling as an in- mother house at St. Catherine's dustry was on the decline and Convent. Sister M. Mechtilde manufacturing was on the rise. Cot- Brennan was elected Reverend ton became king and the mills of Mother and she set to work preFall River and New Bedford flour- paring to fill the vacancies in the ished. As the population grew so did school caused by the sisters who the demand for educators. returned to Providence.

The first teaching Sisters of The outlook was gloomy, but the Mercy came to Fall River in 1874 sisters in the Mercy community had at the request of Fa~her Edward recourse to prayer. The 15 mysterMurphy, pastor of St. Mary Church, ies of the rosary were recited daily later to be made the cathedral for help in filling the empty places church. They took up residence in in the schools. The appeal was not a tenement house at the corner of in vain.

Rodman and Fourth streets that FaBy the opening of the schools in ther Murphy had purchased for September, all the vacant positions them. It was in that house that the had been filled but at a great sacrifirst Catholic school in the Fall River diocese was started. Later tht: school was moved into the old St. Mary's Church building.

The need for schools in New Bedford was also being felt. Two parochial grammar schools .were opened, St. Joseph's, later named Holy Name School, in 1883 and St., Mary's in 1885. By 1900 there were eight elementary schools and one high school in t~e FalI River-New Bedford area.

When the Sisters of Mercy were the only religious community in the diocese, pastors requested their service in the teaching of the catechism until other religious communities could arrive in the diocese. The sisters taught in French, Polish, SyrMOTHER FRANCES XAVIER WARDE ian, J;>ortuguese and Cape Verdean parishes.

In some places they conducted day fice. Sisters who had retired from teaching returned to the schools and schools.

Because of the hours of mill op- the young candidates who had just erations, the school day proved entered were obliged to enter the lengthy for many students. The schools to act as teachers under the noon recess had to be long enough supervision of the experienced sisto allow the children to go home ters Despite the reduction in the and then carry dinner pails to their families working long hours in the number of Sisters of Mercy in the Fall River Diocese, they were able mills.

On March 12, 1904, the diocese to continue to respond to the needs of Fall River was formed. It em- of the parishes.

The Sisters of Mercy of the Fall . braced all of Southeastern Massachusetts. Fall River ",as made the River Diocese continued as an inEpiscopal city where, Bishop WilI- dependent community until 1929, iam Stang was consecrated the first when 39 communities of the United States formed a union known as the bishop.

Despite the jubilation of the Sisters of Mercy of the Union in the new diocese and bishop, the Sis- United States of America.

At that time, the Sisters of Mercy ters of Mercy lost 22 sisters who were recalle<1 to serve the Provi- were again united with the Sisters dence community. The 35 sisters of Mercy of Providence known as who remained here opened a the Province of Providence.

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6

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -;Fri., Mar: 20, 1998

Lessons from the Lewinsky affair

Long after the current White House crisis is ; past, one lesson will remain. It is the one about friendship. ~ While little attention was given to the meaning of friendship, we all heard the word "friend" over and over. Repeatedly we were told that the White House scandal story broke because Monica Lewinsky's "friend," Linda Tripp, secretly recorded their private conversations. Bad enough that she betrayed a trust by doing this.

But she was in cahoots with a literary agent, who no doubt had big dollars from a book in mind when she told Tripp to keep on taping these private conversations with her friend. My stomach doth turn!

Now what kind of a friend would betray a friend in this way? Answer: A person who, in the first place, is not a friend.

All my life I have been taught about the glorious gift of true friendship. A friend loves you for who you are, expects nothing in return for this love, never talks about you behind your back, helps you without counting the cost to self, believes in you even when you are weak or in trouble, never walks away from you when you are most in need of this quality of love. It's not surprising that while we may count'many to be good acquaintances, most of us number our true friends in the single digits!

Over my desk I have pinned many quotes from great people on what makes a friend. In light of the TripplLewinsky matter, I would repeat what Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may HONORED EMPLOYEE-Paula Ritchotte (left), RN and think aloud .... The essence of friendship is entire. nursing supervisor at the Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River, ness, a total magnanimity and trust."

In Catholic school I was taught that one of the presents its "Employee of the Quarter Award" to Margarida

Resendes, a certified nurse aide at the home. Resendes, who has worked at the home for nine years, was recognized by coworkers for her team spirit and sense of caring.

Caring for tan in-law or s(ep-parent, ,_, _,_, want to. That can be especially true if you and your in-law always lived a distance' apart and he or she is Taking care of an in-law cim be pretty much a stranger. a lot different from taking care of, But whether you and your in-law your own parent. always have been close or haven't The same can be true With a step- seen much of each other over the parent if he or she is someone who years, your refationship shifts once joined the family after you reached you begin your new role. Less "paradulthood or there always has been ent to adult child" or "friend to friend," it; naturally, be~<?itlesb1ore friction between the two of you.

Every newlywed soon ,learns "caregiver to patient." <~!1:the p'ro- you don't marry an individual, you cess, you can't help ,but;~ii1v~de" ., "marry" a family ~ a family that your in-law's privaey~~_<.~ " can be very different from your No~u¥your mother-inown. But even newlyweds may not law disrobed and need to help her realize that promising to s!ick-t,y:.. with a bath. Now you know your one another "in sick.ne-s&-ano in father-ih-lliw'sfinancial situation. health":':~~~-n;:::i'rl'Cfl(-de- a family There can also be a JeCIi~g of member's Sickness too. 'ambivalence. You would rather be -.--; '13eing an in-law's caregiver is a 'doing this for your own parent or task that's both easier and harder' would rather have done it when than caring for one's own parents. your own mother or' father needed .

It's easier because you probably it. don't know your mother- or fatherThese are some suggestions: in-law as well as you know your -From the beginning, have your own parent and the 'caregiver-pa- spouse involved as much as possible. tientrolecanfeellessawkward.You What you're doing is'a wonderful have no memories of being cared gift to your spouse, but it's also for by him or her. And then, too, something that can be extremely your in-law probably isn't able to hard on your relationship. Your push your buttons the way your own spouse may have unrealistic expecfamily members can. tations about what you can do.

-Get your spouse's siblings inAs you know, taking care of a parent can be a highly emotional volved. If they live a distance, time. But with an in-law, it's some- maybe they could help with fitimes easier to feel one step re- nances (if that's needed) or with moved, which doesn't mean you keeping extended family members aren't concerned. up-to-date on what's happening.

On the other hand, it can be And during visits to their parent, harder because you may feel you've they could offer you some respite been forced into this role. You may time. . have little interest in taking care of No one should have to carry that an aged person.You may ·n0~·even~ , Joadalone._

By MONICA AND BILL DODDS CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

worst evils we could be swept into would be to betray a friend. We were given the example of Julius Caesar, whose "friend" Brutus plunged the knife'into his gut, ending his life. We shed tears thinking of Judas Iscariot coming up to Jesus in the still of the night and with a kiss betraying his

I'he Bottom Line

By Antoinette Bosco

friend to the soldiers.

And we all learned the expression "With friends like these, who needs enemies?"

I doubt there is one among us who ha:; not felt betrayed to a greater or lesser degree by iiomeone considered a friend. The hurt often leaves permanent wounds.

We all must learn how necessary it is to make sure those we call friends are of the ilk President Woodrow Wilson described in these words: "Loyalty may be blind. Friendship must not be. The object of love is to serve, not to win."

The lesson of the Lewinskyrrripp relationship may be to shock us into taking a consc:icntious, deeper look into the meaning of friendshilp. To do this, the spotlight must first be on oursel ves. For as Emerson said, "The only way to have a· friend is to be one."

Yes!

Scheduling your personal time-outs Dear Dr. Kenny: My life has become totally programmed from morning till night. No fun, nothing to look forward to. I am a single parent. I work 40 hours per week, with some overtime. When I'm not working, I'm taking care of my two preschool children. If I should possibly have a moment free, I'm too tired to do anything. Besides, I fear I have forgotten how to relax or play. (Mississippi) You definitely need a break. You can't wait for those "moments" to happen. With the constant demands in your life, you must plan and schedule your time-outs.

Plan what you will do. And schedule the time.

Breaks comt:; il) three varieties: daily, weekly and quarterly. You need all three.

Daily breaks should come at two-hour intervals.

Large corporations, not always known for compassion toward their employees, often insist on a 15minute coffee break halfway through the morning and afternoon. The reason: Both quantity and qual,ity of work are improved. , A snack and something to drink are a common way to interrupt the day. Daydreaming is another.

Shut your eyes for a few minutes, and imagine a . pleasant s~ene or activity.

At home you might plan to watch your favorite TV show. Take a bath. A walk. Try an exercise rou-, tine. Do 'something 'silly,· like making faces in 'the mirror"painting your face with body paint or'jumping for joy.

You have small children. Get someone to watch them for a few minutes. Trade with another mother who needs time out.

If that's not possible" involve the, children. Exercise with them. Aerobic dancing to a Disney tune is fUrl. Fix a snack together. Have a squirt gun fight.

Weekly breaks involve a bit more planning. If you need to get away from the children, you need a baby sitter. Again, find someone with whom you can trade.

Plan and schedule. If you wait for the mood to strike you, it will never happen.

Get a large kitchen calendar, and write a different activity on one day each week for the next 13 weeks. Be specific and imaginative. The activities can be short, and they can be cost-free.

Some examples: Have a picnic on your living room floor. Bob for apples. Make popcorn while watching a child's video.

If you can get a baby sitter, visit a state park. Go . to the roller rink. Wander the mall. Visit a friend.

Quarterly breaks are your chance to gl~t out of

Family Talk With Dr. James & Mary Kenny

town. A week or at least a long weekend can provide the necessary g~taway that brings you back refreshed.

If you like the outdoors, get a tent and go to a state park, with or without the kids. Tenting or sleeping ina van costs relatively little.

Trade visits with friends who live in another town. Vacations do not have to cost a lot of money.

When finances permit, check with your travel agent for inexpensive tours. Or plan your own. Take a mental inventory of your likes and dislikes. Brainstorm with your friends about places to go and how to get there inexpensively. , You. must interrupt your days and weeks. Plan and.schedule ahead. Don't wait until you have the energy and inclination. Have fun.

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

Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence. Those Who are 14 years of age and older are obliged to abstain from meat.

The effect of the Penitential Rite of the Mass O. I realize the importance of the sacrament of penance, but wonder about the efficacy of other activities like prayer and especially the "Penitential Rite" at the beginning of Mass.

We hear little about this anymore. Is it a rite of penance? Does it have reconciliation effect?

If not, what is its purpose? (Tennessee) A. Yes, it surely does have reconciliation effect.

All the spiritual life of the Church is lived in awareness that, however filled it may be with the gifts of Christ, it is made up of people who unfortunately often fall into sin.

Thus, the Church, "at the same time holy and always in need of purification, constantly pursues repentance and renewal." (Introduction to the Rite of Penance, No.3. The references that follow here are to the same document.)

Next to the eucharistic sacrifice itself, the flagship, so to speak, of this pursuit of forgiveness and healing is the sacrament of penance.

The teaching of the Church is that any grave (mortal) sin should be confessed to a priest in confession (No.7).

But, as the rite puts it, "the people of God (the Church) accomplish and perfect this continua:l repentance in many different ways" in addition to the sacrament of penance.

Individually and as a body, we share Christ's sufferings by enduring our difficulties, doing works of mercy and charity, and trying to adopt more fully the outlook of the Gospel.

Done out of love, St. Peter reminds us .. such actions are redemptive, cover a multitude of sins (1 Pt 4:8) and make us a sign to the world of our conversion to God. Since repentance entails reconciliation with our brothers and sisters, who are always hurt by our sins, communal penance services, for example, even when they do not include individual absolution, show more clearly the community nature of penance and forgiveness.

Listening attentively and prayerfully to the word of God in the liturgy and personal prayer are other ways of experiencing and celebrating God's mercy.

And last, but certainly not least, are the peniten-

tial aspects of the eucharistic celebration, which include the Penitential Rite you mention and other parts of the Mass, the Eucharistic Prayer, the creed, the Lamb of God and so on.

The Church mentions each of these explicitly as part' of its pursuit of reconciliation with God,

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Mar. 20, 1998

"Behold, The Lamb of God who Takes away the sin of the world!"

(John 1:29) Gently - The Blessed l.adJ' Approache(l and Said to Mother Maria Pierina.

Usten carefull)'

This Medal is an armour of defence, a shield of slrenglh, a loken of Ihe love and mercy which Jesus wishes 10 give lhe world in these limes of IUSI and haired against God and His Church. Evils abound - True Apo~tles are few.

Questions

and

The remedy is - The Holy Faee of Jesus.

All who wear Ihis Medal and make Ihe visil.

Will be slrenglhened in faith. t Will overcome all inlerior and exterior difficullies. t And Ihey will have a peaceful dealh under Ihe loving gaze of .Jesus Himscl f.

10 reccive a Medal and fun her delai". 'end ,elf addrc"ed double

t

Answers

By Father John J. Dietzen

'lampled envelope 10: t HOI.Y Met:

with and through Jesus Christ (Nos. 4, 22).

To answer your question then, the Penitential Rite at Mass is effective for forgiveness and reconciliation.

Unfortunately, we always want to go another step. How much "forgiveness" is available in each of these ways of reconciliation?

Just as we can't put a quantity on grace, on our sharing in the life of God, we can't place a pound or quart label on which of these is "more" forgiv_ ing.

We are dealing with a God whose love for us goes beyond measure, who asks us only to open ourselves to his mercy and redemptive love.

We believe that the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, tells us how, and helps us, to move consciously and reverently into the presence of that mercy.

The Penitentiar Rite of the Mass is among its ways of doing that.

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A free brochure answering questions Catholics ask about cremation and other funeral regulations and customs is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Holy Trinity Church, 704 N. Main St., Bloomington; III. 61701. Questions for this column should be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address.

Technology: a blessing for marriages I was watching a space-walking astronaut fix the screen door or something on the Mir recently and thought, "Technology does not receive enough credit for saving marriages."

I am not talking about work-saving devices that cost so much that both spouses have to take second jobs to afford them, thus never seeing each other.

No, I am talking about vacuum-cleaner cords.

I am sure the astronaut was tethered to the space station with a cord that is made by the same people who manufacture the vacuum-cleaner cord we have at our house.

When spouse and! were newlywed, we owned a vacuum whose only redeeming value was that its cord was long enough to reach almost every part of our apartment.

However, when Dust Bluster reached the end of its cord, wife would do her imitation of a calf roping champion - dig in her heels, lean back .and yank the cord so hard that either the cord's plug-in end would snap at its base and remain in the wall socket or the wall socket would exit the wall.

Then, being the te.nder, caring person I was, I'd say something like: "Wow, that was smart. Bet it would have taken you a good eight seconds to walk back and unplug the thing." , To which she would respond by tying the remaining cord into a hangman's noose and twirling it over her head.

It took a while for vacuum cord manufacturers to get the hint. First they came out with recoiling cords. When unplugged, some WQuld snap back toward the vacuum so hard and fast that people, pets and furniture would be sent airborne.

Others, if left plugged in, would pull themselves around the house on the cord trying to find "home socket."

The next big cord advance was the doohickey

snap on the plug-in end. This would allow the vacuum cleaner "operator person" to hand coil the cord around the illogically placed cord-coiling posts until he or she reached the plug-in part which could be snapped onto the cord itself. .

This kept people like me from tying creative

F8RE

e

TH8UGHT FUNERAL PLANNING

9r1.a/iJ it easierfor tliose you Cove

The offbeat worldof<i Uncle :Dan

By Dan M<?rris knots in the cord around the handle to keep it in place. However, it did not stop people like my wife from digging in hero heels, leaning back and jerking the cord from an outlet three rooms away.

She would coil the cord until the plug-in end should have arrived only to find a couple of bare wires sticking out the end.

And then I'd say something like...

Of course we all remember the cords that could be unplugged at both ends - the machine and wall - and then used as independent extension cords.

This innovation was actually hard on marriages, although surely handy for those of us who needed a little electricity now and then in remote areas.

Finally, in recent years (no small thanks to the Menimism Movement, I might add) cords have become increasingly muscular.

Plug-in ends are so sturdy some counties have upgraded building codes to assure electrical outlets can survive horizontal pulls of several hundred pounds - or the equivalent of a 200-pound calf running at 25 mph.

7

Caring for an elderly parent can be an enormous responsibility.

A Geriatric Care Manageroffers .a~sistance to older people and their families making healthcare and related arrangements. Our Geriatric Care Manager can answer questions, arrange in-home help and act as a link to families who live out of the area. Crisis intervention . and assistance for people who work outside of the home while caring for aging loved ones are also available.

For more information, please call 508-999-4561 and speak to: Deborah Osuch, RNC, M.A.

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8

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Mar. '20, 1998

1996, Celtic manager Tommx Burns said, "The first move 'must be to change the way our children are brought i!lto the game.

"Parents bring kids o( Sal' 6 to Glasgow. games and breed them to hate: someBy 1918 the children of the by- one because they are wearing a green then sizable Catholic population in or blue shirt or because they are Scotland were being educated in Catholic or Protestant. We have to Catholic schools funded by the state, tell,people that Celtic Football Club despite Protestant protests. ,does not want to be associattid with It was against this background, hatred of any kind," he Silid. . at the end of the last century, that "I am a proud Christian and tilat Glasgow Celtic and,Glasgow Rang- is my personal right. But I have a ers were formed, strong respect for other religions and Celtic was founded by Marist the rights of others to stand for what Brother Walfrid, a monk who was they believe in,"said Burns. trying to raise money for the socially To this end C,e1tic has taken the ,deprived in the Catholic community. campaign into t~e classroom, Alcmg Glasgow Rangers was seen as ,the with Glasgow City Council, ,Celtic most likely Scottish team to knock representatives have distribu;ted ,inCeltic off its pedestal. ', formation packs to children ill all the In '1989, the Rangers finally city's schools, where pupils a:re now abandoned their policy of not sign- being given ,lessons on bigotry.

Malcolm Green of the council's ing Catholic players. They have since signed a number of Catholi<;:s education committee is enthusiastic from mainland Europe, which about the ~ampaign. , ' , mears that this season Rangers have "People form opinions at a very more Catholics playing for them young age and hence the importance than Celtic has. of creating an awareness of what At the same time, the Rangers bigotry is, why it is wrong and what have taken steps to stop their fans can be done about it at school age," singing sectarian songs at !TIatches he said. ''The fact that such a large and recently imposed life bans on number of schools have become.' in400 of their supporters for such be- volved demonstrates'the strength of havior. . ' feeling over the need to addn~ss this Meanwhile, the, Celtic, in -a bid issue." to eradicate bigotry among its supNo one at Celtic or Rangers preporters, has launched a campaign tends that'bigotry can be eradicated called "Bhoys against Bigotry." overnight. Songs glorifying the Irish Bhoys is a well-known, non-deroga- Republican Army and Ulster Voluntory Scottish word for l;3ritish men.. teer Force will, as always, be sung At the campaign's launch in by some fans at the ne~t match.

Scottish soccer team replete with Catholics

Catholics than the traditionally brought up in a part of Glasgow which was predominantly Catholic.

Catholic Celtic team.

The intense rivalry between the As a Protestant, he went to a differ.teams' supporters is the most visible ' ent school than most of the other manifestation of a sectarianism that children on his street.

"I was spat on and punched by is deeply ingrained in some parts of Scottish sQciety. Yet the two teams adults for wearing a Rangers shirt,"

By MAGNUS MACFARLANE are trying to deal with the problems he recalls of his youth. InJuly 1989 CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE of sectarianism among their own Eddy, who asked that his last name GLASGOW, Scotland - This ,supporters, taking steps to discour- not be used, was attacked as he , walked home in his Rangers shirt. year, Glasgow's traditionally Prot- age various forms of bigotry.

His Catholic assailants, who misFor instance, Eddy, 29, was estant Rangers soccer team has more takenly thought he was returning from a Protestant march in the city that day, stabbed him with a knife and screw-driver, severing an artery.

He said he was lucky to survive two other Protestants were murdered by the same people later that evening.

At no time should lay ministry devaluate Recently in the sallJe part of Glasgow, a gang fight left two men ordained ministers, Vatican warns, , dead and four injured.

Eddy, though, has some optiBy CINDY WOODEN mism for the future and believes that CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE today's youths are less bigoted than VATICAN CITY - Vatican warnings about abuses in lay ministry the older generation. were needed to avoid a "devaluation of the ordained ministry" and a gen"I remember my granny - now eral misunderstanding about the variety of roles within the Church, said she was really bitter,"he says with a Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. laugh, Lay people who perform tasks usually reserv'ed to priests must make it An Act of Parliament, in 1560 clear to parishioners that their servi,ce is only supplementary ana ,that the abolished all papal authority in Scotcommunity must pray for more vocations to the priesthood, said Cardinal . land - along with the celebration Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. of Mass. Catholicism virtually dis.In a March 11 article in the Vatican newspaper, the cardinal commented appeared until the second half of the on the Vatican's November "Instruction on Certain Questions Regarding 19th century, when a steady stream the Collaboration of the Nonordained Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of of Irish immigrants fleeing the poPriests." . tato famine began to arrive in Cardinal Ratzinger said the instruction was prompted by problems first of all in North-Central Europe and, to a lesser degree, in North America and Australia. , "Noting the risk that abuses ... could spread to other Church regions, it After five days, a ~ictor emerged. warding," noting that "Catholics and seemed opportune and urgent to clarify the various forms of lay collaboFather Darilek was the first to reach non-Catholics came together to supBy JOANN HOPKINS ration in assisting with the exercise of priestly ministry," he wrote.the $50,000 mark, with Father port us," CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE "The doctf.ineonJ.h~ nature of priestly ministry and on the unity and "Their generosity did not surprise Drennan less than $800 behind. diversity of ministerial tasks 'anhe service-af the edi,fication of-the-Body :--SAN"ANTONIO - Not since the On the sixth day, Father Drennan me," he added. "Their generosity, in of Christ must be underlined with cladty," the cardinal said.

"Going My Way" days of Fathers got his own personalpolil?e escort to fact, has made me want to hecome Clarity, he said, is needed to avoid undervaluing the ordained priest- O'Malley and Fitzgibbon has a a barber chair placed in the middle of even more generous in what I can hood and "falling into a 'Protestantization' of the concepts of ministry "friendly wager" between two priests the parish parking lot, which also give," and of the Church," as well as to avoid the c1ericalization of the laity. so captured the imagination and serves as a playground for the adjaFather Drennan said he thought the shaven head "was the least I could do cent St. Paul School.

Cardinal Ratzinger said that in some parts of the world "a loss of the hearts of their flock.

Fathers Dennis Darilek, 'pastor, The students were excused from after the community came thl'Qugh." meaning of the sacrament of Holy Orders" and "the growth of a kind of "However, I do know that my parallel ministry by so-called 'pastoral assistants' or 'pastoral workers'" and Jimmy Drennan, parochial vicar, school in order to watch as Father of St. Paul's Parish in San Antonio Darilek took the first few whacks at friends gave money to Father Dennis is leading to confusion about the speciai identity of ordained priests.

The situation is particularly serious when lay pastoral workers "exer- spent five days perched on plywood Father Dre.nnan's hair. A professional just so that they could see mt: bald," Cise the role of leading the community, wear liturgical vestments during sky boxes 20 feet above the ground barber finished the job with razor- he added with a laugh. to raise $100,000 for the construction sharp precision.

Ever vigilant about marketing opcelebrations and do not visibly distinguish themselves from the priests," . After it was over, the children portunities in' the future, Father ballfields- for the children of the he said. ' cheered as Father Drennan went Darilek said he had urged parishio"The risk of a c1ericalization of the laity who exercise this pastoral neighborhood. , With each priest committed to around the parking lot exchanging ners to collect the hair shorn from Faprofession makes invisible and almost incomprehensible the essential difraising $50,000, the two added an ex- high-five salutes with the students and ther Drennan's head "in the likely, ference between the common priesthood and the ministerial priesthood," tra gimmick when they decided that receiving a multitude of good-luck possible, probable, hopeful, maybe the cardinal wrote.

- _ the first to reach his goal would be head rubs from the onlookers. doubtful event that he will one day In addition, he said, a lay person who_exercise-s over a long period of able to shave the head of the losing Father Darilek termed the experi- be a candidate for sainthood, We altime "the pastoral tasks proper to.the priest, excluding the celebration of priest. ence "totally gratifying as well as re- ready have the pre-relics."

Mass and sacramentalc_onfession; in reality is no longer a true lay person That they would undertake such a and loses his proper iaentity in the life and mission of the Church." feat was understood by those who The:vafican instruction promotes the authentic development of the know of their ~ommitment to helprole of the laity in the Church while also protecting the role of the or- ing youth. The priests are as likely to dained priest, he said. ' be found shooting hoops with teenThe document, Cardinal Ratzinger said, explains the three types of , ,agel's on the parish parking lot as they tasks and services proper to the laity: are giving retreats to youngsters.

They felt it was only natural for - making Christ present in the world through thei~ activities in socithem, as Father Darilek put it, "to do ety; something positive and become per- working for Catholic institutions and organizations; - temporarily performing functions normally reserved to a priest "in sonally involved with this community special and serious circumstances, concretely because of a lack of priests effort."

As the Feb. 21 kickoff approached, and deacons."

The cardinal said the instruction is aimed at halting a tendency to relax San Antonio Archbishop Patrick F. or ignore Church rules, which in turn have created "doctrinal confusion." Flores; retired Auxiliary Bishop BerThe confusion, he said, "leads some to think of the tasks of the laity nard F. Popp and Auxiliary Bishops and of priests as being on a level of substantial equality, generating a Thomas 1. Flanagan and Patrick J. Zurek gave their blessings - and 'functionalistic' mentality of ministry which sees it from the point of their donations. view of functions, rather than from its ontological sacramental reality."

Parishioners took turns keeping When it is necessary for the Church to call upon lay people to assist vigil with the priests, who became with ministry, he said, the Church must give them theological and pasto- known as the Pole-Sitting Padres. The ral training.

San Antonio Police Department paFATHERS Jimmy Drennan (left) and Dennis Darilel< celThe preparation must help lay Church workers carry out their tasks in trolled the area with special care, ebrate their pole-sitting victory on the grounds of St. Paul's profound communion with the Church, the cardinal said. since Father Drennan is a former San "At the same time, they must feel the need to support vocations pro- Antonio officer who still proudly dis- Parish in San Anto~io. The priests spent five days atop a 20motion programs for the increase and growth of candidates to the minis- plays his SAPD 51 number on the Ii" foot-high platform to raise $100,000 for the construction of terial priesthood,". he said. : cense plate of his pickup truck,. - -, , basepa!lJields,)~~~N$/Hopkins, pt!oto)

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Makeup of the Protestant Rangers seen as .confronting sectarianism..

Document,o~ l~i!y

aims at c·urbing ,abuses

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Pole-sitting priests raise sports funds

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Hunger study reveals 21 million needing assistance

By NANCY HARTNAGEL CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE. WASHINGTON - More than 21 million U.S. citizens, including many of the working poor and their children, needed emergency food assistance in 1997, according to a new survey.

Another 5 million received food assistance, not in emergency settings such as food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters, but through day care, counseling and high school equivalency programs.'

The landmark research study "Hunger 1997: The Faces and Facts" - was commissiom:d by Second Harvest, the nationwide' network of 186 community food banks. The survey was released

March 10 at a Capitol Hill press conference that included several members of Congress and a Minnesota woman who said she never imagined she would need emergency food assistance.

Benedictine Sister Christine Vladimiroff, president and CEO of Second Harvest, said, "Our research indicates that hunger is at its core - a consequence of poverty, and like poverty, most deeply affects people along gender and generation lines."

Of the 21 million people served by emergency food programs, 62 percent were women, she said, while 38 percent were age 17 or younger and 16 percent were 65 or older. The research also showt:d that 80 percent had an annual income of less than $15,000, though many had ful1time jobs. Sen. Patrick

Leahy, D-Vt., said, "Childrep in too often forced to make difficult, families with working parents are and occasionally life-threatening going to bed hungry. According to decisions between food and medithis survey, 9 percent of the fami- cation," she said. lies surveyed had children who Among elderly food clients surmissed meals." veyed, 28 percent said they had to Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R- Va., choose between filling a prescripchairman of the House Agriculture tion or buying food, and 37 percent Subcommittee on Department Op- said they had to delay medical care erations, Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture, said the report "suggests that the need is color blind." It found that Second . 'Harvest clients are 47 percent white, 32 percent AfricanAmerican and 15 percent Hispanic.

But he said the most telling of all statistics was the education level of food bank clients. "Over 76 percent have a high school diploma or less to show for their time in school," he said. "Only 5 percent have at least a col1ege degree."

Education is the key to selfsufficiency, he said. According Sister AN UNIDENTIFIED child protests cuts in to V.ladimiroff, welfare at a demonstration in St. Paul, Minn.

"The most An estimated 10 million U.S. children have no alarming find- health care coverage. (CNS/Cleo photo) ingsofthestudy . concern the relationship between due to cost. hunger and health."

Overall, and despite the best ecoNearly half the children in the nomic picture in a generation, said study were "under age 5, in the criti- Sister Vladimiroff, the survey found cal stage of their life and develop- "that 26 million low-income pebple ment," she said. ... were served through the Second The report also showed that the Harvest network of food banks last elderly living on fixed incomes "are year."

New Age beliefs dilute authentic religious faith

By LYNNE WElL CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY -Alternative beliefs born of the New Age movement only coopt authentic religious faith, a top Vatican official said at a Roman religious university.

Cardinal Paul Poupard, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, made his remarks in a lateFebruary speech to the Pontifical Atheneum of the Holy Cross, run by the personal prelature Opus Dei. The cardinal said "myriad sects and groups which define themselves as religious" had been appearing worldwide, "taking the name 'New Age,''' and promising their followers peace, harmony and unity through "the flattening out of diversity."

"The experiences which flow from these presuppositions are characterized by an extreme syn-

chronism," Cardinal Poupard said.

"They associate rituals and esoteric symbols with elements of traditional religiousness - for example, some Christian symbols - - and elements from other religions or Eastern philosophies, psychological techniques and activities which elicit strong emotions, excluding almost every aspect of rationality and critical intelligence. .

"The object is no longer to encounter God," the cardinal continued, "but the assimilation of everything into one, of immersion in the universal spirit, in a pantheistic vision ... reminiscent of that of Gnosticism."

Cardinal Poupard called this an "instrumentalization of religion" and a mere projection of people's needs and wants. Its underlying aim, he said, was to restore, a sense

of integrity and hope, to counteract the tensions and fragmentation of secularized societies.

He attributed people's turning toward religious alternatives to "existential confusion" provoked by "a lack of sense, of a clear and authentic meaning for their own lives and actions."

"To profess "a faith without certainty that this is tht: true faith, to have lost the idea of an exclusive faith, cannot help but generate confusion, ambiguity and discomfort," he explained.

The cardinal said the increasing cultural and religious pluralism of modern times could be "interpreted as a providential occasion, as a chal1enge, as a 'crisis of growth' for humanity in the third millennium," for its culture and for its faith.

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Mar. 20, 1998

9

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THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -:. Fri., Mar. 20, 1998

TV readies for Holy Week.programs

By CATHOLIC

.""".

NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON - Broadcast and cable outlets have planned a variety of special programming for Holy Week and Easter.

NBC, PBS, EWTN nnd Odyssey alI have Easter-themed shows scheduled.

"Easter at the University of Notre Dame: A Celebration of Hope" is the centerpiece of broadcast television's Easter programming. It 'will be distributed to NBC affiliates at 6 a.m. EDT Easter Sunday, April 12. Viewers should consult their TV logs for broadcast time in their city.

Hosted by Father Harry Schlitt of the San Francisco Archdiocese, the program will interweave Scripture readings and musical selections by the 40-student Notre Dame Folk Choir. It was produced for the Catholic Communication Campaign, the U.S. bishops' media arm.

PBS will air a two-part series, "From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians," as part of its "Frontline" news package.

Slated to air Monday-Tuesday, April 6-7, with times to be determined by local PBS affiliates, the two two-hour shows willl06k at the time and place where Jesus lived and preached, plus examine the writing of the 'Gospels and the rise' of Christianity.

EWTN's fare (all times EDT): - Palm Sunday Mass live from Our Lady of the Angels Monaste~)( in Birmingham, Ala., 8 a.m. Sun~ day, April 5; - Palm Sunday Mass live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, noon April 5; - Meditations led by Father

Benedict Groeschel, a Conventual the Colosseum in Rome with the the National Shrine, 8 p.m. April 11; - Easter Mass live from Our Franciscan of the Renewal, 9 p.m. pope, 7 p.m. April 10; - "Giotto: Easter Mystery," a Lady of the Angels Monastery, 8 April 5 and 6:30 p.m. April 12; - Holy Week Masses live from survey of the 14th-century artist's a.m. April 12; - Easter Mass live the National Shrine, 8 a.m. from the National Shrine, and 12:10 p.m. Mondaynoon April 12; Wednesday, April 6-8; -Easter Mass with the - A five-part Holy pope from St. Peter's Week parish mission, MonSquare in Rome, 7 p.m. day-Friday, April 6-10, 3 April 12. a.m. and 10 p.m. each day; Programming of inter"Michelangelo's est to Catholics on OdysPieta," a documentary on . sey includes: the sculpture, 9 p.m. Tues- "Great Preachers" day, April 7, repeated II featuring Paulist Father a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2 John Collins ofSt. Paul the p.m. Good Friday, April 10, Apostle Parish in New and 2 p.m. Saturday, April York, 5:30 p.m. April 5, reII; peated midnight April 6, - Meditations and innoon April 8, and 3 a.m. sight into the Easter April 12; Triduuin led by Father John "Christopher Corapi, 8 a.m. Holy ThursCloseup" with actor LeVar day, April 9-Holy Saturday, Burton discussing his life April 11, repeated noon and with host Father Tom 11 p.m. each day; McSweeney, 12:30 p.m.

- Choral meditations April 6, repeated 3 a.m. on eucharistic 'themes, live April 7; from the National Shrine, - Chrism Mass from 5:30 p.m. April 9, repeated St. Patrick's Cathedral in that night at midnight; New York with Cardinal - Mass of the Lord's John 1. O'Connor, 10 a.m.

Supper live from the NaApril 9; tional Shrine in Washing- "On Main Street," ton, 5:30 p.m. April 9, reAN IMAGE of Christ from the Catacomb focusing on the foods peated 12:30 a.m. April 10; - Choral meditations of Ponzianus is one of several portraits fea- eaten at Passover during on the Passion live from the tured in the Frontline TV special "From Jesus the Last Supper, how they National Shrine, 2:30 p.m. to Christ: The First Christians." The program are prepared, why they are chosen and what they repApril 10, repeated 4 a.m. is scheduled to air April 6 and 7 on PBS sta- resent, noon April 9, reApril 11; .

- Commemoration of tions. (CNS photo from Instituto Suove peated 2:30 a.m. April 10; - "The Last Supper," the Lord's Passion live from Benedettine di Priscilla) a docudrama reconstructthe National Shrine, 3 p.m.

April 10, repeated 4:30 a.m. April frescoes and sculpture, 6 p.m. April ing the special meal and emphasizing its place in both Christian and II; II, repeated 2 p.m. April 12; , - The Way of the Cross from - Easter Vigil service live from Jewish tradition, 10 p.m. April 9,

Actor Olmos is a C'atholic - by choice

By JEFF KUROWSKI CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

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repeated at I a.m. April 10; - "The Field Afar," one installment in a 13-week series from Maryknoll World Productions and the Hispanic Telecommunications Network featuring the lives and' ministries of Maryknoll Missioners in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

This episode, narra,ted by Steve Allen, features a Maryknoll lay couple and their year-old son' discovering their home is among the Aymara people. Normally seen at 10 p.m. each Thursday, this episode will be seen at I a.m. April 10 and 2 a.m. Thursday, April 16; - "In Praise of Contemplation," a documentary telling the story of lay persons who experience spiritual renewal at a Texas monastery retreat, 8 a.m. April I0; - Good Friday morning prayer at St. Patrick's Cathedral, 9 a.m.

April 10, repeated at II a.m.; .,-- "The Day Christ Died," a three-hour retelling of Jesus' final days, including his betrayal by Judas and his trial and crucifixion, starring Chris Sarandon, Jonathan .

Pryce and Hope Lange, noon April 10, repeated 8 p.m. April 10 and I p.m. April II; -An Easter-thenied episode of the classic clay-animation series "Davey & Goliath,"8.:30 a.m. April 11; "The Hero," a Father Peyton's Family Theater special about two sons facing death and two mother's undying love in a miracle that spans 2,000 years, II :30 a.m. April II. Odyssey said in an announcement that many of its regularly scheduled worship services and other programs will celebrate Easter Sunday on their shows.

"Iron Mask" swashbuckler f1ilm slips front classic ranks

his son's death, and the king ordering tured performances as the priest and the death of the country's top Jesuit, the king'sloyal guard; Malkovich CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE Aramis takes action to prevent further could have reined in !lis theatrics as DE PERE, Wis ~ After growing up as a'SI?~QiSh~s()eaking SOllthN~W YORK -,-. Big and boisterbloodshed and all-out revolution. He the grieving father, but acquits himern Baptist; Catholic, Episcopalian and Jehqyah,I~';:Witbe$sl,.acto.tEd­ ous, "The Man in the Iron Mask" tells the three other musketeers that self reasonably ,well thereafter. ward James Olmos, best known fo..-his role as-Lt.Castillo,on television's (MGM) is made as a rousing crowd- the king can be replaced bY'a lookIn the title role, DiCaprio has more "Miami Vice," is now a Catholic -"by choid'thh;', , .,,' -', . pleaser, but atthe expense of the more alike, but D' Artagnan disagrees and to work with as the y-oung man just "My spirituality has been strong since birth'," said'Ohnos, whO s!?Oke pleasing joys of subtlety and com- storms out. ' informed of his true identity than he Feb. 24 to a full house at Bt. Norbert College's Walter Theater. . plexity. . The remaining trio proceeds'to res- does as the one-note wicked ruler.

He said 1)\S mother wanted her children to explore different reli,."Braveheart':'screenwriteiRandall cue the king's identical twin brother, Happily, the violence is highly gions and 'make their own faith choices. Olmos, who most recently Phillippe .(also DiCaprio), who was Wallace makes his directorial debut stylized, the sexual innuendo most portrayed the father of slain singer Selena iQ the film "Selena," is thank.' with his screenplay adaptation of secretly imprisoned for years in the discreet and foul.language entirely ful for,the experience. . < AlexaQdre Dumas~ 1850 novel, which Bastille, disguised by an iron,mask. absent. Shot on location in France, the "Most of us are Catholic by exposure bec.ause 9f our patents," 'he .. finds ,16~2 France at the mercy of.the Their plan is to put him on the throne sets and costumes and. palaces are on said. "Many Catholics are afraid to walk into a different church. Seecruel,young mo?arch, LO,l,Iis XIV with no ,one else the wiser and have a grand scale with the masquerade ing the. beauty in other religions can help our own spirituality."

(Leonardo DiCaprio). Despite cal- him tum t~e country around. ball a high point bothvi sually and draOlmos, a native of Los Angeles, said that he has a. strong belief in matically. . lously letting the masses starve; he .

Wallac~~s directori;tl ch~ic~s go God, but finds himself questioning many oftheimages portrayed by still comm~nds the loyalty of aging for the obvious at every turn. The The movie builds to the inevitable the church.

Musketeer chiefD'Artagnan (Gabriel musketeers are made to swear "One face-off between the,lT!atc~ing faces, "I will never laugh at people's beliefs because. I think Adam and Byrne). ',- ," , for all and all fpr one" oye~ and over . but' the grandiose violin strings and Eve were African," he said. "I also don't understand how somebody D' Artagnan's three former muske- again ad' nauseum. A strident'music the corny sentiments are just too desmade Jesus with brown hair, hazel blue eyes and olive skin. I believe teer pals have longosince resigned score attempts to program audience perate to deIfver:the requisite feel. his skin was bronze." their posts. Aramis (Jeremy Irons) has emotions and stilted dialogue is a fre- good ending." : Even though his own image of Christ differs from the portrayais he become a priest"lusty Porthos (Gerard quent problem. But most of all the Lavishly mounted, "The Man in Depardieu) longs for a good fight film stumbles by presenting such a the Iron Mask" succeeds more as cossees, Olmos said he'finds great inspiration in the cl"Ucjfix, once more, and Athos (John one-dimensional' characterization of tume drama than as a dassic literary "For every Christian,it is the salvation 0fl~fe,"he ¢'xplained."lt is Malkovich) lives for his son, Raoul the king as so consistently (as in adaptation. the strongest image that exists anywhere. R~ligiQl!~1;>elief~.give us 'a (Peter Sarsgaard), who is set on mar- boringly) evil. As the key figure, his Due to occasional violence includsense of und~rstanding. When you have a sen~e qf. ~ho y~u ,are, you rying the lovely Christine (Judith predictable behavior is a real draw- ing a suicide, sexual :;ituations and are centered In life." ", , '. .

Godreche). back. references, and brief mar nudity, the Olmos also spoke about the responsibility ofbeing a role.l11od~L He Unfortunately, the 22-year-old The musketeers at least are al- U.S. Catholic Conference classificasaid everyone is a role model and that h~ is not a more important role king also spots Christine and deliber- lowed shades of gray; only tion is A-III - adults. The Motion model than everybody else just because he has reached celebrity status. ately has Raoul sent to the front lines Depardieu's buffoonish Porthos is Picture Association of America ratThe title of his presentation was "We're All in the Same Gang." As where he is immediately killed. poorly contrived to inject a comical ing is PG-13 - parents are strongly a child, the actor escaped becoming involved in gang life in Los AngeWith riots in the streets, Athos element. cautioned that some material may be .Ies. sworn to murder the king to avenge Irons and Byrne give richly.)px- i[illppropriate for child;:en under 13.

By GERRI PARE

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THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Mar. 20, )998

11

Priests climb mountains to get closer look at God PichaI'd, pastor of Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe Parish in Dallas. "Just above the valley was

By BILL HOWARD CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

DALLAS-The temperature dipped to 8 degrees one night last fall at a camp 15,700 feet above sea level in the Himalayan region of Nepal as Msgr.

Larry PichaI'd and several others huddled in a hut.

Recovering from a hard day of hiking in gradually thinning air, Msgr. PichaI'd was approached by a guide who suggested the hikers look at the sky, clear and bright two days before a full moon.

Any previous hardships Msgr.

PichaI'd may have experienced while hiking iil the Himalayas were MSGR. Larry Pichard waves an ice pick soon rewarded. in victory atop Mount Cotopaxi in Ecua"It was a beautidor.

(CNS photo courtesy of Msgr. ful night. The snowPic:hard) covered peaks were all lit up by the moonlight," recalled Msgr. Venus, and it looked just like the

Deacons

Star of Bethlehem."

Msgr. PichaI'd, 50, took up hiking as his main form of exercise more than two decades ago precisely for such sacred moments.

His journeys have taken him throughout the United States and to Canada, Mexico, Ecuador and the Himalayas.

Although he often goes alone, he is sometimes joined on North American hikes by Father Ernie Torres, pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Dallas, and Father Art Mallinson, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lancaster, Texas.

Msgr. Pichard, the most ambitious of the hikers, is often asked why he spends his vacations hiking on volcanoes, glaciers and mountains. His answer comes without hesitation.

"I do it to get closer to God, and I mean that physically and spiritually," he said. "You're right there next to him."

Msgr. PichaI'd and Father Torres travel by car to hiking sites

at least once a year in an effort to rekindle that intimacy with God. They have hiked in Texas, Colorado, Utah and the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

They carry the bare essentials, which usually include a tent, sleeping bags, freeze-dried food, shoe clamps for slippery slopes, a change of clothes and a Bible.

They first met when they were assigned to serve at S1. John Nepomucene Parish in Ennis, Texas in the mid-1980s. Msgr.

PichaI'd, then the pastor, would often share his experiences. He soon learned that Father Torres loved to hike for the same reasons as he.

Father Torres said it gives him a better perspective on life. "I compare hiking with certain challenges in everyday life. For example, when we climb in groups, we have to take care of one another to ensure the success of the whole trip."

Like Father Torres, Msgr.

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Continued from page three

Cardinal Laghi said New Testament evidence and the constant tradition of the church suggest that the women referred to as deaconesses in the Bible were blessed by church leaders, but not sacramentally ordained.

The deaconesses, he said, "received a blessing, but not a sacrament as far as we know according to historical research."

The sacramental conl1guration to Christ, he said, always has been reserved to men, whether in the role of deacon, priest or bishop.

Archbishop Jose Saraiva Martins, secretary of the education congregation, said the documents of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II on reserving the sacrament of Holy Orders to men would seem to rule out the reintroduction of deaconesses in the church.

"The diaconal character is a configurative, distinctive sign indelibly inscribed on the soul, which configures the ordinand to Christ, who made himself a deacon, that is the servant of all," the document on formation said.

Especially regarding Scripture, theology and pastoral practice, it said, the permanent deacon's training must be much closer 1:0 that of a priest than that of a catechist.

Potential candidates for the diaconate should be enrolled in a preparatory program introducing them to various kinds of prayer, a deeper understanding of what the diaconate is and a general introduction to church teaching, it said.

The formation program following the preparatory phase must last at least three years and must include regular one-on-one meetings between the candidate and an approved spiritual director. The pro-

gram should include at least) ,000 hours of lectures and seminars in Catholic theology, morality and social teaching.

Recognizing the fact that the vast majority of permanent deacons are married, the documents called for the active involvement of wives in their husbands' formatio.n journey and urged bishops to establish programs to help prepare women to appreciate and support their husbands' ministry.

The document on a deacon's life and ministry emphasized the fact that he is ordained for and incardinated in a diocese to serve the entire local church, and not just his parish.

A deacon's life and ministry must flow from a spirituality which is intensely prayerful and which clearly shows that his service at the altar and his preaching of the Gospel are the source of the charity he exercises toward the poor and suffering, it said.

'The specific vocation of the permanent diaconate presupposes stability in this order;' the document said. 'Therefore, a non-married or widowed deacon's passage to the priesthood always will be a very rare exception, possible only when special and serious rea'ions suggest it."

Unlike priests and bishops, the document said, permanent deacons are allowed to hold political office, although they must not be involved in any political party or movement which promotes positions contrary to those of the Catholic Church.

One of the greatest gifts married permanent deacons can bring to the church and the world is their witness of the beauty of marital fidelity and parenthood, the document said. ' .

PichaI'd thinks his hikes arc perfect material for homilies and slide shows. He shoots several rolls of film on each trip. They reflect on how getting close to God takes hard work spiritually and physically.

But as that night in the Himalayas proved to Msgr.

PichaI'd, the rewards of such work arc priceless. "I have beautiful insights when I go on these trips," he said.

During his monthlong Himalayan excursion, Msgr. PichaI'd found himself among a group without Christians. There were plenty of Buddhists and Muslims, but nary a Christian to reaffirm his faith.

"I had never gone 30 days and 30 nights without anything to remind me of Christianity," he said.

"It caused me to really appreciate the revelation of Christ. I realized I take Christianity for granted around here sometimes. (In Dallas), I'm always around a church."

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To help build your relationship, you receive a picture of your child (updated yearly), information about your child's family and country, letters from your child and th~ CFCA newsletter. But most important, you'll receive the satisfaction of helping a poor child.

Please don't miss this opportunity to make a difference. Become a sponsor for one poor child today!

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Address 0 Girl 0 Teenager 0 Any in most need.

My monthly pledge is: City/State/Zip 0$10 0 $15 0 $20 0 $25 0 Other $ _ I'll contribute: Phone ( _ _ ) o monthly 0 quarterly 0 semi-annually 0 annually Send to: o Enclosed is my first contribution of $ _ _.

Christian Foundation for (Make check payable to CFCA.I FAR 3/98 Children and Aging (CFCA) o I'd prefer to bill my first sponsorship payment to my One Elmwood Ave. i P.O. Box 3910 credit card: 0 VISA 0 MC 0 Discover 0 AMEX Kansas City, KS 66103·0910 Card No. Exp. Date _ or call toll-free 1-800-875-6564 01 can't sponsor now, but here's my gift of $ _ _.

o Please send me more information abollt sponsorship.

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FOUNDED AND OIRECI'ED BY CATHOLIC LAY PEOPLE

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Member: U.S. Catholic Mission Association, National Catholic Development Conference. Catholic Network of Volunteer Service

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12

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Mar.,20,1 998

Resolutionto Kosovo conflict urged by Vatican â&#x20AC;˘

Pope meets with U.S. state official for update and talks on escalating violence.

By LYNNE WElL CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

-

VATICAN CITY -PopeJohn Paul II and U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright expressed concern over the Kosovo region of Yugoslavia as the conflict there escalated.

The pontiff received Albright March 7 in the midst of her fourday swing through Europe to conduct talks on various issues, with Kosovo high on the agenda.

After his Sunday Angelus blessing March 8, Pope John Paul said he was "profoundly con. cerned by the dramatic situation in Kosovo, where explosions of violence once more threaten intensive efforts at dialogue and peace-making."

The pope called for a peaceful solution in Kosovo. The region was an m.itonomous province within Serbia until 1989, when its autonomy was revoked by Serb leader Slobodan Milosevic, now president of Yugoslavia.

In early March, Yugoslav police and military forces in Kosovo began ct:.acking down on ethnic Albanians suspected of leading an armed movement for independence. Ethnic Albanians comprise an estimated 90 percent of the region's population.

At ajoint news conference with Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini, Albright said Milosevic had been "spurning the offers of the United States and others" for mediation in the dispute. She said "decisive and firm action" against officials in Yugoslavia was needed to end the violence.

"We are not going to stand by and watch the Serbian authorities do in Kosovo what they can no longer get away with doing in Bosnia," Albright said. "We are not going to tolerate a return to the politics of divide and conquer."

A senior State Department official later said the United States was "appalled" that humanitarian aid deliveries to Kosovo were being blocked and international observers were being kept out The secretary of state also met for 45 minutes with the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, and Archbishop Jean-

eome

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Consecration to the' Divine Will Oh adorable and Divine Will, behold me here before the immensity ofYour Light, that Your eternal goodness may open to me the doors and make me enter into It t9 form my life all in You, Divine Will. Therefore, oh adorable Will, prostrate before Your Light, I, the least of all creatures, put myself into the little group or'the sons and daughters ofYour Supreme FIAT. Prostrate in my nothingness, I invoke Your Ljght and beg that it clothe me and eclipse all that does not pertain.to You, Divine Will. It will be my Life, the center of my intelligence, the enrapturer of my heart and of my whole being. I do not want the human will to have life in this heart any longer. I will cast it away from me and thus form the new Eden of Peace, of happiness and of love: With It I shall be always happy. I shall have a singular strength and a holiness that sanctifies all things and conducts them to God. . ' Here prostrate, I invoke the help of the Most Holy Trinity that They permit me to liv.e in the cloister of the Divine Will and thus return in me the first order of creation, just as the creature was created.

Heavenly Mother, Sovereign and Queen of the Divine Fiat, take my hand and introduce me into the Light of the Divine Will. You will be my guide, my' most tender Mother, and will teach me to live in and to maintain myself in the order and the bounds of the Divine Will. Heavenly Mother, I consecrate my whole being to Your Immaculate Heart. You will teach me the doctrine of the Divine Will and I will listen most attentively to Your lessons. You will cover me with Your mantle so that the infernal serpent dare not penetrate into this sacred Eden to entice me and make me fall into the maze of the human will.

Heart of my greatest Good, Jesus, You will.give me Your flames that they may bum me, consume me,¡ and feed me to form in me the Life of the Divine Will. .

Saint Joseph, 'you will be my protector, the guardian of my heart, and will keep the keys of my will in your hands. You will keep my heart jealQusly and shall never give it to me again, that I may be sure of never le~ving the Will of God. My guardian Angel, guard me; defend me; help me in everythi'}g so that IllY Eden may flourish and be the instrument that draws all men into the Kingdom of the Divin~ Will. Amen. ( In Honor of Luisa Piccarreta 1865-1947 Child ofthe Divine Will)

Louis Tauran, the Vatican's foreign minister.

A senior U.S. administration

official said that meeting covered many of the same subjects Albright had discussed with the pope, and

particular emphasis was placed on events in the,Persian Gulf and the Great Lakes region of Africa.

-.....,~ "

,I

ETHNIC ALBANIAN children, refugees from the village of Prekaz, cry after flE~eing their home in Serbia's troubled province of Kosovo. Scores of terrified Albanians wert~ hiding in woods aro~nd Prekaz after two days of heavy fighting with police. (eNS/Reuters photo)

.Missionaries 'ofCharity'~~ .. ranks continue to grow

By ANNE NIGLI CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

now-dusty cloth banner proclaiming love for Mother Teresa peeps CALCUTTA, India - A year through campaign banners from after Sister Nirmala Joshi became recent elections.

The re&t of the house resembles the Missionaries of Charity head, nothing seems to have changed in a traditional convent rather than the the fast-growing women's religious hustling house that drew people congregation Mother Teresa from all walks of life for Mother Teresa's blessing. founded.

"They don't do the same for SisThe only activity and flashbulbs o'n March 13, the first anniversary ter Nirmala," said one nun.

The new leadership has made no of Sister Nirmala's election, were around the grave of Mother Teresa, policy changes, one nun said, addreported UCA News, an Asian' ing, "It is surpri~ing, since one church news agency based in Thai- w<;luld expect people with different land. personalities to have di(ferent prefMissionaries of Charity nuns erences."

Missionaries of Charity nuns, told UCA News that people continue to flock to the grave, although who' generally decline to divulge publicity surrounding Mother their names, still go out to work in pairs.

Teresa is on the wane.

When she took charge, Sister The signboard at the Missionaries of Charity motherhouse still Nirmala said the congregation readii "Mother Teresa - IN.'' She would continue to do what they had been doing and remain "true 'to our died of cardiac arrest Sept. 5.

Nuns escort yisitorsto Mother charism and spirituality."

Lay volunteers still come to help Teresa's customary place in the chapel, where her life-size statue serve the sick, poor and dying, nuns with her characteristic hunched said. back sits.

'Missionaries of Charity sources "It has become a place of pil- said, that except for her shift from grimagenow"~'a nun told UCA . the contemplative to the active, SisNews.The sisters have made a spe- ter Nirmala has not changed. In the. cial entrance from the road to al- past year she has visited Africa,.the low direct access to the grave and Americas, the Philippines and fixed visiting hours from 8 a.m. to Rome, attending professions of noon and 3-6 p.m. vpws'despite attacks of malaria.

Flowers, candles, Missionaries Fifty women enter the congregation of Charity nuns and volunteers dis- each year. tributing cards with Mother Teresa's Archbishop Henry d'Souza .of sayings greet visitors. Outside, a Calcutta told UCA News the 51-

year-old congregation is "doing well" under Sister Nirmala's leadership.

Jesuit Father Lawwnce Abello, chaplain at the mothelihouse, said noth'ing has changed.

Msgr. Eric Barber, conf~ssor for Missionaries of Charity contemplatives, agreed, adding that the general council thaI. elected Sister Nirmala had finalized the order's agenda, and "there seems nothing new." , A Jesuit associate said the waning of Mother Teresa's popularity has helped the nuns "to go about their work without has'sles." An order shows its worth only after the founder is gone, he added.

SISTER NIRMAL.A JOSHI

Nigeria papal visit sparks hope for changes By

CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - As Pope John Paul II prepared to travel to Nigeria for the beatification of a popular local priest, the country's human rights situation was getting more attention than its religious profile.

On the heels of the 77-year-old pope's visit to Cuba in January and the Cuban government's acceptance of a papal plea to free political prisoners, many arc hoping the same thing will happen in Nigeria during the March 21-23 papal trip.

Meeting in early March, Nigeria's bishops called on their nation's president, Gen. Sani Abacha, to free political prisoners before the pope arrives.

At the end of their March 3-6 meeting, the bishops reminded Abacha that he had promised last November to release political detainees, yet nothing has been done.

Abacha, who came to power in a 1993 coup, has been sharply criti- _ __....:1.. cized for arresting and imprisoning political opponents. The U.S. S tat e De p a I' t men t ' s 1997 report on

~~a~t~c:s inr~~~~

decay that has bedeviled our land for quite some time now in the forms of bribery and corruption, dishonesty, violence, selfishness and greed."

Father Tansi was born in 1903 to parents who followed traditional African religious beliefs. Sent to a Catholic school, he requested baptism at the age of 9. He taught school for several years, then entered the seminary and was ordained for the Onitsha Diocese in 1937.

As pastor of a far-flung parish with several missions - one par-

_

NIGERIAN FATHER Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, depicted in this drawing, is to be beatified by Pope John Paull! during his March 21-23 trip to Nigeria. The priest, who lived from 1903 to 1964, baptized hundreds of children in the Onitsha Diocese, including Cardinal Francis Arinze. (CNS photo)

ria said that "the government's human rights record remained disma1."

Human rights groups have expressed their hope that Pope John Paul will be just as clear with Abacha as he was with Cuban President Fidel Castro in appealing for the release of the prisoners.

In their March statement, the bishops asked all Nigerians to make a strong commitment to living in harmony with one another and to ensuring their differences do not make life in the coun,try even more' difficult.

The country has some 250 ethnic groups. }:;ollowers of [slam make up about half of the population, and about 40 percent of the people are Christian. According to Vatican statistics, about I I percent, or 12.4 million Nigerians, are Catholic.

"The pope's visit is neither a stamp of approval nor disapproval of any government," Archbishop John O. Onaiyekan of Abuja told Vatican Radio in February.

The archbishop said preparations for the papal trip marked the first time there was ever any real collaboration between th(: Nigerian Catholic Church and the Abacha government.

The beatification of Father Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, they said, "challenges all Nigerians to emulate his virtues, particularly in the prevailing atmosphere of social

ish that is now 14 - Father Tansi baptized the future Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Father Tansi's dream of becoming a contemplative monk and opening a monastery in Nigeria moved a step toward reality in 1950 when his bishop sent him to a Trappist monastery in England. The monastery ended up founding a house in Cameroon, but the priest was too ill to return to Africa. He died in 1964." '

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

NEWS SERVICE

QUEZON CITY, Philippines-=--Womeh speakers at a lay-sponsored forum presented the plight ofAsian women and proposed that their issues be discussed and reflected on at theupcomillg Synod of Bishops for Asia.

One delegate, Virginia Saldanha of India, said the "instrumentum laboris," the synod working document, failed to rellect the feminization of poverty and labor; the abuse of women in the tourism arid sex industries; and a prevailing view that women are sex objects and can be sexually harassed.

Although the working document cites women's contributions in the church and society, much is needed

13

--

Two new bishops named for Vietnam â&#x20AC;˘

Announced after Vatican meeting with Vietnamese government officials.

By CATHOLIC

NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY -Pope John Paul II has named two new bishops in Vietnam following meetings between Vatican representatives and Vietnamese government officials.

The appointmt:nts of archbishops for Hue and for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city, and the retirement of the bishop of Lang Son leave only three dioceses with apostolic administrators instead of resident bishops.

The Vatican announced March 9 that Coadjutor Bishop Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Man of My Tho would take over leadership of the Archdiocese ofHo Chi Minh City, which had been without an archbishop since 1995. ' Archbishop Etienne Nguyen Nhu The, apostolic administrator of Hue, was named archbishop of Hue the same day. It has been 10 years since Hue has had an archbishop.

The Vatican also announced that Cardinal Paul Joseph Pham Dinh Tung of Hanoi would serve as the apostolic administrator of Lang Son and Cao Bang. The former head of the diocese, Bishop Vincent de Paul Pham Van Du, 76, was reportedly in iI1. health.

Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, said the Vatican was pleased that the government agreed to the appointments, "but there are still many steps to be taken" before one could speak of normal church-state relations.

The Vatican delegation that visited Vietnam Feb. 22-28, Fides said, "strongly expressed support for the requests the bishops made to the government last October," including greater freedom to publish religious material, permission to open another seminary, expand enrollment in the existing seminaries, and to open schools, clinics and hospitals.

The government turned down the bishops' request to open a seminary in the northern city of Thai Binh, Fides said, but it has given its permission for the doubling of the seminary in Saigon.

After returning from Vietnam,

Msgr. Celestino Migliore, a topranking official in the Vatican Secretariat of State, toW Vatican Radio the new appointments were the most concrete result of his visit.

For many years, he said, "communication between the Holy See and the church in Vietnam has been anything but easy." The yearly visit of a Vatican delegation to the country is good for the morale of the church and is an opportunity for negotiations with the government, he said.

He added that the delegation reaffirmed to the government what the bishops have already said: While Catholics make up only 10 percent of the population and while the church has little in the way of material goods, "it has important values and resources to put at the disposal of society in the fields of spiritual and human promotion, formation and assistance.

And it is not waiting to offer these services until it has full organizational freedom."

Msgr. Migliore said all of the problems involving church-state questions would not have to be resolved before the Vatican would launch diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

Chin,ese priest chl!;rged with ,holding Marian eVl!nt

By CATHOLIC

NEWS SERVICE

HONG KONG - A priest labeled "No. I Evil" by security officials in China's eastern Zhejiang province has been sentenced to reeducation through labor for organizing an unauthorized public Marian event last October.

Father John Wang Zhongfa, 66, unaffiliated with China's government-approved Catholic Church, was given a one-year sentence for disturbing the peace by the Wenzhou city government re-education commission Jan. 20, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. The March II report said Father Wang's sentence was retroac-

yuan (US$2,400), for travel expenses, not included in the bond, was levied on him, the source added.

In 1957, Chinese Catholics split over the setting up of the government-approved Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, which rejects papal authority and elects bishops with¡out Vatican approval. An underground church in China, estimated to number in the millions, professes 10y~lty to the pope. At the parish level, there is some mingling of the two, and a number of government-approved bishops are said to have secretly reconciled with the Vatican.

Father Wang was detained around midnight Nov. 23-24 after . , celebrating a funeral Mass for an elderly nun. Some 10 security 01'fice,rs climbed over the wall of his The treatment of the latter, she house and arrested him in the said, describes the dev~tating influ- chape1.

He was accused of plotting with ence of tourism on the moral and physical landscape of many Asian others to set up a tent and loudcountries, for example,'in its contri- speakers without permission in bution to the problem of prostitution. Linjiayuan village for an Oct. 6 However, Saldanha said, the gathering for 2,000 people to "weldocument does not link the prob- come the Holy Mother," seriously lems of tourism to 'poverty, which' disturbihgnormal public life, busishe said she believes forces women ness and traffic. , The authorities also noted that and children to sacrifice themselves Father Wang had conducted anfor families on the brink of starvation. The Indian church worker also other church activity illegally on attributed the lure of prostitution to the same spo~ in early 1994.

In China, people found guilty consumerism spurned by economic of small offenses who are capable development.

In taking up ills that threaten of working will often be given refamily life, the working document education through labor. Such sencould also have tackled ills affect- 'tences us'ually range from one to ing women as a result of family three years, but can be extended to four years. structures, she said.

tive toNov. 24, the first day of his detention, and would run until Nov. 23. ' He was allowed to return home, however, after posting a bond of 15,000 yuan (US$1,800) on condition that he report to authorities regularly, a Catholic from Zhejiang province told UCA News in Hong Kong in early March.

Father Wang was not physically abused during detention, the source said, but was persuaded by authorities to join the governmentapproved church and was taken on a two-week "tour" to Shanghai and other piaces to meet with its officials.

An extra payment of 20,000

Asian women ~s plight may come to synod,

By CATHOLIC

Fri., M~~. 20, 1998

to improve its content and tone regarding wOl)len's issues, said the officer of the Bombay-based women's desk of the Office of Laity of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences~ The March 1-6 forum on "Lay Participation in Renewing and Rebuilding the Asian Church for the Third Millennium" was sponsored by the Geneva-based International Catholic Movem~mt for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs-Pax Romana, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand.

Saldanha said the working document does not take gender justice into account, and the absence of inclusive language conveys insincerity toward women.

.-

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Mar. 20, 1998

OUf

Catholic Schools â&#x20AC;˘

READY FOR THE LAUNCHPAD-Eighth graders from Holy Family-Holy Name School, New Bedford, pose with cardboard rockets they created as part of a le~son on aerodynamics, cause and effect and weight distribution in Susan Massoud's science class. Powered by water and air from bicycle pumps, the rockets were launched outside the school, some soaring as high as the roof of nearby St. Lawrence Church.

OUf

Catholic 'Yout

SCIENCE SCHOLARS-Many students from St. Joseph School, Fairhaven, were recently recognized for their outstanding showing in its annual science fair. Students in grades four through eight participated.

HEARTS FOR CHARITY-Fifth and sixth grade boys of Holy Family - Holy Name School, New Bedford, recently put into action their school motto "A family you c.an count on to serve as Jl?SUS did;' by painting wooden ~earts for a Hearts and Hands organization fundraise'r. The activity was led by art teacher Janice Machnowski.

COYLE AND CASSIDY High School, Taunton, headmaster Dennis Poyant aWclrds five area eighth grade students $1 ,000 scholarships to be applied to their fi rst" year's tuition at the schooL The awa,rd is based on test scores, academic standing and activities. Froln left to right are students Odessa Fernandes, Neha Ohri, Alyssa Milot, Erin O'Brien, Mike Caputo 'and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Sister Ann M. Landry. Academic principal Donna Boyle stands on the far right.

-J""~

THE CIVIL WAR BROUGHTTO LIFE-Michael Brogan, dressed as a Confederate soldier, addresses Angela Newell's fourth grade class at Espirito Santo School, Fall River, on the Civil War. and slavery. The students and soldier debated the issue as part of a Civil War history class..

" MAKING SCHOOLS SAFER-The Acushnet Fire Fighters Association recently presented a $200 check to St. Francis Xavier School principal Susan M. Boulay to purchase 15 new ABC fire extin- . guishers replacing the waterfilled ones the school has presently. To her 'left are AI Robichard and Frank Knox from the association and Ken Sebastio of Fall River's Fire Pro Company, who discounted the extinguishers to cost.

15

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri" Mar. 20, 1998

Our Rock and Role Spring. is a,time for change

By CHARLIE

MARTIN

The Mummers Dance, When in the spri'ngtime of the year When the tree~) are crowned with leaves When the ash and the oak, And the birth and the yew' Are dressed in ribbons fair When owls call the breathless moon In the blue veil of night The shadows e)f the trees appear Amidst the lantern light Refrain: We've been rambling all the night And some time of the day Now returning back again We bring a garland gay Who will go down to Those shady groves And summer the shadows there And tie a ribbon on Those sheltering arms In the springtime of the year The songs of birds Seem to fill the wood That's when the fiddler plays All their voices can be heard Long past their woodland days (Repeat refrain) And so they linked Their hands and danced Round in circles and in rows And so the journey ,Of the night descends When all the shades are gone A garland gay we bring you here And at your door we stand It is a sprout well-budded out The work of our Lord's hand (Repeat refrain) Written and sung by Loreena McKennitt Copyright (c) 1997 by Quinlan Road ltd. ' Do you think that pop/rock is changing? It seems so to me.

Country recording stars and Christian music artists have crossed over to the pop/rock charts.

Even with all this evolution in pop music, I was surprised to hear Loreena McKennitt's beautiful voice on my local pop/rock station. Her "The Mummer's Dance" is currently on several

Billboard charts. I would not have expected her to be hanging around .'with the likes of Pearl.Jam, ,Celine Dion or Boyz II M e n ! ' McKennitt is a star in what is called Celtic music. I've really enjoyed her work on several New Age discs. However, I wasn't thinking that I would hear her on the radio. Clearly, I need to expand my understanding about what forms today's pop music.

"The Mummer's Dance" is off her new CD "The Book of Secrets," This disc offers cuts with a variety of spiritual themes. In fact, the cover jacket even includes a quote from the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu. Like I said, pop music really is changing!

I'd call McKennitt's hit "Celtic-with-a-beat." The song reflects old European traditions marking the coming of spring.

Now, you may be more accustomed to think of spring's arrival in terms of spring break.

School's out, and it's time to relax in the sun, take your boom box outside and catch a few rays.

Spring brings new energy into our lives. We often begin to think about our lives differently.

Spring's arrival can remind us that God's plan for our lives includes opportunities for growth and change. No matter what our past, the future can be different. The question becomes: How do'you want to make these changes? ' One way to assess this question is to examine when your life feels boring, stale or unrewarding. Perhaps you need some new dreams. Maybe you need to visualize living in new, creative ways.

In the Catholic tradition, spring coincides with Lent, a time of personal change and growth.

Lent invites uS to ask how we can change and grow in ways that manifest God's presence to others.

Lent and spring are important times of the year. Allow the gift of new energy, new feeling and new dreams to provide further hope and direction for your life.

Your comments are always welcome. Please address: Charlie Martin, 7125 W 200S, Rockport, Ind. 47635.

.

Why not?

By AMY WELBORN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE I may never reap millions through invaluable contributions to society such as the Pet Rock and the Giga Pet, but I think - no, I'm convinced - I've come up with the surefire solution to every moral dilemma you're ever going to face.

And that's priceless, isn't it?

Now, don't tell me that you don't care. ' If you'are reading these words by a religion writer in a Catholic newspaper, you have already shown me that you have a, conscience, You've already demonstrated that the question of right and wr'ong choices is important to you. ' And you probably are painfully aware how difficult those choices can be.

As St. Paul writes, we too often end up not doing the good we want to and doing evil we really, in our heart of hearts, don't want any part of.

Of course, the reason we end up propelled along that road is that the right choice is usually the more difficult path - that narrow road Jesus talked about.

So we've come up with all kinds of tricks and techniques to help us make the right choices, all sorts of schemes to give us the right framework in decision making and values identification and all that jazz.

As of this moment, you cap put. all of those mind-bending rationales away in the bottom drawer.

You're not going to need them after you hear about my method for getting yourself to do the right thing, even when you don't want to.

It is so simple. It even has a simple name: "Why Not?" That's it. "Why Not?" Think about it.

You are talking with your Mom, discussing your life in general and how you really need to be doing just a bit more around the house to justify the air space you are occupying. You feel your emotions rising and your resistance to doing whatever your Mom is telling you to do is going up right along with it. .

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You are tempted to start talking back and refusing to do whatever it is she wants, no matter how mindless.

"~-:~:::11 Coming of

flge FOR YOUTtt •

ABOOT YOUTtt

Why should I be nice to her, you are thinking, why should I do what she asks?

Stop, breathe and turn that question around.

Why not?

Another example: You're a typical American high school student with amazing educational opportunities, comfortable living conditions, and a life that is unique and precious and given to you by God. Every day you are faced with the question of what to do with that life, and you ask: Why should I spend time studying instead of watching television or surfing the Internet? Why should I set time aside to help others? Why should I try to strive to be the best I can be rather than settle for that lazy slacker existence?

Try it again.

Why not'?

Finally. your boyfriend - well, let's call him that for now - is pressuring you for sex. Do you love me, he asks? Why hold back?

Why stay away from intercourse before you get married?

Well - why not?

Think-about it as you're going through your day, which, ifit's like mine, is filled with countless moral choices.

Why not be honest?

Why not treat the people you meet with dignity and respect?

Why not stop judging people?

Why not buy fewer sodas and candy and give that money to charity?

Why not let Jesus be your model?

Why not?

Make The Way 0" the Cross AI Horne

F~~Cls'cans

t

Fr. Robert Lynch O.F.M.

P.O. Box 23 Boston, MA 02112-0023

MAILING SERVICES

PRINTING'

LEARY PRESS 234 SECOND STREET· FALL RIVER, MA TELEPHONE (508) 679-5262

FAX (508) 673-1545

-

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Mar. 20, 1998

Iteering pOintl Publicity Chairmen are asked to submit.news,items for this column to The Anchor, P.O: Box 7, FlillRiver, 02722., Name of city or town'should be included, as well as full dates of' all activities.

DEADLINE IS NOON ON MONDAYS.

Events published must be of interest and o'pen to our general readership. We do not normally carry, notices of,fund raising activities, which may be 'advertised at our regular rates, obtainable from our business oflice'at,(508) 6757151.

-

ASSONET-The Legion of Mary of St. Bernard Parish will sponsor a guest speaker, Florence Higgins, Lay Carmelite, on March 23 at 7:30 p.m. Shewill give a talk on the Brown Scapular. All welcome to learn about this devotion and participate in the enrollment rite to follow. For more information call Jean

Montie Plumbing &, Heating Co., Over 35 Years, of Satisfied Services Reg. Master Plumber 7023.

JOSEPH RAPOSA; JR. 432'JEFFERSON STREET: FALL RIVER, 675::'7496

Fairhurst at 672-3623 or Carol Spoor at 644-2645.

ATTLEBORO-The Christian musical group "Brethren" will be at the La Salette Shrine coffee house at 6:30 p.m. on March 21. All are welcome.

Singer and musician John Polce will be at the shrine at 7:30 p.m. on March 27 for an evening of song, witness, and prayer. The shrine's prayer community will be present for individuals who wish to be prayed over at the end of the evening.

A traditional seder meal will be offered at the shrine on April 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the monastery dining' room. Father Manuel Pereira will, be the presider and music will be provided by the group Levite: Call 222 c 54I 0 for more information.

The shrine will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 19 with an outdoor Mass at I:30 p.m. Father Robert Kaszynski will be the principal celebrant. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed from 10 a.m. to I p.m. and confessions will be heard from II a,m. to 3 p,m. A holy hour and, Benediction will be held at 3' p.m.

CENTERVILLE-A new support group for widowed persons will meet at Our Lady, of Victory Parish from I :30 to 3' p.m. on" the last Wednesday of each month though .June; The group will be facilitated

he Mess~ge With A

Mi:s'si:o,n

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by Dorothyann Callahan and will

and their experience with others.

'

On March 27 podiatrist Dr; Marion Chatham Outreach assistance is available to 1. Markowitz will be at Prime Time, seniors on community resources, fi- an adult day care. facility located in nancial assistance or other personal the lower level of-the town hall, 979 matters and concerns: Information: Somerset Avenue. Call Cathy at 6996272 to set up an' appointment.

Council on Aging, 945-5190.

Seniors needing legal assistance Carol Field; a certified· physical therapist from PhysiotherapyAssoci- should call Senior Law Project at 676ates,will be at the Chatham senior cen" 6265 or toll free at 1-800-287-3777, ter on March 26 at to a.m. for a,pre- weekdays from 9 'a.m. to 5 p.m. Sesentation on posture, strength, safety, niors in the Bristol Elde:r Service arbalance and, other skills helpful in eas are eligible to receive this service.

If your income is under $11,844 FAIRHAVEN-The Saints and dealing with osteoporosis. Refreshand you need help paying for prescripSingers Easter concert will be held' ments will be served: If you are 55 or' older and would tion drugs, you may be· eligible for at St. Mary's Church on April 3 at 8 p.m. A reception will follow in the like employment, check out the Se- $750 in free prescription drug benefits nior, Training and Employment Pro- from the Senior Pharmacy Program. church hall. All are welcome. gram of Elder Services of Cape Cod Call the COA or 1-800-427-2101 for FALL RIVER-The Council of. and the Islands. The program pro- applications and more information Catholic Nurses is sponsoring an vides "A Bridge. Back to Work" for before June 30.

On March 24 and.31 a knitting and educational seminar from 9 a.m. to income-eligible people age 55 and over. ' Work 20 hours a week with crocheting group will meet at I p.m.

4 p.m. at White~s of Westport March 28. RoberrD. Brennan, R:N. will some benefits. For more information The walking club will meet next at 9 call Betty or Mary at 1-800-244-4630 a,m. March 26 in front of the town present the program "Ways to Feel haiL A bridge club meets every Frior 394-4630.

Good AboutYourself' and all healthTap classes are now being held at day at I p:m. care workers are invited. CEUs and St. Martin's, Lodge on Old Harbor If you would like information on attendance certiticates will be pro- Road. Yoga classes will be held at food stamps call'the Project Bread. vided. For information call 678- building 878 on Main Street. For in- Food Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.

2373. formation on the tap classes call Lois Counselors are available weekdays Stanton at 255-9242 and Margaret from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. a.nd all inforFALL RIVER-The Fall River Moore at. 945-2903 regarding yoga mation is kept confidenlial.

Widowed Group will meet on March classes.

Dennis 23 at 7 p.m. in the St. Mary's School Have your blood pressure checked Anew home safety inspection prohall, Second Street. Ann O'Neil by the Visiting Nurse Association at gram has been initiated by the DenSouza will be the guest speaker and the senior center Wednesdays from 9- nis· Fire and Rescue Department. It all widowed 'persons are welcome.

II a.m.. Call the COA to set up an involves a carbon mo:rlOxide test, For more information call Annette appointment. , 'smoke detector test and walk through Dellecese at 679-3278.

Free hearing and hearing aid tests your home to advise w:ith regard to will be conducted by Barbara Eaton potential hazards. Seniors interested LAKEVILLE-His Land - at the senior center on March 25. Call in a free. safety check can call the Bethany House of Prayer will hold the COA for an appointment.

COA at 384-5067 to set up an apa workshop entitled "Journey Out of Sandwich pointment. FirelRescue personnel Loneliness Into Solitude Through' The COA invites seniors to get in- will, contact you to schedule an inthe Healing Love of.Jesus" on March volved in,the many programs and ser- spection time.

Volunteers are needed at the senior 28 at'9:30'a.m. Dr. Hugh Boyle,' vices it has to otTer. A book club meets Christian therapist, will present the on the second Wednesday of each luncheon site. Call Dick Bush at 385workshop and the day will include month and all ,are welcome. An,exer- 5709 for more information.

Children's" clothing ::s needed at healing prayer. For information or cise group, elder lunches and foot reto register call Norma Chapman at flexology program are some of the the family pantry, 524 Depot Road; ways to have fun and meet new people. If you have grandchildmn who may 947-4704.

Call the COA at 888-4737 for informa, be outgrowing their clNhes, please consider donating them: The pantry LEXINGTON-The Haiti tion on times and dates of meetings.

Seniors are reminded that March 31 is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from Apostolate will be holding its Spring meeting at the Sacred 'Heart Parish· is the deadline to apply for fuel assis- to a.m. to noon and I::,0-3:30 p.m. hall on Follen Road fro~ .1-4 p.m. tance benefits. If your one-person in- and on Saturdays from 9 :l.m. to noon.

The Cape Cod Community Health Anyone interested in learning about come is $13,808 or less or your twomission work in Haiti is welcome. person income is $18,568 or less, you Needs Assessment Project will con, A potluck meal will be shared 'and can receive help with heating costs. duct a study to provide a.n integrated . Call the COA to make an appointment. system of better health cue on March those attending are asked .to bring a Home visits can be arranged.

28 from 10 a.m. to n.oon at the dish or drink. For more information Every Thursday and Friday morn- Yarmouth senior center. Seniors are call Margaret Penicaud at 693-0368. ing adoor-to-doorvan service is avail-, invited to come and share: their health able to Stop and Shop, a bank, and care experiences and concerns. Call MASHPEE-An informational pharmacy. Call the COA office by the eOA for more information. session about Catholic funerals will Wednesday at noon to schedule a.

Every Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. the be held from 1-3:30 p.m. on March pick-up.

Dennis Forum meets at'the Dennis 29 atChrist the King Parish. All are provincetown Senior Center to discuss local issues welcome to join Father Edward The SHINE (serving health infor- and, programs. Dr. David Sheinkopf Healey as he discusses wakes, ex- mation needS of elders) program-of- will speak about new dl:velopments penses, and cremation. fers free trained and certified health in eye care on March 2lL Wellfleet insurance counsel to seniors on Medi- Police Chief Richard Rosenthal will NEW BEDFORD-The prayer care, HMO plans and many other im- address the topic "Crime on the Cape group of Our Lady of Perpetual Help portant topics. Call Lee Chapman at and America:' on March 31 and librarChurch will meet at I p.m. March the COA at 487-7080 for more in- ian Nancy Symington will discuss the 24 for recitation of the Divine Mercy formation. future of libraries ,on April 7.

Chaplet, prayer and: reflection, a Italian II classes' will' begin on Rehoboth Marian talk, recitation of the holy ro- Wednesdays from 7-9'p:m. in April.

The COA seeks volunteer drivers sary and Benediction of the Blessed Call the COA to register. for its meals on wheels program.

A nurse is available to answer Even.giving two hours a week to pick Sacrament. All are welcome. questions from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, , up prepared meals from the eOA will WESTPORT--All are welcome Thursday, and Fridays at the COA. A help out! Call '252-3372 'for more into join the family of St. John's Par- bridge 'Club meets on Mondays from formation.

A.health clinicwill bl: held at the ish in a Lenten mission entitled 7:30-11 'p.m. Oil painting class meets "Consider the Mercy of God" March from'9:30-11 :30 a.m. every Tuesday COA on April 7 from 9-10 a.m. Hear23-26 at 7 p.m. with speaker Father and aerobics ,are offered every Friday ing screenings will take place on April Craig Pregana.. The mission prepa- from to:30-11 :30 a.m. Call the COA 14 from 10" II a.m.' and cholesterol screenings, will be conducted on April ration will include Mass at 4:30 p.m. to sign up or for more information.

Digl,iton tOfrom 9:30 a.m: to noon.

March 21 and at 8, 9:30,' or II a.m; A volunteer group meets' on the A lecture, "Wound:C:lre for DiaMarch 22: The mission schedule includes evening prayer and.homily third and fourth Tuesday of each betics," will be held on ,March 25 at on March 23 and 24, evening prayer month to knit and crochet for the 10 a.m. The presentation will be and reconciliation on March 25 and needy. Join members on March 24 given by Dr. Sandra Kri:;tedson and liturgy on March 26. For more in- , and 31 at I p.m. aUhe COA. Teach- nurses from Sturdy Memorial Hospi- ers are available. For more informa- tal and will,also feature wound care formation call 636-2251. tion call the COA at 823"0095. demonstrations. ' EAST FREETOWN-The next Emmaus weekend retreat wi II be held at Cathedral Camp, April 2426. This coeducational Christianoriented gathering is open to people ages 20-30 and provides opportunity for personal reflection concerning one's life and relationship with God. For more information call Heather Kirby at 548-2364.