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Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

Hundreds from diocese attend Catholic Men's Conference in Boston BOSTON - For Tony Andrade, actor Jim Caviezel's speech at a men's conference last weekend was a life-altering experience.

Caviezel, who played Jesus in last year's movie, 'The Passion of the Christ," challenged his listeners to become "waniors" for Christ, and to step into the world and express their faith in public.

'The words he had to say, without a doubt, will have an impact on me for the rest of my life," Andrade said in an interview afterward. "I will be more determined. I'm going to have to follow. I never, ever got the message more clear than I' did today."

Andrade, 57, a Rehoboth resident, was one of more than 2,000 men who attended the fITSt annual Boston Catholic Men's Conference March 19 at Boston College High School in Dorchester.

About 250 men from the Diocese of Fall River went - 71 from Andrade's parish, Our Lady ofMt. Carmel in Seekonk, including the pastor, Father George Harrison.

The conference, which took place on St. Joseph's Day, featured speeches and presentations aimed at encouraging men to deepen their relationship with Jesus and incorporate Christian values in their everyday lives.

"I came because Christian men, Catholic men, have to stand up stand up for life, stand up for what's right," said John Miranda, an engineering manager from Seekonk, in an interview.

Miranda, 59, attributed the strong presence from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to the parish's roundthe-clock adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

"So it does not surprise me that we would have [71] men say, 'we need to go to that,' because it all comes from perpetual adoration," Miranda said. "Because where there's Jesus, there's everything."

Speakers at the conference included Tom Monaghan, the founder of Domino's Pizza and Ave Maria University in Florida; Jim Towey, director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and former legal counsel to Mother Teresa; and Father Philip Merdinger, founder of the Brotherhood of Hope.

For many participants, Caviezel was the hit. In an emotional talk, Caviezel recounted his sufferings portraying Jesus, including two blows during the scourging scene that missed protective armor he was wearing and tore into his back. One of Turn to page 16 - Men

BISHOP GEORGE W. Coleman blesses holy oils to be used throughout the diocese, at the annual Chrism Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral last Tuesday. (Anchon'Gordon photo)

DENISE PORCHE, coordinator of Child Protection Education and Compliance for Catholic Social Services, addresses those attending a Hope Dialogue at UMass Dartmouth last week. The session, sponsored by CSS, launched the agency's violence prevention initiatives. (Anchon'Gordon photo)

Catholic Social Services initiates violence prevention program By

MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

bilizing community resources it hopes to put an end to violence.

Judge Bettina Borders of the NORTH DARTMOUTH Bristol County Juvenile Court Catholic Social Services' Viospoke during the dialogue and lence Prevention Committee held said it is a goal "to bring people its Hope Dialogue March 23 in together in the neighborhood, to the library of the University of empower the neighborhood."

Massachusetts at Dartmouth as it Borders added that it was imporcontinued its efforts to help stop tant to get the university involved the spread of violence throughbecause "there is a lot of energy out the New Bedford area. here," and said she is "very exThe Hope Dialogue for stucited about it." dents and faculty was the A moving speech was official launch of several violence prevention initia"It is the mission of Catholic So- made by Bernadette Souza tives including the pilot cial Services to reach out and heal of the Boys and Girls Club of New Bedford. She stated project and a public outreach campaign. The dia- lives. We strive to reach out and re- they are excited to offer logue was an opportunity to store hope. We want to help with their building as a safe habring the initiatives to stu- community outreach and have true ven to the New Bedford youth. "I've worked with dents and faculty of the col- collaboration. 11 youth for 20 years and I've lege and get them involved. never seen it so bad. They '·'It is the mission of Catholic Social Services to reach incident the Violence Prevention need us and we as a community out and heal lives," declared Committee was formed and had need to step up to the plate and Denise Porche, CSS Child Pro- its first meeting. Included on the help in any way we can."

Souza challenged those attendtection Education and Compli- committee is Father John J. Olance coordinator, during the dia- iveira, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. ing to spend just one hour a month logue. "We strive to reach out and Carmel Parish, New Bedford. at the Boys and Girls Club to play restore hope. We want to help With assistance from United In- a board game with a child and ask with community outreach and terfaith Action, they have begun how was their day.

"We all have something to oftheir efforts to stop violence. have true collaboration."

The pilot project will be man- fer," Souza added. "Come on The call for collaboration to stop violence comes after a mur- aged by Lisa Cardona of the down and feel the rewards of der occurred on the New Bedford Bristol County Sheriff's Office working with young people. streets the night of Halloween last and will provide intense inter- These children need us."

For more infonnation on the year. Community members had ventions in a New Bedford seen this too many times and neighborhood in hopes of creat- violence prevention program call wanted something to be done ing a safer environment. By mo- Denise Porche at 508-674-4681. about it and that's why many gathered on the campus last week.

It's an important effort Porche said. "Everyone needs to feel and believe that this will work for the children in our community. We want people to get involved."

Porche said she received many calls from upset families following the 2004 shooting. People wanted the Catholic Church to do something and a week after the

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Friday, April 1, 2005 I

Diocesan seminarians among 37 instituted as acolytes in Rome

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Mrs. Viola J. Lopes EASTON - Mrs. Viola J. (Authier) Lopes, 88, of Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, wife of the late Constantine V. Lopes and mother of Father Thomas C. Lopes, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in North Easton, died March 20 at St. Joseph's Manor Nursing Home in Brockton after a period of failing health.

Born in Rochester, a daughter of the late Joseph and Olive (Piche) Authier, she and her late husband had lived on Martha's Vineyard until 1960 when they moved to Brighton. They retired in 1975 and moved back to the Vineyard.

A homemaker, she enjoyed reading, writing, Church activi-' ties, visiting shut-ins and those in rest homes, and most of all baking bread to sell in local stores.

She was a member of the Legion of Mary in Brighton, the Ladies Guild in Vineyard Haven, and a member of the choir in parishes

in Brighton and Vineyard Haven.

Besides her priest-son, she leaves three other sons, Richard J. Lopes of Newton, Peter F. Lopes of Norfolk and Constantine P. Lopes of Framingham; three daughters, Jacqueline C. LaBatt of Arlington, Vt., Nancy R. Ferreira of Randolph and Margaret M. O'Donnell of Chelmsford; a sister, Gloria Norton of Edgartown; 27 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

She was also the sister of the late Joseph, Raymond and Roland Authier, Dora Beauchemin and Yvonne Hickey.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church in Easton. Interment was in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard.

The Kane Funeral Home, 605 Washington St., Easton, was in charge of arrangements.

ROME, Italy - Thirty-seven seminarians were instituted as acolytes during the celebration of the Eucharist at the Pontifical North American College here on March 6. Peter Fournier of Attleboro, Mass., and Jay Mello, of Fall River, Mass., both second-year theology students, were among those instituted at the college.

Bishop Brian Farrell, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, was the principal celebrant, and installed the men as acolytes.

During his homily, Bishop Farrell reminded the candidates that they are not participating in this ministry because they are the best,

but because the Lord has called them. "You'll be asked to do it for love of the Church, for the love of those you will serve, not for yourselves. . "The altar of the sacrifice becomes the place of your special concern ... to serve the Eucharist, to bring it, to give it, to help the priest and deacon in the celebration. Your lives must reflect the mystery you are serving. There is no other way."

Referring to the seminarians' future parishioners he said, "they will not believe a teacher, they will only believe a witness. Every day you have to come to the Eucharist to renew yourselves for service."

The 37 have now been instituted

Sister Francis S..Dwyer SUSC FALL RIVER - Holy Union Sister Francis Sebastian Dwyer, 97, who taught at schools in the Fall River diocese, died March 22.

Born in Providence, R.I., the daughter ofthe late TlffiOthy and the late Helena (Connery) Dwyer, she entered the Holy Union Novitiate on Sept. 7, 1926. She professed her first vows in 1933 and her final profession on July 26, 1933. She celebrated her 75th anniversary as a religious in September 2001. . Mte~ co~pleting the novitiate, SIster hancIs earned bachelor's degrees in Latin and Spanish from The .Cat.holic University of Amenca 10 Washington, D.C., a master's degree in classics from ~ost?n. College? and a certificate 10 religIOUS studies from the Providence College School ofTheology.

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She taught in Baltimore, Md.; at St. Mary's High School in Taunton, and at Sacred Hearts Academy in Fall River.

In retirement she taught parttime at Holy Union Primary School. She was a special minister of holy Communion at Sacred Heart Parish and Charlton Memorial Hospital, both in Fall River; . DiOCESAN SEMINARIANS Peter Fournier, second row, far and was a member of the Sacred left, and Jay Mello, third row, third from left, were among 37 Heart Parish Council and the men recently installed as acolytes in Rome. (Emest Cibelli photo) parish's Senior Citizens' Club.

Sister Francis is survived by nieces and nephews and her Holy Union Sisters. She was the sister of the late Margaret, Francis, William and Thomas Dwyer.

Please pray for the following Her funeral Mass was celpriests during the coming weeks' ebrated in Holy Rosary Church, Fall River. Interment was in St. .

April 4 Patrick's Cemetery, Fall River.

1972, Rev. Lionel Gamache, S.M.M. 1985. Rev. James F. McCarthy, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart Fall honor of Sister Lucia dos Santos,' Ri~ . ' 1991, Rev. Gaspar L. Parente, Retired Pastor, St. Theresa, seer of Fatima, who died ' Patagonia, Ariz.

In Your Prayers

February 13,2005, age 97.

Lucia pray for us.

St. Anne's Prayer "Good St. Anne, Mother of Mary, and Grandmother of Jesus, Intercede for me and my petitions. Amen."

PRACTICE THE DEVOTION OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS

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AS REQUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia (seer of Fatima).and s~ke these words: "Announce in my name that I promISe to asSISt at the hour ofdeath with the graces

necessary for the salvation oftheir souls, all those who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite路the Rosary (5 decades); and 4. Keep me company for IS minutes while meditating on the 15 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me." .

In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be preceded by the words: "In reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary:' Confessions may be made during 8 days before or after the ~rst Saturday, ~nd Holy Communion may be received at either the morning or evening Mass on the first Saturday.

. ,..4pril6 1977, Rev. Msgr. John A. Ghippendale, Retired Pastor, St. Patrick, Wareham \ ~ " 1980, Rev. Lorenzo Morais,~t(tir:~J~ast~. George, Westport 1987, Rev. Msgr. William D.\TholllSOn-;'Retired Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis 4~ \ 1994, Rev. Ger~~E.;."Conmy,fSC, Associate Pastor, St. Ann, DeBary, Fla. .\ \ 1997, Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Gilligan .2001, Rev. Lucien Jusseaume, <-:;!\aplain, Our Lady's Haven,

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April 7\\

1976, Rev. James A. Dury, Attleboro

ChaPlai~~adOnna Manor, North \ ) .

April 8 1988, Rev. Alvin Matthews, OFM, Retired, Our Lady's Chapel, New Bedford April 9 1919, Rev. Cornelius McSweeney, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River 1965, Rev. Edward F. Dowling, Pastor, Immaculate Conception Fall River ' April 10 1944, Rev. John P. Doyle, Pastor, St. William, Fall River

into the last required ministry before diaconal, and then priestly, ordination. Acolytes are appointed in order to aid the deacon and the priest. They are, therefore, given the duty to serve at that altar and to assist the priest during the celebration of the Eucharist.

According to Pope Paul VI's 1972 explanation of the ministry (Ministeria Quaedam), the acolyte is "set aside in a special way for the service of the altar," and he "should learn all matters concerning public divine worship and strive to grasp their inner spiritual meaning; in that way he will be able each day to offer himself entirely to God, be an example to all by his gravity and reverence in church, and have a sincere'love for the Mystical Body of Christ, the people of God, especially for the weak and the sick."

The North American College is the American seminary in Rome owned and operated by the U.S. bishops, where they may send seminarians to complete their priestly formation. Currently, there are nearly 150 seminarians from across the U oited States studying at the college.

While the seminarians' spiritual and pastoral formation is conducted at the seminary itself, their academic classes are taken at one of Rome's higWy respected pontifical universities, alongside other students from around the globe.

After ordination, and having finished their studies, the college's graduates return to serve in the dioceses from which they came. The college strengthens the bonds between Rome and the local American churches, and it allows its students to study Christianity's rich religious and cultural heritage at close range.

Daily Readings April 4

April 5 April 6 April 7 April 8 April 9 April 10

Is 7:10-14;8:10; Ps 40:7-11; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:2638 Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93: 1-2,5; In 3:7b15 Acts 5: 17-26; Ps 34:2-9; In 3:1621 Acts 5:27-33; Ps 34:2,9,17-20; In 3:31-36 Acts 5:34-42; Ps 27:1,4,13-14;Jn 6:1-15 Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33: 1-2,4-5,18-19; In 6:16-21 Acts 2: 14,22-33; Ps 16:1-2,5,7-11; 1 Pt 1:17-21; Lk 24:13-35

1111111111111111111111111111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS-54S-D20) Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River. Mass. Published weekly except for two weeks in July and the week after Christmas at 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year.

POSTMASTERS send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River. MA 02722.

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Friday, April 1, 2005

ancholY

CSS abstinence program offered to diocesan schools BY

MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

FALL RIVER - Students from St. Anne's School have recently finished up an eight-class program on abstinence presented

by Steve Gangloff and Anne Cote of Catholic Social Services. It was one of many Catholic schools within the diocese to host presentations after successful pilot programs were launched last year at St. Stanislaus and St. Michael's schools in Fall River.

The A.C.T.l.O.N Program, which stands for Abstinence Challenging Teens In Our Neighborhood Schools, is aimed at helping teens realize that sex outside of marriage has many physical and emotional consequences that they may have not realized.

They are also learning the effects alcohol, drugs and peer pressure can have on making decisions. According to Gangloff, the program is designed to build character and self-esteem by giving teens the tools to make informed and healthy choices.

Gangloff said "The students have been very receptive to the message of abstinence and they have all been positive classes." He added that the response from teens has been wonderful. "We've received excellent responses in our evaluations."

The classes, attended by sixthseventh- and eighth-graders and tailored to specific age needs, are helping children decide that choosing abstinence until marriage can have a positive affect in many aspects of their lives including health, reaching goals and self-esteem. They are learning to set boundaries before they find

themselves in a pressure situation without clear boundaries.

Classes included a video presentation and workbooks.

Gangloff also led students participating in several activities dealing with the consequences ofhaving premarital sex and sexually transmitted diseases.

Vice Principal Brenda Gagnon said "It has been a very positive program for our children. They have a lot of wrong information and our goal is to educate them.

We hope. they make the right choice."

Gagnon added that she has been impressed with the coordi- . nators. "They are very good and sensitive to the needs of each class. They worked well with the teachers here and it's nice that they are open to parent presentations as well."

To date, the program has reached more than 1,000 teens in public and private middle and high schools and youth groups in the state. Presentations have been completed at Holy Family-Holy Name, St. Stanislaus and St. Anne's schools, Fall River.

They are still ongoing at St. Joseph's School, Fairhaven and scheduled to be done at St. Michael's School, Fall River, and St. Anthony's School, New Bedford later this year.

In addition to presentations at schools, Gangloff has also spoken to confirmation classes at parishes and recently completed programs at Corpus Christi, East Sandwich; St. Bernard's, Assonet; Holy Family-Holy Name, Fall River; and Our Lady of the Assumption, New Bedford.

'Teachers and principals are enthusiastic and supportive of the program," said Gangloff. "Several ex-

pressed a wish that it had been available to students the previous year."

Eighth-grader Amanda Cook of St. Anne's School said she learned a lot in the program including that "abstinence is very important in life." Her classmate Nicholas Bemore agreed adding "the instructors for the classes were very good."

The message of the program, according to a Catholic Social Services program description, is a positive one. Sex should and can be a positive and healthy experiTum to page 13 - Program

STEVE GANGLOFF and Anne Cote of Catholic Social Services recently presented an Abstinence Challenging Teens In Our Neighborhood Schools program at s.t. Anne's School in Fall River. (AnchortGordon photo)

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Venus de Milo, Swansea Tickets Adults $20.00 Children 3-10 $10.00 Children under 3 free I!! lickets can be purchased by calling 508-672-7258

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Married Couples Retreat - Fr. Dan Bradley, M.S. with Ted and Bonnie Cotter 4/4 Grandparenting Seminar - Dorothy Levesque - 10:30 a.m.

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Friday. April 1, 2005

themoorin~

the living word

Guidelines for the times The Terri Schiavo situation has become a conflicting and emotional headline event. The many issues of family intrigue, political intervention and judicial decision have become a reporter's field day. Everyone has become an expert. In all ofthis, some honest and frank points at hand have been shelved by a media sideshow. Be. cause of this, it is important to recall our Church's teaching on the subject of euthanasia. This current American case and the medicalpolitical decision of the Netherlands make this an imperative. To attempt some clarification on the gravity of so many negative subA U.S. ARMy SOLDIER WITH jective opinions, it is well to turn to what our Church teaches. The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" has valuable reflections on the THE THIRD INFANTRY DIVIsubject of euthanasia, which 'can help us stay on a right course amid SION ATTENDS THE EASTER the many commentaries offered by a secular media which someVIGIL AT CAMP LIBERTY IN times borders on the hysterical.

BAGHDAD,1RAQ,~ARCH The Cate~hism first states that those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons 26. (CNS PHOTO FROM should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible. Then it defmes REUTERS) euthanasia. Whatever its motives and means, euthanasia consists of putting an end to the lives of the handicapped, sick or dying persons.

"AIL THE NATIONS YOU It is morally unacceptable. .

A furth~r clarification states that an act or omission which of uAVE MADE WIlL COME itself or by intention causes death in order to eliminate suffering, AND WORSHIP BEFORE constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human YOU, 0 LORD" (PSALM person. The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith 86:9). does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.

This being stated, the Catechism takes up the question of ordinary and extraordinary means of sustaining life. Now it should be said that in the field of medicine so many advances have been made, that what was once extraordinary has now become ordinary. So this defmition should rest in the hands of competent medical persons and not politicians orjudges. With that in mind, the Catechism makes the point that discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate, because it is the refusal of "over zealous" treatment. Here, one does not will to cause death; one's ability to impede it is merely accepted. The decision should be made by the patient if he or she is competent and able, or if not, those legally entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will and legitimate Catholics can easily recall when God and man tlifough the forgiveThese sacraments of reconciliainterest must always be respected. This latter teaching is now the Jesus instituted the sacrament of ness of our sins and he was about tion and the Eucharist are intrinsigreat debate of the Schiavo conflict. . . .the Eucharist. He did it during the to commission them to continue cally related. Just like a loving But the Catechism continues by noting that even if death is immi- first Mass, which began during the this yery mission. mother both cleans and feeds a nent, the ordinary care due to a sick person cannot be legitimately Last Supper with the words of "Just as the Father sent me," he child, so God through these interrupted. This indeed is at the heart of the water debate that has consecration and finished the said, "so I send you!" But since sacraments both wipes us clean of become so rooted in the care, or lack of care, for Terri Schiavo. A following afternoon when Jesus "no one can forgive sins but God our sins and fills us with supervery important point made by the Catechism is that the use of pain- literally gave his body and shed his alone" (Mk 2:7), Jesus had to give natural nourishment. killers to alleviate the suffering of the dying, even at the risk of blood for us on the cross. them God's power to fulfill this During this Year of the EuchaBut far fewer Catholics·know mission. So he breathed on them shortening their lives, can be morally in conformity with human rist, Pope John Paul II has called and said, "Receive the Holy dignity if death is not willed as either an end or means, but only when Jesus instituted the sacraall of us in the Church to renewal Spirit." Then he said words that foreseen and tolerated as inevitable. Palliative care is a special form ment of reconciliation, which may in two areas: a revival in all point clearly to the structure of the of disinterested charity. As such, it should be encouraged, for it of- be one of the reasons many today parishes of the celebration of sacrament of confession as we Sunday Mass and an fers life, and regards dying as a normal process; intends neither tt? take it for granted. He did it on the increase in eucharistic hasten or postpone death; integrates the psychological and spiritual day he rose from the dead! adoration. He wants us to aspects of patient care; and offers a positive support system to help The timing of its inception - - - - - - . . . ; . . . - - - shows just how crucial receive Christ more both parents and families to cope with the difficulties at hand.

Jesus considered it in his worthily and worship our There are but a few guidelines that should be kept in mind amid salvific mission. eucharistic Lord with the conflicting stories that have surfaced in the long and difficult By doing it on Easter greater love and gratitude. journey that has been the hallmark of Terri Schiavo and her entire Sunday evening, he also The whole Church

By Father Roger family. The ultimate solution rests always in the caring hands of manifested what the would benefit from a ~// J. Landry God. sacrament of reconciliasimilar two-fold renewal The Executive Editor tion is meant to bring with respect to the about. Just like in the . sacrament of reconciliaparable of the Prodigal Son, know it: 'Those whose sins you tion. There needs to be a revival whenever we return to the Father's forgive; they are forgiven; those both in terms of our receiving house through this sacrament, the whose sins you retain, they are Christ's forgiveness through the Father rejoices because his "son retained." Jesus didn't give them sacrament and an increase in who was dead has come to life the ability to read niinds or hearts; worship of our Merciful Lord.

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER again" (Lk 15:24). Jesus wanted therefore the only way that they This Sunday's feast of Divine Published weekly by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall RiVer explicitly to link our resurrection would know which sins to forgive Mercy is an opportunity for us to 887 Highland Avenue P.O'iI?OX 7 . .: . through this sacrament to his or retain is if individual sinners focus on each of these two Fall River, MA .02720 Fall River, Mk"02722-000 resurrection from the dead. told them their sins. priorities.

Telephone 508-675·7151 FAX 508-675-7048 So on the day he rose from the Just as Jesus three days before In 2000, Pope John Paul II E-mail: TheAnchor@Anchornews.org dead, he walked through the closed had made them his instruments in instituted this feast on the Second Send address changes to P.O. Box, call or use E-mail address doors of the room where 10 of his order to give us his Body and Sunday of Easter so that the apostles were huddled together.

Blood through the sacrament of the Church might rejoice over Christ's EXECUTIVE EDITOR His first words to them were Eucharist, so he was making them Rev. Msgr. John F. Moore gift qf mercy within the Easter "peace be with you." He had come his instruments, his ambassadors, Octave. The pope announced this EDITOR NEWS EDITOR OFFICE MANAGER from heaven to establish the through whom he would forgive new feast during the canonization David B. JoJivet James N. Dunbar Mary Chase definitive peace treaty between our sm.

Turn to page five - Jesus

Jesus' Easter message

Putting Into the Deep

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Hey, this feels pretty good!

The last time we were in this I haven't kept track of any situation was 1919. That was the spring training statistics. None. most recent baseball opening I couldn't tell you who led day opportunity Red Sox fans the team in home runs, RBIs, didn't have to say, "Wait 'til next hits, wins, losses, strikeouts, and year." And do you know what? It ERA. I don't know how many feels pretty darn good. games the good guys won and I truly can't believe how lost in the Sunshine State. And different this baseball season feels from each and everyone since the Bosox back in the mid1960s hooked me.

The feeling is hard to describe, and I'm not quite sure if I'm the only one experiencing

By Dave Jolivet this.

I still love my Boston Red Sox with a do you know whanit feels passion beyond compare (in the pretty good. sports world, of course). Yet Never in my four decades of here, on the cusp of another obsessing over this team have I Major League Baseball season, not listened to, or watched an there isn't a sense of desperaentire spring training game tion, hopelessness and angst. until 2005. And I survived.

And do you know what? It feels The Red Sox open the 2005 pretty good. season Sunday night in the For the first time since the Bronx at Yankee Stadium. In Sox started dragging me around, any other season, I would have

My View From the Stands

Jesus

been on pins and needles all week, feeling deep down inside that this is already a "must win" game. It's a game we need to send a message to the Pinstripes that "this is the year!"

Not the case this season. If we win Sunday night, great. If not, it's OK. There are 161 more games.

I don't know about anyone else, but at the dawn of this new season, I feel very relaxed. And do you know what? It feels pretty good.

If 2005 is not "the year" again, that's OK. I still have my 2004 DVDs from NESN and Major League Baseball, my hardcover books and softcover books chronicling last season's incredible journey.

I have my picture with the championship trophy and a 2004 championship banner in my office. I have championship T-shirts and hats to remind me

of the greatest comeback in baseball history, or the greatest choke in sports history (a real win-win situation there).

On the threshold of this new s~eason, I say go Red Sox! It would be so sweet to defend our crown. But if not, this still feels pretty good.

Dave Jolivet is the editor of The Anchor and a fonner sports editor/writer. Each week

and receive that mercy, and that we need to share that mercy with others. And through her he called us to live five new devotions by which we could more deeply assimilate all of these realities.

He asked that a feast of his Divine Mercy be established on the Second Sunday of Easter, prepared for by a novena beginning Good Friday. He showed her an image of Divine Mercy, with blood and water flowing from his pierced side, and asked her to spread its veneration. He called on all of us to unite ourselves in prayer to him on the cross at 3 p.m:

Letters to the Editor Editor:

Some criticism of your Public Broadcasting System editorial of March 11.

You say, "PBS (is) an oasis in a very dry desert of stupidity." Hogwash. It produces a few good balanced programs, puts out some well-produced highly-biased programs, buys some good programming, ~d produces a mountain of amateurish, pretentious junk.

Your concluding advice is a cute, , evasive distortion of (syndicated columnist George) Will's main point. He is not complaining that we cannot escape the programs of PBS; rather that he believes the extraction of monies from us all- to serve an exclusive audience - is neither fair nor necessary.

You say "George Will is a person of openness, which often reflects his own subjectiveness."

Gobbledygook.

As an aside, do you have any idea how much PBS insiders rake off producing things outside the budget, collecting from PBS for the programs and selling the related

products for their own account?

They are benefiting from what is effectively a huge advertising budget. big enough to sell dung! Especially to children.

Jack Shay Cape Cod Editor:

It seems that in your editorial on PBS you took several paragraphs almost of agreement with syndicated columnist George Will before admitting that PBS is "an oasis in a very dry desert of stupidity."

What would you do without MacNeil-Lehrer at 6 p.m.? Turn to channelS with the escaped prisoner or Michael Jackson's trial or some poor soul who strangled his son?

'Why not concentrate on Emily Rooney? Now there is anti-Catholic hatred at its worst. Did you hear her call the Roman Catholic Church a "cult" recently? Nobody called her on it. which is a disgrace.

Anyhow, keep on writing. I watch for your editorial each week.

Eileen P. McGrath Nantucket

each day. And he taught us to pray the beautiful Chaplet of Divine Mercy, which explicitly links our prayers for God's mercy to Jesus in the Eucharist.

As we continue to celebrate Easter, we turn with trust to Jesus and ask him to help us experience the true joy of his resurrection through each of these devotions and especially through the resurrection from death to life he wants to give us in a confessional nearby.

Faiher Landry is a parochial vicar at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Hyannis.

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Continued from page four

of St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun to whom the Lord appeared in the 1930s asking her to spread throughout the world devotion to his merciful love.

Private revelations like the one to St. Faustina never disclose to us anything truly new; their purpose is to remind us of what God has revealed in Scripture and Tradition and apply those truths to particular circumstances we face.

In his appearances to Faustina, Jesus wanted to remind all of us of what he said throughout the Gospel: that we need his mercy, that we have to trust in, ask for,

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Friday, April 1, 2005

The Social Security debate proposal in 1990 to bring out the As everyone must know, truth about taxes we were paying President Bush has begun a nonunder the first President Bush's stop push to radically change Social Security. His major proposal regime. I was appalled when I heard the president, pushing his BREWSTER - La Salette Fa- Order of Malta, will present a free is to divert money from Social "privatizing Social Security" plan, ther Richard Lavoie will celebrate lecture seminar entitled '~Catholic Security taxes so as to allow for use Moynihan's name, implying Mass April 6 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady Teaching on Morality and Sexual- investment in private accounts. that if still alive he would be a of the Cape Church, 468 Stony ity," tomorrow from 9 ~m. to 1 p.m.

Even some of Bush's Republisupporter of his ideas for "reformBrook Road. A healing service will at Bishop Connolly High School. It can supporters, like Michael ing Social Security." follow. For more information call will feature three nationally known Bloomberg, Manhattan's RepubliAs a longtime newspaper can mayor, are calling this a risky speakers.

508-385-3252. proposal. ''I've never MISCELLANEOUS - A thought that privatiiing EAST FREETOWN "Awakening to God's Presence," a Catholic television program "Good Social Security made a lot contemplativeretreat for those farnil- News For Life," will appear on of sense. I think what iarwithcontemplative tradition, will Channel, 20 in Portuguese April 6 you'd see is that ... some be given by Father Robert 1. Powell and 20 at 9:30 p.m. It is part of the people would invest April 23 at Cathedral Camp. For series "Christians Ask," and will be unwisely," said more information call 508-761- focused on the question "Why Dedi- Bloomberg, adding,

By Antoinette Bosco cate this Year Special to the Eucha- ''These are not monies 0746. rist." It is sponsored by the Commu- that people should be EAST FREETOWN - Em- nications Departnientofthe diocese. speculating with." reporter/editor, I covered the I have a good suggestion for maus, a Catholic co-ed retreat proproposals and position of NEW BEDFORD - Divine "fixing" Social Security, an idea gram for young adults ages 20-40 Moynihan back then. He wanted seeking to grow in their relationship Mercy Sunday will be observed Sun- given to me by a wealthy man with Christ regardless of their ruiy at Our Lady of Fatima Church. when I was doing a story on Social people to know how the nation's tax burden had shifted in the present level of faith and practice, Exposition ofthe Blessed Sacrament Security in December 1988. ''Tax Reagan-Bush presidencies from the Social Security checks coming will be held at Cathedral Camp April will begin at 3 p.m. followed by a the income tax to the Social to the rich," he said, showing me 22-24. Deadline for application is Chaplet of the Divine Mercy, a talk tax.

Security his Social Security check, shaking and Benediction ofthe,Blessed SacApril 8. For more information call As everyone should know, his head as he lamented how rament.

John Griffm at 781-341-1709.

Social Security funds were used to Social Security is a "pay as you go" system; the payroll taxes of .

EAST SANDWICH - The NEW BEDFORD-Adoration finance the government's general workers are used to finance the many important operations while program "A Closer Look at Our of the Blessed Sacramenfis held at federal budget. As the federal needs went unmet, needs such as Catholic Faith," led by Lisa Gulino, St. Joseph-St. Therese Church every budget went through the roof child nutrition, health care and will take place April 2, 9, 1, 23, 30 Monday following the celebration of because of Reagan's massive tax education.

It isn't fair, he said, to and May 7 at Corpus Christi Parish the 8 a.m. Mass and continues until cuts and bloated military spending, keep asking sacrifices from the 2 p.m. from 9:30-11 a.m. exploding govemment expenses working poor ''to maintain the had to be paid, not with income standards of the rich."

FALLRIVER- The Fall River SfURBRIDGE-The ApostoThat was akin to the position of taxes, but with monies from Social Men's First Friday Club will meet late of Divine Mercy arid Healing Sen. David Patrick Moynihan of Security taxes, which were tonight for celebration of the Mass will welcome guest speaker Dr. New York, who made a bold significantly raised. at 6 p.m. at St Mary'sCathedral, 327 Shankar Garg, rheumatologist, April Second Street. A meal and guest 24 at 10 a.m. at the Sturbridge Host speaker will follow in the school hall. Hotel. For more information call For information call 508-672-8174. 508-791-0610.

Every parent knows the'sound. brother, sick.

It wakes you from a leaden'sleep By the time I called to postpone FALL RIVER-First Saturday YARMOUTHPORT - Father in the wee hours and bolts you out until the following Saturday, most Devotion will take 'place at St. Roger Landry will lead a Morning Mary's Cathedral tomorrow begin- of Recollection, themed "Being of bed. It's a sick child - vomiting of the guests had been told about the party. lsuggested, with little ning with the celebration of Mass at Risen with Christ," April 9 at the - in, the middle of the night.

Children don't succumb to hope, that we still keep it secret.

9 am. It will be followed by Expo- Sacred Heart Chapel on Summer stomach viruses during the day.

A week later, my seven-yearsition and Adoration of the Blessed Street. It Will begin with the celebra- â&#x20AC;˘ Oh, I've heard rumors that some old was amazed when a roomful of Sacrament until Benediction at noon. tion of Mass at 9 am. and includes children get sick at reasonable friends shot up from behind the . adoration ofthe Blessed Sacrament, hours, like Sunday afternoon at 2, sofa.

If any of those guests decide FALL RIVER- The Diocesan two conferences on prayer and recbut not mine. to join the CIA, I'll be glad to write Pro-Life Apostolate, along with the onciliation.

Another unwritten rule is that a letter of recommendation. before a certain age, a sleepy child can't anticipate what's going to happen. When the Committee will report cloning bill next w~ek. bathroom occurs to them, they're already sick.

BY DAN AVILA, MASSACHUSETTS So, not only is it three the volume is not as high as they , CATHOLIC CONFERENCE in the morning, but you ,expected on such a hot issu~.

By Effie Caldarola have a big mess, not to Keep up the work in the disPlease keep up the hard work tricts! and get the word out to fellow pa- mention tomorrow's plans A legislative committee at the rishioners and friends about the in complete disarray. All Recently, a particularly nasty State House in Boston is expected need to contact lawmakers. Both in the time it takes to wake from a stomach virus swept through to approve a cloning and embryo state senators and state representa- dream.

It's never fun, but there are Emerald City just as my daughter's research bill next week. The bill tives can be reached by phone by middle school presented ''The would then go to the Senate and calling the State House switchboard some really terrible times to have House for separate votes. Many leg- at 617-722-2OCXJ. Also, go online to your child get sick -like the night WIZard of Oz." After weeks of late nights islators expect action on the floor www.macathconf.org and follow before you're leaving on vacation.

And that's probably when it practicing, sharing close quarters, of each branch to come swiftly. A the link to cloning resources for inwill happen. food and drink, witches and bill could reach the governor's desk formation on how to contact lawI once planned a surprise winkies alike took sick. I'm within the next two to three weeks: makers electronically. birthday party at my house for a surprised Toto didn't succumb.

The staff of the Massachusetts A new resource is now available seven-year-old. Parents were going Sure enough, my Munchkin Catholic Conference (MCC) has on the MCC Website also. An in- to tell their children just before the (also serving as a flying monkey , been lobbying against any bill that formative and well-researched party, since who could expect a and Emerald City citizen) ran for endorses research on embryos and Questions & Answers on Human bunch of seven-year-olds to keep the bathroom about one in the human cloning. Senate and House Cloning and Embryo Research pro- that secret? morning after opening night. members are receiving calls and E- vides essential points. This docuEverything was set when, in Somehow she made it through mails from their districts, but their ment will help to learn more about the dusky hours of party day, three more performances but staffs are telling MCC lobbyists that these complicated issues. snug in my bed, I heard it. Older rejected pizza on closing night.

The Bottom Line

This meant that financing came more by a tax on the poor and the middle class - the nation's workers - and less by a tax on the wealthy.

Moynihan wanted people to know and understand that Social Security revenues masked the budget deficit, and he made clear that he believed in "building wealth for everyone," not just adding to the wealth of the rich. His proposal wi\S to cut the 1990-1991 payroll tax increases, which would give the average working couple a tax break of about $600 that they could invest on their own. He said, and I quote him directly, "It would be unforgivable to label this 'privatization.'''

Social Security began Aug. 14, 1935, with a vision of a nation where there would be no more miserable "poorhouses" for destitute older people to live out their years in misery. President Roosevelt said that day, "We have tried to frame a law which will give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age."

All of us in America today have seen this come to pass.

Now,we must act to preserve this social contract that our history shows has promoted the general . welfare of so many - the old, the ill, the disabled, widows and widowers and children left without a parent.

A sick child at night

Notes from¡ the Hill

For the Journey

Perhaps my "favorite" stomach virus story is of the very last night ever that a child got sick in my house without making it on his own to the bathroom.

For years, I had been the Parent Who Got Up. None of my babies took a bottle, so that made me indispensable when one was hungry at night.

A light sleeper, I was attuned to the softest cries of distress. Later, when they could walk, it was to my side of the bed that they came to whisper their fears. I loved this role, but I have to say I could have gone a lifetime without the nights of stomach sickness.

Then, one night as they were getting older, we heard our son. You didn't have to be a light sleeper to hear this one.

'1'11 take care of him," my husband said. And for once, I submerged that need to mother and just lay there. It took over half an hour. I heard bucketfuls of water going down the hallway, disinfectant being sprayed, trips to the linen closet and the laundry basket.

I got the details the next day.

"Why did I do that?" my husband asked quizzically.

I chuckled. After all those years of getting up, it was bittersweet, almost like God whispered in my ear: ''This is the last time. You ~uated."

...... _

Friday, April 1, 2005

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Mariolatry Q. Is it true that the town of women in Paradise, after Mary."

Q. A Protestant friend of Fatima, where our Blessed nUne, speaking of oUr devotion Mother appeared, is named to the VII'gin Mary, called it after a Muslim woman? I was ''mariolatry.'' She said we told this is a sign of the future should worship no one but conversion of Muslims to Christ. (Texas) A. Muhammad, who lived about 600 years after Christ, had a daughter, Fatima. The town of Fatima was . apparently named after her.

By Father Centuries later, when John J. Dietzen Muslims occupied much of southern Europe, an official in the area of Portugal Jesus and believes we put her that includes Fatima also had a on the same level as God. I daughter by this name. She have never heard the word. married a Catholic and became What does it mean? Is that a Catholic. what we call our devotion to Some have seen the appe~r ance of Mary at Fatima as a sign her? (New York) A. The word "mariolatry" of eventual better relations comes from Mary and the Greek between Muslims and Chrisword "latria," worship. Litertians. As many are aware, ally, therefore, it means worship Muslim tradition has a great of Mary, and does not describe devotion to Mary as the mother the reverence Catholics and of Jesus, whom they consider a many other Christians properly distinguished prophet. The give her.

Koran even believes in her Throughout Christian history immaculate conception and the a variety of possibly wellvirgin birth.

In fact, in its many references meaning but theologically unsound devotional attitudes to the mother of Jesus, the about Mary have arisen in the Koran seems to rely signifiChurch. As far back as the cantly on the apocryphal fourth century, a sect called Christian Gospel of Mary.

Collyridians was condemned by After his death, Muhammad the acerbic Christian author and wrote to his daughter, "You will bishop St. Epiphanius for be the most blessed lady of all

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offering sacrifices to Mary.

Much later, Pope Benedict XIV felt it necessary to condemn an 18th-century Franciscan Recollect who apparently advocated worship of Mary in the Eucharist.

In the past (I think not as much any more), Protestants often erroneously used the word "mariolatry" to accuse Catholics of what they considered excessive devotion to Mary.

Christian theology, however, has a word, "!atria," to designate the kind of honor and worship due

7 _.

to God alone. Another word, "dulia," designates the honor given to saints.

As the greatest of saints, Mary receives the highest honor ("hyperdulia") in the Church, apart from Jesus himself and the Father and the Holy Spirit. But the Church never forgets that she is only human and that, as she said in the Magnificat (Lk 1:47), God is her savior as well as ours.

Unfortunately, some people, in their overenthusiasm or sometimes lack of knowledge of traditional Christian belief, lose this Catholic balance. Some go so far as to suggest that if Jesus is deaf to our needs or reluctant to help, we need only go to Mary and she will obtain what he will not.

To imply that she outshines

him in mercy or compassion, that if we're in trouble she will do for us what he will not, only dishonors the Mother of our Lord. If we keep this perspective, the honor and reverence we have for Mary can be nothing but a source of joy to her Son. Beginning with the Gospels, she never has been in competition with him, nor has he with her.

A/ree brochure answering questions Catholics ask about Mary, the mother 0/ Jesus, is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 3315, Peoria, Ill. 61612.

Questions may be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address, or E-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.

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Friday, April 1, 2005

Bishop, priest announce new Pro-Life society

By CATHOLIC

NEWS SERVICE

nouncement. Unlike the new society, Priests for Life cannot accept seminarians nor do its members live in community, it said.

The new society will allow men to be specifically trained in Pro-Life ministry, said Father Pavone.

Father Pavone will remain in his post with Priests for Life and has officially become a priest, of the Amarillo diocese to help establish the new society, said the announcement. He had been a priest of the New York Archdiocese. His official transfer took place at the beginning of March, said Joseph Zwilling, archdiocesan spokesman. .

Although many religious conCARDINAL JUAN Sandoval Iniguez delivers a sermon at the Diocesan Congress on gregations are involved in ProCharismatic Renewal in Guadalajara, Mexico. (CNS photo by David Maung) Life work, "there is no association of priests and brothers whose primary charism is to protect human life from the tragedy of abortion," said Father Pavone.

"Being Pro-Life is not a hobby.

It is a vocation," he added.

By JASON LANGE "Some would wonder why, The son of a small farmer, the said.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE with such a shortage of priests, we Ildefonso Losa Marquez, a 72-year-old cardinal has made an would 'divert' them to this speEditor's note: This is the sec- indelible mark on the Guadalajara Guadalajara journalist who has cial work;" he said. "The answer ond in an occasional series ofar- Archdiocese with his demanding covered politics and Church afis that the Pro-Life movement is ticles on prominent cardinals style of administration, while fairs for more than 50 years, says precisely the source of many hew who could be influential in afu- founding a Church-run media the cardinal and his penchant for vocations." lure papal conclave. group whose newspaper rivals the challenging the political establishThe announcement included ment could not have come at a city's largest dailies. endorsements from several The newspaper, El Semanario, better time for Mexico and the GUADALAJARA, MexicoChurch leaders, including Cardi- Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iniguez rivals the largest local dailies by Church. nal Renato Martino, president of settled into his chair and adjusted selling some 40,000 copies every When he arrived in the Vatican's Pontifical Council the golden cross resting on hi~ weekend. The cardinal's regular Guadalajara, he launched a very for Justice and Peace. chest. essays in the paper are frequently vocal campaign for justice in the "In today's world, the idea of case of his predecessor's killing, As a dozen or so reporters cited by other media outlets. a new religious community swirled about, positioning their Those who surround the cardi- which the authorities have mainfounded for the purpose of work- microphones and tape recorders, nal commonly describe him as tained was an accident. ing to protect human life may the "I knew from people who archbishop of seem like a sign of contradiction Guadalajara asked the city's were very close (to the - but it may be what the world young men to consider "I'm open to society, " the cardinal shooting) that this had been of today needs," said the cardinal. dedicating their lives to the a murder," the cardinal said. said in a February interview. ''Actu- "And when they named me St. Louis Archbishop Church.

Raymond L. Burke said that "Look into your hearts ally, people often seek me out. All archbishop I felt the obliga"there is a great need in our time and ask yourselves if you types of people: businessmen, poli- tion, somebody had to defor a priestly society dedicated to feel the calling," Cardinal ticians, those from the media world." mand justice." the conversion of our culture of Sandoval said. His words His auxiliary bishops death and the promotion of a civi- were carried across western marvel at the speed at which lization of life."

Mexico by everyone of friendly yet blunt, always with a Cardinal Sandoval, known for his Guadalajara's largest media smile on his face and up for a quick wit, makes decisions. groups. friendly chat, while at the same The cardinal is also known for his In a country in which Church time never hesitant to give his relentless work schedule, which leaders hardly dared speak in pub- honest - and direct - opinion he manages without a secretary; lic for much of last century be- when asked. at times, his schedule stretches to cause of harsh anti-clerical laws, "I'm open to society," the car- seven days a week.

Cardinal Sandoval has become dinal said in a February interview..

He also makes near-daily visone of Mexico's most outspoken "Actually, people often seek me its to the countryside and churches men. And with a pastoral vigor out. All types of people: business- throughout the archdiocese, home that leaves his colleagues and as- men, politicians, those from the to about seven million Catholics. sistants breathless, Cardinal media world."

A typical day begins with exercise Sandoval has emerged as a leadAlong the way, the cardinal has and prayer, followed by breakfast ing Latin American candidate for ruffled some feathers, particularly that might be shared with friends a future papacy. those of politicians. or with politicians and business Cardinal Sandoval took the The cardinal told voters not to people. archdiocese's reins in 1994 after choose candidates that supported The cardinal says the greatest his predecessor, Cardinal Juan legalizing abortion and soon challenge facing the Catholic Jesus Posadas Ocampo, was found himself in the middle of a Church today is the advance of FATHER FRANK Pavone, founding director of Priests for killed by drug-gang hit men at scandal after a small leftist party secularism, or "living as if God Life, shown in this file photo with a group of Pro-Life support- Guadalajara's airport. Cardinal filed charges against him, accus- never existed. I have to maintain ers outside an abortion clinic in Louisville, and Bishop John Sandoval gained immediate inter- ing him of breaking laws on the the faith of this people. For me W. Vanta of Amarillo have announced formation of a society national attention for his relent- separation of church and state. that is the principal challenge; the 'The parties are. all the same rest are minor challenges," he of priests, deacons, Brothers and seminarians to promote less campaign for justice in that case. in that sense," Cardinal Sandoval said.

Pro-Life ministry. (GNS file photo) " AMARILLO, Texas - Bishop John W. Yanta of Amarillo and Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, have announced formation of a society of priests, deacons, Brothers and seminarians to promote Pro-Life ministry.

The society will "defend hu-" man life against the onslaught of abortion, euthanasia and genetic manipulation," said Father Pavone in a statement accompanying the announcement.

The society is called the Missionaries of the Gospel of Life and is constituted under Church law as a society of apostolic life.

It will provide spiritual and educational services to the ProLife movement and encourage Pro-Life activity among the general clergy, said Father Pavone.

The announcement was made March 23 in Amarillo, where the new society is based under the supervision of Bishop Yanta. The bishop has offered several diocesan buildings free of charge to house the new community's headquarters, said the announcement.

A priestly society dedicated to Pro-Life ministry will fill "an immense need at this time of history," said Bishop Yanta.

"I am excited about supporting Father Pavone in venturing forth," the bishop said.

Bishop Yanta has been on the board of advisers of Priests for Life since 1998.

Father Pavone, in an E-mail message to Catholic News Ser-" vice, said about 100 men, some路 of them priests and seminarians, have expressed an interest in joining the new society. He told CNS the society will begin accepting members later this spring.

The new society will be separate from Priests for Life, which is an association of priests who remain part of their dioceses or religious orders, said the an-

Media-savvy Mexican cardinal does not hesitate to speak out on issues

1he~

Friday, April 1, 2005

9

Waiting for soldier son, WODlan takes on project aiding Iraqis

By JENNIFER BURKE CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

AUBURN, N.Y. Debbie Cornall takes comfort in the knowledge that she's helped improve the lives of children in wartorn Iraq.

Through her Child to Child program, Auburn residents have donated more路 than 100 boxes of clothing, shoes and school supplies to Iraqis in need.

Cornall, who belongs to Sacred Heart Parish in Auburn, began collecting the clothing and supplies after receiving a letter from her son, Joseph, who was stationed in Iraq.

Joseph Cornall, a member of the New York National Guard, was deployed to Iraq in February 2004. In a letter he sent his mother in July, he asked her to consider collecting materials to send to Iraqi children.

Debbie Cornall began advertising the project, which she dubbed Child to Child, shortly after receiving the letter. By August she sent the first box of clothing to Iraq.

She soon realized many Iraqi parents needed clothing just as much as their children did, so she began collecting adult clothing as well. When the boxes arrived in Iraq, her son's unit brought them to a community center and distributed the clothes to local residents.

"I started with children's clothes and ended up taking anything anyone wanted to give me," Debbie Cornall said.

She was amazed by the Auburn community's generosity, noting that at one point piles of donated clothing stretched toward the ceilings of her kitchen and porch.

With the community's support, she raised $3,000 to cover the cost of shipping 100 boxes to Iraq.

"I said, 'Lord, if this is meant to be then somehow the money will appear, and I'll be able to do it,' and somehow it has happened," she recalled. "It was a huge success. I had such a huge amount of clothing and things donated."

Debbie Cornall thinks the project was so successful because it gave people something concrete they could do to help the military's efforts in Iraq and Iraqi citizens, instead ofjust watching images of conflict on the nightly news.

"It was like people were just waiting for something to do," she said. "I think (the Iraqi) people really need our help in other ways besides trying to liberate their country."

Throwing herself into the Child to Child project helped take Debbie Cornall's mind off Joseph and kept her from worrying about all the potentially dangerous situations he was in, she added.

"I just jumped into it, and really all through ... summer and up until now it's been great for me.

It kept me busy," she said.

Although Joseph Cornall and the rest of his unit are now back in New York state, Debbie Cornall continues to send clothing to Iraq.

After learning that a unit from Wisconsin had taken the place of her son's unit, Debbie began sending clothing to members of that unit for distribution to Iraqis.

She also sends letters to members of the unit who don't have a lot of family or wouldn't otherwise get a lot of mail, she said.

She is no longer actively soliciting clothing donations, but said if someone approaches her with a donation she will accept it. She said she is putting aside some of her own money to cover future shipping costs, but would welcome monetary donations to help cover these costs.

Before leaving Iraq, Joseph's unit sent Debbie Cornall a DVD showing Iraqis receiving some of the clothing she had collected.

"The kids looked like they had been given above and beyond anything they could ever imagine. It's unbelievable," she said.

"The feeling that you get (from helping) ... it's like nothing I've ever experienced before. There's nothing like it in the whole world."

Opinions vary about Christian celebration of Jewish Seder FRANKFORT, Ill. (CNS) Christian celebrations of Seder offer insight into the symbolism of the traditional Passover foods that are used in the Mass, such as unleavened bread and wine, an Illinois spiritual director said.

"It helps you understand the symbols Jesus was offering us in the historical context of the day," said Father Bob Colaresi, director of the Carmelite Spiritual Centerin Darien, where an educational look at the Jewish tradition ofPassoverhas been offered for over a decade.

"Our understanding ofthe Eucharist is rooted in the celebration of Jewish Passover," he added.

The Franciscan Sisters ofthe Sacred Heart hosted a Christian-style Seder recently at the congregation's motherhouse in Frankfort. The purpose was to deepen people's understanding of the Gospels and make them come alive, said Franciscan Sister Marilyn Renninger.

Franciscan Father Idephonse Skorup, chaplain of the motherhouse, led about 30 participants in the process of tasting the unleavened bread, followed by the ingestion ofwine, readings about the plague that struck dead the firstborn of each family and the crossing of the Red Sea. Allegorically, Jesus followed the same path at the Last Supper. But

the Illinois group followed Jesus' lead and veered from the Jewish tradition when he instituted the Eucharist.

But Father Benedictine Father Philip Tunko, professor of religious studies at Benedictine University in Lisle, said the connection of the Seder meal with Christianity ends after the historical context is understood.

"Jesus took the traditional Seder meal and gave it new meaning," he said, adding that the connection to Seder was made void when Christ changed the meaning of the Seder meal.

Father Tunko does not recommend that Catholics celebrate Seder, aJewish ritual. "It's a religious ritual that belongs to Judaism," he said.

'There's no reason for Christians to celebrate it."

Rabbi Steven Bob of Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard agreed the Seder should not be taken out of the Jewish setting and performed in Christian churches.

The Jewish leader, who has offered informational presentations on the tradition to churches, said, "It's one thing for a Christian to observe a Seder, but for churches to have Seders ... I feel funny about it I think it's crossing a line."

But he understands the educational value in Christians learning

more about the tradition. Rabbi Bob said he has invited Catholic priests to his family's celebration to observe the Jewish tradition for educational purposes as well as a sign of good will.

He also noted the ritual is not totally closed offto visitors. Rabbi Bob said the family celebration is also open to guests.

'There's a real sense of responsibility in the community to invite people to come," he said.

The ritual, the rabbi added, includes an invitation to the poor: "Let all who are hungry come and eat. Let all who are. in want share the hope of Passover."

Rabbi Bob said his family gathers for the celebration to read text, recite prayers and sing songs that express the need for vigilance in the struggle to preserve and advance the cause offreedom and human dignity.

He recalled childhood Sederprayers centered on Jews in the former Soviet Union who, among others, were prohibited from participating in religious celebrations in the communist country.

Even nonobservant Jews fmd a place to mark the occasion, just as holiday Catholics suddenly find a church on holy days, Rabbi Bob said "Finding their way to a Seder is reaffirming in some way their religious identity," he added.

t

CATHOLIC PARISHIONER Debbie Cornall of Auburn, N.Y., waited 11 months for her son, Joseph, to return from National Guard duty in Iraq. In the meantime, she started the Child to Child program, collecting clothing, shoes and school supplies to be sent to Iraqis in need. (CNS photo by Mike Crupi, Catholic Couriel)

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10

Friday, April 1, 2005

Crime sped up 'Joan of Arcadia' creator's move t9 join Church BY

MARK PATTISON CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON - Some people who consider joining the Catholic Church move at the pace that best suits them. For Barbara Hall, creator and executive producer of "Joan of Arcadia," however, it was crime that helped speed up the process.

"I had this life-threatening experience. I was a victim of a violent crime," Hall told Catholic News Service in a telephone in.terview from Los Angeles, where , she was wrapping up the last episode of the second season of "Joan of Arcadia."

Raised a Methodist, "I was 'nothing' for a long time. I was an intellectual in college," B-9U recalled, "And then when I came to California, I started researching all kinds of metaphysical stuff, and all the world religions."

Before the crime incident, which she did not elaborate on, Hall said she was already considering Catholicism, but the crime' "accelerated my search. I found a church nearby and I went to a Mass, and,that did it for me."

Hall has been a Catholic for about foui years. She told CNS she had been developing the idea for "Joan of Arcadia" even before she joined the Church. She said she "actually got started about three years before."

While many would be surprised to hear that it was crime that spurred Hall's decision to join the Catholic Church, "I think people would be aghast if they found out that 'Joan' might not be back next season," she noted.

The series, which deals with Joan of Arc,-like visions of God - but with a present-day teen-age girl - is completing its second season, but it may not return for a third. "People who see it love it and think it's doing well, but they don't know the whole stoCy," Hall said. ' "Joan of Arcadia," which airs 8-9 p.m. Eastern time Fridays on' CBS, ranks 71st of 180 series that have been placed in more or less

permanent time slots this season on the six commercial broadcast . networks, with 8.11 million on average tuning in each week.

"This is good enough for Friday nights," which are second only to Saturdays as the least-watched night of prime-time TV, Hall said.

"Networks tend to think in terms of nights, and not in terms of (individual) shows," Hall told CNS, adding that CBS has eight to 10 new dramas in development for the 2005-06 season.

Still, "I don't fidget. If I had any fidgeting, it would have been in the middle of the season when I tried to get the (ratings) numbers up," she added. "I have a.

Catholic attitude about it. I've done my job, There's nothing I can do anymore. I've done my best."

Last year when she was hon- . ored by Catholics in Media Associates for the show, Hall said she felt compelled to create it to "initiate a conversation with the rest of the country or the world to begin a dialogue about the possibility of God." "Joan of Arcadia" heaps much attention on Amber Tamblyn, who plays the title character; she is the daughter of Hollywood actor Russ Tamblyn. But the actor who portrays Joan's brother, Kevin, is Jason Ritter, son of John Ritter, who died in 2003 following rehearsals for an episode of his own series.

"It was very difficult" on the "Joan of Arcadia" set in the wake of the elder Ritter's death, Hall said. "Ironically, it happened as we were doing our show about death. It was very unsettling for us.

When she's not producing "Joan of"Arcadia," Hall has an alternative-country band, the Enablers, for which she plays guitar and sings. A couple of Enablers' songs have served as background music for "Joan" episodes, and the band is preparing its third album release this year, in addition to engagements at clubs in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

MICHELLE TRACHTENBERG stars in a scene from the movie "Ice Princess." (eNS photo from Disney)

eNS movie review NEW YORK (CNS) - Ever since the stream of Sonja Henie musicals in the 1930s,skating has been popular fodder for the big screen.

Though not a musical (unless you count some prerecorded warbling on the rink), "Ice Princess" (Disney) is a fairly standard but not uninteresting tale of high school. honor student Casey (Michelle Trachtenberg), who is a whiz at physics but whose heart is secretly set on professional figure skating.

She decides to do a science project ~bout the correlation between skating and physics, but as she watches her classmates, Gen (Hayden Panettiere), Nikki (Kirsten Olson) and Tiffany (Jocelyn Lai), do their virtuoso thing on the ice, she implores Gen's divorcee mother - former champion Tina (Kim Cattrall, in a switch from her familiar "Sex and the City" strutting) to train her as well.

The alternately warm and frosty Tina - who's more concerned about her own daughter's advancement - tells her it will cost her, so Casey dutifully takes a job at a hot-dog stand to eam the needed fee. Meanwhile, Casey's mother, Joan (Joan Cusack), a teacher who

'Ice Princess'

has already established that she takes a dim view of skating, is determined that Casey study physics at Harvard instead.

Casey excels on the ice, and .before long feels she just might have a chance at the championship.

She pays for the extra training by coaching her skating classmates on improving their moves using the surefire principles of physics. Her advances on the ice are watched with admiration by Gen's icecleaning, Zamboni-driving brother, Teddy (Trevor Blumas). (Her girlish awkwardness melts as her prowess on the ice develops.)

But as the big competition approaches, Casey's conflicted feelings about her future, her secrecy from her mother, cut-throat competition from the other skaters, and Tina's not-so-nice side come into dramatic conflict. Eventually, Gen must tell Tina that she's not really cut out to be a skater, as Casey will (you just know) inform Joan that .. skating is her real passion.

Tim Fywell's modest film (which seems even more so because of Lester Cohen's rather drab production design) - thematically similar to the 1977 ballet ftlm ''The Turning Point" - is reasonably

absorbing for all its plot predictability. "The Princess Diaries" scriptwriter Meg Cabot wrote the story, turned into a script by Hadley Davis.

The skating sequences are enjoyable, with Trachtenberg doing much but not all of the actual stunts, and the behind-the-scenes ambience is convincing. The ,performances, within the one-dimensional demands of the plot, are good.

Trachtenberg makes an appealing heroine, and Cusack and Cattrall are fine, especially when they have their inevitable confrontation.

All comes out well in the end, and there are good themes of friendship, honesty and following one's dream. Casey eventually, comes clean with her mother, ultimately demonstrating that honesty is the best policy, difficult though it may be.

All in all, this is unobjection~ able family entertainment. Though' it will appeal most to young girls, their parents (and even brothers) will find it more than tolerable. The USCCB Officdor Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I - general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G - general audiences.

St. Joan tale enduring for all, says film's director-producer WASHINGTON (CNS) - The story of St. Joan of Arc has relevance for all, said Pamela Mason Wagner, who directed and produced a new version of the life of the young French saint.

"I think Joan's appeal is broader than (to) just the Catholics," said Wagner, who is not herself Catholic. "Every sixth-grade girl has wanted to do an essay on her."

Wagner produced and directed "Joan of Arc: Child of War, Soldier of God," which debuted March 21 on cable's Hallmark Channel. The program was expected to be released shortly as a video.

"Most versions of Joan of Arc's story are based in George Bernard Shaw's (play) 'Saint Joan,'" Wagner said. "Shaw was reasonably accurate, but I think he had his own set of biases," she added.

Wagner said she wanted to focus on the truth of Joan of Arc's story, with less reli-

ance on the myth. To do so, she used the. saint's own words to tell the story. Oscarwinning actress Anna Paquin serves as the voice of Joan, though she is never seen; on-screen Joan is played by Czech native Lucie Vondrackova.

It was familiar territory for Wagner. In the past two years, she also directed and produced profiles on St. Francis of Assisi and St. Patrick, both of which premiered on the Hallmark Channel. Wagner directed the projects under the aegis of Faith & Values Media, which has an arrangement with the Hallmark Channel to show Faith & Values' religious-themed programming each year.

Lest anyone thinks this is Wagner's niche, she won an Emmy for a PBS installment of "American Masters" called "Finding Lucy," which profiled the life of "I Love Lucy" star Lucille Ball.

After "Finding Lucy,". Wagner told

Catholic News Service in a telephone interview from New York, "somebody wanted me to do a biography of Carol Burnett, since I had done such a good job with another redheaded woman comic."

Still, the St. Francis-St. Patrick-St. Joan trio "makes for 'a good triumvirate," Wagner said. "Westerners tend to think in terms of threes." She added she has no plans afoot to direct a fourth special for Faith & Values and Hallmark, noting that future specials for the cable channel will profile Albert Schweitzer and C.S. Lewis.

Wagner's own interests will likely return her to public television, where she grew in her craft under now-retired journalist Bill Moyers.

In a review of "Joan of Arc: Child of War, Soldier of God," Harry Forbes, director of the U.S. bishops' Office for Film & Broadcasting, was effusive in his praise.

"Stories of the saints don't get any more inspirational than this, and Joan's steadfast belief in her mission continues to resonate centuries later," he said. The program, he added, "hits all the dramatic high points, and offers enlightening perspective from a number of commentators:" Among them is Barbara Hall, who created "Joan of Arcadia," which puts a contemporary spin on the saint's tale, with a teen-age American girl having visions of God and being prompted to action on God's behalf.

Wagner said she and her daughter love watching "Joan of Arcadia" "Some people who watch 'Joan of Arcadia' don't know the story all that well," she added. ''They've teased it in a few instances. But it makes you appreciate the writing that people see week after week. And there are few people who know (Joan of Arc's) story as well as Barbara."

Friday, April 1, 2005

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111

As opinions shift, bishops launch campaign against death penalty

BY PATRICIA ZAPoR CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON - Bolstered by trends in public policy and new polling data showing that Catholics increasingly oppose capital punishment, the U.S. bishops kicked off Holy Week by launching a Catholic Campaign to End the Use of the Death Penalty.

The U.S. bishops as a group have spoken out against the death penalty several times since the 1970s, including a comprehensive 1980 statement and a 1999 Good Friday appeal. Individual bishops and state or regional Church organizations also have issued dozens of statements and pastoral letters on the topic.

"But this campaign is new," said Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington at the press conference where the campaign was announced.

"It brings greater urgency and unity, increased energy and advocacy and a renewed call to our people and to. our leaders to end the use ofthe death penalty in our nation."

Cardinal McCarrick said the campaign will include educational eff<;>rts through schools, parishes, universities and seminaries; advocacy with Congress and state legislatures and before the courts; working to change the debate about the death penalty and challenging the notion that justice allows "an eye for an eye"; as well

as prayer and reflection.

Pope John Paul II and the "CatPollster John Zogby presented echism ofthe Catholic Church" say data from his two recent poils show- that while the state has the right to ing nearly half of Catholics now resort to capital punishment in oroppose capital punishment, a shift der to protect society, in the modof about 20 percent from polls as em world the death penalty is unrecent as 2001, when 68 percentof necessary because 路such circumCatholics polled by CBS supported stances are essentially nonexistent. the deaUl penalty.

"For us this is not about ideolHe said he found the Catholics ogy but respect for life," said Carmost likely to oppose the death pen- dinal McCarrick. "We cannot teach alty are those who go to church most that killing is wrong by killing. We frequently. Fifty-six percent ofthose cannot defend life by taking life." who attend Mass at least weekly John Carr, director of the bishoppose the death penalty, compared ops' Department of Social Develto 50 percent of less frequent opment and World Peace, which is coordinating the campaign, said the churchgoers, he found.

That finding was surprising to simple fact that the press conference him, Zogby said, "because my im- drew so many reporters that the pression and observation in the past roomccouldn't hold them and press has been that frequent Massgoers kits ran out suggests that momentended to be bedrock conservatives tum is shifting against the death on a range of issues." penalty.

A phone survey of more than Carr said one of the factors that 1,700 Catholics interviewed in No- seems to be changing people's supvember found 48 percent of all . port for the death penalty may be Catholics supported the death pen- that "we've been executing a lot of alty, and 47 percent opposed it. A people and we don't feel better."

Capital punishment will eventufollow-up survey in March of about 1,000 Catholics found supporters ally be gone from the United States, and opponents split at 48.5 percent Carr said, but it won't be because and 48.2 percent, respectively, ofa single court ruling or law passed Zogbysaid..

by Congress, but the combination Zogby said the shift in opinion of lots of smaller events, such as among Catholics seems to be that the recent Supreme Court rulings they are hearing and taking to heart saying it is unconstitutional to exthe Church's teaching that funda- ecute people who are mentally remental respect for human life in- tarded or who committed their cludes even those guilty of crimes. crimes as juveniles.

Diocesan vicars discuss challenges facing shrinking religious orders DETROIT (CNS)-As thenum- ity, told of the 13-year process by Lemoncelli said, "Our jobs are just ber of vowed religious continues to which the Visitation Sisters ofChar- jobs, not ministry, unless we bring decline, the challenge facing dioc- ity of Bedford, Ohio, merged with them to prayer. We have to bring our esan vicars of religious is "how best the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. work to prayer and bring our prayer But if some religious communi- to work." to encourage consecrated persons Franciscan Sister Nancy Schreck, within their diocese to live their vo- ties are merging, others are emergcations," a Vatican representative ing; they include New York's Sisters former president of the Leadership of Life, founded in 1991 by the late Conference of Women Religious, said.

Oblate Father Henry Lemoncelli, Cardinal John 1. O'Connor and re- urged attendees to find ways to revian official of the Congregation for cently raised in status from a private talize religious life.

"She really challenged religious Institutes of Consecrated Life and association to a public association.

They also heard from Judith M. congregations to fill in the gap beSocieties of Apostolic Life, was among the speakers at the recent na- . Stegman ofLansing, presidentofthe tWeen the institutional Church and tional assembly of the National U.S. Association of Consecrated the Gospel," said SisterMary Garke, Council of Vicars for Religious, held Vrrgins, and from Sister of Charity a Sister of the Most Precious Blood Marian Madden on consecrated her- and director of the Archdiocese of in suburban Detroit.

Over the past 20 years, the num- mits - two less common forms of Cincinnati's Office of Religious.

Detroit Cardinal Adam 1. Maida berofvowed religious Sisters, Broth- consecrated life.

Father Lemoncelli, an American celebrated Mass for assembly attenders and religious order priests in the United States has fallen from in his sixth year with the Vatican ees. congregation, substituted for the Cabrini Sister Joan McGlinchey, 145,195 to 91,719.

Besides Sisters, Brothers and or- originally scheduled Archbishop vicar for religious in the Archdiocese der priests, consecrated life also in- Franc Rode, the congregation's pre- of Chicago, said that members of cludes other forms, such as conse- fect, who was unable to attend the religious congregations face questions about their identity and role in crated virgins and hermits. Vicars for assembly.

But he conveyed Archbishop today'sChutch, ''because lay people religious serve as the liaison between their bishop and all those in conse- Rode's thoughts on the centraIity of are doing a lot of what we used to be the Eucharist to consecrated life and doing - and doing it well." crated life in their diocese.

Although the number of people About 50 vicars for religious the need for a rededication to "affrom across the country heard pre- firm the primacy of holiness, to in religious life continues to decline sentations ranging from how some strengthen ecclesial bonds, and to and the averagt( age increases, long-established religious congrega- witness to the strength ofthe charity speakers said they don't have the typical character of an aging entertions are coping with continuing "di- of Christ."

In a time when, despite lower prise. . minishment" to issues involving ''There's still a need for what we numbers, those in consecrated life emerging religious communities.

Sisters Mary Ellen Murphy and are often doing a greater variety of do, and we still have the energy to Christine Rody, both Sisters ofChae- work than ever before, Father do it," Sister McGlinchey said.

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DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY Saturday, April 2 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass Rev. Richard Delisle, M.S. Followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until midnight Sunday, April 3 12:10 Divine Mercy Liturgy Bishop Emeritus Louis E. Gelineau 3:00 p.m. Devotion to Divine Mercy

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PRO-LIFE LIVING ROSARY & MASS Saturday, April 30 Living Rosary at 3:00 p.m.

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Friday, April 1, 2005

U.8. deacon working in Belize killed in apparent robbery ST. LOUIS - A deacon serving with St. Louis priests at a parish in Belize was killed during an apparent robbery March 11.

Deacon Donald F. Kostecki, a native ofSt. Louis and a retired state hydrologist from Topeka, Kan., was inside his pickup truck when shot at close range. He had been on his way to early morning Mass at Sacred Heart Church in San Ignacio in the western district of Cayo in the Central American country.

"He was a model Catholic Christian who brought solace and comfort to a great many through his ministry," said Father Kevin Hederman, a St. Louis priest who staffs the parish with Father Anthony Siebert as part of the St. Louis Archdiocese's Latin American apostolate.

Deacon Kostecki, 63, was raised in St. Francis de Sales Parish in .

South St. Louis and attended Cleve-

land High School and St. Louis University. He joined the Papal Volunteers and served the Diocese of Belize City-Belmopan for about five years. There he met and married his wife, Netti.

The Kosteckis move.d to Topeka and were active in their parish. After his retirement, Donald Kostecki moved to Belize and was ordained a deacon there last July. His wife planned to join him in May when she retired.

Media reports quoted police as saying Deacon Kostecki was shot inside his vehicle and dragged out by his attacker, who stole some of his belongings but left his Bible on the front seat. Such attacks are considered rare in Belize.

In addition to his wife, survivors include sons Anthony, Aaron, and Adam; and daughters Alicia and Adrienne.

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Our Lady's Monthly Messag~' From Medjugorje March 25, 2005 Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina "Dear Children! Today I call you to love. Little children, love each other with God's love. At every moment, in joy and in sorrow, may love prevail and, in this way, love will begin to reign in your hearts. The risen Jesus will be with you and you will be His witnesses. I will rejoice with you and protect you with my motherly mantle. Especially, little children, I will watch your daily conversion with love.

"Thank you for having responded to my call."

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THE REV. PATRICK Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, speaks to the media in support of Terri Schiavo during a rally in front of the White House in Washington March 28. Rev. Mahoney and other supporters came to Washington to urge President George W. Bush and Congress to reinsert Schiavo's feeding tube. (CNS photo by Paul Haring)

Fargo, N.D., said in a Good Friday homily that Schiavo "is totally innocent and yet who would have imagined, even 25 years ago, that some judge

By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE would permit a' person to be PINELLAS PARK, Fla. - As starved and to be dehydrated to death."

March drew to a close, death seemed imminent for severely Pittsburgh Bishop Donald W. brain-damaged Terri Schindler Wuerl wrote in the March 25 isSchiavo as recourse to courts sue of his diocesan newspaper, and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush The Pittsburgh Catholic," We evaporated in efforts to get her are not dealing with extraordifeeding tube reinserted. nary treatment such as a ventiOn Easter, nine days aflator or dialysis," he said. ter the tube was removed, No one is obliged to unSchiavo was given ComBishop Samvel J. Aquila of dergo extraordinary treatmunion in the form of a ment if it would add to sufFargo, N.D., said in a Good Friday fering drop of wine on her tongue and prolong death, at a hospice in Pinellas homily that Schiavo "is totally inno- he added. cent and yet who would have imagPark.

Quoting from a 1991 .

Prior to that, state and ined, even 25 years ago, that some statement by the Pennsylfederal courts, including judge would permit a person to be vania bishops, the current the Supreme Court, re- starved and to be dehydrated to bishops said that "this is fused to order the feeding euthanasia by omission death." . tube reinserted and Bush rather than by positive lesaid he could no longer thal action, but it is just as intervene given the numerreally euthanasia in its inous state and federal court rul- to himself when it is her time to tent." ings. die. It is not for us to determine The 41-year-old Schiavo sufIn recent weeks, Vatican and when that time is." fered brain damage. 15 years ago U.S. Church officials have reThe feeding tube had been re- after collapsing in her home in peatedly emphasized that it is moved March 18 after a decision St. Petersburg due to what docobligatory to provide Schiavo by a Florida state judge allowed tors believe w~s a potassium imwith food and water. the husband, Michael Schiavo, balance. Her brain was deprived The legislative and legal to order doctors to take out the of oxygen for several minutes. ba!tles involve her estranged tube.

Several doctors have testified husband, Michael Schiavo Terri Schiavo "is not in a in court that Terri Schiavo is in who says his wife would not coma, she is not on 'life sup- an irreversible vegetative state. have wanted the feeding tube port,''' the cardinal said. "She An opinion piece in the. given her condition - and her needs only basic care and assis- Newsday, a daily newspaper parents, who want the tube re- tance in obtaining food and wa- published in the New York area, inserted, saying Terri would ter."

by Cathy Cleaver Ruse, spokeshave wanted to follow her The cardinal reiterated a woman for the bishops' Pro-Life Catholic faith's beliefs. statement by the Florida bishops secretariat, said, "Schiavo is not The March state court deci- that Schiavo is a defenseless hu- brain dead or terminally ill. "Her sion allowing the tube to be re- man being who deserves care heart beats on its own and her moved sparked rapid activity by and respect. lungs work without assistance," Congress and President Bush to Bishop Samuel J. Aquila of she said. enact a law allowing the parents to present their case through the federal court system. But two lower federal courts refused the parent's request prior to the Supreme Court action.

Schiavo should not be allowed to die through denial of food and water, said Baltimore Cardinal William H. Keeler, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

"God will call Terri Schiavo

the ~

Friday, April 1, 2005

ready delivered treatments to those who suffer from lupus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, corneal degeneration, blindness, heart attacks, and spinal cord inBy BILL HOBBIB ernment-funded genetic experi- Medicine, where human neural juries. On March 21, Griffith It's been said the main thing ments conducted by Harvard stem cells have been injected into University published results of a history can teach us is that hu- University researchers that were mouse fetuses, creating mice four-year project where adult stem cells were grown that deman actions have consequences, so ethically controversial whose brains are part human. and that certain choices, once they forced a public apology by Director, Irving Weissman livered everything promised by made, cannot be undone.

Harvard President Lawrence stated in the Washington Post embryonic stem cel1s, but withDespite the promises of em- Summers, who said, ".,.my job is (11124/04), that they have learned out the medical and ethical conbryonic stem-cell and human to make sure it never happens things they "never would have sequences. Ronald D.G. McKay cloning research, as our legisla- again." learned had there been a bioethi- from the National Institute of Make no mistake, some nations cal ban." He has asked the Neurological Disorders and tors consider approving this controversial research, all in society learn from history, both theirs 'university's ethics group for an Stroke even states that the reahave much to fear if we don't and ours. On March 7, the opinion on creating chimeric son for scientists' wrongly prolearn from how government and United Nations General Assem- mice whose brains are 100 per- moting embryonic stem-cel1 reuniversity-sanctioned research bly issued a Declaration that cent human. If the brains look search for certain cures is bewas used in the past as a as if they are taking on a cause "people need a fairy tale."

The idea that the scientific tool for oppression and disdistinctly human architeccrimination. The lessons of It would appear that the scientific ture which could hint at a community can establish their own guidelines for ethical rehistory and consequences community and the Massachusetts glimmer of humanness they search is like the wolf volunteerof experimenting with hucould be killed, he said. man life bear careful con- Legislature do not understand that In the same report, Rob- ing to guard the herd of sheep. sideration. A few recent ex- a good intention cannot turn a bad ert Streiffer, a professor of This is why a Clinton-appointed human act into a good human act. philosophy and bioethics at federal panel concluded in 1995, amples include: The Tuskegee Syphilis Unfortunately, in the rush to approve the University of Wiscon- "Society can no longer afford to Study (1932-1972), the latest new scientific toy, no one sin imagined a human- leave the balancing of individual chimpanzee chimera or rights against scientific progress where Africanseems willing to discuss the conse- "humanzee" that might be· to the scientific community."

American males were told In spite of the recent internathey were being treated for quences of genetically engineering endowed with speech and syphilis, but in fact re- humans without their consent - and an enhanced potential to tional urging and .ethical conceived inadequate or no not for their own benefit, but for the learn. "There's a knee-jerk cerns, Harvard's provost anreaction that enhancing the nounced on March 20, approval treatment all. benefit of others. moral status of an animal is for human cloning experiments Willowbrook State bad," Streiffer said, "Bl;lt if School in Staten Island, you did it and gave it the proN.Y. (1956-1970), where over 700 retarded children at the urged governments to prohibit all tections it deserves, how could the school were intentionally in- forms of human cloning. The animal complain?" "Chances are fected with the most prevalent sentiments of these U.N. Mem- we would make them perform meber States echo former President nial jobs or dangerous jobs," said strain of the hepatitis virus.

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There are some mistakes that once made, can't be undone

I

Program. ence, when it is with the right person at the right time. The message is that abstinence is the only 100 percent sure choice you can make to avoid the consequences of premarital teen sexual activity including teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and emotional consequences.

Amanda Halbardier said "Abstinence is important because it will help your marriage be stronger and keep you free from diseases," while classmate Jasiel Correia II was surprised to hear that on average it costs $800 a month to care for an infant. "If you're a teen with a child you cannot afford that," he declared.

Students were encouraged to sign an abstinence pledge after the sessions and surround themselves

Continued from page three

with people who support their decision. Gangloff said they should take the book home and share the information with their parents because parents and guardians "want to ~alk."

The program is presented in an age-appropriate manner.

Sixth-graders are learning about decision making, setting goals for themselves, and developing relationships. Seventh-graders are learning about love v. infatuation and the perils of peer pressure. Older students are learning about risk behaviors and other topics.

For more information about A. C. T.l. O.N contact Gangloffat Catholic Social Services, 1600 Bay Street, Fall River, MA 02724 or by phone 508-674-4681.

.

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in order to harvest stem cells from human embryos. It would appear that the scientific community and the Massachusetts Legislature do not understand that a good intention cannot turn a bad human act into a good human act. Unfortunately, in the rush to approve the latest new scientific toy, no one seems willing to discuss the consequences of genetically engineering humans without their consent - and not for their own benefit, but for the benefit of others.

Our state leaders appear poised to ignore the lessons of history and the consequences of their actions. All citizens should voice their moral outrage at the proposals to legalize embryonic stem-cell research and human cloning in Massachusetts by contacting their legislators and Sen. Travaligni at 617-7222000.

Bill Hobbib is active on legislatire issues and a former member of the Boston Archdiocesan Pastoral Council.

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14

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April 1, 2005

Young people _wanted for first-ever abstinence awareness youth festival

FUTURE COYLE and Cassidy High School students wer~ recently honored for their outstanding academic achievements with a scholarship to attend the Taunton school as the Class of 2009. From left: John Gonneville; School President Brother Harold Hathaway, C.S.C.; Christine Talbot; Coleman O'Brien; Jacqueline Clark; Justin Cummings; and Principal Mary Patricia Tranter.

BOSTON - The Doin' It Right Hike and Festival, to be held June 4 at the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, is a first-in-thenation youth festival to raise awareness and support for absti. nence education and the risks of adolescent sexual activity.

More than 2,000 teens from Massachusetts and other New England states will gather at this empowering event. Live music, food and fun will cap off the Hike and make the hike and festival a life-changing experience.

Musical guests are Christian hip-hop recording artists The Cross Movement, PAX 217 and New Breed.

The event is sponsored by AWC Pregnancy Health Services helping women and

couples in pregnancy distress make healthy decisions they can live with through its A Woman's Concern Pregnancy Health Centers; and its Healthy Futures program - the state's leading provider Of abstinence-until-marriage education. Proceeds from the hike benefit their faith-based initiatives.

The Doin' It Right Hike and Festival seeks group leaders to register and bring teens from schools, churches or community groups.

Information sessions for group leaders will be held throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Contact: Karen Pierce at 617- 929-1012 or karen@doinitright.org to learn more today . or visit www.doinitright.orglhike.

JOSEPH PEIXOTO enjoys lunch with grandsons, kindergartner Evan and third-grader Seth, Sousa, at Fall River's Espirito Santo School's annual Grandparents' Luncheon.

THE ST. MARY'S Parish Youth Group of Taunton recently presented a $1,200 check to Kay Poirier, director路of Birthright following their annual fund-raiser. The teens gave speeches about Birthright following all Masses that weekend and sold carnations. From left front: Danielle Restagno and Mellisa Kenney; standing: Poirier, Karen Harnois, Jesse Frias, Joe Harnois, Jacob Medeiros, Joe Sollecito and Ryan Vohnoutka. Not pictured: Brian Kennedy, Carly Bosh, and Lauren Charest. .

. -:... -

Correction St. Joseph's School, Fairhaven incorrectly identified a student in a photo that ran in the March 18 edition of The Anchor. The . student explaining her science project to an Alden Place resident was sixth-grad~r Samantha Rosa.

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FaDlily says prayer helped teen-age girl recover froDl unknown rabies bite BY

KAREN GIRARD

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

FOND DU LAC, Wis. - Fifteen-year-old Jeanna Giese, the first person to survive human rabies without receiving any vaccination, has been on the path to recovery and even returned to her Catholic high school to attend a few classes a day.

Her family says their faith has given them strength through the ordeal and they also credit it with bringing about the recovery of the teen-ager, who was bitten by an infected bat at her parish last September and diagnosed with the disease a month later.

Their faith has certainly been tested as Jeanna's parents, John and Ann, watched their lively, athletic daughter become ill her body ravaged by the rabies virus - and fight to regain the physical independence most take for granted.

The teen was apparently bitten by the bat after a September 12 Mass at St. Patrick Church, one of six worship sites for Fond du Lac's Holy Family Catholic Community. After Mass, Jeanna saw a bat lying on the floor of the church, carefully picked it up by its wings and released it outdoors.

Ann Giese said she didn't question God during her daughter's illness and knew that ultimately there was a purpose for what they were going through.

Jeanna, who spent 80 days at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, beat the usually fatal dis-

terious illness, and could treat her successfully.

Then he discovered that this disease could prove fatal. He cried as he made the announcement the next morning over the school's loudspeaker.

Jeanna's classmate, Maggie Millin, said for many of the students hearing Jensen cry revealed a soft side to their principal they never would have guessed.

Megan Geib, another of Jeanna's classmates, went to work that night making prayer ribbon pins for people to wear as a reminder to pray fcr Jeanna. They were blue路an-a white, she said, because blue is Jeanna's favorite color. She initially made 100, and gave them out the next day, receiving requests for more. She eventually made and distributed 2,500 prayer ribbons.

"With prayer comes faith," said Carol Kazmierczak, St. Mary's Springs theology teacher and campus minister.

She said the students prayed for Jeanna at the beginning of each of her classes and their weekly Masses also included prayers for Jeanna.

"Prayer is something that binds us as a community of believers," she added, pointing out that prayers have come from believers from all walks of life who are pulling for--Jeanna.

"A lot of them found peace CLASSMATES GREET Jeanna Giese during an event at St. Mary's Springs High School through prayer," she said. "I in Fond du Lac, Wis., in mid-March. Giese, who survived rabies, was on the road to recov- think they came to realize they ery. Her parents attributed her recovery from the usually fatal disease to prayer. (eNS photo could lean on God" in difficult situations.

by Sam Lucero, Catholic Herald)

ease, much to the joy of her family and friends, and left the hospital January 1. However, she still deals with after-effects.

At this time last year, Jeanna was spending her days in typical teen-age fashion: going to school, playing junior varsity

basketball, hanging out with friends. Recentiy, her days have included occupational therapy, speech therapy, and one-on-one academic tutoring. Now she is also adding a few classes a day at school. Jeanna works hard to regain the ability to walk, but

still depends upon a wheelchair for mobility.

When he first heard Jeanna was diagnosed with rabies, Robb Jensen, St. Mary's Springs High School principal, said he was relieved that doctors found the cause of her mys-

Lost and found

BY M. REGINA CRAM CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE "Your sister just called. She's coming home!" my mother shouted with excitement.

Oh great, I thought cynically.

First she steals money and runs away, turning our parents into crazy people as they try to find her. Now she returns as if nothing happened. To make it worse, they'll probably make a big fuss over her like she's some conquering hero returning from battle.

But I didn't say that. I just mumbled, "I'll be in my room."

"I've been here all along, and they barely notice me," I thought to myself as I skulked up the stairs. What about me?

Why don't I get more attention?

I tried to say that to my parents one time, but my mother just told me to read the story of the

Prodigal Son. You know, the prodigal son.

That's the story about the brother who wastes his inheritance, then returns home in shame to beg for forgiveness.

Instead of punishing him, however, his father throws a party. The older brother complains that he doesn) get as much attention as his troublesome kid brother, but nob.ody seemed to care.

It sounds like my family. I do the right things without reward while my sister gets a celebration just for showing up.

Where's the fairness in that?

My sister and I were in high school. I was two years older and always had been a goodytwo-shoes with glowing report cards and friends who said "please" and "thank you." My

sister was the type who loved to push the boundaries to see how much she could get away with.

She hung around with people

"\-~~::1l Coming of Age who never looked you in the eye, who smelled of smoke and didn't play sports or make it home by curfew. She was the kind of kid I didn't like. She didn't like me very much either.

It didn't start out that way.

When we were little we used to play games together with the kids in the neighborhood, and

we'd whisper in bed after the lights went out. But as my sister grew, so did her rebellion. It was hard to watch, especially because she seemed so unhappy.

Gradually she went her way, and I went mine. My sister's path took her down dark alleys and lonely abandoned lots, eventually leading to drug addiction and alcoholism. The thing was, the worse her situation became, the more sympathetic I was.

It wasn't till we were out of high school that I began to understand addiction and how incredibly strong its pull can be.

That made it easier to stand by her when she entered drug treatment or got in trouble with the law. I guess it made me see that she was still my baby sister even though we walked vastly

different roads.

Our best times together were years later when she was dying.

She was clean of drugs and alcohol, so that outrageous sense of humor was back. She always made me laugl1. I knew we didn't have much time left, so perhaps that softened me and made me more willing to forgive the past and try to make the best of the little time we still had.

That's what we did. Sometimes we laughed ourselves silly. Often we cried about stupid things we'd done. I forgave her for the trouble she had caused, and she forgave me for being so self-righteous.

It was long after she died that I realized what had happened. I was no longer the whiny older brother to the prodigal. I had welcomed my brother home.

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16

Friday, April 1, 2005

Men"

Continued from page one

them resulted in a 14-inch welt.

He reminded those in attendance that these sufferings Christ bore out of love to save them and exhorted the men to imitate that manly love for God and others.

His speech, like most ofthe talks throughout the day, was interrupted several times by lengthy standing ovations.

Aside from inspiring talks, organizers said they hope the conference will encourage Catholic men to act for good in their families and community.

"Ifs time for men to speak the truth, no matter what the consequences are '" to bring Jesus into impossible situations, into impossible lives," co-organizer Jo Tango told the audience.

Marty Doyle, 46, a Rehoboth resident and commercial photographer who organized the two busloads of participants from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, said the high quality of the speakers made the conference a relatively easy sell not only for the gung-ho men of the " parish but also men he described as "on the edge" of parish life.

He smd many were also drawn by the presence ofArchbishop Sean P. O'Malley, a Capuchin Franciscan and current archbishop of Boston, who served as bishop of Fall River from 1992 to 2002. Archbishop O'Malley celebrated the Mass, and at the end he singled out Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and its pastor for their vitality.

Doyle said few of the men had heard of one of the speakers, Father Larry Richards, a priest of the Diocese ofErie in Pennsylvania, but

uDTIorroIk

that many were impressed by his straightforward pitch to the live the good life.

"A lot of guys had never heard anything like that - just so cutand-dried and in-your~face 'you're a man of God, now get on your knees and do what God asks,'" Doyle said.

Richards exhorted his listeners to go to confession. Many did, to the approximately 80 priests who attended the conference.

Co-organizer Scot Landry praised the "phenomenal turnout" from the Diocese of Fall River. He singled out the organized efforts from Our Lady ofthe Cape in Brewster, St. Margaret's in Buzzards Bay, Holy Redeemer in Chatham, St. ANNE BARRY, left, and Amber Platt deliver two of the five large baskets of great gifts for Mary's in Fairhaven, Good Shepthe Activity Centers at Children's Hospital in Boston. Barry is a senior at Bishop Stang High herd in Fall River, St. Francis School, North Dartmouth, and Platt is a senior at Dartmouth High School. The girls raised Xavier in Hyannis, St. Mary's in more than $3,500 through private donations. As well as the activity center baskets, they Mansfield, Christ the King in Mashpee, Immaculate Conception and St. made baskets for 120 children who were patients over the Easter weekend.

Mary's in New Bedford, St. Julie Billiart in North Dartmouth, St. Pius X in South Yarmouth, Good Shepherd in Martha's Vmeyard, and St. Patrick's in Wareham.

He said'he was also grateful for the number of priests, permanent Square, Pope John Paul turned the eras shifted their focus from St. VATICAN CITY (CNS) deacons and deacon candidates that Pope John Paul IT offered the city pages of his text as it was read by Peter's Basilica to the papal apartmade the trek from southeastern and the world his solemn Easter Cardinal Angelo Sodano. ment at 11 :50 a.m., the pope did not Massachusetts to attend the conferblessing in silence.

In the text of the pope's Easter appear. ence with their fellow parishioners.

Although the 84-year-old pope message, he prayed to Christ, "Stay Pope John Paul had watched the Organizers, in addition to planhad a microphone Sunday and with us, faithful friend and sure sup- Holy Week and Easter liturgies on ning a second men's conference mouthed the words of the blessing, port for humanity on its journey television, sending messages read next year, are encouraging the forthe only sound heard was his deep, through history. " at the beginning ofeach service, but mation of men's groups at Catholic "Living word of the Father, give disappointing the crowds that had rasping breathing. parishes. They are also hoping to Holy Week and Easter 2005 hope and trust to all who are search- hoped to see him in person. inspire a comparable conference for marked the first time since his 1978 ing for the true meaning of their In his message to the thousands women. For more information, go election that Pope John Paul did not lives," he said. ofpeople who gathered in the night to the group's Website, personally preside over the liturgies "Bread of eternal life, nourish March 25 at Rome's Colosseum for www.BostonCatholicMen.org. commemorating Jesus' last supper those who hunger for truth, free- the Stations of the Cross, the pope with his disciples, his suffering, dom, justice and peace," the pope wrote, "I, too, offer my sufferings prayed. death and resurrection. so that God's plan would be fulfilled Pope John Paul's message asked and his word would spread among In his annual Easter message, read by the Vatican secretary, of for special prayers for peace, espe- the nations. state, Pope John Paul focused on cially in the Middle East and in M"I, in turn, am close to those who how the risen Lord has remained rica "where so much blood contin- are tried by suffering at this moamong his disciples in the Eucha- ues to be shed." ment. I pray for each of them," the Traditionally, the pope returns to pope wrote. rist and in the Scriptures.

The disciples on the road to Em- his window on Easter Monday to Big screens set up at the Colosmaus said to Jesus, "Stay with us, lead the noon recitation of the seum showed the pope, dressed in Lord," a request renewed each day "Regina Coeli" prayer. his white soutane and wearing the

by Christians around the world, the Although hundreds of people red stole he would have worn at the had gathered in the square Monday service, watching the Stations of the pope wrote.

Sitting in the window of his hoping to see the pope, and al- Cross on television i.n his private apartment overlooking St. Peter's though the Vatican television cam- chapel.

Pope offer~ silent Easter blessing, sends faithful' written message

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POPE JOHN Paul II watches Easter Mass on television from his apartment overlooking St. Peter'sSquare at the Vatican March 27. The pope's appearance at his window after Mass brought tears to the eyes of many of the faithful. (eNS photo from L'Osservatore Romano, Arturo Mari)