04.02.04

an VOL. 48, NO. 13 • Friday, Aprll2, 2004

FALL RIVER, MASS.

, Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

St. Mary's Cathedral April 6, 2004 Celebrant Concelebrants

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CHRISM MASS Most Rev. George W. Colem Clergy from the Diocese of Fall ver

Bearers of the Oil of the Sick of the Sick of the Cated of the Catec of the Chris

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PRO-LIFE ESSAY Contest winners share a moment with Bishop George W. Coleman and Pro-Life Apostolate Director Father Stephen A. Fernandes following a Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River. From left, Timothy Fitton, Rebecca Pitcher, Father Fernandes, Bishop Coleman, Annie Cervin and Sarah Arruda. (AnchotlGordon photo)

,StQdents c~lebrate life through Pro-Life Mass and essay contest

By MIKE GORDON

programs attended.

Concelebrating priests were: Fathers Jeffrey FALL RIVER - Winners in the annual dioc- Cabral, Stephen A. Fernandes, Edward J. Healey, esan Pro-Life essay contest, sponsored by the Pro- Thomas M. Kocik, Michael F. Kuhn, David A. Life Apostolate, read their award-winning essays Pignato and Richard D. Wilson. following a March 25 th Pro-Life Mass at St. Mary's Deacon Joseph F. Mador assisted.

Cathedral.

During his homily Bishop Coleman praised stuThis year's contest was themed "Not Even a dents for their involvement and offered profound Little Bit of Abortion," and winners were chosen thanks to Father Fernandes, director of the Pro-Life from among hundreds of entries from diocesan Apostolate, and its Assistant Director Marian schools and religious education programs.

Desrosiers as well as the teachers and principals who Bishop George W. Coleman was principal cel- encouraged students to participate.

"This project allows our students to focus on the ebrant of the Mass and many young people from. diocesan schools and church religious education· ., Tum /0 page nine - Pm-Life ANCHOR STAFF

HOLY NAME of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in New Bedford was the site of a recent Hispanic Retreat Day. At left, Bishop George W. Coleman processes in for a Mass marking the event. At right, retreatants participate in various discussions. (Photos by Tom Mignone)

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Friday, April 2, 2004

Archbishop O'Malley appointed Grand Prior of Equestrian Order WELLESLEY -

H.E. Dennis

1. Looney Jr.. northeast lieutenant of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem has announced that Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM. Cap., has ·been appointed Grand Prior of the Northeastern Lieutenancy.

The appointment was made in Rome by Cardinal Carlo Furno, Grand Master of the Order..

"I am delighted to welcome Archbishop O'Malley as our Grand Prior." said Looney. "Both as bishop of Fall River and now as Archbishop of Boston, he has been very supportive of the Order, its mission and our Lieutenancy."

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Area law student reinstitutes local St. ~homas .More Society

The archbishop's principal role will be to oversee the spiritual program within the lieutenancy's activities and to invest new members into the Order at its annual Investiture Mass.

The Order traces its origins to 1099. Its name derives from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which was built over the site of the crucifixion and burial place of Jesus and where members of the Order were knighted during its early years.

Today the mission of the worldwide order is religious and charitable. Members work to maintain a Christian presence in the Holy Land through prayer and financial support of its churches, convents, seminaries, schools and orphanages. They aid in fostering general interestin the Holy Places and strive to exemplify Catholic ethical principals in their daily lives.

Archbishop O'Malley has been a member of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre since 1987.'

NORTH DARTMOUTH Through the efforts of a current student at the Southern New England School ofLaw, the St. Thomas More Society has come back to life on the North Dartmouth campus.

Cynthia "Cyndi" Marie Airno of East Falmouth, in her final year at the school, was the catalyst for the group's resurrection, and is currently its student president. "Our group has taken three years to rise rather than

Daily

April 5 Is42:1-7;Ps27:13,13-14; In 12:111 April 6 Is 49:1-6; Ps 71 :14a,5-6ab, 15,17; In 13:21-33,36-38 April 7 Is 50:4-9a; Ps 69:8-10,21 bcd22,31,33-34; Mt 26:14-25 April 8 Is 61 :1-3a,6a,8b-9; Ps 89:2122,25,27; Rv 1:5-8; Lk 4:16~21 (Evening) Ex 12:18,11-14; Ps 116:12-13,1516bc,17-18; 1 Cor 11 :23-26; In 13:115 April 9 Is 52:13-53:12; Ps 31:2,6,12-13,1517,25; Heb 4:1416;5:7~9; In 18:119:42 April10 (1) Gn 1:1-2:2 or 1:1,26-31 a; Ps 104:1-2a,56,10,12-14,24,35c or Ps 33:4-7,1213,20,22 (2) Gn 22:1-18 or 22:12,9a,1 0-13,15-18; Ps 16:5,8-11; (3) Ex 14:15-15:1; (Ps) Ex 1'5:1-6,1718; (4) Is 54:5-14; Ps 30:2,4-6,1112a, 13b; (5) Is 55:1-11; (Ps) Is 12:2-3,4bcd,5-6; (6) Bar 3:9-15,324:4; Ps 19:8-11 ; (7) Ez36:16-17a,1828; Pss 42:3,5bcd;43:3-4; or when baptism is celebrated (Ps) Is 12:2-3,4bcd,5-6 or Ps 51 :12-15,1819; (8) Rom 6:311; Ps 118:12,16ab-17,22-23; (9) Lk 24:1-12 April 11 Acts 10:34a,37-43; Ps 118:1-2,16ab17,22-23; CoI3:14 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8; In 20:1-9 or 41: Lk 24:1-12, or at an afternoon or evening Mass, 46: Lk24:13-35

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THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-Q20) Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass.. Published weekly except for the first two weeks in July and the week after Christmas at 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press ofthe 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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three days;' Airno told 77ze Anchor recently. "Our motto is 'to be a voice for the ethics from the classroom to the courtroom,' even when it is not convenient or politically correct to do so."

The group's resurgence began slowly. "For the first year we did not have 'meetings' in the usual sense.

People were busy and there was just a handful that had heard about the St. Thomas More Society," said Aimo. "I started correspondence through an E-mail network of questions, comments and ideas. The responses included considerations, insights and rebuttals. Most of our meetings were on the benches outside the school and via the E-mail network.

"I graduate this May but intend to return in the fall semester as an alumni advisor to the Society and help next year's leaders facilitate a lecture night each month. The goal is to be consistent with the tradition of St. Thomas More. Arguments are and will continue to be welcome.

"Many know the story of the Chancellor of England, Sir Thomas More and his struggles with King Henry vm. Few, however, know Thomas the man and his lifelong achievements. He was an author, as well as a lawyer and a canon lawyer. His home was a frequent meeting place of guests who passed the evening discussing the traditional and 'new' philosophies, educating each other with the academic and colloquial knowledge."

Before entering law school in 200I, Airno served the Archdiocese of Boston as a campus minister at Massachusetts Institute of Techno1ogy. She has a bachelor's degree from Regis College, two master's degrees from Providence College and is half way through studies to-

wards a J.c.L. from Catholic University ofAmerica, as well as receiving her J.D. from Southern New England School of Law this spring.

Aimo formerly owned and operated the Double Eagle Cruises in Falmouth. 'That's from where most people remember me;' she said. "It's funny. Now people will tell me they know me from somewhere, and I tell them 'it was probably when I was baiting your hook.' That usually gets a little pause as they contemplate the juxtaposition."

The faculty advisor for the group is Professor Dwight G. Duncan, J.C.D., J.D., who is a practicing member of the Massachusetts Bar, U.S. District Court for the District ofMassachusetts Bar, First Circuit Bar and Supreme Court of the United States Bar. He is also a member of the District of Columbia Bar, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Bar and D.C. Circuit Bar. Professor Duncan, who teaches legal ethics, bio-ethics, legal history and constitutional law at Southern New England School of Law, has written numerous articles and professional publications.

As part of the Society'S brief lecture series this year, Professor Duncan recently spoke on ''An Argument on the Massachusetts SJC Decision Concerning Same-Sex Marriages."

A second lecture sponsored by the St. Thomas More Society will take place on April 22 and feature Father Tadeusz Pacholcyzk, who will present a Power Point lecture on 'The Science ofEthics and Stem Cells and Cloning." The event is open to the public and will take place at Southern New England School of Law, 333 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, Room 231, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

In Your Prayers Pleaseprayfor thefollowing priests during the coming weeks April 6 1977, Rev. Msgr. John A. Chippendale, Retired Pastor, St. Patrick, Wareham 1980, Rev. Lorenzo Morais, Retired Pastor, St. George, Westport 1987, Rev. Msgr. William D. Thomson, Retired Pastor, St. '\\ Francis Xavier, Hyannis 1994, Rev. Gerald E. ConIt:\y, CSC, Associate Pastor, St. Ann, /-----\ DeBary, Fla. \ \ 1997, Rev. Msgr. Francis J. yiJJigan'::::::::- .~--.

2001, Rev. Lucien Jusseaume, Chaplain, Our Lady's Haven, Fairhaven /--.:::~----\ \

\.---...---

April 7

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1976, Rev. James A. Dury, Chapllun, Madonna Manor, North Attleboro \ \

AprilS

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, SL William, Fall River

April 11

1914, Rev. John F. Downey, Pastor, Corpus Christi, Sandwich

anchotS> u.s. Senate passes Unborn VictiIns of Violence A'ct the

Friday, April 2, 2004

Committee on Pro-Life Activities, urged passage of the bill. ''This bill simply ensures that both mother and child are protected from violent assault and murder," he said. ,Ruse, responding to attacks on

By JERRY FILTEAU The Unborn Victims of VioHer substitute proposal would the legislation by supporters of leCATHOUC NEWS SERVICE lence Act is also known as "Laci ., have increased penalties for an at- gal abortion, said, "We are grateWASHINGTON - Passage of and Conner's Law" after Laci tack on a pregnant woman by add- ful to the Senate for ignoring the the Unborn Victims of Violence Peterson and her unborn son, ing a second charge of harm to the offensive claims of the abortion pregnancy, avoiding any lobby and its allies in Congress.

Act by the U.S. Senate drew praise from Pro-Life groups mention of a second victim. Abortion activists may recoil from Although the legislation the acknowledgment of a child's and criticism from advocates Massachusetts Sen. John KerrJ{ adopted specifically excludes existence before birth, but their of keeping abortion legal. the presumptive Democratic candt:' any application to voluntary efforts to eri\se the child ·as a sec"We applaud the Senate for voting for justice for date for president this fa/~ voted abortion, Feinstein called it ond victim in a violent crime are "the first strike against all an insult to all women and famiwomen and their children," against the bill. abortion in the United lies who have lost a loved one to ,said Cathy Cleaver Ruse, diStates." " violence." rector of planning ~md inforThe week before the Senate vote Maggie Gray, president of the mation for the U.S. Catholic bish- Conner, whose disappearance and ops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activi-. death drew national attention. The CardinalWilliamH. KeelerofBal- National Council of Catholic California woman was nearly eight, timore, chairman of the bishops' Women; said passage of the new ties.

"No woman should ever be told months pregnant when shedisapshe lost nothing when she loses her peared in December 2002; Laci and' child to a brutal attacker," Ruse Conner's bodies were found the following April. added.

Under the law, anyone who The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 61-38 March 25. It had harms a woman's unborn child passed in the House February 26 while committing a federal crime, such as assaulting the woman on by a vote of 254-163. ' President Bush said he looked federal property, commits a distinct forward to signing it into law. federal crime against the child in "Pregnant women who have been addition to the crip1e against the harmed by violence, and theirfami- woman.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., lies, know that there are two victims - the mother and the unborn lost by a 50-49 vote on her attempt child - and both victims should to replace the measure with a be protected by federal law," he "single victim" substitute bill which would have eliminated language said. .

Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, defining an" unborn child as "a the presumptive Democratic can- member of the species homo sapididate for president this fall, voted ens, at any stage of,development, who is carried in the womb." against the bill.

RIBBONS FLOAT in the water at Point Isabel in San Francisco Bay, where the bodies of Laci Peterson and her unborn child, Conner, were found in April 2003. Following the lead of the House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate passed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act March 25, also known as "Laci and Conner's Law," which recognizes an unborn child as a victim in violent .crimes and allows prosecution of the assailant. (CNS photo from Reuters)

legislation "closes a 'justice gap' for unborn children by recognizing their injuries and providing legal redress."

Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, said the Senate vote "is another sign that our legal system is experiencing a new moment of awareness in regard to the unborn child."

The American Life League said it was encouraged that 61 senate5rs were "wiJIing to pU,blicly state that a preborn baby is a human being."

But the league said it could not support the language of the new legislation because "this law has a clearly stated exception for abortion," perpetuating "the lie that some preborn babies' rights are worth defending and others are not."

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Holy Week programming . on Portuguese Channel Holy Week programming on the Portuguese. Channel will air next week as follows: On Palm Sunday at 7 p.m., the ·Mass from Santo Christo Church, FaJI River; on Holy Thursday at 9:30 p.m., the Mass of the Lord's Supper from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church,

N~w Bedford; on Good Friday at 7:30 p.m., the service from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, New Bedford; and on Easter Sunday at 7 p.m~, the Mass from St. Anthony of Padua Church, Fall River. . Check your local listings for the cable channel in your area.

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4

Friday, April 2, 2004

themoorin~.

the~living

wo路rd

Reviving belief As the Church struggles with the' complexities of the times, it is evident that there exist forces outside of the faith community that would assume roles of intervention in areas'proper to her own sphe~e.

In many cases the secular media has taken on the role as spokesperson for those who seek to dictate a self-appointed agenda of Church policies. A glaring example of this is to be seen in the very difficult decisions which must be made in regard to parish closings or mergers. Ignoring statistical facts concerning such realities as population changes and d~veloping suburban expansions, many p6liticians have objected to urgencies that are solely in the realm of the Church alone.

In fact, it seems that anyone who disagrees with' Church policy becomes the darling of the media. Even some Catholics have adopted this tactic to push forward their own brand of what might.be viewed as a new form of local congregationalism. This really is nothing new.

Throughout her history, the Church has always faced the rebuffs of the secular and the scorn of the discontent. Today, the combination of these forces lends some to form judgments that only seem to inflict more harm on the Church as she seeks to fulfill her mission.

Holy Week is a good time for all in the Church to realize that she is to be seen as a people brought into unity from the 'unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. As Catholics we believe that'the one mediator, Christ, established and ever sustains on earth his holy Church, the community of faith, as a visible organization through , which he communicates truth and ~ace to all people. The pain which has been inflicted on and in the Cliurch, has led many to assume,that somehow the Holy Spirit has been sleeping on the job. This attitude is unfortunate because it leads to skepticism, doubt and unbelief. As leaders in the Church attempt to do their human' best to right the horrendous wrongs of the past, it is imperative for all in the farllily to renew their belief that the Holy Spirit is indeed in the Church. It is in this mystery that we must face present suffering, knowing that we . have not been abandoned. Even on his cross, Christ entered his agony that we might be offered the glory of resurrection. The journey of Holy Week should be a reminder that even amid the current rlark,ness, we have been assured that this too shall pass. For this reason, we, who have been made like him,' who .have died with him and risen with him, are taken up into the mystery of this life until we reign together with him. As we reflect in Romans, on earth, still as pilgrims in a strange land, following in trial and in oppression the paths he walked, we are associated with his sufferings that we might be glorified.

To some, this may seem as a mere pious reflection. For people of belief it is a certainty. It is faith that will sustain us in the Church as we face difficulties and perplexities. This does not mean we retreat into an, isolationism that avoids the labors at hand. Rather, it is a grace that will restore and regenerate the truly faithful as they seek ways to build up the kingdom. We must repudiate those forces that would lead us into disbelief and agnosticism. This is the particular time when we acknowledge that "by the power of the Risen Lord the Church is given the strength to overcome her sorrows and c.lifficul,ties, both those that from within and those' that are from without, so that she may reveal in the world, faithfully, however darkly, the mystery of her Lord, until it shall be manifested in full light" (Vatican II, Lumen Gentium). .

St. Augustine reminds us, "The Church, like a stranger in a for,eign land, presses .forward amid the persecutions ofthe world and the consolations of God."

WITH THE REMINDER OF THE SUFFERING CHRIST ON THE CROSS IN THE BACKGROUND, THIS KENYAN CATECHIST PROCLAIMS A RESURRECTION MESSAGE OF GREAT JOy AND HOPE TO HIS PEOPLE AS HE READS FROM THE SCRIPTURES. LIKE SO MANY MISSION CATECHISTS, THIS YOU&G MAN

COUNT~ON

YOUR HELP THROUGH THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH. THIS LENT,

WON'T YOU OFFER YOUR PRAYERS AND FINANCIAL HELP IN SUPPORT OF HIS WITNESS TO JESUS? (PHOTO FROM FIDES)

''THOSE WHO ARE MOST HELPLESS WILL EAT, AND THE NEEDY WILL LIE DOWN IN SECURITY" (isAIAH

'The love of Jesus has transformed,us'

"Our mother was a picture , This is how Sudha described the tiine after her fatherabandoned their family. Their' mother, too sick to care for them, watched helplessly filled with profound sadness - , as herlittle ones were forced to The ExecutiVe Editor live on the streets in their native India. ' This image, especially !1uring Lent,.may call to mind the face of Mary, weeping at the foot of the cross of her Son. ,And we can hear the cry of our Lord on the cross, "My God, t:lly God, why have you abandoned me?" .

"Our condition was miserable," says Sudha. "We wen~ left orphans, crying on the road."

But just as in our darkness - maybe as w.e cope ,with illness and death, the loss of a job, EXECUTIVE EDITOR ., or just a feeling that all hope is R8V.Msg)-. Jc?hn F. Moqre gone - there comes the real- , EDITOR NJ::WS EDITOR ,. 9Ff!lC~I\I!ANA~J:R'$ ization that God did not abanDavid B. Jollvet James N. Dunbar Barbara M. Rels 0~' y ~ don his beloved Son, .but raised :

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him from death to glory. And the sadness and suffering of a God does not abandon us - ' "Good Friday" into the joy and and he did not abandon Sudha hope of Easter morning. and her two sisters.

In Jimma-Bonga, Ethiopia, "God sent Sister to pick us in East Africa, the people are up from the road," says Sudha. especially poor and have sufSister Anna took the three little fered almost two decade~ of girls to her boarding school. persecution under the form~r "Our doors are always open to government. In one area there, all in distress, all who feel' now on the road tq recovery, alone and without hope," ex-' the Daughters of Charity are plains Sister Anna, adding, engaged in health care, educa"We want Our lives to reflect to tion and social works, One of all the love of Christ." . the many activities of the SisSays S.udha, "We experience ters is a feeding. program for love, care and warmth from the malnourished children.

Sisters. We feel wanted. They "They do marvel~," writes a are the 'other Christ' in our priest serving there. "The路chil, lives: Our, sorrows have van- dren are transformed within ished, and the love. of Jesus has days. You can see them playt"ransformed us. Each of us here ing and running about." is treated as someone so preYou can IIelp tile Missions cious." . .!Jy making a donation to tile Often, God uses 'people as Societyfor tile Propagati,on of his "instruments," In the Mis- tile Faitll. Please senda clleck sions, there are numerous ex- to tile Society at 106 Illinois amples of just that - stories of Street, New Bedford, MA men and women who, with 02745. Attn: Msgr. Jolin ./.

Christ's love, are transforming Oli"eira, diocesan director.'

the ancholS,)

Friday, April 2, 2004

We are Sox fans 'evermore horror called Baltimore his The long wait is finally over. Baseball is back! home - Edgar Allan Poe. The significance there lies in First of all, let me extend my thanks to the New England the fact that Poe was borri in Patriots for providing us with Boston, but denied his Beantown ·roots in lieu of the best of diversions from last Baltimore.

October's Game Seven - a world championship, I can't imagine what a horrible winter this would have been if not for the Pats, Dismissing the bitter disappointment of last se<lson's American 'League

By Dave Jolivet Championship Serie~ loss to the hated New York Yankees, allow Since Poe was a reluctant me to point out a few good native Bostonian, I feel at ease signs as we are poised to begin taking the liberty to use one of the 2004 season, his finest works, "The Raven," Someone recently suggested to send our beloved Red Sox that I not write about the Sox on their 2004 way. . anymore so I wouldn't jinx Coming offa season dreary, them. r reassured the fan that I Soxfans are still weak and couldn't jinx Boston any more than they alre,idy are; in f<lct, I weary, From the memories ofthat see good things ahead for us. dreat!fulfinal score.

This could be the year!

We were watching, cheering, To begin with, in a land far, , snacking, in the seventh just far away, the New York relaxing, , Yankees began the season by 'Til the Yankees came losing to the Tampa Bay Devil a//acking, a//acking just like Rays in Tokyo. So, we already ' know that the Y<lnks won't lead year.s bifore. uTllis can't be, " we stutthe American League East tered, while the Yankee fans did from .wire to wire. roar.

Secondly, the Sox open the But it did - they tied the season Sunday night in the land score. of crab cakes, Baltimore, Md. Oh how it stillllUrts to And that is not without signifiremember how we'dfallen cance. since September Babe Ruth was born in As each Yankee member Baltimore 99 years ago. Surely crossed the plate and shut the that must have meaning. And, as much as the Sox have been a door On a season with such horror show for the last 85 years, the father of American

My View From the Stands

Letter to the Editor Editor: Forgive an old man for being a bigot about same-sex marriages. In my youth, I asked my mom and dad, where did I come from? My parents told me about marriage ... that in marriage a man and a woman become one flesh.

Through such a union a person can be brought into being (be born).

They told me, it takes a man and a woman together, in love to make a child. I believed them.

They left out the part in marriage about civil rights. Maybe it never occurred to my parents that they were engaged in something un-civil.

Maybe we, who are fortunate enough to have been born the old fashioned way, should be grateful to same-sex couples for educating us through the Supreme Judicial Court that they have a union that is just as good as the marriage our parents told us ,about.

And for reminding us that to, think otherwise is discriminatory, unconstitutional and unlawful.

In my youth, I was given to believe that there are no illegitimate children. There are, however, illegitimate parents, that is, men and women who refuse to take responsibility for their child after it has been conceived and born.

Then again, in my understanding of purpose in the natural order, it escapes me. What is the purpose ofsame-sex unions? And furthermore, how do same-sex unions honestly equate with marriage?

The way my thinking is constituted and the way our state constitution is being interpreted, are at odds, because civil rights is being used as a ploy for constitutional blackmail.

Benefits, not civil rights, are at the core of this controversy in the courts and at our constitutional convention.

Trying to think outside the box ' is what has our justices and legislators boxed in.

Robert E. Welsh

South Dennis

promise, turning us into alarmists, And though we tried our damdes!, we couldn't take it anymore, We were Soxfan.f nevermore.

But that hurt was long ago, washed away with winter's snow, , There is just another scar 10 cover up that painful sore. . Red Soxfims will reawaken, Fenway . Park will be a quaking, Ourfaith it can't be shaken as we waitfor what's .in store, Tell A-Rod, Jeter and St~inbrennerthat we '/1 even up the score.

For we are Soxfans, evermore, So, gear up Sox fans for what should be another very entertaining season.

And remember, it'll be another seven months before they break our hearts again.

DoJ1e JoliJ1et, edito,o/The Anchor, is %l71le, sports el!ito,lwriler, ontlregu""/y giJ1es one/1lII t penpectiJ1e on tile unigue world 0/sports.

Comments IUt! welcome til tIoJ1ejoliJ1et@onc"omews.oTfl·

51 Top Hat Awards presented FALL RIVER - The Fall River District of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul recently presented Top Hat Awards to two' area men at its annual Communion breakfast held last month at Holy Trinity Church.

Recipients were John Caron of North Dartmouth, a parishioner of St. George's Church, Westport; and Robert Thibault of Swansea, a parishioner of

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

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia <seer of Fatima) and spoke these words: ~'Announcein my nome tImt I promise 10 ossist lit tile /wIlT oftIeotII willi tile graces necessary/0, tile sakotion ofllleirsouls, fill tlwse ",/w on tilejiTst SoturrIoy of fiJ1e consecume monllls slllJO: 1. Go 10 colflession; 2. ReceiPe Holy Communion; J. Recife tile Rosary (5 tleclllles); antI4. Keep me compony/0,15 minules ",1UIe metliloting on tile 15mysteries oftile Rosary, ",iIII Ike intention of mo#nK TeJNlTfIIion 10 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 flrst saturday, .nd Holy Communion may be received at either the morning or evening Mass on the flrst saturday.

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Friday, April 2,2004

Massachusetts moves toward recognizing civil unions

By CATlfOUC NEWS'SERVICE

,Publicity Chairmen are asked to submit news itelD$ for, this column to rile, Anello" P.O. Box 7, Fall River, 02722.

Name of city or town should be included, as weD as fuU dates of aU activities. DEADLINE IS NOON ON FRIDAYS. Events pubtished must be, of interest and open to our general , readersbip. We do not carry n0tices of fund-raising activities, which may be adveI1ised at our regularraUs,obbdoabIe from our IJusiJleg office at 508-675-7151.

BREWSTER-A Mass including a healing service will be celebrated April 7 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Roa~

by La Salette Father William Kaliyadan. For more information call 508-385-3252.

EAST FREETOWN - An Emmaus Retreat for young adults ages 20-35 will be held April 23~25 at Cathedral Camp.

This co-educational weekend provides an opportunity for young people to experience God's love and share in a' Christian community. For more information call Barbara Hayden at 508-336-9158.

FAIRHAVEN - A presentation on Divine Mercy will be held April 14 at 7 p.m. in the rectory basement of St. Mary's Parish. It will feature a video on the life of Saint Faustina.

FALL RIVER'- The Fall River Area Men's First Friday Clu'b will 'meet tonight at Sacred Heait Church. Father Richard R. Gendreau will celebrate Mass at 6 p.m. anda hot meal will follow. Guest speaker John Larkin will give an address on his conversion to Catholicism.' For more information call Normand Valiquette at 508-672-8174.

HYANNIS - On Good Friday at St. Francis Xavier Parish from noon to 3 p.m., Father Roger Landry will preach meditations on the Seven Last Words' of Christ from the Cross.

MISCELLANEOUS The Miracle on Wheels Program helps seniors and handicapped individuals obtain mobility equipment including mo- , tori zed and manual wheelchairs. For more' information call 1-800-749,-8778.

NEW BEDFORD - The' New Bedford Catholic Women's Club banquet honoring Bishop George W. Coleman

will be held at the Wamsutta Club AprIl 28 at 6:30 p.m. Menu reservations are due by April 10.

For more information call Ethel Cataldo at 508"994-8542. ' NEW BEDFORD Southcoast Hospice is seeking volunteers in the New Bedford and siJrrounding areas to help make a difference in the lives of those they serve. If you can volunteer a few hours a week and have YOur o~n trans'portation call' 508-984-0291 for more information.

NORTH EASTON- The Jubilate Chorale Chamber Ensemble and the Bridgewater State College Chamber Singers will present an afternoon of inspirational music April 17 at 3 p.m. at 500 Washington Street, North Easton. For more infoimation call 508-238-4095. , ,

,

TAUNTON - A Diocesan 'Prayer Meeting sponsored by , the Diocesan Service Committee will be held at 9:30 a.m.

Saturday at St. Anthony's Church. Barbara Wright 'will be guest speaker. For more information call 508-822-2219.

tus to same-sex unions.

In a swift 116-81 vote shortly afWASHINGTON ~ A M<!isa- , chusetts constitutional convention ter th.e March 29 session opened, took a first step Monday toward le- the legislators approved a slightly galizing same-sex unions while de- revised version of the March II claringthat "marriage'" can apply amendment. Tl}e current Legislaonly to heterosexual couples. ture must approve it two more times As controversy over same-sex to complete the first phase of adopmarriages grew in the United tion.

States, another Canadian court The proposed language declares ruled March 19 that such marriages "the unique relationship of marare legal. riage" between a man and a woman, In Minnesota, rallies for and ,but says that "two persons of the against the traditional definition of same sex shall have the right to marriage were held in late March form a civil union if they otherwise meet the requirements set forth by at the state Capitol.

The stage for the debate in Mas- law for marriage."

"All laws applicable to marriage sachusetts was set 'last year by the Supreme Judicial Court when it shall also apply to civil unions" ruled that the state constitution re- within 'the state, the amendment quires legalization of same-sex says. It notes, however, that the marriages.

• state's constitution and laws would The state House and Senate con- not confer on same-sex couples the vened jointly as a constitutional ' ''federal benefits available'to mar.: convention for/the third time March' ried persons."

In Massachusetts, any proPosal 29'to draft a constitutional amendment that would address the issue. to amend the constitution must be At their previous constitutional adopted by two successive legislaconvention March 11, the legisla- tures before it can go to the people. tors stopped just short of adopting Tl!e earliest it could reach a general a two-pronged constitutional , ballot would be 'November 2006. amendment that would reaffirm the Before the amendment was traditional definition of marriage adopted, Archbishop Sean P. but also grant equivalent legal sta- O'Malley of Boston sharply criti-

cized the plan to join the marriage definition an<;l civil union issues in a single amendment. "Linking the two coerces People in a way that is unfair. Voting on thein separately respects the will ofthe public," he said.

In a legislative alert just before the March 29 session, the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, the public policy of the state's bishops, urged Catholics to telephone or E-mail their state senators and representatives urging them to "split the marriage and civil union issues into two amendments."

In a surtement four days earlier the conference said the fusion of the two issues in a single amendment "is like forcing the public to vote for , George Bush and John Kerry on the same ticket It is no choice at all."

The legislators' vote on a single amendment encompassing marriage, and civil unions eliminated several other amen~ents, including a provision that would have split the issues into separate amendment.,.

- In Canada, the Quebec Court of Appeal made Quebec the third pr:ovince to legalize same-sex marriage when it ruled March 19 that prohibiting such marriages violates the Canadian Charter ofRights and Freedoms.

arm

Prayer: Find When, then what and how will follow

TAUNTON- On Tuesdays during Lent from 7-8 p.m. Our As I saw the overflow crowd part from the answer they give to 'invitation, a beckoning, I was Lady of the Holy Rosary at Ash Weclriesday Mass at my the when and what of prayer. , making it a source of frustration Church will host the rosary and parish, I guessed that many of us, The tIours provide structure and and guilt. prayers for healing' and voca- , out on an icy evening, came ' discipline that we sorely need.

Now, I look back aUt and tions to the priesthood. The yearning for a deepening in our 'Whatever form our ,prayer wonder why the answer wasn't evening includes Benediction prayer lives along with that takes, setting aside a specific more obvious. The answer, for of the Blessed Sacrament. smudge of ash. time is key. , me, was that prayer had to come But sometimes Lent ends with Years ago, when I was still first.,....- first, if I'm lucky, before TAUNTON - 'The St. a certain frustration. We haven't yearning to begin a prayer life, I anyone else is up for the day; did, a 34-week program at our Jacques Choir will perform the prayed as ~e'd hoped. ' first before I do anything but The devil is in the details, the local retreat center. Part of the start a pot of coffee; first before I Tenebrae, it service of darkthrow a load of laundry in ness, following the 7'p.m. Good saying goes, and in this Friday Service April 9 at St. , case that may'be literal. I ....--...;.-......-----1"'---.::::-11-1 or start the school lunches.

Jacques Church, 249 imagine the evil one would certainly like to Just me, my familiar Whittenton Street. head off this desire for spot at the kitchen table, a prayer if he could. _ candle, my journaL It's WEST HARWICH - The Most of us'know the become a habit.

Novena of the Divine Mercy, why of prayer. The times Because I know that which begins April 9, is to be

By Effie Caldarola of real prayer in our lives before long everyone will celebrated individually through ,have brought peace and a L..-..;;,;.._..-..;,:;..._......__......_ • • • • be up, the toaster popping Easter to give precedence to the deep sense of God's and the showers running, Triduum in all parishes. Begin~ presence. It's those other details agenda involved a personal I pray and listen with more focus ning Easter Monday the Divine - the what, when, where and commitment to daily prayer, a and c'oncentration. I throw Mercy Holy Hour will pe sung how....,.... that bog us down. , commitment I welcomed. myself into the quiet' 20 to 30 at 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity A Dallas,Morning News , But the pledge nagged at me early morning minutes the Lord Church and will continue all article recently addressed the during the busyness of my day. has given me. week thr~ugli. Easter Satu'tday increased popularity of praying For some reason I assumed my Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a at 7 p:m. A Mercy Sunday c;el- ,the Liturgy of the Hours, a prayer time would most likely be . German Lutheran theologian ebration will be held April 18 traditional form of prayer said by at night. But at the end of a long who was executed by the Nazis at 2:45 p.m. priests and nuns. day - toys picked up, soccer in 1945, said it best for me: , The Hours contain hymns, 'carpooling over, the lasagna dish "Prayer offered in early morning YARMOUTHPORT - Fa- prayers and much Scripture,. scrubbed clean, homework done is decisive for the day."

- how much energy did I have ther Roger Landry, will lead a especially from the Psalms; and Not everyone will find .' left to sit quietly before the hist,orical arid medical exami- are recited at specific times of morning their best time.

Lord? I had about enough energy But if we are ever to begin a nation of the Passion and Suf- day. More and more lay folk are to say, ''Thanks for this day, prayer life, the first step is to find ferings of Christ AprU 4 from turning to the Hours as their Lord" as I turned out the bedside a time and stick to it. The what 6-8 p.m. ,at the Sacred Heart devotion of choice. light. ' Although the article didn't and how of prayer will fall into Chapel. For more information mention it, I think the Liturgy of, It followed that instead of place if we make the when our call 508-775-0818. the Hours' popularity springs in prayer becoming a wonderful first commitment.

F0rthe Journey

7

Friday, April 2, 2004

Do Catholics still believe in the Euc.harist?

Q. Several times I have heard speakers tell us that most CathoDcs don't believe in the Eucharist anymore.

They say it is because priests do not urge old and young parishioners to be reverent and especially because CathoDc education classes do not teach true doctrine.

One priest gave the same ideas in a talk Just the other night, quoting surveys that he says show CathoDes do not accept the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Is that true? Do surveys really prove that? (pennsylvania)

of are clear and thoroughly Catholic in their teaching about the Eucharist. There is always unevenness and need for improvement in education, including religious education.

These broad accusations, however, undermining and

it is impossible to capsulize our beliefs about the Eucharist in a few brief questions that people could answer without leaving room for serious confusions.

It took the Church centuries to develop satisfactory ___---.'- eucharistic language.

The 16th-century Council of Trent (Session 13) summarized that development in describing the true and substantial euchaBy Father ristic presence of our John J. Dietzen Lord. Yet even that language is being refined and clarified to this day, as the "Catechism of defaming Catholic schools around the country, contribute the Catholic Church," for example, demonstrates. nothing helpful to the faith Our belief in the real and life of Catholic people. presence of Jesus Christ As for the surveys, I'm not "body and blood, soul and at all sure they indicate a divinity," as the older catdecline in eucharistic faith. echisms put it - needs to be For one thing, there were no carefully understood. It can such surveys in earlier times be, and often has been, to measure against. misinterpreted. From former Second, I have read a few times even to the present, of these studies. They prove people not of our faith somethat, no matter how fair their times mistook what we mean authors may think them to be,

Questions and Answers

A. I've heard the same claims, though it seems to me they were more vocal several years ago than they are now. I too find such accusations hard to accept. In my 50 years as a priest, I have certainly experienced nothing to support them.

Schools in every parish I have worked with or known

How Father recruits parish volunteers Any pastor will tell you that good volunteers are like gold, although it is hard to get anywhere near $350 per ounce for them, even on the medical experimentation black market.

These are wonderful people who raise their hands and agree to spend untold hours entangled in something called a "telephone tree."

Hanging from there, they attempt to persuade other people to do things like donating $53,000 to update the furnace boiler, or going door to door in a medium-size state seeking 43 trillion Campbell Soup labels that, when redeemed, will buy overhead projectors and stun guns for religious education classes.

They also feed the hungry, comfort the bereaved, visit shut-ins, teach the faith and keep the bathroom plumbing operational.

Recruiting volunteers is one of a pastor's greatest challenges, often ranking ahead of disguising parish income in ways the diocesan comptroller won't notice when setting the parish assessment.

As a matter of fact, a pastor recently said he wished there had been a class in the serni-

nary that would have' instructed him on methods to enlist volunteers, notably licensed electricians or painting contractors.

"People are so very busy in this day and age," he lamented, "that you can rarely get them to slow down enough to let the chloroform take effect. I'm just

The offbeat world of Uncle Dan

By Dan Morris kidding, of course. Ether is much better."

Seasoned pastors (salt-andpepper hair) will tell you that one of the most efficacious techniques in recruiting volunteers is to walk right up to a potential one and say: "Mary Ann, we really need your help organizing a team for the annual parish retreat. When can you meet with me and the parish council?"

Of course, you cannot call just any parishioner "Mary Ann" - or even "Whatever Your Name Is." Thus, the wise pastor asks someone else to tell him the volunteer recruit

target's name and whether he or she happens to be a bonded tradesperson.

In sales, this is called the "assumptive approach." In the Church, this is called the "because-Father-said-so approach" or "collar power."

People up in the phone tree must learn to use "collar power" covertly. For example, wary volunteer game will attempt to slip out of range with something like "Oh, I'd love to, but I already have commitments, so please call me back another time."

Veterans to the hunt respond: "No problem. But I know Father will be so disappointed when I tell him you won't be able to help like he said he hoped you could."

"You wouldn't tell him about me specifically, would you?"

"Oh deary, yes, I am afraid I do have to tell him."

"Well, maybe I could help a little."

"Father will be so pleased.

Oh, and you don't happen to have $53,000 you could spare, do you?"

Comments are welcome. Email Uncle Dan at cnsuncleOl@yahoo.com.

by eating the Body of Christ, seeing it as implying some sort of cannibalism.

Thoughtful Catholics may not know all the technical theological terminology, but they know what they believe.

They tend to be cautious of language that could be open to a caricature of our faith.

We are, after all, as the Church teaches, dealing here with a profound mystery which no human words will ever adequately express.

Finally, it is simple reality that some Catholics feel an urgent need to deplore what they see as a crisis of faith so they can lay the blame on whatever it is they currently dislike in the Church: English liturgy, women lectors, Latin Masses, lay eucharistic ministers, celibate priesthood and so on.

Various factors always affect the quality of people's faith - in the Eucharist as in everything else. Fortunately, the Eucharistic Prayers at Mass express plainly what the Eucharist is and why. From the words of institution (consecration) to the calling

down of the Holy Spirit and the many expressions of thanksgiving, when these are proclaimed clearly and listened to carefully the true faith is present and alive.

When the faithful make their act of faith at Communion time by saying "Amen" I affirm it - after being offered "the Body of Christ," they declare quite well what they believe. It is worth remembering that for centuries, when the Mass was once· before in the language people understood, the Mass - the word and the Eucharist was the primary place where faith was planted and nourished.

Maybe we need to look there a little more closely.

A free brochure answer-

ing questions CathoDcs ask about membership in the Masons is available by sending a stamped, selfaddressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651.

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

HOLY APOSTLES PARISH CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND COORDINATOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY POSmON FULL TIME Holy Apostles is a very young community with close to 40 percent of its 5,800 members under 18 years of age. The Youth Minister would be responsible for coordinating all parish-based youth programs/activities including the Life Teen program. Both full- and part-time personnel staff the Parish's School of Religion. Applicants are required to have a college degree in Youth Ministry and/or experience in parish youth ministry. Salary and benefits are negotiable. To request an application, call 401-946-5586. Application deadline is April 23 with a start date of July 1.

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Friday, AprIl 2, 2004

.u.s. vicars for religious gather to share ideas, support one another .MANHASSET, N.Y. (CNS) ars for religious by Sister Mary ...:...- Fifty-five members of the Na- Hughes, former prioress of the tionalConference of Vicars for Sisters of St. Dominic in Religious from dioceses around Amityville, and Brother John the country convened at St. Klein, provincial of the Marist Ignatius Retreat House in Brothers In the United States.

Rockville Centre Bishop WilManhasset March 18-20 for prayer, discussions, talks and liam F. Murphy celehrated Mass sharing. . for the assembly, which also inVicars for religious are the li- cluded a talk by Father Henry aisons between a bishop and all Lemoncelli, who works at the the members of religious orders Vatican's Congregation for InstiIn his diocese, said Franciscan tutes of Consecrated Life and Brother Bill Boslet, co-vicar for Societies of Apostolic Life and religious in the Rockville Cen- is the liaison between the Vatican . tre diocese. and the vicars for religious .

Ursuline . Sister Nancy Brother Boslet called the naMathias, vicar for religious in the tional conference essential for Diocese of Toledo, Ohio,.and the vicars "because it is the time newly elected secretary for the when we can learn from each national conference, said she other as well as support each . comes to the event "to be edu- other."

"We as vicars get a chance to cated, to be nourished by the speakers, and to be supported talk to one another as people doand network with the other vic- ing a unique ministry in each dioars." cese," said Sister Maryanne "Most of us are a one-person Fitzgerald, a Sister of Charity office," she said. "This is a way who is chancellor for the Diocese to know that you're not the only of Rockville Centre and co-vicar one out there." for religious.

"We more or less are in a sin"There's a lot of sharing about gular ministry," added Sister different issues, about how we Mary Catherine Hunt, a Sister of handle them," said Sister Divine Providence and director Mathias. "It makes all,?f~us of religious personnel for the stronger. And we-have fun:.t.o:, Diocese of Covington, Ky. The gether," '. . .::~ ." national conference provides a Felician Sister Diane Masson, support group, she said. delegate for religious in the The three-day assembly in- Archdiocese of Detroit, added cluded a panel discussion on ma- that participants "continue this jor superiors, dioceses and vic- networking at home."

THE PLANET-LIKE object Sedna is depicted in a conceptualized illustration. The bottom three panels show the first detection of the faint distant object on Nov. 14, 2003. Sedna was identified by the slight shift in position noted in the three pictures taken at different times. All that is known about its appearance is that it has a reddish hue. (eNS photo courtesy NASA)

Vatican scientist naIDed to panel to define new object in solar systelD BvCAROLGLATZ CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

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This Message Sponsored by the Following Business Concern In the Diocese of Fall River GILBERT C. OLIVEIRA INSURANCE AGENCY

VATICAN CITY - One of the Vatican's top planetary scientists has been chosen to be part of a fiveman team of international astronomers to decide if Sedna - the most distant object yet seen orbiting the sun - is really a planet.

The new body currently lies .some eight billion miles away from the sun, "almost ~ice as far away as anything else in the solar system," said U.S. Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, an astronomer at the Vatican Observatory.

But, because it is such a recent discovery and because 'it is .so far away, scientists are not yet sure how to classify the far-flung new world.

'There was no working group on planets because no new planet has been discovered for the past 70 years, and there is no working definition of what a planet is, either," Brother Consolmagno told Catholic News Service.

The International Astronomical Union - a world body made up of about 100 member nations, including the Vatican - set upthe working group to decide on an official definition of a planet. The union also will decide whether Sedna named after the Inuit goddess 'of the Arctic Sea - can join the solar system's planetary club.

"We're interested in working out a consensus and finding a defini. tion that will be useful for people who actually study planets," Brother Consolmagno said.

Sedna is three times farther away from the sun than the farthest planet, Pluto, and it takes 10,000 earth years for it to make one trip aro:md the sun; its days last about 40 hours. Surface temperatures on Sedna are thought to hover around minus 400 degrees Fahrenheit, Brother Consolmagno said.

Not all astronomers are in agreement about how to define a planet.

Some believe Pluto is not a true planet but is just one of many large minor objects in the outer solar system.

Brother Consolmagno said the union has decided Pluto will remain defined as a planet, even though it does not fit all the criteria for one.

"It's an 'honorary' planet," he said.

"We have to keep Pluto; it's small, eccentric and kids love it," mostly because it reminds them of Mickey Mouse's dog rather than the Roman god of the underworld after which it was named, he said.

BrotherConsolmagno said if the International Astronomical Union decides Sedna is a planet it will get the name of a Roman god, as is the tradition. If the union decides it is

not a planet, it will retain the name its discoverers gave it, Sedna.

Planet or not, many scientists still consider Sedna an exciting find because it is expanding notions of how the solar system was formed and what can be found in its outer reaches.

As more powerful telescopes help reveal a deeper and larger cosmic world, Brother Consolmagno said the new discoveries also give people a true appreciation of what irifinite really means.

"At the time of Genesis, the world was flat, it went as far as the next mountain, and the dome over our head was just the sky. So anything bigger than that was God, and that was a pretty big god," he said.

"But now that we know that this dome over our heads is even bigger, then that just makes our understanding of God all the more profound," he said.

This ever-expanding univerSE can have two kinds of effects or someone's personal relationshir with God, said Brothel Consolmagno.

"A pessimist can say 'Oh the world is so big and I'm so small how can God ever see meT But ar optimist-can say 'The world is sc big and God still notices me, thaI just shows how big God really is,'" he said.

9

Friday, AprIl 2, 2004

, ii

cause there are so many students who write good essays. "My religion teacher was excited," she said with a smile. She added "It's important for young people to be involved and aware," of the issue.

Anne Cervin was also thrilled to have her work chosen and hopes to "inspire pregnant teen-agers so they don't have abortions."

Schools participating in.the 2004 essay contest were: Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River; Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro; Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth; Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton; Espirito Santo School, Fall River; Holy Family-Holy Name School, New Bedford; St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School, Hyannis; St. Mary School, New Bedford; S1.

Anne School, Fall River; and SS. Peter and Paul School, Fall River.

Parishes participating were: Corpus Christi, East Sandwich; Our Lady of Fatima, New Bedford; St. Mary, Mansfield; St. Mary, South Dartmouth; and St. Patrick, Wareham.

Essay contest winners received $100 and $50 savings bonds for their efforts as well as a certificate of merit. All essay contest participants received a certificate of participation.

"Students did some great writing and reflecting this year," said Desrosiers. "They inspire us to continue our work in the Pro-Life Apostolate as well as their peers and families. We hope that this generation will spread the truth that they don't want even a little bit of abortion."

The winning essays appear in their entirety on page 14 of this week's Anellor.

MEMBERS OF the Diocesan Pro-Life Committee met recently at the Diocesan Family Life Center, North Dartmouth, to plan activities for the second half of the year. From left seated: Gayle Riley, Father Stephen A. Fernandes, director of the Pro-Life Apostolate, and Assistant Director Marian Desrosiers. Standing, Michael Gordon, Deacon Joseph F. Mador, Madeleine Lavoie and Mary-Lou Mancini.

Pro-Life

COllfinuedfrom page one

beauty and dignity and sanctity of they have been carefully taught the life," said the bishop. "The birth Church's constant teaching that all of a baby is always a great joy. I'm human life is sacred and viable." proud of all of you for having par- Father Fernandes and the bishop ticipated in this contest. This is . presented certificates to winners in proof for the respect for life that a ceremony following Mass.

Winners from the high school you, our young people have and it provides us with great hope for the level are: Sarah Arruda, first place future. You will build up a civili- and Annie Cervin second place. zation of love together with Jesus." Both are from Bishop Stang High Father Fernandes also praised School, North Dartmouth.

From the junior high level: the students for their hard work stating that he was "proud of their Rebecca Pitcher, first place, and participation and encouraged that Timothy Fitton, second place.

Both are students at S1. Francis Xavier Preparatory School, Hyannis.

First-place winner Rebecca Pitcher, a seventh-grader, was "excited" to be an award winner. She said that it was "important to convey the message that abortion is wrong to young people." Secondplace finisher Timothy Fitton was surprised at learning he had written one of the top essays. "It made me feel good," he said adding that "respecting life is important."

Junior Sarah Arruda didn't think she was going to win be-

REPRESENTATIVES FROM St. Joseph-St. Therese School, New Bedford at the Pro-Life Mass.

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STUDENTS FROM SS. Peter & Paul School, Fall River, attend the annual Pro-Life Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral last week. (AnchotlGordon photos)

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Friday, April 2, 2004

In new book, pope describes confrontations with communist authorities

By JOHN THAVIS CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

general of Mondadori's book division, said the pope offers an inside ROME - In a soon-to-be-pub- look at some of his many conflicts lished book about his 20 years as a with officials of the Polish regime.

"It's not an analysis of commubishop in Poland, Pope John Paul II tells of almost daily confronta- nism, but a description of a daily tions with communist authorities confrontation with the communist and describes his efforts to adopt a authorities. It was a very combatnew and more open style of pasto- ive situation;' Ferrari said.

The pope also describes his efral ministry.

The book, a 200-page personal forts to evangelize arnong Polish MATIHEW LILLARD and Scooby-Doo star in the comedy adventure "Scooby-Doo 2: reflection written last year, will be intellectuals, his friendships during Monsters Unleashed:' (eNS photo from Warner Bros. Pictures) published in Italian May 18, the those years, and his attempt to adopt pope's 84th birthday. Its probable an "open-door" policy at his episEnglish title will be, "Get Up, Let copal residence, so that he would Us Go;' a phrase taken from the be accessible to people from all Gospel account of Christ's last en- walks of life. counter with his Apostles.

The book is divided into six secDetails of the new volume were tions and at least 40 chapters, the released at a press conference in officials said. In a sense, they said, NEW YORK (CNS) - Zoinks! Shaggy. Neil Fanning also repeats pandemonium. Or could the bogeyRome March 24 by Joaquin it is a sequel to the pope's 1996 bio- Those "meddling kids" are at it again as the voice of Scooby-Doo, the man be PatrickWesley (Seth Green), Navarro-Valls, the Vatican spokes- graphical work, "Gift and Mys- in the lackluster comedy "Scooby- team's computer-generated Great the love-struck curator of the crime man, and top officials of the tery;' on his years as a priest.

Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" Dane mascot (admirably filling the museum, who has the intirnacyMondadori publishing house, The pope completed the work (Warner Brothers). Like its 2002 dog collar of legendary Hanna- averse Velma's tangerine sweater all which has acquired global rights to in Polish between March and Au- predecessor, the sequel stays true to Barbera vocal artist Don Messick). tied in knots? Further complicating the book. gust oflast year, dictating to an aide. . its cartoon roots, with spot-on charIn the film, a lionized Mystery matters is the relentless hounding of Navarro-Valls said the pope, in The Italian version is completed; acterizations of the groovy ghost- Inc. is riding high as Coolville's most rabble-rousing TV reporter Heather an introduction, describes the work the Vatican is finishing the work on busters. celebrated crime-solving clique. The Jasper-Howe (Alicia Silverstone), as a collection of "memories and translations in English, French, However, the retro redux rarely curtain rises as they arrive at the red who seems hell bent on besmirchreflections" rather than a chrono- German and Spanish. progresses past the first film's self- carpet opening of a new exhibit at ing the reputation of the home town logical account. It begins in 1958, Ferrari said it was uncertain conscious parodying style, resulting the Coolsonian Criminology Mu- heroes. . when he learned about his episco- whether the English edition would in an overwrought movie full of seum which displays all the cosDuring their investigation, Velma pal appointment during a canoe trip be ready by the May 18 Italian pub- forced, retread humor which lacks tumes of the creepy villains they discovers that many of the assorted in the Polish mountains, and cov- lication date. He said Mondadori any novelty - not to mention a co- have unmasked over the years. miscreants have been created from ers the period up to his election as had engaged an agent to find a U.S. herent plot. Thankfully, director But the festivities are interrupted "randomonium;' an invented subpope in 1978. publisher, and similar efforts were Raja Gosnell (who also directed the when the party is crashed - liter- stance. Of course, "randomonium" Mondadori hopes it will become being made in other countries. original) has, at least, toned down ally - by a giant flying beaked liz- is what the film is made out of as a best seller, perhaps more popular.

A portion of the earnings from the age-inappropriate innuendo and ard known as Pterodactyl Ghost, well, since the nonsensical script is than the pope's 1994 book, "Cross- the book was to go to a special fund spring-break ambiance that rattled prompting one of the movie's few a collection of "random" bloated ing the Threshold of Hope," which to be used for charitable causes at the chains of some parents last time witty lines, "How did that dinosaur special-effects sequences that add up has sold some 20 million copies in the pope's discretion. get through security?"A masked fig- to very little in terms of narrative coaround.

50 editions. Mondadori published Navarro-Valls said he doubted As in the previous pic, "Scooby- ure then appears threatening herence, and even less in terms of that book, too. â&#x20AC;˘ this would be the pope's last big lit- Doo 2" is geared toward viewers Coolsville with future fiends - in- entertainment. For parents conNavarro-Valls said the new erary work. with a basic working knowledge of cluding the 10,000 Volt Ghost and cerned about bringing easily frightbook is sprinkled with personal ''The pope likes to write," the the Hanna-Barbera animated series. the Skelemen - and pins the blame ened children, the assorted ghouls details and humor. The revelations spokesman said. "He's probably For those pop-culturally illiterate on the gala's guests of honor. Mys- rank, for the most part, very low on are sometimes simple: "I've always working on something right now." few, the framework of the TV show tery Inc. immediately goes into the creep-o-meter. like to sing;' the pontiff mentions He said that for years the pope was quite simple: Each episode in- sleuthing mode - all, that is except And while the film imparts a light at one point. . had been thinking of a new auto- volved a quartet of self-fashioned for Shaggy and Scoobs who dive message about self-acceptance and ''The style is direct, not artificial.. biographical volume on his career sleuths collectively known as "Mys- . into their usual hiding place under- teamwork, the rickety script and I think the pope made a special ef- as a bishop, but did not have time tery Inc." exposing some bump-in- neath the nearest available piece of cardboard characters make the origifort to write in a way that could be to write it until 2003. He also was the-night being as an all-too-human furniture. nal animated series look downright understood by the greatest number prompted by two anniversaries that fraud.

Can the gang stop the enigmatic Shakespearean by comparison; at of people;' the papal spokesman year - the 45th anniversary of his Returning for another spin in the impresario and his monster-making least as cartoons, they had an excuse said. ordination as a bishop and the 25th psychedelic mystery machine are machine, or will the madman suc- for being so two-dimensional.

Gian Arturo Ferrari, director- anniversary of his election as pope. . the film's four leads - Freddie ceed in transforming CoolsyilJe into Due to some mild crude language Prinze Jr. as fearless leader Fred; Ghoulsville? and puerile humor, as well as some Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne; A crusty Peter Boyle plays Old scary action sequences, the USCCB Linda Cardellini as Velma, the be- Man Wmkles, a former foe who had Office for Film & Broadcasting classpectacled brains behind the opera- once donned the disguise of the sification is A-II - adults and adotion; and Matthew Lillard as fiendish Black Knight Ghost and lescents. The Motion Picture AssoROME (CNS) - The Italian years or 18 years of age, voted everyone's favorite lily-livered, who the team thinks is now respon- ciation of America rating is PG government's film commission March 23 to impose no restrictions. chronically famished scruffmeister, sible for the outbreak ofparanormal parental guidance suggested. has decided not to impose any age The Italian bishops' national restrictions or recommendations commission for film evaluations movies recently reviewed by the tale of family values triumphing for ''The Passion of the Christ." said the film's opening quote from Office for Film & Broadcasting over materialism and selfish inHowever, the Italian bishops' Isaiah - "He was pierced for our of the U.S. Conference ofCatho- terests is marred by one conference, while describing Mel offenses, crushed for our sins" character's glib embrace of porn lic Bishops.

Gibson's film as "acceptable;' said "indicates the specific perspective videos and sexual permissive"Jersey ~irI" (Miramax) special precautions should be taken ofthe director" in retelling Christ's Generally appealing relation- ness. Recurring profanity, an before showing the film to children sacrifice. ship comedy in which a celibate instance of rough language, a and teen-agers.

Usmg ''the four Gospels, some widower (Ben Affleck) living few crass expressions and The film is scheduled to open apocryphal sources and the writwith his crusty dad (George sexual references. The USCCB in Italy April 7. ings ofthe mystic (German Sister) Carlin) and winsome little Office for Film & Broadcasting The film evaluation commis- Anne Catherine Emmerich," the daughter (Raquel Castro) meets classification is A-III - adults. sion of the Italian ministry for cul- commission said Gibson "decia sexually aggressive female The Motion Picture Association tural goods and activities, which sively opted for an interpretation (Liv Tyler) and must also of America rating is PG-13 does not rate films but decides if of the disfigured face of Jesus choose between family life or a parents are strongly cautioned. and when admission should be evoking iconographic representalimited to people more than 14' tions from the 1500s and 1600s."

NEW YORK (CNS) ..:...- The workaholic career. Writer-direc- Some material may be inapproL.. ...;... ..... ...... ~ .. following are capsule reviews of tor Kevin Smith's sweet-natured pri.at~ f~r children under 13. . , .

eNS movie review - 'Scooby000 2: Monsters unleashed'

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Italian film board places no age restrictions on 'The Passion'

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Friday, April 2; 2004

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Communion options available for people with celiac disease COMMACK, N.Y. (CNS)- noted Father Gallagher.

Kristin Rheaume is only four When he was ap'proached by years old but her mother is al- two more parishioners with ceready planning for Kristin's first liac disease, "I followed diocesan procedures and forwarded Communion.

Pat Giuliani-Rheaume has to the medical documentation take into consideration that along with the request for perKristin was diagnosed last sum- mission to use low-gluten mer with celiac disease, which hosts," said Father Gallagher. "I restricts her ability to eat the got it and purchased a supply of gluten found in Communion the hosts."

Father Gallagher has had hosts.

People ,with celiac disease positive experiences with the have an intolerance for gluten, low-gluten hosts.

"People are grateful for the a protein that is the primary binding agent for bread. Celiac chance to receive the low-gludisease is a genetic disorder that t~n host," said Father Gallagher. causes an inflammation of the ~'I usually ask them to notify me intestines when a person ingests when they are in the congregation or to come up last so I can gluten.

"It was a little overwhelm- go to the tabernacle and procure , ing at first," said Giuliani- the hosts for them."

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Rheaume about her daughter's diagnosis, "b~t I joined'the ce- prefect of the Vatican Congreliac support,group, went online, gation for the Doctrine of the purchased books, went to a nu- Faith, in a July 24, 2003, letter to presidents of national bishtritionist."

At Mass one day she started ops' conferences, affirmed that thinking about how having ce- low-gluten hosts but not those liac disease would affect Kristin that were gluten-free could be once she started receiving Com- used. It also gave instructions on how priests with celiac dismunion. ease could reGiulianiceive ComRheaume is a {'People are grateful for munion in the parishioner at Christ the King the chance to receive the form 'of wine.

Church in low-gluten host, /1 said FaS 0 m e Commack in ther Gallagher. {'l usually people with celiac disease the Rockville Centre diocese. askthem to notifyme when. choose to reAccord in'g they are in the congrega- ceive only a to Church tion or to come up last so I small piece of teaching, in or- can go to the tabernacle the host at der for bread to and procure the hosts for Communion, to limit their be valid for the them./1 gluten intake.

Eucharist, it Those who must be made only from wheat and water, and cannot receive Communion at it must contain enough gluten to all in the form of bread may reb,e considered bread. There is ceive Communion in the form of not a minimum percentage of wine.

"I am now dealing with a gluten that determines the validity of the bread, but hosts that bride (who has celiac disease)," have no gluten are not consid-, noted Father Gallagher, "and we are going to have her receive ered valid for Mass. .

People with celiac disease re- only from the cup."

As a parent, Giulianiact'differently to different amounts of gluten, and there is Rheaume worries that even a some debate among doctors and low-gluten host would be danwithin the celiac community as gerous for Kristin, and that if ' to the benefits and pitfalls of a Kristin receives Communion gluten-free diet vs. a gluten-re- only in the form of wine she may feel different from the rest stri~ted one. ,Father Thomas Gallagher, • of the 'parish.

"As my daughter just turned pastor of Sacred Heart Church in North Merrick, has dealt with four, I have a few more years several cases of celiac disease before this is a concern," she said. in his parish.

As it gets closer to the time In one case a young girl and her family provided the hosts as when her daughter will begin they came to Mass each Sunday, formal religious education, she plans to do what the parishiosaid Father Gallagher.

It was this girl and her fam- ners at Sacred Heart did and 'ily who brought the option of a discuss the issue with her pas'low-gluten host to his attention, tor.

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IVe invite and encourage parishioners. friends and ali who have devotion to the Divine merclJ to ioin us for this novena. Conducted blJ the Conventual Franciscan Friars.

Feast of Divine IDerclJ Sundal.], April 18, 2004 Special LiturglJ & Devotions. at 11 a. m.

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Vatican official: Bishops accused of abuse could face Church trial

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) They also stressed ·that a Under a new Vatican p~ocedure, bishops. accused of sex,ual abuse Church trial is a hypothetical sceagainst minors will face a possible nar.io for an accused bishop; it Church trial overseen by the Con- would involve contested cases. gregation for the Doctrine of the The ex'pectation is that a bishop facing well-founded accusations· Faith.

Until now, cases of sexual would agree to resign. abuse or other serious crimes In April 2001, the pope signed against Church law were reserved a document reserving jurisdiction to the pope if the accusations in- to the doctrinal congregation in volved bishops, patriarchs or car- cases of priests accused oJ dinals, said' Msgr. Charles "delicta graviora," or more seriSci~luna, an official of the Conous crimes, against Church law.. gregation for the Doctrine of the The category includes sexual ..

Faith. abuse by priests against minors, But Pope John Paul II is del- as well various acts committed by egating the handling of those priest~ against the sanctity of the cases to the doctrinal congrega- . Eucharist and against the sacration, Msgr. Scicluna told Catho- ment of penance. lic News Service this week.

Under provisions of the papal The reason is that in '200 I the document, in tandem with special doctrinal congregation was given norms adopted for U:S. dioceses competency over sex abuse cases in 2002, most cases of clerical POPE'JOHN Paull! raises the chalice during .Mass at the Vatican March 27. The pontiff against clerics and has the orga- sexual abuse in the United States Mass with three Rome parishes, urging parishioners to witness the Gospel. (CNS celebrated nizational resources and experi- are handled in initial 'stages by phot~ from R~uters) . ence to deal with similar cases. local Church authorities with involving bishops, he said. oversight by the Vatican doctriCardinal Joseph Ratzinger, nal congregation. The papal docuprefect of the doctrinal congrega- . ment and the U.S. norms estabtion, informed other Vatic;an lish a Church trial of the accused agencies of the change in a lettt?~ as the normal route for conteSted dated March 16. cases; it also provides for a less Vatican sources emphasized 'complex "administrative penal

By JOHN THAVIS that the pope could still decide to process" in case of overwhelmThe pope sounded somewhat Gospel and by welcoming newCATHOUC NEWS SERVICE intervene and deal directly with a 'ing evidence against'an accused short of breath as he read the re- . comers as a family. specific case involving a bishop priest.

VATICAN CITY -'- Pope John marks from his apartment window "Cast wide your nets, concernPaul II appealed on behalf of the aboveSt. Peter's Square, where ing yourselves not only with those sick and suffering\:hildren around several hundred pilgrims gathered. close to you but also with those who the globe, saying their "silent cry" After praying the Angelus, he live on the margins of the faith," he , sho,uld stir the world's conscience. also made anappeal 10 years after said.

Christians in particular' should an outburst of ethnic warfare in' The pope said the parishes respond with "courageous action" Rwanda. The pope recalled that should keep alive the Italian tradiBy CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE intolerance '~stands a chance' of to heIp children in distress, espe- several hundred thousand people tiol) of maintaining youth centers, . GENEVA - The Vatican's success when human dignity cially during Lent, the pope said at were "barbarically killed" in the which function as informal formapermanent observer to the and equality are recognized as his noon blessing March 28.

Rwandan fighting in 1994. tion centers for many young people.

United Nations in Geneva said the true foundation of social reThe pope, who made children "Let us pray that such a tragedy He also encouraged promotion religions help combat discrimi- lations," he said: the focus of his Lenten message this is never repeated," the' pope said. of vocatiems, saying the Diocese of nation and promote tolerance People who are denied "the year, said he was worried about the He encouraged religious and politi- Rome "needs holy priests and men through teaching by example. full participation in society" be- many young people who suffer cal leaders in the central African and women religious."

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi cause of race, color, creed, gen- from serious disea,ses like tubercu- region not to become discouraged The pope has now met with the said eliminating racism and dis- der or origin often suffer "the losis and AIDS, as well as hunger as they try to bring peace to the area. faithful from 317 of Rome's 336 crimination starts "from an atti- additional burden of poverty," and lack of education.

On March 27, the pope cel- parishes. In 2002 he had to stop his "Undernourishment and malnu- . ebrated Mass and met with the long-standing practice of persontude of acceptance of the ~other' said Archbishop Tomasi .. and of a genuine appreciation of The world community must trition, aggravated by worrisome faithful from three Rome parishes.' .ally visiting the parishes because of the multiplicity of gifts that hu- implement the many interna- deficiencies in health care, ~ontinue In a sermon, he urged the parishio- . poor health. Instead, groups of paman groups and cultures con- tional conventions aimed at to be the daily cause of death for a .ners to evangelize by witnessing the rishioners come to the Vatican. tribute to the whole human fam- eliminating discrimination and great number of these small ones, ily." . continue to search for "concrete who are deprived even of the rriiniHis remarks came during a ways and means to achieve" mum necessary for. survival," he debate March 22 on racism and these objectives, he said. said. discrimination as part of the In some of the poorest countries, In a speech during the March 60th session,ofthe U.N. Human 24 debate in Geneva on the right , children and adolescents have been Rights Commission under way to development, Archbishop enrolled as soldiers in many of the until April 23 in Geneva.

Tomasi said the implementation world~s "forgotten wars;' the pope. , An ilJlPortant way to foster of human rights would result in said. this attitude of acceptance and greater human development.

According to the Vatican's mismutual respect is through edu"Civil and political rights sionary news agency, Fides, more cation, he said. But human and economic; social and cul- than 300,000 child-soldiers ages rights education "must go be~ tural rights are mutually rein- seven-17 are fighting in 36 conflicts, yond the external expressions of forcing, and development is the around the world; 12 of the cona culture and reach out to the fruit of tl1eir implementation," flicts are in Africa. . value system and the spiritual he said.

The pope called ,this a horrible belief that sustain the identity of He said economic growth form of violence and aggression a people," he said. that "adds to the material well- that forces children to carry out the J!Jst as dialogue helps in the being of society and individu- hostilities and hatred of adults.

BISHOP KENNETH E. Untener of Saginaw, Mich., celbattle against prejudice, "all ma- als" must be accompanied by'a "These smaller brothers and sisjor religions strive to inculcate concern for ':the growth of the ters who suffer from hunger, war ebrates Mass at Bay City's Our Lady of Guadalupe Church this inner rooting of tolerant be- whole human person and her/his and disease are making an an-' in this 1992 file photo. Bishop Untener died MarCh 27, six havior, and at the same time they rights." giJished appeal to the adult world. weeks after his announcement that he would begin treatprovide encouragement to teach Therefore, the "convergence May their silent cry not go unheard. ment for myelbdysplasic syndrome, a form of leukemia. As by example first of all," the of human rights and economic Jesus reminds us: 'Whoever re- bishop of Saginaw since 1980, he was an outspoken advoarchbishop said. . policies becomes self-evident" ceives one child such as this in my ,cate for equality and social justice. (CNS photo by Brett The fight against racism and and "indispensable," ~e said. name receives me,'" he said. .

McLaughlin, Catholic Week!.J1 \.

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Pope says 'sil~nt cry' of children 'should stir world's conscience

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Vatican official says religions can help fight racism by example

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MEMBERS OF the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women stand with Bishop George W. Coleman near the traveling icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe during a rec~nt retreat at St. Mary's Chu~ch, Dartmouth. Themed "Welcome the Stranger Among Us;' it included prayers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. From left, Father Richard D. Wilson, Dorothy Curry, Rita Paskavitch, Mildred Gil, Bishop Coleman, Lynette Ouellette and Claudette Armstrong.

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Pope asks Trappist hermit to write meditations for Way of Cross

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The Vatican did not release the In 1967, the Vatican said, Father CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE text of the meditations or say LOuf, U.S. Trappist Father Thomas VATICAN CITY - Pope John whether Father Louf was asked to Merton and the superior general of Paul II has asked a Trappist hennit follow the traditional 14 Stations of the order wrote a joint letter to the and former abbot, Father Andre the Cross or the strictly biblical set world Synod of Bishops regarding Louf, to write the meditations for of 14 stations, which Pope John "contemplatives and the crisis of " faith." his Way of the Cross service at Paul occasionally uses.

"With his wise discernment," A Vatican biography said that in Rome's Colosseum on Good Friday. ' 1945, when he was on a camping the Vatican said, Father Louf not Father Louf, 74, has lived 'in a trip with friends, the future Trappist only became one of the leaders of hennitage in southern France for stumbled upon the Monastery of the refonn of the Trappist order the past seven years; he is a prolific Notre~Dame du Mont-des-Cats in following the Second Vatican writer on spirituality, the contem- France, over the border from Bel- ' Council, "but also one of the spiritual figures with the greatest authorplative life, spiritual direction, gium.

"Fascinated, he made a visit, and ity in the Church Of our times." prayer and ancient Christian writAmong Father Louf's books. four years later entered as a novers. available in English are: "Cistercian ' The Vatican announced March ice," the biography said.

When he was 33, he was elected Way," "Grace Can Do More," 26 that he would write the meditations for the pope's April 9 night- the monastery's abbot, a position "Mercy in Weakness;' 'Thning Into , he held for the next 35 years.

Grace" and 'Teach Us to Pray." time service in the Colosseum.

Our Lady's Monthly, Message From Medjugorje Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina

"Dear Children! Also today, I call you to open yourselves to prayer. Especially now, in this time of grace, open your hearts, little children, and express your love to the Crucified. Only in this way, will you discover peace, and prayer will begin to flow from your heart into the "world. Be an example, little children, and an incentive for the good. I am close to you and I love you .all. ' "Thank you for having responded to my calL"

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Friday, April 2, 2004

PRo-'LIFE ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS . .

'NOT E'lEN A .LITTLE BIT OF ABORTION' .路Annie Cervin, Second-Place Winner

Sarah Arruda, First-Place Winner Hig~ School Level .

High School Level

Just as the emergence of a single spring flower can rejuvenate a person's soul Two-thousand, four years ago, a young teen-age girl was faced with a decision and bring a twinkle to their eye, so does the ability to bring a child into the world. that would change the world. This decision required her to have faith in God. She No matter what fonn children take,.a fert~lized egg, a human growing within the was an unwed mother and one could only imagine what she had to face concernwomb or a fully born baby, they are still human and contain a soul within their ing her family, friends and community. Her faith gave her the c;ourage to accept mighty fortress, their body. It's that soul orinner spirit which was granted to them the wonderful gift God gave her: a son. By her courage to accept this life, she gave

by God that transfonns them into a human being, just as a butterfly is alive within , the world a miracle: Jesus Christ.

Today thousands of girls are faced with similar choices. Similar in that they the cocoon and then emerges as a beautiful being to take its place amongst the. world. Each child is granted the gift of life, the mo~t precious gift of all~ which can face social, financial and peer challenges. We can only assume they do not have only be taken away by God, not by humans trying to play God. the faith that Mary was blessed with. Our Church has tried to give them the supThe ability to bring a new life into the world is a tremendous gift, greater than port needed through organizations like ~o-Life and Birthright to support them anything that could be wrapped and placed under a tree. If one partakes in activi- financially and help give them the courage to inake tbe decision for life. But still ties that could lead to the creation of a living being, then one is saying that he or one out of every three. children conceived is murdered. she is open to bringing a new life into the world. Teen pregnancy is an issue our The decision of a woman can be further complicated by the ability of medical society faces each and every day:While the road towards being a teen-age mom is technology to determine physical and mental handicaps facing the child prior to it rocky ride, it c;:an be done. One must face the consequences of her actions and if the birth. Advances in medicine were originally discovered to decrease the health she decides that she is not ready to be a mom, after much c0ntempl,ation, adoption risks at birth and now are used to define whether a child is worthy of life or not by is always a choice. Whether a child is conceived naturally or through rape, adop- their medical or physical well-being. Our society has become a disposal society tion is and always will be the loving choice. The easy part is deciding to have an where life can now end up in tbe trash can'without a thought. When did it become abortion; the hard part is living the rest of your life knowing you killed an inno- okay to dispose of children? Is it possible that the scientist who worked to discent child; your child. Every person who is conceived has a purpose in life, to cover these advances in technology ever thought their inventions would be Lised fulfil God's plan for the world. Abortion kills an innocent life,a person whom , for people to have ap excuse for murder instead of healing?

God has chosen and designed with specific intention at heart. .

We as a society need to become aC,tive participants in changing the laws curNanna McCorvey, also known as "Jane Roe," was once a lead petitioner in the rently in place that even allow a "little bit" of abortion. We are not all knowing nor 1970 lawsuit filed to challenge the anti-abortion laws in Texas. Her once strong . is any mother giving birth "all knowing" to make the decision to end life no matter stance towards the freedom of choice has changed and McCorvey is now an anti- what the circumstances. For the first time since the 1973 ruling, both the president abortion activist. When asked about having an abortion she said, "I can hon垄stly and the'majority of Congress are against abortion. Already, President Bush has say no, I wouldn't have," This proves that a person's mind-set on abortion can signed a bill restricting late tenn abortions. Congress tried to pass this bill twice, change, for the protection of every new life brought into路the world; let us hope that once in 1996 and again in 1997, Both times fanner President Bill Clinton vetoed minds change sooner than later. We must remember that ii is God who. has a hand it. President Bush has also declared the United States "must protect the lives of in creating life and as it is stated in the Bible, Jere~ah 1:5, "Before I fanned you innocent children waiting to be born." in your mother's womb I chose you. Before you were born I set you apart. I apWe must cia our part by urging our parents' and community leaders to eIid aborpointed you to be a prophet to the nations." Let us allow each child brought into tion now. Allmying this to'continue puts our society closer and closer to allo,wing thi~ world the ability to grow and become that prophet: . a trash can to be a place for t~e disposal of any life. Speak up now! I can't hear .Yo~.

. ..

Rebecca Pitcher, Fir:st-Place Winner Junior High Level ,

Timothy Fitton, Second- Plac~ Winner . Junior High Level.

My awareness of abortion was introduced at an early age. I was only four years old.

My mother and I were stopped at a red light in Hyannis when we noticed people standing on the sidewalk holding signs. Some of the signs had pictures of babies on them, but one in' particular bas been ingrained in my mind since that day. I remember trying to make sense of the image on the sign, but I was unable to: I asked my mother exactly what the picture was, and she replied that it was a baby. "If it's a baby, then why is it all broken?"

I asked. My mother explained to me that some women don't want to keep their babies, so .they have a doctor remove them from their bodies. "Whathappens to the baby?" I asked her. My mother answered '''The baby dies," The traffic light turned green and we continued on. After a few minutes my mother turned to see why I was so quiet. She noticed the tears quietly running down my face. She asked wbat was wrong. I answered '''They're 'only little babies mom! What did they ever qo to hurt anyone?" '''They did nothing;' she replied, '''That's why it's very important for us to pray. for mothers not to have abortions.

God is pleaSed to hear the prayers of little children." : .

When I think of abortion now at age 12, I recall those vivid images of 'death and brokenness. I can't help but wonder how anyone could think that killing an innocent life would be' the answer, or a, WtJ.y out. Today's society' has convinced women that their unborn babies are nothing more than blobs of tissue. In reality, they are living beings with souls Created.by God. If these mothers were given ultrasounds they would quickly realize that the ''blob of tissue" growing inside them has a heartbeat and is just as much alive as . you andt God does not create accidents, and it's not up taus to take away a'life that He has created. One can't help but wonder if possibly a future pope, or doctor with the. cure for a disease bas been lost as a result of abortion. ' Abortion is by far one of the greatest evils of our time. We as a nation need'to defend and protect the most helpless and innocent among us, the unborn, We. must pray that our country, which has been so blessed, will become a culture of We.

Even' "a little bit" of abortion is too much in the world. A "little bit" of abortion has become a lot of abortion.

Women say they want abortions because they are afraid of what will happen, they are not ready for children, they have no money or are too young.

These are not good reasons to kill a baby. I know. They all apply to my birthmother. There are always choices and people to help make the right decision.

Ad<;>ption is one choice. It worked really well for both my families and me .

My birthmother dip not have enough money to take care of me. Instead of killing me; she made a plan. She talked with a socia'l worker and thought it would be toad if I 'came to the United States. Here I could have a better life than I ,would have had in Chile. There are many families who want to have children but c路annot. Women should think about what they are doing because there are people who would take really good care of the child. ,To make a good decision in a situation like this, we should make a choice for the will of God by following these steps: reflect, judge and decide. Re-, flect means pray to God arid ask Him to help us consider all consequences. It also means to seek the help of others who have wisdom. Judge is asking oneself if the decision is life~giving or life-threatening. Decide means choosing to act and take responsibility for the consequences. If people follow this process there is no way they will decide to have an abortion and there will not even be a Ulittle bit" of abortion. ' Abortion never helps anyone~ It hurts the mother, it kills the baby and it ruins'people's relationships. Even a "little bit" of abortion is way too much!

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Genuine love is empowering

By CHARUE MARTIN·

FATHER JEFFREY Cabral, parochial vicar at St. Anthony Church, Taunton, leads the parish youth group in a Lenten retreat activity. Below, parishioners participate in one of several conferences offered during the event.

Lenten retreat held at St. Anthony's Church TAUNTON - An inspirational day of worship took place recently at St. Anthony's Church when more than 200 parishioners gathered for a Three-Track Lenten Retreat themed "The Spirit Gives Life."

Father Henry S. Arruda opened the retreat with a greeting followed by morning prayer.

Conference discussions in English were given by Father Craig A. Pregana, parochial vicar of St. Michael's Church, Swansea and Father Scott Ciosek, parochial vicar at St. Michael's Church, Fall River.

Portuguese-speaking confer-

ences were led by Father Jose daSilva Lima of the Braga Campus of the Catholic University of Portugal. Following each conference, the groups had table discussions and submitted reports on their talk. Each group also made posters listing the main topics discussed.

The day's events concluded with the celebration of Mass by Father Lima. The St. Anthony Youth Group, under the supervision of Father Jeffrey Cabral, Deacon Jose Medina and Seminarian David Deston, provided music. Father Arruda and Abidio Correia provided keyboard and drum accompaniment.

BRIGHT LIGHTS She got out of town On a railway New York bound Took all except my name Anot~er alien out on Broadway Some things in this world you just can't change Some things you can't see until it gets too late.

Refrain: Baby, baby, baby, when all your love is gone Who will save me from all I'm up against out in this world?'

Maybe, maybe, maybe you'll find something that's enough to keep you But if the bright lights don't receive you You should turn yourself around and come on home.

I got a hole in me now I got a scar I can talk about She keeps a picture of me in her apartment in the city Some things in this world, man, don't make sense Some things you don't need until they leave you They're the things that you miss.

(Repeat refrain.)

Let that city take you in (come on home) Let that city spit you out (come on home) Let that city take you down For God's sake, turn around.

(Repeat refrain.)

Sung by Matchbox 20 Copyright (c) 2002 by Atlantic "Bright Lights" is Matchbox 20's latest hit off their highly successful album "More Than You Think You Are." Listening to this song prompted me to ask, "When

CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

is love truly empowering?"

God is the source of all genuine love, so the presence of love should help loved ones create their lives.

In the song "Bright Lights" the guy is hurting because his girlfriend "got out of town on a railway New York bound." It sounds as if their relationship came to an end because she needed to follow her dream.

Her decision left him feeling that "I got a hole in me now. I got a scar

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I can talk about." He wonders, "Who will save me from all I'm up against out in this world?"

It's easy to empathize with his sense of emptiness. Yet, it is also important to realize that sharing love never means keeping someone from life's challenges. It was never his girlfriend's responsibility to protect him from difficulties.

The guy says to the girl, "Maybe you'll find something that's enough to keep you, but if the bright lights don't receive you, you should tum yourself around and come on home." This comment sounds more like a manipulative gesture to serve his own needs than an open invita-

tion to help her face disappointment.

What would be better? What sort of response could be empowering to this girl?

It's OK, even helpful, to acknowledge the emptiness he feels.

However, he should not dwell on this with her. He should express these feelings to friends who recognize his loss but do not judge his girlfriend's choice.

If he receives such emotional support, then he might be able to convey understanding about his girlfriend's choice. Given this understanding, he might say to her: "I accept your need to see if you can make it on Broadway. Life is too short to live with regrets. True, it's hard for me to let you go, and probably, for a while, I'm going to be lost without you. Yet, what does love mean if it is not a gift that encourages you toward your dreams?

I ask God to bless you and guide you, and my love is here for you anytime you need to draw upon it."

If someone said something like this to you, how would you feel?

Probably, truly loved! Such a statement is honest about the hurt without trying to blame her for choosing to leave. Like God's gift of love to each of us, this statement encourages her to find the best in herself.

Loving in such a manner requires growth and trust. God placed the ability to love fully within each of us. Encourage everyone you love to follow their passion toward whatever "bright lights" their future may offer.

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YourcommenisanJo/woys welcome. Please wrile 10 me m: clllllllTtin@swindiantJ.nel 0' till!

7I25W2fKJS, Roc/qJoTl, INDI1iJ5.

Not supposed to say 'stupid'

By M. REGINA CRAM CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE OK, so it wasn't my most brilliant move to get lost in a wintry forest with no food, no phone and two tiny kids. How was I supposed to know the map was wrong?

I'll tell the story but you have to promise not to call me stupid. In my house, "stupid" is a swear word.

It was a cloudy December morning when I drove to the rural outskirts of town to check out an old road I'd seen on a local map. My two young daughters chattered happily in their car seats behind me. Pine trees glistened with new-fallen snow, and the country road was covered with slushy ice. We drove past old farmhouses and orchards, then into the woods that sparkled like a winter

wonderland. It was breathtaking.

I should have noticed that the forest was deeper than the map indicated. In fact, we should have emerged on the other side after only a mile.

Instead, we were getting deeper into dense woods, and the road had become barely passable.

Three-year-old Tierney piped up in the back seat, "Where're we goin', mama?

Are we gettin' lost?"

I didn't dare answer.

The road no longer was paved and had become too narrow for us to tum around. I didn't dare back up because the slightest mistake would plunge us into the icy swamp below.

My only choice was to continue deeper into the forest until we emerged on the other side.

"Please help us, Lord," I silently prayed. "Protect these dear ones from my foolishness." This was no longer fun. I '=Il'~

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Eventually we came to a small clearing. Breathing a sigh of thanks, I carefully planned a three-point tum where the opening was widest. I turned sharply left, put the van into reverse and promptly spun my tires in the muddy ice. We were stuck.

There I was, deep in the forest with two babies, no food

or water, and minimal winter cl~thing. Hey, I said it wasn't the smartest thing I ever did.

I put the baby into the infant backpack that "happened" to be in the trunk. Then I bundled Tierney as best I could, jamming her tattered stuffed bunny inside her jacket with head sticking out (so the bunny could breathe). Taking Tierney's hand, I explained that we'd walk through the forest until we found someone to help us. I grimaced at the thought of admitting to some stranger that I'd been so stupid.

Oh right, we don't say stupid. So foolish.

To calm our fears, we sang.

We belted out "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and a song about how God always is watching over us. As we sang, our fears .dissolved.

Eventually we saw a house in the distance. The owners "happened" to be home and, like messengers from God, their help was generous and immediate. They gave snacks to the children, borrowed a neighbor's truck and drove us back into the forest to rock the van out of the snow and ice.

After many and profuse thanks, the girls and I headed home. Sitting in our warm kitchen an hour later as the baby banged pots and pans, Tierney said with a mischievous grin: "That was a stupid idea, mama. I'm not supposed tei say 'stupid' but it was a stupid idea."

Yes it was. Yet God cared for us even when we shouldn't have been in that situation in the first place.

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Friday, April 2, 2004

Lenten Reflection -The Carrying of the Cro.ss.· . '.:

By HOLY CROSS FATHER THOMAS

. When Christ told his disciples he would have to go to Jerusalem to suffer and be put to death, Peter. took him aside and tried to dissuade him.

Christ rejected Peter's well-meant advice and told him sternly, "You are not judging by God's stan. . ,.di,l~ds, b~t. by'.man~s" (Mt 16:23).

We know man's standards all too well. We reward success. We want to be successful in our pursuit of what we think will'make us happy. We .seek wealth to satisfy the needs of our nature and to make it possible for us to have the many things and to perform the many activities that bring us pleasure. We want to develop our talents to achieve success in our endeavors and gain wealth, power, and recognition for our achievements.

But God's standards are very different from ours.

How could he in justice reward us for our success, which' depends in 'large measure upon factors beyond our control ?:' Natural talents vary considerably between individuals. One may be physically strong and well coordinated by nature and able with practice to become a successful athlete.

Others born withVATICAN CITY (CNS) ops' international relief and deout these abilities Caritas Internationalis has velopment agency and a member may succeed only launched an appeal for more than of Caritas.

I to a limited degree $1 million to help feed hungry "We continue to call on the and do with great Haitians. government, the political oppodifficulty what the In a written statement released sition, the armed Haitian groups, more talented do March 15, Caritas said, ''The un- and the international troops ... to with great ease. stable situation in Port-au-Prince restore civil order as soon as posHow many have continues to prevent the safe de- sible so that we can get food and great intelligence livery of humanitarian aid, leav- other supplies in our warehouses but through poving children hungry at orphanages to reach those who are suffererty or social conand other Caritas feeding centers. ing," he said in the press release. ditions do not have "By working with local orgaOn March 9, the Haitian bishaccess to the edunizations through cash assistance ops called on the government cation which to purchase food, Caritas can re- and international troops to diswould allow them spond to the crisis immediately," arm all gangs and groups. They to make great conit said. said armed groups continued to tributions to science, business, or the arts? God Violent unrest swept through "sow terror." cannot reward us for success. He only asks us to Haiti in February. Haitian Presi"The more that time passes, do the best we can with the talents we have and in dent Jean-Bertrand Aristide the more the situation will the circumstances of our lives and tells us that "to stepped down under pressure worsen and become unbearable whom more is given, more will be expected" (Lk February 29 and went into exile. and dangerous," they. said.

12:48).

International peacekeepers are in The bishops said that while And what does God expect of us? Christ told the Caribbean nation trying to the number of deaths continues us, "Love one another as I have loved you" (In stabilize the country. to rise "the mysterious passivity" 15: 12). The standard that God uses to judge the Caritas Internationalis, a of international troops "is causvalue of our lives is the self-less love of Christ, Vatican-headquartered umbrella ing great frustration and spite." which has been poured into our souls by the Holy organization of Catholic aid orHaiti's interim president inSpirit dwelling in the hearts of the baptized. It ganizations worldwide, said food stalled a transition government needs only to be given away. The more we open security was a problem before March 17 in an effort to lead the our hearts to God the more he fills them with his and immediately after Aristide:s country toward fresh legislative love. His love moves us to do for others what we departure. elections in the coming months. . want them to do for us, then our love will maniAccording to the U.N: Devel, "Roadblocks had prevented' fest itself in compassionate service to others. Such the transport of food and other opment Program, Haiti is the generous service can be difficult. That is why goods, increasing the suffering of poorest country in the Americas.

Christ tells us, "If anyone wishes to come after a people who already lack basic Fifty percent of the population is me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, necessities. Hundreds of thou- undernourished, and average life and begin to follow in my footsteps" (Mt 16:24). sands of Haitians remain with- expectancy is 49 years.

All of us who follow Christ must expect to deny out adequate medical treatment It also. has the highest inciourselves and bear our crosses. or food," the statement said. . denceof HIY .among adults in This should not surprise us. Whenever we comThe emergency appeal money .. Latin America and. the Caribmit ourselves to any great purpose we must deny will be a "stop-gap measure," bean. The U.N. estimates ourselves. Students for example who choose medisaid Jed Hoffman, regional direc- 300,000 people in Haiti are HIVcine for a career, know they will have to forego tor for Latin America for Catho- positive and about 35,000 new many college social activities and spend years of lie ReliefS"ervices, the U.S. bish- cases are reported each year.

Caritas Internationalis launches $1 millio'n ap.p.~.~'. to'~ed Haitians

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study, of interil~hip~ :and. da'ys full of stress and tension if they. are to: achiexe' their goal and relieve human suffering. All noble" achievements require greafpers.onaldiscipline and sacrifice: ~ut ' :', Christ would have us :bearoiJr cross so we ,can "' achieve .per~onaf holim;~s. "" This is' not a goal that will necessarily 'advance . our careers, our" social status, or win us fame.

When Christ carried his ~ross through the streets of Jerusalem, already. weakened in' body by the scourging he had endured,.'he was being whipped by the soldiers, insulted, and jeered by the crowds and unable to defend himself. He also knew that what awaited him was death by crucifixion. Yes, the cross of Christ revealed God's standard of values, self~less love like Christ's, and St." Paul makes very clear the reward God promises to those who follow in Christ's footsteps: '~Because he eJ.l1ptied'himself ... and became obedient even to death, death on a cross, God raised him up" (ph 2: 7-9).

Christ's passion and death revealed Christ's perfect self-less love for his Father, and for us. If we are to love as he loved us we must be prepared to sacrifice at times our ease, pleasure and wealth, to serve the needs of others and help them live lives worthy of their dignity as children of God. Such compassionate love lays burdens on us but, ifseen through the eyes of faith, they are burdens which are light.

Furthermore, God at times sends us suffering we might by nature flee, but even such suffering patiently endured purifies our love and strengthens our faith and our hope. We areable to make our own the sentiments of St. Paul who wrote, "God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him" (Rm 8:28).

All of us ml:lst endure suffering in our lives. If we live by faith we see our suffering as part of God's providence for us. Faith transforms suffering and makes it an instrument of our sanctification so we bear our crosses patiently. We do not lose our way when we walk in the footsteps of our Lord. We draw strength from his cross, the fountainhead of all grace, and never falter because we know that we walk with Christ and that if we persevere God will one day raise us up too as he raised up Jesus Christ.

" FoJIIe, Feeley is tile "ice postuloJo, 0/ tile CtlllSe fo' CflRoniollion 0/Se",flRI 0/ God Fotile, Potrlck Peyton, CSC Holy Cross FIlIIIi/y Ministries, wllicll cturies on tile works 0/FoJIIe,Peyton, is IIelll/gututered in Nortll Eoston, and se",es Jesus Cluist and ~is Cllurcll by promoting and sllJlPorling tile spiriluo/weO-being o/lIIe/1lIIIi/y in JS countries worltlwille. Fo, ITIQre infontllllion clll/ 860-299PRAY 0' /og on to Pl'WW,lu;fm.org.