04.07.06

VOL. 50, NO. 14 • Friday, April 7, 2006

FALL RIVER, MASS.

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

Diocesan seminarians in Rome say consistory energized their vocations >

Mello said he is looking forward to reMsgr. Gerard P O'Connor and turning to the U.S. next summer, during Father Karl C. Bissinger, on which he'll be serving at Christ the King assignments in Rome, also Parish in Mashpee. were invigorated.

For seminarian Ronnie Floyd, who

By

DEACON JAMES

N.

DUNBAR

ROME - For Fall River diocesan seminarians Jay Mello and Ronnie Floyd en route to the priesthood and a lifetime serving the Church, watching new cardinals being made fanned the flames of their young vocations.

"It's been an amazing experience being here in Rome for so many wonderful events, including the death of Pope John Paul II and the selection of Pope Benedict XVI," said Mello, whose home parish is SS. Peter and Paul in Fall River. He is currently in his third year of theology and will be ordained a transitional deacon on October 5.

"But it's a much closer personal experience watching Cardinal Sean, who as a bishop accepted me to becoming a seminarian," Mello added. "He is a holy and humble man, and experiencing him elevated to cardinal has been inspirational and motivating."

theology, witnessing the consistory "bol- , think of themselves as part of the greater stered my faith in the Church and my own Church more than they do," said Floyd. vocational call to serve it."

"We're all called to be one community Watching the consistory ceremonies offaith. But some parishes find themselves that involved Catholics from across the bickering or angry about one issue or anhails from St. Patrick's Parish in world, "also makes me feel that the real other. Sometimes things have to change and Wareham, and is in his second year of need of those back in our diocese is to that is hard. This past week I've enjoyed talking with people who really feel part of their diocese and the family that is the Church, and it invigorated me in my vocation," he added.

Floyd said he's also looking forward to returning home this summer and serving at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. , James Church in New Bedford.

Floyd and Mello found time from their busy studies at the Pontifical North American College to join thousands at the I consistory in St.·Peter's Square on March 24 when the 15 new cardinals were in~' ducted by the Holy Father, and felt right at home meeting people from the Fall River diocese while on duty at a reception for , Cardinal O'Malley. They also served at his " Mass at the college on the following SunSEMINARIAN RONNIE Floyd from St. Patrick's in Wareham, a second day. year theology student at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Mello also provided The Anchor with said experiencing the recent consistory and seeing the universal Church the resource and expertise to E-mail sto. in action brought a strong, new focus to his vocation to the priesthood.

Turn to page nine - Energized II

Many finding needed support in divorced-separated groups

By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

NORTH DARTMOUTH - For people going through a divorce or separation from their spouse, it can be a painful and lonely process. But there is help available. The Family Ministry Office of the Fall River diocese offers two support groups which provide a plethora of information and a welcoming environment.

The North Dartmouth group meets from 7-8:30 p.m. on the second and last Mondays of each month at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road. The Orleans group meets at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Street, at 7 p.m. near the end of each month. Both groups meet year round. .

Scottie Foley, co-program director ofFamily Life Ministry, said the Divorced-Separated Support Groups have been helping people in the diocese for more than 20 years. In the early years, they had groups on Cape Cod, Attleboro and New Bedford.

She commented that the groups serve an important role today because there is much misunderstanding about divorced and separated people in the Church, and

about annulments.

"Our groups are a safe, confidential place where people can reach out with their pain and share what they're going through," said Foley. "They don't even have to give their name or talk. They can just come and listen if they choose."

The meetings include open discussion and provide a place for new and returning members. Educational videos are often shown and topics like money, shared parenting, legal issues, anger, pain, coping skills, loneliness and annulments are discussed.

"There is always a meeting and those who need help will always find it," said Foley.

"We also have all kinds of resources in our office: books people can borrow as well as videos. They can also visit our Website and find information there."

According to Foley, the program has been tremendously successful and she's heard from many people who have benefited from it.

One such person is Roger Prahan of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, New Bedford.

"I've been able to put a lot of things into turn to page 12 - Support

A GROUP SHOT of the nearly 300 Fall River Romeiros from the 2001 Good Friday Romaria. The Romeiros make a prayerful pilgrimage to most of the Catholic churches of Fall River on Good Friday, continuing the Lenten tradition of pilgrimages on the Island of St. Michael in the Azores.

Romeiros ready for annual pilgrimage By

MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

FALL RIVER - Tomorrow in New, Bedford and on Good Friday here, several:: hundred Portuguese Catholic Romeiros, or pilgrims, will make their annual walk through two cities honoring an Azorean! tradition that dates hackto the 16th century.

In Fall River, they will gather for a 7 a.m. prayer service at Espirito Santo Parish. After going in procession to every parish in the city, pilgrims will return to the church at 7 p.m. for a Good Friday Passion Service. Following that, pilgrims will lead a procession in which they carry Turn to page 11 - Romeiros

Friday, April 7, 2006

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PUTTING THE final touches on plans for the third annual St. Stephen'S Church Benefit Concert for the Honduran Mission in Guaimaca on April 28 are, from left: Sue Fortin, Phil Fortin, Pam Potenza, and Father James Morse, pastor of St. Stephen's Parish, Attleboro.

Attleboro parish concert to raise funds for Honduran mission AITLEBORO - When the St. our faith life and mission. It has chial concerns to connect us with a Stephen's concert series plans were been a win-win situation for both broader understanding of commudrawn up three years ago, the event of us." nity and Church." was conceived as a community Co-directors, Phil and Sue The Fortins, along with the St. building endeavor. Thanks to the Fortin, noted musicians in their own Stephen's Music Ministry, includhard work of St. Stephen's pastor, right, have been involved with the ing Jo Ann Olean, Kim Kuda, Rose Father James Morse, and several St.Stephen'sannualbenefitconcert Parenteau, and Michelle dedicated parishioners, the event since its inception. "Although Sue Deschenes, have combined their now helps raise much needed funds and I coordinate the production of talents and skills to create a program for the diocesan-sponsored mission . the concert, we want to stress that of traditional as well as contempoin Guaimaca, Honduras. it is a St. Stephen's community rary religious music.

Guest musician Tom Kendzia has .

This year's event will take place sponsored event," Phil told The at St. Stephen's Church, 683 South Anchor. "We get help and input been a professional musician for more Main Street, on April 28 at 7 p.m. from many of our parishioners es- than 30 years. He is a well-known The concert features St. Stephen's pecially in the areas of equipment composer, arranger, producer, teacher, Music Ministry and Ensemble, di- and staging, publicity, sponsors, and clinician, author and performer. rected by Phil and Sue Fortin, with hospitality."

Kendzia has 15 collections of liturgiBob Kirby on saxophone. Guest Father Morse indicated that Pam .cal and instrumental music.

Admission to the concert is free. musician will be nationally ac- Potenza has been a vital link beclaimed recording artist and com- tween the communities of A free-will offering will be taken to poser Tom Kendzia.

Guaimaca and the churches in the benefit the Honduran mission.

"From our abundant resources Seekonk!Attleboro areas. "Pam Potenza reports that this year's prowe are able to help those whose . keeps our parishioners keenly ceeds will be earmarked for a new worldly wealth is so meager," said aware of the needs of our brothers industrial-sized stove for the girls' Father Morse. "They, who are so , and sisters to our south," said Fa- high school residence. rich in faith, on the other hand, give, ther Morse. "She helps stretch our For more information call 508us in return a greater awareness of imaginations beyond local paro- 222-0641.

Respect Life Conference slated at Holy Family Church, East Taunton EAST TAUNTON - A day-long Respect Life Conference offering .the opportunity for Catholics to learn more about the role they play in the fight for the rights and dignity of the innocent, will be held April 8, at Holy Family Church.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., with closing prayer at 2:45 p.m. There will be a lunch~ Several speakers will make presentations on the culture of life in today's society. Various Pro-Life organizations will be on hand to provide information on spreading and supporting the Gospel of Life in our Church, country and the world.

The program is under the direction of Father Jay Maddock, pastor of Holy Family Parish. He will give the welcome and offer the benediction. It is being coordinated by diocesan seminarian Gregory E. Bettencourt, who is serving his pastoral year at that parish. He will give the introduction and offer closing remarks.

The presenters will include - Father Gregory A. Mathias, parochial administrator at St. Julie Billiart Parish, North Dartmouth, and director of the Diocesan Office of Family Ministry. He attended the Pontifical John Paul II Insti-

tute for Marriage and Family in Rome. His talk will be "Exploring the Presuppositions of the 'Culture of Death'''; - Marian Desrosiers, director of the Fall River Diocese Pro-Life Apostolate. A wife and mother, she has an extensive background in Pro-Life Work since 1989. She will address "Reflections on Being Pro-Life"; - Bea Martins, public policy coordinator for Catholic Citizenship in the Fall River diocese since 2004. Also a wife and mother, she has been active in educating parishes about important bills that come before the Massachusetts Legislature. She wi II speak on "Faithful Citizenship: The Importance of Voting Pro-Life"; - Linda Thayer, a retired teacher and popular lecturer, who since 1982 has presented more than 2,000 programs to more than 150,000 people in the greater Boston area. Her talk is entitled, "The Child in the Womb and the Effects of an Abortion."

The final presentation will be "Contraception and Our Youth."

Registration, which includes lunch, can be made by contacting Gregory Bettencourt at 508-824-5705, or by E-mail atgeb208@hotmail.com.

Friday, April 7, 2006

the ~

Priests to renew their commitment. at Holy Week's Chrism Mass >

liTo him who ... made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever" (Rv 1: 5-6).

By DEACON JAMES N.

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - On April II, on the threshold of the sacred Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, Bishop George W. Coleman will gather his priests and members ofthe di~esan faith community in St. MarY's Cathedral at 4 p.m., for the blessing of the holy oils to be used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, holy orders and the anointing of the sick in parishes in the ensuing year.

For more than 1,000 years bishops blessed this oil at their cathedrals during Holy Thursday liturgies. But in 1955 a separate Mass on an earlier day was permitted to allow more people to attend. Since the bishop is the only minister in the diocese who may consecrate chrism, the Chrism Mass hjghlights his ministry and the faithful's union with him.

In recent years, this Mass has also acknowledged the ministry of priests. It invites them to renew their commitment of service and to receive the prayers and support of the people.

The "chrism" Mass solemnly commemorates the one priesthood of Christ and expresses the priestly vocation of the Church, in particular, that of the bishop and priests united with him. We are reminded ofthis by the Preface: Christ "gives the dignity of a royal priesthood to the people he has made his own.

From these, with a brother's love, he chooses men to share his sacred

ministry by the laying on of hands ... to renew in his name the sacrifice of our redemption."

The Anchor sought out several . priests of the diocese - marking . "firsts" in ,their priesthood - to learn how they felt on "their" day, in which they recall and renew their shared priesthood with Christ him'self.

For Father Paul Bernier, who was ordained in 2000, it is his first Chrism Mass as the busy rector of St. Mary's Cathedral, the mother church of the diocese.

"It is a wonderful'expression of the unity of the priesthood and the sacrifice of Christ," Father Bernier said. "It offers a special opportunity for the priests of the diocese to join in communion with our bishop and make a public commitment to priestly service ... to the people and the Church. . '!Anything that involves the community of priests and the laity in witness, this time in the blessing of the oils, is energizing and revi- . talizing. We don't live in an insular world. The laity are the Church, - with a capital 'C'."

Father Bernier also noted that while Holy Week is a stressful time for every priest in a parish, "It is a wonderful time. It is a two-edged sword. While we are recognizing the suffering Jesus Christ experienced, we are experiencing the . great joy of beihg part of that."

For Father Gregory A. Mathias, this is his first Chrism Mass as a pastor, as parochial administrator at St. Julie Billiard Parish in North Dartmouth.

"I find it hard to 'believe I am where I am in my priesthood and how quickly I have arrived at this place," said Father Mathias, who was ordained in 1991. ''The empha-

sis on priestly solidarity is more important than ever ... in a very trying time. In the past several years I have come to appreciate that more and more. I think this particular Chrism Mass will be more important than ever to us priests because of its solidarity. It offers a unique opportunity for priests to unite with their bishop and so has a special place on the calendar. It is also a poignant moment because we are

focusing on a renewal of our prom,ises, and gives a sense of;' time ... how quickly time passes 6y."

For Father Karl C. Bissinger, ordained in 2005 and pursuing graduate studies in Rome, this is his fIrst Chrism Mass as a priest.

"I am looking forward to celebrating my fIrst Chrism Mass and Easter Triduum as a priest," Father Bissinger said. "My first Chrism Mass will take place at St. Peter's Basilica on the morning Ilof Holy Thursday, and I will con¢elebrate with Pope Benedict XVI ahd all the priests and bishops in the Diocese of Rome, which is quite a privi~

lege. I am reminded oftheoils that Bishop Coleman used to anoint my hands, not too long ago. I als'o have mixed feelings about this: For one thing, I'll be far from my brother priests from the Diocese of Fall River; on second thought, we all share in the one priesthood ofJesus Christ, which unites us, no matter where we are."

He said that as a newly ordained priest, "I sometimes think about how my relationship with the Eucharist has changed. I no longer unite myself and my intentions with the offering that the priest makes, Turf! to page 'j 3 - Chrism

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Friday. April 7, 2006

THE LANDING Christ and Hefner As Catholics throughout the world convene on Sunday in Church to enter into the passion of the King of Kings, dressed in a bloody cloak with a reed in his hands, others will be coming together at the Playboy Mansion in California, to celebrate the passion and 80th birthday of the King of Pom, vested in an chic bathrobe with champagne in his hands.

The first will be sandwiched by thieves and taunted by passers-by. The latter will be enveloped by beautiful models and lauded by glitterati. The ' first will be bathed in blood. The latter in sweet-smelling cologne.

Yet both claim to know, to teach and to live what true love is, while affirming that the other does not. Both assert that they are emancipators, while declaring that the other is not only an unwitting slave but a slave master. Both avow that they are trailblazers on the road to true happiness, while averring that the other is an unconscious cattle driver on the road to perdition.

That leaves everyone who seeks true love, freedom and happiness with achoice, as stark as that given by Pilate to the crowds in the Fortress Antonina: the choice between Jesus Christ and Hugh Hefner, between the Gospel and sleek magazines, between Easter and bunnies, between the heavenly mansion and the playboy mansion. ' Many today in our culture, including some who are outwardly disciples of Jesus, have chosen Barabbas in a bathrobe. Rather than following the one who said in his most famous speech, "blessed are the pure of heart," they have sought to imitate the one who claims to be living out every man's real dream - to be rich, famous and surrounded by gorgeous young w'dmilh who can make you forget you're growing old. More than any other figure, Hefner remains the most notable icon of the sexual revolution, which was an insurrection against the teachings of Jesus Christ on sexual morality.

Hefner has always been the most famous ofthe false prophets claiming to liberate us from "the sexual repression and unhappiness" inculcated by the Christian ethos. And many have followed his seductive lies. ' As he has neared his 80th birtnday, and the inevitable realization that his earthly paradise will have an expiration date, Hefner admits that he has become "utterly obsessed with his own legacy." As Matthew Scully wrote in an article last week in the Wall Street Journal, "What's clear from all his legacy projects is that he wants to be remembered as anything other than what he is. We're to think of him as Hugh Hefner, social philosopher and cultural revolutionary. Hugh Hefner, entrepreneur and Charity Events Man ofthe Year. Hugh Hefner, friend ofMarilyn [Monroe]. Hugh Hefner, luckiest cat on the planet. Anything, please, but the truth about Hugh Hefner, pornographer."

As much as he obsesses, as much as he attempts to air-brush his legacy with mascara, the principal patrimony ofhis life will be the massive growth ofthe pornography industry that he spearheaded and strove so hard to make "respectable." He tried to take the visual "sleaziness" out of porn and replace it with.the "classy" and "artistic" exposed beauty ofthe all-American "girls next door" - and to a large degree, his attempt worked. Porn became mainstream. Hotel rooms now contain pay per view channels instead of bibles. Convenience stores routinely stock magazines without considering them so "dirty" anymore. Video stores have lucrative special sections.

It is cyberspace's biggest business: there are 260 million pornographic Web pages and 60 percent of the internet traffic is sexual in nature. In sum, pornography is now an annual $57 billion global industry.

If Hefner really thought that he was an emancipator from repression, this would be quite a legacy of which to be proud. He is, after all, the . Watson and Crick, the Gates and Jobs of his field. But he does not feel secure in his legacy. Perhaps this is because his conscience is not yet entirely dead. Perhaps it is because he has read the many recent books of women who have been exploited in the porn industry, women who felt more enslaved than emancipated. Perhaps he is aware of the clinics to treat the legion of ex-porn stars with AIDS. Maybe he knows that 25 percent of divorce cases cite pornography as the cause of the breakup, or that 41 percent of husbands consider their wives unattractive after using porn. Or perhaps he is aware of the high correlation between child abusers and porn use or the fact that, as internet porn has grown, the incidents ofchild sexual exploitation have risen from 4,573 in 1998 to 112,083 in 2004.

There is another revolution, another legacy started by a carpenter nailed to a cross. It is a legacy that we mark this upcoming week. It is a legacy that the carpenter invites all ofus to share-including, we pray, a modem Dismas.

theanch~

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

Published weekly except for two weeks in July and the week after Christmas by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 - FAX 508-675-7048, E-mail: theanchor@anchomews.org. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year.

Send address changes to P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA, call or use E-mail address Member: Catholic Pre" A"'lCiatioo, New England Pre,,, Association. Catholic News Service PUBLISHER· Bishop George W. Coleman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Roger J.l.andry fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jollvet davejollvet@anchornews.Qrg NEWS EDITOR Deacon James N. Dunbar jlmdunbar@anchornews.org REPORTER Michael Gordon mikegordon@anchomews.org OFFICE MANAGER Mary Chase marychase@anchornews.org

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the living word

MANUEL SOUSA, OF ST. JOHN THE BAvTIST PARISH, NEW,BEDFORD, REAmES HIMSELF TO WALK IN THE ANNUAL ROMARIA, ALONG WITH illS SONS, FROM LEFT, RICARDO, MICHAEL, AND DANNY.

THE FOUR HAVE BEEN PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT TOGETI-iER FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS. "IN PLACE OF YOUR FATHERS WILL BE YOUR SONS; You SHALL MAKE THEM PRINCES IN ALL THE EARTH" (PSALM 45:16).

Living the paschal mystery We gain some insight into this In this sixth and final part of this Lenten series of reflections on mysterious choice of suffering as the path to glory when we consider living the paschal mystery, we come to the most direct way in that the endurance of suffering as an offering to God undoes that which we can individually and prideful self-love that caused the personally participate with Christ in the work of salvation - the fall. Suffering invites a.soul to way and the mystery of redemptive practice heroic self-denial and selfsacrifice which imitate what Christ suffering. did on the cross. In a way far more It was by the paschal mystery intense than conversion, prayer, of Our Lord's suffering, death anG resurrection, iliat the human race was redeemed and salvation was made possible. It is likewise by our own passing through suffeiing that we are able to make

By Father David the paschal mystery A. Pignato present in our own lives and achiev..e the glory of eternal life.

Any treatment of suffering must fasting or almsgiving, suffering brings a soul deep into the heart of always begin with the clarification the paschal mystery. And the that God never desires or directly willingn~ss to endure suffering fot wills suffering, although he the sake of others reveals a undeniably permits it. And when the cross l?J1ds in each of our lives, person's love at the deepest level.

God asks and invites us to embrace Our Lord said, "Greater love has it, to pick it up, and to carry it, with no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (In love and with trust that it will not 15:13). be in vain.

In one of his most beautiful and Our Lord knew that his Father moving Apostolic Letters, titled, had chosen his death on the cross ,on the Christian Meaning of as the means by which the Human Suffering, Pope John Paul redemption of the world would be the Great taught that "each accomplished. This meant that [person] is also called to share in God had chosen to convert that suffering through which the suffering, which was the penalty for sin, into the means of achieving Redemption was accomplished" glory. Thus, Our 'Lord embraced . (Salvifici Doloris, 19). The Holy Father went on to explain that "it is his cross and said. "Whoever . wishes to come after me must deny suffering, more than anything else, . which clears the way for the grace himself. take up his cross, and which transforms human souls. foll~w me" (Mk 8:34).

Putting Into the Deep

Part Six

Suffering, more than anything else, makes present in the history of humanity the powers of the Redemption" (Salvifici Doloris, 27).

So, this is why God continues to allow suffering - he has made it a means of saving souls. When the suffering that God allows is accepted and offered out of love, it beComes a powerful instrument of meriting and unleaShing those graces that convert souls back to God. And this is why no one's suffering is in vain, if only we see the value of it, and offer it in love.

Those w!lo do embrace and carry the cross in their lives discover that, although it might be heavy and painful at times, the cross is not dead and dry and splintery, but is rather green and moist and lifegiving. The sacrifices required by Our Lord's command to carry the cross always yield benefits for others, as every parent knows, when he or she endures another sleepless night for the benefit of his or her young child..

To carry the cross means to accept the reality of suffering as part of God's permissive will for the world, and to endure it without complaint or resentment. It means to keep on living in the midst of suffering, trusting that it is not useless, and that it can indeed contribute to the salvific work of Christ. To carry the cross means to imitate the self-sacrifice and love of Christ. It means to put out into the deep by living the paschal mystel}'.

51

Friday, April 7, 2006 'Ii

Sperm for sale Recently the New York Times She eventually settled on eight Magazine ran an article entitled, units of donor sperm for $3, I00. ''Wanted: A Few Good Sperm" The donor had "proven fertility," dealing with the modem trend meaning that at least one woman toward "open donor" sperm conceived using his sperm. His banks, where the donor agrees to picture was available on the meet any children born of his company's Website, and she sperm once they reach the age of printed it out to keep on the coffee 18. The article included the story table of her Manhattan studio of a woman named Karyn and chronicled her odyssey as she sought the "perfect" donor for artificial insemination: She did have a few . ideas of what she might

By Father Tad look for: she wanted a man of her same blood Pacholczyk type, 0 positive. Because she herself is so tall, she preferred a medium height. She apartment. "I kind of glance at it was also attracted by the idea of a as I pass," she saidof.the picture. donor of another race. "I believe ''It's almost like when you date in multiculturalism;" she said. "I someone, and you keep looking at would probably choose somebody them, and you're, like, are they with a darker skin color so I don't cute? But every time I pass, I'm, have to slather sunblock on my like, oh, he's really cute." kid all the time. I want it to be a Buying and selling sex cells is healthy mix. You know how becoming increasingly.commonmixed dogs are always the nicest place. Infertile couples, single and'the friendliest and the women and even lesbians today healthiest? If you get aclear race, can seek out the services of a they have all the problems. Mutts growing number of companies to are always the friendly ones, the purchase sperm or ova. In many intelligent ones, the ones who people's mind, the transaction is don't bark and have a good hardly different from buying character. I want a mutt." gr09~ries or office supplies. In a

Making Sense Out of Bioethics

society driven by market forces, human eggs and sperm have rapidly become marketable commodities, with considerable sums of money changing hands as these cells are purchased from college students and sold to customers.

These practices point to a fundamental problem in the way we understand the gift of our human bodies. Our sex cells, or gametes, are special cells.

They uniquely identify us.

They are an intimate expression of our own bodily identity, and mark our human fruitfulness. .

Hence our own gametes exist in a discernible relationship to marriage. Each of us, in fact, has been given a capacity, a radical capacity, for total selfdonation to a unique member of the opposite sex in marriage. Our gametes, and their exclusive availability to our spouse through marital acts, are an important sign of this radical capacity for selfdonation. They uniquely denote who we are, and manifest the beautiful and life-engendering 'possibility of giving ourselves away to the one person whom we singularly love as our husband or wife. Hence, donating to sperm or

, The romance of Augusta There isn't much mote that I truly enjoy than a relaxing Sunday afternoon watching The Masters golf tournament from Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia.

This prestigious t9urnament can be likened to the World Series in baseball or the Super Bowl in football. It's an event'

My View From. the Stands

By Dave Jolivet that even casual fans tend to follow, and it's to those fans that I address this week's column.

When you watch this week's Masters, take notice of the romantic camera shots highlighting t~e blooming magnolias reflecting off Rae's Creek and the soothing guitar licks gently playing in the background.

Enjoy the lush green grass, the perfectly manicured greens and the majestic pines swaying in the calm breeze. Feast your eyes on Eisenhower Tree, the big oak tree, and Hogan Bridge. Listen to the birds melodiously serenade the players and the gallery all. weekend. .

Even the tacky green jacket scored by the winner looks classy after four hypnotic rounds of golf at Augusta National.

I love watching the Masters.

But-I must set the' record straight for you casual fans. The game of golf is far from the tranquil scene emanating from the Deep South. every spring.

Now there are those who golf well, and those who have never golfed who wouldn't understand, but golfers like me, and the friends I stroll the links with, know it.

Eisenhower Tree at Augusta was named for , President Ike because his tee shots clanked off the growth so often. Well let me tell you that there are ,dozens and dozens of Jolivet Trees strewn all around Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod..

You know those beautiful waterscapes at Augusta? I spend many hours a golf season peering into such bodies of water looking for a ball I'll never see again.

Don't I enjoy the beautiful pines and magnolias on area courses? Most of the flora I encounter are brambles, branches and weeds, all of which combine to lacerate my arms and legs and devour my golf ball ... and spawn mosquitoes.

I've come home froin a round of golf with a greenjacket, but it's because it's covered with grass and moss from trekking through the woods all day.

Augusta may be beautiful, but for golfers like me, she is just an evil siren..

Well, I'm being drawn to the driving range to see if I can scatter the crowds again. It's a whole new season.

egg banks violates something fundamental at the core of our own humanity. It dissociates us from the deeper meaning, of our own bodies and gravely damages the inner order of marriage. .

The notion that it is OK for a single woman to impregnate herself with a' stranger's spemi is like trying to plai a game,of chess with oneself: it may look like you win every time you play, but you . really lose every time as well. A , truly good chess game requires two participants fully committed to the endeavor, and the same is true for human procreation. Children, thus, are directly related tb the marital embrace of their parents.

Sex and babies are integrally connected, but in the wak~ of widespread contraceptive practice, where sex becomes closed off to babies, this central point i~ no longer understood by marly Christians. Babies, moreover, are never ''trophies'' or "mu~."

Sometimes those who p~chase other people's sex cells imagine that they have a "right'; to children.

But even when we get married, we don't have a "right" to a baby; rather, we have a right to those sacred marital acts that are ordered and disposed to procreati4g new life. Those loving genital acts are the unique and exclusive domain in which our sex cells properly become available to our spouse.

Oftentimes, however, strong parental desires can distort the .right order of transmittingl1human life, and a consumerist mentality may subtly convince us that children are our "projectsy to be realized through laboratory. . techniques of gamete manipulation.

In 1987, while serving as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, thenCardinal Ratzinger issued a document called Donum Vitae (On the Gift of Life) which examines modem forms of reproductive technology. That document also discusses the donation of sperm and egg cells: Recourse to the gametes of a third person, in order to have sperm or ovum available, constitutes a violation' of the reciprocal commitment of the spouses and a grave lack in regard to that essential property of marriage which is its unity. Masturbation, through which the sperm is normally obtained, is another sign of this dissociation: even when it is done for the purpose of procreation, the act remains deprived of its unitive meaning: "It lacks the sexual relationship called for by the moral order ...."

The delicate design that governs this intimate area of our lives calls for a respectful and receptive attitude on our part.

Nested within that receptivity to God's ordering of procreation, children can become fully appreciated for what they are: sacred gifts received within the Divine order, beautiful surprises blooming out of committed marital love.

Father Pacholcl,Yk, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did postdoctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest ofthe diocese ofFall River, and serves as the director ofeducation at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org

(Left to right) Marie Kirkman, Louis Rego, 'Richard De Almeida

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Friday, April 7, 2006

-Imitating Christ's humility" We have been preparing ourselves during these 40 days of Lent to celebrate our Lord's paschal mystery and路 now this weekend the Church begins to enter the climax of that celebration. We begin Holy Week by echoing the words of the crowds in Jerusalem: "Hosanna!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come!

Hosanna in the highest!"

As we celebrate our Lord's entrance into Jerusalem. we are reminded how our humble Lord was greeted with shouts and cheers of jubilation. How

would later deny their faith our humble Lord born in itt him and yell "Crucify poverty in a manger and now him! Crucify him!" 'J;'hey riding into town on a donkey, fulfjlled Scripture ,and . so humbly prepare,d to - - - - - - - - - - give himself for our Homily of the Week humanity.

On this Palm Palm Sunday Sunday we are called to remember how

By Father even despite all this Thomas E. Costa Jr. humility for us, he still had to sUffer, die and rise again in order praised Jesus one day and . for us to believe. then a few days later would The same people in the mock him and demand his crowds who were shouting cruel death.

"Hosanna in the highest" as These people knew what they laid their cloaks and they were doing when they palm branches on the road,

said, "Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come! Hosanna in the highest!" They were proclaiming Jesus as fulfilling the prophecy in the Old Testament. They recognized and honored his kingship, glorifying him in the streets of Jerusalem with palm branches from their fields. But they honored him in words and actions but not fully in . their hearts. They could accept a powerful God but they couldn't accept a humble Lord. They couldn't

take on that humility themselves. The power of God they would have no problem accepting but only if for their own glory and honor and power. Praising him one moment but not defending him when it was all on the line they've taught us that Jesus' mission was not to show his strength; it was to show his humility. And we are to imitate that humility and take up our cross not for our glory but for the greater glory of God who so humbled himself for us.

Father Costa is parochial vicar at St. Mary's Parish in Mansfield.

Liberalism .Does the Church have the right to speak clearly on public . policy? There are some who argue that the Church should restrict its pronouncements to purely spiritual matters and leave policy debates to others; Pope Benedict XVI, who has never been afraid to tackle ' tough issues, recently addressed this question. In a speech to European parliamentarians he said, "'When churches or ecclesial communities intervene in public debate, expressing reservations or recalling various principles, this does not constitute a form of intolerance or an interference, since such interventions are aimed solely at enlightening consciences, enabling them to act freely and responsibly, according to the true demands of justice, even 'when this should conflict with situations of power and per- ' sonal interest."

Benedict XVI laid out three n<;m-negotiable principles which every one, regardless of religion'or political 'affiliation should support: - "protection of life in all its stages, from the first moment of conception to natural death";

- "recognition and promoliberalism. tion of the natural structure of , Liberals have always defended first amendment the family - as a union between a man and a woman. rights, such as freedom of based on marriage - and its speech and freedom of religion. defense from attempts to make The far left radicals and it juridically equivalent to radically different . fon;ns of union which in reality harm it and contribute to its destabilization, obscuring its particular character and its irreplaceable

By Dale O'Leary social role"; - "the protection of the right of parents to educate their children." activists who seek to enforce According to the Holy political correctness and limit Father, "These principles are freedom of speech and freedom , not truths of faith, even though of religion are not liberals. they receive further light and Ideologically they are totalitarians, who want a world where they confmnation from faith; only their view is allowed. are inscribed in human nature These use words like "hate itself and therefore they are speech" and "bigotry" to . common to all humanity." intimidate their opposition and Some who consider themprevent healthy debate. selves "liberals" may be under Liberals support democratic the impression that to support in~titutions. They have tradi- ' these three principles you have tiorially believed that public to be a political conservative, but this is not the case. While policy issues should be settled by the voters or their representhese positions 'are often tatives, not an unelected characterized as conservative, judiciary acting as a super they are in fact in full accord legislature. with the principles of classic . Liberals support scientific inquiry and have traditionally PRACTICE THE DEVOTION OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS, believed that public policy AS REQUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA decisions should be guided by On December 10,1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia the best research available. (seer of Fatima) and spoke these words: '''Announce in my Abortion advocates and gay name that I promise to assist at the hour ofdeath with the graces activists claim to have science necessary for the salvation oftheir souls, all those who on the first on their side, but have consisSaturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the tently used outdated and invalid Rosary (5 decades); and 4. Keep me company for 15 minutes while research to support their meditating on the 15 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of position. making reparation to me."

Liberals are for openness In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be and against c.over-ups. The preceded by the words: "In reparation for the offenses .media has failed to investigate committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary." claims made by opponents of Confessions may be made during 8 days before or after the first Saturday, and Holy Communion may be received at life and marriage, thereby either the morning or evening Mass on the first Saturday. protecting those who are

Truth and Compassion

engaged in deceiving the public about the evidence.

Liberals believe in protecting the vulnerable. No one is more vulnerable than. the unborn child. Children in foster care or available for adoption are particularly vulnerable and deserve the best placement possible.

Liberals believe that society should try to wor~ to eliminate poverty. Research demonstrates beyond a doubt that marriage is the best poverty program. There is overwhelming evidence that children do better economically and psychologically when they are raised by their married biological parents.

Liberals pride themselves on their compassion. 'Is it compas-. sionate to tell a person with a preventable and treatable condition that they were born that way can't change? Is it compassionate to place a child in what is unarguably a second class situation - a home that lacks a parent of both sexes? Is it compassionate to tell a woman that she has no choice but abortion?

While liberals believe in freedom, they do not see freedom as absolute and routinely support measures which restrict freedom when there is substantial evidence that people are using their freedom to harm themselves or others. They support smoking bans, seatbelt.laws, and other public safety meas~res.

Shouldn't they also be concerned about the safety of children in the womb or the child in foster care?

There is nothing liberal about being pro-abortion or for

redefining marriage or giving vulnerable children to same-sex couples or turning public policy decision-making over to ' unelected judges or covering up scientific evidenc~.

Those liberals who are true to their principles should be out in front in support of Pope Benedict's three principles.

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

Daily Readings Ez 37:21-28; (Ps) . Jer31:10-13; In 11:45-56 Mk 11:1-10orJn April 9 12:12-16 (pro cession); Is 50:47; Ps 22:8-9,1718a,19-20,23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Mk 14:1-15:47 or 15:1-39 April 10 Is 42:1-7; Ps 27:1-3,13-14; In 12:1-11 Is 49:1-6; Ps April 1.1 71 :1-4a,56ab,15,17; In 13:21-33,36-38 April 12 Is 50:4-9a; Ps 6~:8-1 0,21 bcd22,31,33-34; Mt 26:14-25 Is 61 :1-3a,6a,8bApril 13 9; Ps 89:2122,25,27; Rv 1:58; Lk 4:16-21 (Evening) Ex 12:1-8,11-14; Ps 116:12-13,1516bc,17-18; 1 Cor 11 :23-26; In 13:1-15 Is 52:13April 14 53:12;Ps 31 :2,6,12-13,1517,25; Heb 4:1416;5:7-9;Jn 18:119:42 April 8

the anchof(S)

Friday, April 7, 2006

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Retrospective: The best of Holy Week bloopers and practical hints Sunday 2 April 2006 Homeport - Passiontide (oldstyle) It took me years to decipher the official instruction "after veneration, the cross is taken to its place at the altar." What place at the altar? Finally, it hit me. The crucifix used on Good Friday is presumed to be the one normally used at Sunday worship. It goes back where it was, flanked by two candles.

In most churches the crucifix dominates the wall of the sanctuary. I discovered our cross was surprisingly lightweight.

A parish carpenter made a bracket so that the cross could be easily removed. Now we venerate our main cross on Good Friday and "return it to its place at the altar."

On to Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil - the most solemn of all ceremonies. The rubrics (prayer book instructions printed in red) say, begin in darkness and finish by sunrise. People who choose to attend the Easter Vigil

expect it will be relatively lengthy.

I take my time with the Vigil using all nine bible readings, psalms, prayers and hymns - but always manage to end well before dawn. I need to be finished by then anyway. I have a sunrise service down by the riverside with

the local Protestant congregation.

Then there's the sacred fire.

You don't want to bum down the church, but you do want a significant blaze. A sterno in the front hall just doesn't have the desired effect. They sell special vessels for the Easter fire, but these tend to be expensive. I've tried hibachis, barbecue grills, and even half drums. They look tacky.

I found a solution called a .

Getting on track -

bearing good fruit

Maybe it's just me, but modem gardening analogy paints a more family life seems to have been realistic picture of family life. thrown into the back seat of a That is, I think that it is more fast-Ipoving minivan, Parents and accurate to expect that raising a kids alike living'a~-though life child· will-be more like a were a drag race, speeding past ripening of fruit- and less)ike a historical markers and scenic crossing of a finish line. vistas with the pedal to the metal.

Visualizing parenting as Forget swinging in the something that will be done in backyard. It's hurry up, get 'em out of diapers and off to college, so we can retire to Rorida. The trouble is, if we apply the race analogy to raising a family, I think the journey is going to be more like

By Heidi Bratton the Indy 500 than a drag race.

The Bible gives us at seasons - planting, tending, least two analqgies of what we can expect life to be like. One is and harvesting - frees us to . that of running a race, as found enjoy the process. Although our focus is still toward the end, the in Hebrews 12: 1-2: "_ .. let us throw off everything that harvest time, when we bear fruit hinders and the sin that so easily our joy is in seeing the seedentangles and let us run with lings, our children, mature and perseverance the race marked blossom, and bear fruit of their out for us. Let us fix our eyes on own. Jesus speaks to this Jesus, the author and perfecter ripening process in the Gospel of our faith ...." Reading these of John 15:8 and 18: "It is to my Father's glory, that you bear verses, I sense that instead of much fruit, showing yourselves setting out at top speed, we are being told to set a sustainable to be my disciples ... You did not pace, to become less frantic and choose me, but I chose you and more focused about life in order appointed you to go and bear not to bum out in the first mile. fruit - fruit that will last."

The second image of what In order to visualize parentlife will be like is that of tending hood in this way, I carry with me a vineyard (or a garden). an image of my children as seedlings planted indoors in Zechariah 8: 12 is an especially beautiful verse about this starter trays in March. Cold winds still chill the air outside analogy: "The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, and the ground remains frozen as the ground will produce its the lime-green shoots poke up crops, and the heavens will drop through the cups of black dirt their dew." Of the two Biblical and strain toward the sun in the images, running a race and window. The time is not yet right tending a garden, I think the to transplant them outside our

are

"cresset" in a Williamsburg catalogue. It's simply constructed of pipe, with a mesh basket on top. It was originally used as a colonial streetlight. It stands seven feet tall. When you light the fire, it goes up another three feet (I use fat wood). I always have a fire extinguisher handy and someone designated to be the keeper of the fire. It's an impressive sight. Now, how to get that piece of } charcoal out of the fire?

Again, I find the answer in a catalogue. They sell extra-long tweezers to grab tools that have slipped down in the engine or to use in the kitchen.

A good gust can extinguish the Easter candle before you can chant "Behold the ..." I recommend those candle tops that come equipped with a glass wind baffle.

They also sell congregational candles protected by a plastic cup.

I find these where else but in catalogues.

For a few years here in the Village we held a joint Service of

home. But the one who planted the seeds continues to nurture the shoots through April, until the warmth of Mayor even June has come and the now sturdy sprouts are ready for the garden, safe from the dangers of late frosts.

Raising sturdy, confident kids takes time and patience, but days will tum into years. Our children will not always be toddlers underfoot needing our constant attention, as do seedlings in March.

Neither will they always be teen-agers hanging around; growing as rapidly and in every direction as bean sprouts in July. What joy it would be to slow down and put family life back in the driver's seat. What peace it would bring to park the car in the driveway for a bit and tend to the particular season our families are in right now. Florida isn't going anywhere soon.

Here is the beautiful truth in all of these analogies. Parenting is not a competition. Childhood is not something to be raced through. Family life is not measured in numbers of mile markers blown by and sights checked. off, but in milestones commemorated and picnics enjoyed. Let's get back on track, or step off the track, and remember that family life is about love nurtured, joy planted and grown, and faith ripened, harvested, and shared.

Heidi is an author, photographer, and full-time mother.

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

the Light with the Uni~d Church of Assonet. We would hold our ecumenical fire in the town common and then process through the streets to our respective churches. It was a beautiful thing to behold. One ctay, though, some impatient driver ~aw the procession corning and gunned the engine, hoping to beat us to intersection. The fender of the speeding car brushed my alb. I almost dropped the Easter Candle.

That's how traditions end.

As a young deacon at Holy Name Church in Fall River, it was my task to hold the paschal candle while Msgr. Dan Shaloo blessed the sacred fire., There we were, dressed in fine Spanish gold vestments. The janitor, it turns out, had been over-zealous in preparing the fire. As soon as a match was applied, the flames leapt high into the air, ~ingeing my eyebrows. Too much fire starter. A helpf~1 parisHioner standing nearby attempted to extinguish the conflagration by fanning it with a piece of cardboard. Now my fancy vestments were covered with glol)s of live ashes. A quick-thinking altar boy, fearing the deacon was on fire,

doused me with a big bucket of holy water. When I finally appeared at the door of the church holding the Easter candle, I looked as though I had been through the war.

In another time and place, I was solemnly processing down the aisle with the Easter candle.

People started chuckling. I knew my singing was off-pitch but their reaction puzzled me - until I reached the sanctuary. The pastor's black Labrador retriever was following me. Frisky then proceed to ensconce himself in the Easter lilies at the base of the candle stand. He wasn't about to budge. I thought it best to incense the candle as though nothing at all was wrong. The holy smoke was too much for Frisky. He got up and left.

Soon it will be Holy Week. As a young priest, I used to fret about the ceremonies and rehearse the altar servers until they grew weak.

No longer. I do what I can to prepare, and relish the ceremonies as they unfold. The details will take care of themselves. It's important to keep perspective and not be distracted. After all, I, too, have come here to pray.

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Good Friday April 14, 2006

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Is

Friday, April 7, 2006

Coyle and Cassidy teacher makes impact on students 'and community i i Ii路

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By

MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

TAUNTON - Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Michael Cote, a faculty member at Coyle and Cassidy High School and cofounder of its food pantry, more than 250 families in the Taunton area receive food assistance each month.

"We're very thankful for his effort," said school President Brother Harold Hathaway, CSC. "He's a great model of service and our school mission, 'Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve' and his strong Catholic values inspire others. " Cot e joined the school faculty in 1981 and teaches a social justice class to seniors. He serves as the school's director of community service providing opportunities lor 65 juniors and seniors at area hospitals, nursing homes and soup kitchens. He implemented the community service program in 1982 and the food pantry began in 1992.

"I see the food pantry and community service programs as our faith in action," said Cote. "It's a concrete expression of our mission and our beMIKE lief in Jesus Christ."

On the last Saturday of each month from 9-11 a.m. the food pan'try opens its doors at Coyle and Cassidy High School. Anyone may come and obtain a free bag of groceries with no questions asked.

When the pantry first opened it served about 75 families. Cote now estimates that in the last four-five years they get 250-300 families each month. Between 60-75 students volunteer each month.

"I like helping people and I enjoy empowering and challenging my students to really make a difference," said Cote. "I'm committed to this because I'm committed to Catholic education and values. Christian service is my passion and this is a very real way of making a difference."

Cote and his wife Nancy live in Somerset and attend St. Patrick's Parish with their three children. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from UMass-Dartmouth and earned a master's degree from Providence College.

Although Cote has received numerous awards for his efforts, he is very humble and quick to point out that the success of the food pantry is due to the efforts of students, generous people and businesses in the community.

"It would be impossible without the enthusiasm and work of our students"'~'Said Cote.

"They are genuine and want to make a difference."

When Cote is not busy seeking grants from

the community to benefit the food pantry, he is working to stock its shelves. Donations of food come from many places including the students themselves. Donations also come from the Boston Food Bank and Project, Bread. Money collected through grants, student fund-raisers and donations all help to restock the shelves. .

"I'm so thankful of the donations we get," said Cote. "There are so many unsung heroes who help us out and we're grateful for their help. I'm very proud that we've never failed to deliver to the needs of these families.

There is a great need for it. " Cote said he is strengthened each month when he sees the enthusiasm of the students carrying groceries for people, filling bags and "reaching out to people in a profound way. We feed the body and try to nourish the spirit as well."

The food pantry is open year-round. Even when school is closed, Cote has students coming in to help prepare the bags and help people.

"It's a big part of our school," said Cote. "I have seniors that tell me being a volunteer is the COTE most important part of their year and I'm touched by that. I'm glad I can provide an opportunity for them that the Holy Spirit can work in their lives. I feel somehow it's part of God's plan for me."

Cote even has former students getting into the act as many return from their colleges to offer assistance. "They really embrace it," said Cote. "I tell students, if your school doesn't have opportunities for community service create them."

The greatest challenge he finds is the funding. "It never stops," reflected Cote. "So much food comes in, but then it's all gone and we have to start from scratch again."

The school takes emergency referrals during the week and if a family. needs groceries before end of the month, they can pick some up.

At Christmas, Cote helps coordinate a toy drive in conjunction with the food pantry and last year more than 1,000 new toys were distributed.

"Without his efforts," said Brother Hathaway; "we'd be at a loss. Cote continues . to teach our students the value of service and what it can do for their lives and others. He's a true humanitarian."

The Anchor encourages readers to nomi-

nate others for the Person ofthe' Week - who and why? Submit nominations at our E-mail address: theanchor@anchornews.org, or write to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

From palms to ashes ... to lilies He could barely hear the panting of the donkey beneath the thunder of the crowd. There were hundreds of people, faces of anticipation, voices praising him. The palm branches were three feet, four feet, five feet tall, swaying back and forth.

Some so close he could feel their gentle breeze on this warm, sunny day.

He was as joyful as one. could be; one that was both human and divine, both man and God. For between the palms, he could see beyond, into the future. He could see the "ashes," and the suffering of one human being. And he remembered the words he once spoke, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days."

But Jesus of Nazareth

the ashes won out, these few held the seed of hope, as it has always been, as it still'is today.

Then the sky was dark, and he was on the cross, suffering to his death. And one man on a cross next to Jesus realized that he was not innocent like Jesus, that it had been his own choices, his own doing, that had put him side by side with Jesus. Sometimes we might feel like this criminal, when we realize that it is our own sinfulness that brings about destruction and chaos in our lives. And we find ourselves among the ashes, crying out for mercy and forgiveness.

And sometimes we might feel like Jesus, an innocent victim, when the ashes of the world come into our lives, and we struggle with evil and injustice, physical " suffering, \ disease and death.

In either situation the hope of the Resurrection is always the answer. It is always Jesus who forgives our sins and heals our pain. It is always Jesus who brings us up from the ashes.

As Jesus was dying on the cross, he could see beyond the ashes, just as he had seen beyond the palms. As he suffered and died, the seed of new life was already being planted. As Jesus took his last breath, the seed was there ready to burst forth. As he lay in the tomb, the germination was completed. When the Father breathed life back into his Son, the seed burst open!

As the stone was rolled away, the Son had risen, and the purity of the lily reflects the glory of the risen Jesus.

Palms, ashes and lilies will always be part of our lives.

We hope to experience more often the joyfulness of the palms, and the power of the Resurrection. When we find ourselves among the ashes, through our own choices and sinfulness, or simply by the circumstances of our lives, we can be sure that Jesus brings us hope and new life, for this is the promise of Easter. ,,-.._--._~.

Our Journey of Faith

By Greta MacKoul

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chose not to focus on this today, for he was enjoying the splendor of the moment. The people were spreading their cloaks on the road before him.

They were proclaiming, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest." And even when the Pharisees told him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." He said in reply, "I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!"

Yes, even the stones could recognize him. Even the stones would shout the truth of his glory.

But then, everything changed. And later that week he found himself in the hands of his enemies. It was confusing, perplexing. Even though he knew it had to happen, he wondered why the people changed. Even some of his closest disciples turned away, became afraid. Their vision clouded by their own sinfulness, their own fear and darkness; "the ashes." It is always perplexing why good men and women turn away from the light, from what is true. With safety in numbers, the crowd joined hands in the comfort of the ashes.

And they shouted, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

Some were strong, in the midst of the crowd their belief did not waver. They were still holding their palms ... and even though the darkness of

Greta MacKoul is the author and illustrator of "The Ocean Flowers, A Parable of Love" and numerous articles. Greta and her husband George, with their' children Maxwell and Marysa, are members of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee.

Friday, April 7, 2006 wards the priesthood and now after ordination there are incremental good things, graces, that come," Father Bissinger said, speaking from under an umbrella on the steps to the college during a steady rain.

Nearby, Cardinal O'Malley was receiving well wishes in a tent set up on the lawn to offer shelter from the elements.

"It was a boost to my priesthood to witness our former bishop become a cardinal of the Church," Father Bissinger said.

"The pope's words at the consistory were very inspiring to me. He talked of the cardinal's duties to the Church and their personal relationship with him-

DIOCESE OF Fall River seminarian Jay Mello, meeting with the future Pope Benedict XVI.

like a senate around::him."

Bissinger called attention to the pope's words advising the new cardinals of their role in sharing in his role as servant of the servants of God. "But the pope also advised them that it would require suffering, and asked them to join their sufferings with those of Christ," Father Bissinger noted.

Msgr. Gerard P. O'Connor, 41, a British native who was ordained by then Bishop O'Malley in 2000 for the Fall River diocese, and currently assigned to the Congregation for the Clergy at the Vatican, also took time to meet with The Anchor.

"The consistory has been 'a

marvelous event for the universal Church," said Msgr.

O'Connor, who received a doctorate in liturgy from the Pontifical Liturgical Institute at St. Anselm's University in Rome.

"It's great to get a feeling of being part of the greater Church when you see 15 new cardinals from all over the world," he added. "But on a personal note it's a wonderful sign to see a bishop from Fall River and a metropolitan made a c'ardinal. It's obvious the Holy Father has put his trust and hope for the Church in Boston in Cardinal O'Malley.

So it's a great sign for both the universal Church and the local Church," the monsignor said.

~ RELIGIOUS RETREAT AT SEA ~ II

Energized ries and photos that will appear in the diocesan newspaper. And as part of his assignment in St. Peter's he personally led a tour for diocesan pilgrims that included visits to the tomb of St. Peter and to the alcove in which Pope John Paul II is interred.

Floyd was master of ceremonies for the Mass celebrated by Bishop George W. Coleman at the Altar of Pope St. Pius X, under whose guidance the Fall River dio-

Continued from page one

cese was established in 1904.

Mello and Floyd are among 179 young men at the North American College in formation for the priesthood.

Father Bissinger, who grew up in St. Joseph's Parish in Fall River, was ordained a priest July 9, 2005. He is among 71 priests living at the college while pursuing a license degree in biblical theology.

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Friday. April 7, 2006 the RQmaria is a family affair. He came to America in 1968 and has fond memories of participating in the annual event with his children Michael, Daniel and Ricardo. He . participates in both the Fall River and New Bedford events.

"I went with my f~ther and now iny sisters and brother go . with me," said Sousa. "It's wonderful to be in it." , Sousa said many will miss

long-time organizer Antonio Medeiros who passed away recently. "We started this together.

He would lead the chants and we were very good friends. Many people loved him and will miss him very much," said Sousa.

"It's a great way to express reverence for God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit," said Father Gauvin. "The prayers chanted are very beautiful," he added.

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HOLY WEEK ECUMENICAL SERVICES

A 2002 PHOTO of Romeiros praying the rosary as they process from one Fall River parish to another. Jose Augusto Medeiros of Espirito Santo Parish in Fall River is seen en the right, followed by Father Roger Landry, Father Kevin Cook and other Romeiros.

Rom'eiros the Senhor Morto image of the dead body of Jesus.

At St. John the Baptist Parish, New Bedford, Romeiros will gather for Mass at 7 a.m. tomorrow and then process through the streets of the city praying as they go. A 7 p.m. celebration of Mass will conclude the day.

"It's a special thing for me because it enriches my faith," said longtime participant and one of the original organizers, Manuel Sousa. "It's a wonderful tradition."

Men like Sousa brought that tradition to America from the town of Villa Franca do Campo on the Island of St: Michael in the Azores.

Thought to have begun following deadly earthquakes around 1522, pilgrims would walk the coastline and visit nearly 100 churches and shrines over a week's time. They were encouraged to do this by a local holy man. Today they.do it out of tradition and to reaffirm their own faith.

Originally only men participated in the Romaria or pilgrimage, but now women and children participate also.

Romeiros each carry a staff, representative of Christ's scepter. They wear traditional scarves and shawls, which symbolize Christ's cloak and his crown of thorns. As the Romeiros of the Azores do, the local pilgrims will carry bags of food with them for their journey.

"People come from all over to participate," said Father Maurice O. Gauvin, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, in New Bedford. His parish will be the

Mon. - Fri. -April 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 at 12:00 Noon in the Shrine Church , No 12: 10 p.m. Mass this week Followed by luncheon in the Cafeteria (Provided by the Attleboro Area Council of Churches members) I

APRIL 13 THURS. HOLY THURSDAY 7:00 p.m. SpLEMN MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER Veneration of the BlesseoSacrarnent until Midnight

Continued from page one .

starting and ending point for the New Bedford Ramaria. He advised those participating to arrive around 6:45 a.m. for the morning Mass and said the Mass at the end of the day would be celebrated at 7:30 p.m.

"It gives people a link to the tradition in the Azores and it's a great way to express one's faith publicly," said Father Gauvin. '''It's quite a powerful statement to see so many people of faith praying and processing through the streets."

Ml\nuel Alves of Santo Christo Pansh, Fall River, has participated in the event for more than 10 years""It's a very special day and it's important to .me,!' said Alves. "You get illot out of participating," he said.

W.hen pilgrims artiv.e at the designated churches, they sing prayers outside before processing in. They will spend approximately 15-20 minutes inside where they will pray for the intentions of the parish, its patron saint and other intentions. . "The first time I went I didn't know much about it, but I learned," said Alves. "We're expecting 2'00-250 participants this year including many children with tIieir mothers and fathers."

On April 1 a Romaria was held in Taunton. It began with prayers at St. Anthony's Church and pilgrims trekked to each church in the Taunton and East Taunton area. "We had 98 participants walk 17-20 miles," said pastor Father Henry·S. Arruda, "and more joined them along the way." .

Father Arruda helped to begin the tradition in New Bedford and has brought that with him

to Taunton. The Taunton Ramaria is in its fourth year.

"They have very beautiful prayers and chants and 'it's very meaningful to me," said Father Arruda." The day concluded with a 7 p.m. celebration of Mass.

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Friday, April 7, 2006

Support

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perspective and it has helped a great deal," said Prahan. "You realize that you're not alone and many people are going through the same types of things. If you have any stress it's a great thing to attend one of the meetings."

He added that along with the support group there is work one must do on their own to move forward following a divorce or separation, but the group helped him work through his problems.

"It's one of the best programs I've ever been in," he declared. "I was lost and I didn't know where to go. It helped me tremendously."

Prahan added thatmembers will occasionally get together socially for a meal somewhere and that helps build up friendshIps. "It's nice and the individuals who run the group are fantastic people."

Foley is thankful for the

hardworking volunteers and those who have assisted through the years. "They have a strong commitment and are invaluable," she said. "We couldn't have these support groups withou't them."

Father Richard M. Roy, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans, serves as the spiritual director of the Orleans group. He's been doing so for many years.

"We m'eet once a month and we have a great group of people," said Father Roy. "They appreciate the ministry."

He said it's important that people have the truth about topics like annulment and get their questions answered.

"It's always wonderful to welcome them and show them that someone cares," said Father Roy. Approximately 20-25 people attend each meeting. He said there

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is ownership within the group be- started attending meetings and recause attendees often suggest top- members helping out when there ics. Each meeting opens with was a call to do so.

"I enjoyed helping and found it prayer and sometimes there is song or reflection. "I ask the Lord to heal rewarding that people appreciated their hurts and be present in their my assistance. I have a compassion lives," said Father Roy. "Many are towards those that ~e separated and grateful for the strong bonds of . divorced," said Menard. He said friendship that their involvement many people have expressed the notion that they don't know what has brought."

The Orleans group attends a they would have done if they didn't healing Mass each spring and a have the support group.

"I look at it like a ministry and potluck supper. Each Christmas it a calling," said Menard. "It really holds a gift exchange.

Twelve of the members at- helps take away some of the lonetended The New England Confer- liness and rejection people' feel." ence for Separated, Divorced, Re~ He added that there is a bond bemarried and Widowed held last' tween attendees and even when month at St. Luke Parish in people leave the group many times they stay in touch with us."

Westboro.

Menard said they get anywhere "We planned on going to this for a while and people loved the from 10 to 30 people at meetings idea of attending right off the bat," and most who come find it helpful. said Father Roy. "It offered many "We see progress in everyone. Once they feel comfort in their own lives choices and great workshops."

Foley also attended the confer- again they usually stop coming."

Menard has enjoyed working ence and said it was a wonderful opportunity for people in our dio- with Father Gregory A. Mathias cese. It is held every two years and and praised his gentle nature. more than 200 people attend. TopFather Mathias, parochial ad. ics included boundaries, dealing ministrator of St. Julie Billiart Parw'ith difficult people, forgiveness ish, North Dartmouth, has served and a host of others. . as the spiritual director of the North Pope Benedict XVI recently ex- Dartmouth group since September pressed his concern for the plight of 2005 and M~nard feels that he of divorced Catholics and the need plays an important role.

"He has great compassion toto speed up the annulment process and Father Roy said he was glad wards people and has great charisma," said Menard, who also to hear that.

"This is important work," he was thankful for the efforts of his said. "I see the grace and the work co-facilitator Dupre. of God here. Our life's journey "She is really excellent to work doesn't always go as planned, but with," he declared. "She does a he is there for us." , good job facilitating and has Foley said membership in the brought in some wonderful guest groups fluctuates because' people speakers because of her medical come, get what they need and background."

Each meeting of the North move on. Some corne for one meeting, others might come for a Dartmouth group involves prayer. year or more. Attendance varies Members close the evening by depending on what the topic is. holding hands and reciting the Those who attend a meeting are _ Lord's Prayer.

"This is a labor of love," dewelcome to receive a newsletter the group produces. clared Menard. "I want to share Bob Menard of St. George Par- with others what God has given ish, Westport, along with Joanne me. I often think of the story of Dupre, has been a co-facilitator of Christ and his compassion for the the North Dartmouth group for Samaritan woman at the well. It inspires me to help others and give seven years.

When he became divorced he them new hope in their livt:s and

in the Church. Life will get better."

Sue Lambert has been attending meetings in North Dartmouth for about three and a half years now and has received many benefits. "It's helped me tremendously," said Lambert. "They show you how to straighten out your life, offer infornlation about wills, taxes and how to live through the divorce process."

She added that the fact there is prayer time in the meetings appealed to her. "Everything in the meeting is centered on Christ, but not matter what your faith is, you can benefit from going."

"It's a benefit for all those who attend," said Father Mathias. "Divorce has a stigma attached to it and it's very confusing for people.

This gives them an opportunity to get together to process the tragedy that is divorce." .

He said that there is much faith sharing and prayer plays an important role.'

Father Mathias felt that the group is helpful in dispelling myths between divorce and being a Catholic. It reduces anxiety regarding ones relationship to the Church 'and sacraments.

"I help reflect on the Gospel with them. I explain Church law and we step away from judgment and towards understanding and how to heal and forgive."

According to Father Mathias,. a strength of the program is its peer aspect, which allows people to see that others have been through similar experiences and "there is a light at the end of the tunneL" They hear from others how they came to forgive an ex-spouse or put aside feelings of bitterness.

Father Mathias praised the facilitators and the "tremendousjob" , they do, and said there is a need for more people to take on such roles. Training will be provided. "I would encourage people to try it," he said.

For more information about the Divorced-Separated Support Groups call the Diocesan Family Life Center at 508-999-6420.

You can also visit them on the ~eb at: www.familyfallriver.org

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WEST HARWICH - The Our Lady of Life Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is in need of more adorers. Times are as follows: Monday at 2 a.m., 3 a.m. and 9 a.m.; Tuesday at 1 a.m.; Wednesday at midnight and '11 a.m.; Thursday at 3 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Saturdayat 1 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. For more information call 508-430-4716.

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ATTLEBORO - A healing service in Spanish will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. For more information call 508-222-5410.

LECTURE! PRESENTATIONS FALL'RIVER - The Fall River Area Men's First Friday Club will meet this evening at 6 p.m. at Good Shepherd Parish, 1598 South Main Street. Mass will be celebrated by Father 'Freddie Babiczuk and a meal will follow. Guest speaker Father John Corapi \l\(,i,I!R.rn§~m;'J.t There is God, Why is The-re Evil, Pain and Suffering?" For

a

Continued from page three

because I unite myself to the sacrifice 'at my hands'ofthe Body and Blood of Christ. So, I think some similar reflections may arise from the celebration of the Triduum for the first time as a priest. I have tried to imagine what it might be like."

He also added, "One thing that will make a difference for me this year is that I will be celebrating the Triduum as one of many - around 20 or so - priests here a! the North American College. So, I'm not sure that I will experience my priestly role at these liturgies ~ dramatically as I might have ifI would celebrate them in a parish."

Finally, for Father Luis A. Cardoso, pastor of St. Michael's Parish in Fall River for the past decade, this will be his last Chrism Mass before his imminent retirement. This week, he spoke of the 47 years of his annual recommitment as Easter approached.

"The Mass of the Chrism means

something special, because it is the priest/1ood of Jesus Christ we celebrate and we are united with him in that priesthood in serving the people," Father Cardoso said. "It is a time of special graces and as priests we acknowledge that without his help, without his grace, we would never be able to be the pastors he wants usto be to ,his people.

And it makes us feel happy that we were chosen to be called to the priesthood."

Father Cardoso opined that "being a priest is much more difficult in today's world than at any other time previously because the Church and those called to the priesthood have to face so many different challenges - administrative and spiritual - in the daily life of their parishes. And sometimes priests find that people do not respond so easily to the demands of the faith as they hoped they would."

In Your Prayers

EAST TAUNTON - A Respect Life Conference will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue. It will include several guest speakers and time for prayer and reflection. For more information call seminarian Gregory Bettencourt at 508-824-5707.

information call

5~8-676-1184.

NORTH EASTON - A Marriage Workshop will be held Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the Father Peyton Center for married couples. It, will be presented by nationally known authors and speakers Steve and Kathy Beirne. For more information call Holy Cross Family Ministries. at 508-238-4095.

RETREATS MISCELLANEOUS ATTLEBORO The I,.enten Way of the Cross will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette'. For more information call 508-222-5410. .FALL RIVER - Several religious programs will be aired on the Portuguese channel in April as follows: "Caminhos par'ti a Pascoa," (Easter Journey) April 7 at 9:30 p.m.; Holy Thursday Mass, April 13 at 9:30 p.m.; Good Friday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m.; and "Boa Nova da Vida," (Good News for Life), April 14 at 9:30 p.m. For more

John Polce will bring his "Bethany Nights" program to The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette tonight at 7:30 p.m. For more information call 508-222-541 O. NORTH EASTON - The fifth annual Festival of Praise for young adults will be held April 29 at 7 p.m. at the St. Joseph Chapel, 500 Washington Street. It will include prayer, fellowship and song based on the Glorious Mysteries of the rosary. For more information call Holy Cross Family Ministries at 508-238-4095.

NORTH EASTON - A "Busy Persons" Retreat will be held April 10-12 at the St. Joseph Chapel, 500 Washington SUPPORT GROUPS Street. Brother Joseph Esparza, Father' Leo Polselli NEW BEDFORD - Courand Father John Phalen of the Congregation of Holy Cross will , age, a support group for offer reflections on the Passion, people dealing with same-sex death and resilirrection of attractions while trying to live Jesus Christ. Each day begins chastely, will meet Saturday at at 11 a.m. Mass will be cel- 7 p.m. in the rectory of Our ebrated at noon. liFor more in- Lady of Guadalupe.Parish at formation call Holy Cross Fam- St. James Church, 233 ily Ministries at 5~8-238-4095. County Street. Meetings combine prayer and sharing. For "'I more information call Father SOClifL EVENTS Richard D. Wilson at 508ATTLEBORO - Singer 992-9408.

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Please pray for 'the following priests during the coming weeks .

.Aprilll

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

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,_

1909, Rev. John Tobin, Assistant, St. Patric~'Fall River 1996, Rev. Msgr. Alfred 1. G~ndrea:U::STn: Retired Pastor, Notre _ " Dame, Fall River 1997, Rev. Edward p.. Doyle, a.,p., St. Raymond, Providence, R.I. 2002, Re-q: Beiti-and R. Chabot, ~etired Pastor, St. Anthony of Padua, New Bedford

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April 14

1935, Rev. Louis N. Dequoy, Pastor,Sacred H~art, North Attleboro 1977, Rev. Cosma" Chaloner, SS.Cc., St. Francis Xavier, Acushnet

April 15 \.

508-676-1971 ,

1908, Rev. Christopher G. Hughes, D.D.• Retired Rector, St. Mary's Cathe4ral,. Fall River

April 16 1928, Rev. Arthur E. Langlois, on sick leave, Denver, Colo.

1995, Rev. Norman F. Lord, C.S.Sp., Hemet, Calif. .

1996, Rev. John W. Pegnam, USN, Retired Chaplain

.

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FaIn Riverr " W. Brid.~ewateli • Somersef

PRymollth • Dal!"t~outin " Hingham.

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Friday, April 7, 2006

Pro-Life Essay Contest Winner Second Place, High School Roe v. Wade v. "The Gospel of Life'~ Modern society is not a place where life and its incredible value are recognized and revered. Instead of love, kindness and respect we are bombarded with the desecration of human life and the toleration of murder and indifference to the inherent right to life that all people are born with. The most influential and disputatious case known as Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion in the United States has left an impression on our society that has been the catalyst for many issues involving the respect that all states of life deserve. Not only does our civilization brutally destroy innocent children, but it also disregards the omnipresent place the elderly and challenged hold in our community. Roe v. Wade has thus instilled a steady decline in the morals and values of our country in matters of genetics, abortion and reverence to all people throughout the world.

In defense of .Iife 路we have been blessed with tools such as the New Testament and the life of Jesus and also the great encyclical, Evangelium Vitae, which thus emphasized and explained to the world that in order to truly be people of路the Gospel of Life we need to thus commiserate with those in most need. Unborn children are incredibly vulnerable and helpless, therefore being those individuals that truly rely on the kindness of humanity. Nevertheless, compassion has become a STEPHANIE sordid euphemism for abortion; indiPAQUETTE viduals in our society have chosen that some children are better off tobe terminated "compassionately." Compassion dictates that we as humans help one another, not to kill and take advantage of one another because of selfish needs and desires. Likewise, Evangelium Vitae affirms the facets of the New Testament, those being of truly loving one's neighbor as they do their own self. In order to be truly loving, selfless peopl~ we must be willing to abandon the innate tendency to do what is easy and join in the fight for the right to life. ..

A most popular argument the pro-choice community centers on is "a woman's right to choose." However, this argument disregards the fact that within all choices that we make we have a ceaseless obligation to do what is moral and just in society. Freedom is not a gift that allows humans to simply do whatever they please without consequence; rather in contrast freedom involves the responsibility to do what is right and fair as revealed to us by God, in whom freedom is truly found.

Roe v. Wade legalized abortion throughout a woman's pregnancy, thus saying that it is thoroughly permissible for an innocent child to be destroyed ... without a second thought.

However, if this same woman was murdered along with路 her unborn child it is suddenly a most tragic double-homiciqe.

This lack of consistency in our leg~1 system alludes to the fact that as a nation there is recognition that there is something incredible and awesome within the womb that deserves our utmost respect. That notion gives us, the Pro-Life community, hope for the future and hope for our innocent, unborn brothers and sisters.

Stephanie Paquette Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth . St. Stanislaus Parish, Fall River

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AFTER RECEIVING statues for learning their prayers, the students of St. Mary's Religious Education class in South Dartmouth made little shrines for the Blessed Mother. From left, back row: Cooper Smith, Benjamin Macedo, Tyler Britton, Jordan Raposo, Jack Sullivan; Middle row: Clare Markey, Audrey Couto, Kelsey Phillips, Courtney Soares, Thomas Amaral, Sabrina Manley, Devin Tremblay, Zachary DaCosta, Nicholas Bourgault; Front row: Kalyn Mello, Alexa Oikarinen, and Jennifer Brum.

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GOOD SHEPHERD Parish on Martha's Vineyard recently sponsored a St. Patrick's Day dinner at St.. Augustine's Church hall. A capacity crowd of 120 parishioners attended the event which included an authentic Irish OJ and the singing of traditional Irish songs. The dinner, coordinated by Parish Youth Minister Michelle Roberts, benefited the Life Teen Youth -Ministry of the island parish.

SARAH AND Samantha Melanson enjoyed working as ski instructors at Cranmore Mountain in North Conway, N.H. during winter weekends, The Bishop Stang High School students taught children ages three to seven the fundamentals of skiing.

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Friday, April 7, 2006

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British production of Passion set to rock songs LONDON (CNS) - Move The production will begin with over Bach, Mozart and Stravinsky: the character playing Jesus singing A modem new musical version of "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Christ's Passion will be perfonned Division, a punk band from the in England on Good Friday to the 1970s and 1980s, during a re-ensound of rock music. actment of the Last Supper.

The Manchester Passion will The character of Judas, about dramatize the final hours ofthe life to betray Jesus, will then sing ofJesus with songs from local rock "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable groups, including Oasis, Joy Divi- Now" by the 80s band The Smiths. sion, New Order, James, the Smiths The characters, dressed in conand M-People. temporary fashions, will then However, in this production, the slowly make their way to Albert songs will be accompanied by a 16- Square in the city center. On.the piece string orchestra. The play will way, Jesus wi11 sing "Sit Down" be produced and televised by the by the band James, as he urges the British Broadcasting Corp. apostles to sit on a street wall durThe event, has the broad sup- ing a scene re-creating his agony port of the mainstream churches, in the Garden of Gethsemane. including the Catholic Diocese of As Jesus is arrested by characSalford. Bishop Terence Brain of ters dressed as British police officSalford said he plans to meet the ers, he and Judas will perfonn a duet of "Blue Monday" by New producers of the play.

Father Denis Clinch ofSt. Mary Order, which begins: "How does Church, near the city center, said it feel to treat me like you do?" producers want young people to be The pt rfonners will then carry "touched by the Passion, which a 25-foot cross into Albert Square, they will graphically illustrate." where the trial of Jesus will be ac"Our approach is to say that if companied by a rendition of it gets people interested in the Pas- Oasis's ''Wonderwall,'' a song that sion and Resurrection, it sounds contains the line: "I said maybe positive to us," said Father Michael you're gonna be the one who saves 'Walsh, communications officer for · me." the Salford diocese. "It is aimed at A character portraying Mary younger people, the 16 to 30 age will stand at the foot of the cross group. It wouldn't suit everybody, and sing "Search for the Hero" by but we are certainly not against it." M-People.

Finally, Jesus will emerge on the In the statement, the BBC said the "contemporary retelling" ofthe roof of Manchester Town Hall, biblical account of the death of which dominates the square, to Christ took its "inspiration from the symbolize his resurrection as way Bach and other composers ''Wonderwall'' is sung for a second fused music and the Passion story." time.

Learn to communicate

By CHARLIE MARTIN -

TALK Oh brother I can't, I can't get through I've been trying hard to reach you 'cause I don't know what to do Oh brother I can't believe it's true I'm so scared about the future, and I want to talk to you Oh I want to talk to you Refrain: You can take a picture of something you see In the future where will I be?

You can climb a ladder up to the sun Or write a song nobody has sung Or do something that's never been done Are you lost or incomplete?

Do you feel like a puzzle, you can't find your missing piece?

Tell me how you feel Well I feel like they're talking in a language I don't speak And they're talking it to me (Repeat refrain.)

So you don't know where you're going, and you want to talk And you feel like you're going where you've been before You tell anyone who'lllisten but you feel ignored Nothing's really making any sense at all, let's talk Let's talk, let's talk, let's talk Sung by Coldplay .

Copyright (c) 2005 by Capitol What do you do when you really want to talk to someone but are unsure how to start the conversation?

Coldplay's latest hit "Talk" addresses this common situation. The song's character tells another: "I can't get through, I've been trying hard to reach you 'cause I don't know what to do." He does not say

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

specifically what he wants to speak about, but he does tell this person, "I'm so scared about the future, and I want to talk to you."

Learning to talk with people we care about is an important skill. It is not innate; it is something you learn how to do. Insight and practice can help you become a better communicator.

As a pastoral counselor, I frequently assist others in learning this skill. Here are some steps to follow and behaviors to use when you need to talk about something significant or problematic to you:

- Before beginning an important conversation, be sure that you are emotionally prepared. This means defusing or lessening the intensity of any emotions you may be experiencing, especially anger or hurt. Most likely, at sqme point in the conversation, you I,will need to talk about what you have been feeling. Too much of these feelings will weaken the likelihood of a successful discussion.

- Be courteous. Ask the other person when would be a good time for him or her to talk. Taking this step not only shows respect but will help you avoid dumpi~'g your ideas or feelings before the other is ready to hear them.

- Bring up the topic of the con-

versation in a way that invites the other to share his or her perspective. As the other individual responds, listen. Attempt to summarize accurately what he or she expressed. Validate how he or she could see th'e situation under discussion in this way. This does not mean that you agree with the assessment. It acknowledges that there are a variety of ways of interpreting so very many situations.

- Attempt to build understanding between the two of you before actually trying to solve the problem.

Jumping right to solutions often sabotages a potentially helpful conversation. The need for understanding is high in all of us. While a fair resolution of the problem is the goal, making sure that the other per-' . son feels understood by you is essential for healing any hurt between the two of you. .

- Accept that not every issue can be resolved in one conversation.

Instead, aim for progress and a willingness to continue communication.

If at any point the conversation becomes heated or unproductive, ask for a 30-minute break. Simply say you need time out to help keep your perspective.

- If the conversation is especially important to you because the other individual is dear to you, spend time in prayer before beginning the conversation. Invite God to fill the conversation with his healing presence. Also, ask God to give you the wisdom and compassion that could empower the highest good for both of you.

Please write to me at: chmartin@swindiana.net or at 7125W 200S, Rockport, IN 47635.

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Courage and commitment Every year on Palm Sunday well that these same people would denying her belief in God. But our faith in God, do you keep the youth of our parish's Faith crucify him five days later. That's that would be the coward's way silent? Your courage and commitFonnation Program, with their courage. Accepting the reality of out and she wanted no part of it. ment to Christ will not: allow you families and parishioners, begin what will happen is commitment.

Cassie knew the outcome of her to do that because you are the celebration of the Passion of answer, but her courage and And why did Jesus do it? He did reminded of a great joy: "Blessed Our Lord with a procession from it for you and for me so are you who are perseour parish center to the church. that we may have life and ~-""'Io~ cuted for my sake," Jesus know the hope that They crury palms, banners and a said, "for yours is the large wooden cross. It's an follows this life. kingdom of heaven" (Mt incredible sight to see a few Since 1999, the 5: 10). hundred people re-enact Christ's · courage and commitment There is a song called triumphant entrance into Jerusaof a young girl has since "Stand," by Lorraine lem. This Sunday we will do the reminded me of Christ's Ferro, which I believe same. As preparations began for passion. Her name was speaks the truth of our

By Osvaldo Pacheco this procession I recalled the Cassie. I never met courage and commitment reason why we do this. Two Cassie, but in my heart I to Christ and one another. knew and will always words came to mind: courage and I share with you some of commitment. know her as an awe inspiring commitment to Christ was the first and last lines of that song: With each passing day I see young lady of great faith. At unshakable. Christ knew the "With visible breath I'm more and more young people who school, on a bright, clear spring outcome of his entrance into calling Your name. With visible have the courage to stand up for Jerusalem, but he went on. day in April 1999, Cassie was tracks I'm finding my way. what they believe and the · asked the most important question Cassie believed in God with a "With a sorrowful heart I commitment to live that belief. passion, defending him to the of her life. "Do you believe in honor this pain and offer these It's the same courage and commit- God?," a young man queried. very end. tears to remain. In a moment of ment Christ had as he entered "Yes, I believe in God," Cassie Today, more than ever, we truth at the top of the hill I open Jerusalem. With every joyful replied.. And Cassie died. This is need to stand up for Christ and my arms and let go of my will. shout of "Hosanna." and the the reality of the tragedy at defend his name. Do you shy When the thundering voices of waving of palm branches hailing away from conversations about Columbine High School in doubt try to shake my faith, oh, their king, Jesus continued his God and religion? When you hear Colorado. Cassie could have I'll be listening from i'1side out, entry into Jerusalem knowing others putting down the Church or and I won't be afraid to stand with possibly saved her life that day by

Be Not Afraid

my face to the wind, with the stonn beating down on this sacred ground. If I stand for the grace that I know, for what I believe, then I won't stand alone. No, I won't stand alone."

Cassie was not alone that day.

You are never alone. At your baptism, your parents lit a candle symbolizing the light of Christ and his presence in your life.

They keptthat candle lit until your confinnation when they passed it on to you. Now you carry that light. As long as it is kept lit, you'll never be alone; you'll never have to stand alone.

So this Palm Sunday, if you process to church carrying a palm, a banner or a cross, or simply just yourself, know that what you really carry is the light of Christ and your courage and commitment to Christ. That's what it's all about.

Ozzie Pacheco is Faith Formation director at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River, where he has been involved in youth ministry for 22 years.

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Friday, April 7, 2006

bristians to tbe pascbal Victim offer ~our tbankful

praisesl The Pan'sh of Our Lady ofthe Assumption in Osterville extends joyful greetings to all on this most glorious Feast offeasts

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Mass of the Lord's Supper -

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Children's Stations of the Cro$($ -1J2,.:J~ P..M..

Commemoration of the Passion of th~ Lord." 7:()() P.. M..

Holy Satnrdv Confessiom - n A.M.. - N~on Easter Vigil - 1:~(J P.,M..

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Masses at 6:00, 7:0(), 8:3~,J():~~ A.,M.. (/ J1t:()() Noou

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Our Lady of the As~umptiofj. Church 76 Wianno Avenue O~"itle 508.42.8.2,011 ... http://www.. ~mm,tionupe,od . org <:I"

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