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t eanc 0 VOL. 40, NO. 15

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FALL RIVER, MASS.

Friday, April 12,1996

FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS Southeastern Massachusetts' Lareest Weeki)'

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Index Church & World 12 Daily Readings 3 Editorial 4 Family Fare 10 Necrology 13 Our Rock & Rc)le .. 15 Steering Points 16 Youth News 14

WASHINGTON (CNS) - More than 200 people were baptized or received into full Communion with the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil services April 6 in parishes throughout the Fall River diocese ..

They joined the tens of thousands welcomed as Catholfcs that day nationwide, concluding their Lenten journeys of IJreparation.

In the Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph, Mo,:> for example, there. were more than 600. There were about 750 in the neighboring Diocese of Kansas City, Kan. More than 800 ---- the largest number in 10 years - took their final steps to Catholicism in the Baltimore Archdiocese. There were more than 400 next door in the Diocese of Wilmington, Del. In some larger dioceses and archdioceses the numbers went into four digits. The Archdiocese of Newark, N.J., had nearly 1,200.

The Chicago Archdiocese had more than 2,300. St. Louis and Brooklyn, N. Y.,each had just over 1,000.

Such figures indicated that if a complete count ·from. all 180-plus U.S. dioceses were taken, the numbers would run well into the tens of thousands.

In early Christianity it was standard practice to prepare catechumens to enter the church during Lent and to admit them - with the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and first Eucharjst - at Easter.

First steps toward the modern revival of the practice took place in the 1950s when Pope Pius XII restored Holy Week to the prominence it had in the early church, reforming Holy Week liturgies and reviving the ancient rites of the Easter Vigil.

After the Second Vatican Council mandated comprehensive liturgical reform, the renewal of the sacraments of initiation led to a revival of the ancient catechumenate in the Rite of Chdstian Initiation of Ad ults.

Use of the RCIA has grown rapidly in the United States since it was introduced in 1973.

Adaptations in the formation of catechumens, who are unbaptized persons preparing to enter the church, have been developed for candidates, who are baptized Christians preparing for full communion or full initiation as Catho-

law, "a very devout Catholic" twisted her arm "just a little" to sign up for the RCIA program at Immaculate Conception.

At first she was afraid the program would be "stuffy" and formal, she said, but she was delighted to find that it was interesting and got her personally involved. "I love it. I've really learned a lot," Easter Greeting she said.

It was ,the Easter Vigil. A crowded St. Thomas More Entering the church along with Ms. Huang was Gertrude Dorsey, Church jn Somerset was darkened as the moment of 78, a retired certified public aclighting c~lJIdles arrived. At last all were lit. All was quiet countant, who has already attended until a small voice broke the silence as a little girl sereImmaculate Conception with her naded th~ risen Lord with "Happy Birthday to You." husband for 32 years.

Raised a Methodist but not baptized, Mrs. Dorsey began to pretion with a Rite of Election (for While the numbers tell part of pare to enter the church after her catechumens) and Call to Continthe story. the more important story husband, Paul, took steps last year uing Conversion (for candidates). is that of each person behind the to regularize their marriage with In some places bishops now hold figures and his or her faith jour- the church.

He had been married in 1936 ney, saidSt. Joseph Sister Marilyn four, five or six diocesan services each· year to accommodate the Barnett, associate director of the but his wife left him while he was Chicago archdiocesan liturgy of- away fighting in World War II and growing numbl~rs. they were divorced. fice.

Paul and Gertrude Dorsey marTwo of those stories, both from Some other diocesan figures this year, culled from diocesan newsImmaculate Conception Parish in ried 37 years ago. Last year Paul papers, were: the Baltimore suburb of Towson, Dorsey began the process of seekMd., indicate how diverse the ing an annulment of his first mar- In Arlington, Va., 342 candiriage through a church court, and dates and 177 catechumens were journeys can be.

One is that 'of 23-year-old Chia- that marriage was declared null welcomed.

Hui Huang, a first-year medical this March, less than a month - Raleigh, N.C., had more than student at Johns Hopkins Univer- before Easter.

460 catechumens and candidates.

On Palm Sunday, a week before sity medical school, who was born - Savannah, Ga., had 278 in Taiwan and moved to Mary- Gertrude's formal initiation into catechumens and candidates welland with her parents 10 years ago. the Catholic Church at the Easter comed at a cathedral ceremony Ms. Huang told The Catholic Vigil, the couple renewed their and 57 more who participated in Review, Baltimore archdiocesan wedding vows in church and had the election and call rites in their newspaper, that her parents are their marriage validated. own parishes.

The journeys of each new CathoBuddhist, but she grew up without - Erie, Pa., had about 100 lic are many and varied. But all a formal religion. catechumens and 230 can·didates.

She said as she and her boy- need to be greeted with a hearty The neighboring Greensburg Diofriend began to get serious about welcome and all receive the evercese had about 500. marriage, her future mother-in- lasting gift of Jesus' love.

- La Crosse, Wis., had 35 ceses appear yearly several weeks earlier.

On or near the first weekend of Lent, catechumens and candidates from all over the diocese gather, with the bishop presiding, to .celebrate their final stages of prepara-

catechumens and more than 150 candidates.

- In southern Louisiana, the Houma-Thibodaux Diocese had 25 catechumens and 50 candidates.

In the Diocese of Biloxi, Miss., the combined total was 374.

lics.

Candidates may have been baptized in a non-Catholic faith community or they may be adults who were baptized as Cath61ics but did not receive catechetical formation or confirmation and first Communion as children.

While the actual initiation rites are spread out over some 19,000 U.S. Catholic parishes each Easter, centralized figures for many dio-

THE SEVENTH GRADE class at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, New Bedford, wrote a contemporary Stations of the Cross, and performed it at the school on Holy Thursday. In this scene, family and friends mourn the death of a young man who hasjust died from complications associated with the AIDS virus. From left, seated are: Christopher Aguiar, Joyce Mariano and Michelle Borges; standing, from left: Miguel Senra and Kristy Alcaidinho. Story and other photos on page 10. (Anchor/ Jolivet photo)

Vocation luncheon set in Somerset .

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Young men of high school and college age who would like information on preparation' for the priesthood are invited to a luncheon with seminarians now preparing to serve the Fall River diocese as priests. The luncheon will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, April21, in the parish center of St.· Thomas More Church, 386 Luther Ave., Somerset, and will include presentations by' the seminarians on their life and reasons for choosing the priestly vocation.

Further information on the program is avaiDable' from parish priests or from Father Craig A. Pregana, assistant director of "ocations for the' Fall River diocese. His telephone number is 675-1311.

Saint Anne's Hospital gratefully acknowledges contributions to the Remembrance Fund received during March 1996*.

Through the remembrance and honor of these lives, .

Saint Anne's can continue "Cating for our community." ~ ,\ ';'\"'

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Ruth Dmaoranville Margartl Dufresne Maria Franco Walter 1. Eaton Paul Fillion Anndle Hagerman Thomas F Harkin Lucirnne Holtwka Willie Holmes Joseph Kitchrn Danid O'Colmor Alphonse Oliveira Josephine Pa~ise Raymond E. Parise Norman 1. Roy Joseph C. Saulillo

BISHOP SEAN O'Malley sits amongfellow bishops at a service in El Salvador during Pope John Paul II's February trip to Latin America. (L'Osservatore Romano photo) .

-------,;..,----------------------------------------------'Local y~uths r~ceive powerfulanti~drugmessage

Today St. Vincent's Center, Fall River, hosted a performance ofthe Periwinkle National Theatre's "Halfway There." a drama for young people on prevention of drug abuse. The production was seen by the Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River, stud~nt body and the older boys from St. Vin-

Social Security booklet offered Quick ...simple...and to the point.

In the Information Age, the above attributes become more important every day. You are inundated with information, and the very volume of material becomes an obstacle in finding the facts you really need to know.

Can't anyone just "give you the basic facts on a subject?

Social Security. which affecls nearly ,every working American and his or her family. has a booklet which does just that. Anyone who would like to know more about the basics of the Social Security system can request this 18-page booklet. In reader-friendly language. it gives you basi.c infor-

Josephine Shea Kathy Stule Edward Tyrdl Frank Vallerio

g SaintAnne's . , Hospital 795 Middle Street Fall River, MA 02721 (508) 674-5741

*As of March

3/,1996

cent's Residential Treatment Cen- . ter.

Sponsored by affiliates of the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth, PRIDE, Chemical People, Youth to Youth, Families in Action,. National Council on Alcoholism, Youth at Risk programs and other groups'

agers. Full of music, drama, humor and hope, the production makes a lasting impression on those who see it.

Periwinkle National Thl:atre has The story revolves around Nick, been producing educational theaKaren, Barry, Greg and Mandy, tre productions for,32 years. Prinfive teenagers from different back- cipals, teachers, counselors and grounds who have in common that social workers have commented they have used alcohol and other that "Halfway There "ope ned lines drugs. Audiences identify with the of communication that always characiers in the drama that pre- . brought someone to their doors, sents the reasons and feelings that either for help or to let them know lead young people to drug use in the play gave them the courage to the first place. "Halfway There" is resist peer pressiJre. That's what based on the actual experiences "Halfway There" is intended to and writings of recovering teen- do"

mation' about Social Security's retirement, survivors and disability insurance programs, as well as so"me basic information on financial planning, For example, one page explains how Social Security survivors insurance offers an average family WASHINGTON(CNS)-Jesuit about $300,000 worth of 'protec Father Walter J. Burghardt is. the tion. Another page quickly shows only Catholic on Baylor Universijust how much 'an average' wage ty's list of the 12 most effective earner can expect to receive in Christian preachers in the Englishretirement benefits. speaking world.

You are also told how to get The list - drawn up from a surmore information about Social vey of more than 300 seminary Security if you need it.

To get a copy of Basic Facls . professors and editors of religious periodicals - was featured in A bout Sodal Securill'. call the along with an article on Newsweek loll-free number -1-800-772-1213. the state of preaching today.

Among others listed were Rev. Billy Graham of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; Rev. cese of St. Paul-Minneapolis in James Forbes, senior minister of 1929, 'was appointed monsignor in Riverside Church in New York 1957 and or.dained a bishop the City; and Rev. Gardner C. Taylor, following year. pastor emeritus of The Concord Bishop Schladweiler retired from Baptist Church of Christ in Brookactive ministry in 1975. lyn,N. Y., long a top figure among African-American preachers. . Only" one non-American - Rev. John R.W. Stott, rector emeritus of All Souls Church in London and president of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity - made the list.

The list featured one woman -

Sole Catholic'tops preachers list

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Minnesota bishop dies at 93 NEW VLM, Minn. (CNS) Bishop Alphol)se J. Schladweiler, first bishop of New Vim, Minn., died April 3 at age 93 ..

A funeral Mass was celebrated April 10 at the cathedral, followed by burial at the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. . The bishop was born July 18, 1902, in Milwaukee. He attended St. Paul's Seminary in St. Paul and the V niversity of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdio-

of concerned people, over 800,000 young people and their parents have witnessed the performance nationwide.

GOD'S A NCHOll HOLDS

Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor, rector of Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church in Clarkesville, Ga. Father Burghardt, 81, is senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown V niversity in Washington and author of more than a dozen books, most pf them collections of his own homilies or books about preaching.

He retired from teaching and from 45 years as managing editor and editor of Theological Studies in 1990. In 1991 he fO'Jnded a Woodstock Center project, "Preaching the Just Word."

The project, which he d.irects, is designed to help Catholic preachers improve their homilies and deepen their awareness of the biblical dimensions of Catholic social teaching.

A new volume of Father Burghardt's homilies, "Love Is a Flame of the Lord," has just been. released

by Paulist Press. His next book, "Preaching the Just Word," is to be published by Yale University Press.

Many' assisted suicides based on fear CHICAGO (CNS) -- Many physicians who provide medicine or injections to help their terminally ill patients die do so because of nonphysical concerns rather than "intolerable physical :,ymptoms," according to a new study.

Published March 27 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the study said that "patient requests for physicianassisted suicide and euthanasia are 110t rare." It was based Oil questionnaires sent to a random sampling of physicians in Washington state.

"As perceived by physicians, the most common patient concerns at the time these requests are made are nonphysical" and include worries about "loss of control, being a burden, being dependent,on others for personal care, and loss of dignity," the journal report added.

The study was coordinated by Dr. Anthony L. Back of the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle. Dr. Jeffrey I. Wallace, Helene E. Starks and Dr. Robert A. Pearlman also participated in the research.

To gather the data, researchers sent questionnaires to 1,453 physicians in Washington state, where a referendum on permitting assisted suicide was narrowly defeated in 1991.

Of the 828 physicians who re- most patients request physiciansponded, 12 percent said they had assisted suicide or euthanasia," it received one or more. explicit re- added.

Of the 156 patients who requests for physician-assisted suiquested physician-assisted suicide, cide in the past year, and 4 percent said they had received an explicit 38 - or 24 percent - received a prescription for that purpose from request for euthanasia, described as the injection of medications by their doctor, the study said. Fifa physician "with the primary in- teen of them did not use the pretention of ending the patient's life." scription, including three who were More than a quarter - 26 per- still alive when the doctors completed their questionnaires and 12 cent - of physicians reported being asked at least once in the past for' who died in other ways.

Fourteen of the 58 patients who physician-assistt:d suicide or eurequested a lethal injection from thanasia. their physicians received it and The questionnaire then asked doctors to provide case informa- died as a result, the report said. tion about the last one or two "However, one patient died more patients who had made such re- than four weeks later, possibly representing an unsuccessful inquests. I n all, they described 207 different patients - 156 who re- stance of euthanasia," it added.

Perhaps because both assisted quested physician-assisted suicide, 58 who requested euthanasia and suicide and euthanasia are illegal in Washington, "physicians are 29 who wanted information only. often reluctant to discuss these "Our findings that physicians receive a substantial number of patients with colleagues," the study said. explicit requests suggest that health Some physicians fear "that open care providers need to understand more about why these patients discussion of a patient request for physician-assisted suicide or euwant to hasten death," the report thanasia would invite legal scrutsaid. iny," the researchers added. "How"Notably, neither severe pain nor dyspnea (shortness of breath) ever, if physicians do not review was a common patient concern, these cases with colleagues, they suggesting that intolerable physi- cannot benefit from the collegial cal symptoms are not the reason exchange of an experienced ap-

IThis Sunday':s Message

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THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of FaIrRiver -

proach and the external point of view that is often useful with difficult cases."

I Peter 1:3-9

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GOD'S ANCHOR HOLDS

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He took you to the Saturday matinees to watch Abbott and Costello, Mickey Mouse and Lon Chaney,Jr.

by Dr. Patrick V. Reid

Now he needs someone to be there for him.

Second Sunday of Easter .

During the Easter season the Church's liturgy celebrates the life-giving effect of Jesus' resurrection on the Christian community. Today's readings present the transforming gifts of resurrection faith on the life of the early churches which were called to live that faith in an Qften hostile world. In gratitude we sing the refrain of this Sunday's responsorial psalm: "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting" (Ps 118). .

During the Easter season the first reading is taken from the Acts of the Apostles which recount the work of God's Spirit in spreading faith in the resurrection through the apostles' witness "in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Today's reading is one of Luke's idyllic summaries of the life of the early Jerusalem community (see Acts 4:32-35; 5: 12-16). It is to be a model for the other tledgling Christian communities throughout the Roman world. Luke stresses that the Jerusalem chun:h was devoted to the apostles' instruction, prayer, the breaking of bread (the Eucharist) in their homes, and a sharing of goods "on the basis of each one's need." Because of their joyful and sincere lives, the Jerusalem Christians win "the approval of all the people," and the Lord daily adds to their number "those who were being saved."

Throughout the Easter season in the A cycle, the second reading will be from I Peter, a letter written to Christians scattered throughout the Roman provinces of Asia Minor (I: I). They seem to be recent converts from paganism who are living in a hostile environment and being subjected to persecution.

Today's reading is the opening prayer of the letter, which is based on the formula of a Jewish blessing.

God is thanked for his gift of a new birth "which draws its life from the rlesurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." This new birth (baptism) gives Christian converts the right "to an imperishable inheritance" or "salvation" which will "be revealed in the last days."

While awaiting the completion of their salvation, Christians can expect "to suffer the distress of many trials," as their faith is tt:sted for its "genuineness."

Peter is confident that his readers will endure this period of testing because, as he says, "Although you have never seen him (Christ), you love him, and without seeing you believe in him." They are to await Christ's return in joy, faith, and hope because, as Peter reminds them, "you are achieving faith's goal, your salvation."

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COME CELEBRATE WITH FATHER PAT

Resurrectiion faith endures forever Readings: Ads 2:42-.47

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John 20:19-31

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John's gospel account of Jesus' resurrection appearances has two distinct episodes: an appearance on 'the first day of the week to the disciples, with Thomas missing, and a second appearance a week later when Thomas is with them. In the first, Jesus is fulfilling the promises he made to his disciples in the farewell discourse at the Last Supper (see chs 13-17).

He gives them the gift of "peace" and the Holy Spirit/ Paraclete as he sends them into the world,just as he was sent by the Father. The gift of the Spirit enables them to forgive sins.

The appearance to Thomas addresses the readers, and us, who have not had the privilege of seeing the glorified Jesus. Thomas is transformed from an unbeliever, who must see physical signs, to a believer who, when he sees the glorified Jesus, confesses him as "My Lord and my God." But Jesus' last words praise those who, like the Christians addressed in the letter of I Peter, have believed on.the testimony of others without having seen the res1,lrrected Jesus.

"You [Thomas] became a believer because you saw me. Blest are they who have not seen and have believed."

Daily Readings April 15: Acts 4:23-31; Ps 2:1-9; In 3:1-8 April 16: Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93:1-2,5; In 3:7b-15 April 17: Acts 5:17-26; Ps 34:2-9; In 3:16-21 April 18: Acts 5:27-33; Ps 34:2,9,17-20; In 3:31-36 ' April 19: Acts 5:34-42; Ps 27:1,4,13-14; In 6:1-15 April 20: Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33:1-2,4-5,1819; In 6:16-21 April 21: Acts 2:14,22-23; Ps 16:12,5,7-11; 1 Pt 1:17-21; lk 24:13-35

As long as you can rememoo;

Dad made time for you.

You could always count on him for a helping hand or some helpful advice.

Now you want to be there for him. Assisted living at Carmel Terrace allows your father to enjoy his privacy, yet our staff is on hand to be sure he maintains his preferred lifestyle.

Your Dad will find it easy to make new friends, either over mealtimes in our restaurant-

style dining room or through a variety of activities. A creative arts center, fitness and health cehter, music room, library and greenhouse are just afew of the diversions available at Carmel Terrace.

Plus we provide t:rarl.sfX>rtation to local shopping and social events so your Dad can get out as mudl as he likes.

We invite you to call for more information. It's the first step to helping your Dad continue to live the productive life he so richly deserves.

CanneC Terrace On the Campus ofSt. Patrick's Manor 863 Central Street. Framingham, MA 017014892' 508-879-8000 A Caring Mission of the Carmelite Sisters

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the living word

Schools and Taxes Why is it that in times offiscal cutbacks libraries and schools are the first to get the ax? In recent reports prepared for the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, it was interesting to note that across the state there has been a noticeable decline in school aid.

Some would conclude that the state's recent reform bill is to blame for this situation. Others feel that ever-rising tax bills have triggered a cutback reaction on the part of property owners.

But no matter what the reason, the fundamental reality which citizens must face is that public education is being shortchanged at a time when it needs all the help it can get. The . evidence at hand clearly indicates that our public schools are facing tremendous difficulties.

Declining test scores are but one indicator of the problem.

Schools have been turned into social laboratories where questionable experiments take place. With the decline of the family and of its role as prime ed ucator, schools have also been forced to become extensions of the home.

Children in general have suffered路 terribly from the selfishness of parents who are doing their own thing. The marriage bond itself is ajoke in a society that is abandoning the family, forgetting that families are its very foundation.

As a result of this void, school systems have been forced to .institute guidance programs, provide food services and introduce behavioral and remedial programs, all of which cost large sums. As a result, many educational essentials have suffered and the general level of scholarship has declined. Funding for language and arts programs has been slashed and many studehts cannot even read or write on their grade level.

Standards of social behavior and interpersonal relationships are fast disappearing, to the point that some school systems need a police presence in corridors and on playgrounds. In short, public education is in need of total reform, which is unlikely to take phice in our sick society.

Thus, the outlook is grim and money alone will not change things. But tax funds spent wisely on the true priorities of education might offer us a glimmer of hope. As new路generations approach school age, the needs in many places will place even greater demands on public funds.

Now is the timeto refocus our educational objectives, and to accomplish this we must break away from the "reform school" mind-set. Too many classrooms are no more than holding places for the abused and rejected of society.

We cannot expect to improve our schools if we fail to tackle the social ills that are eroding them .. All the tax money in the world will never repair shattered families and demoralized children.

Considering the magnitude of the problem, it is true that it is difficult to determine where to begin. However, two things are . certain: our efforts must involve the restoration ofresponsible parenting and the putting into place of public guidelines firmly rooted in acceptable moral and ethical principles. .

If this can be achieved, taxpayers may at last be able to feel that their moneys)ave been well spent.

eNS/Jacobs photo

FELA OVALLE, 14, OF SANTA FE, N.M., ENACTS THE PASSION OF CHRIST DURING THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SANTA FE'S SIXTH ANNUAL PRAYER SERVICE FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY AIDS. THE INITIALS ON THE SIDES OF THE CROSS STAND FOR KAPOSI'S.SARCOMA AND PLASMA CELL PNEUMONIA, OFT.EN CONTRACTED BY PATIENTS WITH AIDS.

"Comfort those who weep and share the grief of those who mourn.

Do not be slow to visit the sick for by these things you will be loved." Ecclus. 7:38-39

A moral vision of care for the dying;

By John E. Curley, Jr. President/ C EO Catholic Health Assn.

Some accounts hail as "good news" the recent decisions of two federal courts striking down laws in the states of Washington and New York prohibiting assisted suicide. I believe it would be more accurate to label the rulings 'as "sad news."

Ca tholic healthcare systems and facilities believe that human life is lntrinsically valuable and that it possesses al1 inalienable dignity.

We also regard dying and death as moments of both personal and communal grace and transformation. These beliefs provide the foundation from which we offer appropriate care for dying perThe Editor so路ns, their families, and their communities of concern.

Letters Welcome Such care respects the wishes o'f Letters to the editor are welcomed. AU ietters should be brief and the dying persons with regard to med- . editor reserves the right to condense any lett~rs if deemed necessary; All . ical interventions. provides aggresletters must be signed and contain a home or business address. sive pain management and palliative care, and offers compassion to all persons who suffer as death approaches. Also, it should not be surprising that our tradition supports all appropriate medical. legal. and social efforts aimed at preserving the personal dignity of the OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER dying.person. including withholdPublished weekly by The Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River ing or withdra wal of medical interventions serving only to prolong 887 Highland Avenue P.O. BOX 7 the dying process.

Fall River, MA 02720 Fall River. MA 02722-0007 Our commitment to life prompts Telephone 508-675-7151 us to view dying as a natural part FAX (508) 675-7048 of living. Consequently. we reject Send address changes to P.O. Box 7 or call telephone number above all proposals to legalize the killing of dying persons. whether through physician-assisted suicide or active GENERAL MANAGER EDITOR euthanasia. Even' though such Rosemary Dussault Rev. John F. Moore proposals may suggest that dying ~ LE....RV~ESS-FALLR1VER persons fail to receive the care that

human dignity demands or that living through the dying process somehow robs a person of dignity, . they are misguided.

Legalization of assisted suicide. and euthanasia will only undermine the way dying persons are cared for by weakening the bonds of community with them. Moreover, such proposals put at risk everyone whose age. medical condition, and social or financial status makes him or her vulnerable.

Indeed, many such individuals might become treated as expendable within a healthcare system struggling to survive in the face of diminishing resources. For all 路these reasons, the Catholic Health Association. of, the United States, on behalf of its over 1,200 members nationwide, will join other likeminded groups to appeal these unfortunate decisions to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Yet.' while we abhor proposals to killthe dying, we realize that we must listen more attentively to those who raise their voices in fear at the prospeot in facing death. In doing so, we reflect on the recent Journal of the American Medical Assn. report on a "Study to Understand Prognoses and Preferences for Outcomes and Risks o(Treatment," which found that persons 111111111111111111111111111111111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-020). Second Class Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass.

Published weekly except for the first two weeks in July and the week after Christmas at 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $13 .00 per year. Postmasters send address changes to The Anchor, P.O..Box 7, Fall River, MA02722.

experiencing life-threateni ng illness are often overtreated a nd experience unrelieved pain while physicians persist in ignoring stated patient preferences with regard. to medical interventions.

Such revelations m':an that healthcare providers. including Catholic providers, must reriew their commitment to (:.) ensure that all barriers to effective pain management are overcome; (2) ensure that patients and their fam.ilies understand their rights and responsibilities with regard to assessing proposed medical interventions and making their wishes known through advance directives; and (3) bring about the reform of healthcare so that all persons have access to affordable and appropriate healthcare services.

Most important, healthcare providers must redouble dforts to devote time, energy and resources to creating both a healt)care culture and a society in which all persons can live well, even w:~ile dying.

In doing so, the CH A is guided by the words of the Catholic bishops of Oregon and Washington who said in their 1991 joint pastoral letter of end-of-life issut:s: "Listen with compassion ... support /hose in pain ... educate the community ... and provide moral vision "as the dying are assisted during .the final stages of life's journey.

The St. Louis-based Catholic Health Association of the United States represents over 1,:WO Catholic-sponsored facilities and organizations. They compri:ie the nation's largest group of not-for-profit healthcare facilities uncler a single form of sponsorship.

Canon,"la l\Ty'ers 're'ac{ 'to' bish6p's':di~cree WASHINGTON (CNS) - Several church law experts expressed surprise at the automatic interdict and excommunication penalties invoked by Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewtiz of Lincoln, Neb., for Catholics who join or belong to any of 12 different organizations.

Bishop Bruskewitz, said, "It is my hope and prayer that nobody will be interdicted or excommunicated."

His purpose, he told Catholic News Service, was to warn Catholics of his diocese that membership in the prohibited organizations is dangerous to or completely incompatible with Catholic faith.

Three canon lawyers contacted

by Catholic News Service said that while the bishop had the legal authority to do what he did, they viewed his action as out of keeping with the revised Code of Canon Law's basic approach to penal legislation.

A reduction of automatic penalties was "one of tne welcome featuresinthe 1983 code," said Atonement Father Patrick J. Cogan, executive coordinator of the Canon Law Society of America.

Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin of Chicago, where Call to Action has its national headquarters and many of its most active members, told a meeting of his priests that when he has problems with the organization he pref(:rs the approach of dialogue and persuasion.

"I do 'not think that cutting off Call to Action's memhers completely from the Catholic community would serve any good purpose; indeed, it would exacerbate the situation," he said. His statement was later distributed by his archdiocesan communications office.

Bishop Bruskewitzdrew national media attention after he declared in March that any Catholic of the Lincoln Diocese who belongs to a ny of 12 specific organizations "perilous to the Catholic faith" would come under interdict as of April 15. Someone undl~r interdict is prohibited from receiving Communion.

If they persisted in their membership in the forbidden organiza-' tion while under interdict, he said, in one month they would come under the further penalty of excommunication.

The groups forbidden included the Freemasons and four Masonic affiliates - three youth groups and a women's affiliate; The Hemlock Society, which promotes assisted suicide and euthanasia; Planned Parenthood and Catholics for a Free Choice, which promote legalized abortion; St. Pius X Society and St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, Lefebvrilte groups that oppose the Second Vatican Council and celebrate illicit Masses in the diocese; and Cal1 to Action and Call to Action Nf:braska" a newly formed state chapter of the ' national group.

Call to Action is an independent organization that claims about 15,000 Catholic members nationwide, including about 5,000 priests and nuns and several bishops. It promotes church teachings on social justice but also advocates ordination of women and married men and greater lay leadership in the church, and it opposes church teaching on artificial birth control.

At least three bishops have publicly stated that they are members of Call to Action, including Bishop Raymond A. Lucker of New Ulm. Minn., a featured speaker at the

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese" of Fall River -

Fri., April 12, 19965

group's national conference last his priests' council beforehand on November. " the penalties and believes his In a warning letter March 18 to priests back him "100 percent." the leaders of the new Nebraska He did not consult with other chapter, Bishop Bruskewitz called bishops of the state beforehand, he said. the group "inimical to the Catholic faith, subversive of church order, destructive of Catholic Church discipline, contradictory to the teachCelebrate the ing of the Second Vatican Council FEAST OF' and an impediment to evangelization."

DIVINE MERCY ACADEMY· Dan Daley, national Call to Action co-director, called Bishop Bruskewitz' action "a most serious violation of our rights and dignity 324 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd. as members of the Catholic Oust 01[ exit 3, Rt. 6) Church.," Sunday, April 14th OPENING JULY Contacted br CNS, Bishop 2:00 p.m.

Lucker declined to comment on Candidates should be experienced Administrators Welcome!

Bishop Bruskewitz' action. He said at least a MASTER'S DEGREE. The applicant with his experiences with Call to Action must demonstrate an ability to enhance the Roman i were positive, and he regarded it as, "a wonderful group" Of committed Catholic mission of the school, an ability to promote NEED A GOOD PLUMBER? Catholics. the Mercy Charism of Catherine McAuley, an ability He added, "I don't agree with to promote the unique commitment to single gender For your home or business. everything everybody says who education and the ability to work effectively within a goes (to the group's conferences).

Pre-K to 12 environment.

But I think there's a need to have open discussion on those issues."

SEND COVER LETTER AND RESUME Bishop Bruskewitz told CNS Plumbing & Heating BYMAY 3, 1996 DEADLINE TO: that at the founding meeting of Est. 1920 Lie. 10786 Call to Action Nebraska, held in Search Committee his diocese in February, particiST. MARY ACADEMY· BAY VIEW pants had a Mass at which a new "creed" was recited that departs "The Experienced c/o President's Office from any other historical creedal Plumbing People" 3070 PAWTUCKET AVENUE statement of the church.

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RIVERSIDE, RI02915 ..1 SWANSEA SOMERSET ticularly objected to its opening- • FALL RIVER "I believe in people and in a world in which it is good to live for all humankind," which he said expresses no belief in God - and its closing, which reads: "And I believe in the resurrection - whatever it may mean. Amen."

Father James A. Coriden, a canon law professor at Washington Theological Union, said that John Krecji of Lincoln, one of the co-leaders of the Nebraska chapter, had contacted him for advice on his canonical rights.

Father Coriden called the legislation enacted by Bishop Bruskewitz "so contrary to the spirit and letter of canon law ... so intemperate and harsh" that he would consider it "invalid on its face, or at best a doubtful law."

Krecji said in a telephone interview that he intends 1'0 remain a member of the national group and its state chapter, "and I'm not going to leave the church."

Another canon lawyer contacted

by Catholic News Service, Msgr.

Frederick Mc Manus of The Catholic University of America in Washington, said the penalties invoked by the bishop arc such a "serious matter" that he thought it would Thursday, April 18th require a "very exceptional, ex1:00 p.m.• 6:00 p.m. traordinary" situation for them to be invoked.

White's Of Westport One of the principles of canon law, he said, is that automatic penalties are to be invoked "only • sparky The Fire Dog/Andy the Ambulance You're invited to bring the whole family to in the most serious cases" and only the Communicate:Health!

Fair on Thursday, • Experts On A Variety Of Healthy Topics when. the harm cannpt be corApril 18 - co-sponsored by Soint Anne's • Healthy Cooking Demonstrations rected by inflicting penalties indiHospitcil and WSAR radio. The Fair, which vidually on a case-by-case basis.

So pleose join us as we celebrate 90 years He also said the church can is free and open to the public, will have a of community health care. For more prohibit things without attaching variety of fun, informative events and information, call 508-674-5600, ext. 2021. penalties, and he wondered if all exhibit~, to help your whole family lead avenues short of automatic interhealthier lifestyles. The Fai.r will feature: dict and excommunication had been sufficiently tried.

• Mammography scre~nings for Bishop Bruskewitz said he did insured, uninsured and underinsured not think he could prohibit memwomen, age 40 and older. bership in the organizations he Appointments must be made in cited without attaching penalties. advance by calling 1-8QO.71-WOMEN "A mere prohibition would simply be relegated to his opinion versus • Cholesterol screenings ours with no hope of success," he • Children's fingerprinting said.

He said he had consulted with

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6 THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -Fri., April 12,1996

SISTER M. ROBERT ANN Lanthrop takes Maddie fOor a walk in her neighborhood of Laporte, Ind. The nun, who was once afraid of dogs, now helps care for several pets in the area.

(CNS/ Callaway photo)

Franciscan nun finds beauty in the beasts LAPORTE, Ind.(CNS)-- Fran- in Hammond and 10 at St. Joseph's. ciscan Sister M. Robertann LathThe nun's latest canine companrop is following the true spirit of ion, Maddie, is her security at her founder as the patron saint of night, when she checks to make animals by caring for dogs in her sure the school doors are locked, neighborhood. she added.

"I used to be deathly afraid of "Sometimes I bring (Maddie) dogs - especially big ones," she into school," she said. "The kids said, but her fear has turned to really like her." fondness.

Members of Sister Lathrop's In an interview with the North- community are not allowed to west Indiana Catholic, newspaper have their own pets, but she finds of· the' Diocese of Gary, Sister ,that the dogs she helps care for are Lathrop said the transformation good companions. came when a friend asked her to "To me it is a diversion - being look after a dog. A first-grade with the dogs. No matter what teacher at St. Joseph School in kind of day you have, the dogs are LaPorte, she has been walking and there to greet you with their wagcaring for neighborhood dogs ever ging tails," she said. since.

However, she has to get to know the dogs before she likes or walks them.

CEBU CITY. Philippines(CNS) "There has to be a mutual com- - The sisters at the Carmelite passionate feeling," the nun said, monastery in Mabolo, Cebu City, such as the one she had with 13- welcomed Corazon Aquino Feb. year-old Sean, the pet of former 22 as they did 10 years ago, but this time under more relaxed circumSt. Joseph pastor, Father Richard Emerson. stances. Convent representatives Father Emerson, now pastor of said the former president thanked St. Thomas More in Munster, said the sisters for giving her and her the Franciscan sister even beca'me family refuge during the 1986 mila sort of "home nurse" for Sean, itary coup in Manila, which led to helping the dog recover after the fall of the regime of former surgery. president Ferdinand Marcos, UCA "She was very consistent. She News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand, reported. Durwould come in and walk him a few times a day," the priest recalled. "I ing the private visit with the 27 think she got her exercise that sisters in the monastery, Mrs. way.".

Aquino prayed i~side the cloister Exercise benefits both parties, chapel and greeted. M 9ther M. said the nun. ''I'm too old to take Bernard of the Immaculate Conaerobics so I walk the dogs." ception Margaro, the Carmelite The Franciscan sister entered prioress, who was celebrating her the convent in Detroit nearly 50 birthday. The sisters said the years ago. She has taught for 48 "people power" uprising in Manila y<;ars:.mo§tly il) the. Gary.Dioces~". formeda.specia1'.I.r<;lI1d .bet\yee.n with 1·1 years atSt. Casimir School . - Mrs, Aquino and their community.

Tensions recalled

I

Parents and teens face tough questiolns If ever there was a time when parents needed to keep in close touch with their t~ens, it is now.

I don't know if parents realize how differently their children are being socialized today than ever before and how difficult this is for young people.

Teens today have "big issues," a youth worker told me, listing some of these: a lack of self-esteem; parents who have lo.st control of the boundaries that enable a family to exist; decisions to make about having sex, taking drugs and alcohol; worries about AIDS; and being made fun of if they don't have the right designer clothes.

Teens are "disconnecting" from parents, church, community and even teachers. The reaso'ns vary.

Sometimes it's because the parents are out working long hours and aren't around enough.

Sometimes it's because teens don't want to tell what they're doing or how they're feeling. So teens are creating new families for themselves called friends.

I was talking recently to a mother who heads the Parent Teacher Association ofa nearby high school, and she was distressed over the parental apathy she was finding.

Some 1,100 students attend that high school" and yet, she said, she can't get three parents to come to the PT A meetings. This, despite the fact that a story about a troubled teen hits th~ news just about every day in the nice area where she lives.

I was not surprised. Several months ago I spent a lot of time interviewing parents and teens of that community for a magazine story I was preparing.

What had triggered interest was an incident where a number of teen girls had apparently talked suicide, some of them ending up in the emergency rooin.

The hospital professionals went out of their way to offer programs to alert parents to why teens are having such mega-problems. I attended all the meetings. Some 25 parents came to the first meeting, four to the second and three to the third. The professionals had to drop the meetings.

A growing problem is a widening gap between

points of vi.ew. Parents and teens tell one ar.,other, "You're nagging, you're overreacting," and they have different definitions of what these words mean.

In my town freshman and sophomore high school counselors recently held a meeting for parents that got some 75 parents out. It was clear from their

By Antoinette Bosco questions that some of these parents were stnggling with disconnection. They asked: "How do you find out what's happening in their lives?" "H ow do you deal with the 'attitude'?" "If you learn from another kid that mine is drinking and drugging, will you let me know?" .

Many of the parents' questions indicatc:d how much they carefortheir children, for exampk: "How can you instill good morals when there is so much garbage, especial1y illicit relationships, on every TV show a teen-ager watches?" And .the one th'lt really touched me, "Why do we hurt so when they hurt?"

From what I have learned in recent months, I can honestly say I found good parents and good teens who just aren't making it for reason~ they cannot comprehend. I think the problem is serious and widespread, and it has to do more with wh.tt's happening outside the home than inside.

Our children are adrift, some feeling hopeless, and I believe it's because of the breakdown in how young people are socialized today.

Schools, churches, teen centers and businesses al1 have to pitch in with families if we are to rec:.aim our youth. Above all, apathy has to go. Our kid~: deserve better! .

Mom cannot accept interracial couille Dear Mary: I have a daughter, 24, whom her stepfather and I have raised since she was 6: She is working full tim~ and living 'in an apartment..

She has gotten herself in trouble writing bad checks, not paying bills on time and other characteristics of not being responsible. Either her father and his wife or I and her stepfather have bailed her out.

She is living and involved with an African American. She t.old us she has known him for two years, and she loves him. We have tried· to accept her and not the relationship. .

Before you think I'm too prejudiced and a bigot, this young man has a criminal record, uses her and has nothing to offer.

She is the one who rented the apartment, owns the furniture and car. She cooks, does his laundry, buys him gifts. According to her, he does have a job and gives her. money for household expenses and 2as.

I've tried to discuss these issues. She refuses to listen. I've given up. I told her I did not want to have a thing to do with her.

Did) do a horrible wrong by telling her to do what she feels she needs to do and be happy, but leave me out of her life?

I miss her. I would like her back without the baggage. - Illinois Your letter presents a very mixed picture. You mention her messes and failures, yet she has ajob, an apartment, furniture and a car. . You say the man is a criininal,yet your daughter' has passed bad checks, a crime. You say he contributes nothing, while daughter says he contributes.

Your daughter says she has known this man for two years and loves him. You say she cooks, does his , laundry and buys him presents. So do loving partners all over the world. .

I can only conclude that you oppose this 'relationship so strongly that you find fault with every aspect.

And, ~hile you deplore your daughter's lifestyle, the . overriding 'iss~e seems to be race. ·Your challenge is to come to grips with certain facts. .

Your 24-year~0Id'daughteris an adult. Begin to treat her like one. As a start, stop bailing her out.

Financial problems are hers. .

You say that you have tried to discuss these mat-ters. Your lect'uring and her listening do not constitute a discussion. Adults do not tell other adults whom to choose as .friends or how to live their lives.

You say you cannot be around her and you have . given up, a sad but honest message. If you cannot accept your-daughter's friend, then you cannot. To ..:

..

~

.'-

stay out of her life is the most honest and realistic thing you can do. . Your seeo'od honest message is that you miss' her. I assume that wanting her back "without the baggage" means without the man she loves.

Your demand means that daughter must deter-

With Dr. James & Mary Kenny mine her choices by what pleases mother, an unfair and unrealistic request. Your only alternative is to accept your daughter as an adult and allc,w her to make her own choices.

You may find some alternate ways to maintain ties. Perhaps your husband, her stepfather, feels less negative. Perhaps he can phone or visit occasionally.

Read Interrace ($24 per year; Box 12048., Atlanta, Ga. 30355) which, according to its masthe2.d, is "the first magazine for 'interracial' couples, families and 'multiracial' people distributed nationwide. Interrace encourages equality and understanding."

Reader questions on family living and chiild care to be answered in print are i~vited. Address {IUestions: The Kennys; St. Joseph's College; 219 W.lHarrison; Rensselaer, Ind. 47978.

Retirement planninn _session announced The Fall River Public Library will spom,or a free workshop on retirement planning and person1l, money management from 6:30 to 8 p.m., April 24 at the library, 104 No. Main St., Fall River.

While its primary focus will be on retirerp.ent issues, the hands-on seminar will also cove:r setting goals and objectives, financial wellness, the, ir.9portance of adequate cash reserves," risk management, how wealth accumulates and the impact of taxes and inflation on savings and estate planning.

It is designed for adults of all ages. Young people .just begin~ng acareer are encJouraged to a·:te:nd. To res~IYe a seat,-visi.t.or call the library at 3~~-2700.

Seating il;llirnited to 20 people. , '!.

II. '.

Ques~ioning cremati'on Q. Friends tell me I should know the answer to my question by now, blilt I don't.

One of our relatives is terminally ill. She has seriously suggested cremation, which we were always told was wrong. Is it still forbidden for Catholics to be cremated and the ashes buried? (Maryland) A. You are right a bout the former teaching of the church.

The first general Catholic rule forbidding cremation came in May 1886. In legislation at the time, the Vatican's Holy Office cited the anti-religious and "Masonic" motivation behind a movement promoting cremation rather I han burial.

That part was true. Certain rationalist philosophers and leaders., particularly in Europe, saw cremation as'a way of denying the Christian belief in the resurrection. ("How could God possibly gather all those smoke particles together to make the body live again?")

By 30 or so years a.go, however, those reasons for favoringcrelTlation had all but disappeared, so the church's policy changed.

A 1963 instruction by the same Holy Office (now called the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith) recognized many possible reasons for desiring cremation - emotional, financial, hygienic and others.

While it indicated a continued preference for traditional burial as more respectful of the human body, the instruction presumed that people who request cremation an: doing it in good faith, not out of some irreligious motive.

The Catholic Rite of Christian Burial, promulgated in 1970, says, "Christian funeral rites are permitted for those who chose to have their bodies cremated unless it is s.hown that they have acted for reasons contrary to Christian principles."

A funeral Mass usually takes place before cremation, or a memorial Mass may be celebrated later.

Could the ashes be present at the celebration of the Eucharist after cremation? Policies and customs about that differ soml~what from place to place.

I'm sure your parish priest or funeral director will answer other specific questions your family may have.

Q. My question concerns some new' ways writers refer to dates before and after Christ. , I have seen secular publications use the initials B.C.E. (Before the Common Era) instead of the tra-

Fri., April 12, 19967

THE ANCHOR -- Diocese of Fal1 River

ditional B.C. (Before Christ), and C.E. (Common Era) instead of the traditional A.D. (Anno Domini, 'the Year of the tord).

I thought this was one of those politically correct ways ofavoiding mentioning Christ, but now I find it used in Catholic and other Christian writings as well.

Q'U.tt>&ti!.Q>aSJ

Clad

A-1 TRAVELERS

AaSJwe.&

APRIL 28

By Father John J. Dietzen Where did these abbreviations come from?

(Indiana) A. First or all, the practice you ask about obviously relates to the English language. To my knowledge there is no similar trend in place in other major languages. .

The reasons you present seem to be accurate. It is argued that in a multicultural, multireligious society, tnere should be a way of designating dates without basing them on one religious tradition, Many factors enter into the arguments pro and con. Some claim we should preserve the traditional designations since what we call Western civilization is basically Christian, or at least used to be.

Also, many major cultures such as China, Islam and Judaism have their own methods of dating anyWay. methods much different from our own, based on major events in their own history.

The obvious question, even with the new designation, will inevitably be what event began this "common era"? What was the dividing point? The answer, of course, is the birth of Jesus Christ.

We~1I probably just need to wait and see how the new idea takes hold.

A free brochure answe'ring questions Catholics ask about receiving the holy Eucharist is available by stnding a stamped self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Holy Trinity Church, 704 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL 61701.

Questions for this column should be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address.

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Baby showers for Mom - and Dad There is a cultural trend at which we might want to take a hard look ~ namely,. the making of baby showers a "couple thing" rather than the traditional female-only gathering.

The next thing you know they'll want to do the 0 same thing with bachelor parties - and guys will . lose the chance to create legends about 'how Ralph danced with the roast pig at his party after he drank too much punch.

I tried to warn my son-in-law about. this.

"Listen, son," I told him, "don't let them wangle you into this baby shower thing. How much fun can it be sitting in a circle, nibbling tiny food off tiny napkins and discussing the latest in strained carrots'?"

"Your very own daughter is the one who thinks it's a nice idea:" he weaseled.

"I'll bet she told you how much fun it would be to playa game with alllhl~ other couples to see who can make the most words out of the letters in 'postpartum depression.'''

He winced. "They wouldn't do that, would they?"

I grimaced. "( hear t hey make you reach int0 a pillowcase full of baby things, and then you ~ave to write down from memory as many of the obJects as you can."

He blanched.

"N ot only that." I \\'ent on, "but watch out if they hand you a diaper pin when you walk in. It's a game where you have to avoid saying the word '.baby.' If you do, y.ou have to give your pin to the person who catches you, and the person with the most pins wins."

"Naw," he said, "Naw. Naw, I don't think so.

Maybe it's a game where the guys get to see if they can stick the pins in a dartboard or something."

"You are a wishful thinker, aren't you." I said.

"You'll get a real kick out of playing tape the tail on the pregnant mommy's tummy."

"Stop!" he 'cried. "You're just giving me a bad time. I know Marie will appreciate my going, and that's what counts.'~ "You're right:'1 deadpanned. "But if I were you I'd practice being one or the, uh, the uh, crowd when she opens the presents. Especially if the other men find out they have pressing overseas business the day of the party."

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He's probably right. Of course, we all told Ralph

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MEMBERS OF the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women go over plans for their annual convention to be held May II. the decorating committee are Cathy St. Martin (left) and Claudette Armstrong, past DCCW president (not pictured). Attleboro's District IV president, Mary Martin (right) is the raffle chairperson.

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8 THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

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N un haunted by images of tortures

During her meeting with Mrs. WASHINGTON (CNS)- Ursu"My torturers put their hands line Sister Dianna Ortiz wants onto the handle, on top of mine," Clinton, she said, the first lady President Clinton and his admin- she said" And I had no choice. I "did not rule out the possibility (stration to know why she doesn't was forced to use it against another that Alejandro ... was a pa.st or present employee of the U.S. like to go·to sleep at night. human being." Her statement, read When she sleeps, she says, the in a broken voice, recalledher . agency." Mrs. Clinton also said' men who abducted and tortured experiences of watching blood she would get the nun information her in 1989 in Guatemala return to gushing and hearing her own on him if there was any, even haunt her. screams lost with the screams of classified.

Beginning her vigil in the comFor six years, she says, she has the unknown woman. pany of more than 200 pllople, . been pleading with the U.S. and Sister Ortiz said that she was Guatemalan governments for infortaken away from the torturers by a . many of them priests and nuns, Sister Ortiz said she would keep a mation to get at the ·truth about man they called Alejandro and candle burning at the park night her kidnappers and the role she referred to as their boss. The man. believes the United States had in whom she described as a North and day to remind the preHident the kidnapping and the death American, stopped the torture and . and his administration of the victims and survivors in' Guatemala. ·squads. said he was taking her to the U.S. Now the 37-year-old New Mex"Many of you know my story," Embassy where· ~ friend would she said. "What is often overlooked ic~ native has taken her campaign help her leave the country. to the public with a silent vigil outis that my experience is a daily She said Alejandro told her her side the White House, hoping to occurrence in Guatemala. More kidnapping was a case of mistaken get some answers. than six people a week, on averidentity, but that she should have .age, are killed for political reaA meeting with Hillary Rodheeded warning letters she had ham Clinton came a few days after sons. More than two a week are received.

Sister Ortiz began ·a silent vigil tortured. The death toll may never "After Alejandro spoke to me of be known." near the White House March 31. forgiving my torturers, I asked "I greatly appreciate her will-.

Sister Ortiz said an esti mated him what would happen to the ingness to talk with me and was 150.000 people have been kiiled other peop,le I heard screaming and another 45,000 Guatemalans impressed with her compassion, and saw tortured before·my eyes," have disappeared as a result of the sincerity and sensitivity," Sister she said. "At,this point, he switched country's "official death squads."

Ortiz said in a statement. "She listo English, which he spoke with a As many as 440 Mayan villages tened as I recounted the events of distinct, completely American ac- have all but disappeared. my abduction and torture and cent. He told me not to concern . described my ensuing struggle fo~ "I want out of this nightmare, myself with them and' to forget out of this past, out of this room information." what had happened. He made it with Alejandro and my torturers," Sister Ortiz added that Mrs. clear that he had been given a said Sister Ortiz. "The key is the very Clinton said "she would do everyvideotape and photographs that truth. I want to know who Alejanc thing in her power" to get informawould incriminate me of crimes dro was. Was he· a CIA agent? tion on the case and also "underthat I was forced to participate in.;' Why is the U.S. government prostood that my vigil is not only for documents related to my own case, She distrusted him and fled from tecting him? How many oth,~r Alehis vehicle. Eventually she man- jandros are there out there, superbut also for information on the cases of GuatelT\alans who have aged to leave the country with the vising the torture of innocent people?" . help of the local Catholic Church. suffered human rights abuses."

"It is painfully clear that our own United States government has been closely linked with these death squads, and has a great amount of detailed information about those of us who have survived as well as those who have perished." said Sister Ortiz in a statement as she .began a vigil in Lafayette Park across the street from the White House . . Some steps have bee~ taken by the U.S. government, including an order from Clinton for a government-wide investigation of cases of U.S. citizens'killed, abused, tortured or disappeared in Guatemala since 1984, including the Sister Ortiz Gase.

However. the nun said she· has . heard nothing in the year since the Justice Department launched an investigation and she filed a formal request for information.

She wrote to Clinton Feb. 7 and just received a reply from him expressing sympathy, but offering no information. A report by the Intelligence Oversight Board. originally due last summer, is now expected during the first half of this year, the president told her in his response.

In her .April 5 statement. Sister Ortiz said Mrs. Clinton said she' would try to get her information from the Intelligence Oversight Board before it completes its I: investigation June 30. The board's II report was originally due last II summer. :!

"Previously I had been told that .1 .could not receive any informa._II!IIlJ~mPl~!11 ~ tion before the investigation was finished." the nun said.

While working as a teacher in Guatemala 'in November 1989, SisteI; Ortiz was abducted at gunpoint from the back yard of a .

URSULINE SISTER Dianna Ortiz begins her vigil near church retreat. During the 24 hours the White House March 31 to protest hurpati rights abuses in she was detained, she was burned Guatemala. The nun, who was tortured by Guatemaian. securmore than III times with cigarettes, ity forces in 1989, is seeking information from the U.S. repeatedly raped and forced to wield a small machete against government about her case and other abuses. (eNS! Alex, another woman, she said. ander photo)

DOWlled pilot strengthened by faith

THE ANCHOR -

WASH'NGTON (eNS) - In he was nearly discovered several sense of normalcy. '" want to his darkest hours of hiding in the times. One frightening moment devote my life to what is important woods of Bosnia, images of his came when two men passed within - faith, family and friends. It is family and friends - even memofive feet of his hiding place. happening gradually. It'sjust hard, ries from his days in Catholic "~everal times , expected to because I have engagements that school- helped sustain Air Force die," he said.' "I just prayed and have me booked through 1997."

Capt. Scott O'Grady. prayed, the rosary, the Our Father, Currently, he is serving in the "It all came back, just flooding to Jesus, Mary, t-he saints and my Air Force Rese:rves, flying about my mind," O'Grady told The Cathorelatives who had died."

10 days a month, and promoting lic Standard, newspaper of the Second only to his faith is the book published by Doubleday Washington Archdiocese,' in an O'Grady's close relationship to his that details his experience in Bos-· interview. mother, father, brother and sister. nia. In November he expects to go While on a routine NATO flight '" would have written a check for to Ireland. A second generation over Bosnia last June, O'Grady's all the money and material things' . Irish-American whose grandmother F-16 jet was shot down by Serb emigrated from Ireland, O'Grady had in the world for one chance to forces. The aircraft split in two get back to my family," he said. first visited there several years ago. and burst into flames, but the pilot He also speaks to school and He never· doubted that fellow parachuted safely to the ground. pilots were looking for him. "The other groups. His message is:."Live For the next six days, he lived United States cares about its citi- ·Iife to your maximum potential, by his wits and Air Fon:e training, zens," he said. '" kne~ they were because it is the most precious gift eating leaves and even ants for not going to leave me there and from God you c:an ever have." protein. But he credits his survival O'Grady does not see himself as would do anything to get me out." to prayer and his deep faith in a hero, but he cherishes his counHe also could feel the prayers of God. the American people and drew try and hopes to help instill a sense '" prayed constantly," said strength from them. '" knew eveof patriotism in others.

O'Grady, who was in Washington "It is very easy to get caught up rybody ,was praying for me," he to serve as grand marshal of the said. "I just knew America was lately in pursuit of the American city's St. Patrick's Day parade. '" dream and the acq'uisition of behind me." had never prayed for 24 hours a Aside from a constant fear of material possessions, but' want day for six days straight before." nearby sniper fire, O'Grady also people to realize how we are as a He grew up in New York, New worried about his lack of water nation," he said. "No other counJersey and California before set- and food. "I turned to prayer try in the world can compare to what we have ht:re. , didn't realize tling in Spokane, Wash. O'Grady again and again. My whole survisaid he was raised in a strong val came down to one ~hing - my the wonderful freedoms we have Catholic home and attended Catho- faith in God's love for me. He did here, until I lost them." lic schools for several years. not fail me once," he said.

Since his rescue, O'Grady has After joining the Air Force, a Soon after praying, he said in not been afraid to talk about God and his faith. "It was funny, because hectic flying schedule resulted in his book "Return With Honor," , usually am very overcome with erratic Mass attendance. "Faith the clouds opened up"withasoakstage fright and don't like speakhad always been a private matter ing rainstorm that wouldn't stop. to me," he said. "But the occur- . It was like manna." ing in public, but. what happened there was so p'owerful and moving, rence last June was so overwhelmThe pilot, who says he's "just a I just wanted to share it with the ing. It strengthened my faith so scared guy named Scott," was whole world," he said. much, reminding me that it was finally rescued by U.S. Marines the most important thing in life." and got "a second shot at life." 'n Bosnia, O'Grady moved Life now is very complicated, he around at night to avoid capture: said, and he wants to get back a

Worldwide organ recital slated At the stroke of 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, many will hear the hum of organs warming up as the world's largest organ recital begins. Organists from all around the world will play Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in 0 minor" in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the American Guild of Organists.

Check your parish bulletin for a nearby performance.

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10 THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri.; ~pril 12, 1·996

Are you an ONIOMANIAC? Do clearance racks or home shopping networks attract you like a magnet? Betsy Downey of New Horizons says that you could be suffering from oniomania and not know it! ' Oniomania is the weakness or. compulsion for buying unnecessary thingsjust forthe sake of buying them. The process of finding and buying, not the ownership of a product, provides an irresistible thrill. Clearance sales and home shopping television networks are based on this compulsion to buy.

The buyer' usually says, "While I'm here, I might as well see what bargains I can find." But their usefulness or appropriate.ness are never issues.

Catalogues are also an oniomaniac temptation. Most catalogues are enticing enough to tempt a buyer into making one purchase, but. when sending aw~y for that

item, the lure of savin~ on postage convinces them to order another.

What can I do?

If you know you have a weakness for buying without need, keep away from the shopping channels and toss out the catalogues before opening them. Stay away from the malls unless you have'a good reason for being there, and treat them like the temptation minefields they are. .'

Remember, mall statistics say that each customer will spend an avera·ge of $1.33 for every minute inside the mall. Some tips might be to make mall visits as brief as possible and stay away from clearance racks. When shopping, leave credit cards at home and take only the amount of money budgeted for purchases. With some self-control, regrettable purchases may be avoided.

Electronic catechism to be released.

WASHINGTON (CNS) - The "Catechism of ·the Catholic' ,Church," a top seller in 'print versions, will be available in computer versions this. month.

The "Catechism Of the Catholic Church for Personal Computers" will be sold in versions compatible for Windows (including Windows 95), Macintosh and· DOS. Each version will include the full text and all indexes of the 800page print edition. It will be published and distributed by the U.S. Catholic Conference on a CDROM and diskettes.

The USCC edition is also being distributed by Brown-ROA, The Liturgical Press, J.S. Paluch Co., Our Sunday Visitor, and St. Anthony Messenger Press.

Users will be able to search the text for church teaching on any

topic, find reJated paragraphs and footnote information, mark a place in the text and return to it, make personal notes for homilies, lesson plans and the like, and print the results.

What's Needed Computer capacity requirements for using the catechism's computer versions are Windows 3.1, MSDOS 3.3, or Macintosh '7.1, or higher; IBM-compatible 486 or higher,Macintosh LC with 68030 processor or better (math co-processor recommended);'three megabytes of hard drive .memory and eight megabytes of RAM; 3.5-inch disk drive or double-speed CD drive or higher; a mouse; a VGA graphics adapter or better (color monitor preferred); and a dot matrix Epson-compatible, Laser Jet series or PostScript printer.

MATTHEW MEDEIROS and Michelle Borges, seventh graders at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, New Bedford, star as a young man diagnosed with AIDS and his fiancee, in a modern-day Stations of the Cross. The story was written by the seventh grade c1a~s and ,performed at the school on Holy Thursday. (Anchor/ Jolivet photo)

Our Lady oj M t~ ,Carmel seventh graders write andp,erjorm "new" stations

By Dave Jolivet athlete and has a prom'ising career eventually acceptance. During the Anchor Staff ahead of him. But he contracts the eleventh Station, as he li,~s dying, Every day, every Christian walks AIDS virus through careless han- he says to God, "I'm ready to go, his or her own Stations· of the dling of blood samples at the hos- Lor·d. Please take me. Forgive me Cross. Just as Christ suffered and pital where he is employed. for the pain I have inflicted on died while amongst us on earth, so Narrator Diane Coelho read. the those that I love." too do his followers today suffer conventional Stations of Christ's The moving performance not and eventually die, but with the suffering and death, while Chrisonly tied the sufferings of today to goal of eternal iife in sight. topher Oliveira softly played the those Christ experienced, but also Last week, on Holy Thursday, peaceful strains of "Be Not Afraid" sent the message, entirely through the seventh grade class of Michael on a keyboard in the background. the perspective of the seventh Bernier at Our Lady of Mt. Car- After the Station Was read, the graders, that those with HIV/ AIDS mel School, New Bedford, dram- curtain opened to reveal a conmust be treated with compa·ssion atized the Stations of the Cross. temporary~Station, a scene in, the and ·understanding.

What differen.ti~ted their perfor- liyes of Winters, play,ed by Mat"From-this·experience'" I reali~e . mance from· countless others of- thew Mooeiros;and IiisfIancee,Michellethat . people 'with: AID~; always . fered during Holy Week, was the' ' (Michelle Borges). keep fighting until the end," said fact that the seventh graders wrote Each sequence of Winters' life Matthew Medeiros. their own script. "The students paralleled a particular suffering of' . "The students did a wonderful took this very seriously, developed Christ, and the reactions of those job," said Our.Lady of MI:. Carmel the story, the dialogue and the· around him. The OLMC Stations principal RosemarydaSil'{a. "They direction," said Bernier. "They were keyed on the reactions of Winters, wrote it themselves, and that's open to suggestions and construc- his fiancee, family and friends, what !TIakes it so special." tive criticism during the develop- after he was diagnosed as HIV In addition to those already ment stages. I'm very proud of positive. mentioned, other students taking them." . In the second st~tion, Winters part in the production were Jessica The students got their idea fro!U . wonders aloud: "How can God Pimental, Kristy Alcaidinho, Milessons in science and health classes allow this? What have I done to guel Senra, Christopher Aguiar, about the AIDS virus, and how it deserve this? I'm not a baa person, .Joyce Mariano, Mark Raposo, affects people. am I? This just isn't fair! This just George Abreau, Joshua TravasThe story revolves around a isn't fair!" As the Stations pro- sos, Elizabeth Rego, Gloriana young man, Justin Winters, who is gress, he goes through a range of Caiano, Lindsey BrUni, Paula engaged to be married, is a good emotions: anger, fear, denial, and Farias and Nicole Pimental.

Family Rosary launches May prayer campaign for life ALBANY, N.Y. (CNS) - The Family Rosary has launched a worldwide campaign askingJamilies and individuals to pledge to pray 'the' rosary for the pro-life cause during May. "Since Easter is a time for the renewal of life, as we profess our faith and rejoice in the knowledge of our eternal life through Christ, it is the perfect reason to announce this special worldwide prayer effort," said Holy Cross Father Leo Polselli, president of Family Rosary and Family Theater. . .

Both organizations were founded

by Holy Cross Father Patrick Peyton in the 1940s to strengthen families through family prayer.

Father Polselli said the campaign's dedication to the "cause of life" was taken from a phrase in Pope John Paul II's encyclical, "The Gospel of Life."

"This campaign wilt enable all of us throughout the world. as the

universal body of Christ, to pray the rosary together daily: entrusting to Mary ourconcerns, including the 'cause of life,'" he said.

"Together we will seek strength and a haven against the challt;nges we face, especially the challenge to life posed by wars and ethnic cleansing and the lack of regard for the unborn and the sick."

Families and individuals who join the campaign will receive a colorful certificate including' an image of Mary.

Family Rosary, based in Albany, is promoting the campaign throughout the United States and through its offices in Brazil, East Africa, Ireland, Peru, the Philippines and Spain.

To make a rosary pledge for May, persons should request a pledge certificate, by writing to: Cause of Life, The Family Rosary, 4 Pine West Plaza, Albany, NY 12205-5520.

FICTIONAL CHARACTER Justin Winters receives' support from his parents (left), Right, his friends (fo'reground, from left) played by Mark Raposo and Joshua Travas~,os, take nart in his funeral nrocession. (Anchor/ Jolivet photos),

The Anchor Friday, April 12, 1996

And :the Oscar goes to ...

George G. Cronin Cummaquid

/JAissed the boat Dear Editor: I read with great interest your recent editorial "A Step In the Right Direction" (Anchor, Mar. 8) concerning the efforts of the television industry to clean up its act. You mentioned the installation of V-chips, the rating system and efforts to clean up programming.

You missed a golden opportunity to expound on the major influence on what children watch on TV: the parents. Many times I have listened to you personally and the church overall expound on the role of parents in society and I am disappointed that you could not weave into your editorial comment the responsibilities of the family on what it considers to be. decent t~levision progra!T1ming.

I am not in disagreement with any of your comments in this article but I feel that you had an "open field" and you fumbled a golden opportunity to remind your readers that the responsibility of what kids see on TV IS not the responsibility of the network but the responsibility of the parents.

Stephen Paiva New Bedford

~

S,..eed appreciated·

Dear Editor: Thank you so·much for getting our story (Anchor, Feb. 16) into The Anchorso promptly. Among the newspapers to which we sent the .article, yours was the first to print it, and we are very grateful, especially since we have so many Good Shepherd connections on the Cape.

Both newly elected Sisters (provincial superior and councilor) are at our Generalate in Rome at present, and we were very glad that they were able to take copies of The Anchor's story with them. I know our Superior General will be happy to see it in the Catholic press, the source of so many vocations to the religious life, my own included.

Thank you for your interest in our work. God bless you and be sure of a faithful remembrance in our prayers.

Sister Mary Eil~n, RGS Good Shepherd Center Marlboro

Find wisdom in rea/life Dear Editor: Inflicting tedium is the habit of most modem writers in religion. They have no wit, no zeal, no style, no sense of humor. Compare this to our great Catholic writers of the past: Newman, Chesterton, Knox, Martindale, Lunn, Belloc et al.

Many modern writers in religion are trying to improve on the theology of Christ., They encourage changes of all kinds: moving around statues in church and proclaiming it great reform, while in the real wor1d hard-working family people say it is "much ado about nothing." .

The wise go back to Chesterton and the othe~ and find ~~~.

Resources at St. Anne's Hospital (508)·674,5600, ext. 401, or Community and Social Work Services, ext. 2270. Applications may also be picked up at Room 227 of the hospital's Clem, ence Hall.

Multicultural Healthcare scholarships available

Dear Editor: You've earned not one, but two Oscars for your current issue (Anchor, Mar. 29) of The Anchor.

First, for reprinting the outstanding Pro-Life essays by the three teenage contest winners. With young voices like these in support of life, one can clear1y see why Pope John Paul II has consistently reached out to young people as our best hope for the future of humanity.

The second Oscar is for your dynamic editorial on the vote by Congress to repeal the ban on assault weapons.

It said it all.

Therefore, I sent my copy to Newt Gingrich with a letter registering my dismay (revulsion) at the action his troops took. It will surely hurt in November (and this from a Republican).

Congratulations, Father Moore and staff. .

I

Father Rawley Myers Colorado Springs, CO

The Multicultural Healthcare Committee of St. Anne's Hos, pital, Fall River, is currently accepting applications for edu' cational scholarships. This is the ninth 'year that St. Anne's has provided scholarships to linguistic and cultural minori, ties within the Greater Fall River community who are entering a degree program or currently working towards a degree in the healthcare profes, sion.

Six scholarships will be awarded this year: four $500 scholarships to St. Anne's Hospital employees and/or family members and two $500 scholarships to members of the Greater Fall River commun, ity.

Individuals wishing to apply for a community scholarship must meet the following cri, teria: 1) Bilingual and bicultural Portuguese, Cambodian, or Latino 2) A resident of the Greater Fall River area, including Digh, ton, Fall River, Freetown, Reho, both, Swansea, Somerset, West' port and Tiverton, Rl. 3) Entering or pursuing a degree in nursing or an allied health or healthcare profession at an accredited college or university. Preference will be given to individuals who are or will be enrolling at a college or university in southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island.

4) A graduating high school senior or a person currently enrolled as a college/univer~ sity student.

S) The scholarship award must be used during the 1996~ 1997 academic year.

The deadline for submitting completed applications is 4 p. m.

Friday, April 26. The applica' tions must be returned to St. Anne's Hospital Scholarship Committee, ·c/o Human Re~ sources Department, 795 Mid~ die Street, Fall River, MA 02721. The scholarship review committee may request an interview with applicants prior to final selection of recipients, whose names will be announced May 17.

The· Portuguese Commun~ ity Healthcare Committee was established in 1984 to assist St. Anne's Hospital in better serving the healthcare needs of the large Portuguese popu~ lation in the Greater Fall River· community. Since then the crommittee has. expanded its

11

focus to include otherlinguis' tic minorities and has adopted its current name, the Multi~ cultural Healthcare Commit~ tee. Its mission is to broaden and enhance access to health, care services of ethnic and cui, tural minorities in the Greater Fall River area.

For scholarship applica, tions or further informa, tion, please contact Human

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Jerusalem church heads seek to end violence support the peace process and JERUSALEM (CNS) -- The make it possible." patriarchs and heads of JerusaThe signatories, which included lem's Christian churches have Latin-rite Patriarch Michel Sabcalled on Christians, Muslims and bah, appealed to Israeli authoriJews to end violence and open ties to "open the doors" of JerusaJerusalem's borders.

"We address our appeal to our lem for, the faithful to pray in the city during Holy Week and Easter.

Palestinian people, Christians and "We invite our authorities to M uslil)1s," the Chris'tian leaders live the experience of liberation said in their message. "We address and resurr.ection, which means the the same appeal also to the Jewish people. Palestinians are your peace , triumph of life over death, of peace partners, your brothers for build- over violence," said the statement.

Earlier the Christian leaders ising a new Israeli and Palestinian sued an appeal calling for an end society." to land confiscation in the Abu The church leaders asked PalesGhneim area, southeast of Bethletinian and Israeli leaders to take a hem. The area is slated to be con"new look" at human beings innected with Jerusalem by a 'highvolved in the conflict, at security way via more land scheduled for measures taken, and at the confisconfiscation in Bethlehem ana the cation of lands "so that every action will support peace and op- villages of Beit Shour and Beit Jala. . pose violence."

"These cDnfiscations raise in all "We understand that fighting hearts frustration and despair and extremism is not an easy task. We understand the responsibility of are one of the main factors .... the governments to protect inno- exploited by extremists, and which lead to more violence," Patriarch cent people from all extremism.

Sabbah said in a separate stateBut ... we ask them to find security ment issued Palm Sunday, March measures which protect aIL Pales31. tinians and Israelis, without disHe said most of the lands in crimination," the statement read. question belong to Christians., "It is obvious that the present "We ask Israeli authorities to security measures are punishing reconsider their decision and to only Palestinians." stop these confiscations in order to Israel imposed a closure on the build a solid peace and security for West Bank and Gaza at the beginning of March following a week of all ... and in order to secure the presence of Christians in their lands suicide bomb attacks that killed 60 people and left more than 100 and in their feasts," the patriarch said in his statement. injured. .. As we sYlTIpathize with the families of the victims of l:xtrem- . ism, we feel the pain of every home and every family deprived of jobs, ROME (CNS) - State plans to exposed to a painful daily life, due transfer ownership to Catholic to the closure," said the statement. parishes of 119 churches and their "Even in this sequence of struggles 'artistic treasures stirred worrY'that between extremism and governthe action would endanger Italy's ment and the peace process, and cultural pa'trimony. The transfer the suffering which results from would be a give-away of untold , this struggle in our dailY,life, we v~lue to ~ari~hes unab.le ~o finansee the way of the Cross, which clally mallltalll the bUlldl.ngs ~nd will'lead finally to the glory of the to take proper care of the.lr palll.tResurrection, when peace will pre- !, ~ngs, statues and tapestne~, said vail through the hearts' reconcilia- 0!le private, environme~tal and tion." .' . cultural organization in mid-February The statement called on religious as the government began studying leaders to promote encounters and the transfer. The handing over dialogue among themselves in also makes these treasures subject order to plan how'tore-educate to placement in the Vatican, thus' their followers according to the losing them as an Italian heritage, principles ~f"mutual recognition, said the :organization, kno~n as ' understanding, equality and broth- "ltalia N ostra," which means "Our erhood."

Italy." Church and government "Each one should no longer see officials disagreed. They said that in the other an enemy, but a brother nothing will change in practice and a sister with whom to build the since Italian law stipulates that the new society and a new era in the .state retains'overall supervision of region," the statement said. "This Italy's art treasures, even those in dialogue is necessarx in order to private hands.

Concerns raised

BOSTON CARDINAL Bernard F. Law prays in front of the White House April I with others calling on President Clinton to sign legislation to outlaw the partial-birth abortion procedure. (CNS/ Wiechec photo)

Ad' campaigns feature pope VATICAN CITY (CNS) - An , Italian ad campaign featuring glassware "chosen" by Pope John Paul II has sparked debate over the use and misuse of papal endorsements.

The pope visited CALP, a glass factory in central Italy, in March to celebrate the feast of St. Joseph and talk about church teaching on work and economics: As with most places he goes, he brought back gifts from his hosts.

CALP's full-page newspaper ads made the most Qf'theit gues'Cs presence. , "Pope John Paul II has chosen CALP to bring his blessing to the world of work," it read. Below were pictured three stemware models "chosen for the private apartment of the Holy Father."

To some, the wording may have left the impression that the pope had done some careful shopping.

He was to get '100 place settings of white wine, red wine and water glasses. ' , The factory's marketing direc~ tor defended the campaigQ, saying CALP was doing what hundreds of other companies have d'one during papal visits. He said the ads were respectful and had been ap'proved by Italian church authorities., ' , In fact, th'e ads appeared iilthe ,Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Ro'mano, as 'well as in Italy's Catholic daily, A路vvenire. ' Some commentators suggested this was exploitation of the papal image. Others were just jealous.

"Everybody would love to have the pope's endorsement. His publicity value is ranked at the top of our charts - invaluable," said Alberto Contri, president of the Italian Assc;>ciation of Advertising Agencies.

The glassware is the latest in a long line of products that have made use of the pope's image over the last 18 years.

In ea'rly M arch, news reports said the pope had ordered 100 pairs of Doc Martens boots, the military-style footwear that has become a fashion statement' in recent years. A company spokesman in London said the, pontiff was joining a list of "quite famous people" known to have worn the boots.

TheVatica'n had no official

comment, but sources said the boots were apparently ordered for Swiss Guards or by one of the Vatican's many internal agencies. A pair of white brogues in the pope's, size were said to have been included in the order, but so far they have not been publicly spotted on the pontiffs feet.

Papal trips to foreign countries typically prompt an outpouring of welcome messages or labels' dec signed to link companies orp~o~ ducts to thi: pope. 'After the pope

rode Guatemala's airline, Aviateca, earlier this year, the company ran ads featuring a plane wl:aring a halo.

When he turned up in Venezuela, newspapers carried Pepsi ads welcoming the pontiff with the slogan, "Refresca tua fe!" ("Refresh your faith!") - with a Pepsi, naturally.

An Australia brewery went furtherduring the pope's visit in 1986 ,when.it, m.arketed_.~,"pap,l1l be~r;' ,for 'the, occasion.

Pope says couples do not ha've ~utomatic 'right to annulmen1t' VATICAN CITY(CNS)- Catholic couples have a right to ask the church to declare their, marriages annulled, but this does not pre"sume a "right to annulment," Pope John Paul II said ..

The pope said the particularcircumstances of each couple must be weighed carefully by the church's proper juridicial authorities. He made the remarks in a talk to members, of the Roman Rota; a Vatican appeals tribunal that handles ailllulment:appeals.

The church' does not allow divorce. teaching that the sacrament of marriage is indissoluble.

But church courts may determine that a marriage, for, various reasons, was null from the start and that no marriage bond existed.

The pope said couples involved

in the process have certain specific legal avenues open to, them and certain procedural,rights.

But he said that while couples have the right to assert tt,e nullity of their own marriage, they do not have "either the right to annulment or the right to validi,ty" when it comes to the final decision by church authorities. . .. The pope cautioned tha,t certain legal, procedures, valid,.in other fQrums, hav~ no 'pla,ce in the church's review of marriage cases and therefore .cannot form the basis of appeals.

He said the church's procedure for annulment cases is necessarily thorough, but remindedjudges that church law is also sensitive to reducing the time couples must wait for a'ruling.

Rwandan exiles pray for pea(:e NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) About 2,000 exiled Rwandan Hutus gathered at Nairobi's Holy Family Basilica to pray for recqnciliation in their country.

Some of those present had been accused of participating in genocide against Rwandan Tutsis.

Nearly all those in attendance fled during the civil war and genocide that began in Rwanda April 6, 1994, after the assassination of Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana.

A Canadian priest, Father Roger Tessier, told the congregation: "Let us pray for national reconciliation in Rwanda. Everyone needs to

convert their hearts ... to peace and reconciliation."

The current Tutsi go\'erl)ment has accused Anglican and Catholic bishops and priests of cc.ndoning the genocide, but they deny the charge.

Many of the Hutus in the basilica brushed aside Hutu complicity in the genocide, in which up to a million people were killed.

The Hutus also said that the current government had allowed systematic killings of Hutus. Some aid agencies have confirmed killings, but note they are not the official policy of the R wanda:;} government.

Abortion witness 路has路.-t 'branded' on her mind WASHINGTON (eNS) - A woman who witnessed three partiaIbirth abortions being performed said April I that what she saw remains "branded" on her mind.

Brenda Pratt Shafer, a registered nurse in the Dayton, Ohio, area, spoke during a press conference in Washington where prolifers outlined threats to President Clinton's political future ifhe made good his pledge to veto a bill banning the procedure.

Ms. Shafer said she was "very pro-choice" before she took an assignment from a nursing referral agency to work at an abortion clinic in September 1993.

She said that she supported the right to legal abortion so much that she once told her teenage daughters that if they ever got pregnant, she would "make them have an abortion."

But what she saw during her three days at the clinic remains "branded on her mind forever," she said.

During the first partial-birth abortion, she said, she could see that the "little baby's little fingers were moving and clutching and grasping" as the doctor extracted everything but the head from the birth canal.

"The doctor stuck scissors in the baby's neck. The baby flinched (his arms) like a contorted reaction:" Mrs. Shafer said, imitating the gesture. Next, the doctor "opened up the scissors and opened a hole in the baby's neck" as he prepared to remove the brain matter.

"I was completely Illnprepared for what I was seeing. I almost threw up," Mrs. Shafer said. "If President Clinton was standing where I was standing, he would not veto that bill."

Afterward, the woman who underwent the abortion asked to see her aborted baby. "She cried the whole time, saying, 'I'm sorry.'

I cried all the time, too. I just couldn't help it," Mrs. Shafer said, her voice catching as she recalled the memory of what took place more than two years ago.

It was likely that the aborted baby had Down's syndrome" Mrs. Shafer said. But in the case of the two later partial-birth abortions she witnessed - although she said she seemed to be in a tlr8nce at the time due to the shock of seeing the first - she saw that both were "healthy mothers with healthy babies.... Sometimes still, I have nightmares about jt."

After writing about what she had seen to her congressman, Rep. Tony Hall, D-Ohio, she has testified before Congress on the partialbirth abortion ban bill, and has been eagerly embraced by groups fighting legal abortion, many of whom were represented at the press conference.

Helen Alvare, information director for the U.S. 'bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, said the partial-birth proced ure is "more akin to infanticide," She added that the language of the bill to ban it was crafted to coincide with that ofa Texas measure banning the killing of children who are in the proCI~SS of being born. That law is still on the books, Ms. Alvare said, and while it was up for review by the Supreme Court in its 1973 Rot: vs. Wade and Doe vs. Bolton decisions virtually legalizing abortion on demand, it was not commented upon.

Clinton, in a Feb. 28 letter to key leaders in Congress, said he wanted to see a clause permitting the procedure to be used whenjustified for reasons of the mother's health. Such a clause, its critics say, would have rendered the bill meaningless; it was never aQded by lawmakers. However, the ban explicitly allows the procedure to be performed to save the life of the mother.

In a 286-129 bipartisan vote March 27, the House of Representatives approved a version of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act' that had been previously approved by the Senate.

In restating his opposition to the bill, the president said he had prayed and reflected on it before reaching his decision.

"Everything about the prayer and the study is just a smoke screen," charged Doug Johnson, legislative director of the National Right to Life Committee. He added that the promise of a presidential veto was made on the floor of Congress as early a$ December, and that Clinton has been "very consistent" during his presidency in his support for legal abortion.

Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., chairman of the House Pro-Life Caucus, likened partial-birth abortion to child abuse.

With a veto, he said, "President Clinton will go down in history as 'the abortion president' - a pathetic, anti-child anti-woman legacy."

Also attending the press conference were two of Mrs. Shafer's children, including 16-year-old daughter Tara, who had disagreed with her mother on abortion before those fateful three days at the abortion clinic. She even wrote a school essay' on the subject.

Now, Tara told Catholic News Service, "My mom says that if I ever get pregnant, I will have the baby."

April 14 1935, Rev. Louis N. Dequoy, Pastor, Sacred Heart, North Attleboro 1977, Rev. Cosmas Chaloner, SS.Cc., St. Francis Xavier, Acushnet .

April 15 1908, Rev. Christopher G. Hughes, D.O., Rector, St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River April 16 1928, Rev. Arthur E. Langlois, On Sick Leave, De'nver, CO 1995, Rev., Norm~n F. Lord, C.S~Sp., Hemet, Calif.

April 18 1935, Rev. Hugh B. Harrold, Pastor, St. Mary, Mansfield 1956, Rt. Rev. John F. McKeon, P.R., Pastor, St. Lawrence, New Bedford 1984, Rev. Joao Vieira Resendes, Retired Pastor, Espirito Santo, Fall River 1985, Rev. Wilfred C. Boulanger, M.S., LaSalette Shrine, Attleboro 1992, 'Rev. George E. Amaral, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony, Taunto'n April 19 1975, Rev. Msgr. Leo J. Duart, Pastor, St. Peter the Apostle, Provincetown 1990, Rev. Daniel E. Carey, Chaplain, Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River

HEIDI GERDES, a third grader at St. Mary's School in Griffith, Ind., kneads bread to be baked for her upcoming first Communion. Students at the school made the bread as part of their preparation for receiving this sacrament. (CNS/Callaway, Northwest Indiana Catholic photo)

Let

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be instruments of peace

HELENA, Mont.(CNS)- The Catholic bishops of Montana urged prayers be offered in churches throughout their state for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in resolving the standoff between the FBI and members of a group called the Freemen.

"The difficult and highly publicized situation in Garfield County between government representatives, 'Freemen' and local resi<.lents is of grave concern to all of us," Bishop Alexander J. Brunett of Helena and Bishop Anthony M. Milone of Great Falls-Billings said in an April 2 statement.

"It is a time filled with fear and anxiety, especially for those living in the immediate area," they said.

Since March 25, federal agents were keeping close watch on a group of several buildings at a farm outside Jordan, where members of the Freemen were holed up. The standofffollowed the arrest of two members of the group on charges of federal conspiracy.

weapons possession, fraud and other crimes.

The Freemen set up their own system of government after rejecting established authority as corrupt and unconstitutional. Among federal charges against them are writing millions of dollars in worthless checks and threatening those who attempt to stop them.

The Montana bishops asked for prayers in all Catholic churches for the people involved.

"Let us ask the guidance of the Holy Spirit in bringing peace as well as justice to them and us," they said. "We must support those seeking by nonviolent means to bring healing and reconciliation.

While not condoning lawlessness, racism or hat red, we must recognize a need for healing and address the real or alleged hurts of all parties.

"Clearly this cannot be done by purely human powers," the bishops continued. "We must pray fervently for God's help to guide those responsible."

1n particular, they suggested the prayer of St. Francis, which begins with "Lord make me an instrument of your peace," as a model for personal prayer and action.

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For Safety God of power and mercy, protect uS from all harm.

Give us freedom of spirit and health in mind and body to do your work on earth. We ask this through our Lord ,Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Our Catholic Schools • Our Catholic Yout Stonehill College hosts national bereavement teleconference

On Wednesday, Aprill7, Stonehill College, 320 Washington Street, North Easton, joins more than ~,OOO o.ther community-based organizations across the country and in Canada as a local host for a Iive-via-satellite video teleconference from Washington, D.C. on bereavement issues involved with sudden and traumatic death. Cosponsored by M others Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Association for Death Education and Counseling (A DEC), "Living with Grief: After Sudden Loss," the third annual National Bereavement Teleconference will be moderated by Cokie Roberts, Special Correspondent, .ABC News. The teleconference at Stonehill will be held in the auditorium of the.J oseph W. Martin Institute for Law and Society.

"The purpose of this event," said Jack Gordon, President, Hospice Foundation of America, "is to do what we can to assist individuals in mourning, as well as physicians and nurses, clergy, social workers, teachers, police and emergency service personnel who deal professionally with traumatic death so they can respond effectively to survivors in need."

Through telephone call-ins, participants at Stone hill and their counterparts at sites nationwide will have an opportunity to exchange comments and questi5-Jns with a distinguished panel of bereavement educators: Kenneth J. Doka, Ph.D., Lutheran minister, professor of gerontology at the College of New Rochelle and past president of the Association for Death Education and Counseling; Charles Figley, Ph.D., professor of social work at Florida State University; Janice Harris Lord, director of Victim Programs for Mothers Against Drunk Driving; Patricia Murphy, Ph. D., clinical specialist in ethics and bereavement at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center; and Therese Ran'do, Ph. D., clinical psychologist.

I

For more information about the

Living with Grief satellite teleconference at Stonehill College, call (508) 230-1120. Groups of six or more are encouraged to call and reserve seats. The teleconference is free and open to the public. The Martin Institute is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Stand for Children Day is June 1

St. Vincent's, Fall River, which offers residential' treatment and special education programs in Fall River, New Bedford ahd Westport, is playing an active role in building diocesan awareness of Stand for Children Day. The Day, SEVERAL STUDENTS from St. Joseph's School, Fair.expected to draw thousands from The Hospice Foundation of across the nation to the Lincoln haven, are finalists in a nationwide contest for a trip to Disney America is a nonprofit organizaMemorial in Washington, DC, on World in Orlando, Fla. From left, Michael Johnson, Melissa tion established to assist those June I, will demonstrate national Gray, Christopher Saunders, Ashlee Linhares, Brian Kelly who help others cope with termi- commitment to initiatives support-.. nal illness and the process of ing families seeking to bring up and Brandon O'Leary are in the running for the grand prize. death, grief and bereavement. It is healthy, educated and moral childedicated to pro~iding leadership dren in safe environments. in the development of hospice care Father Joseph M. Costa, execufor the terminally ill through edu- tive director of St. Vincent's, said Several students from St. Joseph U.S. Savings Bond. The school cation, research and philanthropic' his office is coordinating its efforts School, Fairhaven; are finalists in also received an Excellence in programs. with the Washington office of a nationwide'contest, "Computers Technology Award. This award for Education Disney World Fam-, certifies that St. Joseph's School Stand for Children and the Masily Vacation" drawing. Christopher has demonstrated an outstanding sachusetts Society for the PrevenSaunders, nursery, Michael John- commitment to providing statetion of Cruelty to Children, St. son, and Melissa Gray of Grade 4, of-the-art te~hnology for student Vincent's is sending information packets to more than 500 provid- . Brian Kelly, Grade 3 and Brandon" "arid"factilty'training.

O'Leary, Grade 2 are finalists for '. .: ers of children's services, encouFifty~two students received Loonraging them to send representa-' the all-expenses paid trip.to Orlan-' do, Fla. to be drawn May 1. ey Tune T-shirts for partidpating tives to Washington in June, disAshlee Linhares ofGrade4, was in the Computers for Education play posters, di'stribute literature, the school's winner for a $1,000 program.. write letters to local editors and call radio talk shows to speak about the event.

"We're encouraging people to spread the word a nd, if possible, to come with us to Washington in June,"'added Father Costa..

St. Vincent's has chartered bilses for those interested in the one-day trip and is also assembling information about rail transportation and hotels for those who,may wish to extend their stay in the capital.

Contacting local government officials is .also on St. Vincent's agenqa. The Children's Defense Fund, whose president, Marian Edelman, originated the Day, has prepared a proclamation for use by mayors to encourage them to delcare .I une I Stand for Children Day in their communities. St. VinSUPERINTENDENT OF Catholic Schools, James Mc- cent's will send copies of the procNamee recently appeared as a guest lecturer at Diane Crane's lamation to area mayors, and FaLatin I class at Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro. ther Costa hopes to assemble them at St. Vincent's to sign ajoint proclamation Thursday, May 2. A luncheon will follow the signing. The THE FOURTH GRADE class of Miss Louro (left) at Fall River facility is also providing Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, New Bedford, had a visit from New information to local newspapers Bedford Mayor Rosemary Tierney (center). The mayo:r read a and television stations to facilitate story to the class and told them about the joys of reading. At It was a clean sweep for t he New finals against Sacred Heart of their coverage Of the event. right is OLMC principal Rosemary daSilva.

Bedford teams in the recently com~ Taunton. St. Joseph's swept the "Getting people to Washington pleted Fall River Diocesan CYO best two-out-of-three series to take on June I is 'important," Father Basketball Championship playoffs. the Diocesan Crown.

Costa said, "but creating a broad In the Junior Girls Division, St. In the Prep Division, St. Ann's base of support for children and Joseph of New Bedford swept St. of Raynham lost the first game of an awareness of children's needs in Fourth graders at Our Lady of her to come and read, and were Dominic's of Swansea,' winning the semifinals to St. William's of our own cities and towns is ultiMount Carmel School in New pleased when she wrOl:e back two straight games to capture the' Fall River but came back to win' mately the purpose for this event."

Bedford were pleased to have accepting their invitation. ~;tudents Diocesan Championship. two in a row and advance to the More information about the Mayor Rosemary Tierney as a were spellbound as she n:ad Shel . In the Junior Boys Division, the finals. There they encountered Day is available from Karin De- guest reader last month, rounding Silverstein's The Giving Tree. She first round saw·St. Joseph of Fair-' Holy Name of New Bedford. H91y Jesus at St. Vincent's, tel. 679- off their Catholic Schools Month expressed her love of reading and haven defeating Our Lady of Grace Name prevailed in a two-game 8511, Ext. 328, or' Stand For 'activities. encouraged the children to read as from Westport,.two games to one' sweep to win the Diocesan Prep Children at 1-800-233-1200 (EStudents in Miss Louro's class much as possible, a theme 'Miss allowing them to advance to the Championship, mail: standinfo@mailback.com). had written to the mayor inviting Louro stresses in her clasHroom!

St. Joseph, Fairhaven

New Bedford teams sweep CYO basketball championships

OLMC, New Bedford,

THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., April 12, 1996

Our RocK anti Role Home is anywhere kind deeds dwell

By Charlie Martin

OH VIRGINIA Here's my chance to say Thank you to a place Where all my memories are fond And an essence of my heart Waiting there with open arms.

Thel'e's Melissa full of charm How I miss her She's such a sight of love done In (Refra,ln) Oh Virginia , Down the Highway 64 East way to Newport News Thel'e you'll find an open door In Oh Virginia .

All my friends are there to greet me Just a smile down 64 the open road At the Patton Hotel I spent lots of time there Thai's where we decided This Is where we wanted to be And down the road on Jefferson You'll find Steamer's close by If you see Mark and Steve Breen Tell 'em Jeff and I both say hi But we were younger then Never knew then Thai she would take us as her own And make us part of her life Highway to the sun We had so much fun I can't walt to get there And tell 'em that I ml!ls my second home Oh Virginia Down the way we'll Be there In no time Oh Virginia Just a ride down 64 Oh Virginia I can see those signs from here Oh Virginia .

Twenty-five miles to Hampton Roads We Clot friends In Williamsburg We clot friends In Newport News We 'lVant all of y'all From Portsmouth sing We Clot friends In Bluefield We clot friends In Richmond We clot friends In Hampton Roads And'down by the beach ' Let me hear everybody, yeah Written by Eliot Sloan/Jeff Pence/Matt Senator Sung b Y Blessed Union of Souls, Copyright (c) .1995 by EMI Recor d s

WHAT MAKES a place specia\1 Blessed Union ofSouls' "Oh Virginia" is not the type of

song we'd expect to find in today's Top 40. b Those of us who remem er

music's folk era know that there used to be lots of recordings about places. However, I can't think of a geographic locality outside of the Beach Boys' mythical "Kokomo" that '90s pop has addressed.

"Oh Virginia" describes what this place means to the group. I suspect that the song reflects autobiographical material, and the people that the song speaks about are important to the band members' lives.

During a lifetime, we all come to know a variety of places.

What makes a place special is the quality of relationships that we establish while living there.

In speaking of their friends, the group says: "I can't wait to get there and tell 'em that I miss my second home." The key word in this lyric is "home."

At its best, "home" is a place where our individuality is appreciated, our successes recognized, our mistakes forgiven and most of all, where we feel emotionally safe.

Sometimes these qualities are found within our families of origin, and sometimes they are not. Whatever the situation, I want teens' to know that there will be many pla!=es where they can encounter this type of "home."

Many young people find acceptance and a sense of connection in their parish youth .group.

Others find a place of belonging through groups at school for college students. As a campus minister I saw how our Newman Center offered many students a home atmosphere during their young adult years.

Perhaps the key to finding this sense of connection is to take the risk of getting involved.

Friendships don't usually just happen. You must put yourself in a situation where significant personal interactions can occur.

Apparently, Virginia was j,ust such a place for Blessed UnIOn of Souls, so m\lch so that they wanted to celebrate this in song.

Be sure to reach out to form such friendships so that special places are always part, of your life.

Your comments are always welcome. Please address: Charlie Martin, RR 3, Box 182, Rockport, IN 47635.

Coming of

Age FOR YOUTH

• ABOUT YOUTH

By Amy Welborn Teens, like anyone else, regularly struggle with death, darkness and despair, Perhaps Easter can be a moment to pause, take stock and welcome the message of the empty tomb deep in. the places where it can make a difference.

Do you remember how those who had not fled in fear after Jesus' arrest had seen his body prepared for burial. It ~ad be~n anointed and wrapped m bUrial cloths. They had seen a huge rock rolled in front of the cave and guards posted there. , And as the days and mghts passed, it seemed that even God could bring nothing good out of the tragedy of Jesus, crucified as a criminal.

But on that third day, things changed. Resurrection. Life out of death, hope from despair. The world as we perceive it was turned on its head.

What is the message here for a teenager today?

Perhaps you thought that you and your boyfriend had a good relationship, For eight months you'd done mostly e~erything ~o­ gether, and you wereJust readymg yourself for another season of ,faithful attendance at his baseball games. .

Last week, he told you It was over. He wants to see other pe~ple, and he hasn't wasted any time.

You know he went out with someone else tonight, and yo.u're s!ttin,g at home. Your life With him IS dead.'

But you're alive, an~ if you t~ke your tears and your pam to Christ, he'll listen. He'll help oYou see beyond that relationship and empower you to touch the life t~at is in you, a life waiting to be lIved, older wiser and stronger.

Ag~in, maybe high school has always been a game to you. There was so much busy work, so many classes on subjects you weren't interested in and so many more interesting things to do than scho.ol.

Now it's spring of your semor year, and most of your friends have been accepted to college.

They're busily making plans for the future.

You're not. Your GPA was too low to be accepted anywhere you:d like to go, and you never paid enough attention to your courses to find a subject area that you might be interested in pursuing.

Your future, unlike that of your friends, seems dark. Where are you going to turn?

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15

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678-5201

Well you can't change the past, that's for sure. You can't go and retake those courses and tran~­ form your grades. What's done IS done.

But the future hasn't started yet.

Now's your chance. God wants you to be happy and fulfilled, a~d you have to believe that God will give you chance after chance to find that light. ., Maybe it's time to start IIstenmg to the Lord. , Again, perhaps your parents have had problems, but you nev.er thought it would come to thiS. They're getting divorced .. Lots of your friends' parents are dlvorc~d.

Your Mom and Dad are tellIng you it's for the best.

But you can't help feeling betrayed, shocked, torn and depressed. Despair isn't too. stron~ a word for what you're feelIng. Like so much in life, you can't control your parents' decisions. You can only control how they ~ffect yo.u.

You can let it mire you In despair, c~ you can grow from the pain.

Once again, let Christ into that pain - he knows what it means to suffer, and he can help you deal with it.

So, y'ou see, your personal tragedies make clear to you what Good Friday is all about. But now it's Easter. God has the power to tur~ things around for you.

Actually, doing that is God's specialty. He brings life out of death,

Norris H. Tripp SHEET METAL J. TESER, Prop.

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Iteering pOintl CORRECTION In last week's issue, we incClrrectly placed the John Polce 'concert of' April 14 at St. Mary's Church in Mansfield. The correct location is St. Mary's Church in Norton. The concert begins at 4 p.m. Inforniation: 285-9871. .

YOUNG ADULT MINISTltY The Young Adult Ministry is sponsoring several upcoming events: a day of reflection, "The Many Faces of Jesus" with Dorothy Levesque on April 14 from 12 noon·to 5 p.m.; a young adult summer dance on June 8 from 8 p.m. to midnight; and white-water rafting from May 10 to 12. For information on these events, contact Bud Miller, tel. 676-6503.

FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF THE IMMACULATE A two-part program, "The New Age - Is It Really So Crystal Clear?" will feature Catholic theologians speaking on the New Age Movement. Part I, with Father Mitchell Pacwa, S.J., will be held April 12,7 p.m. and April 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 57 Fairhaven Rd., Mattapoisett. The event IS sponsored by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. Information: tel. 996-8274.

ST. LOUIS, FR Prayer and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament take place each Monday at 7 p.m. in the chapel. All invited.

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:'AMThERIACAN:CANCC!i:R e mencan ancer OCle y needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to and from treatments. If you can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month, call 1-800-ACS-2345.

MERCY CHALLENGE '96 Mercy Challenge '96 is a one week live-in community and ministry experience in Providence, R.I., for. young adults 20-35 years of age from July 6 to 14. Volunteers will work with the homeless, women and children, adults with developmental'. disabilities, in residences, shelters, and soup kitchens. Important aspects of this experience include service, Christian community and reflection on one's experience. This summer ministry'experience is a collaborative effort of the Mercy New England communities. Please request application forms by April22.lnformation: Sister Aliceann Walsh, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, R.L 02864; tel. (401) 333-6333.

POLISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE St. Mary's College, Orchard Lake, Mich., has established two 900 numbers to promote inforl11.ation about Polish-American culture and heritage. The numbers are 1-900370-POLE for the English message, and 1-900-370-K RAJ for the Polish message. The messages will change on the first and 15th of each month.

Each three-minute call costs $4.

ST. PATRICK, SOMERSET Vincentians of the parish are collecting seasonal clothing for Marie's Place secondhand store in Fall River.

Donations are welcome from all and may be left in the parish garage next door to the church at 306 South St. STONEHILL COLLEGE, NORTH EASTON The Journeying Together in Faith Committee of the Catholic Jewish Dialogue of Stonehill College has sponsored a series of· theological explorations for local priests and rabbis for the past three years. The next session, dealing with specific readings from the Catholic Lectionary for Holy Week will take place June 13 from 10 a.m. to noon in·the Martin .auditorium, 320 Washing" ton St." No.' Easton. Information: tel. 230-1131.

Ajoint Catholic-Jewish Holocaust memorial· servi!=e, including a performance by. the Hands & Eyes Theater Ens.emble entitled' "The Choice," will take place April 16, 7:30 p.m. at the Martin Institute on campus. The play focuses on gentiles rescuing Jews d uring.the Holocaust.

Information: tel. 230-1'l20.

A panel discussion pn religion and politics will take place April 21 at 4 p.m. at the' Martin I nstitute on campus. Robert C.arver. professor of business administration at Stonehill. will lead a discussion using film clips. The p~ogram will explore ways in which religion and politics influence and challenge eaeh other. Panelists include attorney. Stephen Merlin and Stonehill professors Richard Finnegan (political science) and Bonnie Jefferson (communication).

The event is part of the" Afraid of the Dark?" series sponsored by the, Catholic and Jewish Dialogue Committee of Stone hill College. Information: tel. 230-1120. The Martin I nstitute is handicapped accessible.

New covenant

- - - - - - - . . . . ; . . - - - - - . , : ' , 'CA'THOCIC SOCIAL SERVICES,", , HYANNIS Support group for parent:. of gays and lesbians meets every 2r.ld Tues- . day of the month, 7 p.m. at Catholic Social Services, 261 SOllth St., Hyannis. Information: tel. 7'11-6771.

ST. THOMAS MORE, SOMERSET The St. Thomas More Vocation Awareness Team invites everyone to a prayer servi~e for vocations April 18 at 7:30 p.m. Guest sp.eak€:r will be Father Michael Racine aud there will be prayer and song before the tabernacle. Refreshments will follow.

CAPE COD CHAPTER, MASS. CITIZENS FOR LIFE The Cape Cod Chapter of the Massachusetts Citizens for Life (MCFL) is a pro-life educational organization which seeks to promote respect for the value of at human life. Information: tel. 430-2141.

BETHANY HOUSE, TAUNTON 'John Rogers, LSW, will present a talk on Alzheimer's disease April 22 at 7 p.m. at Bethany Hou:;e Adult LaSALETTE SHRINE, Day Health Care, 72 €hurch Green, ATTLEBORO Taunton. Rogers is a socia:: worker The Coffee House will feature at Catholic Memorial. Home's spe"Way Word," a duo comprised of cial care Alzheimer's dise,rse unit.

Dave and Dean Meuller, on April 13 He conducts support groups for at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Their family members of individll.als with music touches on varied styles and Alzheimer's disease and related deappeals to all ages. mentias.

Divine Mercy Sunday will be celeOFFICE OF AIDS MINISTRY, brated April 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FR At 9 a.m. exposition of the Blessed Coffee Break for People with Sacramentwill take place at the top HIV I AI DS, a support group,'meets of the holy stairs. At 10 a.m. there will be a Mass in Polish in the out- every fir~t Tuesday of the' month from 10 to II a.m. at the Office of door chapel. a Mass in Spanish in AIDS Ministry, Clemenc:e Hall, the enclosed patio (near the cafeteRoom 225, 243 Forest St., Fa.lI River'. ria) and a Mass in Portuguese in the Information or RSVP: tel. 674-5600, shrine chapel.

At 1:30 p.m. Archbishop George extension 2295.

Pearce will be the principal cele- HOSPICE OUTREACH "Living With Grief: Afte:: a Sudbrant and homilist for the English Mass at the outdoor chapel. A film, den Loss," program April 17 at "Time for Mercy" will be shown in U MASS Dartmouth. Registration the theater at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and at I p. m., conference I :30 to 4:30 noon. The sacrament of reconcilia- p.m., Dion 116, Parking Lot 17.. tion will be available throughout the Information: tel. 673-1589. day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ChapSISTERS OF DIVINE h:t of the Divine Mercy will be PROVIDENCE prayed at 3 p.m. followed by BeneThe Sisters of Divine Pwvidence diction of the Blessed Sacrament are offering a 3-week summer pro~ and anointing with oil. gram or a longer time during a year "Dealing With Anger" is the topic for women ages 18 to 60, who. would of a workshop to be presented on like to combine service t,) others April 20 in the theater from 10 a.m. with an experience ofliving in Christo 3 p.m. Led by Dr. Bary Fleet, the tian community. Write Sister Mary program addresses how unmet needs Francis, 341 Bishops Highway, Kingcan feed' anger and how other emo- . ston 02634, or call (617)585-7724. tions can influence anger. PreregisCAPE COD SEPARATED AND tration is requested by April 15. For DIVORCED SUPPORT GROUP information on this and the other There will be a meeting on April events listed, call 222-54.1 O. All events 21 at 7 p.m. at the St. PillS Tenth listed are handicapped accessible. parish life center, Barbara St., So. Yarmouth. Newcomers welcome at ONCOLOGY CENTER, 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be NO, DARTMOUTH Peggy Perring- Mulligan, ! peaking A free skin cancer screening will be held· from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, on, "Letting go is a grace, not a deciApril 17~ at The Oncology Center, sion." Information: Judy, 'tel. 362480 Hawthorn St., North Dart- 9873 or Paula, tel. 385-2693. mouth. Sponsored by St. Anne's OUR LADY OF THE CAI'E, Hospital, Fall· River, and St. Luke's BREWSTER Hospital, New Bedford, the center A "Life in the Spirit" seminar will provides comprehensive medical· be held at Our Lady of the Cape and radiation oncology services to. Parish Center, Brewster. starl ing May Southeastern Massachusetts resi- 7th at 7: 15 p.m .. and contin'ling one dents. At the April 17 screening, to evening a week for seven weeks. It be conducted by physicians and regwill be led by Deacon and Mrs. Loren King. For further informaistered nurses, information will b'l: tion or registration (by April 30), provided·on skin cancer prevention please contact either Ned :H udson, and area services for patients with tel 385-8980 or Joan Carney. tel. the eondition. For more informa385-6751 (after 6 p.m.). tion, call (508) 979-5858.

ARCHBISHOP PEARCE

Founder of "Women Affirming' Ijfe" to speak at Christ the King, Mashpee

BURLINGTON. N.C.(CNS)Calling the division between their churches a scandal and Christian unity the fervent prayer:ofJesus,. the Catholic and Luth~ran bishops, Frances X. Hogan, co-founde.r of North Carolina re.newed a fiveof "Women Affirming Life" and year-old covenant between their partner in the Boston law.firm of. churches. Catholic Bishops F. JosLyne, Woodworth and Evarts will eph·Gossman of Raleigh and Wiltalk about the pa~t·historyand risliam G. Curlin of Charlotte joined ing hopes of the pro-life mov.eLutheran Bishop Mark Menees of ment at Christ ~he King parish hall the Synod of North Carolina. in Mashpee at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Evangelical Lutheran Church in April 21.

America, to sign three copies of The tall,c is. sponsored by the the Lutheran-CathC?lic Cove.nant pro-life committee ·of th.e parish.· at Macedonia Lutheran Church in Persons. with. aU points. of' view Burlington. from. the general. puplic are in~

vited to .attend. Questiom: will be welcome: Refreshments will follow. Attorney Hogan is a 1970 graduate of the Boston College Law School' where she was on the editorial staff or its Law Review. ' She was recently appointed'as a consultant to the Pro-Life .Committee of the National Conference of Cath.olic ~ishops. .

FOI:' information

cia .Devlin, tel.

contac:t:.Patrl-

4~7-0719,