04.23.99 by The Anchor

t eanc 0 VOL. 43, NO. 17 • Friday, April 23, 1999

FALL RIVER, MA~S.

FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

Mergers involving four New Bedford parishes planned ~

Sacred Heart and Holy Name will merge as will St. Theresa's and Sf. Joseph s.

NEW BEDFORD -1\vo mergers involving four parishes in this city are planned and it is expected that the process will be finalized and approved by -~ , the first Sunday ofAdvent in November. The proposal will merge the community of fai th at Sacred Heart Church, 341 Summers St. where Father Clement E. Dufour is the pastor, with· Holy Name Church at 121 Mt.· Pleasant St., where Msgr. Thomas J. Harrington is pastor. The resulting new community will be under Msgr. Harrington as pastor. The other merger involves St. Theresa Parish at 2693 Acushnet Ave., where Father Roland Bousquet is pastor, with St. Joseph Church at 51 Duncan St., where Father Roger J. Levesque is pastor. The new parish will have Father Levesque as pastor. . Key to the mergers reportedly are the requests for retirement by Father Dufour, who will be 70 in

June, and Father Bousquet, who is 71; a shortage of priests in the diocese; the dwindling number of parishioners at the old inner-city churches and trends showing this will continue. According to the definition of a church merger ·in a document "Frequently Asked Questions about Parish Mergers" (FAQs), issued by the Diocesan .

Pastoral Planning Committee: "A merger of parishes is a canonical (Church law) action in which two or more existing parishes come together into one to form a completely new parish." The answer sheet goes on to say that ''The formerly existing parishes are not suppressed, but in the act of merging lose their distinct identities and form a new entity." Msgr. Thomas J. Harrington said that the merger, "while still in the works, is for sure. It will happen and it will probably be in the calendar year - probably on the first Sunday of Advent next November." "Bishop O'Malley and Vicar General Msgr. George W. Coleman have met with Merger Task Force committees in the four parishes at work planning the two mergers," the monsignor reported. "But it doesn't all happen until a decree from Bishop Sean P. O'Malley is announced. Asked what prompted the mergers, Msgr. Harrington said that: "It comes for two key reasons really: the request for retirement by two pastors and the drop

HOLY NAME CHURCH, NEW BEDFORD

Tum to page 13 Parishes

Catholic Charities Appeal for 1999 gets underway ~

The 58th annual campaign is to raise funds for diocesan programs, services and institutions.

FALL RIVER - The Fall River Diocese has officially begun its 58th annual Catholic Charities Appeal and Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., urges Catholics and other community members to heed its theme of "Sharing ... Our Response to the Needs of Others." The Catholic Charities Appeal provides the financial support for the numerous programs, services and institutions sponsor,ed by the diocese throughout southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands. The parish phase of the Appeal will begin on Sunday, May 2, while early solicitations in the business and community phase, formally referred to as Special Gifts; started last week. In speaking of the Appeal, Bishop O'Malley noted it is far more than just a collection. It is "an opportunity for us to express our faith, to translate the exhortations of the Gospel into practical action," he said. He went onto say that through the response to last year's Appeal, the diocese was able to provide some form of assis-

tance to approximately 200,000 people. Help was offered through a variety of programs and services, among them food kitchens and meal vouchers, transitional and long-term housing, AIDS ministry, campus ministry at area colleges, chaplaincy and pastoral care at all hospitals in the diocese, summer camp activities for handicapped children, adoption services, pregnancy support, marriage prep and enrichment, "Rainbows" program for children dealing with death and loss and outreach to immigrant communities, to name a few. These programs and ministries are open to all. The only criterion is need. "The amount of good being done in southeastern Massachusetts by Catholic Charities-funded programs is the greatest story never told," according to Diocesan Development Director Michael 1. Donly. But he and Msgr. Thomas 1. Harrington, who heads the Charities Appeal, are working to change that with increased efforts in the area of publicity. Committees of business and community leaders have been at work in each of the five'regions of the diocese, writing Tum to page 13 - Appeal

SEMINARIANS - David Pignato and Rodney Thibault received the Ministry of Acolyte from Bishop Sean P. O'Malley as they advanced in their studies towards the priesthood at the North American College in Rome. Recent statistics show that more young men are entering seminary colleges for formation as they discern a vocation to the priesthood.

World Day for Prayerfor Vocations is Sunday ~

"Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." - Pope John Paul II By JAMES N. DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - The Holy Father has asked the Church throughout the world to pray for vocations this weekend to mark World Day of Prayer for Vocations and Father Craig A. Pregana, vocations director for the diocese, says prayer is at the heart of every call to religious life. "Our responsibility, as a local Church is to encourage those in our parishes who should consider a vocation," said Father Pregana. "We must pray for them, witness to them and invite them." Even as parishioners across the diocese are asked to join in prayer at Masses for an increase of men and women willing to give their lives in service to the Church, ~ special event is planned for Sunday, May 2, from 6:30-8 p.m. Called a Vocation Gathering, it will be an evening of prayer and discussion for young men who are interested in learning more about vocations. "Join us to meet others who share a desire for service in the Church and to learn of the many ways of responding to God's call," said Father Pregana. He invites those wanting information on the gathering to call him at the Vocation Office at 990-0371. In a recent study done by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, young people indicated that factors most important in their decision to consider a vocation to Church ministry include: a desire to help others, love of the Eucharist, attraction to prayer and spirituality and experience of God's call. "The study confirms that one of the single and consistent factors in the decision of young men to enter the priesthood is a personal invitation by a Turn to page 13 - Vocations

I .

11IEANCHOR-DioceseofFalIRiver-Fri.,April~3,

1999

Annual American Cardinals Dinner is tonight in Boston ,

Father James- P. Dalzell

FALL RIVER - Father James P. Dalzell, 79, a retired priest of munications company. the Diocese of Fall River, died be honored at the The cardinals to BOSTON- TheAmerican Cardinals Dinner, an annual black-tie gala celebration are: Bernard F. Law ofBos- Tuesday at the Catholic Memoreception that honors the U.S. cardi- ton, William H. Keeler of Baltimore, rial Home after a brief illness. Born in Roxbury, and a native nals and benefits The Catholic Uni- James A. Hickey ofWashington, John , of the Jamaica Plain neighborversity ofAmerica in Washington, will 1. O'Connor ofNew York, Anthony 1. hood, he was the son of the late ,be held tonight at Boston's World Bevilacqua ofPhiladelphia, Roger M. Patrick and the late Mary (Gillen) of Los Angeles, Adam J. Mahony Trade Center. Dalzell. The co-chairmen of the dinner Maida of Detroit and Francis E. Father Dalzell attended are Dennis 1. Picard and John M. George of Chicago. The dinner, a project of the Blessed Sacrament Elementary "Jack" Connors Jr., both of the Boston metropolitan area. Picard is university's board of regents, moves School in Jamaica Plain, St. chairman of the board, and CEO of to a different city each year where a Francis Xavier High School in the Raytheon Company in Lexing- cardinal heads an archdiocese, and the Kingston and Sacred Heart Colton, which provides products and money raised goes to support student lege in Girard, Penn. He prepared for the priesthood services in the fields of defense and , aid through need-baSed scholarships. The dinner also includes presenta- at St. Mary's Seminary, Techny, commercial electronics. Connors is a founding partner, chairman and tion of the American Cardinals En- Ill., and was ordained a priest for CEO of Hill, Holliday, Connors, couragementAward. This year's win- the Society of the Divine Word by the late Archbishop William Cosmopulos Inc., a marketing com- ner was not announced in advance. D. O'Brien on April 23, 1949. After serving as a parochial MAILING SERVICES PRINTING vicar at St. Francis Xavier Parish, By CAlliOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Metairie, IlL, he was incardinated into the Fall River Diocese on July

FATHER DALZELL

14, 1956 and was parochial vicar at St. Killian Parish in New Bedford, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Hyannis and St. Patrick Parish in Fall River. He had served as a pastor at Our Lady of the Isle Church in Nantucket, St. Mary's in Norton and retired as pastor at St. Joseph's in Woods Hole in 1990 after 12 years there. Father Dalzell was also a past chaplain at Cape Cod Community College. He leaves a brother, George T. Dalzell of Hyde Park; two sisters, Margaret O'Rourke of Braintree and Helen St. Cyr of Jamaica Plain; and nieces and nephews. His funeral Mass was celebrated today, the 50th anniversary of his ordination, at II a.m., in St. Mary's Cathedral here. Bishop Sean P. O'Malley was the principal celebrant. '

LEARY PRESS

British Cardinal has inoperable cancer

234 SECOND STREET" FALL RIVER, MA

By C ard'maI H ume sal'd h e mtended . , CAlliOUC NEWS SERVICE' a bit limited in what I can do. Above LONDON - Cardinal George . to work as much and as long as he all, no fuss. the future is in God's Basil Hume, 76, ofWestminster said could. ' hands. I am determined to see the he is "calm and at peace" after dis"I have no intention of being an Holy Year in," he said, referring to covering that he is suffering from invalid until I have to submit to the the Catholic Church's celebration inoperable cancer. illness. Butnevertheless, I shall be of the year 2000. ' A spokesman for the cardinal said the nature of the ,cancer had not been made public. In a letter to his fellow bishops in England and Wales and to priests in the Archdiocese of Westminster, the cardinal wrote: "You may have heard that I have recently been in (the) hospital for tests. The result: I have cancer, and it is not in its early stages. "I have received two wonderful NECROLOGY graces. First, I have been given time . April 26 to prepare for a new future. Sec1982, Rev. Ubalde Deneault, Pastor Emeritus, St. Joseph, Attleondly, I find myself - uncharacboro ' . teristically - calm and at peace."

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

April 27

Daily Readings April 26

April 27 April 28

April 29

April 30

May 7-8, '99 May 14-16, '99 May 21-23, '99 May 21-23, '99 June 4-6, '99 June 11-13, '99

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Acts 11:1-18; Pss42:2-3; 43:3-4; In 10:11-18 Acts 11 :1926; Ps 87:1-7; In 10:22-30 Acts 12:2413:5a; Ps 67:2-3,5-6,8; In 12:44-50 Acts 13:1325; Ps 89:23,21-22,25,27; In 13:16-20 Acts 13:2633; Ps 2:6-11 ; In 14:1-6 Acts 13:4452; Ps 98:1-4; In 14:7-14 Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33:1-2,4-5,18.19; 1Pt 2:4-9; In 14:1-12

1925, Rev. Francis J. Bradley, D.D., Rector, Cathedral, Fall River 1949, Rev. Romeo D. Archambault, St. Anne, New Bedford

April 28 1959, Rev. Stanislaus J. Goyette, Pastor, St. Louis de France, Swansea .

April 29 1987, Rev. James ,Leo Maguire, Pastor, Monterey Diocese, California 1989, Rev. Adolph Szelagowski, OFM Conv., Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual~Help, New Bedford

\ \

April 30

1900, Rev. John A. liu~ley, Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro 1930, Rev. David F. Sheedy, Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Attleboro \ \ 1993, Rev. John Moda, 'fastor, St. Mary's Ukrai,nian Catholic / ' ~--::» Church, Ford City, Pa. \ \ ,

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1882, Rev. Francis J >Quinn;',Fofirider, Immaculate Conception, North Easton; Founder-Sacreo·Heart, Fall River ., \ 1996, ~ev.-J~eph-F. D' Ami~oj Pastor, Sacred Heart, Oak Bluffs 1?97~ev;Walter A. SUllivari" ~astor, St. Mary, South Dartmouth

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1963, Rt. Rev. Msgr. M.P. Leonidas Lariviere, Pastor, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall . River \ \

PRIESTS CURRENTLY SERVING

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THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-Q20) Periodicai Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Published weekly except for the first two weeks in July ani the week after Christmas at 887 Highlanl Averwe, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese ofFall River. Su1l;cription price by mail, postP,aid $14.00 per year. Posttnasters send address changes to The An:hor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA fJ27'l2.

April 26 April 27 April 28 April 29 April 30 May 1 May 2

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

David\Stopyra, OFM Conv. John M.\Sullivan MattheW Sullivan, SSCC Richard 'tJ\ Sullivan, CSC Pawel A. 'Swiercz ' Antonio C. Tavares Evaristo T~v~res

Society of St. Vincent de Paul plans annual regional conference ~

The 31st annual gathering will be June' 11-13 at Wheaton College.

ning of the third millennium. The three-day event will key on prayer, celebration of the Eucharist and on various workshop sessions and interaction with felNORTON -:- Dr. Ernest Collamati, a popu............Iow Vincentians. The gathering will explore .. lar theology professor and well-known how to bring the message of God's mercy presenter, will be the keynote speaker and compassion to the poor and needy at the 31 st annual Society of St. served by the Society of St. Vincent Vincent de Paul Northeast Regional de Paul. Conference scheduled for June 11On Friday, June 11, final registra13 at Wheaton College in Norton. tion will be held from 2-8 p.m. There The theme of the convocation will a Mass at 5:30 p.m., celebratis "Know, Love and Serve the God ing the 50th anniversary of ordinaof Mercy and Compassion" and tion to the priesthood of Father Collamati will focus on that in hiS' Daniel Freitas, Northeast Regional address. Spiritual Advisor to the Society. A A native of Woonsocket, R.I., dinner will be held at 7 p.m. Collamati holds a master's degree and On Saturday, June 13, a breakfast doctorate in theology from Notre Dame will be held from 8-9 a.m., and the keyUniversity. He is currently chairman of the Renote address will be delivered at 9:30. Followligious Studies Department at Regis College in ing a noon lunch, a series of 45-minute workshops Weston. He and his wife are the parents of two college- will be in session from 1:15-4 p.m. They will include age sons. discussions on the AIDS ministry; outreach to the The theme of the conference comes from Pope John elderly, youth and society; St. Vincent de Paul stores Paul II's emphasis on God the Father for this final year and home visitations; and the spirituality of Blessed of preparation for the Jubilee Year 2000, the begin- Frederick Ozanam.

. ... ,

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THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., April 23, 1999

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To: P.O. Box 7 Fall River, MA 02722 GATHERING - Bishops of Massachusetts and New Hampshire stand with youths and young adults from their dioceses at the April 15 announcement in Boston of "Pilgrimage 2000: A Celebration of Faith:'The bishops sparked the young people's interest in the year of prayer, reflection and study of faith issues to end April 29, 2000 in an event at Fenway Park. From left, Bishop John B. McCormack of Manchester, N.H.; Bishop Thomas L. Dupre of Springfield; Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston; Bishop Sean P. O'Malley of Fall River; Bishop Daniel P. Reilly of Worcester and Bishop John A. Elya, BSO, Eparchy of Newton'. In bottom photo, with Bishop O'Malley are, front, Isabelle Andrade and Bethany Soares; middle row, Julie Young and Toanya Kesse; and standing, Craig Aldrich; Louis "Bud" Miller,' diocesan director of Youth Ministry; Jason Kenney and Matt Rapoza. (Photos by John E. Kearns, Jr.)

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~1HEANCHOR~ DioceseofFall River- Fri.,April 23, 1999

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The death of a natnoIDl. The outcry by the secular media over the sentencing of Dr. Jack Kevorkian again focuses our attention on the continuing erosion of ethics and morals in America. Calling the sentence "harsh," The New York Times in its exaggerated freedom reflects that Kevorkian helps to bring the need for right-to-die reform to the public's attention. It's about time that the courts sentenced this merchant of death. Kevorkian has made a fool of the legal system and juristic viewpoint and deserved the imposed sentence. He can never receive sufficient prison time for the murders he perpetrated. The tape he provided DBA-TX's "60 Minutes" did not have to be aired. However, that program is more than noted. for its irresponsible and arrogant attitude toward people arid life. Showmanship without accountability is tragically a norm for much of our television progr~ng. For the media t,o promote Kevorkian is outrageous. We should expect, of course, that those forces which play God would impose even more horrendous life issues. Ever since the legalization of abortion and the murder of late-term babies, this country has formulated a culture of death. Human life simply means nothing. In our disposable social order we simply throwaway people. What makes this even more aggravating is that so many abortion supporters are running around saving whales or other endangered species. They are living contradictions failing to acknowledge they are placing their own species on the same list. We have lost sight of what is right and wrong. Our refusal to correct our vision is making us blind to what. is right or wrong: good or evil. Above all, we have failed to uphold that inalienable right to life of every person which is a constitutive element of a civil society and its laws. As shown in Church teaching, the momenta law deprives human beings of the protection which civil law affords them, the state is denying the equality of all under the law. When the state does not place its power at the service of the rights of every citizen, in particular the most vulnerable, the very. foundation of the state based on law is undermined. With this in mind, we can see how evil we have ~ecorhe in our nation's support of legalized murder.. Taking a hard look at euthanasia we see that lives that diminished or weakened deserve love and care, not death. Euthanasia is simply morally unacceptable even if the secular media supports it. When we strive to murder and not create a pain-free society for the sick and dying, our vision of life is terribly confused. The use of pain medication even at the risk of shortening life can be morally in conformity with human dignity and rights. Since our government and society refuses to, support people's rights, individuals should do all they can to assure proper care and support in times of serious illness. Each and every one of us should take the time to fill out a health care proxy statement. Forms fqr this are readily available. In this age of litigation ~ese forms are as necessary as wills. For if the state refuses to assure our rights to life and death, then each person must do all he or she can to ward off those , who would readily' make euthanasia public policy. At a time when remembrance of the Holocaust is ever before us, we should reflect on the effects of state policies that know no bounds. Millions of innocent people were exterminated by governmental decrees. Some think that such action could never happen in America. Sad to say, if we e;:ontinue our anti-life policies, we are on our way to -seeing how big brother chooses who lives and who dies. It would be simply an illusion if we think otherwise. Government directed euthanasia is nothing more than an invitation to repeat the horrors of the past.

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The Editor

theancho~·

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

EDITOR

GENERAL MANAGER

NEWS EDITOR

Rev. John F. Moore

Rosemary Dussault

James N. Dunbar

"ABOUND IN HOPE BY THEPOW~R OF THE HOLY SPIRIT." ROMANS 15:13

Th~ battle line~

surrounding'

Catholic colleges By FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK

the process of implementing Pope ask how great an opportunity is creJohn Paul II's 1990 apostolic con- ated for those of other cultures to After reading the April 9,issue stitution on Catholic higher edu- receive a Catholic education in our of Commonweal magazine, I got the cation. U.S. institutions. I think it would feeling that battle lines are being Tensions appear to be,building be good to know how well Cathodrawn between Catholic universi- up to the point of explosion. Ironi- lic colleges and universities conties, the U.S" bishops and Rome. cally, since the process began years vey Church social teaching and to Fear is in the air that Rome is about ago, no attempt by the warring par- what extent students act on it. Then, to lay down the law for Catholic, ties has been made to conduct a too, there is the question of how colleges. . comprehensive study of the 260 well these institutions provide for Some concerned college presi- U.S. Catholic colleges and univer- the poor and for people with handidents and academicians warn that sities, and to learn what they really caps. if this happens, some universities are like. I think I would ask what the sacIf such a study were conducted, ramentallife of a Catholic campus and colleges may drop their Catholic affiliation. it might just unite parties involved looks like. Who participates, who Although the Commonweal ar- and make allies of them in the fight . doesn't and why? Again, it would ticles were balanced, there was ten- to ensure that graduates of our be worth noting how accessible resion between the lines. on the page higher-education institutions are treats and spiritual direction are for over the siiggestion that Catholic armed with the best of Catholic tra- students. And how many studentprofessors be chosen over non- dition and Christian principles, initiated religious movements does Catholic professors, that loyalty which are needed for wise and pru- a Catholic campus witness in a year? If students progress in their relitests or oaths be taken by some and dent leadership. What might such a national gious knowledge during their years that debate on Church teaching be discouraged. study learn? on campus, this wQuld be good to The articles also voiced fear that What, on average for the nation, note. And some questions might be Catholic colleges will lose fund- is the number of religion courses geared to learning how a school's ing if they don't follow federal students take during their four years administration would rank if norms and violate academic free- of undergraduate study? How judged against a list of virtues. Do many courses are taught through- prudence and wisdom permeate the dom. Prominent Catholic university out the nation in Church doctrine, campus atmosphere? presidents such as Holy Cross Fa- moral law, Scripture, liturgy, Church' Most important, how do parents ther Edward A. Malloy of the Uni- history, Catholic literature, music rank their children's spiritual versity of Notre Dame have warned and art? And given today's moral growth during the college years? that havoc will reign within Catho- malaise, is Catholic higher educaNow is not the time to draw up lic universities if Rome's present tion increasing its religion offer- battle lines. Rather, this is the time to learn the facLs and let them, not demands for norms that include a ings? I would suggest that such a study others, speak for Catholic education. juridical component take effect in CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

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THEANCHOR-DioceseofFail River-Fri., April 23, 1999

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MEMBERS OF the Pain Management ProgramTeam at Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River, recently earned their accreditation. They are, front row: Donna Petit, Sister Nina Amaral and Joyce Sevasin, second row; Lorraine Stone, Sharon E. Martin, Usa Medeiros and Daphne carvalho, third row; JoanWilkinson, Holly Desmarais, Sister Elaine Heffernan, Hilda Ferreira and Anne Marie Kelly. Also included on the team, but not pictured are Aline Tetrault, Paula Ritchotte and Tammy Lanouette.

Local progralD earns accreditation FALL RNER - The Pain Management Program at the Catholic Memorial Home recently earned a fiveyear unconditional accreditation by the American Academy of Pain Management and now along with Our Lady's Haven of Fairhaven offers the only two accredited pain management programs in Massachusetts' skilled nursing facilities. The programs are designed to assess and minimize acute, chronic and cancer-r~lated pain and Father Edmund 1. Fitzgerald, executive director of Diocesan Health Facilities said that the accreditation "demonstrates its commitment to pain management. It helps fulfill our mission to provide compassionate care and preserve the dignity and indepen-

dence of the patient." An inter-disciplinary team of Catholic Memorial Home nurses, certified nurses aides, rehabilitation and activities therapists, social workers and pastoral care staff meet weekly to review residents' changing needs and develop individualized programs to ensure optimal pain management. The home's administrator, medical director and pharmacist meet with the team quarterly to review policies and offer recommendations. For cognitively impaired residents unable to communicate their pain, such as those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related memory impairing illnesses, pain assessment tools also examine body language and behaviors to determine the existence

of pain. The program also has a palliative care component that controls symptoms of terminal disease to make the end of life comfortable and provides highly personal emotional and spiritual support for residents and their families. Before launching the pain management program, Catholic Memorial Home's nurses and certified nurse's aides completed a mandatory education program. Due to its recognition by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Catholic Memorial Home is presenting its pain management program at the American Society of Pain Management Nurses' annual conference in Washington, D.C., this month.

Jesuit Father DaniefBerrigan is speaker at Pax Christi Assembly By

PAT MCGOWAN

NORIH EASWN - "We're not called upon to know the other end of good works - just to do those works." That was the message of Jesuit Father Daniel Berrigan to those in attendance at the eighth annual Assembly of Pax Christ of Massachusetts, held recently at Stonehill College. The theme was 'The New Millennium: Voices for the Reign of Peace." Father Berrigan, 78, who entered the Society of Jesus at age 18, was keynote speaker for the assembly, which also featured workshops on the imnlorality.of,~ctions as coercive measures used by a nation or several nations to force a nation violating international law to desist or accept adjudication; on the situation in the Balkans; on . peacemaking through economic justice; on abolishment of the death penalty; on the history of nonviolence since 1989; and on the School of the Americas. Opening the program, Father Berrigan received a standing ovation as he mounted the podium to speak. "I was arrested yesterday," he confided, "when I was picketing a jail where a young African was held - as Jesus might have been, were he with us today." He also spoke of praying with others outside a house of detention for illegal immigrants. "God was unwanted in that world, just as Jesus was unwanted in his;' he said. Father Berrigan cited Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Daniel as examples of prophets who "call our attention to the good we can do." Ezekiel, he said, was a "prophet for

very edgy times. He said he saw God, top of God's· mountain." which wasn't allowed; you could say Godly ways and "the capacity to what you heard, not what you saw, un- act humanly in an inhuman time," are der the old law. Orthodox Jews still exemplified in Pax Christi, said Father don't say the Name." Berrigan, adding that "walking in Ezekiel, continued Father Berrigan, God's upward paths can be very hard spoke at length of the "shekilUlh," the - his other name is not 'success" but Hebrew term for the presence of God in 'pilgrimage' - and such a pilgrimage the world, and of how the glory of God becomes a minority event." rested on four cherubims and eventuIn what. he called a "contrary rhythm," the priest emphasized that ally rose to a mountain top. That is how God was seen by God calls people "towards his center, Ezekiel, said Father Berrigan, but in then away from it, to share what has our day, ''he is to be seen in victims, in been leamed." As Martin Luther King the tortured, the needy and the home- said, he added, "the Church is the place less." , ~ go from." . Continuing to the .Book of Isaiah, As' at the beginriirig,Father he cited verse two of the first chapter: Berrigan received a scindirig ovation ''And in the last days the house of the at the end of his presentation. . Lord shall be prepared on the top of Also discusSed at the assembly was mountains, and it shall be exalted the need to lift sanctions against Iraq above the hills, and all nations shall in order to permit humanitarian shipflow into it" ments of food and medicine to its needy "How shall we climb the highest people; and those in attendance parmountain?" he queried, noting that ticipated in a Litany of Peacemakers, God had in effect exiled himself there; naming Old Testament and New Testabut that many Catholics had found ment workers for peace, many saints their own religious centers displaced .and contemporary figures such as Maafter the Second Vatican Council, hatma Gandhi, Franz Jagerstatter, which took place between 1962 and Simone Weil, Martin Luther King, Tho1965, and ushered in many changes in mas Merton, Popes John xxm and Paul the liturgy. VI, Dorothy Day, Oscar Romero, and However, said Father Berrigan, the climaxing in an appeal to Jesus as image of exiled people mounting a Messiah and Prince of Peace. The program climaxed with a psalm high hill is also symbolic of clarity, because from heights one sees things of Commissioning for Mission, an anointing ceremony and a prayer of invisible from below. 'The true beauty of pilgrimage;' he sending forth as servants and instruadded, "is that the faces around me are ments of God. More information on Pax Christi, different from my own; and the yet unborn and one's ancestors are also an intemational Catholic peace moveinvited to the human ·pilgrimage. ment, is available from Pax Christi There's a beckoning presence at the USA, 532 West 8th St, Erie, PA 16503.

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1HEANCHOR~DioceseofFallRiverL:.:.Fri.,April23,

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Andre Dubus: A man who talked to God Andre Dubus was a writer who had suffered act of my body and spirit, my thoughts and deep injury and pain, and yet could write stories moods, as a prayer ofthanksgiving.... This mornand books that glowed with astounding faith. ing offertory is a habit from my boyhood in a He was not only a prize-winning author but a God-centered lover of life. I'm using the past tense because this great man died Feb. 27 at age 62. As soon as I read ofhis death, I called a friend, Joanna Laufer. She and her husband, Kenneth Lewis, interviewed Dubus when writing their.book "InBy Antoinette Bosco spired: The Breath of God," described on the book's jacket as "conversations with gifted people about their faith and' ....-----------L."""'_..:.....;;......... inspiration" (Bantam 1998). Catholic school.... Then I say the Lord's Prayer, Laufer affirmed what I had learned about this trying not to recite it, and one morning it ocauthor - that he spent a lot of his day talking to curred to me that a prayer, whether recited or God. said with concentration, is always an act offaith." The couple included this quotation from Dubus truly needed faith to help him get . Dubus in their book: "I offer him my day, every through the tragedy he suffered in 1986. Driving

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home from Boston late at night he stopped to help two people stranded by the highway next to a broken-down car. A passing car plowed into the group, killing one man and crippling Dubus. He had one leg amputated, lost the use of the other and spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair. While some might have reacted with anger, loss of faith in God, resentment and despair, Dubus found a better way to go on, in spite of excruciating physical and psychological pain, compounded when his marriage ended. He focused on his love for his six children, and he learned to 'just walk in the Lord. I say, 'Holy Spirit, you just talk for me.''' He told Laufer and Lewis that prayer and his faith in God were instrumental in his healing, and that his gratitude to God had increased since his accident. Remarkably, after the accident Dubus' writing soared to a level of greatness. He won a MacArthur award in 1988, the Rea Award for

Short Stories in 1996 and was a 1997 finalist for a National Book Critics Circle Award. His book "Broken Vessels" (Knopf) was of great consolation.to me. I was awed by the spiritual maturity evident in his writing and touched knowing this growth had come because of his suffering. He wrote: "After the dead are buried, and the maimed have left the hospitals and started their new lives, after the physical pain of grief has become, with time, a permanent wound in the soul, a sorrow that will last as long as the body does, ... then comes the transcendent and common bond of human suffering, and with that comes forgiveness, and with forgiveness comes love." I am forever grateful to Dublls, truly a Catholic lay theologian for our times, for helping us to see that the breath of God is always there to turn our suffering intojoy. He must be having a great holiday in heaven right now!

Words that need to be made U,P Over the years editors and other~ - even . your very eyes). persons with the literary stature of some Of course this plays havoc (and just what SCUBA diving buddies and poker colleagues are the rules for playing havoc, anyway?) with - have accused me of making up words. I am editors' computer spell-checkers (which very, very flattered by this. should have been properly termed There are many words that have needed "neothugdictionaries," by the way). Thus, making up (such as the sound a wallet makes they have to keep punching the "ignore" icon when it goes through the rotary blades of a on their keyboards, which they all secretly lawn mower: "thwapaklickityphoopf," accent deeply· resent having to bother with. In turn, on the "thwapa"). they take out their frustration on innocent readAnd there are many more in need of mak- ers by editing all the fun stuff out of their ing up. There's probably already one for that letters to the editor. Now you know why. stuff slugs trail behind them, but it still needs Hah! New word: "psychospell-checkitus." making up. What about that youchy (with the Even though I just have this aching feel-' "y")hunk of skin involved in hangnails? ing the bishops are going to discuss things Scientists and researchers have abused this like the death penalty, war, liturgy, dates for privilege since time immemorial-discover- holy days, religious vocations and stuff like ing a disease or a serum or something, then that at their upcoming meeting, wouldn't it slapping their very own names on itplus some be great if they would spend a few minutesLatin syllablizationing (a word born before ounaybe even. create a committee - to dis-

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cuss all the new words we need in the church? to catch the attention of an attention-chalCan we, for example, come to a consensus lenged altar server just cries out for its own on what to call that wonderfully full sound word. that comes out of the mouth of a crying two- Talking about young altar servers, there just have to be few syllables we can stitch together for the brand new ones ("neokneeknockers"?), or for the ones who can' turn ringing the altar bells into a miniperformance. Or what to call that notable liturgical moment? As a matter offact, if you send suggestions for things in the church that . By Dan·Morris need new words to the editor of this newspaper, I am confident he or she would spell-check them ana then foryear-old after his or her lung pressure has been' ward them to the bishops. allowed to build after his or her mouth has Comments are welcome. Write Uncle Dan been clamped over by mom or dad's or at 6363 Christie Ave. No. 222, Emeryville, Grandpa's hand for a few seconds? . Calif. 94608; or e-mail: The gesture a frustrated celebrant makes cnstincle@y~oo.com.

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finally came, it was reassuring: Though it had been touch and go, the baby was now breathing on his own, and Carrie was all right. He could go in and see them.

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April 25, Fourth Sunday of Easter. Cycle A. Readings: 1) Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Psalm 23:1-6 2) 1 Peter 2:20b-25 3) John 10:1-10

By Bozena Cloutier There was joy and excitement in our family \yhen we learned that the first member of a new generation was expected. The pregnancy went well, and Carrie was radiant Our son, Andrew, was proud, happy and involved himself intimatelyin prenatal preparations. My husband and I were so moved when we heard how at night, in bed, he'd put his face right up against Carrie's abdomen and.talk gently to his yet unborn, but already much-loved child: Labor began on time and progressed steadily as Carrie was admitted to' the hospital: Andrew stayed with her. A fetal monitor was attached, and the hours ' passed peacefully as contractions came closer together. Then Andrew noticed a change in the baby's heart on the monitor and quietly alerted a nurse. As they watched, the pattern became even more erratic, and soon the room was full of medical personnel, and it was . clear that the baby was in real distress. Feverish activity ensued as Carrie was rushed to surgery for an emergency C-section. Andrew could not go with her and was suddenly left alone. He waited and prayed, knowing that the situation was grave: When news

A s he entered the surgery suite, the first things he heard were the loud, sharp cries of the baby, still being worked on by the team. It was a blessed sound, but it pierced Andrew to .the heart, and he immediately spoke directly and reassuringly tohis little son. Right away the baby responded, listening and quieting. .Though the immediate crisis was over, little Joe was not yet out of danger. He was hooked up to monitors and watched closely. Since Carrie was utterly spent, Andrew sat with Joe reading him Beatrix Potter books, catching naps when he could and always watching those monitors. Whenever Joe's heart would slow . perilously; Andrew would talk to him - encouraging and coaxing him back to life, and invariably Joe responded, and that tiny heart would qUicken,.and its beat strengthen and stabilize.

n today's Gospel Jesus likens himself to the true shepherd who knows all his sheep by name. He knows them and they know him, recognizing his voice when they hear it, able to distinguish it above that ofstrangers.. We are those sheep, and though aj times doubt assails us, we really do know that voice because it has 'been familiar to us since we were first knit in our. mother's womb. It is a voice that encourages, speaks gently and lovingly; and always calls us to abundant life.

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"The sheep hear his voice as he calls his own by name and leads them out. " -John lO:3b

QUESTIONS: vyhich human voices have the power to rouse you and encourage you to new effort? -Why those voices? Recall a time when you followed the voice of Jesus,and were led to abundant life.

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Helping son persevere at adult education Dear Mary: My son had a diffi·

ence some kind Jfreward foreach small success along the way. Ideally, the center where he studies _

cult time inschool, and eventually he dropped OlJt injunior year. Now he ~ 24 and trying to earn ~ ,... graduate equivalency de·gree. The problem is he goes to the adult study cen· terfora month or two, then he just stops going. He has done ~ three times, and With Dr. James & still hasnotgotten~ GED. Mary Kenny He seems to lack motivation. I would like to help him, but I don't know how. Any suggestions would be appreci- should be aw~ of the need for recognition and reward as students progress. ated. -lllino~ Passing a GED is a major goal If there is no recognition, perhaps you which for most students will take con- can mobilize your family to provide it. siderable time. Your son needs smaller Develop a system to reward time goals or incentives along the way, and spent studying at the GED center and he needs recognition for achieving completion ofsmaller study units. You those smaller goals. The secret of suc- might use a motif that will challenge ceeding at a large task is to break it and amuse your son: a golf game if he down into smaller units and to experi- is agolfer; asystem using playing cards

family Talk

if he enjoys cards. (Completing a certain amount oftime at the learning center and/or completing a unit of study might count as completing the first hole. He mightearn asmall prize for completing each hole or he might save and earn a prize at the end of nine or 18 holes.) Many years ago merchants gave Green Stamps. Shoppers eagerly collected them and filled book after book with stamps which could be exchanged for a wide choice of goods. You might use a similar system for your son. Each hour ofstudy earns a stamp or sticker. Completion of each chapter or unit of material earns a stamp. He can cash the stamps for small gifts or save them toward some larger reward. Some peopleare offended atthe idea of giving students rewards for learn-

lHEANCHOR.'-Diocere Of Fall River-Fri.,April 23,1999 ing. Your son should learn because it is important for his future. Learning is a privilege, they argue, and studying should be its own reward. Such an argument goes against all we know about human behavior. We work harder when we are rewarded. We make those choices which bring us advantages. Most working people get a paycheck at least once a month. Few workers would be happy with one annual check or two semiannual checks, even ifthey were very large. Paychecks represent regular rew'!fds for our efforts, and most workers would not continue working without them. Yet your son

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must work for months, perhaps years, before he achieves his goal. Fast-food restaurants give coupons and special offers. Airlines give us free trips if we fly enough miles with the same company. Supermarkets issue cards so that regular shoppers get discounts not available to persons not in the club. At work or at leisure we respond to recognition, rewards and incentives. We need similar programs to persevere at a difficult learning situation. Encourage your son, not only by your words but by some tangible method of recognizing his day-ta-day achievement as he works toward his goal.

Who are the 'us' in Genesis? Q. In the story of creation, God says: Let us make man in our image and likeness (Gn 1:26). What does the "us" and .........

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Hebrew religious thought was accustomed to the notion of some heavenly assembly (angeis?) with whom God _

Questions and Answers

A Several possibilities have been offered. It could simply be an exBy Father ample of what is called the majestic John J. Dietzen plural. Kings and _ other. high officials still sometimes refer to themselves as consulted before making decisions on "we." important actions. See, for example, The Old Testament indicates that Isaiah 6:8; 1Kings 22: 19; and Genesis

3:22, among others. That could be another explanation. A few commentators have suggested the passage may involve some alIu~ion, however remote and primitive, that God's own being contains a kind of plurality, an intimation of the Trinity. Little, if any, foundation for that .theory is available from the Bible, however. In other words, no one knows for sure what was in the mind ofthe author who wrote those fascinating words. Questions for ~ column may be sent to Father Dietzen at Box 325, Peoria, III. 61651; or e-mail: iidietzen@aol.com.

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THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., April 23, 1999

Harpist, brings peace to the dying ~

Thanatology in music is aimed at comforting those at end of life.

By DONNA KROSS STRAM ELLA CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE'

A VIOLENT tornado in early April tore off the roof of a home in the Blue Ash suburb of Cincinnati. Catholics in the area were mobilizing to help family and neighbors affected by the storm that left four people dead and:hpndreds of homes destroyed or damaged. (CNS photo by Mark Bowen, Catholic Telegraph)

Lay board reco~mends adult religi~us ed ~

This comes after adults with academic degrees showed little knowledge of faith.

cifically target the wide variety of faith awareness and development among adult Catholics; he said. The council's recommendation suggests the archdiocesan program be for six categories of Catholics: By HEIDI ScHLUMPF • - those who do not know CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE Church teachings; CHICAGO - Some Catholics - those who know the teachmay have an "M".D." or a "Ph.D." ings, but do not understand "the after their names but have only an why"; eighth-grade education in their - those who know the teachfaith and need adult religious edu- ings, but have questions of concation. science about some of them and are That view was affirmed by the searching for understanding; Chicago Archdiocesan Pastoral - those who know the teachCouncil, a lay consultative body, ings, understand the reasons for when it passed a recommendation them and wholeheartedly accept that such a program be imple- and believe them; mented in the archdiocese. - those who not only know, The proposal makes the link" understand, accept and believe the between evangelization and edu- teachings, but also live them in their . cation, saying that "for Catholics daily lives; to be effective evangelizers jt is - those who know, understand, necessary that we maintain an in- live the teachings in their daily spired understanding of the faith." lives and" evangelize others. ""Discipleship and evangelizaThe recommendation· also calls tion are two sides of the same coin," for the archdiocesan adult educasaid Nicholas Achille, chairman of tion program to have an interdiscithe council's Catholic Education plinary approach, including theolCommittee, which wrote the recom- ogy and religious studies as well as " mendation. "In order to be evange- the social sciences and natural scilists, we need to be disciples. And ences. disciples are enlightened students." "An interdisciplinary approach The proposed program would adds meaning to the Gospel"and helps not only have the advantage of be- interpret the Gospel in our culture ing archdiocese-wide, it would spe- and our society today," said Achille.

care units and hospice" settings monitoring indicators like heart rate and responding with music that was individually prescribed. ''We learned a lot about easing the pain and suffering," Burgard told The Catholic Review, Baltimore's archdiocesan newspaper. "Most of t..'le vigils are a processing," she said. "We're there to help alleviate pain, anxiety and (to bring about) a resolution with family members. For those who are taken off life support, as the mechanical sounds are being taken away, you have the music to sustain the silence."

While the specific music varies according to the patient's needs, the most requested genre is Gregorian chant, because of its nonmetered quality, she noted. "It's loose," said Burgard. "We can shape the melodies to fit the breathing patterns of the patients. We can slow it down or speed it up." "I try to let the music speak for itself," she said. "I do a lot of touching, holding the hand, and singing up close to the person. I think the gift that I can help bring is the music. You get to bring beauty to the situation."

BALTIMORE - For nearly all his life, four-year-old Eric had been ill. Diagnosed with cancerous tumors in his lungs, only a third of his left lung remained. He was in his final months of life one Christmas Eve when his parents happened to see a television news program profiling something called music thanatology - playing music to comfort the dying. They contacted Annie Burgard, a local music thanatologist, who played eight hourlong vigils on the harp for Eric., In a hospital room often crowded with Eric's parents, his one-year-old sister, grandmother and family friends, the harpist played and sang. The music brought a sense of warmth and peace to the sterile room and Eric's body began to respond. His need for morphine decreased by 75 percent, and he told his mother, "I think the music tqok my pain away." " The program that helped Eric is now being offered at St. Joseph Medicill Center in Baltimore, where Burgard brings her 16 years of health. care experience to "Harp Prayer: A Musical Passage through Sacred Song." The free program is open to patients with a prognosis of six months to live and to those who clearly have even less time. Many families request the service when their loved ones are removed from life support. Already a board certified music thanatologist who volunteered with AIDS and hospice patients, Burgard had long felt a call to work with the dying when she began attending the School of Music Thanatology at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Mont. , The graduate-level program combines intensive music and HARPIST ANNIE Burgard uses music to comfort people health education. Although she had never pbyed the harp, she was a who are near death. She offers her music thanatology service to patients at St. Joseph Medical Center in Baltimore. pianist and ,vocalist. " Students worked in intensive (CNS photo by Gregg P. Landry, Catholic Review)

Palm Beach cathedral's tabernacle re-blessed after desecration ByTOMTRACY CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Aa. - The rector of the Palm Beach diocesan cathedral re-blessed its altar and tabernacle April II, three days after thieves broke in, ripped the tabernacle from its moorings and left it smashed in a drainage ditch, leaving the hosts scattered in the grass. Msgr. Thomas Klinzing, rector of the Cathedral of St Ignatius Loyola and head of the diocesan marriage tribunal, said police believe the break in probably took place about 10 p.m. April 8. " . . There was no evidence the break-in was an act of Satanism or a hate crime, according to Msgr. Klinzing. The thieves left behind only some tools and a baseball cap. The thieves took only the ciboria, or cups, inside the· tabernacle, probably because they thought they were of some value. But the sight of the consecrated host scattered on the parish property was almost more than Msgr. Klinzing could bear, he said. "I asked myselfthe question, 'Have we all lost the sense of the sacred? Is faith dead?" Msgr. Klinzing said in homily April 11. 'The desecration of the tabernacle and hosts

into a drainage ditch is a blasphemy and it heart."

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Ms~, Klinzing said he and the cathedral priests would be meeting to discuss whether a security system should installed to protect the tabernacle. Until then, the cathedral doors will be locked following the last Mass of the day. Bishop An"thony 1. O'Connell of Palm Beach spoke about the break-in at several weekend events and called for calm and for prayers of reparation asking God to forgive those who perpetrated the desecration of the hosts. " The bishop instructed Msgr. Klinzing to re-bless the altar and tabernacle as reqUired by canon law. ''We are having three days ofprayers asking God to intervene in a special way to see that this doesn't occur ever again," said Father Thomas Skindeleski, parochial vicar at the cathedral. ''It is really diabolicill. It's discouraging." Police believe that several individuals entered the cathedral chapel before closing and pried the heavy tabernacle from its marble moorings. The thieves apparently smashed open the tabernacle, taking only two gold-plated ciboria.

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Massachusetts bishop urges renewal of Sunday worship ~

THEANCHOR - Diocese ofFall River-Fri.,ApriI23, 1999

Bishops urge celebration of Jubilee Day for Women in March 2000 By CATliOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Apathy, sports and consumerism have erased worship from Sunday's list of events, says Bishop Thomas L. Dupre. By CATliOLIC NEWS SERVICE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Renewing Sunday worship in the Diocese of Springfield is the goal of a new pastoral letter issued by Bishop Thomas L. Dupre. "No act is more central to the life of the Catholic community of faith than the celebration of this meal which Jesus left in his memory," Bishop Dupre wrote in the introduction. He said the new document, released on Easter Sunday, was intended as a help, resource and guide for diocesan priests, deacons and laity to renew the spirit and understanding of their worship on "the first day of the week" to commemorate th~ Resurrection. Titled "Renewing Sunday Worship: A Resource and Guide," the letter had been initiated by Bishop Dupre's predecessor, Bishop John A. Marshal1, who headed the diocese from February 1992 until his death in July 1994.

The pastoral letter examines all aspects of Christian Sunday worship, from its scriptural roots and history, to liturgy as the source and summit of Christian life, to the presence and action of Christ in the assembly, various ministers, proclamation of the word and eucharistic elements. .Bishop Dupre recalled a time when Sunday truly was a day of rest, when stores were closed and families gathered for dinners and visited friends. Today, "commercial demands,

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BISHOP DUPRE

sports programs and a pervasive apathy have indeed drawn many of the faithful away from weekly and regular Sunday worship," said the 'bishop, with participation in Mass "on occasion" the growing norm. But, he said, living the faith "requires an encounter with the risen Lord so that the life of the believer might be conformed to him. To achieve this end, the worship which gives Sunday its meaning is a necessity." Bishop Dupre said that, when Sunday worship is viewed as celebration rather than obligation, "the need for fewer Masses and the importance of giving attention to the quality and vitality of the celebration become obvious." The Saturday vigil Mass was not intended to free people for other things on Sunday, he noted, but to provide another eucharistic opportunity for those unable to participate on Sunday. In concluding, Bishop Dupre said that, "through greater understanding, education and appreciation," Springfield Catholics may approach Sunday worship "with the conviction that the eucharistic liturgy is indeed the most important act that can be performed by the people of God."

God is q~oted on billboards nationwide By RICHARD DOUCETTE

The Smith Agency has never revealed the name CATliOLIC NEWS SERVICE of the person who hired it to develop the camSAN ANTONIO - In a landscape filled with paign. billboards for car dealers, restaurants, cigarettes "It's not important who sponsored it, nor how and other worldly goods and pursuits, driving by a much was invested, but rather what effect the mes"heaven-sent" message from "God" is quite a shock sages have on the people who read them," said Andy Smith, the agency's president. - and, apparently, that's the whole idea. But Smith shared a statement from the donor. In San Antonio and across the country, these "messages from God" are showing up on giant bill"So many people have apparently decided that boards along expressways and on smaller neigh- their rules are appropriate;'God's rules ar~ not. Our borhood signs al1 over town. They're one-liners, world is besieged with abuse, divorce, sexual imlike "Don't make me come down there. - GOD," moralities, acts of murder, robbery, drugs and also "Need directions? - GOD," and "My way is the alcohol," the donor said. highway. - GOD." "God wants to help, but people are leaving him out of Just where did they come from, and who's behind the'solution. We feel that we They're one-liners, like are doing what many Godthem? , "Last spring" an anony- IIDon't make me come down centered people would like to see," the statement said, addmous individual walked into there. -GOD," 1If'.J,eed direcing that the "We need to talk" the Smith Agency in Fort tions?-., GOD," and "My way Lauderdale, Fla., hiring them billboard campaign says it al1. is the,'highVl/ay.-·, GOD." While rumors about billon the spot to create a ~onde .... :'.; ., board vandalism have been nominational advertising heard from Dallas and Austin, campaign promoting God," no problems have been resaid Sheila Hayes of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, the trade ported with the San Antonio billboards, said Dan association that represents the outdoor advertis- Creel, president and general manager of El1er Media, which donated the "God" bil1boards in the ing industry. Throughout the fal1 of 1998, residents of San Antonio area. El1er has committed up to 150 billboards to run Florida's Broward County were stopped in their until at least the end of the year, a donation valued tracks by the thought-provoking statements. The campaign caught the attention of the local at about $250,000. "We have five big billboards and national media, as wel1 as the outdoor ad trade up now," Creel said. "Shortly you'l1 begin to see group. It recognized the power of the campaign others along the expressways and smal1er ones in and knew outdoor advertising was the perfect me- the neighborhoods." Other "messages from God" include:' dium to deliver the message nationwide. - C'mon over and bring the kids. - GOD; The association's 800-plus member companies - Have you read my No. 1 best sel1er? There got behind the billboard campaign, donating the time, materials, production and space to bring the will be a test. - GOD; - Big bang theory, you've got to be kidding. number of billboards to well over 10,000 in more than 200 cities nationwide. The value of the dona- -GOD; - That "Love Thy Neighbor" thing, I meant it. tion is estimated at $15 million. "When we asked our members if they would par- -GOD; - Do you have any idea where you're going? ticipate in the program, the response was phenomenal," said Nancy Fisher, president and CEO of the -GOD; - You think it's hot here? - GOD outdoor ad association. ."

WASHINGTON - Dioceses and parishes across the nation should plan events to mark the international Jubilee Day for Women, scheduled for March 25, 2000, urges the U.S. bishops' Committee on Women iil Society and in the Church. The bishops have called for U.S. celebrations and chose as the day's theme "Women Saying Yes to God," a reference to the feast of the Annunciation, observed that day. ''We've just completed a century in which women have made great strides both in society and' in the Church," said Archbishop John G. Vlazny of Portland, are., in a statement. "We have much to celebrate, but we must also ensure that progress continues. In both the Church'and society what is permitted by law often moves slowly into practice." . According to Paul Henderson, executive director of the U.S. bishops' Office for the Third Mil1enniumlJubilee Year 2000, "The ju-

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lHEANCHOR-..:.. DioceseofFall'River- Fri.,Apri123, 1999

'Joan of Atc" 'miniseries comes to' CBS in May By MARK PATnSON

Gernon, who is Catholic, said see that struggle," Sobieski said. The TV movie shows that "Joan of Are," which airs on WASHINGTON The CBS Sunday imd Tuesday, when Joan started feeling "full stor.y of St. Joan of Arc comes May 16 and 18,. would of herself" for being able to to the small screen in May in show the life ofthe young converse with God, the visions the CBS miniseries "Joan of woman and not turn a stopped, she said. And when Arc." blind eye to the events in she was ready to humble herStarring in the title role is her life that made her both self again before God, Sobieski 16-year-old Leelee Sobieski, a saint and a military said, "she got 'back to herself' who will be the. first onhero. "We're going to and her (own) voice came screen Joan to be "age-approshow her having visions," back." Sobieski's father is a French he said. priate," in the words of "She was divinely in- Catholic painter and her mother miniseries executive pro- ~l spired, and she struggled is an American writer she deducer Ed Gernon. ~\ "We knew from the be" with it, scribed as a "pantheist." While ginning we wanted a Joan I . and "it's good to believe," the teen' who was age-appropriate," you said, she has yet to choose any Gernon said in a telephone Ji ., can one belief system for herself. Her previou.s roles include conference call with re- I :. supporting roles in the current porters. "And, not to put :-..,'. movie "Never Been Kissed" and it indelicately, we wanted last year's film hits "Deep somebody who could be Impact" and "Jungle 2 virginal. The list was Jungle." She also won very, very short, and critical plaudits for her Leelee was right at the top acting in last' year's of the list." little-se'en movie "A Sobieski, who was also parSoldier's Daughter Never . ticipated in the conference call, Cries." said she focused much of her reAlso featured in "Joan search on how to play St. Joan; of Arc" are Jacqueline on biographies by French auBisset and Powers Boothe thors and ~'Mark Twain," the as Joan's parents, Robert play by George Bernard Shaw, Loggia as her childhood and twotelev·ised documentapriest, Olympia Dukakis as ries. S'ister Babette, 'Peter She said she made it a point not to dwell too much on the O'Toole as Bishop Cauchon, Neil Patrick movie versions that starred Jean Seberg and Ingrid Bergman. Harris as the Dauphin One surprise Sobieski said she Charles, Shirley MacLaine uncovered in her research was as Madame de Beaurevoir, that,' when Joan was burned at and Maximilian Schell as the stake, "her heart Brother John didn't bum - which I ACTRESS LEELEE Sobieski, 16, portrays Le'Maitre, who presides over Joan's heresy trial. thought was really cool."· Joan of Arc. (eNS photo from Reuters) CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

bal intimidation. The U.S. CathoNEW YORK - The following lic Conference classification is Aare home videocassette reviews Il - adults and adolescents. The from the U.S. Catholic Conference Motion Picture Association of Office for Film. and Broadcasting. America rating is G - general auEach videocassette is available on diences. (Disney) VHS format. Theatrical movies on . ; "Charlotte's Web" (197-3) Charming animated musical video have a U.S. Catholic Conference classification and Motion version of E.B. White's classic Picture Association of America· fable about a piglet who <Ievelrating. All reviews indicate the ops from the runt ofthe litter into appropriate age group for the the county fair champ with a little. help from his friends, most notavideo audience. bly the spider of the title. Directed "Apt Pupil" (1998) Si'nister tale in' which a ma- by Charles A. Nichols, the Hannanipulative high school senior Barbera production is a gentle (Brad Renfro), realjzing an eld- introduction to the natural cycle erly neighbor (Ian McKellen) is . of life that will entertain youngan escaped Nazi war criminal, sters and most others in the fammakes him recount in detail his ily. The U.S. Catholic Conference .deadly deeds or face exposure, but classification is A-I - general the old man devises his own patronage. The Motion Picture means of controlling his tormen- Association of America rating is tor. Director Bryan Singer's drama G - general audiences. (Parais a darkly cautionary tale with mount) .. , ..,..... ., "FerngulIf... Tile Last unexpected twists and chilling Rainforest" (1992) view of calculated evildoing. Animated children's fantasy Some harsh violence, fleeting nudity, brief sexual innuendo and tells how the tiny fairy Crysta substance abuse, occasional pro- (voice of Samantha Mathis) emfanity and recurring rough lan- ploys her magical powers to save guage. The U.S. Catholic Confer- a pristine forest and its lively creatures, including a wacky 'bat ence classification is. A-III adults. The Motion Picture Asso- (voice of Robin Williams), from being destroyed by the pollution ciation of America rating is R monster Hexxon (voice of Tim restricted. (Columbia TriStar) Curry). Directed by Bill Kroyer, "Babar: The Movie" (1989) In a delightful animated ver- the animation of the natural world sion of the children's books by is lovely to see and the action is Jean and Laurent de Brunhoff, sufficiently fanciful, but the wellKing Babar recalls for his own kids intentioned story is thin and its how as a boy he saved ecological message saccharine. Elephantland from the rhinos and . Some tense scenes. The U.S. became an unlikely hero. Direc': Catholic Conference classificator Alan Bunce's Canadian pro- tion is A-I - general patronage. duction underscores the value of The Motion Picture Association commitment to friends and fam- of America rating is G .:- general ily, while Babar's fears in an alien audiences. (Fox) jungle will be identifiable to "Hoppity Goes to Town" (1941) • young children just beginning to Imaginative animated story explore unfamiliar turf. The movie will enjoy a long life as a family with the title grasshopper (voice video. The U.S. Catholic Confer- of Kenny Gardner) helping his ence classification is A-I - gen- insect friends find a new home eral patronage. The Motion Pic- after tiny Bugville is doomed by ture Association of America rat- a skyscraper project, then must ing is G - general audiences. rescue his honeybee sweetheart (Family Home Entertainment) (voice of Gwen Williams) from "A Bug's Life" (1998) a villainous beetle. Directed by Vividly animated tale of a Dave Fleischer, the animation is spunky ant (voice of Dave Foley) playful and often inventive, with who rounds up several perform- the pleasant music of Frank ing circus bugs, mistaking them Loesser and Hoagy Carmichael for warriors needed to defend his helping matters along-, espeendangered ant colony against cially the contrived subplot marauding grasshoppers. Di- about a songwriter and a pentrected by John Lasseterand An- house garden. Slapstick menace. drew Stanton, the animation and The U.S. Catholic Conference pacing are outstanding but young classification is A-I -,- general children may find the intensity of patronage. Not rated by the the menace quite upsetting. Some Motion Picture Association of scenes of physical abuse and ver- America. (Republic)

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'Blood Guts Bullets and Octane' runs 'out of gas at the start By CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

Inept sex farce in which a ence classification is 0 - morNEWYORK - The following group of old pals away for a ski ally offensive. Not rated by the . are capsule reviews of movies re- weekend all find new sexual part- Motion Picture Association of cently reviewed by the U.S. ners except for the preening stud America. '.'Goodbye Lover" (Warner Catholic Conference Office for (Stephen Baldwin) in.their midst. Bros.) Film and Broadcasting. Writer-director George Haas' lame Tawdry comic thriller in ensemble comedy is utterly con"Blood Guts Bullets and Octane" (Lions Gate) .tri ved, badly staged and filled which a faithless husband and Empty thriller about foul- with bogus sentiments. A few wife' (Dermot Mulroney and mouthed used car salesmen (Joe fairly graphic sexual encounters, Patricia Arquette) conspire to Carnahan and Dan Leis) whose full frontal nudity, positive treat- murder his brother (Don quest of easy money results in ment of the gay lifestyle, and re- Johnson), then turn on each their becoming the target of drug curring profanity and rough lan- other as a cynical police detectraffickers, hit men and federal guage. The U.S. Catholic Confer- tive (Ellen DeGeneres) watches the .body count mount. Director agents. Also written and directed Roland Joffe attempts to blend by Carnahan, the phony action comedy with film noir but the consists mostly of frenetic. diaMovies Online humor is forced and the smug logue scenes, some unconvincing Can't remember how a recent ending predictable. Jokey treatmayhem and a twist ending as film was classified by the USCC? ment of murder and promiscumeaningless as the title. Gory vioWant to know whether to let the ity, kinky sexual situations with lence, menaci.ng situations, conkids go see it? Now you can look nudity, some violence, recurring stant rough language and much film reviews up on America profanity and constant rough profanity. The U.S. Catholic ConOnline. Once you're connected to 'language. The U.S. Catholic ference classification is A-IV AOL, just use the keyword CNS Conference classification is 0 adults, with reservations. The to go to Catholic News Service's morally offensive. The Motion Motion Picture Association of online site, then look for movie Picture Association of America America rating is R - restricted. reviews. rating is R - restricted. "Friends & Lovers" (Lions Gate)

Programs abound for area seniors At Council On Aging (COA) buildings and Senior Centers throughout the diocese there is a wide array of programs and special interest groups. They meet to enjoy hobbies, movies and share aspects of living. Below are some activities in local areas. For more information contact your local COA. ChathamCOA The Chatham COA continues to offer the File of Life Magnet to interested seniors. This valuable packet is used for medical history information, insurance and lists of people to be contacted in case of emergency. Completed information goes in the magnet which should be placed on one's refrigerator. Call the COA at 945-5190 or stop by for yours. Nominations for Chatham's Senior Citizen of the Year Award should be given to the COA by April 30. Persons should exemplify the "Spirit of Positive Aging." A six-week Arthritis Self-Help Course will be offered by the COA beginning on April 29 at 10 a.m. Dot Anthony will coordinate the classes and for registration information interested seniors should call the COA. A Web TV demonstration will be given on May 10, 17, and 24 at 10 a.m. in the Senior Center. Learn about e-mail and this new technology. All welcome. A blood pressure clinic is held on Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. Call the COA to make an appointment. Hearing tests will be conducted by Barbara Eaton on April 28. Non-competitive bowling is held at the Orleans Bowling Lanes every Thursday at 10 a.m. The Busy Fingers Group meets every Thursday from 1:30-4 p.m. Bring your knitting, crochet, crossstitch or needlepoint and join others with similar interests in getting motivated. Newcomers welcome. Cribbage games are held every Monday from 1-3 p.m. at the Senior Center. A multimedia'painting class meets on Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m. An Alzheimer Caregivers Support Group and a Sight Loss Self-Help Group meets each month. Call the COA for more information. DennisCOA The Dennis COA will present the program "Protecting Assets: Estate Planning for Surviving Spouses," on

May 20 at 1:30 p.m. All welcome. For more information call the COA at 385-5067. They will also offer a program for widowed persons and those that are alone on May 4 from 1:30-4 p.m. in the Senior Center. Victor F. Scalise, Jr., will be keynote speaker. Call for more information. A program entitled "Diseases of the Retina," will be.presented by Dr. Michael Morley on April 24 from 13 p.m. at the Nathaniel Wixon Middle School, South Dennis. All welcome. For more information call Sight Loss Services at 394-3904 or 1-800-427-6842. A fitness class is offered every Monday from 8-9 a.m. by certified instructor Terry Stocker. All fitness levels welcome. The COA desperately needs volunteers to drive seniors to doctor'appointments. If you can spare a few hours a week or every other week call or stop by the office. The COA offers two movie afternoons each month at 1:30 p.m. "Mighty Joe Young" will be shown on April 28. Popcorn and soda is available. Call the COA for more information. Acribbage group meets on Fridays at noon. Tap-dance class meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and square dance class follows at 7:30 p.m. The COA has a variety of other groups including a diet support group, poker groups for both men and women and computer classes. Call for more information. . HarwichCOA Local TV Channel 19 programs featuring the Harwich COA are aired every Monday at 5 p.m. and every Tuesday at 7 p.m. They feature the monthly Hi Tidings Newsletter with host Arline Anderson. A safe driving program will be offered on April 28 at 1:30 p.m. in the Griffin room of the Harwich Town Hall. This 50-minute presentation will include tips on how to be the best driver possible and how to obtain a handicap plate. All welcome. To register call the COA at 430-7550. The Disability Rights Committee has initiated a pilot project at the Victory Gardens on Sisson Road. at which a plot of land, designed as a raised garden has been reserved so those with limited mobility may enjoy gardening. If you would like

Sacred Heart resident celebrates 100 years NEW BEDFORD - Rose Fernandes recently celebrated a century of love and life with her 100th birthday party at the Sacred Heart Home where she is a resident. She was joined by family and friends. Fernandes was born on March 3, 1899 on the island of Madeira, Portugal .and came to the United States when she was 18 years old. She worked as a stitcher at the Firestone Cotton Mill in New Bedford and was married to the late Manuel Fernandes. They had three children, Eva Arruda, Pauline Reilly and the late Manuel Fernandes, Jr. Fernandes' enjoyed gardening and attending Portuguese fea~ts and today enjoys spending her

time at Sacred Heart in the company of new friends and visiting with her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and greatgreat-grandchildren.

ROSE FERNANDES

to learn more about this free program and enjoy the benefits of gardening call Bob Spidle at 430-1564. The Creative Knitters meet every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Seniors who enjoy knitting should call Jeanne Egan at 432-2012 for more information. Cribbage is played every Thursday at 1:15 p.m. Come have some fun and refreshments. All interested stamp collectors are invited to join the stamp club. They meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m., Pine Oaks Village. Newcomers welcome. ' Blood pressure clinics are held every Monday and Friday from lOIl :30 a.m. Hearing tests are conducted each month. Call the eOA for more information. A telephone reassurance program is available. Seniors who are living alone can receive a daily telephone call. Make arrangements through the COA office. , A bookmobile in conjunction with Brooks Free Library offers books to homebound seniors every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Call Ginger Burke at 432-9710 for more information. An information session about long term care insurance will be held on April 26 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. by Elizabeth Dubuque. Call the COA for details. Mansfield COA The COA has an electric wheelchair available to any senior or person in Mansfield who may need one. Call the COA outreach workers at 261-7368 for more information. A walking club directed by COA activities coordinator Suzi Hansen, is looking for new members. If you would like to participate call the COA. The group walks around parks and walking trails throughout the area. A telephone reassurance program is available for seniors who would like to receive a daily phone call from a COA volunteer to check on your well-being. To sign up call Althea Sankey at COA. "Many programs including crafts, bingo, exercise, linedancing and painting are offered each month by the COA. Call them for details. Provincetown COA The Provincetown COA will hold its annual mammogram clinic on May 25 and May 26. To schedule an appointment call the COA at 487-7080. Every Tuesday in Orleans seniors gather to participate in non-competitive bowling. Come and' share in the fun and get some exercise. Call the COA for details. The senior van will offer transportation. Every day between 1-2 p.m. the Senior Fitness room open for your health. Bicycles, tread mills and rowing equipment are offered free of charge. Come exercise! A medical loan closet is located at the Senior Center and it contains crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and shower chairs for seniors to borrow. Call for availability. The COA shows a movie every Monday and Friday at 1:30 p.m. All welcome. Other programs include Bingo on Thursdays from 12:30 to 3 p.m., Bridge from 7:30-11 p.m. on Mondays. Aerobics are held from 10:30-11 :30 a.m. every Monday and Yoga is held on Tuesdays from

THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri.,Apri123, 1999 10-11 :30 a.m. They also have a blood pressure clinic on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call for more information or to find out what other groups and services are available. Sandwich COA Ruth Harcovitz will be at the COA to entertain seniors on April 28 at 1 p.m. She studied opera at Europe's Vienna Academy of Music. She will perform show tunes. Desserts and Coffeeffea will be served at 1 p.m. and Harcovitz will begin at 1:30 p.m. To sign up for the program call the COA at 888-4737. On April 29 at 10 a.m. a program dealing with common ailments of the feet and how to improve them will be held at the Senior Center. It will be conducted by Dr. George Ducach aI)d all are welcome.

Free driving abilities screening will be offered on April 26 and 29 at the Rehab Hospital of the Cape and Islands, 311 Service Rd. This 15 minute screening will check vision, cognitive abilities and reaction time. Results are confidential. For more information or to make an appointment call 833-4110. Outreach assistance is available by appointment through the COA. Meet confidentially and have your questions answered about resources and programs to which you may be entitled. Hearing tests are held each month at the COA and every Thursday and Friday a van is available for grocery shopping. It is a door-ta-door service and also stops at a bank and pharmacy. Make reservations for this program by noon on Wednesday.

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THEANCHOR-Diocese ofFall River-Fri., April 23, 1999

Pope lauds ties pontiff of 1,000 years ago had mth civil powers common concerns and harmony By LYNNE WElL among the peoples belonged to CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE (Pope Sylvester II's) thinking," VATICAN CITY - Pope John Pope John Paul said, "and ensure Paul II praised his predecessor of a that they always inspire the action· millennium ago for preserving of the Church and of men responclose ties with ciyil powers and for sible for social affairs. "Peace is a communal task," he applying his intellectual might to added, "and the Church wants to serving humanity. In decontribute to scribing the In describing the life and it, because this is a serlife and work work of Pope Sylvester 1/, of Pope vice to man Sylvester II, whose pontificate lastedfrom and therefore to God." whose pon- April 999 to May 1003, Pope The pope t if i cat e John Paul noted t.hat the: made his oblasted from Catholic Church back then April 999 to servations in May 1003, worked closely with contempoa letter to Pope John rary political authorities. Bishop Paul noted ., .. R e n e that, the Sejourne of Catholic Church back then worked Saint-Flour, France. The diocese closely with contemporary politi- includes the birthplace of Pope Sylvester II - who, until his cal authorities. "We, cannot forget that the first pontificate's start, was known as millennial change brought a num- Gerhert d' Aurillac. ber of hQpes," Pope John Paul said. In his letter, released at the Vati"One is pleased to underline that can April 12, Pope John Paul reSylvester II united his efforts with ferred to d' Aurillac's early writings those of the (Roman) Emperor Otto and pastoral work, saying its scope III to administer Christianity, just "recalls for us that intelligence is a as Pope Sylvester I had collaborated marvelous gift of the Creator, so that . with the Emperor Constantine. man can make best use of his re"We must therefore reflect that ceived talents every day."

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Consec~aiionto the Divi~e Will' . Oh' adorable and Divine Will, behold me h~re befon~.theim~ , mensity ofYour Light, that Your eternal goodness may open to . me' the doors and make me enter into It to form my life all in , You, Divine Will. Therefore, oh adorable Will, prostrate before. , Your Light, I, the least of all creatures, put myself into the little group of the 'sons and daughters ofYour Supreme FIAT. Pros~ trate in my nothin~ess, I invoke You~ Light and beg that it clothe me apd eclipse all that does not pertain to You, Divine Will. It will be my Life, the center of my intelligence, the enrapturer of my heart and of my whole being. I do not want the human will to have life in this heart any longer. I will cast it a~~y from me and thus form the new Eden of Peace, of happiness and oflove. With It I shall be always happy. lshall have a singular strength and a holiness that sanctifies all things and conducts them to God. Here prostrate, I invoke the help of the Most Holy Trinity that They permit me to live in the cloister of the Divine Will and thus return in me the first prder of creation, just as the ~reattire ,was created. " . ,: . . . Heavenly Mother; Soveteign'~aitdQueen of the Divine Fiat, take my hand and introduce me into the Light of the Divine Will. You will b~ my 'guide, most tender. Mother, and will teach me to live in and tomaint~n myselfin the order and the bounds of the Divine Will. Heavenly Mother, I consecrate my whole being to Your Immaculate Heart. ,You will teach me the doctrine of the Divine Will and I will listen most attentively to Your lessons. You will cover me with Your mantle so that the infernal serpent dare not penetrate into this sacred Eden to entice me and make me fall into the maze of the human will. Heart of my greatest Good, Jesus, You ~ill give me Your flames that they may bum me, consume me, and feed me to form in me the Life of the Divine Will. Saint Joseph, you will be my protector, the guardian of my heart, and will keep,the keys of my will in your hands. You will keep my heart jealously and shall never give it to me again, that I may be sure of never leaving the Will of God. My guardian Angel, guard me; defend me; help me in everything so that my Eden may flourish and be the instrument that draws all men into the Kingdom of the Divine Will. Amen.

( In Honor ofLuisa Piccarreta 1865-1947 Child of the Divine Will)

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South African girl says Padre Pio's intercession restored her sight By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

groups dedicated to the Capuchin pered, "Pray and ask Padre Pio to CAPE TOWN, South Africa ---' mystic, who died in 1968. They were' help." Kenilee's experience is not the first To a 12-year-old South African girl, told that intercessions by Padre Pio Padre Pio's beatification will hold a were reportedly accompanied by the of its kind to be attributed to Padre scent of roses, violets, lavender, in- Pio in the industrial town of Benoni. special significance. In 1996 the Catholic grandparents On May 2 at a special Mass at her cense and, on occasion, tobacco. "When they were talking about of a newborn abducted 22 months parish in Benoni, near Johannesburg, Kerrilee Fenton will thank the Padre Pio and all the things you can previously from a neo-natal ward, Church's newest "blessed" for the full smell, I said to my mother that I could Micaela Hunter, said they believed Padre Pio's intersmell something," Kenilee recalled. recovery of her sight. cession was At the age of three, as a result of She identified the smell as toresponan operation that should have been bacco. sible for "Nobody was smoking performed in infancy, Kerrilee's opreturntic nerves were irretrievably damaged near me; it was in church. But i n g and her sight seriously impaired. By the smell was like sometheir her 11th birthday, she had lost 30 body was smoking," Kenilee said. ' grandpercent of her vision. She said that' 'she daughKerrilee's grandmother, Frankie ter. Bray, went on a pilgrimage to the thought her vision seemed 1J-e South African Marian shrine at to have improved, but "I Ngome in KwaZulu-Natal, where she never told anyone about that placed in a basket her petition for the and I felt a bit frightened." A few days later" Kemlee recovery of Kerrilee's sight. During a novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and her mother visited the at the shrine, she asked Padre Pio to specialist to obtain the girl's records, which 'had to be sent to intercede for Kerrilee. "On my return home I continued the Canadian hospital. A final to pray for Kerrilee, who is precious check-up was conducted and, to us all," Bray told The Southern inexplicably, the specialist Cross, South Africa's national Catho- discovered that Kerrilee suddenly had 100 lic weekly newspaper. percent vision. Howe~er, in September 1998 speThe following cialists confirmed that Kerrilee had what they described as "blurred vi- . week, other speconsion," making it virtually impossible cialists for the girl to read. After further ex- firmed ,that aminations the neurosurgeon advised Kerrilee?s sight the Fenton family that the prognosis had been fully rePADRE PIO will be. beatified by Pope John for Kerrilee's sight was not good and stored., Paul II May 2. (eNS file photo) "Now I can that nothing further could be done read.even the smallest print of the abduction and return of the for her in South Africa. , cpildreceived wide c;overage in the Parents Kevin. and CarolFent~n optician~s charts:' said Kerrilee. were advised to Seek further treatment , Coiwinced that a,rriit~cle has 'oc- South,Mritanmediaat,the time. Micaela's grandparerts, Lucille for theirdaughte~ by specjaJistsat a cuqed, Benoni's PaorePio Group atte,nded a thanksgiviijg Mass at a and Dave Hunter, also, prayed at children's hospital in Torqnto. . In October the family attended a C;umelite convent in Johannesburg. Benoni's St. Patrick's Church and at Asked what she would ~dvise the Ngome shrine . for their talk at their parish, St. Patrick's, on Padre Pio and the worldwide prayer other.'blind people, Kerrilee ·whi.s- granddaughter's safe return. ,

Do~~sday c~lts'$~en

o,n'rjse in area: ()f~ Sotith.Korean :"Churc'h J.

By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

is the Christian theological study' of death and what SEOUL, South Korea - Church and civic experts follows. in South Korea have warned of an increase in the "Many people, including Christians, may yield number of·"doomsday" cult followers who believe to eschatology under the influence of doomsdaythat the world will end 'before the new millennium. related books and prophecies of disaster after the The Church should intensify its teaching on the Y2K computer failure," he said. true meaning of salvation and redemption to preWhile in fhe past most believers in, doomsday vent doomsday cults from spreading in society, said prophecies tended to be uneducated people, "reFather Johq Kim ~ong-eun, . cently many middle-class, . .director of the Catholic Acadunemployed people with col,emy for K9re!lnCultur~. . lege educations have shown "Many people, including "The ,doomsday ,cults interest 'in eschatology," he 'Christians, may yield to .. added. would no longer prevail if eschatology under the influorthodox Christian churches Kil Hee-seong, also from ence of doomsday-related performed their roles and duSogang· University, exties," Father Kim told UCA plained that the cults often books andprophecies ofdisasNews, anAs\an church news make use of the failure of ester after the Y2K computer failagency based in Thailand. tablished religions to satisfy ure." Tak Ji-won, director of people's hunger for more in- KII Hee-seong tense religious experiences. the International Research Professor,50gang University "Newly rising cults strive Institute' on Religious Af, to satisfy people searching for fairs, said, "Doomsday cults sOI:nething more in religion have been on the increase since the end of last year, and the cults now number and those who believe in the mystical and miraculous experiences that accompany any religion," Kil as many as 50." Tak also exp~essed concern over the potential for told participants at the seminar. Venerable Oh Ko-san, president of the Korean Congroup suicide among the cults. In October, seven members of a doomsday sect burned themselves to fer~nce on Religion and Peace and head of the nation's death in a van in Yangyang, Kangwon province, near largest Buddhist denomination, held established relithe eastern coast, "to gain everlasting life in heaven." gions more directly responsible for the appearance of Kil Hee-seong, a professor at Jesuit-run Sogang the doomsday cults. The cults arise because of the reUniversity, also expects that eschatology will flour- ligions' "failure to promote social ethics and to teach ish in many religious groups this year. Eschatology the meaning of true salvatio,n," he said. ."\'

... -

Parishes

THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River - Fri.,April 23, 1999

Continued/rom page one

Vocation.s

in the number of parishioners in This is not to Continued from page one these two inner-city parishes. Bishop say that beO'Malley has said that there are 70 cause of this priest," Father Pregana noted. with my God. My message to all of parishes in the diocese within a half- they are de "When it occurs it is likely to be you is to express to you that relihour's drive of the Cathedral. With a facto non-viaccompanied by a variety of voca- gious life is a vibrant, joyful response shortage of available priests, mergers able, but wartions-friendly activities such. as eu- to a call - not a voice in the night are becoming necessal)'. And we have rants considercharistic devotions, youth groups or a knock at the door, not even a to look at the change in the population ation when fall from a horse, usually! No, this and Marian devotions." areas of the diocese. The diocese is coupled with is an inner feeling that develcall Young people who are involved spreading on the Cape, and where there the fact that the .ops gradually. Perhaps this life is in some ministerial aspect of parare more parishioners we will need demographics where God wants you." as altar server, lector, ish life such priests assigned in those places." information Sister Blute said that one might eucharistic minister or choir memIn an interview he said: "Al1 ofus in that these areas ber are more'likely to consider a see the suffering of the poor, the Holy Name Parish share the sadness of of the city will vocation. And those who assist sick, the needy and the ignorant, our neighbors and friends at Sacred continue to exwith Religious Education as cat- the moral void in so much of sociHeart who have to see their church perience a echists, helpers and volunteers are ety, and feel a strong inclination to close. We are determined to provide a 'downsizing' ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, NEW BEDFORD more disposed to ordained or con- address these ills in a meaningful, welcoming and sensitive community in population:' completely dedicated way. secrated life, he added. into which all these folks will be hosIt also says "You may sense that your way Two of the most essentialqualipitably received. Certainly we're look- states that: "Second, the pastors of the St. Theresa's for 10 years. ing forward to the gifts which the mem- parishes in question are both retiring ''Of course I'm saddened that this ties that young people see in their to address these issues is through bers ofSacred Heart Parish community and the diocese simply does not have church, founded in 1926 and the cor- parish priests and religious is their direct service in social work, eduwill bring to us in the newly merged the resources it once had for parish nerstone laid in 1929, is closing. It is a dedication and approachability, cation, health care or ministry in community." staffing. Since 1965 the diocese has very closely-knit parish and it will be said Father Pregana. "Sometimes parishes, retreat centers or spiritual The committees are currently at experienced a 57, percent decrease in very difficult for many families - we priests and religious underestimate direction," said Sister Blute. "Or work in the planning, Msgr. Harrington its number of priests: Whil~ the dio- have some 525 families - to adjust to the significance of the witness of you may feel God's call is to kneel said. 'They will look into how various cese currently ministers in 111 parishes a new parish community," Father their lives. While the 'profound' at his feet, to live a life of prayer, parish groups and committees will be- (21 in the city of New Bedford alone), Bousquet said. "But still, they are won- , and 'extraordinary' experiences of sacrifice and reparation for all the come part of the new parish." Father the number of priests able to serve in derful Catholics and they will practice faith can have an impact on parish- evils of this world." She added that: "If you find Clement E. Dufour, pastor of Sacred those parishes is rapidly declining. their faith wherever they are. Histori- ioners, it is the ordinary daily witHeart Parish, said the "emphasis is not From 1990-1997 alone the diocese ex- cally we are going back in time be- ness that speaks so loudly to the such feelings arising, like a faint on a loss of identity, but on the coming perienced a net loss of 40 active cause we were adivision ofSt. Joseph's heart of young people," he as- whisper coming into your consciousness, follow through by together as equals to form a new par- priests." many years ago. So my feeling is that serted. The document also pointed out that we're going back home in asense. Howish. So I'm looking forward to a beginCurrently there are 18 seminar- prayer. Investigation and consultaning. Msgr. Harrington has been of in some dioceses where priests have ever, we have become used to behaVe ians preparing for the priesthood tion with a spiritual guide will help great assistance in this merger. And already assumed the responsibility for ing much like St. Therese, our patron, in the Fall River Diocese. find out if this is really God's call." Father Pregana' offered the folthere is room for everyone. No one will more than one parish, "he may not meet in our simplicity of life, like her 'Little On April 18, at the liturgy for be left out. And although I'll be retired the needs of the faithful adequately in Way" and being close to God, being shut-ins aired on Channel 6, Mercy lowing suggestions for supporting then, I will still help in a limited way:' each parish and becomes prone to bum- his people." Sister Mary Noel Blute, represen- vocations: At St. Joseph's, pastor Father Roger tative for religious in the diocesan - invite young men to consider Father Dufour said that his retire- out. Likewise, the faithful in the parment and "a parish which has about ishes may not receive the best pastoral 1. Levesque says the proposed merger, vocations office, told of the neces- the call to tHe priesthood; "is really a done deed at this point. It is sity of prayer as it impacted her life 300. families and is dwindling," are care." - invite young women to conIn examining the location of the ' coming, and I have a mighty challenge as a religious in a career of teach- sider consecrated life; among the reasons for the proposal. "It is not done yet, the people have stil1 to parishes in the proposed mergers in re- to mee!;' he said. ''Yet, I would feel as ing, administration, and various - encourage married men to have a say. There's no decree as yet. lation to one another, the FAQs said: ''It sad as those at St. Therese's if I had to miriistries involving the young, the consider the permanent diaconate; Our parish will celebrate it's 125th an- is logical that Sacred Heart should leave my parish and move to another. I married and the sick. - begin a Vocation Prayer Team niveTSaI)' in October and we are plan- merge with Holy Name, since both par- understand." 'J\nd always, every day, I prayed. in your parish; ning a celebration." 'ishes are within a quarter-mile distance His parish, founded in 1910, has I prayed with my sisters, and I - support youth activities such According to theFAQs the proposal of one another. St: Therese and St. Jo- 1,200 families. "I have been here for prayed in private. And in between as a youth group or altar servers, in does not come without due cause. In seph are within one-and-a-halfmiles five years and the current rate of atten- times I just talked everything over your parish. determining a parish's viability, sacra- distance of one another." Furthermore, dance of parishioners is about 30 permental accessibility, statistical changes, both Holy Name, founded in 1909, and cent. In the days when the parish was demographics, priest personnel projec- St. Joseph have 'the plant size neces- formed, attendance was about 90 pertions, ministries and the administration sal)' to accommodate both communi- cent. Everyone in the diocese realizes rharini... Our Qes>pons>e the Needs> ofotherS'. that we have too many churches and of properties/temporalities and plant ties to form a new community. In essence, the parish merger task too few priests to minister in them. I see facilities are factors to be considered. "Pastoral care necessitates that the forces will make many recommenda- this merger as asignal ofmore to come:' While the French ethnic makeup of bishop provide for areas of need in the tions on such issues as disposition of diocese where the population is grow- property, coordination of ministries what once was "an almost all French and staff and liturgical closings when .parish:' is now about 50 percent, Faing:' it reads. ther Levesque says the parishioners to Addressing the proposed mergers, the time comes. Only after that process and a review come from St. Joseph's "probably are the document states that: "First, the communities at Sacred Heart and St. by the bishop would the decree for in the majority, of French extraction. I welcome them to be one with us, as we Theresa are very small, and trends in- mergers come. Father Bousquet has been pastor at practice our faith." dicate that they are growing smaller.

%ur

Appeal

<:zit Xakef It ?tIl ?offi6Ie. C/f{ag P §l£ne 9

Continued from page one

letters to their peers to underscore the through a recorded audio tape message. contributions of Appeal-supported Accompanying the tape will be an exagencies and services in the communi- panded editions of Sharing, the Deties in which they live and work. To velopment Office newsletter, which date, more than 5,000 have been sent. will offer an overview of the assistance Kickoffs for the Appeal were held provided by Appeal agencies. Much of theAppeal information litin three different locations of the diocese to make it easier for more people erature was produced this year in Porto attend. Each included an informa- tuguese and Spanish as well as English. Serving on the Catholic Charities tional video highlighting diocesan programs made possible by Catholic Appeal committees are the following: In the Attleboro area: James' Charities and a presentation by, a representative of Catholic Social Services, Brennan, 1. Jerome Coogan, Joseph E. which illustrated the scope ofproblems Fernandes, E. Dennis Kelly, Jr., Daniel they help people address at their five 1. Pelletier, Paul W. Scanlon, Orlando D. SouZa, Drew Ward and Father Bruce oftices in the diocese. Two, ful1 color brochures have been M. Neylon, area director of the Appeal. From Cape Cod: David Akin, produced for the 1999Appeal and have been mailed to potential donors. One . George Baker, Philip Baroni, Dr. G. is directed at diocesan parishioners, the Curtis Barry, John T. Blute, RogerCash, other for business and industry solici- John T. Conway, Chester Cook, Dennis Cunningham, Chester DeLuga, tations. Bishop O'Malley will speak to pa- David C. Eustis, David C. Hunt, rishioners about the Catholic Chari- Norman F. McEnaney, James Murphy, ties Appeal in the coming weekend Richard W. Nietz, John 1. Pendergast,

Anastasia Welsh Perrino, Thomas Perrino, James Quirk, Paul Sullivan, Beverly M. Wall-Cedrone, Richard Waystack and Father Thomas L. Rita and Msgr. John 1. Smith, area Appeal directors. In the Fall River area:.Francisco Cabral, John Kinnane, William Lapointe, Theresa Magellan, John McSweeney, Thomas Pasternak, William 1. Sullivan, Alan Teixeira and Father Richard L. Chretien, area Appeal director. In the New Bedford area, Dr. David Costa, John Fletcher, Owen Hackett, Jr., David R. Nelson, R'OseffiaI)' Quinn, Lawrence A. Weaver, William N. Whelan, III, and Father John A. Perry, area Appeal director. In the Taunton area, Manuel D. Garcia, David Gay, E. Dennis Kelly, Jack Leddy, Karen Pacheco-Harraghy, Thomas Porter, Joseph I. Quinn, Louis M. Ricciardi, Victor P. Santos, Fnmk L. Tosti and Father Manuel P. Ferreira, area Appeal director.

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1HEANCHOR-DioceseofFallRiver-Fri.,April23~ 1999

I~===========================;:::===I

..,.."

", ..-

YOUNG LEADERS - Bishop Feehan High School juniors路Ellis Titmas, left, and Kenneth'Willamson recently at.-..~_ . . tended the National Young 'Leaders 'Confer~ncein WashFIELD TRIP - Fourth graders from Espirito Santo School, Fall River, enjoy their monthly .' ington, D.C. where 'they' ii1teracted with to~~y's national field trip to the East Branch Library. Students take out books and ~Iso he.lp decorate win-.' . leaders. The two m~t with congressional leaders including dows with project or seasonal items. With them is librarian Marguerite Martin, left, and volunJe$uit Father Robert Drinal1, U.S. Representative from Masteer chaperone Octavia Hilario from the Title-One Program. sachusetts. Students are chosen based on scholastic . merit, community service and leadership experiences.

Our Lady 01 Lourdes, Taunton

ART FAIR WiNNERS ~ 'Students at Our Lady of 路Lourdes. School,' Taunton, are all smiles after receiving awards in its schoolwide Art Fair. Pictured, from left to right, are: Kristen Caputo, . third grade; Kaitlyn Rice, fifth 'grade; Brandyn Ladetto, kindergarten; Ashley Neto"second grade; Carina Enright, fourth grade; an.d Martha Vasconcellos, first grade.

BOOK BUDDY DAY - Eighth grader Jeffrey Frias of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Schopl, New Bedford, reads to third graders Joshua Morales and Ricardo AgLiiar on the school's Book BUddy Day. Students paired off to share reading time and the hallways buzzed with different types of tales. Below sixth grader Amanda Mello listens as first grader Andrew Vieira reads. ' FOURTH GRADERS Kelly Gorrochotegui and Melissa Robens won first place a.t Our Lady 9f Lourdes School's annual science fair for their project "How Direct and Indirect Rays from the Sun Affect Temperature." The event showcased projects from students in all grades and Arleen M. Booker, principal of the Taunton school, said the event was "very suc'cessful."

......

THEANCHOR-DioceseofFall River """'-Fri., April 23, 1999

Our Rock and Role Love makes things happen .

By CHARLIE MARTIN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Nothing· Really Matters When I was very young Nothing really mattered to me But making myself happy. I was the only one. Now that I am grown Everything's changed. I'll never be the same Because of you. Nothing really matters. Love is all we need. Everything I give you All comes back to me. Looking at my life It's very clear to me I lived so selfishly. MADONNA'S CURRENT hit off her latest album, "Ray of Light," is "Nothing Really Matters." Like many of the cuts off this album, the song offers us ideas worthy of consideration. Listening to'the song, I also couldn't help but wonder if the message reflects Madonna's own life. Certainly this CD demonstrates a shift in her thinking. The person in the song says, "When I was young, nothing really mattered to me but making myself happy. I was the only one." This woman now realizes that "It's is very clear to me, I lived so selfishly." Her attitudes have shifted: "Now that I am grown, everything's changed; I'll never be the same, because of you." It's now her opinion that "nothing really matters" because "love is all we need." Her past desires seem insignificant compared to what she has discovered, namely, the power and joy of being loved. There is no mention of who this "you" is. Perhaps it is her child, or a new romance, or a good friend. While I am not suggesting that the song intends this possibility, its "you" also could be God. Clearly, opening your heart to God's love can change much about your attitudes.

I was the only one. I realize That nobody wins. Something is ending And something begins. Nothing really matters. Nothing takes the past away Like the future. Nothing makes the darkness go Like the light: You're shelter from the storm. Give me comfort in your arms. Written by Madonna/Patrick Leonard Sung by Madonna; Copyright (c) 1998, WB Music Corp./Webo Girl Publishing Inc. 1998,Warner Bros. Inc. For example, when you experience God's love,.. you .realize that you no longer have anything to prove: True, you might want to attain certain goals. . But God's love is a message that you are already good. Each of us already is esteemed by the highest authority! . Further, as you experience this care by your Creator, a natural tendency develops to pass the love around. Making myself happy is still important, but so is the happiness of others. Such a shift in perspective might occur because you recognize the truth in the words, "Everything I give you all comes back to me." The same thought is affirmed many times in the Bible. The more love you give, the more happiness you help others find, the more these same qualities return to your life. So, as the song suggests, be the "light" that "makes the darkness go." To live in such a manner is to live as Jesus taught us. However, you also will find that this song's title isn't accurate, for to live with the attitudes I've described is to discover that your life "really matters"! Your comments are always welcome. Please address: Charlie Martin, 7125 W 200S, Rockport, Ind. 47635.

From MTV to baseball: Cultivating a taste By CHRISTOPHER CARSTENS CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Baseball season has begun again, which delights me. I'm always glad when something in my ever-changing life is somehow the same this year as it was last year. They say baseball is losing favor among young people, that its place in the teen-age fan's heart has been forever taken by basketball and football. I hope not. Baseball, like ~ good conversation with a friend, requires sitting around for a while when nothing particularly exciting is going on. With the exception ofthe occasional home run, baseball doesn'tshove its thrills at you. Basketball is a co.nstant, flowing . struggle of grace and speed against determination. The game's pace speeds the heart. . . In football, the inSta!1taneous crush of huge' and powerful bodies keeps the adrenaline pumping. Notso with baseball. Baseball . takes time to unfold. .. A runner gets walked to first. The . 'next m~ flies'out to right field, but· the runner has advanced to second base. The pitcher is.up next, and the manager decides to have him lay down a bunt. The first time he misses the ball, but the second time the baseball dribbles feebly toward fIrSt. The pitcher is thrown out, but the runner has moved from second over to third. The leadoff man comes up and slaps a single past the second baseman into center field. The runner dashes home, and one run scores. The fifth man up strikes out; the inning ends. One run, and it took 20 minutes. A walk, a fly out, a bunt and a single. Where's the excitement here? The excitement comes in knowing that the team at bat played perfect baseball. Once the first man walked, each batter had a higWy specific objective. At each point, the pitcher and every player in the outfield knew exactly what the batter was trying to do and did every- .

thing they could to prevent it. Getting that run across was very, very hard. . In baseball, things don't happen all at once. Too many years of MTV

"-~~COming of

flge FOR TOUTtt • "BOOT TOOT"

and action movies have left us expecting the big thrill, the big fix - and right now! Baseball, like friendship and true love, makes you wait for . things to unfold.' Baseball allows time for discussion. Between pitches, between. innings, fans sit and talk about what happened, what should have happened and what ought to happen next. Like the finest parts of the rest of life, baseball is best enjoyed while talking about it with your friends. . ·Finally, much of the joy of baseball comes from knowing the players as individuals. There are 162 games in a season. We watch each player succeed or fail again and again. These are all wonderful athletes. (The worst baseball player on any minor league ballclub in America is a far better player than I ever was or could have been.) As I watch players succeed and fail, it reminds me that even when I do my very best, sometimes r 11 still come up on the short end, because that's how life works out. . Yes, once again it's baseball season, and I could hardly be happier. Baseball, played the way it should be played, is a lot like life the way it should be lived - at a calm and steady pace, allowing time for discussion with friends and in the knowledge thal the final outcome is never entirely within our own control.

'!III-:

Beatification cause for two Fatiina children clears hurdle By CINDY WOODEN

pletely paralyzed for 22 years. Father Gumpel said the woman, who prayed for VATICAN CITY - The beatification process for healing through the intercession of Francisco and two of the three Portuguese shepherd children who Jacinta, now walks without crutches or a cane. saw the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima has cleared a Father Gumpel told Catholic News Service April major hurdle, said a priest involved in the process. 16, "It is a bit premature to say the Vatican has. apThe children, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, were proved the miracle" clearing the way for the children's beatification, but the vote of the with their cousin Lucia dos Santos - a Carmelite nun still In the M.arto cNlc:lreQ~ qa~E1t. the physicians usually is the most difficult step in the process. living - when Mary appeared medical board of the epngregation to them six times between May for Sainthood Cal.!,ses hasunaniThe result Off the votedand re13,1917, and Oct. 13, 1917. Iy edth t·th· . "..,.,. lated reports rom the octors a ere/sno me;U/still must be examined by a Both died of influenza. Fran- mous agre board of theologians, which cisco was 10 years old when he cal explanation for the cure o!aPormust establish a connection bedied in 1919, and Jacinta was tuguese woman wh'ohadbeencompletelyparalyzedfor22years. tween the medically unexnine when she died in 1920. plained healing and the They would be the youngest people beatified in modern woman's prayer for Francisco times, said Jesuit Father Peter Gumpel, who works with and Jacinta's intercession. the cause's postulator. Since modern records began The theologians' report is then presented to the being kept in 1592, St. Maria Ooretti was the young- sainthood congregation and to Pope John Paul II, who est to be beatified and canonized; she was three months would recognize the iniracle and set a date for the beshy of her 12th birthday when she died in 1902. atification. In the Marto children's case, the medical board of Other saints who were under 20 years old when they the Congregation for Sainthood Causes has unani- . died include: Sts. Dominic Savio, who was almost 15; mously agreed that there is no medical explanation Stanislaus Kostka, who was 18; and Joan of Are, who for the cure of a Portuguese woman who had been com- was 19 years old when she was burned at the stake. CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

JACINTA AND Francisco Marto 'are pictured with their cousin Lucia dos Santos (right) in a file photo taken around the time of the 1917 apparitions of Mary at Fatima, Portugal. The beatification process for the Martos has cleared a major hurdle, said a priest involved in the process. The Marto children died young. Lucia, a Carmelite nun, is stilllivir.g. (CNS file photo)

J.HEANCHOR-DioceseofFall River-Fri.,April 23, 1999

fteering pOintl Publicity Chairmen are asked to submit news items for this column to The Anchor, ~O. Box 7, Fall River, 02722. Name of city or town should be included, as well as full dates of all activities.' DEADLINE IS NOON ON MONDAYS. Events published must be of interest and open to our general readership. We do not normally carry notices of fundraising activities, which may be advertised at our regular rates, obtainable from our business office at (508)675-7151. ACUSHNET - The New Bedford Catholic Woman's Club will hold its annual Bishop's Night on April 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Century House, 107 South Main St. ATTLEBORO - A Healing Service and Mass will be held on April 25 at 2 p.m. at the La Salette Shrine ChapeL It will be led by Father Pat and include music and the opportunity to be prayed over and anointed individually: All welcome. Singer and musician John Poke will be at the Shrine for an evening of song, witness and

prayer on April 30 at 7:30 p.m. For more information call 2225410. CENTERVILLE - The Cape Cod Widowed Support Group will hold its next meeting on April 28 from 1:30-3 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Parish. For more information caIl Dorothy Callahan at (617) 267-5258. EAST SANDWICH - The Corpus Christi Parish Pro-Life Committee and Library Guild will present John L. Sullivan, director of the Massachusetts Chapter of Morality and Media, at its final breakfast-lecture series on May 1 at 9:45 a.m. at the parish. All welcome. For more information call 833-8432. EAST SANDWICH - Catholic Social Services will sponsor an information session .on April 25 from 2-4 p.m. at Corpus Christi Parish for all those interested in adopting a child from China. For more information or directions call 674-4681. AIl welcome.

FALL RIVER - The Fall River Widowed Group will meet on April 26 at 7 p.m. in the St. Mary's School hall on Second Street. Lisa Ferreira of Saint Anne's Hospital will be guest speaker. All widows and widowers are welcome. For more information call Annette Dellecese at 679-3278. MASHPEE - A program entitled "Nurturing Yourself During Pregnancy," will be offered on May 15 from 10-11 a.m. at Christ the King Parish. It is open to all pregnant women. Refreshments will be served. For more information call 420-2445. NEW BEDFORD - The Prayer Group of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church will meet April 27 at 1 p.m. 'for the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, prayer, meditation, a Marian conference and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. All welcome. SOUTH YARMOUTH - PsychologistWiI1iam Gutowski will speak on the topic "Avoiding and Escaping Psychological Traps: Some Guides to Reflection and Mood Man'agement,"at the next meeting of the Separated-Divorced Catholics Support Group on April 25. It will begin at 7 p.m. at the St. Pius X Parish Life Center. For more information call 255-0170.

Kevorkian murder sentence applauded, By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

cluded "some 130-victims." McGrath added that these issues WASHINGTON - Pro-life ad"are overcome by strongly reafvocates applauded the 10- to 25firming the distinction year sentence given between 'killing' and 'alJack Kevorkian for sec"You had the audacity to go on national lowing to die,' by makond-degree murder in television, show the world what you did . ing clear that useless and the death of Thomas and dare the legal system to stop you," excessively burdensome Youk. treatment can be re"This sentence af- Judge Cooper told Kevorkian. "Well, sir, fused," and by "leaving firms that people with consider yourself stopped." no doubt society will disabilities deserve the neither authorize physisame quality of justice as those who are able-bodied," said Kevorkian team's" actions have cians to kill nor look the other way a statement by David 0' Steen, ex- . stretched over nine years and in- if they do." ecutive director of the National Right to Life Committee. Kevorkian also received threeto-seven years for delivery of a controlled substance from Oakland County, Mich., Circuit Judge.Jessica Cooper on April 13. That sen- . tence will be served concurrently with the second-degree murder sentence, He would be eligible for parole after six years and eight months. Kevorkian could have been given a life sentence. "You had the audacity to go on national television, show the world what you did and dare the legal system to stop you," Cooper told Kevorkian. "Well, sir, consider yourself stopped." The death of Youk, who suffered from Lou 路Gehrig's disease, was videotaped and shown on naiional television in November on the CBS program "60 Minutes." "We sincerely thank Judge Cooper for basing her decision on the facts of Kevorkian's 'case, ;particularly the gift .of life was prePHYSICIAN JACK Kevorkian is handcuffed after being maturely taken from Mr. Thomas Youk," said an April 13 statement sentenced in 'his murder trial in Pontiac, Mich., April 13. A from American Life League presi- judge sentenced Kevorkian to 10-25 years in priso~ ~fte.r a dent Judie Brown. jury found him guilty'of second-degree murder for InJectmg The Archdiocese of Detroit istermirlally ill Thomas Youk with a fatal mix of drugs. (eNS sued an April 13 statement after .photo from Reuters) . 路the Kevorkian sentencing but did not refer to it. Instead, archdiocesan communications director Ned McGrath noted that "the

Pope offers prayers for Colorado shooting victim~ , By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II offered his prayers and expressed his hope that the shootings by two teen-age gunmen in a Colorado high school would convince Americans of the need to teach young people moral values. The pope's shock and sadness over the shootings that left at least 15 people dead and 20 critically injured was conveyed in a telegram to Archbishop Charles 1. Chaput of Denver. The telegram, signed by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, was released April 21 at the Vatican. In addition to offering his prayers for the victims and their families, the pope expressed his hope that the tragedy would convince all Americans of the importance of teaching young people moral values, espe'cially respect for human life. The pope, Cardinal Sodano said, "expresses the earnest' hope that American society as a whole will react to this latest act of violence among the young by committing i~elf to promoting and transmitting the moral vision and the values which alone can ensure respect for the inviolable dignity of human life." Cardinal Sodano said the pope was "deeply shocked by the news of the terrible tragedy" and had asked Archbishop Chaput "to convey to the families and school community the assurance of his prayerful closeness at this very difficult

time."

"He commends the victims to almighty God and invokes divine strength and comfort on the injured anon all affected by this awful event," Cardinal Sodano wrote. The April 20 shooting at Columbine High School in the Denver sub-

urb of.Littleton left at least 15 people dead, said Steve Davis, spokesman for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. Among the dead were 12 students - nine boys and three girls - found in the school library, including the two suspected gunmen, . who were believed to have committed suicide. The body of a male adult, thought to be a faculty member, was found outside the library. The suspected gunmen, identified as seniors Dylan Klebold, 17, and Eric Harris, 18, were said to belong to a group at the school called the ''Trench Coat Mafia." The group was said to have an interest in guns, violence and Adolf Hitler. Witnesses said the suspected gunmen appeared to be targeting minority students and popular athletes. Davis said he heard speculation that the attack may have been connected to Hitler~s birthday, April 20. Here is theVatican text oftheApril 21 papal telegram to Archbishop Chaput: "His Holiness Pope John Paul II has been deeply shocked by news of the terrible tragedy which has caused many deaths and injuries at a school near Denver, and he asks you to convey to the families and school community the assurance of his prayerful closeness at this very difficult time. He commends the victims to almighty 路God and invokes divine strength and comfort on the injured and on all affected by this awful event. He expresses the ear- _ nest hope that American society as a whole will react to this latest act of violence among the young by committing itselfto promoting and transmitting the moral vision and the values which alone can ensure respect for the inviolable dignity of human life."

Catholic Action L路eag.ue condemns insult to Jesus Christ by Boston Herald Columnist

BOSTON - The CatholicAction League of Massachusetts recently condemned Boston Herald columnist Margery Eagan for her insulting characterization of Jesus Christ as a glutton and an alcoholic. In an April 11th Boson Sunday Herald column hailing a court challenge to the law prohibiting retail sales of alcohol on Sunday in Massachusetts, Eagan wrote: "Perhaps at this point we should recall that the man Sunday blue laws were created to honor described himself as both a glutton. and amajor wine enthusiast." Regarding the Gospel account of the wedding feast at Cana, Eagan described the miracle as follows: "he took a bunch of 30 gallon jugs, filled them with water and, so the story goes, turned them into enough wine to sa~iate everyone 10 miles south ofNew Hampshire and probably all of misguided Massachusetts, too." The Catholic Action League

called Eagan's reference to the Second Person of the Holy Trinity "an example of appalling disrespect to the Christian religion." C.J. Doyle, executive director of the League, ~as upset at her remarks. "Margery Eagan, who has an eight- year-record Of obsessive Catholic-bashing, has now sunk to a new low, moving from bigotry to blasphemy. It's bad enough that she would use the Holy Scripture to espouse liquor sales on the Sabbath, but in doing so she accuses .the sinless Son of God of one of the seven deadly sins. Her sophomoric prattle demeans Our Lord, trivializes the Gospels, takes the name of God in vain and betrays a callous ,contempt for the sensibilities of Christians," Doyle declared. 'The Boston Herald owes Christians an apology for this abhorrent libel against the Son ofGod," added Doyle. The League plans to pursue the matter with Boston Herald Publisher Patrick 1. Purcell.