05.11.07 by The Anchor

Heart-breaking images remain burned in memories of Notre Dame parishioners 'The parish has been rebuilt but not reborn since we never died.' - Roland J. Masse By DAVE JOLIVET, EDITOR FALL RIVER - It was a bright, sun-splashed afternoon throughout most of Southeastern Massachusetts on Tuesday, May 11, 1982. The lone exception was the Flint section of Fall River where the magnificent edifice of Notre Dame de Lourdes Church and the neighborhood to its immediate south were covered in a dark shroud of smoke, flames, embers and ashes. Shortly after 2 p.m. on that day a small fire started by workmen soldering on the roof, exploded into a firestorm that quickly engulfed the 235-foot tall granite structure. Aided by a breeze from the. ~o~h, the intense heat, flames and embers from the church jumped south across Bedard Street and ignited any flammable object in its path. In all, more than 30 buildings, most of which were tenement apartments, were destroyed or damaged. Three hundred residents were displaced, many of them Notre Dame parishioners. Several businesses

were lost and the 80-year-old church, with its familiar twinspires, was reduced to rubble and ashes. Firefighters from more than 25 surrounding communities helped battle the conflagration. The total property loss was listed at more than $13 million. Despite the mass destruction, by the grace of God, no one was killed, or seriously injured for that matter. After the smoke cleared and the ashes and rubble were swept away, the Notre Dame Parish community opened a new chapter in its history, breaking ground for a new church building on the same spot two years Jater in May of 1984. Bishop Daniel A. Cronin dedicated the new house of worship on Dec. 13, 1987. Today is the 25th anniversary of that fateful May afternoon in the city's East End. There are as many stories about the great fire as there are parishioners who lived through it. A compilation of every story would fill volumes. To mark the ocTum to page 11 - Fire

THE HEAD OF THE CLASS -

Bishop George W. Coleman shares a moment with hundreds of eighth-graders who paid a visit to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River as part of their studies on the history of the diocese. Students toured the building and attended Mass celebrated by the bishop. Story on page 20. (Photo by Mike Gordon) 'I

Acceptance of JPII High School announced by Bi~hop Coleman HYANNIS - ''Today it is with great pleasure that I announce the Fall River Diocese is prepared to accept the Pope John Paul n High School and to open it this September as a diocesan high school," Bishop George W. Coleman told a gathering of planners and benefactors on May 7. The bishop's statement follows: Being able to offer Catholic secondary education on Cape Cod has long been the dream of many over the years: previous bishops, our Cape pastors and priests,

diQcesaneducation officials, and so many ofourCatholic faq:rilies who live in this beautiful part of our Fall River DiOcese. iI also shared that dream while serving as the dioce$l director of education from 1977 to 1985. It was my belief that there would be a sufficient number of sttldents whose tuition would cover the operational ex~s of a high school, but that the challenge was the ~ capital outlay needed to build a school- a chalI Tum to page four - High School

Support to the divorced and separated; an ongoing ministry for all seasons By DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR ORLEANS and NORfH DARTMOUTH- For some Catholics whose marriages are in shambles, the hardest part in seeking help is amassing enough courage to get out of the car. For others, the craving for encouragement and understanding overrides the scariness of loss of anonymity and any embarrassment that frequently accompanies a failed marriage and divorce - and the need to talk about it with a support group. ''It's never too late for someone to walk in here and find encouragement, assistance, hospitality, counsel and spiritual advice;' said Mary Ann Eaton, a coordinator of the Divorced-Separated Support Group that meets monthly on Cape Cod offering a variety ofassistance to those in need of healing.

Meanwhile in North Dartmouth, Bob Menard, co-facilitator with Joanne Dupre of the Divorced-Separated Support Group there, says "Our mailing list includes 325 people, and we never know how many will show up for our meetings on the second and last Wednesdays of every month. The meeting might start with six and end up with 30." What the groups offer is a mix. "Sometimes we have informed speakers or watch videos and sometimes there are jamsessions where people simply want to share stories and talk. But whatever, we keep focus on the individual rather than just programs," said Eaton, who has been involved with the group for 16 years, She is one of four coordinators, also called board members, at the helm of the support group under the aegis of the DioeTum to page 15 - Ministry

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A DARK DAY - The once majestic Notre Dame de Lourdes Church in Fall River burned to the ground on May 11, 1982. Today marks the 25th anniversary of the catastrophic event.

The Changing Face of Our Diocese - Page 12

<$·-NEWS FROM THE VATICAN

MAy 11, 2007

Mirroring wider debate, Vatican talks on global warming heated By CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE VATICAN CITY - Despite being held in a cool, climate-controlled conference room, some early discussions at a Vatican-sponsored seminar on global warming and climate change got pretty heated. The rifts and tensions still dividing the global debate on the causes of and remedies for drastic climatic shifts were gently simmering in the small microcosm of the two-day Vatican meeting. The seminar, sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, gathered some 80 experts representing the scientific, political, economic and spiritual sides of the climate-change debate at the Vatican in late April to discuss "Climate '. Change and Development." "I have to commend 'the planners," said Lucia Silecchia, a professor of environmental law at The Catholic University of America in Washington, because "nobody can accuse them of bringing in a group of people who will agree with each , other." "The scientific community has been so divided and so bitter" over , the climate-change debate that ex, perts who disagree with each other don't talk to each other, Silecchia told Catholic News Service. But by bringing the opposing sides together under the neutral roof of the Vatican, she said, the Church is helping give a fresh approach to an issue mired in conflict, confusion and, often, inaction. The Vatican is reminding people ; that the environment and develop. ment cannot be helped by economics, science or politics alone, "that there are moral, ethical consider, ations" to take into account, said , Silecchia. She said policymakers have to , avoid falling into the extremes that either see "the human almost as evil and destroying a beautiful planet" , or consider development and technology as saviors of the world. Johri Carr, the U.S. Conference , of Catholic Bishops' secretary for social development and world

peace, said Christian values seen in "the virtue of prudence, the pursuit of the common good and the protection of the poor" are important contributions to the climate-change debate and should be at the heart of policies aimed at addressing global warming. Because real consensus among politicians and scientists is not around the comer, the Church can still band divergent groups together under its universal umbrella of Christian values. The Catholic Church is "not the Sierra Oub at prayer," Carr told CNS; it embodies centuries of tradition of calling for "sacrifice, restraint, moderation," promoting the common good and the option for the poor. Cardinal Renato Martino, head of the justice and peace council, said the Church's concern for the environment and creation goes all the way back to the Book of Genesis. In the two stories of creation, God gave humankind the mandate to subdue and have dominion over the earth, but he also expected humanity "to cultivate and care for it," he said. Humanity's dominion over creation "does not have to be despotic" nor should it be used for purely selfish and economic needs,· he said. Hurting the environment is a sin, he told reporters, as it "is an offense not only against yourself, but against all others" whose lives depend on its resources. Nonetheless, he said, theVatican is cautious about what sort of pronouncements it makes about global warming. But when five percent of the world's population gobbles up 20 percent of the earth's resources, lifestyle changes are important, said Cardinal Martino and Pope Benedict XVI. Instead of letting disagreements in the global warming debate continue to stall decisive action, "we have a Christian duty to live simple, responsible lives whether climate change is happening or not," said Australian Bishop Christopher Toohey of Wilcannia-Forbes.

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FLOWER POWER - Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd gathered for his Regina Caeliprayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican recently. (CNS photo/Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo)

Pope says love, respect for life must lead to greater justice By CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE VATICAN CITY - Love for neighbor and respect for human life must lead to protection of the environment, promotion of social justice and greater access to education for all, Pope Benedict XVI said. "Only charity can encourage us to place the human person once more at the center of life in society and at the center of a globalized world governed by justice," the pope said in a message to the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. The academy held its annual plenary session April 27-May 1, discussing charity and justice on an internationallevel as part of its longterm investigation into globalization. In his message, the pope said building a just society is first of all a responsibility for those involved in political leadership, but it also requires the use of reason and resolve on the part of all people to promote the common good and the dignity of each individual. A key principle in Catholic social teaching, he said, is "the universal destination of all the goods of creation." "According to this fundamental principle, everything that the earth produces and all that man transforms and manufactures, all his knowledge and technology, is meant to serve the material and spiritual development and fulfillment of the human family and all its members," Pope Benedict said. The pope asked the academy made up of experts in law, politics, economics, sociology, philosophy, anthropology and history -- to look at three specific challenges: - "The first concerns the environment and sustainable development," he said. Much more needs

to be done to protect the environment, to ensure equitable access to natural resources and to accurately monitor environmental changes and sustainable growth. "Particular attention must be paid to the fact that the poorest countries are likely to pay the heaviest price for ecological deterioration," he said. Pope Benedict said people must demonstrate "a responsible relationship not only with creation but also with our neighbors, near and far, in space and time, and with the Creator"; - Ensuring the practical application of the conviction that all men and women are created equal and are endowed with dignity. "The growing gap between the rich and poor," war, unequal distribution of natural resources and wealth, hunger and poverty, the plight of refugees and displaced people, abortion, the exploitation of children and "numerous other grave injustices" demonstrate that the equal dignity of all people is not universally recognized, he said; - An unreasonable tendency to hoard "spiritual goods such as knowledge and education," which, unlike material goods, actually in'm

~ • The Anchor

crease as they are shared. With globalization, the pope said, "the peoples of the world, for all their differences, are constantly learning about one another and coming into much greater contact." Incre~sed contact calls for increased awareness of one's own cultural and religious traditions as well as greater understanding of the true human values present in one's own tradition and in others, he said. ''To meet these challenges, a just equality of opportunity, especially in the field of education and the transmission of knowledge, is urgently needed. Regrettably, education, especially at the primary level, remains dramatically insufficient in many parts of the world," Pope Benedict said. The pope told academy members that "only love for neighbor can inspire within us justice at the service oflife and the promotion of human dignity." He also said, "Only love within the family, founded on a man and a woman, who are created in the image of God, can ensure that intergenerational solidarity which transmits love and justice to future generations."

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 51, No. 19

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Published weekly except for two weeks in the summer and the week after Chrl$ll'l1as by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 - FAX 508-675-7048, email: theanChot@anchomaws,org. &bscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year. Send address Changes to P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA, call or use email address PUBUSHE;R • Most Reverend George W. Coleman ,I!Xe~UTlVE EDITOR Father RogerJ. Landry fIItherrogerIandry@anchornewa.org EDITOR David B. Jollvet daveJollvet@anchornewa.org NEWS EDITOR Dellcon James N. Dunbar Jlmdunbar@anchorne_.org REPORTER Mike Gordon mlkegordonOanchomews.org

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MAy 11, 2007

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Bishop Coleman travels to Azores;' invited to preside at Santo Cristo feast "

FALL RIVER - Bishop George W. Coleman traveled to the Azores this week where he is participating in the Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Feast of ~rd Christ of the Miracles) in Po~ta Delgada on the Island of St. Michael. He departed May 8 ,and will return May 15. The bishop will be principal celebrant and homilist at the May 13 Solemn Eucharist of the feast and will participate in the three-hour Grand Procession which follows through the flower-decorated streets of. the c i t y . , . His participation ~omes at the invitation of the Msgr. Agostino C. Tavares, who is t~e rector of the Shrine of Sen,hor Santo Cristo dos Milagr~s in Ponta Delgada. ' The event is the largest religious feast in the Azores. It takes place annually on the sixth Sfutday ofEaster. It draws thousands from throughout the Azores as well as from other countries'; For many who have emigrated I,from the islands, it is a time to return home to join in the celebration and to visit family and friends. I' ''Three years 1 ag9 1 was privileged to have been able to be present for this feast for the first time," Bishop Coleman said.' "I remember meeting a number ofAzorean famiII

SOMETHING TO SAY - Demonstrators march down Third Avenue in downtown Phoenix May 1 to promote comprehensive immigration reform. (eNS photo/J.D. Long-Garcia, Catholic Sun)

Thousands march for immigration reform in Detroit, "other U.S. cities By ROBERT DELANEY

march and rally. EduardoYbarra, a member ofSt. DETROIT - Undocumented Michael Parish in Pontiac, said he immigrants "need better treatment has been in the United States 12 and deserve it," said Manuel years and hopes to get his papers so Gonzalez, a Mexican-born U.S. citi- he can" be a legal resident. "I just zen, waiting for the start of an early' want to stay here. I don't want to May march and rally in support" of leave. 1 have a wife and two kids inmiigraiion reform in Detroit. here," Yb!llTa said. Sister Nina Rodriquez, a Sister of ''Let Us treat immigrants the same as everybody else in this country," St. Joseph from Most Holy Trinity said Gonzalez, a member of Most Parish in Detroit and a daughter of Holy Redeemer Parish in Detroit" Mexican immigrants, said she atwho attended the Detroit rally with tended the rally because of her love his three-year-old son, Angel. for "God's people and for justice. Gonzalez was among about "We're human beings like every3,000 people - overwhelmingly body else, and we belong here," she Hispanic and mostly young, with told The Michigan Catholic, many pushing ~aby strollers - who archdiocesan newspaper of Detroit. took part in the 2.5-mile march. FatherAnthony Richter, pastor of Many of them carried American or Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish Mexican flags, or signs calling for in southwest Detroit, said he came justice or an end to the breaking up to the rally out of concern for basic of families. human dignity and respect for The march took place on May 1, people and families. His parish has the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, a growing Hispanic community and just two days after Michigan's offers Mass in Spanish on Sundays Catholic bishops issued a statement and Wednesdays. on the need for immigration reform. Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Daniel The Detroit raliy was one of doz- E. Flores introduced the Michigan " ens of immigration rallies held bishops' statement on the need for across the country the same day. immigration refon.n in late April at Demonstrators showed up in much a media briefing bef<;>re the Sunday smaller numbers than last year, even evening Spanish-language Mass at for larger gatherings in Chicago, Most Holy Redeemer Church. New York and Phoenix. Although "Precisely because we have the most of the rallies were peaceful, march and rally coming up on the police clashed with demonstrators in feast of St. Joseph the Worker, we Los Angeles while trying to disperse felt it was a good time for us to speak the crowd. out about the plight of many sufferOneida Chapa, an American citi- ing workers," he said. zen, said she was at the Detroit event He said the Michigan bishops' in support of her husband, Guada- statement echoes the principles of lupe Garcia, in his quest for perma- the U.S. bishops' statement on imnent immigrant status. "I want to migration. He also hoped it would become a legal resident," Garcia encourage Catholics to contact their said. The couple belongs to Most representatives and senators in Holy Redeemer Parish, one of the Washington to urge them to support sponsoring organizations for the reform. CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

In their statement, the bishops stressed that immigration legislation should permit the prompt reunification of families and open a path toward the legalization of undocumented workers currently in the United States. The statement also emphasizes the need to develop an efficient system for the future entrance of "temporary workers and permanent legal residents into the United States.

lies from the Diocese of Fall River who had returned for the event." The bishop said that he found the feast to be "a deeply spiritual experience." He explained, "I was very moved by the expression of faith on the part of those participating in the Mass and the procession. I look forward to returning and am very grateful for the invitation from Msgr. Tavares to preside at the events." "While there, Bishop Coleman will visit with Azorean Bishop Antonio Sousa Braga and Bishop Emeritus Aurelio Granada Escudeiro, both of whom he says "are known and well regarded by many in our diocese with ties to the Azores." Accompanying Bishop Coleman will be Father John J. Oliveira of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford, who is also the coordinator of the diocesan Portuguese Apostolate, and Father David A. Pignato, secretary to the bishop.

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The Anchor

MAy 11, 2007

Doing physical work, making a living are" tough for aging Benedictine nuns BRANFORD, Conn. (CNS) tests. ''Wefollowed some patients who The Benedictine nuns at the Monas- did develop cancer," Sister Zita said. tery of the Glorious Cross arise each ''Women who had their smears done U;Jl1d ~o !J~!Ll moming by 6: 15 to devote the day to by us got our prayers as well." ff ( (in'i'::::路拢;, w wmntILilt ll :,' prayer, work and silence, just as they Some of the nuns also helped supff:;;~" t));:UI. \>1 ,!!l';:_~; always have done. port their congregation in the late rllU;: !f1tt[udt~ !!ll~~:I~l They're nowhere near as able to do 1990s by working for Electronic ~ot/:i l'~ 1rni hi (iI!!i t~t'( hYl\~11 it as they used to be, though. Scriptorium, a firm that farms out comThey are getting old, and physical puter data-entry work to nuns and wotK is harder. For the 18 Benedictines monks across the country. of Jesus Crucified at the monastery; Sister Marie Bruna Loh, the all 65 to 85 years old, the Benedictine . congregation's webmaster, said their motto "ora et [abora" ("pray and work included cataloging the huge work") is now more like "ora et ora." photo library of the.New York Daily ''With the increasing age and di- News. minishing strength of a lot of the sisShe saw no conflict between that ters here, prayer is the one thing that work and their vocation. ''In fact, this all can do - at least try to do;" said was a coristant reminder for us to pray Sister M. Zita Wenker. for the world," she said. Age is not the only problem. The Through Electronic Scriptorium nuns are members of a religious com- the community also cataloged s<;>me nlUnity that has always welcomed 30,000 manuscripts for New York's women with disabilities. Failing eye- Pierpont-Morgan Library; transcribing MAKING THE GRADE - Atty. Mark Boudreau, right, secretary of the Pope John Paull! High School sight, arthritis and other age-related lectures and correspondence for a Board, thanks Bishop George W. Coleman following confirmation that the new Catholic high school in conditions only compound problems French foundation that helps blind"stu- "Hyannis will open this September. (Photo by Dave Jolivet) some already had, such as heart con- dents and others to become fully integrated professionals; translating arditions or painful impairments. Continued from page one Eight of the Sisters rely on wheel- ticles ill German into Braille and runchairs. At afternoon prayer, some stand ning a Braille printing press. lenge that the Diocese could meet project over the second year. Further- them. while others can't; some sing, others Unable to keep that up, the nuns neither then nor now. more, since the school will not be at At this point, I want to say a word make and sell cards and candles, probarely move their lips. When this former Barnstable capacity for the first few years, we of deep appreciation to the directors The community, which in the past vide guest quarters for retreats, offer school building became available and anticipate that the school will incur and members of the Pope John Paul has found ingenious and ofibeat ways classes and collect and sell canceled was acquired by a determined group operational deficits totaling approxi- II High School Group for their long to support itself, now finds itself ask- stamps. One sister does secretarial of laypersons with the goal of turn- mately $1.2 million. commitment to this high school ing for help. work on a computer for a person in ing it into a Catholic high school, it In total, then, we have been plan- project. I am well aware of the diffi"I have to say that for the present, Pennsylvania; another does data enseemed that perhaps a major hurdle ning on a cost of $6.92 million to culty in raising large sums of money. we don't have a lot of remunerative try for an organization; both receive had been cleared. In September complete renovations, to retire the I also want to acknowledge and thank work, and without God's great gener- stipends. "2005, the diocese entered into a mortgage, and to financially support the many volunteers who have over osity and the kindness of people, we Since 2004, two sisters have done memorandum of understanding with the new school to a point where it will many months donated time, labor, couldn't manage," Sister Zita told The work for the Knights of Columbus, the Pope John Paul II High School be able to become self-sufficient. and materials to make the improveCatholic Transcript, newspaper ofthe preparing reliquary prayer cards for Group which specified the terms of By the end of January 2007, the ments to the school building and the Father Michael J. McGivney Hartford Archdiocese. how such a school would come into Pope John Paul II Group was able to grounds. Please know that I am grateIt didn't used to be that way. Guild, also for stipends. being. In short, the group would be raise. $2.58 million for the high ful for your contributions in this way. These efforts, however, aren't The community moved to responsible for raising all ofthe fund- school, of which $1.5 million came While much has been accomBranford in 2001, after its stately air enough. Mother Marie-Rita Syn said ing necessary for the purchase and from one exceptionally generous plished to date, it's important to keep beys in Newport, R.I., and Devon, Fa, that although the sisters do their best renovation of the building and, once benefactor, Mr. FrankWard. By mid- in mind that the project is far from became too much for its shrinking to be self-sufficient their income can't completed, would turn the school winter all of that had been expended finished. Major renovations still need numbers. keep pace with rising costs. over to the diocese. In the interim on repairs, a portion of the building to be completed in many areas of the Before that, a number of the SisThe sisters say the gas and electric the diocese would be responsible for purchase, interest payments, and building and property, and fund-raisters in both abbeys helped the com- bills alone are more than $100,000 a overseeing curriculum development monthly utilities. To be forthright, at ing must continue to pay for the munity earn its daily breadfor 36 years year. They currently are conducting a " and the hiring of staff. that point: the outlook for the school project. by screening Pap smears in laborato- fundraising effort with a goal of Since then, the Pope John Paul was bleak. Without the burden of the mortries within their abbeys. A Philadel- $350,000. High School Group, led by Atty. Since then, however, through the gage, anticipated expenditures for the phia pathologist proposed the .idea to Donations may be ma"de at: Mark Boudreau, has been at work try- joint "efforts of several persons, the school amount to $4.42 million of the nuns in 1959, as more and more benedictinesjc. Qrg/ ing to meet its end of the agreeinent. high school has received a great boost which as of now $3.25 million has doctors relied on the Pap test to screen GloriousCross.html, or mailed to: For our part, I asked our superinten- with new pledges and receipts total- been pledged or received. This leaves for cervical cancer. Benedictines ofJesus Crucified, Mondent of schools to become the liaison ing $3.25 million. Credit for the bulk a balance of $1.17 million to be The patients didn't know they got astery of the Glorious Cross, 61 to the group, to offer his professional of these contributions must be given raised. more than skilled eyes to screen their Burban Dr., Brariford, CT 06405. During one of his visits to expertise on renovation plans, and in to Mr. Frank Ward, who has pledged July of last year we hired a full time" an additional $1.5 million to the America, our late beloved Pope John principal to begin to plan the school's project, bringing his total contribu- Paul II, in whose memory this school curriculum and programs and to over- tion to $3 million, and to Mr. Paul is named, said this of Catholic edusee the marketing ofthe school to pr0- Birmingham and his sister, Mrs. Lois cation: "The Church in ~l her parts Birmingham Wrightson, who, -is called to value ever more deeply spective students and their families. Let me offer an overview ofwhere through the Birmingham Foundation, the importance of this task and misthings stand. There is currently a have donated $1.5 million to the sion and to continue to give it full and mortgage of $2.5 million on which school. They have also contacted oth- enthusiastic support." I believe that the foundation is the Pope John Paul II Group has been ers to assist. In addition, Mr. Birmingpaying the interest. In a February ham and Mrs. Wrightson have also ready on which to launch the Pope 2007 report on the status ofthe build- indicated their intention to help work John Paul II High School on Cape ing, our facilities consultant advises to retire the mortgage by identifying Cod. With God's help, I am confiDEVOTED SERVANTS OF GOD - Benedictines of Jesus Crucified sing during afternoon prayer in early April in the intimate chapel that renovations in the amount of$1.9 other prospective large donors and dent that it will offer strong secondary education grounded in the teachat the Monastery of the Glorious Cross in Branford, Conn. The ag- million are required to be accom- reaching out to them for support. ings and values ofthe Church and will plished by September in order for the It is through the extraordinary gening nuns are members of a religious community that, since its beginning, has welcomed women with lifelong disabilities. Pews are building to open. Beyond that he es- erosity of these 路donors that this . become a valuable and respected inplaced on both sides of the altar, but many of the s!ste~s use mo~or颅 timates additional work costing $1.32 project is able to proceed, and I ex- stitution within the Fall River Diocese ized wheelchairs. (CNS photofTerry T; Steele, Catholic Transcnpf) million is necessary to complete the press my deep heartfelt gratitude to and the Cape Cod commuriity.

High School

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- t 0 B razi-I t U rns P apa1 t rip spo.tlight on Lati/D America

VATICAN Cl1Y (CNS) - Pope The issues on the Latin American Benedict XVI is on his first trip to the bishops' agenda are not new, and the Western Hemisphere, in Brazil for a pope reviewed them in capsule form strategizing session with LatinAmeri- last February: can bishops. - the need to revitalize the faith The May 9-13 visit began with a among the Church's members in orstring of pastoral events in Sao Paulo, .. der to generate a new sense of miswhere the pope met with young people sion in society; and canonized the first Brazilian-born - the proselytism of religious saint. sects, which require, in the pope's Then he moved to the basilica of view, a new effort in Catholic educaOur Lady of Aparecida, where he in- tion; augurated the Fifth General Confer- the "growing influence of ence of the Bishops ofLatin America postmodem hedonist secularism," and the Caribbean, celebrating Mass which is seen as dramatically eroding and delivering a major speech to par- the traditional values of the predomiticipants of the May 13-31 meeting. nantly Catholic continent; The trip turns a spotlight on Latin - marriage and the family, which America, a geographical area that has the pope said show "signs of yielding had little attention from this pope to under the pressure of lobbies" that date, but where 43 percent of the push forlegislative changes and which world's Catholics live. are threatened by the increase in di'1 think we may have this idea of a vorce, cohibitation and adultery; pope who has spoken a lot about Eu-economic injustice and the fight . rope and who has a 'bookish' culture against Poverty, along with the growin the tradition ofEuropean thought and ing phenomenon of migration, which reflection:' said Jesuit Father Federico also impacts family unity. Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman. The pope is well aware that many '1 think the messages, gestures and Latin AIDerican bishops believe the images of this trip will heIp people Church stands at a turning point after understand how the pope sees the 'uni- l?sing grounc;l in recent decades. versal' side of his ministry, in a more At the last Synod of Bishops in evident way than before," he said. 2005, the pope listened as. Brazilian

The pope knows thi$ cannot be accomplished from the top down,

Cardinal Claudio Hurnmes told the assembly that in Brazil - the most populous Catholic country in the world":- the number ofCatholics was· declining by about one percent each year, with many lost to Protestant sects. In Brazil, for example, the Vatican says 85 percent of the population is Catholic, but experts who follow census figures say the real number may be closer to 70 percent. In Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city and one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world; the pope talked about persistent social issues like urban violence, homelessness, corruption and economic disparity. When the Vatican recently critiquedJesuitFatherJon Sobrino, a pioneer in liberation theology, some saw it as asign of things to come from the pope and the May bishops' conference. But Father Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said he does not expect liberation theology to be a crucial issue during the papal visit. Instead, he said, the pope is e~pected to focus on concerns like secularization, the activity of the sects and urbanization, and their relationship to the fundamental question of how to announce Jesus Christ in an evolving culture.

however. That may be whY, rather than announcing grand plans br programs, . I he has so far focused on inore fundaiIl mental tasks.

U. S. has most groups for WYD SYDNEY, Australia (CNS) The United States had the largest number of groups registered for World Youth Day 2008 in the fust 50 days of online group bookings. Organizers said they were delighted with the response, which indicates that 65,000 pilgrims including 23,000 from the U.S. are already planning to attend the event July 15-20, 2008. Registrations for individuals open in July. Danny Casey, chief operating officer for World Youth Day, called the early registrations "very encouraging." He said that the largest number of registrations after the United States came frQmAustralia, followed by previous host countries: Canada, Germany and the Philippines. Casey said77 percentofthe pilgrim groups had named English as theirpreferred language, with otherlarge groups preferring Spanish and German.

that his company had reached an agreement with World Youth·Day coordinators to offer an array of "(eal-time" communications services to the event. "We intend to make World Youth Day shine by using our world-leading next generation infrastructure," Trujillo said. The coverage will include cellphone messaging, Web casts and Web logs (blogs) "so that more young people around the world can

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To Lourdes, Paris and Le Mans, France, for the beatification ceremony of Father Basil Antoine Moreau, CSC.

. As he told planners earlier this year, the Latin American conference must first of all "encourage every Christian to convert and become a true disciple of Jesus Christ, sent out by him as an apostle:'

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6 The old Notre Dame and the virtue of munificence

4; The Anchor $

MAy 11, 2007

the living word

For more than 2,000 years, beginning 400 years before Christ withAristotle, munificence was listed among the virtues. Perhaps the ·greatest indication that the virtue of munificence has fallen out of vogue is that so few people today even know what it.means. The rediscovery of its meaning and practice, however, i~ critical for the good of the Church and the betterment of culture and society. The virtue of munificence refers to a firm habit to desire and do great works for the benefit of others. It is generally.contrasted with the virtue of generosity, which is the firm disposition to sacrifice what one has for the good o~ others, even though what one has may be small and even though it may help only one beneficiary. Munificence, on the other haild, refers to . sacrifices of great amounts for the benefit of many. Even though the term may be unfamiliar, there are still examples of munificent men and women. We can point to the former owner of Domino's Pizza, who is spending his fortune to build a new Catholic University in Florida. There's the witness of a married couple that summers on the Cape who donated huge amounts to build the exquisite Our Lady of Life perpetual adoration chapel in West Harwich as well as a new parish church and retreat center in other dioceses. There are the actions of an Osterville husband and wife who have given millions to make possible Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis. Throughout history, while most Catholics did not have the resources to make munificent benefactions, they had munificent desires and dreams. When JULIE AND DYLAN MERCADO, MEMBERS OF ST. HENRY PARISH IN DAYTON, OHIO, ENJOY A Catholic immigran~ came to the United States, they took full advantage of the rights to freedom of association and freedom of religion to band together WARM AFTERNOON AT ELLENBERGER PARK IN INDIANAPOLIS. ALL MOTHERS ARE HONORED IN . by ethnic groups to make those high desires a reality. They pooled their efTHIS YEAR. (eNS PHOTo/MARy ANN SPECIAL WAYS ON MOTHER'S DAY, WHICH IS MAY forts, their talents, and their salaries and sayings together to accomplish not WYAND, THE CRITERION) just goOd works but great ones - hospitals, parish schools, and especially magnificent churches - something that only the wealthy were able to do in 'RIsE UP IN SPLENDOR! RAIsE YOUR .EY:ES AND lOOK ABOUT; YOUR SONS OOME FROM Europe. One doesn't have to visit Boston, or Chicago or Philadelphia to see AFAR, AND YOUR DAUGH1ERS IN 1HE ARMS (F 1HEIR NURSES" (isAIAH 60: 1, 4B). such munificent structures. They're here in the cities ofour diocese, as visible signs of the faith, the hope and the parish-wide love for God that erected them. 1\venty-five years ago today, one ofthe most renowned examples ofparoThis Sunday, May 13, marks for disciplined prayer and cooperation with God's plan. chial munificence in our diocese, the old Notre Dame Church in Fall River, of the first of Fatima the 90th anniversary sacrifices. The message Instead of remaining on the was consumed by flames. Its extraordinary interior and exterior beauty beis unmistakably one of atonement, surface of God's plan of salvation, came a holocaust to the God to whom through Mary's intercession it was apparition of the Blessed VIrgin repentance, and conversion, they agreed to put into the deep of dedicated. As devastating as the destruction of such a treasure was, the trea- Mary at Fatima, Portugal, in . leading ultimately to peace. that plan by participating in the sure continued to live, because its beauty had deeply formed not just the 1917. For many, the story of It cannot be forgotten that the task of redemptive suffering. spirituality of the Notre Dame parishioners but so many others who had the Fatima calls to mind the idyllic shepherd children were true to The story of Fatima reminds us privilege ofvisiting the church before it burned. The old Notre Dame, with its image of the three shepherd indelible resplendence, preached an unforgettable message that God is worth children, Francisco and Jacinta their words, as they willingly that the gifts of God's grace and our very best. Like the great European basilicas, it was a small but over- Marto, and their cousin, Lucia dos endured various trials and peace often come only through whelmingly attractive glimpse of the splendor of heaven, for it communi- Santos, kneeling in the pasture sufferings, beginning with harsh the dedicated and disciplined cated something of the grandeur of God. before the Blessed work of prayer and Many say today, matter-of-factly, 'They don't build churches like that Mother who appeared fasting. It also reminds us anymore." While in large part true, it's not because we've lost the know-how, from heaven. of the unavoidable truth but because we've lost the munificence. We live in the midst of a culture But behind this that the salvation of souls marked by the ephemeral, disposable, mobile and individual, which makes .endearing image is the is constantly at stake, and the necessary conditions for munificence - a'spirit of great sacrifice, pa- seriousness of the that God seeks our free tience, hope, long-term thinking, and parish-wide commitment, investment message that was given cooperation in bringing and cooperation- much harder to come by. Even when hundreds of milto the children by Mary. about that gift of salvalions of dollars are invested on a new sports stadium or 10 million on a new After answering the tion. Instead of remaining school, for example, we do not expect them to be around for more than a children's questions and on the sidelines as passive generation or two. The idea of building something to last for centuries seems telling them that she had come spectators, we are called to step resistance and even threats of almost foolish. from heaven, she asked them, out onto the field and into the abuse from family members and But real love always has a touch of the extravagant, and the munificence "Will you offer yourselves to game government officials who refused of God's plan of salvation. ofold was marked by a love for God and a concern for future generations that God, and bear all the sufferings of the to believe their reports During this Easter season, as made such sacrifices to accomplish great works for the glory of God and the he sends you, in atonement for all apparition. They also practiced we celebrate Our Lord's victory benefit and enrichment of others seem eminently sensible. The desire for over sin and death and contemdifferent mortifications, such as munificence flows naturally from the ~'greatest" and the "new" command- the sins that offend him, and for plate the glory of his Resurrec.fasting and wearing tight cords ments given to us by Jesus, to love God with 100 percent of who we are and 'the conversion of sinners?" And around their waists, in an effort to tion, we do so while keeping in have (Mt 22:37) and to love our neighbor with the same down-to-the-last- after the children promptly mind the sufferings he first merit the grace of conversion for drop-of-blood type of love with which Jesus loved us (John 13:34; 15: 12). replied, "Oh, we will, we will," endured on the Cross. We know sinners. For Francisco and When there's no desire for munificence, generally one's love for God and for the heavenly Lady said, "Then others - and whole spirituality -will be parsimonious as well. that there is no glory of Easter, you will have a great deal to Jacinta, death came early from The recovery of the virtue of munificence does not mean necessarily that suffer, but the grace of God will painful illnesses, only'a few years without the pain of Good Friday. Catholics in our diocese will once again seek to build structures like the old be with you and will strengthen after the apparitions, at the young In the same way, the story of Notre Dame, or St. Anne's in Fall River, or St. Anthony's in New Bedford, to you." Mary then opened her Fatima reminds us that there is no ages of 10 and nine, respectively. name just the most notable examples. But it should begin with visiting them, hands, and the children were I remember my first visit to the lasting peace and consolation cherishing them for true treasures they are, supporting them and taking a bathed in a bright light, as she from God without the hard work shrine of Fatima, located at the holy pride in them. We learn from the fire that consumed the old Notre Dame told them, "Say the rosary every sight Of the apparitions. As I knelt of fidelity to God and his comthat even sacred edifices built to last for centuries may be gone in hours, and day, to bring peace to the world mands. In this way, the lesson of at the tombs of Blessed Francisco therefore should never be taken for granted. the shepherd children of Fatima is and an end to the war [World and Jacinta, I was struck by the Such sacred temples are sacraments of the splendor of the Church's faith: yet another reminder of Our immediate willingness they War IJ." they are visible signs ofthe radiant beliefs, palpable hope and ardent love that Lord's call to put out into the showed to cooperate with the The ~tory of Fatima is beautibuilt them, and for that reason they efficaciously help to increase the faith of deep. requests of the Blessed Mother.' ful on.the surface; but is more Catholics who visit. In them one cannot help but feel Catholic, and that being Father Pignato is chaplain at Instead of resenting that they had serious underneath. In addition tQ Catholic is great. The more time we spend in such dazzling shrines, built by Bishop Stang High School in been chosen the charming image of the to suffer in atonethe nickels and elbow grease of generations of Catholics who had far less ment·for sins, they imitated Our North Dartmouth and is Blessed Mother appearing to the than we do in terms of material possessions and education, the more we will secretary to Bishop George W. Lady'sjiat to the archangel three poor children is the more not be able to help being inspired by them"to perpetuate our ancestors' muColeman. Gabriel, and offered their lives in somber message about the n.eed nificence and to emulate it.

The lesson of the shepherd children

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I Mw 11, 2007

The Anchor

implant into the uter~:s. The mother's breast, this does not argument runs like thts: an imply that it never became a embryo is like an acorn that has human being. It only implies while in the case of the acorn, not itself a mature tree. The Many current bioethical not yet been planted in the soil. that it never became an adult no chain saw is required. acorn and the mature tree, arguments, aHhough intellectuThat acorn is only a potential human being. Similarly, it Additionally, we are not likely however, are both "oak," and ally fashionable, nevertheless oak tree, not I an actual oak tree. would be false to say that an , to have much emotional the acorn is just a younger remain flawed in their reasonIt will become an actual oak embryo that never attached to attachment to a little acorn, version of the mature tree ing. An impressive example of its mother's uterus had failed to tree only after it is plfnted and while we might have strong the two are different developthis can be seen in.a recent grows, and the human embryo become a human being. That attachments to the large tree Boston Globe article by Profes- mental stages of the same oak. will become a human being embryo was clearly a human , that has been in our front yard Therefore, acorns are not sor Michael Sandel, who only after it implants into the being, but one who couldn't potential oaks; instead, they are for years. But feelings and teaches at Harvard. He begins uterus and begins to grow. find nourishment, and ended up emotional attachments don't actual oaks with the potential with a reasonable analogy While it is true that aCorns dying before he or she could alter the fact that the loss don't become mature;:trees until reach a later sta~e like infancy, between acorns and i-_...__ is the same kind in both embryos, but quickly adolescence, or adulthood. The after they are plantedllin the cases - the loss of an confuses his terms and ,ground, it is false that those breast and the uterus are really oak - a very little oak ultimately draws an acorns are not "oak" until they nourishment-delivery systems in one case, and a very incorrect conclusion: are planted. The reason the for helping little human beings big oak in the other. " ... although every acorn can produce a tree at all during the early stages of their Because we may become' is that both are alreaqy inoak tree was once an existence - tender maternal emotion~lly attached to a' . stances of the same thing, acorn, it does not mechanisms for sheltering and big tree, we can slip into namely "oak." The young oak follow that acorns ate nourishing them as they grow mistakenly supposing oak trees, or that I grows and eventually'turns into towards more mature stages. that the acorn is not an oak. to become mature trees with sho.uld treat the loss of an acorn an old oak with the help of These examples remind us of Regardless of whether we branches and leaves. Embryos, eaten by a squirrel in my front nourishment from the soil, the regrettable situation we might have a personal bias or similarly, produce adults, even yard as the same kind of loss as water from the sky, and sun. encounter ever more frequently an emotional attachment to a though an embryo is not itself the death of an oak tree felled shine. The soil, sunsHine, and today, a situation where clear big oak, or even a prejudice an adult. The embryo and the by a storm. Despite their. thinking becomes the first water permit it to gror to a against little oaks, our prejuadult, however, are both developmental continuity, more advanced stage i,of what it casualty of agenda-driven dice cannot alter the hard "beings that are human," and acorns and oak trees differ. So intrinsically is. positions. As lawmakers, Hollybiological fact that both the the embryo is just a younger do human embryos and human Similarly, while it 'is true that wood figures, and even wellacorn and the mature. tree are beings, and in the same way. version of the adult - the two, educated intellectuals become embryos don't beco~e adults oak. Similarly, by becoming Just as acorns are potential oaks, in fact, are different developconvinced that we must harvest unless they are implanted in a emotionally attached to grownhuman embryos are potential· mental stages of the same uterus, it is incorrect ;;that those embryos for parts, they scramble up human beings, we can slip human beings." human being. Hence embryos embryos are ,not hum;an beings for arguments that may seem into mistakenly supposing that The error in this passage can . are NOT potential human unless that implantatton occurs. seductive at first, but ultimately an embryo is not a human be summarized simply: embryos beings; rather, they are actual When an embryo is not imlack rigor, substance and truth. being. Yet any emotional are not potential human beings; human beings with the potential Father Pacholczyk, Ph.D. planted, it is rendered unable to response or prejudice we may to become adults with arms, rather, they are ~uman beings nourish itself, and it gradually earned his doctorate in neurohave regarding human embryos legs and checking accounts. with potential. Embryos are starves to death. If a newborn science from Yale and did postcannot change the hard biologi- were locked alone in li·a room Do we treat the loss of an potential taxpayers, potential doctora'l work at Harvard. He cal fact that both embryos, and a~orn eaten by a squirrel in the pianists and potential bank where it couldn't ever reach its is a priest of the Diocese of I: • h the taxpayers they grow into, robbers, but the only reason they front yard as the same kind of mother's breast f or nouns Fall River, and serves as the are human beings. have all that remarkable potenloss as the death of an oak tree ml?nt, it would eventually die of director of Education at The Sometimes the acorn analtial (and so much more besides) felled by a storm? We don't starvation and dehydration. National Catholic Bioethics ogy is taken one step further, in Because the baby neyer sucis because of what they already treat them the same, because in Center in Philadelphia. See an attempt to suggest that are, namely, human beings. the case of the felled tree, with ceeded in attaching t9 its www.ncbcenter.org human embryos do not become Acorns, of course, become its large dimensions, we need a human beings until they trees, even though an acorn is chain saw to clear the debris, Ii

Acorns and embryos

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The An~hor ,

MAy 11,2007

'Whoever loves me, will keep my word...' This Sixth Sunday ofEaster brings us close to the end of the Easter season. In many parts of the universal Church this is the last Sunday called a Sunday ofEaster. . Next Sunday many Catholic communities will celebrate the feast of the Ascension and the following Sunday we will observe Pentecost which will officially end our Easter celebrations. When something comes to an end, it is very important for our spiritual growth to take a moment and reflect, tQ stop and look back at the passing season, at these past six weeks. Are you aware at all that we are still celebrating Easter, even though it bas been a few weeks since the Easter Vigil? Can you feel this Easter spirit when you come to church or say your daily prayers? Have you taken this opportunity to deepen your awareness of God's love and his presence in your life, in your family, in your community? Do you rejoice in the truth that Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, suffered and died for you; that he rose to new life so you might live forever? Th.ke a moment to meditate on the prayer of the Easter IV preface (introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer): ''In him a new age has dawned, the long reign of sin is ended, a broken world bas been renewed, and man is once again made whole." If you allow this

mystery to penetrate your entire being, you will cry out, Alleluia! As we journeyed through this Easter season, with Mary of Magdala, Simon Peter, and the other disciple we were invited to give witness to Christ's resurrection as we celebrated Easter. With Thomas we were called to strengthen our faith in the resurrection, to believe without seeing. The celebration of the Divine Mercy Sunday gave us a beautiful opportunity to immerse ourselves more deeply into the mystery of Christ's love and mercy offered to the whole world. With Peter we were able to proclaim our love for Jesus and his people. His call, ''Follow me;' should always resonate in our minds and hearts as we get more involved in our communities, our parishes. As we follow Christ he assures us that we belong to God and our reward is eternal life. Indeed we are people of the resurrection. It has been very exciting to follow some of the Apostles in our first readings from the Acts. Their stories offer us an amazing picture of the early communities of believers. As we all do today, the Apostles had to face many challenges and in response to it they had to lay down different rules and regulations to prevent divisions within and between the

newly fomring communities. One of the first challenges was to see the followers of Jesus within the context of their Jewish roots. The Holy Spirit guides the Apostles to understand and proclaim that Christ did not come just for a chosen group of people but he came to save all people, Jews and Gentiles alike. In today's reading from the Acts the circumcision is

put into question. Some followers ofJesus from Judea said: ''Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved." In response to this, "the Apostles and elders, in agreement with the whole church" of Jerusalem sent Barsabbas and Silas back to Antioch. In their letter they resolve this issue by teaching: "It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful mattiage." While most of those ''necessities'' are irrelevant to us, today we have

to face many new challenges . which have the power to divide families, communities, and the Church. Our answer to many of the modern challenges will define us as those who do or do not follow Jesus Christ As the Apostles were guided by the Holy Spirit, we too are guided by the Spirit of God. It is expressed in the teaching of the Church. In the Gospel for this Sunday Jesus prepares his disciples for the two events we will remember within the following two weeks. He tells them: "I am going away and I will come back to you.... And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe." This Jesus' "going to the Father" we will remember with the feast of the Ascension. The Lord also readies his disciples for Pentecost: "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." When you come to church in two weeks take a moment to notice the Paschal candle; it should still be by the lectern or somewhere in front of the altar. The following Sunday you will see it by the baptismal font It is a powerful sign of the transition we need to undergo as we end this Easter season. We have been hearing of and celebrating Christ's

victory over sin and death, we have been strengthened and nourished in our faith. This nourishment will continue throughout the year as we celebrate the Eucharist and other sacraments, but now we have to take our Easterjoy, our Easter strength and put it to work. Our call to work for Christ stems from our baptism. In the beginning of todaY'S Gospel passage Jesus says: ''Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him." To keep God's word is to practice it; it is to live it out. We see the Apostles doing it as they preach, heal, and strengthen the early communities. As we live each day in the name of Christ we have the power to preach his Good News, to heal our world, to build up our families and communities. And if we keep Jesus' word, God will make his dwelling place within us. Imagine that! Thus we will be able to see ourselves as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem described in the Book of Revelation, where there is "... no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb." May the light of the resurrected Lord guide us as we live out faith each day!

Father Kalinowski is parochial vicar at Our Ltuly o/Victory Parish in CenterviHe.

Upcoming Dally Readings: Sat, May 12. Acts 16:1-10; Ps 100:1-2,3,5; In 15:18-21. Sun, May 13, Sixth Sunday of Easter, Acts 15:1-2,22-29; Ps 67:2-3,5-6,8; Rv 21:10-14,22-23; In 14:23-29. Moo, May 14, Matthias, Apostle, Acts 1:15-17,20-26; Ps 113:1-8; In 15:9-17. 'nIes, May 15, Acts 16:22-34; Ps 138:1-3,7c-8; In 16:5-11. Wed, May 16, Acts 17:15,22-18:1; Ps 148:1-2,11-14; In 16:12-15. Thurs, May 17, The Ascension of the Lord, Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3,6-9; Eph 1:17-23 or Reb 9:24-28;10:19-23; Lk 24:46-53. Fri, May 18, Acts 18:9-18; Ps 47:2-7; In 16:20-23.

Catholic challenges in Latin America With Pope Benedict XVI heading for Brazil in mid-May to open the fifth general meeting of CELAM, the pan-continental conference of Latin American bishops, the focus of international Catholic attention will rightly turn to one-half the world's Catholic population, its problems and its prospects. CELAM meetings have tended toward the rambunctious. The meeting in Medellin, Colombia, in . 1968 was deeply influenced by the nascent liberation theology movement; the 1979 Puebla, Mexico, meeting was opened by John Paul II's trenchant critique theologies that presented Jesus as ''the subversive Man from Nazareth." Reports from veteran observers of Latin American Church affairs suggest that the Medellin forces plan a comeback this year. Those same observers worry that this CELAM session has been poorly prepared, in both Latin America and Rome, and that the meeting's working document is a hodgepodge that, by trying to please everyone, risks confusing

everything. The Italian newspaper, II Foglio, recently asked me what I expected from Pope Benedict's visit and the CELAM conference. Here, n Foglio suggested, was an opportunity for genuine drama, as the pope - a sharp critic of aspects of ~e theologies of liberation during his days as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith - . confronted the hangovers from that movement that are still found among many Latin American churchmen. I replied that I hoped the CELAM conference would cast its net more widely, moving beyond the leftl right debates of the past 40 years to a new vision of Catholic possibility in the new demographic center of the world Church. To that end, I hoped that three ideas would frame the discussions in Brazil. First, Latin American Catholicism, like Latin America itself, must become the protagonist, the subject, of its own history. For

more than half a millennium, Latin America has thought of itself as the object of history-madeelsewhere: first, the history made by the colonial power of Spain and Portugal; later, the history made by

the giant beyond the Rio Grande, EI Norte, the United States. This instinctive self-deprecation - this sense of being on the receiving end of history, rather than the forging end - has to stop. Latin America is a diverse, rich continent of cultures formed by the unique interaction of native, Iberian, and African peoples. It is a cornucopia of natural and human resources. Yet it never seems to be able to gather itself for civilizational greatness - in part, because of this ingrained habit of thinking of itself

as a victim. If Pope Benedict manages to ignite the idea that Latin Americans must take charge of their own history - which means, among other things, confronting the shadow-side of that history, including the rampant corruption and statism that block economic and political progress throughout the continent today - he will have done Latin America a great favor. Second,Latin American Catholics must recognize that the gains made throughout the continent by evangelical and pentecostalist Protestantism are, in part, the result of Catholic failures - not of some dark plot from EI Norte. A sober reckoning with the fact that evangelicalism ''works'' in Latip America because it instills virtues that Catholicism has found it difficult to inculcate - sobriety, respect for family, thrift, responsibility - would be a good place to start the examination of ecclesial conscience.

Third, Latin American Catholic leaders should recognize that the real enemy is not evangelicalism, but secularism. In 1992, anyone who suggested that "gay marriage" would be an issue in Latin America would have been thought insane. Yet it's on the books in Buenos Aires and likely to come soon to parts of Mexico. In resisting the secularist tide.as well its crypto-Marxist cousin, the back-to-l 968 politics of . Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, evangelicals are the allies of the Catholic Church, not our enemies. None of this is very original not least because I have absorbed most of it from Latin American churchmen over the years. May the bishops and theologians who have internalized the John Paul II Revolution carry the day in Brazil with the aid of Benedict XVI, who once reminded liberation theologians enamored of "Marxist analysis" that "God wishes to be adored by people who are free."

George Weigel is a senior /eUow ofthe Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

'MAy 11,2007

';He AnCHor ,

A Mother's Day reflection The scrapbook that she had made for her daughter held so many memories; of special times and beautiful moments. It began with photos of the day that her daughter was born. A little lock of light brown hair, bright blue eyes eager to see the world, and a look of such innocence and peace when she slept. She remembers how her daughter wrapped her little fingers around her one index finger. How she would hold on tightly and wouldn't let go. There were photos of when her daughter took her first steps as she smiled and carefully walked forward for the first time. And snapshots of her daughter smiling and showing her first tooth, as well as her first "toothless grin" six years later in second grade. She remembers when her daughter first went to kindergarten, and how she held onto her "mommy's leg" and wouldn't let go. And when 13 years later, her

daughter received her high school diploma, flashing a triumphant smile in the direction of her proud parents. There were photos of her daughter's first Communion, and she remembers how her daughter first said the "Hail Mary" and how the words didn't all sound just right, but how her daughter said the prayer so beautifully from her heart. There was a photo of her daughter in her first little league uniform, hat tilted to one side, and long braided pigtails. And she remembers how it seemed that her daughter "grew up" overnight as. she looked at a photo of her senior prom. How beautiful she looked in her ivory formal, flowers in her hands and her handsome date at her side. It would be soon after, that she would go off to college and she remembers how they cried together just before they said

good-bye and she got into the car. Still the photo that she took of her daughter leaving on that day was a happy one, a snapshot of her daughter as she waved and smiled just before she left the driveway.

But then came the scrapbook memory that was not supposed to be there. The tear-stained newspaper article that changed everything. It was the article that said that her daughter was one of the students killed in a recent shooting; the violence at Virginia Tech. This memory was not supposed to have happened. It was not part of her future. It could

not possibly have been part of God's plan, but in some strange way she and her husband sensed that God was-walking with them through each moment of their grieving, that he had not abandoned them, that he was still present as he had always been. The above events are not the story for anyone person, but they could be part of a scrapbook for the life of many young people. They were inspired because of two very special.parents who I happened to see ori television. They were sharing about their daughter who had been killed at Virginia Tech. They were sharing just how special she was. But it was what they said near the end of the interview that was so poignant. "Make memories with your children, make beautiful memories. We have so many of our daughter. They are what we have now."

This Mother's Day there will be many mothers who will not get the call from the college dorm, "Hi mom, see you on Mother's Day!" And there are moms who will not be disappointed that their child cannot make it home for Mother's Day, because they are already heartbroken that their child will never come home at all. May we hold in our prayers, all of those mothers who grieve in the loss of their beautiful children, in all senseless tragedies, as well as all of those moms who have lost sons and daughters in the war in Iraq. And for mothers who will be spending special moments with their children on Mother's Day, may we hold our children close, cherish them and the beautiful gift that they are, and make beautiful memories.

Greta and her husband George, with their children are members of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee.

Here is the church. Here is the steeple. Open the door and see! Saturday 5 May 2007 Homeport - Cinco de Mayo I have 60 confinnandi this Easter season. Between confirmation candidates and their sponsors, that's 120 people. Count the catechists, the concelebrating priests, and the ecumenical clergy. Add the candidates' families. We have a pew capacity for 342 people. No way to hold the sacrament of ' Confirmation at a regularlyscheduled parish Mass. Ev~n at a separate celebration, admission is by ticket only. My main-line Protestant buddies are amazed. For them, 50 worshippers is a recordbreaking crowd. The Catholic Church is the largest denomination in the country and it is experiencing the greatest percentage of growth. This, dear readers, is a fact. I read it in The Anchor. Beyond infant baptism, about 150,000 adults a year join the Catholic Church, many at the Easer Vigil. Then there are the Catholic immigrants from Asia and Africa. But the most significant influx comes from Latin America. According to the just-released study, "Changing Faiths: Latinos and the Transformation ofAmerican Religion," Latinos are the fastest-growing ethnic group in the country, now more than 14 percent of the general population. Sixtyeight percent of Hispanics are Catholic. Latinos constitute about one-third of American Catholics. There is a new and vibrant model of Church immerging that fuses both Latino and Anglo. As sociologist Father Andrew Greeley puts it: ''Efforts ... to absorb the best of

Mexican-American religion into American Catholicism are ... efforts to retrieve and integrate into American Catholicism all that is good and true and beautiful in Latino Catholicism, especially its joy, its love of celebration, its delight in festival." The Catholic Church in the United States is experiencing both, increase and demographic change, even while denominationalloyalty across the boards is no longer a strong factor. I keep stacks of statistics on my bedside table (doesn't everybody?). I also keep the past issue of The Anchor for further study (who doesn't?). Last week's Anchor quotes the National Council of Churches. I consult the latest National Council of Churches yearbook, based on 2005 reports. Of those two dozen churches in the United States issuing annual membership reports, the Catholic Church is the largest by far and (surprise!) the fastest growingalmost 70 million members and increasing at the highest rate of +1.94 percent. In the past decade, a handful of other churches surpassed us in percentage 'of growth. Now we're on the rebound. This is good news. I bet the trend continues. We're not in a permanent tailspin no matter how you tweak the figures. The next largest denomination is the Southern Baptist Convention. It has far fewer members (16 million) and a much slower growth rate (+.02 percent).

The National Council of Churches says that of the other major denominations in the country, only the Assemblies of God (three million members, +1.86 percent), Mormons (six million members, +1.63 percent), and Jehovah Witnesses (one million members, +1.56 percent), are growing significantly. The rest are flat or in decline.

With a decrease of -3.28 percent, the United Church of Christ is experiencing the sharpest membership drop. Next in the negative column is the Presbyterian Church with -2.84 percent. Other churches with declining membership are the American Baptist Church (-1.97 percent), the Evangelical Lutheran Church (-1.62 percent), the Episcopal Church (-1.59 percent), and the United Methodist Church (1.36 percent). Some point to the phenomenal growth claimed by the Evangelical "mega-churches" (those in which more that 2,000 people attend weekend worship). The facts are that mega-churches constitute only one percent of American churches and that 80 percent of those who join mega-churches leave within two years. Mega-churches have revolving doors.

People these days shop for churches as they shop for everything else. According to LifeWay Research (funded by the Southern Baptist Convention), 51 percent left their previous church because they were disenchanted with the pastor and 44 percent say that the church wasn't fulfilling their needs. In other words, their faith wasn't engaged and their talents weren't welcome. They were not being spiritually fed. But how do they pick another church? There are three top reasons - because they agree with doctrines (89 percent), because they like the authenticity of the pastor and the congregation (88 percent) and because they like the preaching (87 percent). Most change to larger churches. A significant number drop out of church altogether. In the United States, population centers have shifted as, for various reasons, has frequency of worship among most American Christians.

,The result is the underutilization of some formerly-thriving church buildings and the overcrowding of others. People, especially the young, are not attracted to wishy-washy faith. According to Michael Medved, a nationally-syndicated TV host, author and an Orthodox Jew, people are attracted to religions that make demands and hold clear ethical values. It's about the quest for authentic spirituality and moral teaching. It's about good preaching. It's about meaningful worship. It's about a sense of community. It's about integrity and constancy. Churches (and synagogues) with these strengths are growing; those without are in decline. Open the door. See all the people. If you open the right door, you'll see all the people.

Father Goldrick is pastor ofSt. Bernard Parish, Assonet. Comments are welcome at StBernardAssonet@aoLcom. Previous columns are at www.StBernardAssonet.org.

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Right church, different pew

Louise Pimental keeps God at the center of her life By MIKE GORDON. . ANCHOR STAFF .

for more than 10 years, Pimental also volunteers at the Taunton St. Vincent de Paul store located TAUNTON - "You gotta have faith," declared on Washington Street. "I work three days a week Louise Pimental during her Person of the Week and it's a nice way to help those in need." interview. "I couldn't be who I am without God." Father John A. Gomes was thankful for her efThe 78-year-old Taunton native is a lifelong pa- forts. "Anytime we need help, Louise is willing rishioner at Annunciation of the Lord Parish, for- and able to assist us," said Father Gomes. "She is mally Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, and she has very dedicated to the Church and our parish and filled her days with a variety of activities and du- does everything with a joyful attitude. She's very ties that keep God at the center of her life. generous with her time and talents." Pimental has She has been inbeenadailycommuvolved with the nicant at Mass for .:.:::';.. :.... """", . •.... women's guild at her

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more than 25 years and helps the parish and community in a variety of ways. She

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stated, "I enjoy .------......,.-.::--......,......,......,---------..., working for the / '~. Church and my faith is very important t o o ; \. ... me." . ~ One ofthe things she enjoys is volunteering to help with . con fir mat ion /< classes. She and another senior share diff their faith experiences with confirmation students as part of the teens' weekly meetings. "I just started doing that this year, but it makes me feel good to share my faith with young people," said Pimental. "It's a 001l1® W!JJi@l"Q,lJ1) ~O}\9) --' good experience and ...

parish and said, "I love being a part of that group." Pimental served as its president for seven years and is currently the group's vice president. "We meet monthly and just recently completed a clothing drive for Birthright. We filled up my car with items including a new car seat." She also belongs to the Holy Ghost Society and has been a member for more than 40 years. "I became involved in the group when my children were very young and now they are in their 50s. I like the tradition of

I'm also learning a ANCHOR PERSON OF THE WEEK LOUISE PIMENTAL the Domingas and lot." try to attend every She has been an extraordinary minister of holy week. They are very enth!Jsiastic about their faith." Communion for more than 10 years to the Her work has not gone unnoticed, as she was homebound. ''That's gratifying," she said. "I en- awarded the Marian Medal in the 1970s and was joy going to the homes." the 2003 recipient of the Good Council Award prePimental calls those she is to visit the night be- sented by the Fall River Diocesan Council of fore and said, "They tell me they look forward to Catholic Women. "Louise inspires others through her hard work," it or it brightens his or her day and it comforts me to know that I'm doing something good for them." added Father Gomes. "She is an exemplary model She had just returned from a visit moments be- for our young people and her faith is central to fore her Person of the Week interview. Asked how her life." she felt about the nomination, Pi~ental said, "It's In May and October she leads the rosary before daily Mass. Every August she volunteers to an honor and it made me feel appreciated." Pimental has been married to Alfred J. Pimental take care of the church linens for a month. When for nine years and they reside in Taunton. She was she's not busy with her volunteer efforts, Pimental previously married to George Perry who passed likes to crochet and going out to restaurants. She away in 1982. They were married for 30 years and also makes wedding cakes and until recently had four children together. Today she enjoys taught cake decorating. spending time with her 12 grandchildren and five Growing up in Taunton, Pimental recalled that great-grand children. faith was an important aspect of her family's life When she was younger, Pimental worked at and concluded by saying, "I get so much of beWhittenton Garment of Taunton helping to make ing active in the Church. I'll never refuse anynurse uniforms. She and her first husband later thing." opened a carpet business called the Perry Rug The Anchor encourage~ readers to nominate Company. "I did the books and assisted in the others for the Person of the Week - who and showroom," said Pimental. "When my husband why? Submit nominations at our email address: passed away my son took it over." theanchor@anchornews.org, or write to The AnA member of the St. Vincent de Paul society chor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

One Saturday vigil Mass little Lauren was enjoying a bottle of Gerber's apple juice. I can't remember who was feeding her at the time, so I'll blame my wife, but the bottle slipped and fell to the floor. Luckily it didn't break - or not so luckily. The Connolly auditorium is slanted from back to front. Consequently, the bottle went on an extended tour of the auditorium floor. We, along with many other fellow parishioners, heard the container roll past row after row. The only thing we could do was join the congregation and look around to find out from where the bottle came.

Like hundreds of others, I have a past with Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish in Fall River. Unlike hundreds of others I'm not a life-long member. Although my pepere Loridas, was a parishioner and knew Louis Destremps, the architect of the magnificent granite structure lost in the 1982 fire. My dad, Loridas Jr.., was a parishioner as a boy, and his name was included in the large Honor Roll mural in the old church recognizing parishioners who served in WWII. (Mom and dad saw to it that there was no Loridas III - Phew.) And my wife is a life-longer, as is her mother and her family. Ironically, my dad married into St Anne's Parish in.Fall River; and years later, I, then aSt.Anne's parishioner, married back into Notre Dame. I don't know what significance that holds, but it's fun to say. We've had family funerals in the old Notre Dame and nearly 30 years ago my wife and I were married there, surrounded by family, friends, a vast array of lights, paintings, sculptures and history. (See the dashing young couple below.) Most of my Notre Dame memories are post-fire, and they began almost immediately following 5111/82. My oldest daughter Lauren was born less than 40 days after the catastrophe. She was baptized in the rectory. In the weeks and months following 5111, we attended Mass at the Bishop Connolly High School auditorium. With two small puppies in tow, we often sat in the back of the auditorium. Actually that sounds very Catholic doesn't it? But I digress.

Eventually, the bottle struck a chair and broke. That meant the apple juice finished the joumey without the bottle. The parish eventually moved into its new home in 1987, and has provided hundreds of good people with many more memories. We've had family first Communions, confirmations, and graduations there. We even buried our young son from there. The fire only wiped out a building. The memories remain, and new ones are forged on the same holy ground. The Notre Dame Parish family has always been just that - family. We're one wonderful piece of God's great tapestry. Right now, we pray for our beloved pastor, Father Richard Chretien's quick recovery. We're ready to make more good memories. davejolivei@anclu!mews.org

HAPPY DAYS - Beneath the halo of the old Notre Dame Church in Fall River, a young couple prepares for a new life together.

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Fire

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casion, The Anchor interviewed a sampling of parishioners who were at the scene. While all witnessed the same catastrophe, their perspectives are quite interesting and different. For parish sexton, Roland J. Masse, the day was like any other. He prepared for morning Masses, took out the trash, and performed the usual minor repairs and cleanups. "At two 0' clock it was time for me to begin closing the windows in the upper church," he said. ''That was no small job since each window was eight-feet off the floor and it required the use of a ladder from one window to the next." While closing the windows, Masse observed workmen who had been renovating the church roof rush by with a fire extinguisher, calling there was a fire in the attic. "After climbing more than 100 steps we were unable to enter the attic space due to the intense smoke," Masse told The Anchor. Masse returned to ground level and waited for the fire department to arrive. "I waited for the firefighters expecting they would be able to deal with the problem."

Masse was told that because of the height of the roof and steeples, the firemen could not reach the fire nor contain it. Dismayed, but thinking clearly, Masse removed the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle and brought it to a safe place. "It was my intention to return to the church and save anything I could," Masse recalled. "But fire officials said all surrounding buildings were in danger and we should evacuate all important documents from the rectory. By the time we were finished the church was totally engulfed in flames and all anyone could do was watch its inevitable destruction." Carole Anne Ferland was a teacher at nearby Notre Dame School, and on that fateful afternoon she and another teacher were in the church with the first Communion class, that was preparing for its special day that coming Sunday. "We were in the church and I knew something was wrong when I saw Mr. Masse run by and he was jumping over pews in a great hurry," Ferland told The Anchor. "I looked

DRASTIC CHANGE - Bedard Street in Fall River was in complete chaos on May 11, 1982. Today, the space vacated by the razed apartments from the garage eastward, is a parking lot for Notre Dame Church. (Bottom photo by Dave Jolivet)

The Anchor

up and saw an orange glow in the dome of the church. I knew we had to get the children out of there, but not cause a panic. "Getting the children to leave was quite a hassle. They wanted to take their lunch boxes and their first Communion robes." But there was no time for that. "The children sensed something was wrong and became frightened," said Ferland. "Many began crying. We ushered the children out the back stairs, leading them to the outside of the church. Not long after clearing the church I heard a great crash from the stairs we had just descended. From what I heard from personnel at the scene, part of the roof had collapsed onto the stairs." Ferland's work wasn't done. She and Jesus Mary Sister Helene Dusseault now had to keep track of 41 frightened second-graders, and keep them calm. 'We gathered in the Jesus Mary Academy yard with the children," recalled Ferland. "Many of the parents couldn't get to the school because the Flint section was blocked off. There were no cell phones then, so we had runners go to and from the school to call parents to let them know their children were safe and where to pick them up." The second-graders did make their first Communion that Sunday at Bishop Connolly High School. "All the children lost their robes in the fire, but many people donated white suits and dresses to those children who didn't have one for the Mass," said Ferland. ''The Mass was a mixture of emotions, but I was so grateful to God that no one was killed or seriously injured. I was so glad we didn't have to pray for a family who lost someone in the fire." Albert Vaillancourt is a teacher at Notre Dame School, as he was on May 11, 1982. Back then it was Vaillancourt's after school duty to walk in ranks with students heading east on St. Joseph Street. "We left the school around 2:30," said Vaillancourt. "I saw smoke coming from the church roof and knew something was wrong. I had the line walk a little faster that afternoon. When I knew the kids were safely on their way, I returned to the school. By the time I walked past the church again, someone at the scene looked at me and said, 'it's gone.'" Vaillancourt was awed by not only the total destruction of the church and the surrounding neighborhood, but also by the speed at which the calamity struck. "In a matter of 15 to 20 minutes, I saw the magnitude of the destruction." School was canceled for the rest of the week. Vaillancourt reported that when classes resumed the following Monday the mood was mixed. ''The students and the faculty were stunned by the events, but also grateful no one was hurt or killed."

STILL STANDING TALL - The statue of Christ on the grounds of Notre Dame Church in Fall River as it appeared on May 11, 1982, and today. (Bottom phqto by Dave Jolivet)

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"One of the things I remember most about that day was when the church steeples fell. There was a large crowd of people there by then, and some of the onlookers began to cheer when the spires hit the ground. I knew they weren't parishioners or neighbors. It made me sick to see people act that way." Meanwhile Bob had pulled out a garden hose to start watering down his properties. "By then, things were flying all over the place. I had an old, white motorcycle helmet and threw it on," he said. ''I tried to hose things down, but there wasn't much water coming out of the nozzle. I looked back and saw that slate tiles from the church roof had blown across the street and had cut through the hose. I looked up Bedard Street and what I saw was unbelievable. It looked exactly like the burning of Atlanta scene in 'Gone With the Wmd.' At that point, I got scared." "What happened didn't hit me for a couple of days," said Marilyn. "But when I returned and saw nothing but ashes it hit me. In the aftermath, it wasn't so much losing all our properties that was tough. We were insured for that. It was starting over - from scratch. We didn't even have a can opener. We had to start from square-one." Bob will never forget all the help that came his way and the way of all the fire victims. ''The St. Vincent de Paul Society and the diocese spearheaded a rebuilding campaign Continued on page 18

Bob and Marilyn Boutin are Notre Dame parishioners. In May of 1982 they lost not only their beloved church, they lost their home and all their belongings. In all, the Boutins lost one six-fatnily tenement building and three two-family tenements. The Boutins' properties were all in the block on Bedard Street that was completely leveled by the blaze. "I got a call that afternoon telling me that I better head home because the church was on fire," Bob told The Anchor. "By the time I got home, the church was pretty well gone and the fire was starting to jump across Bedard Street. I quickly ran to one of my tenements and told an elderly pair of sisters to evacuate. They told me 'those steeples survived the Hurricane of '38, they're not going anywhere, and neither are we.' I told them they had to leave and ushered them down stairs myself. "I was with a friend who was doing carpentry work on one of my apartments and we went to all the apartments to make sure everyone was out. At one place there was no response. I told my friend I was going to break down the door. He said 'you can't break dowq. the door.' I told him it was my property, and we broke it down. Fortunately no one was home." When Marilyn arrived at the scene, she was stunned by the magnitude of the church fire. "At that time I thought I may lose one apartment, but not all of them," she said.

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$ The Anchor $ The changing face of our diocese

By DOUG

RODRIGUES

Editor's note: This is another article in a series ofcolumns and features to inform and enlighten the diocesan faithful about pastoral planning issues affecting the local and world-wide Church. Statistics - for some of us, the very word can make us cringe, conjuring up images of piles of data, endless graphs and pie charts, and in the worst case, something not quite close to light reading. For myself, as I've sat here at my computer reviewing reports, researching information and trying to develop graphs that make some sort of sense, I find myself developing a bit of indigestion (although that may also be from the onions that were in my lunch salad). My name is Doug Rodrigues, and I'm a consultant to the Diocesan Office of Pastoral Planning. In my work in various dioceses across the country, the one constant I have found is that our Church in the United States is multifaceted, and is in many ways changing with the shifts in population and changing demographics. As Father David Andrade, director of the Office of Pastoral Planning recently pointed out in his first column Seasons of Change, "Change abounds and we have to keep on our toes to meet the challenges it brings." In this opening piece, and in future series in The Anchor, I hope to be able to paint a picture of those changes and make the statistics as user-friendly as possible. I'll begin by examining some data regarding the general and Catholic populations of our country and our diocese. Roman Catholicism forms the largest denominational group in the United States. As of last year, some 64 million individuals iden-

tified themselves as Catholic, roughly 22 percent of the total U.S. population. That population also continues to grow, in many ways the result of what some refer to as the "New Immigration" comprised of the Spanish-speaking, and in lesser ways those from Asia and Africa. While Hispanics form approximately 14 percent of the general population, 68 percent of the Hispanic population identifies itself as Catholic. Encuentro 2000, held in Los Angeles the very same year, demonstrated the richness of the new faces forming the portrait of the Church in this country, and the creative experience that many cultures - especially the Spanish-speaking are bringing to our congregations. Our diocese comprises four counties: Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes and Nantucket, and part of a fifth, Plymouth. In 2005, out of the nearly 832,000 individuals reported which form the total diocesan population, some 347,000 identified themselves as Catholic. Do the math - nearly 42 percent of our population is Catholic. In fact, as reported by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate in 2000, our diocese was ranked as one of the top 10 dioceses in terms of density of Catholic population out of approximately 175 Latin Rite dioceses. As one of my friends from southern California who recently visited remarked, upon driving through parts of Fall River and New Bedford: "My God - there are Catholic churches everywhere out here." I grew up in a very rural section of Swansea: farmland, woods, ponds, everything a kid could want in exploring the outdoors. When I drove down the street where I grew up a few weeks back, I counted five new houses in the immediate area, one

of which now sits on a parcel of land which was part of our own property. Chances are, if you take a look around your own neighborhood, you'll find other distinct changes too. Southeastern New England as a whole has been experiencing what the U.S. Census Bureau refers to as "outmigration" since 1990: many folks are retiring or looking for

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work in other parts of the country, especially the Southeast and the Southwest. I know, I was one of them. At the same time, in the period from 2000-2005, Dukes (Martha's Vineyard) and Nantucket counties grew by four percent and nearly seven percent respectively, with Barnstable and Bristol counties growing by roughly two percent each. More and more folks are relocating from urban centers to the suburbs and rural sections, forming bed-

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prove remarkable. In examining the growth of the total diocesan population and the Catholic population, we see some interesting trends. While the total population continues to increase, the Catholic population has, after reaching a high mark during the 1990s of over 350,000 individuals, begun to flatten out at approximately 347,000 individuals

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room communities of Boston and Providence. With the introduction ofthe commuter rail from Boston to southeastern Massachusetts, this will undoubtedly spell further development. Challenges will arise in certain areas with landlocking and high real estate costs. While 91 percent of our diocese is predominantly Anglo, we are also beginning to experience

Catholic Marriages within the Diocese

Baptisms and Funerals in the Diocese

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MAy 11, 2007

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the "New Immigration," especially in our cities. A pastor of one of our inner-city parishes recently commented to me that the makeup of his parish's neighborhood has changed dramatically over the past five years with the arrival of central and South American immigrants. A recent participant at a deanery study session on Cape Cod said she believed that more folks should be learning Portuguese, with the surge, in the Brazilian population in that deanery. And the fastest growing ethnic group as a whole for the diocese, by percentage, as reported recently? Asians. These trends, reflecting much of what is being experienced in different parts of the country, will undoubtedly reshape our own local Church and add to its own richness. Were I to begin unpacking all the statistics regarding the Catholic population of our diocese, chances are we'd probably all get as bogged down as I do when looking at the NFL stats page. For purposes here, we'll examine three particular areas: Catholic population, baptisms and funerals, and marriages. Some of the data regarding the number of Catholics and total population may have some discrepancies. Some parishes have conducted formal censuses, others have not. Nonetheless, we can still glean some interesting insights that

in 2005. When comparing this number with the actual number who attend Sunday Mass, we shall find that the attendance rate is much, much lower. Thus, while many may identify themselves as Catholic, they are not necessarily attending a local parish. In case you're wondering, I'll be examining these figures in a future series as they are truly an eyeopener. One other important indicator involves the number of baptisms and funerals in the diocese as reported by our parishes. The number of funerals in the diocese has risen consistently since 1940, while cresting at approximately 4,100 in 2000 and reducing to 4,000 in 2005. Baptisms peaked in 1960 at nearly 7,500, and then after a decline rose to approximately 6,200 in 1990. As of 2005, the number further decreased to 4,447 - the lowest in diocesan records since 1940. As of 2005, the ratio of baptisms to funerals as reported was nearly 1: 1 - an astonishing figure, considering the density of the Catholic population. Some months back, Bishop George W. Coleman asked me to provide an analysis of lO-year differences in the number of Catholic marriages, comparing records for 1995 and 2005. Different analysts suggest that many folks are beginning to delay, if not refrain Continued on page 13

MAy 11, 2007

The Anchor

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UPSTANDING CITIZENS - Massachusetts Citizens for Life recently held its annual [)inner and Awards Evening at Lantana Restaurant in Randolph. IDr. Mark Conrad, second from left, was the recipient of the Greater Fall River Chapter Community Award, and William F. O'Neil, second from right, a parishioner of SS. Peter & Paul Parish at Holy Cross Church in Fall River, received the Greater Fall River Chapter Service Award. Also pictured are Paulette Martinville, left, of the IGreater Fall Riv~r Chapter, and ~em~er of the Dinner Committee; and MCFL President, Joseph Reilly, right.

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1~1~1~1.1~1m1~1m~OO~M • TotalPopulallon Continuedjrompage 12 may be growing smaller, but from, making life vocation where I live everything is growchoices (such as marriage, or par- ing." Valid points. Our mission as Church is to ticular to this case, priesthood and religious life) until later in life. We evangelize: "Go and teach all nawere looking to determine if this tions." While inviting others to dis, argument held any salt based on cipleship, we support and challenge our own local findings, and may each other to become more faithful be one indicator when looking at in our relationship with the Lord. the reduction in vocations to It's about all of us; we're all in this priesthood and religious life. The together. We need to look not simresults were fascinating. All dean- ply at the numbers as they are now. eries reported decreases from We also need to be welcoming back 1995 to 2005. The number of mar- those who are not active, and invitriages in the Attleboro and Taun- ing new folks to come on board. ton deaneries was cut in half, with Back in college, I visited a the former reporting 155 fewer friend and his mother, a stout, Catholic marriages and the latter, faith-filled woman who daily 139 fewer. The Fall River Dean- , prayed her rosary, smoked her ery saw a large decrease also (122 Pall Malls and had an Old Fashfewer), while the New Bedford ioned 'around 4 p.m. In her raspy Deanery decreased but in a lesser voice she said to me, "Dougy, if fashion (43 fewer). The Cape Cod people really knew what we [the Deanery showed the smallest de- Church] were all about, they'd be crease of all- only 22 fewer mar- banging down the doors to get in." riages. Perhaps then the decrease An interesting perspective, and a in the number of marriages corre- challenge to all of us to be 'a sponds with the decrease in the people of hope and a people of number of vocations to priesthood welcoming. As the Lord invited, "Come and religious life. Whatever the case, we need to be actively nur- and follow," we need to do the turing and supporting both. ' same, in light of changing demoHopefully by now you're not graphics, changing circumstances experiencing indigestion (al- and changing times. "Change though between reviewing the abounds and we have to keep, on numbers and the salad onions lour toes to meet the challenges it am). I'm sure that all of us are brings." drawing very interesting concluIn the future we'll be looking sions. When I discussed these is- at various other issues regarding sues, with a friend recently, he our diocese - number of parasked, "My God, are we ishes, priest persoimel, and attendownsizing?" Perhaps you may be thinking: "It wasn't like this when I was younger!" "The cities

dance, just to name a few. Talk to you in a few weeks. Doug Rodrigues is a consultant for the Diocesan Office of Pastoral Planning.

Remember to give generously to the Catholic Charities Appeal I

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State abstinence program in danger of losing funding

, The Anchor news briefs

By GAIL BESSE

Debate now focuses on the' Senmessage does hit home, even to teens who are already sexually ac- ate, then on the final budget that a BOSTON - High school senior tive. She recalled one particular conference committee will hammer Arlelle Spivey worries that a pro- success. out by about June 30 and send to both , gram that empowers teens to post"After one class, a student asked houses for a vote. The govemor can pone sex for marriage is in danger our educator privately for advice," veto budget items, but lawmakers can of ending unless people speak up. Ray said. "The girl was sexually take up these budget vetoes before the Gov. Deval Patrick plans to involved with her boyfriend, but end of the calendar year. forgo a $712,000 federal grant that after learning what this involved In opposing abstinence educahas provided abstinence education physically and emotionally, she tion, the Patrick administration effectively free to 11,000 Massa- wanted to stop this part of their re- pointed to a federal Department of chusetts middle school students this lationship. She needed ideas on how Health and Human Services study year. In communities that choose to to do this, so our educator offered of Title V, Section 510 abstinence use it, the abstinence component is suggestions. programs. Released in April, the presented in addition to the schools' ''The next year, the same teacher study found that students in prosex education classes that teach returned to the school," Ray con- grams focusing solely on absticontraception. tinued. "The student approached nence are just as likely to have sex "I strongly believe in this (ab- her and said, 'Do you remember as those not in such programs. stinence) program," Spivey wrote me? I wanted to let you know that I But that study was extremely in an April 26 Boston Globe col- took your advice and I've been ab- flawed and didn't address Massaumn. She is a peer counselor at stinent for a year.'" chusetts programs, noted John Concord-Carlisle High School for Polls show that two out of three Bartley, a lobbyist for the Gerard Healthy Futures, a Boston-based sexually active teens regret having nealth Foundation, which is pushgroup that educates teens on sexual sex', Ray wrote in an article posted ing for abstinence funding, counintegrity. the group's Website, www.healthy- tering gay and abortion advocacy . Its five-session program gives futures.org. She said adolescents groups that oppose'it. medically accurate information, haven't developed the that kind of One major flaw in the study con, equips students with decision-mak- abstract thinking that guides' most ducted by Mathematica Policy Reing skills and shows that avoiding adults, and their identities aren't search was its narrow scope. It exsexual activity outside of marriage fully formed, which makes them amined only four out of more than is their healthiest choice. vulnerable to long-term, negative 900 abstinence programs currently Spivey urged the governor and emotional effects from early sexual in place, according to an April 24 state legislature to let abstinence edu- relationships. LifeNews.com report. One was volcation continue by accepting the fed"Teens know this at some level," untary and took place after school. eral grant in this year;s budget. "If it she wrote. "Something resonates Also, it targeted children who were weren't for Healthy Futures I do not with students when I talk about in abstinence programs from ages know where I, would have ended up emotional bonding in a sexual re- nine-II and those children were not in life. Sharing this information with lationship; the classroom gets silent evaluated until up to six years later. There are now 15 evaluations someone else could save them from every time. They understand that traveling down the wrong road, like sharing something so special and documenting the effectiveness of it did for me," she said. intimate with someone affects a abstinence education that the media ignores, the report states. "Even And people do want teens to person's heart at a deep level." hear this message, according to a Healthy Futures is maintaining 'the authors of the Mathematica WBz-tV Web poll April 24. Sev- an advocacy Website on the issue, study acknowledge that 'nationally, enty-one percent of those respond- www.voice-your-choice.org, which rates of teen sexual activity have ing said Massachusetts should take gives talking points and information declined over the past 15 years,' the federal funds and not let the on how to contact legislators. Mas- since the advent of abstinence edumoney go to other states. sachusetts Citizens for Life, the cation beginning in the early Healthy Futures is an offshoot Massachusetts Catholic Conference 1990s," it concluded. of A Woman's Concern, a preg- 'and Catholic Citizenship are among Ray said that not believing nancy help service with six offices those urging people to speak up for young people can be sexually abfrom the North Shore to Cape Cod. abstinence education. stinent does them a disservice. This is the fifth year it has run the The Senate will release its bud- Adults have a responsibility to exprogram at nearly 40 schools state- get about May 16 and debate it the plain to them that why abstaining wide, including Taunton, Boston, week of May 21. Senators can be from sex until they are in a faithful, Chelsea, Lawrence, Lowell, reached 617-722-2000 and lifelong relationship is best for their Somerville, Duxbury, Brookline; Patrick's constituent line is 617- emotional and physical health. , Gail Besse is a Massachusetts Lynn, and Watertown. 725-4005. The House has already Rebecca Ray, director of included a provision in its budget freelance writer. She can be con- ' tacted at gailbesse@comcast.net. Healthy Futures, said the abstinence to continue the program. ANCHOR CORRESPONDENT

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Bishops' work group affinm Church anti-abuse education programs WASHINGTON (CNS) - A report sent to the U.S. bishops by their National Review Board and Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People said the safe environment education programs for children in dioceses across the nation are "a major accomplishment and one that must continually be maintained and reinforced." It proposed criteria for evaluating and improving those programs, which are intended to prevent the sexual abuse ofchildren and young people and to help them recognize it if it occurs and report it to adults. The report recommended strengthening the training of teachers and catechists who are called on to teach children in age-appropriate ways what they need to know to help them to avoid inappropriate touching or behavior and to report it when it occurs. The new report, "Safe Environment Training of Children in the Catholic Church:' was written by the Safe Environment Work Group, headed by Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., a member of the bishops' Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People. Muslim diplomats to attend intensive course on Vatican diplomacy VATICAN CITY (CNS) - A group of diplomats from predominantly Muslim countries in'the Middle East, North Africa and Europe will meet with topVatican officials during an intensive three-week course on the Catholic Church. The aim ofthe upcoming course is to help Muslim governments understand how the Vatican works, especially in diplomacy, and to familiarize participants with the church and its network of social and humanitarian services. The course, titled ''The Catholic Church and International Politics of the Holy See:' was organized by two Rome-based Catholic organizations: the Gregorian University Foundation, which promotes pontifical universities, and theJacques Maritain International Institute, a think tank. Roberto Papini, head of the Jacques Maritain International Institute, said organizers hoped participants would become a small corps of "Vatican experts" who could facilitate mutual respect and understanding between Muslims and Catholics. Lithuanian families ask legislators to adopt family-friendly policies VILNIUS, Lithuania (CNS) - Lithuanian families have urged legislators to adopt family-friendly policies. More than 4,000 people marched for the World Day of Life from Vtlnius' Cathedral Square to Parliament, where they petitioned legislators to adopt a long-term strategy to protect the family. The recent march of families, which included babies in their strollers and elderly grandparents, was organized by the National Association of Families and Parents under the theme "Family Is the Cradle ofLife." Catholics, Russian Orthodox and Pentecostals participated in the march. The Lithuanian bishops' conference released a statement in support of families and marriage and Cardinal Audrys Backis ofVtlnius spoke at a special conference marking the event. In their petition, the families urged the govemment "to guarantee the structure and authority of the family, by recognizing the rights only of a family as a natural community, which is formed by marriage and is open to life."

French church official welcomes court ruUng after mock wedding PARIS (CNS) - A French church official welcomed a Paris superior court ruling that a gay rights group pay symbolic damages to the Church after the group staged a lesbian mock wedding in Notre Dame Cathedral. The "provocative action" had ''hurt many people, believers or not, from all denominations both in and outside France," Michel-Francois Szczepka, spokesman for the cathedral, told Catholic News Service. Judge Jacques Bichard said the 2005 mock wedding had threatened religious freedoms protected under theFrench Constitution and European Convention on Human Rights. The court ruled that the cathedral's rector, Msgr. Patrick Jacquin, would be awarded his requested symbolic co~pensation of 1 euro (US$1.30) as well as 2,000 euros (US$2,718) in court costs. At least 20 members of the gay rights groupAct Up-Paris staged the spoofmarriage between two women in the 12th-century Gothic cathedral. Msgr. Jacquin received first aid after being kicked and punched when he tried to stop the event, which was led by a man dressed as a priest. Vatican newspaper describes comedian's criticism as 'terrorism' VATICAN CITY (CNS) - TheVatican newspaper L'OsseIVatore Romano described as "terrorism" an Italian comedian's criticism ofCatholic Church teaching. ''It is terrorism to launch attacks against the Church," the newspaper said in a back-page article May 2, the day after one of the performers at Rome's annual May Day concert criticized the Church in comments broadcast on stAte-run television. ''It is vile and terroristic to throw stones against the pope:' the newspaper said The comic, Andrea Rivera, criticized Pope Benedict XVI's position on the theory of evolution and a decision by the Diocese of Rome not to allow a Catholic funeral for a man with muscular dystrophy who publicly campaigned for assisted suicide.

I MAy 11, 2007

$ The Anchor $ I:

Open letter to N'ancy Pelosi CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Responding to editors' requests for a regular sampling of current commentary from around the Catholic press, here is an editorial titled"Open letter to Nancy Pelosi," which appeared iii t~e April 27 issue ofCatholic San Francisco"the newspaper of the San Francisco Archdiocese. It was written by George Wesolek, director ofpublic policy and social concerns for the San Francisco Archdiocese. I am writing this letter to ask you to reconsider your PQsition on partial-birth abortion. What brought me to this was reading your quote in the April 22 San Francisco Chronicle about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on partial-birth abortion. You said, 'This isn't really an abortion issue." You went on to say that this is "about a procedure that any parent would want her daughter to have access to if she needed it." Frankly, I am horrified by that statement and the callousness it represents. I do not know any parents who would want their grandchild to be killed in such a brutal manner. We are, after all, talking about a viable, almost full-tenn human being, a child of God. I quote the same Chronicle article for a description of the process: "Rather than the more common practice ofdismembering the fetus in the womb, the doctor partly removes the intact fetus from the uterus before aborting it, usually by puncturing its skull." Even these somewhat antiseptic words cannot hide the reality of what is hapPening. First of all, I do not know anyone who calls their unborn child or grandchild a ''fetus." It is a baby. This is just common sense. Other terminology: disarticulating a fetus (ripping the baby's limbs off so it can more easily be suctioned out), separating the calvarium (sever the head with scissors) is meant to hide what every fourth-grade elementary student knows about human biology - that this is a unique, wholly contained

human being with its own genetic code and DNA, never to be replicated. Where this reality becomes very clear is in the case of late-tenn infants. That is why so many Americans, even those who call themselves pro-choice, are against this particular procedure. So how can you attempt to further obfuscate the issue by saying that it isn't about abortion but, ' rather, it is about the Supreme Court meddling in medical decisions because an exception was. not made for the health of the mother? ,I quote Kathleen Parker from The Washington Post (April 23) commenting on the ruling: "The . main argument from the pro-choice side, and the constitutional issue at stake, has been that the partial-birth abortion is sometimes needed to protect the health ofthe mother. But in no single court case were doctors able to demonstrate that it was ever a medical necessity." Unfortunately, this gruesome procedure is chosen for a myriad of other reasons, from the baby being an inconvenience to the indication of abnonnalities. In any case, medical testimony given throughout the history of the case made it clear other safe methods are available. I believe you are out of the mainstream by supporting this particular form of abortion. By doing this you make people of good will, especially people of faith who believe in the sanctity of all life, skeptical. All of the good work that you do on the many things that are also part of our obligation to uphold life your advocacy for the poor, the immigrant, the health and safety of born children, your work for peace - become mere footnotes to the most foundational issue of all, that you continue to avoid or to speak abstractly about abortion as if it were a mere medical procedure. As the leader of your party, you have responsibilities far beyond this issue. Do not let it define you as out of step with a civilized society.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, May 13 at 11:00 a.m. Scheduled celebrant is Father Craig A. Pregana, parochial vicar at the Diocesan Mission in Guaimaca. Honduras

Catholic Charitie~ Appeal at full speed across the diocese FALL RIVER - As the 66th Catholic Charities Appeal enters its second week, all attempts are being made to bring the annual campaign to the attention ofcitizens ofthe Diocese of Fall River, which encompasses all of southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands. Thevehicles being used to accomplish this include a video ofthe works ofthe Catholic Charities-funded agencies that is being shown in dozens of parishes throughout the diocese; a 30minute program developed for cable access channels; an' audio message from Bishop George W. Coleman to be playedat all Masses in diocesan parishes; cable commercials highlighting the work ofCatholic Charities; and infonnational materials distributed and mailed to all parishioners and friends of the Appeal. 'The video is probably the most significant vehicle we have to carry the story ofcatholic Charities and what it does to assist literally tens ofthousands of individuals and families in need each year;' said Mike Donly, director

Ministry

Development for the diocese. ,''It is being viewed in Inore and more parishes each year. It' not only enlightens the viewers to die dozens of agencies that provide services to those in need, but also con~s 'witness statements' from individuals who have or are presently being ntinistered to by one or more ofthese agencies or apostolates." He added. "You really can't expect people to contribute to a cause they don't understand. Therefore, we feel our attempt to show people what we are about and exactly how much we are achieving is a message wejusthave to get out there." Dave Fortin of Media Image in New Bedford. the creator ofthe video, recalled one woman who approached him at Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich who had seen the video at Mass the day before. She related she was amazed at how much the agencies funded by the Appeal were doing throughout the diocese for families and individuals, and how little she had known about it before she viewed the

video. She also said that when they arrived home after Mass her Io-yearold daughter brought her money she had saved and asked her to give it to Catholic Charities to help those people she had seen on the video. ''I can only hope all ofthe exposure we try to give to the wonderful work of the Catholic Charities agencies has a similar impact on the thousands ofother parishioners in the 94 parishes in the diocese that it had on this little girl and her mother;' stated Fortin. This annual Appeal is the only time during the year the diocese asks its parishioners to come together to assist in ministering to the literally tens of thousands of individuals and families who come to the agencies funded QY the Appeal for assistance. Donations to the Appeal can be sent to the CatJw1ic CharitiesAppeal Office, P.O. Box 1470, FaRRiver, MA 02722,· dropped offat any parish in the diocese; or mode on the Appeal Website:frrJioc<atJw1iccharities.org. For more information visit the Website or contad 508-675-1311.

Continued from page one

esan Family Ministry Office in North

St. Julie Billiart Parish nearby. Dartmouth. • "Father Mathias meets with us Funding for the Family Ministry regularly, and we stay close to direcprograms such as the Divorced-Sepa- tors Jerry and Scottie Foley in the Famrated Support Groups comes from the ily Office who offer us a variety of annual Catholic Charities Appeal. support," said Menard What's interesting is that those . Eaton noted that seeing the numleading the groups have experienced bers and members change "is a nice healing from divorce through the min- affirmation that what we are doing istry and through their continued pres- does work. It certainly bolsters us in ence give the gift of hope to new- the ministry to know that there are successes, that people have received comers. "Having been there, done that," the meaningful help they sought." Eaton saidcandidly; "means that alesThe well-chosen talks, videos and son learned can be one better taught." discussions at the monthly, day-long ''Yep, I've been there too;' echoed meetings center on a variety ofmeanMenard. a Westporter. ingful topics - even including anger The Cape group, which meets on management - that can open up diathe fourth Sunday of the month,' can logue. vary from as many as 35 or 40 people ''To say that people give testimony to as little as a dozen, depending on .is too strong a description," Eaton the time of the year and other factors, noted. ''It is more a sharing of stpries explained. Eaton, who lives in East that open up productive thought." Dennis and is a member of Our Lady Some of the meetings include of the Cape Parish in Brewster. workshops and at the end of the day ''In the summer months we greet fellowship and a potluck supper. people away for the winter returning Each year in June there ~ a healto their summer homes and coming ing Mass for the Cape group at St. Joan to see us again;' she added. 'We draw ofArc Church, and it is followed by a people from across the Cape and the potluck supper too. At Christmas there Islands on a regular basis. At any given is a party that includes a "Yankee time there is a core group of regular!! swap." - people who are separated or diMenard made it clear that "Supvorced, or in the middle of a divorce port from those who care is niany what - all looking to know the Church is we are all about. People walk in or supporting them at a needed time ... a have called in advance, bJt it is all II time of healing really." about them wanting to feel!accepted Benedictine Father Robert J. for who they are ... to fin~i compasPowell, pastor of St. Joan ofArc Par- sion from fellow human beings sufish in Orleans, is the group's spiritual fering the same pains at a tirhe help is ]1 director, and is presentat its meetings. sorely needed. Yes, they w~t to know The North Dartmouth group, the Church cares for them."" which meets at the Family Ministry Sometimes it is deeper ihan that, Office there, is spiritually guided by he noted. ''I'm not a coun¢ilor, but Father Gregory A. Mathias, pastor of people have come in who ~ere con.,

, . , . '11

"'11'

templating suicide, so bad had things become for them. There are processes we follow for each person who comes to us." Although his unit also slates programs with guest speakers, Menard. a member of St. George's Parish in Westport, who has been in that ministry since 1997, says ''we find people more often want to do more talking, more sharing than to listen to speakers, and so we're not programming as many speakers as we once did. Whether we have seven or 30 come in, talk is what they're looking for." Is the ministry successful? "Yes," said Menard. ''While the membership is mostly changing, there are still some regulars. But after they become comfortable in 'stabilizing their lives, they move on. What's won~ derful is that we find them forming groups - prayer groups - among. themselves in their own homes, and we've been invited to attend. and have. It is there we realize the end results of ourwork.'; Eaton added that ''While it's hard sometimes for people to get out oftheir cars in the P,arldng lot and come in and join us, they've found and we've found that it has been an encoUraging experience for so many ofthem. They keep coming until they feel they no longer have to." Menard and Eaton are of the same mind as to more widely promulgating the support their units offer across the Fall River Diocese. "So we must continue to get the word out that we're available and always ready to help;' said Eaton. 'There are many out there who don't know we .exist, and so thanks for your story," added Menard.

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I 16

YOUTH PAGES

HATS OFF TO THESE BUCKAROOS- Pre-Kindergarten students perform at talent show at Notre Dame School in Fall River. (Photo by Emilie Jolivet)

CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL -Bishop Connolly Sophomore Jasiel Correia receives congratulations and a certificate from the Fall River school's president, Robert P. Morissette, during a recent community awards breakfast. Correia received an award for outstanding community service. He is a member of Teens Against Drug Abuse and serves on the Children's Museum Board of Directors.

THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH - Freshman officers at Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth, share a moment together. Seated is President James Sabra. Standing from left are Sarah Rocha, secretary; Andrew St. Pierre, treasurer; and Angelique Benoit, vice president.

MAy 11, 2007

A TOWER OF STRENGTH - Captain Daniel Tower, who served in Iraq with the U.S. Army, returned home recently and' spent time with the seventh- and eighthgrade-studentsat St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro. Captain Tower came to thank the students路for the care packages they sent to him and his troops, and it also gave the students the chance to thank him for serving and protecting the country. The children also had the opportunity to ask questions about his experiences.

SOUP'S ON - Children and families of St. John's Parish in Attleboro work at the Centennial Methodist Church recently to aid its soup kitchen. The children served prepared dishes their parents had cooked for the needy.

A PYRAMID SCHEME -Students from St. Mary-Sacred Heart School, North Attleboro, participate in a presentation on health and food nutrition entitled "Food Play." Kindergartners through eighth-graders attended the presentation which taught them about the food pyramid and how to make smart food choices. Students pictured from left are Mitchell Asanza, Matthew Tjahjadh and Elizabeth Magill.

MAy 11, 2007

YOUTH PAGES

Listen to your dr~ams, first By CHARLIE MARTIN LISTEN Listen to the song here' in my heart A melody I start but can't complete Listen to the soundfrom deep within It's only beginning to find release Oh the time has come for my dreams to be heard They will not be pushed aside and turned Into your own, all 'cause you won't listen Refrain: NOTHING ERIE ABOUT THIS MESSAGE - Guest Speaker Fa~ Listen ther Larry Richards from Erie, Penn., recently spoke to students at I am alone at a crossroad Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro. The host of a nationwide . I'm not at home in my own home nightly radio show called "Changed Forever with Richards," he ad- ' And I've tried and tried dressed the importance of the sacrament of reconciliation. From To say what's on my mind left: seniors Nick Campbell, Amanda Barile, Father Richards, Ishani You should have known Choksi, and Don Burlone. Below, Bishop Feehan's Peer Ministry Now I'm done believing you program recently held a leadership training retreat at the WonderYou don't know what I'm feeling I'm more than what land Conference Center in Sharon. It was attended by 120 stuYou've made ofme dents and was run by the school's senior campus ministry officers. I followed the voice It was themed "Empower to Serve Others Through the Holy Spirit." you gave to me From left: Colleen Casey, Kate Nesi, Nick Danho, Cailee Smith and But now I've gotta find my own Bethany Boucher. You should have listened There was someone here inside Someone I thought had died So long ago Oh I'm screaming out And my dreams to be heard They will not be pushed aside or turned Into your own , All 'cause you won't listen (Repeat refrain.) I don't know where I belong But I'll be moving on If you don't, if you won't Listen to the song here in my heart A melody I start, but I will complete

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Now I am done believing you -The first place to focus on is your You don't know what I am feeling own inner promptings. Be open to these I'm more than what promptings, even when they seem almost embarrassing orbeyond possibility. This you've made of m~ I followed the voice you listening is not the occasion for action but rather to see how strong your desire think you gave to me But now I got to find my own - my is. -Next, bring the new vision ofyour own life to God. Ask God to help you see if Sung by Beyonr:e " Copyright 2006 by BMGlWorld .these dreams and desires truly reflect the Music ,~ purpose that you were given at birth. Call it just another artistic achieve- Then be observant. God will help you ment among many. What do I speak of? see how you are to live to be of service It's Beyonce's Oscar-nominated single to others. "Listen" from the soundtrack of -Expect to be tested. Seldom does "Dreamgirls." Even though:'Beyonce life flow straight ahead toward goals was not the eventual winner, she knows without encountering a few obstacles. that her talent is well appreciated. These unforeseen difficulties often help "Listen" offers solid advice for us determine how much the dream how to create our lives as :~e strive means to us. Now heaven sees that we for goals and hopes. The song's char- ,have put our deepest faith in these acter acknowledges that she has "fol- dreams. lowed the voice" that another "gave -Translate your affirmed vision into to me." However, she has come to a small, progressive steps. Sometimes we 'new realization: Now "I've got to fol- make "quantum leaps" of progress, but low my own." She tells ihis indi- usually goals are achieved through pervidual, "I'm more than what you sistent ''baby steps." Each day visualize made of me." Now she is ready to seek living out yourgoals, but also ask: ''What what she must, even though she is specific task can I do this day that brings "alone at a crossroad." '; me closer to how I want to live and what Most likely, life will bringl'all ofus to I want to give to God's family on this such a point We must decide how much planet?" we believe in what we wantto give to -Be patient with people who do and receive from life. While others might not seem to understand your new desuggest how our futures can lJIlfold, ul- sire. In time they are likely to see your timately we must look withjn for per- satisfaction in how you are creating 'sonal vision. your life. Also, seek companions who God places divine purpose in every are very enthusiastic about your efsoul at birth. We must discover the pas- forts. sion and the courage to rruUllfest this Remember, the first step is to pause personal divine purpose. I' and truly ''listen'' to those dreams waitThere is no right recipe fbr creating ing to be recognized within you. your life. Here are a few suggestions for YourcommenJs ore always welcome how to ''listen'' to your inner-voice and at: chmartin@swindiana.net or at 7125W200S, Rockport, IN 47635. claim your dreams: II

Oh, the places you will go! i'm sure most of you have read books by the author known as Dr. Seuss. I was a big fan of his books when I was a child. His fust book, the "Cat in the Hat," was a favorite of mine. Not only were his books fun to read, but if you took the time, you could always find the ' little lessons of life embedded in the story line. In fact, I think a lot of what Dr. Seuss wrote was "deep" although, Sister Mary Anthony, my fourth-grade teacher most likely wouldn't agree. I recall quite vividly my attempt to convince her that ''The Cat in the Hat Comes Back" was a fourthgrade level book and that she should accept my book report 011 that book. I was quite proud that my book report was longer than the book itself and yet she hardly agreed with me and rejected the book report with a wave of the hand. That was the last time I read a Dr. Seuss book until a few years ago. In the early days of the Christian Leadership Institute, Father David Costa, the then director of CLI, would read a Dr. Seuss book at the CLI graduation ceremony. I understand it was the final book that Dr. Seuss wrote entitled "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" Soon after that CLI, I went out and purchased that book and now have several copies lying around the house. I gave a copy to each of our daughters at graduation and now read that same book to the

graduates of CLI at their first reunion. Now some 50 years later, I'm once again reading and writing about Dr. Seuss. Hopefully this time our editor, Dave Jolivet, won't return this article with the wave of a hand as Sister Mary Anthony did. This is the month for graduations and many of you will be heading to high school, or college, or the work place in the months ilhead. You'll all be making that important transition to the next phase of life and perhaps reflecting on some of the words of Dr. Seuss may make that transition easier. While typical of Dr. 'Seuss' writing style, this book was written for an older- audience. In the typical sing-songy rhyme,the good Doctor points out many of the important lessons of what will follow as many of you venture on in life. In this simple little parable of life, I believe much can be learned. It's all about going out and , finding your way in life, weathering difficulties, being in charge of and taking responsibility for your life and how it turns out. It begins: ." ...You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And you are the guy who'll decide where to go." Of course, we hope you know that you are the one that will choose the direction of your life. Life is choice. You can let it happen to you or you can experience it on your own terms. We

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to do your best but it won't always Whether you like it or not, Alone will be something be easy. i "Except when you donit you'll be quite a lot. Because, sometimes, you On and on you will hike won't." and I know you'll hike far Try hard as you may to avoid and face up to your problems those bumps you'll hit some along whatever they are." the road. You'll be tested and Remember, that with prayer and tempted as you move , with Jesus by your side, even though through these years toward that thought may now seem the least adulthood. cool thing to think about, you will be "You will come to a able to get through. Remember, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that place where the sfreets are you and God together cannot get not marked. il Some windows are through. Just keep that one thought lighted. But mostly they're in your mind. "And will you succeed? darked." Yes! You will, indeed! You may even,lose your way and end up "in a Kid, you will move mountains!" useless place." ' So as you move on, remember that "a million miles begins with a "And if you go in, should you step or two." Take one step at a tum left or right... or right-andthree-quarters? Or, maybe, not time. Don't be in a rush to get to, quite?" Ii the finish line. Enjoy the scenes along the way. Stay faithful, be The road may be frightening and long and you may not want to caring and loving and enjoy these go on. You may yearn for the "old" days of your youth. A happy transition to all who days when everything seemed to be are moving on. You'll get through much more simple. Ultim~tely, however, you will learn to cope it okay. with life's ups and downs, and that ''Today is your day! "slumps, lurches, and waiting Your mountain is waiting. places happen" to every Tom, So ... get on your way!" Frank Lucca is a youth Dick, and Mary. Ii Sometimes, because ofi'the road minister at St. Dominic's Parish in you choose, you may feel that you Swansea. He is the chair and a are going it alone. Take those times director of the YES! Retreat of aloneness to really learn about director ofthe Christian Leaderyourself.' ship Institute (ell). He is a "All Alone! husband and a father oftwo girls. "

parents only hope that we've instilled the values that will act as signposts along the way. But ultimately, you make each decision. Sometimes you'll choose the right way and sometimes the ' wrong way. Through it all, however, I hope the adults and friends in your life will be there for you. You will, of course, head down a wrong path or two (we all do) and you'll occasionally find some not so good streets. "With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street." As you transition on to the next phase of your life, you will attempt

18 Continued from page 11 for us," said Bob. ''They got many organizations, including nonCatholic agencies to help. Every family that lost a home received a new living room set to help them begin the rebuilding process." Aime Lachance Jr. was a re-, porter for the Fall River r--'

was next to impossible to write what I had witnessed," said Lachance. "The whole day. was so draining and so emotional." Brother of Christian Instruction Roger Millette'told The Anchor the scene was something he would neverforget. "It was very eerie," he

The Anchor ,

who donated what little money they had to build such a great edifice. I can still see the great Casavant organ that had produced such spititual music simply melted into a pile of rubble." Retired Msgr. Thomas J. Harrington was fire chaplain for the .., Fall River Fire Depart-

Herald News in May of 1982 - and he was, and still is, a life-long Notre Dame parishioner. "I was nearing the end of my shift that afternoon when a call came in that Notre Dame was on fire," Lachance told The Anchor. "I knew that renovations on the roof of the school and the church were taking place. I didn't know which was involved. .Once I hit Pleasant Street, I saw the church on the hill engulfed in flames. That was the last thing I wanted to see." Lachance was the first reporter on the scene. "I had to place a call to the office about" what was going on. It was so traumatic for me MAGNIFICENT EDIFICE - Notre Dame de Lourdes that! don't even remem- Church in Fall River prior to the devastating May 11, ber what I told them. A 1982 fire that destroyed it. (Anchor file photo) photographer who was with me told me I said, 'the church was going to burn to the ground.'" As events enfolded Lachance was ,taken aback by the magnitude of the fire. ''The firestorm crossed Bedard Street with such a roar. The, noise was tremendous." Lachance grew up in the parish, as did his father and his grandfather. "When I got back to work, it

said. "From the Brothers' residence next door, you could see the flames dancing behind the windows. It looked like a scene of hell. Brother Roger said once the windows broke, the flames shot across Bedard Street to the homes next door. "We watched from a few feet away on our porch until the fire department told us to vacate: "I felt sorry for all the people

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ment on that day. 'll got the call at the chancery office that Notre Dame was on fire," said Msgr. Harrington. "I immediately raced to the scene. By the time I got there, it was 'obvious the church was going to be lost. Before the fire, there was a great deal of staging climbing the walls ofthe church. The radiant heat from the fire was so intense, the tangle of staging looked like a heap of paper clips on the ground." Msgr., Harrington credited the late Louis Shea, who was then fire chief of the FRFD. ''There are a million tactical decisions to make at a fire," Msgr. Harrington told The Anchor. "But rarely are there such monumental decisions to

MAy 11, 2007

TIE IIIIIY I.l

A WORLD AT PRAYER IS' A WORlD AT PEACE:

A ROSARY CELEBRATION

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Rosary Bowl set for May 19 at Rose Bowl in Pasadena

EASTON - A Rwandan genomake as was the case at Notre Dame. Chief Shea, a parishioner of cide survivor, this country's first FiliHoly Name in Fall River, made the pino-born bishop, the worldwide decision to stop the fire at Pleasant leader ofthe Knights ofColumbus, an Street, rather than fight a futile Academy Award nominee and a battle with the blaze. If that failed, former gu~matorial nominee of his he was prepared to set up a stop on party will be among the featured parAlden Street. His quick decisions ticipants at'The Rosary Bowl, "A spared that whole end of the City." World at Prayer is a World at Peace: A Msgr. Harrington also recalled Rosary Celebration," May 19, at the that Bishop Cronin and Msgr. John Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, CaJ. Oliveira were on Cape Cod for a lif. This multi-cultural event is being confirmation that day. "The bishop quickly made other arrangements organized and sponsored by Holy for the confirmation and headed Cross Family Ministries in Easton, and back. He and Msgr. Oliveira were its local member Family Theater Provery active in the command post set ductions, Hollywood, in collaboration up by then Mayor Carlton Viveiros. with the Archdiocese ofLos Angeles. Bishop Cronin had the highest re- Expected to be the largest outdoor prayer ofthe Rosary in Southern Calispect for Chief Shea." "Another interesting story was fornia in 50 years, The Rosary Bowl that the fire jumped Pleasant Street is free and open to the public. The Worship and Praise segment a bit and badly damaged a funeral home. They had to remove the body from 6 to 7:'11) p.m. will feature music, including the Rosary Bowl choir that was being waked at the time," composed of parish choir members, - added Msgr. Harrington. I These are just a few of the many and the inspirational talks. That will stories that unfolded on May 11, . be followed by the banner and Eucharistic processions,Adoration, prayer of 1982. There are hundreds more. I The parish rallied together and the Glorious Mysteries, with the "Hail literally rose from the ashes of that Mary" prayed in 55 languages, a homday. Today, Notre Dame de Lour- ily by Cardinal Roger Mahony and Benediction. I des Parish family is as close and as The line-up ofinspirational speakfaithful to the Church as ever, giving credence to the fact that Church ers for the ~osary Bowl include:. is not a building. Church is people. Bishop Oscar Solis, Vicar for Ethnic In one of his reminisces, Masse .(Multi-cultural) Ministries for the told The Anchor, "A sight that has Archdiocese of Los Angeles; never left my mind is that the next Iminaculee Ilibagiza, international day the trash barrels I had placed humanitarian and author of ''Left to on Bedard Street were still there, Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust;" and Carl A. empty." As was the Flint skyline on May Anderson, Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus, who leads the world12, 1982.

wide Catholic men's fraternal benefit society of 13,000 councils and 1.7 million members. Other Rosary Bowl participants include award-winning actor and humanitarian Martin Sheen, who will announce the Glorious Mysteries and read the Scripture reference for each mystery, and actress and former Miss Mexico Jacky Bracamontes and actor Eduardo Verastegui, who will be among special guest celebrities giving personal reflections on the Mysteries. The liturgical event coincides with the 90th anniversary of the Virgin Mary's apparition at Fatima, Portugal and the recent 475th anniversary ofher apparition at Guadalupe, Mexico in 1531. An exact replica of the framed tilma, that hangs in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Mexico City, with a relic from the actual cloak, will be on the Rose Bowl field as will the Queen of Peace statue from MedujugoIje, which will be crowned by archdiocesan Catholic-school students. 'The Rosary Bowl brings to Los Angeles the mature flowering of the international ministry whose seeds were sown by the 'Rosary Priest,' Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton. This 'American Apostle ofthe Family Rosary' promoted family prayer through massive outdoor Rosary rallies in more than 40 countries," stated Holy Cross Father Willy Raymond, National Director of Family Theater in Hollywood. Tickets wiu be needed for entry and can be ordered online at www.rosarybowl.org, via email at info@rosarybowLorg or by calling toU-jreel-800-874-0999, Ext 22.

MAy 11, 2007

Pope to women religions: To bring hope, first renew yourii spirituality

Around the Diocese ~ ;1'-' ..... IEucharistic Adoration ATTLEBORO - A divine mercy holy hour is held each Wednesday following the 6:30 p.m. celebration of Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed during the holy hour. For more information call 508222-5410. WEST HARWICH - Perpetual eucharistic adoration is held at Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel, 246 Main Street. For more information call 508-430-4716.

IHealing Servi~es':~"5] NORTH DARTMOUTH - The parish nurses of St. Julie Billiart parish will sponsor a Healing Mass on May 23 at 6 p.m. For more information call 508-993-2351.

IMIscellaneous FAIRHAVEN - Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous will meet May 20 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church. There are no dues, no fees and no weigh-ins. For more information call ~08-758-8418. FALL RIVER - A blood & marrow registration drive will take place at Espirito Santo Church tomorrow from 9 a.m to 3:30 p.m. to help Sarah Benevides, a fifth-grader at Espirito Santo School, who is battling leukemia. For more information about donating blood or joining the National Bone Marrow Donor Program call 1-800-283-8385, ext. 548 or visit marrow.org. FALL RIVER - Volunteers are needed to provide companionship and friendship to hospice patients at Beacon Hospice, 45 North Main Street. Free training is provided. They are also needed to knit blankets for patients and make memory quilts for families of patients. For more information call Christine Miller at 508-324-1900. FALMOUTH - An Italian Mass will be celebrated May 20 at 2 p.m. at the St. Thomas Chapel, Falmouth

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Renewing their own spirituality and carefully studying the needs of others, women religious will be able to live the Gospel message and bring hope to the world, Pope Benedict XVI said. The pope, meeting May 7 with almost 800 superiors of women's congregations, asked the religious to follow the biblical example of the prophets, who "first listen and contemplate and then speak, allowing themselves to be totally permeated by that love for God, which fears nothing and is stronger even than death." The International Union of Superiors General was holding its plenary meeting in Rome. The participating superiors represent almost 600,000 sisters working in 85 countries around the world.

Heights by Father Tad Pacholczyk. For information call 508-548-1065. NEW BEDFORD - The Daughters of Isabella will meet May 15 at 7 p.m. in the parish center of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. For more information call 508-990-7595.

ATTLEBORO - Pro-Life advocates picket and offer prayers on Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30-9 a.m. at "4 Women's Clinic," at the corner of Park and Emory streets, where abortions take place on those days. Participants are needed to pray and picket to help save the lives of unborn children.

ATTLEBORO - The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette is sponsoring a carnival May 23-27. Rides, games and food will be provided by Fiesta Shows. For more information call 508-222-541 0 or visit www.lasalette-shrine.org.

SOMERSET - Mrs. Jeannette retary of Patenaude Bros. Inc. Ex(Roy) Patenaude, 98, ofChicago St., cavating Contractors for 21 A Fall River, died May 3, at the Clifton dedicated volunteer at La iSalette Rehabilitative Nursing Center in Shrine inAttleboro, she was a memIr Somerset. ber of the Ladies of St. Anne SodalShe was the wife of the late ity of the former St. Jean ~aptiste Armand J. Patenaude and mother of Parish, currently Holy Trinity ParFather Andre A. "Father Pat" ish in Fall River. Patenaude, a member of the La SalMrs. Patenaude enjoyed playing ette Community in Attleboro. cards and sewing for Church benA lifelong resident of Fall River, efits. " she was the daughter of the late Besides her priest son, sh~ leaves Augustin and Ceneville (Cloutier) two daughters, Rita Hussey of SomRoy. Before retiring she was the sec- " erset and Florence Souza lind her ,

years. II

NORmDARTMoum-TheDiocesan Divorced-Separated Support Group will meet May 30 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Fami~y Life Center, 500 Slocum Road. Refreshments will be available. For more information call Bob Menard at 508-965-2919.

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Catholic Charities Appeal video continues to air on local cable TV Bedford. As The Anchor went to press airings were scheduled as follows: Bourne, cable Channel 13, May 11 at 9 p.m. and May 14 at 3 p.m. Dartmouth, Fall River, New Bedford: Comcast Channel 9, on May 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 6 p.m.; May 13 and 20 at 8:30 p.m. Mashpee, cable Channel 17, May 15 and 22 at 6 p.m. New Bedford, cable Channel 95, May 14, 21, and 28 at 8 p.m.; Maf 16,23, and 30 at I p.m. Taunton, cable Channel 15, May 15 at 8 p.m.; May 16 at 6:30 p.m. Westport, cable Channel 17, May 13 at 11 a.m.; May 14 at 2 p.m.

husband Michael of Sarasota, Fla.; a sister, Aldea Deschenes of Swansea;"five grandchildren; greatgrandchildren; and nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late Doris Patenaude, and sister of the late Leo and Ovila Roy. Her funeral Mass was celebrated May 8 in Holy Trinity Church. Burial was in Notre Dame Cemetery in Fall River. " TheAuclair Funeral Home in Fall River was in charge ofarrangements.

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FALL RIVER - A video offering a look at some of the programs and ministries that are funded by the Catholic Charities Appeal is airing on cable TV public access channels in communities throughout the Fall River Diocese. It includes interviews with a sampling of persons who have been assisted by Appeal-sponsored services, details on a variety of diocesan agencies and apostolates, reflections from parishioners across the diocese on their reasons for contributing, and a message from Bishop George W. Coleman. . The 30-minute Catholic Charities Appeal video was produced by the diocese and Media Image Productions, Inc., of New

paths" is to maintain a solid grounding in prayer and contemplation. An authentic prophet, he said, "does not worry so much about doing works, which are undoubtedly important, but not essential. The prophet tries above all to be a witness to the love of God, trying to live it among the realities of the world." Pope Benedict told the superiors their first concern must be to help the members of their congregations to keep their eyes focused on Christ and to place themselves at the service of the Gospel. He also encouraged them to share their gifts and talents with others priests, laypeople and especially families - "who are committed to the one mission of the Church, which is building the kingdom of God."

Mrs. Jeannette Patenaude; mother of Father Andre Patenaude MS

DARTMOUTH - The second annual St. Stanislaus School golf outing will be held May 21 beginning with registration at 11 :30 a.m. at the Allendale County Club. Lunch will be served at noon and golfers will tee off with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. For more information call Pam Sefrino at 508-264-0650.

NORm DARTMOUTH - Project Rachel, a ministry of healing and reconciliation for post-abortion women and men is available in the diocese. If you are hurting from an abortion experience and want help call 508997-3300. All calls are confidential.

The theme of the plen*r was "Challenged to weave a ne"1iv spirituality, which generates hdpe and life for all." During the May 6-10 pleq,ary, the women were to focus specifibally on helping other women, migrants, safeguarding the earth, workfug with the laity and interreligious diWogue. Pope Benedict told thdm that prayer and prophetic action ~ ''the 'threads' with which the Lo~ urges you, dear religious, to weave the fabric of your service to the <:;hurch," giving witness to Gospel valu~s "courageously incarnated in the ~ntemporary reality, especially where there I' is human and spiritual poverty." Some of the focus areas, pe said, are new for many religious congregations, and the best way to "travel unexplored missionary and spiritual

MRS. JEANNETTE PATENAUDE

Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Mayl) Rev. I.E. Theodule Giguere, Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford, 1940 Rev. Iohn P. Clarke, Pastor, St. Mary, Hebronville, 1941

May 12 Rev. Iohn F. deValles, DSC, U.S. Ariny Chaplain, 1920 Rev. Herve Ialbert, Retired Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1986

May 13 Rev. Msgr. Osias Boucher, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1955

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The Anchor ,.

These Catholic school students took a tour of the Cathedral prior to serving at Mass. From left: Shaundry Swainamer, Notre Dame School, Fall River; Katrina Paiva, St. Anne School, Fall River; and Alisha Lemieux, Holy F;amily-Holy Name School, New Bedford. (Photo by Mike Gordon)

ON TOUR -

Diocesan eighth~graders get first-hand history lesson BY MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

FALL RIVER - Eighth-grade students representing 24 Catholic schools gathered recently at the Cathedral. ofSt. Mary ofthe Assumption and learned about the mother church ofthe Fall River Diocesefirsthand during guided tours. For the students, it was a culmination ofstudies that each school has been pursuing on the history ofthe Fall River diocese, its bishops and cathedral.. Hundreds attended the event and a Mass celebrated by Bishop George W. Coleman. According to Christopher Myron principal ofNotre Dame School, Fall River, the day was well received. "TIns was the second year we've done this and it was a success. It's nice to be a part of it and an honor to work with those who organized it," said

Myron. ''I think this program gives students an opportunity to embrace the rich history of the diocese and see themselves as an important part ofthe Church's future." Students arrived throughout the morning and were led on tours of the building by pastors and principals. They viewed the grandeur ofthe building from its choir loft and explored the depths ofits crypt where former bishops were laid to rest. Some students snapped photos and others just enjoyed the opportunity to share a field trip with their classmates one last time before they graduate. Diocesan Superintendent of Schools George A. Milot was pleased with the program and spoke about the importance of such a gathering. ''For students to share this day with their classmates and attend Mass cel-

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ebrated by the bishop is a wonderful thing. To see first-hand the lessons they've learned about the history of the diocese is a fitting cu1mination of their eight years of Catholic education:' He would tell them later to take ''the wonderful teachings of Christ forward" on their journeys to high school and beyond. As part of the program, students viewed a video of the cathedral. and discussed what they saw in their religion classes prior to their visit. Andrew Moujabber, a student at Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford enjoyed learning about the cathedral. ''The church is amazing and it is interesting to think about how it was built so long ago;' he said His friend Matthew Valentine agreed adding, ''We got to learn more about the history of the bishops and about our Catholic faith." Daphne Costa, principal of St. Mary's School, New Bedford, thought the day went well. "Our students learned a lot and 1 think it's very important because students get to know more about their faith. It's also nice that they can all gather together to share Mass with the bishop." One of those students was Ethan Kelley and he expressed enjoyment at attending. ''It's not every day you get to be at Mass with the bishop;' he said ''It's interesting to learn more about the diocese and it helps make me a more faithful person." Bishop Coleman was pleased to welcome the students to the cathedral and share in what he called, "an important day," he said. ''I believe this visit to the cathedral. helps student to understand more about the history of our diocese and provides them with insight on how preceding generations maintained and practiced their faith." The visit coincided with the anniversary of the episcopal ordination of Bishop William Stang in 1904 as the first Bishop ofFall River. To mark the occasion, Bishop Coleman carried the crosier presented to Bishop Stang in May 1904 by the parishioners of St.

Edward's Parish in Providence, R.I. Later the bishop addressed those gathered. "As 1 look out at the hundreds of students here today from our Catholic schools 1 give you a warm welcome. It's wonderful to have you all here today." Three eight-graders in attendance served at the altar and each voiced happiness in being able to be part of the day. Alisha Lemieux from Holy Family-Holy Name School, New Bedford said, ''It's exciting to serve Mass with the bishop. 1 have been an altar server for six years and 1 enjoy it because 1 get to be close to Christ." For Katrina Paiva from St. Anne's School, Fall River, the opportunity to tour the cathedral was nice because ''It's such a very beautiful church." She added, "Being here and learning about

our faith makes me appreciate my own." Fellow server Shaundry Swainamer from Notre Dame School in Fall River, was making her first trip to the Cathedral and said, ''It's a pretty building with all its maIble and oak. The carvings are beautiful." Diocesan archivist Father Barry W. Wall also spoke to the students about the rich history of the cathedral. "You gather here today having studied the growth ofthe Catholic faith in this area. Year's ago the nearest Catholic church was in Boston and it was an eight-I ahour stagecoach ride. Today there are more than 350,000 Catholics in this area." He encouraged them to continue to learn about the history ofthe Church and gave each a copy of his book, ''Bearing Fruit By Streams ofWaters: A History ofthe Diocese ofFall River."

St. Vincent's Home presents annual Kaleidoscope Awards FALL RIVER - Five dedicated community supporters were presented KaleidoscopeAwards by St. Vmcent's Home for their dedication to children and their families. The fourth annual presentation of the awards were held at recent ceremonies that recognized the quintet for extending themselves in very special ways as community partners offering support to the youth and families of St. Vmcent's. St Vmcent's provides care to more than 120 children ranging in age from four through 22, in need of the individualized care the agency provides to help them heal and grow. The awardees included Alexis Erickson, a visiting resource and mentor at the home, who also became a foster parent; Diane Gouveia of the Fall River Public Schools, who by her support and time enhanced the Short Term Assessment and Rapid Reunification Program; Jay Hancock. a volunteer and benefactor, and participant in the Bike Run fund-raiser; Bob Johnson and Liz Keenan of Applebee's in Fall River, who organized a weekly free lunch program; and Michael O'Brien, principal ofstudents at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, who has collaborated with St. Vincent's to provide Thanksgiving baskets for the children. "I was absolutely thrilled, most appreciative;' said O'Brien in a chat with The Anchor.

During his II years as a volunteer at St. Vmcent's he has led a mission to provide food baskets at Thanksgiving for children who are able to spend the holiday with family and/or guardians. The timely gift of food helps the families experience less stress and confusion often brought on by the holidays, officials at St. Vmcent's noted in making the award to O'Brien, whom they called "an exceptional human being." The presenters also noted "not surprisingly" the stated mission of St. Vincent's - "Giving children and families what they want" - and the mission ofBishop Stang High School - ''To educate students and commission them to a shared vision of faith, hope and love" - "meet in the person of Michael O'Brien." Another phase ofO'Brien's efforts - this one at Bishop Stang - is his annual organization of a Thanksgiving Food Drive that involves collecting donated turkeys and foods, cooking them and delivering them to more than 400 needy families in the Greater New Bedford area. The Kaleidoscope Awards are an outgrowth ofthe agency's annual Mission Awards, which are given to recognize the compassionate ways in which employees and friends of St. Vmcent's Home make a difference in the lives ofthe children and families it serves.

Jack Weldon, executive director, St. Vincenfs Home, right, congratulates the 2007 Kaleidoscope award winners, from left: Alexis Erickson, Diane Gouveia, Jay Hancock, and Michael P. O'Brien. (Other winners not pictured: Bob Johnson and Uz Keenan) GIVE THEM A BIG HAND -