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VOL. SO, NO. 24 • Friday, June 16, 2006

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Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

FALL RIVER, MASS.

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Pastors celebrate silver jubilees

By DEACON JAMES N.

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER-Two diocesan priests celebrating anniversaries of their ordination 25 years ago, took time to talk about their lives and their priesthood.

The jubilarians are Msgr.

Stephen J. Avila, pastor ofSL John Neumann Parish in East Freetown

FATHER GERARD A. Hebert, pastor of St. George Parish in Westport, marked the 25th anniversary- of his priesthood on June 6. Jubilee celebrations included a Mass on June 4 attended by priests, family, friends and parishioners. It was followed by a dinner at the former St. George School.

and at month's end to become pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Mansfield; and Father Gerard A. Hebert, pastor of St. George's Parish in Westport.

Father Hebert, 51, who was ordained on June 6, 1981 in St. Mary's Cathedral by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin, told The Anchor, "It has been 25 glorious years.

There have been some good things, some bad things, but all in all a glorious vocation to the priesthood.

There are many wonderful memories."

The pastor of St. George Parish in Westport since June 1996, Father Hebert, a native of Attleboro who grew up in St. Theresa's Parish there, has served in many capacities.

He was as a parochial vicar at St. Thomas More in Somerset, Sacred Heart in Taunton, Our Lady of Grace in Westport and St. Patrick's in Falmouth. He was also parochial administrator at St. Louis de France in Swansea.

His many diocesan assignments have included duties at the chancery office, as a judge in the Marriage Tribunal, as spiritual director to the separated and divorced; as chaplain to three fire and police departments and to the St. Vincent de Paul Regional Chapter.

Tum to page three -:- Jubilees

THIS CHAPEL at St. Joseph's Church, Attlebqro, is one of four in the diocese where worshipers come for perpetual eucharistic adoration. A story on local eucharistic adoration appears on page 13. The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate of New Bedford also host the devotion and this Sunday, they will lead the annualllCorpus Christi Procession giving Catholics an opportunity to publicly bear witness to theirl:faith. (AnchotiGordon photo)

Friars to host Corpus Christi procession in New Bedford Bv

MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

NEW BEDFORD - The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate at Our Lady's Chapel, with the Apostolate of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, will host the 13th

solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of New Bedford Sunday, the feast of the most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, at 2: 15 p.m.

It commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, honoring Our

Lord in the Eucharist, exposed perpetually for public adoration 24 hours every day of the year at the chapel.

"It is a witness to the real presence of our Lord in the Eucharist," Tum to page five - Friars

For hospital chaplains, it's pastoral ministry with a different dimension > Priest chaplains relate how they find fulfillment serving the sick.

Bv DEACON JAMES N.

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - Sometimes it's a hectic scramble.

It doesn't allow frequent travel or much free time. Often it includes interrupted sleep and self-sacrifice. In fact, it means anywhere from 100 to 120 hours a week tied to a beeper and being available to respond day and night to any emergency situation.

1::::=:::;;:;;:::/ ~rr....., = Who would want such ajob?

"It's wonderful priestly work," said Father Thomas M. Kocik, Catholic chaplain at Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River, for the past two years. ''We do what all priests do, namely, administer the sacraments. Our ministry points always at a sacramental issues, comforting those who are sick and preparing them - and their families - oftentimes for death. In that, the ministry is diversified," he explained.

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MSGR. STEVEN J. Avila, center, celebrated a Mass at St. John Neumann Church last week, marking the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. (Photo by Matt Durand)

More such comments also came from three other priests of the Fall River diocese, whose full-time ministry is hospital bound..

Father David C. Frederici, chaplain at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Father Michael Racine, chaplain at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, and Father Edward A. Murphy, chaplain at Morton Hospital in Taunton, took time to talk to The Anchor about their busy ''but satisfying" hospital ministries that go beyond a spiritual presence. ~x~-') They are not alone in the -==-jfJJJ~UU widespread pastoral care offered, said Father Marek Tuptynski, director of Pastoral Care of the Sick for the diocese. . "'We also have a hospital presence through approximately 15 to 20 people who include religious order priests, religious Sisters, permanent deacons and lay chaplains. All do a great job and are very dedicated in this very important ministry to the sick," said Father Tum to page 13 - Chaplains

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Friday, June 16, 2006

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NEWS FROM THE VATICAN Vatican official warns Anglicans: Women bishops will destroy unity LONDON (CNS) - A Vatican cardinal has warned the Church of England that a move to ordain women as bishops would destroy any chance of full unity with the Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, said that if the Church of England adopted such a resolution the "shared partaking of the one Lord's table, which we long for so earnestly, would disappear into the far and ultimately unreachable distance."

"Instead of moving toward one another, we would simply coexist alongside each other," he said.

His remarks came in a speech to a private meeting of the Church of England bishops in Market Bosworth, England, just four months after the bishops agreed to set up a working group to outline a process through which women might be consecrated as bishops.

Although three of the world's Anglican provinces have already agreed to consecrate women as bishops, Cardinal Kasper said decisions made by the Church of England had a "particular importance" because they gave a "strong indication of the direction in which the communion as a whole was heading."

Saying that he spoke with "pain and sadness," the cardinal warned the bishops of their historic decision's grave consequences, both to ecumenical relations and to the interior unity of the Anglican Communion.

Among the most serious of these, he said, would be that the goal of restoring full church communion ''would realistically no longer exist" because it could not exist "without full communion in the episcopal office."

A decision in favor of women bishops made broadly by the Anglican Communion, he said, would also represent a turning away from the "common position of all the churches of the fIrst millennium."

He said this meant that the Anglican Communion would no longer occupy "a special place" among the churches ofthe West but would align itself closely to the Protestant churches of the 16th century.

Cardinal Kasper said that al-

though ecumenical dialogue would continue the loss ofa common goal would "rob such encounters oftheir elan and their internal dynamic."

He said a further consequence of a resolution in favor of women bishops would be that the Catholic Church would inevitably continue to refuse to recognize the validity of Anglican orders.

He said that ecumenical discussions between the churches on "Apostolicae Curae, " the 1896 papal bull that declared Anglican orders "absolutely null and utterly void," had "justifiably aroused promising expectations" of a change in the Catholic position. But he said that the growing practice of the ordination of women to the priesthood had since led to an "appreciable cooling" of such discussions.

The ordination of women bishops, Cardinal Kasper added, would "most certainly lower the temperature even more; in terms ofthe possible recognition of Anglican orders, it would lead not only to a short-lived cold, but to a serious and long-lasting chill."

The cardinal said that the episcopal office was essentially one of unity and, therefore, any consecration that either caused schism or blocked the way to full. unity would be intrinsically contradictory.

He criticized a proposal by the Church of England House of Bishops to remedy such divisions by allowing parishes that rejected women bishops to choose to be cared for by a male traditionalist bishop.

"Arrangements like those can only cover over the breach superfIcially; they can paper over the cracks, but they cannot heal the division; one can even go one step further and say that, from the Catholic perspective, they are the unspoken institutionalization, manifestation and virtual legitiinating of an existing schism."

In a statement Archbishop Williams said nothing was achieved by avoiding hard questions and that he appreciated the spirit with which the cardinal had shared his concerns.

The archbishop is scheduled to go to Rome in the fall for his second meeting with Pope Benedict XVI.

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POPE BENEDICT XVI arrives to lead the Pentecost vigil in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican where he welcomed and praised the "manifestations of the Spirit" in the new ecclesial movem'ents of the 20th century. (eNS photo/Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters)

Vatican council releases document: 'Family and Human Procreation' VATICAN CITY - The Pontifical Council for the Family, founded 25 years ago by John Paul II with the Motu Proprio "Familia a Deo Instituta," and presided by Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, today published a document entitled: "Family and Human Procreation."

The text, according to an explanatory note written by Father Abelardo Lobato O.P., consultor of the pontifical c<;?uncil, "is destined to be an object of study, both for its doctrine and in its pastoral application." The document opens with "an introduction to the theme of the relationship between ... the family and procreation."

This theme is then developed over four chapters covering "procreation; why the family is the only appropriate place for it; what is meant by integral procreation within the family; and what social, juridical, political, economic and cultural aspects does service to the family entail" The fIfth chapter presents the theme "from two complementary perspectives: the theological, in that the family is an image of the Trinity; and the pastoral, because the family lies at the foundation of the Church and is a place of evangelization." , ''The document," the explanatory note continues, "makes reference above all to Vatican Council II, to Pope John Paul II who dedicated great attention to these matters, and to the recent 'Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.' All this means that the document aims not only to fInd a doctrinal approach to the problem, but also to open doors to future research on the questions that are the object of discussion today."

The introduction evokes the words of John Paul II in Puebla, Mexico, in 1979, where "he affirmed that the Church possesses the truth about man and at the

same time seeks the truth entire.

Man is not just a 'rational animal,' he is also familial. The family is connatural to man and was instituted by God. But today man has become a great enigma to himself and lives through the most acute crisis of his history in its family dimension: the family is subject to attack as never before; the new models of the family destroy it; procreation techniques jettison human love; the politics of birth control lead to the current 'demographic winter.' ... Along these paths ... we deviate towards a 'post-human' world. It is necessary to save man."

An understanding of human procreation, the text goes OD, may be attained from various perspectives: "the historical," reafftrming the value historically attached to having descendants, "the anthropological, ... and the religious, which places man before God the Creator, Who infuses a soul into each individual and relies on man's cooperation to achieve the fullness of human existence."

The explanatory note continues: "Procreation is the means of transmitting life by the loving union of man and woman," and it "must be truly human." This means that it must be the "fruit of the actions of man," and the "fruit of a human act, free, rational, and responsible for the transmission of life.... The unitive act of man and woman cannot be separated from its connatural dimension, which is that of procreation and which makes responsible paternity and maternity possible. Only on this personal basis can conjugal morality be understood. ''The Church's doctrinal documents, such as the Encyclical 'Humanae vitae,' and the Apostolic Exhortation 'Familiaris consortio,' refer to the fundamental principle of the dignity of human beings and their ethical di-

mension." The condemnation of abortion, the inseparable nature of the two dimensions - the unitive and the procreative - and the view of sexuality as a procreative function, "have their foundation in individual beings and their dignity." ''This is the key to the solution: an integral understanding of what is human. Without a 'meta-anthropology' which touches the being, the substance, the spirit, there can be no integral understanding of what is human, because the concepts of person and being are emptied of content. Morals and religion, which are fundamental and decisive values, are reduced to a 'private matter.' The return of metaphysics is vital in order to regain a sense of what is human in man. ''The human being is a familial being," Father Lobato's note adds, "and for this reason has the characteristics of a social, political, economic, cultural, juridical and religious being. The family is involved with each of these aspects, which are essential to it.

The family requires services, help, protection and constant promo..: tion; and the document indicates how each of these elements should develop. It emphasizes the juridical dimension and recalls that in 1983 the Holy See published the first 'Charter of the Rights of the Family,' which is a solid defense of that institution." ''The doctrine concerning integral human procreation," the note concludes, "is corroborated by the theology of creation and by the mystery of salvation revealed in Jesus Christ and put into effect in the new evangelization. The Creator wished human beings to be two-in-one; the Redeemer assumed the familial condition in Nazareth reminding everyone of the nature of the family since the beginning of the divine plan: two in a single flesh."

Friday, June 16, 2006

Three diocesan priests given new assignments

By DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR

JubileeS

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A 1977 graduate of Providence' mental in my vocation. And College, he studied theology at St. people from my several prior parJohn's Seminary and Brighton and ish assignments came, and I endid graduate studies in canon law joyed being with them again. The at The Catholic Univers'ity in day brought many more wonderWashington, D.C., after ordina- ful memories."

He added, "I have enjoyed my . tion.

"One of the biggest e;hanges in vocation, my life as a priest in serpriestly life is how we' deal with vice to God and being with the young people, following the people in the many assignments clergy abuse scandal~ that oc- given me. I have always tried to curred in recent year~," Father be with the people, to bond to Hebert noted. "So many things them in parish life and all its achave changed becausebf that and tivities ... and the young people policies are now very different. too in such things as Religious' One might call it a fine tuning of Education." professionalism." .

A native of New Bedford and What advice would he offer its St. John the Baptist Parish, he young men discerning a vocation studied at Our Lady of Providence or entering the seminary to study Seminary and Providence Colfor the priesthood? lege, and the North American "If the Spirit calls you, it is a College and the Gregorian Unifruitful life," Father Hebert said. versity in Rome.

Then he added, "We don't see Following ordination he was a much of it on this side of life '" parochial vicar at Our Lady of hopefully we see it in; the next."

Mount Carmel Parish in New Jubilee celebrations included a Bedford, St. Mary's in Mansfield, Mass Sunday, June 4, at which Fa- and St. Julie Billiart in North ther Hebert was the principal cel- Oartmouth, before becoming secebrant. It was attended by fellow retary to then Bishop Sean P. priests - including Msgr. Avila O'Malley, OFM Cap., in June - family, friends and parishio- 1994. He also assisted at St. ners. 1t was followedi!by a dinner Stanislaus in Fall River in 1998, at the former St. Geerge School and was parochial administrator at SS. Peter and Paul in Fall River on Route 177.

Completing his fitst pastorate during 1999. He also assisted at - of St. John Neumann in East Holy Name Parish.

Freetown since June 28, 2000 In August 1999, he was the reMsgr. Avila, 41, has also had a cipient of papal honors as a chapwealth of experience'. lain to his Holiness Pope John "Although my actual anniver- Paul II, with the rank of monsisary is July 18, becaJse I become gnor. In 2000 he was the director the new pastor at St. Mary's in of the diocese's successful EuchaMansfield effecti~e June 28, ristic Congress and its many acwe're holding the arn;liversary this tivities in local parishes.

Sunday (June 11)," qe said. 'The Msgr. Avila is well known as people at St. John 1'{eumann had the long-time director of the popubegun preliminary planning and lar Diocesan Television Mass seen by thousands in nursing wanted to be part o~lit."

There was a Mass at II a.m. in homes, the homebound, arid those St. John Neumann iChurch, fol- in hospitals. "I have been the lowed by a reception in Villa Mass director since 1988 and will Maria at nearby Cathedral Camp. retain that responsibility as well "I've been looking to having as the Office of Worship even in some of my priest1friends with my new assignment," he said. . me, including Father Manuel Ferreira, now retired, who had NATIONAL been my parish priest and instru-

to work on it."

FALL RIVER - Three priests serving in the Fall Father Cook earned a bachelor's degree in history River diocese have received new assignments from from the University of Dallas in 1994 and studied for Bishop George W. Coleman. the priesthood at Mount St.' Mary Seminary in The transfers, effective June 28, include: Emmitsburg, Md. He was in the Spanish Language Father Michael M. Camara from faculty of Bishop Studies Program in Puebla, Mexico, and ministered Connolly High School in Fall River, to parochial vicar with The Gifts of Peace AIDS Hospice at Our Lady ofMount Carmel Parish in New Bedford; The 34-year-old native of Boston said that his new Father Kevin A. Cook, from parochial vicar at Our assignment would include beLady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford, to paing on call as a chaplain to rochiat vicar at St. Patrick Parish in Wareham; Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

Father Paul C. Fedak, from parochial vicar at St. "I've covered at St. Luke's PatrickParishinWareham,tochaplainatSaintAnne's sometimes.•But this will be a Hospital in Fall River, with residence at Holy Name biggercommitmentforme,reParish there. sponding to the sick-and emergendes as well as the crises t:b.at Father Camara, 50, a native ofFall River, says he is looking forward to duties at Our Lady ofMount Carmel also come with families of , Parish where he had served from 1997 to 2003. those hospitalized. So, I'm ''It is a wonderful parish, and I know it so well. ready to take those up."

There are so many very good people there and I enFor Father Paul C. Fedak, joyed my experience there and know I will again."

40, becoming chaplain at Saint FATHER KEVIN Anne's Ho!?pital in Fall River Having entered the Franciscan Friars, Province of A. COOK won't be an entirely new field the Immaculate Conception in 1973, he was a Brother for him. with the community for 15 years. He taught at Christopher Columbus High School in Boston, and also While he has been the parochial vicar at St. Patrick's taught and was the dean of students and assistant head- in Wareham for the past five years, he's been on call master at Serra Catholic High School in McKeesport, from Tobey Hospital there. , Pa. "It's kind of official, in that we have a beeper and "I have enjoyed teaching at Bishop Connolly. I had we're on call from the parish 24 hours a day, seven days taught for 20 years before that, and had done the whole a week," Father F~ explained. 'They have a lay gamut in teaching before be- woman from Milton who is at Tobey every day as chapr - - - - - - - - - , ing ordained. But I miss parish lain. But when there is need of a sacrament they call us. ririnistry very much, and the in"I look forward to being full time at Saint Anne's volvement with people, and the Hospital because I've always felt I had a calling with sacramental life of the parish, the sick, and felt very comfortable with them, and bringso I look forward to returning ing them Christ and the sacrato that." ments," he said. "I anticipate He was ordained May 27, working with the Dominican 1989 in St. Michael's Church nuns too. And I look forward in Fall River by Bishop Vrrgilio to living at Holy Name Parish Lopez, OFM, ofTrujillo, Hon- as well," he stated. duras. He has ministered as a Father Fedak has also had parochial vicar at St. Kilian's other chaplain duties. in New Bedford, St. John the Following ordination June FATHER MICHAEL Baptist in New Bedford, Holy 13, 1998 in St. Mary's CatheM. CAMARA Family in East Taunton and St. drat by Bishop O'Malley, and Michael's in Fall River. assigned as a parochial vicar to He was the chaplain at Saint Anne's Hospital in Our Lady of Mount Carmel FATHER PAUL Fall River from 1990 to 1993, and was incardinated Parish in Seekonk, he was apC. FEDAK into the Fall River diocese in February 1998. pointed parochial vicar at St. Father Cook, who since ordination by Bishop Sean Mary's in New Bedford and p. O'Malley, OFM Cap., on June 9, 2001, has been a part-time chaplain at Bishop Stang High Scnool in parochial vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in New North Dartmouth in June 2000.

In June 2001, he became parochial vicar at StJulie Bedford, said of his assignment to St. Patrick's in Wareham, ''I have mixed emotions."

Billjart Parish in North Dartmouth, while remaining He said he had bonded with parishioners in New chaplain at Bishop Stang.

Bedford during the past five years, "So I have gotten AConnecticutnative,followingunder-graduatestudto know them well and will miss them. At the· same ies in business management and criminaljustice at Salve time I am excited about going to St. Patrick's and get- Regina University in Newport, R.I., Father Fedak studting to know the people there." ied for the priestHe noted that he has been learning Portuguese at a hood from 1993 parish with many members from that ethnic back- to 1998 at St. .

POSITION AVAILABLE ground. "And I have come along a little way, and so I.· John's Seminary h'!ve to make a more conscious effort now to continue in Brighton.

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IMMEDIATELY

Diocese of Fall River

OFFICIAL His Excellency, the Most Reverend George W. Coleman, Bishop of Fall River, has made the following appointments: Rev. Michael M. Camara from Faculty, Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River, to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady ofMount Carmel Parish, New Bedford.

Rev. Kevin A. Cook from Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, New Bedford, to Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Parish, Wareham.

Rev. Paul C. Fedak from Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Parish, Wareham, to Chaplain of St. Anne's Hospital, Fall River, with residence at Holy Name Parish, Fall River.

Effective June 28, 2006

Continued from page one

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Friday, June 16, 2006

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THE CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES

Knights pe~ition appeals court' to overturn latest pledge ruling

By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

CARDINAL SEAN P. O'Malley of Boston and Archbishop John Myers of Newark wait for President George W. Bush to anive at a briefing in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next door to the White House June 5. President Bush spoke about the need for a federal marriage amendment defining maniage as between one man and on~ woman. (eNS photo/Paul Haring)

Marriage amendment fails vote despite push by religious leaders

By PATRICIA ZAPOR CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

House.

Bush called marriage between a man and a ·woman the most enduring and important human institution. He noted that 45 states have passed laws or constitutional amendments defining marriage as only between a man and a woman.

The bill would add a two-sentence amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It reads: "Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution, nor the constitution

tween same-sex couples.

Cardinal Rigali told reporters after the lO-minute address that, WASHINGTON - Just two having met with the president bedays after religious leaders and the president renewed their support fore the speech; he was impressed by the quality of Bush's knowlfor it, a bill that would amend the Constitution to define marriage as edge of the issues behind the conbetween one man and one woman stitutional amendment campaign. . failed June 7 in a procedural vote He said the U.S. bishops are firm in the Senate. supporters of the amendment.

What is known as a cloture In addition to Cardinal Rigali, vote to end debate and bring the seven U.S. cardinals and nine bill to the floor fell 11 votes short archbishops and bishops have of the 60 needed to get past closigned a petition by the Religious ture; the tally was 49-48. Cloture Coalition for Marriage urging supvotes are often referred to port for the amendment. . In a statement released by as "test votes" because $ey his office, Cardinal Rigali tend to signal how much In a statement released by his of- said, "Those who would support a bill has, although fice, Cardinal Rigali said, "Those who seek to redefine the instituthey don't always exactly mirror final votes on the leg- would seek to redefine the institution tion of marriage are asking islation itself. ofmarriage are asking society to give society to give up something Beyond a cloture vote, up something it do~s not have the it does not have the right to the measure would have to right to relinquish. Marriage is given relinquish. Marriage is pass with a two-thirds magiven to us by God. It is the jority, or 66 votes, to move to us by God. It is the sacred union sacred union ofone man and it out of the Senate. The· of one man and one woman for the one woman for the purpose House has not taken up its purpose ofprocreation, part of God's of procreation, part ofGod's parallel legislation. . plan for the human race." , plan for the human race." ''That is why unions that At a June 5 event, President George W. Bush called . are not between one man on the Senate to pass the Marriage of any state, shall be construed to and one woman cannot possibly Protection Amendment, and require that marriage or the legal receive the approbation of sociPhiladelphia Cardinal Justin incidents thereof be conferred ety, law and culture," the stateRigali said the vote was "an op- upon any union other than the ment said. portunity which should not be union of a man and a woman."

"The Church has consistently squandered."

Bush pointed out that since taught that the dignity and rights Bush said amending the Con- 2004 courts in Washington state, of homosexual persons must be stitution was the only way to "take California, Maryland, New York respected," Cardinal Rigali said.

Bush said that as the amendthis issue out of the hands of over- and Nebraska have overturned reaching judges ,and put it back similar laws. He said nine states ment is debated "every American where it belongs - in the hands face lawsuits challenging their deserves to be treated with tolermarriage laws banning same-sex ance and respect and dignity. On of the American people."

Cardinal Rigali and Boston marriage. In early Maya Georgia an issue of this great significance, Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley were judge overturned that state's mar- opinions are strong and emotions among religious and civic leaders riage law, passed by referendum. run deep., And aD of us have a duty who attended the event at the Voters in Alabama June 6 ap- to conduct this discussion with Eisenhower Executive Office proved by 81 percent a ballot civility and decency toward one Building, next door to the White measure banning marriage be- another."

SAN FRANCISCO - The Knights of Columbus filed a brief asking a federal appeals court in San Francisco to reject· the latest effort by a California atheist and several other parents to have the Pledge of Allegiance declared unconstitutional because it contains the words "under God." .In a -friend-of-the-court, or amicus, brief filed in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in early June, the Knights .asked the court to reverse a lower court that said it is unconstitutional to' include "under God" in a pledge that minor students are required to recite in school.

The brief was filed by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty on behalf of the Knights. Joining in the brief were six individual Knights and their families.

The Supreme Court in 2004 threw out a similar challenge by Michael Newdow, filed on behalf of his school-age daughter.

The court rejected the case on the grounds that Newdow did not have primary custody of his daughter and therefore had no . standing to sue on her behalf.

Newdow was among the plaintiffs in a new lawsuit against various government entities and schools filed the next year. But he and most of the other plaintiffs ultimately were either dropped from the suit or dismissed by the U.S. District Court.. The remaining plaintiffs

in the lawsuit against the Rio Linda Union School District outside Sacramento are an unnamed woman and her child.

In asking the 9th Circuit to overturn the lower court, the Knights of Columbus brief explained the organization's history in persuading Congress to add the phrase to the pledge in 1954.

The brief said that "the concept of a nation 'under God' encapsulates the idea, long-standing in the Anglo-American legal tradition, that the power of government is limited by universal, inalienable rights."

It said "the point of the phrase is political, not theological." Much in U.S. history, including the slavery abolition movement, has been premised on the belief that human beings have rights bestowed by God that transcend the power of the , government to remove them, it said.

"The words 'under God' were not a newly minted phrase or idea that Congress added to the pledge in 1954 to achieve the effect of steering individuals to religion," said the brief.

"Instead, they were added as a self-conscious effort to echo and reaffirm a political philosophy that has· animated this country throughout its history, and that is reflected in seminal documents like the Declaration (of Independence) and Gettysburg Address."

Iraqis Have Ihe Righi 10 VOle What About Us? Last faIl, 170,000 MllSS8ehusetts citizens sianed

petitions to allow the people to vOle on dIe definition ofmarriage in Massachusetts. It was the largest petition drive in state history.

Now the Protc<:tiOl; of Marriage Amendment (PMA) is in the hands nfthe MllSSllChuseltS Legislature awaiting a vote on July 12.

The PMA must receive 50 votes in the legislature both thes )'Car and next yeor befnre the people will be given the opportlUlity to vote all marriage in 2008.

Some state legislators ore lhrc3tening 10 silence the voice ofthe people, They want 10 kill the PMA through parliamentary procedures and back-door politics. Is this democmey?

! 11le citizens ofMassaehlL'Cllll deserve the chance to protect marriage DS.the union ofone man and one woman -like the 45 slates which already have.

Beacon Hill must hear from you today.

Tell your legislators that you want to vote on marriage!

Call vour local State HepresemaUve, as well as Senate Presldenl Travaullnland House Spealler DIMasi al 1611l 122· 2000 with asimple messaue:

No stalling, no tricks -let the people votel

V;teOn1t~ Marriage.org

Friday, June 16, 2006

the~

The forgotten voice in the marriage and adoption debate

BY GAIL BESSE. SPECIAL TO THE ANCHOR

tendencies and sexual compulsions.

Do any incidents stick in your mind that you feel comfortable sharing?

We went to vacation spots that weren't typical family places. One was a gay nude beach at Hanlan's Point, Toronto, which often was raided by police, but now it's legally "clothing optional." By age 10, I was exposed to a sex shop and a gay cruising area. The boundaries between private and public sex were broken. There was cross-dressing, and gender -neutral aspects. I grew up feeling very con-

51 Are there support gro~ps? .

No. There are many good faithbased support groups for people trying to deal with same-sex attraction, but not for children: who've grown up in these households.

I've met other adult-children who were angry that' no one stepped in to help them. pay parents bring their children to gay pride parades, which are' not televised because they're so sexual.

Think about living in that situation . all year long.

What can relatives andfriends do to help? " For me, visiting oth~r family members and friends' houses demonstrating listening, boundaries and gender complementarity helped.: .

What more can faith-based groups do? .

They should become more politically astute give policymakers the facts - protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman. If Americans do not stop same-sex "marriage," what happened to Canadians Will happen in America. You'll lose the freedom to address sexuality with moral and religious vigor.

I can't imagine that anyone would willingly place a child in these subcultures. The people of Massachusetts and in the United States shouldn't be bullied by a small group of activists asking for special rights that will trump children's best interests.

Gail Besse writes from Hull, Massachusetts. This article originally ran in the National Catholic Register. It is reprinted with permission.

reality and offering forgiveness.

My faith - I'm a Christian Dawn Stefanowicz and children played a huge part in this, as I like her are the most important wouldn't be alive without it. voices in the debate over same-sex When and why didyou go pubmarriage and adoption. lic?

And yet the voices of adult chilPirst I shared my experiences on dren raised by homosexuals are television. In 2004 I testified at the rarely heard.

Canadian Senate of Legal and Stefanowicz recently testified Constitutional Affairs against "sexual orientation" being added about her life with her biological father before a Massachusetts legto hate crime law. I've testified islative committee in support of a about how legislation impacts chilmarriage protection amendment. dren. Currently, I'm in the editing The Protection of Marriage stages of my autobiography.

Amendment, which lawmakers Because of new reproductive will address July 12, would allow technology, same-sex adoption and voters to define marsituations like mine, riage as the union of more children will be one man and one traumatized. Kids are woman. Stefanowicz, cut offfrom at least one Continued from page one with her husband and biological parent and children, spoke with often from an extended said Father Michael Angelo, FFI. sodalities with their banners, conNational Catholic Regfaritily. It's very lonely "It is an opportunity fOF us to give secrated religious, first communiister correspondent for them, and if their witness to our faith and it's an an- cants and the clergy.

Gail Besse in a phone parent identifies with . swer to the crisis that'S going on Father John M. Sullivan is pasinterview from her resithe gay political in New Bedford. By bringing the tor of St. Lawrence Martyr Parish dence. agenda, there's pres- Lord to the streets, our minds will and said, 'This a nice way to disWhy did you travel sure on the child to ac- wake up to the idea that he is the play and celebrate our Catholic to Boston to speak on cept this. People who answer." ~' faith. We're happy to be a part of this issue? are struggling' with The day will begin at Our it and expect 150 people to be inI'm speaking as a their sexuality need the Lady's Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street, volved from our parish. It's a great child who was not alfreedom to seek heal- with the celebration Of Mass at way to take the eucharistic preslowed to talk about ing.

8:30 a.m. followed by, exposition. ence into the world." what it's like to grow Do you know others of the Blessed Sacrament until Those along the procession up in a same-sex. DAWN STEFANOWICZ, a child raised by her in the same situation? 1:40 p.m. A brief prayer service route are encouraged to light Yes, I know at least will follow and then the Blessed candles in their windows or display household. I loved my homosexual father, recently testified about her life d~d, and cared about with her biological father before a Massachusetts 15 others. My first con- Sacrament will be carned to three religious photos or statues. In the ~s partners who hav,e legislative committee.in support of a marriage pro- versation with another stations: St. Lawrence thurch, Our past, some have dropped flower adult child was lengthy. Lady of Purgatory Church, and the petals on the streets prior to the died o~ ~IDS, so I can t tection amendment. be polItIcally correct. I We talk about what we convent of the Missionaries of passing of the procession and that have to speak up when witnessed and how Charity. At each location there will is also encouraged. legislation will inevitably put chil- fused about my own sexuality. sitcoms and the media paint this be a short reading, simple Bene"This is something the world dren at risk physically and psychoHow did you feel in these situ- issue in such unreal ways. Our ex- diction and hymns. 'I needs today," said Father Angelo logically. ations? What went through your periences traumatized us longHistorically, feast of Corpus of the procession. "God is so paWhat was your childhood like? mind? term, and yet the general public Christi was introduced in the late tient with us. This is a wonderful My mother was seriously ill. I It ripped me up on the inside, . gets watered-down pabulum fed to 13th century to encourage the way to honor the Lord." grew up with my homosexual fa- but I was not allowed to talk about them from many gay activists who faithful to honor the institution of Following the procession, ther in Toronto. I was exposed to it. As a little girl, I couldn't under- don't want you to know the unsa- the holy Eucharist. ~ century be- Benediction of the Blessed Sacrathe . "gay-Iesbian-bisexual- stand why these men were walk- vory details of the lifestyle. fore, St. Juliana of Mdnt Cornillon ment will be held in Our Lady's transgendered" subcultures and ing around unclothed and What is an example ofthe pub- in France promote~ a feast to Chapel. A pot-luck supper will explicit sexual practices. Even partnering off. lic being naive? honor the Blessed Sacrament. She conclude the celebration. when my father was in what looked Take the undefined term made known her ideas to Bishop These experiences did not teach For further information, liked monogamous relationships, me respect for morality, authority, "sexual orientation." People might of Liege, France,'1 Robert de please call the Friars at 508-996he continued cruising for anony- marriage or paternal love. Youth think it simply means someone Thorete, and eventually a feast 8274. mous sex, so I was at high risk of and good looks were stressed. who acts out same-sex attraction. was celebrated. It'became an ofexposure to contagious STDs. Al- People were treated like disposable But the term does not distinguish ficial feast in the Roman Church cohol, drugs, gay bars and parties commodities. I often felt aban- between the individual feelings of in 1312. The feast of the Body and were common. doned as my dad would go off to attraction to a particular person or Blood of the Lord is also known Why doesn't the public hear be with his partners for days. .object, or the individual's sexual as Corpus Chris·ti. :, from more people in your situaHow did it affect your later behavior or preferences. So a per"We hope to have a large tumtion? son practicing pansexuality, which out for the procession," said Falife?

It's an extremely sensitive sub-.

I felt worthless, as my dad could is diverse sexuality, like exhibition- ther Angelo. "It can;:be a positive ject. It took me untif I was in my not show affection or affirmation ism or sado-masochism, could not influence for people of all ages.

Start your day with aur heortybreokfost. late 20s to begin to deal with it. I to females. I vowed never to have be discriminated against even We're giving people hope and a haven't met another adult child children. I was 19 when I began when children are involved if light to understand that their lives Stroll to the beoch in Kennebunkport who didn't love their parent, and questioning women's roles. "sexual orientation" is a protected have value."

I' village or relox in our saltwater pool. often they won't come forward It's important that a little girl category. Adoption agencies can be During the proceSsion, the parAunique, yet affordable experience until that parent has died. Some- sees her gender valued. Little boys forced to hand over children into ticipants will recite the rosary and times the adult child won't talk need to see how their father relates experimental relationships or face sing hymns in English and Portubecause they fear either hurting to their mother. If they don't, they discrimination charges. guese. other family members or retribu- grow up with the wrong underWhat kind of reaction do you "It's a very good tradition," said . get speaking in Canada? standing of women. tion from their own .families.

Father Charbel T. Semaan, pastor What are yourfeelings toward . What led to your healing and Our freedom of speech and re- of Our Lady of Purgatory Parish. your dad? change ofmind? ligion are severely hampered. Tele- "It's a great way to show one's faith I came to deeply love and comThere was no manual on how vision, radio and newspapers in and seeing all the p~ople processpassionately understand him be- to survive. My emotional well-be- Canada are monitored so nothing ing in the streets reminds me of franc;1satn <Ouest 1i>ouse fore he died in 1991, sharing his ing was low. I had to face the pain- critical of homosexuality is al- Jerusalem and what it must have Alittle taste of Heaven on Earth life regrets with me. As a child, he ful secrets and the fact I was un- 10wed.1n the United States you still looked like when Jesus entered the 26 Beach Avenue· Kennebunkport, Maine had been sexually and physically willingly forced to tolerate diverse have some freedom of speech, but city." .

(207) 967-4865 abused by older males. He suffered sexuality. I went into therapy. My enforcing political correctness is Included in the procession will .www.franciscanguesthouse.com from depression, anger, suicidal healing encompassed accepting one way to lose it: n~ more debate. be members of Catholic guilds and

Friars

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Friday, June 16, 2006

Tim LANDING Taking a stand with Christ On June 7, 49 U.S. Senators voted in favor of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to protect marriage as a heterosexual institution. Forty-eight senatorS opposed it. The procedural tally fell far-short of the 60 votes needed to bring the Maniage Protection Amendment to a final vote on the Senate floor and shorter still of the 67 to pass it and send it to the states for ratification.

While the final outcomedid notcome as a swprise- supporters and opponents both were aware that a two-thirds majority in favor ofthe amendment does not yet exist - the vote was scheduled by the Senate Republican leadership in order to put senators on therecord, prior to this fall's election cycle, as to where they stand with respect to the institution of maniage.

Of the 24 Catholic members ofthe Senate, we learned that IS of them do not stand with the Church. We leamed that those IS, including both Massachusetts senators, do not stand with any of the eight American cardinal archbishops, all of whom as a unanimous body urged them to support the amendment.

We learned that they do not stand with PoPe Benedict, who last month reiterated the call for Christians to defend marriage and procreation as a "pillarofhumanity'" in the face ofmovements to legalize same-sex unions, and who particularly urged "politicians and legislators to safeguard the rights ofthe family."

We learned that ultimately they do not stand with Jesus Christ, who, when referring to maniage in God's plan, said that God "created them male and female." It is for this reason, he continued, that a man leaves not two dads or two mommies, but his father and mother in order to cling, not to whomever he wants, butto his wife (Mt 19:4-5).

It wasn't enough, however, for the most lionized of these Catholic senators . merely to stand in opposition to the successors of the apostles, the heir of St. Peter, and the one whom Christians believe is the way, the truth and the life. He also for some reason wanted to show his disdain for their position. "A vote for this amendment is a vote for bigotry, pure and simple," he declared, adding that those who support the amendment are intent on "writing bigotry into the Constitution."

In other words, Cardinal Sean O'Malley, who supported the amendment, is a bigot, "pure and simple." So is Pope Benedict. So are most of the readers of this newspaper. So are the more than 170,000 Massachusetts citizens who signed a petition last fall to bring a state amendment 41 defense ofmaniage to the ballot in 2008. So is almost the entire human race for nearly all ofhuman history. So is a well-known and rather convincing Jewish carpenter.

The man who made these inflammatory statements is not some distant bombthrower, but the senior senatorofour Commonwealth, whose famous family for decades has profited from the electoral support of so many faithful Catholics whom he now seems to be rewarding with epithets. The only apparent reason, in his opinion, for believing in maniage as a monogamous, heterosexual institution and for seeking a constitutional amendment to prevent it from being eviscerated by agenda-driven judges is transparent, straightforward, "homophobic" prejudice.

The main and most consequential issue here is not that a Catholic politician chose to act in opposition to the authoritative teachings and teachers ofthe faith that he publicly professes. It's not even that a senator- our senator- chose to insult his coreligionists and the 60 percent of U.S. citizens who support the MPA, by implying that they constitute a marital Ku Klux Klan. It's that he, in his position ofgreat power and influence, really seems to believe that those who support the traditional understanding of maniage are, in fact, "pure and simple" bigots. .

Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas, a proponent of the MPA and recent convert to Catholicism, crisplyand cogently described why such an attitude endangers not jus~ traditional maniage but the freedom of those who believe in traditional maniage to practice their faith. "Same-sex marriage proponents," he said on the Senate floor, "argue that sexual orientation is like race, and that opponents of same-sex maniage are therefore like bigots who oppose interracial marriage. Once same-sex marriage becomes law, that understanding is likely to be controlling."

Supporters ofsame-sex mairiage, in other words, begin.with a call for tolerance' but once their position becomes enshrined in law by judicial fiat or other means, there quickly arises an absolute intolerance toward those who oppose their position. There is no room, they assert, for the perpetuation ofdiscrimination: all modem versions of sexual Jim Crow laws must be eliminated.

"So in states with same-sex marriage," Senator Brownback continues, "religiously affiliated schools, adoption agencies, psychological clinics, social workers, marital counselors, etc. will be forced to choose between violating their own deeply-held beliefs and giving . up government contracts, tax-exempt status, or even being denied the right to operate at all." To show that this slippery-slope argumentation is not hypothesis and hyperbole, Brownback noted that this denial of the right even to operate is "already happening, as we've seen in Massachusetts with Boston's Catholic Charities being forced out of the adoption business entirely rather than violate Church teaching on marriage and family."

The stakes, therefore, are extraordinarily high. While the federal Marriage Protection Amendment will not pass this year, that does not mean that the effort to defend marriage is over. In Massachusetts, much urgent work remains to be done to ensure that at least 50 state legislators vote during the July 12th constitutional convention to allow the state protection of marriage amendment move forward toward the 2008 ballot. This amendment is perhaps the best and only way to prevent activist judges from continuing to extirpate what they view as biased heterosexism from the institutions across our Commonwealth.

It is also an occ'!Sion for Catholics across our state to go on the record and declare where they stand on the issue ofmarriage. Last week, IS of 24 Catholic senators chose to stand in opposition to Christ and his Church. In the next few weeks, those who consider themselves faithful Catholic citizens and legislators in Massachusetts have a chance to make a different stand - astride Christ, Benedict, the U.S. cardin<ils, and the bunch of"bigots" who love Christ enough .to consider it an honor, pure and simple, to be called names along with him.

the living word

SATANIC MESSAGES ARE SEEN SPRAY-PAINTED ON A STATUE OF CHRIST JUNE TIONAL SHRINE OF MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS IN

ERIN, WIS.

6 AT THE NA-

COMMONLY KNOWN AS HOLY

HILL, THE SHRINE IS OPERATED BY THE DISCALCED CARMELITE FRIARS.

As OF JUNE 8, ONE

SUSPECT WAS IN POLICE CUSTODY. (CNS PHOTO/STEPHEN OLSZEWSKI, 路CATHOLIC HERAW)

"MANY TIMES THEY HAVE PERSECUTED ME FROM MY YOUTH UP; YET THEY HAVE . NOT PREVAILED AGAINST ME" (PSALM 129:2).

The depths of silence Five days of silence - something that many cannot imagine, but also what many of us long for, at least once a year. Last week, I made my annual retreat in the silence of a monastery of Maronite Catholic monks, located in the wqods of Petersham, Mass. The apostolate of these monks is to pray in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Spending time with them in the silence of prayer is like pulling up to the gas station and refueling for another year.

It is often said that . there's at least.a little bit of monk in every diocesan priest. Although we may love and thrive on the active apostolic work of our particular vocation, we also long for the opportunity to sit in silence with the Lord and listen to his instructions through contemplative prayer. We know that, in spite of our best efforts, our active work can run the risk of getting off track, if we don't spend quiet, private time with Christ to be reminded of the ultimate spiritual purpose and goal of our work.

But the luxury of an annual retreat can also be hard work. The same silence that we crave as an escape from the distractions of the world demands structured discipline and concentration, in order to listen to the Lord. Getting away from the phone, television, radio, the Internet and newspapers certainly offers great peacefulness, but it also builds a certain curiosity about w.hat's happening out there

iil the world and in the Church. lbis is especially true when one knows that the Red Sox are in Gotham for a four-game series against the Evil Empire. And yet even as we start to wonder about goings-on in the world, we can hear the Lord telling us that the most important thing happening at that moment is what he is trying to teach us in the depths of silence.

An annual retreat of silence offers the chance to review the past

focused time reading the lives of the saints, for inspiration and example. lbis year, the subject was St. John Fisher, the holy bishop in 16th-century England, who courageously stood fmn ag~tacorruptgovernment

intent on destroying the Church and making a mockery of the institution of maniage.

Another, equ~y important purpose of an animal retreat is taking the time to commend to the Lord in sustained prayer all those souls' we have tried to help in our pastoral work, and to double our efforts in mortification for them.

We bring these souls with us on our retreat, knowing that we must pray and make spiritual sacrifices for them, with even more intensity than we have year and take a measurement of tried to speak with them or preach any spiritual progress or lack to them. thereof. It offers the chance to The work of an annual retreat focus on taking an in-depth is appropriately described as inventory of how well we have "spiritual exercises," the purpose of which is to make us better lived our ordination promises and athletes for Christ, who can conformed our lives to the one in better run the race and finish the whose image we were made and course, with deeper faith, great~r meant to live. fervor of charity and increased These retreats offer the chance holiness. This is what we hope to to sit in silence before the Lord in bring back to our people, for the the Blessed Sacrament for extended periods of time, listening ultimate purpose of their salvato him, by meditating on passages tion and the glory of God. And it from the Gospels, trying to hear his . all happens, please God, when voice, as he told his parables and we put into the deep of silence preached to the crowds, and trying with the Lord.

Father Pignato is chaplain at to imagine the expressions on his Bishop Stang High School in face, as he watched the joy and relief of those he healed and cured. North Dartmouth and is secretary It's also a chance to spend some to Bishop George w: Coleman.

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Friday, June 16, 2006

Godspeed. I mean God be with you they do know how to drive, but the rules of the road don't apply to them.

There was a time when I enjoye4 nestling in behind the

Once in a while, not very often, mind you, I get tired of writing about the same old sports. There are times when I like to find something different to moan and groan about.

I've been wandering aimlessly for the past few weeks, trying to come up with something different, but my one~ track mind stayed true to course.

This morning it hit me - almost literally. Each work day I participate in a sport that can have more contact than football, be faster than ice hockey, and require more skill than hitting a small round baseball with a found bat.

The sport? - Driving the city . streets of Fall River.

It wasn't always this bad, and I'm sure from Cape Cod and the Islands through Fairhaven and New Bedford, up to Seekonk and . the Attleboros it's pretty much "the same - many people simply don't know how to drive. Or

wheel for a nice drive. Not any more.

Luckily for me, I drive less than 10 miles per weekday, and that includes taking my daughter to school and going to and from work. But lately, those 10 miles feel like a space shuttle mission.

Here are some of the highlights one will find driving in the "Rive;' and area cities: - to some, stop signs actually mean to pull out half way into the intersection, then screech to a

halt. That helps speed up the heart rates of the other drivers; - when on two lane residential roads, some auto and truck operators drive as close as possible to the car directly in front of them, the one driving the speed limit, then at the first opportunity, they pass them offering an evil glare at the same time; - this is the one that frightens me most; many, many, many people behind the wheel completely disregard the 20 m.p.h. speed limit in school districts during the posted times.

Just this morning, I was traveling .in a posted zone and a big old tow truck w~s on my rear bumper. In no time, he changed lanes and roared past me at at least 40 m.p.h. For most, it's going to take a child getting killed before those warnings are heeded; - when the high schools are dismissed for the day, one's best bet is finding a safe spot to hide. )

7

Roads and sidewalks ate not the II. places to be; - many drivers beIPnd you at traffic signals see the lights as the Christmas tree at a drag race. As soon as the tree light hits green they're on the gas, wh6ther you I are or not· - public streets, d~ecially one-lane public streets'l are the perfect locale for some drivers to stop and chat with a c()rnrade who is either a pedestilan on the sidewalk, or a chum parked on the side of the road. Don't dare hit your hom, even after five or 10 minutes. You're putting your life into your own hands.

I truly believe that after the past few years on locm roads, I could drive the NASGAR circuit with ease. The only difference between NASCAR racing and city driving is the NASCAR racers know what they're doing.

What local roads are to NASCAR events, pwking lots are to an evening of demolition derby at Seekonk Speedway.

On a recent trip to: Florida, I was speaking with a cashier

Sometimes it's the little things' that we do that can make all the difference. An act of kindness, of generosity, a smile, a helping hand. And sometimes we may not realize what difference our actions might have made, while other times God allows us to see their significance.

Several years ago when I was living in Santa Monica, Calif., I went into the neighborhood .

~~c~~e~t~~~~~~ein the produce section, I

store."

Well, okay.

As I made 'my 'way to the store clerks, I noticed a woman and a young boy at one of the registers.

The woman was looking frantically in her pockets as the boy looked on helplessly.

I walked over to her and asked her if she had lost something.

She said, "Yes." "What did you lose?" I asked. She said, "Twenty

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unfolded it, it was in fact ''':: S,. a $20 bill.

Hey, what do you know, how lucky am I to have found this money! Lucky, lucky, lucky me ... lucky, lucky, lucky ... (but a deeper part of me, my conscience spoke up.)

"Excuse me, but don't you think that you should sort of check around and see if anyone lost the money?"

"You know," I responded, "you're absolutely right."

So I asked a few people near me, an elderly woman, a middleaged man, another younger , woman, if they had lost any . money. They checked into their wallets and purses and all said "No." Now what? Should I keep the money? Should I just leave the money there on the floor, so that the owner can come back and find it? Should I - (there's my conscience again.)

"Why don't you tum it in to the manager? Maybe the person who lost the money is still in the

Vocation Director: Br. CharleS Gingerich, ofm Email: Charles848@aol.com

joy is on the other side of a .choice, a joy that will not be known unless the choice is made.

A year or two later, I shared this story with a group of my conftrmation students. They were very affluent students from a very wealthy area of Los Angeles. Several of the students, who happened also to be the most vocal, were incredulous.

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about the problem there with alligators attacking people. I told her that wasn't so bad. I drive on city streets in Massachusetts. those around us, including the cashier, felt a chill run down their spines.

To all of us who crank up our autos every morning to go to work or school, listen closely.

You'll hear, "Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines." After that, I wish you Godspeed. On second thought, there are those who may consider that a heavenly consent to put the pedal to the metal. Instead, may God be with us all.

I

The little things that we do

ret!i .M~cKouJ

dollars." I told her that I had found $20 and that it must be hers. When I gave her the money, she was beaming with happiness and relief. She kept thanking me and thanking me. .

She had no purse or wallet, only a baggy sweater with shallow pockets. I'm sure that it was all the money that she had with her that day.

As I left the store, I saw her from across the parking lot. She , was siniling and waving goodbye. I knew that I had made a friend. The fact that I did not know her name, nor did she mine, did not matter. , I was so thankful that I had gotten to meet her, because if I had just given the money to the manager, and had not met her or known the outcome, it would not have been the same. I was filled with joy for hours that turned into days, a kind of joy that $20 could never give. Sometimes true

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I explained to them that there were probably times in my life when I had found a quarter here or a dollar there, and had picked it up without really giving it much thought. But that on this particular day, finding the $20 made me stop and think, in a different way.

We had a great discussion that day in confirmation class, and many of the students agreed that they would have returned the money. By the end of the class, everyone seemed to feel the same.

The little things that we do ... an act of kindness, of generosity, a smile, a helping hand ... and sometimes we may not realize what difference our actions might make.

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

Our LadY' of Perpetual Help Church 2.35 North "Front St New Bedford.. MA.

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Friday, June 16, 2006

The Trinity revisited Today is the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, an ancient celebration that is nearly 800 years old. It has had different titles .over the years, starting with the feast of the most Blessed Sacrament.

Many of us have attended a banquet where the table was beautifully set and carefully arranged with at least two glasses at each place, one for water and one for wine. Before the meal began, someone would raise their glass and propose a toast; some words of honor immediately. before the meal, and all those attending would raise their glass in affirmation. Jesus does something similar in the Gospel story for today. During the Passover meal he takes the bread, blesses it and shares it with the disciples. Th~n he takes

the cup, gives thanks and gives it to them saying, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many."

One title was, "The feast of Corpus Christi," meaning "the Body of Christ." When the pope established this feast, it was at a time in our Church history when penitential practices were many, and most people did not receive the Eucharist very often and would rather adore the real presence of Christ from a distance. Only the priest would drink from the chalice.

Our present day title, "the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ," with its affirmation of both species of the Eucharist, highlights a' theme that connects our first

reading with the second reading.

The role of blood in Hebrew worship - with the high priest's sprinkling of the altar and later those attending

the service - was a sign of sharing in a unique relationship with God. It was a covenanraffirming their belief. in all that the Lord had asked of them. I In the Letter to the Hebrews, Christ is the new high priest, who offers his own Blood, obtaining for us

'eternal redemption, to. "cleanse our consciences from dead works, to worship the living God." Blood is the sign of the establishment of the covenant between the 12 Tribes of Israel in the Exodus reading, while in the Hebrew reading, th~ Blood of Christ is shared with the 12 Apostles and to all those who will come to believe. Jesus is the mediator of this new covenant.

How fitting then for the Church to give this feast a new title that emphasizes our . sharing in both the Hody and Blood of Jesus. It is not . . enough for us to simply adore the Lord from a distance, but to fully share in this mystery.

By drinking from the cup of suffering with hope and

peace we seek the strength required of those who follow in the footsteps of Christ.

Today's feast celebrates the gift Jesus has given to us, his Body and Blood. Through our sharing in the bread of life and drinking from this cup, we share in the life of God. This is the perfect sacrifice. It is the sign of a perfect love.

By sharing in this ~acrifice we ritually symbolize 'our desire to completely give ourselves and all that we have to the Father.

We join in the meal that Jesus shared with his disciples and are challenged to share in his sufferings and death. We also share in that one perfect sacrifice of Christ through "the Blood of the covenant which will be shed for many."路 Father Lopes is pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in North Easton.

Protecting marriage I watched on C-Span as the U.S. Senate debated the Marriage Protection Amendment. The senators supporting the amendment were eloquent. They made all the best arguments. They spoke of the benefits of marriage, the protection of children, the rights of the people, and the danger of activist judges. The American people support marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Amendments to state constitutions to protect marriage have won overwhelniing support every time they have been on the ballot. On the same day the Marriage Protection Amendment was defeated, 81 percent of Alabama primary voters supported a state marriage protection amendmenr. The . bishops of the United States

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together with religious leaders from other faiths have joined together to support the federal amendment.

While the Marriage Protection Amendment received only 49 votes in the Senate, far short of the two-thirds supermajority needed to send an amendment to the states, many of the Senators who voted against it explained that they were doing so, not because they didn't believe that marriage was the union of one man and one woman, but because they thought that the issue should be decided by the states..

The problem with this line of thinking is that it is not the people of.the states who would make the decision - when the people have a chance to vote they support marriage - -it would be judges. Marriage wasn't redefined by the people of Massachu-' setts, but by judges. The Mar- riage Protection Amendment is specifically designed to take the question away from the judges and give it to the people. In order for an amendment to pass it

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

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia (seer of Fatima) and spoke these words: "Announce in my name that I promise to assist at the hour ofdeath with the graces necessary for the salvation oftheir souls, aU those who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months shau: 1. Go to confession; 2. Receive路Holy Communion; 3. Recite the _Rosary (5 d~cades); and 4. Keep me company for 15 minutes while meditating on the 15 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me."

In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be preceded by the words: "In reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary."

Cor'lfesslons may be made during 8 days before or after the first Saturday, and Holy Communion may be received at either the morning or evening Mass on the first Saturday.

would have to be ratified by the _however, we need to build a legislatures of three-fourths of strong wall of protection .around the states. No one seems to doubt them. The Marriage Protection that once it was approved by the' Amendment is designed to be an Congress, the amendment would unbreachable levee. Massachusetts didn't have such a wall and be approved by the.state legislathe people of Massachusetts who tures.

Those who argue that there is care about marriage are now no need for such an amendment faced with the task of fixing the now - nQ imminent threat mess caused by the overturning are rather like those who lived in of state marriage laws by judges.

In some ways it is almost as difficult to change what these judges did as it is to clean up New Orleans.

The problem with waiting until some judge somewhere decides that he has the power to redefine marriage is that it takes a time to pass a constitutional amendment, just as it takes New Orleans before Katrina. time to strengthen a weak levee. It They knew the city could not is better to do the repair wode withs~d a direct hit from a Category 4 storm, so they hoped before the storm than to try to hold back the water once it is breached. hurricanes would hit elsewhere.

During the debate, there were Katrina came, the flood walls failed. The destruction was a few senators who spoke in catastrophic. favor of the redefinition of Saying we don't need an marriage. Their comments point amendment is like hoping to one of the consequences of hurricanes will go somewhere redefining marriage. Certain else. It's not something we senators said that an amendment should count on. We have defming marriag~ was "bigotry."

This is a serious charge. aigots watched courts strike down state and federal laws, abolishing long and those guilty of discrimination can face legal sanctions. They standing protections, ignoring can be discriminated against in tradition, and inventing "rights." hiring, forced to undergo It can happen again. It has sensitive training, ordered to already happened in Massachupublicly recant politically setts. In several other states incorrect attitudes, and are constitutional amendments have considered unworthy to hold been struck down and are under appeal. We cannot sit and wait, public office.

Those who have followed gay as the people of New Orleans did, hoping the levees will hold. activism from the beginning know that one of their strategies Maybe no judge will ever throw out another state law or has been to call anyone who disagrees with them a bigot and amendment protecting marriage. to charge anyone who doesn't Maybe the federal Defense of accept their demands with Marriage Act will withstand all discrimination. Their long range court challenges. Just in case,

goal is to have opposition to their agenda equated with racism. We have already seen the effects of this in Massachusetts. Boston Catholic Charities was forced out of the adoption business because it refused to give children to same-sex couples. A number of the senators mentioned this situation as a reason to support the amendment.

There is no evidence that those challenging marriage laws in the courts are going to stop.

The threat of judicial activism remains high. Therefore, the amendment will be back.

Marriage must be protected from activist judges.

Dale O'Leary is an internatioooUy recognized lecturer and author of"The Gender Agenda: Redefining Equality." She regularly lectures in Massachusetts in support ofthe Church's teachings on the gift ofhuman sexuality.

Daily Readings June171 Kgs19:19-21; Ps 16:1-2,5,7-10; : Mt5:33-37 June 18 Ex 24:3-8; Ps 116:12-13,15-18; Heb 9:11-15; Mt 14:12-16,22-26 June 191 Kgs 21:1-16; Ps 5:2-3,5-7; Mt 5:3842 June 201 Kgs 21 :17-29; Ps51:3-6,11-16; Mt5:43-48 June 21 2 Kgs 2:1 ,6-14; Ps 31 :20-21,24; Mt 6:1-6,16-18 June22Sir48:1-14; Ps 97:1-7; Mt 6:7-15 June 23 Hos路11:1 ,3-4,8c-9; (Ps) Is 12:2-6; Eph 3:8-12,14-19; Jn 19:31-37

9

Friday, June 16, 2006

The unwelcome mat Monday 12 June 2006 Homeport - "Tear Down The Wall" speech delivered on this date in 1987 by President Regan while standing at the Berlin Wall. "Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! " I saw a joke doormat in a catalogue. Instead of "Welcome," it said "Go Away." Some churches have "unwelcome" mats.

Nobody is there to greet you. Find your . own seat. Nobody makes eye contact. You are invisible. The Sign of Peace is a cold formality, not a warm sign of unity in the Lord. God forbid that you bring along a toddler who is having a bad hair day. Prepare for The Icy Stare of Displeasure.

I am reminded of the man who wore his hat into church

one day. Several people asked him to remove the hat. The man just smiled. After Mass, the priest asked the man why he had refused to remove his hat.

He answered: "Father, I have been attending Mass here for 20 years. No one has spoken to

pew. Befuddled, they just stood where their pew had been. It never occurred to them to choose another seat.

Some not only have their own pew, but their very own seat. If you decide to sit there, they're not going to budge an inch. You have to crawl over them. The message: 'Go Away."

How many times have I heard, "Oh, E Father, it's always the same people who do everything. Nobody wants to step up to the plate but u,s." Translation: We do not recruit, support, train, monitor and encourage others to share their gifts.

Creating warm, friendly churches is hard work. There will always be those who don't want to be welcomed. They usually stand as far away from everybody as possible, without v

me even once - until I decided to keep on this hat."

Watch for turf wars breaking out in the pews. In one church, I eliminated a couple of pews to make a building more welcoming to the handicapped. There were people who had always sat in those pews. It was "their"

A fatherly kind of love runs is that he always beat me.

I happened across a quotation the other day that captures I treasure that memory because, by not sandbagging, my perfectly my experiences of father showed me that I wasn't fatherhood. The quotation is a child anymore. He knew that from a small book entitled, in order for me to realize my "Radical Hospitality: potential as a runner, I had to Benedict's Way of Love, " by be pushed, not coddled, Like Father Daniel Homan and Lonni Collins Pratt. In describ- the authors who had spent time with Joe, I felt "taller, stroning a friend of theirs named Joe, the authors said, "He knew not the name of intimacy, but the meaning." Joe, they said, "probably could not have articulated the meaning of hospitality, but he knew how to pour you another cup of coffee.

You would leave Joe's company feeling taller, ger, and more human" after stronger, and more human." running with my dad because I Like Joe, there are some . knew that if I came even a great dads out there who are little closer to his finishing better at demonstrating their love than at verbalizing it. One time, it was a genuine accomreason for this, perhaps, is that plishment.

Like my dad, my husband dads have faith in their kids' trusts in our kids' potential. He potential. Dads assume their let our oldest jump off the kids can do it, no matter what diving board way before I was 'it' happens to be. Because of comfortable even letting her this, dads are comfortable swim in the deep end of the trusting their children with pool. I don't think he even things like hammers and nails, thought twice about it. She two-wheeled bikes, and lawn asked if she could try. He said mowers a lot sooner than "Sure," treaded water in front moms are. Dads give exof the diving board, counted to tremely high pushes on tire three with her, and Kersplash!" swings to show their affection. down she jumped. When her Dads are more apt to wrestle wide-eyed, smiling face bobbed than to cuddle. Dads underup from under the waves, she stand the need for superlatives was "taller, stronger, and more like climbing the highest, human." racing the fastest, and eating One of the most poignant, the most. biblical stories about fatherWhile I was in high school, my dad helped me train for the hood is the parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke fall cross-country season by taking long runs with me in the 15: 11-32. The father's lavish acceptance of his wayward son summer when he came home upon his return is the highlight from work. One of the things I of the story, but I always remember best about those

wonder what possessed the father to let the son go in the first place. Where was the mother crying out, "Are you crazy, papa? You can't give him his inheritance early. That boy's got holes in his pockets and wild ideas in his head, and you know it." But the Prodigal Son's father also knew that no amount of coddling was going to turn his boy into a man. By letting him .go, the Prodigal Son's father gave his son the chance to grow "tl;lller, stronger, and more human," and because of it the son became all those things, and a great deal more humble to boot.

God, our heavenly Father, has taken the same risk by trusting us, his children, with free will. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." In that verse we see how much God believes in us.

Rather than lowering the bar or taking away the possibility of perishing, God has made heaven a choice and given us the chance to grow "taller, stronger, and more human" by allowing us to make that choice ourselves. Now that's a distinctively fatherly kind of love, and on this Father's Day, I thank my father, my husband, and all great fathers out there for the times they have embodied such love.

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

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

Comments are welcome at homegrownfaith@yahoo.com.

actually being out on the front lawn. Their body language speaks volumes. It dampens the sense of community. Not much a priest can say about it.

Harangues are counterproductive. I notice, as I process down the aisle, both the singing and the sense of community get stronger.

The unwelcome mat can be out as soon as a person contacts the parish office. The attitude of the person who first answers the phone or door is crucial. "I have no idea where the priest is. He's never home and he never tells me when he'll be back. Anyway, we're too busy to deal with you. I'll tell him you called, if I remember. He might return your call sometime." Read: Go away. This is not a good thing to hear if you're clinging to the faith by your fingertips.

The latest survey of the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CA.RA) indicates that church attendance has not been adversely affected by the "clergy abuse scandaL" It's holding steady. That's the good news. That's also the bad news - Sunday Mass attendance is holding steady at 33 percent. What happened to the other 67 percent? God knows; I have my suspicions.

One of the major threats to hospitality in chl1rches is the danger of cliques'. Priest and people need to be constantly on the alert for groups or individuals who, consciously or unconsciously, try to control the life of the parish or guard access to the priest. "All parishioners are equal, but some parishioners are more equal than others", to paraphrase "Animal Farm."

This is not normal parish

conflict. That you expect in any healthy family, including the family of the Church. There are "Church terrorists" lurking out there. These can be the kiss of death to parish community.

Sometimes, as they say in the Mafia, you have to "go to the mattresses."

Author G. Lloyd Rediger calls them "clergy killers." The tactics, he says, include manipulation, camouflage, subversion, misrepresentation, and accusing others of using their very tactics. Church terrorists are masters of disguise and can present themselves as pious, active Church members who are only doing what is good for the Church. They are not.

Weapons in the arsenal of a Church terrorist cell include gossip, letters to headquarters (often anonymous), networking with the like-minded, incivility, shunning, and even "prayer."

The Cure of Ars, St. John Vianney, was repeatedly asked by some parishioners to say Mass for a "Very Special Intention." One day, the priest asked what he was praying for.

"That we will soon get a new and better pastor," came the answer. Appropriately, the Cure of Ars is now the patron saint of parish priests.

The Spirit rushed upon the Apostles at Pentecost. They ran into the street. The Apostles first had to unlock the door.

They had locked it out of fear.

They unlocked it out of love.

An open door is a sure sign of the Holy Spirit.

Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Bernard Parish, Assonet.

Comments are welcome at StBernardAssonet@aol.com.

Previous columns are at www.StBernardAssonet.org.

, St. Anne's Prayer "Good St. Anne, Mother of Mary, and Grandmother of Jesus, Intercede for me and my petitions. Amen."

Saint Pius X School SPXS in South Yarmouth is seeking a parttime Spanish Teacher for a Middle School position beginning in September, 2006.

Please contact the school office at 508-3986112 for additional information.

"Grampas Are For All Seasons"

By Richard J. Ward For Father's Day and Everyday. . Give Dad and Grampa something to crow about

2006

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"Provides rewardsfOr the reado anda S1KCess fir the author. n - Rev. Dennis Sughrue. S.]., Univ. of Notre Dame A grandfather of eight, this retired renaissance-oriented economist with a Ph.D., has applied his penchant for prose, love ofliterature and reminiscence to create this timeles,s "classic of its genre."

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10

Tom Loughlin's dedication to Cape's Brazilians,has the makings of a classic

By DEACON JAMES N.

DUNBAR

The Sunday Mass is offered because many of the HYANNIS - That Thomas S. Loughlin never Brazilians are employed in service-providing busilearned a word of Portuguese doesn't matter. nesses whose hours include early Sunday mornings.

The man Brazilians in Cape Cod communities "Last year we averaged 400 people at that special have affectionately come to call "Tom," has made Sunday night Mass," reported Loughlin. ''The Mass up for any linguistic shortcomings by his dedicated, lasts from an hour-and-a- halfto an hour-and-45 minlong-time devotion and charity to the hard-working utes because of the all the singing and processions.

And nobody leaves." immigrants by way of providing food, clothing, furniture - and prayers - for their welfare over the He said that currently more of the immigrants are beginning to attend Masses in English on Sunday past three decades.

Even now at age 79, and bothered by congestive mornings because they work in restaurants at night. heart failure that prompted the "snowbird's" return Born and brought up in Worcester, Loughlin , from Rorida on April 1, Tom Loughlin seems little graduated in 1948 from the College ofthe Holy Cross. , inclined to set aside his apostolate that began in the He was in children's apparel sales in New England 1980s. for 16 years. After that he was with Buttner Com"I acknowledge that I have been at what might be pany on Cape Cod, a called the foundasmall department tions of the Bi'azil. »~,:'" ~tore, until he retired ian community," . '~':, :, - '\'~<f ,': ..,-,'. "., ~.;'.: m 1987. , said Loughlin, who ~"' ":I·"m.:.~~~· Married to has remained a pa.:D:,;~~;;, '~"~~~~~'~~.~ -' Lorraine Loughlin rishioner of St. ~' .~ o{i for 53, years, the :: FrancisXavierPar-:'W~. couple have a ~ ish in Hyannis de- ~=~=;;;;;:~;;:=~~===:::::::==~'~",::Y=="=~'I daughter, Jeanne, i spite having moved who resides in Bos: to South Yarmouth ton. Another daughf three years ago af" ter, Janet, died in terresiding in West , 1 •. '.' 1993.

Yarmouth for 39 'J ' . ' "I had never met ;;. .( a Brazilian until they years.

"I was involved~. arrived on the Cape. in so many things at . . . . .",c___.,', But because I had St. Francis - in~ long been active with , cluding a 17-yearv the St. Vincent de membership in its Paul,! was a first con.: St. Vmcent de Paul tact," he said. It was . Chapter which I not his sole venture.

Over the years, started in 1971- I Loughlin has didn't want to give it up," he told The shipped tons of Anchor. goods to missions "That's how it overseas. In the all started, when the spring of 1989, first Brazilians arTOM LOUGHLIN, back, left greets Father Afonso Loughlin and a riving on the scene Lima, and altar servers Natalia, Charles and Thales friend sent 1,200 about1987cameto Frois prior to a Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church, pounds of clothing our St. Vmcent de Hyannis. obtained in a drive, to Paul group seeking Central America.

"In 1988 and 1989, we sent 66 cartons of clothfood, clothing and household items," he recalled.

"We responded and (the Brazilians) have come ing to St.Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain SD., to be my whole life's effort after retirement," he said. as well as the Edmonite Missions in Southern Alabama; and another 1,500 pounds of clothing to "Father Edward Duffy was our pastor.when they first arrived. He gave me free rein to buy or provide Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, Ra.," he recalled. whateverlwantedforthem,andhewouldreimburse He followed up with 92 cartons of clothes me. We initiated parish bulletins in Portuguese for 2,300 pounds to the same institutions in 1990. them at the Masses."

"Our St. Vmcent de Paul Chapter was very acIn those early years, Loughlin said he would spend tive, and I was very young. But I dropped out about 1992 in order to work exclusively with the BraZiltime with the people in their homes. ''Tlliit's how I got to know them and I made a lot of friends. After ians," he said. It has been acknowledged.

"I was ill at Easter. But the Brazilians made up a that, when they began to be employed, they were no longer at home. Everybody on the Cape really likes huge poster board saying, 'Happy Easter from all your them and loves to hire them because they are good Brazilianfriends.' It was signed by at least 50 people." workers."

Loughlin said he has "a lot of wonderful memoLoughlin recalls that in 1992 a multi-parish group ries." who called themselves '''The Gleaners," used to go One of them, he proudly recalled, harkens back around and pick up swplus foodstuffs that included to 1990 and a seven-year-old Brazilian girl, Monique day-old pastry and rolls, breads and even fruit from Silva, who was deaf. " supermarkets and bakeries.

"With the help of the Cape Cod Collaborative, ., "They would be dropped off at St. Francis'. I we got this girl into a special camp in Maine. We would divide the goods into bags and make as many also arranged for her to receive first Communion at , as 30 trips a few days a week and leave them at the a special evening Mass and Father John Ozug arimmigrants' homes." ranged to have the Mass 'signed' for those in attenThe deliveries took him to Centerville, Hyannis, dance who were deaf. We even arranged for her first Yarmouth and Dennis.

Communion dress," Loughlin said.

'Today, depending on the various estimates, there 'The upshot is that Monique has recently graduare from 5,000 to 20,000 Brazilians living on the ated from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. where they specialize in educating the handicapped."

Cape. They are mostly at St. Francis, because we What's on the horizon for Tom Loughlin? have a 70'clock Mass for them every Sunday night.

It is celebrated by Father Jose Afonso Lima, who "Probably more of what I have been doing," he leads the Brazilian Apostolate and is in-residence at said "It might depend on what the medical people St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth." in Boston have to tell me." >

.,"

"

_

Diocesan high, schools bid farewell to Class of 2006 , 'By MIKE GORDON

more habitable place for all."

She concluded by telling felFALL RIVER - Hundreds of low graduates ''to put your dreams high school graduates in four di- into action."

A special part of the evening ocesan high schools recently received their diplomas amidst at Bishop Feehan was the annual proud cheers from families and tree planting ceremony. Each friends and teachers they have graduating class plants a tree so come to know through four years their legacy will live on at the' of Catholic education. school for years to come. Andrew They will bring the knowledge Noll gave a speech prior to the and commitment to service and event and said, "After today we . social justice into a larger world may never be assembled together and are eager to do so. In ceremo- again as an entire class, but this nies at each of the schools, Bishop tree will grow and flourish here George W. Coleman assisted with at Bishop Feehan as a reminder the awarding of diplomas and of a class that was open and acwishing the neW graduates well. cepting of others."

At Bishop The 44th Connolly High graduation at School, 91 Se'Moveforwardandaffirm B~shop Stang niors partici- God'spresenceinyourlite, n High School, pated in gradua• llLJ 'h N o r t h tion ceremonies Dold said. riarness t. e Dartmouth, on June 4, the lessons you have learned saw 195 se37th com- so you can pull yourself niors graduate. mencement. throughsimilarobstaclesin T~e .John C. Valedictorian the future. Useyourgins to 0 -':lnen gymfor the Fall I naslUm was the River school make Gods presence site of the June was .Melanie known in the lives around 4 ceremony.

Caron. Salutato- YOu, and contribute to soValedictorian was ciety in such a way that rian Jared Jonathan Quick. makes the world a more z.elski said in Caron told ,J.. ~I ,J..I ,I ,1'1." his speech that h Qult"8ule place ". all. graduation day classmates that the small Cathois one which is lic community they found in "greatly anticipated," marking the Bishop Connolly has given them turning point of so many young "a unique opportunity to develop people. He was thankful for the special talents which we will take institution of Bishop Stang in into our adult lives. These shared ''teaching values and ideals," addmoments have assisted us in ing "it's a place that believes that bonding together and have acted all people have the potential to as building blocks to our identity change the world." and our character."

"Here at Stang we've made a She added they must accept difference in the food pantries of guidance of the Holy Spirit to "not New Bedford, at the March for only become successful leaders of Life in Washington D.C., in the tomorrow, but moralistic indi- struggling communities of Honviduals in our daily undertaking. duras and everywhere in between.

We are no longer boys and girls, We have learned that we can turn but rather the men and women any vision into a reality if we only who have the world at their fin- believe what is stated in the Gosgertips. Do everything you know pel of Mark, 'Everything is posis right and moral to the best of sible for him who believes.'''

The class salutatorian was Geeyour ability and you will always gorySu. achieve success."

Bishop Feehan High School At the 95th graduation of held its graduation on Thursday Coyle and Cassidy High School's June 1 in the school auditorium. rich history, 178 students received It was the 42nd commencement diplomas. Ceremonies were held in the school's history and 246 on June 1 at St. Mary's Parish in students received diplomas. .

Taunton.

The salutatorian was Andrew Valedictorian was Theresa Dold of North Attleboro. Salutatorian J ussaume. Class valedictorian was Amanda Bernier. was Mansfield's David Coyne.

Bernier told classmates they In her address, Dold reminded her peers that they must "move must "challenge themselves to forward," advice she received continue their class and school from her Uncle Ray at an eighth- tradition of outstanding service to grade graduation and continues to those around us."

In her address, she advised put in practice.

"Move forward and affirm graduates to strive not only for sucGod's presence in your life," cess, but to make a difference. 'We Dold said. "Harness the lessons must work to bring about the kingyou have learned so you can pull dom of God," said Bernier. '1 beyourself through similar ob- lieve that we are each called by stacles in the future. Use your Christ to discover the mission ofour gifts to make God's presence lives and to serve others with our known in the lives around you, talents and passions. Strive to use and contribute to society in such the unique talents that Christ has a way that makes the world a given you for the benefit ofothers."

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GRADUATES DAVID Lydon, Jordan Rogers, Matthew Fogerty and Matthew Hagerstrom are ready for their big day at Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton. They were among 178 Seniors who graduated.

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PROUD MEMBERS of the Bishop Feehan Class of 2006 are frqm left, David Coyne, Sarah Amin, and David Goad.

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Friday, June 16, 2006

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Church role seen in mobilizing Hispariics after marches WASHINGTON - The Catholic Church can play animportant role in mobilizing Hispanics to increase their influence on public policy, said several speakers at a Washington symposium examining Hispanic participation in U.S. political life. On the local level, priests can promote civic involvement and Church organizations can sponsor courses in English as a second language, said Rodolfo de la Garza, law professor at Columbia University in New York. ''There is a crying need in the Hispamc community for that help," said de la Garza, whohas written books on Hispanic politics in the U.S. Robert de Posada, president of the Latino Coalition, said that the Church "has the moral authority to make things happen." In the heavily Catholic Hispanic community, "when people need help, they first turn to their family, then to the Church and then to the government," he said. Both men were interviewed by Catholic News Service while they were at tending a recent symposium on Latino participation in U.S. politics after the series of rallies calling for immigration reform held e~1ier in the year. The symposium was organized by the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute, an independent social research center specializing in Hispanic issues. It is based at the University of South ern California in Los Angeles. w

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Cath06c-sponsored programs stress importance of children's health ORLANDO, Fla. - The spotlight was on children at the Catholic Health Association's annual assembly in Orlando last week as a Catholic-sponsored program in South Carolina received the organization's achievement citation and another in Oregon was featured in an "innovation forum." The achievement citation, presented to exceptional programs that deliver measurable results in their communities, went to Healthy Learners, a project begun 14 years ago by Providence Hospital in Columbia, S.C., and its spon sor, the Sisters of Charity of Sf. Augustine, based in Cleveland.

Since its founding, Healthy Learners has provided health screenings - vision, dental, psychological and medical ~ to more than 30,000 students and direct health care services to more than 10,000. At a convention workshop session - or innovation forum - focused on Success by 6, an initiative aimed at reducing child abuse and neglect in Oregon's Lane County. Now a program of United Way of Lane County, Success by 6 began in the late 1990s after the Oregon region of PeaceHealth, a Catholic health system sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, convened a group of community leaders to discuss how to address the problem. w

Top Hong Kong oftici81 attends Mass said by illicit Chinese bishop.

HONG KONG - The Catholic chief executive of Hong Kong has attended a Mass celebrated by the bishop of Kunming, China, who does not have papal approval, raising questions of propriety and a possible breach of Vatican guidelines. Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, who attends Mass daily in Hong Kong, went to Mass last week in Kunming, capital of Yunnan province in southe!11 China, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. Bishop Joseph Ma Yinglin of Kunrning celebrated the Mass at Sacred Heart Church. The ordaining and assisting bishops at Bishop Ma's April 30 ordination have Vatican recognition, so his ordination is valid, but it was not approved by Pope Benedict XVI, so it is considered illicit. FatherJoachim Yue Tiande, parish priest in Kunrning, told UCA News that Tsang and his wife, Selina Tsang Pou Siu-mei, were accompanied' by officials of the business forum that Tsang was attending. Tsang and his wife received Communion from a priest, not from the bishop.

Philippine bishop praises legislation to end death penalty MANILA, Philippines - The head of the Philippine bishops' commission for prison pastoral care has commended the Senate and the House of Representatives for passing separate bills that would end the death penalty. "We congratulate ourselves as a people and a nation," Bishop Pedro Arigo of Puerto.

Princesa said in a statement released by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. The bishop said the move showed unity for the cause of human life. Voting 16;.0 with one abstention June 6, the Senate approved a bill that w.ol.1ld abolish the death penalty and bar parole for convicts sentenced to life -imprisonment, reported UCA News, an Asian-church news agency based in Thailand. Later in the day, the House of Representa tives voted 119-20, with one abstention, to approve a bill that stipulates life imprisonment as the harshest punishment for criminals. Legislators from the two chambers now must reconcile. the two bills into a single piece of legislation to be signed into law

by President Gloria Macapagal路Arroyo. w

CNS Movie Capsules NEW YORK (CNS)- Thefollowing are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting ofthe u.s.

Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Cars" (Disney) Delightful computer-animated movie set in a world of anthropomorphic autos about a cocky racecar (voiced by Owen Wilson) which, while en route cross-country to compete in a prestigious championship, is unexpectedly detained in a neglected desert town, where his growing friendship with the town's four-wheeled residents (voiced by Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt and Larry the Cable Guy, among others) effects a change of heart regarding fame in the fast lane.

Co-directed by John Lasseter and Joe Ranft, the film has a full tank of humor and emotions - not to mention bar-raising visuals while its solid storytelling imparts a charming message about taking

MATER, A RUSTY but trusty tow truck, and hotshot rookie racecar Lightening McQueen are pictured in a scene from the animated feature movie "Cars." For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules on this page. (CNS photo/Disney) the time to appreciate what really matters in life. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I - general patronage.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G - general audiences. All ages admitted.

"A Prairie Horne Companion" (Picturehouse) Leisurely paced, virtually plotless fictional riff on radio raconteur Garrison Keillor's long-running series as Keillor (playing himselt) presents his "final" show, with top-liners including singing sisters (Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin) and cowboy (Woody Harrelson and John C. Reilly) acts, while 1940s sleuth Guy Noir (Kevin Kline), a mysterious

femme fatale (Virginia Madsen) and a shadowy figure (Tommy Lee Jones) weave throughout the action.

Fans of Altman will appreciate the trademark multicharacter canvas, and naturalistic setups (with lots of overlapping dialogue), used to mourn the passing of a gentler age.

The country-styled tunes are a highlight. Some briefcrude humor, mild irreligiosity, some innuendo and risque song lyrics, and an instance of profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-ill - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 - parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

In films about Jesus' birth, animals don't alwaysfollow script MATERA, Italy (CNS) - The hardest part about making a movie about Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus is convincing the animals to follow the script.

Herds of sheep, goats, a soaring hawk, ornery oxen, a baby calf, caravaning camels and pack donkeys all feature in a new film, 'The Nativity Story," due out in theaters worldwide December 1.

Digital technology has made putting a shooting star and hovering angels on celluloid a cinch, but convincing an ox to kneel and low before the baby Jesus in a manger proved to be an ordeal, crew members told journalists May 23 during filming in this southern Italian city.

Because animals are more used to doing improv than following stage direction, sheep wranglers and ox whisperers were 'hired to help with filming, and local Italian shepherds were hired to play the shepherds in the movie.

But the shepherds' real-life skills in steering sheep were sorely challenged as director Catherine Hardwicke called for several retakes, urging them to keep their furry flocks on a particular path and not run over Mary and Joseph as they crested a hill.

The film by New Line Cinema, which brought moviegoers ''The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, is being shot this spring and summer in the ancient city of Matera, the same rocky, mountaintop city where Mel Gibson filmed 'The Passion of the Christ."

The city is famous for its ancient "sassi" or carved-out-of-the-rock neighborhoods and its cream yellow, limestone-walled streets. Because the city's historical center poses a

striking similarity to whatJerusalem said she was "intrigued because the might have looked like 2,000 years writer got inside the heart and soul" ago, directors have chosen Matera of the characters.

She said that in directing the as a backdrop for filming the holy city and its environs in movies set in Illovie she tried to build on making the characters seem real on the biblical times.

Scriptwriter Mike Rich said he screen so people could easily idenwanted the story to flesh out who tify with them and see how ordinary Mary and Joseph were and what people, like Mary and Joseph, were emotions they must have felt as they able to take such a huge leap offaith.

Co-producer Marty Bowen, a faced the immense responsibilities .

God entrusted to them. He said he Catholic raised in Texas, said that was inspired to write the screenplay growing up he always put Mary "up . after seeing Time and Newsweek put on a pedestal."

'The Nativity Story" is trying to the Nativity of Christ on the cover make Mary real, Bowen said, addof their 2004 Christmas issues.

However, he said he felt the story ing that he hoped that the movie ofthe Nativity had always been pre- would help people see "Mary was a sented as an "event-based" story: girl before she became a woman and what happened and when, with little a woman before she became the about how the protagonists lived mother of God." He said people should also feel their faith. After months of research and input from religious scholars, empathy for Joseph, a man "who Rich started writing what he called fmds the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with," then dis"a character-based story."

"Talk about limited source mate- covers she is pregnant and he is not rial," he said, noting that the only the father of the child.

"Talk about a crisis of faith of description ofJoseph he found in the Bible was "he was a righteous man." staggering proportions," Bowen Rich, a nondenominational said.

Bowen, who wears around his Christian from Beaverton, Ore., said that even though his story was specu- neck a rosary his grandmother lative he still sought to keep it faith- brought him from Rome and a medal ful to the spirit of the biblical ac- of S1. Christopher his mother gave him, said the story of Mary, Joseph, count.

The result is that the young Mary" and the shepherds they meet is "a played by 16-year-old Oscar nomi- journey offaith that's rewarded" by nee Keisha Castle-Hughes ("Whale God. But people also "need to unRider"), and Joseph, played by a 26- derstand how they earned that" diyear-old graduate ofJulliard in New vine reward, he said.

Secretary ofcommunications for York, Oscar Isaac,leap to life on the scripts' pages and hopefully, Rich the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Msgr. Francis J. said, also on the screen.

Hardwicke said that when she Maniscalco said he found the screenfirst saw the script's title she thought play "faithful to the biblical narrait would not be interesting because tive and that the additions made for she knew the story of Jesus' birth narrative and theatrical purposes "backward and forward." But she were tasteful."

I Friday, 16, 2006 Chaplains June

Continued from page one

the hospital or dies. "Oftentimes the Tuptynski. said with a laugh.

Michael Donly, director of DeThere is no fixed schedule, he families involved frequently ask the velopment for the diocese, told The said. "I get to the hospital just after chaplain to be at the funefal, beAnchor that Catholic Charities " noon and stay until late in the cause they have grown so use to funds the pastoral ministry at ,evening, making my 'rounds,'" he having him ministering to them and Charlton Hospital in Fall River" said. He quickly added, ''There also their lost loved one," said Father.

Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, St. are no fIxed hours. We can't go off Kocik.

Returning The Anchor call, 34Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, and travelfar because we are called year-old Father Frederici "took a Morton Hospital in Taunton, Sturdy anytime."

Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, That "anytime" can be in the wee breather" to talk of his year-long Tobey Hospital in Wareham, hours of the morning. , tenure at the Cape Cod Hospital.

Falmouth Hospital in Falmouth, and "It's unpredictable," Father ''We have one of the busiest emerthe Rehabilitation Hospital of Cape Kocikexplained. "Any given week gency rooms in New England ...

Cod and the Islands, situated in East it might mean four calls in the early 85,000 cases a year ... and this is Sandwich. morning hours, and the next week one' of those days." ''The foremost reason we chap"The outreach .to the sick perhaps only one." through the Pastoral Ministry at Since he became chaplain at lains are here is to be the spiritual those eight hospitals received Charlton on July 1, 2004, Father presence for the patients and the $685,000 from Catholic Charities Kocik has be;en in residence at St. staff as well," Father Frederici in 2005," reported Donly. "Just a Thomas More Rectory in Somerset. noted. ''There are times I have spent few of the meaningful statistics Ordained a priest in June 1997,'he talking and praying with the Emerwithin a given year include 78,000 has served in parish life. He Served gency Medical Technicians who patient visitations and tens of thou- for two years as parochial vicar at come in transporting patients. Alsands of anointings and distribution Our Lady of Mount Cannel Parish though there are issues in which I of holy Communion." in Seekonk, then forfour-and-a-half refer people to their own pastors, Father Kocik said that "People years in the same capacity at St. there is much pastoral care given in a hospital, because in many ways are always deeply appreciative of Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis. . the spiritual care and concern proHe then was assigned as paro- it is a parish."

He said the hospital community vided. And for us at the end of the chial vicar' at St. Joseph's in day, there is a certain fulfillment that Taunton, where he also did brief - involves as many as 225 ''bedded'' comes from working with the sick stint as backup-chaplain at Morton patients as well as those in the emerand dying ... and the newborn too," Hospital there, prior'to full-time gency room, and a staff of 2,500.

"It's a miniature city within a buildhe stated. chaplaincy at Charlton.

Although most ofthose listed to ''The chaplain's focus is not on ing, as every hospital would be." see him are Catholics, "we visit any- a congregation or a parish, although He said a good part of his time one of any faith or no faith who chaplains are often called by non- "is in sacramental ministry. We have expresses an interest in seeing us patients - the staffers and work- 75 extraordinary ministers of holy because we are members of the ers in the hospital - for spiritual Communion volunteering here a hospital's staff of clergy. We'll go advice and counseling that include month, every day offering communto see anyone who wants us," he all kinds ofthe realities ofdaily life ion to our patients. We have Mass asserted. issues that impact on faith and mor- here two days a week and on holy While he spends as many as 120 als just like people one serves in a days. And ofcourse anointing ofthe sick, very much an important part ongoing duty hours, the ''up'' side parish." is that there are no administrative The bond that often develops of healing, is also offered."

Father Frederici says he tells duties, "no temporalities to worry with patients over a long time span about that can press you down," he can continue after the patient leaves Continued on page 18

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BROTHER GILES" and Father Sharbel of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate in New Bedford help move a shipment of candles into Qur Lady's Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street.

The chapel is open ~very day for perpetual eucharistic adoration. (AnchodGordon photo)

Those keeping watch at perpetual adoration find peace: find Jesus,路

By MIKE GORDON

ioner of Holy Ghost Parish, Attleboro, perpetual adoration is a ATTLEBORO - "When I fIrst family affair. "My wife Maria and I started'perpetual adoration, I would have been coming each week on do the late hours so Jesus wasn't Thursdays for two years," said alone," said Merrilyn Sikora of St. , Rodrigues. "It's an important thing Joseph Parish. . for the Church. It enriches me spiriLate hours doesn't mean 8 or 9 tually." , At Our Lady's Chapel, perpetual p.m. Late hours means 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. Not an easy task, but a reward~ adoration has been going on for more than 13 years according to ing one according to Sikora.

"It's a wonderful thing," she Father Michael Angelo, EEl., ''The said. 'The middle ofthe night hours Eucharist is the source ofour faith," are tough, but it's important to be he said. ''We should honor our Lord here with your Lord. It's so reward- who is truly present in the Eucharist." ing spiritually." ,: Sikora is one of many people When asked about the imporwho participate in perpetual eucha- tance of eucharistic adoration, Fatistic adoration at one of four chap- ther John M. Sullivan, pastor of St. els in the diocese. She and others Lawrence Parish, New Bedford, spend time in prayer before the reflected it is a tradition that goes Blessed Sacrament 24-hours a day, back many years. ''We've had a long tradition of seven days a week.

In addition to the chapel inside spending time in prayer with adoSt. Joseph's, there is ,also Our Lady ration and I hope that continues to ofLife Chapel in West Harwich run grow and strengthen," said Father

by Holy Trinity PariSh, St. Joseph's Sullivan. ''We live in a time when Adoration Chapel at Our Lady of we can't have our churches open equipped with condoms and who ended up in prostitution Mount Cannel Parish in Seekonk, all the time and perpetual adoration showers, have been erected for the _, through trafficking, he said. and Our Lady's Chapel in New is important." , World Cup in Dortmund and CoArchbishop Marchetto said the Bedford which In West Harwich, Alice Bahnsen run by the logne. A newly opened brothel in Church should also give more at- Franciscan Friars of the Immacu- is one of two coordinators for perBerlin next to the World Cup sta- tention to the clients ofprostitutes, late. petual adoration. The program bedium can accommodate 650 male examining their motives and eduAdorers sign up on a schedule gan as adoration on Fridays and , clients. cating boys and men in healthy usually found on .the door of the Saturdays twice a month. But with International nongovernmental --human sexuality. chapel and at the designated time, the encouragement former Bishop organizations and Church groups As for those profIting through spend their hour or more in prayer Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., it have said many, of the additional the sex industry and trafficking, or quiet meditation before the became perpetual in 1996. The new women brought in as prostitutes Archbishop Marchetto said they blessed sacrament.

Our Lady ofllie Chapel opened in will come from the poorer coun- should be prosecuted and severe "It's been successful, but we are 2003 replacing a chapel adjacent to tries of Eastern Europe or from fInancial penalties should be im- , still in need of ~overage," said the church.

"It's been a blessing," said Europe's immigrant population. posed on them.

Sikora. " Archbishop Marchetto, whose In a separate interview, Msgr.

The late PopeJohn Paul IT, en- Bahnsen. "Prayers have been ancouncil has campaigned against Aldo Giordano, secretary-general couraged Catholics to spend time swered and it's been wonderful for sex tourism for years, said that in of the Council of European Bish- in eucharistic adoration and said, our parish." this case German authorities have ops Conferences, said the prosti- ''The time you sPend with Jesus in Bahnsen said she tries to make a special responsibility to curb the tution promotion during the World the Blessed Sacrament is the best the devotion each day at the parish practice.

Cup was a "scandaL" time you will spend on earth. Each where more than 250 regulars parA year ago, the archbishop ''The churches want to chal- moment you spend with Jesus will ticipate. said, the Vatican sponsored a lenge this with all their strength, deepen your uJV.on with him and "It gives us grace," she said. ''To meeting to examine the growing because it is a real sign of deca- make your soul everlastingly more know that Jesus is there and to connection between prostitution dence in Europe," he said. glorious and bCautiful in heaven, spend time with him, there is really and human trafficking. In a fInal Msgr. Giordano said this type and will help bcing about everlast- not better way to use your time." declaration, participants said the of exploitation was totally against ing peace on &irth."

In each of the chapels there is Church needs to defend these the spirit of the World Cup. He After hearing that, it's not diffi- still a need for new adorers and women and their rights and sup- said he hoped Europeans in gen- cult to under,~tand why many interested people are encouraged port them economically, in edu- eral - and especially women Catholics are answering the call to to visit or contact them. The Ancation and in formation. would strongly react against the come and sp~nd one hour with chor regularly places notices Already in Italy, more than 200 marketing of prostitution during Jesus. about adoration in its Steering nuns are working with women the tournament.

For John L. ,Rodrigues, a parish- Points section.

ANCHOR STAFf

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Vatican official criticizes protnotion of prostitution for World Cup

By JOHN THAVIS CATHOLIC News SERVICE VATICAN CITY - A Vatican official has joined a chorus of criticism against the promotion of prostitution during the World Cup in Germany.

Prostitution is legal in Germany, and experts sayan estimated 40,000 additional women will be engaged in prostitution during the soccer tournament.

"Many of them are forced into this activity. They are doing it against their will, they are traffIcked. This is a fundamental human rights violation," Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, told Vatican Radio.

"Women have become market commodities, which can be bought. And they cost less than a ticket for a football match," the archbishop said.

The World Cup is being held in 12 German cities June 9-July 9. The event is expected to attract 3 million sports fans.

German newspapers have reported that w90den "sex huts,"

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Friday, June 16, 2006

Diocesan priest celebrates 'three lifetimes' of his priesthood Father Paul Ca~uel marks 40 years of Church service

By FATHER PAUL E: CANUEL SPECIAL TO THE ANCHOR

JOYFVL CONFIRMED and sponsors have their photo taken with Bishop George W. Coleman following an adult confirmation ceremony at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River last Sunday. Nearly 60 adults received the sacrament at the Mass. (Photo courtesy of Lisa M. Gulino)

Bishop Coleman confirms nearly 60 adults at, Cathedral ceremony

By DAVE JOLIVET, EDITOR

tion." She said that many of these FALL RIVER - They come candidates receive the sacrament for various reasons, but the results of reconciliation during the proare the same - reception of the cess and experience a revival of Holy Spirit. Nearly 60 adults re- their own faith..

Gulino said the candidates ceived the sacrament of confmnation at St. Mary's Cathedral this leave the course with a much , past Sunday eve,ning. deeper understanding of and a re"It was truly inspiring to see so lationship with the heavenly Famany adults from throughout the ther. "Following the course, many diocese seeking to deepen their candidates leave with a tremenfaith and follow Christ by prepar- dous joy and hope, and have a ing for and r~iving the sacrament new commitment to God," Gulino of confirmation," said Bishop added. "And that increases once George W. Coieman, who cel- they receive the sacrament."

Gulino also said that through ebrated the Mass and confmned ~ the candidates. "We know that the the years, some adult candidates Lord works in many different ways have come because their children , to bring these new confmnandi to had recently made therr confirmathe sacrament, and we pray that tion and they recognized and rethey will perSevere in their faith membered they hadn't. "These and be an inspiration for others in people become a great witness to their children," Gulino added. their lives and in the.world."

Susan Wing of Our Lady ofMt. Most of the candidates attended a six-week confmnation Carmel Parish in New Bedford preparation program led by Lisa told The Anchor, "I found the M. Gulino, diocesan director of classes offered by Lisa Gulino to , be inspirational and brought about Adult Education.

"Some of the candidates come a fuller understanding about the because they want to get married gift of faith and the teachings of in the Catholic Church and some Christ." because they've been asked to be "I feel closer to Christ and the a godparent for a baptism or con- Church," she said following the fmnation," Gulino told The An- confirmation ceremony. "Receivchor. ''I'd say a good 90 percent ,ing the sacrament ofconfmnation come for such reasons, but for today gave me a profound sense nearly all of them it doesn't stay of fulfillment and blessings." there after the six sessions.

"For me it has been an enrich"Right from the start I tell the ing and rewarding experience to candidates ,that God wants them grow and learn more about to be happy and there is a mean- Catholic faith and to complete my ing and purpose inlife, and receiv- initiation," said Anne Eszlari or ing the Holy Spirit provides us Corpus Christi Parish in East with the gifts to achieve that hap- Sandwich. "Today I feel very piness. Immediately that answers whole and at home in my faith and the 'What's in it for me?' ques- the Church."

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JOB OPENING: Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, MA, has an opening for a Chemistry/ Physics teacher, starting in the Fall 2006.

Send resume to: Ann Perry, Department Chair, Bishop Feehan HS, 70 Holcott Dr., Attleboro, MA 02703.

E-mail aperry@bishopfeehan.com or FAX resume to 508-226-7696.

GUAIMACA, Honduras Forty years seems like a longtime.

At least it seemed to me back then on May 21, 1966 when I was ordained by Bishop Connolly at St.' Mary's Cathedral in Fall River.

Now, it doesn't seem so long.

I remember when I first brought up the subject of a vocation to the priesthood to my parents. I explained why we should spend my father's hard-earned truck driver's salary on a Catholic education for me while my brothers and sister were relegated to the public school system. My father promptly ushered me into the bathroom, the only part of the house that offered any semblance of privacy and asked point blank what kind of a priest did I want to be. Confused by the question, all I could come up with was: "Like Father Parent" (our "curate" at St. Michael's in Ocean Grove).

My father expressed his relief that I would become a diocesan priest' and stay relatively close to home as opposed to a religious order priest who could be sent to the missions and not be seen for. years.

Now here I am on May 21, 2006 in Guaimaca, 4,364 frequent flyer's miles away from home, getting ready to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for 40 years of priesthood, in what seems. to me to be three lifetimes.

I am grateful for all three. First, for the service I have been privileged to offer in nine parishes in the diocese where I look forward to returning upon completion of my present assignment.

Second, for the service the Lord called me to in the Church in Peru, which opened my eyes to see the global connectedness of what the u~iversality'of the Church means, and the experience of becoming a parent by adoption, an experience that changed: my life profoundly.

Third and finally, for these past six years of mission to the Church in Honduras which taught me that the need to respond to the call of the Lord does not end with saying yes once, twice or seven路 times seven and that one is never too old.

I remember how happy I was to be able to celebrate my 25th anniversary with the parish family of St. Joseph's in Attleboro, with many of my diocesan priest brothers, family and friends.

There's something special about being home for the "holidays." I wasn't sure how this milestone anniversary would play i,n Guaimaca or in Orica where it was repeated on the 28th of May. It was fabulous. Father Craig Pregana and the parish council pulled out all the stops and I was overwhelmed with the good wishes of so many of our parishioners. Four of my Honduran

priest brothers took time out from what is for all priests here a very heavy weekend schedule, to join with us and one Peruvian priest who works in a parish about two hours from here was able to come and complete the circle of representing my three lifetimes.

The feeling of connectedness with the Diocese of Fall River was strongly felt as we began the procession with the processional cross that came from Blessed Sacrament Church in Fall River, my . parish ofbaptism and also my first priestly assignment. The altar servers were proudly decked out in red cassocks and surplices, donations from Notre Dame, Fall River, St. Mary's, New Bedford, and Christ the King in Mashpee.

We passed by the "Solidarity With Fall River Wall" where the picture of Bishop George W Coleman hangs, right under the six-foot statue of the Resurrected Christ, . which came from St. Joseph's 路Parish in Attleboro where I worked for nine years.

Along the aisle one could not fail to notice the beautiful woodcarved Stations of the Cross, which came from St. Hedwig's Parish in New Bedford where I served as pastor fOf seven years before coming to Honduras.

A letter of congratulations was '

read from Bishop Coleman on behalf of all the Diocese of Fall River. It read in part: 'These past 40 years have been agitated years for the Church and for yourself personally in your various diocesan assignments, in the Society of St. James the Apostle, and now in Guaimaca and Orica. Thank you for your faithful service, your love for the priesthood and the people of God everywhere you have served."

The only thing missing were the pews donated by St. Michael's Parish in Ocean Grove. I had hoped they would have been installed by now but they are still in storage, awaiting a shipment of medicines before we can load up the container ship. .

I am returning to the diocese in July for some preaching assignments on behalf of the Missionary Cooperative collection and some 40th Anniversary celebrations with family and friends - St. Anne's Church, Fall River, on July 2nd at noon; St. Joseph's, Attleboro on July 23rd at 10a.m. and 12:00 noon; and at Our Lady ofGuadalupe Parish at St. James Church, New Bedford at 1'1:30 a.m.

Thank you to all in the Diocese of Fall River for allowing me to share my priesthood with you for 40 years.

FATHER PAUL E. Canuel, above left, celebrated his 40th anniversary as a priest at a Mass in Guaimaca, Honduras, with him is Father Craig A. Pregana. Below, altar servers 'outfitted with cassocks and surplices donated by parishes from the Diocese of Fall River, listen attentively.

Friday, June 16, 2006

the~' sible, and other helpers fCom the mesh, things that can easily be local parish area pitch in as well. painted over or replaced. Often it We cleared formerly~' water- is cement, stone, brick, or other logged houses of debris: carted masonry - testing the skills of the remnants of families lives to the most adroit remover of urban excurb. We scraped, we cauVCed, we terior art. The first house we painted. And painted and painted. worked on had three feet of Others laid floors and installed shrieking yellow painted graffiti new kitchens. No invigorating on old, irregular brickwork. Right Cape Cod spring there; il was 90 in the middle of the front porch, degrees with 70 percent humid- where the 85-year-old widow ity. One noon I must h~ve been liked to sit and chat with passlooking a bit peaked when offered ersby. .

This homeowner was a survithe opportunity to leave ·the worksite. At 69, when healized vor. Rescued by boat from her that the guy on the ladd~r below flooded house, she made it me was 79 and staying, there was through her II days at the notorino way I was leaving. , ous Superdome shelter. This was At any rate, I couldn't quit, followed by her first plane ride because I was the team's expert when she was evacuated to Ausin un-painting. tin, where she had a second Bringing to mind the biblical cousin. When that didn't work marks in blood over lintels, every out, she came back to New Orproperty in New Orleans has a leans over uncertain roads to live graffiti souvenir of last year's with her daughter. She had put up tragedy. As the disaster relief with a lot, but she didn't like that teams surveyed individual dwell- graffiti one bit. ings, sometimes in bOlits, some~ For her, it meant that her little times on foot, they spr~y-painted house was still a disaster area, and coded notations on the front of the not home.

So, I became expert at unhouse, large enough to :,read from the street, and bold enough to painting. stand out at night. The ~)Ver-sized A day and a half of applying a black, red, yellow, or orange char- paint stripping gel, letting it dry, acters indicate the date checked, attacking the bricks and the morteam code, how many "dead bod- tar with a wire brush brought freeies found, and often the presence dom from the memories of this or absence of animals, Some are little lady's house as it was the day only a few feet high, spme as big the levee burst. as a garage door. Most are in the Hope comes in many packages form of a huge X, witp the sym- - including a can of Strypeeze. bols in the spaces around it.

Pr.esident Emeritus ofCathoSometimes the ~urface is lic Charities, Archdiocese ofBoswood, aluminum, glass, or screen ton, Doolin lives in Osterville.

II

II

SOME OF the many Knights of Malta who descended upon New Orleans to help rebuild homes severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina last August.

Knights of Malta help rebuild battered New Orleans parishes

BY JOSEPH DOOLIN SPECIAL TO THE ANCHOR

NEW ORLEANS - There are clues. But a full nine months after Hurricane Katrina, it is hard to recognize New Orleans neighborhoods known as the Big Easy as being part of a big {J.S. city.

"Nawlins" may be still Big, but it's no longer Easy..

Block after block after block, the devastation. and squalor are palpable in the building heat and oppressive humidity. Picture Haiti, but with different architecture. One other difference is the eerie absence of people. Sure, there are a few around, but nowhere as many as there should be, given the density of these areas.

Downtown, while tourists straggle around the French Quarter and some even stroll along parts of Bourbon Street, only one in four of the Crescent City's residents have come home. Even in late afternoon, the largely shuttered and prematurely decaying

business district, looms as dark and foreboding. After a period of relative peace and tranquility, crime - including murder - is spiking as people return. However, as yet, the only traffic jams are outside the city, on the highway to Baton Rouge, to which much of the local work force has relocated.

My wife and I just returned from a home rebuilding project in New Orleans, sponsored by the Order of Malta, a group of Catholic women and men committed to improving the lives of the poor . and the ill. Our concern for the people of, the Crescent City was sparked last September when we were on hand to welcome the first plane load of evacuees to Massachusetts at Camp Edwards in Bourne, Mass.

Massachusetts can be proud of providing a comprehensive matrix of services in making room for Katrina evacuees shortly after the storm. Then, most of us thought

we were dealing with a relatively short-lived emergency relief operation, however tragic for many of our guests. Now, most observers believe it will be at least a decade - if at all- until New Orleans is put back together.

Affordable housing will be only one of the complex issues faced by the Crescent City in the years to come. Huge ,sections of the city's 'I neighborhoods have been completely wiped out, and most of the city remains un-populated.

With the goal of renovating three to four homes per work week, Malta's efforts are concenORLANDO, Fla. - The trated in two: the St. Peter Claver and St. Leo the Great-parishes.not American Society for Pain Manfar from the French Quarter that agement Nursing (A!SPMN) rewere hard hit by the hurricane and cently honored Anne Marie flooding caused by the levees' Kelly, RNC, at their recent annual meeting. failure.

Kelly is the Pain *anagement Six teams of 30-40 volunteers work with skilled tradesmen one . Educator and Consultant for week a month for a total of nine Catholic Memorial Home and the working weeks each year for two Diocesan Health Facilities system years. Homeowners, when pos- of skilled nursing a~d rehabilitative care facilities based in Fall River, sponsored by: the Diocese of Fall River.

Kelly received the Clinical Practice Award for excellence in clinical practice pain management nursing. This national award is presented to an outstanding clinician who has a strong sense of accountability, action, pride and

DHF employee receives national recognition

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.

advocacy, and has raised the bar of excellence in the field of pain management.

One of her many accomplishments includes her initiative in leading a group of professional members of the Massachusetts Pain Initiative in creating a pocket tool on pain management which is used extensively across the United States in multiple clinical settings.

Kelly serves on local, state, and national committees for the advancement of quality pain management and is strongly focused on treating pain and diminishing suffering, especially in older adults. She is nationally certified in pain management and palliative care.

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116

Friday, June 16, 2006

AMERICAN DREAM Essay Contest winners are congratulated by Dr. Irving Fradkin, left, diocesan Superintendent of Schools George Milot, second from right and Bishop George W. Coleman, right, during a recent gathering. Winners were from left, front: Michael O'Reagan, Jessica Golden, Sarah 'Berube, Cameron Souza and Aaron Ayers. Back from left: Hailey Cambra, Shannon Correa, Clarice Sousa, Natasha Garcia and Lindsey Baptista. They represented Holy Trinity, Notre Dame, SS. Peter and Paul, and St. Stanislaus schools.

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STUDENTS FROM Holy Trinity School in West Harwich learned a valuable lesson about recycling recently and in doing so beautified the school and community. Mo'ney they raised collecting cans and bottles went towards the purchase of flowers that students to the left are seen planting. It was part of a project to celebrate the Earth and students in kindergarten through the fourth grade participated.

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STUDENTS FROM Espirito Santo enjoyed a variety of activities during a recent field day at the Fall River school. Above, frC?_m left, third-graders Samantha Santos, Kate Carreiro, Caitlyn Borges and Eliza Chattman take a break from the fun. Below, from left, pre-school and pre-kindergartners Madison LeClair, Andrea Pacheco, Ryan Vaillancourt and Amaya Almeida enjoy an activity.

CHILDREN FROM' Holy Name School; Fall River, get ready to bring food to a local soup kitchen. Students in grades pre-kindergarten to eight participated in the food drive.

Frlday. JO~16,. 2006

.Moving along when thin:gs don't go well ,I

By CHARLIE MARTIN -

BISHOP E'DWARD U. Kmiec of Buffalo, N.Y., former bishop of Nashville, Tenn., presents a ski jacket worn by Pope John Paul /I to Hans Broekman, right, the principal of Pope John Paul /I High School in Hendersonville, Tenn. (eNS photo/photo Rick Musacchio, Tennessee Registet)

High school named for late pope now has his ski jacket on display HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn~ (CNS) - Pope John Paul II High School in Hendersonville carries the name of the late pope, and now it also houses the black ski jacket he wore during visits to the mountains. Bishop Edward U. Kmiec of Buffalo, N.Y., who headed the Nashville diocese when the school opened in 2002, returned to the school earlier this year to deliver the jacket.

"I hope it gives a little human connection to the pope," the .bishop said. Since the school was built, Bishop Kmiec had made

several attempts to acquire a personaI item of Pope John Paul that could be housed at the school, but was unsuccessful. Even after he left Nashville to become bishop of Buffalo in October 2004, Bishop Kmiec kept trying.

He approached a priest in the Buffalo diocese who knows Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, Poland, who was the late pope's personal secretary and a constant presence at his side.

Cardinal Dziwisz provided the ski jacket, along with documentation that the pope had worn it.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

(Go on, go on, go on, go on) MOVE ALONG Right back what is wrong Go ahead as you waste your days We move along with thinking Sung By: All-American Rejects When you fall everyone sins Another day. and you've had your Copyright (c) 2005, Interscope Records . , fill o.fsinking I'm sure that their fans appreciWith the l!fe held in your ated their music before the megabit Hands are shaking cold "Dirty Little Secret." How~ver, this These hands are meant to hold release was the "break" that AllRefrain: American Rejects needed. The song Speak to me when all you goUo is everywhere. In fact, sinc~ my teen keep is strong daughter downloaded it as her cell Move along. move along like I phone ring tone, I can't get away know you do And even when your hope is gone from it. You know how:: often a teen's cell phone rings!

Move along, move along just to Currently on the airw~ys is the make it through title track of the group's most reMove 'along cent CD, "Move On."The song Move along describes a person's WOf9s of en. So a day when you've lost couragement to another. This indiyourselfcompletely . vidua1 tells his friend, "Even when Could be a night when your hope is gone, moVe along, your life ends move along just to make it through."

Su'ch a heart that will lead you to He can see that "your qands are deceiving shaking cold." He won't, abandon All the pain held in your the person with this hurt and says, Hands are shaking cold "Your hands are mine to hold."

Your hands are mine to hold When any of us face situations (Repeat refrain) that make us feel as if all hope is (Go on, go on, go on, go on) gone we experience emotional disWhen everything is wrong, we tress. During these times, we may move along wonder how our lives ever will (Go on, go on, go on, go on) When everything is wrong, we .' change for the better. We can easily get lost in the overwhelming sense move along of disappointment. ': Along; along, along Often there are no quiJk fixes for When all you got to keep is strong the hurt:- Instead, we need to find Move along, move along like I ways to "move along'; and live know you do .

And"even when your hope is gone through the hurt. We need~to discover how life might unfold in new ways.

Move along, move along just to For a teen, it is important to no. make it through tice what is going on in friends' Move along, move along like I lives. Don't become so preoccupied .know you do . with your own situation that you fail (Repeat three times)

to recognize what is occurring in others' lives. Like the person in the song, make efforts to 'support your friends, and help them to feel loved enough that they can eventually "move along" through their hurts.

One of the most important ways to do this is by listening to others in . a caring way. You need to be focused in order both to hear what is being said and what is not. Many times, painful feelings do not fit well into words; they are communicated in the silences between words. Be patient enough to listen to all that is being shared. Respond with understanding and compassion.

However, resist giving advice.

Others find energy to "move along" past failures and disappointments by having their feelings accepted and validated. Only give suggestions when asked. Then do so with humility, making your ideas practical and doable.

Further, remember the power of your prayer for others. To pray for another is a sure way to love this . ~ individuaL Seek out a quiet moment, and lovingly bring this' person's name to God. Ask that he' or she be guided toward well-being.

God's healing knows no limitS. And your prayer becomes another. pathway for God to touch your friend's life.

It is possible to move past life's, difficulties. Commit yourself to be- : come the kind of friend who is there for others with consistency and love.

Comments are welcome at:路 chmartin@swindiana.net or at 7125W200S, Rockport, IN 47635. '

Got G.P.S.?

Okay, so I'm fascinated with gadgets. I seem to need to have the latest one although as I've gotten older, I've slowed down in the accumulation of this stuff. My computer is almost two years o~d and for me that's ancient And as hard as it may be to believe to some who knows me, I don't have a HDTV nor the latest HD or Blu-Ray Disc systems. But that has nothing to do with what I want to talk to you about this week. . Several days ago I got a GPS (Global Positioning System) for my phone. Yes, my phone. I have one of those cool smartphones (the company pays for it) and I found out you could add a GPS attachment to it. I ordered the attachment and couldn't wait for路it to arrive.

When it did arrive, I put it in the car and took it ride to the Diocesan Youth Office for a meeting. Each and every foot of the way, the GPS system guided me as towhen to turn right or left. Even when I missed a turn, the system recalculated the path and helped set me on the right direction. Of course, I didn't buy it to . fmd my way to the youth office or anywhere else locally. When I travel around the country, I expect it will

save me a lot of time and keep me from getting lost ... which I do a lot.

I was sitting here wondering what to write about this month, and I saw the GPS unit on my desk. It turned . out to be the idea that I needed to address what might be important for all of you at this time of the year or this time in your life.

Unfortunately, none ofus possesses a GPS for our lives. But we do have access to the prompts and cues that might guide us along the road to our final destination.

Each and every day we reach crossroads where we have to make decisions. Without a GPS unit telling us what to do, how do we decide which way to go? If you are in eighth grade for example, I'm sure you are anticipating the movement to high school. Which high school? If you are graduating from high school, congratulations, you had to make decisions on whether you'd attend college or not, and if college is what you want, then which college it might be? If you are leaving college, you are deciding what career path to take. These are some examples of

major decisions but we also make hundreds of simpler ones each day..

I believe we all have our own internal GPS. Let's call it God's Prayer System. Okay, it's corny, but I think it makes the point. Since birth, though we've added the influence and direction of our parents, priests, teachers, friends, neighbors and

our internal GPS and end up on the wrong road somewhere. Well, just like my GPS gadget, it ~alculates the route to getus bacl~ on the right road. Likewise, even when we head down the wrong path of life, ouf prayer and our listening for an answer from God can help ~ get back on the right road and in the right direction.

Each and every choice we make in life leads ,us down a path. We don't always know if it is the right path; That can be a scary thought. As an example, if I hach}'t gone to my coll~ge, I nevi::r would have ended up teaching in Attleboro. Therefore I never would have met my wife and relatives to the map-set values that therefore my two girls might not our internal GPS has inside it. When exist. Aren't you lucky girls? If I we come to any crossroad in our life, hadn't met my wife, I never would our internal GPS should help us have made a Cursillo retreat, which decide which way to go as long as means I'd never be a Y9uth minister. we turn it on. That's what we call It goes on and on. Our intemal GPS prayer. has a million possible directions!

Unfortunately, our intemal GPS maps. By choosing one and starting doesn:t just blurt out the directions. . down that path, we affect the But if we take the time to pray and possible upcoming roads we can listen, we can make the right choice take. If we just blindly ,take a right or at each crossroad. a left without prayer or directions, Sometimes we may not listen to we may not end up back on the road

we wanted to be on and the path that God had intended for us. Fortunately for us, every path can lead to the same place if we ultimately get back on the right track.

In each and every step of my life, I believe that I was guided in my decisions through prayer. I can't imagine what life would be like today if I hadn't followed each ~d every path. I'm glad that I listened.

That was quite a stretch to use a GPS system as the basis of this column this week, but I think it gets the point across that I want to leave you with: A quote I once heard says it all, "Pray as though everything you do depends on God, and then act as . though everything you do depends on you." So start heading down that ro~ you chose. You have the free will to accept or reject the directions along the way given by your internal GPS. But like in my GPS gadget, if you ignore a p~mpt you will go off on a wrong path until something draws you back. I hope you'll take the time to think and listen for the intemal prompts that will guide you down the right road for you. See you at the fmish line.

E-mail Frank Lucca at StDominkYouthMinistry@comcast.net

18 Continued frpm page 13 on the day before the Trinity Sun- a week and helps with the many each patient in his initial visit that day weekend, which was my first anointings. I also have Deacon he has two basic responsibilities: Mass," he recalled. But there is David Pepin and Theresa Lewis, the ''To keep them in my prayers; and nothing special planned because I first lay chaplain." .to care for them spiritually while the have to work," he said, adding, Father Racine says he is a happy medical staff takes care of them "You see I have not lost my sense priest. "We all have our gripes, but medically." ofhuinor." it is a beautiful vocation and minisBecause St. Luke's has ''the sec- try. Yet we have to be aware of any Another part of his time is spent 路 in catecheses - especially about ond busiest emergency room ofany burnout." last rite scenarios. hospital in Massachusetts, I am very Father Edward A. Murphy re"A person I saw yesterday in the busy as a result. The volume of ferred to his three years as chaplain intensive care unit told me he didn't emergencies is unbelievable. We at Morton.Hospital in Taunton as need to be anointed because he see everything there. There's the "a hidden ministry." . wasn't sick. Imagine that. There is rest of the hospital, too, and the in''The anointing, the sacrament of a lot of good information out there tensive care unit - a very sad unit the sick, is a great sacrament, not and a lot of bad information and with people on ventilators - and always understood. We all have a misunderstandings. It also means end oflife decisions to be made. It's fear of dying, the unknown. That chaplains must be knowledgeable a letting go process for people and sacrament gives a special grace to overcome that. Even if someone is about medical ethics so they can it is very difficult."

His duty time involves five days in a coma arid can't respond, that properly counsel."

He said that between the ICU of24 hours each, with two days off. sacrament is tied into, suffices for and the maternity unit he has been "I keep my pager on even on days the sacrament ofreconciliation, and 路 called to be at the deaths of six chil- off because one never knows wha~ that's why the priest alone can dren. It is not something easily for- will happen," he explained. anoint." He also said he is called to gotten. "I can tell you each one of It means some loss of sleep, he hear many confessions, "more so their names. The nice thing about admitted. "Because even if you're that we would on ~y given day in maternity is it's a change of pace, not called out, it is always on your a parish." because it usually is all about life." mind. When you do get called out, Because of the quick turnover in - There are days that are draining, it takes 45 minutes when you get hospitals today, he anoints the inspiritually and emotionally." But back to rejuvenate yourself ... sit coming sick every day. ''It's a great that is why we are here. We don't in the chair and drink a glass of milk opportunity, especially for those want the dilemmas, the crises. But to calm down. I really sleep well who had fallen away from the it's rewarding, comforting to know only two nights a week."

Church. I'm coming to them. that we can bring some sense of Having been a parochial vicar at They're not coming to me. That's Christ's consolation to the families St. Mary's in South Dartmouth and the hidden ministry ofdealing with who face unbelievable tragedies." prior to that at Notre Dame Parish the sick, to bring people back to the He said he had just spent a half in Fall River, it was a big adjust- Church. It is not a glamorous minhour with a frightenyd man in the ment to become a chaplain, he re- istry." emergency room, who was in alco- ported.

He is on duty five days a week. holic withdrawal. "You never know "I was the first assignment given Although he is in residence at Imwhat each day will bring. Some by Bishop George W. Coleman maculate Conception Parish in days I keep busy seeing patients, when he became our bishop," he Taunton, he assists at Our Lady of while other days my pager goes off noted. "But it isa great and needed Mount Carmel in Seekonk on his and it is an unbelievably tense four pastoral duty. The numbers of two days off. He is also involved in to six hours." people involved are significant. Last . prayer groups as a liaison thr()ughThis is Father Frederici's second year we performed 5,975 anointings out the diocese. assignment following ordination in and roughly 13,000 visits t9 pa"Sundays are busy for me. I lead June 2000. "I continue in residence tients. That doesn't include the a holy hour before the 3:45 p.m., at Our Lady of. Victory in emergency calls. All the numbers Mass for medical personnel on duty Centerville where I had been the are up because the ages of the pa- and the patients, too. We're lucky parochial vicar," he said. tients are getting younger, and because the holy hour and Mass are televised live throughout the hosWhile he helps out there and young people are getting sicker."

Father Racine said one of the pital and into patients' rooms." other parishes on Sundays - normally not busy days as hospitals saddest parts ofhi,S ministry is emerBecause Morton is not a large gear down - he is still on call for gency baptisms and dealing with hospital, with 120 beds in the area five straight days, 24 hours a day. stillborn deaths in the maternity he works in, Father Murphy says "I'm off the cufffor Fridays and ward. ''They come in bunches and he is not often called during the Saturdays ... unless there is a Code then there are none for a while." night. But ''without faith it is diffiBlue and I'm called in anyway."

During his "off" days he remains cult to live the moments when he is He said he isn't called too fre- active, often filling in for parish intensive care or the busy emerquently during the middle of the priests with vacation time. gency room. It is more difficult night as he had imagined he would ''Thankfully it keeps me con- working in a hospital that is not pribe. "It happens about twice a nected with parish life, which I marily Catholic. But over the years month. I'm more likely to be paged love," he said. He also helps out in we-nave built up a good rapport late in the evening or during the his in-residence parish, Our Lady with the staff." early morning hours." of Guadalupe in New Bedford.

Prior to his current chaplaincy, Does he like the ministry? ''I love "But chaplains are pastors, too, he was the parochial vicar for six it," he said. "It's the best job out because we minister to the various years at Holy Name in Fall River. there." spiritual needs of the hospital staff. He was ordained in 1998.

For Father Michael Racine, We baptize their babies and attend Asked about the satisfaction of chaplain at St. Luke's Hospital in the wake or funerals of their family his ministry, Father Murphy said, New Bedford, The Anchor's call members. nove the staffvery much. "It is always satisfying when I am came as he approaches several sig- One thing we all do in our own way working as a priest. And I thank God nificant anniversaries. is have our sense of humor. They for the ministry."

"I'll be marking my fourtli anni- can see we chaplains are human as.

Now age 50, he noted "I came. versary as chaplain here in August," well." to the priesthood late in life. I bring he said. He will also celebrate his On his days off, Father Joseph the experience I had working 15 路 42nd birthday in July.

Blyskosz fills in for him at the hos- years before hand with me." As an "And I am celebrating my 11th pital. Help also comes from Father industrial chemist he worked in anniversary of ordination to the John of the Trinity. "Father John is many different countries around the priesthood Saturday, June 10. It falls a hermit, who does three mornings world, after coming out of college in his native Ireland. "God had a plan," he said. "It was a grace to be In honor of Sister Lucia dos Santos, called to the priesthood and be orseer of Fatima, who died dained at age 42. I'm looking forFebruary 13,2005, age 97. ward in the future, God willing, to .work in a much broader area again Lucia pray for us. as a parish priest."

Friday, June 16, 2006

Catholic Charities Appeal' marked by tireless efforts FALL RIVER - As the Catholic Charities Appeal entered its final two weeks the foot traffic in the Appeal office in Fall River . brought with it more and more stories about the tireless efforts being put forth in parishes all across the diocese.

As a number of parishes exceed their previous year's total their desire to continue soliciting the support of parishioners and friends "until the very end" is "music to our ears" says Mike Donly, director of Development for the diocese.

"Pastors and parishioners alike know full well this is the one and only time the diocese asks its parishioners for their assistance min- . istering to our friends and neighbors in need, and with that in mind we can't leave a stone unturned," said Donly.

As the Appeal approached the $3 million dollar mark, the gratitude expressed by the staff of Appeal headquarters could only be matched by their hope that those who can make the difference, namely, past donors and "first timers" who have not given as of yet, will respond to the request during the final two weeks by sending in their pledge or donation by June 22.

"Three million dollars is a wonderful sum and a significant statement made by the thousands who have already contributed, however, it i"s a distance from where we would hope to be when the Appeal ends," noted Donly, as

he reflected on last year's total of slightly over $4 million. "The needs of our agencies ministering to the thousands of needy men, women, and children are at their highest levels."

As the Appeal enters this crucial phase, parishes report they have sent out their second mailings to those parishioners and friends who have not responded as of yet, as well as to members of the business and professional community throughout southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands whose impact on previous Appeals has been most significant.

Contributions to the Appeal can be made either through a onetime donation or through a pledge, which is payable monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually. Matching gifts through employers is a frequent source of revenue for the Appeal as well. Contributors whose employers have matching gift programs are encouraged to contact the personnel office at their place of employment to utilize this avenue of increased revenue for the Appeal.

Donations can be sent to the Catholic Charities Appeal Office, P.O. Box 1470, Fall River, MA 02722; dropped off at any parish in the Diocese of Fall River, or made on the Appeal Website: www.frdioccatholiccharities.org For information visit the Website or contact the Appeal Office at 508-675-1311.

Top Five Parishes by Deanery as of 06/09/06

Attleboro Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Seekonk St. Mary, Mansfield St. John the Evangelist, Attleboro St. Mark, Attleboro Falls St. Mary, Seekonk Cape Cod St. Pius Tenth, South Yarmouth Our Lady of Victory, Centerville Christ the King, Mashpee 'Our Lady of the Cape, Brewster .

Corpus Christi, East Sandwich Fall River Holy Name, Fall River 'St. John the Baptist, Westport Santo Christo, Fall River St. Thomas More, Somerset St. Stanislaus, Fall River New Bedford Our Lady of Mount Carmel, New Bedford St. Julie Billiart, North Dartmouth St. John Neumann, East Freetown St. Mary, South Dartmouth Immaculate Conception, New Bedford Taunton St. Ann, Raynham Holy Family, East Taunton St. Anthony, Taunton Annunciation of the Lord, Taunton Immaculate Conception, North Easton

$ 90,128.00 65,622.00 47,493.00 42,765.00 33,380.00 $ 159,933.73 69,184.00 68,789.00 64,269.50 63,512.50 $ 51,091.00 32,375.00 31,338.00 28,130.00 27,212.00 $ 55,842.00 53,472.00 46,408.00 40,875.00 40,013.00 $ 54,023.00 33,374.00 28,100.00 25,162.00 . 23,615.00

The names of generous donors, parishes and agencies contributing to the 2006 Catholic Charities Appeal, will be published In a single supplement of The Anchor on July 21.

19

Friday, June 16, 2006

7 p.m. at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Hall. Refreshments will be served. For more information call Marianne Trundy at 508-990-7595.

Ql) lr ltnarn

Sister Marie Ascension France OP; former administrator at Saint Anne's DIGHTON - Sister Marie As- superior in Rome. She returned cension France, 84, a member of from France in 1995 and had rethe Dominican Sisters of Charity sided in Dighton since then. of the Presentation of the Blessed One of her many accomplishVirgin for 59 years, died June 4 at ments in her service to others was the convent resithefounding of the dence.

Mission of the DoBorn in minican Sisters in Avignon, France, India in 1971. This Sister Marie Ascenmission is currently sion graduated a viCe province of from the Ste. the Congregation Marthe Nursing with 70 Sisters.

Home there. After She leaves becoming a regismembers of her retered nurse she was ligious community. missioned to the Her funeral United States. She Mass was celobtained her '---'---111......---' ebrated June 7 at bachelor's degree SISTER MARIE the Dominican Sisin nursing from ters Provincial ASCENSION FRANCE Boston College and House Chapel in served at Saint Dighton. Interment Anne's Hospital in Fall River as was in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall a staff nurse, clinical instructor River. and hospital administrator.

The Boule Funeral Home in She served as provincial supe- Fall River was in charge of arrior and councilor to the general rangements.

In Your Prayers Please pray for the following priests during the coming weeks June 20 1931, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jame~ ... oyJe, P.R..., LL ...D., Pastor, St. Mary, \'.

Taunton c.

J.e21.~ 1918 Rev. Owen F. Clarke, e~1S~f, S1. Mary, Fall River . 1926, Rev. Desire V. De. . a~~rP:.astor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall '.

River 1949 Rev. Geo A. Meade, ~ . . ~lain, St. Mary's Home, New Bedford .: 1948, Rev. Francis D. Callahan, \! tor, St. Patrick, Wareham 1964, Rev. Clement Killgoar, ~CC., Pastor, St. Anthony, Mattapoisett 1 1976, Rev. David A. O'Brien, Reti Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River ~

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June 22 1977, Rev. Alexander Zichello, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi, New Bedford June 23 1980, Rev. Finbarr B. McAloon, SS.CC., Retired Pastor, Holy Trinity, West Harwich 1992, Rev. George Wichland, CSSR, S1. Wenceslaus Church, Baltimore, Md. June 24 1907, Rev. Bernard F. McCahill, Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River June 25 1941, Rev. Msgr. Louis A. March~d, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony, New Bedford 1960, Rev. Raymond J. Hamel, Chaplain, St. Joseph Orphanage, Fall River June 26 1891 Rev. William Moran, Former Pastor, St. Peter, Sandwich 1931, Rev. Charles P. Gaboury, Former Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford 1973, Rev. Msgr. Albert Berube, Retried Pastor, St. Anthony, New Bedford

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ATTLEBORO- Perpetual eucharistic adoration is held at St. Joseph's Church, 208 South Main Street. For more information call 508-226-1115.

NEW BEDFORD - Perpetual eucharistic adoration is held at Our Lady's Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street. New adorers are welcome.

For more information call Laurie Larsen-Silva at 508-888-7751.

WEST HARWICH - Perpetual eucharistic adoration is held at Our Lady of Life perpetual adoration chapel. New adorers are needed.

For more information call 508-4304716.

HEALING MASSES POCASSET - The 13th annual Mass of the Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated June 25 at 2 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 841 Shore Road. For more information call Betty Kazmier at 508-563-9020.

STURBRIDGE-Father Ralph A. DiOrio will conduct acharismatic general healing service with a Sunday Eucharist celebration June 25 at 11 :30 a.m. at the Sturbridge Host Hotel. For more information call 508-791-0610. .

LECTURESIPRESENTATIONS CRAIGVILLE The Craigville Colloquy Committe'e and the Commission for Leadership Development of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ presents the 23rd Theological Colloquy July 17-21 at the Craigville Conference Center. The theme is "Christians Engaging Muslims" Commonalities and Particularies," and all Catholics are encouraged to attend. For more information call Ralph Babusci at 508-778-0193.

FALL RIVER - A Health Education Fair will be held June 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bay View Retirement Community Campus, 4380 North Main Street. Presentations will include Alzheimer's disease, caregiver stress, nutrition and aging. Health screenings will be available. For more information call 508-677-0833.

MISCELLANEOUS ATTLEBORO - The feast of the Body and Blood of Christ will be held Sunday beginning with the celebration of Mass at noon at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. Processions and Benediction will follow. For more information call 508-222-541 O.

Benediction stations: St. Lawrence Parish, Our Lady of Purgatory Parish and the Missionaries of Charity. A pot-luck supper will follow at Our Lady's Chapel. For more information call the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate at 508-996- .

8274.

OSTERVILLE - A Day with Mary will be held Saturday I:>egin- . ning at 8:45 a.m. at 79 Wianno Avenue. This day of devotion includes instruction and intercession based on the Fatima message, procession of Our Lady, crowning ceremony, rosary, the celebration of Mass, eucharistic procession, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, enrollment of the brown scapular and conferring of the miraculous medal. Attendees should bring a bag lunch. For more information call 508-428-4527.

SOCIAL EVENTS!I NEW BEDFORD -T- The Daughters of Isabella, Hyacinth Circle No. 71 will meet Ju~e 20 at "

POCASSET - The St. John's Women's Guild will hold its annual Spring Rummage Event tonight from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the parish hall, 841 Shore Road. For more information call Pat Saniuk at 508-563-9282.

SUPPORT GROUPS NEW BEDFORD - Courage, a support group for those dealing with same-sex attractions while trying to live chaste lives, will meet Saturday at 6 p.m. in the rectory of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 233 County Street. The group is faithful to the Catholic Church's teaching on human sexuality. For more information call 508-9929408.

NORTH DARTMOUTH - A Diocesan Divorced-Separated Support Group will meet June 26 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road. For more information call Bob Menard at 508-693-2997.

Santo Christo Parish to host two-day feast June 24-25 FALL RIVER - Thousands of people from across the New::England Area are expected to attend the annual Santo Christo Feast hosted by Santo Christo Parish June 24 and 25 on parish grounds on Columbia Street.

Father Gastao Oliveira, pastor of Santo Christo Parish, extends an invitation to everyone to come to the spiritual as well as the social events planned.' :' The feast will begin on Saturday, June 24, with a Mass at 6 p.m., in the church celebrated by Bishop George W. Coleman. The homily will be given by Dr. Jose da Silva Lima, a professor at the Portuguese Catholic University in Portugal.

Following Mass, a religious procession will wind over adjacent streets including Canal, F1erry, Mul-

berry, Wtlliam and Grant streets, returning to the church.

From 8 p.m. to midnight there will be a variety of events including a musical concert by the St. Cecilia Band of Fall River, and the Jorge Ferreira Show, as well as an auction, games, booths with craft items, and Portuguese and American foods.

On Sunday, June 25, beginning at 4 p.m., there will be a solemn procession that includes bands, clergy, and representatives from state, county and municipal governments, business leaders; and cultural, civic and sporting organizations.

At the feast activities from 6:30 p.m., to midnight, there will be music by· the Senhora da Conceicao Mosteirense Band, followed by Marc Dennis and his group Atlantis; and games, booths and foods.

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NEW BEDFORD - There will be a eucharistic holy hour at 5 p.m. on Sunday at St. Anthony of Padua Parish to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. All are welcome.

NEW BEDFORD - A Corpus Christi Procession will begin at 2:15 p.m. Sunday from Our Lady's Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street and participants will proceed to three

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TV Mass to air at earlier time next two weeks FALL RIVER The weekly Television Mass sponsored by the Fall River diocese on WLNE-TV, Channel 6, will be aired at an earlier time for the next two Sundays only.

The Mass will be broadcast at 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 18,

and again on Sunday, June 25.

The special time is necessitated by the station's live broadcast of World Cup Soccer at the time when the TV Mass is usually aired.

The Television Mass will return to its regular II a.m. time slot on Sunday, July 2.

MORE THAN 70 girls from Catholic schools in the New Bedford Deanery recently visited the Daughters of St. Paul Convent in Jamaica Plain. The field trip was to increase awareness of the different vocations to which God calls his children.

New Bedford area girls witness convent life on field trip FATHER KEVIN COOK SPECIAL TO THE ANCHOR

A special celebratory banquet will follow the Mass at White's of Westport, featuring a Family Style Turkey Dinner. Tickets for the banquet are $30 and can be obtained by calling 508-674-5651 , or after weekend .

Masses. Tables of 8-10 can be reserved. ~I']M~ ~~~f1llifAim~(:;, (~wj~)li'~~~if:il~d; ~垄it~~~

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

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Enclose check or money order and mail to: The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722

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BRIGHTON -On the final day of May, on the feast of the Visitation, approximately 70 seventhgrade girls from the New Bedford Deanery Catholic schools arrived at a place many speak about yet rarely visit: a convent. Weeks after their male counterparts visited St. John's Seminary in Brighton, the girls headed to the convent ofthe Daughters of St. Paul in Jamaica Plain.

Similar to the boys' trip, the girls' trip was intended to increase awareness about the different vocations to which God calls people.

Though many of the girls had been in a Catholic school for seven or more years, most of them had never been to a convent, never met a religious Sister, or never even seen a Sister before. Since the religious life was so foreign to them, many began the day not knowing what to expect. Some were openly excited about the trip. Others thought it would be boring. Some were expecting all the Sisters to be shy and antisocial. One stated she anticipated the Sisters would be all in black and chanting music the whole time - as you see in 'The Sound of Music" or "Sister Act," which was her only exposure to the religious life.

There are many wonderful different religious orders and charisms in the Church, but it was decided that the girls would visit the Daughters of St. Paul because of their proximity, but also because their Jamaica Plains convent is the mother house ofthe Daughters here in the United States, which would provide,the girls an opportunity to meet many different sisters.

The Daughters of St. Paul promote the mission of the Church by bringing Christ into the world through communications. Currently there are 2,600 Daughters of St. Paul in the world spread out through 50 countries. They strive to know and love Jesus through daily prayer and adoration. By allowing themselves to be formed by Christ. their spiritual spouse, to be more like him, they then seek to spread love ofhim to all the nations, principally

through mass media - radio, TV, Internet. books, magazines, or music. They take as their patron and exemplar St. Paul, who had a great passion for Jesus Christ and whose heart was on fIre to proclaim him to the nations.

Because ofRoute 128 traffic, the buses arrived at the convent a little later than expected. But upon our arrival, the girls were greeted by several Sisters and postulants. One could not help but notice immediately the genuine joy and love that the Sisters exuded.

The sisters led the girls to a large room where they gave several different presentations. Though the sisters had some very interesting presentations on their charism and life, what captivated many of the girls was when Sister Carmen Christi, Sister Martha and a few of the postulants spoke about their vocations, their daily lives, and their discernment of God's call. Sister Martha surprised many of the girls when she spoke about her youth and her childhood dream to race horses for a living.

The girls said later that it was principally during the question and answer period that took place during the talks and later during lunch that they realized that the Sisters are ordinary women who have received a special call from Christ to follow him in a particular way. They commented upon how dedicated the Sisters are and that many young

women are still saying "yes" to giving their whole life to Christ. One of the girls gushed about how the Sisters really inspired her. Another was so moved by the Sisters' genuine joy and love for Christ and others that she left the convent saying, "I want to be a nun."

Mter the talks, the girls were brought to the beautiful main chapel ofthe convent and spent a few minutes in prayerful adoration of the Lord exposed in the monstrymce.

One ofthe Sisters led them in prayer to God, asking his guidance as to what he was asking of them, and his help to say yes to it.

Like the boys' trip, the girls' was a clear success. Many of the girls grew in a small way in their knowledge about the religious life upon seeing it for the first time up close.

Whatever is God's will for us and for them, each faithful Catholic is called to know and love all the vocations to which God calls his children and to foster the habit of saying a continual "yes" - "fiat' - to what the Lord asks of us each day. For some of the girls, I think more of them are open to seeking God's will than they were earlier that morning. A small seed was planted for most of the girls. Now it is time for God and us to water and nourish it.

Father Cook is parochial vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford.

DAUGHTER OF St. Paul Sister Carmen Christi shared lunch and conversation with New Bedford area girls during a recent visit.

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