07.26.19

The Little Flower Early Learning Center, the first-of-its-kind child care center in the diocese, will open August 26 in Attleboro.

July 26, 2019 â€

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Life Teen director Joel Stepanek to headline second annual Catholic Youth Day on August 7

By Kenneth J. Souza Editor

kensouza@anchornews.org

EAST SANDWICH — For the second consecutive year, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., is inviting high school aged youth throughout the Fall River Diocese to join him for a diocesan Catholic Youth Day to take place this year on Wednesday, August 7 at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich. There is no charge to participate, and free bus transportation will be provided from locations throughout the diocese.

The day-long program will begin at 10 a.m. with featured keynote presenter Joel Stepanek of Life Teen International, who has traveled the world talking with young people about their faith.

As director of resource development for Life Teen, Stepanek oversees the creation of materials for youth ministry in various media and has led trainings of youth ministry leaders around the globe.

“I lead and manage a team of several individuals who are responsible for creating the great content that we do at Life Teen, from our social media and digi2

tal evangelization content, through the curriculum resources we provide for parishes,” Stepanek recently told The Anchor. “We do a lot of really fun stuff. They’re a great group of people to work with, with some incredibly creative minds and it’s an absolute joy. I’ve been here for seven-and-a-half years.”

Stepanek remembers being a freshman in high school, when his mom gave him a choice: either go to Life Teen or do his homework. He obviously chose Life Teen.

“We are a Catholic youth ministry movement that’s been around since 1985 and we have several ways that we serve parishes and help lead teens closer to Christ,” Stepanek said. “So we work with a lot of content, to provide direct-to-parish resources and curriculum and things like youth nights and retreats, videos, teachings — sort of the hard resources that a parish can use so that they can help their young people know Who Jesus is, follow Jesus, and then share Jesus with other people.”

Stepanek said Life Teen also provides direct teen ministry via a series of camps and conferences.

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“We do several weeks of camp over the summer at a couple of camps in northern Georgia, a camp in Texas and then a camp in California,” he said. “Then we are partnered with the Franciscan University of Steubenville Conferences and we host six of those Steubenville conferences throughout the country. We have two out on the east coast — Steubenville East and Steubenville New York. We do one in Arizona called Steubenville West, one in California called Steubenville NorCal, and then one in Atlanta, Ga. and one in Dallas, Texas.”

Stepanek estimated those summer events pull in “close to 15,000 or 16,000 youth, which is really incredible.”

Life Teen also provides trainings for adults during its an annual convention, which draws about 1,000 priests, religious and laypeople who get trained in the best practices in youth ministry.

One of the keys to Life Teen’s success, according to Stepanek, is reaching youth where there are most active — online and via social media.

“We’ve got a healthy social media outreach ... and we use a lot of digital content,” he said. “It’s a blessing,

we do a lot of stuff, but the goal is always just to lead teen-agers into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“We try to build a good library of content that teenagers can go to and then a place where they can find some online community.

One of the things I really like about our team is we

recognize that while teenagers are there (online) and they spend a lot of time on social media — upwards of 10 hours a day on their device or online — we also as a team have been very tempered in our approach, recognizing that doesn’t 8 Turn to page 10

Diocese to open first Early Learning Center Director named, website launched for August opening

By Kenneth J. Souza Editor

kensouza@anchornews.org

ATTLEBORO — Fall River Diocesan School Superintendent Steve Perla has announced the appointment of Christine Barrett as the director of the new Little Flower Early Learning Center, located on Palm Street in Attleboro.

The Little Flower Early Learning Center, to open on August 26, will be the first-of-its-kind in the Fall River Diocese to offer a faith-based, innovative, and affordable child care program for children from six weeks to 3.9 years of age.

“The central purpose of launching an early learning center under the direction of the diocese is to provide families with the first-of-its-kind, faithbased, safe and nurturing environment for the newest members of our community,” according to Sandra Drummey, assistant superintendent of schools for the diocese. “The name Little Flower is inspired by our patroness, St. Therese of Lisieux. We partner with parents to help each child see the unique gift they are.”

Market research indicates that there continues to be a need for high quality child care where every child is valued, respected and accepted as an individual with unique qualities, needs and patterns of growth.

Recent diocesan market research on Catholic education shows that par-

Christine Barrett ents with young children are most interested in a safe and nurturing environment along with the opportunity for character development.

“Character and moral development is so important to begin at a young age when children are very curious and learning lifelong behaviors,” Drummey told The Anchor. “Every day we hear examples of how the breakdown of morals has negatively affected our world. In order to help correct this trend, centers like Little Flower will help teach the fundamentals of living a Christ-centered life to the next generation.”

Given today’s family structure in which both parents often find it necessary to work at least parttime, the Little Flower Early Learning Center will provide an important and safe environment for their children.

“Parents and families are the number one teachers of children and for those families where both parents must work, Little Flower will augment the faith development these students experience at home,” Drummey said. “It is important to instill a life that follows the teachings of

Jesus at an early age so that it more naturally becomes a part of the students’ lives later on.”

Unlike preschool, the center will be for children aged six weeks through 3.9 — hopefully preparing them to continue on in one of the diocesan Pre-K programs and Catholic schools.

“The academic program planned for the Little Flower students will prepare them for the high academic rigor of our Catholic schools, from Pre-K through high school,” Drummey said.

“More importantly, Little Flower prepares these students for the unique and wonderful culture of our Catholic schools, such as daily prayer, weekly Mass, religion classes, community service, family environment and individual attention to each student. These are qualities that are not found in any other educational platform and — once experienced — are highly valued as an integral part of a child’s educational experience.”

There are four distinct programs offered at the Little Flower Early Learning Center.

The infant program is designed to encourage social, emotional and communication development for an infant’s first year which will revolve around the infant’s schedule. Little Flower will include a sensory-based curriculum using the Massachusetts Learning Standards and Curriculum Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers.

The Little Flower Early Learning Center in Attleboro.

The toddler program Perla in his announcement introduces children to a of her appointment. more scheduled day in a “I truly enjoy meeting larger group setting. The the families and children activities keep a toddler’s and am so proud and active curiosity in mind as honored to represent this well as include the teachwonderful new endeavor of ing of prayer, art, and gross the diocese,” said Barrett. motor skills.

“Early childhood education The pre-school children has been my passion for will experience a more my entire career, and now structured day, with the I am even more excited to introduction of some basic lead a program that infuses science, math and manipu- age-appropriate faith and latives. Children will also educational programs. begin to learn the alphabet Children are so inquisitive and numbers. at these young ages, this The school age drop-in is the perfect time to help program allows busy parthem learn.” ents to have a reliable and Barrett has a Bachelor’s safe place for their school degree in English and an age child (up to eight years Associate’s degree in Early of age) when school chang- Childhood Education, and es occur, such as weather has 24 years of expericlosings and professional ence as a Center Director days. Many parents do and preschool teacher. She not have the flexibility to is married and has been change their work schedblessed with twin daughule when school closes, so ters and resides in CumLittle Flower offers these berland, R.I., where she’s families a solution to iman active parishioner at St. mediate child care issues.

Basil the Great Church in New director Christine Lincoln, R.I. Barrett is “a lifelong and “My deep faith is a innovative early childresult of growing up in a hood educator, and she will Catholic household, atshape an engaging, loving, tending Catholic schools and quality center,” said 8 Turn to page 17 July 26, 2019 †

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Diocese hires local parishioner as new Director of Strategic and Pastoral Planning

By Kenneth J. Souza Editor

kensouza@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., recently announced that Laura M. Carrillo has accepted the position of Director of Strategic and Pastoral Planning for the Diocese of Fall River, effective July 15.

Carrillo’s hiring followed a comprehensive search process, and the bishop noted in his announcement: “We were blessed to have several qualified candidates interview for the position. However, Laura’s education and professional background, coupled with her positive attitude and passion to serve our Church, truly stood out to make her a wonderful fit for this new role.”

Carrillo will be reporting directly to Bishop da Cunha and will be responsible for continuing the planning process already underway with the diocesan planning commissions and implementing and monitoring ongoing strategic planning efforts at all the parishes to ensure goals are met on an annual basis.

“I consider myself so blessed to have been chosen for this role,” Carrillo told The Anchor. “Having seen what Bishop da Cunha was planning to accomplish at the first commission kickoff session makes this role even more meaningful as it means that I will be in position to make sure that the terrific planning being conducted across all of the commissions is thoughtfully considered, acted on and leveraged to help reinvigorate the diocese.”

Carrillo and her family 4

are parishioners at St. Rita in Marion. She and her husband, Jorge, have three children — Isabella, 15; Jay, 13; and Olivia, six — and they just recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.

In continuing his “Rebuilding in Faith and Hope” initiative here in the diocese, Bishop da Cunha was keen to find someone from within the diocese to help implement the revitalization.

“I think it’s important to have someone from within the diocese because it makes the work very personal and adds an extra layer of accountability,” Carrillo said.

“It also allows me to see how the work being done at the diocesan level is impacting my own parish. The support I have already received from my pastor, Father John Ozug, and fellow parishioners at St. Rita’s and St. Anthony’s has been extraordinary.”

As Director of Strategic and Pastoral Planning, Carrillo will be responsible for coordinating and implementing regional planning workshops for pastors and parish leaders; providing coaching and encouraging creating partnerships between parishes on an ongoing basis; collaborating with other diocesan departments; serving as a staff resource for the vicar general, moderator of curia, and chancellor; and working closely with clergy, parish staffs, parish finance and pastoral councils to create and update three-to-five-year strategic plans to revitalize parishes to grow and lead people closer to Christ.

Carrillo said one of her

† July 26, 2019

L aura M. Carrillo first tasks will be to analyze the final recommendations of the various strategic planning commissions.

“Taking all of the fantastic planning being delivered by the commissions and balancing that with the needs and abilities of the diocese and each parish to take action will be a huge undertaking,” she said. “I prefer to call it an opportunity rather than a challenge.”

In 1995, Carrillo received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut School of Business and in 2001 she received her Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

She has spent more than

20 years in the private sector, working with large companies like Walmart, Microsoft and Kimberly Clark to help them evolve and grow to better understand their customers. While she has enjoyed her career, she welcomed the opportunity to begin a new chapter, working directly in service to the Church.

“My consulting work has consistently been focused on partnering with executives at large organizations and helping them evolve to better serve their current and future customers,” Carrillo said. “This work required the ability to develop trust, working with multiple individuals and personalities, to connect the dots between siloed divisions, and to balance many different perspectives across an organization. Some of the qualities required to do this kind of work include patience, flexibility, resourcefulness and a positive attitude that I am hopeful will help me successfully tackle this critical journey.”

Carrillo spent her first

week meeting various diocesan officials and attending the final strategic planning commission meetings to introduce herself to the many lay volunteers who are working to answer the bishop’s call to rebuild the Fall River Diocese.

“A huge thank you to Bishop da Cunha and the diocesan staff for the warm welcome this first week,” she said. “I also really appreciate the outpouring of support and prayers from everyone around the diocese who introduced themselves or took time to write. I look forward to meeting even more of them as I continue to learn about and visit parishes and organizations across the diocese.”

As she settles into her new role, Carrillo looks forward to “learning from (everyone), as we call forth the members of Christ’s faithful, to share their many gifts in planning for a bright future.”

“I ask for your prayers as I begin this new journey and look forward to meeting all of you,” she said.

Seeking updates from parishes, diocesan offices for directory Requests for updates, corrections and additions to the 2019-2020 Catholic Directory for the Diocese of Fall River have been sent to all parishes, diocesan offices and apostolates. The deadline for submitting this information is Friday, August 30. The new directory will be published in late September.

If you are responsible for a diocesan entity and have not yet been contacted for an update, please submit your updated information via email to kensouza@anchornews.org.

You may also find convenient online forms to submit this information electronically at the following links ...

• Parishes — www.anchornews.org/parish.html • All Others — www.anchornews.org/ministry.html

78th annual Catholic Charities Appeal, ‘See All the People,’ surpasses $4M FALL RIVER — The 78th annual Catholic Charities Appeal, “See All the People,” has come to a close, and this year more than 20,000 generous supporters came forward making gifts totaling $4.1 million to sustain the Appeal’s longstanding mission of serving those in greatest need throughout the Diocese of Fall River.

“Each year, I am so grateful for the generosity and compassion that the people of our diocese show those who are most in need among us, through their faithful support of the Catholic Charities Appeal,” said Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. “To uphold our tradition of service and commitment to others for nearly 80 years through this most important Appeal, is a testament to our duty to live in Christ, in all ways.”

“As a Fall River native and resident, it is truly inspiring to see how the work of the agencies and apostolates supported by the CCA makes a huge difference right in our backyards,” said Rebecca Hancock, Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship at The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts. “‘See All the People’ is a reminder of what we are called to do as Catholics: recognize the needs that exist all around us — and take action to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”

This year, all parishes were given the option to partner with The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts in managing the day-to-day

work in support of the Appeal.

The Foundation managed the mailings, gift collection and gift processing, and regular reporting for more than 50 parishes, easing a considerable administrative and financial burden for twothirds of the diocese.

Donors to the Appeal have also been receiving thank you letters from Bishop da Cunha throughout the Appeal as part of a continuing effort to acknowledge gifts of all sizes.

While Bishop da Cunha acknowledged that local, national and international challenges in the Church of late may have impacted Appeal returns, he said he is “excited about the new Catholic Foundation infrastructure and the ability of staff to continuously improve the fundraising capability of the diocese.”

The bishop also pointed out the need “to be committed as a diocese to ‘Rebuilding in Faith and Hope’ to ensure that the legacy of wonderful and faithful donors to the Appeal from years past continues with the support of successive generations,” which he also acknowledged as a challenge.

Among initiatives of the Catholic Foundation to support the 2019 CCA were a series of focus videos highlighting specific ministries benefitting from donor support of the

Appeal, and plans call for the series to continue with new topics and areas of focus in 2020.

In June, a $50,000 match challenge was made possible through a generous gift from The Carney Family Charitable Foundation, allowing gifts to be matched one-to-one until the goal was achieved within a few short days.

Also, for the very first time, Chancery staff members were given the opportunity to support the CCA through automatic payroll deduction, a quick and easy way for staff to show support for it throughout the year.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the Foundation team on this year’s Catholic Charities Appeal,” said Msgr. Stephen J. Avila, pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton and St. Patrick Parishes in Falmouth and St. Anthony Parish in East Falmouth. “Their efforts have brought a renewed enthusiasm and professionalism to the cause and greatly supported us here on the parish level.”

A focus on collecting emails this year will allow faithful supporters to receive regular updates on the good works made possible through their generosity. A hardcopy

and online publication featuring an honor roll of donors will be produced in the months ahead.

And throughout the year, The Catholic Foundation’s new website — www. catholicfoundationsema. org — will feature updates and news associated with the Appeal, including parish totals, revenues and expenditure reports, and inspiring stories from those whose lives have been transformed through CCA gifts.

The CCA is a significant part of The Catholic Foundation’s work in support of our diocese’s extensive philanthropic efforts, but the work does not end there. The Foundation is actively growing its new giving society, The Anima Christi Society, which is dedicated to celebrating the many generous individuals who have included the diocese or their parishes in their estate plans.

The Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE) is also served

by The Catholic Foundation, with exciting, new opportunities to support Catholic school scholarships underway. Interested donors may also contact the Foundation to discuss ways to support a specific mission or fund that is meaningful and dear to them.

Steering The Catholic Foundation as the service

“hub” for all diocesan fund-raising efforts is an engaged and dynamic Board of Directors, who have collectively pledged more than $8 million.

The Catholic Foundation’s Board of Directors are: Co-Chairmen Patrick Carney and Nick Christ; George Agostini; Bob Long; Richard Lafrance; Father Marcel Bouchard, spiritual director; Bishop da Cunha; Father John Murray, moderator of the curia; and Father Richard Wilson, vicar general; as well as honorary board member Joseph Ciffolillo.

“The Catholic Foundation is eager to continue to build our team and our levels of service to strengthen and sustain our Diocese of Fall River for generations to come,” said Catholic Foundation CEO Miriam “Mim” Finn Sherman.

While the parish phase of the 2019 Catholic Charities Appeal has come to a close, the CCA is part of the Catholic Foundation’s growing annual giving program, which encourages the generous support of parishioners and friends year-round.

Donations can always be made online at givefrdiocese.org/cca19 throughout the year or mailed to the Catholic Charities Appeal office, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720.

They may also continue to be dropped off at any parish in the diocese.

Final parish totals for the 2019 Catholic Charities Appeal will be reported in the Aug. 9, 2019 edition of The Anchor.

July 26, 2019 †

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Editorial

St. Martha

Last Sunday (July 21) we heard the famous “Martha and Mary” story (Lk 10:38-42) at Mass. This coming Monday (July 29) is the feast day of St. Martha, at which the Mass celebrant can choose from that Gospel or the other “Martha and Mary” story, John 11:19-27, when Martha and Mary appeal to Jesus to bring their brother Lazarus back to life.

Martha is sometimes depicted as if she were the villain of St. Luke’s account of Jesus’ visit to Bethany. She’s the complainer, she’s not imitating her sister, taking in all that Jesus could offer them. However, notice that Luke doesn’t record Martha responding to Jesus with something like, “How dare you come into my home and criticize me.” Instead the next time we hear about Martha in the Scriptures is in John’s account of the crisis occasioned by the illness and death of Lazarus.

In the second episode we see that Martha has grown Spiritually, but that growth did not mean that she had to give up her personality and become identical to her sister. Martha is still the much more active of the two sisters — she hastens to encounter Jesus at the outskirts of Bethany, while Mary stayed at home.

In her dialogue with Jesus, Martha shows that she has grown Spiritually, while still remaining a person who freely spoke her mind. She first expresses her disappointment that Jesus did not hurry back to save Lazarus from dying (the Holy Spirit had this put into the Gospel so that we could see that it is OK to express our similar feelings to God), but then she makes a request of Jesus which only a person of deep faith could do: Please bring my brother back to life. I don’t want to wait until the resurrection on the last day (in her saying that, she also shows that she is much more Spiritual than the Sadduccees, who did not believe in any afterlife or future resurrection).

She also makes a confession of faith which even her sister had not done: “I have come to believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One Who is coming into the world” (Jn 11:27). As Jesus said to Simon Peter when he made a similar declaration, it was the Heavenly Father Who taught Martha that — He taught that to Martha in her prayer.

After this Martha goes home and gets Mary to come and meet Jesus out on the road. They have a similar conversation about Mary’s disappointment and then Jesus requests to go and see Lazarus’ tomb. Once there, Jesus asks that the stone covering the tomb be removed. Here Martha shows her practicality again, “Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days” (Jn 11:39). It is hard to interpret what Martha was thinking then, but Jesus then asks her (with some incredulity — as if He were thinking, “Do you want your brother back or not?”), “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” (Jn 11:40).

Then, after praying out loud, for the Spiritual benefit of the crowd (and for our benefit, too), Jesus commanded Lazarus to come out, and he did.

The third and last time in which Martha and Mary appear in the Bible is six days before Passover, when Jesus drops by Bethany again. During this visit, “They gave a dinner for Him there, and Martha served, while OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 63, No. 15

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† July 26, 2019

Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with Him” (Jn 12:2). It was during this meal that Mary anointed Jesus’ feet and dried them with her hair.

Judas then criticized Mary, saying that the money for the ointment could have been used to help the poor (or to help himself, since he was a thief).

St. Augustine wrote a sermon about Martha and Mary which is in the breviary for her feast day. His depiction of them is much more positive than the negative view Martha sometimes gets in popular society — ­ possibly a negative reaction to the modern-day Martha, Martha Stewart?

He preached, “Martha and Mary were sisters, related not only by blood but also by religious aspirations. They stayed close to Our Lord and both served Him harmoniously when He was among them. Martha welcomed Him as travelers are welcomed. But in her case, the maidservant received her Lord, the invalid her Savior, the creature her Creator, to serve Him bodily food while she was to be fed by the Spirit. For the Lord willed to put on the form of a slave, and under this form to be fed by His own servants, out of condescension and not out of need. For this was indeed condescension, to present Himself to be fed; since He was in the flesh He would indeed be hungry and thirsty.”

St. Augustine then says that we should not be jealous of Martha and Mary, because they got to host Jesus and we did not. “No one of you should say: ‘Blessed are they who have deserved to receive Christ into their homes!’ Do not grieve or complain that you were born in a time when you can no longer see God in the flesh. He did not in fact take this privilege from you. As He says: ‘Whatever you have done to the least of my brothers, you did to Me.’” So, we can be like Martha and Mary in carrying out the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy — both tending to Jesus’ bodily needs and listening to see how we can attend to Him Spiritually.

St. Augustine then addressed Martha (rhetorically, since he lived centuries after her). “But you, Martha, if I may say so, are blessed for your good service, and for your labors you seek the reward of peace. Now you are much occupied in nourishing the Body, admittedly a Holy One. But when you come to the Heavenly homeland will you find a traveler to welcome, someone hungry to feed, or thirsty to whom you may give drink, someone ill whom you could visit, or quarreling whom you could reconcile, or dead whom you could bury?”

Of course, the answer is no. St. Augustine added, “there will be none of these tasks there. What you will find there is what Mary chose. There we shall not feed others, we ourselves shall be fed. Thus what Mary chose in this life will be realized there in all its fullness; she was gathering fragments from that rich banquet, the Word of God. Do you wish to know what we will have there? The Lord Himself tells us when He says of His servants, ‘Amen, I say to you, He will make them recline and passing He will serve them.’”

So, Martha is now enjoying Christ’s serving her at His banquet. May we imitate her, so we can enjoy it one day, too.

Daily Readings † July 27 - August 9 Sat. July 27, Ex 24:3-8; Ps 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15; Mt 13:24-30. Sun. July 28, Gn 18:20-32; Ps 138:1-3, 6-8; Col 2:12-14; Lk 11:1-13. Mon. July 29, Ex 32:1524, 30-34; Ps 106:19-23; Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42. Tues. July 30, Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28; Ps 103:6-13; Mt 13:36-43. Wed. July 31, Ex 34:29-35; Ps 99:5-7, 9; Mt 13:44-46. Thurs. Aug. 1, Ex 40:16-21, 34-38; Ps 84:3-6a, 8a, 11; Mt 13:47-53.

Fri. Aug. 2, Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37; Ps 81:3-6, 10-11b; Mt 13:54-58.

Sat. Aug. 3, Lv 25:1, 8-17; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 7-8; Mt 14:1-12. Sun. Aug. 4, Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23; Ps 90:3-6, 12-14, 17; Col 3:1-5, 9-11; Lk 12:13-21. Mon. Aug. 5, Nm 11:4b-15; Ps 81:12-17; Mt 14:13-21. Tues. Aug. 6, Dn 7:9-10, 13-14; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Pt 1:16-19; Lk 9:28b-36. Wed. Aug. 7, Nm 13:1-2, 25; 14:1, 26-29a, 34-35; Ps 106:6-7b, 13-14, 21-23; Mt 15:21-28. Thurs. Aug. 8, Nm 20:1-13; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Mt 16:13-23. Fri. Aug. 9, Dt 4:32-40; Ps 77:12-16, 21; Mt 16:24-28.

E

Laypeople in the renewal of the Church

arlier this month, I had the privilege to go to New Zealand to give five talks over seven days, sandwiched around two days of sightseeing in one of world’s most beautiful countries. The first three talks were to young adults, the last two, at the Auckland Eucharistic Convention, for Catholics of all generations.

Certain talks are easier and more enjoyable to prepare and deliver than others. I loved comparing the thoughts of Popes John Paul II, Benedict, and Francis on love, describing John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” as a way to holiness, addressing Christ’s summons to the young to follow Him all the way, and discussing how Jesus Christ in the Eucharist seeks to fill us with courage before all our challenges, which was more or less the theme of the Eucharistic Convention, dedicated to Jesus’ words “Take Courage, I have overcome the world.”

But the last talk I was asked to prepare, on the call to laypeople to renew the Church as salt, light and leaven, struck me as too dry and theological — in short, too boring — for an hour-long speech before a large, non-academic Catholic crowd.

Soon after I arrived, however, I quickly saw the caliber of many Catholic lay leaders, especially young adults. In a highly secularized culture in which many are largely disappointed in the Catholic “professional” class — teachers and administrators in Catholic schools and universities, as well as clergy, religious and catechists — for watering down the more challenging aspects of the faith, I found the laypeople hungry for a theology that could inspire them to make bold commitments toward assuming and fulfilling faithfully their own responsibilities in the Church.

Their reactions made me think of other laypeople closer

to home who might similarly profit from a robust understanding of the laypeople in the renewal of the Church.

I began the talk with two remarkable stories of Catholic laypeople in the preservation and transmission of the faith.

The first was on how the Christian faith was introduced into Korea by laypeople who, traveling in China, had found Bibles and catechetical texts from martyred missionaries. They took them back with them over the border, baptized each other, and tried to live the faith as best they could. When missionaries were finally smuggled in, they found that there were already 4,000 catechized Catholics hungering for the Sacraments and living the faith with such resolve that most of them would remain faithful under torture and be martyred. This is a history that “tells us much about the importance, dignity and beauty of the vocation of the laity,” Pope Francis said in a 2014 visit to Seoul.

The second story was about “hidden Christians” of Japan, the laypeople who, after all priests and catechists had been eliminated by the 1640s, kept the faith alive for 210 years before missionaries were permitted to enter Japan again. They baptized, prayed together, cared for each other.

When a priest began to build a Christian Church, these laypeople emerged saying that they had been told that one day Fathers would return to teach them better about the way of Jesus. To ensure that they were dealing with Catholic priests rather than Protestant missionaries, they then interrogated Father Bernard Petitjean with the simple questions that had been passed down for 200 years about the Eucharist, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the pope and priestly celibacy. Many

of these Christians, once they came out of the shadows, would die for the faith before Christianity was decriminalized in the 1880s.

The renewal of the Church needs laypeople, I said, with similar faith, hope, courage, virtue and perseverance. The Church is constantly in need of renewal: ecclesia semper reformanda. Real reform happens when laypeople, who are the vast majority of the Church, assimilate

and live it, when the “living stones” of the Church are renewed in holiness. At this time in Church history when the Church in many places is struggling, it’s essential for laypeople to take up Christ’s perpetual summons.

I focused on the three images Jesus uses in the Gospel to describe the aspects of the renewal: salt of the earth, light of the world, and leaven.

“These images taken from the Gospel,” said St. John Paul in his 1988 exhortation on the Christian Lay Faithful, “although indiscriminately applicable to all Jesus’ disciples, are specifically applied to the lay faithful.”

Salt has three purposes.

The first, in the absence of refrigeration, is as a preservative. The second is as a fire starter: when salt is mixed with dung (at Jesus’ time and still today in various developing countries), it is ignited and serves for both cooking and heat. Third, salt gives flavor.

Laypeople have this three-fold mission within the world: to prevent it from going to corruption; to light people on fire, redeeming even what is considered refuse; and to bring “taste” and joy. But for

laypeople to live up to this task, Jesus says, their salt must not lose its saltiness, something that happens when they separate themselves from Him. Light has two fundamental purposes. The first is to help people see. “The just man is a light in the darkness for the upright,” the Psalms tell us. Christians, illuminated

by Christ the Light of the World, reflect His light so that others may see things better, as they really are. Light also warms. When we approach Jesus and others approach us, we and they should feel like someone cold approaching a lit fireplace. But for this purpose to happen, Jesus says, we can’t hide our light, too embarrassed or falsely humble to share it.

Leaven raises dough. A pinch of yeast is enough to make much dough rise. One Christian on a street, in a work place, family, or parish is meant to have a dramatic, transformative impact through the power of example and friendship. Jesus warns, however, that we need to ensure that we are in turn not affected by bad leaven. One bad apple can spoil the whole bushel.

There is a need for salt, light and leaven within the Church, preventing corruption, giving flavor, warming people and helping them become ardent, illuminating them with the wisdom of the Gospel, seeking to give them hope and help them become good. But the fundamental mission of the laity is to exercise these missions in the world. Pope Francis has spoken often of the problem of clericalism in the Church and how clergy can clericalize the laity, trying to get them to focus more on things internal to Church life than the Church’s mission outside.

He adds that many laypeople

enjoy being clericalized, because it’s easier to proclaim the Gospel in Church than at work and simpler to serve Mass than to serve the poor.

The reform of the laity, he says, involves forming them within the Church to go out as “missionary disciples in communion” in the midst of the world. The reform of the Church does not come with priests’ delegating priestly duties to lay faithful, but when all members of the Church fulfill their mission.

John Paul II emphasized two parables in his exhortation on the Christian lay faithful. The first is the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Mt 20:1-16), which underlines that Jesus wants and needs all of us with sleeves rolled up working hard in His vineyard. The second is the parable of the Vine and the Branches (Jn 15:1-8), which reminds us that we can do nothing unless we’re attached to Christ and to each other.

Through Baptism all members of the Church have become united to Christ and share in His mission to proclaim the Word, to offer our lives and work together with Him to the Father, and to enter into and help others to enter His Kingdom. Remaining attached to Christ the Vine in the Sacraments, lay faithful are called as branches to be the extension of His holiness and charity in the world.

The renewal of the Church will always involve the renewal not just of the clergy and religious — which is deeply needed — but also and especially of the laity. There are many challenges involved, but Christ wouldn’t be calling the laity to be salt, light and leaven unless He were prepared to give everything needed for them to live up to this mission.

Anchor columnist Father Roger Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.

July 26, 2019 †

7

This summer let young and old climb aboard the same canoe

M

y fondest memories of summer are the times spent with my favorite aunt at her cottage nestled in the Adirondack Mountains. As a middle school teacher, she had a gift for relating to kids in a way very different from parents — like a wise friend or a trusted confidante. My aunt patiently taught us how to knit and sew; she listened to our stories and nurtured our dreams as if each niece or nephew were the only one.

She took us on long walks in the woods, pointing out her favorite wildflowers and teaching us to recognize fresh bear tracks and other potential dangers. She also taught us how to paddle her antique canoe around the nearby lake. As we got older, my aunt would sit on the dock reading a book as we took the canoe out to explore the lily pads along the shoreline or ride the waves created by the speeding motorboats. But she always kept one eye on us in case we got into trouble.

Although she never had children of her own, my aunt took a lively interest in all her nieces and nephews until the

8

very end of her life. She never gave us lectures, expressed disapproval or told us how things should be done, but she always kept an eye on us.

She remained creative and curious long after retiring and unassumingly shared her time, her talents and herself with others.

As I read Pope Francis’ recent post-synodal letter, Christus Vivit, in which he encourages the young and the old to form strong bonds, I realized what a blessing my aunt was to our family, for she personified the ideal of elders as wisdom figures and memory keepers.

“What do I ask of the elders among whom I count myself ?” our Holy Father wrote. “I call us to be memory keepers. I envision elders as a permanent choir of a great Spiritual sanctuary, where prayers of supplication and songs of praise support the larger community that works and struggles in the field of life. It is a beautiful thing when ‘young men and maidens together, old men and children,

† July 26, 2019

praise the name of the Lord’” (Ps 148:12-13).

When her life was coming to an end, my aunt felt she had very little to leave us, but as my siblings and

This is what my aunt taught us!

The following words of our Holy Father brought her memory to life in a special way: “During the Synod, one of the young auditors from the Samoan Islands spoke of the Church as a canoe, in which the elderly help to keep on course by judging the position of the stars, while the young keep rowing, imagining what waits for them ahead.” He concluded,

“Let us all climb aboard the same canoe and together seek a better world, with the constantly renewed momentum of the Holy Spirit.”

So, this summer, be intentional about bringing the generations in your family or neighborhood together. Take time for long walks and slow canoe rides, and for sharing memories and dreams. You won’t be disappointed!

Sister Constance Veit, L.S.P., is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.

cousins came from all over the country to bid her farewell, it was obvious that because she had given us so much of herself, she would live on and even blossom in us.

“What can we elderly persons give to the young?” Pope Francis asked in Christus Vivit.

“We can remind today’s young people, who have their own blend of heroic ambitions and insecurities, that a life without love is an arid life. We can tell fearful young people that anxiety about the future can be overSister Constance Veit, L.S.P., and her beloved aunt. come. We can teach those young people, sometimes so focused on themselves, that there is more joy in giving than in receiving, and that love is not only shown in words, but also in actions.”

Left, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., recently gathered with the faith community of St. Patrick Parish in Wareham to celebrate the refurbishment of the church after a fire in September 2018 severely damaged the interior of the structure, including the choir loft and organ. The bishop celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving and blessed the newly-installed organ on July 3. After Mass, the bishop joined parishioners for a reception in the parish hall.

(Photo courtesy of George A. Andrade Jr.)

www.anchornews.org July 26, 2019 â€

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Second Catholic Youth Day set for August 7 continued from page two

always produce great effects and so we want to leverage our social media well and we also want to be responsible and not make it the sort of end-all, be-all where teens connect. We need to use these things to supplement rather than supplant real relationships and use them to empower and encourage teens to get involved with their local parish and to invest in face-to-face friendships and with their families.”

Stepanek said it’s a delicate balance to ensure they are not providing “an environment that plays into habits and routines that, even if it’s good content, can become maladaptive for a young person.”

The ultimate goal is to encourage more person-toperson interaction.

“It’s tough,” he said.

“There are a lot of parents, when somebody goes on a retreat, they want their young person to have a phone with them, so their child can get in touch with them anytime they want. So there are challenges there.

I think it’s a different time and it requires some new new visions of how we can (engage them).”

Stepanek’s keynote address at Catholic Youth Day will focus on the theme “We Want to See Jesus,” which is an echo of the theme from the recent World Youth Day in Panama.

“The talk is going to be reflections on a couple of different pieces of Scripture where people encounter Jesus in the New Testament,” he said. “And the ways that those encounters challenge our own vision of how we see Jesus, and how we

encounter Jesus in our faith life, in our everyday life, and how they challenge us to be better disciples.

“I’ll be doing a couple of talks during the day, and I’m really looking forward to it.

I have never been to the (Fall River Diocese) before, so it will be a fun, new adventure for me. I’m looking forward to being out there.”

Stepanek is also the author of two books, “The Greatest Job on Earth: Seven Virtues of an Incredible Youth Minister” and “True North: A Roadmap for Discernment.” He is a regular contributor to the Youth Specialties blog and a member of the Franciscan University Steubenville Conference Speaking Team.

Catholic Youth Day participants will also hear reflections on faith from their peers in the diocese and take part in a service project designed to highlight Catholic social teaching on the need

to care for God’s creation.

The project, planned by recent young adult graduates of the diocese’s Catholic Leadership Institute, will include a trip to a nearby beach.

In addition, Catholic Youth Day will feature music, the celebration of Mass with Bishop da Cunha, additional opportunities for prayer, games, lunch and dinner.

“We have planned an exciting day for our second annual Youth Day in the diocese,” said Beth Mahoney, who is leading a committee organizing the event.

“The theme for the day is ‘We Want to See Jesus,’ echoing Pope Francis’ closing remarks at January’s World Youth Day in Panama in which he invited youth ‘to see Jesus.’ It’s our hope that this diocesan Youth Day will energize our young people and affirm their faith, sending them

back to their parishes and schools with enthusiasm to share with others.”

Buses will depart at 7 a.m. from diocesan high schools in Attleboro, Dartmouth, Fall River and Taunton to bring participating youth and chaperones to East Sandwich and return them to those locations in the evening. Catholic Youth Day will conclude at 7 p.m.

Bus transportation will also be available from some points on Cape Cod (details will be forthcoming as final arrangements are made).

Teens interested in attending Catholic Youth Day should register through their parish. They should contact the director of Religious Education at their parish or the parish office to do so.

For more information, please contact Claire McManus of the diocesan Faith Formation Office at 508-678-2828 or by email at cmcmanus@dfrcs.org.

A subscription to The Anchor would make a wonderful gift for a loved one, a friend, or yourself. It’s a publication that provides a Spiritual uplift and keeps Catholics connected to our Church — locally and beyond.

One-year subscription — $25 Two-year subscription — $45 Name: _____________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ City: ____________________ State: _____ Zip: ___________ if given as a gift, the card should read: From: _____________________________________________ Street: ____________________________________________ City-State: _________________________________________ Enclose check or money order and mail to: The Anchor, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720

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† July 26, 2019

Foundation to Advance Catholic Education Summer Gala † July 12, 2019 More than 200 guests attended the 22nd annual FACE Summer Gala event at the prestigious Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee on July 12, 2019. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., welcomed guests and thanked everyone for their generosity in supporting the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education. Billy Costa, Emmy Award-winning Boston TV and radio personality, served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies and auctioneer. This year’s gala recognized Principal Elizabeth Kelley with the “Al Makkay Sr. Award” for outstanding meritorious service as an educator at St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School in Hyannis. Because of the event’s success, many students in need will continue to receive scholarships enabling them to receive a quality Catholic education in the Fall River Diocese.

At left, from left, student greeters Harry O’Brien, St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School; Maria Roncelli, St. Pius X School; Brendan Santos, St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School; Ava Santos, St. Margaret Primary School; and Ella Pires, St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School.

Below, from left, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.; Peggy Foley, event chairperson; Albert Moore; Miriam Finn Sherman, CEO, Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.

Below, the Makkay family, from left, Colleen Mulgrew; Albert Makkay Jr.; Elizabeth Kelley, Al Makkay Sr. Award Recipient; Allison Davis; and Maureen Makkay.

Below, the Betsy O’Brien family table.

(Photos courtesy of Jane Robin) July 26, 2019 †

11

T

I don’t know how He does it

here are times in life when I think about it, and times when it never even crosses my mind. I guess I’m a bit narcissistic when it comes to living the day-to-day routines of life, and I’m willing to wager that I’m not the only one.

Each day, I awake (thank God), and raise a small prayer to ask the Almighty to watch over all of us on planet earth this day, and then go on my way, taking care of my business, concerned about what I will do, and hope there are no bumps in the road along the way.

That’s my usual mindset.

But once in a while that gets disrupted and last week was one of those times. I was fortunate enough to be on holiday last week (I so prefer that phrase the Brits use than the boring American version, “on vacation,” … but I digress). I spent several days with a Boston high-rise hotel as my home base — on the 37th floor.

The sightlines from the hotel room were spectacular, revealing a panorama of Beantown and beyond; replete with skyscrapers, apartments, an array of bicycles, automobiles, buses on the ground and jet airliners streaking across the skies.

There was one time during the stay that I simply gazed out the window at the world below me, and above me, and I was simply in awe.

I watched as people below made their way to wherever it was they were heading, walking or riding, and everything seemed like one big bit of choreography. Everything was in sync and methodic.

That made me think of the Choreographer — the Good Lord.

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I thought to myself, “How does He do it? How does He keep track of everything that is going on?” My line of sight was perhaps something relative to the size of a pinhead, deer tick, or grain of sand in the larger scheme of this planet we call home.

From where I was I saw thousands of apartment buildings holding collectively thousands, if not a million people — each waking up and taking care of their own business, concerned with what they will do this day and hoping there will be no bumps along the way.

Taking an elevator ride down to terra firma, I walked the streets I only minutes before looked down upon from roughly 500 feet up. I peoplewatched as Denise and I made our way through town.

There were people of many races and shapes and sizes, speaking several languages and with several accents — locals and tourists, business people and homeless, and again I wondered, “How does He do it?”

There was one point on our walk where I saw on the ground a used syringe and

close by a pool of vomit, and I knew that God was keeping track of that individual, too.

Experiencing a big city like Boston is always fun and interesting, but it’s not all fairy tales and hip night life.

For those living in the city life can be very difficult and dangerous.

Everywhere we went, thousands of people walked by, or bused by, or cycled past — and those were the ones I could see. A plethora of skyscrapers held office workers, convention-goers, and those on holiday. Colleges and university dorms were buzzing with activity, as were attractions and myriad venues — all running relatively smoothly under the watchful eyes of God. Even on a whale watch boat trip I marveled at everything of which God has to keep track. As we sailed out of Boston Harbor, airliners flew closely overhead on their way to a touchdown at Logan

From the 37th floor of a Boston high-rise hotel, I could see the homes and businesses of thousands of people, all of whom are under the watchful eye of the Father. (Photo by Dave Jolivet)

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International, and I thought of the hundreds and thousands of folks on board those crafts. Meanwhile boats of all sizes and shapes and capacities sailed and roared past.

People in the air, on the sea, and on the land, all a small piece of the tapestry that God has created.

It says in Matthew 10:29-31, “Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny?

And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. So there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

The sights I witnessed in Boston, the myriad souls living their day-to-day lives, was just a speck of what God watches over each day. I simply can’t wrap my little mind around the trillions of lives He oversees each day, people whom He loves unconditionally and to whom nothing happens without His knowing. And He’s been doing it for thousands of years — and maybe even on planets other than earth (I am a believer that there is life elsewhere).

I found it difficult to keep track of three kids, a wife and a dog! But then again, I’m not God. I don’t know how He does it. But I’m sure glad He does. jolivetdb@comcast.net

Our Readers Respond

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, July 28 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father David C. Deston Jr., chaplain at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River

Sunday, August 4 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Christopher M. Peschel, parochial administrator of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Westport

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, July 28 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, August 4 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from St. Michael Church in Fall River

Editorial

wrongly judges

As a Catholic and member of Holy Name Church in Fall River, I am very upset with your editorial saying that using the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was a national sin.

You say one cannot judge President Truman yet you clearly do. Using the bomb saved millions of lives. You should research history if you’re going to relate ending a war by saving lives to abortion.

Before using the bomb Truman ordered cluster fire bombs to be dropped on To-

Truman,

bombing during

kyo. The horrific fires killed more Japanese than both atom bombs together. Yet the Japanese emperor refused to surrender. The first atom bomb was dropped and the Japanese emperor still refused to surrender. Days later the second bomb was dropped and the emperor finally surrendered.

Below is a link to “Operation Downfall” that would have taken place if we didn’t use the atomic bomb. They estimated one million allied solders and up to 10 million Japanese dead. https://militaryhistorynow.

executive editor responds Thank you, David, for your courteous response. The main thrust of my editorial was not to criticize President Truman (who actually is one of my favorite presidents), but to say that when we value our lives over other people’s lives, then we end up (wittingly or not) moving towards a mentality which views the lives of other people as being expendable.

In the editorial I did not repeat all of the information that Catherine and Michael Pakaluk gave in their Aug. 7, 2005 column in the National Catholic Register.

Here is something they wrote which in part responds to your letter: “Eisenhower and MacArthur, the greatest American generals of World War II, both opposed the use of the bombs as unnecessary. ‘Japan was already defeated, and dropping the bomb was completely unnecessary,’ Eisenhower wrote afterwards. ‘Our country should have avoided shocking world opinion by the use of a weapon whose employment was no longer mandatory as a measure to save American lives.’

“MacArthur likewise asserted that there was ‘no military justification for the dropping of the bomb,’ and that ‘the war might have ended weeks earlier if the United States had agreed, as it later did anyway, to the retention of the institution of the emperor.’”

My goal was not to criticize the U.S. in World War II, but to be able to criticize the treatment of immigrants held at our southern border. However, to do that, I knew that I had to reaffirm my opposition to abortion, since many ProLife friends say that we must be hard-line on immigration.

Their argument is: if we let immigrants in, they will vote Democratic and abortion will be the law of the land forever.

I have argued before in these pages (and have received a lot of hostility from Democrats and Republicans for doing so) that you can be both pro-immigrant and Pro-Life.

Another reader emailed me about the editorial. He did not wish his comments to be published as a letter, but I feel the need to respond. He wrote: “wow finally something to address the crisis of complacency in the ongoing sex abuse crisis, never have American Catholics been less inclined to trust Church leaders, finally something. But no, ‘The Pakaluks argued that one may see a direct line from the atomic bomb to abortion.’ Really?”

The emailer concedes that there may be “an aspect of the ends justify the means” from Hiroshima, but then writes, “The main issue is the utter disregard of bishops, priests and deacons to believe, teach and preach what the Christ teaches in His Church. Not to

WWII

com/2013/11/06/the-campaignto-conquer-japan-would-havedwarfed-the-d-day-landings/ (There is also) an article that is now unclassified detailing the information Truman had when he made his gut-wrenching but correct decision to use the atom bomb.

I’m a retired war veteran and war is hell. Ending a war with the fewest casualties is the best way. If you want to judge how wars start and end, research one the Church knows a lot about like the Crusades.

— David Duhancik Fall River

... know that abortion is about birth control, is to be utterly blind. Depart from Humanae Vitae. There you find our present age’s the divorce of man from God, and the ends justify the means.”

We clerics have failed, with a few exceptions, to teach Humanae Vitae. I myself admit that I have not preached about it enough (although I have preached about it).

In Humanae Vitae No. 28, St. Paul VI wrote, “And now, beloved sons, you who are priests, you who in virtue of your Sacred office act as counselors and Spiritual leaders both of individual men and women and of families — we turn to you filled with great confidence. For it is your principal duty — we are speaking especially to you who teach moral theology — to spell out clearly and completely the Church’s teaching on Marriage. In the performance of your ministry you must be the first to give an example of that sincere obedience, inward as well as outward, which is due to the magisterium of the Church.”

The emailer is correct that abortion is a direct consequence of the contraceptive mentality in our society. Hiroshima is a more remote cause. They both lead to the idea of “I’ll do whatever I want, who cares how it effects other people’s lives?” (or if it even ends their lives).

July 26, 2019 †

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T

An authentic democracy

hose of us who have grown up within the womb of a democratic society may not always recognize how radical the idea behind such a society actually is, nor how fragile its structure can be in the face of strident claims regarding individual freedoms. Legalization of abortion, to focus on one of the most strident claims, corrodes the very pillars of our democratic society.

The legalization of abortion means guaranteeing immunity from prosecution for those older human beings who directly end the lives of much younger humans before they are born, or even as they are being born. Such actions constitute a form of injustice perpetrated by the powerful against those who are, by virtue of their extreme youth, the weakest, most vulnerable and most voiceless humans.

Laws sanctioning abortion fundamentally confirm the idea that “might makes right.” An ordered society, however, and especially a democratic one, can never be built upon such a self-serving, unjust and distorted premise.

This premise runs directly counter to the tradition of our great Western constitutional texts, which arose as a cry for an order of justice superior to the raw exercise of power and domination by privileged individuals and groups.

Those texts were born from centuries of struggle by entire peoples living under various forms of oppression.

The order of justice they 14

sought required the clear acknowledgement of the universality of basic human rights, first among which was the assurance that one’s life would not be unjustly exploited, attacked or ended.

As Msgr. Michel Schooyans has noted, “That is why democratic regimes were founded — first and foremost to protect citizens from arbitrary executions, from the terrorism of despots and their police.”

Many of us who have lived in a democratic society for most or all of our lives, never having struggled or fought for its original implementation or continuation, can forget the threatening historical circumstances that led to forging the substance of that democracy. Moreover, even as we benefit from the blessings of liberty, we can fall prey to erroneous conceptions about the meaning of freedom, as the rights of some begin to be subtly elevated over the rights of others.

Indeed, every democracy struggles to avoid the treachery of various forms of despotism, as the long and arduous battles over human slavery that culminated with the Civil War remind us. At Gettysburg, President Lincoln declared that “a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” was now “engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived,

† July 26, 2019

and so dedicated, can long endure.”

Preceding those turbulent times, “equality” had certainly been proclaimed and was textually present within various founding documents. It remained, however, fundamentally elusive as laws continued

to sanction the inequalities of human bondage and realities on the ground continued to thwart basic human rights.

During those dark times, the light of democracy sputtered and flickered, and nearly went out.

The widespread practice of abortion today raises a similar threat, as stronger individuals are tempted to establish their liberties upon the ruins of weaker ones. What is most important to recognize is how this existential threat to democracy is actually — without hyperbole — greater now than it was during the times of slavery.

Msgr. Schooyans trenchantly describes it this way: “The liberalization of abortion laws puts into motion a political process in which the democratic state imperceptibly becomes transformed into a totalitarian State. From the very moment the state reserves for itself the right to decide, through its institutional organs, which human being has the right

to protection and which human being does not, it ceases to be a democratic state because it negates the fundamental reason for which it was instituted: the defense of every human being’s right to life. The power such a state exercises becomes arbitrary when it authorizes certain citizens to execute their own equals with impunity.”

One is reminded of the testimonies of certain U.S. soldiers who, upon their return from Vietnam, in the wake of the sexual revolution, were shocked by the seismic shifts in the understanding of freedom that had occurred during their long deployment.

Some of them said that they hadn’t stepped onto the battlefield and made great personal sacrifices in order to defend a false liberty so their fellow citizens at home could descend into promiscuity and abortions with reckless

abandon.

The promotion and legalization of abortion inexorably leads to a system of privileges for the powerful that engenders instability and divisiveness as it undercuts the most basic of all human rights.

Abortion really kills at least twice. It kills the body of the baby and it kills the conscience of a nation, perverting the very essence of a democratic society.

Legal safeguards for all human life, on the other hand, assure the possibility of liberty, justice and equality — protecting the very core of an authentic democracy.

Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D., earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the Fall River Diocese and serves as the Director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.

See www.ncbcenter.org.

The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about our diocesan youth.

If schools, parish Religious Education programs or homeschoolers have newsworthy stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, please email them to:

schools@ anchornews.org

F ocus

on

C hurch Y outh At left, American Heritage Girls Troop 3712 based at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk, will hold open registration for 2019 on September 9 from 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 984 Taunton Avenue (Route 44) in Seekonk. Parents and daughters are welcome to join them and learn about AHG and enjoy some faith, service and fun. American Heritage Girls is a faith-based character development program for girls ages five to 18. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of the month. For more information, visit troop-ma3712-2.trooptrack. com, or call troop coordinator Liz Day at 774-991-0729.

Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro recently announced that long-time teacher and coach Christian Schatz, below, has assumed the athletic director role for the Shamrocks, effective July 1. He will take the primary leadership position in a thriving athletic program.

More than 700 Feehan students participate in 25 interscholastic athletic programs, and the school sponsors 49 teams across the varsity, junior varsity and freshman levels. Schatz has worked at Feehan since 2011, serving as a full-time member of the school’s social studies faculty and working in athletics as the boys varsity lacrosse head coach and a girls varsity soccer assistant coach.

Three boys were recently awarded the Roman Catholic Pope Pius XII Boy Scout religious medal. Here the recipients, from left, Neil Chace, Gregory Beagan, and Shea O’Brien, pose with Father Christopher M. Peschel, former pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish, after receiving their medals. Since last fall, all three Scouts met with their mentor to attend retreats, met with members of religious orders, researched Church issues and contemplated their place in their families, social groups, community and Church. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Beagan) July 26, 2019 †

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Annual motorcycle run benefit for Saint Vincent’s rides August 18

FALL RIVER — The 14th annual Motorcycle Run and Raffle for Saint Vincent’s, 2425 Highland Avenue in Fall River, will take place on Sunday, August 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This annual run raises more than $20,000 to provide necessities for the children and youth at Saint Vincent’s. Riders will start their day with a police escorted 50-mile bike run that travels through the scenic back roads of Fall River, Freetown, Taunton, Berkley and Lakeville, and ending back at Saint Vincent’s.

Following the Bike Run, bikers are invited to join in for a one-of-a-kind southern style BBQ lunch that includes delicious pulled pork, home-style baked beans, fresh coleslaw, and corn bread.

After lunch riders are encouraged to bid on the incredible array of silent auction items and raffle prizes donated by area businesses. Items include jewelry, beer, wine, gift baskets, sports memorabilia, gift certificates and much more.

Saint Vincent’s youth will take part in the event 16

and will award trophies to their favorite motorcycles.

This year, people can purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 900. The motorcycle is in pristine

† July 26, 2019

condition with 4,800 miles and valued at $6,000!

Saint Vincent’s will only sell 100 chances, so act now before it’s too late.

The cost is $100 per raffle ticket, and the winner will be drawn at the 14th Annual Motorcycle Run and Raffle on August 18.

For more information about the motorcycle or the raffle, contact Zachariah Porter, Development Associate, at zporter@ saintvincentsservices. org or 508-235-3329. The motorcycle was generously donated by a community member who wishes to remain anonymous.

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests and deacons during the coming weeks

July 27 Rev. Damien Veary, SS.CC., Former Pastor, St. Anthony, Mattapoisett, 1981 July 29 Rev. Mathias McCabe, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River, 1913 Rev. Charles P. Trainor, S.S., St. Edward Seminary, Seattle, Washington, 1947 July 30 Rev. Francis Kiernan, Pastor, Sandwich, New Bedford, Wareham, 1838 July 31 Rev. Daniel Hearne, Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1865 Rev. Hugh J. Munro, Chaplain, Marian Manor, Taunton, 2003 Aug. 5 Rev. Martin J. Fox, Founder, St. Paul, Taunton, 1917 Rev. Thomas A. Kelly, Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1934 Aug. 6 Rev. Joseph P. Lyons, Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1961 Aug. 7 Rev. John F. Hogan, Pastor, St. Julie Billiart, North Dartmouth, 1986 Very Rev. Roger L. Gagne, V. F., Pastor, St. Mark, Attleboro Falls, 1987 Aug. 8 Rev. William Bric, Founder, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1880

To advertise in The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at 508-675-7151 or waynepowers@ anchornews.org

New Bedford’s Feast of the Blessed Sacrament A Madeiran tradition celebrates its 105th year

NEW BEDFORD — The 105th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament will once again take place on August 1-4 at the Madeira Field, 50 Madeira Avenue in New Bedford.

Sponsored by the Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento, Inc., this annual celebration was founded in 1915 by four Madeiran immigrant men who wanted to recreate the religious festivals that were so common in the villages of their home island and to commemorate their safe passage to these American shores. The traditional midsummer gathering for family and friends has become the largest Portuguese feast in the world and the largest ethnic festival in New England.

The feast attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe.

The president for this year’s feast, Carlos Nunes, said “it is truly an honor to be this year’s elected feast

president.”

Born and raised in New Bedford, Nunes spent many of his early years on the feast grounds with his three brothers, and his uncle Carlos and father Cristiano cooked in the kitchen.

“In looking to keep tradition alive, my uncle nominated us to serve on the 2007 Feast Committee under President Tony Rodrigues,” Nunes said. “It was at this time that we began to understand the heritage, traditions, and camaraderie that this amazing feast has to offer. Immigrating here from Santa Cruz, Madeira, it was always important to my parents that we not only knew where they had come from, but that we were proud of who we were. My parents had instilled these qualities in our early years. This year is especially special for our family since it will be the first year that three genera-

Father Daniel O. Reis, second from left, pastor of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish in New Bedford, marches with the Festeiros during the opening night of the 2017 annual Feast of the Blessed Sacrament. tions will serve.”

The feast offers continuous live entertainment on four stages featuring topname entertainment plus cabaret-style music and

Diocese to open Little Flower Early Learning Center August 26 continued from page three

K-12, teaching CCD for 25 years and attending church weekly,” Barrett told The Anchor. “This has led towards my devotion to family and religion.

My passion and life-long dedication working with children and families leaves me to believe it is my calling from God to lead Little Flower Early Learning Center.”

“The Little Flower Early Learning Center is a wonderful extension of our Catholic school system and we are so honored to have someone of Christine’s faith and extensive early education background to lead this center,” Drummey

added. “Parents will immediately feel comfortable that their child or children will have wonderful care in addition to the academic foundation that will prepare them for Pre-K and Kindergarten.”

Barrett hopes the Little Flower Early Learning Center will “provide a Spiritual foundation for children’s developmental needs, supported with a safe and nurturing environment. The outcome of this will be an excellent reputation for the daycare, leaving lifelong memories for the children to carry with them forever.”

The Diocese of Fall

River is also pleased to announce the launch of Little Flower’s new colorful and whimsical website, which is www.littleflowerelc. org. This website provides families with the necessary information on the programs available for their children, the academic schedule taught to each classroom of students, as well as very specific goals the center has for each family and child.

The Little Flower Early Learning Center will accept child care vouchers.

For more information, including tuition rates, please call Christine Barrett at 508-455-0145.

Portuguese Fado singers in the quiet atmosphere of the Courtyard Café at the nearby Museum of Madeiran Heritage. This year’s headline act will be Scott Stapp of the rock band Creed, who will perform on Thursday night.

And what would a Portuguese feast be without food?

The feast features a traditional Madeiran Portuguese dinner with numerous menu choices in the main pavilion.

You can also cook your own BBQ beef (carne d’espeto), enjoy sweet malassadas, and sample savory linguiça and baccalau (codfish) sandwiches. There will also be hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries to represent American cuisine.

Last, but not least, wine connoisseurs will want to taste the Madeiran wine that is imported in giant casks by special agreement with the Madeiran government.

Although the feast has drifted somewhat from its parish-based, religious

origins, it still commences on Thursday evening, August 1, with the assembly of the Festeiros (feast committee members) at the intersection of Earle Street and Acushnet Avenue. Led by the feast president, the Festeiros march in a special procession down Earle Street to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church at the corner of Earle Street and Madeira Avenue.

There, Father Daniel O. Reis, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, celebrates a special Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament to begin the four-day event.

The feast concludes with its annual parade on Sunday, August 4, beginning at 2 p.m. with more than 40 different groups marching along the one-mile route from Brooklawn Park back to Madeira Field.

For more information, including a complete schedule of entertainment, visit feastoftheblessedsacrament. com.

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Around the Diocese The Fall River Diocesan Health Facilities is hosting its 12th annual Golf Classic to benefit the more than 900 individuals served in its skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers and community programs on Monday, August 19 at the LeBaron Hills Country Club, 183 Rhode Island Road in Lakeville. For details on available levels of participation, please call the Health Facilities office at 508-679-8154.

Register online at www.DHFGolfClassic.eventbrite.com.

The 2019 summer Speakers Series at Christ the King Parish, 5 Jobs Fishing Road in Mashpee, concludes with a talk and Q&A session entitled “Addiction: A True Spiritual Malady” on Saturday, August 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants will come to understand the totality of the disease on the mind, body, and Spirit of the afflicted, the effects on the family and friends, and the necessary role that the Church must play in becoming a resource for those suffering from addictions and their families. Presenter will be educator and counselor Keaton Douglas, the creator and coordinator of the I THIRST Initiative, a comprehensive program which focuses on Spirituality in the prevention, treatment and aftercare of those suffering from substance abuse disorders and their families. This Speakers Series 2019 is sponsored jointly by four parishes: Our Lady of Victory, Centerville; Our Lady of the Assumption, Osterville; St. Anthony, East Falmouth; and Christ the King, Mashpee.

A Retreat for Deacons’ Wives entitled “Growing in the Fruits of the Spirit” will be presented by Father Flavio Gillio and Dottie Levesque at the La Salette Retreat Center, 947 Park Street in Attleboro from Friday, September 13 through Sunday, September 15. Most dioceses have retreats for their deacons, but what about their wives? Theirs is a ministry of its own, for as a couple they serve the Church together. Walking through the Fruits of the Spirit enumerated by St. Paul in Galatians 5:22-23, the retreat will examine what each fruit means through a close reading of selected Biblical texts. How does Western culture inhibit the development of these fruits? If nurturing Godliness, growing in inner beauty, and letting Jesus live through you are relevant goals in your life and faith journey, this retreat is for you! The retreat starts on Friday, September 13 at 7 p.m. (registration begins at 6:30 p.m.) and the retreat ends on Sunday after lunch. Suggested donation is $225 per person. Visit www.lasaletteretreatcenter.com or call 508-222-8530 for more information.

A Family Healing Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, September 15 at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Chapel near the Father Peyton Center, 500 Washington Street in North Easton. Many families carry heavy burdens and wounds in their hearts. The celebration will include Adoration, Reconciliation, Mass and enriching music to help you and your family discover prayerful peace together. This event is free and is handicapaccessible. For more information, call Family Rosary at 508-238-4095, ext. 2038.

The third annual Celebrate the Beauty of Every Child campaign will be held during the months of August, September and October. This prayer and action campaign is designed to encourage families to pray for the less fortunate within our parishes and to obtain muchneeded infant and toddler items for families in need. Participating parishes are invited to join in prayer, such as Rosaries, Novenas, and Eucharistic Adoration. Mass intentions may also be pledged. Items collected such as diapers, wet wipes, onesies, PJs and gift cards will be forwarded to food pantries and organizations within the parish community in support of needy families. Massachusetts Citizens for Life, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Diocese of Fall River Catholic Schools Alliance, the Pro-Life Apostolate, the Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Social Services have formed a collaborative to coordinate this campaign at the parish level. Please see your parish bulletin for additional details. This campaign is in keeping with Bishop da Cunha’s initiative of “Rebuilding in Faith and Hope.” If you would like to support this campaign, contact the Pro-Life Apostolate office at 508-675-1311 or email irina@plrachel.com.

To submit an event for consideration in The Anchor’s “Around the Diocese” listing, please send the information by email to kensouza@anchornews.org.

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Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

ASSONET — St. Bernard’s Parish will have Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the altar at the conclusion of 9 a.m. Mass and the church will be open all day, concluding with evening prayer and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.

ATTLEBORO — The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette holds 6:30 p.m. Mass followed by the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Adoration at 7:15 p.m. every Wednesday evening.

ATTLEBORO — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John the Evangelist Church, North Main Street, Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m.

Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, every First Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending at 5 p.m.

DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Mary’s Church, 783 Dartmouth Street, every First Monday of the month, following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with evening prayers and Benediction at 5 p.m.

East Freetown — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John Neumann Church every Monday (excluding legal holidays) 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady, Mother of All Nations Chapel. (The base of the bell tower).

EAST TAUNTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the chapel at Holy Family Parish Center, 438 Middleboro Avenue, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On First Fridays, Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m.

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of Padua Church, on the corner of Bedford and Sixteenth streets, has Eucharistic Adoration accompanied by music and prayer every first Wednesday of the month from 6-7 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has Eucharistic Adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursdays following the 8 a.m. Mass until Friday at 8 a.m.

FALL RIVER — Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street, has Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady of Grace Chapel.

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with 3 p.m. Benediction in the Daily Mass Chapel. A bilingual holy hour takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

FALL RIVER — St. Joseph’s Church has a Holy Hour every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m., with Benediction at 6:45 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Michael’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Benediction at 5:30 p.m.

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday following the 7 a.m. Mass, with Benediction at 4:30 p.m.

HYANNIS — St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, 347 South Street, Hyannis, has Eucharistic Adoration from noon to 3 p.m., daily Monday through Friday.

MANSFIELD — St. Mary’s Parish, 330 Pratt Street, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Benediction at 5:30 p.m.

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Each First Friday Mass ends with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration continues until Benediction at 5 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration is held every Thursday, with Confessions, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Church. Please use the side entrance.

NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the Rosary, and the opportunity for Confession.

NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel Fridays from 7:30-11:45 a.m. ending with a simple Benediction NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., ending with Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time.

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 4 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration also takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 4 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

NORTH EASTON — A Holy Hour for Families including Eucharistic Adoration is held every Friday from 3-4 p.m. at The Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street.

NORTH EASTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Immaculate Conception Church Chapel on the first Wednesday of the month beginning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, until 6:40 p.m. Those wishing to make a monthly commitment can sign up on the parish website at www.icceaston.org or call the parish office at 508-238-3232.

ORLEANS — St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Road, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday starting after the 8 a.m.

Mass and ending with Benediction at 11:45 a.m. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m.

Mass.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549.

Taunton — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction. Recitation of the Rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

Taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street. Exposition begins following the 8 a.m. Mass until 9 a.m.

Taunton — The Chapel of St. Andrew the Apostle, 19 Kilmer Avenue, Taunton, will host Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Taunton — St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Taunton will host Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays following the 9 a.m. Mass and the St. Jude Novena, until 11:30, ending with Benediction. It will take place at Holy Rosary Chapel during the summer months.

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church takes place 9 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Friday. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall.

† PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION † East Sandwich — The Corpus Christi Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich. Use the Chapel entrance on the side of the church.

NEW BEDFORD — Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street, offers Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For information call 508-996-8274.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549.

WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street (Rte. 28), holds perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. We are a regional chapel serving all of the surrounding parishes. All are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.

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