t eanc 0 VOL. 38, NO. 32
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Friday, August 19, 1994
FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS
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Pro-life postcard campaign:
Diocese tops nation As the much-anticipated debate over health care reform gets underway in Congress, the Fall River diocese has weighed in with a strong pro-life voice through the National Project Life campaign. When parishes nationwide mailed. postcards to congressional representatives last January, asserting that "abortion is not health care," Fall River ranked first among U.S. dioceses in participation, based on the number of registration cards diocesans returned to the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment. The committee co-sponsored the postcard effort with the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. "I pray the congressmen who received these thousands of postcards from their diocesan constituents will understand how reprehensible will be any health care package which includes the abortion mandate," said Bishop Sean O'Malley. The diocese ranked second in participation in the first National Project Life mailing, held in January 1993 to 'oppose the Freedom of Choice Act. "These are the actual raw figures. We simply sent in more cards than any other diocese in the United States," said diocesan pro-life director Father Stephen A. Fernandes, who learned of the diocese's achievement during an Aug. 6 meeting in Washington of the nation's diocesan pro-life directors. "Given the fact that we are hardly a metropolitan se'e, I think this is an astounding accomplishment," said Father Fernandes, adding thanks to the diocesan parish pro-life representatives for "the tremendous effort this statistic represents." New Bedford's Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church garnered an additional distinction: It placed third (behind a Pennsylvania parish and a Florida parish) in individual parish participation, mailing some 1,690 registration cards. The national cards-per-parish average was 171. Bishop O'Malley said he found the news of this year's results "quite remarkable. I am so grateful to the people and clergy of the diocese for being active in the pro-life arena. Abortion is not health care; we must continue to do everything we can to make universal health care universally acceptable." Turn to Page II
R wanda collection set GIKONGORO, Rwanda (CNS)- One ofthefirst signs ofhaving crossed the border from Burundi to Rwanda is the absence of government, said Catholic Relief Services official Nanci Martin. "There are no customs officials, no military, no gates to pass through. "she said in a written report on a trip to the devastated African nation. The CRS group headed along Rwanda's border with Zaire to the regional capital ofCyangugu. in a "Safe Zone" controlled by French troops, and east toward th~ national capital. Kigali. En route, they came across increasing numbers of refugees headed in the opposite direction, toward Zaire, Ms. Martin reported. Local church leaders, with outside assistancefrom a variety ofCatholic aid agencies, including CRS, are doing their best to respond to the situation, Ms. Martin said.
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AID ARRIVES: A Rwandan lifts a sack of U.S. corn during a food distribution· at a refugee camp in eastern Zaire. This weekend's diocesan collection for Catholic Relief Services' Rwandan relief effort will help send more such aid. (CNS/ Reuters photo)
Archbishop William H. Keeler, president ofthe National Conference of Catholic Bishops, has asked that all U.S. dioceses sponsor a special collection to fund Catholic Relief Services' ongoing efforts to aid war-ravaged Rwandans. Bishop Sean O'Malley has authorized that the collection be taken up this weekend in all parishes of the Fall River diocese. Ms. Martin characterized the route to Cyangugu as "barely passable" by vehicle. "Some stretches have ruts as wide as six feet and just as deep," she said. Approaching Cyangugu, she described a scene she called "bizarre to outsiders." "People loot in broad daylight, then they barter the same goods in the market," Ms. Martin said. "Some food is available
at the market, but not much - a few cabbages, onions, flour and sugar. "Along the main road of the town stand rows of empty buildings -most lacking roofs, windows or doors," she said. "People inside can be seen busily chipping away at whatever's left." Government buildings stand empty and looted, and foot and vehicle traffic intermingles freely at the main crossroads, Ms. Martin reported. In one location, she said, "a sea of white paper is visible near the government buildings - files are strewn across the landscape." As refugees head west, the population of the Gikongoro region has more than Turn to Page II
_ - - - I n This Issue Heading for Conflict in Cairo I-age 4
----, An Evening on Cape Cod Page 8
Helping Hope House Page 9
Shaping Health Care Reform Page 11
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Semantics'are- sticking .point . of draft U.N. document
CLEANING CO-OP: Members of St. Anne's House Cleaning Cooperative in Sacramento, CA, say they hope working for themselves will mean a better life for their families. (CNS photo)
Women's group cleaning up with co-op SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CNS) - With a little church help and a lot of hope for the future, seven low-income Sacramento women have launched a new venture to, literally, sweep them and their children into a better life. The seven, all experienced in working in restaurants and convalescent homes and in baby-sitting and cleaningjobs, have established
Two principals appointed St. Anne's School and Dominican Academy, both in FaIl River, have appointed new principals. St. Anne's new principal, Denise D. Gagne, a teacher at Holy Name School in Fall River since 1988, was previously a medical technologist and program director at the Miriam Hospital in Providence. She holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Mrs. Gagne succeeds Irene F 01'tin, who has accepted a position in the Somer'set school system. Patricia Moncey is Dominican Academy's new principal. She holds a bachelor's degree from Bridgewater State CoIlege and earned an M.A.T. with a concentration in reading and an M.Ed. in administration from Providence CoIlege. She is certified in elementary education, as an elementary principal and as a special subject supervisor of reading. . . Mrs. Moncey succeeds Helen Miller.
the St. Anne's House Cleaning Cooperative. According to their brochure, the seven provide "references, experience, professional" help, and "flexible hours," for $8.50 an hour. As a bonus, first-time clients get one hour of cleaning for free. With the aid of the Sacramento Valley Organizing Community, a regional church effort, the seven women developed the housecleaning co-op, hoping to make more money and to provide their children with an example of ways to better themselves. The women learned of the community group through St. Anne's Church, Sacramento, and got busy. Before, "we always worked for someone else, not ourselves," explained Virginia Solis, one· of the seven, during a recent meeting at the St. Anne's rectory. "This is our own business." Members of the St. Anne's coop receive at ieast 10 hours of professional housecleaning training, attend weekly English classes and co-op meetings, and study marketing and other business skiIls. "We have more power together than individually; we can make more money," said Hilda Avila, another co-op member. A project coordinator, Liz Aguirre, attends meetings, acts as a translator, meets with clients and evaluates jobs. She is also voluntarily chairing a housing campaign organized by the community group. The group, which has several Catholic churches as members, recently got a $30,000 grant from the Campaign for Human Development, the U.S. bishops' domestic anti-poverty program.
Policy post filled
DENISE GAGNE
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (CNS)Sharon Daly, a Washington public policy analyst and lobbyist since 1978, has been named to the new 'post of deputy to the president for social policy at Catholic Charities USA. Most recently the director of government and community affairs for the Children's Defense Fund, she also has worked in the U.S. Catholic Conference's Domestic Social Development office. The new post is designed to incre~se Catholic Charities' visibility on Capitol Hill, especially in the areas of welfare reform, health reform, hunger, housing and immigration.
WASHINGTON (CNS)- Disagreements over a draft U.N. document on, population and development have become a battle of semantics.. Both sides of the issue are accusing each other of focusing on the issue of population control instead of development when juqgingat the draft Program of Action for the Sept. 5-13 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, Egypt. While Pope John Paul II has praised the U.N. document for seeking to improve the role of women, the Vatican still has fundamental differences with the U.S. goverment, which is seen as spearheading the document's support. . The Vatican maintains that the draft Program of Action has ambiguous language that can be used to promote abortion. But Timothy Wirth, U.S. undersecretary of state for global affairs, said misunderstandings between the United States and the Vatican arise from reading some critical parts of the document differently. Catholic officials have argued that the draft document's definition of "reproductive health" includes the phrase "pregnancy termination." So, although the document says that abortion "in no case should be promoted as a method of family planning," the dozens of references to "reproductive health" for women advocate abortion, a Vatican spokesman said. Church officials also say language in the draft advocates teen sexual activity. and homosexual marriages. Bishops in North and South America, Europe and Asia also have objected to the Cairo draft. Laity, too, were speaking out. In a full-page ad in the Aug. 15 issue of The New York Times, 48 prominent U.S. politicians, academics, corporate and religious leaders urged President Clinton to shift the emphasis at the Cairo conference from a "narrow preoccupation with population control" to a focus on "population enrichment." They said that the current draft of the U. N. document would "press developing nations to promote p,opulation-control programs which may be intrusive, unnecessary and even dangerous." Among those signing the ad were Pennsylvania Gov. Robert P. Casey; Templeton Prize winner Michael Novak; Sargent Shriver, former Peace Corps director; and Philip F.-Lawler, former editor of The Pilot, the Boston archdiocesan newspaper. Catholics were not the only ones concerned with the draft document's language. A prestigious Islamic university in Cairo said the document condones abortion and undermines parental authority. The Islamic Studies Center at Al Azhar spoke of "ambiguous expressions, abstract terms and innovative jargon which abound" in the draft Program of Action. The center said parts of the documeilt need to be changed to conform with Islamic principles. It recommended Muslim countries express their reservations about the document at the conference. Some groups have tried to characterize the Vatican's position against the document as antiwomen. For instance, Frances Kissling, president of the U.S. group Catholics for a Free Choice, said
the "Vatican wants to invalidate the program [of action] because of its recommendations on the empowerment of women." But in the address Aug. 14, Pope John Paul praised the document's focus on improving the condition of the world's women, calling it in line with church teaching against anti-femalediscrimination. He insisted, however, that increasing access to abortion would not serve women's real needs.. The answer, he said, is concrete action to help pregnant women carry their children to term and raise them. Six active U.S. cardinals and the head of the U.S. bishop's conference wrote Clinton in May, noting that "however cleverly the current Cairo document may be crafted, in fact it continues to advocate abortion as a way of controlling population growth and promiscuity." But in his response, Wirth, who will head the U.S. delegation at the Cairo conference, said he would continue to work to convince them that the world meeting is not "about abortion, but goes far beyond th,is single issue to a resounding commitment to the goal of sustainable development, quality of life and all the closely related concerns on which we agree." W~rth, who urged continuing discussions between church and government on the issue, said there had been a shift in focus -away from just numbers - from previous U.N. conferences. Many of the issues addressed in the draft program of action "appear to parallel Pope John Paul II's teaching of 'integral development,'" Wirth said in his letter, dated July 28. He said the document "reaffirms respect for human dignity and rights, including, as noted in the letter ofthe American cardinals to President Clinton, 'the rights of couples to make responsible and moral family-planning decisions.'" The' 113-page draft document was formulated by delegates to an April preparatory meeting for the Cairo conference. The United Nations works toward consensus, so phrasing within the document that was not agreed to by all countries was placed in parenthesis. In Cairo, while heads of state and delegates are giving speeches, the main conference committee will be working on the proposed document. But, unlike at the preparatory meeting in Cairo there will be voting when delegates ask for it, and the final product of the main committee's work will then go back to the plenary for final decision in the concluding days of the conference.
Atheist TV offends WINDSOR, Conn. (CNS)- A Catholic town councilwoman in Windsor is upset with a pro-atheist program shown on the city-funded local cable access channel. Mary Drost said she was offended by the program and comments made by its co-host, Jon G. Murray, president of the Society for the Separation of Church and State and son of atheist leader Madalyn Murray O'Hair. She is also upset that taxpayers are being forced to help fund the show's airing. Windsor allocated $11,000 to fund WINTV's budget.
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BILL RODRIGUES
Somerset seminarian headed to Rome Diocesan seminarian Bill Rodrigues will be honored Sunday at his home parish of St. Thomas More, Somerset, with an 0:30 a.m. farewell Mass celebrated by pastor Msgr. Henry T. Munroe and followed by a reception. Having served for the summer at neighboring St. John of God pa.rish, Rodrigues departs Aug. 30 for four years of theological study at the North American College in Rome. He completed studies this year at St. John's Seminary in Brighton, a program which included Christian Service assignments teaching CCD and confirmation classes at St. Columbkille's, Brighton; parish work at St. John-St. Hugh's, Roxbury; and volunteer work at The Children's Hospital in BOHton. He was a counselor atCathf:dral Camp, East Freetown for one !;ummer and last summer visited Puebla, Mexico, to study Spanish. A Somerset native, he is th(: son of Mary and Leo Rodriques and attended Somerset public sch,)ols. Serving on St. Thomas M,)re's Vocational Awareness Team ~:ince its establishment in 1988, he b,~gan thinking about entering the priesthood in high school. He was a participant in the first an nual Christian Leadership Institutl: offered by the diocesan youth m inistry office and a team member for parish confirmation retreats. As a high school senior, "I had it in the back of my mind" to study for the priesthood, he said, "but I wasn't sure. I applied to other colleges and St. John's and finally decided" on the seminary. "One year has led to the next, and I'm very happy with it." The visit to Puebla was among, "eye-opening experiences" of his terms at St. John's he said. "We spent a week on a mis!:ion in the mountains of Mexico. These were the poorest people-I'd never seen anything like it. I was impressed with the simplicity" :wd with the fact that even in an Indian dialect, "it's the same Mass" that binds the faithful together. His various ministries thus far have been diverse: he said, but "You're seeing the unity in Christ, no matter what ministry you're involved in in the church." 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-020l. Sccond Class Postagc Paid at Fall River. Mass. Publishcd wcckly cxccpt thc wcck of.J Illy 4 and thc wcck aftcr Christmas at XX7 Highland Avcnuc. Fall Rivcr. Mass. 02720 by thc Catholic Prcss of the Diocese of Fall River. SUhscription price hy mail. post 'aid $11.00 pCI' ycar. Postmastcrs send address changes to The Anchor. P.O. Box 7. hili Rivcr. MA 02722.
Stonehill offers AIDS Symposium
the participants to better understand the disease as they attempt to meet the crisis head-on." Admission is open to the public. Participants may register for the entire fifteen week, three-credit course, or attend individual sessions . on a seats-available, noncredit basis. Old Colony United Way offers limited scholarships based on two criteria: academic need and commitment to community service. For information on the symposium, call 230-1470. For information 'on Stone hill College continuing education, call George Rogers at 230-1298.
The Office of Continuing Education at Stonehill College, North Easton, will offer an AIDS Symposium, co-sponsored by the Old Colony United Way, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays Sept. 12 through Dec. 12, at Stonehill. The symposium was organized bya committee of Stonehill faculty with the assistance of Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Health David Mulligan, who is also a program speaker and moderator of three of the symposium sessions. Other program speakers include professionals in the fields of health care, psychology, education, politics, law, and religion, as well as persons with AIDS and their families. "The AIDS crisis is one of the most urgent matters facing the world today," said George Rogers, associate academic dean of Continuing Education. "With the AIbS Symposium we hope to create an atmosphere where ideas and views on the disease can be exchanged by people who see AIDS from different perspectives. This will allow
FATHER PAUL McCARRICK
CYO pl:ans fall testimonial honorinl~ Father McCarrick A testimonial honoring retiring Fall River Diocesan Catholic Youth Organiz~tion director Fa-, ther Paul F. McCarrick for his 38 years of service to youth will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 25 at White's Restaurant in Westport. F,ather MctarrickdireCted'theciiocesan CYO ' from Oct. IS, 1970 until May I of this year. He continu(:s to serve as pastor of St. Joseph's parish and director of St. Patrick's Cemetery in Fall River. A native of Revl~re, Father "Mac," as he is known to scores of people with whom he has worked since the mid 1950s, was ordained March 17, 1956, by th'e late Bishop James L. Connolly. He served briefly at St. William's parish in Fall R,iver before being assigned to St. Mary's Cathedral in 1956. ,He was well known for his work with the young people of the city while serving at St. Mary's and on Oct. 28, 1965, was appointed director of the Fall River Area CYO. In that capacity he was responsible for all CYO activities in the Fall River area, including spiritual, social, athll~tic and cultural events. In October 1970, he succeeded his long-time friend and co-worker, Father Walter A. SuHivan, diocesan CYO director. In June 1971 he was assigned as assistant pastor at Sacred Heart, Taunton, where he continued his work with young people. A year later he returned to Fall River to serve two years at St. Patrick's parish before beoming pastor of St. Joseph's in September 1974. He founded the Briistol County Hockey League which ran for many years and he continues to direct the highly successful Bristol County Baseball League, on,e of the premier amateur leagues in the area. In addition to thesc~ responsibilities, Father McCarrick has at various times been chaplain to the Fall.River Police and Fire Departments, a member of the Attorney General's Task Fon:e on Drugs and was instrumental ill the found-
ing of the St. Anne's Drug Clinic. Father Jay Maddock, who succeeds Father McCarrick as diocesan CYO director, said the testimonial is the perfect opportunity to recognize him for all the work he has done with thousands of young people oV,er, the years. Although he has formally retired as diocesan director, there is no doubt in the minds of any of us that he will continue to assist young people in many varied ways in the years to come. That ' commitment will never be gone from him." Father Sullivan is honorary chairman of the testimonial committee, which is headed by Ted Regan. For reservations contact Regan at 674-3944, or other com, mittee members, among them Father Maddock, 675-7503; Father Francis L. Mahoney, 679-6732; or Paul Duval, 679-0402.
CSF to recognize scholarship earners The Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America, Fall River Chapter, will honor scholarship recipients 3:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at the Mayor's Office in City Hall. Hosted by Mayor John Mitchell, the program will have as guest speaker Eileen'Farley, president of Bristol Community College. Mike Lifrak, i a 1993 CSF scholarship recipient, will speak about his experiences at Columbia University. , Through the CSF program, founded in 1958 by Dr. Irving Fradkin of Fall River, abo,ut 150 institutions of higher education in the United States will match scholarships granted by CSF chapters. CSF has enabled over a third of a million students to attend college by distributing over $240,000,000 in scholarship awarcls. Among the 18 scholarship recipients to be honored this year are Natalie Assad, Nancy Furtado, Pamela Kelley, DanielleTremblay and Beth Carvalho, students at Stonehill College, North Easton.
Director named WASHINGTON (CNS) - The acting director of Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees for the U.S. Catholic Conference's Migration and Refugee Services has been named to the post permanently. Sister Suzanne Hall, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, has been acting director since her predecessor, Father Peter Zendzian, returned to the diocese of Brooklyn last year.
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Shedding New Light So many articles concerning the vocation crisis in the American church have been writtenJrom a rather depressing and brooding point of view. The pessimism regarding the situation has stifled many ongoing programs that attempt to meet th.e challenge head on. Much of this attitude flows from entrenched clerical reluctance to change. So it was very refreshing to find a more positive angle on the issue in an America magazine article by Father Andrew Gree~ ley. Many would dismiss all Greelism. Yet, one must admit that his observations and reflections often hit home. Commenting on two recent surveys of priests, one conducted by the National Federation of Priests Councils and the other by the Los Angeles Times, Greeley says "it's time for priests to realize that theirs is a rewarding and satisfyirig vocation and not leave the image of priesthood in the hands of the complainers, the sex abusers and the would-be macho priests." To bolster his commentary, Greeley uses the finding and statistics of the two surveys to illustrate that a moral crisi's in the priesthood simply does not exist. Findings show that the negativity is generated by a very few disgruntled personalities who get to the very easy ear of the secular press, which seemingly thrives on negative Catholic reporting. Too often the agenda for discussion is set by the dissatisfied. Priests name as some of the difficulties in their ministry divorce and the breakdown of family life and the permissiveness and general apathy that have infected our social order. Another factor that concerns them is the ascending of what might be considered a very conservative element in the church. There does exist among priests a confusion on many church teachings, yet they generally give church lea'dership high marks. As Greeley contends, despite the struggles, when priests are given a chance to express their feelings about their calling"the majority say they are satisfied with the quality of their work. In summarizing his reflections, Father Greeley asserts that there is no real excuse for the vocation shortage. He insists that it is time for clergy to tell their stories without apologizing for being a priest in, today's world. Greeley adds a strong suggestion that there must be more dialogue with the Vatican bishops and policy makers to revise some internal matters. In church officialdom, there are some who are just not listening. As we continue to pray that more will be sent in'to the fields to reap the harvest, let's admit that it is priests themselves who must encourage others who seek to do the Lord's work.
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CHILDREN ORPHANED IN THE RWANDAN CIVIL WAR LIE ON A MAT AT A ZAIRE , ORPHANAGE; WHERE DOZENS DIE EACH DAY OF CHOLERA
" ...my children are desolate..." Lam. 1:16
Heading for conflict inCail'o By Father Kevin J. Harrington
Pope John Paul II faces a key moment in his papacy in fighting what he refers to as the' "culture of death" in the upcoming conference on world population in Cairo. At stake is the future of the family. The Holy Father wishes to defeat the Clinton administration's attempt to enshrine the right to an abortion for every woman in the A New Beginning conference's final declaration. Bishop O'Malley has made a fortuitous choice in appointing President Bill Clinton may have Father George Coleman the first moderator of the diocesan bitten off more than he can chew curia. In this position, Father Coleman is charged with chart- in his attempt to take on the same pope who entered into an epic duel ing an entirely new administrative course to aid the bishop in with the Communist Party to save his many concerns. Solidarity in Poland. Let us try to Father Coleman faces a tremendous undertaking that understand why the pope and the involves each and every work, apostolate and organization in president are in conflict. According to World Bank figthe diocese. He brings to this ministry some very important ures, the world population, curpersonal qualities: in addition to his gifted mind, patience and rently estimated at 5.7 billion, could kindness shall indeed hallmark his efforts. The Anchor and reach 8.5 billion in the next 35 Communications family of the di.ocese wish him the very best years. The Cairo conference'aims as he commences this important task. to stabilize it at 7.2 billion by the year 2050. The Editor A fundamental disagreement arises between population experts and the Vatican. Many population experts attribute poverty to overpopulation, while the Vatican insists that demographic growth is a consequence of poverty. The Roman Catholic Church OFfiCIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER emphasizes working for world Published weekly by The Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River economic reform that would not 887 Highland Avenue P,O, BOX 7 reduce the population through artiFall River, MA 02720 Fall River, MA 02722-0007 fical birth control and abortion but seek to increase the yield ofthe Telephone 508-675-7151 world's resources and to distribute FAX (508) 675-7048 them more fairly. An example of Send address changes to P,O. Box 7 or call telephone number above glaring inequities: the Gross National Product of R wanda is 1.6 GENERAL MANAGER EDITOR billion dollars, while this summer Rosemary Dussault Rev. John F. Moore . alone 1.5 bilIion dollars was spent ~ Leary Press-Fall RIver in the United States on admission fees for movies!
The crux of the Cairo debate, will hinge on the ambiguous language of the proposed document that equates "reproductive health" with "pregnancy termination." The Clinton administration may find more allies on the floor of the House and the Senate than they will when they propose their approach to family planning to the' world community of nations. Already many European and Latin American nations and countries with large Islamic populations are taking the pope's appeal to heart. Just 10 years ago, a major population conference in Mexico declared that, "Governments should take appropriate steps to help women avoid abortion, which in no case should be promoted as a method of family planning." A change of U.S. presidential administration does not necessarily mean a change of policy throughout the world. Perhaps John Cardinal O'Connor of New York put it best when
praye~BOX For Strength, Joy Almighty and ever-living God, our source of power and inspiration, give us strength and joy in serving you as followers of Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
he asserted with the appro bation of 113 other cardinals: "The Cairo conference could be of enormous value to all peoples of the world if it focuses on the family, that is, in the traditional and national, sense of the word. However, the failed social policies of developed countries should not be foisted on the world's poor.'~ The violent vituperation that' Cardinal O'Connor's stateme:nt unleashed in the press and on television betray a prejudice e:ngendered by ignorance; for exa.mple, take two of the reactions quoted in the New York Times: Joan Dunlop, president of the International Women's Health Coalition, stated, "The Vatican's inflammatory language is a smoke screen: th,~y are threatened by women having a say in their own lives." And Sally Ethelston, a spokeswoman for Population Action International, said, "Women should not die or suffer irreparable physical harm as a result of unsafe abortions because of a group of 114 celibate men." The Church has repeatedly affirmed (most recently in the opening section of Veritatis Splendor) that human nature, though darkened by sin, still contains a yearning toward the good. But the overwhelming weight of the evidence is that this yearning must grow into actuality in the fertile soil of the family. The Clinton admin istration has consistently chosl~n in both its rhetoric and its policies to absolutize the right of the individual and the stat~ to the detriment of the most important medi.ating institution of society, the family. No wonder Pope John Paul II is in conflict with our president!
·······. . · . · . · · · Wh o can bless the sick? Q.I have become confused about the sacrament of the sick. A friend of mine, in our church, started a prayer grolJlp. As part of their prayer they anoint sick people with oil. Unless I'm mistaken, only a priest should do this. Please explain who is authorized to anoint with holy oil. Can an ordinary priest bless the olive oil and consider it holy oil? Calif. A. I'm not sure all your concerns can be answered satisfactorily here, but a few things can be said that should be helpful. It is important first to recognize that the sacrament of anointing of the sick is not the only form of spiritual, mental and physical healing in the Christian and Catholic spiritual storehouse. Prayer for and with sick persons, blessing them with the sign of the cross on the forehead, are among ways of petitioning God's healing that can be used anytime by anyone. They acknowledge our Lord's presence in the midst of suffering, his saving power over all evil and hurt, and his desire to free us in every way possible from the effects of our human weakn(:ss and limitations. Everyone, not only a priest or deacon, is free and encouraged to use them whenever possible, either one on one or with others who share this faith. The church has, in fact, specific ritual prayers and blessings that may be used by lay people as well as clergy. They are found primarily both in the official ceremonies for Pastoral Care of the Sick (Chapter I) and in the Book of Blessings published by the Vatican a few years ago (Chapter 2). Nothing is said in either ofthese rituals that would I~xclude using appropriate symbols (for example a candle, a crucifix or even oil) during such nonsacramental ceremonies for the sick. From my experience, however, and apparently from yours, utilizing oil in these kinds of blessings easily causes some confusion in distinguishing them from the sacrament of anointing. The sacramental anointing of the sick, as one of tbe seven sacraments, holds a special place, of course, in the church's care for those afflicted with illness.
Daily Readings Aug. 22: 2 Thes 1:1-5,1112; Ps 96:1·5; Mt 23:13-22 Aug. 23: 2 Thes 2:1·3a,1417; Ps 96:10-13; Mt 23:23-26 Aug. 24: Rv 21:9-14; Ps 145:10-13,17-UI; In 1:45-51 Aug. 25: 1 Cor 1:1-9; Ps 145:2-7; Mt 24:42-51 Aug. 26: 1 Cor 1: 17-25; Ps 33:1-2,4-5,10-11.; Mt 25:1-13 Aug. 27: 1 Cor 1:26-31; Ps 33:12-13,18-21; Mt 25:14-30 Aug. 28: Ot 4:1-2,6-8; Ps 15:2-5; Jas 1:17-18,21-22,27; Mk 7:1-8, 14-15,21-23
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By FATHER'JOHN DIETZEN Particular formulas and ministers (priests and :bishops) are designated for the prayer of faith, laying on of hands and anointing with oil which bring the healing and prayer power of the entire body of Christ on earth into focus for a sick fellow Christian. The oil of the sick is one of the three holy oils blessed explicitly for use in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, holy orders and anointing of 'the sick, and should normally be used only by those administering these sacraments. All these oils are blessed by the bishop each year at aspecial Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday or at another time around Holy Week. If necessary, however, any priest may bless the oil of the sick during the anointing liturgy itself (Pastoral Care 21 and 140). One final note. Many Catholics are still unaware that holy oils no longer need to come from olives. Since olive oil is sometimes impossible or difficult to obtain, oil from any plant (corn, soy beans and so on) may now be used for the sacraments. A free brochure answering questions Catholics ask about marriage annulments is available by sending I a stamped self-addressed envelope to Father Dietzen, Holy Trinity Church, 704 N. Main St., Bloomington, III. 61701.:
Statement to come on abuse of girls WASHINGTON(CNS)- Two years after it was issued, the u.s. bishops' statement on domestic abuse has become a fairly common component of local diocesan programs to prevent violence and help its victims. ' Thousands of copies of "When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women" have been bought by church-affiliated and public social service organizations, and more than 1,200 copies of a video about preaching on the subject have been sold. With that effort to address one aspect of family violence successfully under way, expected next on the horizon is a statement from the bishops on sexual abuse of girls. Dolores Leckey, who heads the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women and Youth, said a statement on sexual abuse in the home should be ready next year, timed to coincide with a 1995 United Nations conference on women. Ms. Leckey said she hopes the domestic violence statement and the upcoming abuse statement will become an arena fQr interfaith collaboration, because the issues transcend theological differences.
YONKERS, N.Y. (CNS)- The weekend of the Woodstock anniversary concert also saw thousands of Catholic young people gathering under the auspices of the archdiocese of New York for what one participant label~d "Godstock." Young New York '94 was held Aug. 13 and 14 at St. Joseph's archdiocesan seminary in the Yonkers area. Cardinal John J. O'Connor of New York arranged the event in response to a suggestion made by a young woman last year in Denver that New York youth get together for a meeting similar to the international gathering with Pope John Paul II. In conjunction with the New York festival came an announcement the pope is to have a Mass for young people at the seminary the day after his Oct. 21 add ress to the United Nations. Everyone who attended and registered for the August event was assured of a ticket to the papal Mass, which is part of a four-day visit the pope is scheduled to make to the United States. Though a majority of those in attendance were under 30, Young New York '94 was open to people of all ages. Many older adults came, and many parents arrived with infants and young children. A number of clergy and religious were among the participants. A dozen of Mother Teresa's Missionary Sisters of Charity from the Bronx sat on the grass listening to the Sunday morning program. There was no admission charge, and people from other dioceses were welcome. Joseph Zwilling, spokesman for the New York archdiocese, estimated that 20,000 people came on Saturday, with a smaller crowd on Sunday. On the first day hot weather left some participants victim to heat stroke and exhaustion, and they had to be treated at St. Joseph's Medical Center. Hospital staff was on hand to provide emergency medical service as well as give out thousands of bottles of water and warnings against dehydration. Later, rain delayed some evening events. Bad weather also forced the youths and their sleeping bags to take shelter for the night. The second day rain shortened the program and delayed events, including Mass with Cardinal O'Connor as celebrant and homilist. The mood for the festival was mellow. People sat on the grass or folding chairs in a large area in front of the stage, or on a bank to the side of it. Some paid attention, while others tuned in and out, and still others wandered further away doing their own thing in group sing or whatever. A number of booths for browsing were set up in a large tent with information about youth programs or right-to-life groups or publishers such as the American Bible Society. At one booth, browsers could buy official souvenirs commemorating and connecting Young New York '94 and the upcoming papal visit. Ironically, the official "papal visit" cap carried a label saying "Made in China," a country the pope had not been able to visit. Among musicians on the program was Tony' Melendez, the armless young man who came to national attention in 1987 when he played the guitar with his feet for Pope John Paul in Los Angeles. Paraphrasing the popular song urging listeners to "reach out and
The Anchor Friday, August 19, 1994
touch somebody's hand," Melendez got the crowd to interact by singing, "Reach out and touch somebody's foot ... pull somebody's ear. .. scratch somebody's back." Several young people gave short statements of Christian witness. Nadine Comeau expressed gratitude for the freedom she had found in America, and asked for prayers for those oppressed in lands "such as Haiti where my parents were born." Zoe Yuen, a native of Hong Kong now living in New York, told of her happiness in being baptized this year after having to delay many years because of her Buddhist mother's objection. Mark Kelly, in a wheelchair since an operation to remove a tumor at the top of his spine, reported that he had found even more ways to serve people now than before he suffered his physical limitation. Esteban Martinez, who is involved in numerous parish and school programs, challenged his fellow youths to "share our Godgiven talents" in order to grow spiritually. Fifteen-year-old Heather Rexford emphasized the importance of youths standing up for their
5
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6 THE ANCHOR -
Diocese of Fall River -
Fri., Aug. 19, 1994
Nixing.junk food Dear Dr. Kenny: How do I get my family to eat a nutritious diet? They love sweets and fried foods, and they drink soda by the case, as much as I have around. Our three children are bad enough, but my husband is even worse. He's a potato chip freak. Nothing I say seems to make any difference. Please help. I do want them all to eat well and stay healthy.-New York
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Availability is a key. In your letter you mention that your children drink as much soda' as you have around. Don't have it in the house. The same goes for the other problem eatables. The refined sugar that makes up most sweets provides useless calories. The fat in fried foods and potato chips contributes to un,healthy obesity. " , •Even so, explaining what is wrong with sweets and fats' does not work. They taste good, and your lectures are not likely to he effective. You must do more than keeping fats and sweets outofthe house; you must, make available some /'
·PRAYER IN NAGASAKI: Young girls inJapan pray for atomic bomb victims at Nagasaki's Urakami Cathedral Aug. 9, the 49th anniversary of the bombing of the city. Thechurch was destroyed by the bomb in 1945 and rebuilt 14 years later. (CNS photo)
We need to dig deeper By Father Eugene Hemrick Most polls of Catholic opinion don't ask the questions that really need to be asked. According to a recent National Catholic Reporter/ Gallup Poll, "Growing numbers of lay Catholics - from the mainstream; as well as the edges of the church are personally making up their own minds on matters of church practice and morality." , The laity believe that they can be good Catholics without going to Mass each Sunday, obeying church teaching regarding birth control, divorce and remarriage or abortion, and without believing in the pope's infallibility. The poll confirms that many in our younger generation have become do-it-yourself Catholics. The findings are not surprising. In the 19th century, Ralph Waldo Emerson coined the term "selfreliance" and wrote, "Trust thyself: Every heart vibrates to that iron string." Self-reliance has played a big role in fashioning both American culture and the Catholic Chun;h in America. Church history is replete with stories of American clergymen, religious and laypersons whose assertive individ ualism created 'enormous school and hospital systems, social programs and liturgies unique to the culture. However, as much as polls like the one cited here give us an indication of which way the wind is blowing, they would be much more helpful if they asked questions that go beyond establishing known information and dealt more with the ultimate questions behind that information. Robert Bellah's "Habits of the Heart" gives us an example of one of those ultimate questions: "Freedom turns out to mean being left alone by others, not having other people's values, ideas or styles of
tasty alternatives. Here are a few ideas. ' The carbonation in soda is one of the factors that makes it popular. Instead buy plain carbonated or sparkling water. These have no calories. Let your family mix their own soft drinks. A freshly squeezed lemon or lime in a glass of sparkling water makes a delicious summer drink. Add any non-sugared frozen fruit concentrate to the sparkling water for a similar effect. In fact, you can . add just about any natural fruit juice.. Read labels to find fruit juices free of added sugar, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Keep a variety of fresh fruits available. Fructose has the ability to satisfy a sweet tooth without the negatives of refined white sugar. Keep abpwl of plain, cut-up, mixed fruits in the refrigerator. 'Many sn~, k~seekers will choose fruit salad ven 'though they would pass up a pi ce of whole fruit. Dried fruits are also attractive as munchies, offering an acceptable alternative to candy. T.he down side is that they are fairly high in
By Dr. JAMES & MARY KENNY calories, and the sugar content poses some of the same problems for tooth decay as does candy. Fresh veggies can serve a; munchies. They cilll be enhanced with low-calorie dip or with a variety of tasty seasonings. You can cater toyour husband's taste for salty crunchy snacks with low-salt tortilla chips or trail mix, which can be made by adding the seasoning of choice and toasting a variety of crunchies. These might include wheat, oat or corn cereals, together with croutons, brea.d bits, pretzels, etc. The best strategy to stop the junk food habit islo provide tasty and healthy alternatives. Good eating! Questions on family living and child care to be answered irl print are invited by The Kennys; 2.1 9 W. Harrison; Rensselaer, Ind. 47978.
Vocations in retrospe'ct Often when we who are over 50 get together, we reminisce about our Catholic school days.' We remember Sister Wonderful and Sister Tough-Love, and, of course, we were in awe of the priests. Most mysterious of all were the monks who came for parish mission retreats and gave us a combination of charm and wisdom about the really important thirigs in life. Most of that is gone now. For two decades or more we have watched the shrinking numbers of vocations. Convents and motherhouses are closed. Seminaries that once rang with the sounds of full classes of young men, now rattle with near-empty rooms. Well, the world changes, and institutions fade. The era that gave birth to a rich legacy of a specific religious life is gone, but that's not to say a new era cannot dawn, These thoughts came to me as I read "Veil and Cowl, Writings from the World of Monks and Nuns" (Ivan R. Dee publishers, Chicago), edited by Episcopal Father James B. Simpson. Consider this clip, written by John Tettemer, born in 1876, who entered the Passionist Order but later left: "In the ceremony of clo-
life forced upon one, being free of arbitrary authority in work, fam~ ily and political life. What it is that one might do with that freedom is much more difficult for Americans to define." Bellah observes, "The ideal of freedom makes Americans nostalgk for the past, but provides few resources for talking about a collective future." If Catholics are choosing when to go to Mass and what· doctrines' to believe as a way of asserting freedom, where is that freedom leading? Is the ultimate goal greater personal happiness, better autonomy over one's reasoning powers in order to get closer to God? Do people feel they are championing a fight against the tyranny of an over-restrictive church? Are they making a statement for modern models ofa better, more attractive community? Do they see their quest for freedom in the same light as the prophets? Is there a biblical foundation behind it? Are the so-called "do-it-yourself Catholics" challenging the church You might think stories about to do a better job of translating the the specialty coffee craze are exagfaith for today's world'? gerated. But when was the last It is one thing to say "I don't time you visited a veterinarian agree with this or'that" and yet with an espresso bar? Or' when another to know exactly why this have you seen one at a video store, is true. As of yet, I have not seen gas station, florist, auto parts outpolls that get in between the cracks let, five-and-dime, laundry and tac- that get the entire story behind kle shop? ' agreement or disagreement. All on the same block? Many researchers stay away from So I sincerely believe the rumors asking ultimate questions for fear , about parishes in the Northwest of invading privacy. Today's Cathowhere espresso bar income is outlics, however, are much more edupacing bingo, Reno nights and cated than we sometimes give them even (dare I say it?) pancake break-' ~redit for. Many would take such fasts. questions as a compliment to their Who would have thought cafintelligence. feine.could compete with gambling, I believe that besides being dodrinking and overeating? it-yourself Catholics, they are also What'S'the church coming to? believers, thinkers about matters Worse yet are the names. A "Douof ultimate importance. I think we ble Nun," fcir example, consists of need to begin to study that. two shots of decaf mixed with
thing, we postulants. lay on our faces on the floor of the sanctuary, prostrate before the Blessed Sacrament. Then we knelt before the Master of Novices. Our upper garments were removed and the hair cut from our heads in the form of a cross to symbolize the putting away of the materials and vanities of this world." Or read what Sister Mary Griffin of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary wrote about the moment the novices reached the stage of having their hair cut: "The sound of snipping shears, the strangled sobs of a few less Spartan postulants seemed to signal the end of youth and laughter, the end of beauty, the yawning of the dungeon. Thus did one separate oneself from the love of things seen and give oneself utterly to the love of things unseen." Other writers brought together by Father Simpson add to the sense of looking backward, but the feeling overall is akin to wonder. To once again read gems about the religious life from people like Thomas Merton, Malcolm Muggeridge, Sister Madeleva Wolff, Monica Baldwin, Jim Bishop, Sister Joan Chittister, Paul Horgan and Rumer Godden is a treat.
ANTOINETTE BOSCO
Because he so carefully selected these writings, the editor achieves what he hoped to do, "inspire new respect and appreciation for the distinctive demands made on religious and of sacrifices taken almost for granted." In the introduction, Holy Cross Father Theodore Hesburgh" president emeritus of Notre Dame University, says" 'Veil and Cowl' tell~ how it was done in another age. It seems to me that we could well have another companion vl)lume on,how it is done today." "Nostalgia," Father Hesburgh continues, "would then givl~ way to new visions, new challenges, new apostolic and religious enterprises, but the same human and divine impulse to serve God and his people in a religious com.munity under vows. It is still an unusually good, fulfilling life for those few who are called to serve' God and his people in a special way. May their tribe increase."
The coffee ,craze skim milk. A "Skinny Jesuit" is a By nonfat chocolate milk latte. Then there's "Friar Tuck," a 16-oz mocha DAN with a shot of Hershey syrup. You can see that I assume you MORRIS know what a mocha, latte and espresso are. They have become metaphors for life in the Northwest. A friend recently critiqued the double raspberry espresso laced movie "Hocus Pocus" for me: "It , with chocolate syrup and a, teawas a drip-grind flick trying to be a spoon of sugar? My neighbor Bud slurped two latte with cinnamon sprinkles. of the things before a Bible :;tudy Know what I meanT' class. By the time class started he Unfortunately, I did. A cousin in Seattle claims the thought he was a world-fa mous most popular drink at her parish is theologian. Be warned. The next time your a 12-oz: ("tall") solo shot of decaf espresso named after the resident parish plans a Reno night, '~hink seminarian: "Single, Tall, Sleepy." twice before you permit an espresso There are a lot of moral ques- bar. On the other hand, a couple of tions here, not the least of which is: "Skinny Jesuits" and your de.alers Should minors be allowed to con- will be'generating parish reve:nues sume an "Electric Rapture" -a hand over fist.
THE ANCHOR -
Diocese of Fall River -
Fri., Aug. 19, 1994
7
Catholic library to offer Good Book, good books
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MULTICULTURAL HEALTH COMMITTEE Scholarships were awarded by Saint Anne's Hospital to (from second left) Daphne Martins, Lisa M. DeMello, Susan M. Ferreira, Joyce M. Coimbra and Robin L. Hart. Not pictured: Maria (Connie) Reis. Committee chairpersons are Father Jack Oliveira.and Juliette Almeida (far right).
Scholarship winners, radiation oncology director named by Saint Anne's; parking changes instituted The Multicultural Health Committee of Saint Anne's Hospital, Fall River, has awarded six $500 scholarships to Fa.ll River area residents who are enrolled in a fulltime education program or are working toward a degree in the health care field. Established in 1984 as the Portuguese Community Health Care Task Force, the committee aims to broaden and enhance access to health care servicl~s by the region's linguistic and cultural minorities. Committee chairpersons Father Jack Oliveira and Juliette Almeida presented the scholarships to two community applicants and four Saint Anne's Hospital employees. The recipients an:: Joyce M. Coimbra of Fall River, who is completing her third year of pharmacy studies at the U niver~ity
Aug. 20 1982, Rev. Bernard H. Unsworth, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, New Bedford 1983, Rev. Thomas Cantwell, SJ., Retired, St. Joseph's Seminary, Washington Aug, 22 1962, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Manuel J. Teixeira, Pastor, St. Anthony, Taunton 1972, Rev. William R. Jordan, Pastor, St. Louis, Fall River 1980, Rev. Msgr. Joseph C. Canty, Retired Pastor, St. Paul, Taunton Aug,23 1895, Rev. Thomas Clinton, Pastor, St. Peter, Sandwich 1992, Rev. Msgr. Anthony M. Gomes, PA, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Angels, Fall River Aug.. 24 1884, Rev. Peter J.B. Bedard, Founder, Notre Dame, Fall River 1962, Very Rev. James F. Gilchrist, CPM VG., Vicar General of the Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy 1987, Msgr. James E. Gle(ison, Retired Pastor, St. Patrick, Falmouth Au~:. 25 1974, Rev. Joseph F. Hanna, Founder, Holy Cross, South Easton
of Rhode Island and employed part-time at a pharmacy. Daphne Martins of Fall River, in her second year of nursing studies at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Maria (Connie) Reis of Fall River, a Saint Anne's employee since 1971. Originally a nurse aid, she graduated from Salve Regina University, Newport, RI, this year and is a registered nurse. She will pursue a master's degree in nursing at UMass-Dartmouth. Robin L. Hart of Fall River, a Saint Anne's employee since 1989, originally as an :admissions clerk and later an emergency room technician. Also a volunteer emergency medical technician for Swansea Ambulance, she is pursuing nursing studies at Bristol Community College, Fall River. Lisa M. DeMello of Tiverton, Rl, a 10-year employee of Saint Anne's, serving as an assistant head nurse/ clinical resource coordinator. She expects to complete studies for a nursing degree from Salve Regina University next spring. Susan M. Ferreira of Fall River,
Institute launches new NFl' program OMAHA, Neb. (eNS) - The Pope Paul VI Institute is launching a program designed to help religious and lay church officials articulate church teaching about natural family planning. The course is designed as a fiveday immersion in the theology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, scientific and medical aspects of natural family planning. It will be offered for the first time Oct. 17-24 in Omaha. The Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction is d'irected by Dr. Thomas Hilgers, a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life and the Pontifical Council (or the Family. It has received national and international recognition for its achievements in the field of natural family planning and reproductive medicine and surgery. For more information on the course, contact the Pope Paul VI Institute at (402) 390-9168.
an employee of Saint Anne's dietary department for 16 years, 13 as food service supervisor. She will enter the radiologic technology program at Massassoit Community College this f(lll. New Administrative Director Melinda Soares-Murphy has been named administrative director of radiation oncology at The Oncology Center, Saint Anne's satellite facility in Dartmouth. Ms. Soares-Murphy holdsa bachelor's degree in psychology from Roger Williams University and a master's degree in health services administration from Salve Regina. She joined the Saint Anne's staff 24 years ago as a secretary in the medical records department, and has held several positions, most recently director of ambulatory care services. Parking Changes In response to patient and employee needs, Saint Anne's has created a task force to address ongoing concerns related to parking in and around the hospital's Fall River campus. As a result, reserved patient parking has been expanded and new signs appear on Middle, Forest and Osborn streets as well as in the campus parking lots, which are newly-color-coded to specify parking for patients and specific departments. While the changes have required many day shift employees to find alternative parking arragements, Saint Anne's has provided a shuttle service to an off-site parking garage. For more information on hospital parking or the shuttle program, contact Sheila Wallace, director of safety and security, at 674-5600 ext. 2694.
Getting poorer LOURDES, France (CNS) England's Cardinal George Basil Hume said that global trade practices and foreign debt burdens are making the poor countries poorer. The cardinal, who is archbishop of Westminster, said the debt payments being made by the poorest countries are greater than the aid they have received from wealthy nations over the years. .
PEORIA, Ill. (CNS) - The new "Catechism of the Catholic Church" is already becoming a popular bookshelf companion to the family Bible. Now, the Office of Family Life in the Peoria diocese hopes to be well stocked with all kinds of good books to accompany the Good Book. The office is compiling a Catholic Family Library, to get both Catholics and non-Catholics interested in serious religious literature. A local university professor hel ping with the project thinks some other great literary talents, including Feodor Dostoevski, offer important religious insights for modern readers, too. A board overseeing the family library initiative plans to compile a family book review index, to be published in a yearly compendium, as part of its efforts. Another undertaking is its "Gift of Cana" program, designed to furnish every couple that marries in the diocese with the beginning of a faith library. Patrick DiVietri, associate director of the family life office, said the library project "will help to enrich the couple, unite them in common vision, provide understanding of themselves, educate their children [in the faith) and evangelize the community." The "Gift of Cana" endeavor "will enable each couple to have access to an accurate explanation of Catholic faith, prayers and traditions," DiVietri said. Examples of "Gift of Cana" books include the catechism and "Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers," published by the U.S, Catholic Conference. In a recent survey at a diocesan Pre-Cana meeting, more than 85 percent of respondents reported such books would be useful. A "pleasant surprise" from the survey was the fact that non-Catholics in attendance said they would find the books helpful in under-
standing their Catholic partner's faith. DiVietri said he wants to see the "Gift of Cana" program fully implemented within six to 12 months. Funding remains a major hurdle although the program has benefited from a number of donations. Long-term goals for the Catholic Family Library call for parishbased reading programs, including a "bookmobile" system designed to "bring the Catholic bookstore to the parish," DiVietri said. Rob.ert Prescott, a professor of English at Bradley University in Peoria and member of the library board, said that through his experience as an English teacher he has learned that anyone, including young people, can get interested in literature. Moreover, he said, people can benefit greatly from reading novels, short stories and poems that focus on spirituality. For example, he recommended Dostoevski's book "The Brothers Karamazov" as the "greatest Christian novel in the Western world." He also cited Graham Greene's book "Monsignor Quixote," and the short stories of Katherine Ann Porter and C.S. Lewis. Catholics can also draw spiritual knowledge and fulfillment from poetry, for "a poem can become a part ofyou,just as a prayer becomes a part of you," he added.
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I ENJOYING THE DCCW's annual Evening on Cape Cod with the bishop Aug. 9 at the Cape Codder Hotel in Hyannis: (from left) Diocesan Council of Catholic Women first. vice president Katherine Lancisi and president Bella Nogueira; Father Edward C. Duffy; pastor of St. Francis Xavier parish, Hyannis; Bishop Sean O'Malley; Father Francis L. Mahoney, pastor of Holy Name parish"Fall River. Visiting from Worcester: Teresian Carme-
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lites Sister Debra Therese, prioress; Sisters Donna Bernadette and SusclO Elizabeth; Brothers Dennis Anthony and Daniel Francis. Below, from left: Bishop with Eleanor and Walter Bart of Holy Trinity parish, West Harwich; from St. Pius X parish, South Yarmouth: Karen and . Bob Boucher, summer visitor Father Joseph Zachiarus, pastor Msgr. John.J. Smith, with Mary O'Dea of Taunton and Maureen Dolan of West Yarmouth; the bishop greets other gue,sts. (Kearns photos)
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Pres~ures on children said greatest challenge in family ministry
DA YTON, Ohio (Cl'!S) 300 partIcIpants. It was held. in Children's needs and the pressures conjunction with the annual conthey face represent families' grea- ference of the National Associatest challenges, requiring efforts tionofCatholic Family Life Minboth \Yithin the family and within isters. the church, the U.S. bishops' fam"Children are under enormous ily life director advised a recent stress, emanating from external. . Dayton symposium. and internal sources," Ms. Leckey "The most critic'al and urgent said. External sources of stress problem in family life today is the: stem from public policy while ·in- ' well-being, the welfare and the ternaJ sources are rooted within nurture of children and youth," the dynamics of family relationDolores Leckey, executive direc- " ships, she.said. , tor of the Marriage and Fam,iJy .Over the last three decades, inter'nal proble'ms have increased" Life Secretariat at the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in . sheexplained>'The disintegra,tion Washington, told the "Families of the well-functioning, two-parent' and CO!TImunities in Partnership" family poses a threat" to the nation conference.' and the church, she said, citing as She and other speakers suggested examples of problems the increase that solutions to family crises lie in births to single mothers, teenwithin families themselves, and in agers and poor women, and the the church and secular commun.. reality of fathers who are becomities. ' ing "shadows" in the lives of their The meeting, h~ld at the Univerfamilies. ','But the major reason for this sity of Dayton and hosted by the university's Center for the Study disintegration is the high divorce of Family Development, drew 200rate," Ms. Leckey said, adding
that "poverty ot w'omen and chll- those ot' individual devl;lopment" : dren usually increases dramatically she added. . in the wake of di~orce." Another speaker, Marianist BrothShe called on pastoral family ·er Raymond L. Fitz, I,J n.iversity ~f ministers and church leaders to Dayton president, urged confer-. bring more "creative, sustained en~e participants to promote Cath'attention to [this) central probolic involvement in develop-ing publem," and to help those' marriages li,e policy. that have simply"run out of steam." . ~~A greater propor,~ion of the. . ':There is a' spiritual crisis in these marriages," she said, chal- .fragile families .in ,ou,r. c:ommunities are experiencing.a downward lenging the family life leaders to be more involved in marriage prepa- spiral of school failure, unemployment,. inadequate health care ration and support to the 'newly and substal1ce ,abuse," he said. married.' . . Discussing what she called the' "Communities are ,realizing that problems affecting famil.ies arid ' "redemption of time," Ms. Leckey also said that rituals, traditions children are multiple and interd.e- . pendent, and are nqt lending themand growth in love as a couple and family require "time to nurture selves to the traditional solutions:" f Efforts to tackle·such problems ~ithin families." through collaborative coalitions . Those in ministry also need to of local government, nonprofit address single parents, domestic violence, definition of new roles of agencies and community groups men and women within families, are becoming more common, Brothand interreligious marriage, while er Fitz said. However, he said, his the faith community can help parown inquiries revealed that Cathents balance nee'ds ,of family with olics are "often on the margin of'
these efforts to form collaboratives." Thus, if Catholics are "to participate in the redesign and rebuilding of our communities, then we must be skillful in the public policy," he added. "The first barrie:r" to such involvement "is that many of us ini the Catholic· communi':y keep our faith private," he said. He suggested Catholics need to link word and worship to issues'of families and ·children. "Our task is to take scriptural values and apply them in our own lives," said John.L. Carr, secretary of the U,S. Catholic Conferen<:e Department of Social Development and' World Peace. 'Catholics' mission in helping' to bring about change is clear, he said. "What brings us together is not some political agenda or som.e ideological affinity," he said. "We come together because we share faith .in Jesus Christ, and a COlllmitment to his church." .
THE ANCHOR -
Diocese of Fall River -
Fri., Aug. 19, 1994
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Volunteer program co-founder dies AUSTIN, Texas(CNS)- Paulist Father Walter J. Dalton, 77, who co-founded a program that places volunteers in Texas Catholic schools and social service agencies, died Aug. 6 in Austin. Ordained in 1946, Father Dalton worked in New York, Portland, Ore., and Johannesburg, South Africa. In 1972, he co-founded Volunteers for Educational Services,
which later became known as Volunteers for Educational and Social Services or VESS. Since then, the full-time professional volunteer program for the Texas Catholic Conference has placed over 11,000 volunteers in schools, parishes, children's homes, refugee centers, special service agencies and health care facilities. Father Dalton co-directed VESS until his death.
SUMMER CONCERT Saturday, Aug. 20 - 6:30 P.M. Joanna Fish Preceded by 4:30 Mass and Supper Specials in Cafeteria.
HELPING HOPE HOUSE: Benefactors enjoy a cookout at. Saint Anne's Hospital's Berube Plaza as Sister Joanna Fernandes, OP, accepts donations for Hope House, the hospital's residence for persons with AIDS which win open in September. Proceeds from the cookout will help furnish Hope House with such necessities as appliances, beds, and linens. (Hickey photos)
QUEENSHIP OF MARY Sunday, Aug. 21- 1:00 P.M. Prayer - Music - Liturgy - BBO
Fr. Richard Delisle, M.S.
BIBLE STUDY CLASS Wednesday, Aug. 24 - 7:00 P.M. Fr. Joseph Ross, M.S.
Courage of martyred French Carmelites recalled 200 years later WASHINGTON (CNS) - On a summer day in 1794, 16 Carmelite nuns were hauled through the streets of Paris to a plaza where, one by one, they perishl~d, singing hymns to God until the guillotine had silenced the earthly voice of the last. From the Carmelite community at Compiegne, led by Blessed Teresa of St. Augustim:, the prioress, the sisters were of diverse backgrounds and temperaments. One was only in her 20s, the oldest nearly 80. But they shared a common courage and trust in God as clearly as they shared their communal Carmelite life. Their story has inspired a novel, an unmade film project and modern composer Francis Poulenc's opera, "The Dialogues of the Carmelites." ' Now, 200 years later, their brutal deaths and triumph of the spirit have been celebrated with a new production of Poulenc's opera at The Catholic University of America and in commemorations of their martyrdom. The nuns and their quiet way of life ran afoul of the worst excesses of the French Revolution, which had begun five years c~arlier and had inexorably eaten away at individ ualliberty, including religious freedom, until the Carmelites and numerous others were condemned to death. , , First, however, the revolutionary government banm:d the profession of religious vows of new nuns, nationalized religious prop-
erty and told the Carmelites to abandon religious life. Expelled from their convent on Sept. 14, 1792 - the feast of the Holy Cross - the nuns separated into four groups living in private homes, continuing a~ best they could to live their communal life. Finally catching up with them again in June 1794, the government accused them of ~aintaining their religious life and plotting against the revolutionary state. On July 17, they were killed. In 1906, they were beatified. "They remained faithful until 'the end," noted Father Camilo Maccise, general superior of the Discalced Carmelites, in a booklet of reflections on the 200th anniversary of their martyrdom. They "lived out the grace of supreme identification with Christ: martyrdom," he told his fellow Carmelites. However,' he said, ~'our consecrated life has a dimension of martyrdom" as well, including '~the cross that persevering faithfulness demands in the monotony of daily life" and the "witness of martyrdom" entailed by concern for the , poor, for justice and for nonvioknce and life itself. "We are all called in some way r or the other to live and ,express this testimony of martyrdom that lies in consecrated life," h~ wrote. Their appeal reache~ beyond the monastic life, too. Sara Adams, in a guest commentary in the Lake Shore Visitor, newspaper of the diocese of Erie, Pa., nQted that the chapel of the Carmelite convent in
Erie overflowed with worshipers joining the sisters there for the 200th anniversary services. "We might be tempted to despair or frustration, thinking we can do nothing" about the atrocities and upheaval in the current world, said Ms. Adams, a member of a lay group supportive of the Discalced Carmelites. "Yet the example of the French Carmelites tells us otherwise. We can find courage in their loving example of holding fast to the truth with joy, even in the face of persecution, suffering and death." Meanwhile, the nuns' drama played out on the stage of the Hartke Theatre at Catholic University during July perfor!TIances of Poulenc's opera. The production was praised by Father Maccise, in a letter to the university music school,'as a way of "extending the celebration to the public in your capital city." A secular newspaper critic found the nuns' story praiseworthy as well. Poulenc's work "is like nothing else in the operatic repertoire," according to Washington Post critic and reviewer Joseph McLellan. He noted that the conclusion echoes the real Carmelites' fate, as each "nun" on stage goes singing to her death, and their chorus is gradually reduced to none. "'Dialogues' is about, among other things, the conquest of fear, martyrdom, and the mystical unity of all those who believe in Jesus Christ," he said.
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n Kitovu, Uganda, where St. Joseph's Catholic Hospital is located, some 5,000 children are AIDS orphans." One grandmother found herself caring for her 37 grandchildrensince allher own 11 children have died from the disease. AIDS has spread rapidly in this African nation through blood transfusions which contained the AIDS virus. • The Church in Uganda has stood by the people there through two civil wars; now again it stands with these suffering people. St. Joseph's offers medical assistance; there is also a Mobile Home Care AIDS Program and an Orphans Program run byI!lissionary Sisters.• Yourgift through /I
the Propagation of the Faith will help the Church in Uganda and throughout the Missions bring Chryst'S healing, saving love to the poor. . ,
The Society for THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH Reverend Monsignor John J. Oliveira, V.E. 410 Highland Avenue, • Post Office Box 2577, • Fall River, MA 02722 No. 101 ANCH.8/19/94 . "Attention: Column."
Enclosed is my gift for the Church in the Missions: , 0 $100 Name
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Address - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City State Zip _ Please remember The Society for the Propagation of the Faith when writing or changing your Will.
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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River~Fri., Aug. 19, 1994
Communion with the saints By Mitch Finley Many healthy developme~ts took place in the church followmg the Vatican Council II. One of the healthiest happenings sparked by Vatican II' was a kind of housecleaning of popular Catholic piety. Many Catholics benefited from a Vatican II-inspired "back to the ':"'6asics" movement. " : Christ is the center of our faith, ", so the central thrust of Catholic i." faith and piety should be in his .. direction. The Eucharist is the "summit and source" of the Christian life, so participation in the Mass should be the Catholic worshi p ex perience par excellence. The Bible is God's word in human words and so is superior to all other books. Nearly 30 years have passed since Vatican II ended, however, and as I look around the Catholic household the cupboards and shelves seem rather bare to me. Where once there was too much clutter, now there is too much emptiness. [ miss some of what used to make living in this household a rich spiritual experience. Specifically, I miss parish devotions to the Blessed M other and various saints. Am I just having a nostalgia attack? Yes and no. If you look up the word nostalgia in a dictionary you will discover that its contemporary meaning i~ "a bittersweet longing for things of the past." But there is an older meaning. The Germanic root of nostalgia'is nestam, which means "food for a journey." In this older sense, yes, I'm having a nostalgia attack. I crave connections with living Catholic tradition that will constitute food for my journey into the future. I am ready to reappropriate, in a healthy and balanced fashion,
elements of a traditional Catholic piety (from the Latin "pietas," dutiful conduct). Several years ago, I brought back into my piety a healthy devotion to Mary, primarily through the rosary. I want to hang pictures of guardian angels in my children's bedrooms. ' In my home I want non-schlocky (Note: yes, "schlocky" is a real word meaning cheap, inferior) images of my favorite saints including St. Anthony and St. Therese of Lisieux - and modern, ought-to-be-saints, like Thom'as Merton and Dorothy Day, The inspiration for the reappropriation of some elements of a traditional Catholic piety is the spirit of Catholicism itself. Catholicism finds God all over the place, and Catholicism insists that through the communion of saints we have friends not only in this world but in the next, and our friends will pray for us if we ask them to, Catholicism covers the walls with art and images that remind us that there is no purely secular sphere; God and the saints and angels are everywhere, ' Perhaps it's time to shift closer to the center of Catholic tradition and leave behind our post-Vatican II, knee-jerk reaction against traditional practices. Parish communal devotions to Mary and various saints can easily be more Scriptural and more explicitly Christcentered than in the past. Our communion with the saints, says Vatican II's "Constitution on the Church," "provided that it is understood in the full light of faith, in no way diminishes the worship of adoration given to God the Father, through Christ,in the Spirit; on the contrary, it greatly enriches it."
Helping parents-.choose the best soluti.on By Monica and Bil! Dodds It's not unusual for someone taking care of an aging parent to . discover that an unexpected problem is sorting through all the possible ~olutions. After looking carefully at your parent's needs and the various ways to meet them, it can become clear there is no single right or wrong choice. There can be many choices, each with merit. So which is best for M om or Dad? How can you be sure you and your parent are making the .right decision? The following are principles commonly used in the field of social work to assist the elderly. Families may find it helpful to consider them when making decisions. -First, you are dealing with a whole person, not simply one or two particular problems. It doesn't mean Mom is doing great just because she has a safe place to live and is eating all right. For example, what about her health in general? Is she getting the proper care? What about her need to get out
and socialize? Does she have the opportunity to be part of the community? What about her spiritual needs? Can she get to Mass? Does she still feel as if she's part of the parish? -Second, an elderly person has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. A solution should not humiliate or embarrass Mom or Dad. Your parent's privacy should continue to be respected. -Third, your parent is an individual. Avoid any "cookie-cutter" approaches. Just because a choice worked best for your neighbor's family doesn't automatically mean it will work best for yours. Even if a solution worked well for Dad five years ago, it doesn't automatically make it right for Mom today. It's so easy for a family to路fall into the trap of thinking "this is how we did it with Grandma, so this must be how we need to do with Mom." That's not true. It may be the best way, but then again it may not. Or, to use another comparison, most often the best-fitting solution, like the best-fitting suits, are tailor-made, not bought off the rack or hand-me-downs.
A fourth principle is participation. It's important your mother or father is involved in the decision making and that means being kept informed. Your parent :ihould be part of the entire proceS:L It also means there are no secrets. It is not uncommon for a family to want to hide or disguise the cost of a particular service (hom,~ care, for example) because Morr., or路 Dad won't like it. Invariably, keeping secrets, withholding information or telling little white lies hackfires. -Fifth, and closely related to participation, is self-determination. This means that - eve'n if you strongly disagree - your parent maintains the right to make his or her own decisions. There are exceptions w nen intervention is necessary, such as severe dementia or attempted suicide, but remember that the excepions are rare, not the' norm. Just because you don't like your pare:lt's choi- . ces doesn't mean she or he no longer has the right to ma.ke them. Perhaps no solution will perfectly match all five principles, but often the best choices for your aging parent is the one that comes closest.
Those time-honored parent-teen exchanges By Dan Morris Parents, be warned. There is a movement afoot which totally ignores the traditional bonding forces that underpin parentteen communications: sarcasm, dirty looks, name calling, behindthe-back gestures and even jumping to conclusions. The fabric ofparent-teen hostility as we know it hangs in the balance. Asking teens to enter into a discussion, parents expect solid, traditional responses such as: "How long is this going to take?" or "If it's about the boa constrictor, I was going to mention it today." Things become eerie when a 16year-old says something like: "Yes, father, we need to seek a respectful mutuality on this issue." Give me eye rolling, sighing and shoulder drooping any day. Seasoned parents know, for example, traditional sarcasm can diffuse confrontation' by diverting energies from arguing to one-upmanship - battling for the crown of
king or queen of the sarcas'm hill. Teen daughter serves you one: "So what am I supposed to do, smile and do everything you say even if I think it's totally off the sanity scale?" "Yes," you return serve, "That sounds lovely to me. Genuflecting would be good, too." Daughter attempts a corner shot: "I can hardly wait until I'm ordained a parent someday and I can have my kids kiss my ring." Avoiding the obvious out-ofbounds straight line, you loft a drop shot: "You don't have to kiss my ring, child. Simply addressing me by my proper title will do -Eminence." Deuce. Daughter's serve. Extremist, newbie, wimpy counselors, however, would have you abandon these kinds of exchanges as well as time-honored tactics such as name calling, threats and door slamming simply because they risk things like not speaking to each other for the next generation or so.
I say young people need adrenaline or they'll never want to leave home and take all your appliances with them. Example: I said to our 18-year路old: "Son, we need to sit down and have a heart-to-heart about your future. Your mother and I are worried that we might not be giving you the right kind of support." His eyes narrowed. "If this is about my leaving your cal without any gas again ...... "No," I assured him with a smile. "OK, OK, OK," he sputtered, ''I'm going to get that fina ncial aid paperwork in the mail today. It's barely a week late." "No," I repeated calmly. "What's going on here?" he asked, confused. "Is somebody in the family sick and you're ':rying to break it to me easy?" "Son," I said. "Would you feel better if I called you M r. S loth and raised my voice a little about your lifestyle?" "Yes, Eminence, I would," he grinned.
Scouting values can help build better world, pope says VATlCAN CITY (CNS) - The values promoted by Scouting programs can help young people build a better world based on solidarity and charity, Pope John Paul II said. Meeting more than 7,000 Catholic Guides and Scouts from 14 European countries and Canada, the pope prayed that their faith would be strengthened so they could accomplish their mission in the church and in their communities. The boys and girls and young men and women had a ~pecial audience with Pope John Paul during their European jamboree, held this month north of Rome in Viterbo. Scouting helps young people develop the important values of honesty, loyalty, duty, love of nature and service to others, the pope said. "It is in giving that one receives
and in acting with attention for one's brothers and sisters that true happiness is reached," he told the young people. Pope John Paul urged them to be nourished every week by the Eucharist, "to recognize the extraordinary gift of Christ who comes to live in your entire being." He also encouraged them to receive the sacrament of reconciliation frequently because, in doing so, "you will discover that Jesus has faith in you and loves you infinitely, that the past can 'be overcome because forgiveness opens a new future." God has given each person special gift~ and talents, he said. While most of the young people will be called to use those gifts as lay people, some are called to the priesthood or religious life, the po'pe said, praying that the young people would let themselves be led by Christ.
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SCOUTING POSSIBILITIES: A boy and his family take the Scout pledge. (eNS photo)
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HEALTH CARE REFORM SURVEY
...that coverage of abortion for any reason be taxpayers subsidized?
24% 11%
No response
11%
Favor
No response
Source: 1994 nationwide survey commlsslloned by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops
©1994 CNS Graphics
Sha]ping health care reform: there's still room for improvement WASHINGTON (eNS) - Like a huge Rube Goldberg machine, a final health care rd"orm bill is gradually being piece:d together on Capitol Hill. A universal coverage plan here, a concession on tax assessments there, expand Medicare in this part, stretch the accommodations to small business over here, offer states single-payer options on that page, string it all together with a cost control system. Congressional stBlff, lobbyists, presidential advisers and average American voters arc in a final press to influence the creation of a health care bill that will meet the greatest number of interests and still stand a chance of passing. But until all the finagling and negotiating is finished, there's no way of knowing whether sticking points like mandated inclusion of abortion and universal coverage will be resolved in a way that will earn it approval from Catholic organizations. Other health care issues also are important to church-related interest groups like the ~ .S. Catholic Conference and the Catholic Health Association, bot covering all Americans and excluding abortion in any tax-supported plan are their common bottom-line minimum standards. Bills drafted by House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., and Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, D-Maine, differ, among other ways, in their approaches to
universal coverage and the degree to which changes would be mandatory or voluntary. The goal of 95 percent coverage in the Mitchell bill "falls short of truly universal coverage," two U.S. bishops said in a let(er to senators. A separate proposal by Sen. Robert Dole, R-Kan., "even more clearly fails this test," the prelates said. The letter from Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles and Auxiliary Bishop John H. Ricard of Baltimore, dated Aug. 9, added that "the greatest threat to health care reform is the abortion mandates contained in proposals be. fore the Senate." Cardinal Mahony is chairman of the I.>ishops' committee on ProLife Activities and Bishop Ricard chairs the Domestic Policy Committee. Meanwhile, Catholic Health Association president John E. Curley Jr. urged support for the Mitchell bill and the House measure sponsored by Gephardt, despite "serious concerns" over their inclusion of abortion services, Medicare cuts and less-than-IOO-percent coverage. "If either bill is defeated," Curley said in a letter to CHA members, "meaningful health care reform is dead for the foreseeable future." An Aug~ 8 CHA announcement said the organization would "make every effort" to amend the bills.
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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Aug. 19, 1994
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Diocese tops nation
Would you favor or oppose health care reform If It required • • • ...you. to carry an Insurance policy that covered abortion for you and your family?
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Cardinal Mahony and Bishop Ricard urged the Senate to remove abortion mandates from the Senate bills. "Failure to do so would turn us and millions more from advocates of reform into adversaries," they said. They said they "deeply regret the growing partisan conflict that threatens to overshadow the health care debate." In stating their continued support for universal coverage without abortion mandates, the prelates said, "These two key priorities are essential to real reform and will be our measure of the Senate's action." Any bill to the contrary "would be both a moral tragedy and a policy failure with terrible consequences for our nation," they said. At a Washington rally before Senate health care debate commenced, Gephardt said the various health bills were filled with "cuI de sacs" of side issues. "You could get into one of them and ride around for days," he said. "No bill is going to be perfect," he added, admitting that the measure submitted under his name had some components he didn't like. Even President Clinton has said that he expects the final bill to take shape amid floor debate. This is encouraging to Catholic interests, since "These bills can be improved while they're there" in Congress, said U.S. bishops' chief spokesman Msgr. Francis Maniscalco.
Continued from Page One President Clinton's Health SecurThe National Project Life post- ity Act. Be assured I will make card campaign was held Jan. 22-23 every effort to fight legislation that to correspond with the annual proposes its inclusion in any naMarch for Life on the anniversary tional health plan." of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe Rep. John Joseph Moakley(9th v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton deci- District) said, "I have voted against sions legalizing abortion nation- federal funding of abortions and wide. 86 percent of the nation's will continue to do so in the future." Catholic dioceses took part in the No responses came from Sena1994 Project Life, with participants tors Edward Kennedy and John mailing to their two senators and Kerry or Representatives Barney their representative postcards bearFrank and Gerry Studds. ing the message: Father Fernandes added that he "Our nation needs to reform its credits the diocese's strong showhealth care system to protect the ing in the National Project Life lives and enhance the dignity of campaign to "parish based pro-life all, especially the poor and vulner- committees that are getting stronger able, the unserved and the unborn. and better organized and working AbortiOn is not health care; it des- better with clergy and other parish troys human life, and most Ameri- "leaders" as well as "the unequivocans don't want to pay for it. cal leadership manifested by Bishop Please don't force me to pay for O'Malley." abortions against my conscience. As your constitutent, I urge you to keep abortion out of needed health care reform." A fourth card was to be sent by each signer to the Washington headquarters of the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment to gauge participation. These registration cards have now been counted, Michael Taylor, the committee's executive director, told pro-life directors at their meeting. However, "No precise way exists to determine how many postcards were actually sent to Congress. Typically, the number of registration cards returned is substantially PILGRIM VIRGIN STATlower than the actual number of UE: Falmouth Nursing Home participants who signed cards," he is hosting this week the Cape said. Even if only half of the parishes Cod Pilgrim Virgin Statue of responding had the average number Our Lady of Fatima. Members of 171 participants, then "some of St. Patrick's Church led five million postcards would have been sent to Congress," Taylor recitation of the rosary each morning and the parish's parestimated. Last year, the three million to ochial vicar, Father Francis six million postcards mailed to leg- X. Wallace, will celebrate Mass islators protesting the Freedom of in the home's chapel at 2 p.m. Choice Act were credited with helping derail the legislation, which today. The statue remains at would have established a national the home through tomorrow. policy lifting all restriction on abortion. Father Fernandes said that in anticipation of the congressional debate over national health care Est. 1962 policy, he contacted legislators serving districts in the diocese, Religious reminding them that two-thirds of Articles Americans oppose the mandatory abortion coverage called for in Books • Gifts President Clinton's and other health care plans. Church Supplies Rep. Peter Blute (3rd District) responded that, "I strongly oppose 428 Main St.• Hyannis, MA 02601 the inclusion of mandated abor508-775-4180 Mon.-Sat. 9-5 tion coverage like that outlined in
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Collection set for Rwanda Continued from Page One doubled since the violence which took hundreds of thousands of Rwandan lives brokl~ out last April. Bishop Augustin M isago of Gikongoro said that 650,000 refugees have been added to the area's normal population of500,000, Ms. Martin said. At the same time, only one of his nine parishes has been left functioning by the war. "It is difficult to think about the future for R wanda when I have to deal with the day-to-day existence of over 1 million people - without any kind of civil authority," the CRS official quoted the bishop as saying. Tom Dart. country representa-
tive from 1989 to 1991, is on a monthlong study of what is needed to reconstitute the welfare structure. He was quoted as saying because of the long and congenial relationship between the agency and the Rwandan church 'and public, he was sure CRS will be able to help "bring the people of Rwanda back together to begin talks of reconciliation." I More Aid Pope John Paul II has given $250,000 for emergency assistance to Rwandans displaced by the civil war. The money will be distributed through the Pontifical Council
"Cor Unum," the Vatican's aid coordinating agency. Meanwhile, a group of U.S. trucking, equipment and shipping organizations have donated six tractor-trailers, shipping and spare parts to help Catholic Relief Services efforts in Rwanda. Navistar International Transportation coordinated the donations. "I sincerely hope the American public will see this gift - a joint effort by seven, independent U.S. companies .- for exactly what it is: proof positive that Americans can do something to save lives and alleviate the tremendous suffering that has befallen Rwanda," said Kenneth F. Hackett, CRS executive director.
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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Aug. 19, 1994
around the church world with catholic news service
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CELEBRATION SKYLINE: A crowd gathers for Mass marking the 150th anniversary of the archdiocese of Chicago. (CNS photo)
Chicago archdiocese marks 150th anniversary CHICAGO (CNS) - Looking ahead toward "the third millennium of the Lord's reign," Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin and some 50,000 other Chicago Catholics . this month celebrate their local church's first 150 years. Addressing the archdiocese of Chicago's 150th anniversary celebration at a Mass in Grant Park, framed between the Chicago skyline and the shores of Lake Michigan, the cardinal asked Catholics to remember the hard work and glories of their past and accept the challenges of their future. "Let us 'rise - anew - to our call,' a call that beckons us to build upon our proud Catholic heritage, and to face the future with courage and determination," he said in his homily. "Today, I challenge you" to respond, he added. "As your bishop and brother, I will walk with you ... so that together we can prepare ourselves and the world for the third millennium of the Lord's reign." Among others, the liturgy involved 250 communion ministers, . 250 ushers and hospitality aides, 48 individuals carrying banners, and six altar servers - three boys and three girls. The cardinal noted the diversity of the Chicago church, With its members of African-American. German, Haitian, Italian, Irish, Slavic, Hispanic, Asian and Caucusian backgrounds, as well as those who are "healthy and not so healthy," , rich and poor, young and old, energetic as well as tired. "We are saints and we are sinners," he added. "We are a people of faith, the people of God, the church in Chicago, and how good it is for us to be here." Drawing parilileis between Jesus' age and modern times, he noted that in the Gospel, "we hear that the people came out in great numbers to be with Jesus." Some perhaps came out of curiosity, others because family or neighbors were all going, "but there was also something deeper that attracted the crowds to Jesus," he explained. Similarly, those who came to Grant 'Park for the Mass ci)uld have come out of curiosity or because friends and neighbors were coming,lie s!iid.
Yet, he asked, "is there something deeper that brings us to-, gether? Our setting for this Eucharist may provide a clue." On the West, he pointed out, , rose "the beautiful Chicago skyline," whose "magnificent architecture before us reminds us that human creativity and determination can overcome enormous obstades and create something good, beautiful and beneficial for the human family." On the East, he added, "the lake stretches our vision toward the distant horizon and adds perspective to our lives. The lake is a gift. We did not create it. It reminds us that, ultimately, all we have and all we are is a gift from God." "And so," he continued, "we gather on the frontier, as it were, between the city built by human labor and the realm of God. "The crowds who came to Jesus may have had many different reasons for doing so," Cardinal Bernardin said. "But Jesus looked at each of them and saw the truth: 'I 'hey came to him in order to satisfy the deepest hungers of their hearts. "And whether we recognize it or not," like the people of Jesus' era, and the earlier Catholics who built the Chicago church, "we are hungry for God, starved for his word, unsatisfied by all that the world has to offer us," he said. Hence, "ultimately, our deepest hungers - the hungers of the heart - can only be satisfied by God."
.Worse, not diverse MINNEAPOLIS (CNS) -Erroneous and defamatory statements about Catholicism and the papacy will be removed from a Hennepin County diversity training program after a Catholic group based in neighboring St. Paul filed a complaint about the program. But the modifi,cations may not be enough, accordiQg to Peg Cullen, president of the Catholic Defense League, who said much of the program is a live presentation which leaves room for presenters to add comments. Pat Shannon, the league's executive director, said the diversity , training department sent the league a packet of material with modifications. A cover letter said, "It was never our intent to offend any individual or group," he said.
AN OHIO Republican and 70 of his colleagues in Congress have asked House Speaker Thomas Foley, D-Wash, to invite ~o'pe John Paul lIto address a JOlOt session of Congress. "As a world leader, ambassador of peace and an important cat.alyst in the fall of the Iron Curtam of Eastern Europe, the pope is an important figure in world politics," said Rep. John Boehner, who spearheaded the drive that received bipartisan support. Congress will have adjourned about two weeks pri<1r to the papal visit, but a Foley aide said that if the pope wanted to address Congress, it could be arranged. Msgr. Francis J. Maniscalco, spokesman for the V.S. bishops, said the papal itinerary for the Oct. 20-23 V.S. visit is "close to being finally approved." While "we don't want to turn our back on" the invitation to address Congress, Msgr. Maniscalco said, "fitting this in would be problematic."
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A 60-YEAR-OLD PRIEST, dean of the Suwon diocesan seminary, died Aug. 5 after saving three people from drowning in the Sea of Japan off Samchok, on South Korea's eastern coast. Father Dominic Pae Mun Han was picnicking with nine companions when three of the party fell off an inner tube on which they were floating offshore and panicked, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency. Father Pae swam out to the three, bringing them safely back to land, witnesses said. But the effort so exhausted the priest that he died while being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
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STRIKES AND clashes shut down Burundi's capital of Bujumbura last week and authorities stepped up security as diplomats expressed concern that the country would follow neighboring Rwanda down the path to murderous civil war. At least 15 people had been killed in Burundi at the onset of clashes involving angry youths of the minority Tutsis. T rouble was sparked by the arrest of opposition politician Mathias Hitimana, leader of the Tutsi-Ied Party for the Reconciliation of the People. ' A civil unrest campaign was announced in early August by groups who accuse the government of oppressing the H utu majority in Burundi, after recent' campaigns to confiscate illegal arms in areas mainly inhabited by Hutus. The nation's Tutsi leadership was gradually yielding power to H utus in the last few years, but renegade Tutsi soldiers murdered the country's first Hutu president, Melchior Ndadaye, in October. Thousands of people were killed following Ndadaye's death and the country has since remained unstable. His successor, Cyprien Ntaryamira, also a H utu, was killed in a plane crash with Rwandan military strongman Juvenal Habyarimana in the Rwandan capital Kigali on April 6. The incident touched off the Rwandan bloodbath.
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GEORGE W..CORNELL, for
decades one of the top religion reporters in the United States, died in Manhattan Aug. 10. Cornell, 74, had suffered heart problems for the past two years. When he began specializing in religious coverage for The Associated Press in 1951, his columns were the first on religion regularly carried by a secular wire service. In addition to his twice-weekly columns, for more than 30 years he wrote several-part seasonal series each Christmas and Easter. He traveled around the world to cover events such as papal trips, assemblies of the World Council of Churches and the Second Vatican Council. He reported on Judaism, Islam and new religious movements, reforms in the Catholic Church and major developments in Christian unity. He covered innumerable struggles in the churches ov.er changing views of the way ChTlStians should think, act and govern themselves. , He wrote several books and received numerous a wards for journalistic excellence in the field of religion. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
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TIBETAN CATHOLIC communities in remote mountainous areas of Sichuan province attend Mass only once a year - the one time a priest visits them. Their predicament demonstrates .not only the shortage of priests, but the lack of encouragement for young people to enter the priesthood, Li'Lun, a deacon studying for priesthood in Kangding diocese, told V CA News. The diocese, which has no bishop or priests, is administered by the neighboring Xichang diocese, headed by Bishop Xie Chaogang, a member of the government-approved Catholic organization who was appointed without Vatican approval, in accord with Chinese government policy. Each year, Xichang diocese sends a priest to visit Kangding's 2,000 Catholics, most of whom are Tibetan. _ Since the 17 village churches in the remote region are distant from each other, the priest from Xichang can visit each parish only once during the year. On the day of the priest's visit, Catholics gather and wait from early morning for his arrival, the seminarian said. When the priest appears, people light firecrackers to celebrate and welcome him. During Christmas and Easter, the communities may not' have priests to celebrate Mass, Li sa!d. At those times, villagers orgamze prayer and worship by themselves. "Today, Catholics of Kangding diocese still follow the traditional church practice of praying the divine office together each morning and evening in an open area of their villages," Li said.
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MUSLIM EXTREMISTS freed
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unharmed a Catholic pril~st held hostage for two months in the southern Philippines in order to fulfill a, dying wish of their commander, officials said. The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of $115,000 for Father Cirilo Nacorda, but rec'eived only $1,900 'from government lIegotiators. The priest wore a bandage on his right hand but looked: otherwise unharmed when his captors handed him over to a government team on a mountain on Basilan island , 600 miles south of Manila. Officials involved in the negotIations said Barahama Sali leader of the fundamentalist Abu Sayyaf group; ordered his followers to free Father Nacorda unhal'1T!ed. Sali gave the order as he lay dying from gunshot wounds sustained in an ambush by l~overn ment' troops. Father Nacorda, 36, was among upwards of70 people abducted on a highway in Basilan June 8. The guerrillas massacred 15 Christians in the group. The others ,?ventually were freed, leaving th,? priest as the lone captive. "I was treated well," thl~ priest told reporters. "I know the Christians as well as the Muslims were praying for me." He said he was kept busJ cooking for the guerrilla band.
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THE HEAD of the Irish bishops' liturgy commission and om: of I~e land's senior bishops, Bishop MIChael Harty of Killaloe, died at 72. Liturgical renewal was one of Bishop Harty's main interests. He strongly advocated better r(:ligious and practical services for Irish emigrants, particularly in Britain, the United States and continental Europe. Bishop Harty, born into a farming family in Toonevara, County Tipperary, was ordained in 1946. On Nov. 19, 1967, he was ordained bishop of Killaloe arld was the second-longest serving bishop in Ireland after Cardinal Cahal Daly, archbishop of Armagh and primate of All Ireland.
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CONGO CANCELED independence day celebrations and instead decreed four days of naltional mourning after 142 Catholics were crushed or suffocated to death in a panic at a church. . A government statemen't saId most of the dead, killed Aug. 12 when a sudden rainstorm sent the crowd dashing for shelter, were children ages 4 to 15. It said 118 people were injured. : Witnesses said that up to ~IO,OOO Catholics had congregated alround Brazzaville's church of St. Peter Claver, drawn by claims tillat an abbot would work miracles and that a sudden downpour led to a surge in the crowd. As peop'le lost their footing they were trampled and suffocated to death. Witnesses said there were no security measures at the church where Abbot Isidore Malon~:a had preached all week as part of the year of the family. Radio sldvertisements had promised miracles at a faith-healing rally.
A Point "As the earth is but a point in respect of the heavens, so are l:arthIy tro'ubles compared to heavenly joys." - George Herbert
Africa conference sparks hOI)e for attitudinal change WASHINGTON (CNS)- Catholic delegates to a White House conference on Africa were greatly encouraged by the first-ever gathering of government, private interest, religious and academic leaders. The conference was especially gratifying after having spent decades working on African issues, said Kenneth Hackett, executive director of Catholic Relief Services, and Roburt Dumas, director of African affairs for the U.S. Catholic Conference Office of International Justice and Peace. The recent meeting was intended to aid his administration to develop a comprehensive Africa policy, President Clinton said at the conference. The 170 participants discussed questions ranging from how to handle internal Afri<:'an conflicts and human rights abuses to how to develop an American constituency of support for the continent. Dumas said in an interview that during his 22-year career at the State Department, where he specialized in African affairs, "I never felt anyone really cared about Africa." . The White House meeting, attended by Clinton and Vice President AI Gore, left him feeling confident the United States is moving toward unifying its approaches to Africa. "Most of what has been done -even here at the Catholic Conference - has been reactive, rather than a res.ult of a policy," Dumas said. Hackett told Catholic News Service the conference showed that Africa has the same potential as Southeast Asia had a generation ago. In the '50s a nd '60s, Asia also was in turmoil, with wars in Vietnam and Malaysia and turbulence in Thailand. Today the region is home to some of the fastes~ economic. and social development in the world, a situation Africa could be in a generation from now, said Hackett. South Africa's SUt;cess in turning around its troubl<:s and putting together a shared government was mentioned regularly at the White House conference, Dumas said. Its example is encouraging to Africa watchers who would not have dreamed five years ago that the apartheid system could be dismantled and a new system of government put in place: so comparativelyeasily. The Catholic Church and its agencies have a clear role in bringing about positive changes, said Hackett and Dumas. CRS, the U.S. bishops' overseas and development ag(:ncy, is already shifting some of its efforts in Africa fromjust offering relief supplies to helping the people of chronically poor or hungry regions become more self-sustaining, Hackett said. And Dumas would like to see the U.S. church take a much more active role in raising consciousness as to the realities of Africa. "We need to build a solid African constituency here," Dumas said. Justas Polish-Americans keep a close eye on events in Eastern Europe or Cuban-Americans watch the Caribbean and prod the U.S. government to help when problems occur, so most Americans develop a sense of responsibility toward the peoples of Africa, he said.
THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Aug. 19, 1994
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Program assists couples entering second marriages
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RECTORY RECIPES: Father Ronald Marino and "Ciao Italia!" host Mary Ann Esposito cook up polenta with sage for a segment ofthe PBS series. (eNS photo)
Cooking show goes on location at rectory BROOKLYN, N.Y. (CNS) When Mary Ann Esposito, host of public television's "Ciao Italia" cooking series, wanted an onlocation site for her sixth season of shows, she called longtime friend Father Ronald Marino, who resides at the rectory of Regina Pacis parish. Father Marino, director of the Brooklyn diocesan office of Catholic migration, joined Mrs. Esposito on camera in the rectory kitchen to prepare a polenta - an Italian cornmeal bread - for a segment entitled" A Winter Supper." The "Ciao Italia" installment will air once its new season begins in January. The series is seen across the United States and in England and Japan. "Food is a common denominator," said Mrs. Esposito, who returns to her home in New Hampshire to tape studio portions of the show. "We're both passionate about Italian food. So when we decided that this year's theme would be 'Mary Ann Cooks with Friends,' I said, 'I have got to go see Father Marino,' because he's a professionally trained chef as well as a priest." Father Marino's love of cooking has led him to study under some of the world's most renowned chefs in the United States and Italy. He's even taught cooking classes for his fellow priests at the Diocesan 'Pastoral Institute. Although he leaves most of the cooking to the rectory's full-time cook, Father Marino dons his chefs hat for special occasions, like birthdays or a visit from Brooklyn Bishop Thomas V. Daily, one of the priest-chefs biggest fans. "I think that havinga priest who cooks is wonderful," Mrs. Esposito told The Tablet, Brooklyn's diocesan newspap¢r. "Everyone should have something in their life that's relaxing and enjoyable. If it's something
that you truly enjoy, it becomes a creative thing. I like to compare cooking to being an artist with a blank canvas and. a palette of ingredients. From there, you can go anywhere." Father Marino is bringing his culinary skills and contacts to "a cooking school designed to help immigrants make the move from dish washing to the stove," he explained. . "We're planning to teach the basic elements of cooking, like shopping for fresh ingredients, sauteing and making sauces. Armed with these basics, you can cook any specific style of food." Mrs. Esposito has already promised to help the cooking school. Some restaurants are donating proceeds from special events to the cooking school, while others have offered to sponsor students' studies through school, followed by internships and full-time jobs. Before taping began, Mrs. Esposito recounted how she first met Father Marino at a wine estate in Sicily. "I was checking out the antipasto table when I saw this priest coming toward me. He said, 'Mary Ann! How wonderful it is to finally meet you!" "As we talked, I found out that we were from the same region of Sicily, and we were instant friends. When you meet a 'paisan,' it's like meeting a brother or sister. We hung out together the whole rest of the time." While the "Ciao Italia" taping was Mrs. Esposito's first time in Brooklyn, she said it won't be the last. Father Marino has told her "all about the wonderful Italian produce, breads and meats that you can get in Brooklyn's Italian neighborhood," she said. "And he's been telling me where all the good Brooklyn restaurants are. I can't wait to come back to try them all out!"
ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) Carrie Kemp says she and husband Gary still had "real serious reservations about getting into another marriage" when they got engaged after failed first marriages 12 years ago. Then they went to a church-run pre marriage program - and came out committed to each other and converts to the program. Now they help others preparing for second marriages. "If you don't work on a relationship, it dies," Mrs. Kemp said in an interview with the Catholic Bulletin, St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocesan newspaper. "It may not die in a divorce court, but it will die." "In first marriages, 50 percent of all couples divorce," said Notre Dame Sister Adaire Lassonde. "But it's 64 percent in second marriages. That says something about people not being prepared." The program focuses especially on the kinds of challenges that confront people in second marriages. Sister Lassonde works at the Catholic Center for the Separated and Divorced, the archdiocesan agency whose pastoral programs include preparation courses for those entering second marriages. Since the premarriage program was started in 1980, most of the I,OOO-plus couples coming into it have been referred by the archdiocesan tribunal. People seeking to remarry in the church contact the tribunal to see if there are grounds for declaring their first marriage null. Until recently, when it granted an annulment to someone considering remarriage, the tribunal had made participation in the premarriage program a requirement. The policy of mandatory participation had its pluses and minuses. Many ofthose who attended came only because they had to, and they were initially hostile as a result, the Kemps said. Mrs. Kemp said by the end of the series of sessions, most of the couples had come to appreciate the program. Only one couple did not find it helpful. Sister Lassonde applauded a recent tribunal decision to make the
premarriage program voluntary and one option among several available. But she said it will present a challenge to the program. Instead of the tribunal, "the pastors themselves will have to be the initiators" encouraging people to enter the program, she said. The Kemps and Sister Lassonde agreed that many of the challenges facing those enteringa second marriage echo those facing first-timers. They said these include issues of conflict resolution, money management and potential difficulties in interfaith marriages. But there are other issues unique to sccond marriages, they said. Topping the list is the need to find common ground when one or both partners bring children from a previous marriage into the new union, as the Kemps did. Sister Lassonde estimated that 80 percent of participating couples are in that situation. "We're telling them that their relationship with this person [they are about to marry] is the most important thing in their lives, and they're telling us that their relationship with their children has always come first," Sister Lassonde said. "How do we work this out?" She said widows and widowers, who bring their own baggage to second marriages, also have benefited from the program. "They kind of tend to sanctify their old relationship.... It's a little more difficult for them to see that there's a different way to do things," she said. All three agree that finding a mutual spirituality - whether Catholic or otherwise - is the most important component of both the program and a successful second marriage. . "Most people think God is a cop in the sky, whether they're Catholic or Protestant," said Mrs. Kemp. "We want them to explore and find new ways to appreciate God, but the key is to talk about it. That is the epitome of shared intimacy."
Not Humble Enough "You can have no greater sign of confirmed pride than when you think you are humble enough."W. Law
Christian pop group successful in Muslim Pakistan LAHORE, Pakistan (CNS) Pakistan's Christian pop band Eastern Boyz is riding a wave of success despite fierce competition in the music industry compounded by the band's minority status. The group, six instrumentalists and a vocalist, got its start about six years ago. Last year, Eastern Boyz recorded an audio cassette at the Pakistan Catholic Church's national audiovisual center. "Dunya Ek"("One World"), the first cassette by a Pakistani Christian group to be released by the international industry giant EMI, was to go on sale in August. It was being advertised on television. Eastern Boyz is also getting television exposure through music videos of four of the songs on "Dunya Ek" and is slated to perform on the Pakistan television program "Princeton Band Stand." It was also chosen to playa song
for televised Independence Day activities. About 97 percent of Pakistan professes Islam; Catholics form less than I percent of the nation's 121 million people. Christians in Pakistan have said they have felt threatened by religious tensions with the Muslim majority. One priest, a diocesan official in Lahore, said religious oppression in the country is so discreet that few outside Pakistan are aware of it.
Nip in the Bud "Every evil in the bud is easily crushed; as it grows older, it becomes stronger."-Cicero
Proj~ct brings .Ulster tee.ps
together in U .8. ATLANTA (eNS)' -
When 4-
Ireland. American teenagers were matched with Northern Irish coun, . after his first day of school some terparts by ·age, sex,' religious deII years ago, he learned' that his' nomination and, when possible, . father had.been kilIed while cut- hobbies and interests. Another Ulster Project" group ting hedges simply because members ()fthelrish Republican Army. " was hosted in Texas through a similar community effort. . believed he was burying' arms. "You can't hang on to anger,". ·.After. a month of activities, he said recently. !'They just didn't friendships were formed amOllg ~now wh.o my father was, orwhat . the Atlanta contingent wh;ich the he meant to us. He was the victim teens hope will last. "I'd trust each of circumstance,s~ how can I of them with my life. That's the really blam.e anyone?" . 'God's honest truth," said Claire Taught by his mother, two sis- Preston, 15, a Protestant, of her ters and brother not to harbor hate new Catholic friends. The· Ulster teens examinl:d and for members of the IRA or Catholics, Deane, a Protestant, has de- discussed the fighting, which began vel oped an understanding perhaps centuries ago, and hoped to find a rare in someone his age. reason for the outbursts of vio"I've learned to look past one's . lence and bombings that still occur. . "I don't know what the fighting faith and look into their person-. hood," he said. "That is where has been about;" said Darren Multheir true identity lies." lan, a Catholic. "We've had trouDeane, on a summer sojourn in bles all our lives ... but you conAtlanta along with II other teens. stantly try to' :keep it out of your from Northern Ireland, is a partic- mind.' If you start thinking about ipant in the Ulster Project, an . it; you get d.epressed. ':You can't look at a' person's ecumenical peace organization in- . SEASCAPE: Teens from the diocese of Charlotte, NC; serve as crew aboard the Shark 12 tended to promote tolerance and religion and stop," he said. "You and Koloa en route to the Bahamas. (CNS photo) friendship between Protestant and have to look at his character. It is . . . . Catholic youth. tlien that you see the work of Founded 20 years ago by an God." I. . . '. Anglican priest from Northern Ire-, James Uhler, a volunteer coun."The trip provides a good oppor-. land, the nonprofit Ulster Project ..selor' from Immaculate He,art of A.fter a quick rundown on sail- , BERRY IsLANDS, Bahamas ing procel;!ures, the teens take .the' tu:hity for[the teens] to get to know sends the teenagers to 25 Ameri- Mary" said he "learned that the (CNS) - It was nearly 2 in the wl,1eel out of the harbor, their ves- each o,ther and learn to work to- can cities. The idea is to bring . problem isn't as bad as we've heard. morning 'when Lizelle Res'tar'was , those destined to become thefuture Most of. the kids have a good awakened from a sound deckside sels dwarfed by the massive cruise ge'ther:" said Msgr. Allen;, .The few who boarded with the. leaders of Northern Ireland to- understanding of equality ... they've slumber. Rubbing the s~.It· spray liners that crowd Miami harbor. from her eyes, she rose to take her misconception that t~is was a get her in a strife-free atmosphere ,learned that bigger doesn't necesOver ~he past 15 years" Msgr. turn on the nightly'sailing watch. Alle.n has taken hun'dreds of teens pleasure cruise are quickly brought that emphasizes acceptance of all. sarily mean better, and different Following the captain's orders, she' on pilgrimagel' across tranqJlil waters to reality. T.here are no slackers people, regardless of politics or, :doesn't necessarily mean wrong." continued along the charted eourse: that changefrom blue to aquama-' . here; ev,efyone has .ajob. " : creed. , In the San' Antonio area. resiBut the work is not without its "We don't expect everything to' dents found that "it's not what we keeping the ship's wheel steady on rine in the blink oJ an eye. ,: .. ' .' a compass heading of 240. " ' "I think thi.s, is just a beautiful reWards. For days, th~ teen~ lazily.. happen at once,'.' explaint:d Jayne did for them,but what they'ye' done Miss Restar, a member otSacred : area ofth,e world that God hilS put. sail through the, harbor~ and cays Henderson: acou.nselor, fr.om' for 'us that's' a surprise," said Joe Heart parish in Salisbury, NC, is' ' together for us," he says. , of the ~krries :"'-Ianguisning in.its' Northern Ireland. "We've laid the FninCis, organi.zer of the, Ulster not a paid·crew member, but one It's the perfect place to reflect· beauty, delvi!1g intQ,it~ ,depths... ground-.york.'" Project-Arlington,' which hosted of 85 teens from the diocese of ' upon the, gifts of God, and daiJy' feasting on its treasures (;it.co~<;h Immaculate Hearl of M~ty eight Protes~ant and eight Ca~tholic Charlotte setting' sail on ·the high prayer services maintain themes, and snapper and forming friendChurch joineo the E'piscopal teenagers. "They unified our comappropriate .for conten;Jplati()n. ships tha/'may las'~: Ii lifeti'nje.' Churches of St. Bartholpinew and munity." . . seas as part. of. Msgr. Richard Allen's biennial Bahamas Sailing Then they return'h.ome - a bit St. Bedeand Clai'rm'ont Presbyter-' Accordingto Francis, "the yearUsingan audiotaped,program com- . Adventure. piled by, Father Fr,ank ,Cancr,o, '. wiser. inspired by the discoY.ery·of ian Church in sponsoring the first' long preparations for the visit "Sailing is harder than it looks," pastor of St. Eugene in Ashe,ville, their own self-reliance, a bit exUlster Project delegation in Geor- brought the different churches toshe admits. "All you've got is the gia. Eleyen 'different' Atlanta gether.1t even brought people not NC, the teens lose themselves in ha'usted ,from"'the days at sea and compass." thought. , racing for the shower. ' . churches housed the' Irish teens actively 'involved in the project The trip is the eighth for Msgr. ' Turn 'to .Page 15 . , from Omagh, a city in Northern Allen, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte. The journey begins at St. Ann's, where the crew-to-be WASHINGTON (CNS) - Even of informative or narrative writing. boaords Miami-bound buses. in this age of high technology, the But the students fell short in An overnight stay on classroom career-minded stilI need to master persuasive writing, with only about the basics of good writing, accord- one-sixth of the.high school seniors floors at Sacred Heart parish in ing to a Catholic school offical. New Smyrna Beach, Fla".and St. able to write well in this category. "Unless you can write memos Louis parish in Miami helps ready "This is a.serious problem," said that persuade,. it is difficult to Gue'rra, "because persuasive writthe teenagers for the days ahead aboard five Miami-based sailing move up from hamburger-flipper ing - proposing a thesis or course vessels - Sundancer, Shark 12, to team leader and beyond," said of action and presenting' the logic Shark 14, Miami Star and Koloa. Michael Guerra, executive direc- and evidence to:support it - is the A beachside faucet in Miami tor of the secondary school depart- sort of writing that is critically gave the teens their last opportun- ment of the National Catholic importan't in bu~iness; government ity for a fresh-water shower before Educational Association. and other work.'" ' setting sail for the Bahamas. Guerra was referring to the G'uerra believes that if student For the next week, a quick lat her National Assessment of Educa- . writing is" to. improve, 'teachers with dish detergent, followed by a tional Progress 1992 Writing Re- musrexpect more wJiting an~ grade dive into crystaf-clear Caribbean port Card, published this summer. it carefl!"Y,not', only in English water, will serve for bathing. The writing report card detailed class, but in history, 'science and As they sail the 120 miles from c how a sample of U.S. students in other subjects.:~ , Miami to the Berry Islands, the gradesfotir, eight and 12performed According to:Guerra, high techteens become masters of their own in informative, narrative. and per- . nology:cannot ,replace 'good writdestiny. Msgr. Allen is admiral of suasive writing. ing. "Even with the rise of computhe fleet; the teens transform into The study included both public ters and videos and fiberopiic data crews abroad their respective ships. and private school students and highways,writing remains central Teenagers perform every sailing found that those in Catholic or to communication in our offices, function, from raising the sails, other private schools had a "higher in our society and in our world," , I lowering the anchor, maintaining average writing proficieny" in all he said. ! the galley and preparing all ship- three grades than public school "The words on the data highway I board meals. Each sailboat has its students. The NCEA plans a more are usually someone's prose," he own licensed captain, serving most- detailed analysis of the compara- added. "When that's garbled or . Iy as adviser for the capable teen tive results in the coming months. tortured or ponderously unclear, crew. According to the results, most communication is poor, no matter ROUTE TO PEACE: Deane Moffit, a Protestant teenThe trip - which costs each 12th-graders can write at least a how advanced the technology." ager from Ulster, discovers roller blading during a stay in teen about $375 - is billed as a minimally developed story oressay, Atlanta. Moffit was among participants in a peace project that windjammer adventure. In some and an average of about half the Good Luck respects, it resembles an Outward s~niors were able to produce a brings Catholic and Protestant youths from Northern Ireland "The harder you work, the luckBound experience on the water. developed or fairly adequate piece ier you get."-Gary Player together in the United States. (CNS photo) year~old De/lile .Moffit c;1me home
Priest,' teens' set sail for adv.enture
Good writing deemed key in education
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By Charlie Martin
MKNTAL PICTURES I've been avoiding Things I'm missing Then you came into my life A brand new flower, baby A reminder Of what happiness is like 011I the other side Why can't I feel I'm saying my blind side Al1ld if a mental picture's AlII I got to go on For a while or more Girl you know I1lulways think of you Think of you Yes, if a mental picture's All I got to go on, I Il.OOW you're A picture to remember Time was of the essence And as usual The day turns into minutes Sharing love and tenderness That's the nerve YOil struck in me That sent a signal To the other side Girl I don't know I'm saying my blind side Tllke me to the other side Why can't I feel Out of my blind side Written by Jon Secllda/Miguel A. Morejon. Sung by Jon Secada (c) 1994 by SBK Records WHILE LOOKING up Jon on." Probably, we can all idenSecada's chart hit "'If I Go" on tifywith such a situation. Whethhis" Heart, Soul, and a Voice" er it be in a relationship or some disc, I noticed another cut enother aspect of life, sometimes o!Jr everyday experience does titled "Mental Pictures." I like the song because of how it not yet possess all the forms of encourages us to form mental happiness that we want. This mental picture is his images of what we want in life. The guy in the song says "a memory of a romance. Apparmental picture's all I got to go ently, this relationship is not
ongoing. Yet, in his mind, he can still see all the sharing of love and tenderness, and he knows that such qualities are what he truly desires as part of his life. The song is h~lpful in suggesting that we form mental pictures of what we want, that is, if we understand how to go about it. If the glJy pictures only a certain woman., he may be in for lots of painful frustration. Perhaps this woman will never really love him, or maybe she has move.d on to other relationships. Consequently, the picture of what he wants, now deposited in his mind, is too limiting, and may be totally unavailable. Rather than focus on a particular person, this man can remember the goodness that flowed from the relationship, the moments of tender sharing, the feeling of close companionship, the sense of satisfaction from being in a meaningful relationship. Some might think that trying to focus on such qualities without putting a face on a person is impossible. How can you visualize experiencing happiness without seeing a particular person? But it is more helpful to know or imagine what such a relationship would bring into your life. You can also focus on the symbols of what you want in your life. For instance', if you truly desire a new car, you can see in your mind a set of keys and begin to imagine what it is like to drive your new vehicle, even before the car is sitting in your garage. As a pastoral counselor, I teach others to use more of the God-given power of the imagination. No matter what the goal, teens can use this gift of the mind to help create more of the happiness that they want in their lives. Comments are welcomed by Charlie Martin, RR 3, Box 182, Rockport, IN 47635.
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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Aug. 19, 1994
By Mick Conway Hangovers are among life's most unpleasant experiences. They are the direct result of drinking too much alcohol, a common mistake among people who don't think they have a drinking problem. Anyone who overdoses on booze should take a look at what drinking is really all about. Alcohol is a mood-altering, toxic chemical, and it can cause serious mental and physical repercussions. Those unfortunate people who have suffered through a hangover ought to recognize the error of their ways. But if they're alcoholics, don't bet on it. They'll find some excuse why they feel rotten. Alcoholics are good at finding excuses, and they'll blame their distress on bad liquor, bad mixes or bad food. Headache, upset stomach and other flu-like symptoms are the hallmarks of being hung over. The word hangover is quite descriptive, and it speaks to the issue of overindulgence rather well. The mental images of a hangover might include hanging over the side of a bed or chair while holding on for dear life as the room spins around, or suffering a pounding headache from drinking too much alcohol. When you feel as if a blowtorch is aimed at your brain, you know you've been drinking abusively. . In most jurisdictions it's against the law to be drinking if you're under 21 - no matter how careful a drinker you think you are. But when you are old enough to drink legally, you'll have to look at how you control it. Hangovers are a warning sign. Hangovers represent overdose. When the brain is saturated with too much alcohol it reacts adver-
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sely, telling you, "Knock it off! I can't take any more of this!" It's as though the brain is making a plea for mercy. Altering the body's chemistry by drinking alcohol is the perfect; setup for trouble. Alcohol is a I depressant, not a stimulant as it is f commonly thought. It depresses the central nervous system and tions from local businesses and others, raised $20,000. • If the experience of drinking tOO'I& much and suffering a hangover'; doesn't teach the drinker that al-, cohol is indeed a dangerou·s and~ illegal substance, further episodes;: are likely to occur. Some people~ are slow learners - adults as well ~' as teenagers.~· A teenage girl once told me that ;0. she had her first hangover as a:: senior in high school. She had~. been drinking large quantities of -, beer at a party, became sick to her) stomach and vomited. .: She spent hours in bed and,.! thinking that she would die, shej began to feel great shame in think-:! ing that her parents would know1 that she died of a hangover. That It sounds a little dramatic, but those iI. were her feelings. "I was so desperate," the girl' said, "that I started cutting deals' with the Lord, asking 'If you will -'; just let me live, I promise I'll never do it again.' " Teenagers are usually astute learners. In the classroom they can intellectualize the dangers of sub- . stance abuse because that message has been a part of the school curriculum for many years. But directly experiencing the effects of alcohol abuse is another matter. Hangovers are the first price one pays for assuming that drinking alcohol is no big deal.
Ulster- teens
THE CATHOLIC ASSOCIA nON of Foresters has awarded scholarships to 14 Massachusetts and Connecticut students entering college in September. (From left) Ronald R. Michaud, scholarship chairman, and Janet King, High Chief Ranger, presented awards to recipients including Paula Sendrowski of Dudley, Peter D. Fernandes Jr. of West Wareham and Kenneth F. Oliveira of New Bedford.
Continued from Page 14 together." Eleven Protestant and five Catholic churches joined forces and, with additional contributions from local businesses and others, raised $20,000. Along with their other activities, the Texas group visited New Braunfels, where several priests from San Antonio, including some Ulster natives, joined them for a typical Texan feast. In San Antonio, the visitors toured the Alamo and took a riverboat ride, complete with mariachis ,and souvenir gift bags to take home. In Atlanta, in addition to serious discussions and visits to tourist sites, the Ulster delegation helped at a family shelter and a soup kitchen. "It actually gave me a buzz to help those who were less fortunate," Deane Moffit said. The group returned home at the end of July. but the Ulster Project remains an ongoing effort. The Irish visitors "really seemed to get
something out of it," said Ed Tierney, Ulster Project-Atlanta president. "When they boarded the plane, the tears in their eyes said it all."
Prayer permitted WASHINGTON (CNS) - Revisiting a debate that has troubled both Congress and courts in recent years, the U.S. Senate recently voted 93 to 7 to penalize public schools that violate judicial rulings allowing constitutionally permissible prayer. The vote, on a measure sponsored by Sen. Nancy Kassebaum, R-Kan., would deny federal Department of Education funds to states or school districts that willfully reject a court order to permit prayer -- to the extent that it is allowable. Also, the Senate turned down a proposal to allocate $30 million for a program to allow public school students in violence-plagued schools to instead attend another school, whether public or private.
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Iteering pOint, PUBLICITY CHAIRMEN are asked 10 submit news lIems for this colum'n to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, 02722. Name of city or town should be Included, as well as full dates of all activIties. Please send news of future rather than past events. Due to limited space and also because notices of strictly parish affairs normally appear In a parish's own bulletIn, we are forced to IImll Items to events of general Interest. Also, we do not normally carry notices of fundralslng activities, which may be advertised at our reguhir rates, obtain· able from The Anchor business office, telephone (508) 675·7151. On Steering Points Items, FR Indicates Fall River; NB Indicates New Bedford.
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMIN ARS The English Prayer Group of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, New Bedford, will offer weekly Life in the Spirit Seminars for Catholics age 18 or older 7 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 13. Sessions will be conducted in English in the basement hall of Mt. Carmel Church.: Information: Father Jose Sousa, 993-4704.
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Series of foilr monthly classes presented by Couple to Couple League will begin 2, to 4 p. m. Sept. II, St. Mary's parish center Mansfield. To preregister, cont~ct Jon and Maureen Howey; 339-4730. SEPARATED/DIVORCED CATHOLICS, NB Support group meeting 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 22, Family Life Center, N. Dartmouth; open discussio'n.
Y'oufhs'told"'the'y' 'c'ari< ta,me "I.·oDs" of teeD sex
WASHINGTON (CNS) - A speaker at a recent youth evangelism conference in Washingtion used the metaphor of Daniel in the lion's den in teHing his young audience of thousands to resist the temptation to be sexually active. Because Daniel would not defile himself, motivational speaker Josh McDowell said, he was thrown into the lion's den. Today, "there are going to be a lot of lions to devour" teenagers who become sexually active, he asserted. , One such lion, he said, is, "Everybody's doing it." "If a guy says everybody is doing it, then say, 'Then it shouldn't be too hard to find someone else.'" McDowell told them of an ABC "Prime Time Live" report on teen sexuality. Quoting from its transcript, he said, "Everyone of the girls that we talked to confided in us they wished they had said no." Although Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders was the target of several cutting remarks later in his talk, McDowell credited her for saying, "We need to find another way for young African-American men to express their manhood" than with sex. "Do you have the intellectual,' emotional and spiritual capacity to do what is right?" McDowell asked the crowd. "That's the difference between a man and a boy." Another lion that teens should be on the lookout for is, "Look at what you're missing out on," McDowell said, adding that teens should make righteous decisions, "If you make a righteous decision, you usually don't see the fruit for many years to come," he said. "If you make a wrong decision, you usually see the fruits of it almost immediately."
CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES, CAPE COD The following support groups are offered at the Catholic Social Services office, 261 Sout\:! St., Hyannis: In Memory Still, for persons who SALVE REGINA UNIVEllSITY have lost a loved one through suiBoston Alumni Chapter invites cide, will meet 7 to 8:30 p.m. first alumni and friends to brunch with Tuesdays beginning Sept. 6; support the university's new president, Sister group for parents and families of . Therese Antone, II a. m, Sept. 18 at lesbians and gays meets 7 to 8:30 the Boston Marriott Long Wharf p.m. second Tuesdays. Information: Hotel. Reservation deadlint> Sept. 7. 7716771. Information: alumni office, (401) SEPARATED/DIVORCED 847-6650 ext. 2346. CATHOLICS, CAPE COD JOANNA FISH, a singer, Monthly support group meeting ST. STEPHEN, ATTLEBORO Parish picnic I p.m. Sunday, has been cancelled for August. The composer and guitarist from Dodgeville field, To join the parish next meeting will be Sept. 18 at St. Davisville, RI, will perform in prayer line or add an intention to be Pius X parish life center, S. Yarthe LaSalette Shrine, Attlemouth. prayed for, contact Claire Tetreault, 226-4716, or Terry Gousie, 222-5497, RETROUV AILLE boro, Summer Concerts Serafter 5 p,m, Catholic program to ht>lp heal and ies ,at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow. renew troubled marriages will be The founder of the "Mystical, held Sept. 23-25. Sessions presented Rose Ministry" to spread deby married couples and a priest are designed for marriages which have votion to the rosary, she will . become unloving or uncaring, in present the mysteries of the which there is little meaningful comrosary in musical format, with munication and in which partners feel disappointment or even despair. audience participation. InforE:ach presentation focuses on a spemation: 222-5410. cific aspect of a marital relationship; time for personal reflection and private discussion between spouses follows. Information: Phil and Diane African-American saint.? Caruso, 429-6293. or Diocesan Office NEW ORLEANS (CNS) - A of Family Ministry, 999-6420. Inquir- Benedictine priest from St. Meinies are held in strict confidence. rad Abbey in Indiana has been chosen by the Sisters of the Holy Family to write the biography of their foundress, whose canonizaWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. tion cause was accepted in 1988 by. & (CNS) - The Jesuits plan to cut the Vatican. Father Cyprian Davis Over 35 Years back their presence in Florida, has begun work on the biography of Satisfied Service of Mother Henriette Delille, born , where over 400 years ago they provided one of the area's early Reg. Master Plumber 7023 in 1812, who founded the New Christian evangelizers and martyrs, Orleans-based order in 1842, If her JOSEPH RAPOSA, JR. Jesuit Father Edward Arroyo, cause advances, she could become 432 JEFFERSON STREET head of the order's New Orleans the first African-American saint. Fall River 675-7496 province, said he foresees a more Father Davis teaches at Xavier compact Jesuit presence in FlorUniversity's Institute for Black ida as members age, despite new Catholic Studies in New Orleans vocations and an increase in noviduring the summer. He also wrote ces within the order. a history of black U.S. Catholics The New Orleans province inthat was published in 1990. . eludes 322 Jesuit priests, brothers to and scholastics in Florida and nine other states. "We will be downsizing," FaCHICAGO (CNS) - As the ther Arroyo confirmed recently. on'ly priest at St. Adalbert parish FOR CANCER VICTiMS AND THEIR LOVED ONES "it's very clear that we cannot condraws 1,000 in Chicago, which Every Thursday • 9:30 A.M. tinue' with the commitinents we people for Masses each Sunday, have now. We need to develop our Father James Kaczorowski knows LOUIS CHuRCH collaboration with the laity and all about the priest shortage, But 420 Bradford Avenue • Fall River the local churches to develop their there is no ministry shortage. gifts in the church." Father Kaczorowski is aided by a The Jesuits, the world's largest solid core of60 lay volunteers who order of priests and brothers, go handle baptismal and wedding prepback a long time in Florida. arations, religious education and In 1566, Spanish Jesuit Father youth ministry, visit the sick and Pedro Martinez set foot on the elderly, coordinate the liturgy and even meet with police and city 'peninsula's east coast with the in• Prompt 24 Hour Service • Auton'latic Deliveries tention of working among the Inofficials to improve the neighbor• Call In Deliveries • Budget Terms Available dians. hood. St. Adalbert is coping well • Free EstImates The 33-year-old priest, reportwith the priest shortage despite a edly with "crucifix in hand," walked tight budget. Father Kaczorowski You Never Had Service south and was c1ubbed'to death by has one full-time pastoral as'soUntil You Tried Charlie's Timuquan Indians On Fort George ciate whose salary is partly paid by Island in what is now northeastern grants from better-off parishes. We're located at . .. Florida. He thus apparently became ..... .......... .,;-...; 46 Oak Grove Ave., Fall River the first Jesuit martyr of the Ameroreall . .. icas. ' GOD'S ANCHOR HOlDS Some 320 years later, in 1889, 508-675-!426 • 674-0709 , Bishop John Moore of St. Augustine asked the Jesuits to assume ------
Two 13-year-olds from Philadelphia said peer pressun: to have sex won't work on them . "Personally, I don't care what my friends think. I'm my own person and want to do what I believe in," said Roseanne Bauer of Assumption parish. "it helps to see there's a'iot of virgins out there," said Jennifer Dalton ofSt. Anselm parish. "The TV and media have you believe everyone is having sex."
Jesuits "downsizing" in Florida
Montie Plumbing, Heating Co.
FRANOSCAN FRIARS MASS AND DEVOTIONS' ST., PERECRINE
A third lion, McDowell said, proclaims, "Safe sex! Wc:ar a condom!Be responsible'" . "You realize t~ey don't call it 'safe sex' anymore. They call it 'safer sex,'" McDowell said. "You want to have safe sex? Po condom would have to look like a frogman's wet suit." McDowell also tamed the fourth lion which boasts, "Y ou need experience. Nobody wants to marry a virgin." "You go into a marriage knowing only a little about sex and a lot about building a relatior.,ship," he said, "and let me tell you, the sex will take care of itself." McDowell's talk preceded a rally on the Mall at which more than 200,000 signed "True LO'/e Waits" cards pledging chastity until marriage were planted. "it feels great. I'm not alone," said Kevin Sullivan, 16, from St. Albert the Great parish in Philadelphia and one of an estimated 20,000 teens on hand. "Help us to love as Jesus loved. Give us the strength to be chaste and free," said 'Father Leonard Wenke, director of the WaHhingtonbased National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, in one' of the opening prayers.
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spiritual care for south Florida. Six Jesuits served 70 mis!,ion stations in'that era. Approximately 50 Jesu,its now serve in south Florida ali parish priests, campus ministers, :hospital chaplains and teachers. Jesuit priests also assist Haitian refugees in Miami, and Jesuit Father John Edwards directs the Catholic Charities-sponsored Emmaus Residerice for Persons Livi,ng with AIDS in West Palm Beach. The Jesuits do not lack recruits: 10 novices this year, and 14 last year. Founded in 1540, the Jesuits became kriown as "the pope's men" because of a special Jesuit vow of obedience pledging their availability for mission service. Th,: order currently has about 24,000 members worldwide.
Religion requiired TBILlSI, Georgia(CNSl- The Black Sea state of Georgia has become the first former Soviet republic in the post-commu(list era to require religious education in state schools. Under an agreement between Education Minister Konstantin Gabashvili and Patriarch Elias, II, head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, students will be required to take a "religious and cultural course." The Educa~ion Ministry said students belonglllg to non-Orthodox religions, including Georgia's small Catholic community, would have th,: right to organize religious teaching based on their faiths, Catholics are about I percent of the population,