09.05.97

t eanc 0 VOL. 41, NO. 34 •

Friday, September S, 1997

FALL RIVER, MASS.

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"They that go, down to the sea in ships, doing business in the great waters; these have seen the works ofthe Lord and His wonders in the deep." - Ps 106:23-24 HMS Bounty - home port Fall River, Massachusetts

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THE ANCHOR ~ Dioce~e of Fal~ River -:- F~i., ~:pt. 5, 12.~7._

Sister Henri Joseph, SSJ Sister Henri Joseph, SSJ, 98, died Aug. 29 in Hoiyoke. A native of St. Flavien, Canada, and the daughter of the late Joseph and Delvina (Savigny) Bedard, she entered the congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1915 and was in her 82nd year of religious life at the time of her death.

During her active years she served at convents in Fall River, New Bedford and Vinton, LA. She also served as a nurse's aide in France. She retired in 1966 and in 1992 entered. her community's health care center. She is survived by nephews and nieces.

Interment was in Springfield.

Internet chat leads to U.S. care for sick Chinese baby,

By JOSEPH CATENA DOVER, N.J. (CNS) - Surfing the Internet one June evening may have turned Gloria Weichand into a life saver.

Weichand, a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Dover, came across a plea from a man in China for medical help for his infant son.

Before the summer was out, Weichand was able to make arrangements to bring the Chinese family to New Jersey, where a local hospital was prepared to do the surgery without cost to the family.

After months of Weichand's work, the infant underwent emergency surgery in Dover Aug. 29 and was expected toremain hospitalized for several. weeks before returning "to China.

Haikou Wang had written to a chat room focusing on adults with congenital heart disease looking for a way to help his I-year-old son, Yineng, who had been diagnosed with six serious heart abnormalities.

Beijing's leading heart hospital was unable to operate, Wang was told, because of inadequate resources. A doctor at Children's Hospital in Boston was willing to perform the surgery, Wang's Internet message said, but the cost of more than $25,000 was well beyond his means. As an ~sociate professor at the NanjingAgricultural University, his income is about $70 a month.

Weichand periodically logged onto the Cachnet Heart Patient Care Center line because her 20-year-old son Bill has congenital heart disease. Seeing Wang's message struck a chord.

"I said I would like to help him," she said.

"Every baby deserves a chance," Weichand said. "And no baby, or child for that matter, should have to suffer."

So from her New Jersey home, Weichand contacted 15 U.S. hospitals, only to find the costs prohibitive and no hospital willing to undertake the surgery as a charity case. She turned to the press, approaching New York-area newspapers and television stations, before getting a call back from the New York CBS news affiliate.

"We were getting desperate because the baby was getting worse and was on oxygen," she said.

Not long after word got out that the CBS affiliate was working on a story, administrators at Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, N.J., had a change of heart and agreed to perform the surgery without charge to the Wang family.

By that time, Newark's Beth Israel Hospital also offered to treat Yineng for free.

Ultimately, peborah Heart and Lung Center agreed to cover even the expenses for both.Wang and his wife, Li Min, to stay at the hospital while their son was there.

Weichand persuaded Air China to donate round-trip tickets for the family. Even long-distance provider Sprint kicked in two hours of free calls to China to allow Weichand to make arrangements for the trip with Wang.

"They have no expenses wh~t颅 soever," Weichand said.

On Aug. 22, Weichand and her husband, Ralph, met the Wangs at Kennedy Airport in New York. Two days later, the Sacred Heart community welcomed the family during the 7 p.m. Mass.

After the Aug. 29 surgery, doctors said Yineng would probably be hospitalized for about two weeks.

The Wangs were expected to stay with Weichand and her family for about a month until it is safe for the recovering baby to travel.

Salve Regina University appoints new alumni affairs director NEWPORT-Carolyn Fuchs of Middletown has been named Director of Alumni and Parent Affairs at Salve Regina University.

Since joining the Alumni and Parent Affairs Office in 1995, Ms. Fuchs has steadily earned increased responsibilities in office management, most recently as assistant director. As director, Ms. Fuchs will oversee the activities of reunion weekend, family weekend, and homecoming events at the University. In addition, she wili

work to expand' the geographic chapter activities of Salve Regina's 13,000 alumni and supervise the activities of the school's chapter of the Student Alumni Association.

Prior to graduating from Salve Regina in 1995, Ms. Fuchs served as a student intern in the Alumni and Parent Affairs Office for four years. She is the daughter of Suzanne Philippon of Pottstown, PA., and the granddaughter of ~aoul Philippon o( Brunswick, ME.'路"

'World -mourns -'~Princess:of the peoplf~" CALCUTTA, India (CNS) Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity offyred their condolences over the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, remembering Diana's and the nuns' mutual concern for the poor.

"I am very sorry. All the sisters and I are praying for her and her family to know God's peace and comfort in this moment," Mother Teresa said during an impromptu press conference Aug. 31.

"She had come to my house, and I had been to hers (Kensington Palace in 1996)," said a sad-looking Mother Teresa at her motherhouse. in Calcutta.

The Nobel laureate nun spoke of the 36-year-old princess having great love for the poor and wanting to know more about them and the handicapped, reported. UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand.

"I remember her as full of compassion for the poor and disabled," she said.

Mother Teresa's close associate, Sunita Kumar, who spoke for the order, told UCA News that the 87year-old nun was "shocked to know . that the princess died after a tragic car accident" in Paris Aug. 31.

Pope expresses sympathy

Entering a tunnel near the city center at high velocity, it hit a pylon and ricocheted off a tunnel wall.

An autopsy revealed that the driver had a blood alcohol level three times the French legal limit. French authorities were still investigating the relationship between the photographers' pursuit and the crash.

In Britain, France and elsewhere, the incident sparked immediate criticism of paparazzi, who supply publications with celebrity photos, sometimes to the detriment of their subjects' privacy.

Diana was one of the world's most photographed women, often using her star quality to attract attention to issues of importance to her.

But ever since the early days of her engagement to Prince Charles, she repeatedly complained about the tenacity of some members of the press in search ofcandid and revealing images and facts about her private life.

Cardinal Ersilio Tonini of Ravenna, Italy, was quoted Sept. 1 in the Rome daily newspaper II Messagger.o as s~ying the press had "chased (Diana) ferociously, like dogs chase their prey." The cardinal added that her death was "one of the worst aspects-of our time."

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Princess of the people

her death.

Prayers were said at Masses across the country as people heard news of the Paris accident that took Diana's life.

News of her death was broken to her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, by their father, Prince Charles, who was divorced from the princess in 1996.

As tributes to her poured in from world leaders, including U.S. President Bill Clinton and South African President Nelson Mandela, people remembered her pioneering support for people with AIDS and her more recent work for a worldwide ban on anti-personnel land mines.

On his way to Mass with :~is family in the northeast of England, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said he was "utterly devastated'" at the news. Blair, a practicing member of the Church of England, regularly attends Mass with his wife and children, who are Catholic.

"How difficult things werdor her we can only guess at," he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

"People, however, kept faith with Princess Diana. They liked bel', they' loved her. They regarded her as one of the people. She was the people's princess. That is how she will stay, how she will remain in our hearts, and in our memories foreveJ."

Catholics across Britain joined VATICAN CITY-Pope. John Paul II also sent a message of sym- the re~t of the nation in mourning pathy to Britain's royal family.

In a Sept. 1 telegram, the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, said Pope John Paul was "deeply saddened" at the news of Diana's death the previous day, and "has offered prayers commending her to our Heavenly Father's eternal love."

Cardinal Sodano asked Cardinal George Basil Hume. of Westminster to convey the pope's "heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, assuring her that he shares the sorrow of the British people."

Cardinal Hume told Vatican Radio in an interview Aug. 31, the day of Diana's death, what reaction he expected of Britons.

"Once the shock is absorbed, then you begin to feel sad that somebody young and somebody who had such . a place in the life of the nation should be taken from us in this way," Car-' dinal Hume said. "This is one of the great tragedies of our present day.

"She will be remembered with great gratitude by so many of those whom she endeavored to assist in so many ways."

Cardinal Hume had been bne of the religious leaders involved 'in the wedding of then-Lady Diana Spencer to Charles, Prince of Wales, in 1981 at St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral in London.

Since then, the cardinal had met her on many occasions, accompanying her on visits to Catholic charities such as the Passage Day Center, a project to aid London's street homeless, and in 1994 to the opening of a hostel run by the Depaul Trust for homeless young people.

Princess Diana was active in humanitarian causes such as caring for AIDS patients and lobbying for the el~mination 'of anti-personnel land mmes.

Diana's companion, Dodi al TERESA AND DIANA-Britain's Princess Diana holds Fayed, and a driver were killed in hands with Mother Teresa after the two met briefly at the the crash, which occurred late Aug. Missionaries of Charity home in the Bronx section of New 30; a bodygu;rrd survived, and the princess died several hours IateI':The York last June. The princess died from injuries sustained car had sped through Paris, chased in a car accident Labor Day weekend. Two others were by photographers on motorcycles. killed in the crash. (CNS/Reuters photo)

Congress delegates say lives have improved

By MARK PATTISON BALTIMORE (CNS) -- Delegates at the eighth National Black Catholic Congress, which met Aug. 28-31 in Baltimore, say that for the most part their life within the Catholic Church and American society is better now than when the congress last convened five years ago.

In an unscientific sampling of delegates, many attributed the improvement to a richer personal spirituality as well as a deeper involvement in church matters, especially at the parish level.

Some acknowledged there was still much ground to cover in terms of racism within society and church structures that seem to minimize the importance of individual faith.

"The congress five years ago was an example of empowerment," said delegate James A. Callicott Sr. from

the Diocese of Memphis, Tenn. "It has given me a sense of connectivity."

Callicott added that through his experience with the congress, he knows now that "there is a God who believes in a right order."

Fixing society's ills has not worked as well as it could, he said. "But there's a saying that it is darkest before the dawn," Callicott added. 'The congress gives you a vision of that dawn."

"If you participate," said delegate Andrea Johnson from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, "you know what your role's going to be a'i an African-American Catholic. You have to be where the action is to know what the action is.

"We've got a long way to go, but we know where we're going," said Johnson, adding she feels better "spiritually as well as mentally" compared to five years ago.

Eric Bundy of the Archdiocese of

Baltimore still goes to the parish church where he grew up. "I go to church regularly every Sunday," he said. "Just having the church is spiritually uplifting."

Bundy credited the leadership in the church and his family for "having helped make me a better person."

Dawn Gravesande-Hewitt of the Diocese ofAlbany, N.Y., converted to Catholicism three years ago and was confirmed in the faith June I. "I have seen a whole difference," she said.

Her friend, Janice Bibb-Jones, said she senses "mon;: of a self-assurance and a self-identity. I'm more secure in being an African-American in mainstream society a<; well as in a mainstream religion such as Catholicism."

Father Nicholas Nilema, a Tanzanian now doing ministry in the Archdiocese ofPortland, Ore., preferred not to talk about himself, but about those

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Sept. 5, 1997 to whom he ministered.

"We work with individual families.

From that we have seen a lot of changes,~' Father Nilema said, "People here really long for something, for their roots, their culture, which is concrete," he added. "Our young people, they really have no

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place to attach themselves," Cynthia Morris, a delegate from the Archdiocese of Washi ngton and a convert for the la<;t 10 years, said her faith is buttressed by "having the good fortune of belonging to a very powerful parish, a very socially conscious parish, so that's a blessing,"

Teachers return to school facing challenges WASHINGTON (CNS)-Catholic educators around the country were beginning the school year amid new developments and challenges, along with a 50-year-old reminder of the importance of Catholic values to U.S. society.

The SI. Louis Archdiocese currently is marking the 50th anniversary of Catholic school desegregation there, seven years before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that "separate but equal" school policies throughout the country were unconstitutional.

In the Cleveland Diocese, the first Catholic school initiated by parents and unaffiliated with any religious organization opened Aug. 26.

And though U.S. public schools still enjoy strong public support, a new national survey shows that increasing numbers of Americans approve government financial support or vouchers for students wanting to attend Catholic and other private schools.

In addition, catechists who gathered in Chicago and Springfield, Mass., looked ahead to the challenges of a new millennium, while other religious educators are exploring new catechetical tools.

Father William Bamaby Faherty, a Jesuit historian, recalled that it seemed to be an unspoken aspect of the late Cardinal John E. Ritter's assignment to SI. Louis that he would address racial inequality.

"It was the whole area of racial justice - not just integration of schools - but the whole question of integration of parishes, of treating our black Catholics as fellow full Catholics and black citizens as fellow full citizens," Father Faherty said.

In Cleveland, Bishop Anthony M. Pilla blessed the new Seton School in suburban Hudson before classes began for more than 80 students registered in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Dominican Sister Marie Damicone, the principal, said that Seton parents, who worked long hours with teachers to get the school ready, can be proud of their accomplishments. "There is a spirit here, a tremendous dedication," she said.

Results of the 29th annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the public's attitudes toward public 11111111111111111111111111111

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schools were released Aug. 26 by the professional society of educators in Bloomington, Ind. In a random phone poll, 1,517 adults, including 1,017 parents of public school children, were interviewed.

Forty-four percent ofthem favored - while 52 percent opposed - "allowing students and parents to choose a private school to attend at public expense."

When the words "government expense" replaced "public expense" in a parallel question, the public divided equally, with 48 percent in favor and 48 percent opposed.

This support has been growing since 1993, when only 24 percent of Americans questioned' in the same poll said they were in favor.

The survey also showed broad support for reforming the existing public school system and for President Clinton's education proposals on taxcredits, computers in classrooms, and national testing standards.

Meanwhile, catechists found inspiration for the millennium at two regional meetings.

"When the jubilee comes, it's time for - as our Holy Father says - 'a renewed appreciation for the Spirit,''' said Maria Harris, who addressed 700 religious educators at t~e second annual Chicago Catechetical Conference. The meeting was sponsored by the archdiocesan Offic~ for Religious Education.

Harris, an author,lecturer and consultant in New York, said the jubilee is a time to examine the challenges of ministry unique to the ~nd of the 20th century.

Among trends in catechesis discussed in Chicago is an increasing interest in family-based religious education, said Marilyn Kl1lwczyk, director of religious education at Holy Cross Parish in Deerfield, where students attend classes with their parents.

"This is the wave of the future," she said. "We need to have flexibility in approaches to honor the variety of family lifestyles."

In Massachusetts, about 300 diocesan and parish religious education directors met for the ninth biennial New England Convocation for Catechetical Leadership.

The conference wa~ co-sponsored by the New England Conference of Diocesan Directors of Religious Education and the National Association for Parish CoordinatotslDirectors of Religious Education.

Jesuit Father Mark Link, author of numerous religious education publications, said in a keynote speech that catechists in the third millennium "will have to be Christians by personal

conviction."

"The second millennium Christians were Christians by culture, cradle Christians," he said "This will change radically in the third millennium," when "Jesus will have to become an intimate savior ... the hope of our future," Father Link, a high school and seminary teacher in the Chicago Archdiocese, characterized the coming millennium as a time of change. New models of leadershi p are emerging, he said, "calling us to be healers, peacemakers, companions, colleagues with Jesus - - servant-leaders in a world filled with egos and tyrants," According to another recent national survey - on use of the Internet and other communication technologies - few Catholic educators look to the Internet as a resource for religious education because of their own inexperience and the cost of the technology.

More than 2,000 Catholic school principals, directors of religious education, parishioners and media were interviewed by the University of Dayton for the ACTA (Adult Catechetical Teaching Aids) Foundation, based in Chicago.

"What this survey tells us is that if the new media exist within the home environment, they have become part of the fabric of life," said Sister AngelaAnn Zukowski, director of the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of Dayton.

"Why not find creative communication technology programming for areas of religious education?" she asked.

To increase use of new technologies in religious education, researchers suggested teacher training programs, a national "think tank" to brainstorm new applications, and publicizing applications already being used effectively by Catholic dioceses.

Back in Chicago, a catechetical consultant atth(: archdiocese's Office for Religious Education just finished his first book, "Tools for Teaching: Classroom Tips for Catechists," Joe Paprocki, a former religion teacher at Quigley South Preparatory Seminary and a director of religious education at SI. Mary of the Assumption Parish, said it was important the book be laid out like a home improvement book.

"A friend of mine who is a computer nut said that this book is a lot like the 'teaching for dummies' series of computer books out there," he said.

"I don't mean to suggest that catechists are dummies, but it is laid out to help supplement their formal training,"

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THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Sept. 5, 1997 ",-_ _

the living word

r·

themoorin~ A Summer Assessment .With Labor Day, the official summer season comes to an end, but residents of Southeastern Massachusetts know well that the months of September and October are our second summer and one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. Many tourists feel that now is the best time to visit our beaches and islands.

Nevertheless, the cycle of human events reflected in students' return to schools and universities brings finality to vacation time for most people. Reports clearly indicate that this July and August were perhaps the best tourist months in decades. The combination of weather and dollars made the period bountiful for the thousands who depend on the vacation season for most of their income.

Tremendous numbers, including the First Family, .flocked to our area. In many ways, in fact, the focus of the nation has zoomed in on this wondrous area that is ours. But longstanding areas of concern should be addressed, chief among them being our transportation dilemmas. The Cape Cod bridges and their access roads have been under study for years, with automobile backups occurring every weekend as cars, campers and trucks make our rotaries massive merry-go-rounds. Studies, plans and projects of the Commonwealth designed to alleviate the situation have failed to make any perceptible headway.

Meanwhile, our airports are a laughingstock. Projects designed to expand runways and improve facilities have been all but abandoned. For example, the New Bedford airport update, a natural national connector to the Cape and Islands, is at a standstill. The excessive zeal of conservationists and political machinations have combined to thwart practical solutions that would lead to an expanded job market on Cape Cod. The underused Otis Air Force Base, where a domestic airport could easily exist side by side with a military facility has simply languished. Ideas are plentiful; action is minimal.

But the real millstone impeding progress on the Cape is the tired Steamship Authority. Constricted by narrowmindedness, it breeds nothing but confusion, confinement and ceaseless complaint. It cannot meet public demands, let alone expectations; it refuses to broaden its outreach to embrace new concepts and it is reaching the limit of its transportation capabilities. Cape Cod roads were never meant for 18-wheelers! Its Hyannis facility has limited possibilities for expansion; and more wharf parking lots and a shuttle bus service do not answer the needs of frustrated visitors.

In short, the Steamship Authority needs a transfusion if it's to remain viable. All indications are that the population of Cape Cod and the Islands will continue to grow. Services must be expanded to meet the challenges that will arise in the next five years. New ships and, above all, new port facilities are essential. Container cargo and auto transport ferries are needed. The commercial transport facilities of a New Bedford pier are crucially needed by the Authority. The combined power of the Commonwealth and its people should be employed to facilitate .the resolution of the Authority's uncompromising position.

For both public safety and for the need as development efforts expand, every attempt should be made to solve our transportation difficulties. We will not be able to function on land, sea and air in the third millennium if we retain a 19th-century mind-set.

The Editor

theancho~

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

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EDITOR

GENERAL MANAGER

Rev. John F. Moore

Rosemary Dussault ~

LlARY P'AESS - FALL AlVIA

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FATHER JEREMIAH O'SHEA (LEFT) HELPS A WORKER UNLOAD WALKING AIDS AT A PITTSBURGH WAREHOUSE. THE PRIEST ASKED HIS PARISHIONERS AT ST. WINIFRED CHURCH IN MOUNT LEBANON, PA., TO COLLECT THE CRUTCHES FOR THE NEEDY IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES AFTER HE HAD EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY GETTING AROUND FOLLOWING FOOT SURGERY.

"I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk in his narJrle, says the Lord!' Zec. 10:12

-Get in tune with youth or die, speaker· S~lYS By

MARK PATTISON

BALTIMORE (CNS) - If Catholics want to get young people back in church, they had better understand youth culture or they will watch their church wither and die, said a youth minister from the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, Texas.

"If you don't know the music of Tupac Shakur, the Notorious B.I.G. and Lil' Kim, you don't know youth culture," Brian Johnson said in an Aug. 29 keynote address to the eighth National Black Catholic Congress, meeting in Baltimore. He quickly added the cable television channels Black Entertainment Television, VH 1 and MTV to that list.

"If you don't know the music, then how can you sit down and discuss it?" asked Johnson, 32. That list even includes new gospel music stars like Kirk Franklin who use hip-hop music arrangements to· praise the Lord.

"If you want to know why they don't come to Mass at St. Francis but you see some of them going into Mount Moriah Baptist Church, then you don't know youth culture," said Johnson, associate director of the Galveston-Houston Diocese's .Office of Youth Ministry.

When young people ask why Catholics do what they do in church and "your only answer is, 'It's tradition,' you've lost the youth culture," Johnson said.

"Young people know what the church is against. But do they know what it is for?"

Johnson admonished congress delegates not to just tell about their faith, but to "show it, and live it, and

... be it."

Young people want to see Jesus in their lives "right now," Johnson said. "If the church fails to attract young people, they will look for alternative methods."

"If we don't open the doors now, there won't be another National Black Catholic Congress again ....

There won't be nothing but us in our strollers, our wheelchairs and our walkers because all the young people have gone."

"We must stop playing church and start being church," he said.

Norshould they have come to the congress looking for new programs to bring youths back to the church.

"Why look for something new when the old still has room for improvement," he asked, "when you haven't done anything (recommended by) the old congress back in 1992?"

Johnson tagged many churchgoers as different kinds of "bones"; the "knock bones," "the jaw bones," "the tail bones" and the "wish bones."

"Any time you want to do something with young people, the knock bones will knock it out the window," Johnson said.

The jaw bones, he added, will say "I'll do it, I'll do it." "But when it comes time to do something you don't '-'now where they've gone to."

The wish bones "wish somebody else will do it," Johnson said. And the tail bones "think they've got an assigned pew, and they sit on their tail bone and soak up all of God's blessing and don't know how to minister to anybody else." ~

Thank God, Johnson said, "for the 'back bones,' the ones who say, 'Nobody else will do it. I'll be there.' The church is in need of more back bones. And we all got a back bone."

Johnson also took the youths among the 3,000 delegates to task.

To young people who say, "'I don't get nothing out of church," J'Jhnson asked. "Well, what did you give?"

Young people's talents and gifts are wanted and desired in the church right now, he told them: "Why wait until you're 75, your teeth falling out, nose hair" wearing Depends undergarments, before you praise and serve the Lord?"

Johnson said Catholics will know whether theirs is a live chur,:h or a dead church.

"Live churches constantly changing while dead churches don't have to," he said. "Live churches l:ot lots of noisy kids. Dead churctles are fairly quiet.

"A liye church, their expenses always exceed their income. A dead church takes in more money than they ever dream of using. A live church is concerned with planning for the future. A dead church only worships their past," he continued.

"A live church focuses on people.

A dead church focuses 011 programs. Before you can have a program you've got to have a relationship with the people. You can't just have a bulletin announcement: 'Y'all come,''' Johnson said.

"Live churches evangelize," he said. "Dead churches fossiliZo~."

THE ANCHOR -

JOllrney to the millennium

By LISA M. GULINO DIOCESAN DIRECTOR OF ADULT EDUCATION

Certain moments in this journey which we call life resonate with a spirit of recollection as we stop for a while and travel down memory lane. For me, such an occasion was my brother's recent ordination to the priesthood. This joyful and holy event drew people from across the country and, more amazingly, from the distant past.

We rejoiced with many whom we hadn't seen in over I () or 20 years.

Friendships were rekindled and family bonds strengthened. In the midst of laughter we recalled silly moments, with tears we remembered those who had gone before us, and with a spirit of thanksgiving we reflected on the innumerable blessings given us by our God. The personal journey of an individual is not isolated from that of the whole of humanity. It is precisely for this reason that we, as members of God's family, are called to participate fully in the

Food drive honors Father Foister Today and tomorrow all Fall stations will accept donations of non-perishable food items to be given to food pantries for distribution to the needy.

The food collection, now in its second year, was initiated by the family of the late Father John R. Foister as a means of continuing his longtime service to lowincome families.

Father Foister was a diocesan priest for 37 years and for 28 of those years was also fire chaplain for Fall River, Somerset and Swansea. Family members said some 80 large boxes of foods were collected last year and it is hoped that even more will be donated this year.

R~ver fire

joyful and holy event of the Great Jubilee, the year 2000. Pope John Paul II in his letter Tertio Millennio Adveniente (On the Coming of the Third Millennium) states: "In the Church's history every jubilee is pA:epared for by Divine Providence. This is true also of the GreatJubileeoftheYear2000...We look with the eyes of faith to our own century, searching out what~ ever bears witness not only to man's history but also to God's intervention in human affairs."

He continues, "The Second Vatican Council points out with fresh vigor to the men and women of today that Jesus Christ is the 'Lamb of God who ~akes away the sin of the world' (In 1:29), the Redeemer of humanity and the Lord of history." The Council reaffirmed the universal call to holiness and stirred the laity to seek more profoundly after personal holiness and to contribute to the building up of the body of Christ, the Church.

This time of preparation for the millennium is much like our family reunions. We re~all the joys of our life, we remember the people who have helped form us into the persons we are today, and we reflect, with those we love, upon the meaning of life.

The focal point for the year 1997 is Jesus Christ. We remember that "Christ, the Redeemer of the world is the one who penetrated in a unique unrepeatable way into the mystery of man and· entered his 'heart.''' John Paul II reechoes the Council's proclamation that it is Jesus Christ who "fully reveals man ,to himselfand brings to light his most high calling."

In Christ, we diScover who we are and our great dignity as human persons. Jesus Christ becomes man that we may Share in the divine nature of Go~. As man, he suffers, dies and is raised again.

He ascends to Heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. Our

most high calling is to experience the joy, peace and fullness of life here and now as promised by Jesus to those who love him and to enter into eternity forever united with the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

With the eyes of faith, we see the Spirit leading each person to renew and deepen his or her commitment to Jesus Christ, the Lord of history and Savior of the world.

This grace-filled time is meant to be seized and acted upon.

Perhaps we can take time to study the Word of the Lord, to par-

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with roadmaps for our journey.

And when we cross the threshold of this life to the next, our heavenly reunion will be joyous as we enter the presence of God.

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Presenting Adult Religious Education classes which give you the opportunity to study the fundamentals of the Faith.

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The Fall Course offerings are as follows: Christian Living I, Christ the King, E. Sandwich Tuesdays: Sept. 30, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21 Each class meets for four weeks 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Overview of the Catholic Catechism, Sacred Heart, Taunton Wednesdays: Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22 Christian Living I, St. Thomas More, Somerset IIntroduction to Scriptures, St. Mary's NB Tuesdays: Sept. 30, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21 Thursdays: Oct.2, Oct. 9, Oct. 15, Oct. 22 Name

Address City

Class

,Location

Giant Slide

State

Zip

,$20.00 per class. Checks payable to Diocese of Fall River Lisa M. Gulino, 423 Highland Avenue, Fall River MA 02720

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Weekly General Audience Message

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Pope John Paul II Dear brothers and sister.s, In our catechesis on the Blessed Virgin Mar~ we are now looking at Mar~ as the model of the church's holiness. In Mar~, the church has a'read~ reached perfection, appearing "without spot or wrinkle" and having been made "hol~ and without blemish" (Eph 5:27J. But the individual followers of Christ are not sinless, and the~ must strive to increase in holiness by overcoming sin and evil. In this task they raise their eyes ~ to Mary, who shines forth as "the model of the virtues" ["Lumen Gentium," 65J. Mary is the model of faith for the church, she is the model of hope and of love. Through her motherhood and her association with Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and by, her maternal presence ,in the early church, she cooperated in tt,e work of our salvation, and she continues to sustain the Christian community and all believers in their generous commitment to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I om pleased to eKtend special greetings to the English- speol<ing pilgrims and visitors present at today's audience, e,specially those from England, Motta, Ugmda, Mol~sia, thePhilippines and the United States. Ma~ the 'grace and peace of our lord Jesus Christ be with you alwaysl ....... ,.' ..

ticipate in groups dedicated to learning the faith, or to prayerfully ponder the richness of our Catholic heritage.

Such undertakings provide us

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Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Sept. 5, 1997

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2425 Highland Avenue, Fall River MA

September t 3, t 9~7 - t t 8.m. to 4 p.m.

6

THE ANCHOR -

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Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Sept. 5, 1997

"ews Briefs Oregonians vote on assisted suicide

PORTLAND, Ore. (eNS) - As Oregonians prepare to vote on a proposed repeal of their law allowing physicianassisted suicide, they are facing a new round of discussion and debate on the meaning of their unique legislation. In a 1994 referendum voters narrowly approved the Oregon Death With Dignity Act, making it legal for doctors to provide lethal drugs to terminally ill patients who request them. This November they face a new referendum, Measure 51, which would repeal the 1994 law. In mid-August the Oregon Medical Association took a full-page advertisement in the state's largest newspaper urging citizens to vote yes on Measure 51.

Hog larming athreat WASHINGTON (CNS) - Corporate hog farming is being increasingly seen by Catholic Church leaders as a threat to the viability of U.S. rural life. Sandra A. LaBlanc, communications director for the National Catholic Rural Life Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, said the conference receives more calls from dioceses about the corporate hog farming issue than anything else. The biggest overall threat is the loss of a way of life that has sustained rural America for generations. Family farmers, trying to compete with the corporate farms, go into debt with bank loans. One mishap and they can lose their farm. That is less likely to happen in corporate farming, according to Christopher Dodson, executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference.

.Catholic schools led integration ST. LOUIS (CNS) - Fifty years ago this fall, the late Cardinal John E. Ritter changed the path of Catholic education in the St. Louis Archdiocese by integrating the schools. Seven years before the Supreme Court ruled that the "separate but equal" school policies then in place in much of the country were unconstitutional, many people in St. Louis were shaken by then-Archbishop Ritter's. directive that all archdiocesan schools should b.e open to any child who met the scholastic requirements. What started as a quiet effort in a confidential memo from the archdiocesan chancellor, Auxiliary Bishop John P. Cody, became the subject of daily newspaper headlines and nearly led to civil court, as a group of white parents fought the integration efforts.

Kenyan bishops plead lor peace NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) ~ Kenya's bishops appealed to the public to help quell ethnic violence and promote political reform in the troubled African country after several weeks of protests and mob attacks. "We, the Catholic bishops, are together with you in these very critical days when we all sense that something very wrong is happening in Kenya," they said in an Aug. 27 statement. "It is not only for religious leaders to hear the cries of the poor, the homeless, the hungry, the victims of violence and injustice;' the statement said. "All Kenyans must speak out the truth to those in power, without violence but with courage."

Sierra Leone archbishop appeals lor aid OTTAWA (CNS) - An archbishop from strife-torn Sierra Leone said help is needed to rebuild schools, hospitals and churches destroyed or looted during the nation's six-year civil war. But Archbishop Joseph H. Ganda of Freetown and Bo, Sierra Leone, said Aug. 25 during a visit to Canada that little reconstruction work can be done until the current embargo against the West African country is lifted. The embargo was imposed by West African nations, led by Nigeria, after mutinous soldiers ousted the democratically elected government of President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah in a coup May 25. Kabbah, elected in February 1996, has been living in exile in Guinea since then.

Church works to rebuild a neighborhood This summer the National Civic League named the Bronx one of the top 10 All-America Cities.

I moved to Long"Island in the 1950s and most of the families I met there in the next several decades came from the boroughs of New York. Many l)f them wanted to get away from deteriorating areas of this great metropolis.

The area with about the worst reputation was the South Bronx. Starting around the late '50s, a drastic decline had begun there. Many buildings that had once been grand were burned out. The area had that abandoned, trashed look about it, as people who could afford to moved away.

In one South Bronx neighborhood, Highbridge, a certain strength and hope remained, sustained by those who belonged to the parishes of Sacred Heart, St. Francis of Assisi and Christ the King, the Catholic churches that originally had served the Irish and Italian immigrants. Now the ethnic population is primarily African- American, Hispanic and Haitian, but the needs of the people are the same: digni fied housing, health care, social and economic help and a community to be proud of.

Achieving these goals might sound like pie-in-thesky talk, but it's not. An absolutely amazing renewal has taken place in Highbridge, thanks to a nine-year effort initiated and led by people who are part of the Archdiocese of New York.

In 1988, the Department of Neighborhood Housing of Catholic Charities, with the blessing of Cardinal John 1. O'Connor, assembled a development team to revitalize this community. The team created the' Highbridge Community Development Fund Corporation. Msgr. Donald Sakano, long involved with the housing needs of communities, was named president and chairman. This was a job close to his heart.

"Housing is more than shelter," Msgr. Sakano told me. "It's the starting point, where you wake up in the. morning, and the context for family learning and finding faith in God. It is critical for the church to be involved in housing, where people can live in dignity. Because of the sacredness of human existence, it behooves us to improve conditions for people."

The church should develop "models for the human community," he affirmed. His goals for Highbridge community were to provide affordable, well-designed apartments where people would have adequate space ~o live comfortably, and to orfer residents health services and an opportunity to improve their skills.

The Bottom Line

By Antoinette Bosco This June, Cardinal O'Connor led hundreds of residents in a procession through the neighborhood to celebrate the work that had gone into the community's incredible comeback.

Rowena Daly, who helped orgal)ize the June event, said: "The renaissance of Highbridge is more than a story of bricks and mortar. Rather it is a story of formerly homeless families becoming homeowners, blighted buildings being renovated to yield nearly 1,000 new apartments, the construction of two-family homes on abandoned lots, the development of Our Lady of Mercy Medical Village, the expansi.on of a neighborhood federal credit union, and the establishment of social and economic programs to strengthen the community."

Close to $70 million was invested in this renovation project through the joi nt efforts of the Highbridge Community Development Fund Corporation, the New York Archdiocese and city, state and federal agencies.

But none of this would have happened without the ground-floor push from the Catholic parishes and Cardinal O'Connor, who supported the Highbridge effort enthusiastically. I felt such pride in knowing that the Catholic Church was the prime mover in this remarkable transformation of a neighborhood.

Exercise benefits body and soul.

Dear Mary: I am 73 years old, widowed two years. Since my husband died, my life has stood still. I think I need to get active both physically and socially. I am quite healthy and can hope to live many years, but the future appears pretty bleak right now. Suggestions? - Mississippi , You have taken the first and perhaps the hardest step. You are motivated to change. Good for you.

Improving physical well-being generally leads to better spirits and a disposition to try new things.

"Use it or lose it" is the key to physical well-being. People of all ages benefit from exercise suited to their years and physical ability. You have many enjoyable choices. .

Walking is the exercise of choice at any age.

Choose sturdy comfortable shoes designed for walkers. Start slowly, gradually increasing speed and distance. Aim for four days per week, interspersing walking days and days off. On the other three days rest or choose another activity.

Weight training is no longer only for 20-year-olds.

Following a guided training program using lightweight hand-held dumbbells is beneficial for seniors as well as young people. One such program in a nursing home dramatically improved balance and strength in seniors over 90.

Swimming is good exercise .at any age. Swimming laps is difficult if you never have been a swimmer. However, water aerobics, that is, walking and exercising in waist- to chest-deep water, provides pleasant exercise even for nonswimmers.

Yoga, which provides exercise, gentle stretching and relaxation, can be started at any age. The Delaney sisters, Sarah and Bessie, took up yoga at age 60 and, when past age 100, became the best-selling authors of "Having Our Say" and other books.

Tai chi, long a favorite in the Orient, improves grace, balance and serenity. Most of the best practitioners of tai chi are in their later years.

All these exercises are gentle. Practicing them leaves one refreshed, not exhausted. Most relieve stress and promote relaxation as well as providing physical activity. Exercising in a group or class provides social as well as physical activity.

Community centers and health clubs often offer classes in these exercises. If classes are nOl~ available, look for videos or find a teacher in your area.

Invite a friend to exercise with you. When establishing a friendship, sharing an interest is far better than just meeting to talk.

Family Talk With Dr. James & Mary Kenny

You are right to want to go places and meet people.

Start a regular exercise program using one OJ more activities. I;:xpand your friendships by inviting others to exercise with you. With new friends and improved physical well-being, you will be on your way to a richer, more rewarding life.

Reader questions on family living and child care to be answered in print are invited. Address questions: The Kennys; St. Joseph's College; 219 W. Harrison; Rensselaer, Ind. 47978.

Daily Readings Sept. 8 Sept. 9 Sept. 10 Sept. 11 Sept.12 Sept.13 Sept.14

Mi 5: 1-4a or Rom 8:28-30; Ps 13:6; . Mt 1:1-16,18-23 or 1:18-23 Col 2:6-15; Ps 145:1-2,8-11 ; Lk 6:12-19 Col 3:1-11; Ps 145:2-3,10-13; Lk 6:20-26 Col 3:12-17; Ps 150:1-6; Lk 6:2'l-38 1Tm 1:1-2,12-14; Ps 16:1-2,5,7-13,11; Lk 6:39-42 1 Tm 1:15-17; Ps 113:1-7; Lk 6:43-49 Nm 21:4-9; Ps 78:1-2,34-38; Phil 2:6-11 ; In 3:13-17

The goal of healthy spiritual maturing

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Sept. 5, 1997

7

Q. We've had many arguments with our teen'day eucharistic sacrifice. It is part ofchurch law now, age daughter about going to Mass, but she has of course. But the church had no such rules at all for always gone with us. Recently she was confirmed,many centuries; it was simply taken for granted that, if people's Christian faith was genuine, they would says she can now make up her own mind about it and has decided not to go. be there.

It's not that important, according to her, bllFather William Sherzer puts it well in his entry in cause she was neVllr taught any such obligation in her weekly religion classes. I do know the director of these classes is opposed to "legalism."

Do you have any insights that would help? (Iowa) A. First, even if she didn't hear about an obligation to participate in Sunday Eucharist from anyone else, which I doubt, she certainly heard it from you.

It seems your daughter may be simply experiencing some not uncommon spiritual growing pains of adolescence.

Being "opposed to legalism" can have many meanings, some of them good and some not so good.

On the not-so-good side lies the spiritual crippledness of doing things solely out of legal obligation when we should be doing them eventually from inner convictions.

As children we may well view attending Mass and other obligations as something we ought to do because someone -- parent, teacher, priest - says so.

As we grow through adolescence into adulthood, however, actions that flow from faith need to be more and more internalized until they become part of ourselves.

This process includes much reflection, questioning, asking reasons, even expressing disagreement with some points. Ultimately, making our faith something inside, part of our personality, is the goal of healthy maturing.

Particularly is this true of our sharing in the Sun-

Questions and Answers

By Father John J. Dietzen

the New Catholic Encyclopedia. Church law in this matter, he says, is more a reminder of this obligation than the cause of one.

Sharing in the Eucharist is rooted in filial love of the Father, the virtue of gratitude and the spiritual needs of the Christian life...It is more like the need to eat than a duty arising only from positive law" (13:788).

Maybe you can help your daughter look at Mass a little more from this adult perspective, rather than as a younger child whose sense of responsibility arises only from rules and laws.

A free brochure answering questions Catholics ask about cremation and other funeral regulations and customs is available by sending a , stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Holy Trinity Church, 704 N. Main St., Bloomington, III. 61701.

Questions for this column should be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address.

Workshops, Catholic style In the church there are many emphases (which are not to be confused with emphysema patients or the residents of Ephesus in Asia Minor to whom St. Paul wrote a letter which was apparently without zip code and ended up in the New Testament).

It is being emphasized that Catholics should become more familiar with the Bible, that the church should defend marriage and human life, and that Catholics should put on more workshops than any other religion.

Scholars have been reticent to comment very strongly about what Scripture says about workshops.

Ho~ever, there is a clear key in Jesus' observation that "where two or more of you gather in my name " Tradition is ambiguous on when the statement began to include the (~nding ..... there will be a late registration fee and limited parking."

Workshops have evolved since St. Paul's time when attendees were sometimes stoned, beaten and jailed. And there was rarely the appearance of anyone with a master's degree in ministry, much less a doctorate in theology.

Brochures, workshop programs and stale bag lunches are not mentioned in any of Paul's writings, a clear indication that it was much later in church history that the rnultitask, multicourse "conference" was to appear.

Catholics remain admittedly sloppy in this regard.

Conferences are nearly indistinguishable from conventions, congresses or celebrations. To make matters more complicated, there are seminars, gatherings, "weekends," "encounters" and "calls."

On a purely non-ecumenical note, non-Catholic conference planners must be intimidated. As a denomination with more divisions, rifts, arguments and causes than an extended Irish-American family, we can truly pound out the workshops. Other groups fall prey to the temptation to just start another congregation.

Catholic get-togethers on various topics are now so prevalent they compete for perk points. For example, a national right-to-life convention and a Serra regional gathering include golf tournaments and tours. It just makes sense to take out one's frustration with the Supreme Court or the vocations crisis by smacking the living bejabbers out of a golf ball.

The closer to a Disney complex, Las Vegas, Atlantic City or Graceland a convention can be scheduled, the better. St. Paul did not have to consider air-

line hubs when he was kicking around (or being kicked around) the Mediterranean.

Wisely, episcopal authorities have avoided forming any. formal groups to write a pastoral letter on the proliferation of conferences, congresses, work-

The offbe~~' worldofi;';

.J-LaSalette Center for ~IT Christian Living Attleboro, MA 02703-0965 YOUTH MINISTRY POSITION AVAILABLE Full-Time Director of Youth Retreats: Responsible for developing, promoting and facilitating retreats for 9th-12th grade Confirmation classes, parish youth groups and Catholic High School grades.

Position requirements: Youth retreat experience, related college degree, ability to work in ateam atmosphere, flexibility and creativity.

Send resume to: Father Richard Landry, MS LaSalette Center for Christian Living 947 Park St., PO Box 2965 Attleboro, MA 02703-0965 508-222-8530

Uncle··.·.Dai,i,·

By Dan Morris 'i

shops, etc.

Besides, they probably get the best parking spots.

I hope St. Paul did too.

Your comments are welcome always. Please send them to Uncle Dan, 25218 Meadow Way, Arlington, Wash. 98223.

RETREAT SPEAKERS

Rev. Michael McDonagh DaUas. Texas Retreat and Conference Speaker Mother AngeUca's Ministry

September 7

1966, Very Rev. James E. McMahon, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Oak Bluffs 1984, Rev. Raymond Pelletier, M.S., LaSalette Shrine, Attleboro SeptemberS

1868, Rev. Thomas Sheehan, Founder, Holy Trinity, West Harwich September 10

1966, Rev. Hugo Dylla, Pastor, St. Stanislaus, Fall River 1969, Rt. Rev. Felix S. Childs, Pastor Emeritus, Sacred Heart, Fall River September 11

1987, Rev. Joachim Shults, SS.CC., Our Lady of Assumption, New Bedford September 12

1962, Rev. John J. Galvin, Assistant, SS. Peter and Paul, Fall River 1986, Most Rev. James L. Connolly, Fourth Bishop of Fall River 1951-1970 1995, Rev. John R. Foister, Pastor, St. Louis de France, Swansea

Mariu E.'rer'1OM de BillJlchlni Vl,iun;'lry, My:"tlc nnd Co~f("ren,r DlreClO!

t:trCil'

REGISTRATION FORM

NAME

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ADDRESS STATE

CITY ZIP

TEL.

Registration Fee: $50.00 Per Person Please make checks payable to: Marian Messengers P.O. Box 647 Framingham, MA 01704 (Priests are to be our invited guests and we encourage y"'u to bring your alb and stole With you: If you can be with us for the retreat please indicate your availability fe>r Mass and the Sacmmenr of ReconciHation.)

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THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Thank God I'm a country priest!

Fri., Sept. 5, 1997

By

MOTHER TERESA receives a garland from a Missionary of Charity on the occasion of her 87th birthday Aug. 26 in Calcutta. Mother Teresa is well but still needs medication and constant attention, according to sources from her order.

(CNS/Reuters)

Millions wish Mother happy 87th birthday CALCUTIA, India (CNS) Two girls, ages 3 and 5, visMother Teresa turned 87 Aug. 26 ited Mother Teresa Aug. 25 and with millions of admirers, includ- sang "Happy Birthday" to her. As ingworld leaders, wishing her a she blessed the girls, she told.. happy birthday. them to "pray and pray also for This year, Mother Teresa's me." birthday saw singing, joyful faces A Missionaries of Charity nun in contrast to last year's prayer- told UCA News that Mother ful atmosphere, when she spent Teresa had made a "remarkable the day in a hospital intensive care recovery" from heart and lung unit. problems and malaria last year.

The Missionaries of Charity The illnesses culminated in an founder is well, but still needs angioplasty, her third, after acute medication and constant atten- heart failure last November. tion, reported UCA News, an "It is a miracle," the sister said.

Asian church news agency based "We all need her, and we pray for in Thailand. her long life."

Recovering from a cough, The fourth Missionaries of Mother Teresajoined a thanksgiv- Charity general chapter was posting birthday Mass at 6 a.m. She poned from last October, but besat in a wheelchair in her usual gan in January as Mother Teresa's health improved. plac~ before the altar, near the door of the Missionaries of CharIt made Missionaries of Charity motherhouse chapel in ity history by electing Sister Calcutta.

Nirmala Joshi to succeed Mother She said prayers in a loud and Teresa as superior general, a poclear voice and walked slowly but sition she had held uncontested unaided in the offertory proces- since founding the congregation sion with a Missionaries of Char- in 1950. ity nurse beside her.

Despite her persistent heart After the Mass, remaining condition, Mother Teresa visited seated in her wheelchair, she gave Rome May 15 to receive Pope her blessing to all in the chapel John Paul II's blessing. She also and greeted photographers and traveled to New York and Washothers waiting outside on the ington to attend professions of stone courtyard to catch a glimpse Missionaries of Charity nuns. of her on the first-floor balcony.

Before returning to Calcutta Messages from around the July 20, she received the prestiworld wished the Nobel laureate gious U.S. Congressional Gold nun a long life. Schoolchildren Medal June 6 for her impact on and people of various religions the lives of people "in all walks came to greet Mother Teresa and of life." receive her blessings.

She also received the IndoSeated in her wheelchair and American Society Award for exaided by a member of her order, cellence for her contribution to she handed out Miraculous Med- promoting better understanding als and a card that invokes prayer and a spirit of service and sacrifor peace, love and service. fice throughout the world.

FATHER PETER DALY

I bent over to pick up a stick on the sidewalk in front of the rectory, but it slithered away. What I thought was a tree branch was a big black' snake. St. Patrick certainly never made it to southern Maryland.

We have lots of snakt<s, benign and poisonous. I've seen copperheads crawling under our woodpile, and black snakes slithering harmlessly around the lawn.

Most of my life I've lived in big cities: Chicago, Washington; Baltimore; Rome. The closest I've ever come to being a "country boy" was the seventh~inning stretch at Oriole Park, with everybody getting up and dancing to "Thank God, I'm a Country Boy." But after years of being an inner-city priest, I skipped over suburbia and came here, by God's grace.

When I was first assigned to Prince Frederick, Md'., I thought it was on the edge of the known world. But after three years I can definitely say I like it.

It is not the lonely alienation of Georges Bernanos' "Diary of a Country Priest," rather the friendly coziness of "Don Camillo and His Flock."

I feel closer to God. Some'times when I'm driving around

my parish I stop and marvel at the deep green of the heavy forest around us. I think of Robert Frost's line, "The woods are lovely, dark and deep."

Occasionally I've gone down to the Chesapeake Bay to look out over the water and watch the big ships headed up to Baltimore or down to Norfolk and the ocean beyond.

All around me are reminders of God's creativity and goodness that I tended to forget about in the city.

At night the sky is dark, and I can see stars. I think of Psalm 8: "When I see the heavens and the work of your hands, the moon and the stars that you have arranged, . what is ... mortal man, that you care for him?"

In the early morning the deer come out to nibble the foliage along the edge of our athletic field. I take my coffee to the back porch and watch them from a distance.

Lately the deer are getting bolder. They come right up to the house and eat the shrubs. One night I thought I heard an intruder on the porch. I grabbed my hockey stick, ready to do battle, and surprised a doe near the back steps. Skipping away, she knocked over the statue of St.

Francis of Assisi and broke his head off. No respect for this saint of animals!

There are the little annoyances.

More than once I have come home to find raccoons busily going through my garbage:. My headlights catch their behinds pumping "hell for leather" down the hill when they hear me drive up.

We have groundhogs Jiving near our parish field. I've seen them waddling around the bases on our diamond like overweight players in a veterans' game. They dig holes and leave the place bumpy.

In the winter the field mice take up residence under my house and sometimes in the church. For the most part we co-exist peacefully, so long as they stay below stairs.

I also like the silence he:re. It is easier to find God in silence than in noise. When I open the window at night there is no construction noise, no traffic di n, no sirens. Just crickets and owls.

There was a time when priests in our archdiocese thought of country life as a kind of exile from the sophistication and pleasure of city life. Today it is mission to grace, despite the occasional snake on the path.

How many people are holy?

By

FATHER JOHN CATOIR

In a video presentation about Mother 'Teresa of Calcutta, a reporter called out to her: "Mother, some people think you're a living saint. How do you feel about that?"

Without missing a beat she replied, "You, sir, have to be holy in your position just as you are, and I have to be holy in the position God has put me in. So it is nothing extraordinary to be holy.

Holiness is not the luxury of the pure. Holiness is a simple duty for you and me. We have been created for that."

What a marvelous answer. She diffused the question without appearing to be boastful and stated a simP.te fact. We are all called to be holy, and by virtue of the Holy Spirit living in us we are indeed holy.

This is what is meant by the term "the common holiness of the faithful."

The reporter asked a good question, but Mother Teresa refused to be drawn into a selfanalysis. If he had more time he might have asked, "What is your definition of 'holiness: Mother?"

Her answer to this question is just as simple. Holiness is God in us. Holiness is allowing God to use us as instruments of his love.

Of course, you and I know that some people, by the grace of God, are better instruments than others, but the essential ingredient, that is, the Holy Spirit, is there in every baptized soul.

The word "holiness" is derived

from the Anglo-Saxon word "halig" or "hal," meaning whole and healthy. The English word "hale" (hale and hardy) comes from this root: Over the years it has acquired a religious significance coming to mean "one who is spiritually healthy, whole, wellintegrated." A person who is heavenly minded is aware of God's presence in a way that is n9t selfconscious.

Consequently, there are many more holy people than we might imagine. Since all the baptized have the Holy Spirit in them, and since most Christians are aware of God's presence in them, they possess a kind of ontological holiness. If they are not yet saints they are at least saints in training.

Jesus is the perfect model of holiness. Compared to him we are all woefully inadequate.

The Little Flower dealt with this inferiority problem in a most creative' way. She knew that compared to Jesus she was nothing

and could do nothing, but she always had the good sense to pray with humility.

"Dear Lord, I will never be able to love my neighbor as you love her, but you Lord living in me can love her for me." She just delegated her inadequacies away.

The word "sacred" is less important than the word "holy." Sacred things derive their sanction from human institutions.

Churches are sacred places, church vestments are someti mes called sacred, but never holy.

Only people are holy because they are filled with the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures are holy because they contain the word of God and produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Mother Teresa named her community Missionaries of Charity.

It captures perfectly the vocation of everyone who is called to be another Christ.

Holiness is everyone's vocation.

Dear God, Help us to remember those in our communities and around the world who suffer at the hand of violence. Let them feel in their hearts your everlasting and unconditional love. Please bestow on all of us a spirit of peace that we may work toward an end to verbal, physical and emotional violence in our society.

Amen

THE ANCHOR -:- Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Sept. 5, 1997

10.55% BONDS

he St. Paul Film Foundation is issuing bonds in denominations of $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000, ~ yielding 10.55% interest per annum.

Only $5,750,000 in bonds are available in either two year or five year terms. The Foundation supports Roman Catholic filmmakers with production funding. Call 1-888-770-3456 toll-free to receive the bond issue prospectus.

T

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-770-FILM 1-888-770-3456 SAINT PAUL

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WWW.CATHOLICFILM.ORG This is not an offer to sell securities as only the offering prospectus may do so. Anyone interested in purchasing bonds should order the prospectus.

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THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Sept. 5, 1997

Rainbow: five years of support to children As God put a 'rainbow in the sky as a sign of hope, so the Rainbows program has brought hope and a new lease on life. to grieving children in the Fall River Diocese for the past four years. On October 1st the Office of Family Ministry will · begin its fifth season of outreach to ~youngsters who have experienced i a significant loss in their lives i.e. ·divorce or the death of a loved one.

While it is neither therapy nor counseling, Rainbows nonetheless .: provides reassuring peer support to ~children who are grouped by age .from. kindergarten to eighth grade. · At the Family Life Center in North · Dartmouth and seven other loca· tions throughout the diocese, 59 ·trained facilitators provide sensitive _ ~ listening and offer a space where , the children are encouraged to.share ,their feelings in an atmosphere where they come to see that they are not alone, different, or to blame.

Remarkable results follow even one session of the Rainbow process.

Parents and teachers testify to the change of the participants. Moods improve, conduct at home and in school change for the better and the ~young people show signs of more self-esteem. One little girl smiled shyly on leaving her group and said, "I don't feel alone anymore.'.' .

Since participants are at different states on their journey to healing, they are able to support and encourage on another in their meetings. New hope is felt upon hearing from a.peer, "it does get better."

During the 1996-97 season, 156 youngsters in this diocese participated in Rainbows and at several of the sites a parallel program called Prism was available to parents.

Since confidentiality is fundamental to the philosophy of both programs, children and adults know that anything said within their group stays there.

A new season of Rainbows will soon be starting at each of the sites.

Information and registration forms may be obtained by contacting the director, Sister Eugenia Brady, S.J.c. at the Office of Family Ministry, tel. 999-6420 ext. 15. Parishes and schools interested in bringing Rainbows to their own facility are also encouraged to contact Sister Brady.

The journey through life is one of the most demanding paths a person ever travels. The aim of the Rainbows process is to walk this path with grieving families and to offer support from a caring Christian community.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN head football coach Barry Alvarez says his supportive family helps him through the highs and lows of his job. From left, son Chad ,lllivarez, daughter Stacy Alvarez, Alvarez holding grandson Joe Ferguson, wife Cindy Alvarez, daughter Dawn Ferguson and son-in-law.Brad Ferguson. (CNS/photo)

Football coach says family helps through highs and lows of season

By BILL KURTZ

ALL SMILES after a successful Rainbows season are facilitators (top photo, from left) Jeanne Vieira, Linda Eaton, Diane Garde, Elizabeth Dussault and Deacon Maurice Lavallee. Above, Sister Eugenia Brady, SJC, Rainbows director, conducts a training session for new facilitators. .1.

..

MADISON, Wis. (CNS) - During his first seven years as University .of Wisconsin head football coach, Barry Alvarez has experienced the peaks and valleys of a high-profile, high-pressure job. .Four years ago, he took the Badgers to their first-ever Rose Bowl victory. He has since led the university to decisive wins in two more bowl games.

Yet the coach received strong criticism after a late fumble led to a last-minute loss to Northwestern in the 1996 homecoming game.

But Alvarez, 50, seems to be coping with the pressures inherent in coaching, the job he hopes to keep doing for years to come.

"I like what I do," Alvarez told the Catholic Herald, Milwaukee archdiocesan newspaper, during a quick but wide-ranging interview earlier this year. "I enjoy working with young people."

"This job has 'highs and lows," Alvarez said matter-of-factly.

"When you have a close, supportive family, (in) difficult times, close families draw c1ost:r together."

Another source of strength for Alvarez is faith. "I have a very strong belief in God," he said.

"When you're in a demanding job where you have huge disappointments, you have to have !'iomething to draw from."

Alvarez said he was baptized a Lutheran, but his wife, Cindy, is Catholic. He frequently attends Mass with her at St. Maria Goretti Parish in Madison.

"You could classify me as ecumenical," Alvarez said.

Father Michael Burke, St. Maria Goretti pastor, has known Alvarez ~ince the coach first came to Madison. He was rector of the former Holy Name Seminary, where the Badger team held pre-season training camp each year.,

"He would be a leader in anything he wanted to do, because he treats people well," Father Burke said of Alvarez. "To see what he does to motivate young people and coaches, he's got a great gift."

Many people around this state, of course, root vociferously for Badger victories. But being the man responsible for getting those victories puts Alvarez in the spotlight, along with his family.

"Just to have dinner out is really hard," Father Burke said of Alvarez's celebrity status. The coach called it "a double-edged sword. You get a lot of opportunities that other people might not get, but there's no privacy."

Alvarez's oldest child, Dawn, is married and lives in Rapid City, S.D. His younger daughter, Stacy, graduated from Marquette University law school this year and is engaged to be married. His son, Chad, is a junior at UW-Madison and recently spent a semester studying in England.

"It was very important for my three children and my wife that they have their own worlds, not being· wrapped up in my being a coach," he said.

Alvarez, who started his eighth season as head coach with the Badgers' 1997 football opener Aug. 24 against Syracuse at East Rutherford, N.J., said he has been strongly influenced by three of college football's winningest coaches.

Bob Devaney, for whom he played at the University of Nebraska, "really was ahead of his time, how he dealt with players," Alvarez recalled, adding that Devaney got along with all kinds of people. "He was at ease in a mining town in Pennsylvania, or in black tie at a governor's dinner," Alvarez said.

After several years of high school coaching, Alvarez became a

college assistant in 1979, joining new Iowa coach Hayden Fry. Fry has led the Hawkeyes to three Rose Bowls, and Alvarez said he learned organization from Fry. "He was very demanding, very businesslike," Alvarez said of Fry. "It was like working for a corporation."

Alvarez's final preparation for the UW job was three years as an assistant to Lou Holtz at the University of Notre Dame. Holtz's teams, including the 1988 national champions, emphasized careful game preparation. Alvare2: said he took a football philosophy of stressing the fundamentals from Holtz.

The Badger coach has had his opportunities to take profe:ssionallevel jobs, "and I'm not :;aying I never will," but so far he has spurned the National Football League. As a rule,professional jobs offer higher salaries and higher pressure, and mid-season firings aren't unknown.

"An owner can get up in the morning, have an argument with his wife, and fire you," Alvare:~ joked.

fteering pOintl PUBLICITY CliAIRMEN are asked to submit news items for this column 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 l;end news of future rather than past' events.

Due to limited space and also because notices of strictly parish aUairs normally appear ina parish's own bulletin, we are forced to limit items to events of general interest. t~lso, we do not normally carry notices of fundraising activities, which may be advertised at our regular rates, obtainable from The Anchor business office, tel. (508) 675-7151.

On Steering Points items, FR indicates Fall River, NB indicates New Bedford. All telephone numbers without area codes are (508).

LA SALETTE SHlIUNE, ATTLEBORO 42n'd annual Franco-American Pride Day Sept. 7 begins with a bilingual outdoor Mass at 12: 10 p.m. with Bishop Louis E. Gelineau principal celebrant and homilist. The afternoon will include entertainment for children

and adults.

Special Novena in honor of the Blessed Virgin beginning Sept. to. It will be prayed at all the shrine Masses: Mon-Fri.. 12: 10 and 6:30 p.m., Sat. 12: to and 4:30 p.m., and Sun at noon.

Sept. to at 7 p.m. "Caught in the Middle: Work, Family, and Aging Parents." A program exploring issues concerning elderly persons and their fa,milies.

Grief education series for those dealing with the death of a loved one. Sept. 11 and 25 from 1-2:30 p.m. Sept. 2, 16, 30 between 6:30-8 p.m. Prer~gistration is necessary: 226-8220. All welcome.

CATHOLIC WOMAN'S CLUB,FR Opening meeting Sept. 9, 7 p.m. at Holy Name Church, Fall River. This first gathering will feature tenor Arturo Coppola and all are welcome.

OUR LADY'S HAVEN, FAIRHAVEN Rehabilitation therapists and healthcare professionals are invited to a free informational talk, "The Rehab ProfeSsional's Role in Pain Management and Palliative Care," Sept. 16, 2 p.m. Information: Shawn P. Baxter, 6798154.

Bob Dylan to perform for pope. at Italian Eucharistic Congress

By JOHN THAVIS ROME (CNS) - Bob Dylan, whose songs of protest, love and spiritual change made him a folkrock superstar, will join in a concert for Pope John Paul II in Italy this fall, organizers announced in late August.

The performance, scheduled for Sept. 27 in the central Italian city of Bologna during a national eucharistic congress, is being billed as the first "rock concert" for the 77-yearold pontiff.

In an interview with USA Today published Aug. 27, Dylan expressed surprise on hearing he would be performing for the pope.

"The pope, huh? I guess if the Vatican is reporting it, it must be happening," he said.

Some 300,000 youths are expected to attend the: music vigil, with the pope giving a speech and remaining in attendance for at least part of the concert. Dylan, who enjoys immense popularity in Italy, will bejoined by thre:e well-known Italian rock and pop stars.

Dylan was chosen because his music is "true and beautiful," and "the church welcomes whatever is true and beautiful and good," said Msgr. Ernesto Vecchi, a vicar of the Bologna Archdiocese.

"Bob Dylan is one of the best representatives of a highly poetic and spiritual rock music, and I believe he has recently moved closer to Christianity," Msgr. Vecchi said.

It will be Dylan's first European performance following his hospitalization last spring for histoplasmosis, a potentially fatal heart infection.

Dylan rode to fame in the 1960s and '70s with hits including "Like A Rolling Stone," "The Times They Are A-Changin'" and "I Shall Be Released." His eniglpatic lyrics often rang with prophetic references to biblical themes.

In 1979-80, he niade several albums with Gospel-style songs that highlighted his o~n interest in Christianity. The song "Gotta Serve Somebody" became a hit, but not all his audiences liked lyrics that asked, "Are you ready to meet Jesus?" and Dylan'snew preaching style during concerts.

Born Robert Allen Zimmerman to Jewish parents in Hibbing, Minn., in 1941, he left the area at a young age. With his guitar, harmonica and a talent for songwriting, he quickly became one of the hottest stars in a nationwide folk music revival.

ST. VINCENT'S HOME, FR S"eventh annual Children's Festival Sept. 13 starting at 11 a.m. J\ttivities for the whol~, famiJy inclLftle a Walk-AJhon, 5K road niCe.,flnd li~ entertainment.

Funds raised wiij.benefit clUldren in need. ", 0

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ST. THERESA, SAGAMORE All area women are invited to a morning of recollection Sept.

12, to-noon.

Nov.7-9 Nov. 14-16 Nov. 14-16 Nov. 14-16

CATHEDRAL CAMP, E. FREETOWN Parish picnics for St. John Neumann, East Freetown, and St. John the Baptist, New Bedford, will be held Sept. 7 at Cathedral Camp.

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ST. ANTHONY, TAUNTON Vincentians are invited to attend Mass with for deceased members of the St. Vincent dePaul Society and for the canonization of Frederic Ozanam Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.

FRANCO-AMERICAN PRIDE DAY Sunday, September 7 - 12:00 p.m.

OL VICTOltY, CENTERVILLE I OL HOPE, W. BARNSTABLE Blood pressure clinic Sept. 4, 2-3 p.m. in parish center. All welcome.

HOSPICE VISITING NURSE OF ATTLEIJORO Ten week training course for persons interested in becoming hospice volunteers. Wed. evenings from 7-9:30 p.m. Course begins Sept. to at the CVNA office. Advanced registration and interview are necessary.

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ST. JULIE, N. DARTMOUTH Scripture enrichment series by Deacon Bruce Bonneau for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and experience of the Word of God. Sept. to at 7 p.m.

All welcome.

Bishop Louis Gelineau

SPANISH HEALING SERVICE Sunday, September 7 - 2:00 p.m.

Father Leo Maxfield, M.S.

LA SALETTE NOVENA September 10-18 at all Masses COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERIES "Caught in the Middle: Work, Family and Aging Parents" Wednesday, September 10 :.. 7:00 p.m.

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THE ANCHOR ~ Diocese of Fall River -

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THE ANCHOR - Diocese of FaIl River - Fri., Sept. 5, 1997

Russian religion law more tolerant Q

By JOHN THAVIS VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The new version of a religious freedom law in Russia replaces a reference to the Orthodox church wilh the more inclusive term of "Christianity," Vatican Radio reported.

Officials working on the draft legislation say the law's preamble wiIl state that Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism are an inalienable part of Russian history, the radio said Aug. 27.

An earlier version of the legislation referred to Orthodox Christianity but omitted any reference to the Catholic Church. It was vetoed in July by Russian President Boris Yeltsin after objections by Pope John Paul II and others.

The pope and church officials were concerned that such a law would lead to discrimination against the minority Catholic community in Russia. Yeltsin's veto, while pleasing the Vatican, was met with sharp criticism by the Russian Orthodox hierarchy, which had strongly supported the proposed law.

The revised legislation is expected to be discussed in the Russian parliament in early September.

Meanwhile, Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexei II met with Archbishop Christoph Schon born of Vienna, Austria, Aug. 27 to discuss

the tensions between the two churches. No details of the encounter were immediately available, but in remarks afterward the patriarch defended the original religious freedom legislation, according to the Russian news agency ITAR-Tass.

"I think we have our own tradition and history, and they should be taken into account in our legislation," Patriarch Alexei said.

"However, one sometimes tries to impose North American norms on us," he added.

In July, some Orthodox leaders blamed outside pressure for Yeltsin's veto. In addition to the Vatican objections, the U.S. Congress threatened to withhold some foreign aid funding if the measure was enacted.

The Vienna Archdiocese was to have hosted a historic meeting with the pope and Patriarch Alexei in .June. The meeting was caIled off, however, when the Russian Orthodox hierarchy raised objections to the wording of a proposed joint statement that was to have been signed on the occasion.

The Russian Orthodox continue to accuse the Catholic Church of aggressive proselytizing in traditional Orthodox territory.' Catholic leaders deny this and say they are operating within the guidelines established by Catholic-Orthodox dialogues in recent years.

Consecration to the Divine Will Oh adorable and Divine Will, behold me here before the immensity ofYour Light, that Your eternal goodness may open to me the doors and make me enter into It to form my life all in You, Divine Will. Therefore, oh adorable Will, prostrate before Your Light, I, the least of all creatures, put myself into the little group of the sons and daughters ofYour Supreme FIAT. Prostrate in my nothingness, I invoke Your Light and beg that it clothe me and eclipse all that does not pertain to You, Divine Will. It will be my Life, the center of my intelligenc;e, the enrapturer of my heart and of my whole being. I do not want the human will to have life in this heart any 10J:lger. I will cast it away from me and thus form the new Eden of Peace, of happiness and of l.ove..With It I shall be always happy. I shall have a singular strength and a holiness that sanctifies all things and '. ' conducts them to God. Here prostrate, I invoke the help of the Most Holy Trinity that They permit me to live in the, cloister of the Divine Will and thus return in me the first order of creation, just as the creature was created. :. ' Heavenly ~other, Sovereign and Queen of the Divirie Fiat, take my hand and introduce me into the Light of the Divine' Will. You will be my guide,.my most tender Mother, and will teach me to live in and to maintain myself in the order and the bounds of the Divine Will. Heavenly Mother, I consecrate my whQle being to Your Immaculate Heart. You will teach me the doctrine of the Divine.)Vi1l and l will listen most attentively to Your lessons. You will cover me with Your mantle so that the infernal serpent dare not penetrate into this s.acred Eden to entice me 'and make me fall into the maze of the human will.

Heart of my greatest Good, Jesus, You will give me Your flames that they may. burn me, consume me, and feed me to form in me the Life of the Divine Will.

Saint Joseph, you will be my' protector, the guardian of my heart, imd wi)! k~p the keys of my will in your hands. You will keep my heart jealously. and shall never give it to me again, that I may be sure of never leaving the Will of God. My guardian Angel, guard me; defend me; help me in everything so that my. Eden may flounsh and be the instrument that draws al.l'men ir:tto the Kingdom ofthe Divine Will. Amen.

.. ITALIAN PILGRIMS are stopped by Israeli soldiers from entering Bethlehem as part of security measurers following recent terrorism. Israeli government officials all'owed them in a short time later. (eNS/Reuters photo)

Closure lifted, Palestineans await access to Jerusalem BETHLEHEM, West Bank (CNS) - The Israeli Defense Forces have lifted the internal closure on Bethlehem, permitting Palestinians to travel to other Palestinian-controIled towns but not to Israeli-controlled areas, such as Jerusalem.

Most Palestinians living in Bethlehem work in Jerusalem. As ofAug. 27, when the internal closure was lifted, they were still not able to get to their jobs.

"This is not a big achievement," said Bethlehem Mayor' Hana Nasser. ''This is not what we are looking for. It is a very minor step taken in the right direction.

What we are looking for is the Iifting of the total closure. We can now move within our district, but that is not enough." .

At the Vatican, a spokesman said the nuncio to Israel, Archbishop Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo,' had met with Israeli Foreign Ministry officials to express deep concern over the Bethlehem closure.

The spokesman, Father Ciro Benedettini, said the nuncio's action had fallen short of a formal p~otest, but had made clear the Vatican's disapproval of the measure. .' The Vatican, newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, said the Vatican had voiced its diplomatic objections in order to favor a return of "tolerance and understanding" to the region. .

"Negotiation remains the only practical instrument to restart the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority," it said in a front-page article .Aug. 28. The newspaper called on . g()~~I1JIJ1.e!l~ Jead~rยง.in tlt~ ,~r~a to "

prevent "enemies of dialogue" from gaining the upper hand.

"Palestinian and Israeli leaders cannot forget that, in front of the international community, in front of the family of nations, in front of the conscience of the entire world, they have made a commitment to make the region safe and livable," it said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Israeli Radio from South Korea, where he was visiting, that the Israeli government has intelligence information indicating a terrorist cell active in the Bethlehem area . has plans to carry out another attack in Israel. He said the closure would re'!1ain in place until ,Israeli security is assured. .

The'c1osure was imposed following a double suicide bombing in Jerusalem July 30. Israellift~d the closure from other West Bank towns an'd GazaAug. 15, but kept it in place in Bethlehem ,and tHe neighboring towns of Belt Tsahour and Beit Jala. . , A parish priest in Beit Jaia said the effects of the closure have been severe. ' ! . "This area around Bethlehem espeCially lives from touris'm, and since one. month everything has stopped. The people, they are suffering. (The Israelis) have opened up 'some points between the villages, but not to Jerusal~m, and that is very important, also for religious reasons," said ~ather Yousef RizekI, director of the Latin-rite Patriarchate of Jerusalem's school in Beit Jala.

"Nothing is enough. We need peace and need justice.~ We need to see 'all the fruits from die peace process," he said.

"Everything will come back again with goodwill from both sides," he added. "We hope and we do not lose hope; we are suffering at the moment."

In late August, Palestinians protested the extended closure on their city.

Palestinian youths and Israeli soldiers clashed at Rachel's Tomb at the entrance to Bethlehem, which is under Israeli control.

Palestinians threw rocks at the soldiers, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Several Palestinians were injured during the confrontations.

On Aug. 23 a group of some 600 Italian pilgrims held a prayer service at the border bel:ween Bethlehem and Je'rusalem when their convoy of buses was not permitted to go through the.c:heckpoint. They were even~ually permitted into the city after si~veral Israeli .officials, including Defense Minister Yil:zhak Mordechai, intervened.

"We did not protest 'against anybody, \ye just'prayed and said we had the right to go in to Bethlehem," said Father Rcdolfo Cetoloni; spokesman for the group. "We prayed and sang and when we finally arrived, the people of Bethlehem also sang songs of praise and joy. We want the right to pray in a Chr:istian place.... It was very emotional. I think the soldiers were also bappy that we were able to go through."

Political and religious leaders in Bethlehem led a demonstration Aug. 25 attempting t~ op~n up a roadblock of boulders set up by the Israeli .Defense Force:. between Bethlehem and Beit Tsahour.

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

81. Peter's: Free tours from the ground up

By LYNNE WElL

"That would certainly put a new VATICAN CITY (CNS) - A twist on Easter."

Showing off St. Peter's, as well quarter of an hour into an afternoon tour of St. Peter's Basilica, Penny as singing in the Vatican choir, mesh Schwarz stopped to confess some- nicely with Schwarz's paying job. thing to her group. . She works half-time as the English "We're not going to look at ev- service editor of Propaganda Fides, erything," she said. "We'd be here a weekly bulletin from the Pontififor a week. My voice would disap- cal Congregation for the Evangelipear, and so would you." Her ap- zation of Peoples, which oversees preciative listeners laughed, clearly missionaries. charmed by this refreshing and out"I feel that this volunteer work going font of information on a sub- is every bit as useful as what I do at ject as intimidating ill scope as St. Fides," she said. "And I do it gladly Peter's. because it feels almost like home A native of Devonshire, En- here. It's like showing people gland, Schwarz is a volunteer tour around my own home." guide at the Vatican. She offers a A resident of Rome for 30 years, thorough, 90-minute: view of the she is enough of a local to be able

Later emperors introduced the execution of Christians as a form of entertainment there. St. Peter was among those martyred in the arena - within view of a marble obelisk that used to stand in the arena's center and now occupies the same position in St. Peter's Square.

After pointing out several plaques, doors and other features of the basilica's exterior, Schwarz took the group inside. They were later joined by 12 visitors from the former Soviet republic of Georgia - the one among them who spoke fluent English translated for the rest.

Together they heard about the works of Michelangelo and

because she knows so much and loves this church so welL" Tal and Orit Hart, Jewish residents of a city near Tel Aviv, Israel, were visiting Rome on their honeymoon.

They said they were pleased to share Schwarz's view of St. Peter's because they normally have little contact with Catholics at home, and have had few opportunities to understand the faith on a personal basis.

"I don't think it's the same when you look at a place with a book in your hand," Orit Hart added. "And you'd need a whole book to contain all that she just told us."

The free tours of St. Peter's Basilica are also available in French, Spanish, Japanese, German and Italian. All tours begin at 3 p.m. weekdays. Written information is available in 16 other languages.

Fri., Sept. 5, 1997

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POPE JOHN PAUL II blesses the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square to celebrate Easter. Millions of people from all over the world visit the Vatican each year. (eNS/ Reuters photo) basilica literally from the ground up - starting with an artist's conception of the sports arena that stood on the site in ancient Roman times.

The groups meet at 3 p.m. just inside the portico, at an unobtrusive wooden desk in the shadow of a tall pillar. There are no tickets on sale, since it costs nothing. No signs advertise the program, and the guides wear no uniform.

"We used to have a sign on a post just in front of the desk," Schwarz said, sighing. "But then a different cardinal was placed in charge ofSt. Peter's, and he removed almost all exterior signs, including the ones listing the Mass times." However, a desk is better than nothing, she noted. When the program was launched in 1975, the guides would just walk up to people entering the basilica and offer them a free tour.

Schwarz said a priest started the program after he heard a guide on a commercial tour giving inaccurate information on Catholic Church doctrine during a walk through the basilica.

"And one time, I myself heard a guide tell his people that the box on top of St. Peter's tomb contains the bones of Jesus," she scoffed.

to answer questions not only about the church, but also. about the Eternal City.

Schwarz studied theology for two years at a lay institute in Rome and took courses in liturgy at a Benedictine university specializing in the subject.

"Questions on these matters do come up during the ,visits," she said.

"And I prefer to answer them accurately, or not at all."

Schwarz said most of the people who take her tours are Catholic, and many of them have found the program on the recommendation of friends back home or in their guidebooks. But the turnout is uneven.

There are days when the groups get so large that they're "unwieldy," she said. And on some days, no one shows up. ' On a recent Thursday, eight slightly shy peopl~ from Ireland, Holland, Australia and Israel turned to face a brisk and chipper Schwarz, who had her back to St. Peter's Square. She asked them to imagine the place not as it appears today, but as a grassy hill rolling down to the Tiber River. On that hill in the year 37, the Roman emperor Caligula had a gigantic spotts arena built.

Bernini, as well as the Vatican mosaic makers and other artists who had labored to make the basilica an enduring statement about Catholic faith.

James and Ine Connelly ofWest Cork, Ireland, said they were "delighted" and "mesmerized" by Schwarz's descriptions. "It means so much to me to be here," Ine Connelly said at the end. "And it is such a joy to have a guide like her

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ESSAY AWARDS were present~d to students of St. Joseph's School in New Bedford as part of the Kevin Michael Pillsbury Memorial Scholarship Fund. They are from left to right: Je~na Laporte, 1st place winner; Sarah Pimental, runner-up; Barbara Leach, contest coordinator; and Joshua Souza, runner-up.

St. Joseph's School, NB, presents awards St. Joseph's School of New Bedford recently presented memorial scholarships to students who wrote winning essays. The awards are given each year in memory of classmate Kevin Michael Pillsbury, who was diagnosed as having cancer on the last day of school in 1993 and whose brave battle ended on Good Friday, 1994, at age ten.

In .his memory, the Kevin Michael Pillsbury Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established.

Yearly, it awards a tuition credit for the upcoming school year to a first. place winner and two runners-up in

an essay contest open to fourth.and fifth grade students at St. Joseph's.

Miss Barbara Leach, teacher and contest co-cordinator, announced that 33 students entered unsigned essays to be judged by the Pillsbury family this year and first place winner of a $1000 tuition credit was fourth grader Jenna Laporte who chose to write her favorite story about Jesus.

Runner-ups were Joshua Souza and Sarah Pimental, also fourth graders who will each receive a $1 00 credit. Joshua chose as his topic "What Makes You Feel Loved and

How Does That Make You Special.

What Can You Do to Make Others Feel Special?" and Sarah wrote about her favorite family tradition.

In addition each student received a trophy and green carnation in honor of Kevin's favorite color.

Money for the fund comes from a food basket raffle held once a year by students, teachers, family and friends. They collect canned goods and non-perishable items for several weeks and raffle them off in the church hall during St. Joseph's "Novemberfest."

Teens must take responsibility for decisions

By MARK

PATTISON

WASHINGTON (CNS) - Teenagers who drink must take responsibility for their actions, said the executive director of Students Against Driving Drunk.

Bill Cullinane, a Catholic, noted that while there is much greater awareness about students and drinking, that awareness is not always borne out by statistics.

Cullinane said in an interview that though teen deaths from drinking and driving have dropped 60 percent since SADD was founded in 1981, the number of deaths in 1996 rose nearly 6 percent ·from year-before levels - which he attributes to an increase in the adolescent population and a similar increase in binge drinking.

SADD is likely to get more visibility thanks to "The Accident: A Moment of Truth Movie," a madefor-TV film on Monday, Sept. 15, 9-11 p.m. EDT on NBC. An announcement at the end of the film will give a SADD phone number viewers can call to get more information.

The movie is about a bright high school senior who faces an uncertain future after her best friend is killed in a drunk driving accident.

Its star, Bonnie Root, has admitted to having a drinking problem in her own high school years, which was made worse after her parents di-

vorced. . Cullinane firmly believes famIly tog~th~rness. can keep teens from dnnklOg. 'The issue for me was we started right at birth with our three children.

We saw them as capable of making ~heir own decisions," he said, add109 they were given opportunities :'that gave t~em highs" such as ski109 and actlOg. Cullinane's children are now "happy, productive adults," he said.

He also taught CCD for the better~art.oftwodecadesatSt.Anselm

parIsh 10 Sudbury, Mass. "For them it was important to see a model," Cull~nane said of his c~ild.ren. "It was Important to transmIt thIS to my kids."

He loved teaching CCD. "If you dO,n't love i!, you fake it," Cullinane saId, .and kids see th~ough t~at.

HIS anecdotal eVIdence IS buttressed by a recent study by Lloyd Johnson at the University ofMichigan. The study, Cullinane said, found that children's 'incidence of alcohol and drug abuse is much less ":hen par~nt~ have a, strong rel!gl~us af~IIatl~n, and IOcI~de theIr chIldren 10 relIgIOUS practIces.

A federal study, according to CUllinan~, has sho,:"n a dramatic ch,an~e In teen ~t~ltudes toward dnnkl~g and dnvmg. !eens are more lIkely to attend partIes that are alcohol and drug free, he said.

.

"It's our philosophy (at SADD) to infuse the student popuation with the attitude, 'I need to look at my own behavior,'" Cullinane said.

SADD is starting a new campaign to continue to drive downward the drinking, driving and death statistics ofAmerica's young.

There's ,no catchy slogan, Cullinane said. '''What we say to the young people is: The decision is yours. You must accept responsibility for the decision."

SADD has chapters in 85 to 90 percent of U.S. high schools, with an estimated 7 million students invalved in different activities. "As the problem exacerbates, it's simple that chapters become' much more active," Cullinane said.

One effective activity in some schools is a "ghost walk," in which a different student is tapped every 23 or 24 minutes, which is how frequently somebody dies in a drunkdriving accident.

The students' faces are then made up - sometimes with a pasty white substance to make them resemble ghosts - and they stay segregated from, although highly visible to, the rest of the student population.

Having a SADD presence in the high school is one thing, Cullinane admitted, but "acceptance of the mission is quite another." .

NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting.

"Excess Baggage" (Columbia) Mirthless comedy in which a neglected teen (Alicia Silverstone) tries to stage her own kidnapping by getting in the trunk of a car which is then stolen by a thief (Benicio Del Toro) unaware<>-of her presence. Directed by Marco Brambilla, the witless narrative rambles aimlessly on as a host of unsympathe~ic characters vie to cash in on the ransom. Brief violence, underage drinking, 'sexual innuendo and intermittent profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 - parents are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"G.I. Jane" (Hollywood) Hokey melodr.ama in which a woman officer (Demi Moore) undergoes the rigorous training program for the Navy's elite combat force, the SEALS, and overcomes various obstacles to graduate and become a battlefield hero. Directed

by Ridley Scott, the story offers no real insights about women in the military, concentrating instead on O'Neil's endurance of all manner of pain and suffering to prove she's as tough as any man, but the result is hardly worth the effort. Much brutality, some violence, several sexual situations, a flash of nudity, occasional profanity and recurring rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV - adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

"Hoodlum" (MGM) Stylish but violent tale of the deadly struggle between upstart gangster Bumpy Johnson (Laurence Fishburne) and mobster Dutch Schultz (Tim Roth) for control of the numbers racket in 1934 Harlem. Director Bill Duke's ambitious, loosely fact-based drama tends to glamorize the criminals' lifestyle until they finally pay with their own lives or those close to them. Ambiguous depiction of crime, recurring gory' violence, brief sexual encounters, continual rough language and much profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV - adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

"Kull the Coriqueror" (Universal) Brawny fantasy in which a soldier-turned-king (Kevin Sorbo) is cheated out of his kingdom by a sorceress (Tia Carrere), then regains the throne with the help of a beautiful slave (Karina Lombard). Director John Nicolella's sword-and-sorcery story has visual treats but overacting and stilted dialogue make it much less than fantastic. Recurring stylized violence, brief bedroom scenes, some sexual innuendo and several crude expressions. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III - adults. Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-

13 - parents are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Pippi Longstocking" (L(~gacy) In this animated adventure, the spunky 9-year-old girl of the title (voice of MelissaAltro) awaits her father's return from being lost at sea while engaging in amusing e:ncounters with neighboring children, an interfering busybody and a pair of bumbling burglars. Directed by Clive Smith, the production has colorful but unexceptional cartooning, though Pippi's carefrce high jinks should delight young viewers and lead some to the books recounting other of her advcntures.

The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-I - general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G -- general audiences.

"She's So Lovely" (Miramax) Gritty, unappealing story of a woman (Robin Wright Penn) who's torn between the two men who love her - her first husband (Sean Penn) who's just been released from a 10year stay in a psychiatric a1iylum, and her present husband (John Travolta) who has provided a good home for her and their threl~ children. Directed by Nick Cassavetes from a script by his late father, John Cassavetes, the arbitrary lov(: story involves three unlikable people in sordid situations that evoke little audience sympathy, though therc are occasional flashes of wit and originality sprinkled throughout.

Some violence, including an offscreen rape, sexual references, occasional profanity and much rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

"Texas Chainsaw Massac: re: The Next Generation" (Cinepix) Repulsive horror yarn in which a sadistic quartet of rural psychopaths (led by Matthew McConaughey) torture and murder teens on prom night with only one survivor (Renee Zellweger). Writer~director Kim Henkel's sick sequel to its 1974 and 1986 predecessors borders on the depraved with its continual display ofjokey graphic mayhem. Excessivc violence, a flash of nudity, much profanity and recurring rough languagc.

The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is 0 - morally offcnsive.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restrictt:d.

Notre Dame

School opens Notre Dame School's staff and students returned for the new school year with half-day sessions on Wednesday and Thursday bl:fore Labor Day. Classes officially resumed full schedules Sept. 2 and Principal Anne Conlon welcomcd students back and led a prayer the first. day of school. Notre Dame welcomed three new teachers this year: Joan Dam, grade 7; Sandy Chica, grade 4; and John Travers, music. To celebrate the opening of school, Rev. Richard W. Beaulieu will celebrate Mass on Sept. 9 at Notre Dame de Lourdes church in Fall River.

THEANCHOR- Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Sept. 5,1997

Our Rock

¡r-~?1I

and Role CHARLIE MARTIN

FOR YOUTH

The Freshmen

place. He adds that he was "young" and "knew everything." However, now he is "guilt- stricken," sobbing with his head on the floor. What is this guilt telling him?

He tries to escape his guilt by telling himself that "we were merely freshmen, suggesting that he is not responsible for mistakes that hurt anRefrain: other. Unfortunately, he is I can't be held responsible wrong. We are always respon'Cause she was touching her face sible, no matter what our age, I won't be held responsible for how we treat others.

She fell in love we enter relaSometimes, In the first place tionships casually, not thinking For the life of me about our responsibilities to the I can't remember other person or to ourselves.

What made us think that But it is not OK to close our We were wise and eyes to what we see going on We'd never c:ompromise in a romance.

For the life of me For example, if you recogI cannot believe nize that your dating partner is We'd ever die for these sins more emotionally invested in We were merely freshmen this relationship than you are, gently address this concern.

My best friend took Tell him or her that you want A week's vacation to date, but that you also want To forget her to be open to other relationHis girl took a week's worth ships.

Of valium and slept But what should you do if Now he's guilt-stricken the other person refuses to date anyone but you or decides to Sobbing wi1h his head on the floor make more of the relationship Thinks about her now and than you do?

How he never really wept.

Clearly, you cannot control He says, another's choices. Yet, you can be straight about things. Don't (Repeat refrain) do anything deceptive. If you have a date with someone else, We tried to wash our hands tell the first person. It is a big Of all of this mistake to get trapped into an We never talk of exclusive dating relationship Our lacking relationships when you are not ready for And how we're guilt-stricken such a commitment.

Sobbing with our heads Such situations are. emoOn the floor tionally complex. Often, it is We fell through the ice wiser to stop dating the first When we tried not to slip. person. Again, be caring, but We'd say, be straight. Tell him or her that you no longer want to date.

(Repeat refrain) The message in this song deserves discussion between Written by Brian Vander Ark parents and their teens, or in Sung by The Verve Pipe high school youth groups or theology classes. I'd like to Copyright (c) 1996 by Sid Flips hear your reactions and comMusic/EMI April Music ments.

Inc.(ASCAP) Send me your ideas on this THE VERVE Pipe's "The the lyrics refer to suicide? song's message, and I'll try to Freshmen is quit~ interesting. While such an unfortunate path share them with readers.

I suppose that this group would presents a separ~te issue, this through a future column. fall under the label of "alter- column will address the more native rock, but this song is general concern Of personal reYour comments are alsofter in sound than most of sponsibility in relationships. ways welcome. Please adthis popular genre.

The character in the song dress: Charlie Martin, 7125 The song presents a .somber says: "I won't b~ held respon- W 2008, Rockport, Ind. account of young romance. Do sible; she ~ell in lpve in the first 47635.

Coming of Age

Guilt and Romance By When I was young, I knew everything And she a punk Who rarely ever took advice Now I'm guilt stricken Sobbing with my head on the floor Stop a baby's breath And a shoe full of rice

15

â&#x20AC;˘

ABOUT YOUTH

A different script for a new school year By

AMY WELBORN

Summer's over.

Again.

Remember back in Mayor June when that glorious stretch of summer days looked unbelievably vast and luxuriously, almost sinfully relaxed?

Now the alarm's ringing.

Time to go to school.

If you're like the kids I know, you probably have mixed emotions about returning to classes.

By the first week of July, you might have started teetering on the edge of serious boredom, with too much time on your hands and missing your friends.

In fact, one. of my students called me not two weeks after school ended. When I asked how she was doing, she said: "Well, I'm kind of ready for school to start again. I really miss everybody."

Gee whiz, I thought. She wants to be there more than I do, and they pay me to go!

But as anxious as you are to get back in the routine of seeing your friends, that enthusiasm is undoubtedly tempered by the reason everybody's there in the first place.

Work. Classes. Reading, writing and arithmetic.

Who could look forward to that?

You, maybe?

Well, maybe not the work, but do you think you could rustle up some interest in learning some new stuff?

More students than we know do feel a slight flutter of excite'ment when they contemplate their new class schedule or leaf through the pages of a neat stack of pristine textbooks.

Part of \t is the implication of maturity that comes with more advanced course work: "Wow! I'm taking chemistry."

"That sounds so cool: I'm actually a calculus student! It almost sounds like I'm in college."

There might even be some excitement 'about being exposed to ideas and ways of thinking you've never encountered before. .

If you feel even the slightest inkling of anything like this, build on it, and make this year a really fruitful one.

Granted, our educational system almost seems designed sometimes to bore that glimmer of interest right out of you with rote memorization of seemingly disjointed, meaningless facts, busywork, worksheets and unimaginative teaching.

But since there's no way of getting around the fact that you have no choice except to be in school, make the best of where you are.

One of the most important ways you can do that is by really pursuing whatever glimmer of curiosity you have about a subject.

Don't give into thinking that "I have to do this so I can get a grade so it can go on my transcript so I can get into college so I can get a job so I can ..."

Which is, of course, the way too many students and even parents think about this whole school business.

If that describes your perceptions, you have written yourself a nice little script in which you play the role of bored student, with no other purpose than to wait for the next summer to roll around.

But how about writing a different script this year?

You're the main character, swimming easily in a sea of wisdom and knowledge. You are buoyed by the fascinating ideas and writings produced by people who grappled with the same questions you do: Why am I here?

What makes the world go round?

Who am I? You emerge with answers that have endured, not because of the arbitrary decision of an anonymous curriculum committee but because they're fascinating and can help you figure out who you are.

What script ingredient makes this possible?

It's called an open mind. Do you have one?

Our Lord God loves . everyone unconditionally, without limits.

Maybewe could . try too. .

16

THE ANCHOR -

Prayer~

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Sept. 5, 1997

Donations Urgently Needed

Indian Mission Director Pleads for Help 8pedalto The Anchor THOREAU, NM - As Catholics around the globe consider the Pentecost message to "go out to all the world and tell the Good News," the director, priest, sisters, lay missionaries and staff of a New Mexico Mission school are concerned about urgently-needed help. They work daily to make quality Catholic education a reality for American Indian children in their care.

These children "do without" as a way of life ... will you help them?

Trusting in God, everyone at the Mission prays for urgentlyneeded help.

St. Bonaventure Mission started a school more than a decade ago when the founder realized the Indian children in the Mission's CCD classes didn't have even the most basic reading and writing skills. Today over

300 children, most of them Native American, join in prayer to keep their school from closing.

For many of our students, the school at St. Bonaventure Mission is their "last hope."

The Indian boys and girls attending St. Bonaventure Indian Mission and School live with the following realities: • 55% ojthe Navajo population cannot read or write,.

• McKinley County (where the Mission is located) has the highest poverty rate (43%) in the state,.

• The suicide rate among Navajo teenagers is ten times higher than jor their age group in the population at large.

• McKtizley County has the highest alcoholism rate. IiI the United States.

u.s.

A nearly 40-merriber strong corps of dedicated lay missionaries teach and carry out the other work of the Mission. This "other work" includes maintaining the buses and vans which travel the remote mesas to bring the children to school; preparing two nourishing meals daily for the children; and bringing both food and w!lter to aging Navajos living in poverty in remote areas of the barren Reservation.

New lay missionaries often ask, "Can this be America?"

They've experienced failure in other schoolS or inability to get to school from great distances.

Will you help?

Gifts made to St. Bonaventure Indian Mission and School are taxdeductible. The school also qualifies for "Matching Gifts."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • Dear Anchor Readers, ••

'nd.ill n mission lind. School Sf. Sonlll1enfu.e .

~

~.

'

\bo«,Jt1N'

~~~~

: • : • • : • :

I'm turning to you for help. My concern is for the children at St. Bonaventure Indian Mission School. Without caring friends like you we can't exist.

School started last month and I'm unable to pay the bills ... this . summer's much needed school repairs cost more than expected.

Plus delivering water and food to elders and families in remote areas of the reservation cost more than budgeted ... but how could I say no to people so desperate for something as basic as water?

I can't meet these urgent needs without your help. Costs are more than I can afford. Please become part of this life-giving work!

Idon't want to have to say "no" to even one child or one elder who needs help. Will you join in our love for these First Americans who live in. such difficult circumstances?

I pray you will join in this partnership of prayer, love and concern. Our needs are great. Please help us make quality education a reality for needy Navajo children.

:

In Christ's Love,

. . . ."iiiiii'iiii'..•.••

~_

Here's my sacrificial gift of love of $

~

_

Name Address

_

_

_ C i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - - State--- Zip - - - - -

(

) Please check here ifyou would like to receive a beautiful rosary hand-strung with reconstituted turquoise nuggets andSilver-plated beads as a

(

) Please check here ifyou would like to receive a sterling stiver cross, set wlih turquoise, made by our local1ndian artisans, as a token ofappreciationfor your g(fi of$]5 or more. 11is a unique piece ofjewelry you will wear-orgive-with pride. ) Please check here ifyou would like to receive a paperback copy ofTony RII/erman's book, Sacred 'Clowns, which is dedicated to the lay missionaries serving alSI. Bonaventure 1ndianMission and Schoo~ as a token ofappreciationfor your g(fi of$15 or more. ) Ple,ase sendme a 1998Mission calendar wlih envelopesfor monthly giving.

token ofappreciationfor your g(fi of$100 or more.

(

~~

9823 PTW 003'

Send to:

• :

... .

••••••••••••••••••••

Please pray for my special intentions

(

:

Bob O'Connen,-Dir~ctor St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School

:

Clip and Mail Today

.

:

~d"~

:

• : • • • • : • • : • : • • : • :

Help from. Anchor Readers, St. Bonaventure Indian Mission and School Eastern NavaJ() Reservation, P.O. Box 610, Thoreau, NM 87323·0610