09.20.96

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t eanco VOL. 40, NO. 36 •

Friday, September 20,1996

Cardinal Medeiros Residence for retired priests blessed

FALL RIVER, MASS.

FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly

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By Dave Jolivet Anchor staff On Sept. 18, Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap., and special guest Cardinal Bernard Law of the Boston Archdiocese, blessed and dedicated the new Cardinal Medeiros Residence, a retirement center for diocesan priests. Also present were members of Cardinal Medeiros' family, many diocesan priests and severallocal dignitaries. The residence is located on the campus of Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River. It was formerly the living quarters of the}esuit community that used to staff the high school. Bishop O'Malley selected the name for the residence, commemorating Fall River native Cardinal Hurnberto Medeiros, who was a beloved priest in the diocese for many years before becoming the Bishop of Brownsville, TX, in 1966 and the Cardinal Archbishop of Boston in 1970. There are still many priests within the diocese who worked with him when he was here. He died in 1983 at age 67 after open heart surgery. This year would have marked tlie 50th anniversary of Cardinal Medeiros' ordinatIon to the ,priesthood. Turn to page 5

ABOVE. is an exterior view of the newly remodeled Cardinal Medeiros Residence. Cardinal Bernard Law and Bishop Sean O'Malley attended a dedication ceremony Sept. 18 during which each blessed the home for retired priests. The residence is scheduled to open soon. (Anchor/}olivet photo)


Bishop Sean O'Malley recently attended a prayer vigil on the steps ofthe Capitol building in Washington, DC, to end partial-birth abortion. He commented on the event during an interview with the Anchor: "It was successful. There was a wonderful turnout," he ·said. "It was most impressive to see the hundreds of thousands of cards they had boxed there to send to members of Congress and that there was a lot of participation from other churches nationwide. "It was an important witness. Now, we just have to keep praying. I appreciate the people illl Fall River who were praying and fasting on that day. They have to keep

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up their prayers because the partialbirth abortion procedure is really upping the ante in the war against life. I think it's important that we be strong. "We have to do everything we can to raise people's consciousness and certainly the service, besides the spiritual benefit, was an important public witness to the Church's stand on the dignity of human life. " WASHINGTON(CNS)- With votes on the override Qf the veto of 1he Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act expected in the House and Senate before the end of September, eight U.S. cardinals and more than 60 bishops took their battle against the veto to the steps of the U.S. Capitol. "I think it's very appropriate that we pray here. Don't you?" asked Cardinal Bernard F. Law of Boston, chairman of the bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities, at the Sept. 12' vigil. "We pray not as Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans o'r evangelicals,'" he said. "We pray for wisdom, truth and hope." The interfaith prayer vigil on the West Terrace of the Capitolwhich also attracted about 1,000

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Dominican of Hope back at Academy in new roles Sister Louise Synan, OP, has been appointed to several new roles at Dominican Academy, Fall River. An alumna of the class of 1950 and Academy principal from 1972 to 1985, she will now offer individual and gro~p counseling for all grade levels, 'do marketing and grant writing and oversee public relations projects and needs. She will also serve on the public relations committee of the Academy school board. For the past 10 years, Sister Louise has been on the faculty of Coyle-Cassidy High School, Taunton, where she was guidance counselor and a member of the English department. "I had many pleasant years there," she said, "but I am happy to be back at Dominican, which has always been home to me and my anchor in a storm. It is good to be home." Sister Louise was not only principal but a teacher at Dominican Academy, where as a young religious she taught grades 2, 3 and 6 and, after working for several years in Connecticut and New York schools, returned for nine years as 8th grade teacher.

Holy Ghost parish marks 75 years Holy Ghost parish, Attleboro, will mark its 75th anniversary at a 4 p. m. Mass tomorrow, Sept. 21, at which Bishop Sean O'Malley will be principal celebrant. Concelebrants will include Rev. Stephen B. Salvador, pastor, and area priests, including several who have served the parish in the past. Also present will be two permanent deacons: parishioner Paul M., Fournier and parish native John Calendrella, who now lives and ministers in the diocese of Lexington, KY. His mother, Mrs. Louise Calendrella, has been a member of Holy Ghost for over 50 years.

Washington said, "We come not lay people and clergy - was the as political leaders or as lobbyists, largest assemblage ever of U.S. but as people of different faiths Catholic bishops in a public demunited in a common cause. And onstration on federal property. On that cause is life." no other U.S. policy debate in memory has the U.S. Catholic hierCardinal William H. Keeler of archy taken such a high public Baltimore explained that the 150profile. plus boxes stacked behind him In April President Clinton vetoed were filled with about 200,000 the bill, which would prohibit one postcards filled out by Catholics at type of abortion used late in pregMaryland churches the weekend nancy. Saying it borders on infanbefore, urging a congressional overticide, church leaders have vocally ride. opposed the procedure, in which a The postcards were addressed doctor partially delivers the unborn to Democratic Sens. Paul Sarbanes child and then stabs surgical scis- and Barbara Mikulski, both from sors into the base of the infant's Maryland, asking them, as Cardihead. The child's brain is then nal Keeler put it, "to reject this removed by suction, allowing for component of the culture of death." easier delivery of the rest of the Press briefing moderator Helen body. Alvare, director of public inforThe bill initially passed the House mation for the U. S. bishops' Secrewith enough votes to override a tariat for Pro-Life Activities, called veto and enact the law without the it "infanticide ... you have a mostly president's signature. Override born child being killed in a particvotes in both houses are expected . ularly brutal way." in late September. The Rev. George Anderson, a The vigil was organized primarUnited Methodist pastor in the ily by the Secretariat for Pro-Life Washington suburb of MitchellActivities of the National Conferville, Md., said he was at a loss for ence of Catholic Bishops. Presidwords in trying to describe partialers included Terry Schlossberg, birth abortion to his two children, president of the National Religious who had seen an artist's depiction Pro-Life Council and a member of of the procedure. Presbyterians Pro-Life, and Arch"How do you describe the savbishop Abune Matthias of the agery of what is happening in our Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo culture?" he asked. "How do you Church in the United States and explain that to anyone who is a Canada. Prayers were offered by civilized being?" clergy of a variety of denomiAn attempt to place an ad depictnations. At a press briefing before the ing the partial-birth abortion procevigil, Cardinal James A. Hickey of dure in Boston's two daily news-

papers met with resistancl:, which Cardinal Law said indicated "a perceptible censorship on this issue on the part of the press generally." The rejected ad was submitted to The Boston Globe and the Boston Herald by the pro-life office of the Boston Archdiocese. It contained an explicit diagram and description of partial-birth abortion with a message from "he U.S. bishops urging override of the veto by President Clinton. Acknowledging that the' ad was "graphic, vivid and disturbing," the cardinal said in a statement, "I't is precisely because partial-birth abortion is morally disturbing that the ad was submitted. I regret the rejection of the ad." The Sept. 12 vigil prompted Connecticut's five Catholic bishops to issue their own statment against partial-birth abortions. "To induce delivery and kill a ,child just moments before birth is to deny totally the value and dignity of human life," they said. "In late-term abortion, especially partial-birth abortion, children are killed cruelly, their mothers are placed at risk and the society that condones it is demoralized in the process." Mary Jane Owen, executive director of the National Catholit: Office for Persons with Disabilities, saw the vigil led by the bisho:~s as a "cry for justice and mercy for our unborn brothers and sisters who face a death most cruel, e:ven as they are moving toward lift:."

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BISHOPS Thomas J. O'Brien of Phoenix, John J. Nevins of Venice, Fla., and Sean O'Malley talk during the Sept. 12 prayer vigil at the U.S. Capitol. The vigil was aimed at convincing Congress to override the veto of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. (CNS/ Roller photo)

Deadline draws near for World Youth Day registration The Office for Youth Ministry Services of the Diocese of Fall River is sponsoring a pilgrimage to Paris, France for World Youth Day 1997 with Pope John Paul II. The nine day excursion, from August 18 to August 26, 1997, is being planned through the American Council for International Studies, a reputable tour agency with headquarters in Boston. The pilgrimage is open to any diocesan high school age youth, young ad ults ,and adult youth ministers. In addition to the World Youth Day events, (Mass with the Holy t.:

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Father, an overnight prayer vigil, and other themed activities), the pilgrimage includes visits to the sites of Paris, a special tour of Notre Dame Cathedral, Versailles, the Louvre, Chartres and Fontainebleau. Round-trip airfare, accommodations in a three or fO,ur star hotel, all ground transportation, Metro tickets, breakfast and dinner daily, museum admis~i'ons and a 24 hour bilingual tour host, are all included in the tour package. Keeping with the pilgrimage theme, we will have opp'ortunity for daily prayer and Mass. Visiting the sites "_'l. •

of Paris and surrounding areas, we will reflect on and celebrate our rich Catholic heritage and the gift of faith we share. As of this date, 54 youth and adults from across the diocese: have joined the pilgrimage. Final deadline for registration is September 27, 1996. To register or to nceive more information, please contact Father David Costa at the Office for Youth Ministry Services, 423 Highland Avenue, Fall River, tel. 678-2828.


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THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Sept. 20, 19963 111111111111111111111111111111111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS·545·020). Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Published weekly except for the first two weeks in July and the week after Christmas at 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River. Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $13.00

per year. Postma~ters send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River. MA 02722.

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SISTER JOANNA FERNANDES, OP, provincial superior of the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, and Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM, Cap., look on as Fall River Mayor Edward Lambert presents a proclamation to Joseph Wilczek, president of Saint Anne's Hospital. The hospital held a Mass at St. Anne's Church, Fall River, and a reception at the hospital September 15 in celebration of the institution's 90th birthday. (Anchor/Mills photo)

Bishop to celebrate Mass rOle diocesan healthcare workers Oct. 15 By Dave Jolivet Anchor staff On October 15, the First Diocesan Gathering of Healthcare Workers will take place at Christ the KingChurch, Mashpee. Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM, Cap., has invited all those who care for the sick in any way, to join him for an evening of celebration and affirmation. Eucharistic Liturgy will begin at 7 p. m., and following the Mass, the bishop will impart to all present, the "Imago Dei (Image of God) Blessing," calling upon God to bless the mind, hands and heart of each attendee, so that God may continue to work in them a new and wonderful healing, and that they may touch others with His peace. Refreshments and a social will follow the Mass, and the keynote speaker will be Father Myles Sheehan, SJ, MD. Father Sheehan, a professor of medicine at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago, IL., will speak on "Living the Gospel of Life." "It has long been a wish of the bishop to gather those who care for the sick" to celebrate, to ask for the Lord's blessing, a.nd to be re-

affirmed in the ministry of caring for the Body of Christ, helping the sick, the poor and the needy," said Father Francis.l. McManus,SJ,a member of the planning committee for the gathering and a chaplain at St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford. Many people immediately think of doctors or nurseS when they hear the phrase healthcare worker, but there are many mbre individuals whose ministry it is to help the sick: people such as administrators, executives, chaplains, E MTs, home health aides, hospice workers,paramedics, pharmacists, social service providers~ technicians, therapists of all varieties, and volunteers of all kinds, including those who bring the. Eucharist to the sick. "I wish to call together these brothers and sisters to celebrate and affirm their unique and most precious response to their Christian vocation. These women and men are the face and the heart of Catholic health care in our diocese," said Bishop O'Malley. Earlier in the Catholic Church there used to be a White Mass for physicians. While this gathering is

not such a Mass, it is similar in its intentions to bless caregivers. A major difference is not limiting the Mass to doctors, but including all those who work with the sick. "This celebration emphasizes a new era of health care. We all share in caring for the ill, professionals and volunteers," said Father Mark R. Hession, moderator for the event. The planning committee for the first diocesan gathering of healthcare workers include: Sister Shirley Agnew, Sister Therese Bergeron, Dr. William and Paula Con- ) nolly, Barbara Gauthier, Sister Elaine Heffernan, John Kearns, Father McManus, Elaine Meredith, Dr. Roland O'Leary, Joan Shields, Sister Dympna Smith and Mary Vigeant. There is no charge to attend the event, but registration is necessary to prepare sE~ating and refreshments for those who will participate. For information or to register contact Elaine Meredith, 20 Maxine St., New Bedford 02745 or call 998-2265.

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4 THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Sept. 20; 1996

I

the living word

the moorin9..-., A Questionable Program

This past month the Office of AI DS Ministry announced establishment of a Provincetown office to facilitate provision of services to residents of Truro and adjacent Cape Cod communities. This expansion is the Church's compassionate response, in the person of Bishop Sean O'Malley, to those living with HIV or AIDS. Until the present, persons and families from ~ll over the diocese, including Provincetown, used the services of the Fall River AIDS Ministry office. However, it is a well-known fact that Provincetown especially needs the special services that only the Church can bring it. This was made only too obvious by the outrageous front page story in last Sunday's Cape Cod Standard Times which highlighted a drag handout of con" doms. Accompanied by a four-column color photo of men in \ drag, the story reduced AIDS prevention programs to fun and games. Of course, the same paper had done little to publicize the diocesan AIDS outreach programs. All this' being said, insult is added to insult by the shocking fact that the drag program is funded by a $300,000 grant from the Commonwealth. Once again, taxpayers' monies have been used to encourage and even promote promiscuity and questionable sexual activities. With its objective of reminding gay men about so-called safe sex in their own environment, the new program is viewed as an alternative to those which might be considered boring or dull. AIDS workers dress as women as they cruise Provincetown Anchor! Mills photo bars and their dresses, wigs and pumps are all funded by tax SISTERS GATHERED ON THE STEPS OF ST. ANNE'S CHURCH, FALL RIVER, dollars. Supporting this sad situation are some of the local SEPTEMBER 15. THE DOMINICANS OFTHE PRESENTATION ARE legislators who feel that this is the best way to handle the CELEBRATING THEIR 300TH BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR. problems accompanying the gay culture. This outrageous support of equally outrageous behavior is "0 Lord, thou wilt open my lips and my mouth shall declare thy praise." Ps.l:17 not going to make a dent in the AIDS battle. As Barbara Anderson, executive director of Citizens for Limited Taxation, commented, "If a gay man doesn't know about AI DS yet, . he's been living in a cave." Perhaps this is painting a picture By Father John Catoir arrogant, demanding and inconwith a very broad brush, but the situation indicates that much '. problem over to him. I put my siderate. trust in his power and love. of our tax revenue is being spent to inform people about things Act as if everything depended When you approach God do not Imagine giving a trustworthy they already know. There is also the element of free will that on you, and pray as if everything be childish. The childlike spirit is friend a task to do for you and depended on God. You probably allows many to ignore in their behavior what they know in full of trust. Even the most unruly then worrying all night about their mind. In this regard distribution of condoms simply have heard that truism before, but children do not worry about how whether or not it will be d one. It some problems are so severe you reenforces irresponsible activities. just doesn't make sense. may feel powerless to act as though their next meal will appear on the Do you have to contend with a What is also demeaning in this matter is that AIDS preven- everything depended on you. It is table. They trust their parents to tion programs are reduced to a joke; this is tragic. We spend then that you have to turn it all take care of their basic needs, and rebellious child or a difficuLt ag'ing in the same way God will take care parent? Stop trying to' engineer a tax dollars on anti-cancer and anti-smoking programs but they 'over to God and trust him. of your needs. Trust him and be solution. It is beyond your s'~rength With God's grace, all things are are certainly not promoted as carnival acts. AIDS will never be patient. to change the personality of anpossible. Ask for a miracle, and In discerning the meaning of a prevented by the irresponsible program currently being fi- expect one. other human being. Only the other person can do that, and the'n only nanced by Beacon Hill. To understand more about this childlike spirit, the key word is Few people know that our own diocese has poured well over state of absolute trust, I turned to "trust." Trust is the only thing that , with the help of God's grac:e. The is uniquely ours to give. God gave' role of grace is the mysterious ele$300,000 into its AIDS ministerial programs. This money has Blessed Julian of Norwich. She us everything else we have. When ment in this process. compared a mother's love to the come from our Catholic Charities funds and other grants. But Jesus asked us to become childOnce you turn the respon:;ibility love and service of Jesus. the state has ignored our work and even refuses to help fund A mother's service is completely like, he wanted us to have absolute over to the Lord, all you can do is effective and caring undertakings of our Church and of many dependable because it is the most confidence in his love. This means thank him for the grace he will other denominations. Yet we don't get even a nod of recogni- loving and certainly the truest ser- we have to learn "to let go and let send. Try not to demand immeGod." diate results. Wait and trust:. tion from the media, only left-handed rebuffs, even though the vice we know. Since Jesus perPersonally 1find this difficult to Patient endurance is what the forms this loving service to an Catholic Church has been the single most active private agency infinite degree, Julian referred to do. I pray, but I often tend to carry saints do best. in the war on AIDS. Simply because we reject condoms as an him as "Mother God." She wrote, the full weight of my burdens until AIDS preventive, a secular society devoted to its own pleasure "The Lord carried us within him- I realize what I'm doing. Then I prefers to ignore the services offered daily to AIDS patients in self in love and pain when he suf- stop in my tracks and turn the fered the sharpest thorns and the most B all our communities.

-----------------------------------Patient endurance is key to trust in God

The Editor

the

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. Box 7 or call telephone number above

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EDITOR

'GENERAL MANAGER

Rev John F Moore

Rosemary,Dussault

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daunting agony." We can trust the Lord. If your trust is weak, don't be discouraged. One day he will give you the precious gift of a childlike spirit. "Ask and you will receive." When Jesus challenged us to put on a childlike spirit, he was encouraging us to be childlike, not childish. A childish person can be

·.The Word 01 the Lord "Yes, God so loved the world·that he gave his :onJ.jSon,that Whoever .b'ellev8s In hlin may not 'dle.but.halle .eternalllfe." .

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EDICTAL CITATION DIOCESAN TRIBUNAL FAll RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS

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For Love

Since the actual place of residence of . KENNETH L. MITCHELL is unknown. We cite KENNETH L. MITCHELL to appear personally before the Tribunal of the Diocese of Fall River on Tuesday. October 8. 1996 at 2:30 p.m, at887 Highland Avenue. Fall River. Massachusetts. to give testimony to establish: Whether the nullity of "·the marriage exists in the Matton -'Mitchell case?' Ordinaries of the pla·ce or other .p~siors having the knowledge of the residence of the above person. Kenneth L. Mitchell. must see to it that he is properly advised in regard to this edictal citation, f'

Father in heaven, our hearts desire the warmth of your love and our mlrnds are searching for the l.ight of our World. Increase our longingfor Christ our Savior and give us the stret.rgth to grow in love, that the dawn of his coming may find us rejoicing in ,his presence and welcoming the light ofhis truth. We ask....

.::Jay VMaddock cial Vicar _ .

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Given at the Tribunal, ! Fall River. Massachu s. , on this 17th day of. eptember; 1996.

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Cardinal Medeiros Residence blessed Continued from Pa.ge One "The Cardinal Medeiros Residence is'designed to help retired diocesan priests maintain dignity and independence," said Father Edmund J. Fitzgerald, executive director of Diocesan Health Facilities Office (0 H FO), the a postolate in charge of overseeing the project. Heading up the project for DHFO were Kevin M(:Kay, director of Human Resources and Support Services, and Mark Jeffries, project manager. The residence is slated for occupancy in early October. A state-of-the-art residence The residence is a three-level, 16-suite, state-of-the-art facility, having 12 furnished units and four unfurnished. Each suite (eight on each of the ~econd and third levels) wiIl house one retiree:, providing him with a living room, separate bedroom and a bathroom, all handicapped accessible. The suites are cable-TV ready, and canaccommodate personal computer equipment if desired. Also included are phone jacks and fuIl air conditioning and heating controls for each suite. The second and third levels each have a common kitchenette-lounge area and a prayer room where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. The priests can celebrate Mass there as weIl as in the ConnoIly chapel, which ls-'shared by the residence and the high school. The first level houses a large living room with fireplace, a dining room-kitchen, a barber shop, visitors' room, reception area, con-

ference/ recreation room and a room for consultation with a doctor or nurse. There is a ground level patio, and also an outdoor patio on the second level. In addition, there is a sheltered entrance with a canopy, and there is ample parking on the grounds. The residence wiIl be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with management provided by DHFO. The staff supervisor is Mrs. Elizabeth McElroy, who formerly worked with the Bishop ConnoIly principal, taught home economics in Weymouth for five years and owned her own business. "I look forward to this opportunity," she said. The staffwiIl include two cooks, providing three meals a day, seven days a week, housekeeping services, a resident services assistant, and a parttime maintenance person. Despite being located very near the high school, the residence is quiet and secluded. Residents can, however, if they wish, attend school activities such as plays or athletic events. Before and 'after The current appearance of the facility is a far cry frbm just a year ago. Prior to t.he renovation, the layout was similar to that of a college dormitory: a 38-room complex with cinder-block corridors with one-room apartments on either side. Everything, with the exception of the kitchen area, had to be gutted and rebuilt. The long haIlways have been replaced with wide open areas with

many windows, creating a bright, pleasant atmosphere. The smaIl one-room apartments have given way to spacious and homey living areas. Why a retirement center? There has long been need of a residence for retired diocesan priests, especially since inception of the mandatory retirement age of 75 for priests and bishops. But until now there has been no official retirement facility, although the Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River has six suites available for priests needing skilled nursing care, and the St. John Vianney House on Middle Street, also in Fall River, provides a location for short-term stavs. The Priests' Hostel in FaIl R.iver has provided another option. For some time, the bishop and a priests' retirement committee searched for an appropriate location for the proposed center. When the Jesuit community moved out of the ConnoIly site in June of 1995, the search was over. At that time, Bishop O'Malley asked DHFO to contract an architect and help design and plan the new facility. The architectural firm was John M. Sheskey & Associates, the general contractor was Standen Contracting Co., Inc. of Dartmouth; interior designers were Tony & Karen Der Marderosian; and landscaping was by Mary Smith Associates. The address of the facility, different from that ofthe high school, is Cardinal Medeiros Residence Retirement Center for Pirests, 375 Elsbree St., FaIl River 02720.

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Sept. 20, 19965

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STATE-OF-THE-ART: The computer room at the new St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School in Hyannis is one of the many features the Catholic middle school offers. (Anchor/ Jolivet photo)

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Continued from Page One The curriculum at the school is rigorous and varied. Students begin foreign language training in sixth grade with the study of Spanish; in grade seven. French; and all eighth graders will study Latin. Each day all students wiIl have 40 minutes of religious education taught by Father Byington and Father James M. Fitzpatrick, also from SI. Francis' Xavier. In addition to that and to their other academic classes, youngsters wiIl also have a daily etiquette·lesson.

CHRISTOPHER GINNETTY, an eightp,grader at St. Francis Xavier School reads from Scripture at the Sept. 18 Mass celebrating the beginning of the new school's first academic year. (Anchor/ Jolivet photo) ",

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Diocese of Fall River -

DESPITE BEING paralyzed for 29 years, Bill White helps raise money for St. Bridget's Church in Rochester, N. Y., from his hospital bed at Strong Memorial HospitaL The parish has raised $35,000 by selling Irish hats, T-shirts and sweatshirts. (CNS/ Scott photo)

Quadriplegic says willingness is key to volunteering, ROCHESTER, NY (CNS) Bridget's are inner-city blacks When it comes to volunteerism, and Hispanics. it doesn't matter whether you're The merchandise is sold by perfectly healthy or paralyzed volunteers at Rochester-area bars from the neck down because the and churches, and at such events key component is the will- as the annual downtown St. ingness to make the effort, says Patrick's Day parade. With TBill White. shirts and hats selling for $10 White has been a quadriplegic each, and sweat.shirts for $20, for 29 years. Yet he has found the the project has 'already raised means to sell $800 worth of T- $35,000 for building repair and shirts in a fund raising effort for renovation at St. B\~~get's, accordSt. Bridget's Church in Rochester. ing t,o. McBride.t\ . "Anybody can do this. People One of the fund raiser's biggest who think they're helpless aren't supporters is White, who sells helpless," said White in an inter- the shirts and hats right from his view with the Catholic Courier, hospital bed. He keeps stacks of Rochester diocesan newspaper. ,the bright green apparel in his He spoke from his hospital bed room, and makes sales to hospiat Strong Memorial Hospital. tal employees and other patients' "One person thinks he can't visitors. make a difference, like voting. "I called virtually everybody But everybody can make a difthat I know at the hospital, which ference if they try," White added. "I vote every year." is quite a few people," White The 47-year-old White has said. "I've gotten to know famiresided in the rehabilitation unit lies, and they've sent checks to me." at the hospital since 1969. He McBride, parishioner at was permanently paralyzed at Blessed Sacrament Church, said age 18 in a mishap during a gymhe was initially surprised by nastics routine; he accidentally White's fund raising abilities. landed on the floor while attcmpt"He was selling them like crazy. ing a maneuver on the parallel bars. I said, 'What did you do, kiss the White, who breathes with the blarney stone?' He said, 'No, I help of a respirator, is listed as a swallowed it,''' McBride recalled. "C-2" - the second most severe White was recently honored form of quadriplegia. He said he for his fundraising by Father was not expected to survive for Anthony Mugavero, pastor of very long following his accident, St. Bridget's, who presented him but that records indicate he is with a plaque that read, "A special now the oldest living C-2 victim. thanks! May God bless you and

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Over the years, he has endured ~~.u~~~~:t~sd~~:v:ffto;:i;o:e;p~~~ 48 operations. needy." White became involved in the St. Bridget's cause through Mike McBride, who has spent countMcBride, a longtime friend. less hours visiting his friend over McBride, a building inspector the years, said White shows trefor the city of Rochester, organmendous compassion for others ized the fund raiser in' 1994 after despite his own physical condifinding that several parts of the tion. 121-year-old church structure "He's a very unselfish person. needed extensive repair. When he sees you, the first thing McBride spearheaded a drive he asks is, 'How are you doing?''' to sell Irish hats, T-shirts and McBride said, adding that his sweat shirts for the financially friend is also a crack chess player. strapped parish, which was found"He can beat you in three ed by Irish immigrants. Most of . moves," McBride said. "Four," the at-St. ,i .. current. parishioners ". -.- - _White said with . ....- a smile. .. - ". --_\

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,The women in one prison

Fri., Sept. 20, 1996

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I spent a day at a women's prison in Connecticut recently. I wanted to know why more than 1,000 women are confined here either in the minimum - or maximum-security prisons, located side by side. ' Warden Eileen Higgins gave me the story. I learned right off that there's a significant difference between women and men in the state's prisons. 82 percent of the women are not in prison as the result of violence. Most of the women are imprisoned for substance abuse and crimes related to this. The women in prison are also older than men, with the majority of women between the ages of30 and 45. A study points to a bottom-line cause of later-age crime: longstanding self-abuse via drugs or lifestyle. Most of the incarcerated women were physically or sexually abused at a young age. Studies have shown a strong correlation between being the victim of physical violence as a child and growing up to be violent or self-destructive. After being abused by others, these women descended into self-abuse via drugs, alcohol, prostitution or becoming a battering man's victim. An important issue is the women's lack of selfesteem, said the warden. It is very difficult for abused children to develop a sense of self-worth as they grow into adulthood. ' Since this prison's goal is to help inmates heal so that they can make a life for themselves outside, the warden and those in charge focus on what matters most to these women. The answer? Motherhood. About 75 percent are mothers, usually a child's primary caretaker. When they come into prison, the women are emotionally and psychologically exhausted. But after detox in prison, the first reality to hit them is that their babies are out there being cared for by someone else, usually a grandmother, says the warden. The women get very depressed and feel very guilty. They keep asking, "What did I do to my babies?" This prison is committed to "a heavy emphasis on parenting," said the warden. Children are allowed to

come in and even stay overnight in a priv.ate room with their mothers, to try to reestablish the bonding between them. Most of the women arrive in prison "v(:ry sick," said the warden. So the prison provides "a lot of medical and health services." Some 30 percent to 35

liJ'Ib.e DQ>1!:1!:@m. 1!I:i!.a.e By Antoinette Bosco percent of the women are usually pregnant; many of these are high-risk pregnancies. 20 percer.,t of the women are HIV positive. Many have other sexually transmitted diseases. Some have never seen 2. dentist. Here for the first time in their lives they get full medical services, including breast and gynecological exams. As might be expected, most have no significant job skills. So vocational training is emphasized. Accountability also is stressed, for the priority 'here :is public safety. "That's the issue," says the warden. And while the prison knows it can't be 100 percent successful in rehabilitation (20 percent to 30 percent will be back), there are increasing signs of progress. "Some tell us they are happy to be here. One said it was a blessing for her because she had no pla.ce to go and she was tired of running," said the warden. Almost every day I read about states huilding more prisons and how prisons have become a booming business for industries, with revenues'reaching $26 billion last year. I wanted to take a human look at one prison's inmates. I learned that thl~Y need compassion, not contempt.

Temper tantrums require a game phin Dear Dr. Kenny: My son's temper tantrums are more than I can handle. He screams, throws things and hits his little sisters. I beg, lecture, explain, reward, punish, give in, but nothing seems to help. He is seven years old and should have outgrown this. . I'm a single mom with two younger children, and I don't know what to do. Our physician says there is no medical problem. He's a good boy otherwise, except for his daily tantrum, which usually occurs when he doesn't get his way - La. You clearly have a problem controlling your son's behavior when his behavior is driven by emotion and yours is fueled by reason. In such cases emotion always wins. As your letter indicates, lectures, explanations and even punishment are not likely to be effective. He continues to be out of control, despite your attempts to reason with him. . Good discipline involves so much more than punishment. In fact, punishment is one of the less effective ways to control behavior. If it worked better, advertisers and stores would use it to motivate customers. Have you ever heard a threatening or punitive ad? Physiologically, a tantrum is an aroused state. All your son's inner systems read "go." Asking him to back off, calm down or sit still is like asking Niagara Falls to stop. You are fighting nature. Instead, use the arousal. Find some active form of "discipline" to corral that energy. , Next, be careful of giving attention to the tantrum. Whatever else you do, find some form of control that is brief and immediate so as to avoid the "secondary gain." Too often what is intended as punishment comes with its own reward in the form of attention. Finally, find some activity to distract your son, an activity to which you can give attention. Something humorous or fun can help make the transition from anger to energetic action. Here are some examples that have worked for other parents. - Space candy: When your son is "out of it," shout "space candy." Everyone runs to get a handful of the magic candy (a mix of peanuts and raisins). - Pillow duel: You may yell "pillow fight." Get the special throw pillows, give your son his and start a fun fight. After a minute or two, go for a snack, take a walk or put in a video. Do something positive. - Disappearing mom: When your son has a temper tantrum, go to the bathroom. Lock the door. Stay there for three to five minutes without responding. If necessary, take your daughters with you. - --..,-:: World)!pnniest Get your c~mcord~r (or .-,-- .-.- vid~o: '"'. ,, ~._

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tape recorder or camera) and record the tantrum for posterity. Tel1 your son to overact, to give :fOU the best tantrum ever, to make it really "bad." The above suggestions will not work in public. If

With Dr. James & Mary Kenny your son has a tantrum in a store, you should go home at once. And don't take him next time. If the above suggestions sound wacky, they are meant to. You are fighting energy with energy, anger with humor and using a form of surprise to interrupt the out-of-control behavior. Make up your own interventions. Good luck! 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. Hunison St., Rensselaer, Ind. 47978.

Daily Readings Sept. 23: Pry 3:27-34; Ps 15:2-5; Lk 8:16-18 Sept. 24: Pry 21:1-6,10-13; Ps 119: 1,27,30,34-35,44; Lk 8:19-21 Sept. 25: Pry 30:5-9; Ps 119:29,72 ,89, 101,104,163; Lk 9:1-6' Sept. 26: Eccll:2-1l; Ps 90:3-6,12-14..17; Lk 9:7-9 Sept. 27: Eccl 3:1-11; Ps 144:1-4; Lk 9:18-22 Sept. 28: Eccl 11:9-12:8; Ps 90:3-6,1214,17; Lk 9:43b-45 Sept. 29: Ez 18:25-28; Ps 125:4-9; Phil 2:1-11 or 2:1-5; Mt 21:28-32 ...

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Impotence and the validity of niarriage Q. Your column has always been clear and helpful until a recent one that concerned reversing a vasectomy. In your answer was the statement, "Physical or emotional inability to have sexual relations with one's partner invalidates a marriage union between them." That part disturbs me. After 46 years of marriage, a physical impediment ofthat kind is not one to end a marriage. Sometimes these conditions occur later in life. Or medication might hue some effect. I would like some clarification. (Massachusetts) A. Since you're one of several who were bothered. I probably should have been more clear. When we speak of a marriage being invalid, that always means it was invalid from the beginning; it was never a real, true marriage. As I have explained more fully a number of times in past years, the reason for a marriage being invalid may only be discoven:d some years later. But whatever the reason, it means that some circumstance existed from the start of the marriage that made a genuine community of life, which we believe marriage to be, impossibll~ for that couple. In other words, according to our Catholic understanding of marriage, a true, valid marriage, once it exists, does not "become invalid" later on. This seems clearly to be the situation of your marriage, and of countless others in which. for one reason or another, partial or total impotence becomes a problem. As you correctly indicate, if and when that happens, it certainly does. not end the marriage. Q. My question concerns your column on impotence an~nvalidity of marriage. Specific"ll'y, maya widower who is impotent as a result of surgery contract. a valid marriage? The

prospective bride is an unbaptized divorcee. Is this marriage possible? (North Carolina) A. Let's take the impotence question first. For impotence to be an impediment to marriage, the condition must be absolutely permanent, with no hope of any rehabilitation that might make intercourse possible in the future (Canon law 1084).

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ADSWe• • By Father John J. Dietzen In the opinion of the best medical authorities available, such absolutely irreversible impotence is increasingly rare today. Rehabilitative techniques and correction of some physical disorders that can cause impotence apparently are possible in the vast majority of cases. When some such hope of reversal exists, the impotence is legally doubtful, the impediment therefore is not present and the couple havl: the right to marry. Dealing with the fact that the prospective bride was previously married mayor may not be so easy. Talk with a priest in your community, explain the circumstances and ask him to help you take the necessary steps. A free brochure answering questions Catholics ask about cremation and other funeral regulations and customs is available by sending a stamped, selfaddressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, 704 N. Main St., Bloomington, III. 61701. Questions should be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address.

Tackling those hard-to-answer questions I suspect most Catholics have been asked in one form or another my cousin's question: "How can you guys think it's OK to go out and kill someone and then make it OK by going to confession?" Accusations thinly disguised as'questions once put me on the defensive. Not so much anymore. You see, I come from a family peppered with mildly bigoted folks when it comes to Catholicism. It's not that they dislike Catholics per se or even disagree with basic Catholic doctrines. They just don't understand them. Or worse, they cling to a faulty understanding of one or two. Or three or four. Or more. And I mean cling. So I try to give them multiple choices when they give me a bad time. For example, they love to hate confession. When they ask, "J ust what really happens in that box?" I tell them it's a deep, dark secret. But it's one of the following: a) We play scissors-paper-rock with a priest; sin is forgiven if you win two of three. b) The priest puts you in thumbscrews until you agree to volunteer to teach CCD. c) You have three seconds to come up with a good knock-knock joke or the priest won't open the secret sliding panel. Here's a recent question from Uncle Chet. "How

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By Dan Morris b) During Vatican Council II the Americans slipped a loophole into the Code of Canon Law to allow it. c) The insidious Catholics wanted to milk him for all his non-Catholic off-tackle plays and Protestant pass routes. Another cousin was somewhat incensed when a priest apparently refused to perform a marriage ceremony for a Catholic friend of hers - under water at the college pool where friend and fiance met during a scuba class. Clearly, I told her, it was one of three things: a) The priest was letting his fear of the water cloud his judgment. b) The unreasonable clergyman had invoked the ancient Code of St. Neptune, which requires all underwater marriages of Catholics to be witnessed by at least one dolphin. c) The cleric harbored unspoken concerns that there was no way the bride could arrange colorcoordinated fins and wet suits in time. I guess it's my way of telling my relatives, "Silly answers for ingenuous questions." On the other hand, I know they are becoming serious when'they ask, "What would have happened if the pope had told J FK to declare war on Canada?" Your comments are welcome always. Please send them to Uncle Dan, 25218 Meadow Way, Arlington, Wash. 98223.

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By Sol Stern -Part II

~

Consider Manhattan's Community School District 3, where my own children have gone to school. In some respects this district, which includes most of the Upper West Side and a large chunk of central Harlem, typifies the city school system. At its southern end it serves a racially mixed, largely . middle-class student population. In Harlem, a broad swath of schools with 100 percent minority enrollment have remained dismal failures. During the past decade the district has been a laboratory for each new trend in public-school reform. After taking root in East Harlem's District 4, a program of choice was instituted for our distric;:t's middle schools. Parents can select among the various schools in the district, instead of having·their child automatically assigned to the nearest one, on the theory that the need to compete for pupils will force individual schools to improve. At the same time, some of the existing large schools were reconf,igured into smaller, supposedly more autonomous units. All our schools have planning councils of parents and teachers.

The total impact of these reforms the "iron wall" of separation, , has been negligible. Overall stu- enlightened West Siders know that dent performance hasn't improved. Catholic schools are run by a rigid, And although choice is supposed regressive church hierarchy. to be for everyone, middle-class I have been walking past some students always somehow find their of those Catholic schools for the way into the limited number of past ten years. One of New York academically acceptable schools. City's 325 such schools (serving a Some of these schools are per- total of 150,000 pupils) is St. Greforming well, but it could just be gory the Great, an elementary that they're getting the best, most school on West 90th Street. Every motivated students. Sound famil- morning, as I accompanied my iar? It's called "self-selection." For children to their public school, I the poor black and Hispanic child- couldn't help noticing the wellren trapped in the northern part of behaved African-American and the district, the reforms have been Hispanic children in their neat irrelevant. uniforms entering the drab-looking Even the best public schools parish building. Yet my curiosity . remain in the stranglehold of the never led me past the imposing system's special interests. There is crucifix looking down from the not a "choice" school, an "alterna- . roof, which evoked childhood tive" school, or a "new vision" images of Catholic anti-Semitism school that doesn't continue to and clerical obscurantism. Finally, suffer from incompetent and non- earlier this year, I visited this performing teachers who can't be underfunded Catholic school and fired, whose principal isn't ham- learned why it outperforms many strung by union work rules, where of the public schools in our very learning doesn't suffer from onerprogressive district. ous regulations and mindless bureau-· Not one of St. Gregory's 280 cracy. students is white, almost all are Bu't if the public schools in o'ur poor, and many come to school district are not yet free from these from Harlem and Washington imprisoning' fetters, the Catholic Heights., If St. Gregory's didn't schools are. exist, they would likely be attendFree'Catholic schools? Isn't th'at ing failing public schools like P.S. an oxymoron? Comp!acent behind 180 or P.S. 76. Year after year, education officials put these two Harlem elementary schools on notice that they are performing below toe minimum academic standard. In 1995, for example, only 33 per':' Sales' Arid:Service cent of P.S. 180's third-graders scored above the state's minimum Fall River's Largest standard in reading; 69 percent in mathematics. P .S. 76's scores were Display of TVs even worse: 18 percent and 58 percent, respectively. By contrast, 62 RCA - ZENITH - SYLVANIA percent of St. Gregory's third1196 BEDFORD STREET graders were reading above the minimum standard, and 92 per673-9721 cent were above the standard in math. In fact, St. Gregory's holds its own even when compared to some of District 3's more middle-class schools. P .S. 75, five blocks north of St. Gregory's, has received considerable media attention as an innovative school. Incorporating all the new reforms, and with a dynamic new principal, active parents, and a student body more than 40 percent white, P.S. 75 was -l."--.'-

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career: she took her first job, as a 'only six percentage points higher than St. Gregory's in reading, and substitute teacher in a Catholic school, while attending business five points below the Catholic college. But one day she got a desschool in math. perate call from a nun at the St. When I finally stepped inside Joseph's school in Harlem. "I didn't the parish doors, I realized that St. want to teach," recalls H ul'd: "but Gregory's resembles an education she kept asking me to just take this reform that many (If us have been class." That was more than a quarcalling for in New York: the charter century ago. She remains in the ter school. Public charter schools, system because she believes in the now legal in 21 states, receive varymoral and academic structure that ing degrees of relief from constrictCatholic schools provide. ing regulations and teacher conHurd's own seven-year-old daughtract rules, The group holding the 'charter - it may be a consortium ter is a case in point. "I had her in a progressive kindergarten run by of parents or a university or a nonprofit organization - is accountthe Quakers, but she was floundering. So I moved her to St. Gregoable for the school's performance: ry's. Now she's learning how to if a school fails, it can be closed. In theory, such freedom will lead to study and concentrate. What we better performance. do in first grade is set the tone. The children learn to sit in a chair, to That's almost.exactly what's been put their coats away, to rai:re their happening in Cath.olic schools like. hands when they want to b(: called St. Oregory's. Four years ago it was in dire financial straits, with' . on, to understand when an ,~ssign­ ment begins and ends. These things, enrollment down to 209 from a high of over 300 a decade ago. The and the uniforms they wear: they are all signs-and our kids are archdiocese was getting ready to close it down. In a last-ditch effort decoding them. So right from the to save the school, the parish hired' start they are learning structure and skills." a d~termined black' woman named Deborah Hu'rd as the new principal. Hurd exemplifie~ the new generaReprinted with permission f~om tion of lay educators replacing the the Summer 1996 edition (Jlf City priests and nuns who used to staff Journal, published by the M,anCatholic schools. Herself a Catho- hattan Institute. Part III of 'this lic school graduate~ Hurd had no article will run in the next issue of intention of pursuing a teaChing the Anchor.


"b'uilds' futtif'(~<:'«(ijE:~~~Hbt(~,Dioce$eOf'Fali'River';";'

COIiii>utef:'d'octi'mefils;(\pa~st, HUNTSVILLE, Utah(CNS)Trappist Abbot Leandf:r Dosch is spending a lOt of time at his computer lately. The equipment that takes up a good part of his tiny office at the Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity in Huntsville serves not only to help him in his newest project - to record the history of the order in Utah - it also allows him to appeal to young men who could assure the survival of the order into the 21 st century and beyond. "I was introduced to the Internet by a lay convert, a professor of anthropology who is very knowledgeable about such things," Abbot Dosch told the Intermountain Catholic, newspaper of the Salt Lake City Diocese. "He pointed out that: if w~ want to reach young people: today we should communicate with them where they are. Today's young people are on the Internet." His new venture doesn't mean Cistercians of the Order of the Strict Observance is going to stop communicating in the more traditional ways. Abbot Dosch said the Tra-p.rists will continue to send out brochures and purchase advertising to promote new vocations. The use of the Internet system "is just a neW way to k,eep the dialogue going," he said. 'Tm not the first monk to go onlinle. "Other monasteries are using the system to advertise their goods, and there are a number of monasteries who now use e-mail," he added. "It seems to be the trend." The abbOt said it hasn't been difficult to fit the computer into

the abbey's tight schedule of prayer and physical labor. "The only real sacrifice I've had to make has been an additional phone line and some new software," he said He aescribt:d the Internet as "a good source of Vatican news, library contacts, and scholarly material" and said the abbey might use the Internet for a limited amount of marketing of its honey and other products. But Abbot Dosch said the merchandise is moving well just by word of mouth. "We get plenty of advertising through the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce and from the Utah Travel Council," he said. "Right now we are reducing our output. We aren't selling bread any more, and the aging of the community has created a labor shortage. But we make enough (money from the sale of honey) to meet our needs. There's no reason for expansion." The abbot said meeting their needs and those of the poor who come to their door is all that's really important. "We aren't in business for business' sake," he said. "We never intended to build a honey empire. Wejust wanted to make an honest livir:lg and give something to the needy. "Our primary duty has always been prayer," he said. "We don't want to hire except where it is of benefit to someone, and we don't want to bring in someone who doesn't understand our style. We don't want flourishiilg industry. Rather, we want quiet in the enclosute to allow the monks to pray."

The Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity is suffering the same lack of new vocations that plagues the rest of the Diocese of Salt Lake City and the church as a whole, he said. Still, the abbot is not a man to panic. "I'm concerned, but not overly concer.ned," he said. "The order will continue. If we look back honestly and carefully, we will see that others throughout our history have had these same problems." That constant and careful look back is another of Abbot Dosch's project for which his computer comes in handy. Lately he has been poring over and entering into the records the history of the abbey from its beginnings in 1947. In the early '50s, the abbey was home to more than 75 members of the order. They have supported themselves over the years by dairy farming, raising beef cattle, planting hay and making their ever popular creamf:d honey. Now fewer than 25 men live and work at the abbey. Their average age is 69 years. "I haven't given up hope," said Abbot Dosch. "The Lord has always helped monastic communities in the past. We can see that by looking at the history of communities in Europe." Still, the abbot said, he hopes to see not only more young men around the age of 30 entering religious life. He also counts on a new trend in vocations - that of religious life as a sf:cond career. More men in both categories would be able to sustain the order and each other in their monastic lives.

"We hope to reach not only young men on the Internet," he said, "but we need to draw in men

FrL,.Sepi.'20,,'J996'9

of a range of ages. We need to provide strong links between older and younger men."

The ISOth Anniversary of Mary's Apparition at La Salette

LA SALETTE TRIDUUM Friday, September 20 • 6:30 p.m. - Celebration of Eucharist with Communal Celebration of Penance Bishop Daniel P. Reilly A reception will follow.

Saturday, September 21 • 1:00 • 4:00 p.m. - Activities, Tours, Open House • 4:30 p.m. - Multi-Cultural Mass Bishop Robert E. Mulvee

• 6:00 p.m. - International Meal • 8:00 p.m. - Candlelight Procession

SOLEMNITY OF THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LA SALETTE Sunday, September 22 3:00 p.m. Celebration of Eucharist Bishop Sean O'Malley TRAPPIST ABBOT Leander Dosch of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity Abbey in Huntsville, Utah, is taking his vocations appeal to the Internet. He also uses his computer to document the history of the Tra.ppist order in the Salt Lake City Diocese. (CNSj Lee photo)

There will be no 12:10 Mass and no Confessions.

La Salette Shrine • Attleboro


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WASHINGTON (CNS) - A two-year national study of U.S. permanent deacons finds that "the vast majority of deacons themselves said they were ready to advise others to pursue this ministry." And according ,:to the study, deacons' wives and supervisors and lay I,eaders in the parishes to which they were assigned, "corroborated the deacons' judgment that their ministry and their diaconal responsibilities have been complementary rather thiln competitive." Neighbors in Lima: The central finding was that since the diaconate was restored in 1967, it has been "successful and increasingly important for the life of the church." A summary version of "A National Study on the Permanent DiacoLIMA, Peru (eNS) - Unlike four-room day care center, two nate of the Catholic Church in the most of their neighbors in the young girls, Erika and Denisse, United States" was issued last highly upper-class Lima district of take care of 2-year-old babies in a December. The full 'report was classroom: La Molina, Isabel and her friend released in August by the U.S. Maria del Carmen are ready to Nearby, in a yellow classroom, bishops' Secretariat for the Diaco" Mariella and Pamela, both stuwork at 7:30 a.m. nate. Their usual morning ride is a':". aents of education at one of the The study consisted of four IO-minute drive that separates the best colleges in Lima, teach small separate surveys which garnered highly sophisticated Molicentro children how to draw a~d paint: 1!1 responses from 5,369 deacons, shopping mall - stuffed with a blue classroom, Jac~le and VlVl1,194 wives, 600 parish council American products - from more ana take care of children older leaders, and 533 priest supervithan 200 straw huts. than four years. sors. It expands upon a 19.81 surThe short trip takes them from A!though Abelam is willing to vey of deacons commissioned by an area of one of the highest support any kind of development the bishops. standards of living in the country project, most of their efforts, upon Supervisors,the new study said, to a place where families go to bed local request, are concentrated on "nite deacons as most successful in wondering if there will be some- ed ucation. Isabel and her friends the more familiar and traditional quickly realized that, in order to liturgical and sacramental roles." thing to eat the next day. . Isabel and Maria del Carmen adequately attend to the people's By a 5-4 margin, supervisors said live with their husbands and chil- educational needs, they needed ex- they did not think the deacons' dren in upper La Molina, but they pert support. ministries could be "performed Isabel found that support in equally well by a layperson withhave found much of their life's meaning working in the district's Chile when, during a vacation, she out ordination." lower side. met the Little,Missionary Sisters "The vast majority of superviA few years ago, a short time of ,Charity. A fewLmonths later, , sors and lay leaders regard their after moving to upper La Molina, tl\~eenuns, headed by Sister Maria Isabel got lost on her way home 'Sa'lJdra Palma, e~(aplished a relig- ,deaconsas clearly necessary, judge them effective in the ministries, and ended up in the middle of a ious community thatnow runs the and find them satisfactorily trained," shanty town. day care center Sahta Teresita. the study said. She was afraid, but was surNeither Abelam nor the sisters About a dozen supervisors and prised to find that people there rely on a budget; they just count about 20 lay leaders said that in were friendly and ready to tell her on the solidarity that can be found the future they expected "reconhow to get back to her home. among Isabel's neighbors. When she arrived home, her "We rely on providence, that's struction" of the sacrament of thoughts drifted back to those the best bank account," says Sister orders based upon experience with the diaconate, the study said. who had helped her. She could not Palma with a smile. Such changes, they said, could Time is proving her right. So help remembering those faces and the poverty in which the people far, Santa Teresita day care center include the priestly ordination of not only has enough to survive, deacons and the admission of were living so close. to her house. women into the diaconate, as well A few days later, Isabel, Maria but human and material help is del Carmen and six other friends soaring, and the project is expand- as more deacon-led parishes in decided not to ignore those people ing to double its current capacity light of shrinking priest numbers. Currently, the study said, "except anymore and went into the shanty of 150 children. town. At 5 p.m. Isabel and Maria del for the theologically sophisticated, That was the beginning of the Carmen head back home. They it seems entirely natural that laity Beneficial Association La Molina, . are tired and their car"is dusty, but would view their deacons as either underqualified priests or overqualiknown by its Spanish acronym as they are happy. The IO-minute "Abelam." After establishing con- ride back completes a bridge of , fied laity." tact with the grassroots leaders of solidarity between two realities Supervisors and lay leaders agree the Portada de Manchay shanty once separated by an immense that there is "little regular cateche~~~~'a~~~lam started a solidarity ~g:mDlP'. sis" provided to parishioners on the role of the permanent diaconate. According to the study, deacons In five years the group has built said they explored the diaconate several classrooms, kindergartens,~ because "they, were motivated by soup kitchens and day care centers •_ _ _ the opportunity for a mostly local in four dusty slums hidden among September 21 eccesial ministry of service that the hills that surround the always 1882, Rev. George Pager, might deepen their spiritual lives green and beautiful La Molina. Founder, Sacred Heart, New Bedand give them a more powerful According to Isabel, Abelam ford . sense of purpose and place in life." never makes a move without the 1938, Rev. George Jowdy, Pasinput and active participation of tor, Our Lady of Purgatory, New Lay leaders see a great deal of the people. The result is that, unlike collaboration between deacons and Bedford many official projects, the people's priests in their parishes, and gener1988, Rev. William H. Crane, efforts are not wasted and are SM, Superior, National Shrine of ally hear deacons expresssatisfacdirected toward solving urgent tion with the level of collaboration. Our Lady of Victories, Boston needs. A plurality of lay leaders said September 24 deacons preach "somewhat freAt the same time, the spirit of 1955, Rev. Joseph E.C. Bourque, dialogue creates an unusually quently" at Mass, and judge deaPastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall cons' homilies to be "about the strong spirit of solidarity and River friendship that has also attracted same" in content and quality comSeptember 26 the interest of several young wopared to priests' sermons. 1944, Rev. John J. Donahue, men and men of La Molina, who A majority of deacons rated Assistant, St. William, Fall River want tojoin Abelam in helping the their formation courses as excellent or good, with the exception of September 27 de Manchay shows the 1991, Rev. John W. Greene, catechetics and counseling, where achievements of which Abelam S.J., Former teacher at Bishop ,a larger number judged them to be members are most proud. 'In a Connolly High School, Fall River O"goOi:For fair-;' an'(!"at least 12 pe't-

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'Personal ne-e'ds 'c'all men to diaconatle" . , cent saying such courses were not offered. And with the exception of a few documents of the Second Vatican Council, majorities and pluralities· of deacons said they were not familiar with a wide variety of church documents, including other Vatican II documents, papal encyclicals and U.S. bishops' pastoral letters. Deacons rated the Mass, prayer/ meditation and "my wife/family" as being the three experiences that "most energize" their spiritual lives. Only 1.3 percent of the deacons surveyed said "definitely no" when asked if they would recommend the diaconate to someone else, but 69.2 percent said "definitely yes" and 29.5 percent said "yes with reservations." Nearly half of deacons' wives, 48.8 percent, said they were employed outside the home and earning a salary. Two-thirds of the wives agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, "Sometimes I feel that some priests resent working with a married deacon." Close to two-thirds also agreed with the statement, "I sometimes think most laity do not really understand that deacons are not 'priest-assistants,' but ordained clergy in our church." But three-fourths of the wives

agreed that their own sense of the church's mission had increased because of their husband's ordination. States with the most deacons as of January 1995 are Texas with 987, Illinois with 955, and New York with 903, followed by New Jersey with 673 and California with 584. The District of Columbia has 199 deacons, mOTi~ than 34 states. The first phases of the survey involved sending questionnaires to 9,000 of the 11,000 U.S. deacons. Of the 5,369 responses received, a random sample of 3,073 questionnaires was chosen. The margin of error for this first phase was plus or minus 3 percentage po:ints. The next three surveys drew their sample from addresses the 5,369 deacon respondents gave for their wives, parish supervisors "lnd parish councils. To ensure that Africali.-Americans, Hispanics, Asians: Native Americans, Eskimos and Aleuts were represented, any deacon among the 5,369 respondt:nts who was found to be of these cultures was included in the randorr.. sample.

The full report is available for $11.95 by writing to usec Publishing Services, 3211 Fourth St.,. N.E., Washington, DC 200:17 -1194.

Stonehill College Fair The Stonehill College Fair will be held on Sept. 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex on the campus of the North Easton college. Admissions officers from over 260 public and private colleges and universities will provide infor. mation about topics such as choos-

CY0 basketball begins Sept. 30 Albert "Val" Vaillancourt, associate director of the Fall River Area CYO, has announced plans for the upcoming CYO basketball season. He said the CYO center on Anawan Street, Fall River, would open Monday, Sept. 30. The first coaches meeting will take place at 7:00 p.m. Sept. 25 at the center. All parishes planning teams this year should have their coaches present. Practice times for the first week of October will be listed at this time. The center is open seven days a week. Divisions planned this year are junior boys and girls, prep boys and girls and senior boys. The annual CYO Jamboree- will take place Nc;>V. 8 and the league's regu. lar"seas6'ri\v.m 6eginNbv:'9.

ing the right college, SATs, loans and scholarships. The financial aid and gu.idance communities will cosponsor a 45minute financial aid program to be held at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. in the Joseph W. Martin Jr. Institute for Law and Society on the Stonehill campus. The program will address a variety of topics including the real costs of a college education, the application process and financial planning. The Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex and the Joseph W, Martin Institute are handicapped accessible. Ample parking is available.

For information, contac:t the Office of Admissions, Stcmehill College, tel. 565-1373.

The Word of the Lo rd

"In the same way, your

light must shine before men so that they may :see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father." ,Mt4:16


THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Sept. 20, 1996

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CARDINAL JOSEPH L. Bernardin of Chicago, former Reagan press secretary James Brady and Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller look on as President Clinton speaks Sept. 9. The cardinal and 10 others received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Clinton at a White House ceremony. (CNSj Reuters photo)

Cardiinal receives Medal of Freedom WASHINGTON (CNS) - Chi- stick, Cardinal Bernardin appeared cago Car<Hnal Joseph L. Bernar- to feel strong as he spoke in sweldin received the nation's highest tering heat on the White House civilian honor, the Presidential lawn Sept. 9. Medal of Freedom, Sept. 9, along Drawing from a ~peech he was with retired Re. Morris K. Udall, to deliver later the same day at former White House: press secre- Georgetown University, Cardinal tary James Brady and eight others. Bernardin told reporters he honors President Clinton called Cardi- "the essential contribution made nal Bernardin "one of our nation's by religious institutions to ensure most beloved men and one of that our society is one of compasCatholici$m's great leaders." The sion, care and justice." presentation ceremony was in the Whether inspired by Thomas East Room of the White House. Jefferson or the Rev. Martin Luther In a statement he read to report- King Jr., "our society, our nation, er,s after the medal ceremony, is well-served by its engagement Cardinal Bernardin said he believes with religiously motivated women the tribute paid to him symbolizes and men and with both the intelthe importance of n:ligion in civil lectual analysis and thematic vision society. that emerge from the various reli"The value that rdigious vision gious traditions." and discourse have for the develHe said Catholics are firmly opment of a public morality ... committed to a vision of the digshould be the hallmark of a healthy nity of human life "that promotes society," he said. all that enhances and nurtures life The president praised Cardinal and rejects all that diminishes or Bernardin for fighting against destroys it. In particular, this ethic social injustice, povl:rty and ignor- rejects the killing of the unborn ance as well as for uniting people. and the legalization of euthanasia "When others have pulled peo- or assisted suicide." ple apart, Cardinal Bernardin has The cardinal had been criticized by some Catholics for accepting sought common ground," Clinton said. "In a time of transition in his the medal from a president who church, his community, his nation supports legal abortion. Several and the world, he has held fast to protesters carried Signs in front of is mission to bring out the best in the White House taking Cardinal humanity and to bring people Bernardin to task. together. Acknowledging that he had "Without question, he is both a heard the criticism, the cardinal remarkable man of God and a said there are often issues on which man of the people," Clinton continhe disagrees with the president, ued. just as there arc subjects on which The Medal of Freedom was they agree. But the medal is a established by President Harry Trunational honor, not something man to honor those who helped peculiar to one preliidential adminifight for democracy in World War stration, the cardinal said. And II. Presjdent John F. Kennedy accepting it is a matter of respect elevated the honor to recognize for the office of the president, no contributions in all aspects of Amermatter who holds it, he added. ican life. "I consider it a great honor, not In his statement after the cereonly for me personally, but for the mony, Cardinal Bernardin said receivchurch, in the country and locally," ing such an honor "is both humhe said. bling and challenging." He said Also receiving the medal Sept. 9 the motivation to work "even were: harder to contribute to the justice, - Brady, press secretary to Presicompassion, civility and peace that dent Ronald Reagan, who was should mark our society" has speshot by a would-be presidential cial meaning "because of the limited assassin and left paralyzed. Brady time I have left." and his wife have. been outspoken Cardinal Bernardin announced advocates of gun control laws. Aug. 30 that the pancreatic cancer - Millard Fuller, founder and with which he was diagnosed in president of Habitat for Human1995 had spread and the doctors ity, which helps poor people afford predict he has less than a year to and build housin~. live. Though carryinl?.~.~.~!~!~g - Dayi9 ~lI;~burg, retiri!1g p~es-

ident of the Carnegie Foundation and a longtime advocate for children. - John H. Johnson, publisher of magazines including Ebony and Jet, focusing on successful AfricanAmericans. - Eugene Lang, founder of the "I Have a Dream" Foundation, inspired by the success of his promise to pay college costs for graduates of his alma mater in East Harlem, NY. - Jan Nowak-Jezioranski, former director of the Polish-American Congress, who directed Radio Free Europe's Polish Service for 25 years. - Antonia Pantoja, an activist for development in the Puerto Rican community, including advocacy for education, leadership training and community service. - Ginetta Sagan, a survivor of imprisonment and torture for resistance efforts during M usolini's rule of Italy, who went on to found 75 Amnesty International chapters around the United States. - Udall, former Arizona congressman who was noted for his work to protect the environment and Native American rights and for his sense of humor. Udall's son, Mark, accepted the medal on behalf of his father, who is hospi.talized because of Parkinson's disease. Clinton said a later ceremony would be arranged to accommodate Rosa Parks, who was unable to reach the White House in time because of travel complications. Parks helped launch the civil rights movement by refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Ala., in 1955, and continued to be active in human rights work. Cardinal Bernardin is the first living U.S. prelate to receive the medal. Cardinal Terence J. Cooke of New York received the honor from Reagan posthumously in 1984. Pope John XXIII also received the medal posthumously, from President Lyndon B. Johnson.

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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-'-Fri., Sept. 20, 1996

Polish National Catholics can take host in RCchurch WASHINGTON (CNS) - The U.S. Catholic bishops have been asked to assure that a Vatican decision, declaring Polish National Catholics in North America can receive Communion, penance and anointing ofthe sick in the Roman Catholic Church, is applied "consistently and generously." The Vatican decision was issued in 1993. Guidelines to implement it, developed by bishops of both churches in consultation with Rome, were sent to Roman Catholic bishops earlier this year by the chairman of their Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb of Mobile, Ala. The Polish National Catholic Church was formed in the late 19th and early 20th century as a result of a series of pastoral and administrative conflicts between U.S. Polish immigrant parishes and their bishops. The guidelines say that Polish National Catholics who request the sacraments in a Catholic church should not be quizzed about their beliefs and are not subject to certain canonical restrictions that apply when Protestants seek admission to Catholic sacraments. "It can safely be presumed that Polish National Catholics hold a faith in these three sacraments in harmony with the faith held by Roman Catholics and ought not be questioned on this," one guideline says. Another says restrictions in the church's law on admission to sacraments for Protestants, such as "serious need of the sacraments" and "inability to receive them from their own ministers" are not part of the law under which Polish National Catholics are allowed access. "Consistency of practice is very important in this matter, not only in centers where Polish National Catholics are numerous, but also in areas removed from such centers, where Polish National Catholics, not having ready access to their own bishops and priests, may approach Roman Catholic priests with requests for the sacraments," the document says. It urges bishops to see that all Roman Catholic sacramental ministers are "advised by their pastors of this decision" so that they "are prepared to apply it consistently and generously." At the same time, it says, "it should still be kept in mind that these cases are seen as exceptional, not as the norm." Sacramental access should be given to Polish National Catholics in good standing who 'request it unless they are "individually impeded by canonical sanctions of the Roman Catholic Church," the document adds. . It says, for example, that a former Roman Catholic who has joined the Polish National Catholic Church should not be admitted to Roman Catholic sacraments if he

or she is still under Roman Catholic sanctions for an invalid marriage or for having set aside priestly obligations without a dispensation. The decision to permit Polish National Catholics access to Catholic sacraments was based on Canon 844.3 of the Code of Canon . Law, which says: "Catholic ministers may licitly administer the sacraments of penance, Eucharist and anointing of the sick to members of oriental churches who do not have full communion with the Catholic Church, if they ask on their own for the sacraments and are properly disposed. This holds also for members of other churches which in the judgment of the Apostolic See are in the same condition as the oriental churches as far as these sacraments are concerned." The Polish National Catholic Church has five dioceses in the United States and Canada. It is in BOSNIAN REFUGEES in Split, Croatia, cast ballots in Bosnia's first postwar elections union with the Old Catholic churches of the Union of Utrecht, Aug. 31. Refugees began voting two weeks prior to polling in the territory itself. Some 1:17,000 and its priests and bishops claim refugees in Croatia were said to be eligible to vote. (CNS/ Reuters photo) valid ordination in historic apostolic succession through the union. In 1985 the Vatican recognized a former Polish National Catholic The Vatican representative to priest who had become Roman ROME(CNS) - Reliefworkers Still, many are disheartened, Catholic as already validly orat religious organizations based in particularly among the Muslim the OSCE, Msgr. Mario .lenari, dained. Earlier this year the Polish Bosnia-Herzegovina had mixed community in Sarajevo, which en- addressed the Vienna-ba!:ed orNational Catholic bishops broke views on the national elections in dured three years of siege as Bos- ganization two days later. He said there was a danger that, communion with the German Old the last days before the Sept. 14 nian Serb forces surrounded the due to voting along ethnic ,and Catholic Church when one of the vote. city and bombarded it. "We do not easily forget the religious lines, the September elecGerman church's bishops ordained Some said the process was basit'Y 0 women as pri§ts. ' cally democratic; others were skep- nature of the Serbs," 'said Faik' tions could help the Bosnia::t Serbs '.The U.S. Roman Catholic-Polish tical. Hajialic, head of the Sarajevo- achieve their wartime aim of "ethbased Muslim aid group Merha- nic cleansing," making parts ofthe National Catholic dialogue asked Elections must be "free and fair," the Pontifical Council for Promotin the words of the Dayton peace met. "They will try anything to country purely Serb by force. Howing Christian Unity for ajudgment accords, which established the vot- defeat democracy, to keep their ever, Msgr. Zenariemphasized that whetherthe Polish National Cathing schedule and other develop- separate republic Serbian, and to the elections must be held. Religious leaders within Bosnia olic Church could be considered ments in the country's civil and spread Serbian power in Bosnia. "in the same condition as the military affairs after four years of "This election is nothing but.a also argued that the elections must oriental churches" with regard to war. game," Hajialic said. "It cannot be proceed, despite the doubts. In a joint statement in early But observers reported in tele- fair, because it is not being held the provisions of Canon 844.3, August, Catholic bishops throughand the council said that it could. phone interviews in early Septem- under normal conditions." The guidelines caution .that ber that imperfect registration sysAlthough many Serbs would out Bosnia urged all eligible voters "since full communion between terns and outright abuse of the disagree with the criticism that to participate in the democratic our churches has not yet been voting rules indicate that the elec- their side is rigging the· elections, process and to "entrust their conachieved, in no instance is a Roman tion results might not be equitable. most would concede that the vote fidence through their votes te> those Catholic priest' permitted to conThere have been widespread in- is not taking place under ideal cir- they believe will carry out the outcelebrate the Eucharist with Pocidents where Bosnian Muslims cumstances, said Boro Pandurevic, lined programs responsibly," The statement made no recomlish National Catholic priests." and Croats were unable to return head of the Sarajevo-based Serb mendations for particular' parties The document also lists the con- to the homes they had been forced relief group Dobrotvor. ditions under which Roman Cath.:. to flee during the war, now located The group is partially funded by or candidates, but instructed Catholics can approach sacramental in Serb-controlled regions. the Serbian Orthodox Church and olics to vote for those who,"have ministers of other churches for the "There still remain questions serves residents in the part of Bos- shown themselves to be supporters sacraments, noting that the Vati- about freedom of movement for nia known as the Serb Republic of equal rights and good neighcan response did not touch upon the refugees who would like to go and in the part ruled by the borly relations." that area. home to vote," said Jim Kelly, Muslim-Croat federation. It says one condition for Roman head of the Bosnian office of "There is no real democracy at Catholics, that "it is virtually im- Catholic Relief. Services. "And the moment," Pandurevic said. possible - either physically or even those people who are voting "The power is in the hands of a morally impossible - for Roman by absente~ ballot are being pres- very few people, and the large WASHINGTON (CNS) Catholics to receive these sacra- sured to register in favor of one majority has to struggle to survive Questions about human dignity ment from their own minister" is party or.~,lnother." every day. It's too soon after the emerged as key ethical concerns "the least likely to be fulfilled" in CRS is the "Baltimore-based war to expect democracy on a when a group of scientists and most situations. overseas relief and develop~ent wide scale." Catholic bishops met to discuss The document urges that Roman agency of the U.S. bishops. In The pessimists' point of view genetic screening, Bishop Francis and Polish National Catholics 1993 it became the first interna- . was reinforced in recent weeks by X. DiLorenzo of Honolulu said "know about and resp~ct the dif- ticinai aid org~nization to go into the decision of the Organization Sept. II. "The right to in(qrmed ferent customs of our churches."· Bosnia. It has staff members and for Security and Cooperation in consent was a big issue. privacy It advises Roman Catholics that'· volunteers all over Bosnia and Europe, charged with managing was another," he said. Bishop Polish National Catholics observe works in partnership with other tht elections, to, delay voting in DiLorenzo is nearing'the end of a two-hour fast before Commun-. aid organizations of a ,variety of municipal, races until sometime his three-year term as chairman of io'n i'nsteao of just one hour,that.religious denominations.' next spring. the National Conference of Cathothey rec'eive "either kneeling or - Kelly said, 'many Bosnians are The OSCE determined that the lic Bishops" Committee on Sc:ience standing," and that they ':gener- cynical abput the elections. irregularities in registration and and Human Values. He spokt: with ally receive Communion' on 'the ' "'tThere's a great g~p in opinion widespread charges of intimida- Catholic News Service in W,:,-shingtongue by intinction." between the rural, more parochial tion by Bosnian Serbs against op- ton during a break in the Sept. It advises Polish National Cath- view of the voting and the urban, position candidates would have a '10-12 meeting of the NCCE, Adolics of the diversity in Roman cosmopolitan view," he explained. greater'impact on local elections ministrative Committee. Tht: preCatholic practice, including the "The urban voters believe that than on the national vote. vious weekend, Sept. 6-8, his comoptions of Communion in the only the nationalists have a So it decided Aug. 27 to proceed mittee met in Washington- with a . hand, drinking from the chalice, chance," Kelly said. "The rural with voting fOf the national parlia- team' of scientists, inclucting sevand use of lay men and women in ' voters show more hope. Thqse ment and the three-member presi- eral specialists in genetics;'to dis'~addition'to ordained personnel as,·,who are,disheartened' are not'in dency, but to put off the -local cuss genetic screening and its ethieucharistic ministers. the majority anywher,e.:~ v '" ·elections. cal implications.

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Mixed views on Bosnian national electi()ns

Genetic ethi(:s


THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Sept. 20, 1996

MSGR. RALlPH Beiting preaches the'message of hope and self-help in the Appalachian region of Kentucky in this undated file photo. He has been giving his outdoor sermons for 50 years. (eNS file photo)

Priest's outdoor preaching turns golden LOUISA, Ky. (CNS) - Thousands of times the message has rung through the mountains: "My name is Father Beiting, and I'm here to talk about your best friend and mine ~ Jesus Christ." It's hard to say f:xactly how many times Msgr. Ralph Beiting, pastor of tWo parishes in the Diocese of Lexington and founder of the Christian Appalachian Project, has addressed a crowd in this way, and even harder to say how many people he has add ressed. But when he sets up his loud-

speaking equipment, anyone within a couple of miles is going to hear him, even if they can't see him. His first time at a microphone was 50 years ago, when, as a seminarian. Msgr. Beiting was assigned to spend a summer with Father Joseph Wimmers deep in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. The seminarian was intrigued by Father Wimmerf practice of preaching outdoors.' The priest's car was fitted with a loudspeaker and microphone, and although his outdoor congregation had little

knowledge of the Catholic faith, he reached out through the common bond of the Bible. Ralph Beiting's first street preaching experience that summer came on the grounds outside St. Casimir Church in the mining community of Van Lear. "It was an exciting new adventure. I had never seen this aspect of our faith before and I was deeply impressed by it," he said. To this day, Msgr. Beiting calls the summer of'46 "the year I fell in love." He was ordained in 1949

Pope nleets sick, elderly during time in Hungary PANNONHALMA, Hungary (CNS) - Pope John Paul II made his way slowly down the hushed and narrow hall. Orderlies in hospital whites, male and female religious in habits, and patients in their street clothes n:ached out to him; he clasped every hand. The pope was taking a few minutes away from the packed program of speeches and public appearances on his Sept. 6..7 Hungarian tour to visit a medical unit for the ill and elderly at Pannonhalma monastery in northwestern Hungary. The Benedictine institution was celebrating its I,OOOth anniversary. Pope John Paul hadjust met there with Hungarian President Arpad Goncz arid was soon to lead an evening prayer service to be televised nationwide. But for the momc:nt, his attention was fUlly absorbed with the people in the hospital who said they had been dreami ng about just this moment for months. He remarked on how young some of ~he nurses were and read an occasional name printed on identification tags that had been issued for the event. This was no small trick, as some names in Hungarian are very unfamiliar to outsiders' ears. Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls noted that Pope John Paul spent the weeks before his trip listening for hours to tapes in Hungarian to perfect his pronunciation. The ppntiff was scated facing a

row of sickrooms connected by successive doors. With all the doors open, those who perched on the ends of their beds or stood in the doorways could see and hear him. After an introduction by one of the handful of bishops in attendance, the pope stobd and spoke two sentences in German. "Until now, you have heard a speech in good Hungarian," he said. "And now begins a bad one." But halting though it was, the pope's brief address in Hungarian was sufficient to convey sentiments which clearly resonated with his aged and infirm listeners. Many noted when he said, "Illness is a paradoxical state: on the one hand it is an impediment to the person, leading to the firsthand experience of one's own limits and fragility; on the other hand it puts us in direct contact with the cross of Christ and opens new doors to us." Many were elated when the pope then walked through their rooms, handing out rosaries and stopping to chat several time$. Eyes brimmed with tears; hands trembled as they cupped the little brown plastic packages holding the prayer beads passed out by the pope. The moment was made all the more poignant by the pope's own state of health. In late summer he suffered another in a series of intestinal problems that left him weakened and", in at least one case, forced hi-m to cancel a public appearance..

And in the week before the Hungary trip, a popular magazine in France - site of the next papal visit Sept. 19-22 - prompted a statement from the Vatican dismissing a cover story that suggested the pope might retire for health reasons. But he gave no sign of letting up during his visit to the monastery hospital. Just before leaving, Pope John Paul was introduced to an 85year-old Hungarian man, who smiled and addressed a few words to him, first in German, then in Italian. The pontiff, who reportedly is fluent in nine languages and has delivered speeches and sermons in many more, returned the smile and patted the man on the hand. "If you can speak," he said in German, "you can also pray."

and in 1950 was given a permanent assignment in the mountains he had come to love. He tailored his outdoor preaching to eliminate some divisive topics like celibacy, the Blessed Mother and purgatory. Instead, he focused on the main message: God's love for his people. "The most important aspect of a family is for husbands and wives to love each other," he said during a preaching stop in the summer of 1996. His message that love in the world starts in the home is as true in 1996 as it was in 1946. One of Msgr. Beiting's favorite stories shows how vital the street preaching is. "We were preaching in Breathitt County in August. It was getting late in the afternoon, but I decided to stop at a place with about a half-dozen houses. We were there about 15 or 20 minutes, and I noticed a man in an old beat-up Chevy going back and forth. I guess he must have passed us six or seven times in the 20 minutes we were there," he recalled. "When we finished, he came up and spoke. 'You know, I need to thank you for coming here and preaching today. I was going out and shoot myself to get rid of all my problems. 'My wife left me. We got four children, and she took them all up to Dayton. Last weekend, I went

13

to find them and I found the kids playing at an old place up there, and when I went into the house, my wife was in bed with another man. I thought maybe I'd kill that guy, but instead I ran all the way back here. I've been stewing, trying to figure out what to do, and today I decided that I'd commit suicide. That's where I was going when I heard you'all preaching, and decided to stop and listen to what you had to say.' "I never did see him again," Msgr. Beiting said. "But I pray that he was able to make some kind of life for himself. It's very humbling to realize that for one moment we stood between him and his own death, but that God won the battle." Just about every branch and holler in eastern Kentucky has been favored by Msgr. Beiting's message about the love of God. In 1987, he even cruised the Kentucky and Ohio rivers, as he took "Appalachia on Tour." There are folks trying to convince him to launch Year 51 of street preaching by going on the Internet. But whatever route he takes the road or the river or the information superhighway - Msgr. Beiting said that after a half-eentury he's as anxious to keep going as he was to start. "I still get a big kick out of talking about God."

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~I~~~~~~I Stang senior going to Washington Bishop Stang senior Nathan Huff has been selected to attend the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., October 8-13. The conference is a uniq ue leadership development program for high school students who have demonstrated leadership potential and scholastic merit. Nathan, who has been president of his class at Stang for the past three years, will be among 350 outstanding national scholars attending the conference from across the United States. He is the son of Dale and Denise Huff. A summer internship in Congressman Peter B1ute's office inspired Nathan to pursue his interest in Washington and the political scene. The theme of the six-day conference is "The Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting the Leaders of Today." Through the conference, Nathan will interact with key leaders and newsmakers from the three branches of government, the media and the diplomatic corps. Highlights of the' program include welcoming remarks from the floor of the' U.S. House of Representatives and a panel discussion

NATHAN HUFF with prominent journalists at the National·PressClub. To complement these meetings

and briefings, Nathan will participate in a number of leadership skill-building activities. Culminating the National Young ILeaders Conference is the "Modt:l Congress," in which scholars assume the roles of United States Representatives by debating, amending and voting on proposed legislation for an official language and immigration reform. Elections for Student Council officers for the current ac,ademic year were held prior to the dose of school in June. Senior Chuck Burke was elected president of the Student Council, senior Josh Giguere was elected vice president, senior Adam Chapdelaine was elected treasurer and junior Megan Lally was elected secretary. The elected officers have all attended an International Student 'Leadership Workshop at lJ Mass Dartmouth. The goal of thl~ IS LI Workshop is to help the s'tudent leaders develop skills neces!:ary to be effective in their roles a1: leaders. The five essential objectives of the program philosophy are support, awareness, self-confidence, positive thinking and values.

Getting to Know Our Seminarian BISHOP FEEHAN High School's first girls' varsity soccer team is captained by (from left) Sue Foell, Jessica Crickard and Kirsten Joseph (seated). . r\

Bishop Feehan girls open inaugural soccer season 55 candidates turned out for the first girls' soccer team of Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro. The team is coached by Dou Weldon (Feehan '74) assisted by theology teachers Dan Bowen and Peter Umoh. Feehan opened its season with a respectable 1-0 loss to a strong Dartmouth team, and has since

played I-I ties with both Somerset and Durfee. Led by tri-captains Sue Foell, Jessica Crickard and Kirsten Joseph the Shamrocks will playa 17-game schedule, and participate in the Eastern Athletic Conference along with Somerset, Attleboro, Dartmouth, Coyle-Cassidy, Bishop Connolly and Bishop Stang.

Pair share sportsmanship a ward The associate director of the' Fall River area Catholic Youth Organization, Albert "Val" Vaillancourt, announced that John Cabral of St. William's and Marc Pavao of Notre Dame are the cowinners of the Annual Umpires' Sportsmanship Award. This is the only individual award given by the Fall River Area CYO Baseball League. Each league manager is invited to nominate one player from his team who best exemplified qualities of leadership and sportsmanship during the season. League umpires then vote for the winner from among those nominated. This is the first year since the award's inception that cowinners have been named. Cabral has played center field for St. William's for several years and has been a spark plug both on offense and defense. Annually he was among the league leaders in stolen bases. He did not play high school baseball but was an outstanding soccer player for Durfee igh School in Fall River and more recently for Benedictine University in Chicago. He is cur-

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rentlya first year teacher at Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River. Brian Gibbons, manager of St. William's indicated that Cabral was truly a team leader and will be missed since he is now beyond the league's age limit. Pavao was a mainstay for league champions Notre Dame this year. He played any position where he was needed and, though not a pitcher by trade, pitched in the clutch for Notre Dame this year. He was an outstanding player at Durfee and then at U Mass Dartmouth. He currently is an assistant coach in the highly successful Community College of Rhode Island baseball program and this summer coached the coastal team in the Bay State Games. Pavao too has finished his CYO career and will be greatly missed by his team and by the league. Both players will receive trophies and their names will be inscribed on a plaque that is on permanent display at the CYO Center on Anawan Street in Fall River.

I

William Rodrigues - St. John the Baptist, ~~B A native of the Fall River Diocese,' William Rodrigues is a member of St. Thomas More Parish, Somerset. He is the son of Mary and Leo Rodrigues, and has one sister, Ellen. Rodrigues graduated from Somerset High School where he was very involved with the music department, playing the drums and the viola. Following his graduation, he entered S1. John's Seminary, Brighton, and after four years, received his B.A. degree in history and philosophy. While at the seminary, he spent one summer in Puebla, Mexico, studying Spanish. He also worked with the pastoral care department at Children's Hospital in Boston. His involvement in the parish, particularly the youth group, gave him the opportunity to consider a life of church service. In addition, Rodrigues was a server and a lector at S1. Thomas More. Those years were especially significant as he thought about the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood. While discerning a possible vocation, he entered the seminary to more seriously consider God's call. After his gradiJation from the seminary, Rodrigues was asked to study at the North American College in' Rome. While there, he has been involved in hospital ministry at Bambino Gesu Hospital. Rodrigues has also worked on the retreat team from the college which hosts retreats for American high school students who are staying with families in Italy. It is an opportunity to help high school students experience the presence of God in their lives, as others had for him. . Rodrigues' family and fellow parishioners have been very supportive

of him. The Vocation Team of S1. Thomas More Parish meets regularly to pray for vocations. Their ministry focuses on encouraging others to consider a vocation while supporting those who are in formation. The team is comprised of parishioners who want to make a difference in the life of the church community. Some memorable moments for Rodrigues, while studying in Rome, came when he met Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II. "These are two encounters that I will never forget," said Rodrigues. Following his summer assignment at Sacred Heart Church, No.

Attleboro, Rodrigues began a pastoral year with the parish community of S1. John the Baptist, New Bedford.

Take some time to re.fkct 011 what God calls you to do. What art? your talents, and how are you using I~hem? Would you consider priesthood or religious life? We are all calkd to a life ofservice. Is there more yCJ'u can do for others? Ifyou think the Lord may b,~ calling you to a life in church service, call Father Cmig Pregana, Vo(:ation Office, tel 675-1311. For information on forming a Vocation Team in your parish, also contact the vocation office.

WILLIAM RODRIGUES meets with Pope John Paul II in Rome. The seminarian also met Mother Teresa in Rome.


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returned to the church after eight years away from it. At the time he was a professional performer, having recorded that year with Columbia Records. He gave up a promising secular music career to pursue a music ministry in the church. In 1975 he began performing at a coffee house in the basement of St. Margaret's Church in Rumford, R I, continuing that until 1984. He frequently played at LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro, as well as at many churches throughout the Fall River Diocese. Since 1974, Polce has released eight recordings of Christian music, available in most Christian book stores.

COMPOSER, VOCALIST and guitarist John Polce, shown here at his home, has been ministering to the diocese and other areas for over 20 years. He recently began a monthly music ministry at Coyle & Cassidy High School, Taunton, sponsored by the Fall River Diocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal. (Anchor/ Jolivet photo)

Modern day troubadour continu~$ to grace diocese with God's message in song By Dave Jolivet Anchor staff Once you hear the voice, you won't soon forget it. It's powerful, yet peaceful, authoritative, yet gentle. How can one voice cover such a wide spectrum at the same time? Perhaps it's not the voice so much as the message the voice is conveying. The message is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The voice belongs to compOSI:r, vocalist, guitarist John Polce. The message of Jesus is powerful, peaceful, authoritative and gentle, so it's no wonder that Polce's music has the same effect. The voice, coupled with deep, rich sounds emanating from his acoustic guitars, has provided many people with an afternoon or evening filled with the promise of God's love for his children. Polce has been sharing his music with people in the Fall River Diocese and elsewhere for over 22 years, yet his performances are as fresh and alive now as they were in the beginning. After ministering in England from 1993-95, Polce returned to this area, picking up where he left off. After his return,

he was invited by Dana, a world famous Irish Catholic singer, to perform on her sho~ aired on the internationally viewed Catholic television network EWTN. At La Salette Shrine, Attleboro, Polce began performing at a series of "Bethany Nights," a monthly gathering of people sharing music, witness and the love of God. Recently, a similarly structured monthly concert with Polce began at Coyle & Cassidy High School, Taunton, sponsored by the Diocese of Fall River Catholic Charismatic Renewal. The concerts, taking place on the second Thursday of each month, consist of music and prayer, and at the end of the evening, a team of people is available to pray for special intentions of those in attendance. The inaugural evening at Coyle was uplifting and intimate. Polce is Catholic and loves the Catholic Church. He is a family man, married to his wife Deborah for II years, togcth¢r raising their son David. During an interview for the Anchor at their home, it was easy to become relaxed and feel very welcomed by the Polces

THOSE ATTENDING the first monthly music ministry at Coyle-Cassidy, enjoyed an evening of prayer and worship througn music. (Anchor/ Jolivet photo)

Polce sees the need to minister to all Christian faiths. He has played at a great number of Christian churches other than Catholic, and the response has been very good. "I feel I can bring the rich tradition of the Catholic Church to churches that have never experienced it before," he said. He adapts the music style of each concert to the type of audience before him. He enjoys the charismatic movement a great deal, singing songs of praise and encouraging listener participation. He also is very comfortable playing contemplative music for those who prefer that type of worship. "St. Paul says be all things to all men," said Polce.

In 1993 he and his family moved to England for two years, having been invited by Bishop Ambrose Griffiths, of the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese. He ministered to many Christians there. Since his return, Polce has been busy with his ministry. He traveled to Alabama to tape a segment with Dana, and since that time he has received a number of phone calls from throughout the U.S. ordering some of his music. He continues his work at LaSalette and now Coyle & Cassidy. Additionally, he plays at churches and prayer groups wherever the need is. He recently performed at Corpus Christi parish, East Sandwich, and plans on more concerts on Cape Cod in the future. Polce realizes the healing power of Christian music, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual. His hope is to someday cross the line from Christian music into the secular sphere to bring that healing presence to more people. "If healing can be done through Christian music in the church, why not in the world? The world is such a broken place, people are under such stress," said Polce. He believes that some day, Christian music will make a mark on the secular world. "Maybe God has to touch it in a certain way first," he said.

who enjoyed sharing a part of their lives. Spreading Jesus' Gospel is Polce's fulltime job. He and Deborah have put their trust in the Lord and count on Him for guidance and support. John gives his wife a great deal of credit for the ability to maintain their ministry. Always in the background, Deborah is, as Johl1l puts it, "the hidden part of the ministry. I wouldn't be able to do this without her." Deborah is happy with her role outside the "limelight." "I stay home and keep the nest warm," she said. John quickly pointed out that he relies on her wisdom, and together they are a team. Aside from their unusual profession, life for the Polces is much like anyone else's. Not surprisingly, Polce's musical taste is eclectic. As a musician, he has an appreciation for all types of music. In the Christian music JOHN POLCE'S music has been enjoyed by many people circle, he enjoys Dana, John Miin the Fall River Diocese and beyond for the last 20 years. His chael Talbot, Phil Keagy and his musical style appeals to all ages and' all Christian faiths. good friend Dion DiMucci's'(formerly of Dion and the Belmonts, (Anchor/ Jolivet photo) for you old-time rockers) gospel recordings. In the secular circles, he enjoys classical music, country music such as Emmy Lou Harris, Pastoral musician Denise Mor- compositions and concert perforfolk artists like Gordon Lightfoot ency Gannon of New Bedford has mances, including her Stations of and Joni Mitchell, and some rock, been named to receive an award the Cross concert program entitled such as Eric Clapton and the Bea- from the American Society of "Walk With Me" which is pertles. Polce enjoys many types of Composers, Authors and Publish- formed several times annually music, as long as the message isn't ers (AS CAP). Each year, ASCAP throughout the Southeastern Masscontrary to the Gospel message. offers a Special Awards Program achusetts area. The songs he shares are mostly to the society's members to proShe began work as a pastoral original compositions, songs about vide both cash and recognition to musician in 1968, and until recently Jesus, Mary, and the Father's deserving writer members whose she was the director of music at St. healing powl~r and love. Whether works are performed primarily in Julie Billiart Catholic Church in you are a musician or simply a venues not surveyed, or whose N. Dartmouth, where the ISO-memlistener, music can have a very works have a unique prestige value ber program included four choirs, soothing effect on the heart and for which they would not other- cantors, and parish instrumentalsoul. Polce's music can break wise be compensated. Special ists. She is the local chapter directhrough the barriers and distrac- awards are determined annually tor of the National Association of tions of th~: secular world with by distinguished members of the Pastoral Musicians, and in addisounds that bring people closer to . music community, and were re- tion to her ASCAP membership, the Lord. "I feel that my mission is cently announced following the is also a member of the National to create for people an environ- ASCAP annual meeting. Association of Pastoral Music Direcment where God can touch their Ms. Gannon has been selected torsand Music Educators. A worklives," said Polce. He has many to receive an award in the popular shop clinician, pastoral musician musical styles to offer, and his music category, which includes training consultant, and a voluncompositions appeal to all ages. Gospel and contemporary Chris- teer music teacher in a Catholic In 1974, a personal witness tian music. The award was granted elementary school, Ms. Gannon is touched him so greatly that he based on Ms. Gannon's original married and has three children.

Pastoral musician earns award


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16 THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Sept. 20, 1996

Iteering pOintl PUBLICITY CHAIRMEN are asked 1o submit news Items lor this column 10 The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, 02722. Name of city or town should be Included, as well as full dates of all actlvIlles. Please send news of future rather Ihan past evenls. Due 10 limited space and also because nollces of sirlctly parish affairs normally appear In a parish's own bulletin, we are forced 10 limit Items to events of general Interesl. Also, we do not normally carry notices of fundraising activities, which may be advertised at our regular rates, obtainable from The Anchor business office, lelephone (508) 675-7151: On Steering Points Items, FR Indicates Fall River; NB Indicates New Bedford.

CATHOLIC WOMEN'S CLUB, NB Executive board meeting' of the club is set for 7 p. m. Sept. 25 at St. Lawrence Rectory, 110 Summer St., New Bedford.

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SEPARATED/DIVORCED NO. DARTMOUTH All welcome at an open meeting of a support group for the separated/ divorced from 7 to 9 p. m. Sept. 23 at the Diocesan Family Life Center at Bishop Stang High School, 500 Slocum Rd. Any matter concerning separation or divorce may be discussed. ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL, FR Mass 8 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. Monday-Friday in Lady Chapel, 9 a.m. Saturday in main church. The Cathedral Choir sings each Sunday at 10 a.m. Solemn Mass, and is welcoming new.members. Information: Madeleine Grace, tel. 678-1054; Father Horace Travassos, tel. 7832833. SACRED HEART, FR The Women's Guild will install new officers for 1996-97 on Sept. 22 at the II a.m. Mass: Helen T. Wilson, president; Lucille Caya, vicepresident; Colette Waring, secretary; Margaret Leger, treasurer~ Three year directors are: Claire Cantin and Amelia Soares. A brunch will follow and reservations should be made with your registrar or by calling 679-2795: RESPECT LIFE WALK Greater Fall River chapter of Mass. Citizens for Life will sponsor buses for walkers participating in the Respect Life Walk.

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LaSALETTE SHRINE, ATTLEBORO Concluding activities of the shrine's jubilee year will take place this weekend, with Attleboro Mayor Judith Robbins reading a proclamation at I p.m. tomorrow, followed by activities for children and open house at the monastery, retreat house and "Castle." A 4:30 p.m. outdoor Mass will have Providence Bishop Robert Mulvee as principal celebrant. Bishop Sean O'Malley will be principal celebrant 'and homilist at Sunday's 3 p.m. outdoor Mass, marking the solemnity of the feast of Our Lady of LaSalette. Music will be provided by guest choirs totaling over 100 voices. K of C, NORTON Knights of Columbus Council 11690 will celebrate its first anniversary at a Mass at 5:30 p.m. Sept~ 21 at St. Mary's Church, Norton, followed by installation of officers and a dinner.

Blocking search BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (CNS) - Argentina's internationally renowned human rights group said authorities are blocking investigations into the whereabouts of some 500 missing children. "Despite the passage of time since the military dictatorship, there are still people who don't want us to continue finding the children," said Rosa Roesenblet, vice president of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, or Abuelas. The children allegedly were kidnapped during the so-called' "dirty war" two decades ago. The group's warning followed a controversial precedent set by Argentina's-Supreme Court in the handling of such cases. Last December, the court annulled the case brought by Abuelas to investigate the identity of one of the missing, 20-year-old Emiliano Carlos Castro Tortrino. Accord" ing to the ruling, the statute oflimitations had expired on the penal action arisin'g from Emiliano's forced disappearance in 1.977.

The Word of the Lord

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; Iwill raise him up on the last day." Jn6:44

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ST. LAWRENCE, NB A holy hour for peace in families will take place at 3 p.m. Oct. 20. It will include recitation of the rosary and Benediction. Music will be by St. Lawrence senior choir, Holy Family/ Holy Name School junior choir and the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate. Families outside the parish are welcome to participate.

WIDOWED GROUP, Fit· All widowed persons ar,~ welcome at· a meeting of the Fall River Widowed Group at 7 p.m. Sept. 23 in St. Mary's School hall across from St. Mary's Cathedral on Second St. Fall River Herald News publisher Tracy Greene will speak. Further information: Annette, 6793278.

ST. THOMAS MORE, SOMERSET All welcome at prayer service for vocations, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at church. Refreshments will follow.

TAUNTON CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL Parents' open house 7 p.m. Sept. 24. At this time a new parent organization will be formed.

Health care climate causes work force reduction at Saint Anne's Hospit:al In response to continuing financial challenges posed by the rapidly changing health care environment, Saint Anne's Hospital, Fall River, has announced a reduction of the hospital work force involving 30 .positions·in the administrative and clinical areas. "This action reflects our obligation to sustain the financial strength and integrity of our hospital," stated hospital President Joseph Wilczek. "The realities of our health care marketplace - reduced reimbursement, declining inpatient utilization, and the pressure of managed care contracting - present a challenge to us to provide the same level of care with·diminished resources." The hospital recently concluded: an in-depth analysis of its projected staffing requirements and anticipated revenues, The study produced· the recommended staff reductions which were implemented Sept. 17. "I am confident that· the reduction in force announced today achieves a balance between necessary cost reduction and our commitment to continue offering high quality care," stated Wilczek. "In addition, we will continue to offer the wide range of inpatient and outpatient services that our community has come to rely on." Eliminated positions and work week reductions will produce savings of approximately $1 million in the fiscal year which begins October I and will enable the hospital to preserve its financial stability in a period when inpatient

revenues are expected to ,:ontinue to decline under managed care, reduced government reimbursement, and other changes in the health care industry. . "Foremost in o~r minds' is a heartfelt concern for our fellow workers. who have been affected by this reduction," stated Wilczek. "Consistent with our Cath'Jlic mission, we will offer a wide array of support services to these displaced employees, services which will focus on assisting them in their career transition." Such services will include professional out-placement c:ounseling services, financial assistance for relocation and continuation of medical, dental, and life insurance benefits for three months. Also to be offered are ser.vice-based sever- . ance, access to a "job opportunity data bank" compiled by th~ hospital with the cooperation of area business and the availability of Department of Employment and Training representatives on.site. "Those of us in health care today are challenged in many ways by the pace and magnitude of change in our industry," said Wilczek. "It will be left to us to keep faith with the confidence and trust th(: public puts in us, and we will ha~e.to find ways to sustain quality and access to care while our resource:, to do so diminish." He concluded, however, that he was "confident that our unique Catholic mission and ministry ensure Saint Anne's a continued and vital role in the Greater Fall River community."

WILLIAM S. HATHA WAY, JR. presents the 1996 Caregiver Award to Sister M. Florence of the Rose Hawthorne Lathrop Home in Fall River. The award, instituted by the Hathaway family in memory of William S. Hathaway, Sr. for his years of community service, was donated to the home for terminally ill September 8. Also pictured are William S. Hathaway III, Mrs. William S. (Helen) Hathaway, Sr., and Mrs. William S. (Ruth) Hathaway, Jr.


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