The Show Must Go OnLINE ...
Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, September 18, 2020
Five Finn cousins wanted to help those affected by COVID-19 formed Nonquitt Flourpower. Story on page eight.
FALL RIVER — The diocesan Foundation to Advance Catholic Education continues to host long-standing events, despite the pandemic that has changed the way we live. The next tradition to adopt to social distance protocols is the annual FACE Fall Scholarship Dinner, which this year will be a virtual affair — The Show Must Go OnLINE .... All are invited to the 26th annual FACE Virtual Fall Scholarship Dinner on Wednesday, November 4 at 7 p.m. Join Bishop Edgar da M. da Cunha, S.D.V., co-chairs John Feitelberg, President Hub International; Janna Lafrance from Lafrance Hospitality; and Kait Walsh, emcee and WPRI News anchor for an inspirational evening featuring a virtual performance by Christian recording
artist Matt Maher. Maher is a Juno Award-winning, nine-time Grammy nominee and four-time GMA Dove Award winner. He is a staple in the artistic and songwriting community. His inspirational songs have garnered multiple radio successes, writing and recording songs such as “Lord, I Need You,” “Because He Lives (Amen),” “Alive & Breathing,” and many others. Maher achieved a career highlight in 2013 when he sang at the Vigil Mass presided by Pope Francis, in front of a crowd of three million people, for World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. Two years later he performed again for the pope in downtown Philadelphia as part of the World Meeting of Families, appearing along 8 Turn to page 16
Appeal announces parish 2020 parish totals
The Anchor will NOT publish on OCTOBER 2 to be able to work on administrative and technical maintenance updates. We will return with the OCTOBER 16 edition.
FALL RIVER — The 79th annual Catholic Appeal raised more than $3.5 million through the support of 16,000 generous donors. Here are the individual parish totals throughout the Diocese of Fall River. In addition to the individual parish totals, more than $315,000 in gifts to the 2020 Catholic Appeal were collected from individuals, corporations, and organizations unaffiliated with a specific parish. Parish totals appear on page nine.
The Catholic Appeal is part of the Catholic Foundation’s growing annual giving program, which encourages the generous support of our parishioners and friends year-round. Donations to the Appeal can be made online at any time at givefrdiocese.org/2020 or mailed to the Catholic Appeal office, 450 Highland Ave., Fall River, MA 02720. They may also continue to be dropped off at any parish in the Diocese. 8 Turn to page nine
Bishop to celebrate Mass For Peace at St. Mary's Cathedral on Columbus Day
Father Rowland Onuegbu, S.D.V., parochial vicar of St. Patrick’s Parish in Wareham celebrated a Mass for his 10th anniversary of priesthood. Story on page 10.
Father Manuel P. Ferreira dies at age 90. Obituary on page two.
FALL RIVER — For more than 40 years, the Fall River Diocese has had a Procession and Mass for Peace in Fall River on the Columbus Day holiday. While it is not possible to have a procession this year in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate a Mass for Peace at 6 p.m. on the Columbus Day holiday, Monday, October 12, in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River. It will be preceded by a recitation of the Rosary beginning at 5:30 p.m. All guidelines in place for the safe celebration of Mass during the pandemic will be followed including occupancy limits within
the Cathedral to provide for social distancing. Anyone who wishes to attend the Mass must pre-register online at www.fallriverdiocese.org. Seats will be allotted to those who register on a first-come, first-served basis so sign up for the Mass today. While the number of those able to be present at the Mass will necessarily be limited, the Mass for Peace be live streamed on the Diocese of Fall River Facebook page. All are encouraged to take part in the Mass virtually this year to join their prayers with those from across the Diocese for peace through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima. September 18, 2020 † 1
FALL RIVER — Father Manuel Peter Ferreira, 90, passed away on Sunday, September 6 at
Father Manuel P. Ferreira dies at age 90
Charlton Memorial Hospital, after a period of declining health. Father Ferreira was
Notice to our readers: The Anchor will not publish on October 2 to be able to work on administrative and technical maintenance updates. We will return with the October 16 edition.
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ordained as a diocesan priest by Bishop James L. Connolly on April 2, 1960 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River. He was born in Provincetown to John and Genevieve (Santos) Ferreira on Jan. 24, 1930. He attended grammar and high school in Provincetown. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Midway from 1948-51. He then attended St. Mary’s Seminary in Kentucky and Pennsylvania. He ministered in a number of diocesan parishes prior to retirement: St. Elizabeth’s in Fall River; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. John the Baptist and Immaculate Conception Church,
all in New Bedford, and St. Anthony in Taunton. Father Ferreira also served as a notary and
advocate for the Diocesan Tribunal. He was a member of the Diocesan Board of Education, and served as Dean of the New Bedford Deanery. He also was Taunton area director of the Catholic Charities Appeal and was chaplain American Legion Post 1 in New Bedford, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Prince Henry Society. He is survived by his sister Elaine Kathleen Ferreira Cowart of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; nieces Cindi Cowart Campbell of Little River, S.C. and Wendy Cowart Morris (deceased spouse Les Morris) of Jupiter, Fla.; nephew Carl Douglas Cowart and spouse Patty of Huntsville, Ala.; great-nephew Joshua Craig Campbell and son Jonah of Leland, N.C.; great-niece Lindsay Genevieve Campbell Ashley and spouse Brian and
their sons Shaw and Lochlan, as well as several very special cousins, extended family, and friends. Father Manny dearly loved his family, spending time in Provincetown, at his “home away from home” with his late cousin, Gordon and his wife Beverly Ferreira, his Portuguese heritage, good food, good music, a corny joke, a walk among the dunes at his beloved beach, his country, writing homilies and poems, visiting the sick and praying with them and for them, and a good belly laugh. But above all else, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prince Henry Society Scholarship Foundation: The Prince Henry Society, New Bedford Chapter, P.O. Box 6726, New Bedford, Mass., 02742. His body will lie in state, Tuesday, September 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. in St. Peter the Apostle, 11 Prince Street, Provincetown. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate the Funeral Mass on Wednesday, September 23 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Church. Due to the restrictions of COVID-19, space is limited, and everyone has to wear a face-mask. Interment will follow at St. Peter the Apostle Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Cabral Baylies Square-Lamoureux Funeral Home, New Bedford. To offer online condolences to the family visit the website at; www. cabralbaylies.com.
Easton man wins Spirit of Holy Cross Award NOTRE DAME, Ind. — An Easton man was one of 11 persons to receive the 2020 Spirit of Holy Cross Award given by the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers — Stephen Raymond, the owner of Kane Funeral Home in Easton, which has been taking care of the funeral arrangements for the C.S.C. priests and Brothers since 1968. Given annually to lay collaborators who faithfully serve the Province in the United States and abroad, the Spirit of Holy Cross Award acknowledges the critical importance lay collaborators play in living out the vision and mission of Holy Cross founder Blessed Basil Moreau to make God known, loved, and served through education, parish and mission settings.
Raymond began working with Bob Kane, the founder of the funeral home at age 18 in 1987. He is a true friend of Holy Cross, dealing pastorally and compassionately with us when one of the confrères dies. His outreach and care of family members in their time of grief is outstanding. Raymond and Kane Funeral Home also tend the many of the needs of the C.S.C. community cemetery, including preparing the next row of graves several years ago, ensuring that a tent erected for the annual Memorial Mass, and placing American flags on the graves of military veterans each Memorial Day. Raymond continues the wonderful legacy of Bob Kane who established the funeral home in 1968 upon the advice of his close
friends, Brother Jim Madigan, C.S.C., and Father John Murphy, C.S.C. Both Raymond and Kane shared the same goals regarding funeral service: foremost to treat the deceased with the utmost dignity and care; secondly, to provide each family member with guidance, compassion, and empathy; and, last, to be ethical both in life and on the profession of funeral service. Raymond is married to MaryBeth, and together they have four children, Kayla, Jackie, Courtney and Sean. The Raymonds are long time parishioners at Holy Cross Parish in Easton. Their daughter Kayla is a star forward on the Stonehill College Women's Basketball Team and Raymond is a big fan and supporter of all things Stonehill College.
† Diocese of Fall River † OFFICIAL Appointments
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has made the following appointments: Reverend Edward A. Murphy, Chaplain of Saint Anne’s Preservation Society and Saint Anne’s Shrine in Fall River, while remaining pastor of Saint Andrew the Apostle and Annunciation of the Lord Parishes in Taunton Effective: September 1, 2020 Reverend Christopher M. Peschel, Chaplain of Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River while remaining pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish and Moderator of Saint John the Baptist Parish in Westport Effective: September 8, 2020
September 18, 2020 †
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everal popular myths about COVID-19 vaccines have been gaining traction on social media in recent months, particularly in regard to messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines being developed by Moderna, Sanofi, Pfizer and a handful of other companies. I would like to consider five of these myths. Myth 1: For vaccines that rely on injecting patients with mRNA, the possible incorporation of these genes into our genetic makeup will fundamentally alter who we are as humans, moving us into a project of Transhumanism, the production of a “Human 2.0,” etc. Reply: Any incorporation of new genes into our chromosomes from a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine would be an exceedingly rare occurrence, if it were to occur at all. It is actually very difficult to get the genetic information of mRNA to integrate into our chromosomes, partly because this would mean a reverse directional flow of the so-called Central Dogma of Molecular Biology:
COVID-19 vaccine myths
our DNA or chromosomes are read (“transcribed”) to produce mRNA, which is then read (“translated”) to make proteins. Even if the accidental and unintentional incorporation of an mRNA message into our chromosomes were somehow to occur following vaccination, this would not mean that we were creating “Human 2.0,” since those genetic changes would not be expected to affect our sex cells, and therefore would not be transmitted to the next generation. Vaccinating people with an mRNA vaccine for COVID-19, therefore, does not imply that we are “remaking man” or heading down the path of Transhumanism. Myth 2: The rapid pace of clinical trials means that vaccines will be unsafe and/or ineffective. Reply: This could be a legitimate concern, if proper testing were to be curtailed, or approval for public vaccination campaigns were to be granted
The Anchor will not publish on October 2 to be able to work on administrative and technical maintenance updates. We will return with the October 16 edition. 4
† September 18, 2020
ahead of conclusive safety and efficacy testing. Such approval, however, appears highly unlikely when it comes to any of the major national regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Admin-
benstein, retired Global Executive Director of Medical Affairs for Merck Vaccines, offers the following corrective: “Manufacturers are indemnified for unforeseeable adverse events. They are not indemnified for negligence. This is standard practice.” With pharmaceutical companies’ getting ready to immunize hundreds of millions of people, istration, the European the question of who will Medicines Agency, or Aus- cover claims for damages tralia's Therapeutic Goods in case of unanticipated Administration (with the future side effects is quite possible exception of regimportant. Ruud Dobber, ulatory agencies in China a member of the senior exand/or Russia). ecutive team at the pharMyth 3: Luciferase is maceutical giant Astrathe name of the biolumiZeneca, recently argued: nescent enzyme contained “This is a unique situation in the vaccine, which where we as a company seems connected to the simply cannot take the “forces of evil.” risk if in four years the Reply: Luciferase, an vaccine is showing side enzyme involved in fireeffects. In the contracts fly illumination, is being we have in place, we are used in various testing asking for indemnificaand development stages tion. For most countries ahead of the production it is acceptable to take of a COVID-19 vaccine, that risk on their shoulbut is not itself part of the ders because it is in their injected material included national interest.” In the in human vaccinations. USA, for example, a 2005 Luciferase is a commonly law, known as the Public used biomedical research Readiness and Emergency tool, and has been used, Preparedness, or PREP for example, in lab aniAct, provides immunity mals to study the most from liability, apart from effective way to deliver any willful misconduct, mRNA vaccines, whether for products like vaccines by an injection into the that are developed to skin, muscle or a vein. address a public-health Myth 4: Vaccine man- emergency. ufacturers have no legal Myth 5: Using hydrorepercussions for any bad gel nanotechnology to effects from their vacdeliver an mRNA vaccine cines. means there will be “big Reply: Dr. John Grabrother” monitoring and
the introduction of microchips into the human body. Reply: No microchips are present in vaccines. Hydrogel nanotechnology refers to the “lipid nanoparticles” which encase the mRNA. This is a glorified way of saying “very small oil droplet.” Lipids are what our cell membranes are composed of, so when the mRNA vaccine is injected, the lipid of the vaccine particle merges with the lipid of the cell (like two oil droplets merging) and the piece of mRNA is delivered to the inside of the cell ("transfection"). These “lipid nanoparticles” could theoretically be misused to deliver other controversial substances into the body like microchips, but this does not mean they should not be used for valid purposes, like delivering life-saving mRNA vaccines during a pandemic. Debunking these various myths does not mean that there aren’t still questions and concerns about proposed COVID-19 vaccines. But we shouldn’t argue against vaccines in ways that make neither ethical nor scientific sense. Anchor columnist Father Pacholczyk, earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, and serves as the Director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www. ncbcenter.org and www. fathertad.com.
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Returning to the Sacrament of Divine Love
ecently bishops in several dioceses have begun to lift the general dispensations from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass that they had decreed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Numbers of new infections are low in their regions, schools, places of employment, restaurants, stores and places of entertainment have reopened and people have resumed most of the activities of normal life. Combined with Church protocols for safety, which have proven highly effective in preventing the transmission of COVID, there is no reason to continue a general dispensation. For those who are ill, caring for those who are ill, or those with health conditions that would make contracting the coronavirus especially perilous, the bishops have generally maintained particular dispensations. These decrees lifting the general dispensation and reminding the faithful of the grave duty to attend Sunday Mass make sense and it’s always good when bishops are clear about the precepts of the Church. I’m concerned, however, that a primarily canonical response is not the most prudent way to address the present situation where, in most places — according to both surveys and online priest discussion groups — only a minority of those who were regular Sunday Mass goers in February have returned to regular worship. The headlines announcing the removal of general dispensations — which have included “Bishop orders faithful back to the pews” and “Catholics again obliged in conscience to attend Mass” — lay the emphasis on obedience and duty. Even though the language in the most of the decrees does not make explicit that voluntarily missing Sunday Mass without a legitimate reason is a mortal sin, and that unabsolved mortal sins can lead to earthly and
definitive self-alienation from God, some Catholics, nevertheless, know that context and won’t be able to resist receiving the decrees as an eschatological threat. In ordinary times that’s not the message we want to be emphasizing about Sunday Mass. In these extraordinary times, it strikes me as even less evangelically apposite. Many of the faithful have been scandalized by the way Church leaders have treated the Sacraments during the early weeks of the pandemic. When civil leaders began to define the worship of God as a non-essential service, less important than access to liquor stores and marijuana dispensaries, many Church leaders acquiesced. Ecclesiastical decisions in various places to suspend access to the Sacraments — even, in some places, quashing the creative and zealous solutions of priests to celebrate parking lot Masses, drive by Confessions, and the Anointing of the Sick in full protective gear — could not help but suggest that “even the Church” regarded the Sacraments as non-essential. It’s a challenge for faithful to go from a habit of thinking Sunday Mass is optional for several months to Mass’ suddenly being obligatory again almost overnight. Many people have gotten comfortable in the new normal of the pandemic. In priest online discussion groups, several pastors have described that their parishioners have told them that they haven’t voluntarily returned to Mass in their parishes because they have come to prefer watching Mass making Spiritual communions with a cup of coffee from their La-Z-Boy, or viewing live-streams from exquisite cathedrals with great Sacred music, or those featuring priests who are superb preach-
ers. While it’s good at least to watch Mass, in a culture of convenience, marked by consumerism both material and often Spiritual, many Catholics over the last six months have formed new Sunday habits that they’re not eager to give up. Others have simply gotten into the habit of living without Sunday Mass altogether, even virtual. That’s why I think it’s essential for the Church, in hoping to draw people back to Mass, to focus less on obligation and more on the mind-blowing reality of what Mass is. God loved us so much
that He not only humbled Himself to take on human form and even further humbled Himself to allow us, His creatures, to crucify Him; He humbled Himself to the extent that He hides Himself under the appearances of bread and wine, so that we can spend time in prayer with Him substantially present, and so that we can become one with Him in Holy Communion. God has made possible for us to enter with Him in time into His eternal acts during the Last Supper and on Calvary, so that we might journey with Him through the new and eternal Passover from death to life. I catechize first communicants and others that far more than the Virgin Mary desired to receive the blessed Fruit of her womb again within at the Masses celebrated by the Apostle St. John, far more than all the saints combined have collectively hungered for Jesus in Holy Communion, Jesus even more desires to give Himself to us. He came so that
we might “have life and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10) and emphasized that unless we “eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood,” we will have no life in us (Jn 6:53). The Eucharist is the greatest loving means to achieve that saving and life-giving end. Now is the time to stress not so much our duties toward God but our love for Him and appreciation for what He has done. Watching Mass on our screens is good, but nothing in comparison with entering into Jesus’ presence. Spiritual communions are important, but are nothing in comparison with the fulfillment of those desires in actual Holy Communion. Personal prayer at home is great, but pales to the opportunity we have at Mass to enter into Jesus’ greatest prayer that redeemed us and brought Salvation to the whole world. On September 12, the Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Cardinal Robert Sarah, published a letter that he sent to the bishops across the world describing that it is “necessary and urgent to return to the normality of Christian life and especially the Eucharist.” “As soon as is possible,” Cardinal Sarah wrote, “we must return to the Eucharist with a renewed amazement, with an increased desire to meet the Lord, to be with Him, to receive Him and to bring Him to our brothers and sisters with the witness of a life full of faith, love, and hope.” He reminded us that Jesus gave Himself to us not in a virtual way but in His Body and Blood. “This physical contact with the Lord is vital, indispensable, irreplaceable,” he underlined. “It is necessary that all resume their place in the assembly of brothers and sisters, rediscover the irreplaceable preciousness and
beauty of the celebration of the Liturgy, and invite and encourage again those brothers and sisters who have been discouraged, frightened, absent or uninvolved for too long” to return. He urged us to ponder the witness of the martyrs of Abitene in fourth-century Tunisia, who after being sentenced to death for attending Sunday Mass and asked by their judges why they made such a choice, responded serenely, “Sine Dominico non possumus,” “Without that-which-is-theLord’s we cannot live.” By that-which-is-theLord’s, Cardinal Sarah said they meant several things: they can’t live without the living Word of the Lord; without participating in the sacrifice of the cross by which we’re saved; without the banquet of the Eucharist that sustains us on the pilgrimage of earthly life; without our brothers and sisters in the Christian community that is meant to resemble the communion of persons in the Blessed Trinity; without going to the house of the Lord our Sacred, Spiritual home; and without the Lord’s Day, which resets our soul and frees us from slavery to work and earthly things so that we might live for God and love. They were willing to die out of love for the Sunday Mass in all of these aspects and their witness eloquently speaks still. The whole theme of Cardinal Sarah’s letter is encapsulated by its title, “Let Us Return to God with Joy!” It puts the emphasis on what the Christian response should always be with regard to Sunday Mass: we attend not principally because we have to, but because we want to, out of gratitude to God and out of love. That’s what the whole Church should be stressing at this time. Anchor columnist Father Roger Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.
September 18, 2020 †
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Editorial A happy priest to counter sad news
This week the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) announced some sad and troubling news — that 36 percent of young Catholics told CARA’s pollsters that they intend to attend Mass less often after the pandemic is over. This poll, announced on September 14 on the website of the Jesuit magazine America, was conducted in July and August. The CARA researchers were not able to say why these young adults plan to participate less in the Sacramental life of the Church. In terms of what Mass attendance in the United States was like for all ages before the pandemic, CARA reported, “13 percent of Catholics said they attended Mass weekly, another 20 percent attended at least once a month, and 67 percent attended no more than a few times a year.” Getting back to the 18 to 35 age demographic in the summertime poll, “The respondents saying that they plan to attend Mass less often in the future cut across all categories of prior attendance. Of the weekly attenders, 31 percent said they will be attending Mass less often when things return to normal, compared with 42 percent of monthly attenders and 35 percent of those who used to attend a few times a year or less often.” In terms of the how the pandemic has affected the faith of young adult Catholics, the pollsters reported that “71 percent say the pandemic has not changed their Catholic faith. Twenty-one percent say it has been ‘strengthened,’ and only eight percent say their faith has been weakened.” Of course, reading this is also a cause for concern — less people said that their faith had been weakened (eight percent) than had said that they were going to attend Mass less often (36 percent), which would imply that the Catholics in the poll do not have a very strong understanding of what the Mass is (actually, many reports from CARA over the years have shown that, unfortunately, a majority of Catholics in the United States do not believe the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Christ. Instead, they think that it is just a symbol). A man who dedicated his life to helping understand the Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist died on September 6 — Father Manuel Ferreira. He loved Our Lord and he loved bringing people to love the Lord. OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 64, No. 19
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Father Ferreira graced the front page of The Anchor a little under two years ago — when on Dec. 10, 2018 he was depicted as St. Joseph, seated in a wheelchair, but with brown robes and a staff, acting in a living Nativity put on by residents of the Catholic Memorial Home. The photo was taken by our late editor, Kenneth Souza. It is our prayer here at The Anchor that good St. Joseph, the patron saint of a happy death, intercede for Father Ferreira and Ken and reunite them in the presence of Our Heavenly Father. In 1970 Father Ferreira preached the homily at the funeral of Msgr. John Silvia, who had been pastor at St. Peter’s Parish in Provincetown (Father Ferreira’s home parish) for 27 years, beginning in 1924. Father Ferreira spoke about the power of Christ’s cross and Resurrection and about how Msgr. Silvia brought the Paschal Mystery to life in so many young people in his parish, who left to become Sisters and priests, including himself. “Our first meeting was of the greatest importance to me as a person and as a Christian, and at that time neither Monsignor nor I knew how close, nor how far-reaching such a meeting would be in influencing our lives together in the years ahead. We first met by the water, where Monsignor called me by name, ‘Manuel, I baptize you….” After describing the Baptism, Father Ferreira discussed how “Msgr. Silvia’s priestly influence and example.” He then connected his own Baptism with how, many years later he ministered to the monsignor while dying. “As he prepared my soul in Baptism to receive the Lord in a new life of faith — God saw fit in His Divine Providence to influence our parting. Monsignor prepared me for life in Christ; I prepared him for entrance into the fullness of this life. We met through faith, worked together in faith, and in faith and love we now part.” As we pray for Father Ferreira’s soul, for his family and for his many former parishioners, the last ones being his fellow residents and staff at the Catholic Memorial Home, we also ask Our Lord to help our young people and all of us to realize the great treasure that Jesus has His priests bring to us at Mass — the gift of His Own Body and Blood. It is the best food for the journey as we make our way though life. May we not leave our earthly home without Him.
The DAILY READINGS appear on page eight this edition because The Anchor is not publishing on October 2. In order to include four weeks of readings they had to be moved to a larger site.
Notice to subscribers:
Attleboro 40 Days For Life campaign marks 25th anniversary in diocese ATTLEBORO — The Attleboro 40 Days For Life campaign is preparing to launch its 25th consecutive 40 Days for Life campaign in Attleboro from September 23 to November 1. It is looking forward to seeing all faithful supporters who have joined in witness and prayer as it begins its 13th year of prayer and fasting. This year is going to be a little different with no scheduled prayer service to begin the campaign. In addition, each person who comes to pray will be responsible for their own social distancing. Attendees will still gather on the
sidewalks surrounding Angell Park as well as the sidewalk near the mailbox. All attendees are asked not to gather in the parking lot area near the entrance to the clinic since this is private property. If some can’t join at the clinic, consider participating as a local parish or congregation in prayer and fasting for this most important cause. Sadly many states including Massachusetts are advancing legislation to allow abortion through the entire pregnancy at any clinic and other unregistered sites. Your support is urgently needed. With the
upcoming elections and so much at stake for our unborn brothers and sisters, the need for prayer has never been greater. Another Pro-Life activity will be taking place locally as the campaign launch approaches and faithful are strongly encouraged to participate. There will be an Abundant Hope Virtual Fundraiser featuring Ben Watson, former New England Patriot and Pro-Life advocate, on September 24 at 7 p.m. Folks can register online at ahprc.ejoinme. org/2020celebratelife.
The Anchor will not publish on October 2 to be able to work on administrative and technical maintenance updates. We will return with the October 16 edition. East Freetown parish to host outdoor silent retreat
EAST FREETOWN — A Day of Silence with the Masters, featuring the evangelical genius of St. Francis de Sales, will take place Saturday, September 26 at St. John Neumann Camp House and property from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A Day of Silence with the Masters is a one-day outdoor silent retreat where retreatants explore the teachings of one particular saint while moving among 12 different outdoor stations. It begins at the camp house with a brief introduction and opening prayer and then spending the time in silence along the beautiful lakefront property learning about the saint.
St. Francis de Sales was a 16th-century French priest who set out on foot in 1594 to re-evangelize 60,000 former Catholics in the Chablais region of France. There were 65 parishes with only 100 practicing Catholics. Four years later, 40,000 of those Catholics had come back to worship because of his tireless personal apostolate. Proper social distancing protocols will be followed. Bring a mask, and bag lunch; beverages provided. Confessions will be available at 3 p.m. For information contact Karen Howard at klhoward@aol.com or 508947-0193.
Holy Family Parish 370 Middleboro Avenue East Taunton Register for Mass attendance online at hfparish.net and click on the ‘Sign up’ icon Weeknight Masses at Parish Center (438 Middleboro Ave.) at a variety of times, including Saturdays at 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. at the church September 18, 2020 †
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Goodies and Goodness: Flourpower’s recipe for generosity “Hi, my cousins and I (ages 13-20) have been raising money — through a self-started, pop-up bakery in South Dartmouth — to donate to the food pantry throughout the month of July, and in our first week, we have raised just shy of $1,000. “We’d love to donate this initial amount and then come back to donate the remaining money that we raise in the coming weeks, later in the month if that’s OK with you all? And what is the preferred method of receiving this donation? We have the money in cash of course, but we also can write a check for you if that’s easier — we’re flexible.” This email, a most extraordinary and unexpected surprise, is how Catholic
Social Services first came to know Charlotte Finn, and her generous “Flourpower” group. Charlotte, along with four of her cousins, felt compelled to do something that would make a difference for those families who were being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Finn cousins love to bake; they put their passion for baking, combined with their compassion for others, to work and formed Nonquitt Flourpower. The group began holding bake sales, with all the proceeds going to the Solanus Casey Food Pantry in New Bedford. From July 4 to July 31, 2020, the cousins raised $2,000. On Thursday August 20, this group of five cousins and their moms visited the Solanus Casey Food Pantry
Daily Readings † Sept. 26 — Oct. 23
Sat. Sept. 26, Eccl 11:9—12:8 ; Ps 90:3-6,12-14,17 ; Lk 9:43b-45. Sun. Sept. 27, Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Ez 18:25-28 ; Ps 25:4-9; Phil 2:1-11 or 2:1-5; Mt 21:28-32. Mon. Sept. 28, Jb 1:6-22; Ps 17:1b-3,6-7; Lk 9:46-50. Tue. Sept. 29, Dn 7:9-10,13-14 or Rv 12:7-12a; Ps 138:1-5; Jn 1:47-51. Wed. Sept. 30, Jb 9:1-12,14-16; Ps 88:10b-15; Lk 9:57-62. Thu. Oct. 1, Jb 19:21-27; Ps 27:79c,13-14; Lk 10:1-12. Fri. Oct. 2, Jb 38:1,12-21; 40:3-5; Ps 139:1-3,7-10,13-14b; Mt 18:1-5,10. Sat. Oct. 3, Jb 42:1-3,5-6,12-17; Ps 119:66,71,75,91,125,130; Lk 10:17-24. Sun. Oct. 4, Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Is 5:1-7 ; Ps 80:9,12-16,19-20; Phil 4:6-9; Mt 21:33-43. Mon. Oct. 5, Gal 1:6-12; Ps 111:1b-2,7-9,10c; Lk 10:25-37. Tue. Oct. 6, Gal 1:13-24; Ps 139:1b-3,13-15; Lk 10:38-42. Wed. Oct. 7, Gal 2:1-2,7-14; Ps 117:1bc,2; Lk 11:1-4. Thu. Oct. 8, Gal 3:1-5; (Ps) Lk 1:69-75; Lk 11:5-13. Fri. Oct. 9, Gal 3:7-14; Ps 111:1b-6; Lk 11:15-26. Sat. Oct. 10, Gal 3:22-29; Ps 105:2-7; Lk 11:27-28. Sun. Oct. 11, Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Is 25:610a; Ps 23:1-6; Phil 4:12-14,19-20; Mt 22:1-14 or 22:1-10. Mon. Oct. 12, Gal 4:22-24,26-27,31—5:1; Ps 113:1b-5a,6-7; Lk 11:29-32. Tue. Oct. 13, Gal 5:1-6; Ps 119:41,43-45,4748; Lk 11:37-41. Wed. Oct. 14, Gal 5:18-25; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 11:42-46. Thu. Oct. 15, Eph 1:1-10; Ps 98:1-6; Lk 11:47-54. Fri. Oct. 16, Eph 1:11-14; Ps 33:1-2,4-5,12-13; Lk 12:1-7. Sat. Oct. 17, Eph 1:15-23; Ps 8:2-3b,4-7; Lk 12:8-12. Sun. Oct. 18, Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Is 45:1,46; Ps 96:1,3-5,7-10; 1 Thes 1:1-5b; Mt 22:15-21. Mon. Oct. 19, Eph 2:1-10; Ps 100:1b-5; Lk 12:13-21. Tue. Oct. 20, Eph 2:12-22; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 12:35-38. Wed. Oct. 21, Eph 3:2-12; (Ps) Is 12:2-3,4c-6; Lk 12:39-48. Thu. Oct. 22, Eph 3:14-21; Ps 33:1-2,4-5,11-12,18-19; Lk 12:49-53. Fri. Oct. 23, Eph 4:1-6; Ps 24:14b,5-6; Lk 12:54-59. 8
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to present their donation. Their visit occurred around 9 a.m., an hour before the food pantry was to open. The Nonquitt Flourpower group got a behind-the-scenes tour from Matthew Dansereau, the Food Pantry coordinator, and Susan Mazzarella, CEO. By 9:30, as the group was wrapping up their tour, they saw firsthand some of the people who would benefit from their generosity; there were already more than 25 people in line waiting for the pantry to open. When the tour concluded, the group sat down with Martha Reed, the Grants Coordinator from CSS, to talk about the food pantry, increased demands for emergency food, and how the $2,000 they raised would be able to purchase more than $6,000 worth of food from the Greater Boston Food Bank. Over the course of this discussion the Finn Family stated that they have been spending their summers for many years in South Dartmouth, but are actually from West Chester, N.Y.,
and Washington, D.C. This fact made the Nonquitt Flourpower donation all the more special extraordinary and meaningful to CSS’ Solanus Casey Food Pantry — that a group of young people, who are not local to the area, would spend their summer baking delicious confectionery concoctions to help raise money to feed people in need, in the middle of a pandemic. Greta Thunberg stated, “We showed that we are united and we, young people, are
unstoppable.” The Finn Family cousins and their Nonquitt Flourpower have truly shown that a group of determined young people are a powerful force, for both their goodies and goodness, during these unsettled times. Charlotte and her cousins at Nonquitt Flourpower can be found on Instagram @ nonquittflourpower. https://www. instagram.com/ nonquittflourpower/?hl=en
Five Finn cousins who wanted to help those affected by COVID-19 formed Nonquitt Flourpower. The group began holding bake sales and raised $2,000, with all the proceeds going to the Solanus Casey Food Pantry in New Bedford, where they received a tour of the facility.
Dear Anchor readers: The Anchor will not
publish on October 2 to be able to work on administrative and technical maintenance updates. We will return with the October 16 edition. September 18, 2020 â€
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Wareham parish celebrates vicar’s 10th anniversary WAREHAM — On Sunday, August 30 parishioners of St. Patrick’s Parish, Wareham, joined in celebrating the 10th anniversary of priestly ordination for Father Rowland Onuegbu, S.D.V., parochial vicar at St. Patrick’s. In addition to a church with socially-distanced (and mask-wearing) parishioners, for a concelebrated anniversary noon Mass, there was also virtual attendance as Mass was live-streamed. To view, visit the parish website, stpatrickswareham.org; Facebook, St. Patrick Church and St. Anthony Chapel, Wareham; and YouTube, St. Pat-
rick’s Wareham. Father Rowland was joined in celebration of Mass by Very Rev. Michael Reardon, S.D.V., provincial, Society Divine Vocations and Father Antonio DaSilva, S.D.V., pastor, St. Patrick’s Parish. After Mass, parishioners joined in an outdoor celebration with many homemade refreshments and cake. Father Rowland was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in the Society of Divine Vocations, on Aug. 28, 2010 in Nigeria. As he prepared for priesthood, he earned a B.A. in philosophy in 2007, a bachelor’s in Sacred Theology in 2010, and con-
After celebrating a recent Mass celebrating his 10th anniversary of priesthood, Father Rowland Onuegbu, S.D.V., was treated to a cake by the parishioners of St. Patrick’s Parish in Wareham. Correction, and immigration detentinued into his priesthood earning tion center, Dartmouth. M.Sc. in Psychology in 2017. On July 1, 2019, he became Shortly after his ordination, was assigned to serve as Director of Vo- parochial vicar at St. Patrick’s cations and Formator of candidates Parish that encompasses St. Patrick’s Church and St. Anthony’s to priesthood and religious from Chapel, Wareham. There he has 2010-2012. Father Rowland came introduced many new ministries to the United States in 2012. He served as parochial vicar in St and services to the parish including monthly Healing Mass and AdoraMichael’s, Newark, N.J., from 2012tion services, Youth Ministry visits 2013. From 2013-2016, he served as a full time hospital chaplain. He also to elderly, sick, disabled, monthly healing Mass, Married Couples was parochial vicar in parishes in annual dinner, and Ministry to Vermont and New Jersey. In 20182019, he assumed a dual role as chap- the Divorced support group. He lain for Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis, also acts as Chaplain for the parish and Bristol County Jail and House of Knights of Columbus.
Notice to our readers: The Anchor will not publish on October 2 to be able to work on administrative and technical maintenance updates. We will return with the October 16 edition. 10
† September 18, 2020
The new ‘Directory for Catechesis’ Catechesis’ — It’s not just for religion teachers By Rick Swenson Special to The Anchor
On June 25, 2020 the Vatican released a new “Directory for Catechesis.” What is this directory? Why is it important? What is catechesis? Originally, the term catechesis referred to religious instruction: the act of teaching religion. It started by teaching people who wanted to convert to the Christian faith but later evolved into teaching Christians who were baptized at birth. The teaching involved using a book called the catechism. The catechism is a summary of the principles and teachings of the Christian faith. The Roman Catholic Church published a “Catechism of the Catholic Church.” Originally published in 1992 the “Catechism” was updated as a Second Edition in 2003 with further updates in a Second Printing in 2018. Up until the 1960s American Catholics prepared for the Sacraments using a book called the “Baltimore Catechism.” It was used in the United States from 1885 into the 1960s. In 1884 at the Third Plenary Council of Bishops held in Baltimore the bishops said, “We need a catechism.” Meaning our people need a catechism. That’s how the “Baltimore Catechism” got its name. Good thing the Third Plenary Council was not held in Boring, Md. or Belchertown, Mass.! The “Baltimore Catechism” was formatted in a question and answer format. Religious Education using this book involved rote recitation of the answers to the questions. While we memorized the principles of our faith that didn’t mean we fully understood how to live them. Even worse, in 1963, I received my Confirmation when I was in fifth grade. What did I know about the depth of those answers? Here is an example of a question and answer item from the “Baltimore Catechism”: Q. 154. What must we do to save our souls? A. To save our souls, we must worship God by faith, hope, and
charity; that is, we must believe in Him, hope in Him, and love Him with all our heart. As a side note, I had a good Catholic uncle who would faithfully attend our family receptions after a celebration of Confirmation. Since the person who was confirmed had recently memorized the catechism my uncle would always quiz us with the famous question 154, “What must we do to save our souls?” We would start to rattle off the answer, “To save our souls, we must worship God by faith, hope, and charity; that is, we must believe in Him, hope in Him, and love Him with all our heart.” After taking another puff from his cigar his response was always, “No. No. No. To save our soles we must walk on our heels.” Sorry for the bad joke but it does highlight how the question and answer format can be mechanical — quick with information and slow with understanding. Today’s “Catechism of the Catholic Church” is not in a question and answer format. It presents the history and tradition of Church doctrine in plain language using Scripture, the lives and writings of the saints, the writings of the Church Fathers, papal and conciliar documents and Liturgical texts. It is an excellent teaching resource and a fine personal study guide. There is a version for adults and another version for the youth. Derived from the word catechism, a teacher of the faith is called a catechist. The act of religious instruction is called catechesis. The first “Directory for Catechesis” was produced by the Second Vatican Council as an attempt to transform the catechetical initiatives of the Church into ones that were more meaningful, vibrant and relevant to the times. It was released in 1971 and then updated in 1997. The Church was facing growing challenges in our global and secular society. The latest edition considers how the Church could better respond in modern times. The new “Directory for Catechesis” builds upon the previous
two directories, the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, the “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” and the Church’s ongoing evangelization efforts as explained by Pope Francis in his 2013 apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel.) In the past we used to think of catechesis simply as teaching religion classes. In today’s society the understanding of our faith needs to be more than memorization of principles. Our faith needs to be a part of our life. We need to live it. The “Directory” calls us to be courageous witnesses of Jesus Christ in our family, in our jobs, and in the wider community. It is calling us to a deeper relationship with Christ. It is calling us to a discipleship with Jesus that motivates us to help bring others closer to God and the Church. The “Directory” requires us to teach the basics of our Christian faith. These include: • That God loves every person; • That we are saved through Jesus Christ; • That we believe in the Holy Trinity — the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; • That we are called to gather all people into the Church; • That we are called to bring all people into communion with God.
Besides calling upon the basics of Christian faith the new “Directory” also calls upon the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching. These themes apply Gospel values to social, political and economic questions in the modern world: 1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person; 2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation; 3. Rights and Responsibilities; 4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable; 5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers; 6 Solidarity; 7. Care for God's Creation. An explanation of Catholic Social Teaching can be found on the U.S. bishop’s website: http://www.usccb.org/beliefsand-teachings/what-we-believe/ catholic-social-teaching/seventhemes-of-catholic-social-teaching. cfm The new “Directory for Catechesis” expands on several entries in the 1997 directory. Among the updated and expanded considerations are: • Helping people with disabilities to reach a fullness of Sacramental life. The Sacraments are gifts of God and cannot be denied to persons 8 Turn to page 13
No Anchor October 2
The Anchor will not publish on October 2 to be able to work on administrative and technical maintenance updates. We will return with the October 16 edition. September 18, 2020 †
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F ocus on C hurch Y outh St. Pius X School teacher named Top Inspiring Teacher in Mass. Honored with $10,000 from National University System — Sanford Teaching Award SAN DIEGO, Calif. — In recognition of inspirational teaching nationwide, Jennifer Perrault, a second-grade teacher at St. Pius X School in Yarmouth, has been named a recipient of the National University System — Sanford Teacher Award for Massachusetts on a surprise Zoom announcement earlier this summer. During a year of unprecedented challenges for teachers nationwide, the Sanford Teacher Award honors the top teacher in each state and the District of Columbia with $10,000 for supporting student development and achievement in inspirational and harmonious ways. The award was established in the name of philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, who is committed to supporting inspiring teaching nationwide through PreK-12 programs focused on developing the social and emotional (SEL) skills of young people. Each teacher recipient is now eligible to be named the national winner of the Sanford Teacher Award, which comes with a total award of $50,000 and will be announced at a future date. Perrault teaches her students to advocate for themselves through the use
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of kind words, empathy, and compassion. She helps students learn across all aspects of development — social and emotional, physical, and cognitive. She introduces multiple means for diverse learners to understand content through the diverse ways in which they learn, introducing kinesthetic movement, visuals, and hands-on learning tools. Perrault believes in positive reinforcement and differentiates her curriculum based on the individual needs of the students, addressing whatever learning challenges children face. Perrault and the other state awardees were selected before COVID-19 shut down schools, but have continued to use online settings to support the social and emotional well-being of their students during the current crisis. The teachers were selected by a committee of educators and faculty based on an application process that included nominations and information provided by each teacher. Sanford Teacher Award winners were selected for demonstrating high levels of inspirational teaching practices by engaging students, building student confidence, motivating
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students to succeed, giving students a voice and creating an inclusive environment. The qualities reflect the mission of education-focused programs based on the vision of Sanford that are being expanded nationally through the leadership of the private, nonprofit National University System. Its anchor institution,
National University, is home to the Sanford College of Education, which is one of the nation’s Top Ten largest schools of education. The Sanford Programs include Sanford Harmony, a PreKsix social emotional learning program that helps children develop communication and collaboration skills, and the PreK-12 Sanford Inspire program that offers teachers research-based resources and lessons to create inspiring classroom experiences. “The National University System is so pleased to be honoring the vision of philanthropist T. Denny Sanford by recognizing inspiring teachers around the country through the Sanford Teacher Awards,” said Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, chancellor of the
San Diego-based National University System. “Teachers give so much of themselves to their students, schools and communities, and the Sanford Teacher Award is a way for us to celebrate the contributions of inspiring teachers who encourage children to reach their greatest potential.” The Sanford Teacher Awards is part of the national expansion efforts of the National University System-based Sanford Programs, which in addition to Sanford Harmony and Sanford Inspire also includes a national network of fundraiser training programs anchored by the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at National University. All are based on the vision of Sanford, who has committed to giving away most of his wealth during his lifetime. Sanford has given to health care and education-related initiatives, including the Sanford Programs at the National University System. “As a child, I was fortunate to have a few teachers who truly inspired me to learn and succeed,” said Sanford. “Educators have many similar opportunities to touch children’s lives and have had a profound influence on their lives and learning. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist, I can think of no better return on investment than inspiring students to embrace learning and their path in life.” The 2020 awardees will join last year’s cohorts of awardees, continue to work with the Sanford Harmony
and Inspire Programs and receive training in communications and advocacy for teaching that is inspirational and grounded in social and emotional development. The National University System is a network of accredited nonprofit education institutions serving higher education and K-12 students that includes National University; John F. Kennedy University; City University of Seattle; and Northcentral University. NUS was established in 2001 to meet the emerging challenges and demands of education in the 21st century. The anchor institution, National University, was founded in 1971 and is among the largest private, nonprofit institutions of higher education in California with more than 175,000 alumni. National University’s Sanford College of Education is one of the Top Ten largest schools of education in the country. https://www. nusystem.org/ The National University System is leading the national expansion of the three Sanford Programs. The Sanford Institute of Philanthropy helps support the preparation of nonprofit frontline fundraiser leaders. The PreK-12 Sanford Inspire offers a toolkit of research-based teaching methodologies, and on-demand, selfguided modules that are accessible online to help teachers create inspiring classroom environments that encourage students to succeed. http:// sanfordprograms.org/
The Anchor will not publish on October 2 to be able to work on administrative and technical maintenance updates. We will return with the October 16 edition.
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m. Celebrant is Msgr. Stephen J. Avila, V.F., Pastor of St. Anthony Parish in East Falmouth, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in North Falmouth, and St. Patrick Parish in Falmouth
Sunday, September 27 at 11:00 a.m.
USCCB releases new ‘Directory for Catechesis’ continued from page 11
with disabilities; • Catechesis for migrants, refugees, immigrants and people who are incarcerated; • Opposing processes that promote exclusion of the poor, injustice and the primacy of money; • Promoting initiatives that ensure a full and dignified life for all people; • Ecumenism, relations with Judaism and relations with other religions. It encourages Catholics to actively participate in ecumenical movements and to resolve divisions contrary to the Lord’s will;
• Going deeper into technology, online learning, social media, ethics and biomedical questions; • Exploring the handling of gender and sexual identity issues; • Environmental catechesis and ecological commitment. People may have different experiences of nature, poverty and faith. Faith in God implies environmental stewardship; • Reference to the transcendentals — the three properties of being that point humanity to the Divine — namely, truth, beauty and goodness;
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass
Celebrant is Father Riley J. Williams, Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet
on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, September 20 at 7 p.m. Broadcast from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass
Sunday, October 4 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Michael A. Ciryak, Parochial Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in Easton
Sunday, October 11 at 11:00 a.m. Celebrant is Father Michael S. Racine, Pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, St. Francis of Assisi Parish and St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, all in New Bedford
on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, September 27 at 7 p.m. Broadcast from Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Providence
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, October 4 at 7 p.m. Broadcast from St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fall River
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, October 11 at 7 p.m. Broadcast from Santo Christo Church in Fall River
• The role of music and visual arts in teaching the faith throughout history and their ability to inspire belief in modern times. You can see from this list that things have changed in our world since the previous 1997 “Directory.” The Vatican said catechesis is about a relationship, not just information. While the “Directory” does provide information, that information alone is not enough to provide effective formation of the faith. Pope Francis’ continually emphasizes missionary discipleship. We don’t often think of ourselves as disciples but we are all called to be one. A disciple is a follower who receives the teachings of another and who changes his or her life and behavior to match those teachings. A disciple doesn’t simply master the teachings. A disciple emulates the Master’s life. We are charged with forming new disciples as we teach the Gospel to others. The new “Directory for Catechesis” requires those who teach the faith to develop followers of Jesus who can not only express their faith but also live their faith in the modern world it in practical ways. The “Directory” can help us in our own formation as disciples. Then we can use it as a resource to help form new disciples. We form them through our relationships within the community of the Church and through our firm trust in the Holy Spirit, Who is present and active among us. The “Directory” calls for a “missionary transformation” of Religious Education programs. That suggests the programs are not focused only on the transfer of information but also of dynamic 8 Turn to page 16
September 18, 2020 †
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Franquelina Villa de Patiño, mother of Father Carlos Patiño Villa MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA — Franquelina Villa de Patiño, the mother of Father Carlos Patiño Villa, parochial vicar at St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish on Nantucket, died on August 26 in her native Colombia. Father Patiño Villa is a priest of the Archdiocese of Medellin, who is on loan to the Diocese of Fall River. Father Patiño Villa wrote about his mother, “What can I tell you about my mother that can approximate the reality as well as the truth? We always idealize the people we love and perhaps these romantic idealizations don’t let us read the message of their hearts and the brightness of their eyes, which speak the most beautiful poems written in their soft scrolls. “My mother, a strong and valiant woman before the adversities of our family life in the midst of needs, always found a response in her confident prayer to God, Whom she taught us to know from childhood as a Fountain of love and He Who provides and never ignores the petitions of His children.” Father Patiño Villa con-
tinued describing his mother: “A mother of six children, and with each of them with a glance she could make us understand the language of her heart. Always insisting on the good and calling upon us to abandon the evil that the world offers, vigilant like the watchman on the tower, on the lookout for family values and the fear of God. “I thank God for this gift as I said it from afar to her before she left for the House of the Father,” Father Patiño Villa added, noting that he was on Nantucket when she died, although is returning to Colombia to celebrate a Mass in the chapel of the cemetery where she is buried in the capital, Bogota. “We did not choose each other, it was God Who brought us together in the fabric of life, you, my mother, and I, your son, and the same God will give us the gift of returning to be together in celestial glory.” Concluding, Father Patiño Villa wrote, “I thank everyone, in my own name and in the name of the Patiño Villa family, for your Spiritual and emotional support in these difficult times of grief.”
Dear Anchor readers: The Anchor will not publish on October 2 to be able to work on administrative and technical maintenance updates. We will return with the October 16 edition. 14
† September 18, 2020
In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests and deacons during the coming weeks: Sept. 26 Rev. John J. Donahue, Assistant, St. William, Fall River, 1944 Rev. Flavius Gamache, SMM, Former Pastor, St. Peter, Dighton, 1996 Rev. John C. Martins, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony of Padua, Fall River, 2008 Rev. Clement E. Dufour, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford, 2009 Sept. 27 Rev. John W. Greene, S.J., Former Teacher at Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River, 1991 Sept. 29 Rev. J.A. Payan, Founder, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1899 Rev. Roman Chwaliszewski, O.F.M., Conv., Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Bedford, 2012 Sept. 30 Rev. John J. Griffin, Pastor, St. Paul, Taunton, 1963 Rev. George Taraska, O.F.M., Conv., Parochial Vicar, Holy Rosary, Taunton, 1993 Permanent Deacon Paul G. Metilly, 2013 Oct. 1 Most. Rev. William O. Brady, S.T.D., Archbishop of St. Paul, 1961 Oct. 2 Rev. Joseph E. Sutula, Pastor, St. Casimir, New Bedford, 1961 Rev. Rene R. Levesque, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1999 Rev. Msgr. Stanislaus T. Sypek, Pastor, St. Adalbert, Hyde Park, 2011 Oct. 3 Rev. Msgr. Arthur G. Considine, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, South Dartmouth, 1991 Oct. 5 Rev. Jean D. Pare, O.P., Assistant Director, St. Anne Shrine, Fall River, 1999 Oct. 6 Rev. Stephen B. Magill, Assistant, Immaculate Conception, North Easton, 1916 Rev. Roland Brodeur, Uniondale, N.Y., 1987 Rev. Thomas McElroy, SS.CC., Former Pastor, St. Joseph, Fairhaven, 2017 Oct. 7 Rev. Caesar Phares, Pastor, St. Anthony of the Desert, Fall River, 1951 Rev. Msgr. Arthur G. Dupuis, Retired Pastor, St. Louis de France, Swansea, 1975 Rev. Andrew Jahn, SS.CC., Sacred Hearts Seminary, Wareham, 1988 Oct. 8 Rev. Roger P. Nolette, Former Chaplain, Cape Cod Hospital, 2006 Oct. 9 Rev. Paul J. Dalbec, M.S., La Salette Shrine, Attleboro, 2000 Oct. 10 Rev. James C.J. Ryan, Assistant, Immaculate Conception, North Easton, 1918 Rev. Boniface Jones, SS.CC., Chaplain, Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford, 1987 Rev. Joseph A. Martineau, Retired Pastor, St. Theresa, New Bedford, 1990 Oct. 11 Rev. James A. Downey, Pastor, Holy Ghost, Attleboro, 1952 Oct. 12 Rev. Felician Plichta, OFM Conv., Parochial Vicar, Corpus Christi, East Sandwich, Former Pastor Holy Cross, Fall River, 1999 Rev. David I. Walsh. MM, Maryknoll Missioner, 1999 Oct. 13 Rev. James J. Doyle, C.S.C., Holy Cross Residence, North Dartmouth, 2002 Rev. J. Marc Hebert, C.S.C., 2006 Oct. 14 Rev. Dennis M. Lowney, Assistant, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1918 Rev. Msgr. Edward B. Booth, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1972 Rev. Frederick G. Furey, SS.CC. Former Pastor, Our Lady of Assumption, New Bedford, 1999 Rev. Andre P. Jussaume, Pastor, St. Louis de France, Swansea, 2003 Oct. 15 Rev. Msgr. Raymond T. Considine, PA, Retired Pastor, St. William, Fall River, 1996 Oct. 16 Rev. Raymond M. Drouin, O.P., Former Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1987 Oct. 17 Rev. Gerald E. Lachance, Missionary, Africa, 1984 Oct. 19 Rev. Manuel A. Silvia, Pastor, Santo Christo, Fall River, 1928 Oct. 21 Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Carr, P.R., Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River; Chancellor 1907-21, 1937 Rev. Francis E. Gagne, Pastor, St. Stephen, Attleboro, 1942 Rev. Walter J. Buckley, Retired Pastor, St. Kilian, New Bedford, 1979 Oct. 22 Rev. John E. Connors, Pastor, St. Peter, Dighton, 1940 Rev. Jerome F. O’Donnell, OFM, Our Lady’s Chapel, New Bedford, 1983 Oct. 23 Chor Bishop Joseph Eid, Pastor, St. Anthony of the Desert, Fall River, 1970
I’m a wanna-be bird-brain There’s a line in an episode of a popular sit-com on television said by one of the characters who says he doesn't like rabbits because, “They always look like they’re about to say something, and then never do.” I have seen that episode countless times and it still makes me chuckle (just like the scene in the movie “Elf ” where Elf gets hit by a NYC cabbie and each time it happens, although I know it's coming, I always gasp). It's true, to me most animals appear as if they want to say something, but can’t. In a way humans are just the opposite: they look like they can’t put together a coherent thought, yet they babble away — take Facebook, social media and opinion shows on the telly. There is only one animal that I knew what it would have said had it a voice, because the eyes spoke volumes, and that was my beloved and dearly missed Igor. There were no secrets with her. If she had sleeves, she would have worn her heart on all four of them. During the nice weather, one of my favorite things to do is to sit on my deck, with a coffee in the morning, or a cold beverage in the afternoon, and watch what’s going on around me. I love the quiet, and during those times most of my attention is drawn to the birds that choose my neighborhood the make their homes. Maybe because I provide two bird-feeders filled with munchies nearby. They draw a plethora of different birds (and pesky squirrels that eat half the payload). There are cardinals, wrens, finches, crows, blue jays, warblers, black birds,
turtle doves, and humming birds. Soaring majestically overhead, seemingly without effort are the hawks who keep an eye on things
(and possible meals) from on high, and very rarely an eagle that ventures from its nesting area in the North Watuppa just to remind itself how good it has it in that reservation land. I love seeing the birds, sans the squirrels, at the feeder. They are happy as, well, larks. But what truly fascinates me is when they take wing together to a particular tree. There they chirp in a language only they understand. Early each morning, around 4:30 a.m., it begins — the chatter of countless winged creatures. They sound content. They make me content. What are they saying? Are they poking fun at the chubby guy on the deck? Are they making plans which cars they are going to decorate? Then, almost as if on queue, they take flight, with the same destination with the same flight pattern. They turn in harmony, putting synchronized swimmers to shame. There’s no need for an air-traffic controller. They have it all under control. But again, how do they know where to go? Why do they go there? I may be over-complicating the whole thing, but I am very much in awe watching this ballet in the sky unfold. They seem to know exactly what they’re doing.
Aside from being instinctively wary of predators on land and in the air, they don’t appear to have a worry in the world I envy what I perceive to be a Utopian existence. Humans, in comparison, are so chaotic, impulsive, and without direction. A constant barrage of conflict, opinion and counter-opinion, division, derision and hate stream at us daily on social media and television. At least that's what I see. That’s why I take solace in watching wildlife living out its daily existence exactly the way God planned it out. If only we could do the same. davejolivet@anchornews.org.
Around the Diocese
Our Lady of Lourdes School, Taunton The annual Our Lady of Lourdes School Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday September 21 at Segregansett Country Club. Anyone interested in registering for the tournament should contact Sister Margretta at 508-822-0357. Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Seekonk This year the Holiday Fair will take place on Friday, November 13 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Saturday, November 14 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the lower Church Hall. The parish is accepting donations of gift cards, new toys, etc., to support this annual event. Contact the rectory Monday-Thursday with any questions. St. John Neumann, East Freetown All are cordially invited to a live-streamed virtual Taizé Service for World Day for Refugees and Immigrants. Hosted by St. John Neumann Parish, East Freetown, on September 27 at 7 p.m. Visit https://www.facebook.com/ StJohnNeumannCatholicChurch Diocese-wide Worldwide Marriage Encounter has gone “Virtual”! To support married couples during this time of social distancing, Worldwide Marriage Encounter is sponsoring a virtual Marriage experience called Restore, Rekindle, Renew. This Enrichment Experience will meet via Zoom for seven sessions on Monday evenings until October 26 from 7-9:30 p.m. Couples will explore their individual personality styles, improve listening and communication skills, understand God’s plan for their Marriage, and learn how to keep their relationship a priority. Registration is limited. For more information or to apply, call Stephen and Michelle O’Leary at 800-710-9963 or visit them at http://www. wwme.org/
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formation. It implies that just learning facts it is not enough. It matters how effectively you take what you have learned and bring it out into the world. It’s not enough to know your faith. You have to live it. You have to be a role model for others to emulate. The “Directory” challenges our religion teachers to be disciples. It challenges our Religious Education programs to build disciples. Being a disciple is a way of life. Catechists are not the only role models. The “Directory” can also be an effective tool for parents, guardians, or anyone responsible for the development of children. The “Directory” says if faith is a gift that is passed on through and grows in a community, it is especially true of the family, which deserves the assistance and support of the Church in carrying out its role as the first and primary teacher of faith. Did you hear that? Parents are the first and primary teachers of their children’s faith. What better examples of a disciple can parents be to their children? What better people for children to emulate than their parents? I’ll have to admit, as a new parent, my motivation to become involved teaching religion wasn’t based on my desire to teach religion. After all, what did I know? I signed up to teach second grade. I figured if I had to get up early and get my kids to class there was no point in going home and then returning to get them. There was also no point in just waiting for them in the parking lot. They gave me a book
and a lesson plan. In order to teach you have to know more than your pupils. I figured I was smarter than a second-grader. What was surprising and unexpected was how much I learned from the children. Sure, the textbook had the facts, the prayers, the lesson plan and suggested activities. Making all of that come alive for the children was the challenge. That was where I drew on my life experiences as a faithful Catholic. That was where the Holy Spirit stepped in and took over. The challenge is to get out of your own way and let it happen. The new “Directory” for Catechesis” is not just for religion teachers or the clergy. It is a treasure for lay people seeking a deeper understanding of their faith. It is a resource for parents striving to guide their children into the fullness of God’s love. It is another source of teachings provided by the Church to lead the faithful to Jesus Christ. You can order your copy of the new “Directory for Catechesis” on the USCCB website at http:// store.usccb.org/directory-forcatechesis-p/7-669.htm Rick Swenton is a parishioner at St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth and is a member of the choir and a cantor. He has a certificate in Lay Ministry from the Archdiocese of Hartford with a focus on Liturgy and Music and was a longtime member of the board of the Hartford Chapter National Association of Pastoral Musicians. He is a published composer (Oregon Catholic Press, and Passionist Music, West Hartford, Conn.).
The Show Must Go OnLINE ... continued from page one
with The Fray, Aretha Franklin, the Foundation to Advance Catholic Juanes, Jim Gaffigan, and Mark Education is to ensure that no child Wahlberg, among others. is deprived of the opportunity to The Foundaattend one of the tion to Advance Catholic Schools Catholic Eduin the Diocese of cation (FACE) Fall River due to continues to financial hardship. meet the original A commitment to mission of the St. FACE is an investMary’s Education ment in the future Fund in supporteducation and ing scholarships dreams of hunfor children. The dreds of children Foundation to from all across the Advance CathDiocese. olic Education For more strives to support information welcoming more about the dinner culturally and or to purchase Matt Maher economically tickets, for diverse students sponsor packages to our Catholic Schools, while or to make a donation, visit faceaddressing the sustained increase in dfr.org. the demand for financial assistance For more information for families seeking to send their about Matt Maher, visit www. children to our schools. The goal of mattmahermusic.com.
NOTE: The Anchor will NOT publish on OCTOBER 2 to work on administrative and technical updates. The Anchor will again publish with the OCTOBER 16 edition. 16
† September 18, 2020