·•....
----
-~-~ ...... ----"'----.,:::-~ ~ ..
VOL; 46, NO. 37
• Friday, October 4, 2002
FALL RIVER, MASS.
-.....-...
,----
Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year
-
RESPECT LIFE ISSUE 2002 Faithful to march in Boston, Washington By MIKE GORDoN ANCHOR STAFF
, .Marian,~Siers. assistant director of the Apostolate will , : .be'attending wIth the diocesan group and bringing her family NORfH DARfMOUTH - Hundreds of diocesan ,pil-: along. Sne Said diai; the Respect Life Walk and March for Life grims will join with those in Boston this weekend at the ,an- ''inspir:ethe gremer Community to respect human life." nual Respect Life Walk for Mothers.and cqildren. They will ., They are expecl:;ing the number of people attending to ingather in the Boston Common at I'p.m. for· registration and a crease fron;i laSt year and many ofthose walkers will be young talk by Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap. people un~ the age of 25 and families with children. Both The approximate 9O-minute walk will kick off at 2 p.m. agreed that it is important for young people to attend these and Father Stephen A. Fernandes, director of the diocesan events so they can take up the torch of the Pro-Life movePro-Life Apostolate, says thi~ event and the annual Pro-Life ment ', March in Washington, D.C. are important ones because "the',''The qilibeT of young people who attend isgreat," said cause for which we come together is one of goodness ~d ", Desrosiers. ''They bring the sacredness of life back into the holiness." , .: clJ1ture. ~y encourage one another to get involved with the
Speakers announced for Pro-Life convention
RES PEe T I
. PRO G RAM
Celebrating . Lie
By DAVE JOUVET EOOOR
NORfH DARfMOUTH - A father who knows first-hand the bitter taste of man's inhumanity to man will be the keynote speaker at the annual Pro-Life Convention to be held October 19 at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River. Bud Welch, who lost his 23-yearold daughter Julie in the bomb blast that destroyed the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in April of 1995, will share his story of sorrow, anger and conversion. Several other noted authors and speakers will also be on hand. Julie Welch was an honors graduate from Marquette University and was a Spanish interpreter for the Social Security Administration on that fateful day. The pain of Julie's death was nearly unbearable for Welch and he became consumed with a desire for revenge, calling for an immediate execution of convicted bomber Timothy McVeigh. Over time, Welch experienced a change of heart, and has since campaigned against the death penalty. Welch will discuss a conversation he had with McVeigh's father, and how he eventually saw the futility in his thirst for revenge. Through the years, Welch has appeared on television programs such.as ''Good Morning America," "Bill Moyers:' ''The Today Show:' Tum to page 12 - Convention
l I f ,i.E
Pro:-Life movement They inspire others." Father Fernandes said he derives strength from young peoples involvement stating that "it's a source of optimism for me." The walk in Boston benefits many Pro-Life agencies including the Pro-Life Apostolate here through walker sponsorship and donations. It is a safe, quiet walk in honor ofall life at all stages of development, sponsored· by the Massachusetts Citizen's for Life and attracts many families and older Americans who Father Fernandes says "understand how precious life is." The children in high school today are a generation that grew up not knowing the protection ofhuman life in the womb Tum to page 12 - Walk
L
Bishop responds to DA's comments By DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR FALL RIVER - Allegations by Bristol County District Attorney Paul F. Walsh Jr., that the Fall River diocese was slow and uncooperative in handing overcases ofpriests accused of sexual abuse, were quickly rejected and answered by the diocese and Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap. The comments by Walsh came September 26 when Father Donald Bowen, a former Fall River diocesan priest now living in Bolivia, was reportedly indicted by a Bristol County Grand Jury on sexual abuse charges that allegedly occurred 30 years ago when the priest served at St. Mary's Parish in Norton. Walsh, releasing a list of 21 accused priests, said that if he had known about the case he might have acted sooner. But in a statement released by the diocese last week in the wake of Walsh's statement, it was disclosed that not only has the Fall River diocese "cooperated fully with the District Attorney and his office to ensure the safety and protection ofchildren in our parishes and diocesan settings;' but "in March ofthis year:' Bishop O'Malley "took the' initiative in offering to the District Attorney the names of priests against whom allegations ofsexual misconduct had been made. Although som~ ofthese allegations were mad~'iP. recent years, they all referred to S¢xuat , misconduct which occurred 25 to 50 Tum to page /3 - Response
.
2
THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., October 4, 2002
". '
®bituary,
'
Maurice O. Gauvin Sr. FALL RIVER - Maurice O. He was a member of Holy "Pete" Gauvin, 66, of 183 Trinity Parish in Fall River Lawton Street, husband of Mrs. where was a greeter and collecMary C. (Botelho) Ga,uvin, and tion counter. :. father of Father Maurice O. Besides his wife of 44 years Gauvin Jr., pastor of St. John and his priest son, he leaves the Baptist Church, New two other sons, Mark J. Gauvin Bedford, died September 27 at of Tiverton, R.I., and Wayne T. home after a brief illness. Gauyin of Fall River; a daughBorn in Fall River, the son tel', Pamela C. Brodeur of of the late Oscar Ore'le Gauvin Tivertol), R.I.;' four grandchiland the late Emea (Cantin) dren; and nieces and ne'phews. Gauvin, he ,was a Iifel,ong resiHis funeral ,Mass was celdent of the city. He had been . ebrated Tuesday in Holy Trinemployed as a shipper and re- ity Church. Burial was in Notre ceiverat RESCO :in Fall River, Da.me Cemetyry, Fall River. having previously worked at The Oliveira Funeral'Home, the formei' Edgar's Depal;tment . '- 2064 South'Main Street, Fall Store alJ'd the former Elbe File River, was in charge,of arrangements. ,Company. /
Montie Plumbing & Heating Co. " Over 35 Years of Satisfied Services' Reg. Master Plumber 7023 . JOSEPH RAPOSA, JR.
432 JEFFERSON STREET FALL RIV~R:" 508-675~7496
WANTED: Director of Music for two choirs (adult and ;children) and cantor deve,lopment. Organ & Piano skills required. ',' Send/FAXlE-maii resume to: Music Director Search St.' Joseph Rectory 43 Walnut Street Fairhaven, MA 02719 FAX number: 508-979-4659 E.:Mail: stjosephparish@attbi.com
PRESENTING BISHOP Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap. with a new 2002-03 Diocesan Directory are, from left, D<;l.ve Jolivet, editor of The Anchor;, Barbara Reis, Anchor business manager; and Msgr. John F. Moore, Anchorexecutive editor. (Anchor/Gordon photo)
Bishop' O"Malley'to dedicate, bless new- We$t Harwich chapel , ,WEST HARWICH ' - Father Thomas L. Rita~pastor o(Holy Trinity Parish here, has extended a diocesan-wide invitation to attend the dedi.cation and blessing of the'parish) new chapel of perpetual adoration. , On Oct. 13 ll-t 3 p.m., Bishop -Selin O'Malley, OFM Cap., will be principal celebrant of a dedication Mass folJowed by the blessing ceremony. This. will be Bishop' O'Malley's tinal pastoral visit to
Daily Readings
Charlie's Oil Co., Inc. • Prompt 24 Hour Service • Automatic Deliveries • Budget Terms Available • Free Estimates
. Call In Deliveries
You Never Had Service Until You Tried Charlie's
Oct. 7
Oct. 8
Oct. 9
Were located at ...
46 Oak Grove Ave., Fall River orcal/ ...
Oct. 10
508-675-7426 • 508-674-0709 Oct. 11
PRACTICE THE DEVOTION OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS,
Oct. 12
AS REQUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA
On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia (seer of Fatima) and spoke these words: "Announce in my name that / promise to assist at the hour ofdeath with the graces necessary for the salvation oftheir souls, all those who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months shall: /. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the Rosary (5 decades); and 4. Keep me company for /5 minutes while meditating on the /5 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me." In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be preceded by the words: "In reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary:' Confessions may be made during 8 days before or after the first Saturday, and Holy Communion may be received at either the morning or evening Mass on the first Saturday.
Oct. 13
i
Gal 1:6-12; Ps 111:1-2,7-10; Lk 10:25-37 Gal 1:13-24; Ps 139:1-3, 13-15; Lk 10:38-42 Gal 2:1-2,7-14; Ps 117:1-2; Lk 11 :1-4 GaI3:1-5; (Ps) Lk 1:69-75; Lk 11 :513 Gal 3:7-14; Ps 111 :1-6; Lk 11 :15-26 Gal 3:22-29; Ps 105:2-7; Lk 11 :27-28 Is 25:6-1 Oa; Ps 23: 1-6; Phil 4: 1214,19-20; Mt 22:1-1401'22:110
111II111 I1I1I11111111111111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS·545.{)20) Periodical PosIage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Published weekly except for the first two weeks in July all! the week after Christtilas at 887 HighlaIl! Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River. Sull;cription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year. POSTMASTERS send address change> III The An:hor. P.O. Box 7. Fall River, MA (]lID.
Cape Cod before beginning his new ministry in the Diocese of Palm Beach next month. , Father Rita expressed a speCial invite to .his br9thyr priests saying, "Perhaps you may wish to offer him personal regards on that day. You are cordially invited· to concelebrate the Mass of Dedication at 'three o'clock and/or take pait in the hospitality afterwards." The chapel is the result of the generosity of many generous' benefactors who understand and support Holy Trinity Parish's devotion to the Blessed Sacrament
and strong commitment to the Church's teaching on life. Ground was broken for the project in June' of 2001. The chapel building, built in the Gothic style, is located on the north end of the parish property. The chapel, which is open for ; visitors around the clock, is a testament to the real presence of the Lord, a house of prayer and a quiet place for adoration of the most Blessed Sacrament. Holy Trinity Church is located at 246 Main Street, West Harwich.
In Your Prayers Please pray for the following priests during the coming week Oct.,7 1951, Rev. Caesar Phares, Pastor, St. Anthony of the Desert, Fall River 1975, Rev. Msgr. Arthur G. Dupuis, Pastor Emeritus, St. Louis de France, Swansea 1988, Rev. Andrew Jahn, SS.Cc., Sacred Hearts Seminary, Wareham Oct. 10
1918, Rev. James C.J. Ryan, Assistant, Immaculate Conception, North Easton 1987, Rev. Boniface Jones, SS.Cc., Chaplain, Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford 1990, Rev. Joseph A. Martineau, Retired Pastor, St. Theresa: New Bedford Oct. 11 1952, Rev. James A. Downey, Pastor, Holy Ghost, Attleboro Oct. 12. 1999, Rev. Felician Plichta, OFM Conv., Parochial Vicar, Corpus Christi, East Sandwich Oct. 13 1999; Rev. David 1. Walsh, M.M., MaryknolI Missioner
Peace Mass, march serve as farewell to bishop By DAVE JOUVET
.
EDITOR
FALL RIVER - The annual Procession Mass for Peace slated for October 14 at 6 p.m., will take on added meaning this year. With constant talk of war between the United States and Iraq, the march and Mass will send a clear .message about the need for peace in the world today.
In addition, Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap., has requested that the march and Mass become his farewell Mass for priests and people of the Diocese of Fall River. Bishop O'Malley will be installed as the new bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach on October 19. As usual, those who will participate in the march will congregate at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the
Assumption Church, 327 Second Street at 5:45 p.m. The procession begins at 6 p.m. and will travel down Spring Street to South Main Street. The march continues on South Main Street until it reaches St. Anne Church, a distance of approximately one-half mile. At 7 p.m., Bishop O'Malley will be principal celebrant at the peace
Construction of new mausoleum at Notre Dame Cemetery begins FALL RIVER - The Diocese of Fall River announced this week that construction of the new Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel Mausoleum at Notre Dame Cemetery will begin this month. A groundbreaking ceremony, presided over by Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap., will be held at the Fall River cemetery on October 12 at 10 a.m. Invitations to the ceremony are being sent to all those who purchased entombment or inumment rights within the mausoleum on a pre-construction basis. The public is also invited. Named in honor of the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel Mausoleum has been designed to meet the evergrowing demand for aboveground burial. The facility will be constructed of reinforced concrete, brick, limestone, marble and granite. The main focal point of the facility will be a large central
chapel. When completed, the facility will house approximately 1,300 interior and exterior entombment spaces~ including chapel crypts, in a variety of configurations. Cremation niches will also be available for the inurnment of cremains. Under the direct supervision of the Diocesan Facility Consultant, Thomas Palanza, and R.A.D. Jones Architects, the construction of the mausoleum is expected to take approximately nine to 10 months. Dedication of Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel Mausoleum is expected in early summer 2003. Limited crypt and cremation niche selections are still available for purchase. Discounted pricing and time payment options will continue to be offered during the construction phase.
may contact the Counseling Office by calling 508-646-2630.
THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., October 4, 2002 Mass in St. Anne's Church. All are invited to attend this momentous and important event. Marchers are asked to bring their own candles and priests who wish to concelebrate should bring their own vestments. People in wheel chairs or who are handicapped or disabled should proceed directly to St. Anne's Church where a special area will be designated for them. All parish groups that will be in the procession should congregate in the area of the Cathedral schoolyard by 5:45 p.m. The tradition of bringing banners, flags and other identifying items is encouraged. Because traffic will become an issue, parish groups are urged to use buses. Bus drivers should be instructed to drop off passengers at Rodman Street, near Second Street and ·proceed to the area near St. '_.
Anne's Church where parking will be available. Individuals coming in their own automobiles' should park their cars as near St. Anne's Church as possible. I
NEED A GOOD PlUMBER? For your home or business.
Johne. LINDO & SON Plumbing & Heating Est. 1920 Lie. 10786
508-678-5571 "The Experienced Plumbing People" Pmviding u Full Une of
.e.-·r 0.
Those interested in reserving entombment or inurnment rights in the new mausoleum
I already have Treasrny bonds and CDs. What else can I do with this money? Sandra Sevigney and the Citizens-Union Savings Bank Trust Department team will work with you to protect and preserve your family's financial resources. For Sandra Sevigney will belp yOIl develop strategies for maximizing )'ollr family's assets.
more infonnalion or to schedule an appoiQtment, call 508-675-4311.
College is a journey. The graduate rarely resembles the entering freshman. Who am l? Where am I going? How shall I get there? At Manhattan College, this journey starts with a superb faculty and a caring community, bolstered by heavy doses of values and
ClTIZEN&UNlON .-,
Fall River Main
om"" 4 SoUtll Main ~1Ia1
508-678-7641 (C"nnt'CIing:dl "mas) m SIaflonJ Road. 4')0 Rooeson SUre! HI Troy ~11t'Cl CiliZelL~·Ullioll
SAVINGS BANK
Somerset Sommet Plaza, Route 6
Seekonk 174 Taunton Avenue. Route 44
Swansea 554 Wilbur Avenue
Online
principles. Then count on an exceptional network of successful alumni to pitch in once you earn that degree. Discover Manhattan College. Discover yourself. .
Sm111/-1S &lllk • lbe Oll{l' ballk ,I'ou'/1 1!I'1!1' lIeed
1io
MANHATTAN
www,citlzensllnlonbank.cOlll
Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY 10471 1-800-MCl-XCEL • www:manhattan.edu
3
*LASALLIAN , - -EDUCATION -- Celebrating 150 Yefl1:S ofExet/lmce
4 THE ANCHOR -
Diocese of Fall River - Fri., October 4, 2002
the living word
themoorin~·
PAKISTANI CHRISTIANS CONDUCT A SIT-IN
A wrong call
AGAINST RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE IN KARACHI,
These are indeed sad and difficult days for the Church. The scandal of pedophilia is abhorrent. When one who has been eri~ trusted by priestly commitment perpetrates it, it become~ totally repugnant. It becomes a source of anger and rage. Such is the atmosphere saturating Church life. In such a condition it is easy to be blinded by disdain. Real facts ,are overlooked and distortions rule the day. Anger feeds the desire for revenge. When taken to the extreme, reason, truth and justice are sublimated and ig-. nored. In a social order that upholds the civil rights of all citizens it is imperative that we do not become so incensed by vilification that we destroy our ideals. We should always develop a strong sense of objective values that could not be overtaken by subjective motivations. With this in mind it is most difficult to fathom the recent actions of Bristol County District Attorney Paul F. Walsh Jr. In releasing the names of 21 priests who have allegedly committed sexual crimes, some very serious questions surface. Given the atmosphere that permeates our media, one is condemned before being prosecuted. Our law clearly states that a person is presumed, innocent until proven guilty. However, in the light of our current situation and practice, one could never eradiCate guilt even if innocent. Let's focus in on this reality. When it is made publicly, a statement contrary to the truth takes on a particular gravity. In court it becomes false witness. When under oath it is perjury. Acts such as these contribute to condemnation of the innocent, exoneration of the guilty or the increased punishment of the accused. They gravely compromise the exercise of justice and the fairness of judicial decisions. As the "Catechism of the Catholic Church" reminds us, respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. Thus, one becomes guilty of rash judgment who tacitly assumes as 'true without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of another; one becomes guilty of detraction who without objective valid reason disc1'oses another's faults and failings to people who did not know them; one becomes guilty of calumny who by remarks contrary to the truth harms the reputation of others and gives occasion for false judgment concerning them. Everyone has a natural right to the honor of his or her name and reputation. It seems that t09ay's questionable disclosure is negating that right. Everyone is upset by the current revelations of priestly misconduct and crime. Other district attorneys in the state refuse to pub~ lish lists because of justice issues such as false accusations, the dead being unable to defend themselves. No one has done more to heal this hurt than BisllOp Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap. To challenge his integrity and the handling of his responsibility is itself a grave distortion of fact. The bishop, from the outset of his days in this diocese, has set forth needed, standards of compassionate healing to eliminate this festering sore. He has fully cooperated with all the legalities and instituted procedures such as the CORI check program as well as founding a review board to implement diocesan pol,icies. To take a real pot shot at him as he prepares to leave the diocese was wrong, especially in questioning his ethical and moral honesty. Mr. Walsh's job is to enforce justice and the law, not to be an ethical and moral arbiter of other people.
The Executive Editor
,or~{~~anct,ol\J \;'"OFFICiAI.NEWSPAPER OFTHE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER
~;p:ubli~~e_~,:vi~~kly,bytheCathoIiC Press of the Diocese of Fall River
Z' f'~ '~:~~7, ~ig~la~d~:Av,~nu~ "
p. 0" BOX' 7 _ Fall'Rlver, MA·. 02720 Fall River, MA 02722-0007 -<'-,,r"-.",, ":',_ '" ;, . ~.~'J ,), ;'~~:;',:[.;Te!epnotle 508-67,5-7151 FAX 508-675-7048 :\, l':",:';,.;:;';;'.': '"~·j:~m'aiI:'TheAnchor@ Anchornews.org :
i
'... "
."" ;
:.:-'_~,:.'~'-~"
'0
•
'
' .
,,;'.,'....
','
J;'::"!;~~~ -.S~nd~dr.ess chang'es to 'P.O. Box, call or use E-mail address
&?~1~';1::~', .R:'~;~J':;~~~. .
'~EDITOR
"
.'D~y'ld B. j"olivet'
~~~'r\.~\:'~'>'~·~;.';-'~,~'>lt;,~ ~ :;;..'::.~.
:, NEWS EDITOR :Jarnes 'N. DU~bar '
.-:I','
OFFICE MANAGER Barbara M. Rels
PAKISTAN, RECENTLY. IN THE OFFICES OF THE COMMITIEE FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE, JOINTLY ORGANIZED BY THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KARACHI AND THE CHURCH OF PAKISTAN, TWO GUNMEN SHOT SEVEN WORKERS AT CLOSE RANGE. ARCHBISHOP SIMEON ANTHONY PEREIRA
"
ASSERTED THAT THE KILLINGS WOULD NOT PREVENT CHRISTIANS FROM DOING THE WORK OF JUSTICE AND CHARITY. (CNS PHOTO FROM REUTERS)
"HOW GOOD AND HOW PLEASANT IT IS FOR BROTHERS TO DWELL TOGETHER IN'UNITY" (PSALM
133:1).
DA takes cheap, puzzling swipe at bishop Editor's Note: The following is an editorial that appeared September 29 in the Sunday Standard Times. Because it reflects important facets in the controversy that arose following recent statements against the Diocese of Fall River by Bristol County District Attorney Paul E Walsh Jr., The Anchor thought it pertinent to be reprinted, and it appears with permission of the Suiulay Stiltidard-
til last week. . , Let's look more carefully at the list of priests Walsh waves like a bloody flag. Some 21 men are named. We know about Connolly (a name Walsh seems to have forgotten.) Two men are dead. One priest, Donald Bowen, has been out of the country for 30 years. Walsh announced that he's been indicted. ' Ten men on the list faced a single accuser and 15 of the complaints Times. Ten years ago, about the time dated beyond the 15-year statute of Sean O'Malley was just arriving as limitations and could not be prosthe new bishop of thl:< scandal- ecuted. shocked Fall River diocese, Bristol Should O'Malley have referred County District Attorney Paul F. the old cases for criminal prosecuWalsh Jr., was brushing aside a tion before the nation-wide scandal flurry of sexual abuse complaints enveloped the church in the past about Rev. Paul G. Connolly. year? "We have heard through the mePossibly. dia that there were three individuIf the idea occurred t() him. But ifitneveroccurred to the disals, but until they come forward, they're not cases," Walsh told a Stan- , trict attorney to call the bishop about dard-Times reporter in September the sexual skeletons in the diocesan 1992. The district attorney main- closet, it would not be surprising had tained back then after interviewing the bishop not thought of calling in one individual that there was "noth- the district attorney. ing to investigate or prosecute." He was, after all, creating a new Incredibly, Connolly, a former way to make sure all new complaints Fall River priest, is among 21 men against clerics were investigated and the district attorney identified this referred, when warranted, to the week as the subject of at least one proper authorities. sexual abuse complaint. How far back should the bishop Walsh made the list public while have been expected to investigate: trying to blame O'Malley for cov- IO years, 30 years, 50 years? ering up sexual abuse cases. And keep in mind, it was the Cover-up? Connolly's name was bishop who ultimately went to the right under Walsh's nose IO years district attorney with a list; it was not ago. the district attorney who went to the He did nothing about it. bishop. As for the other names, it was the A look back in the files can be bishop who brought them to Walsh's . illuminating. In April, for example, attention last winter, at O'Malley's both Walsh's office and the diocese initiative, not Walsh's. said that they were cooperating at In fact, the record shows that "O'Malley's behest." O'Malley was far ahead of Walsh The district attorney wasn't askin recognizing the seriousness ofthe ing for the bishop's help; it was the . abuse issue. In the days when the other way around. Why now, with O'Malley about Porter scandal was still fresh, it was O'Malley who was moving further to depart for a new assignment in and faster than any Catholic leader the scandal-wracked diocese of in Massachusetts to address it. Palm Beach, Aa., is Walsh suddenly As far as we can tell, Walsh has targeting the qishop? Your guess is as good as ours. been relatively silent on the issue un-
Were issues of fairness and basic justice not at stake, the whole charade could be dismissed as a political and public relations farce. But issues of fairness and justice are at play. Real names are on the list, names ;' of men who might have been falsely accused, men, who, in any case, deserved an opportunity to confront their accuser before their names got blackened. Dead men have no chance to do that, nor do thos,e whose cases have no chance of ever being brought to court. They cannot be indicted and without an indictment, there can be no way to clear their names by identifying and challenging their accusers. The Standard-7i/lles has refused to publish those names under the circumstances. We are appalled that some other Massachusetts newspapers felt no such compunction. It's important for everyone to keep in mind that not every accusation is triJe, that due process remains the law ofthe land, and the innocent are just that until proven guilty. Harvey Silvergate, a distinguished Boston lawyer and legal commentator, said he believes it may well be unethical for a prosecutor to identify accused when they lack the wherewithal to defend themselves. At the very least, what Walsh did last week was an abuse of prosecutorial power, he said. "Enough is enough," Walsh declared last week. "We will not be a party to perpetuating the darkness, to protecting the silence and secrecy." Would that were true. Would that Bristol County really djd have a district attorney intent on ferreting out crime and conuption, on shedding light on dark comers, on promoting justice. Instead, we have a district attorney intent on jumping aboard a crowded bandwagon. , Sadly, we have a district attorney who should be ashamed of himself.
Where is the uproar? There have been some very ugly thousands of their own fellow Amerimoments in sports through the years. cans each day. There was the time New York Giant Where is the outrage over aborLawrence Taylor made Washington tion in this country? Where is rallyRedskins' quarterback Joe Theisman's around-the-underdog quality we're leg look like the letter 'L' in 1985; there was the game , . . - - - - - - - - - when San Francisco Giants' pitcher Dave Dravecky snapped his arm while releasing a pitch in 1989; there was the devastating knee injury to G~e Sayers of the Chicago Bears in 1965; the By Dave Jolivet horrific eye injury to nowBruin Bryan Berard in 2000; ....- - - - - - - - - and the most gruesome of all, Oak- so famous for? How can we justify land Raider Jack Tatum breaking the the murders ofmillions of babies each back of New England Patriot wide re- year? Choice? Women's rights? ceiver Daryl Stingley in 1978. At quick glance, we can blame the Yet one of the most sickening politicians for this. Just look at the sports moments ofall came earlier this Massachusetts races this November. month in a ballpark in Chicago. It was Very few candidates are clear-cut there where two deranged fans, a fa- Pro-Lifers. In fact many use the ralther and son team, charged on to the lying cry of "Choice" as part of their field and began pummeling a hapless platforms. It's the same thing across Kansas City Royal coach. Equally this fair land. Local, state and national nauseating were the cheers they re- figures advocate choice. It's no wonceived as they were led off the field. der our unborn are at such risk. Despite the moronic actions of the But wait! Here's a thought. Maybe beaters and their fans, the American it isn't the politicians after all. Isn't public was outraged - as well they the mind-set of a politician that of should be. And just about the same gaining the most votes possible? time, Americans were stupefied to Don't they do that by telling we, the watch on video tape a young mother voters, what we want to hear? If we beat her four-year-old daughter in a the voters were steadfastly Pro-Life, park-ing lot in Indiana. Again, Ameri- wouldn't the politicians be so also? cans were horrified. Maybe it's our fault. Yes, citizens of this great country In fact, there's no maybe about it. tend to rally around the underdogs, For some reason, we the voters have the helpless, and the weak. And when sent the message that the unborn are such individuals are preyed upon,the , not human; that the unborn have no response is predictable - anger and rights; that the unborn can be legally support for the victims. It makes you slaughtered. How this happened, I'm proud to be an American - sort of. not sure. Maybe it's apathy. Maybe Americans are crying for restraint if such actions were "caught on video in a war with Iraq, potentially pre- tape," a La the beating of a four-yearventing the needless slaughter of old, or the pummeling of a first-base thousands of innocent Iraqi· people. coach, there would be outrage. Yet, these same Americans allow, and Maybe we've all been duped into advocate the needless slaughter of believing that the unborn are simply
My View
f rom the Stands
THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., October 4, 2002
blobs of tissue - even though abortion is legal up to the very moment of birth in a full-term pregnancy (hardly a blob there). Or maybe, we as Americans are not as noble as we think we are. Maybe our cries for justice rise only when convenient or fashionable. It's been 30 years since the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in this country was handed down. Thirty years of legalized slaughter of innocent lives. There are about 130 million Christians in the United States, most of whom have the right to vote. Just imagine if all voiced a Pro-Life tune. Just imagine what the Massachusetts political picture would look like if the Commonwealth's voters, most of whom are Catholic, voiced a Pro-Life tune. As Christians we must defend the unborn. There's no argument that can tell us it's not what God wants. There's no argument that can say God approves of abortion. Where is the uproar?
Ryan Welter, M.D. Family Medicine and Obstetrics
Jlnnounces tile Opening of Dis Nell' Practice Dr. Welter is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and completed his residency in Family Medicine through Brown University at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island. He believes in a traditional. holistic approach to treating patients. and offers comprehensive care of children through adults.
Northwoods Medical Center 2005 Bay Street. Suite 203 Taunton. MA 02780
Telephone: (508) 88D-00 12 Office hours by appointment Most insurances accepted. New patients welcome. Affiliated with Morton Hospital and Medical Center.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES ATTLEBORO 10 MAPLE ST. 508-226-4780
FALL RIVER NEW BEDFORD 783'SLADE ST. 238 BONNEY ST. P.O. BOX M - SO. STA. 508-997-7337 508-674·4681
• ABUSE PREVENTION • ADOPTIONS: INFANT INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL NEEDS • ADVOCACY FOR: SPANISH SPEAKING FISHERMEN, PERSONS WITH AIDSIHIV PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES CAMBODIANS • BASIC ENGLISH FOR LIFE-LONG LEARNING • CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SPONSORSHIP: SOUP KITCHEN COMMUNITY ACTION FOR BETTER HOUSING
TAUNTON 78 BROADWAY 508-824-3264
CAPE COD 261 SOUTH ST. HYANNIS 508-771-6771
• COMMUNITY ORGANIZING • COUNSELING • HOUSING COUNSELING • IMMIGRATION, LEGAL EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY PROJECT • INFORMATIONIREFERRAL • INFANT FOSTER CARE • PARENT/SCHOOL CRISIS INTERVENTION • REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT • HOUSING FOR WOMEN: ST. MATHIEU'S EMERGENCY HOUSING FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN . ST. CLARE'S • BASIC NEEDS
SPECIAL APOSTOLATES: APOSTOLATE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES APOSTOLATE FOR SPANISH SPEAKING
Groundbreaking October 12, 2002
Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel Mausoleum
Have you made your pre-need crypt selections yet?
£Wt selections are still available at reduced pre-construction prices,
•
I
•
Pre-arrangement protects loved ones.
Pre-construction purchases offer the greatest savings, the best sele.ction and a variety of payment plans.
For information, mail this coupon to: Notre Dame Cemetery, 1540 Stafford Road, Fall River, MA 02721, or call 5081646·2630.
WESTON JESUIT SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
(FR21-ANC)
AN INTERNATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER
For information please contact: Office of Admissions. Weston Jesuit School ofTheology 3 Phillips Place. Cambridge. MA 02138'349~ USA Telephone (617) 492-1960. Fax (617) 492-S833 Admissionslnfo@wjst.edu • www.wjst.edu FINANCIAL
AID
IS
AVAILABLE
5
I
NAME ADDRESS PHONE
PARISH
"
Notre Dame Cemetery - ~ A Catholic Cemetery of the Diocese of Fall River
~
6 THE ANCHOR -
Diocese of Fall River - Fri., October 4, 2002
ATTLEBORO - In honor of the feast of St. Francis the La' Salette Shrine will hold a blessing of animals Saturday at II a.m. in the Garden of St. Francis. All are welcome to bring their pets to be blessed. For more information call 508-222-5410. ATTLEBORO The Attleboro District of Fall River Council of Catholic Women will hold its annual Corporate Communion Supper October 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the La Salette Shrine. For more information call Lucille Couture at 508-285-8912. FAIRHAVEN -The Men of the Sacred Hearts will sponsor a First Friday Mass t~night at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's Church. A holy hour will follow Mass and refreshments will be available. FALL RIVER - The Fall River Men's First Friday Club will mark its 55 th anniversary with Mass tonight at 6 p.m. in Sacred Heart Church. A meal and guest speaker will fol1ow. For more information call Daryl Gonyon at 508-672-4822.
youth at a reduced fare. For more information call 508-997-2290. NEW BEDFORD - The New Bedford Catholic Women's Club will meet October 9 at 7 p.m. at the Wamsutta Club. For more information call 508-995-9319. NEW BEDFORD-A living rosary, sponsored by the Legion of Mary, will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Joseph-St. Therese Church. It will include a procession, guest speaker, music and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. For more information abo~t the event or Legion of Mary, contact diocesan director Father Barry WalI at 508-672-7232. NORTH DIGHTON Members of the Taunton District Council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will sponsor a Mass on October 7 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church. for the intention of the canonization of Blessed Frederic Ozanam and in memory of deceased members. Its regular monthly meeting will fol1ow in the parish hall.
NORTH EASTON - A MISCELLANEOUS - The candlelight rosary and Benedicannual Respect Ljfe Walk to aid, tion to honor Our Lady of the mothers and children will be held Holy Rosary will be held Octo':' Sunday at the Boston Common~ ber7 at 7 p.m. at Holy Cross FamRegistration and rally will begin ily Ministry's Father Peyton Famat I p.m. with the walk kicking ily Institute, 518 Washington off at 2 p.m. For information . Street. Holy Cross father Thoabout transportation call Dot mas Feeley will be guest speaker Nicolau at 508-674-8695. ' and the rosary will be said in several languages. . MISCELLANEOUS - A pilgrimage to our nation's capital SEEKONK - A group of difor the annual March for Life is ocesan pilgrims will be visiting our being organized by the Pro-Life Guaimaca Mission in Honduras in Apostolate for January 21-23. It January. They are in need of docwill include Mass at the Basilica tors, nurses, dentists and people who' of.the National Shrine of the Im- speak Spanish. They will meet Ocmaculate Conception and a group tober 16 at 7:45 in the lower church Mass for diocesan pilgrims. A of Our Lady of Mount Carmel parspecial "youth bus" departs a day ish. For more information call Pam early and will accommodate Potenza at 508-252-6872.
Saint Anne's sets new rehab site; lists screening schedule FALL RIVER - In order to p.m., SSTAR Family Health Care accommodate its patients, Saint Center, 400 Stanley Street, Fall Anne's Hospital has moved its River; 508-675-1054; outpatient rehabilitation services - October 8, 9 a.m.-noon, to the fourth floor of the Somerset-Swansea Walk-In CenFeitelberg Insurance building at ter, 67 GAR Highway, Somerset, 222 Milliken Boulevard. 678-5631 ; The rehabilitation services - October 10, 6:30 - 8:30 include physical, occupational p.m., FIRSTFED Center for and speech therapy as well as Breast Care at Saint Anne's, specialized lymphedema and South Main and Middle streets, myofascial/cranial therapy, Fall River, 508-675-5658; wound care and aquatic - October 24, noon - 3 p.m., therapy. Healthfirst Family Care Center, For more information calI 508- 102 County Street, Fall River, 235-5056. 508-679-8111 ; The October dates. times and .<.- October 26, 8:30 a.m. - 3 sites for the women's health net- p.m., FIRSTFED. work screening are: Appointments are necessary. - Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 . Call the host sites listed. '
Author of the Prayer of St. Francis Q. Our Alcoholics Anonymous group, as most thor of the Serenity Prayer, also widely used in AA, other AA groups I believe, regularly says the at least in its most popular form. While he may have fostered devotion to St. prayer of St. Francis, beginning "Lord, make me Francis and encouraged use of the prayer, the prayer an instrument of your peace." Was St. Francis the actual author of this was in use long before he was born. Q. Who is the patron saint of alcoholics? prayer? Some believe its author was a Protestant minister, a Pastor Niebuhr. Can you give us (Iowa) A. Two saints often presented as patrons for althe answer? (Indiana) coholics are St. John of A. Not much is ~--""- God and St. Monica. known about the origin This St. John lived in of this prayer, but one Questions the 16th century, most of Franciscan priest relayed the time in Spain, and . to me the fol1owing infounded a religious comformation. It comes from Answers munity named the Brothanother Franciscan who ers Hospitallers. His wrote his doctorate theBy Father younger years were spent sis in Paris on the prayers John J. Dietzen in a series of dissolute adof St. Francis. ventures and lifestyles. No one has been able Eventual1y, however, he was led to a more serito prove where the so-cal1ed peace prayer came from, but certainly it was not written by St. Francis. ous and good way of living, particularly through The prayer so captures the spirit of St. Francis, how- his concern for the sick and the poor. His generosever, that somehow the Christian faithful found it ity and ingenuity in finding ways to help people in need was legendary. With St. CamilllJs he is patron natural to attribute it to this saint. As the priest I corresponded with about this of all hospitals and sick people. St. Monica's designation as patron of alcoholics noted, Catholics who tend to be literal in their un. derstanding of their faith might be as disturbed to is more obvious. This fourth-century mother of St. know that St. Paul didn't write all the "letters of St. Augustine devoted years to prayer that her son would Paul" as to discover that St. Francis didn't write al1 abandon his sinful and rather licentious ways, and the "St. francis prayers." But such is the case. become a Christian. Her prayers were answered, and Augustine beEvidence exists of an 18th- or 19th-century prayer card, similar to those we distribute at funer- came one of the great theologi~ns and philosophers als, containing the prayer on one side and a picture in the history of Christianity. John of God's feast is March 8; Monica's is Auof St. Francis on the other. It was widely distributed in France and elsewhere in Europe; gust 27. .Many feel this placement of the grayer with the A free brochure answering questions Catholics picture on the same card resulted in attributing it to ask about the sacrament of penance is available by St. Francis. Francis died, of course, centuries ear- sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Falier, in 1226. ther John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651. The famous I'rotestant theologian, Reinhold Questions may be sent to Father Dietzen at NIebuhr, who died in 1971, is considered the au- the same address, or E-mail: iidietzen@aol.com.
and
,I.
.
Where is God When terrible.things happen?
Over and over this past year I beautiful sons. How can I not be have heard people asking the eternal1Y grateful for the gift of same question in different ways. life which brought such joy to me Some bluntly ask, "Where is God and so many others? when so many terrible things are My anger was directed where happening in the world - like it belonged, at the earthly evil and September II?" Others couch failings that led to the premature their question in a more confused deaths. . way, for example, "Does God reIt was, in fact, Godwho helped ally care about us?" "Why doesn't' me endure. Because of my ChrisGod stop ev-il in the world?" "Should we trust a God who doesn't seem to.care about our pain The Bottom and suffering?" Certainly it has been a L i n e year of tragic horrors, with so many innocent people killed in New. By Antoinette Bosco York, Washington and Pennsylvania, in' Af- L..-~---------l_':"' ghanistan, in Israel and the Pal- ~ tian faith, I had come to know estine occupied territories, in In- Jesus, who put me in touch with dia and Pakistan. Anyone who has his Father. As Father Hans Kung lost a loved one to a sudden, tragic wrote, God sent his Son to show death knows the emotional cost. that he is not "a God who keeps If one is a believer in God, it is out of everything, untouched b,y understandable that a reaction the world's suffering, but one would be wrenched from the who actively takes part and beheart, crying out silently or comes involved in this somber loudly: "God, where were you? history, a sympatheti~, compasWhy didn't you stop this trag- sionate God. In brief, he is God edy?" with a human face." . So often I have been asked by What he is not, I learned, is a sincere people how I could still fix-it God. We want a God who have such a strong faith in God always overcomes the world's who did nothing while two of my evil, and that's not what God is sons and a daughter-in-law were about. Nobody ever has been able tragically killed. Yes, I was an- to adequately explain the problem gry, but not at God. I answer that of evil and why the Creator allows it was 'God who gave me those evil. But Christ in the Gospels
r------------
shows us how the Father wants us to overcome evil- with love, forgiveness, compassion and mercy, and with no guarantees that we'll be successful in terms we understand. That's the mystery, so hard to accept. In early September the Public Television documentary "Frontline" produced "Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero." The program asked, "Where was God on September II?" It showed how people had started to talk about God after this day of violent death. Some, in bragging that the attack was part of a holy war, revealed the potential for violence in religion itself. For some who spoke on this program, God was "right there,' on Ground Zero," suffering and crying with his people. For others, God was "among the missing." One man saId: "I believe in the Son but not the Father. I have no love for him unless I have an answer for why." I know that question. I also asked it, learning painfully that there is no answer, or if there is we are not to know it in this lifetime. We live in mystery. When we accept that, as Christ did when he asked his Father why he had been forsaken and never got an answer, then we have become people of faith .
-'
THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., October 4, 2002
A people of life and a people for life By THE SECRETARIAT STAFF OF THE U.S. CONFERENCE OF CATHOUC BISHOPS
must begin with a commitment. never to intentionally kill, or collude in the killing of any iimoWASHINGTON, D.C. - In cent human life, no matter how November 2001 the Catholic bish- broken, unformed, disabled or desops of the United States renewed perate that life may seem' ("Livtheir call to Catholics - individu- ing the Gospel of Life," No. 21). als, parishes, organizations, Abortion, the direct taking of inschools, colleges, and religious or- nocent hhman life prior to birth,is . ders - to join in an unparalleled always morally wrong, as is the effort to protect human life. deliberate destruction of human In the "Pastoral Plan for Pro- embryos for any reason. Assisted Life Activities: A Campaign inl suicide and euthanasia are not acts Support of Life," the bishops in- of mercy but acts that· are never vite all to help "restore respect and morally acceptable. Direct attacks legal protection for every human on inriocent civilians during war life." "It is our hope," they explain, and terrorist acts targeting non"that in focusing on the need to combatants must always be conf respect and protect the lives of in- demned." nocent unborn and those who are The U.S. Supreme Court~s disabled, ill or dying, we will help 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v. to deepen respect for the life of Bolton decisions "effectively reevery human being." moved every legal protection from Following are key excerpts human beings prior to birth. The from the bishops' "Pastoral Plan legacy of Roe is virtually incalcufor Pro-Life Activities." The full lable. In its wake it has left death text is available in print and elec- and sorrow and turmoil: the deaths tronically at www.usccb.org/ of millions, countless women trauprolife. matized, men who grieve, a sociToday, when human rights are ety increasingly coarsened by tolproudly proclaimed and the value eration and acceptance of acts that of life itself given public affirma- purposely destroy human life. tion, the most basic of all human "Our goal is to eliminate viorights. 'the very right to life,' 'is lence against unborn children, being denied or trampled upon, es- their mothers, and those w~o are pecially at the more significant dying. We unalterably oppose the moments of existence: the moment use of violence in any form to of birth and the moment of death' achieve this objective, and we con("The Gospel of Life," No. 18). demn the actions of those few who "The question 'Where does one advocate otherwise." begin?' is easy to answer: 'We "Tragically, our society has
'fallen into a mentality that views children as a burden and invites many to consider abortion as a "backup' to contraceptive failure. This is most obvious in efforts to
promote as 'emergency contraception' drugs that really act as early abortifacients. "An end to abortion will not come from contraceptive campaigns but from a deeper understanding of our human sexuality, and of human life, as sacred gifts deserving our careful stewardship."
The bishops provide a suggested "model for organizing and allocating the Church's resources of people, services, institutions, and finances at various levels to help restore and advance protection in law for unborn children's right to life and to foster a true culture of life." The model inTurn to page J2 - People
Fall River Diocesan Council . '.
of
"
I
Catholic Nur$es .Catholic Nurses Answer the Church's Voice!
We Respect
Life by Caring fo,r the¥oung and the Old
((Caring With Christ"
Delores Santos President
Rev. Mark Hession Moderator
··La Salette of Attleboro 947 Park Street· Attleboro, MA 02703
HEALING SERVICES 2:00 Sunday, Oct. 6 - Hispanic: Archbishop George Pearce Sunday, Oct. 20 - Portuguese: Fr. Manuel Pereira Sunday, Oct. 27 - English: "Pr. Richard Lavoie & Barbara i\.yan
BLESSING OF ANIMALS Saturday, Oct. 5 - 11 :00 a.m. Garden of St. Francis Fr. Victor Chaupetta
PORTUGUESE DAY OF REFLECTION Urn Dia de Oracao com Nossa Senhora do Rosario Oct. 12, 10:00-5:00 - Registo Necessario (508-824-6581) Irma Judith Costa & Padre Manuel Pereira
DAY OF REFLECTION: OUT OF SUFFERING SPRING SONGS OF HOPE
PATRONESS
Saturday, Oct. 19 - 9:30 - 4:00 Sr. Judith Costa I Pre-registration
of the
JOHN POLCE: BETHANY NIGHTS Friday, Oct. 25 - 7:30 p.m. - Church Good-will donation
508-222-5410 E-MAIL: Ispemaoffice@juno.com WEBSITE: http://lasalette.shrine.tripod.com FAX: 508-236-9096
PHONE
7
FALL RIVER DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN
UPHOLDS THE SANCTITY OF LIFE
8
THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., October 4, 2002
• • • • • • • • •
Shared responsibility for family planning Low cost No harmful side effects, Effective for achieVing, spacing, or limiting pregnancy Can be used throughout a women's reproductive life Marriage enrichment and understanding Appreciation for the value of children Fosters respect for and acceptance of the total person Morally acceptable
,Natural'Family Planning: An unexpected grace
What are the benefits of using NFP?
By LEE ANN DOERFUNGER
When my husband and I started using Natural Family Planning 23 years ago, we didn't anticipate it becoming a way of life. When we married in 1977, no one discussed the morality of birth control options with us. In,',- Diocesan Development Program for NFp, stead of asking for help, we Natural Family Planning brochure started using oral contraceptives - as many other Catholic couples were doing - and, when that proved unsatisfactory, moved on to barrier methods. In the late 1970s, we stumbled , across Margaret Nofziger's book, UCHIWREJY WN~:~~~:SOMEB~~~ :, "A Cooperative,Method of Natural Birth Control." She explained TO ACCEPT THEM, TO WVE: : , .in :very straightforward terms the hormonal basis of modern methTHEM, wpR1ISt.:THEM. , ods of NFP, and she made using LET US BRING CHIW the method sound appealing. In .-. 'BACK TO THE CENTER OF the spirit of scientific curiosity, we bought a·basal thermometer. OUR CARE CONCERN~ We startedteeording my tempera'THIS Is-mE ONLY WAY rures 'in a lab notebook left over from our days when we were both THE WORLD CAN SURVWE science majors. And we have BECAUSE OUR CHlWREN ARE never looked back. mE ONLY HOPE OF mE : What happened to convince us that this was so much better? IniFUTURE." tially it had a lot to do with the - MOTHER TERESA level ofsatisfaction we felt, physically and emotionally. The physiThis Message Sponsored by the Following cal is rather obvious, but the emoBusiness Concerns in the Diocese of Fall River tional was an unexpected bonus. GILBERT C. OLIVEIRA INSURANCE AGENCY It required a lot of trust in, and FEITELBERG INSURANCE AGENCY love for, each other that we had
THE
MID
r·..
.
, r-·,
.
:,':"~~'J.K 4.,;'-,...,,_~~;::,,:$.""'~.~"":~?J .:c:..'~-"-: .:'~ .;;'':- ~~ ~-::oA.C:-A.'"?t',<..:'~-:r:''=-':!~~~:--?,4;:O.~~~:;~'.:'::;;,,*,,~~~'':l..'''~'''~~~:~.F
~ .... '~:tr?:"-.t:~7.=r,:;~;O-t"·':-"?'~-.·":7·;;::'~
not had to exercise before. suited in the Lactational AmenDivorce rates among those orrhea Method (LAM) which aIwho use Natural Family Planning lows nursing mothers to rely on tend to be very low., I don't know the natural infertility of if that is because NFP users are breastfeeding for the first six . committed Catholics to begin months after a baby is born, as with, or because the communica- long as they meet certain condition needed to use NFP success- tions. After our fou,rth child was fully feeds those marriages; My born in 1992, I was able to use experience and feeling is that it the principles. developed in the is a combination of commitment LAM study to 'avoid pregnancy. Fundamentally, NFP is a and communication that fosters happy marriages. method ofobserving the signs and Unfortunately, in 1981 not symptoms of a women's recurring much was known about the ef- fertility and infertility in order to fects of nursing on fertility. We act on this information to either took a class' in sympto-thermal avoid or achieve pregnancy. The method - and while we found two most popular methods are the the class itself less helpful than cervical mucus method (Ovulawe had hoped, it introduced us to tion Method or OM) and the the local NFP community. Bysympto-thermal method (STM). 1984 when our second'child was OM 'involves learning about and born, Dr. Evelyn Billings h!l~charting a woman's cervical mu,published her book with Ann cus. STM includes information (Westmore, ','The Bi'llings about cervical mucus, the basal Method," which gave a great deal body temperature, and secondary more'information about nursing, signs of fertility such as breast ,tendernes's and mid-cycle pain. and fertility. In 1986 our third child was NFP classes are classes in ferborn and the impact of nursing on tility awareness, not sex educafertility had attracted the attention tion. Many couples learn for the of the scientific community. A first time that the woman ovulates study was begun on the return of only once per cycle and that the fertility for nursing mothers. One ' egg, once released, will survive of the study centers was at for less than 24 hours. Most are Georgetown University and I was surprised to learn that the sperm ' fortunate to be recruited as a sub- can survive for up to five days Tum to page 13 - NFP ject. This study eventually re-
'.'~-"'-'7", .• ~ ..." ~~:. ....
~.-" ~ '," ,
_'"":.<' -........;:;._~. -,;' ••-.....
_~ ..;
oJ,
",
.-'
~
...... _
"• • • '
..
,
-,-'._-.
~ I
f!/?@!JiJi)
!11!iJ @ !JiJi)@!JiJi)@!lfJ!1 @fl ~@[J[J(C@!fJ!1;J@[J[J!1@ !11!iJ@ !JiJi)@!JiJi)@[J[J!1 @fl [J[J@!1fJ9/?@!! @@@!1l!iJo " 000
-I-I ,.:-:J ~
.
r-
1·~-~-~·
6~ ~ ttJ!ke %?Ji~ >rp;r ttJ!ke /~ ~ W~ ~?t ?tf&td~ iWtJ~iJ/} ~ iWu&Jg @l/ .
~§~ rp;r~99 -
Pope John Paul II
SAINT ELIZABETH SETON PARISH • NORTH FALMOUTH REV. MSGR. JOHN F: MOORE, PASTOR DEACON PAUL ROMA
A
DEACON WILLIAM A. MARTIN
A
DEACON VINCENT COATES
A
DEACON PETER GURESH
THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., October 4, 2002
The new eugenics: Cloning and beyond By M. THERESE LYSAUGHT, PH.D. At last year's U.N. Conference on Racism in Durban, South Africa, the "Contribution of the Holy'see" closed with the disturbing specterof the "risk of a new form of racism," one presented most compellingly by the prospect of human cloning. The Contribution warned that techniques of "artificial procreation, the use of 'superfluous embryos,' [and] socalled therapeutic cloning, could, lead to the creation ofa 'subcategory of human beings, destined basically ',for the convenience of ceruiiit others. 'This, they argue, would be "a new and terrible form ofslavery. Re~ttably, it cannot be denied that the temptation ofeugenics is, still latent, especially if powerful commercial interes~ exploit it." Cloning is now often referred to as "somatic cell nuclear transfer" (SCN1). To clone"researchers must obtain an oocYte (a woman's reproductivecell) and remove the nucleus (which contains most of the genes and directions for function). Then a cell (say, a skin cell) is taken from the body of a different adult. Since it comes from the body it's referred to as a "somatic" cell. The nucleus of this skin cell is removed and irijected or "transferred" into 'the enucleated oocyte. Stimulated with an electrical charge, the combined materials from the two different cells
fuse. The oocyte realizes that it now But to create a therapy for a patient has a full complement of DNA (in- from ESCs, the patient will first need stead of the half that it has on its own) to be cloned and the clone killed to and it begins to act as if it's been obtain his or her stem cells. Many fertilized. It begins to divide and prominent scientists admit that the grow as an embryo. At this' point, ,therapeutic promise of human ESC two things might happen. The em- research is overstated, and several bryo could be implanted into a have acknowledged that cloning is woman's uterus and brought to term. not feasible, given the preliminary Or it could be used for research. Ei- nature ofthe work, the low efficiency , ther way, one has cloned a human. rates and the high rates of genetic Currently three pieces oflegisla- deformity in cloned animals. In adtion that will determine what, if any, dition to all this, astounding clinical of the above is legal, are competing successes using the patient's own for votes in the U.S. Senate. One bill adult stem cells demonstrate that sucalls for a comprehensive ban on perior alternatives exist. human cloning. The current metoric surrounding Alternative bills try to distinguish ESC research and human cloning between the purposes to which clon- sadly fits the claSsic understanding ing is put. They would permit sci- of racism, that particular groups of entists to use SCNT to create'human human beings are excluded from the clones for research and as a source political and moral community on of stem cells. This application of the basis of perceived differences. cloning is referred to as "research" Physical and other differences becloning or "therapeutic" cloning. tween humans are use<;l as markers But it would ban implanting such for exclusion. Philosophical and an embryo in a womb, to prevent ideologiCal concepts are often overwhat some call "reproductive" clon- laid boto these differenceS to justify ing. '. the resulting exclusion and exploiSupporters of "therapeutic clo~ tation. ing" claim that if we are to realize Some philosophers have even .the promise of human embryonic attempted to claim that human emstem cell (ESC) research for the bryos ought not to be understood as millions of people who sutfer from either human or alive. This is the Parkinson's, diabetes, ALS, etc., ultima~ dehumanization and dispatients will need embryos that crimination, a tactic used to justify match their own individual tissues. violence.
The National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC), in its 1999 report on Ethical Issues in Human Stem Cell Research, noted a broad agreement that "human embryos deserve respect' as a form of human life." They go on to recommend that "leftover" embryos can be destroyed for research or used in service to others. In effect, NBAC not only sanctions the systematic destruction of human life but defines a class of
human beings it is morally acceptable to use for our own purposes. Embryos are not the moral equivalent, NBAC argues, of full-fledged persons. Advocates for cloning are lobbying hard to actually create a new class of human beings whose sole reason for existence is to be exploitee( and possibly owned, by others. Turn 10 page J3 - Clone
EGAN'S CHURCH SUPPLY Over 40 Years
Of Dedicated SerVice To The Religious Community
120 SLADE'S FERRY AVE. SOMERSET, MA
Institutional Nativities
~
Call To Inquire About Our "Early Buy" Specials For __ ~h-~ Your Church Or Home.
~~tniN.
800-235-0003 STORE HOURS MONDAY.F'RIDAY 8:30-5 SATURDAY 9-4 VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CATHOLICCHURCHSUPPLY.COM Free OjfStreet Parking
1ltd.IIIIt.111fJ1t11
.AiIIJtDtI7 JlMIJb ~ 1ittmton, MA Ttltphone 5OIJ.822--9200
CAw ~ Aognzm. FtziTItttwn, MA 1&phone: 508-9!J9.4561 Crtbo!ic MmttnWlHome, &IJRivtr, MA Ttltphone 5OfJ.67!).(X)J1
a difference .0
many lives. MAJonna Mitnor. Ntnth AttIJxnrJ. MA 1&phone: 508-69!J-2740 MII1'iIm Mtmor, 1iJJJnJlm. MA 1&phone: 5Ofl.822-4885
The Diocaan Heahh ~ pnMdc individualized. compassionate are
0.. LtJjJ Htt1m, &itIkrvm. AlA to adults and 6uiJ ddc:ts. While NYS
pnMding dJe hP afiber ofbe.abb em. dJe homes' holistic environment ~ spiritual and social nu.m.
aJons widt phyJicd and maIic:d accds, in Ihose we serve. Our spcclalized pain ~nt and palliative care proput:lfloW' ~ to tnjoy Iik by axuroIling pain due to aging and illness, and abo allows them to spend their
final bows in a digni6aI. mtattU9W and compassionate manner. surrounded by Javed ones. Our dcdicm:d staffwork ~ to praave 2nd.a!ue abe ~ oftik of all those enuusced to our are. The Diocaan Health &::iIities•••
cherishing 1;& as a gifuba is mea nu. .t
9
1&phone: 5O!J.9!J94561 s.nJ1Ialrt lI4me, NtIIJ lJer!ImI, MA 1&phone:5IJ8..9!J6.6751
10 THE ANCHOR -
Diocese of Fall River -:- Fri., October 4..2002
The assault on Catholic health care By
MAUREEN KRAMLICH, ESQ.
care providers their rights of con-, ing ag~inst ,:>ro-Life health care What does it mean to be a science has met with some suc- providers. They have intervened in Catholic hospital? The ministry cess. ; ,\ I "certificate of need" proceedings was established for the purpose of After the Supreme Court to defeat health care facilities that serving those at the margins - the handed down its 1973 decision in object to abortion. They have enpoor, especially women and chil- Roe v. ~ade; Congress too.k the gaged state attorneys general to apdren. The, quality of health care important, and necessary' step of ply novel theories of law to prewas superb from the start: In the passing ~,law to protect tlealth,p'ro~ '~ vent, mergers 'involving hospitals 1940s; the premier polio treatment "fessionals and hpspital§ wit~' cqn- with Pro-Life policies. And they center in t1)e Midwest was devel- scientious obj~c' have sought to end public financ,CATHOLIC HOSPITALS today are under attack by the oped by tjle Franciscan Sisters at tions to ~.bor- . "iog of Catholi.c hospitals. ' S1. Anthony's Hospital in S1. tion. , The , aborti,on,.Ic;>~by. (~NS photo by Theresa Laurence) , , ' ,: Abortion advocates are desperLouis. ' law' does" ~ ,ate to legitimize abortion, which The Sisters of Charity who. not restill carries a stigma in the medifounded St. Vincent's Hospital in qui r e cal professiqn and in society at New York City have provided ex- hoslarge. Half of Americans consider cellent emergency care across two abortion murder. Fewer than a centuries; caring for victims from tho~sand physicians perform the Titanic in 1912 to the victims 'them routinely. Only seven perof the September 11 terrorist atcent of abortions are performed tack in 2001. , in hospitals, and they are perCatholic hospitals treat 80 formed in just 14 percent of million patients each year and all hospitals. ' make up 11 percent of all Cardinal George community hospitals. As movingly testified against abortion advocates are the AMA proposal to requick to point out, Cathoquire all hospitals to provide lic hospitals are often the all "reproductive health seronly hospital in rural vices": "Catholic hospitals cancommunities. This is so FAIRHAVEN, MASSACHUSETTS not comply. Effectively, the because they operate 'American Medical Association is not out of a profit mobeing asked to help abolish Catho<' pit a 1s lic health care in this country." tive but out of charity. Today this legacy and ,. j J;A~ that receive Because attempts to undermine A this mission are being unt ' J'U9 " , ' , federal funds to conscience rights are advancing as â&#x20AC;˘ dermined by abortion adxocates. participate in abortion and steril- mandates for other procedures For decades they have attempted izatio'n procedures. It also forbids such as contraception and "emerto force Catholic hospitals to pro- hospitals in these programs to gency contraception," comprehenvide abortions or go out of busi- make willingness or unwillingness sive conscience laws are needed ness. In' recent, years their tactics to perform these procedures a con- . to protect health plans and hospihave become more subtle, and the dition of employment. tals from being forced to pay for campaign to deny Catholic health The year after Roe, 27 states and participate in these procer--~---------------------------------.... enacted laws protecting health care dures. The laws should be comproviders from being forced to par- prehensive also in terms of protectticipate in abortions. Two years ing the full range of health ,care later, five more states passed con- providers: hospitals, physicians, science protections. Today, 45 nurses, nursing students, medical states have laws protecting health students, and nurses' aides. Defending such rights is not care providers who conscientiously object to participating in just a Catholic issue. It is a funabortion. Some states also protect damental human right to refuse providers who object to other to take part in morally evil ackinds of procedures, such as eu- tions. thanasia and artificial inseminaTo refuse to take part in comtion, abortifacient drugs and conmitting an injustice is not only a ."'. traception. It is clear that the prin- moral duty; it is also a basic huciple of the right of conscientious man right. Those who have reobjection is well recognized - but course to conscientious objection it is also increasingly under attack. must be protected not only from A recent report by the Ameri- legal penalties but also from any can Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) negative effects on the legal, distitled, "Religious Refusals and ciplinary, financial and profesReproductive Rights," aims at re- sional plane." (Pope John Paul II, quiring all hospitals, including "The Gospel of Life," No. 74) Catholics must campaign in Catholic, to provide abortions. The report asserts that because Catho- support of conscience rights on the lic hospitals are involved in deliv- state, local, and federal levels. We ering a public good they should should support community hospitals and health centers with Proplay by "public rules." Today abortion rights activists Life policies. We should lobby on behalf of are implementing a subtle and incremental strategy to undo con- stronger state and federal conscience rights. They have em- science laws, and write letters to barked on a campaign to mandate our state and federal representathe coverage of contraception in tives opposing contraceptive and all employer benefit plans for pre- "emergency contraception" manscription drugs claiming that con- dates. Real freedom and pluralism, as traceptives are "basic health care." A number of states have adopted well as the sanctity of human life, contraceptive mandates, most with will be the casualties if abortion inadequate protection of con- advocates succeed. Maureen Kramlich, Esq. is a science or none at all. Abortion activists have also public policy analyst, U.S. Conenlisted the support of state and ference ofCatholic Bishops' Seclocal governments in discriminat- retariat for Pro-Life Activities.
1\(( ,SQfe 1S
<;preciOUS
St. Joseph Church rfaunton, !M)f
Poster Pattier
ojtfieSon ofqod, (]>i((aroj jamifies and patron oj tfie dying, CPrayjor us.
Global trafficking in perso-ns: A modern form of slavery Bv
MARGARET MACDoNNELL
An estimated 700,000 to two million women and children worldwide each year fall victim to international traffickers. They are lured with the promise of paid employment in legitimate jobs; others are abducted or purchased from family members. A lucrative criminal enterprise, trafficking in persons is now thought to be the third largest source of profits for organized crime. Each year approximately 45,000 to 50,000 women and children are trafficked into the United States, most to perform essentially unpaid labor in manufacturing or to be forced into prostitution. By some estimates, a third of these victims are under age 17. Victims most often come from Southeast Asia, Latin America, and increasingly from the New Independent States (the former Soviet bloc) and Central and Eastern Europe: Increasingly, children are being forced into prostitution, in part due to the erroneous but widespread belief that younger children are unlikely to transmit HIY. These children are likely to suffer long-term damage to their emotional, psychological, and physical health. Female victims, particularly those trafficked for sexual exploitation, often are beaten and raped. Women also may be subjected to forced abortions and other serious risks to their reproductive health. Sexually exploited women and children face a life of poverty. They often develop mental illnesses and serious health problems, such as HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases. They may turn to other criminal activities to support themselves. International organized crime rings i!1volved in trafficking prosper and spread as trafficking increases. Authorities should be encouraged to regard the enslavement and forced prostitution of women and children as a heinous crime and to intensify their investigatory and enforcement efforts accordingly. Victims placed in commercial manufacturing facilities, particularly in the garment industry. endure working conditions that range from substandard to inhumane. Their pitifully low wages may be reduced to a pittance after grossly inflated charges for their international transport and "job placement fee," cramped housing, meals, and incidentals are deducted. This practice is known as "debt bondage," One example of this inhumane treatment occurred in EI Monte, California, where 72 garment workers trafficked from Thailand suffered enslavement for up to 17 years. Julie Su, an
attorney with the Asian Pacific Legal Center and a Board Member of Sweatshop Watch (SW) describes their plight on the SW Website: "The workers labored over 18 hours a day in a compound enclosed by barbed wire. Armed guards imposed discipline. Crowded eight to 10 into bedrooms built for two, rats crawled over them during their few precious hours of sleep." (Julie Su, "EI Monte Thai Garment Workers: Slave Sweatshops," available at http://www .sweatshopwatch .org/s watch/ campaigns/elmonte.html). After an Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) raid in August 1995, eight operators of the El Monte sweatshop were charged with involuntary servitude, kidnapping, conspiracy, smuggling, and harboring the Thai workers. They pled guilty to some of the charges. The INS also detained the trafficking victims on immigration violations! Fortunately, the local community posted bonds to free them from detention. "Churches, shelters, supermarkets, and hospitals stepped forward to help provide transitional housing, emergency food and clothing, and medical care. One worker, whose teeth had rotted from long neglect and who had extracted eight of his own teeth while confined in EI Monte, received a brand new set from a generous dentist. ..." (Ibid). It is clear that the three causes of trafficking in women and children are poverty, greed and sex. Poverty and limited job opportunities in some countries make offers of foreign employment attractive. The low status of women and girls in many parts of the world also plays a role. Desperately poor parents may sell female children to traffickers to help support the family and to avoid paying bridal dowries. An increasingly globalized economy has led to greater demand for low-cost products, especially labor intensive products such as, garments. Traffickers profit by extracting exorbitant sums from the pay of those they deliver to manufacturing, facilities. Manufacturers and retailers profit from drastically reduced labor costs. Trafficking of human persons violates central teachings of the Catholic Church: it shows contempt for the inherent dignity of the human person and exploits those who live in poverty. In "The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World," the Second Vatican Council condemns certain grave offenses against human life saying, "They poison human society, and they do more harm to those who practice them than to those who suffer from the injury
...(Gaudium et Spes, n. 27).
THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., October 4, 2002 sue of human trafficking and bearing Christ's message of respect for all human life, can help to ensure that this law provides effective protection to trafficking victims and helps to end such repugnant practices.
In response to growing calls for government action, Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVP A). The TVP A establishes a maximum sentence of life in prison for those found guilty of certain types of trafficking in persons. The law also provides relief for victims of trafficking: they may be eligible for the same benefits as refugees, and allowed to remain in the U.S. under the newly created "T Visa," The TVP A also calls for an annual report by the State Department on measures other na- tions are taking to combat trafficking. Any country that does not comply with the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, or that is not making significant efforts to comply by 2003, may be denied non-humanitarian, non-trade related assistance from the United States. The first report on international compliance was issued in July 2001. Twenty-three of the over 80 nations evaluated do not meet minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The report classifies international trafficking in humans as a growing problem which can only be solved by international cooperation among governments and non-governmental organizations. Catholics, informed on the is-
11
Margaret MacDonnell has a master's degree in Social Work from the Catholic University of America and is a Program Specialist for Migration and Refugee Services, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
~l Cherish, defend life, " from conception to natural death,
as a gift from God!
Pray! Speak up! Act! End abortion. Prevent euthanasia, assisted suicide.
â&#x20AC;˘
~
HolyHour Monday Oct 28
~ ~
7 p.m. Lourdes Chapel. ' (Last Monday of every month.)
Notre Dame Church, Fall River Rosary. Adoration. Hymns. Blessing. Notre Dame de Lourdes Pro-Life Committee
CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH PRo-LIFE COMMITTEE EAST SANDWICH
-
12
TIlE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., October 4, 2002
People
and "Dateline," speaking against the death penalty. His story has also appeared in such publications as Time, Newsweek, USA Today, and Parade
Continued from page seven
cludes a State Coordinating Committee and Diocesan Pro-Life Committee, as well as Parish ProLife Committees. "The parish Pro-Life committee assists in a special way by helping to make the parish a center of life, a place where parishioners understand the issues and the importance of meeting the needs of those who are seriously ill or dying and their families ...." ''The parish committee relies on the diocesan Pro-Life director for information and guidance. The committee should playa vital role in parish life and enjoy the strong support of priests and other key . personnel. The committee should also dovetail its efforts from time to time with other programs of the parish." Ultimately, a parish committee will want to sponsor programs in all four key categories: Education, Pastoral Care, Public Policy, and Prayer. If you are going to begin with one area, choose education ' because it is foundational. In conjunction with the Respect Life Program, sponsor an art or essay contest for children in the parish, working with the parish school
Convention
and/or those in religious education ministry. Sponsor an adult education/discussion series on "The Magazine. , Gospel of Life." You do not need He has also spoken against the nationally-known speakers - just death penalty in Bermuda, France, people knowledgeable about the England and Belgium. . issues, with an ability and willing"The Diocese of Fall River is ness to speak publicly. proud and privileged to welcome In the "Pastoral Plan for Pro- Bud as the keynote speaker for this Life Activities," the bishops rec- year's convention," said 'Father ommend that "Parishes should in- Stephen A. Fernandes, director of . clude in the petitions at every Mass the diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate, a prayer that ours will become a sponsor of the event. nation that respects and protects all Also on the speaking agenda is human life, born and unborn...." Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, a paroAs important public policy is- chial vicar at St. Patrick's Parish in sues arise - at the federal, state , Falmouth and a member of the Ethor local level- keep parishioners ics Committee at SaintAnne's Hosup-to-date on what is happening, , pitt! in Fall River. His topic is "Clonand let them know how they can ing and Stem Cells: What's the Fuss help, e.g., by writing letters to leg- About?" islators, or "letters to the editor" He holds a doctorate in neuroto local newspapers, calling in to science from Yale University, a liradio talk shows, etc. The diocesan . centiate in Sacred Theology from Pro-Life director will alert you Pontifical Gregorian University in when immediate help is needed. Rome, bachelor's degrees in MoNo matter how wise and com- lecular and Cellular Biology,Chemprehensive it may be, a plan to re- istry, Biochemistry, and Philosophy store respect for all human life can- from the University ofArizona, and . not succeed without the generous has a research fellowship from the participation of many thousands of departments of neurosurgery and Catholics across the country. What surgery at Harvard Medical School. is God calling you to do? In 2001 Father Pacholczyk tes-
HOSPITAL
AND NURSING HOME CHAPLAINS &
,PASTORAL
CARE
OF
THE SICK PROGRAM Pastoral care ofthe sick brings Christ's life to people who are hospitalized, living' in nursing homes o:r homebound. Serving men and women in the 'following hospital and nursing home settings: Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Attleboro Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River Morton Hospital, Taunton S1. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford St. Anne's Hospital, Fall River
Tobey Hospital, Wareham Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands, Sandwich . Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River Madonna Manor, North Attleboro Marian Manor; Taunton Our Lady's Haven, Fairhaven
Diocesan Department of Pastoral Care to the Sick Rev. Edward J. Healey, Director 327 Second Street, Fall River, MA
Sr. Shirley Agnew, RS.M., Assistant Director 02721-~007
Tel. 508-673-2833
Continued from page one
tified on human cloning during a hearing of a Massachusetts Senate committee. , Professor Dwight Duncan will present the topic, ''A Primer on State Law as it Relates to the Gospel of Life." Duncan is currently an Associate Professor of Constitutional Law at the Southern New England School ofLaw. He holds doctorates in both civil and canon law. With acum laude doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center and a magna cum laude doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, Duncan brings a rich perspective to the Pro-Life message. He is a member of the Board of Advisors of Massachusetts Citizens For Life and a member of the Board of Directors of the Pro-Life Legal Defense Fund. '\ Rosaleen Greene 'will present ''How to Tailor the Pro-Life Message for an Audience ofYoung Persons." Greene is an alumna of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, having studied humanities, Catholic culture, and phi,losophy there.
Walk
She is currently Director ofEducation for Massachusetts Citizens For Life, and manager for the Ruth Pakaluk L.I.F.E. program for ProLife education. Greene regularly speaks to classrooms of all ages about life issues and human sexuality. "At 23 years of age, she has become very popular with students for her young, straightforward approach to the issues about which they need to hear the truth," said Father Fernandes. In addition to the speakers, convention attendees will share in a Mass in Honor of Human Life and will hear plans for the upcoming March ForLife in Washington, D.C. in January, 2003. This year's march will mark the 30th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in this country. It will also mark the 10th anniversary or'the Diocese of Fall River's participation in the event. For more information about the convention or the January march, or to make reservations for either, call the Pro-Life Apostolate office at 508-997-2290.
Continued from page one
explained Father Fernandes. 'They've lived with the peril of legalized abortion on demand, but when they see the expanse of the abortion industry they see it isn't good for them. They see a disrespect for life," Father Fernandes said. 'The baby is doing nothing but trying to be born." Desrosiers knows that they are a generation deeply affected by the loss. "We need to change people's hearts and the young people are instrumental in that," she said. Standing up for the unborn and for all life is "a fight worth fighting," Desrosiers said. "It's a fundamental human rights .movement," Father Fernandes added. This year marksthe 10th year of involvement by the Fall River dioc;ese and Bishop O'Malley has not missed a Resect Life Walk since he's been here. "Bishop Sean has been a very dedicated champion of the Pro-Life cause," said Father Fernandes. ''We're very happy that he will lead us again and that even to the last hour he's giving to the cause to respect life." Things will be different .come January without Bishop O'Malley as the diocesan shepherd, but Father Femandes is confident that whoever is chosen as administrator will take . up the torch from Bishop O'Malley. ''We will miss Bishop O'Malley and his strong support;" Desrosiers added. "We will miss his leadership and presence which shows to the sacredness and dignity of all human life." Although they do not yet know how many will make the eight-hour bus trek to Washington, D.C. next January, Father Fernandes and Desrosiers are sure the buses will be filled with many young and older Catholics. 'They hilVe lived their lives 路as Pro-Life," said Father Femandes of
older Catholics. "When Roe v. Wade became the law of the land they were roused to show their respect for life. We're grateful for the work that senior Catholics have done and all the prayers they've offered." The youth who do go will be lodged in gender-separated housing in theD.C. area while older pilgrims will stay at a hotel. All will have the opportunity to attend Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and join thousands of other pilgrims at the annual March that begins near the Washington Monument and ends at the steps of the Supreme Court. When asked if more Americans .were identifying themselves as ProLife Father Fernandes said yes adding that it's something that has been happening more in the last few years. "More Americans are softening their pro-abortion stance," Father Fernandes said. 'They are realizing that there is something inherently wrong with the situation; with partial birth abortion and third trimester abortions." Desrosiers said that it's "sad" that we still have to March for Life. 'The Pro-Life ideals do catch on, but we've got to get information out to people." She added that seeing young people get involved with the movement is a great sign of hope for her. 'The greatest thing the proabortion camp fears is the youth. That's where the great hope is." Father Fernandes says his hope for the' future is that someday his office, the Pro-Life Apostolate, will "become unnecessary. I hope Roe v. Wade is overturned and there is no possible threat of assisted suicide. I hope we go out of business." For more infonnation about the pilgrimage for the January March for Life in Washington, D.C. January21-23callthe~LifeAPffilolate
at 508-997-2290 or via E-mail at prolifeapostolate@juno.com.
NFP
TIlE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., October 4, 2002 Continuedfrom page eight
under the right conditions. Understanding how to pinpoint the days of maximum fertility can help couples conceive. For women avoiding pregnancy, the method can bring peace of mind. Many studies have shown NFP to be as effective as arti ficial methods. Couples closely following the method are rarely surprised by an unexpected pregnancy, though of course it does happen occasionally. The key difference between NFP and artificial contraception is not effectiveness but intention. Those who use NFP never deliberately intervene to shut down that power of fertility that is part of the gift spouses bestow on each
Clone
other when they marry . Abstinence is the biggest obstacle for many people. Most couples will need to abstain for 10 to 12 days in every cycle. There is no question that this can be difficult, and that sometimes the difficulty leads to a decision to go ahead and have a baby! Periodic abstinence can remind spouses of their love and desire for each other, leading sometimes to a "honeymoon effect" when it finally ends. Though much more is now understood about the return of fertility while nursing a baby, the decline of fertility in the perimenopausal years is largely unexplored. The peri menopausal time requires an
even deeper commitment on the part of the couple, because lack of solid information and the very individual response of each woman to her decreasing hormone levels can make it more challenging to identify her fertile times. With love and patience couples can go through this time gracefully. The benefits of Natural Family Planning - self-knowledge, marital satisfaction, spiritual growth for both husband and wife - these make NFP unique. No one denies that unexpected pregnancies occasionally occur and that abstinence is sometimes difficult. But those who choose to live in accord with the Church's teaching on family planning and
responsible parenthood find that their marriage and their families are a tremendous blessing, not only to themselves, but to the friends and community surround-
April 2001. Such patents signal the penultimate form of discrimination - ownership of and profit from one group of humans by another. Finally, apart from the embryos themselves, it will be the bodies of women that bear the greatest burden in the use of these techniques because ova are needed for research. The promise of thousands of dollars will pressure poor women to undergo the risky ova harvesting process. The practice of cloning would further the trend '01' thinking of our bodies in market terms. In the end, the prospect of hu-
Response
ContinuedJrom page one
yeat·s ago." The statement said that "No pliest named by the District Attorney is currently engaged in ptiestly ministry. Many of the names submitted were already known to the Disttict Attomey's Offices." Accordi ng to the diocese's statement, Bishop O'Malley "decided to offer information concerning past allegations to the District Attorney's Office because of the heightened concerns over clergy abuse in recent times." It also stated: "From the beginning, the diocese pledged its full cooperation with the District Attorney, at no time did the District' Attorney have to threaten or cajole. It has never been our intention to conceal anything from law enforcement agencies; had public officials asked for past records at any time, the Diocese would have made them available." As a matter of fact, the statement said: "Our commitment voluntarily to follow all state reporting laws over the last decade is a clear indiCation that the Diocese would prefer to have the state investigate and pronounce on any allegations against priests." And in sharp contrast to what Walsh said, the statement added, "However, as has happened at times in the past, it has been law enforcement officials who have referred victims to the Diocese because their (the prosecution's) hands were tied due to other statute of limitations which offered a limited window to prosecute."
In a statement from Bishop O'Malley himself this week, the bishop further stated his stand and policies. "In the last few months, halfthe dioceses in the United States reviewed their files and turned over names of priests accused over the last 50 years," the bishop said. "The Fall River diocese did the same. I contacted the District Attorney and gave him the names. All of the names reflected events that took place between 20 and 50 years ago." Bishop O'Malley added that, "If I had any indication that civil authorities were interested in prosecuting these older cases, I would have done this exercise sooner. It is my firm conviction that child abuse is a crime and that it is preferable to have civil authorities investigate the accusations and make a determination about their validity." O'Malley noted that, "When I came to Fall River, I was unaware of old cases of child abuse. I was focused on the Porter Case (involving Father James Porter, a former priest and subsequently convicted and imprisoned) and how to establish policies to ensure the safety of our children. After the policies were in place, I tried to bring any past cases that came to my attention into conformity with those policies by requiring that reporting laws be followed, that perpetrators be removed from parish ministry and an unsupervised access to children, and that they
man cloning urges us to remember that we at'C neither our own creators nor our own destiny. Nor are we to be the makers, owners, or destiny of others. Christians will remember that the differences that are part of the wonder of creation do not erase our essential equality before God. How we treat the' least, most vulnerable, most voiceless among us is a measure. not of their humanity but of our own. For what we do to them, we do unto Him.
Dr. Lysaught is an associate professor, DepartmentofReligious Studies, University of Dayton.
ing them.
Lee Ann Doerflinger is a Natural Family Planning teacher for the Archdiocese of Washington.
S~~ofSC'.M1X]cwqJ~of'B~01'\I
J
351 years later our mission continues: to heal divisions 1. ~ '1. to unite people ~j ~~,~ to bring people closer to God ~~~~ and to one another ~,
~
4 ~~'~.~.~i1
For more information about us or to send donations: Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston Office of Development 637 Cambridge Street Brighton, MA 02135
" " ~.,
617.746.2114
www.bosloncsj.org
Our Lady's Monthly Message From Medjugorje
Continued from page nine
They have also learned that the way to overcome public opposition to a highly controversial new venturc is to cast it in the language of therapy. Cloning advocates and eugenic futUlists already anticipate human-animal hybrids, intentionally mutated human bodies developed for use only as parts, at)d the development of subclasses of human beings to serve as slaves for the rest. According to Patent Watch, a patent on human reproductive cloning and any "products" created by that process was issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in
13
September 25,2002 Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina
"Dear Children! Also in this peaceless time, I call you to prayer. Little children, pray for peace so that in the world every person would feel love towards peace. Only when the soul finds peace in God, it feels content and love will begin to flow in the world. And in a special way, little children, you are called to live and witness peace - peace in your hearts and families and through you, peace will also begin to flow in the world. "Thank you for having responded to my calL"
·OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE GROUP
Marian Messellgers P.O. Box 647, Framingham, MA 01701. Tel. 1-508-879-9318 be evaluated by a team of psychologists." In the past 10 years, the diocese, under the leadership of Bishop O'Malley, has committed itself voluntarily to following the reporting laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It has also required of all priests, deacons, employees and volunteers who have access to children to undergo a criminal background check and to attend a training session on sexual abuse. More than 20,000 people have undergone a CORI background check and attended a training session, the diocese reported. And the diocese was quick to point out that a review board of judges, law enforcement personnel, victims, parents of victims, social workers, psychologists, and canon and civil lawyers "have helped to develop diocesan policies and oversee their implementation. The policies have been followed in all the cases that have come to the attention of the Diocese." But more than that, during Bishop O'Malley's 10 years as bishop of Fall River, he "has met with victims of clerical sexual abuse and has expressed his profound sorrow for the deep hurt and distress they have suffered," the statement from the diocese said. "It is his (Bishop O'Malley's) hope that members of the Diocese, through carefully planned prevention programs, may safeguard our young people and strive to eliminate abuse of children in all forms."
\,J",J;JJ
A.GQuintal
~
INVESTMENT COMPANY. INC.
@
Stocks. Bonds, Options ... On All Exchanges • • • • •
Mutual Funds Of All Types Tax Free Insured Income Trusts U.S. Treasury Bonds & Notes IRA's. Pension Plans Tax Planning BUSINESS AND TAX
FINANCIAL PLANNING Estate ~ .. Trust and Portfolio An_alysis .
,
•
~'
JOYCE B. WHI'fE
MARK A. QUINT AL CFP
Account Executive
Certified Financial Planner
Quintal BI~g. at LUl1ds Cor. 2177 ACUSHNET AVE. NEW BEDFORD. MA
995-2611
...
14 THE ANCHOR -
Diocese of Fall River ~ Fri., October 4, 2002
Students hear soldier's account of war in Afghanistan TAUNTON - Sgt. Robert Roulusonis, a member of the 10 1S1 Airborne Division, U.S. Army,recentiy returned to the United States following an eight-month tour of duty in Afghanistan and spoke with students at Taunton Catholic Middle School about his experience. He is a class of 1989 alumni. HfH~ Roulusonis was the crew chief on a Blackhawk helicopter and saw combat action as a door gunner. He spoke to students about what life is like as a soldier and for the people who live in Afgh;mistan. Standing in front of a giant EIGHTH-GRADERS from Holy Family-Holy Name School, New Bedford, began the school - quilt produced by students for the year embracing the Holy Father's World Youth Day challenge to be the "Face of Christ." They Mass of Remembrance, Septemand seventh-graders made a pledge to help ~nd serve others throughout the school year and ber 11, Roulusonis said there is .strive to make a difference in the world. widespread poverty and lack of housing for the people of Afghanistan. He said families can be found living in bombed out tanks and planes as well as caves. "There is a lack of wood and other building 'materials in Af-
ghanistan," said Roulusonis. "The devastation IS immense as this country has been going through wars for many years." Students asked many questions regarding the war in Afghanistan and Roulusonis answered them all. Each time a hand went up, his response was "Sound off student!" At first students didn't know how to respond, but the sergeant's frank answers to questions soon made an impression on the students according to development director Gail Chalifoux. When asked about the conditions Roullisonis told students "We had it pretty good. We had showers and food to eat and although the food isn't great tasting, you can live on it. The dust was the worst thing. It clouds up around your feet with every step you take." The scho.ol staff ,was grateful to have Roulusonis speak with students and he left a lasting impression on students according to Chalifoux.
~ HERITAGE PROJECT Fourthgraders Sarah DoMonte and Allison Pereira of Notre Dame School, Fall River, dressed in the native garb of Portugal for a recent heritage project. It was one of several centered around family heritage. Their teacher is Coleen Branch.
... STAFF MEMBERS of Notre Dame School, Fall River, recently completed a basic CPR course to prepare for the new school year.
SGT. ROBERT ROULUSONIS, a member of the 101 81 Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, speaks with students from Taunton Catholic Middle School about his experience in Afghanistan.
Student excels in competition NORTH DARTMOUTH Leslie Hartford of Bishop Stang High School was named a semifinalist in the 2002 Merit Scholarship Competition. She was among 1.3 million students in over 20,000 U.S. high schools entered in the 2002 Merit Pro-
gram by taking the 2001 Preliminary SATlNational Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Semifinalists are the highest scoring entrants in each state and represent less than one percent of the state's seniors. She is the daughter of Laura and Terrence Hart.
THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., October 4,2002
15
.....
No one called 9-1-1
By
CHRISTOPHER CARSTENS CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
ward. A 17 -year-old football player's head hit the stone patio. That's when things went from bad to unbelievably bad. The kids at the party spent 20 minutes trying to revive him. They held his mouth open so he wouldn't choke. They splashed water on his face. But in a back yard full of kids with cell phones, nobody called 911. Why not? They were afraid of getting in trouble. As the newspaper reported it, they were, "teen-agers suddenly caught between the unimaginable prospect of a friend dying and the utterly imaginable adolescent anxiety of being caught partying." They finally decided to drive him to the hospital themselves. Even with their friend bleeding and unconscious at the hospital, the kids ~ith him tried to disguise what happened. They lied to the
It was one of those tenible situations that never should have happened. The kids should have been in school. Somebody should have called. There was no reason for it to end this way - but it did. The whole sad story wound up in the papers. Early in the afternoon there was a power failure, and the high school canceled classes. One girl told a friend that her folks were out of town, who told a friend, who told a friend. Before long a group of teens converged on her parentless home. They started drinking, and some of the kids drank a lot. Two guys started arguing as the alcohol numbed their restraint. A crack was made about somebody's father. One kid threw a punch, and another fell back-
'Love By JULIE A. COLLINS Teen-age males are as enamored with sexuality as the rest of the hu- ' man race. Teaehing religion at a boys' Catholic prep school for 16 years, I've spent a lot of time discussing sex with teenagers. I've come to see that what we human beings crave most is to be competent, connected, and comforted. What do I mean by these words? Competent: we want to feel that we have skills, we have gifts, and we have the power to bring them to fruition - to produce, to create, to serve. We also long for a sense of connection. We know that at a fundamental level we' are social creatures who need relationships and need to be accepted for who we are. And beyond these, we look for comfort - for touch, tendemess, support. We want someone to be unequivocally "for us." Now if all human beings desire to be competent, connected, and comforted, these aspirations apply to our sexuality, too. We want to feel that we love someone competently - that we have the power to give love, to give pleasure, and to receive it in a way that's most pleasing to them. We also want a connection with another human being that will be electric, like no other relationship we have with anyone else - passionate and profound. And, at the core of our deepest hope, we want it to be permanent because we also desire to be comforted - to be held, supported, and known. Not one night, but for a lifetime. So, what are you to do? First, as regards your sexual choices, please CHOOSE. Don't let circumstances dictate your sexual behavior. Don't let alcohol, a persistent date, advice in Seventeen magazine, or a loneliness that
police, saying that the incident happened at a park. Back at the house, other partiers gathered up the empty beer bottles and
Coming of
flge dumped them in a trash bin. When the police arrived to ask questions, nobody had anything to say. Seven days later the kid died. He might have lived if he had gotten medical attention more quickly. Nobody knows for sure, but the young man's friends know that he is dead, and they will wonder for the rest of their lives.
Life is not a VCR. There is no rewind button. When you go to a party where' teens are drinking, you are making a dangerous decision. Alcohol makes people stupid, and it makes a lot of guys stupid and violent. "It's just beer," teens tell themselves, "it's not like we're usjng drugs." Recent statistics show that underage drinking is an epidemic, and 31 percent of high-school drinkers get drunk at least once a month. Alcohol is a dangerous drug. In fact, alcohol is responsible for five times more teen deaths than all illegal drugs combined. Drunken teens have car accidents, they fall, they drown, they shoot each other at rates far higher than teens who are not drinking. Even so, having taken the foolish step of getting drunk, these
kids went beyond foolishness to uller irresponsibility. Trying to hide what happened instead of seeking immediate medical care, they betrayed their friend. If you are ever in a situation where somebody is physically injured or has an acute illness, your responsibility is to get help. Yes, you may get in trouble if you were drinking or doing something you weren't supposed to be doing. Maybe you'll get grounded. Maybe you'll lose your car keys or even end up going to juvenile hall. Each one of those is a problem that can be solved. There's no way to solve the problem of having a dead friend.
,:.to
Your comments are welcome. Please address: Dr. Christopher Carstens, c/o Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017.
and do what you will
you didn't realize was there dictate what you do with.your sexwility. Reflect on it ahead oftime: What does sexual touch meim to you? Does it mean anything? Are you saying anything/to a young man when you kiss him? How about when you kiss him again and again? And what are you feeling while this kissing fest is going on? I find that as people answer these questions on what sexuality means to them, they tend to operate out of one of two sexual "models" sexual touch is either about recreation or it is about love. Tum on the TV and it will take you about three minutes to see that today's culture tends to promote the recreation model: "You want to play tennis, I want to play tennis; let's meet at the court at I p.m. and play tennis!" The sexual touch in this model is just like that tennis game: fun, sometimes challenging, usually pleasurable and, as soon as the game ends, the game itself "says" nothing. It means nothing. The event is over. In the recreation model of sexual intimacy, the only real moral criterion is consent: you must have two "consenting adults." The subtext here is that there is a flip switch which will disconnect the heart from the hormones. So who are you going to believe? The cast of "Friends" or 4000 years of JudeoChristian tradition which tells us there is no such switch? In the eyes of the God who created us, our bodies and our hearts form just one integrated circuit. There is no "safe sex" outside of maniage. Sexually transmitted diseases happen. Condoms give little or no protection against some of the most common incurable STDs. And there will never be a prophylactic
that can protect you from getting a broken heart. Sexual intimacy always involves these significant risks. And sex outside ofmaniage can have only three outcomes: 1. The fairy tale ending: The couple falls into bed casually, but wakes up passionately in love. Their fidelity never wavers and they end up at the altar, "happily ever after." 2. The unrequited ending: One of the partners wants to renege on the "recreational sex" contract and hopes for true love. The other partner, kindly or unkindly, says "thanks, but no thanks." Significant heartbreak. 3. Gold medal in the sexual, Olympics. It looks clean, neat and ' "safe," but physically and emotionally it is the most deadly outcome. Even secular psychologists are now questioning what years of recreational sex does to our capacity for intimacy. So what are we to do with this incredibly strong sexual drive if we also hope to be competent, connected, and comforted? The answer lies in the second model of sexual behavior - sex with love. Real love. Sex with love helps us fulfill our desires to be competent, connected, and comforted in our sexuality. In the 4th century, St. Augustine offered advice that looks like something one would find in Playboy or Cosmo: "Love - and do what you wilL" But how do you define love? Poets, philosophers, and psychologists ha~e struggled with this mystery. I think that human happiness is captured in a phrase from John's Gospel: "Love, one another as I have loved you." And the model of love Jesus gave us is to love permanently, faithfully, completely, and fruitfully. God wants only the best for you.
He wants you to understand that self, and loving your future husband "[the] meaning of life is found in or wife means postponing sexual giving and receiving love, and in intimacy until maniage. That's the this light, human sexuality and pro- time and place where you can discreation reach their true and full sig- cover all that love is meant to be. Julie CoUins teaches religious nificance" (John Paul II, "The Gos- , studies and offers spiritual direcpel of Life," 81). So, as Augustine says, "Love:""- tion to adults and teens at and do what you will." But remem- Georgetown Preparatory School ber that loving God, loving your- in North Bethesda, MD. MASSACHUSETIS CITIZENS FOR LIFE ANNUAL DINNER
NIGEL CAMERON,
PHD
"HUMAN CLONING: TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION"
Dr. Cameron is founder of the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity and has been at the international forefront of the struggle to ban all human cloning. He will speak to the Pro-Life movement of Massachusetts at MCFl:s Annual Dinner. The Massachusetts Citizens for Life Annual Dinner will be on Saturday, Oct. 19,2002 at the Lantana in Randolph, MA. Dinner is at 7:30 p.m., cocktails at 6:30 p.m. Please call 617-242-4199 to reserve tickets ($35 per person) or for more information.
,
CAPE COD '"' NATIONAL MORTGAGE
FOR ALL DAY WALKING COMFORT
Low, low rates starting at
63;4%*
No points, no closing costs 1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGES Purchase or Refinance Improvement & Repair Debt Consolidation Credit Card Pay Offs Home Equity Loans Commercial Loans 2nd Homes Tuition Self Employed No Income Verification Poor Credit路 No Credit Pay Off Liens & Attachments Foreclosure' Bankruptcy Application taken on phone No application fee, Fast service. Call Now, We Can Helpl
508-945-0060 "'-
Free application on Internet http://www.ccnm.com MB#1161 'APR 7.375, 30yr$10kmin.
~mm JOHN'S SHOE STORE 295 Rhode Island Avenue Fall River, MA 02724
OUR LADY'S RELIGIOUS STORE Mon. - Sat.
~
10:00 - 5:30
PM
GIFTS CARDS BOOKS
508-673-4262
.-J.
936
~o.
Main St., Fall River
...
%e ([)iocese of Pa{{CJ?jver
PROCLAIMS .·THE .SACREDNESS AND .
.
.
.
DIGNITY OF ALL HUMAN LIFE Join thousands of diocesans behind the banner of the Pro-Life Apostolate together with Bishop Sean.on Sunday afternoon, 6 October, at Boston Common for the 16th Annual Respect Life Walk for Mothers and Children '::.
Diocesan youth prepare to walk for life at a past Boston Common event.
1OTH
PROJECT RACHEL.:.
For Women and Men Wounded: by· Abortion
. TO THE PRAYER VIGIL AND MARCH FOR LIFE
508·997·3300·.. ·:· .. .
..'
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE
21·23)anuary 2003 The 30th ann~ersary of Roe YJ'. Wade
.
'. .
DIOCESAN PRo-LIFE CONVENTION
"~.
~.
. . Saturday, 19, October 2002 ' .' :. '. ... .. ' . . 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. :.' .:' '.:' ·.::Bishop Connolly High School .: .... '''.. KEvNOt~· ;·SPEAKER: Bud Welch, Oklahoma City Founder of. Murder Victims" Families for Reconciliation Other topics: . Cloning and Stem Cells: What's all the Fuss About? . flow to Tailor the Pro-Life Message for an Audience of Young Persons . A Primer on State ldw As It Relates to the Gospel of Life Call or write the office for registration information!
.PRO~LIFE APOSTOLATE
A
·DIOCESE OF FALL' ·RIVER
: 500 Slocum Road North Dartmouth, MA 02747-2930 Tel. 508-997-2290 .FAX::508-997-2923 .... A
, :".~'" :,:'<
FATHER STEPHEN A. FERNANDES, Diocesan Director
','
:
"
;'
MARIAN J. DESROSIERS, Assistant to the Director'