10.10.97

t eanc 0 VOL. 41, NO.39 •

Friday, October 10, 1997

FALL RIVER, MASS.

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

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Bishops offer message. on homosexuality

POPE JOHN PAUL II, flanked by Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso and his wife, Ruth, arrives in Rio de Janeiro, Oct. 2. Upon his arrival for a four-day visit, the pope challenged Brazilians to promote socia,l justice and prosperity. (CNS/Reuters photo)

In Brazil:

Pope llrges families to defend marriage, life

By CINDY WOODEN RIO DE JANErRO, Brazil (CNS) - During a four-day trip to Brazil, Pope John Paul II said the family is a gi ft that must be defended, and attacks on the values that hold it together must be repelled.

Waving the banm:r of Catholic teaching on the pemlanence of marriage and the evi I of abortion, the pope spent much of his Oct. 2-5 stay in Rio de Janeiro, rallying Catholic families to defend and strengthen their bonds.

"In the design of God, matrimony - indissoluble matrimony - - is the foundation of a healthy and responsible family," he said Oct. 5 during a seaside Mass closing the Second World Meeting of Families.

God wants all people to be happy, the pope told the crowd, which police said numbered between 1.5 million and 2 million people. But God

Mass for Peace Members of the Fall River diocese are invited to join Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap., in the annua.l procession and Mass for peace on Monday, October 13, at 5:45 p.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River.

The procession will travel about a mile to St. Anne's Church. Marchers are asked to bring their own candles.

The Mass for Peace will be offered at about 7 p.m.

Disabled or elderly persons should proceed directly to St. Anne's Church.

also wants people "tQ always join fidelity to happiness, because one cannot exist without the other."

Pope John Paul told the couples gathered from around the world that they have a great task before them.

"Be bearers of peace and joy at the heart of the family," he said.

At an evening rally Oct. 4 with families in the Maracana Stadium, the pope told the crowd that "a false message of impossible and inconsistent happiness is being spread in the world today, and it carries with it only desolation and bitterness."

"Happiness is not found by following the way of freedom without truth, because this is the way of irresponsible egoism, which divides and separates families and society," he said.

After listening to the testimonies of families who explained how hardships and tensions were overcome by discovering or putting into practice church teaching, the pope told the crowd, "Defend your families as a precious and irreplaceable gift."

He encouraged them to be faithful to their spouses and to welcome new children as sign,S of their love for each other and of their hope for the future of humanity.

"Societies that are not interested in children are inhuman and irresponsible," he said.

"Welcome your children with responsible love," the pope said. "Defend them as a gift of God from the moment they are conceived and from the time human life is born from its mother's womb."

The pope prayed "that the abominable crime of abortion, the shame of Turn to page J3

WASHINGTON-Parents who learn that their teenage or adult children have a homosexual orientation are urged to accept their children, themselves, and Church teaching on human dignity, the U.S. Bishops stress in Always Our Children: A Pastoral Message to Parents of Homosexual Children and Suggestions for Pastoral Ministers.

The message, which is described as an "outstretched hand," was made public October I, and approved by the Bishops' Administrative Board at its annual Fall meeting, September 9-11.

It Was developed by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' (NCCB) Committee on Marriage and Family, which represents the bishops on marriage and family issues.

Bishop Thomas 1. O'Brien of Phoenix chairs the committee.

The message speaks to parents directly and notes that if they learn that their child may have a homosexual orientation, they can face a challenging, confusing time marked by such emotions as anger, relief, guilt, and fear. Because of that, the bishops said, Always Our Children aims "to offer loving support, reliable guidance, and recommendations for ministries suited to your needs and those of your child."

The message also addresses specific suggestions to priests and pastoral ministers about how to assist and counsel families and homosexual persons.

The bishops underscored the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that states that homosexual persons "must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity." With the document, "the bishops translated that message into a useful form for parents and families," Bishop O'Brien said.

Always Our Children develops the

same theme of acceptance in three parts. It notes that parents need to accept themselves and their own struggle; to accept and love their child; and to accept God's revelation about human dignity and sexuality as a prerequisite to understanding homosexuality in a person's life.

The bishops urged parents not to break off contact with a child and warned that rejection can lead to substance abuse or suicide.

"Your chi Id may need you and the family now more than ever," they said.

"He or she is still the same person.

This child, who has always been God's gift to you, may now be the cause of another gift: your family becoming more honest, respectful, and supportive."

The bishops urge parents to seek "appropriate help" for themselves and fortheirchild, but note that a person's right to choose or refuse therapies must be respected.

"Look for a therapist who has an appreciation of religious values and who understands the complex nature of sexuality," the bishops said. "Such a person should be experienced at helping people discern the meaning of early sexual behaviors, sexual attractions, and sexual fantasies in ways that lead to more clarity and self-identity. In the course of this, however, it is essential for you to remain open to the possibility that your son or daughter is struggling to understand and accept a basic homosexual orientation."

The statement did not enter into the debate about the origin of homosexuality but simply stated that "multiple factors" seem to account for a homosexual orientation.

"Generally, homosexual orientation is experienced as a given, not as something freely chosen. By itself, therefore, a homosexual orientation cannot be considered sinful, for mo-

rality presumes the freedom to choose," they said.

In a section summarizing the Church teaching, the bishops emphasize the dignity of every person created in God's image and said that the virtue of chastity is a way of respecting personal dignity. The bishops urged heterosexual and homosexual persons to cooperate with God's grace in order to live a chaste life. This is the "higher standard of loving" taught

by Christ, they said.

They also noted that living and loving chastely means that sexual intercourse must occur only within marriage between a man and a woman and added that this teaching pertains not only to homosexual relationships, but to premarital, and extramarital relationships as well.

The pastoral message highlights friendship, which, the bishops said, is "a way of loving" and one that is "essential to a healthy human development, as well as one of the richest possible human experiences." It also said that friendship "outside of genital sexual involvement" should be an integral part of a homosexual person's life.

The bishops said the fundamental human rights of homosexual persons are to be respected and defended. "All of us must strive to eliminate any form of injustice, oppression, or violence against them," they said.

They added that "all homosexual persons have a right to be welcomed into the community, to hear the Word ofGod, and to receive pastoral care." They also noted that persons in public roles of service and leadership in the Church, whether they be homosexual or heterosexual, should live lives consonant with Church teaching.

Always Our Children concludes

Turn to page J3

MARCHERS FROM the Fall River diocese; including Bishop O'Malley, joined those from all over the state at the annual Respect Life Walk held Oct. 5 on the Boston Common. The five-kilometer walk raised both awareness and funds for the pro-life apostolate.

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THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

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Fri., Oct. 10, 1997

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O.L. Mt. Carntellllarks·'75th jubiJlee parish history book, flowers for Our the community. According to its Lady's statue, and the parish's origi- history as compiled by John G. nal sacramental registers. In his Erhardt, Ph.D. and Florence K. homily, Bishop O'Malley noted that Turner, the name of the church is the parish's anniversary occurs at a attributed to the late Bishop Feehan time when theuniversal Church pre- who named it "based upon the ap. pares to mark the 2000th anniversary parition witnessed on October 13, of the Incarnation. "Faith built the 1917, in Fatima, Portugal, by two parish," he commented, adding that girls, Maria and Jacinta and a boy this same faith has sustained veteran named Francisco."

That church stood for some 60 parishioners whose lives span the days of horse-and-buggy to the age years until again a need for a bigger of cyberspace, when Christianity and more modern place of worship stands on the verge of its third mil- would warrant construction of a new Mount Carmel Church in 1982,the lennium.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel has same church used by the parish tocome a long way in 75 years and a day. The cost was around $1 million look at the parish history shows that for construction.

From a small community in the it has been a parish of growth. In J905, with a need for a mission aris- early part of the century, Our Lady ing in the Seekonk area, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church has grown of the Pines was built to support the to some 8,000 members.

The concelebrated Mass held regrowing community of predominantly Portuguese-speaking Catho- cently was the highlight of ;,everal anniversary observances, including a lics at a cost of about $3000.

But the very growth that brought concert last July by renowned Irish about the need for the mission led to Catholic singer Dana. Our Lady of the need of a bigger space of wor- Mt. Carmel also held a weekend fesMonsignor Dacian O. Barrette, ship and in 1922 Our Lady of Mt. tival and has plans for a talent show to 81, administrator of St. Therese par- Carmel Church opened its doors to showcase parishioners in Nov,ember. ish in Brewster, OH, died Oct. 4. A Fall River native,' he entered the Brothers of Christian Instruction in Alfred, ME, in the early 1930's, thereafter teaching in Canada and Maine until 1950, when he was named principal of the former Prevost High School in Fall River.

Subsequently he served in Plattsburgh, NY, and at Walsh College, Canton, OH. In 1972 he decided to study for the priesthood in the diocese of Youngstown, OH. Ordained in 1975, he served in parishes of the diocese, retiring in 1986 after seven years as pastor of St. Anthony's parish, Canton, OH. . In retirement he served as temporary pastor or administrator in many parishes of the diocese. He was administrator of the Brewster parish until his death. Funeral services took place today at the Brothers' FATHER GEORGE Harrison, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Motherhouse in Alfred. Interment Carmel Church speaks ·with parishioners at the reception was in the community cemetery.

On September 20, members of OurLady of Mount Carmel Church. in Seekonk celebrated the 75th anniversary of the canonical establishment of their parish. The Most Rev. Bishop Sean P. O'Malley OFM, Cap., was the principal celebrant and homilist at the four o'clock Vigil Mass, joined by Fathers George Harrison, pastor; Thomas Kocik, parochial vicar; John Murphy, former pastor; Timothy Reis, former parochial vicar; and Bruce Neylon, pastor of St. Mary's in Seekonk. Assisting were Deacon James Meloni, seminarian Timothy Driscoll, and parish altar servers. .

In addition to the standard offertory gifts of bread and wine, parishioners offered symbolic gifts appropriate to the anniversary observance.

They included a recently completed

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Msgr. Barrette

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following the Mass marking the 75th anniversary of the church.

Sister Lefebvre Sister Monica Lefebvre, 88, of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, died Oct. I Her Mass of Christian Burial was offered Oct. 3 in 'her community's chapel on Park Street in Fall River and interment was in Notre Dame cemetery, also in the city.

Born Beatrice H. Lefebvre July 31, 1909, in Plattsburgh, NY, she was the daughter of the late George and Louise (Lanoue) Lefebvre. She held degrees from Plattsburgh State Normal School and St. Michael's College, Colchester, VT. Sister Monica entered the Dominican community in Fall River in 1930, making her profession of final vows in J936. Thereafter she taught at the former Bishop Gerrard High School, St. Anne's School and Dominican Academy, all in Fall River; at St. Peter's High School, Plattsburgh; and at St. Bernadette School, New Haven, CT. She is survived by four cousins.

I1II1111111111111111111111111 TIlE ANCHOR (USPS-545.Q20) Periodical fustage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Published weekly except for the first two weeks in July an.! the week after Chrisnnas at 887 Highlan.!

Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year.

Postmasters send address changes to The Aochor, P,D. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

NOTRE DAME parish, Fall River, hosted members of the Cursillo Movement from throughout the diocese as they gathered to celebrate the opening of their year Sept. 26. Bishop Sean O'M.alley celebrated the Mass and is pictured here . greeting Dwight Giddings, Cursillo retreat director. The Cursillo Movement started in Spain in 1949 and has become a worldwide Catholic organization. Cursillistas.live a threeday retreat during which they are given a method for revitaliZing the Christian message within their families, work plaees and communities. Information nigh~s are planned for several locations for those seeking more information. Cursillo's spiritual director is Father Bruce Neylon.

St. Stanislaus celebrates 100 years Back around the turn of the century, many Polish speaking immigrants were arriving in America and when many of them began to settle here in Fall River they fOlJnd no par-

ish that could minister to their specific needs. The Polish Catholics attended Mass at St Mary's parish, now St Mary's Cathedral, and when their numbers increased, Providence

Bishop Matthew Harkins, then in charge of what is now the Fall River diocese, and the Polish-speaking members of the church began planning to establish their own parish community. . That parish community took the name of St. Stanislaus, an 11 th- century Polish bishop and martyr, and the building church members erected on Rockland Street would become a rock on which they would stand for the next 90 years. The community itself is celebrati ng 100 years as a parish this year, but a tragic .' " I,. electrical fire , in 1991 forced :' it to come together in CELEBRATING 100 YEARS, the parishioners of St. Stanislaus Church in strength and Fall River looked back on their history at a Mass offered Sept. 28. Pictured here faith and overare, from left standing in front of the shrine to Our Lady of Czestochowa, acolyte come the deChad D'Adamo, Deacon Leszek Baczkura, Father Robert Kaszynski, pastor, struction of its Bishop Sean O'Malley and Rev. Roman Chwalisz~wski, OFM Conv., pastor of church. Having dedicated Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Bedford. a new church in 1994, across the street from the former parish, the community of St Stanislaus Catholic men from all over the dio- and the program is expected to con- continues to grow and thrive in the cese will gather at Bishop Connolly clude at about noon. There is no charge Fall River diocese.

Today that community which was High School in Fall River on Satur- and pre-registration forms are avai lable dominated by Polish Catholic and day morning, October 25. With the at all parishes. hearty endorsement of Bishop Sean P. A rally fommt will be featured for Slavic peoples includes some 18 difO'Malley, OFM, Cap., the Diocesan the first portion of the morning's ac- ferent nationalities, reflecting the Service Committee for Men's Minis- tivities and will include rousing mu- changing population of Fall River.

Incredibly, over the last 100 years try will conduct a "Wake-Up Call," an sic and challenging witness talks. Folopportunity for Catholic men to enrich lowing will be a concelebrated Mass St Stanislaus Church has had only their spiritual lives. with Bishop O'Malley as homilist and seven pastors! That would work out Recently hundreds of thousands of principal celebrant. Apostolic groups to be about 14 years apiece, but what men gathered in Washington, DC, to offering Catholic men. opportunities makes this statistic even more amazshare spiritual values and goals under for spiritual growth and fellowship will ing is that two of those priests have the aegis of the Promise Keeper move- sponsor booths in the Connolly lobby served almost 80 years between them. ment. This is but the latest highly vis- providing participants .with informa- Father Hugo E. Dylla served St. ible manifestation of the yearning tion about the many existing resources. Stan's for 48 years from 1918, replacwhich many godly men feel for greater Along with the more traditional groups ing Father John Nowicki, until his depth and meaning in their personal such as the Knights of Columbus and death from illness in 1966.

His assistant in 1962, Father Roblives and in their significant relation- the St. Vincent de Paul Society, men ships with loved ones, wives, children, attending the "Wake-Up Call" will ert S. Kaszynski, was named the sevparents, co-workers and neighbors. hear of several other associations in- enth pastor in 1966 by Bishop ConCoordinator Monsignor Thomas J. cluding the Men ofSt. Joseph, the Men nolly and still serves today, some 31 Harrington, diocesan secretary for of the Sacred Heart and the First Fri- years later. The other five pastors of Spiritual Formation and Apostolates, day Club of Fall River. The Catholic St Stanislaus each served about four hopes that Catholic men who partici- Charismatic and ClIrsillo movements years with one being on hand for only a year. pated in the "Stand in the Gap" expe- will also be represented.

The parish school has also had a For further details, call Monsirience in Washington or were inspired by it will attend the "Wake-Up Call" gnor Harrington, tel. 992-3184, or long history. It was founded on the Louis ''Bud'' Miller at the Diocesan feast of the Epiphany in 1906, when October 25.

St. Stan's was just 8 years old and was Registration will begin at 8 a.m. Education Center, tel r 678-2828. staffed for 77 years by the Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice (Felician Sisters). The school has been staffed by lay faculty for some 15 years now and

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

many of those teachers have been St. Stanislaus alumni.

The strength of the parish lies in its growth, dedicated clergy, and strong sense of community. The church itself may look very different

Fri., Oct. 10, 1997

from the one founded in 1898 and the world may have moved forward much since then, but the faith of the parish and the message delivered to it every week have strong enough roots to enter another 100 years.

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MEMBERS OF the Diocesan Service Committee for Men's Ministry are planning a "Wake Up Call" to be held Oct. 25 at Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River. Pictured are, from left, Deacon Patrick Mahoney of Falmouth, William Lawrence from the Cursillo movement, and John Poissant and John Medeiros, representing the Men of St. Joseph.

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THE ANCHOR -

Dioce;e or'Fan River ---.: Fri., OcCI 0, 1997 .. -' ,

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Promise Keepers - Be Inclusive

Few could fail to be impressed by the wonderful turnout for the Promise Keepers' Washington rally. It was certainly a moment of national awareness for their cause. Make no mistake, this movement is a crusade and to date an effective one.

The seven points of the Promise Keepers are indeed a call to national renewal. In a social order that is little better than pagan, they have surfaced issues that have for too long been placed on the back burner by so-called mainstream churches.

The issues of faith, church, family, commitment and tolerance which they espouse are indeed in need of renewal in our society.

The legalistic gymnastics which daily afflict this nation have brought about abortions, abuse and abandonment. Families are in shelters, children are abused and spouses are polarized. Drugs, addiction and promiscuity rip apart the goals for which all should strive as God's chosen ones, created in His image and likeness.

The Promise Keepers have emphasized the ideals that this nation and the world must renew in order to achieve vitality and spiritual health. They have accomplished this with dynamic drive and their dramatic rallies have had an impact. They have announced that such gatherings will continue, with 37 planned for 1998 alone, all expected to capture media attention.

To date, the Promise Keepers have indicated no political agenda, a stand that may be quite naive, since in America religion is a driving force in all elections. Those who deny this are simplistic.

Actually, few people of conscience would say that America is in true need of spiritual and social renewal. Jews, Catholics and Protestants alike feel the need of a return to basic religious beliefs, customs and practices.The pendulum of indifference has swung too far away from the middle, where virtue stands. Excess has bred excess and many people are seeking stability in their lives.

The Promise Keepers are offering them a means of achieving this goal.

Yet, for all the positive reactions to their message, there are serious issues that they should face if they intend to keep their promises. To date, the vast majority espousing their cause are from fundamentalist religious bodies, tending to be Protestant, conservative and representative of the religious right. - These followers tend to be exclusive, not inclusive. , The Promise Keepers, as they now stand, cannot claim a broadly based religious universality. Their percentage of Catholics and Jews is minuscule. It is wrong for them to indicate that men of all religious expressions are welcomed with open minds and hearts to their ever-expanding numbers. What gives emphasis to this fact as far as Catholics are concerned is that Promise Keepers founder Bill McCartney left the Church and is now affiliated with the evan': gelical Vineyard Christian Church movement. He has accepted Protestan~ evangelism as the medium for his personal journey of renewal. This rejection of Catholic spirituality should be seriously reconsidered by the Promise Keepers if they wish to strengthen national faith values.

To some this might seem picky. Not so. Catholic believe that people are called to live the Christian life fully, ,but this fullness is to be found not merely in revivalism but also in the sacramental life of the Church.

Our diocese has issued a call to all men interested in the Promise Keepers to join in a Wake-Up Call to ministry designed for Catholic men, to take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 25, at Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River. Its goals are the same as those of the Promise Keepers, as seen from the Catholic perspective.

Promise Keepers should not ignore or fear Catholic spirituality. . If the shaping of men's togetherness is the organization's goal, it should reach out and bring all the brothers together.

The Editor

theanchob··

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF fALL RIVER Published weekly by The Catholic p,ress of the Diocese of Fall River 1. . P,O BOX 7 887 Highland Avenue Fall River,. MA'02720 Fall River. MA 02722-0007 'Telephone 508~675-7151 FAX (508) 675-]048 Send address changes 10 P,O,' Box 7 or.calftelephone'number above...... .

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GENERAL MANAGER Rosemary Dussault ~ LEA~Y PRESS -

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REACHING OUT TO PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN THE CHURCH COMMUNITY, LEO CANUEL OF SWANSEA, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS DOG REBA, EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENCE TO THOSE USING WHEELCHAIRS. HE SPOKE AT THE SECOND ANNUAL DISABILITY AWARENESS NIGHT RECENTLY HELD AT ST. BERNARD'S PARISH IN ASSONET.

"Because you are God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartf~lt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness and patience." Colossians 3:12.

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But I am only one person

By GARY LONCKI EDITOR LAKE SHORE VISITOR ERIE, PA.

A man once came to the Lake Shore Visitor booth at one of the Parish Ministries conferences to complain that his parish never was covered by the diocesan newspaper.

"Well, sir," began the Visitor representative, "we have a small staff and sometimes we don't have people in certain areas of the diocese who can send us news."

The representative told the man that the Visitor would love to have news from his parish and, looking at his name tag, began to write down his name.

The man awkwardly started to cover up the name tag. ' "What are you doing?" he asked.

"I'm taking down your name so you can help us get news-from your parish," replied the Visitor representative. . .: "Well," stammered the man as he' walked away, "I doiJ'!t want to do'that: I just want our news in the paper." , Several years ago, people in suburban Erie tried to block a group home from locating in their neighborhood. A few religious leaders, including priests, spoke out aga.inst the effort, both in the news media and from the pulpit.

A person who felt that an injustice was being done to those invol ved with the group home called

the Visitor office.

And from that seed blossomed "The diocese should do some- a life we are told to emula,te. Our thing," she said strongly. minds are overwhelmed by the I informed her that some of our thought of being like Mother priests had spoken in favor of the Teresa. Who of us could imagine group home, but she felt that wasn't working with sick, dying and hunenough. gry people in some of the poorest "The diocese should do some- slums in the world? Our neat, treething," she repeated, although she lined neighborhoods, full bellies couldn't tell me what she wanted and comfortable lives do not perthe diocese to do. mit us the image.

I asked her, "Why don't you do But, as Mother Teresa once said, something? Maybe get some people we can do something where God together to support the group has placed us. Perhaps it could home." mean working at the local food pan"I'm only one person," she said. 'try or soup kitchen,listening to one "What can I do?" who needs to talk, accepting one Our conversation ended who is rejected, or bringing comabruptly. fort to one who is lonely., ' ''I'm 'on!y one person. What can.

There is a story about a man I do?" who, walking along a bea<:h, noPerhaps Mother Teresa thought ticed countless starfish which had the same thing <,is she. passed' been washed up on the beach by the through the slums of Calcutta for surf. Surely they will die, there, he ttle first time. Her pained eyes saw thought. So he picked up a ~;tarfish the dying in the streets;' malnour- and threw it back into the sea. ished children and Iiopeles~ness ", Another mail watching him told -etched' on every. face. Her heart himthat his action was futil€:, since , must have broken for them.And her there were so many starfish. mind probably told her that frustra:."What difference does:it make?" tion would be;the only resultJro1n the skeptic asked. . trying to make a difference. , "0 Replied the man, "It madl~ a dif, But she stepped out' in,faith and ference to that one starfish."

That's what Mother Tere,a did. her life changed forever. She picked up a dying man from the gutter and And like Jesus, Francis of Assisi held him in her arms. The mail told and others, she will be remembered her that he had lived like an animal best when we are open to the :Jeople in the streets all his life and now, and situations God brings' into our because of her compassion, he lives each day - and act as Jesus could die like an angel. would.

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THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Oct. 10, 1997 patients but primary care is given by the nursing sisters. A small staff of orderlies assists the sisters in the men's wards.

While the apostolate is an important aspect of the sisters' lives, prayer is its basis. The prayer life must be there to get one through rough times and to give one's life substance.

Prayer is the core and center of the

sisters' whole existence.

"Prayer, work and community," Mother Marie Edward, Mother General of the Community, explained, "these three aspects togetift!r create an atmosphere in which the sisters are, in the words of Thomas Merton, 'completely free to serve God in perfection for His own sake alone.'''

Our Lady is calling you ...

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DOMINICANS OF HAWTHORNE, from left, are Sisters M. Brigid, Mother Marie Edward, Rosemary, M. Grace, Teresa Marie, Marie Veronica, M. Joseph, M. Agnes.

Hawthorne Dominicans, celebrate new sisters The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, who run seven homes for incurable cancer patients, one of which is in Fall River, recently celebrated as three sisters took final. vows and three postulants began their final year of study in the novitiate. The occasion is marked by the sisters' acceptance of a religious name and the habit of the community. , .

Most Reverend Anthony Mestice, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, officiated at the Eucharistic celebration and ceremony of profession of vows. The ceremony took place in the chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, on the grounds of the community's motherhouse in Haw-

thorne, New York. It was followed by a celebration with family and friends.

Professing final VOws were: Sister Teresa Marie Barnaby, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada. Before entering, Sister Teresa Marie had a 13-year career as a blackjack dealer in several of the Las Vegas casinos.

She entered the Hawthorne Dominican novitiate on January 6, 199 I . .

Sister M. Brigid Kelliher,. the eldest of eight children, was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. After high school she studied at the University of'lIIinois at Urbana-Champaign and then worked for 5 1/2 years as a medical technologist. She entered the

Weekly General Audience Message . Pope John Paul n Dear brothers and sisters, The World Day of the Family, which has just been celebrated in Rio De Janeiro in B,-azil, remains vivid in my mind and heart. The church recognizes and teaches that the family is on essential port of God's plan for the human race; it is the prJvileged place for personal and social development. The family, as a gift and a responsibility, is thle hope of humanity. When the fa.mily is fostered, the human person is fostered; when the family is attacked, the human person is attacked. Today human life and the family are being confrontEld by a fundamental challenge. In the nome of a false freedom divorced from objective truth, rules and prohibitions are brought into question. The brood and easy way of subjective choices, economic advantages and immediate pleasures becomes the rule. In reality, however, man and woman's true happiness is bCJsed on the eHperience of love in which mutual fidelity, the spirit of sacrifice and generous dedication to the good of the other lead to a shoring of thoughts, emotions and actions, thereby ec)sing life's sufferings and increasing its joys.

God's plan for the family is a message of hope: faithful love open to life is both possible and joyous; generous acceptance of the church's teaching contributes to a more just, peaceful and loving human society.

Upon all the English-speaking pilgrims, especially those from England, Scotland, Denmark, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, the Philippines, J opan and the United States, I invoke God's abundant blessings.

novitiate on Ash Wednesday, February 13, 1991; Since entering, she has completed her bachelor's degree at Pace University in New York; has earned an MBA in Health Care AdministratIon; and has just compl~ted the Administrator Training Program at Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center in New York City.

Sister Rosemary Tolosky grew up in Dannemora, New York. She is a .graduate of SUNY at Plattsburgh. Before entering, she worked fur a number of years in retail, and then, in a shift of focus, she worked at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Plattsburgh as a nursing assistant. She entered the Hawthorne Dominican Noviti'ate on February 2, 1991.

Receiving the habit and religious name were: Sister Mary Grace (Louise Marie) Narducci, from Brooklyn, New York.

Sister Mary Agnes (Mary) Gwozdz, a native ofAdams, MA, but a resident of Westchestyr,. NY, and memberofSt.Augustine's Parish in Ossining for the past ten years.

Sister Made Veronica (Mary) Arnold, from Torrington, Connecticut.

The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne nurse incurable cancer patients who cannot ~fford nursing care in seven modern nursing facilities in six states - New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio and Minnesota. The homes are built and maintained entirely by contributions from generous and concerned individuals. All care is free.

Women are drawn to this community by its traditional religious life, strong prayer life and challenging apostolate. Many of the women who enter have no prior nursing experience, but they share a great compassion for the sick poor and as they become acquainted with the apostolate, they find it gives tremendous rewards. Nursing incurable cancer patients is difficult work, but it is work that must be done and must be done well for love of God. Each sister helps with the

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6

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Oct. 10, 1997

Letters to the Editor Questioning hell Dear Editor, , In response to the letter from Genevieve Foley (Anchor 9/19/97) regarding hell, she asked the question, "How could a priest make the above far-out statement?" Father Dietzen is correct in his statement about hell. The Church teaches that, while there certainly is a hell for Satan and his angels, we do not know whether anyone is there, other than Satan and his angels. The two visions she referred to, one involving Jesus appearing to Sister Faustina, and Mary's apparition to the children in Fatima, are both considered private revelation by the Church.

They can be accepted or 'not by the faithful, since they were private.

God the Father has not revealed, through public and divine revelation that there is anyone in hell.

Mark Deland

A Christian discrepancy Dear Editor, The article "New papal center is all God's work, says cardinal" (An'chor 9/19/97) was very troubling. A picture accompanying the article showed a poster that stated "500+ homeless families in Washington, DC." (The center is to be constructed in DC.) The price tag for the center is $50 million!

What would Jesus do?

Mary B. Foster South Dennis

The Catholic bias Dear Editor, Dan Morris in his 9/19 column, The offbeat world of Uncle Dan, states that the new ABC TV series "Nothing Sacred" is just plain good.

In this show the leading character, a Father Roy, admits that he is not sure of the existence of God, rejects, among other things, the Church's teaching on sexuality and abortion.

Disney (which owns ABC) continues to manifest its bias against the Catholic Church, but why the Anchor or its columnists should ignore such political propaganda is incomprehensible.

Kevin Donnelly Osterville

A traditional ordeteyes today's needs "The sick and the poor are with us today in even greater numbers, and the principles of our holy Roman Catholic Church must be defended. That's why I can't think of an age where the Knights of Malta were more needed than now," says William 1. Flynn, newly elected president of the American Association of the .

Knights and Dames of Malta.

Most parishioners know about the Knights of Columbus. But the Knights of Malta?

The order, originally 路known as the Knights Hospitaller, was founded in Jerusalem in the II th century to aid sick or destitute pilgrims to the Holy Land and to defend the truths of the Catholic Church.

"They're more relevant today than they were 1,000 years ago," affirmed Flynn, who is also chairman of the board of Mutual of America Life Insurance Co. Flynn doesn't want the 1,800 men and women American members to depart from the human services mission of the past, but "to add focus." He has identified two groups who need specific attention and help: "our children, born and unborn, and the elderly. Both are being attacked at their weakest points in life, when they are in the hands of others." The American Association pf the Knights of Malta "will focus on the defense of the young and the old," said Flynn, a father of four.

The order, which is based in Rome, has some 10,000 members internationally and is headed by a . grand master, a layman who answers directly to the pope.

Flynn is trying to increase American membership.

He'd like to see more members who are black, Hispanic and Asian, "because our country is changing and the Knights should reflect that." It was only II years ago that women were invited into membership, as Dames of Malta; a change Flynn credits to the late industrialist Peter Grace, who was president for 18 years.

"We're always on the lookout for people to join, and we hope to encourage more people to become Knights," he said, but there are specific requirements.

"You have to be invited to join, and the bishop of your diocese has to approve you. There has to be some demonstration that you have lived a Catholic life. You

The Bottom Line

By Antoinette Bosco

have to pass muster," said Flynn. Annual dues for members are $1,000, most of which goes to support the order's charities.

The Knights are setting up in every diocese in the United States a group of people, under an aft~a chairman, to work in concert with the bishop to c:arry out the mission of the order. "We'll ask them to put their shoulders to the wheel. That's the key to success."

Flynn, a 25-year member of the Knights: considers it his responsibility to "update the organization."

He led the 24-member board to accept term limits so that younger members can move forward.

"He is trying to change the image of the Knights in the United States as a somewhat elitist group of prominent Catholics to an organization of hands-on, quality men and women who are true to the original twin mission of serving the poor and defending the faith," Dick Ryan, a Catholic writer, commented.

Bill Flynn seems to be the right person to lead the Knights and Dames into the next millennium.

Tips for new grandmothers Dear Mary: My son and daughter-in-law are having their first child in two months. I volunteered to help during the first weeks. They both seemed glad that I would come. I want to help without being too overbearing. Any suggestions? - Mississippi Your sensitivity to the situation is probably the rea-. son the young people welcome your help. Your instincts are good. Here are a few suggestions for being the ideal new grandmother or support person.

As a first act of consideration, tell them when you'll arrive and about how long you'll stay. Any thoughtful guest, even a helper-guest, conveys this information to' the host. This information also allows your daughter-in-Iaw to make further plans if she needs additional help. ' Your role will be to "mother the mother," a most important job. Some societies consider this a normal and vital part of the childbirth process. They appoint a specific person, the "doula," to fulfill this job. A new mother needs both physical and emotional support during the early weeks. With peace of mind and security she can learn her important new role.

Our society seems to assume that new mothers know their role instinctively. We often allow young moms to wing it. They get whatever help they can arrange, but basically they are on their own.

As your daughter-in-Iaw's support person you have three jobs. First, do all the necessary housekeeping: cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping. Make meals and laundry your first priorities. . Try to find out ahead of time some of their favorite meals so that you can serve them often. Try to houseclean to their comfort level: clean enough to make them feel comfortable without being overly fastidious.

Second, do not take over the baby. Of course you'll hold and rock the baby when mom wants to take a rest or when they have had a long stretch with baby.

As a new grandma, you might be tempted to spend lots of time with baby. But caring for and getting to know her child are Mom's important tasks at this time.

Free her from other tasks so that she can concentrate on baby. ' Last, be encouraging and supportive. Even the most confident woman questions her ability to mother a first child. Offer shortcuts and suggestions discreetly.

Allow her to do things her way even if they differ from the way you took care of your babies.

Point out everything that indicates how well baby is doing. If you or she have some genuine concerns, get answers by consulting the appropriate person.

Then focus on the signs of healthy normal development.

If mom is breast-feeding, be particularly lmpport-

Family Talk ,With Dr, James & Mary Kenny ive. Remind her that minor problems in the lirst few days usually will resolve themselves shortly.

If you or she have questions 'you cannot answer, call La Leche League (listed in most phone books or call 1-800-LALECHE, 9-5 Central time, MondayFriday). Or try a supportive nurse or doctor or a lacta'.ion consultant, a person specially trained to resolve breast-feeding problems.

If, you can do the everyday housework, fwe mom to care for baby and support her efforts, you will get high marks as a loving new grandma.

Reader questions on family living and ch:ild care to be answered in print are invited. Address ques~

lions: The Kennys; St. Joseph's College; 219 W. Harrison; Rensselaer, Ind. 47978.

Daily Readings.

Oct. 13 Oct. 14 Oct. 15 Oct. 16 Oct. 17 Oct. 18 Oct. 19

Rom 1:1-7; Ps 98:1-4; Lk 11 :29-32 Rom 1:16-25; Ps 19:2-5; Lk 11 :37-41 Rom 2: 1-11 ; Ps 62:2-3,6-7,9; Lk 11 :42-46 Rom 3:21-30; Ps 130:1-6; Lk 11 :47-54 Rom 4:1-8; Ps 32:1-2,5,11; Lk i 2;1-7 2 Tm 4:1 0-17b; Ps 145:1'0-13,17-18; Lk 10:1-9 Is 53: 10-11 ; Ps 33:4-5,18-20,22; Heb 4:14-16; Mk 10:35-45 or 10:42-45

Promises regarding interfaith marriages Q. Our daughter is marrying a non-Catholic in December. He is a fine man, and goes to Mass with us whenever he visits. They are mid-20s, bright young people. No complications!? We were so wrong.

Our daughter wanted a Catholic marriage, her fiance agreed. The problems began when they met with the deacon to begin their preparation.

None of us knew our daughter would be required to sign a statement that she would raise their children as Catholics and that he must acknowledge this. He could not agree to that at the present time.

If this had not happened they would have married in the church, and possibly the children would have been raised Catholic. Now neither of these appears likely.

Who won in this situation? It looks like we all lost. (Florida) A. Assuming your leller reflects the details accurately, it's clear that serious misinformation and misunderstanding occurred somewhere.

According to present Catholic policy, Catholic partners in a mixed-religion marriage affirm two statements.

-I. They will continue living out their faith in Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church, and -2. They will "do all in (their) power" to share their faith with the children by having them baptized and raised as Catholics.

First of all, it is worth noting that this adds nothing whatsoever to what any committed Catholic, who is knowledgeable about the sacramental and prayer life of the church, already believes.

To do all in one's power to raise the children Catholic is surely a sincere commitment, but it acknowledges that other critical factors may enter the picture.

Among the most obvious of these is the commitment and obligations the non-Catholic partner may feel because of his or her own Christian faith, which must be respected as well.

Thus, the spouse who is not Catholic signs or promises nothing on this subject. The priest or deacon assisting the couple affirms only that the non-Catholic is aware of the beliefs of the Catholic.

Obviously, this is quite different from what your daughter says she experienced.

The Catholic Church knows that differences in re-

THE ANCHOR -

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Fri., Oct. 10, 1997

ligious beliefs often cause unfortunate, sometimes tragic, tensions and divisions.

It, therefore, wants to be sure these potential prob'em areas are faced and dealt with before any marriage involving two religious backgrounds.

As the official Catholic guidelines for ecumenism

Questions and Answers

By Father John J. Dietzen put it, the couple should "be invited and encouraged to discuss the Catholic baptism and education of the children they will have, and where possible come to a decision on this question before the marriage" (Directory on Ecumenism, 1993; No. 150).

Those words "where possible" recognize that i;lgreement may not be possible until later.

The same guidelines point to certain major concerns the Catholic will need to consider in all this.

In carrying out the duty to transmit the Catholic faith, the Catholic parent "will do so with respect for the religious freedom and conscience of the other parent and with due regard for the unity and permanence of the marriage, and for the maintenance of the communion of the family" (No. 151).

In other words, the church believes the stability and health of the marriage are among the major values to protect when working out these decisions.

I believe all this puts quite another perspective on what happened, or should have happened, with your daughter and her partner.

Of course, if the non-Catholic refuses even to consider raising the children Catholic, a different element arises which the local bishop must weigh in judging whether a "just and reasonable cause" exists for permitting a mixed, or other interfaith, marriage.

These Catholic policies may be found in the Code orCanon Law and, more extensively, in the Vatican's Directory on Ecumenism quoted above.

FBRE TH8UGHT FUNERAL PLANNING

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9rlat<! it easierfor tliose you finJe

Share a Great Compassion

A haunting memory of Halloween Sometime during the Halloween season, whether I like it or not, something that happened more than 20 years ago invariably seeps back into active memory with its stinging, teaching message.

My wife and I were attending a wild Halloween party at a close relative's house. As I recall, I had somehow gotten a terrific nun's outfit and, if I say so myself, sported one of the evening's.better costumes.

This has nothing to do with the "lesson" other than to observe that the rol(~, affect and effect of "the habit" on people is worth at least several pastoral letters.

Another day. ' In a nutshell, a friend of a friend had just plain had too much to drink. I mean, way too much. He ended up in the garage, sicker than a dog and making a bit of a mess of things. I suspect you get the picture.

His' friends sort of abandoned him to his self-induced misery. I felt sorry for him - and would have, even'not wearing a habit. So I tried to make him comfortable, cleaned up a bit, and stayed there with him.

It seemed like a nice thing to do.

A couple of times, his friends popped out to check on him. They thanked me. They told me what a nice guy I was, and of course, that they liked my costume.

I rather began to agree with them. I really, really was a nice guy. As a maller of fact, I was terrific. Here this overindulged knucklehead was ignored by others while I tended to him - while missing a beller part of the party (where I could have been complimented on my costume even more).

Prelly much unaware of how wonderful I was, Mr. McSick at my feet continued to feel truly rotten. Meanwhile, I felt noble.

All of a sudden one of Mr. McSick's friends camt: into the garage. He smiled. "Nice costume," he said, adding, "Can you help me get our buddy here on his feet?" We did.

"You need some fresh air," said McSick's friend.

Pulling him even further upright, he walked McSick into the cool night air and made him ambulate on his own.

It was not long before McSick was doing prelly well, all things considered.

Diocese of Fall River -

I felt stupid. Standing there in a nun's habit, it dawned on me I was trying to masquerade as a messiah.

The McSicks of the world don't need that. They <Ion't need people standing by them in mock "service," self-absorbed with protecting a persona of goodness. What a distasteful costume that is.

.The offbeat world of Uncle Dan'

By Dan Morris

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

Sr.M.dePaul Native of'Wannister, Pennsylvallia 'its a high school sophomore, / visited one oJ the Hawthorne Dominicans' homes with friends. The impression the Sisters and patients made on me was deep and lasting. / finished high school with a/I the flourishes and experiences anyone could wishJor, ' - r - - - - - - - " J and went off to college. After completing my first year, / entered the novitiate. / have no doubt in the presence oJ God a'nd His ability to use meJor His purpose. Many pieces combined led me to religious life. Many grace-filled moments lead me through each and every day. / look back only to thank GodJor the gift oJ my life and oJ being part oJ the Hawthorne Dominicans. / lookJonvard with trust and prayer, knowing the strength and wisdom to respond to the Holy Spirit is there each day, if/continue to say yes to grace."

The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Georgia, Minnesota

October 11 1952, Rev. James A. Downey, Pastor, Holy Ghost, Attleboro

October 14 1918, Rev. Dennis M. Lowney, Assistant, Sacred Heart, Taunton 1972, Rev. Msgr. Edward B. Booth, Pastor Emeritus, St. Mary, North Allleboro

October 15 1996, Rev. Msgr. Raymond T. Considine, PA

We nurse incurable cancer patients in seven free, modern nursing homes. Many who enter our community have no prior nursing experience. Living our vows and participating in the life of the Church by prayer and sacraments enables us to serve God in this apostolate. ~----------------------------------------------------- ---,

Interested women are invited to visit throughout the year.

For more information: Write or call, Sr. M. Joseph, D.P., Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, 600 Linda Avenue, Hawthorne, NY 10532. Tel: (914) 769路4794 Visit our WEB site - hltp:/Iwww.hawthorne-dominicans.org/dsh/dshmain.html

October 16 1987, Rev. Raymond M. Drouin, O.P., Former Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River

October 17 1984, Rev. Gerald Lachance, Missionary Father

Name Address

City

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Zip

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8

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Oct. 10, 1997 ',\

CONCERT OF ANGELS-Giovanni Battista Gaulli's "Concert of Angels" was obtained by Vatican Museums in 1924 as a gift. It is one of several pieces in the exhibit "Angels from the Vatican," to be presented in the United States beginning next year. (CNS photo)

Angels to be among us...from the Vatican's suppl:y

By TRACY

EARLY

NEW YORK (CNS) - Visitors to a Vatican exhibit coming to the United States next year will get a unique opportunity to see the

history of angels in art.

Tying into current popular interest in angels, a collection of more than 100 artworks that make them the theme or an as-

THE ANNUNCIATION is depicted in this oil painting by Federico Fiori from the late 1500s. It is also one of several pieces in the exhibit travelling to the States next year. (eNS photo)

pect of the image portrayed will be brought vestments and ecclesiastical objects such as together for the first time, according to the reliquaries and candelabra, and portrayals priest overseeing the exhibit. showing angels in their various functions.

Dominican Father Allen Duston also told Satan and other fallen angels are repreCatholic News Service that some of the art sented. was normally located in parts of the VatiFather Duston, who directs the art pacan, such as private offices and the papal trons program of the Vatican museum:;, said sacristy, not open to the public. traveling exhibits ofVatican art had not been So people will gain access to works in arranged for any other country. Sending the U.S. exhibit that they could not see even Vatican art for exhibition in even a :,ingle if they visited the Vatican. city occurs "very rarely," he said. "More Those currently available to the public often just one or two pieces may be sent." will remain on view in Rome until packing The U.S. exhibit has been arranged in and other preparations for flying them to the response to the support given by Aml~rican United States begin in November, Father . patrons who provide funds for restoration Duston said. of Vatican artworks.

The exhibit will open Feb. 4 appropriAnd the angels exhibit is intend,ed to ately enough in the city named for Our Lady stimulate additional interest in the Vatican of the Angels, Los Angeles. It will be on museums. The United States now has padisplay at the Armand Hammer Museum of tron chapters in several cities, and Father Art and Cultural Center, at the University Duston met with their leaders in Dalla!: Sept. of California-Los Angeles, until April 12.

24-28.

It will then move to the St. Louis Art Lynn K. Rogerson, director of Art SerMuseum for exhibit May 9-Aug. 2, the Devices International ofAlexandria, Va., which troit Institute of Arts Aug. 23-0ct. 18, the is managing the exhibit, said all five museWalters Art Gallery in Baltimore Nov. 8-Jan. ums hosting it were expecting record atten3, 1999, and the Norton Museum of Art in dance.

West Palm Beach, Fla., Jan. 23-March 21, The director of the West Palm Beach 1999. museum, who was among several officials Father Duston talked to Catholic News of host museums at the luncheon, said he Service Sept. 23 following a press luncheon was already getting telephone calls from held in New York to announce plans for the people interested in seeing the exhibit, alexhibit. though it will not get to West Palm Beach The exhibit will not be seen in New York. until 1999.

A 1983-84 Vatican art exhibit was shown in Chrysler is sponsoring the exhibit, and New York, Chicago and San Francisco, and one source said it had allocated $4 million the angels exhibit was arranged to reach to pay for transportation, insurance, adverother areas of the country. tising and other costs.

The exhibit is titled "The Invisible Made At the press luncheon, Arthur C. Liebler, Visible: Angels from the Vatican." But Chrysler vice president for communic2.tions, though most of the works are from the Vatisaid that the company had been a major supcan, a few will be borrowed from other porter of the arts, and was increasing its supchurches in Rome. port'as government funding decreased.

Artworks selected for this exhibit include He said Chrysler believed the arts were several illustrating the pre-Christian history important for American culture and "deserve of the form. Among them are Assyrian, our support" for their own sake.

Etruscan and Greco-Roman works.

Visitors and others will be able to buy a Chronologically, the art extends from a 320-page catalog - in hardcover for $55 stone figure from .Assyria in the I)inth cen-' and softcover for $34.95 - that contains tury B.c. to the 1977 "Angelic Landscape" , full-page color plates of the exhibited works,

by Salvador Dali. detailed information about each, scholarly Visitors will see angels in many paintessays by Father Duston and others and an ings, including portrayals of what is perhaps introduction by Pope John Paul II. the best known depiction of angels, the AnFather Duston said further information nunciation. was available in the patrons' section of the But they will also see angels in statuary, Vatican home page at http://www.vatican.va.

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Oct. 10, 1997

9

Octegenarian priest takes act on the road and door to door

By ELIZABETH

A. BRUNS

CARMEL, Ind. (CNS) - About twice a week, weather permiuing, 80-year-old Father Fred Schroeder sets out in his black tennis shoes to evangelize door-to-door in Carmel's neighborhoods.

"Good evening, ma'am. I'm Father Fred Schroeder from St. Elizabeth Seton Church over on Haverstick Road. Are there any Catholics - active, inactive, or otherwise - in the house?"

That's a typical greeting from the priest, who is senior parochial vicar of St. Elizabeth Seton and a familiar ligure in the neighborhoods within the parish boundaries.

If there is somebody he has not yet visited, he'll show up cventually to talk about religion.

He wants to cncouragc~ thosc who are not practicing any religion or who are inactive Catholics to rediscover their faith.

He also extends an invitation to visit his parish, where all faiths are welcomc. And hc'lI even talk about Monday night football if those he calls on want to.

Father Schroeder told The Catholic Moment, newspaper of the Lafayette Diocese, that he evangelizes the old-fashioned way because "I think it is what our Lord did. He didn't talk only in the synagogue, but up and down the streets of towns."

Father Schroeder, a spry old man with the energy of an 18-year-old, has made his door-to-door visits a habit that has lasted for 52 years.

He credits a pastor with whom he served in thc I 940s for getting him started - Father Robert Halpin of St. Patrick Parish in Kokomo. Father Schroeder, ordained in 1942, was associate pastor there from 1945-48.

"Father Halpin asked me and another priest to go take up a parish census, going door-to-door looking for Catholics," he recalled.

The pastor said there was no other way to discover how many Catholic parishioners one had, said Father Schroeder.

He's been evangelizing door-to-door since. And he's organized. He carries a map of the parish boundaries that shows where

he has already visited and where he wants ·to go.

He also brings along prayer books and cards that tell a little about St. Elizabeth Seton Parish as well as a little calendar so he can write down addresses of those he has visited and a description of their faith life.

Father Schroeder also evangelizes to the masses - he is the author of a book called "Spiritual Direction for the Average Catholic." He is currently working on his second book. It, too, will be centered on spiritual direction for lay people.

'The other night while I was out evangelizing, a man told me how proud as a Catholic he was to see a priest going from door-to-door taking the time to talk and listen to people of any faith," said Father Schroeder.

"Seldom in all the years I have been doing this," he added, "have I gone out without coming back home with a sense of satisfaction that I have touched somebody's life for good, including my own life."

Father Schroeder said that sense of con-

tentment is the immediate result, but that a bigger reward can come years later.

He said that a man came to his confe~ sional a few years ago and told him that th only reason he was even at church was be cause Father Schroeder had visited him fiv years ago at his house and it had made huge impression on him.

"I have often thought if that is all it take to get a lost sheep back in the church, (' even to join RCIA, why not go after the lo~ sheep?" said Father Schroeder.

RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiatiol of Adults.

A big part of Father Schroedcr's mini~ try is listening, which he thinks is essential.

He said people need spiritual guidance an,) someone to listen to them and hear what the} are feeling. .

"People can't be in touch with God 01: others unless they get in touch with them· selves," he said. "Spiritual direction is one way of doing this. Everyone has a story to tell and they need someone to listen. I do this."

CARA reports findings on deepening religious vocations

By JERRY FILTEAU

WASHINGTON (CNS) - In a new book on vocations research, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate reports that men and women religious say the changes in religious life have del~pened their vocations.

The new report on factors intluencing religious life is coupled with other recent vocations research in the "CARA Compendium of Vocations Research 1997," released at the end of September.

The 128-page book includes a 26-page annotated bibliography of vocations research in the United States since the 1930s.

Also included in the book arc a section on 30 years of trends in U.S. Catholic seminary enrollments and a section on the findings of the recently published CARA study on current attitudes towards vocations among parish-involved U.S. Catholic youths and their parents.

CARA, based at Georgetown University in Washington, is an independent Catholic research agency established in 1964.

The new study on vocation trends among communities of men ancl women religious was based on questionnaires mailed to all major superiors of men's and women's rei igious communities.

Each superior was asked to give copies of the questionnaire to one community member over age 60, one between ages 40 and 60, and one under age 40, in order to ensure a broad age distribution among responses from community members.

"Religious men and women of all age groups agree that the most important reason why they entered religious life was the experience of God's call to a spiritual life," the study reports. "The next most important reason was an attraCtion to community life."

CARA found that men were more likely than women to say they were attracted by the order's mission and ministries; women were more likely "to be drawn by a personal call to service, a call to the spiritual life and the example of and interaction with other religious."

In describing reasons for entering religious life, older women mligious were more likely to cite support from their families, while younger women were more likely to cite the attraction of community life, the study said.

"Younger women are much more likely than older women to emphasize serving the

poor but are correspondingly less attracted to service in their orders' institutions," it added.

It said men and women religious attributed declines in membership primarily to "factors beyond their control,. including ecclesial, cultural and social change." They regarded insufficient efforts to attract new members as a secondary factor and gave less weight to the requirement of celibacy as an obstacle.

The study found that women religious were more likely than men to emphasize the availability of "other paths to ministry and holiness" as a reason for the decline in applicants for religious life.

"Older religious arc more likely than younger religious to cite the lack of support from U.S. culture and the difficulty of lifelong commitments today as reasons for the lack of new members," the study said.

When asked a series of questions about whether various changes in religious life had deepened or diminished their vocation or not affected it, on each factor w~men religious were more likely than men to say their vocations were deepened by the changes.

The vast majority of women, 90 percent, and men, 70 percent, said the emphasis on greater personal responsibility and decisionmaking in religious life deepened their vocation. Only I percent of women and 4 percent of men said it diminished their vocation. The remainder regarded it as not making a difference.

Among women, 79 percent said the "general spirit" of the changes deepened their vocation, and only 3 percent said it diminished it; among men, 57 percent said "deepened" and 5 percent said "diminished."

About half to two-thirds of men and women said other specific factors, such as more independent living arrangements, more emphasis on individual ministries, or fewer distinCtions between laity and religious, did not affect their vocation.

Of those who did say such factors affected their vocation, women were more likely than men to say they deepened their vocation rather than diminishing it.

The "CARA Compendium of Vocations Research 1997" is available for $25 plus $3.75 postage and handling from CARA, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057. Telephone (202) 6878086 or fax (202) 687-8083.

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MILITARY CHAPLAIN Father Dave Reeson shows a billboard in Omaha, Neb., promoting the priesthood and religious life. The campaign, created by the local Serra Club, consists of posters, bumper stickers and window decals in several languages. (CNS/Serra Club photo)

Serra Club honored for vocation ads OMAHA, Neb. (CNS) - "White-collar workers needed," proclaims one of the ads in an award-winning religious vocation advertising and promotion campaign from the Serra Club of Omaha.

The series of ads seeking vocations to the priesthood and religious life was developed by Bill Ramsey Associates Inc., an Omaha public relations and advertising firm.

"Our campaign features simple, black and white ads that contain short vocations messages," said Ramsey, president of the agency and a longtime member of Serra International.

"They are dramatic in the stark black and white format and can be easily adapted for outdoor billboards, posters and other promotional materials," he added.

The Omaha Serra Club has been honored for its campaign by Serra International and the Nebraska chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Among other slogans in the ads are: "Join

Jesus in His Priesthood"; "Jobs with a Future"; "God Invites Vocations. You Can Help Close the Deal"; "Vocations Don't Just Happen: Ask Somebody"; and "Heaven Can't Wait."· Each advertisement also bears the line, "Serra for Priestly and Religious Vocations."

All the slogans, along with either a cross or a Roman collar, are in white against a black background.

The campaign has been translated into several foreign languages, including Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Italian, Korean, German and Dutch. Chinese is the latest addition.

The advertisements arc available to Serra Clubs throughout the country, in Canada and around the world for use in local campaigns of billboards, posters or ads.

For more information, write Serra Club of Omaha, do Bill Ramsey Associates Inc., 4913 Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68132 or call (402) 556·5770

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THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of FaU River -

Fri., Oct. 10, 1997

Pope, youth and rock 'n' roll:

Where there's a will, Pope finds a way to evangelize

By JOHN THAVIS

ows" on the 20th cent1Jry. The pope spent two days in cloistered nuns.

"Knockin' on Heaven's Door."

Although he walked and spoke At the Mass, the pope said reBOLOGNA, Italy (eNS) Then, as the pope rested his chin Bologna, beatifying an Italian slowly, the pope appeared to be in the prosperous Boligious life priest from the archdiocese Sept.

Pope John Paul II listened to Bob on his hand and listened from Dylan play some of his greatest across the stage, Dylan sang "A 27 and celebrating Mass to close logna area seemed of little con- more energetic than in recent pubhits and borrowed a page from the Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall," an the eucharistic congress the next sequence to many people, while lic appearances. After the visit, he musician's songbook, telling apocalyptic ballad describing in- day. He also offered greetings at such evils as abortion were in- returned to the Vatican. He ema ceremony in the city's historic creasingly tolerated. He called barked on a five-day trip to Bra350,000 young people that the justice in the world. answer "blowin' in the wind" was A few minutes later, Dylan put central square and met a group of both developments "dark shad- zil Oct. 2. the Gospel message of Jesus down his electric guitar, doffed Christ. his cowboy hat and walked over The pope was the guest of to shake hands with the pope, who honor Sept. 27 at an unprec- greeted him warmly. It was an edented pop~rock festival to help unusual encounter of charismas, close an Italian eucharistic con- and the crowd cheered wildly. gress in Bologna. Seven internaDylan left after playing "Fortional artists performed, but the ever Young," which invokes a audience - - including the pope blessing on young people and - seemed especially eager to encourages them to show moral hear Dylan, whose song "Blowin' character when "the winds of 'in the Wind" became a protest路\ changes shift."

"He was great, they all were," anthem of the 1960s.

Seated on a platform next to said an elderly Italian nun afterthe stage, the pope offered his ward. "They were all trying to own response to some of the launch a message of hope and song's lyrics, which were recited peace. I think the pope liked it."

The program started off with a by a group of young singers.

"You have asked: How many rousing rendition of the Gospel roads must a man walk down be- song "0 Happy Day" and included fore you call him a man?] answer: a hard rock version of a popular one! There is only one road for Italian song, "I ShaU Pray." man, and that is Christ, who said, Not aU the music was reverent, 'I am the way,''' the pope said. however. Two Italian singers did Reflecting on the song's re- a version of John Lennon's frain, "The answer, my friend, is "Imagine," which envisions a utoblowin' in the wind ... ," the pope pian world with no heaven, no said: "It's true! Not, however, in hell and "no religion, too," but the wind that blows everything nobody seemed to be offended. away into nothingness, but in the With thousands of lighters flickwind that is the breath and voice ering in the'darkness, the atmoof the Spirit, the voice that calls sphere remained devotional. and says, 'Come!'''

It was an atypical rock concert He said Christianity was basi- in many respects. The stage, cally anti-conformist, inspiring which was to be used the next people to reach for something morning for a papal Mass, was ibetter than the. easy life, which adorned with a giant cross. There were no drugs. in sight, nobody can be spiri~ually suffocating.

The papal sermon on Dylan's rushed ~he stage and the audience lyrics seemed designed to close a included a.fair number of priests public debate over the concert, " al)d bishops. The best seats in which was thoroughly enjoyed by . ,front went to about. a hundred the young 路people and a television people in wheelchairs. audience of millions, but critiIn his talk, the pope praised the cizedby some Catholic leaders ,:value of music but .ended on a. who felt rock stars would over- personal and highly religious ;路shadow the. religious dimension . note.. He said that'as he got older, ,\.01' the eucharisti~ congress. the' most important tiling for him . Dylan, the 56-year-old folk- . was daily Mass and路the Eucharist. ,'Tock minstrel who was hospital- Eventually, he added, music and AMERICAN FOLK-ROCK singer Bob Dylan performs.in front of Pope John Paull! during ;;iized earlier this year with a seri- song give way' to "silence and touS heart infection, electrified the prayer." At those words, a cheer a concert in Bologna,. Italy, Sept. 27. The concert was a closing event of a national eucharistic congress. (eNS/Reuters photo) ., ~ crowd with a pounding version of rolled through the massive crowd.

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r Pope By

addresses young priests, religious .brothers and sist,ers

CINDY WOODEN

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) - At yet another audience with singing, dancing, chanting young adults, Pope John Paul II addressed the concerns ofcontemporary young people.

But his Sept. 30 appointment had a twist: the more than 800 men and women under age 30 were aU religious priests, sisters and brothers.

And among the chaUenges the pope mentioned they face, he listed supporting the aging members of their congregations and dealing with their order's changing apostolates and the diminish. ;

ing size of their communities.

Despite those realities, he said, "I am convinced that the Holy Spirit will not cease to stir up and encourage in many young people such as yourselves the call to total dedication to God in the traditional forms of the religious life, as well as in forms that are new and original."

The papal audience -.:.. complete with a two-hour program of singing, dancing and inspirational speeches from their elders - was part of a Sept. 29-0ct. 4 conference in Rome sponsored by the international unions of superiors of religious orders of men and "

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women.

"Because you are many and young, you offer a vibrant and contemporary image of the consecrated life," the pope told the religious from more than 50 countries.

"Your so numerous and festive presence cannot help but remind me of the image, still fresh in my mind and dear to my heart, of the 12th World Youth Day celebrated in Paris in August," he said.

The young religious' raUy with the pope included a band formed for the occasion by religious playing electric guitars, a classical dance performance by a former

professional ballet dancer who is now a Passionist brother, and some circus-level clowning around by a young man who later removed his big rubber nose and colorful costume to reveal a simple brown Franciscan habit.

Pope John Paul told the young religious to abandon themselves more and more each day to God's plan for their lives, which should be modeled after Christ, who was chaste, poor and obedient.

In closing, the pope prayed to Mary to help them continue the journey they have begun by "consecrating their youth to God and the church."

"Mary, young daughter of Israel," he prayed, "you who quickly responded 'yes' to the proposal of the Father, make these young people attentive and obedient to the wiU of God, "You who lived virg::nity as a total acceptance of divine love, help them discover the beauty and the freedom of a virginal existence," he prayed.

"You who possessed nothing in order to be rich in God and his word alone, free their hearts from every mundane attachment so that the Kingdom of God will be their only treasure, their only passion," the pope prayed.

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Oct. 10, 1997

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Bishops explain teaching on assisted suicide

By ROBERT DELANEY

THREE OF THE NINE adults known as the "Little Rock Nine" attend a prayer service at the Cathedral of st Andrew Sept. 24 to mark the 40th anniversaryof integration at Central High School in Little Rock. From far left are Elizabeth Eckford, Dr. Terrence Roberts and Gloria Ray Karlmark. (CNS/Moore photo)

Little Rock marks 40 years of integration

By MALEA WALTERS LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (CNS)The 40th anniversary of the integration of Central High School in Little Rock has brought more of an awareness of what nine black students endured to get an educatio'n, say two Catholic students who attend the school today.

"I've gained so much more respect for them," said Jennifer Hayes, who is black and attends St. Bartholomew' Churclh in Little Rock. "I have wondered what would have happened if they didn't do it."

Hayes and Anne Becker, a member of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church, were chosen to represent Central High School during a community prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Andrew Sept. 24.

The prayer service, as well as other events marking the day the "Little Rock Nine" were escorted into the all-white public school, focused on reconciliation and healing racism in the stale.

The Central High crisis attracted national attention because the South's segregated schools were forced to give access to all students regardless of race and it pitted thenGov. Orval Faubus against thenPresident Eisenhower.

In 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education declared segregated schools unconstitutional. In 1955 the Little Rock School District announced its plan to integrate its schools in September 1957. On Sept. 4, 1957, the nine students attempted to enter the sehool as ordered by a federal judge, but the National Guard, under orders of Faubus, turned them away.

Eisenhower sent members of the 101 st Airborne Division Sept. 25, 1957, to Little Rock to force the desegregation order and escort the "Little Rock Nine" into the school.

The nine students, now in their mid-50s, returned to Little Rock to mark the anniversary during a week long observance Sept. 21-27 and share their thoughts on the progress, or lack of it, of race relations in this country sinee they were teenagers.

Terrence Roberts, one of the

nine, who is now a professor at the University of Californ.ia at Los Angeles, told the Arkansas Catholic, Little Rock's diocesan newspaper, that his Christian faith gave him his foundation.

"I was introduced to Christian principles early on," Roberts said.

"My mom made certain that I had an understanding of who Christ was and who God is.... It was important for me to learn and internalize those principles, which I still think are the soundest base anybody could have."

The week of remembrance began with Little Rock churches praying during Sunday services for reconciliation and heali~.g among the races.

The two key events during the week were the opening of the Central High Visitors Center, which doubles as a minimoseum, and a civil rights speech by President Clinton outside the school where the students were once blocked from attending.

In comments before Clinton spoke, Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Southern Baptist minister, likened Arkansans to the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years. And, he added, "in a sense it's not a skin problem, it's a sin problem."

Huckabee noted that many white churches wrongly sat silent and ignored the violence that was occurring to the nine stud~nts and their supporters. He challenged every church and synagogue "to say never, never, never again will we be silent again."

The community prayer service at the cathedral brought Christian, Muslim and Jewish believers together to pray for continued healing among the races.

The procession began with Hayes and Becker, theCentral High students, carrying bowls of incense.

Elizabeth Eckford, one~ of the nine and the only one still living in Little Rock, carried a white candle and lighted the nine-candle menorah.

In brief welcoming remarks, Little Rock Bishop Andrew J. McDonald said: "I wish it didn't happen. It did. I hope it never happens again."

Little Rock Mayor Jim Dailey, a member of Christ the King Church in Little Rock, led a penitential responsorial that acknowledged that racism is a sin and asked the Lord to guide the city.

"This whole experience has been a cathartic and cleansing experience for me ...," Dailey told the Arkansas Catholic. "With my strong faith, I've continuously prayed for guidance and prayed that this is something that would bring this community together.

With the anniversary events, he said, "I have felt we are coming together under a spiritual umbrella that is very, very powerful. It is extremely significant and gives me hope as mayor as well as Christian that the principles of the Constitution and our creed are coming together."

Hayes, a junior, said her participation in the service as well as with the Diocesan Racism Commission, opened her eyes to racism as well as made her grateful for the opportunities she has attending the school.

"There is so much to do at Central," she said, adding many of her black classmates take them for granted. "Everything is open to anyone who wants to participate."

Becker, who is white, said she is more aware of the differences in races and how people can discriminate based on the color of someone's skin.

"Little things make a difference," she said. "It really matters how we act more than what we say."

Eight of the "Little Rock Nine" eventually moved away from Arkansas to finish high school, get a college education and start their careers.

In addition to Roberts and Eckford, the other students making up the "Little Rock Nine" are Melba Pattilo Beals of San Francisco; Ernest Green of Washington, D.C., the first black to graduate from Central High; Gloria Ray Kalmark of Stockholm, Sweden; Carlotta Walls LaNier of Englewood, Colo.; Minnijean Brown Trickey of Ontario, Canada; Thelma Jean Mothershed Wail' of Belleville, 111., and Jefferson Thomas of Columbus, Ohio.

DETROIT (CNS) - Assisted suicide "is a perversion of genuine mercy," says a pastoral letter issued by the heads of Michigan's seven Catholic dioceses to explain church teaching on the practice.

In the document, called "Living and Dying According to the Voice of Faith," the bishops said that its issuance was necessary "because there is so much confusion and anxiety on moral questions surrounding dying and death."

"These critical questions call for a decisive response - from us as shepherds, from our whole Catholic community, and from all who share our respect for the dignity of human life," they wrote.

It was signed by Cardinal Adam J. Maida of Detroit; Bishops Kenneth E. Untener of Saginaw, James H. Garland of Marquette, Patrick R. Cooney of Gaylord, Carl F. Mengeling of Lansing, and Robert J. Rose of Grand Rapids; and Father Eugene Sears, diocesan administrator of the Kalamazoo Diocese.

The bishops noted that Michigan has acquired a reputation as "a highprofile, publicity-driven laboratory for assisted suicide," and that there are current efforts to make it legal.

According to the bishops, it is only natural that contemplation of a person's own inevitable dying, or the experience of watching a loved one die, should raise fears and anxieties about one's capacity to bear the physical pain and psychological stress that the process might involve.

By way of acknowledging the fears that have led even many Catholics to embrace solutions inconsistent with Catholic teaching and stating the problem, the bishops wrote: "We imagine being caught in unending physical agony with no one who could possibly understand, much less comfort us.

"Following the voice of fear, we run away from death and desperately try to put it out of mind and sight - as far and as long as possible. And when it seems that death can no longer be avoided, we are naturally tempted to consider a quick escape or exit."

Stressing that dying is a part of living, the pastoral pointed out that Catholics do not believe death is the end of life's story.

"How we face the mysteries of suffering, dying, and death makes a critical difference for us and for our loved ones who wish to offer us compassionate support," the bishops wrote.

"As stewards of the gift of life, we see every aspect of life and death as part of a larger picture and part of our ongoing relationship with God and neighbor."

To choose death by one's own hand "contradicts our identity as sons and daughters of God," they stated.

"Suicide - the conscious choice to destroy one's own life - is always morally wrong. Concurring with someone's intention to commit suicide and cooperating in the process can never be condoned," they added. "Such assisted suicide is a perversion of genuine mercy. It

is especially tragic when undertaken by physicians whose very professional code charges them never to harm but always to respect life."

The Catholic Church says "no" to assisted suicide because it says "yes" to life "from the first moment of conception until our last natural breath," according to the pastoral.

"Suicide in any form prevents us from fulfilling the plan God intended for us when we were given life," the bishops wrote.

While euthanasia, or "mercy killing," presents itself as merciful because it proposes to eliminate all suffering, the church teaches that it is morally wrong because it is the destruction of life, they continued.

They also noted the prospect that what starts as acceptance of voluntary euthanasia might lead to involuntary euthanasia.

It "opens the door to other potential crimes against life, especially against those who are chronically ill or disabled," the bishops warned.

Turning to the question of pain management and what measures are required to sustain life, however, the bishops stressed that it is not necessary to preserve life at all costs or to continue life in each and every circumstance.

"Dying patients and their caregivers have the right and responsibility to determine whether a particular means of treatment is necessary," they said. "If in consultation with their physicians, they rightly judge a treatment to be useless or unduly burdensome, patients are free to undergo the treatment or to forgo it.

"When death is clearly inevitable and close at hand, a patient or caregiver can make the decision to forgo aggressive medical treatment which would impose an excessive burden on patient and family."

In those cases, "the church particularly encourages pain management and hospice care for the dying," the bishops wrote.

They also pointed out that Catholics can legitimately insist on effective pain management, even if that has the result - but never the intention - of causing death.

"One may even legitimately choose to relieve pain by use of medications which may have the unfortunate side effect of decreasing consciousness or shortening one's life, if this is done with the intent of relieving pain, and no other means are available to serve this goal," the bishops wrote. "This is very different from the direct intention to take life, as in euthanasia."

Their pastoral was to be mailed soon to parishes throughout the state.

According to Mercy Sister Monica Kostielney, president and CEO of the Michigan Catholic Conference in Lansing, "It's the first time ever that a joint pastoral has been issued by the bishops of Michigan."

Sister Kostielney said the pastoral stresses the church's "understanding of death as a mystery and that the church has a compassionate response to misery and pain."

12

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Oct. 10, 1997

New Russian law may be step backward for religion WASHINGTON (CNS) for the Catholic Church, which he Russia's new law on religion is a noted has been "an integral part of "signi ficant step back" from Russian society" for more than 200 progress made on religious free- years.

One problem was "the severe dom in the past decade, said the chairman of the U.S. bishops' in- restrictions on the freedom to practernational policy committee. tice religion" for religious organiArchbishop Theodore E. zations that cannot prove they have McCarrick of Newark, N.J., ex- existed in Russia for 15 years, he pressed "profound misgivings" re- wrote.

Those denominations unable to garding'the new measure in a Sept.

291etterto Russia's ambassador to show evidence of this will be subthe United States, Yuli M. ject to a government registration Vorontsov. process "that is impossibly laby"Russian President Boris Yeltsin rinthine and onerous and is open signed the bill into law Sept. 26. to arbitrariness and abuse ... espeHe had vetoed an earlier version cially at the loca.llevel." of the measure in mid-July, citing "Moreover, those religious orconstitutional concerns. ganizations appropriately or imipThe new bill incorporating propriately declared 'foreign' changes introduced byYeltsin was would be prohibited from engaghailed by supporters as a "compro- jng in liturgical or other religious mise bill." However, the Vatican . activities ... which could severely and many church leaders and ob- limit normal functioning of many servers said that for minority and Catholic religious orders that are foreign-based religions, the com- headquartered outside Russia," he promise version wasjust as restric- added. tive as its predecessor.

The archbishop urged the RusThe new law de~lares five "tra- sian government to work to make ditional religions" in Russia: Rus- sure the law is interpre!ed and sian Orthodoxy, Buddhism,'Islam, implemented to respect the "full Judaism and Christianity. and equal rights" of the Catholic .Archbishop McCarrick cited Church and all denomiiuitio'ns 'in many concerns about the new law Russia. l

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Consecration to

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the~Divine Will

Ohadorable and Divine Will;'behoICI me here before the immensity,ofYour"Light, that Your eternal goodness may open to, me th~:(Joors and make me enter into It toJorm my life al1.'in You, DivineWil1. Therefore, on adorabl~ Will, prostrate before: Your Light, I, the least of all creatures, put myself into the little group of the sons and daughters of Your Supreme FIAT. Pr'os- : trate in my nothingness, I invoke Your Light and beg that it, clothe me and eclipse all that does not pertain to You, .,Divine Will. It will be my Life, the ,y,e~te~ of mY,inteIlige:nce, the enrapturer of my heart and of my whole bein'g. I do not want the num'an will'to have life in this heart any longer. 1 will cast it away from me and thus form the new Eden of Peace, of happ,iness and of loy-e. ~ith It l shall be always happy. I shall have a singular strength and 'l holiness that sanctifies all things and conduCts ihem to God. .

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Here prostrate, I invoke the help of the Most Holy Trinity that They permit me to live in the~c1oister of the'Divine Will and thuS return in me the first order of creation, just as the creature was created.

Heavenly Mother, So\,ereign and Queen of the Divine Fiat, , take my hand and introduce me into the Light of the Divine' Will. You will be my guide, my most tender Mother, and will teach me to live in and to maintain myself in the order and the bounds of the Divine Will. Heavenly Mother, I consecrate my whole being to Your Immaculate Heart. You will teach me the doctrine of the Divine Will and I will listen most attentively to Your lessons. You will cover me with Your mantle so that the, infernal serpent dare not penetrate into this sacred Eden to entice me and make me fall. into the maze of the human will.

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

Saint Joseph, you will be my protector, the guardian of my heart, and will keep the keys of my will in your hands. You will keep my heart jealously and shall never give it to me again, that I may be sure of never leaving the Will of God. My guardian Angel, guard me; defend me; help me in everything so that my Eden may flourish and be the instrument that draws all men into the Kingdom of the Divine Will. Amen.

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( /n Honor of Luisa Piccarreta 1865- 1947 Child of the Divine Will)

. BE·ATRICE, MIGA, Outreach Committee member .Shirl~y Anthony,' Lillian 'Duf~eshe, and, Rose Pineau (aUop) converse at a social following a special healing and anointing Mass held recently at St. Michael's Church 'in 'Swansea. The Mass brought many homebound persons out intothe commu-' nity. Ab-ove, Fattier Richard R. Gendreau, pastor, anoints Mrs. Muriel Silvia during the Mass. At right, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bouvier wait for' the Mass to begin.

Healing Mass brings people togetltJ.er St. Michael's Church in Swansea was recently the scene of a special healing and anointing Mass for the homebound, elderly, and residents of nearby nursing homes which provided a chance for many people to get out into the community. The September 28th Mass was celebrated by Father Richard R. Gendreau, pastor of St. Michael's and about 70 to 80 people received the anointing of the sick.

Some had not been able to at-

tend Mass in months or years.

Father Gendreau said it was a "very wonderful experience," and felt it was a very successful effort by all the volunteers who made<the day possible. ' "In addition to the grace of the sacraments, it gave seniors a chance to see the church and its renovations and bring friends from different nursing homes together," said the pastor. The parish Liturgical and Outreach communities, which planned the

event, thanked the S,wansea Council on Aging for providing transportation and assistance for the day. .

Those in attendance renewed old friendships and shared refreshments following the Mass and anointing ceremonie!). Father Gendreau said there were "some very emotional moment~;" and he was pleased by the number in attendance. The Mass wa.s one of many events St. Michael's plans for its 75th anniversary :rear.

Sisters of Hope celebrate anniversaries At a recent assembly, the Dominican Sisters of Hope celebrated the 1500 years of service to the church of several jubilarians observing 50th, 60th, 70th, and 80th anniversaries.

The jubilarians have served in communities throughout the United States as far west as Colorado, serving the poor and marginalized and working

on women's and ecology issues.

Celebrating 80 years are Sisters John Dominic Girard ana Marie Gonzales SI. Denis of Fall River.

Also from Fall River, Sister Julie Pintal is celebrating 60 years and she said "In reflecting on my years of service as a Dominican Sister, I am most grateful to God for allowing me to

serve." Three sisters celebrated 50 years including Sister Louise Place of Dartmouth; Sister Noella Letourneau of Narragansett, RI; and Sister Mary of the Trinity Blanchett of Fall River.

During a festive meal in their honor, each of the celebrating sisters received a symbolic HOPE candle to commemorate the occasion.

Bishops' message on hOlllosexuality Continued from page J with "pastoral recommendations" offered to parents as well as a separate set for priests and pastoral ministers.

Parents are counseled to stay in a loving relationship with their child while recognizing that their acceptance "does not have to include approving all related attitudes and behavioral choices." They also advised to seek out education and supp0l1 groups and to remember that "you 'can only be responsible for your own beliefs and

actions, not those of your adult children."

In speaking about the document, Bishop O'Brien noted the difficult position of many parents of gay and lesbian children. "Parents of homosexual children need the Church," he said. "So often they can find themselves in a state of isolation and confusion, drifting to the margins of Church and community life. We think this pastoral message will offer them the encouragement and the tools they

need to connect with God's love through spiritual resources of the Church and with other parents. We would like them to experience the grace present at this moment in their family's life."

Bishop O'Brien said that the preparation of the document took place over several years and in consultation with experts, pastoral ministers, parents, and the Bishops' Committees on Doctrine and Pastoral Practices.

THE ANCHOR -

humanity, will no longer condemn the unborn to the injustice of execution."

"The seed of the new humanity sleeps in the mother's womb. In children's faces there shines the future, the coming millennium, the future which is in God's hands," he said.

Meeting Oct. 3 with participants in an international theological congress, the pope said modern forces of evi I are attacking God and human dignity by attacking the f~lmily.

"Today it seems that the enemies of God, more than conducting a frontal attack on the author of creation, strike him through his works," he told , the more than 2,600 representatives from 77 countries.

The human person is the height of God's creation, he said, and it is through the family that human life is created, welcomed, loved and educated. But the family is one of the main targets of attacks on human dignity.

Pope John Paul listed the main strategies of attack on the family as being situations in which: - "The equal dignity of the spouses and their necessary diversity and sexual complementarity are not recognized or respected.

- "Conjugal fidelity and respect for life in all phases of its existence are subverted by a culture which does not admit the transcendence of the

human person created in the image and likeness of God.'; The pope and Vatican officials repeatedly have affirmed Catholic teaching that marriage must be based on the permanent union of a man and a woman who are open to having children. They have denounced attempts to grant legal recognition to the unions of homosexual couples..

"When the dest~ctive forces of evil manage to separate matrimony from its mission relative to human life, they attack humanity itself, depriving it of the essential guarantees of its future," the pope said.

The pope encouraged the participants to increase their efforts of education, outreach and support for family life, especially in ~ituations where couples are having difficulty.

He also asked them to increase their political involvement and dialogue with government authorities whose decisions have a great influence on the family and its mission to welcome and protect human life.

Celebrating Mass for them the next day in Rio's cathedral, the pope said that while marri~ge and parenthood belong to the natural order, they also have a spiritual significance, because God created human beings male and female - in his image and Ii keness. When couples have children, they participate in the creation of others like themselves, also made in

Dr. Alvis T. Perry, of the Pain Treatment Center of Southeastern Massachusetts, recently discussed the history of chronic, back, headache and cancer pain, and their treatments. He said that 1.1 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year and up to 75% of those patients consider pain more of a problem than the cancer itself, but that 90% of those diagnosed can have their pain controlled with oral medication.

Dr. Perry was the featured speaker at a free pain management seminar held at Our Lady's Haven in Fairhaven for about 65 community members.

He is a diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management.

A second program featured Mary Eleanor Toms, MD, medical director of The Rehab Center at Kent Hospital. The former medical director of Hospice Care of Rhode Island, she spoke of the quality of life for patients suffering from pain. "When we are in pain our mind and body are not connected," she said. Our Lady's Haven nursing home offers skilled nursing, rehabilitative therapies, and pain management programs throughout the year.

ST. CASIMIR CHURCH 2056 ACUSHNET AVE • NEW BEDFORD, MA.

ANNUAL POLISH HARVEST FESTIVAL SAl: Oel: 11, 1997

God's image.

"God wants you to be beautiful, to live the fullness of human dignity and the holiness of Christ and to be at the service of love and life:' the pope told them.

"You have your beginning in the Creator, and you have been sanctified by the Spirit-Paraclete in order to become the hope of all nations," he said.

While the international congress and family gathering were the focal points of Pope John Paul's visit, he also met upon his arrival and privately with Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso.

During his Oct. 2 arrival address, the pope spoke of some of the challenges facing Brazil, calling particular attention to the plight of Brazilian street kids and to the huge gap between the country's rich and poor.

"The social imbalances, the unequal and unjust distribution of economic resources that generate conflicts in the city and the countryside, the need for a vast diffusion of basic health and cultural structures, the problem of children abandoned in the large cities, not to cite other things, . are a challenge of enormous proportions for the government," he said.

The pope said he hoped the cultural and religious values of the country would serve as "the basis for promoting just decisions in defense of family values and of the country."

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'''~17S \ WORLD MISSION SUNDAY

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OcrOBER

19, 1997

~'[hope with all my heart

that on the threshold of the new Millennium the whole Church will experience a new impulse ofmissionary commitment."

-

POPE JOHN PAUL

II

This World Mission Sunday, recommit yourself to the Church's worldwide mission!

Pray for the Church's missionary work.

Offer generous financial help for the Missions through the Propagation ofthe Faith:

Free breast • cancer screenings According to the American Cancer Society, this year more than 44,000 American women are expected to die from breast cancer. The encouraging news is that when found and treated in its earliest stage, breast cancer is highly curable. The five-year survival rat{: for localized breast cancer is nearly 100 percent!

SI. Anne's Hospital in Fall River is offering 'free breast cancer screenings for Massachusetts women age 40 and over who arc without insurance or underinsureo, including the "offyear"·ofMedicarc. Women age 35 with a personal or family history of breast cancer arc also eligible.

The screenings will be held Oct. 22, from 1-7 p.m. in the hospital's ambulatory clinic. To schedule a mammogram, for more information on breast cancer screenings or to find out where the mammography van will be stopping this month call 6755686.

13

Fri., Oct. 10, 1997

Pain management seminars held

Pope visits Brazil Continued from page J

Diocese of Fall River -

... A gift of $700 helps to support a seminarian for a year + A gift of $100 helps to support a village mission for one month ... ,A gift of $25 helps to support a Religious 'novice for one ~onth

.

~m,

$'

'

175\ 175th Anniversary of THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH

\ ....-::.}

Reverend

M.on·sign~r John J. Oli'veira, V.E.

106 Illinois Street • New Bedford, MA 02745 "Attention: Column." No. 101 ANeH. 10110/97

o

Please accept my gift Jor World Mission Sunday oj: $700, 0 $100 0 $25 0 $10 0 $ (other)

Name--------_---,-----------

CATHOLIC M'EMORIAL HOME employees celebrated the end of summer with a cookout on the home's grounds recently.

At the grills are Rene Roy, director of purchasing for the Diocesan Health Facilities system and Paul Chasse, coordinator of housekeeping and laundry at the home. The cookout was September's Monthly Employee Appreciation Day.

Address City

_ State

Zip ---'---

Please remember The Societyfor the Propagation ofthe Faith when writing orchangingyour Will.

OUf

Catholic Schools •

OUf

Catholic Youth

SCHOOL SPIRIT!! Members of the Coyle-Cassidy High School Band performed recently at the Taunton school's fall sports rally. The rally gave students in all sports a chance to be recognized by fellow students and faculty.

Fall sports rally at c··c OUR LADY of Mount Carmel School, New Bedford, opened for its new year recently and Very Rev. Henry Arr:uda, pastor, welcomed faculty and staff. Faculty members were blessed as they rededicated themselves to the education and formation of their students. In the front row from left to right are Christine Fistory, kindergarten; Erin Finnegan, 2nd grade; Kathy Grandone, pre-school; Ann DeFrias, 6th grade; anc;i new teacher Philomena Do Couto. The back row: Isabel Dean, 5th grade; new teacher Tricia Paiva, 7th grade; Maryanne Trahan, 3rd grade; Rosemary daSilva, principal; Margaret Mcormick, 1st grade,·and Janice Brightman, 8th grade.

Bishop Connolly announces appointments Bishop Connolly High School Rebello, English; Michael Dias, of Fall River announces the ap- music; Tracy Crosby, guidance; pointments of the following' fac- David Benson and Richard ulty members and coaches to its Domingos, math; Christopher staff: Connelly and Catherine Roque, Joanne Mongeon, Ph.D., has religious education; Dale been appointed head of the En- HenRessey and William glish Department; Ronald .McCullough, science; and George

Personality plus at St. Pete's The halls of Saints Peter and Paul School; Fall River, were filled with more personality than usual recently and although it's not Halloween yet, students were asked to come to school without the standard green and red plaid uniforms. Instead they were encouraged to wear clothes that would show off their unique interests and personalities on the school's first personality day.

The students were also asked not to leave distracting objects at home, but instead to bring them in, so that they might share their hobbies, talents, and ambitions.

Kathleen Burt, school principal~ said that a day like this one "gives students 'the opportunity to zero in on themselves and recognize more abqut their. own gifts and talents.': The day began with the opportunity for students ·to have an alternative school photo take,f 'in attire r~tlecting their personality and throughout the course of the day, all teachers planned interac-' tive lesso.!,!s 'around the personal-

dos Santos, world languages.

In the athletics department, William McCullough was named head coach of varsity lacrosse; Steven Ouellette, head coach of varsity hockey; Robert Bastarache, head coach of girls' varsity basketball; and Belisario Almeida, head coach of the varsity golf team.

Coyle-Cassidy High School in Taunton recently held its first rally of the new academic year and the fall sports teams were introduced to a cheeri ng student body and faculty. The golf team had its 1997 Massachusetts State Championship banner raised during the gathering, the fifth such championship in Coyle-Cassidy's proud history.

The Warrior Weightlifting Club was also recognized for sending several of its members -to the national championships over the summer, with special recognition for Jason' Oliveira who got first place in his age and weight group.

As the students on the fall athletiC teams came into the rally, the remainder of the student body cheered them loudly. The varsity and JV cheerleading squads performed cheers, stunts, and dances for the student body and the band played the school song as well as assorted selections throughout the

rally. Band director Kristin Voccio said, "We have more talented members this year than we've had in previous years. We alsc' have a group of very talented freshmen."

The rally provided a chance for all sports to be recognized. Junior Chris Kiely said the rally is "an excellent way to raise 'school spirit for the teams and it provides the students with more awa.reness about less publicized sports."

National Merit Scholars Headmaster Dennis Poyant announced recently that Emily Bowen, Kristen Gay, 'Matthew Tokson, and Scott Wensc n have been named Commended Students in the 1998 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically lalented seniors. '

ity theme. Students will have the opportunity to dress up as their favorite story characters in November.

Blood drive at Stang The Sister Teresa Trayers Chapter of the National Honor Society at Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth, is sponsoring its annual fall blood drive on Wednesday, October 15th. The St. Luke's Hospital Blood Bank staff will be in the John C. O'Brien Gymnasium at Bishop Stang from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. for those who would like to give blood.

Parent~, friends, anp all members of the Stang community are invited'and encouraged to participate and help the blood supplies', at St. Luke's Hospital. Students 18 years or older may be donors SCHOOLCHILDREN and teachers expressed th'eir thanks to St. Jean Baptiste parishioand those students who are 17 ners Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Paradise for their generosity'and talent in designing, constructing, may donate blood with parental. and decorating t~e beautiful sign which now 'adorns the yard of the parish school in Fall River. approval.'

Student landscaping highlights the sign. '" ' .

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Oct. 10, 1997

Our Rock and Role When he {or she} doesn't respect you

By CHARLIE

MARTIN

Realizing what is going on, the woman says to her guy: Foolish Games "These foolish games are tearing me apart, and your thoughtYou took your coat off less words are breaking my . And stood in the rain heart."

You were always crazy like that We might wonder why she And I watched from out my window remains in the relationship.

Clearly, one way out of playing Always felt I was outside "foolish games" is to refuse to Looking in on you be treated that way.

You were always That would mean standing up The mysterious one for herself. She needs to address With dark eyes and careless hair . the guy's behavior: If he wants You were fashionably sensitive her in his life, he will listen to what she says. He might recogBut too cool to care nize how he emotionally disYou stood in the doorway tances himself from her.

With nothing to say Perhaps he has a fear of beBesides some comments ing close to someone. Maybe he On the weather doesn't know how to share his Well in case you fail to notice heart. However, with either concern, he may be able to learn to In case you fail to see respond in new w¡ays. Of course, This is my heart it's not guaranteed that he will Bleeding before you change. If he can't show you reThis gets me down on my knees spect, be realistic in admitting that this dating r~llitionship Refrain: doesn't hold promise.

In any event, you show reThese foolish games spect for yourself by asking anAre tearing me apart other to respect your needs. This And your thoughtless words is the foundation for any healthy Are breaking my heart relationship: two people first Breaking my' heart valuing and caring about their own individual selves.

You're always brilliant Sometimes, it takes courage to address another person's unIn the morning fair behaviors. However, this Smoking your cigarettes may be precisely the step needed And talking over coffee to empower change.

Your philosophies on art, Most of us react as if we are Baroque moved you, on auto-pilot until we recognize You loved Mozart the consequences of what we are doing. Then we can evaluate and And you speak decide what is truly important.

Of your loved ones Often this means making sigAs I clumsily nificant changes. We can grow Strummed my guitar in the way we love another perWell excuse me son - ways that establish a For I have mistaken you place for greater fairness and more respect in the relationship.

For somebody else Even when you are just datSomebody who gave a damn ing another, it is important to Somebody more like myself recognize and confront "foolish games." God respected each of Repeat refrain us - so much, in fact, that we are created in God's image. We must not forget or put aside this Written and sung by Jewell Kilcher God-given dignity.

Copyright (c) 1994 by Wiggly Tooth Music, If others do not treat us in 1997 by Warner Brothers ways that support this dignity, ARE YOU among the mil- umn. Some of you may prefer we must ask them to change. If lions that have become Jewell the original on her best-selling they do not do so, then it is time fans? If so, you are lucky to en- "Pieces of You" CD: to leave the relationship. joy two current versions of her The song describes a painful song "Foolish Games." situation. A woman has fallen in Your comments are always I chose the version that ap- love with someone who knows welcome. Please address: pears on the "Batman and how to be "fa?hionably sensitive" Charlie Martin, 7125 W 200S, Robin" soundtrack for this col- but who is "too cool to care."

Rockport, Ind. 47635.

15

When teens break up

By CHRISTOPHER

CARSTENS

It's a sad fact. Most teen-age relationships break up. Sooner or later, you'll be involved in one of those unhappy separations.

Breaking up is one of the hardest experiences in most lives. Nobody enjoys rejection, and getting rejected by somebody you care for hurts.

Whether you're single or married, and even if you're a celibate, finding closeness -love, friendship, respect and affection - is what life's about.

When you lose that closeness, it hurts.

If you had to marry the first person you ever dated, things would be really tough.

How would you find out what kind of partners you like - and what kind drive you crazy?

There's no way to learn that without experience.

Why do couples break up?

Someti mes they discover that they really don't share many interests. The young woman who was so charming, so full of life at the party, may not be able to hold a conversation without an audience.

Other couples break up because one wants to be in control all the time, or has a violent temper, or spends way too much time flirting with other people. Those things aren't apparent on the first date. Over time they become obvious, and what was a minor irritation early on can become a real source of friction.

Married couples may weather long periods of difficulty because they are responsible for their kids or because of commitment to the marriage.

But those reasons don't apply to teens.

Hanging in there for years while a boyfriend or girlfriend works out some deep-rooted personal problems is usually a big waste of time.

There are four things to think about in a breakup.

-First, be honest with yourself.

Covering your eyes and pretending you're perfectly happy is really unhealthy. The longer you stay in a dissatisfying dating relationship, the more it will bend and change you - and maybe in ways you'll regret later on.

Continuing to date somebody you

no longer love and respect is just dumb. It doesn't make sense.

-Second, be honest with your partner. If you really want out of a relationship, say so. Making excuses, being gradual, all those ways to "soften the blow" rarely make it any easier to hear the basic message: "I don't want to go out with you anymore."

-v,,~

.

::-_;~ II Coming

of Age FOR YOUT" â&#x20AC;˘

ABOUT YOUTtt

The sooner your partner knows the truth, the sooner he or she can start picking up rhe pieces and looking for somebody who's a better match.

-Third, if you find yourself involved with somebody else, your boyfriend or girlfriend deserves to hear it from you. Nothing hurts more than learning that news through the grapevine.

Have the courage to be honest about it. Yes, there may be tears. Yes, there may be anger. Still, silence is dishonesty, and it's inexcusable.

-Finally, if you're the rejected partner, the only course is accepting reality, nursing your wounds for a while, and diving back into life.

Begging, pleading, bargaining. threatening, phoning repeatedly: all these' will fail and just weaken your position.

It isn't uncommon for dating couples to break up, date around, and then find each other again. But a lot ofdrama and manipulation around the breakup make that almost impossible.

Nobody likes it when relationships end. It hurts. The healthy approach calls for honesty, integrity and dignity - and then getting on with the rest of your life.

Your comments are welcome.

Please address: Dr. Christopher Carstens, do Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth St., N.E., Washington,D.C. 20017.

Is your parish having a

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THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri:, Oct. 10, 1997

Iteering pOintl PUBLICITY CHAIRMEN are forced to limit items to events of asked to submit news items for general interest. Also, we do not this column to The Anchor, P.O. normally carry notices of Box 7, Fall River, 02722. Name fundraising activities, which of city or .town should be in- .may be advertised at our regucluded, as well as full dates of lar rates, obtainable from The all activities. Please send news Anchor business office, teL (508) of future rather than past events. 675-7151.

Due to limited space and also On Steering Points items, fR because notices of strictly par- indicates'fall River, NB indicates ish affairs normally appear in a New Bedford. All telephone numparish's own bulletin, we are bers without area codes are (508).

ers will be celebrated by Bishop OUR LADY'S HAVEN, O'Malley on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. All FAIRHAVEN An informational session on health care workers and volunteers pain management for area health- are invited to attend the Mass and care professionals will be held on reception. Information: Kathy Oct. 28 at Century House in Bednarz 674-5600 ext. 2480.

Acushnet. The program will be presented by Bridget McDonough, . OL CAPE,BREWSTER RN, who will discuss clinical ap- IMMACULATE proaches and barriers to pain man- CONCEPTION, E.BREWSTER There will be a concert featuragement, common causes of pain in the elderly, treatments, and the ing Father Pat from LaSalette effects of pain. To pre-register call Shrine on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Linda Rodrigues at 999-4561 by center. Information: 385-2115.

Oct. 21.

CATHOLIC MINISTRY, NB The Catholic ministry of St. CHRIST THE KING, Luke's Hospital is seeking volunMASHPEE Mass to honor and affirm the teers to minister to the sick. Pastocontributions of health care work- ral visitors, secretaries and extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist are needed at the hospital, and nearby centers. For information on how you can help, call Sister Roberta or Father Frank McManus, SJ, at 9971515 ext. 2491.

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SISTE·RS OF MERCY 1997 BENEFIT DINNER

ST.ANNE,FR The annual procession and'Mass for peace will occur on Oct. :13. The procession will depart from the 'Cathedral at 6 p.m. and Mass should begin at SLAnne's at 7 p.m.

All welcome.

LaSALETTE SHRINE, , ATTLEBORO A series that offers a new look at women in the New Testament titled "Do What You Have the Power to Do," will be offered on Oct. 14 at 7:15 p.m. and will continue on Oct. 21, 28, and Nov. 4.

The sessions will be led by Simonne Romero.

A grief education series for those dealing with the death of a loved one will run on Oct. 23, and Nov. 6 from 1-2:30 p.m. and on the evenings of Oct. 14, 28, and Nov. II from 6:30-8 p.m. Pre-registration is required: 226-8220.

The group Brethren will be playing at the coffee house evening on Oct. II at 6:30 p.m. All welcome.

A healing service will be held pn Oct. 12 at 2 p.m: and will include the celebration of Eucharist, hymns of praise, and teaching.

People will have the opportunity to be prayed over and anointed individually.

CATHOLIC MEMORIAL HOME,FR All area nurses and physicians are invited to an in-service "PainManagement-Understanding Cur-

rent Issues and Practice," on Oct. 15 from 5-8 p.m. Two I~ducation credits will be awarded and you can pre-register with Denise Malenfant (800) 966-3000 ext. 5115.

An information night will be held on Oct.·28 at 6 p.m. to discuss the nursing home's pain management program. The evening will feature several speakers a.nd all are welcome. Pre-registration is required: Anne Marie Kelly 6790011.

O.L. CAPE, BREWSTER The Christian singing group Celebrant Singers will minister through music, song, and t:estimony on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. in a free concert. All welcome. Information: Chris 398-2465 or Dot 3a5-9746.

DCCW The 38th annual Corporate Communion Supper for [he Taunton and Attleboro distri(:ts of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will be held Oct. 23 arthe Immaculate Conception Church in North Easton. Bishop Sean O'Malley will celebrate a. Pro-Life Mass at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will follow. Information: Noreen Mendes 822-3713 o:r Grace DiSanto 824-7872.

A living Rosary will occur on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church on North Main St. in Fall River.

CATHEDRAL CAMP, E.FREETOWN Emmaus, a co-educational Christian retreat for people between the ages of20 and 30 will lake place on the weekend of Nov. 14. It will provide an opportunity for participants to grow in faith and share in a loving community. Information: Butch LaPriore 679-8860.

ST. JOHN, POCASSET The annual pro-life Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Sean O'Malley on Oct. 19 at II a.m. All welcome to attend Mass and pray with the Bishop for increased respect for human life.

SAINTS & SINGERS CHORUS The chorus is currently seeking to aquire newer tuxedos and if you or someone you know ha~; one and would be willing to donate it to the group, please contact Fran Lacasse at 759-7255 and she'll be glad to pick it up.

MOUNT ST. RITA HEALTH CENTRE Sunday, November 2, 1997 \(ENUS de MILO, SWANSEA $50.00 per Person Social Hour:Noon to 1 p.m.

Dinner: 1 p.m.

Dancing: AI Conte Orchestra

Tickets or donations please call: Sister M. Lourdette Harrold (508) 679-8511 Ext. 319 Sister Rose Angela McLellan (508) 226-4608 Sister Mary Nora Smith (508) 992-3694 In lieu of purchasing a ticket, DONATIONS are appreciated: Mount St. Rita Health Centre 15 Sumner Brown Road Cumberland, RI 02864

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