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Mass. Catholic bishops urge action on Marriage Act Letter from the bishops From: Cardinal Sean P. O'Mlllky, sachusetts legalizing same-sex marriage.

Opponents of the Marriage Amendment Bishop George tv. CoIemmJ, BisIIop1'imothy A. McDonneU, Bishop Robert J. are mging legislators to boycott the Con-Con to deny the needed vote. H enough memMcMlDUlS. Subject: Request to CatboIic:s to CaD bers walk out or fail to show up for debate Their Legislators on the Marriage on November 9, a legislative vote will be prevented. The Marriage Amendment would Amendment by November 9.

The MassachuseUs State!4isJature must die. thus thwarting the democratic process. vote on 8.4617, a proposed amendment to This would deny the people theirright to vote the state CODSIitutioo definingman:iagea<> die in 2008.

We renew our call for legislative approval union between one man and one woman by the end of this year. The Senate and House allowing the people to vote on the Marriage are scbedu1ed to meet in ConsIituIiooaI C0n- Amendment. We ask Catholics and other vention on Thmsday, November 9, two days concerned citizens to contact their legislaafter the General EIecIion, to 1ake up all pr0- tors, wxmg their state senator and state repposed mnendments, including die Maniage resentative to show up and vote to move the Amendment. TbeheJpofCalboliaandOlher amendment forward on November 9 or beconcerned citizen<; is aitical! fore the year's end Your immediate action Throughout our nation, and indeed is imperative.

The issue is not whether legislators supthroughout most of the world, maniage is defined as the union ofone man and woman. port or oppose same-sex marriage, but and this definition is treated as a matter of whether the people have a say. We believe common sense, notbigotry. Traditionalmar- lbatin a democracy the people must be heard riage policy protects the right of children to at the ballot on the fundamental question of be raised by both a mother and a father and marriage. strengthens the family. The Marriage Im.mediate Action Steps Requested Amendment furthers these objecliYes and Please call your state senator and state responds to the 2003 court decision in MasTurn to page 18 - Lener

Commonwealth voters asked to contact their legislators; and to pray

By DEACON JAMES N.

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - Fall River Bishop George W. Coleman and his three colleague Massachusetts Catholic Bishops in a timely letter to Bay State Catholics seek their help to press the state legislature to act November 9 on the proposed state constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.

The letter, also signed by Boston Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., Bishop Tunothy A. McDonnell of Springfield and Bishop Robert J. McManus of Worcester, spells out the legislators' need to take up the amendment before this year ends.

H state senators and representatives don't show for the constitutional convention on November 9 - two days after the general election - the amendment that would define marriage in the Bay State as between one man and one woman "will die;' the bishops I,

asserted II H the lawmakers show up in numbers at the slated con-con to convene a quorum and the petition receives the needed 50 votes, it will have passed the first leg of its journey.

The amendment needs to gamer another

50 votes next year in order to get on the 2008 ballot that comes befoIÂĽ Massachusetts' voters, the bishops explained .

The bishops' letter, promulgated by the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the Massachusetts Catholic Bishops, makes clear that the right of voters to file the petition and have the right to vote on it is essential.

The bishops wrote: "The issue is not whether legislators support or oppose samesex marriage, but whether the people have a say. We believe that in a democracy the people must be heard at the ballot on the fundamental question of marriage."

Whether the lawmakers again choose to dodge the issue, as they.did at a constitutional convention last July - when on a 1()() to 91 vote they put off any action on the amendment until November 9 - remains to be seen.

With prayerful hopes, Catholic voters in Massachusetts look to current legislators to come up with the needed votes.

Planning ahead, Catholic voters - responding to the mandate of Faithful CitiTurn to page 18 Voters

Just Faith Program flourishes at Our Lady of Victory Parish

BY MIXE GoRDCÂťl ANcHoR STAFF CENTERVllLE - The Just Faith Pr0gram, gaining momentum throughout the country, has found its way into the Fall River Diocese thanks to the efforts of co-faciIitators Patricia Oock and Theresa Bronson.

Clock was moved to initiate the 3O-week program at Our Lady ofVictmy Parish after hearing about how the movement has helped the less fortunate in Mexico. She and Bronson attended a presentation by its founder, Jas::k Jezrell, at St. Joseph's Parish in Kingston, and were convinced they wanted to bring Just Faith to the diocese.

"This is an outstanding program that makes you more deeply acquainted with the teachings of Jesus and helps you live a more compassionate life;' said Oock. "We knew

it was a great program, but it has gone beyond our expectations."

Oock, a resident of Eastham and a parishioner at St. Joan of Arc Parish, wOIks as a pastoral associate at Our Lady of Victory.

Bronson teaches middle school in Barnstable.

When Bronson first heard about Just Faith she was impressed with it. "I came back from the talk about it and I wanted to learn more and help make a difference. I wanted to do more for others, so we started looking into it and generating some interest in the parish."

Just Faith is sponsored by Catholic Charities USA. Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Catholic Relief Services.

It is an eight-month conversion-based program that gives participants an opportunity to grow in their commibnent to care for the poor and vulnerable and become an advocate for justice. The 13 people who are participating at Our Lady of Victory have been meeting for seven weeks on Wednesdays from 6:30-9 p.m.

The thrust of the program is to invite participants on a spiritual journey towards compassion. Through books, vidTurn to page 20 -lust Faith

KEEPING THE FAITH - Newly appointed diocesan director of Faith Fonnation Claire McManus has already spent a great deal of time visiting parishes across th~ diocese. (AnchodGordon photo) ,

Faith Formation director assessing how best to meet diocese's needs

By DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR FALL RIVER - Even as she brings unitY to faith fonnation efforts in the Fall River Di6cese' Claire McManus reports uncovering some eateehetical "gems" as well as an overall lack of resources as she travels to the vari-

ous parish communities.

McManus, who assumed the newly created post of director ofFaith Fonnation in early September, says overseeing the three diocesan ministries of Office of Religious Education, Turn to page 18 - Formation

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3, 2006

Pope's affirmation of Christianity transcends politics, topica! notes

By JOHN THAVIS

which this happens is through the life and witness of the Church, he said.

Here, as he has done so often in VERONA, Italy - Navigating the murky waters ofItalian ecclesial poli- his pontificate, the pope emphasized tics is no easy task, so interest was the positive aims of the Church and high when Pope Benedict XVI ad- the universal appeal of faith in Christ dressed the country's most important - rather than dwell on specific docCatholic gathering in 10 years. trinal teachings.

Christianity, he said, is like a great The 2,700 delegates to the Fourth National Church Convention would "yes" to human life, human freedom carefully weigh the pope's words to and human intelligence, and that find winners and losers - among should be seen in what the Church bishops debating the Church's social says and does. Essentially, he said, and political role, among pastors pro- the faith should bringjoy to the world. posing strategies for parish renewal, "Christianity in fact is open to all and among lay movements looking that is just, true and pure in cultures for a sign of papal approval. and civilizations, to whatever brings But when the pope finished his cheer, comfort and strength to our hourlong speech in the northern Ital- existence," he said.

The pope went on to briefly alian city ofVerona October 19, it was clear that his agenda did not fit the lude to a number of contemporary "winners and losers" model. issues like abortion, gay marriage and FRIGHTE~ING IMAGES - Masked insurgents hold their weapons as they patrol a road in AI Ramadi, Iraq, 60 miles west of Baghdad, recently. Pope Benedict XVI called on religious and political leaders in Like many of the most important state aid to Church schools - perenIraq and around the world to help the Iraqi people rebuild their country. (eNS photo/Reuters) talks of his pontificate, this one was nial topics on Italy's church-state striking not for its political arguments horizon. He asked Italian Catholics or topical commentary but for its to help resist encroaching secularizaeminently religious affirmation ofthe tion that tends to exclude God from public life.

Christian faith.

It said very little about Church facBut he said none of this will hapBy CAROL GLATZ stability together with the world's part of (the country's) wealth." tions and a lot about the Church's pen unless the faithful understand that CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE apparent indifference to the plight Church leaders in Iraq have exmost fundamental purpose, saving being a Christian begins with a perof the country's Christians have VATICAN CITY - Pope pressed concern about a marked souls. sonal encounter with Christ - not forced them into exile.

Benedict XVI called on religious increase in violence, especially At 20 pages, the papal talk re- with a social or political program.

In an interview with the Romeand political leaders in Iraq and against Christians. sembled a mini-encyclical. At its core In fact, the pope seemed to go out based missionary news agency Since the U.S.-led invasion of was an explanation of Christ's resur- of his way to de-emphasize the around the world to help the Iraqi AsiaNews, the patriarch criticized Iraq, numerous churches have rection as the motivator of all Chris- Church as a political player in Italy , people rebuild their country which "role of the international comthe been bombed, and Christians tian witness. when he said it was the responsibil- is so troubled by insecurity and munity that is unable to control the have been kidnapped, killed or The pope described the Resurrec- ity of Catholic laypeople - and not "savage violence." dramatic situation in the The pope expressed his tion as a historical event to which the the Church as an institution - to country."

Apostles were the witnesses, not the bring the Gospel to political life, op- deep concern for Iraq's He said Christians and The pope prayed that God would inventors. erating "as citizens under their own Christian community as well Muslims had lived harmonias all victims of the increase grant Iraq and the world's religious The Resurrection, he said, was not responsibility." ously in Iraq for more than simply a "return to earthly life, but Rather than present the Italian in violence and intimidation and political leaders "the needed 1,000 years and, "like Lebafaith and courage" to help Iraqis rethe greatest 'mutation' that ever oc- Church with a list of political ob- throughout the country. non and Syria, (had been) a After praying the Ange- build their country. " curred, the definitive leap toward a jectives, the pope posed a broader model of peaceful coexistprofoundly new dimension oflife, the challenge. He said Italian Catholics, lus October 22 with thouence." entry into a different order." by living their faith, need to pro- sands of the faithful gathLosing Christians to emigration threatened.

This new order, in which love tri- vide "positive and convincing" an- ered in S1. Peter's Square, the would represent "a big loss not Half of all Iraqi Christians have umphs over sin and death, continu- swers to the ethical and spiritual pope first sent his "cordial greetonly for Iraq, but for the cause of fled their country over the past ally penetrates and transforms our questions of contemporary men and ings" to Muslims around the humankind, and it will have serithree and a half years, according world who were about to celebrate world, he said. The concrete way in women. ous consequences for Muslims, to Chaldean Catholic Auxiliary the end of the holy month of too," he said.

Bishop Andreos Abouna of Ramadan, wishing them all "seCatholic patriarchs of the EastBaghdad. Before the invasion there renity and peace." ern churches said their churches were about 1.2 million Christians This "joyous atmosphere" of have always been an invaluable Musin the predominantly Shiite celebration, however, has been link between Christianity and Is'lim state; since then the overall clouded by the "very serious situDuring an assembly in Lebalam. number has dropped to about ation of insecurity and savage vionon, the Catholic patriarchs said 600,000, he said. lence" faced by so many innocent make dialogue their churches help Chaldean Patriarch Emmanuelpeople in Iraq solely "because possible, and this link between reKarim DeIly of Baghdad has said (they are) Shiites, Sunnis or Chrisbe broken. ligions should not that violence, persecution and intians," he said.

The pope said he was aware of OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE the tremendous worry running DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER through Iraq's Christian commuVol. 50, No. 42 nities, adding that his thoughts and Memb¢¢ Catholic Press A$SQdation, Catholic News Service two weeks in the summer and the week after prayers for "strength and consolaof the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, tion" were with them as with all hOOe508-675-7151 - FAX 508-675-7048, email: victims in the conflict.

••$tlbs(:ription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year.

The pope prayed that God .O.ElOl< 7, Fall River, MA, call or use email address .. Mo$tReverend George W. Coleman would grant Iraq and the world's . F!IttletAogerJ. Landry fatherrogel1andry@anchomews.org religious and political leaders "the 0Jtvid a. Jollvet davelollvet@anchornews.org needed faith and courage" to help ~lhJame$ N. Dunbar Ilmdunbar@anchomews.org Mike Gordon mIJcegordon@anchomews.org Iraqis rebuild their country and PAPAL OLE - Pope Benedict XVI wears a Spanish Guardia Civil .f!'!!il')' (:ha" marychase@anchornews.org reach reconciliation between faccap, donated by an unidentified Spanish official, after his weekly .¥t?the·l1.ditot ll): .futberrogerlandry@anchomews.org general audience at the Vatican recently. The Guardia Civil is a tions by realizing "that the plural,, ll) TheAnchor, P.O. Box. 7, Fall River, MA 02722. ity of its components is an integral S~.S4S..()20) Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass. police force. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters) CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Pope urges world leaders to help Iraqis rebuild troubled nation

NOVEMBER

3,2006

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Church leaders welcome South Africa's U.N. Security Council seat

By BRONWEN DACHS CATHOLIC News SERVICE

CAPE TOWN, South Africa - South Africa's recent election for a temporary seat on the U.N. Security Council shows the world recognizes the country's role in the peace process, said an official with the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference.

Father Peter-John Pearson, head of the bishops' parliamentary liaison office in Cape Town, said the election "is a challenge to us as a country to be bold and continue building oui democratic culture."

South Africa has taken a leading role in mediating African conflicts, he told Catholic News , Service October 23.

Father Pearson said South Africa "is being acknowledged "as an interlocutor between the First and Third Worlds." Th,e country

"has experience of both worlds and therefore can speak for both," he said.

South Africa was elected to a U.N. Security Council temporary

"We therefore have a particular duty to help the global community to resist aggression and to resolve conflicts peacefully and fairly." seat October 16 with the support of 186 ofthe United Nations' 192 members. It will begin its twoyear term Jan. 1.

The South African Council of Churches, of which the bishops' conference is a member, urged the government to use its mandate to "promote economic justice, peace and good stewardship of the environment."

It is "particularly important

for the Security Council to nurture a climate conducive to fair trade practices that favor developing nations and enable them to grow and diversify their economies," said Eddie Makue, the council's general secretary.

"South Africa's democratic transition and record of respect for human rights" since all-race elections in 1994 marked the end of apartheid "is widely seen as a model for peaceful conflict resolution and development," Makue said in a statement. The country

taining a unified society.

"Especially in these difficult days, the Lebanese family needs the help of the state to be able to take on its economic, educational, cultural and social responsibilities, since many families have lost one or more members, have been forced to emigrate or have lost their homes and source of livelihood," he said.

In their statement, the patriarchs expressed hope that the Lebanese people would "work together in rebuilding what has been destroyed in order to regain their normal life."

"Our message is in the first place that of safeguarding coex-' istence in the face of aggravating conflict of cultures and religions," said the patriarchs. The meeting included the Eastern Catholic patriarchs of the Maronite, Coptic, Melkite, Syrian, Armenian and Chaldean churches and the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem.

Emphasizing,the need to promote dialogue among religions across the region, the patriarchs expressed their "solidarity with the Islamic world in its efforts to consolidate peace and eradicate violence."

Calling on Muslim organizations to "vigorously condemn terrorist actions committed, at times, in the name of the Muslim faith," the patriarchs added: "We know that the true Islam and the Quran are innocent of any violence.

These actions do not only harm Islam, but they also destroy (the) coexistence that has been"there for so many generations, especially in Iraq."

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South Africa also should focus on the environment during its tenure, he said.

"Climate change is gathering a momentum that may be unstoppable if we do not take collective action to protect the integrity of God's creation," Makue said.

"Unless we devise responsible mechanisms to regulate use and share these resources equitably, we are heading for terrible consequences."

South Africa was one of the founding members of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1945. This is the first time it has been elected to the U.N. Security Council. The Security Council consists of 15 member states, including five permanent seats and 10 temporary seats.

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Mideast patriarchs: Instability must end if Christians are to remain BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) Catholic patriarchs of the Middle East said political instability across the region must be tackled if the current Christian exodus is to be stemmed.

The negative impact of this instability on local economies and services, as well as on the psychology within communities, are key factors driving Christians away from the region, said the council of Catholic patriarchs.

The council's 16th assembly ,closed in late' October in Bzommar, near Beirut, with a statement focusing on the dwindling presence of Christians in Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories, Iraq and the wider region.

The statement said that Eastern Christian churches acted as a bridge between Western Christianity and Islam, creating an avenue for dialogue between the faiths. The Christian leaders were adamant that this link should not be broken.

Despite this summer's 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Islamic militant group, the patriarchs said Lebanon "r.emains a source of hope" . that "must play an effective role" in solidifying the coexistence of religions in the Middle East.

Reinforcing this message during' his homily at a Mass outside Beirut October 22, Cardinal Nasrallah P. Sfeir, Maronite patriarch, criticized Lebanon's politi" cal infrastructure for failing to pay sufficient attention to the role of the Lebanese family, which he said was a crucial factor in main-

"is able to speak 'with a unique moral authority" on questions of justice and reconcili~tion, he said. " "We therefore have a particu- ' lar duty to help the global community to resist aggre~sion and to resolve conflicts peacefully and fairly," he said. ' " It will be important for South Africa to keep Africa ',s "needs and interests before the eyes of I' the world and to prevept Africa from being pushed to the periphery of global attention," Makue

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NOVEMBER

3, 2006

Lay ministers may not cleanse Communion vessels, pope says.

WASlDNGTON (CNS)-Atthe is intinction - the practice of dipdirection of Pope Benedict XVI, ex- ping the consecrated host into the traordinary ministers of holy Com- consecrated wine - "with reception munion will no longer be permitted on the tongue always and everyto assist in the purification of the sa- where," the cardinal's letter said. cred vessels at Masses in the United Along with the letters from States.

Bishop Skylstad and Cardinal In an October 23 letter, Bishop Arinze, bishops received a new reWilliam S. Skylstad, president ofthe source prepared by the bishops' U.S. Conference of Catholic Bish- Committee on the Liturgy titled ops, asked his fellow bishops to in- "Seven Questions on the Distribufonn all paStors of the change, which tion of Holy Communion Under was prompted by a letter from Car- Both Kinds."

The committee document also dinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Divine suggested distribution of CommunWorship and the Sacraments. ion by consecrated bread alone or The U.S. bishops had asked the by intinction when the number of Vatican to extend an indult - or communicants makes the purificaChurch permission - in effect since tion of vessels by priests, deacons 2002 allowing extraordinary minis- or instituted acolytes alone "pastoters of holy Communion to help rally problematic."

"Priests should also keep in mind cleanse the Communion cups and plates when there were not enough potential risks associated with priests or deacons to do so. intinction, especially in the coming Bishop Skylstad, who heads the flu season," the document added.

Diocese of Spokane, Wash., said . The committee said extraordiCardinal Arinze asked Pope nary ministers of holy Communion Benedict about the matter during a may continue to "consume what reJune 9 audience, "and received a mains of the precious blood from response in the negative." their chalice ofdistribution with perNoting that the General Instruc- mission of the diocesan bishop." tion of the Roman Missal "directs The document notes that the "exthat the sacred vessels are to be pu- traordinary ministry" by which rified by the priest, the deacon or an laypeople distribute Communion instituted acolyte," the cardinal said "was created exclusively for those in his October 12 letter that "it does instances where there are not enough not seem feasible, therefore, for the ordinary ministers to distribute holy congregation to grant the requested Communion, due to the consumindult from this directive in the gen- mate importance of assuring that the erallaw of the Latin Church." faithful have the opportunity to reAlthough receiving Communion ceive holy Communion at Mass, under both kinds is a"more complete" even when it is distributed under sign ofthe sacrament's meaning, Car- both species." dinal Arinze said, "Christ is fully Ordinary ministers of Communpresent under each of the species." ion are priests and deacons, with in"Communion under the species stituted acolytes being permitted in ofthe bread alone, as a consequence, the Roman Missal to help the priest makes it possible to receive all the or deacon "to purify and arrange the fruit of eucharistic grace," he added. sacred vessels."

Another "legitimate option" In the United States, instituted when "the high number of commu- acolytes, who must be male, gener- . nicants may render it inadvisable for . ally. are seminarians preparing for everyone to drink from the chalice" priesthood.

PURIFICATION - A photo illustration shows a priest cleaning the Communion vessels inside the chapel of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' building in Washington. At the direction of Pope Benedict XVI, extraordinary ministers of holy Communion will no longer be permitted to assist in the purification of the sacred vessels at Masses in the United States. (CNS photo illustration/Bob Roller)

ON THE MEND - Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore answers questions during a recent press conference at which he spoke for the first time about his October 7 car accident in Temi, Italy. Cardinal Keeler suffered a broken ankle in the accident, which also claimed the life of Father Bernard Quinn, 78, a retired priest of the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa., and injured Msgr. Thomas Smith, 75, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Lancaster, Pa. (CNS photo/Owen Sweeney III, Catholic Review)

Cardinal Keeler discusses accident that took. life of his priest friend After regaining consciousness inBALTIMORE (CNS) - Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore said side the wrecked car, Cardinal Keeler he believes his longtime frie~d who said he and Msgr. Smith immediately was killed in an automobile accident gave each other and Father Quinn in Italy had a premonition about his absolution.

It was several more hours before own mortality and was ready to be he was told Father Quinn had died. with the Lord.

"I know I'm going to miss him," The 75-year-old cardinal made the comments during an October 23 he said. "But I know he is with the press conference, his first public ap- Lord."

Father Quinn was a retired priest pearance to specifically address the automobile accident in which his ofthe Diocese ofHarrisburg, Pa, and right ankle was broken and one ofhis Msgr. Smith is also a priest of that traveling companions, Father Bernard diocese. Cardinal Keeler was a priest and bishop in Harrisburg before he .

Quinn, was killed.

The driver of the car, Msgr. Tho- became archbishop ofBaltimore, and mas H. Smith, 75,.broke several ribs he has often spent vacations travelin the October 7 accident. Another ing with the two priests.

Both Cardinal Keeler and Msgr. vehicle struck the passenger side of the car in which the three vacation- Smith returned to the U.S. October ing American clerics were riding. . , 11 after their release from the hospiFather Quinn, 78, mentioned at till. Once the body of Father Quinn least four times during their trip to was returned home, a funeral Mass Italy that he was prepared to go to was celebrated for him October 21 at the Lord, Cardinal Keeler said at the Sacred Heart Church in Lancaster, press conference.

"I found it strange, because we were having such a wonderful time," the cardinal said. "He must have had a premonition of it. He was ready.

That gives us an enonnous amount 'of consolation."

Cardinal Keeler, FatherQuinn and Msgr. Smith, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Lancaster, Pa., had been traveling all day Ocober 7. The accident occurred while they were on their way back to their hotel in Temi, Italy.

The cardinal's memories of the day of the accident are clear. The trio had visited the tomb of St. Valentine that morning and then traveled to Cascia. the hometown ofSt Rita.iater in the day.

However, Cardinal Keeler said he has no memory of tl1eir car being struck, but was tOld by authorities that another vehicle had hit the car in which they were traveling.

"It happened just like that," he said. "I don't recall a blessed thing about the accident."

followed by burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Cardinal Keeler attended the fu路neral and Msgr. Smith, who continues to recov,er from his injuries, delivered the homily. The Mass was celebrated by Harrisburg Bis~op Kevin C. Rhoades.

Since returning from Italy, Cardinal Keeler has been receiving physical therapy and has been told by his doctors that he is healing well.

Using a walker and wearing a protective boot, Cardinal Keeler appeared to be moving with ease and with little pain as he made his way into the press conference at the Catholic Center in downtown Baltimore.

Plans for the grandopening of the Basilica of the National Shrine ofthe Assumption of the Blessed Vrrgin Mary in Baltimore will move forward as scheduled, he said. ''The degree that I can participate will depend on my mobility."

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" ' New Orleans musician composes Bis?~p' outlinfs:re~sons when Catho.zic Mass honoring Pope·John Paul II pohtlczans 11UfY be refused Communzon WASHINGTON (CNS) ~ Jay Weigel had never composed a Mass before. But he has his fIrst Mass under his belt now: "The Mass of Pope John Paul II the Great."

Nurturing the Mass from its beginning to the present'was an arduous journey, complicated by the fact that Weigel lives in New Or- . ieans and was buffeted 1:1y Hurricane Katrina.

"The CD was,:going to get released a year ago. And essentially, the recording existed, but a lot of work remained putting on the fInal touches," he said. . "Frankly, when the hurricane hit, we were in the middle of that.

I had to call (the head ofthe record label) and said, 'I don't have the time to deal with this. I don't know what my house is like. I don't know what my work is like. I wasn't able to get on it (again) until Easter time," said Weigel, who was commissioned by theSt. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans to compose the Mass.

As it was, Weigel's house was not, flooded - the waters came within 20 feet of his home ~ but he had to put on two new roofs there. And he was only able to move back this October to the Contemporary ~s Centerin New Orleans, where he is executive director,' after it sust~ined $2.1 million in damage. , We'igel was raised in St. Catherine of Siena Parish in New Orleans, and is now a member of St. Pius P~sh there, but "currently . I go to the St. Louis Cathedral now more than any other piace," he told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview from New Orleans., For the past dozen years, Weigel . has arranged for concerts to be held nearly every night in t;>ecember at the cathedral. Msgr.' Crosby Kern, cathedral rector, at one point told Weigel, "I would love to have some music written for this church again."

PHOENIX ~ Cath1icPOli~ When Catholic politicians . "I said, 'Well, I'd be thrilled to,''' , Weigel said he thought it would ticians. who PUbliclYlsupport support those issues in opposi.., Weigel recalled. "He said, 'I'd like be a "vanity press" recording, abortion, euthanasia aqd same- tion to Church teaching, they beyou to write a Mass for Pope John meaning jtwould be self-fInanced, sex marriage Hjeop.. ard.l' 2ze the.ir.,. .'.come sources of scandal and are Paul IT,' who was alive at the time." . and he would give the priest 500 own spiritual well-beilhg" and Hmaterially cooperating in grave copies he could sell "overtime and (The pope died April 2, 2005.) should not receive Co~munion, sin," the bishop said.

Weigel set to work. He sent keep the money."

Bishop Thomas J., Olrpsted of "Then the politician cannot But Weigel sent the score to a Phoenix says in a new booklet. receive holy· Communion withfriend of his, who run~ a jazz mUe Called HCatholics in !. ~the Pub- out previously' making a good sic label; MCG Jazz Records. "I lic Square," the 45-page book- confession," the booklet said. HA didn't know this, but (executive let includes 29question~ and an- good confession would requir~' 'producer) Marty's (Ashby) wife swers about, the separ~tion of sincere sorrow for such sin and had- worked' as a cantor for the church and state, anti..patholic a firm purpose of making bishop in Pittsburgh. She was fadiscrimination and Cath'olic P&f- amendment. Since the harm miliar, with sacred music and she ticipation i~ public life. Pub- done would be public in nature, _, loved it," Weigel said. "Maity had lishechn English and Spanish by the amendment ,should also be a distribution company that would Basilica Press" it' is int~nded as public,''' get it around. He thought it_ dethe f1.1'st in a "Shepqerd ~s Voice" Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, served a wider audience than just serie~.,. . ,.

Bishop Olmsted said three pome handing it out to my friends." , Blshop~Ohnste9 sald):here are litical issues are "not negotiable" TAKING THE BATON ~ ComAccording to a press release, «$~meissuesoI\f\Vniq~'~at~QliC?s the protection ~f.life at all poser Jay Weigel's work, "TtJe proceeds from sales ofJhe CD will ·ma~disa~ree,with·the'erarchy stages,. the promotion of marMass of Pope John Paul II the got toward repairing damage St. such;)asi;the,just-w~tl\e9ry 9r;~;"riagea~ the union of a man and Great," is now available on CD. Louis Cathedral suffered during capita1·puI\ishment~.%?ij-~:;::::. 'a woman and the protection of 'Weigel, who lives in New Or- the hurricane. ' ":Despite the$e:e~am;Ples'',' the rights ofparents to educate leans; was commissioned by the "The Mass of Pope John Paul St. Louis Cathedral in New Or·ther¢ 'ate 'other issuesJs1.lch as their children.

IT the Great" was released Octoleans to compose the work. He that are ' "1 snould note, however, that IS pictured in ~n undated photo. , ber 17, too recently for composer ~~h~::aY$wrong"af;l,Q dOl\ot allow other issues, while not intrinsi~allY (CNS photo/courtesy of Jay Weigel to chart the public's reacfQr:Ole'correctllse'ot:prodential -evil, deserve prayerful consIdertion. "I'm in that great nervous Weigel) jUQgh1~nt to' J\tstiiYj~elJl," he anon, such as questions ofwar and stage," he said, likening it to waitwtote..''Itwould neyei~e:Rroper capital punishme?t. pov~rty iss~es drafts to the cathedral, and got ing for, or waiting out, a hurricane. for Ca,thcilics to be on'tpe QPpo- and matters relatulg to illegallmnotes in return on language use to • "In New Orleans we have a lot of site sfde of these issud:' migration," he said. i',make it usable at Masses as~ well great nervous stages." as for concert performa,nces.

Weigel is now working on a "reI,'I duction" of the Mass that requires only an organ rather tha,n a sym- phony orchestra.

"Stylistically, harmonically and melodically," Weigel said, "I wanted each movement to have' a feel that was geographically identifiable. In the 'Credo,' for instance, the chord structure and the· HIGH melody have a very Eastern European structure to them."

The Mass debuted in spring , 2005 at the close of New Orleans' ' annual French Quarter Festival.

"There were people at the concert _ who handed me checks so we could record the piece," Weigel told CNS. "I said to Father Kern, th 'We're going to'record it.'"

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~ The Anchor The harms of same-sex marriage The talking point interrogatives have begun to reappear as we near the November 9 Constitutional Convention and our legislators prepare to vote on whether to give first approval to sending the Marriage Protection Amendment before voters in 2008.

"Has the sky fallen down since gay rnarriag~ began in Massachusetts?," we're asked, implying that if society has not completely fallen apart since 2004, then that must prove that the redefinition of marriage is innocuous. ''How has my gay marriage hanned you?," we're cross-examined, suggesting that unless oUr own adult life has'been turned upside down as a direct result of same-sex weddings, gay marriage must be hannless.

These questions are a savvy attempt to frame most of the hanns of gay marriage out of consideration. If same-sex marriage is truly noxious, the questions insinuate, then either society will instaritly be catastrophically impacted or we will suffer immediate personal hann. If we have experienced neither, then there must be no hann. Argument over. Case closed. ' So many in the secular media have uncritically bought and repeated that line of argumentation that some opponents of same-sex marriage have been . made to wonder whether their objections are visceral or rational. That's why it is important and urgent to speak candidly and articulately about the hanns that the redefinition of marriage and same-sex truIl'$ges themselves bring.

The first damage is to the institution and understanding of marriage itself.

Calling same-sex unions marriage radically transforms and obscures the fundamental meaning of marriage. It makes the publi<:ly committed union of one man and one woman merely one possible form of marriage. This obviously opens the door to polygamy and polyamory, as many proponents of the redefinition of marriage have plainly and expectantly stated. If marriage means anything four Supreme Judicial Court Justices say it means, then it in fact means nothing - or possibly everything. The law is a teacher and shows what is considered acceptable or approved. Calling same-sex relationships marriage teaches that marriage has no intrinsic need of a man and a woman and furthermore undercuts the idea that procreation is intrinsically connected to marriage.

This hann will affect everyone, especially the young.

The redefinition of marriage, moreover, does not merely allow different understandings of matrimony, but forces everyone to accept this dramatically altered conception of marriage and family in schools, law and in our public language. We have already seen this in Massachusetts. Words like "husband" and ''wife,''-"mother" and "father" have been deemed discriminatory, replaced by ''Party A" and ''Party B," ''Parent A" and ''Parent B," Our law and educational institutions are being compelled to pretend- contrary to common sense and various studies - that there is nothing special about mothers and fathers raising children together and, specifically, that children do not need a mother and a father. The notion of parenthood is being changed to consist in any arrangement of emotionally attached people who care for kids. AQd anyone who opposes these harmful developments is not tolerated, but in fact is called a bigot It happened to David Parker in Lexington, who was publicly castigated after objecting to his child's being taught about transsexuals and same-sex couples in kindergarten. It happened to other parents in Newton, who protested their five-year-olds'having to read a fairy-tale about two princes kissing. This mandated acceptance of the redefinition obviously points to an allied danger to the religious freedom of those who oppose same-sex marriage. This hann, too, affects everyone.

One application ofthis forceQ acquiescence points to another notable hann, the radical changes made necessary in adoption and foster-care work. Since the redefinition makes it legally impossible to give preference to families headed by a married father and mother, most adoption and foster-care preferences prescribed 'for the benefit of at risk children - have needed to be eliminated.

Iristitutions like Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Bosron have had to give up their valuable adoption work altogetherlest they be forced to place children against religious beliefs and Common sense in same-sex homes. No one tan honestly argue that this is a harmless development.

This segues directly to the hann that will come to children reared in samesex homes. 'While we do not yet have long-range comparative studies about children raised in these situations, the literature is voluminous that describes 'overall that children raised without a mother and a father in the home suffer in comparison with those raised in intact heterosexual homes. Recent statistics reveal that two-thirds ofsame-sex marriages in Massachusetts involve lesbians , and that lesbian couples are much more likely than male same-sex partners to try to raise children. This means that most children raised in same-sex homes will be raised without a father. Multiple studies. have shown that, in general, children raised without a father in the home suffer educationally, emotionally and developmentally. They are up to three times more likely to have discipline problems in school. They will have deep questions about their identity dJle to insecurity about their biological origins and family identity, especially when they h~ve never had their father in the home. Girls will be far more sexually active at a younger age and will experience much higher rates of teenage pregnancy arid sexual abuse from unrelated males. One study found that only five percent of girls who grew up with a married mother and father got pregnant as teen-agers, compared to 10 percent of girls whose dads left when they turned six, and 35 percent of girls whose fathers left when they were preschoolers.

These harms that will corne to kids are obviously not intended by the same-sex couples who seek to raise them, but they are nevertheless real.

FInally; those who care for the common good cannot ignore the economic consequences that flow from the redefinition of marriage with respect to business insurance policies, health care systems and social security programs. This fiscal impact will be in addition to the economic harms that will come from the weakening of the traditional family, the economic benefits of which are welldocumented. ' These are just some of the possible answers to how the.redefinition of marriage will result in tangible hann to others. The sky is not falling, butthat does not mean that the fundaIllentalbuilding block ofsociety is notbeing weakened.

November 9 gives us a chance to stop and reverse the damage.

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NOVEMBER

3, 2006

the living word Two

MARBLE CflERUBS '

DECORATE PART OF THE ORIGINAL ALTAR FROM BALTIMORE'S BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. (eNS PHOTO/NANCY WIECHEC)

"IN DAYS TO COME THE MOUNT OF THE LORD'S HOUSE SHALL BE ESTABLISHED HIGHER THAN THE MOUNTAINS; IT SHALL RISE HIGH ABOVE THE HILLS, AND PEOPLES SHALL STREAM INTO IT" (MI,CAH 4:1).

Gruesome and inhumane is dead, it is then fully delivered.

There are days when a The partial-birth abortion reasonable person might fairly procedure is a barbaric, if question whether or not our creative, way to kill a more fully society is as civilized as it claims developed unborn child, without to be. having to dismember it, and also This fall, the U.S. Supreme without having to face the legal Court will decide whetherthe problem of a live birth.

You see, U.S. Constitution allows Conin our society, a child who is gress, on behalf of society, to completely born is suddenly and prohibit a late-term abortion magically afull, legal person procedure, known as "partial-birth entitled to constitutional protecabortion."

In the past, the Court has held that society may regulate abortion, as long as it doesn't impose an "undue burden" on a woman's "right" to end ~ -'I r: . . . ~ ____ the life of her unborn child. In other words, A. Pignato society may act to promote its legitimate interest i,n protecting unborn tions and the right to live. But in a human life, as long as it doesn't partial birth-abortion, the child is succeed in actually protecting or killed in the process of being saving any given unborn child born, and so even though the baby whose mother wants to destroy it is only inches away from birth, it - 'to which a reasonable person . is still not a real "person" under might ask, "Isn't there something the Constitution. wrong here?"

And if you're not yet conIn the present case before the founded or fuming by this Supreme Court, Congress has absurdity, consider this: in its attempted to outlaw only one _ brief to the court, defending the relatively rarely-used late-term ban on partial-birth abortion, the abortion procedure that borders government argues that the ban is on infanticide and which Conconstitutional precisely because it gress has declared to be "gruedoes not ultimately prevent a some and inhumane." The definition and description of this c woman from killing her unborn child. The law in question merely procedure is not for the easily prohibits one particular abortion faint of heart. It involves the procedure that is considered to be partial delivering of a living, gruesome and inhumane, while it unborn child's body, until only leaves a woman free to obtain a the baby's head remains inside the late-term abortion by other, more womb, and then the puncturing of commonly-used, and apparentiy the back of the child's- skull and less offensive procedures. the removal of the brain by The goveminent makes this ' surgical vacuum. Once the child

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argument, because this is the rule and standard that the court has required in its previous abortion rulings: society may act to protect unborn human life, as long as it doesn't actually protect unborn human life! At this point in the argument, the reasonable person is apparently supposed to agree that killing a developed unborn child by dismemberment while it is still inside the,womb is somehow less gruesome and inhumane" and therefore more socially acceptable.

But I have a feeling that a truly reasonable,person might instead ask, "Isn't there something wrong here?"

So now we wait to see if the Supreme Court will allow society to outlaw this barbaric procedure. Let's face it, abortion is evil, no matter how ' it is performed, and its legality and acceptance by society are two of the surest signs that we are not as civilized as we might like to believe. And all these word games that judges and lawyers play when they address the topic of abortion are simply an attempt to avoid the plain truth 'of the matter.

As long as this continues to be the case, it will remain our part to put into the deep with fervent and prolonged prayer for honesty and integrity in .the abortion debate, and for the conversion of our society from a culture of death to a culture of life. Let's pray that this time the court gets it right.

Father Pignato is chaplain at Bishop Stang Hig~ School in North Dartmouth and is secretary to Bishop George If. Coleman.

NOVEMBER

~ The Anchor

3, 2006

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The funeral triduum , November is traditionally The Church has been and continues deceased's home. After the body to be a very important part of your has been prepared for viewing dedicated to remembering and life. Naturally, you want the (unless a closed casket is preferred), praying for the dead. In doing so, we're reminded of our own Church's prayers to accompany you the bereaved gather to ,comfort one another and pay their respects to into eternity. mortality, the brevity of our earthly As the Catechism teaches, '''The their departed loved one. The vigil life, the communion of saints, and Church who, as Mother, has bome consists of Scripture readings and the promise of unending joy for prayers, both for the dead and for the Christian sacramentally in her those who love God and die in his grace. Yet even during this month of womb during his earthly pilgrimage, those in mourning. There is nothing wrong with praying the rosa,ry or accompanies him at his joumey's All Souls, how many of us pause to end, in order to surrender him 'into other devotions, as long as these consider our own funeral plans? the Father's hands' ...." (No. 1683). prayers do not supplant the vigil This miniseries is meant to assist you in planning your funeral (or The funeral ceremonies of the Latin itself. The fact that this station is Rite, known in the United States as called a vigil implies that somethat of a loved one) in accordance thing is meant to follow. with what the Church ....--/,...._-~--_ _,....,,--:::---....

What follows is the desires for her faithful Funeral Liturgy, which departed. < ordinarily involves the Mass If you're like most of Christian Burial (as it is Anchor readers, you're a ~~··Fyn~r.aIJutes:::> properly named) once the practicing Catholic and probably a spouse and a deceased has been brought to

By Father the church. There is no parent. Your life in Christ ThomasJ'v'l. Kocik._ 1...........

1. greater act of worship than began with your baptism t...i some weeks after your the Mass, in which Christ's birth. When the water sin-forgiving, life-giving was poured over you in the name of the Order of Christian Funerals, sacrifice on the cross is made , the Trinity, you became by an consist of three parts or "stations" of present sacramentally, and its saving prayer (stationes in Latin): the Vigil infusion of sanctifying grace an fruits applied to the living and the for the Deceased, the Funeral . dead. The Eucharist is also a adopted child of God and a member Liturgy proper, and the Rite of of Christ's Body the Church. Some foretaste of the heavenly banquet. years later, as an adolescent, you Committal. The General IntroducWithout question, then, Mass is the tion to the Order ofChristian were confirmed. When the bishop most important element in the Order Funerals (OCF) says that the anointed your head with chrism and of Christian Funerals. However, invoked the Holy Spirit, the grace of purpose of these rites is ''to comfuneral Masses are not pennitted on your baptism was perfected, so that certain Sundays and holy days and mend the dead to God's merciful you, like the disciples after Pentelove and to plead for the forgiveness during the Triduum; on these days cost, might courageously witness to of their sins." The most important of the Funeral Liturgy is a liturgy of the these three parts is the Funeral Christ. To preserve and nourish the Word closing with a rite of farewell. life of grace received in baptism, you Liturgy (ordinarily a Mass); but this The FUneral Liturgy usually feed frequently, perhaps even daily, concludes with the final commendadoes not mean that under ordinary on Christ's eucharistic body and circumstances the other two stations tion, when the celebrant incenses the blood. You know the joy of having casket to honor the body of the , are unimportant or optional. your sins forgiven in sacramental deceased (which through Baptism The Vigil for the Deceased, confession. You knew that marriage was made a temple of the Holy commonly called the wake, is is a sacred covenant and not merely usually held at a funeral parlor Spirit) and to symbolize the a social contract, and so your Church's prayers ascending to during calling hOurs, although it marriage was witnessed by the may be held in church (as in the heaven. case of a deceased priest)'or in the Church's minister in God's house.

The third station is the Rite of

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7 Committal, usually held at the place to circumstances; such variations of interment and similar to the Vigil , are envisioned in the ritual, as we'll in outline and brevity. The commitsee. If you take your faith seriously, it's hard to imagine the Church's tal prayers ask God to havel!mercy on the deceased and to console the funeral rites posing any difficulties survivors. If the final commendafor you. But can the same be said of tion did not take place during the those who will be making your Funeral Liturgy, it is done here. funeral arrangements once you're After a final blessing, the mourners gone, especially if you haven't yet say their last farewell and disperse, made your intentions known to ,them? It's surely worth considering, whereupon the deceased's temains which is what we'll do next time. are interred.

We have thus outlined the Father Kocik is chaplain at typical Roman Catholic fw\eral.

Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall Certain details will vary according River.

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Preparing for my holiday tryp(tophan) In last week's episode, I beginning this Thanksgiving. I lamented the fact I missed the have goose bumps, or turkey rigors and pains of participating bumps, just thinking about it. in sports as opposed to watching Turkey is my most favorite of others perform while I'm eatables - followed closely by stretched out on a recliner. seafood, pizza, cheeseburgers, But I nearly forgot that for me, it's the time of year to snap back into shape. It's time for fall training. The juices are beginning to flow again -literally.

It's November, and that means turkey season, or turkey with seasoning. Yes, it's time for me to get off the LazyBoy Mexican food, pork, and and whip, or mash, myself back chicken. into shape for the most glori'ous Each year my wife graciously of days - Thanksgiving. steps aside allowing me to take There's isn't much I enjoy complete control of the kitchen. more than preparing a ThanksAnd each year, I try to come up giving Day feast for my family. with a new twist on old favorites What comes closest is devouring just to keep from getting bored. the feast and then watching Just rec~ntly I roasted a small football non-stop until Christ, turkey breast - just to stay mas. For you like-minded sharp. It's much like a ball player readers, the NFL Network begins working on the basics in training televising Thursday night games camp. You can never take for

granted the little things.

I'm currently sifting through Rachel Ray cooking magazines, Emeril Lagasse cookbooks, old Julia Child recipes, and a bevy of Food Network programs to get ideas for this Turkey Day. My potato menu is set, but that remains a secret until November 23. I'm still searching for , something new to do with the star of the day.

There's a good chance I'll take ideas from several sources. It'll be great though, and conventional.

I don't experiment with strange concoctions when it comes to turkey - the stakes are too high.

Last week I also mentioned I miss the sports injuries of my younger days. But looking ahead to the next few weeks, there could be a good old sliced finger or two, a burned forearm and a scorched tongue.

I can't wait. It feels great to get back into shape. davejolivet@anchornews.org

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NOVEMBER

3, 2006

Putting the Lord first 'The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:4~5). This captures the central theme of the readings of this weekend's Mass.

Indeed, this is the central theme of our faith, as well. The Book of Deuteronomy, in great part, is a speech in which Moses reminds the people of the events at Mt. Sinai, reviews the stipulations of the Ten Commandments, and exhorts the people to observe these statutes and ordinances.

The commandments have been taught from one generation to the next. The chief commandment, from which all the rest follow, is devotion to the one true God. The issue is not really monotheism, but the single~minded love for the only One. In other words, the commandments are to be internalized so that they shape the will, the heart and form a

whole way of life.

The Second Reading of this weekend's Liturgy reminds us that Jesus is the fulfillment of Moses' teaching. Jesus fills the old system with new meaning.

Today we are reminded that as the old disciplines have value, how much more valuable is Jesus whose life is a perfect and complete commitment to doing the will of God the Father. "It is fitting that we should have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, higher than the heavens. He has no need, as did the high priests, to offer sacrifice day after day, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, he did that once for all when he offered himself' (Hebrews 7: 26~27).

In the Gospel reading, St. Mark describes an encounter Jesus had with one of the scribes.

The scribe said to Jesus: "Well said, teacher: You are right in saying, 'He is One and there is no other than he. And 'to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your

strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself' is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices" (Mark 12:32-33). The scribes, we recall, were highly trained teachers of the tradition.

They were scholars much given to dialogue and were not afraid of being open to other opinions or of expressing their own.

Although it was a serious

endeavor, the scribes' style of dialogue has been described as something of a game that operated according to certain rules of discourse and required a certain level of understanding.

With this in mind we may wonder whether Jesus' affirmation that this scribe "is not far from the kingdom of God" is really all that flattering. The scribe agrees with Jesus' interpretation of the law, which certainly broke no new ground in understanding the faith. At this point in the Gospel, merely agreeing with Jesus is not enough. Jesus, here, is calling his listeners to conversion of heart and discipleship.

The same is true for us today.

We have heard the message. It has been passed down to our own generation. We know "the Golden Rule." Today we are invited to not only agree with the

message, but to put it into effect in our daily lives. This is the challenge: putting the Lord first in our daily lives. Moses struggled with his people, encouraging them to put their faith into action by a conversion of heart. Jesus, likewise, struggled with his disciples. The 21 st century heralds of the Good News encourage us to put the Lord first, as well.

This week is an opportunity for us to look into our hearts and see how we are living the message of this weekend's Mass.

What are the things that compete with the Lord for our attention?

Let us ask the Lord, in prayer, for the grace to truly put him first.

May our right answers lead to right action. And, thus, may our discipleship keep us always close to the kingdom of God. Father Rodrigues is director ofHispanic Ministry on Cape Cod and resides at Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat, Nov 4, Phill:18b-26; Ps 42:2-3,5; Lk 14:1,7-11. Sun, Nov 5, Thirty-first Sunday in ordinary time, Dt 6:2-6; Ps 18:2-4,47,51; Heb 7:23-28; Mk: 12:28b-34. Mon, Nov 6, Phil 2:1-4; Ps 131:1-3; Lk 14:12-14. Tues, Nov 7, Pbil2:5-11; Ps 22:26-32; Lk 14:15-24. Wed, Nov 8, Phil 2:12-18; Ps 27:1,4,13-14; Lk 14:25-33. Thurs, Nov 9, The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, Ez 47:1-2,8-9,12; Ps 46:2..:3,5-6,8-9; 1 Cor 3:9c-ll,16-17; In 2:13~22. Fri, Nov 10, Phil 3:17-4:1; PsI22:1-5; Lk 16:1-8.

Hyde and Scalia, Catholics with consequences Two of the most influential Catholics in American public life mark important milestones in their lives and careers this month. The nation owes both men a large debt of gratitude.

For the first time in a very long time, Henry Hyde's name will not be on a ballot in this election cycle: one of the greatest Catholic legislators in U.S. history is retiring, full of years - and not a few pains but unbroken and unbowed. It's hard to imagine the U.S. House

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of Representatives without Henry Hyde, whom a television journalist of decidedly liberal views once described to me as "the smartest man in Congress:" During 20 years in the House minority, Hyde, the undisputed leader of Congres- . sional Pro-Lifers, . had, by force of argument and personality, an influence on politics and law that few in the majority could match. During his 12 years in the House majority, chairing the Judiciary Committee and then the International Relations Committee, Henry Hyde demonstrated that principle and robust argument can go hand-in-hand with courtesy and res¡pect. Hyde leaves the

PRACTICE THE DEVOTION OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS, AS REQUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia (seer of Fatima) and spoke these words: "Announce in my name that I promise to assist at the hour ofdeath with the graces necessary for the salvation oftheir souls, all those who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the Rosary (5 decades); and 4. Keep me company for 15 minutes while meditating on the 15 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me."

In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be preceded by the words: ''In reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary."

Confessions may be made during 8 days before or after the farst Saturday, and Holy Communion may be received at either the morning or evening Mass on the first Saturday. .

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Congress with thousands of friends and very few detractors, with the possible exception of Bill Clinton, whose praise the Congressman' would , likely find ... unsettling.

It has been one of the great privileges of my life to have worked with Henry Hyde since 1984, in good times and in bad, when we were winning and when we were losing. Those 22 years of collaboration and friendship are chock-full of memories, but perhaps my fondest recollection of Henry involves, not a great public moment, but a hospital bed. It was the late 80s, if memory serves, Henry's prostate was acting up, and he'd had surgery at Georgetown University Hospital during the Thanksgiving season. Late Thanksgiving morning, I went to visit him and there, in a hospital gown, with tubes coming in and out of this and that, was the quintessential Henry Hyde: larger than life, smoking a huge cigar, watching the Bears and the

among them); then figure out a Lions on TV, reading a biograplausible argument to support phy of William Wilberforce that result. Justice Scalia (the British parliamentary begged to differ. In his settled reformer whose agitations opinion, judging that wasn't finally put an end to the slave anchored in the text, in its trade), and cracking jokes original public meaning, about a would-be amounted to .the judicial successor, back in hijacking of politics, with Illinois, who had judges doing what legislators suddenly become are meant to do. solicitous for the It was a lonely view, then, if Congressman's health. a highly principled one: a That was, and is, Henry Hyde: a man of jurisprudential application, some might say, of Chesterton's intelligence, convicfamous observation that tion, courage, and tradition is the democracy of unbounded good humor, who took on fights that the dead - that is, paying attention to the wisdom Of our others deemed unwinnable ancestors. But Justice Scalia because it was the right thing stuck to his intellectual guns, to do. We'll probably not see and now finds himself as one of the like of him again, and the the senior figures in a moveRepubli,c will be the poorer for ment that is having a marked it. influence on both the courts Justice Antonin Scalia has .and the law schools. If the also just marked the 20th anniversary of,his appointment â&#x20AC;˘ actual text of the U.S. Constitution means anything today, no to the Supreme Court of the small part of the credit for that United States. must go to Justice Antonin When Justice Scalia joined Scalia. the Court, the idea that judges A salute, then, to two should attend to the text of the Catholics of consequence, Constitution, and the public Henry Hyde and Antonin meaning of its provisions at the Scalia, men of faith who time it was ratified and brought faith and reason amended, was not, to put it together in the service of gently, well established.

America.

Results-driven judging was the George Weigel is a senior order of the day. Get the result fellow'of the Ethics and Public right, proponents of this view Policy Center in Washington, argued (and there were both D.C. liberals and conservatives

NOVEMBER

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3, 2006

The Anchor ~ $

What goes around, comes around Friday 2 November 2006Yarmouth Port-All Soul's Day Come November, I display portraits of my ancestors on the mantel. There sits Catherine (Murray) Thompson, my great-great grandmother. During the potato famine, she sailed from Ireland to Boston and there opened a boarding house for Irish immigrants. Next is a photo of her daughter Catherine, my greatgrandmother. She remained in Waterford, marrying Michael Revell, a pharmacist. There is the Revell family, including daughter

"Minnie." She came to America to join her grandmother. Minnie is my grandmother.

On the other side of the family, I have an old tin-type of Peleg

Sanford Borden, my great-great grandfather (yes, the Borden family - as in Lizzie Borden). A captured Civil War soldier, he

spent months in a dank Confederate prison. I have his papers and correspondence. Peleg returned home to work his farm in the Acushnet/Rochester area, dying at a ripe old age. Gone, but not forgotten. I know them well. They are family.

I feel sad when-.I see old photo albums in flea markets and yard sales.

They're somebody's family, but nobody remembers them. Sometimes I wish there was a law requiring everyone in every photograph to be identified on the back of the print. At least there

A Catholic education for every Catholic kid During the first weeks of our home school year I always write this definition on the board: "Discipline is remembering what you really want." By . writing this, I invite my students/children to pause and think, "What is it that I really want out of this year of school? What is going to keep me going when I don't feel like finishing a math assignment or writing a book report?"

Stickers, special privileges, and good grades can be the immediate, external rewards, but the longterm reason for learning .

- what a student really wants - cannot come from either a parent or a teacher. The reason for this is that what each of us really wants is a question of internal motivation, not external enforcement.

As Catholic parents, charged with providing our children with 12 to 16 years of education, we also have to ask ourselves "what we really want" as it relates to educating our children. Whatis the biggest purpose for which we are educating our child? Good grades? A good job, someday? Good athletic, music, or art programs? How about good friends and eventually a good spouse? What about the non-intellectual, social, and religious aspects of an education?

Because our children's school environment profoundly impacts our family life, and because autumn is the time for open houses and entrance exams for next year's school enrollment, I'm going to spend the next few weeks discussing our educational choices as Catholic parents.

First, I want to state clearly

that the most important things our ki<,ls need to know are primarily learned at home and are being taught all the time. The quality of our children's formal schooling is of secondary importance to the quality of our children's home life. Having said that, I must also say that I believe every

Catholic lQ.d deserves a Catholic education. I believe that giving our c~ildren an authentically and thoroughly Catholi<;: education is at the core of what God and the Catholic Church ask of uS as parents.• I think it is a necessity, not a luxury, but if you disagree with me, please don't stop reading just yet.

If you have previously thought that the only way to give a child a Catholic education Was to enroll him in a Catholic school, you'il be happy to know t~at there are other options. On the other hand, if you have previously thought sending a kid to Catholic school or to CCD was all you needed to do as a parent to givethem a CathQlic educiltion, you may be surprised to learn that this is no guarantee.

Here's,why: We parents are primarily responsible for their faith formation, not a school or a teacher.

When we asked to have our children baptized by the Church as infants, we promised before God and the assembled gathering to be their "first and best teachers in the ways of the '

Faith." As our children's primary teachers in spiritual matters, we are responsible for three areas of Catholic knowledge;heart,hand,and head knowledge. First, our children need to be introduced to our God who loves them. Second, they need to be shown how to love him back.

Third, they need to be taught about Church doctrine, prayer and history. They need to know sacred Scripture and to hear stories about the saints, heroes, and villains associated with Christian faith. The basic idea behind the Catholic school system is that all three of these would be taught in a synchronized way and strengthened until the)';. become the spiritual backbone of a welMormed Catholic adult. A generation or two ago, many Catholic parents were able to turn to parochial school systems for help in living up to their baptismal promise. Today, not as many parents are able to draw on this valuable resource for geographic and financial reasons. If we cannot access the help of a good Catholic school system, we will need to be more disciplined ourselves about investing time and energy in educating their hearts, hands, and heads in all things Catholic.

Over the next few weeks I will explore ways that we Catholic parents can remain true to our baptismal promise no matter where our children learn their ABCs and 123s.

Heidi is an author, photographer, andfull-time mother.

She and her husband raise their five children in Falmouth. Comments are welcome at homegrownjaith@yahoo.com.

might be a chance that someday somebody would somehow remember them. How tragic to be dead and forgotten.

Years ago, I was in Yarmouth visiting a parishioner. It was a lovely spring day. Looking out the window to the field behind her house, I noticed hundreds of daffodils in bloom. "These," said my hostess, "were planted centuries ago at the front door of the old fort. The fort is gone, but the flowers bloom still."

Her comment tweaked my interest (it doesn't take much). I bought a book on the history of Old Yarmouth - a limited edition, No. 32. There I read about the fort, located just south of what is now called the Ancient Cemetery. The building was a rustic structure, 30feet-by-40-feet. It had a thatched roof and oiled-paper wirictows.

Long gone, the frame ofl:the building has been recyclc::d and still exists as a dwelling.

It was in the fort that, the church met. That was, of course, the Congregational Church. The law was that you had to worship every Sunday in the Copgregational Church. Seems the early Congregationalists of Yimnouth had hired a minister by the name of the Rev. Marmaduke Matthews. He was, without a doubt, a loose canon on the deck of life. Some man in theII congregation complained. "This minister doesn't have enough sense to recognize heresy - even when he himself is preaching it!" "Fie! Fie! For shame!" the man publicly confronted tht:: minister.

Finally, the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back happened when this disgruntled parishioner interrupted a sermon with the words: "Rev. Matthews, you measure out your sermons with an hourglass. The sexton turns the glass and you keep on preaching.

The sand has not run out, but your ideas ran out long ago!" It was against the law to disrupt a religious service. The man was arrested by the constables, carried out of church and banished from the settlement. In the end, he never went anywhere. He died in Yarmouth in May, 1659. Officials discovered the Reverend was preaching without a license.

Pastor Marmaduke eventually

returned to England.

Now, as it turns out, this rabble-rouser was my ninth great grandfather, William Chase.

What was his problem? He was a Quaker, not a Congregationalist.

He had sailed from England in 1630 with the Winthrop Fleet, and then migrated to Rhode Island Plantation. Being a contractor by trade, he found his way to "The Cape of Cod," as it was then called. A member of the Society of Friends, he believed in religious toleration. Toleration was a state heresy.

At any rate, William's second son Benjamin (born 1639) had had enough of the bigotry. He picked up and moved far away to the border with Rhode Island Plantation. The proprietors of this place called it Freeman's Purchase. Benjamin Chase married a woman named Phillipa Sherman of Portsmouth and moved from Yarmouth to become the first settler in the Freeman's Purchase.

Freeman's purchase is now called Freetown. The land of Benjamin Chase is now the very spot on which I live. It is the site of St. Bernard Church. The history book I read was No. 32. My rectory is No. 32 South Main St. Benjamin Chase is my distant uncle. What goes around comes around.

I ponder the photos on the mantel. Somehow all of us are related, but we live our lives without realizing it. What a difference it would make if only we would come to understand that we are literally brothers and sisters. This month, remember All Souls. Pray for them. They're the fabric of your life.

Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Bernard Parish, Assonet.

Comments are welcome at StBernardAssonet@aol.com.

Previous columns are at www.StBernardAssonet.org.

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Gualter Chaves enjoys seeing young people strengthen faith

BY MIKE GORDON, ANcHoR ~AFF NOKfH DIGHTON - It was Gualter Olaves' "dedication to yOWlg people" that led SisterofSt Dorothy Judith Costa, Religious Education coordinator at St Joseph Parish, to nominate him for person of the week. 'lIe's a wonderful young man who teaches two classes in our Religious Education program," said Sister Costa. "Whenever we need assistance Olaves is ,..wiIIing to help. He assists with retreats and will take on an extra class if needed He has a real place in his heart for young people:' The29-year-oldOlaves,aresidentofSomersetand long-time parishioner, has been teaching Religious Education classes at the parish for the past seven __

~;:;:~~ grade confirmation class and~.It'sno easy task to be teaching classesonSunday~

ideas and activities we'll be doing_ I also nm one ofthe adivities in the retreat. Wejustcompletedthefirst-grade retreat and had them painting pumpkins according to a prayer we had read. They really enjoyed that. It's easy to relate Jesus to them at that age lever' Father James R. McLellan, the pastor, has been impressedby thededication ofOlaves. 'lIe has been quite a help at our parish for a number ofyears. He's shown a great deal ofleadership and he's tireless. He's been a real asset to Sister Costa and our Religious Education

program."

Father McLellan added, 'We could definitely use more young people like him to help make a difference:' When he's not working with young people, Chaves enjoys spending time with his mother and two

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enjoys surfing the Web to keepuponhisfaith."Ialso like to listen to Christian music. It helps generate new ideas for teaching."

For several years, Chaves has worked at BankFtve as a secondary

ing and Sunday eveDings, but Chaves doesn't mind.

"I enjoy working with young people and marlretrepresentative,hanit's been wonderful:' dling mortgage lending, said Olaves. "Someone rates and approvals. A has to do it so why not graduate of Dightonme?" He also teaches Rehoboth High School, he oIherclasses when a subhas taken classes at Bristol stitute is needed Community College and "He really enjoys hopes eventually to earn a helpingothers,"saidSisdegree in accounting. ter Costa.

Chaves has also served Chaves particularly as a lector at the parish and enjoys helping young is a member of its parish people. '1t's important council. Although his forreens to feel that the BORN LEADER - Gualter Chaves enjoys teach- teachin duti ted :.._" ts-dY ing Religious Education at St. Joseph's Parish, his continuing g es preven as a lector h ave a r:iIIlllIy ou I e . 路 famil North Dighton. (AnchodGordon photo) this he h Y year, opes to retheir immediate and people that care about them. I enjoy the opportu- tum to it next year, because "it's another way to be a nitytobeamentorandtohelpthemgrow..intheirCatho- role model foryOWlg Catholics."

Being involved in Religious Education has been lie faith. They are the future of the Chmch."

Born in Santa Maria, Azores, Olaves came to the a springboard for Chaves to get more involved in United States with his family in 1980. He said be draws the Church and he's welcomed the opportunity. '1 inspiration from the example his grandmother set as a was away from the Church in my late teens when faithful Catholic and it's his faith that motivates him to my father passed away, but now I can share those be involved at the parish. life experiences with students and I know it makes "My faith gmws everyday. My grandmotherprayed an impact" the rosary a lot and I pray often myselfbecause itmakes SometimesOlaves will nm intofonnerstudents who a difference in one's day. I'm constantly asking God stop him to thank him for the difference he made in for guidance and strength." their lives. It's those moments that keep him going.

Olaves became involved with theReligious Educa"It's awesome when they come up to you and say tionprogrnmtheyearhisyoungerbrotberwasgoingto '1hankyou.'Youknowatthatmomentthatyoureached be confirmed. They were shortteacbers and he decided someone. You don't often see the fruits of your labor, to volunteer. ., was only supposed to be teaching for hit when you do, it makes an impact. It's also nice to two weeks, hit that year I did eight Sister Costa asked hearor see when they are getting something good from if I wanted to come back and, based on the response I their faith." received from the students, I did It's a lot ofwOIk with Olaves hopes to continue teaching because he the the two grades this year, hit it's worth it because we're more he does, the more he learns about his Catholic doing something important for yOWlg people." faith. '1 do it for them, hit I am also learning more He also said that worlring as a teacher has been re- about myself:' he said 'Whatever God's will is. You wanting and has given him a sense ofaccomplishment just have to pray every day:' '1t's great to have an opportunity to show students that When he's not working with young people, Otaves religion can be fun and how important it is to have a enjoys spending time with his motherand two younger good relationship with God:' brothers, ages 26 and 20. He also reads and enjoys surfThey also emphasize community service to students ing the Web to keep up on his faith. '1 also like to listen and giving back to the Church however they can. to listen to Christian music. It helps generate new ideas In addition to teaching. Chaves assists with the youth for teaching:' retreats, helping Sister Costa organize and coordinate Submit nominotions for Person of the Week to events for students in each grade. themrdw1@anchomews.orgorTheAndtor,P.O.Box '1 assist wherever I'm needed and help brainstorm 7, FollRiver, MA 02722.

A place of rest Like many cats, our eat's to this scripture, "Come to me all of you who are weary, and lifestyle is rather enviable. Her burdened I will give you rest. biggest decision of the day is, Take my yoke upon you and "Where shall I sleep'! Should I learn from me, for I am gentle choose one place or add variety and humble in heart, and you to the day with different will find rest for your souls. For locations?" These are decisions my yoke is easy and my burden only a cat could understand. light."

Drawers that are open, the This explained everything. comer of a closet, the windowSeriously speaking, we know sill or the kitchen floor where that we are not meant to live the she can bask in the sun are life of a cat, sleeping and some of her choices. Her newest favorite place to sleep is resting most of our waking hours, but the experience of in a little cozy armchair, which knowing inner peace and of our daughter has now grown resting within the Lord is out of. We placed it near OUT living room window so that she, something that I believe we all hope to attain. essentially an indoor cat, could In reflecting upon this have a view of the outside. One Scripture, Matthew II :28-30, it day I was startled to see two becomes clear that weariness is people standing in front of OUT much more than just being living room window, looking right in.

Thankfully, I immediately realized that it was only our neighbors who had decided to walk up to the ~路~MicKoul , ~1 house for a closer look at tired, far deeper than physical the sleeping cat. fatigue. Jesus is speaking about She can spend hours sleepa weariness that can only be ing, often not stirring all day. alleviated in finding rest for Sometimes when she's resting one's soul, of breaking away so peacefully, my husband and from one's burdens and drawI joke that we should say to ing closer to him. In a most her, "Hey, can we get a little beautiful and heartwarming busy here, maybe fold the invitation, Jesus calls us back to laundry, take out the garbage him to a place whereJlis love or how about cleaning your may surround us, where his litter box?" All we generally gentle peace may be known to would receive in return would us in our day-to-day living. be a half-opened eye and a In a way this Scripture look communicating, "Yon passage has two complimentary talking to me'!"

But it is not that she is a lazy meanings that are joined in a practical sense. On one hand, cat. Actually she is the most Jesus invites us to slow down, fastidious when it comes to make different choices and take bathing, cleaning herself to some time to embrace him. He perfection: She will often invites us to allow him to engage in vigorous and quite comfort us so that we can rest entertaining play, and if put outdoors, would hunt diligently. in his everlasting love, so that She is also extremely affection- our weariness can dissipate, ate, giving kisses to everyone in and our burdens may become light. At the same time, when the family, and oft~n snuggling we find that we can "rest" in in next to us for a nap.

I asked myself, how does she the Lord, and have allowed Jesus to be present in our daydo it? How does she live such a to-day living, we can continue "well-balanced kitty life," to do the work that is needed, accomplishing all of the and can serve others and not necessary routines of the day, and yet finding so much time to grow weary. For Jesus is our rest, peacefully embracing each place of rest.

And Jesus keeps his promises. day?

Greis is the author and Then one day I noticed illustrator of"The Ocean something in the comer of her Flowers, A Parable ofLolle" and chair. It was a small book with numerous articles. Greta and the title, "Scripture for Feher husband George, with their lines." It was open to a particuchildren are members ofehrist lar page and there were little the King Parish in Mashpee. smudgy paws prints right next

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N OVEMSER 3, 2006

The Anchor , edition alone reaches more than 129 countries. Besides the daily paper in Italian, L' Osservatore Romano publishes weekly editions in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German and a

monthly paper in Polish.

The future for reaching out to even more readers worldwide is the Internet, Chila' said, but for now L' Osservatore Romano only has a copy of its front page online.

-

MEETING DEADLINE - Staffers of L'Osservatore Romano work on laying out the final copy of the next day's paper October 25 at the Vatican. The Vatican newspaper's editorial views correspond to Catholic teaching and positions taken by the pope. Images of Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II reading L'Osservatore Romano are seen in the paper's office. (CNS photo/Carol Glatz)

MEET THE PRESS - The Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada has named Thomas P. Conway as its new execu· tive director. The board of directors made the announcement October 25. Conway has 20 years of senior management experience in professional associations, including the American Academy of Dermatology and Moose Intem,ational. (CNS photo/Karen Callaway)

L'Osservatore Romano: 145 years as the 'genuine face of the Church'

By CAROL GLATZ CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE VATICAN CITY - Juggling a phone, tapping out headline changes on his keyboard, and greeting yet another visitor to his second-floor office inside the headquarters of L' Osservatore Romano, Antonio Chila' serenely glides through the myriad of tasks that continually fly his way.

Like a controller at a major airport's air traffic control tower, the chief editor of the Vatican newspaper must keep scores of incoming calls, e-mails, edited news articles, faxes and requests on his radar and guide them all to their proper place.

Freshly typed copy of Pope Benedict XVI's remarks in German from his recent general audience lands on Chila's desk just as the paper's German section calls to say the text has been revised to reflect the pope's spoken remarks.

Just the barest hint of exasperation tinges the chief editor's voice when an anxious caller urges him to publish a picture of her order's mother superior kissing the pope's hand at the audience that wrapped up less than an hour before.

"Sister, I know this is important to you, but if I had to publish every photo of all the religious and bishops who kiss the Holy Father's hand, I would have to put out a 250-page paper every day," he says, sighing into the phone.

Published within the Vatican, the semiofficial newspaper was born 145 years ago during a highly tumultuous time for the Papal States. Italy's unification began in 1861, and the new kingdom's first legislators declared Rome the capital.

The pope's temporal power and the territories he controlled were under increasing threat by growing Italian nationalism. Pontifical authorities soon supported the idea of having a newspaper that would uphold the importance of the Papal States and the values they espoused.

The first issue of L' Osservator! Romano appeared in Rome Jlily:·I, 1861, and was "deliberately polemical and propagandist,..~ .according to the Vatican's Website.

The paper's motto, which remains unchanged today under the masthead, included two snippets from the G~spels: "Unicuique Suum" ("to each his own") and "Non Praevalebunt" (the forces of evil "shall not prevail"), said Chila'. ., But over time the newspaper took on a more objective and pastoraJ stance, and today it prides itself in "presenting the genuine face of the Church and the ideals of freedom," said Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's secretary of state.

L' Osservatore Romano became "an instrument for spreading the teachings of the successor of Peter and for information

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Open House • Participate in a recreational activity L' Osservatore Romano has Saturday, November 11 tailored to individual interests and skills become a forceful champion of 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Spend a quiet moment in the sunroom or cozy library human rights and a vocal propoAsk about our low income SHORT-TERM REsPITE STAYS WHEN OU and veteran's programs nent of peaceful, nonviolent soOR SoMEONE You LoVE NEEDS: lutions to the political and social • Family respite - when families go on 114 Riverside Ave., New vacation or just need some extra assistance upheavals of the 20th century and Bedford, MA 02746 • Convalesce following a hospital or beyond. nursing home stay Tel: 508-997-2880 Each pope has used the paper • "Try Us Out;' during your search for Fax: 508-997-1599 a pennanent living arrangement as an international soapbox to r r = = = = = = = = = = - - - - - - - - - = i - - - - - - - - - i launch appeals Cgyle and CIlssiJy choice is •••~-: against a variety HighSchool of issues. Not bam~~lfIIl/Chiiurim ~ 2lUmihoo Siae only are readers T.IllIlOlI,M IbauUllIlliwdm#n100 percent cer\\-"""\\~\,.O) :,\,.'\:o,l;~ ~,:.;;n~'Ti •!1lal(nvriimnum~_ anice tain that the exact .....

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eNS video reviews

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NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of new and recent DVD and video releases from the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Theatrical movies on video have a USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification and Motion Picture Association of America rating.

"Astaire & Rogers Collection: Volume 2" (1933-1939) The screen's all-time greatest dance team - Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers - get their second boxed set, bringing their complete output to DVD. Each title includes shorts and animated material, and as each of the films is classified either A-Igeneral patronage or A-IT - adults and adolescents, they make good family viewing, despite some occasional innuendo, which is mild by today's standards.

Beautiful print quality for all, including some of the early Technicolor shorts.

None have been rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. The set was released by Warner Home Video.

"Carefree" (1938) Wacky musical comedy about a psychiatrist (Astaire) whose best. friend (Ralph Bellamy) asks him to treat his marriage-shy girlfriend (Rogers) but matters get complicated when the patient falls for the doctor. Directed by Mark Sandrich, the thin plot takes some very giddy turns, with the added bonus of appealing Irving Berlin tunes, including "I Used to Be Color Blind" danced in slow motion by Rogers and Astaire, as well as Astaire's standout syncopated solo on the golf links (A-I).

"Flying Down to Rio" (1933) Wacky musical comedy in which a bandleader (Gene Raymond) takes a job in Rio de Janeiro where he unknowingly romances the fiancee (Dolores Del Rio) of a pal (singer Raul Roulien). Directed by Thornton Freeland, the proceedings are dominated by a genial pair of hoofers (Astaire and Rogers) who stage the show-stopping finale with showgirls performing on the wings of biplanes. Stylized violence, romantic complications and innuendo (A-IT).

"The Gay Divorcee" (1934) Comic misunderstandings abound in this dated musical fluff about an American (Rogers) whose lawyer (Edward Everett Horton) hires a professional co-respondent to obtain a divorce in England, then mistakes an unwanted admirer (Astaire) for the unseen hireling. Director Mark Sandrich turns the farcical situation into a lighthearted musical comedy with charming songs and dances, notably "The Continental," and creaky comic routines.

Comic treatment of the war between

the sexes with divorce as a plot device (A-IT).

"Roberta" (1935) Adaptation of composer Jerome Kern's Broadway hit, here starring Irene Dunne and Randolph Scott as a Russian princess and an American football player who inherits a Parisian fashion business. William A. Seiter directs, and look closely and you'll spot a blonde Lucille Ball as a model. Songs include "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "I Won't Dance," and though Astaire and Rogers have only supporting roles they steal the picture (A-I).

"The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle" (1939) Nostalgic musical biography of a vaudevillian (Astaire) and his bride (Rogers) who in 1911 team as ballroom dancers and become international favorites before Vernon's tragic death as an aviator in World War I. Director H.C. Potter's warm portrait of a loving couple is paced by elegant dance numbers, period songs and occa-' sional comic relief(Edna May Oliver, Walter Brennan and Lew Fields).

Old-fashioned family fare (A-I).

***

"An American Haunting: Unrated Edition" (2006) Spookily' atmospheric, wellacted thriller based on the "true story" of the "Bell Witch" case, the only documented case in the U.S. of a spirit causing the death of a person, as the Bells, an 1818 Tennessee couple (Donald Sutherland and Sissy Spacek) battle ghostly horrors in their home and the possession of their daughter (Rachel Hurd-Ward), after a woman thought to be a witch curses the family.路 Writer-director Courtney Solomon builds up an atmosphere of heady suspense that never lets up, and although there's lots of generalized demonic violence, there's little bloodshed. Some intensely violent episodes including a hairraising wolf attack, an attempted suicide, the questioning of God's existence and omnipotence, and subtle sexual revelations of an adult nature. The anamorphic DVD contains more than the usual number of deleted scenes, including several versions of a spectacular horse and carriage crash, and four lengthy alternate versions of the ending, which bring the aforementioned revelations into sharper focus and crystallize the adult nature of the story; interviews with Spacek and Solomon; and on-screen featurelength commentary by Solomon.

The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-li - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America theatrical rating is PG-13 - parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

The DVD, however, is umated (Lions Gate Home Entertainment).

AWESTRUCK - Joseph Cross and Annette Bening star in a scene from the movie "Running With Scissors." For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photorrriStar Pictures)

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lCa.IV~Ulllle~ NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Babel" (Paramount Vantage) Quietly powerful film charting three interconnected stories: an American couple (Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett) stranded in Morocco when the wife is seriously wounded by a stray bullet on their tour bus; the deaf-mute teen-age daughter (Rinko Kikuchi) of a widower father (Koji Yakusho) in Tokyo who achingly longs for love; and a Mexican governess (Adriana Barraza) and her nephew (Gael Garcia Bernal) who take her two young charges across the border to attend a wedding with tragic results. Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's somber and lengthy film imparts an admirable message about a shared global humanity and the senselessness of violence, even as it blames U.S. foreign policy and bureaucracy as an obstacle, has superbly empathetic performances by an international cast, and ultimately packs an emotional wallop. Partially subtitled.

Some rough language and profanity, crude expressions, some violence including a killing, full female nudity, some discreet sexual elements, and alcohol and drug use. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L - limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

"Conversations With God" (Samuel Goldwyn) Drama based on the successful series of spiritual self-help books by author Neale Donald Walsch (Henry Czerny), who, after losin'g his job and finding himself homeless, alleges that God, prompted by his questioning, began speaking to him directly, with their ongoing "conversation" resulting in his bestsellers. Earnestly directed by Stephen Simon, the film fluctuates between maudlin and genuinely moving, and while clearly containing ideas (a hodgepodge of gnosticism, pantheism and New Age mysticism) incompatible with Christian theology, nevertheless imparts a sincere message about God's unconditional love and abiding presence that should resonate with Catholic viewers. Questionable theological underpinnings, some'" mature themes and brief mild innuendo. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is Ali - adults. The Motion Picture Association ofAmerica rating is PG - parental guidance suggested.

Some material may not be suitable for children.

"Running With Scissors" (TriStar) Author Augusten Burroughs' best-selling memoirs about his

wildly unconventional adolescence during which his mentally fragile mother (Annette Bening), estranged from her husband (Alec Baldwin), sent the boy (Joseph Cross) to be raised by her quack psychiatrist (Brian Cox) and his extremely dysfunctional family (Jill Clayburgh, Gwyneth Paltrow, Evan Rachel Wood and Joseph Fiennes).

Director Ryan Murphy's episodic adaptation - which may puzzle those unfamiliar with the book handles the provocative material with sensitivity, toning down the racier elements. Though some of the situations are in themselves morally objectionable (making the film unpalatable for many), the overall tone and resolution have a distinctly moral center. Pervasive rough language and profanity, a couple of discreetly handled samesex relationships including a disturbing age-inappropriate one, other sexual themes and innuendo, scatological humor, drug use, domestic violence, an irreverent remark, and discussion of suicide.

The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association ofAmerica rating is R - restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, October 29 at 11:00 a.m. cneduled celebrant is Father Paul T. Lamb, pastor of St. Rita's Parish in Marion

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3, 2006h~~rThe Anchor: $

Catholic. journalists must bring the truth to readers, bishop says ROCKFORD, m. (CNS) - "You are responsible for the truth and bringing it to the people," Bishop Thomas G. Doran of Rockford told about 30 Catholicjournalists gathered in Rockford October 19-20 for the Midwest regional meeting ofthe Catholic Press Association of the United States and

Canada

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The bishop, who is publisherof The Observer, Rockford diocesan newspaper, welcomed thejournalists and celebrated Mass for them. ''Never take for granted what your readers don't know. Do not be afraid to teach and reteach them in the pages of your publications, and do it often," he said in his homily.

During his 11 years as bishop, Bishop Doran took the paper from 26 issues per year to 49.

The meeting was the first CPA regional convention held in about 10 years. The Midwest region ofthe CPA is comprised of 12 states and three Canadian provinCes. The Observer hosted the meeting. Its editor, Penny Wiegert. is the Midwest regional representative to the CPA board ofdirectors.

The program featured workshops on topics including digital photography equipment and techniques, parish relations as a circulation builder, online advertising, W~b design, media convergence issues, management techniques and what demographics mean to all departments in publishing.

On a lighter note, the CPA members also learned about the history of PRE-SCHOOL TEACHER Part-time, DEEC Certified.

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the sock monkey doll and its Rockford connection.

"Building relationships and expertise is the object ofthis regional meeting,"Wiegert told the attendees as they gathered at the Rockford diocesan administration center.

"In this age of instant technology and communication, it has become even more important to connect with and learn from our colleagues in a more personal way," she said, adding that the purpose ofthe regional was to combine efforts "for stronger publications:' .

During a banquet ~er the Mass, Helen Osman, president of the CPA board and editorof The Catholic Spirit in Austin, Texas, gave an overview 9f CPA services. She said the Midwest regional meeting was a result of listening to the members and a way for the board to better serve them.

The guest speaker at the banquet was Keith Ludolph, a freelance correspondentfor The Observer who talked to the group about the importance of

"I shall come to asjCJorthe consecration of Russia to my Inutlacullqe Heart. and the cciiiJ:mimon of Reparation on the First Saturdays. If

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my requests are heeded, Russia will be conve~d.and there willQe peace. !fnot. she will spread her errors throughout the world. causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, various nations will be'annihi,. lated.In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triurhph. The Holy. Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she will be converted, and a periOd of peace will be granted to the world. In Portugal, the dogrnaofth'e , Faith will always be preserved, etc.... .

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sock monkeys were already famous.

The next opportunity for CPA members to gather will be at the Catholic Media Convocation, to be held in Brooklyn, N.Y., May 23-25.

The convocation is a joint meeting of the CPA and the Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals.

.JOHN POLCEi BETHANY NIGHTS

Our Lady of Fatima to Sister LUcia,Blessed ,:; Jacinta an~ Blessed Francisco July 13, 191L. . . '

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being part of The Observer staff despite being paralyzed after a car accident in December 2004.

Ludolph, who addressed the group from a wheelchair, said he was looking forward to driving a specially designed auto in the near future so he could return to his Monday evening proofreading sessions atThe Observer.

"I have received a lot of support from staff and am looking forward to providing editorial copy for the upcoming diocesan centennial celebration and to return to proofreading," he said.

"Being part of the Catholic press is like every day since the accident ... it's a tremendous gift from God," he said.

Another special guest at the banquet was ''Nelson the sock monkey."

Rockford, m., is the home of John Nelson, a Swedish immigrant who invented a sock-knitting machine in 1869: The company manufactured red-heeled work socks which some

. nuns £ashion lied'mto dll 0 s WilSCOnsm that looked like monkeh for children at Christmas during the ~ 940s and 50s.

The Nelson Knittfug Co. along .

I, with Forest City Knitting convinced Sears Roebuck and }.1ontgomery Ward stores to include a pattern for the dolls with each pail- of socks. By the time the patent wJ acquired the

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Start in Orlando and spend four nights in quality hotels. Sightseeing includes the SI. Augustine city tour including the oldest house (The Gonzales-Alvarez House).

The next day you'll visit the Kennedy Space Center with the Intemational Space Station Center; the ApoIloISatum V Center, the Astronaut Memorial and more.

One leisure day gives you the option to visit Disney World's Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Center, MGM Studios, or Animal Kingdom. On Sunday, March 4.2007, you'll drive to Miami to board your Carnival Cruise Ship the "Victory." On board ship the daily list of activities is mind-bogglingl Games. Jackpot Bingo, Black Jack, Slot Machines, Wine Tasting, Ice Carving, Food Sculpture Demonstrations, irresistible dinners and delectable desserts (food is available 24 hours a day); whirlpools and swimming pools are all available. Enjoy the tranquil waters, balmy' nights and refreshing sea breezes. Ports include San Juan. Puerto Rico; SI. Maarten; and SI. Thomas. U.S. Virgin Islands, Your cruise ends in Miami Sunday, March 11. This will be Father Almeida's fifth trip as a Your Man Tours Catholic chaplain. His phone number will be sent with the brochure. Mass will be celebrated some days while on this cruise/tour. ·Your price (per person, based on double occupancy) includes the 4-<1ay escorted motor coach tour, 7-<1ay cruise, and all taxes and port charges. Add $200 for an outside stateroom. Add $400 for' an outside balcony stateroom.. Add $400 for round-trip airfare from Boston.

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NOVEMBER

3, 2006

, The Anchorne·ws briefs Jerusalem coadjutor archbishop shares vision ofMiddle East peace CLEVELAND - Coadjutor Archbishop Fouad Twal of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem cares deeply about his flock, but his compassion and sense of responsibility stretch beyond the members of his own faith. "My jurisdiction is Palestine, Israel and Jordan and I feel a deep sense of responsibility toward people -in all of those countries," he said following a recent talk about the state of Christians in the Holy Land at the Arab American Community Center for Economic and Society Services in Cleveland. As coadjutor and as president of Bethlehem University, he is in the-position to witriess firsthand how the failure of the peace process in the Middle East is taking its toll on the Christians who live there. When asked to describe typical daily challenges, Archbishop Twal said, "Permits.

They (Palestinians, both Christian.s and Muslims) need a permit to get into and out of Bethlehem, to go to work, to go to Jerusalem to pray, to go to the airport or the hospital or to Bethlehem University."

Second man sa.ys Father Mercieca abused him as minor MIAMI - The Miami Archdiocese .said that it learned through the news media that a second man has claimed that he was abused as a minor by Father Anthony Mercieca. "The alleged actions of Father Mercieca were previously unknown to tile Archdiocese of Miami," said a recent statement by Mary Ross Agosta,. archdiocesan communications director. Earlier the same day, a man filed a civil suit saying' Father Mercieca molested him once in the late 1970s when the man was an altar boy at St. James Church in North Miami. The man was not identified in the lawsuit. Father Mercieca, 72,has admitted to sexually inappropriate behavior 40 years ago with Mat;!c Foley when the former member of the House of Rep:resentatives{rom FloJ:ida was an altar boy. Foley resigned earlier this year as a m.ember ofthe House after the discovery that he had sent sexually themed e-mailsto male House pages. Foley later said that Father Mereieca had sexually abused him when he was a minor. After the priest's admiSSion, the archdiocese removed his priestly faculties and announced that it had begun an investigation into his activities. Currently,Father Mercieca is retired and lives in Malta.

Chicago association executive Conway chosen. to'head

CPA

WASHINGTON - Thomas P. Conway, 46, vice presid¢!'itofbusiness operations for Moose International the last two years; has been appointed executive director Of the Catholic Pr~ss Asso.cdation of the United States and Canada. His appointment is:effecfive October 30. The CPA is based in Ronkonkoma, N.V??}!t C~IllY,aY will remain in ChiCago. Conway is a certified publicacco~t;mt and holds a master's degree in business administration from'b)yola University in Chicago. A member of St.PetroniUeparish i1l the Chicago suburb of Glen Ellyn, 111., in the Joliet »i9£ese,he is a nephew of the late Bishop Edwin Conway~ Who was an am,tiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago. It ~as Conw.ay's previous senior management experience at national and internlj\Q(ma11associations, and his ability to leverage new teclUi(;logies f~r the 15!*efit of those associations' members, that impres8yd theJ!~arch committee, which was given about 40 resumes qfpotenti8.l/Sandidates by an executive search firm it had hired. ..,

Military archdiocese head: Modern war changes ethital cballeQges VATICAN CITY - As the nature of war andconfIict changes,so'do the ethical challenges faced by members of thetniJ.itary;"'said the head of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services. ArchbishOp Edwin F. O'Brien, whose flock includes all U.s. Catholi.c mili,tary andtbeir families, was one of the speakers at an October 23-27 Vatican conference for military ordinaries, the bishops in charge ofthe spiritual care of their nations' armed forces. While a Catholic military chaplain's ministry always will center on celebrating the sacraments - in a base chapel or a field tent - he also is called to be "an ethi~ cist, helping form and guide" the approach of his Ullitand the concrete behavior of individuals, Archbishop O'Brien said. Like other speakers at the Vatican conference, Archbishop O'Brien said modem shifts in when a nation feels called to deploy troops raise new ethical questions. Ethical guidelines for a "just· war" -- including the principles that actions are proportionate and civilians are not targeted were developed in the light of conventional wars between two countries or clearly identified groups. Now, he said, ethicists must deal with "asymmetrical war," a conflict such as terrorism where the two sides are not clearly identified, similar entities and where the battlefield can be anywhere.

A cross of stones marks the spot where four skeletons where found buried in the sand on the French.island of lie Madame. The cross of stones is seen during an annual procession in August to remember priests who died on the island during violent anti-clericalism that erupted in France more than two centuries ago. (eNS photofThierry Boussier)

SACRED GROUND -

For French Catholics, small island is testimony to, priests' suffering

By JONATHAN LUXMOORE CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

ligious objects, throwing the bod- paradise," one survivor later recalled. "Approaching the shore, I ies into the water.

ILE MADAME, France - On "The hand of God is here," one saw greenery, a hedge, some trees. a melancholy bend in France's At- priest-chronicler recorded. "Death A butterfly appeared and I spotted lantic coast, a narrow causeway continues to take away our broth- some birds. It was the height ofjoy. leads across choppy gray-green ers, and the dead are immediately I felt myself reborn." waters to a low-lying deserted is- replaced by a great number of liv- . Battling starvation and typhus, ing. Bright faces, once shining with however, 254 priests died on the land. lIe Madame, in the River stoutness and health, are covered in island and were buried near the shore, earning Ile Madame the temCharente estuary, is qot mentioned dreadful pallor." in guidebooks, and few tourists venThe priests' imprisonment fol- porary nickname of lle des Pretres ture here. For local Catholics, lowed the bloody suppression of a (Priests Island). ' In October 1995, Pope John Paul though, it remains a symbol of the Catholic-led uprising in the Vendee violent anti-clericalism that erupted region to the north; the uprising IT beatified 64 martyred priests, including Father Jean-Baptiste in their country more than Souzy, a former cathedral two centuries ago.

"It's a small, desolate "The hand of God is here," one canon who died on Ile Maplace - but it speaks elo- priest-chronicler recorded. "Death dame after helping organize quently about testimony and continues to take away our broth- a spiritual life for fellow prissuffering," said Msgr. Yves ers, and the dead are immediately oners.

Today, their fate is reGuiochet, vicar general of La replaced by a great number of livmembered each August by a Rochelle Diocese. "At a time ing. Bright faces, once shining with pilgrimage across the causeof secularism, when most people aren't interested in the stoutness and health, are covered way from the mainland. A simple shrine to Mary stands Church, it's a reminder of in dreadful pallor." . on lIe Madame's single how to live faithfully as track, among windswept Christians, while also mainpines and gorse bushes, while a taining an attitude of respect and sparked violent reprisals. At La cross of stone marks the spot reconciliation to the society around Rochelle, a Jacobin stronghold, where four skeletons were found us." ':counterrevolutionary clergy" were In April 1794, during the French hacked to death during transfer to buried in the sand, amid rocks and seaweed. .

Revolution, 829 detained Catholic a city prison.

Though 25 priests left written priests, ages 28-77, were stripped At Nantes, too many death senof their breviaries and crucifixes tences were handed down for the accounts of the horrors they witand crammed aboard a pair of slave local guillotine, so imprisoned nessed on the island, the only surships anchored off Rochefort to priests were towed out into the viving relic is a tiny crucifix, hastawait deportation to Guyana.

River Loire aboard a barge with ily cut from driftwood with a Half the priests detained were holes and drowned in what became seaman's knife; the c~oss was sediocesan priests from 35 depart- known derisively as a "republican cretly handed to priests as they lay dying. The anonymous sculptor had ments of France, but some were baptism." religious, including Cistercians, Near Rochefort, the slave ships no time to finish it, and the cross is Carmelites and Capuchins. Some became infested, and locals com~ known locally as "Christ Without had been marched 500 miles to plained of bodies being washed up Arms."

"The tragic story reminds us we . reach the Charente mud flats. There on the mud flats, so that August a was little food, and no medicine or tent hospital was set up on the four- should never despair of our own doctors. Within nine months, two- square-mile Ile Madame, and the society, whatever misfortunes it inthirds of the priests would be dead. surviving priests were rowed flicts on us. But we should also be vigilant in making sure such haSurvivors testified how the across. guards barred prisoners from pray"Compared to the hell of the tred never triumphs again," Msgr. ing and shot anyon.e found with re- ships, the island seemed a veritable Guiochet said.

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The Anchor ,

On~ constant in bishops' pre-election mes~ages: Catholics have to vOI~e

By NANCY FRAZIER O'BRIEN

The lllinoi~ bishops, in a joint letter, asked Archbishop Chaput and the other Colorado Catholics to help them: "make elections more bishops also have been vocal in their support about fun<;lamental moral choices than parti~ for a proposed state constitutional amendm~nt san bickering." that would define marriage as the union of one "Catholics should always vote for that per- man and one woman. Similar proposals are beson most committed to being a public servant fore voters in eight other states this year. dedicated to the Inacommentary common good," the on the questi6n, 12 bishops said.

"This being said, it should be noted "How would Je~us "This being said, it that. any candidate who support~ a vote?" Bishop John should be noted that public policy where part of humanity w. Yanta of Aqlaany candidate who (such as the preborn, the elderly, the rillo, Texas, said the supports a public handicapped or the sick) is excluded u.s. "Catholic Catpolicy where part of frof7J the protection ollawand treated echism for Adults" humanity (such as as if they were nonpersons is gravely has the answer. the prebom, the eld- deficient in his or her view of the re"Catholics ~ust erly, the handi- quirements of a just society." participateinpol~.tical life and bring to capped or the sick) is excluded from the bear upon it -"by protection of law and treated as if they were their voice and their vote - what they h~ve nonpersons is gravely deficient in his or her learned about human nature, human dignity and God's will for human beings from his self-revview of the requirements of a just society."

Taking one of the most hands-on Toles in elation," Bishop Yanta said, quoting the cat~ucating his flock about moral concerns has echism.

'II been Archbishop Charles 1. Chaput of Denver, One of the most comprehensive documents who conducted a series of hearings on irnmi- from a Catholic leader before this election was gration around the diocese in the months be- a 45-page brochure from Bishop ThomaS 1. fore the election.

Olmsted of Phoenix on "Catholics in the PUbo

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHlNGTON - As the midterm elections near, some Catholic bishops are not finding any pressing moral issues to comment on in their dioceses, while others are jumping into the fray - especially about the moral content ofreferendum issues facing voters in 37 states.

But there is one constant in all their preelection messages: Catholics have a moral obligation to vote.

"Catholics, like all other citizens, are bound by duty and responsibility to cast their vote," said Bishop Richard J. Malone of Portland, Maine, in a recent letter. "Voting is a right and responsibility we can.n0t forgo, even when confronted with moral dilemmas."

With 435 House members, 33 senators, 36 governors and hundreds of state and local officials to be elected November 7, there are many races on which to comment. But most Catholic leaders are taking a greater interest in the more than 200 ballot questions facing voters.

Archbishop Raymond L. Burke of St Louis said Missouri is facing "an unimaginabiy severe moral crisis" as it prepares to vote on an initiative that could make embryonic stem-cell research and human cloning a constitutional right

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Bishop Olmsted also addressed the controversial question of whether Church leaders should refuse Communion to Catholic politicians who do not support the Church stand on abortion, euthanasia, same-sex marriage or other"nonnegotiable" issues.

"If a politician is actively supporting and furthering the culture of death, he is not only causing scandal; he is sinning," he said. "When this occurs, then this politician cannot receive holy Communion without previously making a good confession."

That issue will come before the U.S. bishops shortly after the election when they consider the document '''Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His Supper': ~ Preparing to Receive Christ Worthily in the Eucharist," at their fall general meeting November 13-16 in Baltimore.

But no matter what they decide on that document, the U.S. bishops appear to be unanimous in their support for a viewpoint articulated by Portland's Bishop Malone.

'The power of a single vote can be enormous," he said, "and no vote should ever be cast without regard for its consequence and implications."

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N.J. bishops pledge to protect h~terosexu~1 IJt.arr,iage after ruling TRENTON, N.J. (CNS) --: New ation of the state." He called it a Jersey's bishops have pledged to I'natural institution - with its own work with state lawmakers in draft- characteristics and features - that mg same-sex union legislation that is prior to any particular political protects the concept of marriage "as or legal system."

Believers and nonbelievers "can the union of one man and one woman" and promotes "child well- understand and affirm the nature of the marital good and its centrality being in our state."

The pledge came after New in a well-ordered society," he said.

"We pledge to wqrk with memJersey's highest court ruled October 25 that same-sex couples are bers of the legislature to affect fudue the same rights and benefits as ture legislation that maintains the married couples under the state historic conjugal concept of marconstitution's equal protection, riage as the union of one man and one woman, the principles of democlause.

But the State Supreme Court in cratic self-government and religious its four to three decision said that freedom, and child well-being in our the state legislature must decide state," the archbishop said.

Th~ court decision requires the whether to grant this equality through marriage or another form legislature to draft legislation which of civil partnership. It gave the leg- offers same-sex couples equal benislature 180 days to modify current . efits as married couples but leaves it up to the legislature to decide laws or draft a new one.

The bishops' statement, signed what to legally call these unions.

While all seven justices agreed

by Newark Archbishop John J. Myers, conference president, said that rights must be equal, the mathe legislature is where the discus- jority said that the legislature sion of marriage "rightly belongs." must decide how to accomplish this.

"For the sake of constitutional The three dissenters said that samedemocracy as well as for the sake sex couples must be allowed to of marriage itself, the proper place maiTy. "We do not have to take an allfor such discussion must rest with the elected representatives of the or-nothing approach," wrote Justice people of this state," said Arch- Barry T. Albin in the majority 'opinion. The ruling added that the court bishop Myers.

"Even if marriage were a type "cannot find a legitimate public of institution that could be rede- need for an unequal scheme of benfined, it would not be up to the court efits and privileges that disadvanto decide whether to redefine it," he tages same-sex couples."

At the same time, the court "cansaid.

At the same time, the archbishop not find that a right to same-sex said that "marriage is not the cre- marriage is so deeplyrooi:ed in the

traditions, lfistory and conscience of the people of this state that it ranks as a fundamental right," the ruling said.

Massachusetts currently is the only U.S~ state to permit same-sex marriages. Vermont and Connecticut have established civil unions for same-sex couples.

Catholic leaders across the country have been active in efforts to limit marriage to the traditional union of one man and one woman. Nineteen states have adopted constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage and another nine were considering such a ban this year.

RESPECT FOR TI1E DEAD - A man removes grass covering the tomb of a relative ih a cemetery in preparation for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in Baguio, north of Manila, Philippines. Many Filipino Catholics visited the graves of relatives on those days. (CNS photo/Reuters)

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Bishop Stang recognizes

Book Award" winners NORTH DARTMOUTH Bishop Stang High School recently announced winners of its Book Award presented to members of the junior class during the annual Academic Awards Night.

The Harvard College Book Award was presented to John Carroll of Portsmouth, R.I. It is presented to the highest-ranking student in the junior class. Carroll also received The Williams College Book Award presente~ to a member of the junior class in recognition of academic excellence, co-curricular achievement and, leadership potential.

The Brown University Book Award was presented to Thomas Lally of Fairhaven. It is presented to an outstanding junior who best combines academic excellence with clarity in written and spoken expression. . The College of the Holy Cross Book Award was preseilted to Trent Ainsworth of Westport. It is given to an outstanding scholar in the top 10 percent of the junior class who has, through some specific actions, sincere concern for' others and a responsible attitude in all of his or her endeavors: The College Club of New Bedford Award was presented to Katherine ~osario of New Bedford, the highest-ranking female scholar in the junior class.

The Regis College Book Award was presented to Keryn Mello of Adamsville, R.I. It is presented to one of the highest-ranking females in the class. William Grandmont of Buzzards Bay received The UMass-Dartmouth Book Award, presented to one of the highest-ranking students in the junior class.

St. Michael's College Book Awards were presented to Nicholas Celone of Tiverton, R.I. and Caitlin McQueen of Sandwich.

Both are National Honor Society members who excel in community service. The St.Anselm College Book Award was presented

SCENES FROM CAMP - These were some of the sights, above and right, of the Boy Scouts' and Girl Scouts' annual Diocese of Fall River Scout Retreat held recently at Cathedral Camp in East Freetown. Scouts c.amped out over the weekend and enjoyed obstacle courses, soccer, races, learning about religious awards and a varietY of other activities. The weekend concluded"with the celebration of Mass. "

to Annie Cervin ofYannouthport.

This award is presented to an outstanding junior ~ho demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities, which have been dis~ played in the area of civic engagement.

In other Bishop Stang news, 26 students recently earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in rec.ognition of their exceptional achievement on the college level Advanced Placement Program Exams. Only 18 percent of the more than 1.3 mil: lion students who took AP Exam,im'ltions in May 2006 performed at a sufficiently high level, to merit such recognition.

The College Board recognizes several ,levels of achievement based on student's performance on AP exams. At Bishop Stang, six students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of ,three or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are Joseph Melanson, Michael Quintin, Alexander Roan, Gregory Su, Mark Sullivan III and Jared Zelski.

Eight students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of three or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are Jimmy Cheung, Yvette Chretien, Matthew Durand, Mat'thew Fealy, Sarah Gilliland, Megan Grandmont, Patrick Lewis and Brandt Tierney.

Twelve students qualified for theAP Scholar Award by completing three or more exams with grades of three or higher. They are Joana Brenckle, Patrick Cheney, Lauren Desrosiers, Colin Dunn, Danielle Gianferante, J({nnifer Le, Gretchen Losordo, Talitha Lourenco, Jonathan Meunier, " Gracie Mullen-Thompson, Ian Oliver and Robert Valois.

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NCEA head says teaching is a vocation requiring constant renewal OMAHA, Neb. (CNS) Teaching is a vocation that requires constant renewal of mind, heart and spirit, the National Catholic Educational Association president told educators in a keynote speech at the recent 2006 fall conference ofthe Catholic schools ofthe Archdiocese of Omaha.

"Work hard and when your soul hears the chiming of the hours, be mindful of the great work of your co-workers, love the good God and you will have the grace of great things," Karen Ristau told the gathering.

She said the mission of the NCEA should inspire each educator "to advance the general interests of Catholic education, to encourage the spirit of cooperation and mutual helpfulness among Catholic educators, to promote by study, conference and discussion the thoroughness of Catholic educational work in the United States."

Educators musthelp one another to avoid isolation, said Ristau.

"In our lives - especially our faith lives - and in our educational ministries, we are part ofsomething bigger than ourselves. We are in this together," she said. "Our work is essentially community work."

Recent incidents of school violence in the U.S., including the murder of a principal in Wisconsin and the killing of five Amish students in Pennsylvania, make that community work even more important, a.ccording to Ristau.

''The stories and the terrifying images of these incomprehensible events march right into our classrooms as do the nightly pictures of wars, or people killed in war;' she said. "How do you teach in the midst of all this? But you mustand you do."

Another issue teachers and students must address is the closing of schools. Ristau advised the teachers that whenever a school is in trouble, "pay attention, stay in front of problems and never, ever rest on your laurels." "'It's good enough' does not reflect concern for students' growth and development," she said. "Lack of attention to people - who they really are and what they need hiring inappropriately educated teachers, ignoring the physical plant, Mnt of these things reflect care and concern which is demanded of us."

She said she recently addressed 800 teachers in the Diocese of Memphis, Tenn., which has reopened seven schools in the inner city that had closed "because of lack of enrollment and funds."

Ristau said the deep commitment of the Memphis diocesan leadership teatrt to helping people in the inner city - whether they are Catholic or not - was evident as they sold their message to nonCatholic businesses. The businesses realized the economic and social boost of giving a Catholic education to the poor and saved the schools by providing some funding, she said.

When a friend i's in trouble

By CHARLIE MARTIN HOW TO SAVE A LIFE Step 1, you say we need to talk He walks, you say sit down it's just a talk He smiles politely back at you You stare politely right on through Some sort of window to your right As he goes left and you stay right Between the lines of fear and blame And you begin to wonder why you came .

Refrain: Where did I go wrong?

I lost a friend Somewhere along ir.z the bitterness And I would have stayed up with you all night Had I known how to save a life Let him know that you know best 'Cause after all you do know best Try to slip past his defense Without granting innocence Lay down a list of what is wrong The thing you've told him all along And pray to God he hears you (Repeat refrain.)

As he begins to raise his voice You10wer yours and grant him one last chance Drive until you lose the road Or break with the ones you've followed He will do one oftwo things He will admit to everything Or he'll say he's just not the same And you'll begin to wonder why you came (Repeat refrain.)

Sung by The Fray Copyright 2005 by Sony Have you ever tried to help a friend past hurtful difficulties only to receive no response?

If so, you are likely to identify

CATHQLIC NEWS SERVICE

with the story in TheFJ;'ay's latest release "How to Save ~ Life." Many who have experienced such situations will identify with the sadness, frustration and sense of loss the song conveys. The single is the title song of The Fray's latest CD. Last summer, the group attl\ined national recognition with "Over My Head" off the same disc.

In this song, one person tells the other that "we need to talk." However, the other person s~ms unwilling to do so. Because nothing positive seems to come of this attempt to start a conversation, the one who made the effort "wonders" why he even tried.

We aren't told what happens next except that the s9ng's character asks himself: "Where did I go wrong? I lost a friend!" He adds: "I would have stayed up with you all night had I known how to save a life."

It's unclear whether these words relate to someone'~ death and should be taken literally or whether they relate to the end of a friendship. But the song's character clearly feels he should have tried harder to help the other through his/ her hurts.

Teens especially will relate well to this song's message. You, as a peer, often are the first to know a friend is in trouble. What should you do if you are \\i0rried about another's well-being~ There are no sure approaches for helping someone who denies his or her difficulties. However, there are ways that might be helpful to share your concern. Consider the* suggestions: .

Initiate a conversation with your friend.

Tell the person of your worry, but be careful to do so without judgment or blame. Simply state what !!

you have noticed, then invite your friend to share his thoughts or feelings about your observation. Focus on listening, not on giving advice.

Only ask questions that seek to clarify facts. Convey understanding and empathy.

If the other person seems unwilling to respond, respect this decision.

But don't give up. At another time, bring up your concern once more.

Sometimes, others are not ready to talk about situations on your first attempt. No matter what occurs, communicate ~hat you care about what is going on in the other's life.

If you are c.oncerned about possible addictions or suicidal intentions, immediately talk with a trusted adult. You shouldn't carry that kind of worry alone. Talk with an adult even if you think the other person will be angry that you did so.

Also, reach out to include the other in your interests and activities. This will show the person that you care even ifhe or she isn't ready to talk about the other matter.

Ask God to help your friend.

Prayer is a most powerful way to care about another and will make a positive difference in the person's . life. Join your love with God's love for this individual.

It is true that these suggestions will not always lead to the type of conversation that could be truly helpful to another person. Just do your best, and accept that life's path holds much mystery. Commit yourself to bring as much love to our world as you can, accepting that God knows best how to place your gift where it can do the most good for others.

Write to me at: chmartin@swindiana.net or at 7125W 200S, Rockport, IN 47635

You belong!

I was listening to Father Mike Ciryak's homily at the Junior Class Ring Liturgy at Bishop Connolly High School last month and to the story he shared about inviting his brother to come and spend a few days with him.

Father Mike went on to tell of the wonderful time he and his brother had. Then, at the end of the visit, his brother thanked him and asked, "Why did you do it? Why did you invite me?" "Because you're worth it;' Father Mike responded.

Then he looked directly at the junior class and spoke to them about how great their worth is in the eyes of God, their families and their world. At that very moment I was reminded of two of my favorite passages in sacred Scripture on trust and belonging: The Lord Is My Shepherd (psalm 23) and The Parable of The Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32).

All too often I see young people just "hanging around." It's not that that's a bad thing necessarily, but when I witness young

kids doing it day after day and week after week, I sometimes get the impression that they feel excluded from the rest of society, thinking "There's nothing to do but hang around."

Worse yet, I fear that their time and talent are being wasted. Why? Many young people don't know or realize their worth. They don't feel they belong. They're not trusted and, in tum, they don't trust others: sometim~s, not even themselves.

Now, let's look at both Psalm 23 and The Parable of The Lost Son and try to tum the tide of exclusion (distrust and worthlessness) to inclusion (trust-worthiness): There was once a flock of sheep. They were happy and always comforted by the fact that they could depend on each 'other for whatever they needed.

However, there was one sheep that decided that he could do much better on his own. He

no longer reas9n with himself and nothing made sense. By now, his body was also becoming very food, weak. He could find bo I except the scraps and garbage others left behind. This was not _ _...._ enough for him to survive - yet he persisted to walk blindly ,fIlld always in hunger. His new life did not seemto get any better. As a matter of fact he began to lose himself and no longer knew who he was. He lbst his identity; and~no one else could recognize him either. believe that it Wl\S. Finding his Finally, he fell. He had no more way became more and more strength to carry himself into the difficult with each passing day. superficial world he ~reated for Others tried to help him find his himself. He was lost' and had way, but he was still too proud almost no sense of direction. and independent to take anyone else's advice or listen to reason.

But then he remembered home Things just kept getting worse, and got some coordinates. He thought that home is "where he yet he still refused to accept the could be strengthened and situation that he was in was a comforted by those who love and grave and serious one. A short care for him. That was enough to time later, he began to have strange thoughts; his mind was no keep him alive. And.he returned.

The shepherd was already longer thinking straight, he could

thought he needed no one's help or advice, so he decided to leave the flock. Soon after leaving, he became lost in a world that seemed very strange and cruel to him, although he refused to

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waiting to welcome him and to have him join the others in belonging and becoming strong, again. "Why did you do it?," the lost sheep asked. "Why did you welcome me back?"

"Because you're worth it. You. belong," replied the shepherd.

There is strength in numbers.

Sometimes, however, some of us feel that we can be strengthened by ourselves and leave the comfort and assurance of those who love us and care for us. If you feel that way at times try to remember those two passages from the Bible. Or, as I learned from a teacher, remember them in this way: "The shepherd and one sheep - God and me."

God is always present and ready for your asking. Trust in God and you will know that you are 'worth it.' Trust in God and you will know that you belong.

Be trustworthy, just like God knows you can be.

Ouie Pacheco is Faith Forma-

tion director at Santo Christo Parish, FallRiver.

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$ The Anchor $

Formation the Office ofYouth Ministry, and the Office ofAdult Education and Evangelization necessitated an early assessment of what's going on.

What did she find prevailing in her first seven weeks?

"Basically, it looked like a place that had no leadership for a while," she said candidly. "When I walked in seven weeks ago things began to change because there was one person answering everybody's questions," McManus said.

"It made people feel differently about their jobs because they had direction ... had someone who would make decisions ... and also there was a need to introduce the staff (of the various offices) to one another because they had been -working separately for a long time," she added.

Continued from page one

Once the word was disseminated that one person was at the helm and a unified effort was in the works, McManus began visiting pastors in parishes throughout the diocese to witness first-hand how they instruct and spread the faith at the various levels of religious instruction; what might be missing; and what needed to be implemented.

McManus, woo is 50 and married with children, was chosen by a search committee because she has the needed, extensive background in faith formation to not only make the assessment but to effectively get the job done in the three-tier new Faith Formation Office.

A former catechist, teacher of catechists and retreat leader, she holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Rutgers University and a

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master's degree in pastoral ministry from Boston College. She also received a licentiate in sacred theology from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge.

During an interview she talked about joint efforts with the Catholic Schools Office to address their common Gospel mission; the reorganization of the Faith Formation Office, personnel, financial resources, and education and training of those in various ministries.

"Visitation is necessary because it would be senseless to institute programs without finding out what the different needs are to build up good catechetical programs" on the Cape, in New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton and the Attleboros," she explained.

"I knew I would find-some gems out there and sure enough I did," she said with a smile. "I uncovered some great programs and great attitudes."

She said that at Good Shepherd Parish on Martha's Vineyard she found that pastor Father Michel Nagle had implemented the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, "which is a Montessori method of teaching. It really gets children involved. Father Nagle has really worked hard to train his catechists and put into effect a program he feels is effective. I was enlivened by his sense of enthusiasm."

On the Cape, at Our Lady ofVictory' Parish in Centerville, "Just Faith, an adult formation faith program that focuses on justice issues, and which concentrates on bordercrossing issues and immigration, has been put into place by the director of adult Faith Formation," said McManus. "I talked with Patricia Clock. The parish has a group of 13 adults meeting weekly for30 weeks, who read 13 books on peace and justice topics yearly and hold two retreats and have four emerging programs. They have a lot of things happening."

At Sacred Heart Parish in Fall River, McManus spoke about meeting Father Raymond Cambra, the pastor. "He's in an area with a great deal of needs. He started a soup kitchen, where on Monday nights, they pray together and he serves them. They don't stand around in a cafeteria style. He serves them."

Summing up what she has found thus far, McManus said, "Everybody is challenged by a lack of resources.

I'm talking about material resources.

Even in the areas where you would suspect a lot of money is available, we're seeing the need to change some of their programs; the need to create and professionalize the catechetical staff, the lay ecelesial ministry. Maybe we have to think outside the box as how we pay for programs and still deliver the mission of Christ to the poor. That's the challenge and I don't have the answers to that."

She reported many pastors "are very willing to train catechists and want to have well-educated directors of Religious Education. But their

NOVEMBER question is, 'What should we pay them and how can we pay them?'

Currently some are volunteers and they sacrifice so much time in these programs."

Those are the -challenges, said McManus, "and Bishop George W. Coleman and I will talk about them."

Addressing Youth Ministry issues, McManus said that under Father George E. Harrison's directorship ofYouth andYoung Adult Ministry, "Direction was given. I found a plan he put into place and in its timeline, they did implement the Catholic Leadership Institute, YES! Retreats, and WorldYouth Days. But what was lacking was a cohesive effort. They had a lot of wonderful volunteers who kept those programs going."

She cited Richard Rodrigues, "an extremely efficient and intelligent young man, who had worked very well directing Youth Ministry, and who is leaving to go into the Police Academy.

"In August, Crystal Medeiros joined our office. A former youth minister at St. Lawrence Martyr Parish in New Bedford, she has a lot of gifts and talents and has been able to pick up what Rodrigues has done.

With leadership she should now be able to run that office. She is considering obtaining a master's degree in pastoral ministry, and concentrating on youth." .

McMan~s added, "That's what we want, for people to be wellformed theologically so that they can deliver."

One of the many avenues taken to gauge the future of faith formation in the diocese, McManus, and

Voters

Superintendent of Catholic Schools George A. Milot, recently convened the entire staff of the Catholic Education Center for a retreat and planning day at Cathedral Camp in Eas! Freetown.

"It was to discuss how we might work together to accomplish the mission - to bring the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the diocese," she reported. "The Catholic schools have their area of responsibility and so does Faith Formation ... and we intersect."

McManus said the retreat-meeting looked at an in-depth analysis evaluations done by Catholic school management "and where we needed to grow.

"I have been given a very specific job description, which I take very seriously," she added. "It is the vision Bishop Coleman has for the office of Faith Formation and so I shared that with everybody. It is how we, as a cohesive group, can go about delivering the mandate given us."

She also told The Anchor that she would be meeting soon with Bishop Coleman "to offer him some thoughts on how best to reorganize the Faith Formation office and also to ask for his leadership in advertising for another key staff member to fill a vacant position."

McManus also said the diocese can soon look forward to a program of formation for all lay people in- eluding catechists, DREs, lectors, and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, "that will give the basic theology essential in each of those areas and the methods for those ministries."

Continuedfrom page one

zenship, the initiative of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishopshave for more than a year promoted civic responsibility at parish voter registrations and candidates nights, as they motivated people to cast their votes in the upcoming November 7 elections for candidates who would carry the marriage amendment to fruition.

Continuing that theme, the Massachusetts Catholic Bishops in their letter urged Catholics "and

Letter

3,2006

other concerned citizens ... " to contact their legislators at the Boston statehouse offices and request they take action on the pending amendment.

The bishops suggested that Catholic voters turn out at the November 9 constitutional convention "to show your support for traditional marriage and the people's right to vote on the 2008 ballot;" and asked them to "pray for success on this critical vote."

Continuedfrom page one

representative before November 9.

To reach each legislator by phone, dial the State House in Boston at 617-722-2000 and ask to be forwarded to the legislator's office. To send an email, go online to www.voteonmarriage.org and click on "Communicate." You will be quickly guided through a short series of steps to complete an email that will automatically be sent to your state senator and state representative.

Your message to your legislators can be as simple as the following: "Hello, my name is - - , and I

live at (give home street address and town). I'm a constituent ofSen./Rep. (your legislator's name) and I'm calling to ask him/her to show up on November 9 and toyote in favor of letting the people vote on H.4617, the Marriage Amendment, in 2008.

Please Support Item No. 20 on the Con-Con calendar."

Also, please come to the State House in Boston on November 9 and show your support for traditional marriage and the people's right to vote at the 2008 ballot. Finally, pray for success on this critical vote.

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NOVEMBER

19

3,2006

Around the Diocese

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IEucharistic Adoration L-..... _ _ __

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NEW BEDFORD - Perpetual eucharistic adomtion is held at Our Lady's Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street. For more information call Laurie Larsen-Silva at 508-888-7751.

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i,Healing Masses

ATILEBORO - A Hispanic healing service will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette.

La Salette Father Ronald Beauchemin will lead it. For more information call 508-222-

5410.

[Lectures/Presentations

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ASSONET - The Knights of Columbus Family of Councils is sponsoring a symposium on Dighton Rock tomorrow and November II at 7 p.m. at St. Bernard Church, 32 South Main Street. It will feature presentations by author Manuel L. DaSilva and David Goudsward. For more information call 508-644-2136.

ATILEBORO - A Bible study of the Gospel of Mark, led by La Salette Father Donald Paradis, will be held tomorrow from II a.m. to noon and November II at the same time at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. For more information call 508-236-9068.

more information call 508-222-8530.

EAST FREETOWN - Emmaus, a co-ed Catholic retreat progmm for adults ages 20 and older who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Christ, will be held November 10-12 at Cathedral Camp. For more information call Rick Silvia at 508-4552331 or visit the Website: www.emmausretreat.com.

WAREHAM - A day of recollection will be held November 9 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Sacred Hearts Retreat Center. Father William Petrie, provincial of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts will be presenter, having recent!y returned from India after many years of working among the lepers alongside Blessed Mother Teresa. For more information call 508-295-0100.

ISocial Events MASHPEE-A Sacred Music Concert featuring organist Peter Lea-Cox will be held tonight at 8 p.m. at Christ the King Parish.

For more information call 508-477-7700.

NEW BEDFORD - A Holiday Fair will .be held November 11-12 at St. Mary's School, 115 Illinois Street. It will feature a full kitchen, kid's comer, crafts, books and Otinese auction. It will open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information call

FALL RIVER - Registmtion fortpe Family of God Medal for Brownies and the I Live my Faith Medal for Junior Girl Scouts will be held November 7 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Anne's School, 240 Forest Street. Attendees should use the cafeteria entrance. For more information call Pat Latinville at 508-

508-995-7229.

678-8667.

NEW BEDFORD - A Harvest Fair will be held Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Parish. It will include homemade food and desert, candy, crafts, knitted items and quilt raffles. For more information call 508-995-7351.

HYANNIS - An information session, where prospective students and their parents can learn about the new Pope John Paul IT High School, will be held tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the school, 120 High School Road.

A similar session will be held November 30 at 7 p.m. For more information call 508-

862-6336.

IMiscellaneous EAST FALMOUTH - The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 813, is sponsoring Saturday devotions including the Fatima Rosary tomorrow following celebration of the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Anthony's Church, Route 28. Refreshments will follow.

FALL RIVER - A soup kitchen is open on Mondays from 5-6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church Hall, 160 Seabury Street. Volunteers are welcome to assist beginning at 4 p.m.

FALL RIVER - A pilgrimage with Bishop George W. Coleman to Washington, D.C., for the annual March For Life is being organized by the Pro-Life Apostolate of the diocese for January 21-23. It will include Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. A youth bus, which will return on January 22 will accommodate youth at a reduced fare.

For more information call 508-997-2290.

FALL RIVER - The Fall River Area Men's First Friday Qub will meet tonight for the 6 p.m. celebration of Mass at Good Shepherd Parish, 1598 South Main Street.

A meal will follow and guest speaker Paul Solomon will address the group about the many benefits available for veterans. For more information call Daryl Gonyon at 508-

672-4822.

MASHPEE - A Mashpee Community Blood Drive will take place at Christ the King Church, Job's Fishing Road, on November 14 from 1-6 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council No. 13388 and supported by Foster Burton Company. For an appointment call the American Red Cross at 1-800-448-3543.

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ATTLEBORO - The retreat, "Living Through the End of a Marriage," will be offered November 10-12 at the La Salette Retreat Center, 947 Park Street. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. and conclude at I p.m. It is open to anyone whose marriage has ended as a result of death, separation or divorce and will include prayer, presentations, journaling and the celebration of Mass. For

NEW BEDFORD - St. Joseph-St. Therese Parish is holding a Craft Fair on December 2. Crafters are needed. For information call 508-995-5235.

NEW BEDFORD - The third organ recital in the "Music at St. Anthony's" fall concert series will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It will feature Rosalind Mohnsen and music written by French and American composers. For more information call 508-993-1691.

NORTH DIGHTON - A holiday Craft Fair will be held tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Joseph's Parish hall, 499 Spring Street. It features handmade crafts, baked goods, open kitchen and raffles. It is sponsored by the St. Joseph's Women's Council. For more information call Laura Posca at 508-669-6992.

NORTH FALMOUTH - A Sacred Music Concert featuring organist Peter Lea-Cox will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish. For more information call

508-563-7774.

TAUNTON - A penoy sale will be held November 18 at 5 p.m. at St. Jacques Parish, 248 Whittenton Street. Refreshments will be available and a raffle for items including turkey dinner baskets will be held.

For more information call Irene Silvia at

508-824-9650.

WEST HARWICH - Holy Trinity Parish Harvest Bazaar will be held tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the church hall. It will include a bakery table, Christmas corner, pies made by Father Edward J. Healey, a Otinese auction and games for children.

For more information call 508-432-4000.

WORCESTER - Membership of the Massachusetts State Jurisdiction of the Knights of Columbus will honor State Deputy Vmcent M. Rumasuglia at a Friendship Dinner tomorrow at the Crowne Plaza.

For more information call 781-551-0628.

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NEW BEDFORD - Courage, a support group for people dealing with same-sex attraction while striving to lead chaste lives, will meet November II at 7 p.m. in the rectory of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 233 County Street. The group is faithful to the Catholic Church's teachings on human sexuality. For more information call Father Richard WLlson at 508-

992-9408.

Bishops to take up Communiol1l 9 contraception and homosexuai§ WASIDNGTON (CNS) - When the u.s. bishops meet in November, they will debate and vote on statements about Catholic teaching on marriage and family planning, who is worthy to receive Communion and the pastoral care of those who are homosexually oriented.

They also will decide on a directory on liturgical music.

Also on the agenda are the texts of liturgical readings for Advent, proposals for restructuring and downsizing the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and a funding proposal for research on the causes and context of clergy sexual abuse of minors.

For the first time since 1989, the USCCB will hold its fall general assembly outside Washington. The bishops will meet November 13-16 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel overlooking that city's Inner Harbor.

They will gather in Baltimore November 12 to celebrate Sunday evening Mass together at the newly restored Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Vrrgin Mary.

The concelebrated Mass will cap a week of events marking the reopening of the shrine following its twoyear restoration and celebrating the 200th anniversary of the church's 1806 dedication as the first Catholic cathedral in the United States.

The proposed statement "Married Love and the Gift of Life" marks the first time since "Human Life in Our Day" in 1968 that the U.S. bishops have prepared a statement devoted specifically to the Church's teaching that every conjugal act must be open to new human life. Several statements the bishops have issued in intervening years have reaffinned that teaching, but

none of those were devoted primarily to that question.

The document on worthiness to receive Communion stems from a debate in Catholic circles, peaking during the 2004 national elections, on whether bishops should publicly bar some Catholic political leaders from receiving Communion because of their public policy stands on abortion.

The proposed statement, '''Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His Supper': On Preparing to Receive Christ Worthily in the Eucharist," seeks to'address the furtdamental issues of Church teaching and theology.

Ii "Ministry to Persons With a Homosexual Inclination: Guidelines for Pastoral Care" was also drafted by the doctrine committee. .It cites problems created by efforts in society to "pr0mote a view of sexuality in general, and ofhomosexualily in particular, not in accord with God's purpose and plan for human sexuality."

The proposed "Directory for Music and the Liturgy" was developed by the Committee on the Liturgy in response to a 2001 Vatican mandate to bishops' conferences to "provide for the publication of a directory or repertory of texts intended for liturgical singing."

The liturgy committee has also submitted revised texts of some Advent Mass readings for the bishops to review and approve.

In the restructuring of the USCCB, the bishops will be asked to cast votes this November on drastically reducing the number of bishops' committees, adopting a strategic plan for 2008-2011 that/commits them to five top priorities in conference work, and reducing the diocesan assessment for USCCB funding by 16 percent in 2008.

Marian Manor announces The~apeutic Activities director TAUNTON - Sugar L. Morini has been named director of Therapeutic Activities at Marian Manor.

The Plymouth resident is a graduate of Curry College where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. She is also a member of the National Association of Activity Professionals, and is active in the Alzheimer Partnership of Southeastern Massachusetts.

Morini has more than 10 years

__.. !II Y°l!!Er~y~!S Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks

November 7 Rev. 1. Edmond Tremblay, Retired Chaplain, Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford, 1985 November 8 Rev. Pacifique L. Emond, OFM, Retreat Master, Writer, Montreal, Canada, 1984 November 11 Rev. A. Gomez da Silva Neves, Pastor, St. John the Baptist, New Bedford, 1910 November 12 Rev. James H. Looby, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1924 Rev. Bernard Boylan, Pastor, St. Jo- . seph, Fall River, 1925 November 13 Rev. Louis 1. Deady, Founder, St. Louis, Fall River, 1924 Rev. William H. O'Reilly, Retired Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Taunton, 1992 Rev. Clarence J. d'Entremont, Retired Chaplain, Our Lady's Haven, Fairhaven, 1998

of experience within the skilled nursing field, including: activity director at both Regent Park in Brockton and Pilgrim Manor in Plymouth; and consulting activity director at Jordan Hospital ICU in Plymouth.

Marian Manor is 'a skilled nursing and rehabilitative care facility in Taunton, and is one of five facilities in the Diocesan Health Facilities system sponsored by the Diocese of Fall River.

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Just Faith eos, discussions, prayer, sacred Scripture and retreats, participants are formed by Catholic social teaching to relate more compassionately to the poor and vulnerable in their community and at large. It has been in existence for nearly 15 years.

"The people I met in Mexico

Continued from page one who had completed a Just Faith Program in their diocese were on fire with their faith," said Clock. ''They were drawn to help the poor and we are seeking to journey towards a deeper compassion also."

Bronson said society tries to put a Band-Aid on social problems like

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rections. Bronson is a volunteer with Residents Encountering Christ Program there.

"I learned in prison ministry that the incarcerated women are the same as me. They just took a different path. In a place such as that, we can learn hUe compassion. We have to ask what we can do to help them?"

Clock added, "We learn to stand in solidarity with the poor and the vulnerable. We stand with them."

In December the group will be cooking for residents of the Champ House, a transitional home for the homeless, located in Hyannis. In the spring they will have two other such encounters, one of which they plan to do with the Cape's immigrant population.

In addition to homelessness and the poor they also focus on the issue of racism and immigration.

The program began at Our Lady of Victory in September with a re-

treat and it will close with a similar retreat when Just Faith concludes in May. The facilitators understand that it's a huge time commitment for participants and were glad they had so many sign up. "It's not an easy thing to set aside so much time," said Clock.

When participants complete the extensive program, they are not required to do anything else, but because of the impact of Just Faith, many do. Some become advocates for the poor and vulnerable and seek to make a difference.

The Just Faith Program is currently being run in three Boston parishes, and the pair hopes that it will find its way into other parishes in the Fall River Diocese. "It really changes people," Bronson said.

"It's helped me become a better person."

To learn more about Just Faith visit them on the Web at: www.justfaith.org.

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poverty, but because there are so many poor and marginal people in the world, more must be done. "We really need to get to the root of the problem of what causes poverty. We won't solve it until we start looking at the larger issues."

Clock agreed and said, "Mercy and compassion are at the center of our Catholic faith and until we sharpen our eyesight, we can't change the world."

The co-facilitators alternate weekly and are assisted by parishioner Mary Lees who makes all the phone and e-mail contacts, arranges for guest speakers, and oversees the book ordering and finances of the program.

"She is doing an amazing job and we are able to concentrate on preparing for the meetings," said Bronson.

Each week the facilitators receive a syllabus via e-mail with prayers, exercises and assignments for the next meeting from Just Faith.

Meetings begin and end with prayer. Throughout the program participants read books and excerpts and then discuss those readings in the meeting. They do the same with topical videos and occasionally have guest speakers come

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They recently watched a video on the poverty that is found in the south Bronx. Bronson, a native of the northeast part of the Bronx, said, ''That really hit home for me."

Just Faith also includes iinmersion experiences called "border crossings" built into the program, where participants go out to meet and talk with people living on the margins of society, like the poor and homeless.

On November 4 they are visiting with women inmates at the Barnstable County House of Cor-

FULL AGENDA - Patricia Clock and Theresa Bronson look over their upcoming agenda for the next Just Faith meeting at Our Lady of Victory Parish, centerville. The 3D-week program helps participants live a more compassionate life. (AnchodGordon photo)

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Enclose check or money order and mail to: The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722

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NEW PASTOR - Father Leonard P. Hindsley, second from left, was recently installed at St. John the Baptist Church in Westport. Bishop George W. Coleman officiated at the ceremony.