11.09.01 by The Anchor

FALL RIVER, MASS.

VOL. 45, NO. 43 • Friday,November 9, 2001

Bishop O'Malley's pastoral keys on in vitro fertilization

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COCHAIRS FOR the annual Bishop's Charity Ball plot a course with director Msgr. Thomas J. Harrington. At left, Betty Mazzucchelli, president of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and right, Ronald Correia, president of the Fall River Council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Plans for Bishop's Charity Ball are full sp~ed ahead ','

The annual presentation ofyoung women from across the diocese will be held January 11 at the Venus de Milo Restaurant in Swansea.

SWANSEA - Although Dee Ferro and her decoration committee members are staying tightlipped about what attendees at the Bishop's Charity Ball will see, an educated guess would suggest that the Venus de Milo Ballroom will swirl with lots of red, white and blue. .

-That comes as ~gr. Thomas J. Hanington, director 'of the event, reported that.two preliminary planning sessions were held with representatives ofthe cosponsors of the ball, the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and the Diocesan Society of St. Vmcent de Paul. . . Betty Mazzucchelli of Christ the King Parish, Mashpee, president of the DCCW, and Ronald Correia of Holy :rrinity.J?arish, Fall River, president of the Fall River Coup<:il ofSt. Vmcent de Paul, are at.the helm of .:'.:' ::' :: riA',." t6 page J3 - Ball ,'

Catholic teacher wins city award for her innovations ~

S8. Peter and Paul pal Kathy Burt. School teacher Inez The award came on October 23 . at the Annual. Education Summit, Bates neatly melds computer skills with the three R's.

BY DeAcoN JAMES N.1bmAR FALL RIVER - The City of Fall River has recognized the efforts ofa SS. Peter and Paul Parish School teacher who has deftly brought the knowledge, joys and successes of computer life into the lives of her students - as well ;lS the public at large. Inez Bates was presented with the city's prestigious, ne~ Innovation in Teaching Award by Mayor Edward M. Lambert Jr., said proud Princi-

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in its fourth year and held in this city. "Inez was one of six teachers honored but the only one from a ,Catholic school:' Burt noted. "While she has been recognized for hercomputer lab, one she' designed and obtained funding for, this newest award honors her uniqueness in devising a curriculum of technology for grades kindergarten through grade-eight, more in a computer business application than tOwards enrichment." Because the computer lab has received support from so many in the community "we are now able to give some of that back by Inez teaching . classes for adults free ofcharge that Tum to page J3 - Award

DEACON JAMES

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - The Church's teachings on the sanctity of human life and scientific stem-cell research involving in vitro fertilization and the destruction of human embryos, are at the heart of the pastoral "In Vitro Fertilization: Ethical Implications and Alternatives" by Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., that appears in its entirety in The Anchor today. In a recent interview, Bishop O'Malley said he was prompted to write the theological paper because of the recent debate on embryonic stemcell research and the apparent misunder- L standing of many people on the matter. "I was very alarmed to learn how many human embryos are frozen in the United States, and to realize how many people are taking the situation for granted and therefore are quite disposed to killing and using these embryos in scientific experimentation," he said. Because of the confusion on "these very grave ethical issues which touch the Gospel of Life in a very profound way, I thought it important to comment on and explain the issues to our Catholic people." The bishop commented that when he was in school "we never heard the phrase in vitro fertilization and most people today don't know the meaning of the expression 'test tube baby:" He said other factors also impelled him to write the paper, among them having met "an almost elderly" couple who were showing off their new baby. They were practicing Catholics "and I was dis-

mayed to learn that their baby was conceived by in vitro fertilization and they were quite oblivious to the moral implications of that procedure." And "strangely enough, in the last few days while I was preparing this letter," the bishop said, "we received an inquiry from an anonymous but very distraught parent whohasachildconceivedby in vitro fertilization and some one had wrongly advised that because of that their child cannot receive the sacraments." He added: "I find this most distressing too, that people would in any way diminish the hu---' manity of the pre c i 0 u s value of any child, no matter what the circumstances of his or her birth or conception." He said that to use a paralleI, many people think that a child born out of wedlock is not capable of receiving the sacraments. "Of course the Church doesn't agree with those circumstances; but when a child is born, it is a human being made in the image and likeness of God and we have great concern for the spiritual and temporal wellbeing of such a child." Bishop O'Malley said he is concerned by the current debate over stem cells but especially the nonchalant attitude people are taking about the thousands of frozen, live human embryos who will be eventually discarded and killed." "So I thought the stem-cell debate in many people's minds was skewed, because of a lack of understanding of the root issue, in vitro fertilization, where the embryos are coming from, and I wanted to address that."

The bishop·s Pastoral Letter appears on pages 7-10

THEANCHOR-DioceseofFall River-'-'- Fri., November 9, 2001

Three New York auxiliaries retire; successors named WASHINGTON (CNS) Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignations of three auxiliary bishops of the New York Archdiocese and appointed three New York priests to succeed them. . Appointed as auxiliary bishops were: Msgr. Robert Josu Iriondo, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in the Bronx and archdiocesan vicar for Hispanics; Msgr. Dominick J. Lagonegro, pastor at St. Columba Parish in Hopewell Junction; and Msgr. Timothy A. McDonnell, pastor of St. John and St. Mary Parish in Chappaqua. The pope accepted the resignations of Auxiliary Bishops Anthony F. Mestice, who will be 78 on December 6; Francisco Garmendia, who will be 77 on

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November 6; and William J. McCormack, who will be 78 on January 24. . The changes were announced in Washington by Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States. Monsignor Iriondo was born in 1938, in Legazti,' in Spain's Basque region. After seminary studies in Spain and at the Gregorian University in Rome, he was ordained in Spain in 1962 as a priest of the Canons Regular of the Lateran. Beginning in 1969 he served at several New York archdiocesan parishes; was incardinated into the New York Archdiocese in 1996; and was made archdiocesan vicar for Hispanics the following year. . Monsignor Lagonegro was born in 1943, in White Plains. N.Y. He was ordained a priest of the New York Archdiocese May' 31, 1969. Since 1997 he also has been archdiocesan vicar for Dutchess County. Monsignor McDonn~ll was born in New York City in 1937. He was ordained June I, 1963. In addition to pastoral assignments he has been assistant director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and archdiocesan director of the Society for the Propagation of the Fait~, archdiocesan vice chancellor and chairman of the archdiocesan bli,ilding com' mission:

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Project Bread gives $1.8M to th~ regions' relief agencies BOSTON - Project Bread, the state's anti-hunger Because of the caring of our loyal walkers and doorganization, recently celebrated its distribution of$I.8 nors, this year's Walk for Hunger generated an addimillion to. emergency food programs statewide, in- tional $155,300 in grants over our goal." . The monies will cluding many in the benefit the work of Fall River, New area pantries, soup Bedford and Taunton areas. kitchens, food salvage programs and food With tourism banks at a time when down and food panthe security of a new try workers concerned population of working about income to keep families is at risk, their supplies stocked, Parker noted. th~ grants are seen as State Sen. Mark significantly and faC. Montigny (D-New vorably impacting the Bedford), chairman programs. of the Senate Ways At the recent and Means Commitaward ceremonies, tee, was recognized Ellen Parker, execufor his leadership to tive director of Project eliminate child hunBread noted that "Given the sudden STARTERS - State Sen. Mark C. Montigny, (0- ger in Massachusetts. economic downturn, New Bedford), right, was one of five persons who re- by expanding school breakfast for low-inthe funds we distribceived an Achievement .Award from Sister Rose come elementary ute will help stabilize the lives of hungry Gallogly, center, of the Market Ministries of New school children in the families facing job Bedford, and Ellen Parker, executive director of Project state budget for 2Q02. loss andjob transition. Bread.

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K of C announce journalism award NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Knights of Columbus are initiating the "Knights of Columbus - Father Michael 1. McGivney Award for DistinguishedVolunteerism Journalism;' with winners to be awarded cash prizes at the 2002 Catholic Press Association convention and awards banquet.; , . The award,' named aIterthe priest~ founder of the Knights and whose cause for salnthood is currently being pursued, would honor writers who capture the essence and spirit of volunteerism in their reporting. The criteria includes stories of any length published between Janu-

Daily Readings

"The Mountain in the Scriptures"

Nov 12

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Nov 15

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Wis 1:1-7; Ps 139:1-10; Lk 17:1-6 Wis 2:23-3:9; Ps 34:2-3,16-19; Lk 17:7-10 Wis6:1-11;Ps 82:3-4,6-7; Lk 17:11-19 Wis 7:22-8:1 ; Ps. 119:8991,130,135,175; Lk 17:20-25 Wis 13:1-9; Ps 19:2-5; Lk 17:2637 Wis 18:1416;19:6-9; Ps 105:2-3,3637,42-43; Lk 18:1-8 MaI3:19-20a; Ps 98:5-9; 2 Thes 3:7-12; Lk21:5- . 19

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am the week after Chrisb11aS at 887 Highlam Avenue. Fall River, Mass. ozno by the CatOOlic 'Press of the Diocese ofFall River. SulJscription price by mail. poslpaid $14.00 per year. POSTMASTERS sem addr'lss changes to The Arx:hor. P.O. Box 7, Fall Ri\fl:l';'MA 02722.

ary 1 and December 31,2001; be about a distinguished volunteer who happens to be a Knight and who is a witness to the Gospel through his actions. For more information contact Tim S. Hickey, Knights of Colum-

bus Supreme Council I, Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 065103326 ; or call 203-772-2130, ext. 303; or by E-mail at tim.hickey@kofc-supreme.com by Jan. 1,2002 to quality for the 2002 award.

,Mobile mammography schedules FAu. RIVER - Saint Anne's Hospital has announced the following schedule for its mobile mammography van for this month: - November 10, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Hudner Oncology Center, Saint Anne's Hospital, comer Osborn and Forest streets, Fall River, 508-675-5688; - November 24, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Hudner Oncology Center; - November 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., at the Hudner Oncology Center; - November 27, noon to 6 p.m., at Health First, 102 County

Street, Fall River, 508-679-8111. Appointments are necessary. Please call the host sites. For additional information, contact Maria Cabrales, RN, at 508-6755686. A registered nurse and registered radiology.technician provide mammograms, clinical breasts exams, Pap tests and physical exams. Other health sef\'ices include free breast and cervical education and further diagnostic testing if deemed necessary. Portuguese-speaking staff and'interpreters for other languages are also available.

In Your Prayers Please pray for the following priests during ~he coming week/ Nov. 12 ", 1924, Rev. James H. Looby, Pastor, Sacred Heart, TauntOn 1925, Rev. Bernard Boylan, Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River

Nov. 13 '. 1924, Rev. Louis 1. Deady, Fou!1der,'Si. Louis, Fall River . 1992, Rev. William H. O'Reilly, Retired Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Taunton ,... .... 1998, Rev. Clarence 1. d'Entremont Nov. 14 • _ 1940, Rev. Francis 1. Duffy, Founder, St: Mary, South Dartmouth 1977, Rev. WilliamA. Galvin, Retired ~~or, Sacred Heart, Taunton . Nov.IS ' \ 1939, Rev. Thomas F. LaRoche, Assistant;Sacred Heart, Taunton 1943, Rev. Daniel E. Doran, Pastor, Irnmacuhlte Conception, North Easton Nov. 17 1980, Rev. Henry R. Canuel, Former Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford

Medical ethics s ries looks .at dignity ofh6man life

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., November 9, 200 I

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oueselve, we are sood cal Etltics held at Bishop Connolly Jesuit Father Edward Vacek during High School. ' FALL RIVER - "When we the second in a f96r-part series of . The October 30 lecture by Fastart to care for someone other than talks on Catholic Teaching on Medi- ther Vacek, a professor of Christian Ethics and Theology at Weston Jesuit School ofTheology, was on the theme, "Moral and Spiritual Concerns: Dignity of the Human Person." Stressing that "Love- of God should dominate our lives and actions;' he said that faith life is one's relationship to God and that an attitude of "No one loves me and I love no one is very difficult to live with," and that the ability to care for others .is very important. He emphasized that each person is chiefly responsible for his or her own life, noting that "freedom of religion is good --"- you shouldn't be pushed into it by others." As part JESUIT FATHER Edward Vacek chats with Mrs. Sheila of such responsibility, he said indiFeitelberg of the Order of Malta following his recent lecture. viduals should take charge of their (Photo by Owen McGowan) Turn to page six - ~thics

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Saint Anne's diabetes prograDl receives national certification FALL RIVER - The Caritas Diabetes Care Program at Saint Anne's Hospital has earned certification by the American Diabetes Association. Michael Metzler, president of Saint Anne's, said the national certification reflects the hospital's commitment to meet the highest standards of patient care. "Both Saint Anne's and the Caritas Christi Health Care System strive to ensure that p.atients reCeive the highest level of care," Metzler said. "It's wonderful to receive national recognition for our efforts to help people with diabetes." The program is fortunate, too, he noted, "to be part of the expanding and highly respected Caritas Christi diabetes initiative in eastern Massachusetts." The prestigious American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate assures that Saint Anne's program meets the national standards for a quality diabetes self-

management education program. The certificate, which follows a rigorous review process by experts in the field, recognizes a program's staff of knowledgeable health care professionals who can provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management, while giving consumers a standard by which they can measure the quality of the service. The diabetes care program at Saint Anne's is a, comprehensive one with components available for many years, including a popular and well-attended monthly education and support program. ' It features individualized assessment by a certified educator and nutrition counselor; instruction in self-blood glucose monitoring; and nutrition assessment and recommendations. Also, it offers small group classes that cover such topics as the role of medication, exercise, foot, skin and dental care, behavior

Saint Anne's to host diabetes event FALL RIVER - Saint Anne's Hospital will host a "Decoding Diabetes" event on November 13 from IO a.m. to I p.m. in the main lobby. The education and fun event will feature: - Steve Puscizna of Lifeline Medical and Diabetic Supplies of Swansea; -SaintAnne's diabetes specialists Elizabeth Porter, RN, and Laurie Hammontree, RD; - Karyl Benoit, ACE-certified fitness instructor at Saint Ailne's; - Karen Wood, patient insurance advocate of Saint Anne's. ' Lifeline, a vendor of diabetic supplies, will demonstrate state-ofthe-art diabetes equipment, including glucose meters and insulin pumps. Also featured will be activities by Saint Anne's Hospital, including:

- 10-11 :00 a.m., blood glucose screenings; - 11 :00-11 :45 a.m., free information and consultation about the value of exercise for people with diabetes' - I0 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., information about obtaining the right insurance coverage; - Diabetes-friendly cooking demonstrations. "Decoding Diabetes" is cosponsored by Lifeline Medical and Diabetic Supplies, 1480 WSAR radio, and the Caritas Diabetes Care Program of Saint Anne's Hospital, a nationally certified program of the American Diabetes Association. There is no charge, and free valet parking is available at the main entrance on South Main Street. For more information, call 508-2355056.

changes, risk factor reduction and social support; follow-up visits at prescribed intervals and monitoring of outcomes. Saint Anne's diabetes program is staffed by Elizabeth Savaria-Porter, RN, MS, an ADA-certified diabetes educator with more than 20 years of nursing experience; and Laurie Hammontree, RD, BS, a nutrition educator who has also counseled and educated patients for more than 20 years. Both meet with all new patients who are referred to the program. According to the ADA, there are nearly 16 million Americans, or 5.9 percent ofthe population, who have diabetes. While about 10 million have been diagnosed, there are more than five million who are not aware they have the disease, but will learn they have it when they are treated for one of its life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve disease or amputation. Although local statistics mirror the state and national averages, there is a higher concentration of people in the Greater Fall River Area with risk factors, the CHNA reports. For more information about the Caritas Diabetes Care program, ask your physician or call Elizabeth Porter at 508-674- 5600, ext. 2490.

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4 THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River - Fri., November 9, 2001·

the living word

themoorin~ Families and the times . As we work our way through our international and national difficulties, it becomes clear that we must also tack.le our domestic problems. American families are beginning to feel the ever-increasing need to be connected with each other. Thousands of families have been destroyed and torn apart by this war on terrorism. Daily, more families are being separated by National Guard obligations. Millions are searching for answe~s, wary of a very uncertain future. As unemployment increases, job security becomes a misnomer. Families that are separated, disconnected or even dysfunctional, are experiencing a form of depression that simply will not go away. So many people want to reach out but there is no place to go. The national party is over and so many who played it to the hilt have no place to go except back'to their family. The family is the heart and soul of our living. In these days of anger and hurt ii's the family that can become healer and helper for so many searching souls. This of course presupposes that families want to reach out and be what they should be for all in the house. This is not an easy task and it takes time and effort to bring all back to the kitchen table. Now is the time of year to evaluate the family. The holidays are upon us; Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and Christmas are just around the comer. These are family times, moments to reach out, be in~lusive and above all forgiving. In the true meaning of these days given their religious motivations, family hurts must be addressed. So many times families cannot even remember why separations developed. Forgiveness is the ever present need to keep people together. It's hard and difficult. Many feel its weakness. The opposite is true.. It lakes strength arid courage to forgive. It enhances a person's courage and truthfulness and it releases us from burdens of self-imposed fear'and stress. Mothers and fathers must forgive many hurts in their relationship. Those that are able to forgive each other are able to ·do the same for their children and extended family. Where there is no forgiveness, there is division and even destruction. No family is an island. In these past years of selfish expediency, everyone thought they could do things their own way. People became a law of nature unto themselves. Discord, separation and divorces were the easy way out for so many people. As' ,(result 'so ' many simply lost all family roots. Once more this' time of year presents a great occasion for connecting the generations. Bringing the older folks together with the ,younger meTDbers so the stories may be told. Linking the various age groups of, families together nurtures continuity and wholeness. People can hang on to something, namely the family tree. If we really believe that the family has received from God~ts mission (0 be theflrst and vital point of society, then we must see it as a spiritual undertaking. In the trUest Catholic seriSe there must be a connection between the kitchen' table and the altar table. The family in this way indeed fulfills its destiny as the domestic Church. The essential unity of the Church is prayer. As Holy Cross Father Patrick Peyton so simply preached, ''The family that prays together stays together." If there was' ever a time that this refleCtion had special meaning, it is today. The spiritually connected family must become the vital apostolate of the Church. We must evangelize our families not just for keeping them together but also to help them be strong in unity and love. The well-being of the individual person and of human and Christian society is intimately linked with the healthy condition of the family. The family is the' very foundation of all society and it needs all the help it can get in these trying times.

The Executive Editor

.theal1cho~.··• .•

OFFICIAL'NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Published weekly' by the Catholic · 887 Highland Ave,nue.:' Fall River, MA' 02720" .

P~e'ss of t~e,biocese

Fall River . ' " c. '. p.6.'so)ll 7,': ,'., . Fall River, MA 02722-0007, . Telephone'q08~675_7t51 ,': FAX 508-675-7048 . ,. ". E~mail: The.Arichor@ Anchor·ri~ws.org.. '. ,'.." '. : · .Send address changes,toP.O, B6x,c81I,or use .E~mail ,. " '.. '. ... . address , : .,;' '

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~. EXECUTIVE'EorrOR' ,':",: ::,":.,:' '>' •. . .Rev.,~Sgr. ~Oh'n~. ~90~; :':-,:,::,",',:' , .:._'.

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•

· EDITOR

David B. Jollvet

NEWS EDITOR· " ,.' OFFICE'MANAGER ;',

James. N. Dunbar' : . 'Barbara 'M.Rels',. , . ".;'. , .-,

AN AFGHAN BOY STANDS BAREFOOT ON A MUD ROAD IN THE NORTHERN ALLIANCE CONTROLLED.KHOJA BAHAWUDDIN IN AFGHANISTAN. AFGHAN CHILDREN

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FACE HARSH REALITIES IN THE MIDST OF WAR AND INTERNAL TURMOIL. A QUARTER OF ALL AFGHAN CHILDREN ARE ORPHANS AND MORE THAN HALF SUFFER FROM MALNU-

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TRITION. (eNS PHOTO FROM

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"THE RICH AND THE POOR HAVE A COMMON BONp, THE LORD IS THE MAKER OF THEM ALL" (PROVERBS 22:2).

Basic principles of a strong human spirit By FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

The war on terrorism is about much more than bombing raids, economic sanctions and international alliances. It is a fierce battle over who can break whose spirit. So the question is raised: What is needed to cultivate a strong spirit? Let's begin with Reinhold Niebuhr'~ prayer of tranquility: "May I have the tranquility to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can and the wisdom to know one from the other." As much as we would like to, we cannot change the disheartening effects of terrorist attacks. Our hearts have been tom by death and fear. If we are to overcome this hurt, we must first accept its reality. When our mouming recedes, we will need to review the basic principles underlying a strong spirit and recommit ourselves to them. The human spirit thrives on four principles or pillars: vital faith; zest for life; a sure instinct; and the ability to bounce back after being knocked down. Americans, by nature, are

churchgoers and people of prayer. Not only do people believe in God, but we exalt God throughout the nation. To maintain a strong spirit, we must never doubt God's presence and care. We must cling to the belief that God in some mysterious way is raising us to new spiritual heights. Another belief to cherish is that the strength needed to overcome the enemy comes not from military or economic might, but from God. Prayer and the peace of mind prayer fosters are the best means of ensuring inner strength, for once we are at peace we are refreshed to do battle. As I write this, news reports and a myriad of opinions on what we . should or should not do are inundating us. Often this saturation of thoughts proves to be confusing and does,more harm than good to our spirit. To curtail the pandemonium, meditative time must be created in which we only listen to God. To maintain a strong spirit, we also need to have faith in our instincts. We know from history and our faith that revenge is not the answer to terrorism, that dialogue, .

not bombs, is more effective for securing peace, and that prayer is where we find our best counsel. More than ever, we need to cultivate these instincts through study and prayer, and to avoid that which would call them into question. During a time of gloom it is common to awake daily to bad news. Too frequently the ominous atmosphere this creates hinders our ability to look forward to the coming day. To maintain high spirits, we need to have something good to look forward to, be it ever so small, every time we meet a new day. To maintain our zest fqr life, we have to be our own best cheerleaders. As happens with horrifying events, depression can suddenly strike and knock us down. We don't feel like working; enthusiasm dries up and there is the temptation to revert tb that which will dull our senses. When this happens, we need to regroup as often as necessary. Reassessing our priorities must be the order of the day. In the days ahead, let us not forget that we are as strong as our commitment is to the basic principles of the human spirit.

Enough to make your skin crawl

THEANCHOR-DioceseofFall River-Fri., November 9,2001 one of a snake slithering across home plate and into the history books.

sports editor/writer and the current editor of The Anchor. Comments are welcome at DaveJolivet@Anchornews.org.

For the longest time, in fact are no longer the world champs! reptile dethrone the Yanks, they since the beginning of time, I know this sounds like a did it in New York fashion. Dave Jolivet is a former snakes have had a.bad reputa- typical Red Sox sour grapes re- They rallied in the bottom of tion. We all know the story of sponse. That's pecause it is. I the ninth inning, down by one Adam and Eve in the Gard.en also know I've written about run in Game 7, against one of of Eden. It was a snake . the all-time best closers that tempted Eve to eat in baseball playoff hisof the forbidden fruit. tory. Instead of returnHow many of us haven't ing to the Big Apple said at one time or anwith another title, the other, "If it wasn't for FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES Yanks returned snakethat snake, we'd all live bitten. 465 County Street, New Bedford in paradise"? Today, I look at " By Dave Jolivet After the dastardly snakes in a new light. I deed was done, God know there'll be days ~ said to the snake, "Bewhen I'll curse the sercause you have done this, the current Yankee team with pent for tempting Eve, and I cursed are you more than all respect and even admiration, know I'll continue to check my customs and nationalities cattle, and more than every but when it all boils down, I sleeping bag before entering it, Larry Sylvia William S. Hathaway, Jr. - Ruth (Ward) Hathaway beast of the field; 0'1 your cannot root for the New York and I know "Rifleman" reruns Managing Director William "BT" Hathaway - JameS E. Barton belly you will go, and dust you Yankees. will still get to me. But now I A Hathaway Family Funeral Home, 1813 Robeson Street, Fall River, MA 02720 will eat all the days of your Not only did the repugnant can temper those thoughts with life" (Gen. 3: 14). There aren't many creatures that God takes the time to admonish personally, thus its evil notoriety. When I think of these crafty creepy crawlies, I can't help but recall "The Rifleman," a TV western on the air when ..I was a kid. In how many episodes did Lucas and Mark McCain and Marshall Micah awaken to find a snake slithering about in their bedrolls? And how repulsed were we the viewers as we anxiously waited for them to escape without a pair of fang marks on their persons? The last thing any camper wants to see in their sleeping bag is an animal more cursed than cattle. And in the thousands and Citizens-Union Savings Bank can helpl thousands (this may be an exWhen we say that Citizens-Union Savings Bank is the only bank you'll ever need, we mean it. 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A tradition of caring.

My View

From the Stands

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DONAGHY-HATHAWAY

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Do you have路 serious questions about managing your money and protecting what you've worked so hard to earn? .

cmZENS~UNION

THE ANCHOR - Di~ese of Fall River - Fri., November 9, 2001

Ethics·

Continued from page three

own health care, adding that this is' what God expects of us and that we shouldn't feel we've done our best in a situation if there's more we could do. Discussing justice, Father Vacek queried "How can God get needed goods to the needy? Thy answer is through you and me." He concluded by explaining three different kinds of care: that of philanthropy, which should be accompanied by real concern for those to whom you give; contractual, which may be work for a paycheck but should also include true care for those who are paying you;

and care stemming· from a Christlike reaching out to those in need. The last in the free lecture series will be held November 13,7 to 8:30 am., also at Bishop Connolly High School on Elsbree Street. It will host Ann Baker, RN, who will speak on "Understanding Hospital and Clinical Issues: Pain, Proxies and Trauma." This Tut1sday's lecture by Dr. Christopher Klofft on "Human Sexuality: Procreation and Pre-marital Relations," will be reported on in an upcoming publication of The An-

chor.

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Red Mass celebration for legal ·community set for December 9 FALL RIVER - Those working in the justice system from throughout the Fall River diocese, along with their families and friends, are invited to attend the annual Red Mass celebration Sunday, December 9, beginning with aJ p.m. Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River. The Red Mass celebration is hosted each year by the diocese to invoke God's blessings on those who work in the legal system and to honor members of that community for dedicated service. Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap., will be principal celebrant of the Mass. Guest homilist will be Holy Cross Father Mark Cregan, who is president of Stonehill College in North Easton. The Stonehill College Chapel Choir will provide music for the liturgy. At the conclusion of the Mass Bishop O'Malley will again present the St. Thomas More Awards in recognition of distinguished service to justice and the common good. A reception and dinner at White's of Westport will follow the Mass. The featured speaker will be Professor Mary Ann Glendon, the Leamed Hand Professor of Law at Harvard University.

Attorney Joseph P. Harrington of New Bedford is chairman of the comrriittee planning the Red Mass. He said he is looking forward to the celebration, which will be the fifth held in the dio-. cese. "It's a great opportunity to bring together people who work in the justice system to participate in Mass with Bishop O'Malley, to receive blessings on our work, and to take some time to reflect on what we do in our daily work and how it impacts society," Harrington said recently. "We are particularly pleased," noted Father Mark R. Hession, who is the bishop's liaison with the Red Mass committee, "that Father Mark Cregan of Stonehill, who himself is a lawyer, will be guest homilist for the Mass and that Professor Glendon accepted Bishop O'Malley's invitation to be guest speaker following dinner. It should be a wonderful day." The Red Mass is the popular name for the Mass of the Holy Spirit offered to invoke God's blessings on the judges, attorneys and others working to pr<~)Vide justice throughout the judicial system. Its name is derived from the color of the vestments customarily worn by the celebrants. The Mass began in the 131h cen-

tury in Europe and touay is widely celebr'ated in dioceses throughout the United States. Announcement of the St. Thomas More award winners is forthcoming. A judge, an attorney and a court worker will be honored with the award that bears the name of the 16th century Catholic layman and martyr who refused to compromise principle though pressured by outside sources. Award recipients are nominated by a committee comprised of a dioces.an cross section of judges, attorneys, court personnel and priests. In addition to Atty. Harrington and Father Hession, other members of the Red Mass planning committee are Judges Elizabeth J. Dolan, George Jacobs, Elizabeth O'Neill-LaStaiti and John F. St. Cyr. Attorneys Richard Bentley, Richard Bentley Jr., Jerome Coogan, Patrick K. Cunningham, Michael Harrington, John P. Lee, Michael J. Livingston, Jennifer W. Lokitis, Francis ~. O'Boy, Anastasia Perrino, James H. Quirk, Jr., Irene B. Schall, and Frederick J. Torphy. Msgr. John F. Moore, Father Michael K. McManus, Gloria Arruda, Omer Chartrand and John E. Keams Jr. Anyone interested in further information may contact any committee member.

What "heaven" means ..

•

the Father and with us. In fact, the pope used this same word when he said that "through ment that heaven "is not a physigrace, believers can ascend" to the cal place amid the clouds" but a presence of God. state of being, "a living personal relationship with the Trinity!' The pope's messages on the subHow does this square with variject may challenge us to look anew . ous "ascensions into at some expressions w~ use ~-,,- to affirm our faith, but he heaven" mentioned in _ - - - - - - - - - also saw in them something the Scriptures and in our extremely enlightening and professioq of. faith? (Inhopeful about life in eterdiana) nity. A. Th~se teachings were -The suffering caused by given by Pope John Pau] n in this life is often said sin in the course of several adBy Father to "make life hell," hinting dresses during his WednesJohn J. Dietzen day audiences in the sum- • what life without God ....--------~ mer of 1999. would be like. We must be very careful when The pope cautioned at the time In the same way, "if we are that heaven - and, somewhat simi- interpreting the biblical descriptions able to enjoy properly the good larly, hell and purgato'ry - can of hell, for example. The "inextin- things that the Lord showers upon never be fully or accurately described guishable fire" and "fiery furnace" us every day of our earthly lives," in human words for the simple rea- of which the Bible speaks are, he said the pope, "then we have beson that there is a chasm between said, attempts to "indicate the com- gun to experience the joy which God and humanity that human lan- plete frustration and emptiness of a will be completely ours in the next guage and human experience can life without God." life." never cross. As· one Italian theologian put it The same is true when speaking H,e said, for example, that it is of heaven. We're confined to sym- well, the pope was hinting that the not quite accurate to describe heaven bolic language,just as was the Bible person who lives in grace already as the dwelling place of God, since itself. The idea of heaven as aplace lives·in paradise. For today's ChrisGod cannot be confined by such a in the sky, according to the pope,. tians, attempting to live out these concept or enclosed in such a resulted from metaphorical biblical eternal realities in our lives now is "heaven." lll!1guage contrasting the dwelling more important than trying to deMost Catholics and other Chris- place of humanity with the "dwell- scribe them. tians, it seems to me, instinctively ing pla~" of God. A free brochure answering understand that human expressions It is within that framework that questions Catholics ask about anabout God are just that, hum~n at- we need to understand such nulments is available by 'sending tempts to say as well as we can some- 'phrases as "ascended into heaven." a stamped, self-addressed envething that is beyond our power to We do not believe that Jesus went. lope to Father John Dietzen, Box grasp or proclaim perfectly. off to a distant g~laxy or planet, 325, Peoria, IL 61651. "Questions may be sent to FaWhen we say in the creed that but that, in a way beyond our Jesus "is seated at the right hand of present comprehension, in his as- ther Dietzen at the same address, the Father," we know that's not lit- censionhe began a new life with or e-mail: iidietzen@aol.com.

Q. My daughter andJ recently

discussed the Holy Father's state-

erally true. It's just one of the best ways we have to express belief that Jesus holds a place of unique honor and equality with the Father. . Pope.John Paul reminds us that this is true any time we speak of realities after death.

Questions and Answers

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., November 9,200 I

In Vitro Fertilization: Ethical Implications and Alternatives A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap. The recent-discussion in our coun- vision set as a babysitter; it seems to have ity become more common, people are marriage and the dignity of the procretry on the funding of scientific research the same purpose as his Conditioning turning to science for solutions. Modem ation of the human person. All of these using embryonic stem cells has made it Center. science has developed various tech- procedures face a further difficulty in that His allegorical work has become al- niques such as artificial insemination and they lend themselves to commercializavery clear that many Americans are unaware ofsome ofthe ethical implications most prophetic in some of its dire pre- in vitro fertilization. In addition, there are tion and exploitation when people are surrounding this debate. What was par- dictions about in vitro fertilization and also ancillary techniques designed to paid for donating their semen or ova, or ticularly alarming was the data that over clonirig. Not too long ago readers were store semen, ova, and embryos. for surrogate motherhood. The fact that these techniques have The "Catechism of the Catholic 100,000 live embryos are frozen. These shocked by these images. If we are not embryos have been produced in the pro- more circumspect about the use oftech- been developed and have a certain suc- Church," quoting from the Vatican docucedure called in vitro ferjlization, which . nology, in another generation readers cess rate does not make them morally ment Donum Vitae, (Instruction on reseems to enjoy ever wider acceptance will read Huxley wondering, "What's acceptable, The ends do not justify the spect for human life in its origin and on the big deal?" means. In this case, the ends are very the dignity ofprocreation) asserts: ''Techby the American public. Stepping away from God's law al- noble: helping an infertile couple to be- niques that entail the dissociation ofhusI presume that many Catholic couples have had recourse to this tech- ways introduces chaos into our lives. come parents. The Church, however, band and wife by the intrusion of a person other than the couple (donation of nology in their praiseworthy aspirations Nowhere is this truer than in the case of cannot accept the means. to have children. I feel great compunc- in vitro fertilization. The reproductive MARRIAGE: sperm or ovum, surrogate uterus) are The Sanctity of Life gravely immoral. These techniques intion that those of us who have a respon- revolution has had the ability to separate The Catholic Church teaches that fringe on the child's rightto be born ofa sibility to teach the faith have not been genetic parenting from gestational and from social parenting; and marriage is the only morally acceptable father and mother known to him, and parenting more effectiye in communicating the Church's teaching on in vitro fertiliza- the agent who brings it all about, a framework for human reproduction. bound to each other by marriage; moretion. I realize that some Catholics acting biotechnician, will be still another per- Marriage and its indissoluble unity are over, these methods betray the spouses' the. only venue worthy of truly respon- right to become a father and a mother in good faith, and with a burning desire son. In other words, we can arrange from sible procreation. Accordingly, any con- only through each other" (#2376). Into be parents and good parents, have made use ofthis technology unwittingly. the outset that one or more of the ge- ception engineered with semen or ova deed, in the act ofprocreation the spouses To them, I offer an apology and assure . netic parents are different from the donated by a third party would be op-' are called to cooperate with God; therethem of the Church's unconditional re- woman who will carry the child, or the posed to the exclusivity that is demanded fore, the Church teaches that a child's gard for the children born ofsuch a pro- couple who will bring the child up. One .of a married couple. Such a procedure coming-to-be should be sought only as . cedure. Every child, no matter how that or both ofthe donors might be deceased, would be a violation ofthe bond ofcon- a fruit of the spouses' personal loving union in the marital act. child is born, is precious in God's eyes. for even the eggs might be That having been said, I now feel extractedfromabortedfetuses _1' -/:.. I:. The "Catechism of urrru;a, the Catholic Church" compelled to sound an alarm to our or a recently deceased Catholic people about the morally prob- woman. £,.~ r I:.,.£. also addresses those SIX:rmand~ggsarebeing cases where the techniques lematic aspects of in vitro fertilization and I:. employed to bring about to call upon our priests, deacons, and bought and sold and wombs . the conception involve exteachers to exercise due diligence in faith- are being rented. Typical . l' elusively the married fully presenting the Church's teaching, prices for ova are $6,500, on this most serious issue. A faulty l,m- sperm $1,800 and surroga~e ,J~{;;'~..:.. couple's semen, ovum, derstanding ofthe ethical drawbacks of motherhood $45,000. In CaliII ~'~~' .... =:-. and womb. Such techin vitro fertilization has already led to a fornia there is a Nobel Prize yOU. . .,.' ~}J~ niq~es are "less, reprenaive acceptance of the destruction of Winners' sperm bank where F. "J'(.,~;'''''~ ~J henslble, yetremam morally unacceptable." They human embryos that now threatens to someone can purchase "ge• . :'~\~~l',·:~·--/ dissociate procreation pave the way for embryonic stem cell nius sperm" in the first step towards the "designer baby." Anyone who t., ...~ .;.~ from the sexual act. The act research. )?F·' :.~~ " which brings the child into A few decades ago, in vitro fertili- has enough money can contract for the - ~ :' ~ ... ~, . existence is no longer an act zation was the stuffofscience fiction. In production of human beings according ;:'w':":; "Jo" :. I by which two persons (husHuxley's "Brave New World," where to the desired specifications. Scientists are already testing the .. ~~::::.. -...... /< : band and wife) give themselves time is reckoned as A.F. (after Ford), the ::r:~~~.lit " . to one another, but one that "entrusts author describes a futuristic world that embryos in the ~tri dish or in the womb ~.;~¥~ the life and identity of the embryo into prescinds from God. The book opens to determine whether the child has de:~;;.~. the power ofthe doctors and biologists, with a tour ofthe Centqll London Hatch- sirable characteristics. One common reason for these tests is sex selection. Those ,.:.~ ;.. ,~ and establishes the domination oftechery and Conditioning Center which is the venue for artificial reproduction and Feminists who favor abortion should ~ nology over the origin and dessocial conditioning in a biological ver- ~owthattheembryosdestroy~on '. ~~i '~~~:"',,_,: '~"' ~:'}"" tiny ofthe.hum~n perso~. sion of the assembly line: progressing this account are USJ,lally on the dis- ~~,: ....:,,-c' ~ " , ' : : , ' ,'I Such a relatlonship of dorm" ;.~~~7~., }!.:.~'.:;' ':.:'>..:..':-' ~ ... ;o!::'.;" nation is in itselfcontrary to the from the Fertilizing Room, to the Bot- taffside. tling Room, to the Social Predestination The legal problems that arise ~~:..::, ,,1>~ ,-"',' ,~"""",. dignity and equality that must he .. ,.... '.:~r:: '.: ..: common to parents and children" Room, and finally to the Decanting from In vitro fertIlization are le(#2377). gion. The number ofpersons who " .. Room. The Church has always taught that After these babies are "decanted," might assert parental rights is now exto five: the sperm donor, the egg jugal fidelity. It is also an anomaly for a there is an "inseparable connection espanded or "hatched," they are put in a special donor, the surrogate womb mother, and donor to contribute to the conception of tablished by God between the unitive nursery where they are conditioned to hate books and the great outdoors, and the couple who raise the child. One wag a child with the express intention ofhav- significance and the procreative signifiare taught to pine after the consumption has observed that the prospect of chil- ing nothing to do with that child's up- cance which are both inherent to the marriage act" (Hwnanae Vitae 12). In this of a nearly endless variety of manufac- dren with multiple parents is a market- bringing.· ing dream for the greeting card industry, Donation of semen or ova, and the sense in vitro fertilization, by doing away tured consumer goods. Doubtless, and it is certainly a bonanza for lawyers. use ofsurrogate motherhood to bear the with the unitive meaning, is the mirror Huxley would have been intrigued with As problems ofinfertility and sterilchild are both contrary to the unity of Continued on page eight the modem day practice ofusing the tele-

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they will;'~:i:j;;i:~ili; patients up for adoption rather than to let them fore the Ethics Advisory Board of the change theirminds. It is obvious thatmany perish in a frozen gulag. Other moralists Department of Health, Education and ofthe medical staffinvolved in the in vitro hesitate to countenance this approach Welfare, states: ''Christians must surely fertilization process are aware ofthe grave because of the problem of surrogate be doubtful of any moral defenses of in responsibility they have fordestioyihg hu- motherhood. Nevertheless, we agonize vitro fertilization that claim this techman life. They have witnessed how these over the predicament of these embryos. niqlie as an extension of freedom from embryos have grown into healthy children. In discarding these embryos, the me9ical staff become their unwilling exIIHow can anyone think that even a single moment of ecutioners, but executioners nonetheless. this marvelous process of the unfolding of life could be The Vatican document Donum Viseparated from the wise and loving work of the Creator tae clearly stated that the destruction of embryos harvested from in vitro fertili- and left prey to human caprice?" - Pope John Paul II zation procedures is tantamount to abortion. By voluntarily destroying human Evangelium Vitae embryos, ''The researcher usurps the place of God; and, even though he may be unaware of this, he sets himselfup as It is similar to the Church's pastoral re- natural 'necessity. From our perspective, the master of the destiny of others inas- sponse to chiJdren born out of wedlock. such a claim involves the pretentious asmuch as he arbitrarily chooses whom he While the Church cannot approve the cir- sumption that there is no limit to the right will allow to live and whom he will send cumstance of their birth since the chil- of people to perpetuate themselves." to death, and kills defenseless human dren have. already come into being, the Hauerwas' assertion is certainly being" (Donum Vitae, 1987). ' Church must be concerned about their taught by the Church: We do not FROZEN EMBRYOS: spiritual and material welfare. have a "right to have a child." Such Children on Hold No one wants to encourage in vitro a right would be "contrary to the During the already cited congres- fertilization in anyway; yet, there is a child's dignity and nature. The child sional hearings concerning stem-cell re- desire to rescue these innocent human is not an object to which one has a search, John Borden stood before the beings that are in the words of Donum right, nor can he be considered an panel with both his sons in his arms and Vitae: "exposed to an absurd fate, with object of ownership; rather, a child asked, "Which one of my children no possibility of their being offered safe is a gift, 'the supreme gift,' and the would you kill?" John and his wife, means of survival that can be licitly PUT-: .,mostgratuitous gift of marriage, and Lucinda, unable to have children oftheir sued" (D.v. 1.5). We are hopeful that in is a living testimony of the mutual own adopted frozen embryos that were the near future the Holy See will offer giving of his parents. For this reason "left over" from in vitro fertilization. some authoritative pronouncements on the child has the right to b~ the fruit of the specific act of conjugal love Their striking testimony demonstrated .' this very complicatedissue. that embryos are human beings in an CIDLDREN: of his parents; and the child also has the right to be respected as a person early stage of development and thereA gift not an entitlement fore should not be sacrificed for embryProfessor Stanley M. Hauerwas, in from the moment of his conception" onic stem-cell research. The action of this couple and many others raises the question, ''What should be done with the frozen embryos?" Dr. Edward Furton of the National Catholic Bioethics Center published a fine article recently: "On the Disposition of Frozen Embryos." The Church has not taken an official stand on what should be done. It is clear that in vitro fertilization is not an ethical practice. Nevertheless, the children born of this process are human beings, with the full rights and dignity of all members of the human family, and the frozen embryos produced are human and need to be respected as such. The most acceptable solution for the disposition ofthese embryos is that they be implanted in theirmother's womb and brought to term. This is the best option in a highly ambiguous situation since the embryos should not have been created in the first place. If the parents of the embryos are unable or unwilling to implant the embryo in the mother's womb, what can be ." done'·with the frozen embryos? Moralists are beginning to debate this ques-. tion. Theologians of the status'of Dr. William May and Dr. Germain Grisey and Dr. John Furton, editor of Ethics & Medics of the National Catholic Bioethics Center, are of the opinion that it is

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One of the greatest absurdities of contemporary society is that our country has approved of people aborting all unwanted children and at the same time permits an immoral technique (in vitro fertilization) that allows a few women to have the experience of a pregnancy. In both of these circumstances the fate of the children is subordinated to the convenience or the personal aspirations of the parents. In the Old Testament, sterility was seen as a curse and a shameful condition. In part, immortality was understood as living' on in your children and in their children. Childlessness then meant to be doomed to extinction and oblivion. , The New Testament teaching on celibacy indicated to believers that not everyone needs to have children. It is a matter of vocation. The example of the consecrated virgins in the early Church testified to the importance of spiritual fruitfulness and gave witness of the Church's firm belief in the Resurrection. Their lives, like the first martyrs, proclaimed to the world that in Christ we are all called to eternal Ufe. It is therefore not necessary for everyone to have children to taste immortality; For us, marriage and motherhood and fatherhood is a vocation, and children are a gift. However, even when procreation is not possible, married life does

Continued on page J0

THE ANCHOR - Diocese ofFall River- Fri., November 9,2001

"Life once c; fie "ived must be Science withoutthe compass ofethi- embryos repre~nts a serious moral di- Secondly, living embryos must never be image ofcontraception which suppresses cal restraints is taking us on a path to- lemma which has contrib~!OO to a coars- used for experimentation which is not the procreative meaning of the conjugal wards dehumanization in the name of eningofthepublic'sattitudetow~the,directly therapeutic to that human emact progress. Modern scientific advances sacredness of human life. 'bryo. The Pro-Life Department of the During recent debates before Con- United States Council of Catholic BishGod created man and woman in His have so much to offer, but they must be own image and likeness and gave them guided by ethical principles which re- gress, a couple gave compelling testi- ops has published a question and answer the mission ''to be fruitful and multiply." speet the inherent dignity of every hu- mony against embryonic stem cell re- document on respect for human embryos This fruitfulness in marriage is part of man being.. When science embarks on a search. The main arguments that they which explains: "No objective, even their being made in the image of God. Promethean quest, fueled by greed and presented were their two young sons who though noble in itself, such as a foreseeThe marital act is one ofmutual self-giv- commercialization, our own humanity is had been frozen embryos that the hus- able advantage to science, to other huing and mutual acceptance of two per- placed at risk. The Vatican Document, band and his wife adopted. We cannot man beings, or to society, can in any way sons in love. It reflects the inner life of Donum Vitae, expresses this well: "By pretend that these embryos are tadpoles. justify experimentation on living emGod in the Holy Trinity, a communion defending man against the excesses of They are human beings with their unique bryos or fetuses, whether viable or not, , his own power, the Church of Godre- genetic code, full complement of chro- either inside or outside the mother's of love. Conjugal love is at the service oflife minds him ofthe reasons for his true no- mosomes, and individual characteristics womb. The informed consent ordinarily and at the service of God, the Creator. bility; only in this way can thepossibil- already in place. Every personative to- required for clinical experimentation canPope John Paul wrote in his ''Letter to ity of living and loving with that dignity day started out as an embryo. . not be granted by the parents who may In vitro fertilization puts a great num- not freely dispose of the physical integFamilies" that "in affirming that spouses and liberty which derive from respect for as parents cooPerate with God city or life of the unborn, the Creator in conceiving and child." ' "-. This wlequivocal teachgiving birth to a new human ing ofthe Church has imporbeing...we wish to emphasize tant implications, not only that God Himself is present in human fatherhood and mothregarding the morality of in erhood. Indeed, God alone is vitro fertilization where so the source of that 'image and many embryos are sacrificed, but also in the area ofembrylikeness' which is proper to the onic stem cell research which human being, as itwas received requires the destruction ofthe at Creation. Begetting is the continuiltion of Creation" living human embryo. Many scientists are anx(''Letter to Families" 9). SPARE EMBRYOS: ious to employ ."sPMe" ~IP;.' Human Leftovers bryos that result from the in "I formed you in the vitro fertilization for research purposes. They point to the womb, I knew you and before you were born, I consecrated huge supply of frozen embryos that will eventually be you" (Jer 1:5). Pope John Paul II, commenting on this Scripdiscarded. As in the case of ture passage, writes: ''the life the production of clones for of every individual, from its research purposes, the harvery beginning, is part ofGod's John and Lucinda Borden, who, unable to have children of their own, adopted frozen vesting of the discarded emplan...:.'(Evangelium Vitae embryos that were "left over" from in vitro Jertilization. Before a congressional panel, the bryos for research represents #44). Expressions of awe and twins' adopted father asked, "Which one of my children would you kill?" (CNS file photo a conscious choice to useliv, , '. . "inghumanbeingsasmererewonder at God's intervention from KRT) .. in the life of a child in i t s . . search material. Sadly, some mother's womb occur again and'again the truth be ensUi~ for the men and. berofembryos at risk, or simply destroys people would have pragmatism trump in the Psalms and in the Gospel pf St. women. of tomorrow" (DQnum Vitae p: them. These early-stage abortions are not morality. It is encouraging that many .' morally acceptable. Unfortunately, many states have legislation in place which proLuke.. In the light ofGod's loving regard 39); , -. for life in the womb, the Holy Fath~r '. Theoretically, it might be possible people of good will have no notion of' tects the embryo and makes embryonic raises the terrible question: "How can to' use in vitro fertilization路 without what is at stake and simply focus on 'the stem-cell research a felony. In the Comanyone t:hiilk: that even a single moment destroying any' embryos. The grave baby that results from in vitro fertiliza- monwealth ofMassachusetts the law forof this marvelous process of the unfold- moral problems concerning the rights of tion, not adverting to the fact th~t the pro- bids using embryos, "whether before or ing of life could be separated from the the child, unity of-marriage, and the cedure involves creating many embryos, after expulsion from the mother's womb, wise and loving work ofthe Creator and integrity act would still militate against most ofwhich will never be born because for scientific, laboratory research, or other kinds ofexperimentation" (M.G.L. left prey to human caprice?" (B.V. #44). the morality of in vitro fertilization. they will be frozen or discarded.. The Church's teaehing on the respect Ch. 112 para. 12). Humari life is precious from the moment However, typically, in in vitro ofconception; but, sadly enough, tht?,bib-", fertilization a woman is given fertility that must be accorded to human embryos The New York Times, on Aug. 26, lical respect for human life is being drugs to ensure that she produces several has been constant and very clear. The 2001, reported that at fertility clinics eroded in our contemporary society. ova which are collected to be fertilized .Second Vatican Council reaffirms this the job that nobody wants is that of Without a deep reverenCe for the saCred- in a petri dish creating several embryqs. teaching: ''Life once conceived must be discarding the spare embryos. Most ness of human life, h~ty pl~ it- The healthiest ones are chosen for protected with the utmost care." Like- centers charge a yearly fee that ranges transfer to the woman's worrib. Many wise, the more recent "Charter of the from a few hundred dollars to more self on the path of self-destruction. When science and technology open embryos are discarded or frozen. Rights of the Family," published by the than a thousand; but many embryolodoors that shouJ.~LnoLhe_o.D.eQed._a_Ereezinl?.killLsome-ffio.r.e..:-S.ome_HolySee remin.ds_us_that: ''Human_life_a.i.ct,,,-d.o_nC\Ld.i.c~rd_P..Jnhr..voc. p.vpn Continued from page seven

THEANCHOR-DioceseofFall River-Fri., November 9, 2001

In Vitro Fertilization: 'Ethic~1 Implications and Alternatives Continued from page nine

tion and those who receive them. Other countries also experience the sad refusal ofso many mothers to choose life by giving their cltildren in adoption. Italy is witnessing a negative population growth that has given rise to serious concerns about the future of the Italian people. One parliamentarian has asked .

important services to, the life of the human person; for example adoption, various forms of educational work, and assistance to other families, and to poor or handicapped children" (#14). All of us know childless couples whose goodness and generosity have been directed toward service of the parish, the community, and those in need. Often it is.said of such couple "what wonderful parents they would have been" because their marriage is so faithfilled and so loving. ADOPTION: A loving solution The plight of a couple who have difficulties in conceiving a child is something that concerns the Church community. We are pleased that the scientific community has developed some morally acceptable procedures that assist the conjugal act and not replace it: certain fertility drugs, micro-surgery, and treatments aimed at correcting defects in the reproductive mgans, and Natural Family Planning techniques that allow couples to know when they have the best chance ofconceiving. The Church does .urge scientists ''to continue their research with the aim ofpreventing the causes of sterility and of being able to remedy them so that infertile couples will be able to procreate in full respect for their own' personal dignity and that of the child to be born" (D.Y.8): _. . Given the Biblical injunction to care for widows and orphans and to welcome strangers, the childless couple might in the spirit of our faith consider adopting a child. It is a decision that should be made after prayer and reflection. We have the example of so many wonderful couples who have taken on this commitment and made a loving family for children who lost their parents or whose parents were unable to raise them. One of the main factors' contributing to the 1.5 million abortions in our nation every year is the poor attitl;lde that Americans have toward giving up a child for adoption. Each year, around two million infertile couples try to adopt a . baby in the United States, yet only about 50,000 adoptions take place. There are waiting lists for Down's Syndrome and Spina Bifida'babies and for infants with Dee Henderson helps he( four-year-old daughter, Amanda, with coAIDS. Many couples go to Korea, Rusordination at home in Stillwater, Minn. Henderson and her husband sia, Romarua, Guatemala, China and adopted Amanda, who has a mild form of cerebral palsy. (CNS file other countries at great expense and ~~ make many sacrifices to adopt a baby. It is tragic that each year 1.5 million mothers in the United States opt for an families that have received those chil- the government to support pregnant abortion. Somehow they reach the point dren lovingly as if they had been born - women by helping them to carry their of making a decision to kill the child in into their family. . baby to term so as to put the child up for their womb rather than allowing that This year in our own diocese, in or- adoption rather than let that child be lost ' child to live and to be adopted into a fam- der to underscore the importance of to abortion. ily that ardently desires to make a home adoption in the Gospel of Life, we are In our own diocese, and in dioceses for the fruit of an unwanted pregnancy. having a diocesan Pro-Life celebration throughout the natiqn, we have made the Even' though a pregnancy might be un- on the Feast of St. Joseph, the adoptive same offer of help. We stand'ready to wanted, or ill-timed, there should never father ofJesus. The fact that in the Holy aid any woman with a difficult pregnancy be an unwanted baby. In fact, as the fig- Family there was an adoptive father who wishes to seek an alternative to aborures show there are enough families .should be a source ofencouragement to tion. seeking to adopt babies so as to provide those who give their children in adopWe urge adopted c~dren to help us

promote adoption. Their mothers did not abandon them; but rather gave them life and the chance to live. The decision to entrust your child to another person is a difficult one, at times frightening; yet we are sure that it is the right decision. The Bible records the dispute of the two mothers before Solomon. The true mother is willing to give the child away rather than allow the king to kill ~e baby.. "In our own diocese, and in dioceses throughout When a mother lovingly entrusts her the nation, we havti!]. made the same offer of help. We baby to an adoptive family, she has chostand ready to aid any woman with a, difficult preg- sen life for her baby and will always be nancy who wishes to seek an alternative to abortion." that child's true mother, even as she '. - Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap. shares that vocation with the adoptive parents. Pope John Paul II writes' in Familiaris Consortio: "Christian families, recognizing with faith all human beings as children ofthe same Heavenly Father, will respond generously to the children of others, giving these children support and love, not as outsiders, but as members of the one family of God's children. Christian parents will thus be . able to spread their love beyond the bonds offlesh and blood, nourishing the links that are rooted in the Spirit. .. (F.e.

a home for all ofthe children aborted in our country. Those who embrace the Gospel of Life must be enthusiastic supporters of adoption. Some parishes have had specialliturgies to celebrate the generosity and love of mothers who have put their child up for adoption, as well as for those

42). CONCLUSION In the rapidly changing culture of today, where everything is 'seen as experimental or obsolete, it must be grow'ing clearer to believers that the Church's commitment to the'defense of inriocent human life and the dignity of the human person is the firm centerpiece of our social Gospel. The very future of our society is contingent on the success of this enterprise: Life will be valued and protected or manipulated and destroyed. The culture of death can muster armies ofcelebrities to promote its positions. The media speaks with a roar, the . Church in a whisper. The Church's whisper, however, communicates a very consistent message that can never be silenced. The issue of in vitro fertilization is complicated. We all sympathize with childless couples who are desperate to have children, but the ends do not justify the means: There is much !Jlore at stake here than the public realizes. The Church's teaching on in vitro fertilization is very clear and quite consistent with the Church'~ teachings on marriage, on the dignity of the human person, and on the life ethic. A lack of knowledge about the ethical implications of this procedure has resulted in many couples having recourse to in vitro fertilization and has given further impetus to public support for embryonic stemcell research. St. Paul once commented that people will not respond to an uncertain trumpet blast. I assure you there is nothing uncertain about the Church's teaching on in vitro fertilization. We have only to tum up the volume ofthe trumpet.

lHEANCHOR - Diocese ofFaU River- Fri., November 9,2001

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protected with utmost care." preferable to place the frozen embryos up for adoption rather than to let them perish in a frozen gulag. Other moralists hesitate to countenance this approach because of the problem of surrogate motherhood. Nevertheless, we agonize over the predicament of these embryos.

his testimony on in vitro fertilization bethey will be used, just in case the patients fore the Ethics Advisory Board of the change their minds. It is obvious that many Department of Health, Education and ofthe medical staffinvolved in the in vitro Welfare, states: ''Christians must surely fertilization process are aware ofthe grave be doubtful of any moral defenses of in responsibility they have for destroying huvitro fertilization that claim this techman life. They have witnessed how these nique as an extension of freedom from embryos have grown into healthy children. In discarding these embryos, the medical staff become their unwilling ex"How can anyone think that even a single moment of ecutioners, but executioners nonetheless. this marvelous process of the unfolding of life could be The Vatican document Donwn Wtae clearly stated that the destruction of separated from the wise and loving work of the Creator embryos harvested from in vitro fertili- and left prey to human caprice?" - Pope John Paul II zation procedures is tantamount to abortion. By voluntarily destroying human Evangelium Vitae embryos, ''The researcher usurps the place of God; and, even though he may be unaware of this, he sets himself up as It is similar to the Church's pastoral re- natural necessity. From our perspective, the master of the destiny of others inas- sponse to chiJdren born out of wedlock. such a claim involves the pretentious asmuch as he arbitrarily chooses whom he While the Church cannot approve the cir- sumption that there is no limit to the right will allow to live and whom he will send cumstance of their birth since the chil-..' of people to perpetuate themselves." Hauerwas' assertion is certainly to death, and kills defenseless human dren have. already come into being, the . Church must be concerned about their taught by the Church: We do not being" (Donwn Wtae, 1987). FROZEN EMBRYOS: spiritual and material welfare. have a "right to have a child." Such Children on Hold No one wants to encourage in vitro a right would be "contrary to the During the already cited congres- fertilization in any way; yet, there is a child's dignity and nature. The child sional hearings concerning stem-eell re- desire to rescue these innocent human is not an object to which one has a search, John Borden stood before the beings that are in the words of Donwn right, nor can he be considered an panel with both his sons in his arms and Wtae: "exposed to an absurd fate, with object of ownership; rather, a child asked, "Which one of my children no possibility of their being offered safe is a gift, 'the supreme gift,' and the would you kill?" John and his w!fe, means of survival that can be licitly pur-_ ,JllQst gratuitous gift of marriage, and Lucinda, unable to have children oftheir sued" (D.v. 1.5). We are hopeful that in is a living testimony of the mutual own adopted frozen embryos that were the near future the Holy See will offer giving of his parents. For this reason "left over" from in vitro fertilization. some authoritative pronouncements on the child has the right to b~ the fruit of the specific act of conjugal love Their striking testimony demonstrated . this very complicated issue. CIDLDREN: of his parents; and the child also has that embryos are human beings in an A gift not an entitlement the right to be respected as a person early stage of development and therefore should not be sacrificed forembry-' Professor Stanley M. Hauerwas, in from the moment of his conception" onic stem-cell research. The action of this couple and many others raises the question, ''What should be done with the frozen embryos?" Dr. Edward Forton ofthe National Catholic Bioethics Center published a fine article recently: "On the Disposition of Frozen Embryos;' The Church has not taken an official stand on what should be done. It is clear that in vitro fertilization is not an ethical practice. Nevertheless, the children born of this process are human beings, with the full rights and dignity of all members of the human family, and the frozen embryos produced are human and need to be respected as ,such. The most acceptable solution for the disposition of these embryos is that they be implanted in their mother's womb and brought to term. This is the best option in a highly ambiguous situation since the embryos should not have been created in the first place. If the parents of the embryos are unable or unwilling to implant the em-,...... bryo in the mother's womb, what can be ., done'with the frozen embryos? Moralists are beginning to debate this ques-. tion. Theologians of the status'of Dr. William May and Dr. Germain Grisey and Dr. John Forton, editor of Ethics & Medics of the National Catholic Bioethics Center, are of the opinion that it is Continued from page eight

(Donum Vitae, 8). One of the greatest absurdities of contemporary society is that our country has approved of people aborting all unwanted children and at the same time permits an immoral technique (in vitro fertilization) that allows a few women to have the experience of a pregnancy. In both of these circumstances the fate of the children is subordinated to the convenience or the personal aspirations of the parents. In the Old Testament, sterility was seen as a curse and a shameful condition. In part, immortality was understood as living'on in your children and in their children. Childlessness then meant to be doomed to extinction and oblivion. . The New Testament teaching on celibacy indicated to believers that not everyone needs to have children. It is a matter of vocation. The example of the consecrated virgins in the early Church testified to the importance of spiritual fruitfulness and gave witness of the Church's firm belief in the Resurrection. Their lives, like the first martyrs, proclaimed to the world that in Christ we are all called to eternal life. It is therefore not necessary for everyone to have children to taste immortality; For us, marriage and motherhood and fatherhood is a vocation, and children are a gift. However, even when procreation is not possible, married life does Continued

on page 10

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THEANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River- Fri., November 9, 2001

In Vitro Fertilization: 'Ethic~1 Implications and Alternatives

promote adoption. Their mothers did not Continued from .page nine a home for all ofthe children aborted in tion and those who receive them. Other countries also experience the abandon them; but rather gave them life important services to路the life of the hu- our country. Those who embrace the Gospel of sad refusal ofso many mothers to choose and the chance to live. The decision to man person; for example adoption, various fonns of educational work, and as- Life must be enthusiastic supporters of life by giving their children in adoption. entrust your child to another person is a sistance to other families, and to poor or adoption. Some parishes have had spe- Italy is witnessing a negative population difficult one, at times frightening; yet we cialliturgies to celebrate the generosity growth that has given rise to serious con- are sure that it is the right decision. The handicapped children" (# 14). All of us know childless couples and love of mothers who have put their cerns about the future of the Italian Bible records the dispute of the two whose goodness and generosity have child up for adoption, as well as for those people. One parliamentarian has asked' mothers before Solomon. The true mother is willing to give the child away been directed toward service of the parrather than allow the king to kill the baby. ' ish, the community, and those in need. "In our own diocese, and in dioceses throughout When a mother lovingly entrusts her Often it is,said of such a couple "what wonderful parents they would have the nation, we have made the same offer of help. We baby to an adoptive family, she has chobeen" because their marriage is so faith- stand ready to aid any woman with a, difficult preg- sen life for her baby and will always be nancy who wishes to seek an alternative to abortion." that child's true mother, even as she filled and so loving. ADOPTION: A loving solution - Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap. shares that vocation with the adoptive parents. The plight ofa couple who have difPope John Paul II writes' in ficulties in conceiving a child is someFamiliaris Consortio: "Christian famithing that concerns the Church commulies, recognizing with faith all human nity. We are pleased that the scientific as children ofthe same Heavenly beings community has developed some mor-e, Father, will respond generously to the ally acceptable procedures that assist the children of others, giving these children conjugal act and not replace it: certain .~,' .~ support and love, not as outsiders, but fertility drugs, micro-surgery, and treatn as members of the one, family of God's ments aimed at correcting defects in the ~ children. Christian parents will thus be reproductive organs, and Natural Famto spread their love beyond the , able ily Planning techniq ues that allow bonds offlesh and blood, nourishing the couples to know when they have the best links that are rooted in the Spirit. .. (EC. chance ofconceiving. The Church does 42). ,urge scientists ''tocontinue their research CONCLUSION with the aim ofpreventing the causes of In the rapidly changing culture of sterility and of being able to remedy today, where everything is 'seen as exthem so that infertile couples will be able perimental or obsolete, it must be growto procreate in full respect for their own' 'ing clearer to believers that the Church's personal dignity and that of the child to be born" (D.Y.8): ,commitment to the'defense of innocent human life and the dignity of the huGiven the Biblical injunction to care man person is the firm centerpiece of for widows and orphans and to welcome our social Gospel. The very future of strangers, the childless couple might in our society is contingent on the success the spirit of our faith consider adopting of this enterprise: Life will be valued a child. It is a decision that should be and protected or manipulated and demade after prayer and reflection. We stroyed. have the example of so many wonderThe culture of death can muster ful couples who have taken on this comarmies ofcelebrities to promote its posimitment and made a loving family for tions. The media speaks with a roar, the children who lost their parents or whose , Church in a whisper. The Church's whisparents were unable to raise them. One of the main factors' contributper, however, communicates a very consistent message that can never be siing to the 1.5 million abortions in our nation every year is the poor attitl;lde that lenced. Americans have toward giving up achild The issue of in vitro fertilization is for adoption. Each year, around two complicated. We all sympathize with million infertile couples try to adopt a ' childless couples who are desperate to baby in the United States, yet only about have children, but the ends do not jus.. tify the means~ There is much ~ore at 50,000 adoptions take place. There are . waiting lists for Down's Syndrome and stake here than the public realizes. Spina Bifida'babies and for infants with The Church's teaching on in vitro Dee Henderson helps her four-year-old daughter, Amanda, with coAIDS. Many couples go to Korea, Rusfertilization is very clear and quite conordination at home in Stillwater, Minn. Henderson and her husband sia, Romania, Guatemala, China and sistent with the Church'~ teachings on adopted Amanda, who has a mild form of cerebral palsy. (eNS file other countries at great expense and photo) marriage, on the dignity of the human , make many sacrifices to adopt a baby. person, and on the life ethic. A lack of It is tragic that each year 1.5 million knowledge about the ethical implications mothers in the United States opt for an families that have received those chil- the government to support pregnant of this procedure has resulted in many abortion. Somehow they reach the point dren lovingly as if they had been born - womenby helping them to carry their couples having recourse to in vitro ferof making a decision to kill the child in into their family. . baby to term so as to put the child up for tilization and has given further impetus their womb rather than allowing that This year in our own diocese, in or- adoption rather than let that child be lost to public support for embryonic stemchild to live and to be adopted into a fam- der to underscore the importance of to abortion. ' cell research. ily that ardently desires to make a home adoption in the Gospel of Life, we are In our own diocese, and in dioceses St. Paul once commented that for the fruit of an unwanted pregnancy. having a diocesan Pro-Life celebration throughout the natiqn, we have made the people will not respond to an uncerEven' though a pregnancy might be un- on the Feast ofSt. Joseph, the adoptive same offer of help. We stand'ready to tain trumpet blast. I assure you there is wanted, or ill-timed, there should never father ofJesus. The fact that in the Holy aid any woman with adifficult pregnancy nothing uncertain about the Church's be an unwanted baby. In fact, as the fig- Family there was an adoptive father who wishes to seek an altemative to abor- teaching on in vitro fertilization. We ures show there are enough families ,should be a source ofencouragement to tion. have only to tum up the volume of the seeking to adopt babies so as to provide those who give their children in adopWe urge adopted c~dren to help us trumpet. ,

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THEANCHOR-DioceseofFailRiver-Fri.,November9,2001

Retreats at Campion Renewal Center 319 Concord Road, Weston, MA 02493-1398 (781) 788-6810 plangford@campioncenter.org Web-site: www.campioncenter.org Campion is offering the following Guided Retreats: Nov. 9-11, 2001 With an Everlasting Love (Wm Barry, SJ) Nov. 16-18,2001 Here Comes the Lord (J. Brennan, SJ) . Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 2001 Encountering God's Desire in Advent (William Barry, SJ & Robert Doherty, SJ) Dec. 7-9, 2001 I Want to Know Jesus (William Barry, SJ) Jan. 18-21 Following in the Footsteps of Ignatius (John Michalowski, SJ) 8 and CS)-Day Directed Retreats Directed Prayer Weekends Nov.9-11 Dec. 28-30 Nov. 9-17 (11-16),2001

MONSTERS MIKE Wazowski and James P. Sullivan run a scare factory in the city of Monstropolis in the animated movie "Monsters, Inc." (eNS photo from Walt Disney Pictures)

Bishop Connolly High School ja{['River's onfy Catfi.oCic

'Monsters, Inc.' is pleasant company to keep

:Jliefi Scfi.ooC

OpBnHouSB

Thursday, NovBmbBr 15 6:00-8:00 pm ACddpmlcs

By ANNE NAVARRO

and size report daily to the MonCATHOUC NEWS SERVICE sters, Inc. factory to scare little NEW YORK - Revealing the kids. Portable doors magically truth behind those things that go provide access to children's bedbump in the night, Disney pre- rooms and the resulting scream sents the delightful animated is bottled in airtight capsules comedy "Monsters, Inc." that provide the energy source Once again Pixar Animation for the whole city. Studios, which brought us "Toy Yet, however fearsome they Story" and "A Bug's Life," can be when scaring up energy, wows viewers with splendid, monsters are terribly afraid of top-rate animation. Turning on coming into contact with huthe clever idea of monsters as mans. In fact the city has dediworking stiffs who scare little cated an entire department, the kids just for a living, the adven- Child Detection Agency, staffed ture is amusing and witty, but . by emergency personnel sealed fails to take full advantage of in yellow rubber suits to handle its own concept. And though it such intruders. So Sulley is undoesn't soar to the charming and derstandably worried when he captivating heights of "Shrek" accidentally lets a tiny girl (some moviegoers may. even named Boo' (voiced by Mary find it comes up short against Gibbs) slip into the monster Pixar's own prize, "Toy Story"), world. it is still an imaginative, funny Knowing what will happen treat as the holiday movie sea- to her if Boo is caught, and son kicks off. quickly discovering that contact The story centers around the with the pint-sized'tyke is not team of Sulley (voiced by John really dangerous, Sulley and Goodman) and Mike (voiced by Mike protect the pig-tailed Boo, Billy Crystal), the top "scarer" . even growing quite fond of her. and "scare assistant" in The rest of film is a hide-andMonstropolis, a city that is pow- seek adventure interrupted ocered by the screams of little casionally by the dastardly children frightened by profes- machinations of RandalL sional monsters. A horned giant Unfortunately, the deficienwith green and purple-spotted cies in the premise's developfur, Sulley is actually a pussycat ment are only minimally masked who is encouraged, prodded and by the creatively drawn characprovoked by his feisty best ters and witty joking. The catfriend Mike, a green, opinion- and-mouse game played by ated one-eyed motormouth who Sulley and Mike to hide Boo hopes to break the "scare from the rest of Monstropolis all record." Their only rival is slimy too quickly becomes tiresome, Randall (voiced by Steve with even Boo's endearing Buscemi), a many~armed purple' Teletubby-speak wearing thin. lizard who can instantly become Goodman and Crystal deliVer'" invisible." . the expected comedic banter The film has great fun .set·, with expert timing and panache. ting out the lay of the land. Crystal.'s vocal range is broader, Monstropolis is a bustling city though, and one can imagine where monsters of every shape him throwing his whole body

into it while recording the dialogue. Inventive supporting characters - such as Mike's snake-haired receptionist girlfriend Celia, voiced· by Jennifer Tilly, James Coburn's crablike factory owner and the cranky office manager Roz; voiced by Bob Peterson - are engaging in their roles. Younger ones may be scared at times, but in an unduly threatening way. . Even when the narrative slows a bit, the crisp dialogue and sprightly characters in "Monsters,' Inc." keep the audience's attention. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-I - general patronage. The Motion Picture Association .of America rating is G - general audiences.

PlaCBmsnt Exam

Saturday, DBGBmbBr 1 8:30 am-12:00 pm (bring a $10 fee and #2 pencil)

Call (508) 676-1071. for information .

373 Eisbree Street • Fall River, MA 02720

www.bishopconnolly.com

ST. ELIZABETH SETOH CHRISTMAS FAIR

.•..

Sat., Nov. 17 • 10:00 a.m. • 3 p.m. Quaker Rd. • North F~lmouth -Antiques - Hand Mades· Kid's Korner - Many New Ex'c:itiIIg Features

COUNTRY STORE Fealuring_Victorian Garlands & Table Trees, Hydrangea Wreaths, Christmas Corner, Ughted Baskets & Dolls Serving Chowder, Salad Rolls, Hot Dogs and Desert

SEE yoa

TltER!-~

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THEANCHOR-DioceseofFallRiver-Fri.,Novemoor9,2001

fronting same sex attraction issues and who are striving to lead chaste lives. For more information. call Msgr. Thomas Harrington at 508-992-3184.

ATTLEBORO Lisa Gulino, director of adult education, will present a program entitled "St. Matthew's Bible Study," November 14 from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church. She will give the same presentation November 16 from 9:40-10:45 a.m. at St. Julie Billiart Church, NORTH DARTMOUTH and November 20 from 7-8:15 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, NEW BEDFORD.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR Timothy E. Mitchell, at left, was a speaker at a recent gathering of the Serra Club of NeW Bedford. Mitchell also serves as the first vice-president of the group and talked about its objectives. He stands with John E. Hoyle, president" of the New Bedford chapter.

ATTLEBORO St. Joseph's Parish has 24-hour Eucharistic Adoration beginning after the 9 a.m. Mass every Friday of the month.· It ends before the 9 a.m. Mass on Saturday. Support from people of all ages is welcome. For more information call Pauline L'Heureux at 508-222-7047.

New Bedford Serra Club meets NEW BEDFORD - The Serra- Club of New Bedford met recently at White's of Westport for dinner and a program. Father Edward Correia, pastor of St. James Church, and dean of the New Bedford Deanery was guest speaker and addressed the

topic of the first beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." The Serra Club is an international organization whose objective is to foster vocations to the priesthood, deaconate and to religious Jife.

ATTLEBORO - A series of four lectures on "Intelligent Design" centering on the reasonability of faith will be presented at St. Joseph's Parish on November 16 and 30, and December 4 and 14., all at 7 p.m. For more information, call the rectory at 508-226-1115.

Attleboro Serra Club opens new year ATTLEBORO The Attleboro District Serra Club recently opened its new year with Mass in the chapel at Madonna Manor in North Attlel.·oro. Father Francis Crowley, chaplain;was the celebrant, and a dinner at Noah's Dock followed. Newly-elected president Kevin Poirier gave a welcome address to old and new members. He also expressed the Club's deep felt

sympathy for the victims of the September terrorist attacks and a' group prayer was said for them. A discussion of programs for the coming year, including a Mass for vocations followed. The Serra Club is comprised of Catholic laymen whose objective is to promote vocations to the religious life. They may be contacted at P.O. Box 1'015, NorthAttleboro, MA 02761-1015.

MASHPEE - Dr. Arthur Ess\Yein will speak on the topic "Current Issues for Celiacs," when he addresses the Celiac Support Group at Christ the King Parish, November 18 at 1 p.m. For more information call 508-477-2408. MISCELLANEOUS - A retreat for women and men struggling with the emotional or spiritual pain of abortion will take place at Sisters of Mercy in Westerly, R.I. from November '30 to December 2. ' For more information on the "Rachel's Vineyard Retreat" sponsored by the. Diocese of Providence Life and Family . Ministry, call 1-877-467-3463, or visit the Website at www.rachelsvineyard.org.

NEW BEDFORD - Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is held every Tuesday and devotion to Divine Mercy every Thursday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. For more information call 508-9929378. NORTH DARTMOUTHA meeting of a Separated-Divorced Support Group will be held November 12 from 7-9 p.m. at the diocesan Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road. This is an open discussion meeting.

SOMERSET - A holy hour NEW BEDFORD - The for vocations will be held NoNew Bedford' Catholic vember 15 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Women.'s Club will hold its Thomas More Church. This monthly meeting November 14 evening of prayer and song will at 7 p.m. at the Century House, include Benediction of the 107 South Main Street, Blessed Sacrament. RefreshAcushnet. Guest speaker Nancy ments will follow. For more in.• I.. .' ," . Thorton will address -the topic formation call- 508-673-7831. DARTMOUTH The . "New Bedford of the 1920s: Catholic Community of UMass- Then and Now." For more in~ WEST HARWICH - The Dartmouth gathers for Mass ev- formation call 508-995-9319. Perpetual Adoration Chapel at ery Sunday evening at 8 p.m. Holy Trinity Church, Route 28, in the main campus center, auNEW BEDFORD - The invites people to spend an hour ditorium room 006. Students Courage Group w'ill meet Sat- or two in prayer. This regional and others are always welcome urday at 7 p.m. in the rectory chapel of the mid-Cape area deto join in prayer and song. of Holy Name of the Sacred' pends on the support of people. Mass will be celebrated at 6 Heart of Jesus Parish. Courage All ages welcome. For more inp.m. on holiday weekends: is a support group for Catholic formation call Jaile Jannell at men and women who are con- 508-430-0014. . FALL RIVER - A presentation on life issues will be presented by Attorney George Phelan and parish nurse Evelyn Noone November 13 at 7 p.m. Editor: at Holy Trinity Parish, 951 .Hi, my name is Amanda Goddard. On Sunday, OctoStafford Road. It will address ber 14, 2001 I went to a Pro-Life walk in Boston. Oh the the spiritual; medical; legal and excitement! There were hundreds of people t~ere. Some 'financial aspects of medical treatment and will be held -in people gave speeches. Their speeches were about bethe lower hall of the church. ing Pro-Life. Refreshments will be served. If you are Pm-Life I thank you very much. It was time for the walk. We all started out for the three-mile walk. So FALL RIVER - A presenmy friends and I started two chants. They were, "Hey, tation entitled "Understanding hey, ho, ho, abortion has to go!" and, "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Hospital and Clinical Issues: Pro-Life is the way to go!" Pain, Proxies and Trauma," We kept repeating them for the whole three miles and will be held November 13 from other people joined in with us. We were so proud of our7-8:.30 p.m. at Bishop Connolly selves. High School. It will be given Then when the walk was over, we got our pictures taken by Ann Baker, RN, and is co.by a magazine company. Our picture is going to be in the sponsored by the Order of "My Friend" magazine. I can't wait. Malta, Saint Anne's Hospital, , So if you are a person that wants to stop abortions the Office of Adult Education listen around next year in September and October. The and Diocesan Health Fac.i1ities. walk is usually in October. . For more information call 508.you for 'taking yoar'time and reading this:;So I th,ank 678-2828. "'. ,. . may God bless you.

Letter to the Editor

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NEW BEDFORD - Calix, a group which enlists Catholic men and women who are gratefully celebrating recovery from alcoholism, drug addiction and other dependencies will meet Sunday at 6:30'p.m. at the parish center of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Newcomers always welcome.

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THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River-Fri., November 9, 2001 Continuedfrom page one

touch many learning areas includ- , PowerPoint to the community and ing use of the Internet," said Burt. the class will run for three consecuWhen The Anchor visited the tive weeks from 9-11 a.m. By the computer lab recently, all 25 work end of those weeks they will have ;'}'ltions were occupied by young stu- basic knowledge on how to make to dents working under the careful eye make a PowerPoint presentation," she said. of Bates. "All the equipment here except Among those signed up is a the hardware comes from donations," mixed group that includes nurses, Bates said ofthe lab that in January public school teachers and Fall River will celebrate two years in opera- diocese workers. tion. "The students are linked to the "Some of these are here to imInternet and have software filtering." prove their computer skills while A teacher for four years at SS. others look to teach what they learn Peter and Paul, Bates said the spe- here," Bates explained. "We've had cialty classes offet:ed adults won sec- more than 700 people come through ond place last year in a national con- the community classes." test. For those just getting started, "They were only one-night Bates offers a basic, MicrosoftWord classes during Computer Learning class. Month in October, but they were More than 250 of the parochial sharp online Internet safety for school's enrollment take advantage adults. We also offered online travel of her computer classes weekly, and had a travel agent come in, Bates Bates reported. ' explained, and the free classes are "'Each student receives a full, 50continuing. minute class with computer time, "Next Saturday we will offer starting in grade-one. It doesn't take

Ball

a genius to set up what we have here," Bates said humbly, "because every child knows how to use a computer. Our job as educators is to teach our students how to utilize these computers in their education. That's our goal." To do that, Bates uses businessaccepted software, showing students how, for example, computers can truly enhance such things as gaining infonnation and writing their reports. "We're not teaching them anything new, but rather enhancing that leaming." she said. ' When the students do Internet research, they are not allowed just to copy and print out material and then hand it in as a report, Bates noted. "They have to leam how to take notes and show where they found their information; we're teaching them the right way to do it." Some teachers in the various classes require that each student do a six-point PowerPoint presentation

Colltinued from page one

th~ir respective

committees. They will accompany Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., who will preside at the ball. ' The festive evening, which annually marks the winter holiday season, points up the diversity and unity of the diocesan family, Msgr. Harrington said, noting that the cooperation of all parishes ·is impor-, lantto the ball's success. A ;.highlight ,of, \t)1e ,b~l. th~t, uniquely involves the parishes has been the formal presentation to the ~ishop of young women from the many parish communities. Accompanied by their parents, the gowned young ladies are presented and receive a rosary from the bishop. Currently the identification of prospective presentees is being con-

ducLed in parishes across the diocese, it was reported. "Those who have attended the ball in recent years will be thrilled to know that again this year, Studio C will be providing the music," said Msgr. Harrington. "This widely-acclaimed ensemble has earned the praise of many in the entire southern New England Area." . And Msgr. Harrington repeated what he has often pro~laimeQ with a wide smile inthe past: "We like to say that all roads in the diocese will lead to Swansea'and to. the Venus de Milo Ballroom ... this season on January l\''' , Proceeds from the ball are designated for the Catholic Charitie's Appeal, the principal source of funds for the many apostolates and ministries of the diocese.

"We will be confronting shrinking public resources for social service this year as tax revenues are diminishing on the one hand, and vastly 'increased expenses for public safety are being consumed on the other," Msgr. Harrington reported. "Consequently, the need for our own agencies and institutions to provide service to residents of southeastern Massachusetts will certainly be greater than ever," he added, and,

fo~

"so all avenues increasing our available resources are extremely important." Msgr. Harrington said that "this may be the most ·pressing year financially we have experienced in some time, and the Bishop's Charity Ball takes on particular urgency for us as a revenue source."

Synod avoided internal . . management issues, says Cardinal Ratzinger

By JOHNTHAVIS CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY - The primary result of the Synod of Bishops was a newfound unity in announcing Christ to the world, a task that goes far beyond arguments over internal Church organization, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger said. The synod wisely avoided over-focusing on such issues as bishops' conferences or the relationship between bishops .and the Roman Curia, said Cardinal Ratzinger, the 'Vatican official in charge of doctrinal matters. The cardinal made the comments last week to the Vatican missionary agency, Fides, after participating with some 250 other bishops in a monthlong synod on the ministry of the bishop in the church. Cardinal Ratzinger said the synod produced no surprises and few new ideas, but a profound sense of harmony of purpose among the bishops. "For me, the essential effect of this synod is a new, deep unity among the bishops, in moving forward together to announce Christ to a world that needs a new proclamation of Christ and the Gospel," Cardinal Ratzinger said. While many bishops spoke about internal

Church questions, the synod as a whole addressed its main attention to the larger issues of evangelization, he said. "One might have feared that we would be caught up in discussing the relations between the Roman Curia and the bishops, the powers of the synod, or the structures of intercontinental and national bishops' conferences," he said. He said that would have been "a way to strangle the life of the Church," by talking too much about secondary things and forgetting the essentials. Cardinal Ratzinger said another danger facing the Church was that, in a world full of suffering, its ministers could become too involved in social activity and forget that their first task is to announce Christ and the Gospel. "The world's' first need is to know Christ. If it doesn't, all the rest will not function," he said. Cardinal Ratzinger noted that some criticism of the synod's methodology was aimed at the breadth of topics these assemblies try to cover. He said he hoped the post-synodal document that eventually emerges will not be a pastoral "manual" but a briefer text that highlights the most important issues.

or a community organization. This year, they produced the school's first digital yearbook, which can be viewed on a CD as well as a VCR tape and which include sound. "So we're really putting technology to the test,'? Bates said with smile. It was easy to see why her curriculum has received wide acclaim. While she's very grateful and proud ofthe innovation award, Bates admits her efforts flows easily: "Because I love my work. When I wake up every morning ... I am excited because the children waiting for me here at school excite me, and the challenges excite me too." One of those challenges is getting students' parents to enroll in the

free community classes offered. "Many parents need to know where the children are going; the benefits ofcomputer literacy as well as the dangers - especially in use of the Internet," said Bates "There's no excuse for any parents to say they don't know where their children are going on the Internet or that they can't help their children with their homework. We invite them to come in and leam. We'll be happy to share what we have with them."

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14 THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River- Fri., November 9, 2001

Diocese honors Stang president

NORTH DARTMOUTH Dougall was honored for her Theresa Perry Dougall, alumna 33 years of dedication to Bishop and president of Bishop Stang Stang and many years of experiHigh School, received the Distin- ence teaching and coaching diocguished Teacher/Administrator esan students. Through her efAward at the forts, the high school was· seventh annual St. Mary's Edu-. named a cation Fund United States Dinner October Department of 25. Education It was preBlue Ribbon sented to her by School of Excellence In Bishop Sean P. o ' M a I ley, 1996. "I am honOFM Cap., and diocesan Superored to receive intendent of this award,'; Schools. James said Dougall. "I thank the McNamee read Dougall's award Fall River diocitation. • cese for allowKINDERGARTEN STUDENTS from St. Mary-Sacred Heart School, North Attleboro, pick He recal1ed '-,l;.J ing me to pumpkins on a recent trip to Ward's Berry Farm. The students also took a hayride and learned thewordsofWiITHERESA PERRY DOUGALL' teach, coach' about Indian corn, gourds, squash and sunflow'ers. Holding a pumpkin is Alex Reardon as liam ButlerYeats and administer. . . who said "Education is not the fill- Catholic schools are very special' Meghan Dion looks on. . ing of a pail, but the lighting of a places. Not0I}Iy"do they address. fire." Of Dougall, McNamee said the academic and social needs of . she has and continues to "light the students, but also the spiritual fire and so inspires all who come needs." Dougall added th'atin touch with her." "makes all the difference."!:

HOLyFAMILy~HOLY NAME, NB

GAIL ROBERTS of the New Bedford Public Ubrary visits with kindergarten students at Holy Family-Holy Name School, New Bedford. Roberts was on hand to promote reading and inform students about the library and upc9ming visit of the bookmobile.

'. READY TO SERVE - Senior class officers were recently elected at Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth. From left are: Timothy Flinn, secretary; Christopher Cwyner, trea:' surer; Steven Oliveira, president; and Caleb Morgan, vice president. .

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EIGHTH -GRADE students BriHni Collins, Becky Dean and Jayhna Colbert explore the concepts of speed and acceleration at Holy FamilyHoly Name School. Students measured 'and graphed the speed of windup dinosaurs in a recent science class.

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River- Fri., November 9,2001

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Why the grass is greener By AMy WELBORN CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

The story that the mother of a teen-age girl told was a familiar one. Perhaps you've heard it. Perhaps you've lived it. This woman's Catholic daughter was enthusiastically getting involved in church - but not a Catholic one. Why? Because her parish didn't have a youth group, youth ministry or any type of outreach to youth at all. Amazing, but true. The daughter had an evangelical Protestant friend who was part of a busy, fun-filled youth group at a lively nondenominational church. Not surprisingly, the daughter was drawn to her friend's church. The mother was a little worried and tom about the situation. She couldn't help but be glad that her daughter was interested in

developing her relationship with Christ, but ofcourse she preferred it happen in the context of the Catholic Church. Deepening the mother's worry was the fact that the daughter was, more and more, expressing disdain for life at her. own parish. Her criticism wasn't based on theology or doctrine, though. It was based on emotion. What the girl saw at the evangelical· church was enthusiasm. She saw outward expressions of excitement and joy, lively singing and strong emotion visibly expressed. That is not exactly what this girl saw at her Catholic parish. There she saw something much more structured. She was part of a congregation that worshiped within the context of ritual and· was, in a word, subdued. She was convinced, as she told her mother, that the Protestants

had loads more faith than the Catholics did. The Protestants were alive with the love of Jesus. The Catholics were, in her words, "dead."

v~~ Coming of

flge It can seem this way, can't it? Notice I said, "seem." Let's take a minute and look beyond appearances. It's tempting and perhaps even natural to think you can measure a person's·devotion to a cause by the way he or she expresses emotion. We do it pretty constantly in our culture, don't we?We applaud

Colleges urged to help pregnant students to not choose abortion By ROB CUWVAN CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

lege student. The Alan Guttrnacher tions also contribute to a climate Institute, which gathers abortion that encourages abortions, Foster.· ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Most statistics, has reported that women said, by ignoring the prevalence women who attend college leave between the ages of 20 and 24 of premarital sex among their own with a degree. obtain almost one-third of all abor- students. Unfortunately, a number of tions. More than half of the women For example, she said, when them also leave with the memory who have abortions are under age Feminists for Life worked with of an abortion, according to Serrin 25. Jesuit-run Georgetown University M. Foster, president of Feminists One reason women on campuses to set up a pregnancy resource profor Life ofAmerica, and that needs choose abortion is because colleges gram on campus, a number of to change, she said. and universities, for the most part, young women admitted they had She pai nted a sad picture of are not designed for mothers, Fos- children they or their relatives what happens when most college ter said. Most higher education were raising. The school's staff students get pregnant. For ex- institutions still operate as if only and students didn't even know ample, at one uni versity in the single men attend college, she said. these children existed. Northeast, students reported six She was particularly critical of Foster stressed that she wellive births one year - and 300 universities she called liberal comed efforts to encourage ababortions, she said. whose professors teach about so- stinence among college students, "You find that women who did cial justice in their classes, but but noted that her focus was on experience pregnancy (on any cam- whose policies toward women those students who get pregnant pus) were stared at as if they were with crisis pregnancies amount to and feel pressured to have an aborsome sort of exotic animal," Fos- little more than routinely referring tion. She said she wants to encourter said in a phone interview in them to local abortion providers. mid-October with the Catholic' ''They only want women to go age colleges and universities to Courier, newspaper of the Roch- to school as if they were men and consider setting up housing for ester diocese.. not respect the fact that women mothers, and to include prenatal . Foster, a Catholic. was in town have life-bearing capabilities," she and maternity care among the benefits in students' health insurance to address students at the Univer- said. sity of Rochester on "The FemiOne university she studied pro- plans. Too many institutions will nist Case Against Abortion." Her vided four pages of information offer only to cover a woman's appearance was sponsored by to students on safe abortions, but abortion costs and not help with Feminists for Life of New York nothing about where a woman costs of her having the baby, she and the university's Newman could tum if she wanted to keep said. She added that mothers who Community. her baby. Foster blamed those she Feminists for Life, based in called radical feminists and tradi- . live off-campus can participate in Washington, says it aims to carry tionalists for contributing to the classes on campus through distance on the tradition of early feminists problem of abortion on campuses. learning via computer networks. When asked about the financial such as Susan B. Anthony who opRadical feminists cannot posed abortion. The organization fathom the idea of a woman bear- costs of implementing maternityhas worked with a number of col- ing a child before she completes friendly campus programs, Foster leges on such Pro-Life initiatives her higher education studies and said that colleges and universities as encouraging them to provide on- establishing a career, much less regularly find the money to encampus housing for parents. getting married in her early 20s dow sports programs and campus buildings, and should be just as Foster said statistics show that and having children, she said. one of every five abortions in Yet, traditionalists at more con- aggressive in finding funds to help America is performed on a col- servative higher education institu- mothers.

at concerts and plays, we scream at football games, we dance, laugh and sing out at parties and celebrations. It would, you have to admit, be really odd to have a birthday party in which no one sang "Happy Birthday" or did so in a bored manner. True. All true. But is that kind of vocal and physical expression the only way we show our love and devotion? Aren't there times we encounter something that affects us deeply when we're moved not to cheers, but to reverent, thoughtful silence instead? The truth is, there are lots of people who find it helpful to worship in that more expressive way. There are people who dislike that style of worship too. How in the world can wejudge who has "more" or "less" faith by what worship style they prefer? She added that many school districts help high school mothers complete their studies, and college mothers should expect no less from their institutions. Tuition-paying students are "employers" of university staff, she said, and should

We can't. Faith is a lot more than emotion. It involves a lot more than the volume ofyour singing, the style of music you use or whether you find nourishment for that faith in an informal or more formal atmosphere. We can't forget, either, that there are plenty of externally "lively" Catholic Masses going on. Ifthat's what you like, you should have no problem finding it in your town. Just remember this, though: If you're a Catholic, you're blessed with something remarkable: The "life" you find in your church's worship isn't dependent upon the emotion of the congregation. It's Jesus -living and really present, no matter what the music, preaching or congregation is like. It's his life we have, a life that bums with power within us even after the music fades.

not settle for being shunted aside by schools when they find themselves pregnant. "What women should say today is we refuse to choose between our careers, our educations and our children," she added.

want to thank you for your generous donation to our seminary in . Viamao, Brazil. The entire amount was applied for the formation of .our seminarians, as well as for some much needed repairs. We purchased four computers and printers, upgraded our infirmary, acquired a hydraulic pump so that the students can have dean water, and installed a centralized phone system. We could not have done any of this without your generous financial help and prayers. May God continue to bless you." Father Rodolfo Luis We~ Rector of OUr Lady of Consolation Major Seminary, Brazil

Today there are more than 28,000 young men in the Missions who want to serve their people as priests. With the help ofyour prayers and your gift to the Propagation ofthe Faith/St. Peter the Apostle, many more can continue to answer "Yes " to the Lord's call to follow Him. .

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16 THEANCHOR-DioceseofFalIRiver-Fri.,November9,200}

.Sacred Heart program receives accreditation . NEW BEDFORD - The Sacred Heart Home recently received accreditation for its Pain Management Program from the American Academy of Pain Management. They gave the Sacred Heart Home very high marks for their passing of every standard set by the Academy and according to administrator of the Pain Accreditation pro-. gram, Dr. B. Eliot Cole. "Very few programs do so well on their (' first survey," he said.

Dr. Cole added that they prepared well for the accreditation survey and he offered a' "hearty congratUlations," to the staff and administrators of the home. The accreditation for the Pain Management Program lasts for three years. Sacred' Heart Home is one of five diocesan health facilities and provides holistic care to the' elderly and infirm in a Christian environment where the relief of pain is a facility priority.

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RESIDENTS AND family members enjoyed the, music of the Brian Bigelow Trio during Grandparent's Day at Our Lady's Haven, Fairhaven. The annual celebration was held under a tent on the grounds of the skilled nursing facility and included refreshments.

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'< CATHOLIC MEMORIAL Home team member Roger Viens leads Kyle LePage as they head out to participate in the annual Alzheimer's Memory Walk. It was sponsored by the home and the Southeastern Massachusetts' Alzheimer's Association. Twentyfive staffers ·from Catholic Memorial helped raise more than $1,200 for Alzheimer's research. .

With Thanksgiving around thE! corner, can Christm~s be far behind?

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