11.12.99

t eanc 0 VOL. 43, NO. 44 • Friday, November 12, 1999

FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS

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THE PROVINCIAL house at La Salette Shrine in Attleboro was purchased by the La Salette Fathers in 1941. At right, firefighters hose down the charred remains of the magnificent edifice after an early morning fire Nov. 5 destroyed the building and claimed the life of a visiting priest. (Anchor/Jolivet file photo at left and Anchor/Gordon photo at right)

Priest killed in La Salette fire ~

Historic provincial house swept by inferno; dozens forced to flee.

By MIKE GORDON ANcHOR STAFF AND STAFF REPORTS

ATILEBORO - The bright sunlight early this week brought a strong message of faith and hope as construction continued on the new $2.4 million chapel at the La Salette Shrine due to be completed next spring.

It was in marked contrast to the somber,

blackened ruins of the century-old provincial headquarters on the hill beyond, what's left after a fierce, three-alarm fire on the night of Nov. 5 swept the massive, imposing stone structure, kill. ing a visiting priest and forcing 25 or more occupants into the cold.

Carmelite Father Paul O'Brien, 43, ofWales, was beyond help when six Attleboro firefighters, braving heat and thick smoke, reached his charred, third-floor bedroom shortly after arriving on the scene about 4:30 a.m. But they were unable to remove his remains. Father O'Brien was a member of Formation Consultation Services Inc. of Whitinsville, a company which provides spiri-

tual renewal programs for clergy and laity throughout the world. He was on a sabbatical that began Oct. 10.

Fire officials said the fire was caused by "smoking in bed", according to La Salette Business Manager Richard Eyman on Monday. This came after an investigation of the fire, which at times reached 1,600degrees in intensity, by State Fire Marshall Stephen Coan and Attleboro Fire Chief Ronald Churchhill.

Fire officials believe the fire began in Father O'Brien's room, Eyman reported.

The former seminary was equipped with smoke detectors, but no sprinklers, according to

November: A month for adoptions Catholic Social Services contracts with the Massachusetts Department of Social Services to ANCHOR STAFF develop family resources with whom children can FALL RIVER - November is national Adop- have a permanent home and there are some 3,500 Tum to page 13 - Adoption tion month and Mary-Lou Mancini, a coordinator of several programs at Catholic Social Services, said the need to place older and special needs children into permanent and safe homes has never been greater. ''There is a tremendous need for adoption of these children," said Mancini, adding that when people think of adoption they usually think of newborns or international adoptions.

But that there are many older and special needs children who need a loving family. "Every kid needs a home," she declared.

"Adoption can be a means to start a family or enlarge a family," said Mancini. She comMICHAEL AND JEFFREYTripp and Stephen White volunteered mented that adoption is a win- to help raise awareness about the need to find loving families for win situation imd that "every older and special needs children to live with. (AnchodGordon photo) kid is adoptable."

By MIKE GORDON

Churchhill.

Eyman said Monday that the decision whether "the castle" as it was called, will be tom down or rebuilt, has not been made. He said engineers will make that determination along with the community at La Salette. Engineers' and insurance assessors' reports will also be deciding factors.

'1t was thought the tall chimneys remaining would be a hazard to the investigation and we tried to demolish them on the weekend, but they were too strong, they wouldn't come down," Eyman explained. "We'll wait and Tum to page five - Fire

Bishop O'Malley issues statementonfatalfire ROME - The following is a statement by Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., on the Nov. 5 fire that destroyed the well-known provincial headquarters of the La Salette Missionaries in Attleboro, killing a priest. It reads: ''While leading a group of pilgrims from the diocese in Rome, I learned last Friday of the tragic fire at La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, which took the life of a visiting priest on retreat and destroyed the order's Provincial House.

I offer my prayers for Father Paul O'Brien, who perished in the fire, and extend to his family and friends, my heartfelt sympathy. To lose a loved one is always difficult enough; but the heart is made heavier when that person is in the prime of life.

To Father Dennis Loomis, MS, the provincial, and the entire La Salette community, I likewise offer my prayers.

Since their arrival in Attleboro over 50 years ago, the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette have drawn thousands from all over the Fall River Diocese and beyond for prayer, worship, reconciliation and healing.

Whether one is there for a festival, a liturgy, orjust a walk on a cold winter night to gaze at the Christmas lights, the La Salette Shrine is a respite of peace and renewal.

I have asked Rev. Msgr. George W. Coleman, the diocesan vicar general, to extend to the La Salette community the help of the Fall River Diocese as they begin to move on after their loss. I want them to know we stand ready to assist them in any way that we are able.

Though the landmark Provincial House is gone, let us remember that the true beauty of the La Salette Shrine is not in the buildings, but rather in the I'rellenee of God one finds there and the hope He rekindles.

In this difficult time, I pray that Our Lady of La Salette will be a source of comfort and strength for all who suffer in the wake of the fire. Please know that they will be in my prayers throughout"the remainder of my pilgrimage."

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(@biluarir6 Father Joseph Oliveira FALL RIVER - Father Joseph Oliveira, 75, of the Catholic Memorial Home, 2446 Highland Avenue, a retired priest and former pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Ta\lnton, died November 6 at the home.

Born in Santo Antonio, St. Michael, Azores, the son of the late Antonio and the late Maria dos Anjos (Pacheco) Oliveira, he received his early education in Angra, Terceira, Azores and began preparing for the priesthood at the Angra Seminary. Later he studied at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Md., and at the Graduate School ofArts and Sciences of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He was ordained a priest on June 11, 1949 by

Daily Readings Nov 15

Nov16 Nov 17

Nov 18 .

Nov 19

Nov 20

Nov 21

1 Me 1:1015,41-43, 54-57,6264; Ps 119: 53,61,134, 150,155, 158; Lk 18: 35-43 2 Me6:1831; Ps 3:27;Lkl9:1-10 2Me7:1, 20-31; Ps 17:1,5-6, 8b,15; Lk 19:11-28 1 Me 2: 1529; Ps 50:12,5-6,14-15; Lk 19:41-44 1 Me 4:3637,52-59; (Ps) 1 Chr 29:10-12; Lk 19:45-48 1 Me 6:113; Ps 9:24,6, 16b,19; Lk20:27-40 Ez 34:1112,15-17; Ps 23:1- .

3,5-6; 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28; Mt 25:31-46

Bishop James L. Connolly in St Mary Cathedral here.

Father Oliveira served as paro-

FATHER JOSEPH OLIVEIRA

chial vicar of St. Anthony Parish in Taunton, St. Michael Parish, Fall River and Our Lady ofMt. Carmel Parish, New Bedford. He also. served as pastor at St. Michael's. In 1994 he resigned as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes where he had served since 1985, and entered the Catholic Memorial Home. He had also been a judge on the Diocesan Tribunal.

Father Oliveira leaves two sisters, Helena Costa of Somerset- and Maria Adriana Aguiar of Fall River; a brother, Antone Oliveira of New Bedford; and nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Maria do Carmo Reis.

His funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday in St. Michael Church.

Burial was in St. Patrick Cemetery.

Sister Theresa Ethel Fayne FMM NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. Franciscan Missionary of Mary Sister Theresa Ethel Fayne, 79, of Our Lady of Peace Community, Fruit Hill Avenue, died Nov. 6 at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she was a daughter of the lateMichael and the late Delia (Flannagan) Fayne.

Sister Fayne had taught at Espirito Santo School and served in the religious education office at St. Anthony of Padua Church, both in Fall River, Mass. Most recently she had worked for the Respect Life program and the religious education program at St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket.

She received a master's degree in social work from Fordham University and had attended Emmanuel College. She pronounced her first

vows in 1948. During World War II she worked with the United Services Organization.

She is survived by nieces and nephews. . Her funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday in Holy Family Chapel on Fruit Hill Avenue, North Providence. Burial was in Holy Family .

Cemetery there.

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POSTMASfERS seD:! address changes to The Aochor, P.O. Box 7, FaIl River, MA 02722.

In' Your Prayers Please pray for the following priests during the coming week NECROLOGY .

November 15

1939, Rev. Thomas F. LaRoche, Assistant, Sacred Heart, Taunton 1943, Rev. Dani.el E. Doran, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, North Easton

\ \

November 17

1980, Rev. Henry R, Canuel, Former Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford \

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November 19

1982, Rev. Msgr. Lesler U Hull, Pastor Emeritus, Our Lady of the Isle, Nantucket " . . .

1990, Rev. Philodore H. Lemay, M~S.; LaSalette Provincial House, Attleboro .. ' -'-'~'

.-

._

November 21

lQ75,·R~v.·Stephen

J. Downey, Retired Pastor, Holy Ghost, Attleborci------/ " , .

1994, Rev. James F. Kenney, Retired Pastor, Corpus Christi, East Sandwich \

\,

PRIESTS CURRENTLY SERVING \ ' November 15 November 16 November 17 November 18 November 19 November 20 November 21

:

Very Rev. k6bertA. Oliveira, VF Most Rev. Sean P. O'Malley, oFM Cap. Rev. John C:;fzug Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk Rev. Andre Patenaude, MS Rev. William Penderghest, SS.CC. Rev. Luciano 1. Pereira

Diocesan youth convention draws large gathering

By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF FALL RIVER - The Diocesan Youth Convention, held at Bishop Connolly High School last weekend brought together more 1,150 teens and adults for a day of prayer, reflection and song. According to Bud Miller, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the diocese, "it is the biggest youth convention we've ever had."

Themed "Creating the Church of the 21st Century," the day included guest speakers, the celebration of Mass, group prayer, music and gave teens a chance to enjoy and share their Catholic faith.

"It's an opportunity to celebrate the young Church of today," said Miller. ''We hope that kids today will find a new commitment to Jesus and His Church and an understanding of what our Holy Father expects ofthem in the new millennium."

For teen Lori Denault ofNew Bedford, the day was a chance to "get closer to God" and her peers. 'The spirit of God is here today and it's good to see teens get together to do good things." Her friend Luke Magnuson, a fellow member of the Together in Christ Youth Group of New Bedford, agreed and said he was enjoying the day. 'The youth convention brings us an experience that we don't get everyday."

With walk-ins and the numbers of teens the convention attracted through pre-registration, some didn't even have a chair to sit on, but took. com-

fort in the floor near the stage. Miller was encouraged with the number of young people participating this year and told the excited crowd that ''this is what the Holy Spirit did. We have !Jlore teen-agers than seats available," which was greeted with rousing cheers.

Franciscan Father Peter Giroux was attending the youth convention for the first time and could not get over the size of the crowd. ''It's great," said Father Giroux. "It's very encouraging to see so many young people here." Permanent Deacon Jeremiah 1.

Reardon of St. Mary's J:larish, Dartmouth, agreed. 'The convention gives young people an experience of community to know that Jesus is alive and with them today," he said.

"It's a great faith experience."

Guest speaker Doug Brummell, a nationally known Catholic Christian entertainer, challenged attendees to live the Gospel message and had participants laughing throughout his presentation. Through music, storytelling and characterization, Brummell conveyed a message about the importance ofa strong family and "getting God back in your life."

Brummell donned a beanie hat and held a bright backpack addressing the crowd as a young boy named "Timmy," and shared a child's thoughts on the mysteries of the Church. Later as he changed characters into that of an elderly man and spoke about renewing ones commitment to God and that it can be as simple as turning off a television to say a prayer.

lHEANCHOR-Diocese ofFall River-Fri., November 12, 1999

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Stephanie Lucca of St. Dominic's Parish, Swansea, and Laura Carreirolour from Our Lady of Fatima, Swansea, had a chance to adRent for per copy dress their peers at the beginning of the day and spoke about young • No $ Down • No CllpitallnvfJStment people's role in the future. They com- • Includes machine, sBfVice & supples ·(excludfJS toner & paper) mented that teens must not worry • Expert Repair of SHARP(i) brand about what is popular or cool, but office equipment what is right. ''We must not always • Service from Attleboro to Wareham worry what others think, but what God thinks," they said collectively.

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Dioeese ofFall River-Fri., November !2,,1999

the living word

themoorin~ A start In its usual plodding way, the Steamship Authority has come up with a rather tenuous plan to develop a pilot program in moving freight between New Bedford and Martha's Vineyard.

By its own actions and testimony, the Authority has been aggressively opposed to allowing New Bedford to be a year-round port for the islands. This venture of limited service is the first crack in the .wall the Authority has built around itself. At best it is tokenism. However, it is a start. The proverbial camel has its nose in the tent.

However, we should not be satisfied with this current proposal.

Much work still remains in order to open New Bedford as a yearround ferry terminal with an accompanying voting seat on the Authority's board of governors. There yet remains a great deal of opposition to this goal. The Steamship Authority has an old guard view of its operations. Because of this limited vision, the problems of traffic and freight service has compounded into a serious nightmare.

While the residences 'of the Vineyard and Falmouth are attempting to solve their own transportation difficulties, it is obvious that a new solution will be introduced to alleviate the current problems. New Bedford as a new terminal is an obvious reality. It will be a benefit not only to the city but the Cape and islands as well, increasing jobs in one place and reducing traffic congestion in the other. In the long run, it's a win-win situation for all.

If the Authority fails to meet the needs of its constituents, it should be absorbed into the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Until the present time, its limited foresight has been a negative factor in bringing a solution to multi-faceted difficulties. The basic need of people seems to go beyond the care and concern of the Authority. All state agencies are intended to serve the common good, not to be served.

Once the SteaIl)ship Authority attains this mind-set, it could become a creative force rather than a stumbling block.

POPE JOHN PAUL II PRAYS AGAINST A BACKDROP DEPICTING MOTHER TERESA DURINGMASS IN NEW DELHI EARLIER THIS WEEK. (CNS PHOTO FROM REUTERS)

"TO ME THEREFORE, YOU SHALL BE SACRED; FOR I, THE 'LORD, AM SACRED" LEV. 20:26

***

The forgotten ones This week we have celebrated what is now known as Veterans Day. For older generations, of course,. it still remains Armistice Day. Whatever the designation, it honors all who have served in the line of duty both in war and peace. Parades and testimonials mark the occasion.

For a brief moment, patriotism once again becomes a reality. Then so often we forget. The marching veterans fade into the twilight.

In the patriotic calendar of events that we celebrate, we forget those whom we do not see in the parade. These are men and women who are confined to veterans' hospitals. So often these are the forgotten ones. Many are suffering not only physical wounds but psychological ones as well. Often their needs are many and budgets fail to compensate. Hospitals have shortages of staff and personnel. In so many of these situations, the patient gets lost amid the red tape of administration. The public in general oftentimes drives by these hospitals, failing to realize the contributions that these patients have made to the safety and protection of the nation. Perhaps, at Christmastime, members of various organizations'will visit the veterans with carols , and cheer. But once the holidays pass; the veterans again become the forgotten ones.

What we all need is to take a trip to Washington and walk the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. We should do it in daylight - and in candlelight. Walking down into this most stirring monument is an emotional experience. The wall becomes alive when we read the names of men and women who have died for their country. It reminds all that there are many who have walkeo or wheelchaired this encounter who are alone and hurting. Once proudly they marched. Now they are confined to bed and hospitals. Alone, they are the forgotten ones.

The Editor

theancho~

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Published weekly by The Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River .887 Highland Avenue P,O. BOX 7 Fall River, MA 02720 Fall River, MA 02722-0007 Telephone 508-675-7151 FAX (508) 675-7048 Send address changes to P.O. BOll 7 or call telephone number above

EDITOR GENERAL MANAGER Rev. Msgr. John F. Moore Rosemary Dussault

. NEWS EDITOR James N. Dunbar

..

What makes Father grumpy?

By FATMER EUGENE HEMRICK CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

Do you get the impression that' your parish priest's thoughts are elsewhere when.you talk with him or that he is grumpy when you ask him a question? What causes a seemingly good priest to act this way?

One look at a routine weekend reveals a good reason for his "spacing out" or appearing crusty.

It is common for priests to officiate at weddings on Saturdays, 路then to celebrate Saturday evening Mass and then to have two or three more Masses on Sunday.

Saturday weddings usually are preceded by Friday evening rehearsals and dinner afterward. If a conscientious priest hasn't prepared his homilies for Saturday, this means burning the midnight oil.

Added to this, he might also have a funeral on Saturday which 'requires a homily that is specific to the deceased person.

Due to the shortage of priests, many priests celebrate four or five Masses in a day despite mandates from bishops to celebrate only two or three. . What most people don't see behind the scenes is that many priests

are also responsible for setting up for these liturgies. It doesn't matter whether there is a sacristan, Father is ultimately responsible for seeing that the Missal is set correctly, that there are sufficient hosts and that nothing of importance is overlooked.

In addition to several Masses on Saturday, confessions must also be . heard.

When we look behind the scenes again, we learn that Father may also be responsible for ensuring that the parish bulletin is prepared, the liturgical music is fitting and the ushers, servers, rectors and extraordinary ministers show' up.

Most priests will tell you that preparing for liturgies and celebrating them is their greatest enjoyment. What mars this are the unexpected events that choke priests~ breathing space or create havoc.

It is not uncommon for a priest who is about to celebrate Mass to have someone come to the door desperately needing to see him. Nor is it uncommon for the air conditioner or heating system suddenly to give way or to have a crucial light burn out.

If a priest's parish is near a hospital, he may find himself running

between services to anoint someone.

Once on the altar, one would think a priest could immerse himself in the liturgy and thus wall off all distractions. Wrong! More often then not there is a baptism at Mass, and then there might be in, structions to those preparing to become Catholics or an announcement that needs special emphasis.

Although these aren't distractions, they do make the meditative mood 路that is supposed to accompany the liturgy difficult to achieve.

Most priests can handle the above pressures fairly well. What really disturbs them is putting in quality time to prepare a homily only to have it disrupted by a sound system that doesn't work or other distractions that interfere with everyone's power to concentrate.

Equally disturbing is music no one can sing or a ceremony within Mass that goes poorly.

When this happens, most wise priests just turn to God and say, "Lord, it's your Church, do with it as you will."

If you find your parish priest short with you or grumpy, don't take it personally. He may just be trying to catch his breath..

Fire

Continued from page one

see whether the decision is to rebuild."

The chapel and rooms on eitherend of the frrst floor of the 1903-vintage structure sustained water and smoke damage but no fire damage, said Eyman.

The fire was reported at4:22am. and began on the left side of its third floor which was occupied by nuns and priests in the Shrine's Sabbatical Program.

"We managed to remove the

not be saved by firefighters. ''But I was worried and dismayed to hear someone was missing," the provincial said.

He commented there was a lot of history contained in the building, but that ''the spiritual community is not built upon a building:' Fire officials said that a lack of water pressure hindered the more than 100 firefighters battling the fire. It raged out of control for several hours and firefighters poured wateronto the building via ladder trucks, fire engines and ground hoses.

Father Vmcent Nagle, chaplain at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, was living on the second floor of the building and lost everything except a handful of clothes in the fire. "I remember seeing lots of smoke and remembered that my mother always told me where there is smoke there's fire. It's a terrible thing," Father Nagle said.

Firefighters from many communities, including Wrentham, South Attle..£L........_....... boro, Norton, Plainville, FATHER DENNIS Loomis, MS, Pro- Mansfield, Norfolk and vincial of the La Salette Missionaries, Rehoboth sent apparatus. talks to reporters at the fire scene.

They even ~sed water from the Shrine's pond, Blessed Sacramentfrom the tabernacle which was already decorated for Christin the chapel and bring out some sa- mas. cred vessels and other goods," Eyman Attleboro has been the home of the reported. '~d when we went inside Missionaries of Our Lady ofLa Salette the chapel after the fire, remarkably, since 1942, when they purchased a the sanctuary lamt> was still burning." large piece property on what is mostly Untouched by the fire was the steel wetlands on Route 118. and concrete walls newly set for the It included the large, castle-like, chapel under construction downhill stone building, built in 1903, that and eastofthe fire rav\lged fonner semi- once had been Attleboro Springs Saninary and provincial headquarters for tarium and known as the Solomon Sanithe La Salette Community. The cor- tarium, a place ofrest, retreat and healnerstone for the new church was laid a ing. Perhaps it was in God's mind the few weeks ago on Oct 24. perfect launching pad for what is had The Center for Christian Living, become in recent years, La Salette Fawhich is used as a retreat center and is ther Bill Slight reflected in a story writlocated north ofthe headquarters build- ten in 1998. ing, and the complex of buildings and The famous and well-attended the gift shop offthe parking area, were Shrine at La Salette, nestled east of the also untouched by the blaze. Dozens building destroyed in the fire, and of people on retreat were in that build- which also escaped the blaze, has become a center of Marian devotion, ing when the fire erupted.

That structure will now be used to worship, spiritual healing and peace. It house those who resided in the provin- is the fruit of the ministry of many La Salette priests and brothers, well ascial house.

Eyman also made it clear that the traditional lights that decorate LaSalette at Christmas time will be set this year. ''Peoplecome here for spiritual nourishment of all kinds and we know the lights play a part in that for many people," said Eyman. "Of course the lights will be in place, beginning Thanksgiving at 5 p.m. You will also see Christmas lights placed high in the ruins of the provincial house." .

The Shrine plays host to more than 250,000 visitors each year, many making the journey to see its Christmas displays which features some 225,000 lights.

Very Rev. Father Dennis Loomis, Provincial of the La Salette Missionaries, said he heard commotion early in the morning and left his second floor room to see what was going on upstairs and saw the fire.

"I heard noise a little after 4 a.m. and when I went to investigate I saw flames up to the ceiling," Father Loomis said. 'The smoke detectors were going offand I ran downstairs and called 911. People were screaming fire,

....1IIJ1iI

fire!"

Father Loomis told the media that after about an hour into the blaze he and others knew the building would

sisted by an even larger number of lay THEANCHOR-Diocese ofFall River-Fri., November 12, 1999 persons, and some veritable missionaries themselves, called "lay associates:' Although the Attleboro shrine is widely known for its Christmas displays that traditionally start this month at Thanksgiving and continue through • Prompt 24 Hour Service· Automatic Deliveries New Year's Day, it has become a year• Budget Terms Available • Call In Deliveries round center where thousands come to • Free Estimates pray.

They arrive year-round in cars and You Never Had Service vans from across America and Canada Until You Tried Charlie's to pray before the Statue of Our Lady We're located at '" of La Salette. Indoor and outdoor 46 Oak Grove Ave., Fall River shrines, nooks and areas of votive oreall ... candles greet visitors. Inside, there are Masses said daily - many with heal508-675-7426 • 674-0709 ing liturgy . There are novenas, Benediction and availability for the sacrament of reconciliation.

In the coffeeshop there are regularly scheduled liturgies with special music, workshops and entertainment. La Salette'sfamous gift shop offers pilgrims and visitors a wealth of religious items and has a well-stocked book store.

Throughouttheyear, ethnic pilgrimages, outdoor concerts, a summer tent revival, a Labor Day weekend, Family Festival and various seminars with guests speakers are held at the Shrine.

The spiritual village at La Salette in this Massachusetts town harkens back to the little known village Of La Salette'in the FrenchAlps. On Sept. 19, 1846, two shepherds, a boy and a girl, each urging on their four cows, climbed the barren slopes that rise above the ...because there are only four years of high school village where they met awoman more beautiful than creation.

Tuesday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m.

In 1953 a facsimile of the apparition in the southeastern France village region was erected along with Stations ofthe Cross and holy stairs leading to a U.S. Department of Education replica ofCalvary. A small chapel was National Blue Ribbon School ofExcellence built On Dec. 8, 1953, the beginning 500 SLOCUM ROAD • NORTH DARTMOUTH, MA 02747 • 508-996-5602 ofthe MarianYear, the Shrine was dedicated by Bishop James L. Connolly and opened to the public.

BOSTON COLLEGE In 1952 the Shrine was opened by La Salette Father Rene Sauve. He had not intended to have the Shrine known for its many statues orChristmas lights, but the province was hit with a $10 million debt on expansion investments gone sour. All other assets in New England and Quebec, Canada were sold.

It was through the generosity of those of Franco-American heritage initially, and laterofmany diverse ethnic groups that come to do soul-searching at the Shrine, that brought it to is current popularity as a religious center.

-Boston College will fund 50% to 70% tuition.

SMOKE BILLOWS from the ruins of the La Salette provincial house Nov. 5. Note the Christmas candles hanging from many of the blown out windows. (Anchor/Gordon photos)

5

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1HEANCHOR-DioceseofFallRiver-Fri.,Novemberl~,

1999

Catholic bishops speak out on marriage prep, cohabitation Editor's Note: The recent focus by the National Catholic Bishops' Committee on Marriage and Family on the growing practice 'of unmarried couples living together and the ancillary issue of marriage preparation, pointsup the undennining of society itself and the lack of commitment in many Christian marriages. In order for clergy, pastoral ministers and the laity to have adequate information on the issues, The Anchor, in upcoming editions, will offer the text ofthe report as pubIished in the CNS 芦.locumentary ser路. vice, "Origins."

The foRowing is the final installment ofthe series:

3. What Distinctions Are Made Among Cohabiting Coupl!!s?

Some diocesan policies (e.g.

Cleveland, 1988, Buffalo, 1992, Michigan dioceses' common policy) note the following differences among various types of cohabiting couples, based on the reason!' given for the cohabitation. Each has distinct pastoral implications.

1. For couples who have seriously planned for marriage and who decided to live together for practical reasons such as [fiance or convenience, the pastoral minister can focus on their understanding of the meaning of sacrament and the cpmmitment to permanence and stability in marriage.

2. For couples whose cohabitation seems more casual, and for whom no previous commitment seems to have been made, in addition to the treatment of commitment and sacrament, special attention is given to overall readiness for marriage and for permanent lifetime commitment.

3. For couples whose reasons for seeking marriage are more for the sake . of appearance or to accommodate social or family needs, and little evidence is presented to indicate either spiritual or psychosocial maturity for marriage, a postponement of further marriage preparation, at least at this time, can be considered.

4. Should Cohabiting Couples Be Encouraged to Separate Prior to the Wedding?

Many diocesan marriage preparation policies suggest that pastoral ministers encourage cohabiting couples to separate. They recognize that this is a desirable goal to propose and to achieve - not because the Church is so concerned with the fact of separate addresses but because it declares that conjugal love needs to be definitive; "itcannot be an arrangement 'until further notice'" ("Catechism of the Catholic Church;' No. 1646). Even if the couple chooses not to separate, they can be encouraged to live chastely before marriage.

'They should see in this time of teSting a discovery of mutual respect, an apprenticeship in fidelity and the hope of receiving one another from God" ("Catechism of the Catholic Church;'No.2350).

The challenge to separate or, if continuing to live together, to live chastely, can be fruitfully posed at the end ofa process in which the Church's teaching on marriage and sexuality is carefully explained. This approach has been adopted by the bishops of Kansas, among others. They point out

that during ~arriage preparation marry could be a reason to delay the ment further points out that the bapcouples must make decisions. One of marriage until this issue is sufficiently tized couple, by their right intention, these concerns living together. Priests explored as part of marriage prepara- have already accepted God's plan reand pastoral ministers point out the tion (Archdiocese ofDetroit; Archdio- garding marriage and, at least implic.itly, consent to what the Church inmany good reasons not to cohabit and ceseof Miami).

A few dioceses point out that co- tends to do when it celebrates marinvite couples to follow the teachings of the Church. As the Kansas bishops habitation may prolong the marriage riage. It cautions: ''As for wishing to stress: "Ultimately, the engaged preparation process because of the lay down further criteria for admission couple must make the decision to fol- need to evaluate the couple's attitudes to the ecclesial celebration of marlow Christ and his Church" (''A Better and understanding of the Church's riage, criteria that would concern the teachings on marriage and sexuality. level of faith for those to be married, Way;' 1998).

The Diocese of Peoria follows a One policy states: "If there is not suf- this would above all involve grave similar approach. After suitable in- ficient awareness on the couple's part . risks" (68).

7. Is It Possible for Cohabitation struction, "the priest must ask the of the essential elements of Catholic couple to consider chaste and sepa- teaching on the sanctity of marriage to Scandalize/he Community?

Many diocesan marriage-prepararate living and give the couple time and sexual relations, and of the comto reflect on their decision" (''Pastoral mitment, fidelity and permanence tion policies note the possibility of scandal. Scandal is Care of Sexually a multifaceted realActive/Cohabitity. In society as a ing Couples Bewhole, cohabitafore Marriage," tion neither carries Appendix E). the stigma nor Priests and causes the scandal pastoral ministers that it did just two report that generations ago. As couples who sepathe bishops of Kanrate often benefit sas point out, "As from the experisociety no longer . ence. "Priests say adheres to tradithat many tional moral values couples return ... and norms, scandal expressing / becomes less and . amazement at less a concern to new insights many people" (''A through living Better Way;' p. 9). separately. The The burden ofscancouple's experidal falls not just on ence has changed MORE THAN 30 couples are married in a Catholic church the cohabiting their hearts" (Sioux Falls). in Darre after postponing weddings during two months of tur- couple, but on our sexually permissive Separation can moil in East Timor. (CNS photo from Reuters) society. give the couple The cohabiting couple is living new perspectives on their relation- needed in marriage, then the marriage ship; it is also a tangible sign of the should be postponed until such aware- contrary to the Church's teaching on couple's free, loving decision to ac- ness has developed" ("Preparing for marriage and sexual love. By acting as if they are married when they are cept the Church's vision of marriage Marriage," Diocese of Rapid City). and sexuality.

Since couples have a natural and not, they risk scandalizing the believSome couples are not normally canonical right to marriage, any de- ing community. It is also possible to asked to separate, e.g. those with chil- lay beyond the normal waiting pe- cause scandal, however, through a dren. Ideally, before challenging a riod for all couples IS a serious matter, lack of understanding and compasn couple to separate, the minister knows Care must be taken to ensure that de- sion for couples in irregular situations. their particularcircumstanCes and why lay is not used as a punishment for a Whether and how couples are welthey decided to live together. A couple couple's continued cohabitation. (See comed can mean the difference bemay have路 what seem to them good Bishop John D'Arcy's letter to priests tween alienation from the Church or reasons (e.g. [fiances, safety) for liv- of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-Souib renewed involvement. ing together. A change in living ar- . Bend, Origins, Oct..!, 1998.) . Moreover, parents and pastoral rangements can pose practical prob6. Should Cohabiting Couples Be ministers may have a different opinlems. The Diocese ofSioux Falls, rec- Encouraged to Celebrate the Sacra- ion of how scandal occurs. Parents ognizing this situation, notes that "par- mentofReconciliation Prior to Their who were deeply distressed by their ishes may be challenged to help Wedding? children's cohabitation are relieved couples cope with such difficulties so With all couples, celebration ofthe when the son or daughter approaches that they can live apart" ("Preparing sacrament of reconciliation is prop- the Church for marriage. They believe for Marriage in the Diocese of Sioux erly encouraged as part of marriage that the scandal is easing. At this point, Falls"). preparation for the Catholic party or however, priests and pastoral minis5. Ifa Couple Is Cohabiting, Can parties. The catechism states, "It is ters fear that the scandal is about to Marriage Be Denied or Delayed? therefore appropriatefor the bride and start. Both viewpoints have some 1. Denial of marriage: Since c0- groom to prepare themselves for the merit and point to the need for underhabitation is not in itself a canonical celebration of their mariiage by re- standing different perspectives on impediment to marriage, the couple ceiving the sacrament of penance" scandal. may not be refused marriage solely (''Catechism of the Catholic Church," 8. Is a Simple Wedding Ceremony on the basis ofcohabitation. Marriage No. 1622).

Most Appropriate for Cohabiting preparation may continue even if the It should be noted that absolute Couples? . A few diocesan policies suggest couple refuses to separate. Pastoral moral rectitude is not demanded for ministers can be assured that to assist sacraments to be celebrated. . that a simple wedding ceremony is couples in regularizing their situation Fami/iaris Consortio offers this guid- most appropriate for cohabiting is not to approve of cohabitation. ance: 'The faith of the person asking couples. (Those policies that explain 2. Delay or postponement of the the Church for marriage can exist in simple usually do so in terms of nummarriage: Some diocesan policies different degrees, and it is the primary ber of people in the wedding party.) note that in certain circumstances a duty of pastors to bring about a'redis- This is the most common consepostponement of the wedding might covery of this faith and to nourish it quence of a failure to separate. One be in order. In these cases additional and bring it to maturity. But pastors policy states that since the couple is time might be needed to .address the must also understand the reasons that choosing to appear as husband and issues raised by cohabitation. For ex- . lead the Church also to admit to the wife to the community, then their wedample a concern for the impact of co- celebration of marriage those who are ding ceremony should reflect this habitation on the couple's freedom to imperfectly disposed" (68). The docu- choice and be small and simple. Oth-

ers (e.g. Memphis) state that a large wedding raises the possibility of serious scandal.

The Code of Canon Law gives no special consideration for marriages of cohabiting couples. ~e general norm states that the pastor and the ecclesial community are to see that the couple has a "fruitful liturgical celebration of marriage clarifying that the spouses signify and share in the mystery of unity and of ~itful love that exists between Christ and the Church" (Canon 1063.3).

The catechism states,."Since marriage establishes the couple in a public state of life in the Church, it is fitting that its celebration be public, in the framework of a liturgical celebration, before the priest (or a witness authorized by the Church), the witnesses and the assembly of the faithful" (No. 1663).

Some pastoral ministers are concerned that a simple celebration hinders the couple's ability to understand the communal dimension of the sacrament. They point out that cohabiting couples are the least likely to realize the involvement of the Christian community in their marriage. Having a wedding with only immediate family and witnesses simply underscores their impression that marriage is a private event. They need to appreciate the reciprocal commitment between the couple and the Christian community. .

TheArchdiocese of Omaha points out that even for cohabiting couples the celebration of marriage is an act of the Church's public worship. It states: 'The same liturgical principles and norms apply for a cohabiting couple as for-any other couple. Marriage preparation for cohabiting couples _ should not begin with or be based upon a decision about the kind or size of the wedding ceremony that will be allowed."

CONCLUSION Since widespread cohabitation is a fairly recent phenomenon, many pastoral ministers are still learning how to address the issue in marriage preparation. The Committee on Marriage and Family hopes that this paper provides helpful guidance, but it acknowledges that more can be done.

One challenge is to provide additional formation for those who prepare couples for marriage so that they can more effectively handle the issues raised by cohabitation. Another challenge is learning how to discuss cohabitation in the various settings in which marriage preparation takes place.

Above all, when cohabiting couples approach the Church for marriage we encourage pastoral ministers to recognize this as a teachable moment. Here is a unique opportunity to help couples understand the Catholic vision of marriage. Here, too, is an opportunity for evangelization. By supporting the couple's plans for the future rather than chastising them for the past, the pastoral minister can draw a couple more deeply into the Church community and the practice of their faith. Treated with sensitivity and respect, couples can be helped to understand and live the vocation of Christian marriage.

Good will prevails in India visit

By JOHNTHAVIS CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

NEW DELHI, India - Despite much talk of fundamentalist Hindu protests and the potential for extremist violence, Pope John Paul IT's-visit to India went off without a hitch much to the delight of Church planners and government hosts.

Those expecting an interreligious battle in New Delhi were disappointed. In the end, protests fizzled during the Nov. 5-8 visit.

That's not headline news, perhaps.

But many Indians appeared tired of what they saw as "media hype" over the Hindu extremist agenda, with its demand for a freeze on Christian conversions and a papal apology for historical Church misdeeds.

'This is a free country, a democracy, and there are small groups of protesters. I don't think it goes beyond that:' Margaret Alva, one of 22 Christians in India's Parliament, said as she waited for the pope's arrival at the presidential palace Nov. 6.

Even Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, whose Hindu nationalist coalition has links to some of the most strident Hindu organizations, told the pope that it was the "intolerant fringes" of Indian society who were causing problems.

The government allowed demonstrations but banned them near papal event sites, saying the pope should be welcomed as a guest and a holy man. That was a prevailing sentiment among Indians, according to Divine Word Father Dominic Emmannuel, spokesman for the Indian bishops' conference.

The much-ballyhooed crosscountry caravan of Hindus protesting the Church's history of missionary work in India rolled through the streets of New Delhi Nov. 4 "without many people noticing it," according

to The TImes cf India. The caravan involved only 20 people, and about 300 others attended a closing rally.

A handful ofdemonstrators were arrested when they shouted slogans outside a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, where the pope was making a visit. Reporters, meanwhile, ran up big taxi bills hunting for protest banners.

Contrary to press reports, security was less stringent than during most papal trips.

This year, the protests have received more attention for several reasons, according to Church sources.

For one thing, the Hindu objections have been preceded by more than 100 sporadic acts of violence against Christian missionaries in a few Indian states. For another, the ruling political coalition has encouraged a national debate about Christian conversion.

However, deep differences were respectfully aired. Many Hindus, who regard their religion as "nonaggressive," have a hard time accepting the Christian idea of conversion.

So when the pope defended the Church's "call to conversion" in a speech to bishops, Indian television predicted a new flare-up in the simmering controversy.

'They have understood conversion only as a change ofreligion. But for the Church, conversion means first of all a change of heart," Father Emmannuel said.

But iflocal Catholics were speaking gently about conversion, the pope was more blunt. At an interreligious encounter Sunday, he told Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Jewish and other religious representatives that churches must have the freedom to make a "respectful appeal" to people's consciences, and individuals must have the "right even to change their religion, if their

conscience so demands."

The interfaith event was a great success that displayed India's overwhelming sense of religious tolerance. The pope ·and Christianity were praised, commitments to dialogue were renewed and songs of prayer were sung for the pope's health.

But afterward, some of the participants voiced mixed feelings about

LEMIEUX

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The Jain speaker, Acharya Mahaprajna, said it was too bad that

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U2 star Bono joins bishops in debt relief plea

By JERRY FILTEAU CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE WASHINGTON - U2 lead . singer Bono joined religious and political leaders in Washington last week to urge Congress to do what is needed to re.lieve the debt of the world's poorest countries.

Congress was due soon to vote on a key appropriations bill in which the Clinton administration has asked for a $370 million al1ocation to fund its declared debt relief commitment for the year 2000.

Citizens should "call your congressman. Sit in his garden," Bono said.

"It's immoral, it's obscene that at a time of unimaginable wealth here in the First World, we can't . seem to get to grips with the unimaginable impoverishment of a billion people living on less than a dollar a day," he told a gathe[iIlg of journalists on the steps of St. Peter's Catholic Church on Capitol Hill.

At the press conference, which was convened by the U.S. Catholic Conference, Bono was flanked by

two bishops, two members of Congress 'and other religious and humanitarian leaders involved in debt relief advocacy At the request of a reporter, Bono. partial1y unbuttoned his shirt to display the rosary he was wearing around his neck - a memento from his September meeting with Pope John Paul II as part of a delegation from the international debt relief movement Jubilee 2000.

Bono called the pope's debt relief advocacy "an inspiration. This is more important to him than anything."

He and others at the press conference urged the media to help raise American awareness of the debt problem and the debt relief movement, which in many other nations has become a populist cause of wide concern.

"I know it'S not sexy (as a news story)," Bono said. He 'said a picture ofhimstandfrigoetweentwo bishops urging debt relief might not be as riveting as a photo of children starving because of their country's debt burden, "but those

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· starving children are out there." quest for $1 billion (over four years) co-sponsor of the legislation just approved in committee, said that a new "I know America wants to find an is not approved." answer to this problem. I'm a fan of.

Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., a poll of Americans found that their . most common aspiration America," he said. was "to retire rich."

"I'm also an Irishman," In the heavily indebted he added, '~and I have a poor countries where basic sense somewhere in the health, nutrition and sanitafolk memory of what famtion is lacking because of the · ine is, what it means." debt burden, he said, the Auxiliary Bishop John dream of the people "is not 1. Glynn of the U.S. Archto retire rich. It is to make it diocese for the Military Serthrough the night. Often, all vices, a member of the bishtoo often, it is a hope unreops' International Policy alized. Forty million die of Committee, said, "We are hunger annually and 1.3 biljust two months away from lion survive on less than a the jubilee year 2000."

- ,Noting that in the Hedollar a day."

Assistant Bishop brew Scriptures the jubilee Francis Campbell Gray of year is "a time to start over, the Episcopal Diocese of to right old wrongs, to reVirginia said, "The reality establish justice al1d eqthat overwhelming debts uity," Bishop Glynn said, . push the poorest people "As we consider how this "tradition can be applied in deeper and deeper into our time, there is no more poverty ,is cause to take pressing issue of justice action. We must seize this. and equity than debt." historic opportunity."

He said he was "very When Bono was asked encouraged" that the if he and U2 would be inHouse Banking Commitvolved in another effort like tee approved new debt reLive Aid, the 1985 series of rock festivals to aid Africa, lief legislation just the previous night, "but now he said,'''I was inspired by the chal1enge is for ConLive Aid. We raised $200 gress to appropriate the BONO, LEADER of the rock group U2, mil1ion for Africa." funds requested by the ad- wears the rosary given to him by Pope John He said that sounds like ministration to make this Paull!. Bono joined religious and congres- a lot of money until you legislation real. There will look at the dimensions ofthe sionalleaders in Washington to make a plea be no relief for the world's problem: "Africa spends most impoverished people for debt relief for the world's poorest coun- $200 million every week on if the administration's re- tries. (CNS photo by Marty Lueders) debt."

Catholic couple killed in EgyptAir ·crash known for helping poor

By GARY MORTON CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Don and Jeanne "Bea" Heck made their almost 42 years of married life a joint venture.

Together they had seven children and 14 grandchildren. Active members of Sacred Heart Parish in Chestertown, in the Diocese of WIlmington, Del, the Hecks were especially drawn to ministries helping the poor and hungry.

On Oct 31, the Hecks began a trip to Egypt with another couple from Chestertown, John and Joanne Shelpert. Their EgyptAir flight ended; about 30 minutes after takeoff when . the jetliner crashed into the Atlantic Ocean south of Nantucket, Mass. All 217 people aboard were killed. " just had dinner with them Fri·day night," Father Leonard Blakely, pastor of Sacred Heart, told The Dialog, Wilmington's diocesan newspa-

per.

On Nov. 2, All Souls Day, Father Blakely added two candles in ·honor of the Hecks to the 16 he had already prepared in memory. of parishioners who had died in the previous year.

The parish remembers its dead not only on All Souls Day but throughout November. .

The Hecks, who retired to Chestertown five years ago, often attended daily Mass, Father Blakely said, and their faith and family were models for others. ''One ofthe things ~e children told

me Monday night, .they said, 'There is one thing we have and that's our faith,'" said the priest 'They were able to mention that in the midst ofall this.

(1be Hecks) left a tremendous legacy "for their family and their friends, and now they are with God who was so important in their lives."

Don Heck, 67, a retired phone company executive, served on the Sacred Heart parish council. He had helped efforts to organize a campus ministry at Washington College.

Bea, 64, was known as an avid quilter who belonged to a quilting group in Kent County, Md. One ofthe group's quilts raised $3,000 for St. Martin's Ministries, an outreach ofthe Benedictine Sisters of St. Gertrude Monastery in Ridgely, Md. Together the Hecks served on the boards of St Martin's and of an ecumenical food pantry at Christ United Methodist Church in Chestertown.

'They were truly dedicated to the pantry," said Rita Brantley, who has run it since January. "It was absolutely a Christian commitment on their part."

Brantley recalled some board members questioning whether certain· clients truly needed the pantry's help. ~The Hecks always took a Christian point ofview and said we should serve anyone who comes to us."

Benedictine Sister Patricia Gamgort, executive director of St. Martin's Ministries, said the Hecks were invaluable at St Martin's, whose services include emergency food and

rental assistance, a thrift store and a shelter for homeless women and their children.

Don Heck chaired the ministries' fund-raising committee and was always helping out, she said. A few days before he was to leave for Egypt, Sister Patricia recalled, he delivered about 250 pounds of deer meat which a local farmer made available to nonprofit agencies.

The Hecks' ministry was not limited to Kent County, Md. About every three months, Don Heck would make the 55-mile trip to Emmanuel Dining Room South in New Castle, Del., laden with containers of homemade soup for the homeless.

"He would bring about 18 fivegallon containers," said Emma Mitchell, the dining room's director. " thought it was such a long trip to bring soup."

Don also brought soup to Emmanuel.Dining Room East in WIlmington. Both are run by the Ministry of Caring, an ecumenical outreach.

Sister Patricia recalled how the Hecks decided to host a party to celebrate their 40th anniversary in December 1997: 'They said they just did not know what might happen; th~y wanted to celebrate their 40 years together."

And she thought of the tirriing of the plane crash, just before All Saints Day andAll Souls Day and the Nov. 3 feast of St. Martin de Porres, namesake of St Martin's Ministries.

lHEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River-:- Fri., November 12, 1999

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• SISTER OF St. Joseph Joy Manthey greets passengers of The Colonel, a riverboat she captained to Cincinnati from its base in Galveston, Texas. Sister Manthey joined the order in 1995 after a career as a riverboat captain. (CNS photo by Mark Bowen, Catholic Telegraph)

Riverboat captain charts new course as Sister of St. Joseph

By DENNIS O'CoNNOR CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

CINCINNATI - Sister of St. Joseph Joy Manthey says she always knew she would follow her heart's call for a religious vocation someday.

But the New Orleans resident says she put off the commitment as long as possible, waiting for her ''fax'' from God while she pursued her dream ofbeing a riverboat captain.

It came one day in 1995 when she was a crew member on an intercoastal fuel barge in the Galveston, Texas, ba¥. area and "the captain almost capsized the boat," she told The Catholic Telegraph, newspaper of the Cincinnati Archdiocese.

"I said on the spot, 'OK, God. I won't put it off any more. I'm all yours,"~ Sister Manthey recalled.

She will profess her vows in January with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille, but this fall she received permission from her superiors to go back to the river to captain a 4QO-passenger excursion boat called 'The Colonel." With her nephew, Troy, she piloted the boat, which is registered in Galveston, to Cincinnati for the Queen City's Tall Stacks 1999 celebration in mid-October.

The Colonel was one of 19 riverboats on hand for the festival, celebrating Cincinnati's heritage as one of the nation's premier riverboat towns. For five days, the riverfront was restored to days reminiscent of the 1840s, when the landing was jammed with riverboats plying the Ohio River with cargoes of food, fuel and passengers.

During the week's festivities, media flocked to The Colonel seeking interviews and photographs with its pilot, who came to be known as "Sister Captain:' In the interview with The Catholic Telegraph, Sister Manthey said that part of the deal for her trip was to raise

money for the Sisters ofSt. Joseph ofMedaille. The cruise on "The Colonel," which sailed at nearly full capacity, raised more then $20,000 for the Cincinnati-based congregation.

But she also plans to use her river acumen for more than just fund raising. Sister Manthey said she would like to create a special ministry for the crew members of the "brown-water fleet" ofthe nation's inland waterways, such as the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

'There already is spiritual work being done for the crew members aboard seagoing ships," she said. 'The Seaman's Church Institute has ministries in place to help those guys. But there's really nothing in place for the 'brown-water' guys, who are out 30 days at a time."

She said that the crew members on the riverboats often miss out on birtlls, baptisms and weddings, "so they need the kind of support a new ministry like this would provide." ''They need a helping hand or someone to listen to them," she said. 'J\nd I already know all of them, so it's a natural kind of thing that I would be there for them with this kind of ministry."

Sister Manthey said she chose to join the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille, which has a strong presence in the New Orleans area, "because of their special charism. There are opportunities to work in unique ministries, like Sister Helen Prejean's prison ministry."

Sister Manthey said she wanted to emulate Sister Prejean's work with death-row inmates by having her own special ministry based in New Orleans.

"I have some additional coursework I need to complete, but after that, I'll be ready to start this ministry," she said. Officials from the Seaman's Church Institute also have agreed to work with her.

"I'm anxious to get this started," .she added.

u.s. bishop writes Clinton about Israel's decision on mosque

WASHINGfON (CNS)-The u.s. bishops' conference president told President Clinton that Israel's approval of construction of a mosque near a Catholic church in Nazareth raises concerns over Israel's capacity to protect religious minorities.

Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, conference president, wrote Clinton reCently. The letter, made public recently, was delivered to the White House prior to Ointon's departure for Norway for talks on the Mideast peace process with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leaderYasser Arafat.

Bishop Fiorenza asked Clinton to express U.S. "concern over developments in Nazareth and ask Prime Minister Barak to consider the impact of

recent actions on Israel's credibility in serving as aguardian of the Holy Places and protector of religious minorities."

Islamic protesters occupied land next to the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth in 1997, demanding construction of a mosque on the site they claimed was Islamic Trust or "Waq/" land. After they pressed their claim through the Israeli judicial system, a court denied their claim, ruling the land belonged to the state. Despite the ruling, in mid-October an Israeli interrninisterial committee decided to give Muslims one-third of a half-acre lot adjacent to the basilica to build a mosque. The other two-thirds belongs to the Church.

The disputed land next to the basilica was originally intended for aItal-

ian-styled piazza as part of the city's preparation for the year 2000.

Protests by Islamic militants fighting for the mosque ''have been accompanied by anti-Christian violence in which the police have sometimes failed to provide adequate protection," wrote Bishop Fiorenza, noting that some Islamic protesters beat the Christian mayor of Nazareth in late October. .'These incidents, coupled with the granting ofpermission for construction, tnake the government's approval of this project a very troubling development," the bishop wrote.

Bishop Fiorenza noted many modernte Muslim officials and Arab leaders in the region, including Arafat, oppose the militants' demands.

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10

Nuit~lawyer

TIffiANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River-Fri., November 12, 1999

says CBS~~sltow ',Fanilly

Law' sticks close to reality

By MARK PATIlSON

ried back in the homeland."

About the only false note she detected in viewing three "Family Law" WASHINGTON - A nun who episodes was Holt's firm accepting a was a practicing lawyer for years says malpractice case a week before it was the new CBS-TV drama'''Family scheduled to go to trial. Such a thing Law" sticks close to reality. would not happen, she said, and even Sister SimoneCampbell had a famif it did the case would likely ily law practice in Oakland, Calif., for 18 years prior to _ _...,. have been handled by a law firm specializing in malprac. accepting the call to head tice. her congregation, the Sisters But cases handled by Sisof Social Service. ter Campbell in her own le"I find it to be much more gal career were not always cut interesting than I expected and dried. it to be;' she said about the She recalled representing series, but add~ its late hour "a guy who had 22 kids by rules out repelloted viewing 18 women." for her. "It's on past my bed''The real problem. was time." that he had lost his job" and ''Family Law;' which airs had to adjust his child sup10-11 p.m. ESTMondays on port payment obligations, CBS, focuses on the family she said. And then there was law practice of a ragtag the couple who "fought over group of Los Angeles attoran aquarium tank," she neys headed'by Lynn Holt (Kathleen Quinlan), who added.

The pilot of "Family had to start the fIrm virtually from scratch after herex-husLaw" didn't appeal to Gem Pare, who is on the staff of band spirited away theirjoint law firm's assets and clients. the U.S. Catholic Conference Other notables in the cast Office for Film and Broadinclude Dixie Carter as casting. She called it "a Randi King, who learned jumble of characters and enough about law in prison cases whose outcomes were that she was able to get overpredictable - making i.t unturned herconviction ofmurACTRESS KATHLEEN Quinlan (right) stars certain if there will be dradering her husband, and as a family practice lawyer in the new CBS se- matic conflict worth watchCatholic actor Christopher ing" beyond the fIrst episode. ries "Family Law:' (CNS photo from CBS) McDonald as Rex Weller, a But "Family Law," smarmy lawyer known for through the fIrst fIve weeks advertising on TV who brings a builtHer case load dealt with divorce, of the TV season, ranked 18th of 127 in client base to the firm. custody and support issues. Broadly . shows put on the air by the six comTV is bestat showing emotion, said speaking, she said, her role was to mercial broadcast networks. That was Sister Campbell in a telephone inter- :'make the family work better" even if the third-best performance among all view with Catholic News Servicefrom it was "not in the same confIguration" new shows this season, and CBS has her order's Los Angeles headquarters, as before. rewarded it by giving an order for a and "the emotional issues are very SisterCampbell said sometimes her .full 22-episode season. true" on ''Family Law." The show seems tohave a winning job was to represent the children afAs a lawyer, "I worked not to get fected "when the parents were war- formula, but Sister Campbell offered affected"by her clients' situations, she ring with each other." some advice for its writers: "Focus noted.

Other times, she added, she had more on the two sides of the story. It's '10 real life, you put your emotions to deal with conflicts arising out of not crystal clear, one side or the other. on the back burner. The show obvi- changed attitudes among members Keep it so that each person has a piece ously plays more with that than would of iI11;migrant families, like when the of the truth, and that the psychologihappen in real life," Sister Campbell . wife in a household "wanted to be a cal dynamic is understood." said.

She added, ''Everyone's right in woman in the U.S. culture and the But on TV "it's important to show man wanted the woman to be the family law, but no one has the whole the emotional struggles, since half of way she was when they were mar- picture."

CAlHOUC NEWS SERVICE

-

In 1990, Lockwood was appointed president of Our Sunday VISitor. During his tenure as editor in chief and president, Our Sunday Visitor expanded its periodical line.

Lockwood developed three new magazines -.!.... The Catholic Answer, Catholic Heritage and Catholic Parent - while adding New Covenant and U.S. Catholic Historian to its line of periodicals. . .

He also expanded Our Sunday VLSitor's religious books line into major reference works, including "Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic Encyclopedia" and "Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Catholic Doctrine."

Greg Erlandson, editor in chief of Our Sunday VLSitor, said Lockwood was invaluable in clarifying and pursuing the company's editorial mission. ''Bob focused the company on serving Catholics in the pews, giving them sound, trustworthy information, encouraging them in their love of God and the Church, and helping them to see the world through the eyes offaith;' Erlandson said. ''His tremendous sense of the apostolate of Catholic publishing shaped all of us here both professionally and personally. We will greatly miss him."

Lockwood wrote the book'70Yean. . of Our Sunday VISitor" in 1982. Our Sunday Visitor will release 'I\nti-Catholicism in American Culture;' which Lockwood edited, in January 2£XXl. In addition to his continued involvement with.Our Sunday VLSitor, Lockwood serves on the boards of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, and Living His LifeAbundantly: a Catholic radio and television apostolate based in Tampa, Aa He also provides regular commentaries for Catholic Family Radio.

In October, Lol::kwood was presented with the Cardinal Cushing Award for advancement ofChurch research by CARA, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate.

Our Sunday VLSitor's board of di- . rectors has established a search committee to look for a successor. In the interim, Erlandson, as editor in chief, will oversee the publishing division's day-to-day operations.

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.TH8UGHT . FUNERAL PLANNINO !Ma~

it easierfor tfwse you Cove

Throw this 'Bone' to the dogs

NEW YORK (CNS) - Following are recent capsule movie reviews issued by the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting.

"The Bone Collector" (Universal) Grim thriller in which a quadriplegic police forensics expert (Denzel Washington) relies on a rookie cop (Angelina Jolie) to gather evidence and clues to the identity of a serial killer who is taunting the bedridden cop with a series of increasingly grotesque murders. Directed by Phillip Noyce, the police procedural slides from engrossing to disappointing with its u'nsatisfying revelations and gory wrap-up.

Grisly violence, an implied af.. fair, occasional profanity and recurring rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV - adults, with reservations.' The Motion Picture AsI

the marriages end in divorce,"· she added.

Sister Campbell helped establish the Community Law Center in Oakland, which has since merged with that city's Legal Aid clinic for indigent clients.

sociation of America rating is R - restricted.

"House on Haunted Hill" (Warner Bros.)

Formula horror film'in which a murderous married couple (Geoffrey Rush and Famke Janssen) and five strangers are locked overnight in a former insane asylum whose spirits rise, intent on killing all within its walls by dawn. Director William Malone's uninspired remake of the 1958 original offers more gore

Movies Online Can't remember how a recent film was classified by the USCC? Want to know whether to let the kids go see it? Now you can look film reviews up on America Online.

Once you're conl1ecled to AOL, just use the keyword CNS to go to Catholic News Service's online site, then look for movie reviews.

than goose bumps and some nasty characters to boot. Sporadic violence, brief nudity, frequent profanity and recurring rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R restricted.

"The Suburbans" (TriStar) Trite ~omedy in which the love lives of four guys from a pncepopular early 1980s rock band are complicated when they move in .together to attempt to produce a comeback album. As directed by co-star Donal Lardner Ward, the characters are sophomoiic, their romantic. problems dull and the humor flat. Sexual situations, intermittent rough language and minimal profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

Iteering pOintl ATTLEBORO - Bishop Feehan High School will hold an open house for eighth graders Sunday at 1 p.m.

For more information call 226-7411.

present its Fall drama production "Very Brief Theatre," Saturday' and Sunday at 8 p.m. in its auditorium.

For more information call 676-1071.

ATILEBORO - The La Salette Center for Christian Living, 947 Park Street, will present an evening of reflection entitled "The Serenity Prayer as a Rule of life," on Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information call 222-8530.

CENTERVILLE - The Drew Fayne Memorial Blood Drive will be held on Nov. 22 from 2-7 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church. It is sponsored by the youth ministry group of the parish. To schedule an appointment to donate blood call Mary Archer at 775-6591 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-448-3543.

ATTLEBORO - The La Salette Missionaries of Attleboro announce a Prayer Service to be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m., rain or shine. It win be an opportunity for the La Salette Priests and Brothers, lay associates, staff, volunteers, friends of the community to pray together, to grieve, and look to the future. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. The general public is cordially invited.

The La Salette Shrine will present the musical group Elijah at its last coffee house of the season Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Al1 welcome.

A workshop on making Advent wreaths will be held at the Shrine· on Nov. 20 beginning at 9:30 am. in the cafeteria. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 222-5410.

FALL IQVER - The Catholic Memorial Home, is sponsoring a twoact play, ''Cerebral Dust," on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at its facility, 2446 Highland Avenue. It explores a woman's struggle with Alzheimer's disease and a question and answer period will follow.

Refreshments will be available. For more information call 672-5858.

FALL RIVER - The Fall River Diocesan Council of Catholic Women - District I, will meet on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church.

The guest speaker will be Permanent Deacon Victor Haddad who will speak on "His Life as a Physician, a Family Man and a Deacon." New members welcome.

FALL RIVER - Bishop Connolly High School Theatre Group will

NEW BEDFORD -

Holy Family-Holy Name School is sponsoring an evening of basketball games to honor the late Father Justin 1. Quinn on Nov. 26 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Kennedy Center/CYO. There will be several activities including a dance on Nov. 27 at the Wonderbowl from 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information can 993-3547.

SOUTH YARMOUTH - "Jubilee Justice: Letting the Land of Our Lives Lie Fallow," is the second of seven sessions to study and reflect on the biblical roots and contemporary call to Jubilee and is part of the next Pax Christi - Cape Cod meeting on Nov. 15 from 7:30-9:15 p.m. at St. Pius X Parish. All those searching for peace are welcome. For more information call 771-6737.

TAUNTON - Registration for the ''Family of God," and "I Live My Faith," programs for Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts will be held on Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church Hall. For more information call Susan Rogers at 8239448 or Mary Powers at 824-4452.

WEST HARWICH - The Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Church, Route 28, invites people to sign up and spend an hour or two in prayer. This regional chapel of the mid-Cape area depends on the support of people. All ages welcome.

For more information call Jane H. Jannell at 430-0014.

THEANCHOR-Diocese ofFall River-Fri., November 12,1999

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NEW BEDFORD ~ The Catholic Ministry Office at St. Luke's Hospital is looking for volunteers to assist them in their ministry to the sick.

Can you offer time as a eucharistic minister or helping out in some other capacity? For more information on how you can help call Father Frank McManus at 997-1515.

NEW BEDFORD - A Eucharistic Day of Prayer for Vocations to Priestly and Religious Life will be held on Nov. 18 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. It will begin with Mass at 7:30 a.m. and the Blessed Sacrament win be exposed for adoration until noon when a second Mass will be held. Al1 welcome.

NORTH DARTMOUTH The next Retrouvaine weekend will be held Jan. 14-16 and offers couples a chance to heal and renew troubled marriages. Rediscover yourself and your spouse and a loving relationship in marriage. For more information can 1-800-470-2230 or the Diocesan Office of Family Ministry at 999-6420.

Maine voters reject ban on partial-birth abortions ~

Solace comes as Catholics realize they have put the matter up for discussion.

By CAlliOUC NEWS SERVICE PORTLAND, Maine - The defeat of a ballot measure that would have banned partial-birth abortions in Maine win not keep the Catholic Church from speaking out on public issues of moral importance, a spokesman for the Diocese of Portland said recently.

Marc R. Mutty, the spokesman, said in a statement th~t the defeat of the partial-birth abortion ban by a 45 percent to 55 percent margin was "very disappointing to us."

But, he added, "we take great solace in the fact that this process has afforded the opportunity to speak on the issue of this horrible· procedure and to inform and educate thousands of individuals."

Disappointment in the Nov. 2

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vote "will not discourage us from continuing to speak out in the public forum whenever and wherever human rights are violated and the dignity of the human person is diminished;' Mutty said. "We believe we have done this in this campaign."

He expressed thanks ''to those who voted in support of the ban, to those who worked so tenaciously on the campaign and to those who prayed devotedly."

Question 1 on the Maine ballot had asked whether partialbirth abortions should be banned in Maine, except when necessary to save the mother's life.

The Maine Legislature has twice failed to approve a partialbirth abortion ban, in 1997 and this year.

Before the vote, Portland Bishop Joseph 1. Gerry - whose diocese covers the entire state had urged Maine Catholics to approve the ban and to resist moves to approve assisted suicide and capital punishment in the state.

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Dr. William Jeffrey Long, a Fall River native, has returned to the area and is accepting new patients to his practice in internal medicine. Dr. Long's credentials include: - Graduate of Dartmouth College - Graduate of Brown University School of Medicine • Diplomate, the National Board of Medical Examiners - Diplomate. the American Board of Internal Medicine Patients are encouraged to call for an appointment, 508-672-6400.

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12

lHEANCHOR-Diocese ofFall River-Fri., November 12, 1999

Pope tells Canadian bishops: Church mustexplain its teaching ~

Church needs to win souls, not arguments, the pontiffsays.

their dioceses. In recent years, the pope has used such visits to stress the teaching role of bishops in a modern society that rejects many

By JOHNTHAVIS traditional religious values.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE In addressing the Canadian bishops, the pope focused on the need VATICAN CITY - The Church to keep the Church-culture diamust speak the truth to contempo- logue open with people who do not rary society, but in a more compas- agree with the Church. sionate way that recognizes not While showing an openness to everyone agrees with Catholic dialogue, however, the Church canteaching, Pope John Paul II told not accept a merely sentimental Canadian bishops. sense of Christ's love that is diIn promoting the dignity of hu- vorced from truth, he said. Instead, man life and moral teachings, the he said, the Church must insist that Church should reach out to "those true love and compassion can make who see things differently and do radical demands. not share our assumptions," the He said the "Gospel oflife" was pope said. not just an option for Christians; it "We should not simply repeat '.. should be promoted in catechesis but explain. In other words, we and education, in scientific reneed a new apologetic, geared to search and medical practices, in the needs of today, which keeps in .legislation and in the mass media, mind that our task is not just to win he said. arguments but to win souls, to en, Because the Church recognizes gage not in ideological bickering that this world is not permanent, it but to vindicate and promote the always looks ahead to the final Gospel," he said. truths. The key to Christian living The bishops, from Western - and to the Church's relationship Canada, were making their "ad with the modern· world - lies in [imina" visits to the Vatican. Bish- finding a balance between the conops make these visits every five cern for human affairs and the trust years to report on conditions in in final redemption, the pope said.

Consecration to the Divine Will Oh adorable and Divine Will, behold me here before the immensity of Your Light, that Your eternal goodness may open to me the doors and make me enter into It to form my life all in You, Divine Will. Therefore, oh adorable Will, prostrate before Your,Light, I, the least'of all creatures, put myself into the little group of the sons and daughters of Your Supreme FIAT. Pros-. trate in my nothingness, I invoke Your Light and beg that it clothe me and eclipse all that does not pertain to You, Divine Will. It will be my Life, the center of my intelligence, the enrapturer of my heart and of my whole being. I do not want· the human will to have life in this heart any longer. I will cast it away from me and thus form the new Eden of Peace, of happiness and of love. With It I shall be always happy. I shall have a singular strength and a holiness that sanctifies all things and . conducts them to God. Here prostrate, I invoke the help of the Most Holy Trinity that They permit me to live in the cloister of th~ Divine Will and thus return in me the first order of creation, just as the creature was created.

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

Heart of my greatest Good, Jesus, You will give me Your flames that they may. bum me, consume me, and feed. me to _form in me the Life of the Divine Will.· Saint Joseph, you. will be my protector,. the guardian of my heart, and will keep the keys of my will in your hands. You will keep my heart jealously and shall never give it to me again, . that I may be sure of never leaving the Will of God..

My guardian Angel, guard me; defend me; help me in everything so that my Eden may flourish and be the instrument that draws all men into the Kingdom of the Divine Will. Amen. ( In HOt/or of Luisa Piccarreta 1865-1947 Child of the Divine Will)

Vatican official·decries neglect of penance before Communion

By JOHN NORTON· CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

said that "the Church is aware that the Eucharist is the sacrament of reconciliation and praise - but one sacrament can't substitute another."

Archbishop Herranz noted that' the Church requirement of confessing serious sin before receiv-

VATICAN CITY - Fewer Catholics worldwide are going to confession, leading to "distressing mid worrying" abuses in the reception of the Eucharist, the Vatican's top official for church law said.

Church norms require that those "who have violated any of God's commandments in a Church norms require that grave manner must purify "who have violated any those themselves of the sin. through the sacrament of penance beof God's commandments in a fore approaching eucharistic grave manner must purify Communion," said Archthemselves of the sin through bishop Julian Herranz, presithe sacrament of penance bedent of the Pontifical Counfore approaching eucharistic cil for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts.

Communion," said Archbishop "These disciplinary norms Julian Herranz, president of the are frequently neglected," the Pontifical Council for the Interarchbishop said, "perhaps bepretation of Legislative Texts. cause of poor catechetical preparation" regarding the "real and substantial presence of Christ" in the Euchaing Communion or celebrating rist.: Archbishop Herranz, writing in Mass allows exceptions when "a the Nov. 2-3 edition of grave reason is present and there L 'Osservatore Romano, the is no opportunity of confessing" VaticaI).'s newspaper, said that bish- and on the condition the person ops "even in solidly Catholic makes a "perfect act of contricountries" were disturbed by the tion" with the intention to visit number of faithful "who have no the sacrament of reconciliation as qualms in going to Communion soon as possible. with relative frequency, but who "Regarding such exceptional aren't accustomed to approaching circumstances, itis useful to recall the sacramen~ 9f penance." that moral doctrine consid.ers as .

Quoting an instruction this 'grave reason' the danger of death" spring from the Spanish bishops' or that of scandal were the person conference, the Vatican official not to celebrate Mass or receive

Communion, he said.

In addition· to a casual reception of the Eucharist, other abuses which are "no less distressing and worrying" include an "erroneous ecumenical spirit," in which nonCatholic Christians are allowed to receive the Eucharist without meeting Church guidelines, he said.

He also criticized a "false concept of mercy and pastoral charity" that leads some priests, despite numerous remin.ders by the Vatican, to give Communion to "faithful who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin," for example: - couples who contract· only civil, and not religious, marriages; - unmarried and cohabiting couples; - those who, after obtaining a divorce from their valid marriage, remarry civilly.

"In these cases, in which a special pastoral concern is called for, authentic charity requires respect for divine law and recognition of the truth," Archbishop Herranz said.

These disciplinary abuses and the drop in the practice of the sacrament of penance are because of "the growing loss of the sense of sin, fruit of the deformation of consciences caused by subjectivism, in its philosophical roots, and the consequent moral relativism," he said.

Watergate's Colson speaks out on need of changing society . By TRACY EARLY CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

NEW YORK - Charles Colson, who served time for Watergate crimes and today is head of Prison Fellowship, said in a New York address that evangelicals and Catholics could come together by working for change in· society.

Christian faith is more than the personal conversion that evangelicals emphasize or the liturgical worship emphasized by Catholics, he said.

It is "a world view;' and seeing Christianity from that perspective "enables us to work together for Christian unity in a way that would not otherwise be possible;' he said.

Colson, a Southern Baptist, gave the recent, annual Erasmus Lecture sponsored by the Institute on Religion and Public Life in New York.

For several years, he and Father . Richard J. Neuhaus, president of the institute, have led a dialogue of evangelicals and Catholics. . Introducing Colson, Father .Neuhaus said the· dialogue had "the promise ofchanging the religious face ofAmerica" and even "of the world." . Colson said he had battie scars from the reaction ofsome evangelicals to his participation in the dialogue, and he acknowledged there are "deep and profound divisions" between evangelicals and Catholics. But he

said the dialogue group, Evangelicals and Catholics Together, operates on a basis of "conviction, not accommodation."

Tying into the name of the lecture series, Colson said Desiderius Erasmus, a Dutch scholar who died in 1536, also tried to bring people of various disciplines together across confessional lines to establish a moral consensus to save Western civilization.

While deploring the prevalence in U.S. society ofAIDS, school shootings and having the law "hijacked by judicial activists," Colson argued that

the character ofAmerican society was improving in many ways.

He spoke ofdeclines in crime, abortion and the number of people on welfare. And he reported finding a new willingness ofAmericans to listen to a message about moral behavior.

"I am exhibit A" with regard to conversion, Colson said, recalling his own acceptance ofthe Gospel 26 years earlier in a friend's driveway.

Colson noted that the priesthood of all believers breaks ''the secularsacred divide" and gives all Christians the responsibility to be involved in works ofservice.

. HINDU IHOLY man Shankaracharya Madhavananda Saraswati greets Pope John Paul II at an interreligious meeting in New Delhi. (eNS photo·from R@ut~rs)

Adoption

13

lHEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., November 12, 1999 Continued from page one

older and special needs children free for adoption in Massachusetts, mostly between the ages of 6-13. ' Mancini said there are three types of adoption: older/and special needs children, domestic newborns and international adoptions: Domestic newborns are usually the result of work with birth parents who feel that they are unable or not ready to parent. International adoption is primarily of children from China, but they also place children from Vietnam, Russia, Guatemala and are exploring work with other countries.

Adults who are married or single are welcome to adopt and will find that even after the adoption is completed that support is available from Catholic Social Services. A big proponent for adoption is restaurateur Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy's, who himself was adopted.

Steve and Joanne White of Taunton, who adopted eight-yearold Stephen Denny Paul White, said that adoption has been a blessing. When Joanne first met Stephen she knew she wanted him to be part of their family.

"I knew in my heart when I saw him that this little guy needed a home. I had that feeling and it's been a wonderful experience," Joan,ne said. "I feel like I gave birth to him."

Lynda Tripp, who adopted brothers Michael and Jeffrey, ages 10 and eight, agreed that adoption of older children has been wonderful. "My kids are great." She commented that when her husband Jim met Michael and Jeffrey for the first time on a trip out for ice cream that she wanted to adopt both youngsters right then. "Catholic Social Services said go home and think about it, but there was nothing to think about. I said to my husband 'can you believe we just met our children.'''

Many of the older and special needs children have been pulled out of their families and have been through a lot said Mancini, but just need good structure. "Lots of these kids don't have that structure and need family. They need appropriate discipline as well as hugs and love," she said. "Our focus is to find these kids good homes."

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Denny and Michael. (Anchor/Gordon photos) not all easy, but it's worth it," he said. His son Stephen looked over the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange Photolisting, which contains pictures and descriptions of children who still do not have families to call their own.

Michael and Denny also looked over the book and Stephen was asking his father about having a brother or sister.

In the adoption resource manual there are children like Zachary, an 11-year-old boy who enjoys sports and going to church. He hopes a family will be able to adopt him and his brother and that they can give him encouragement when things get difficult for him. There are children like 14-year-old Michelle, an eighth-grade honor student who is very active in school and her youth group. She worries that she won't be adopted because of her age and would like to be part of a'family. There are children from all backgrounds in the adoption· manual, but the one constant is that they all need loving families to adopt them.

"I can't imagine my life without my children," said Lynda.

H you would like more information on adoption write to Mary-

--

INSTRUCTOR

INFALUBLE LYNDA TRIPP is proud of her two sons, adopted brothers Mancini is coordinator of the pregnancy, foster care and adoption programs at Catholic Social Services and has been involved for more than 20 years. She also does Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting training, a 10-week course to prepare parents for adoption or foster care. They help attendees understand the losses children have experienced and any birth family issues that may exist.

The next class begins in March.

Stephen has been with the Whites for almost four years and enjoys playing hockey and loves school. "I'm glad to be living with mom and dad," he said. "I have nice parents and wanted to be in a forever family." He attends St. Mary's School in Taunton.

His parents said that Stephen was looking forward to talking to The Anchor about adoption and he likes to help people. "He wanted to help other kids. He was very enthusiastic about it," said Joanne.

Jeffrey is in the third grade and Michael was recently elected fourth grade class president at his school.

They both play soccer, like math and wrestling, and enjoy being in their new home. "I love my mom and dad very much. I didn't like moving around and I'm glad to be in a permanent home," said Michael. The brothers have been with the Tripps for a year and a half.

Steve said he would recommend others to look into adoption and said he and his wife are thinking about adopting another child. "It's

..,-

CAREGIVER

lov1NG

STEVE AND Joanne White share a smile with their son Stephen Denny Paul. They have been his parents for almost four years.

NEW BEDFORD - Youth 2000, a weekend of prayer, fellowship, contemporary Christian music and discussions that focus on the life of teenagers, will be held Nov. 19-21 at St. Joseph's Church here.

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1HEANCHOR-DioceseofFall River-Fri., November 12,1999

I.=========~~~I -.._'

--.~ 1,

NURSERY STUDENTS from St. Mary's School, New Bedford, were visited by officer Mike Boswell路and trooper Mike Bates, fathers of students in the class, following a week-long unit on safety. The visiting law enforcement officers covered many aspects of safety with the children.

~ FIFTH-GRADERS Sean Barbosa, left, Nicole Garcia, and Nathan Vidal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, New Bedford, w0rk on a display honoring the Blessed Mother. Students schoolwide have been praying the rosary and mediating on the joyful, glorious and sorrowful mysteries.

I. I

~ STUDENTS IN Margaret McCormick's first grade class at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, New Bedford, show off a mural they constructed depicting the route Christopher CQlumbus sailed to America.

The project marked the end of a unit on exploration.

UNDSEY RAYMOND, Danlelle Maehado and. Raqual Machado of Holy Name Parish, Fall River, attended the recent blessing of this new statue of Our Lady of Grace in the church. They all attend Holy Name Elementary School.

• TIffiANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., November 12, 1999

15

FOUR STUDENTS from Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, were recently named "Commended Students," in the 2000 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are, from left, Meredith Benz, Emily Watson, Amy Markopoulous, and Ryan McManus. Each placed among the top five percent of more than one million students nationwide.

JEFFREY E. SULLIVAN FUNERAL HOME A HALLOWEEN Party was held at the St. Margaret Regional School, Buzzards Bay, and many students enjoyed the festivities. Among them were, from left, Nadia Shutkufski, Colleen Fitzpatrick, Victoria Rogers and Katherine Saucier.

550 Locust Street Fall River, Mass.

Rose E. Sullivan WilliamJ. Sullivan Margaret M. Sullivan

672·2391

Our Rock and Role Teens: Wanting to be the same, yet different

By CHARLIE MARTIN· CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

You'll Be In My Heart Come stop your crying It will be all right Just take my hand Hold it tight I will protect you from all around you I will be here Don't you cry For one so small You seem so strong My arms will hold you Keep you safe and warm This bond between us Can't be broken I will be here Don't you cry

Refrain: 'Cause you'll be in my Don't listen to them heart 'Cause what do they know?

Yes, you'll be in my heart We need each other From this day on To have, to hold Now and forever more They'll see In time, I know You'll be in my heart When destiny calls you No matter what they say You must be strong You'll be in my heart, always I may not be with you Why can't they understand But you've got to hold on The way we feel?

They'll see in time, I know They just don't trust Written by Phil Collins What they can't explain Sung by Phil Collins and Glenn I know we're different but Close Deep inside us Copyright (c) 1999 by Edgar Rice We're not that different at all Burroughs and (Repeat refrain.)

Walt Disney Music Company

Be

PHIL COLLINS' hit "You'll in My Heart" from the Tarzan animated film soundtrack asks: Though we may be outwardly different, aren't we basically all the same?

As followers of Jesus, we know that the answer is a resounding yes! Every human being, in fact, every part of creation, reflects the Creator's goodness and holiness.

However, God also likes lots of diversity. There are so many ways that difference is found in our world, including how we exist as distinct human beings. Yet, as the character in the song states, "Deep inside us we're not that different at all." l have noticed that during the teen years, this samenessdifference question can cause struggle. Some teens fall heavily on the sameness side. To be seen as different is to risk rejection by one's group. Other teens see being different as the way to establish who they really are. Often, though, they bond together with other teens who seek alternative ways to express their identities.

The complexity of this sameness-difference issue cannot be adequately addressed in a short column. However, our Christian belief provides some insights. Consider these words from Scripture as you deal with these issues: 1. "Do you not know that the Spirit of God dwells within you?" These words from St. Paul remind us that every human being is sacred. This sacredness is not limited by race, ethnic culture, sexual preference. intellectual abilities, personal interests or individual skills.

Rather, God's Spirit dwells in each of us. This is one of the ways we are all the same. .

2. "Do not judge, lest you also be judged." These words of Jesus ask much of us. There is a natural tendency to see difference as wrong. It is easy to gossip about others and make fun of their differences. Christians attempt to resist this temptation.

3. 'There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit gives them all." These words, also from St. Paul, celebrate the various ways of being different. Teens who discover their deepest interests and passions, and then pursue them, -put joy into their own lives. One's unique interests .and abilities reflect the individual expression of the Spirit's gifts. However, Paul soon foIlows up the above words with this remark: 4. "Set your hearts, then, on the more important spiritual gifts." He quickly defines the greatest individual gift as something that we all, in our sameness, can experience: the ability to love. With our peers, 'parents, teachers or anyone we meet, we are called to be "patient and kind," "not jealous or conceited," not "selfish," and keeping "no record of wrongs." What a challenge to live like this! Yet, to follow Jesus is to accept this challenge.

Yys, as you experience your friends and peers, see both the differences and the sameness. Thank God for who you are, as you reflect both of these realities. Has your youth group or religious education class discussed this important topic for teen-age life? I would like to hear your comments.

Your comments are always welcome. Please address: Charlie Martin, 7125 W 200S, Rockport, Ind. 47635.

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