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FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS VOL 39, NO. 47

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FALL RIVER, MASS.

Friday, Decembel' 1, 1995

Southeastern 'Massachusetts' Largest Weekly

$11 Per Year

Magisterium is misunderstood, says pope

A chance to say thanks to retired religious :Dec. 9-10 WASHINGTON (CNS) - The eighth annual U.S. collection for retired religious will be taken up in parishes nationwide on the weekend of Dec. 9-10.

The theme of the 1995 Retirement Fund for Religious Collection is "Your Chance to Say Thanks."

The collection, which has averaged $25 million a year, is used to alleviate the immediate needs of retired rdigious and to fund costcutti ng development projects so that religious institutes can reduce their own unfunded retirement liability.

Sister Mary Noel Blute, RSM, Episcopal Representative for Religious in the Fall River diocese, indicated that past response in this area has been outstanding. "People of this diocese are very generous," said Sister Mary Noel.

Since its inception seven years ago, diocesan giving to the collection has increast:d nearly every year. The grand total for the seven years is $1,007,525.10.

Religious retirt:ment programs currently are "underfunded by an estimated $6.3 billion," according to Sister of St. Joseph Janet Roesener, director of the National Religious Retirement Office. But "Catholics never hesitate to show their gratitude," she said. "Successful business people who graduated from Catholic schools often remark that it was priests, brothers and sisters who trained them in good work habits that stayed with them throughout their lives."

Of the $175 million raised to date, 96 percent goes directly to support elderly religious, said Sister Roesener. "I don't know of any collection which uses only 4 percent of its entirt: collection for production of fund raising materials, staff, mailing, etc."

"There is plenty of evidence that the collection addresses real needs," Sister Roesener said. Citing changing demographics within religious orders, she noted that among the nation's more than 100,000 men and women religious there are more "over 80 than under 50." In the United Statt:s, the current median age is 67.5 for women religious and 59.8 for men religious.

"Many orders have to weigh obligations to ministries and obliT~Jrn to Page 10

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BETTY AND RON, who asked that their last name not be used, with little Adriana Douglas. (eNS/ Lucero photo) -4

Abandoned in restroom

Totfinds love with/oster parents SUPERIOR, Wis. (CNS) The foster parents of a baby girl abandoned in a shopping mall restroom in Superior feel no bitterness toward the child's mother. Only sorrow.

"I would just like to take her hand and give her a hug," said the foster mother, who asked to be identified only as Betty. "She could have done worse with this baby."

Betty lllnd husband Ron, members of Holy Assumption parish in South Superior, will care for the child known as Adriana Douglas for four to six months while the process of adoption is under way.

They are grateful that Adriana's mother did not abort her. "She's scared, I'm sure," said Ron in an interview with the Catholic Herald, Superior's diocesan newspaper.

That fear came out in a letter the mother wrote when she left her 38hour-old baby in a mall restroom last Aug. 16. Jilene Johnson of Superior found the infant lying on the floor of a bathroom stall, wrapped in a towel. She took her to a nearby store and called the police.

"She was born Aug. 15th between 3:30 a.m.-4:30 a.m.," the mother wrote on steno pad paper. "I deliver [sic] her myself. I'm very sorry for living [sic] her like this. I had no choice about it. Who ever finds her please take care of her. I do love her."

"She did give the baby a chance [to live] and I have a lot of respect for the m.om for doing that," said Betty. "My feelings on her abandoning the baby is that she was around [the mall restroom] and she waited for somebody" to find the baby. "She just didn't drop her and walk away."

A paramedic squad was called to the mall and transported the ·infant to St. Mary's Medical Center in nearby Duluth, MN. There she underwent surgery Aug. 20 to remove dead bowel tissue, possibly caused by a stressful birth.

While the child was in recovery, the hospital nurses named her Adriana, which they said means lost child, and Douglas, after the county in which she was born.

Ron and Betty, who have been foster parents since 1981, said they had no hesitation about taking

Andriana when the Department of Human Services contacted them Aug. 18. "We were absolutely thrilled," said Betty.

The couple had been following the abandoned baby's story closely and Betty was saving newspaper clippings about it. Now she plans to make a scrapbook and give it to Adriana's adoptive parents.

The couple, licensed as caretakers for children up to 2 years of age, said they've opened their home to about 50 foster kids. "My love for children got me involved in the program," said Betty. "It's been a rewarding experience. We've always got room for a child. If not, we make room."

Adriana has received numerous gifts from the community. A radio station held a baby shower for her, and people wrote letters inquiring about adopting her.

"It's really phenomenal," said Diane Marshall, a social worker with the Department of Human Services. "I n some ways it's been an uplifting thing for the community - the amount of support being given to this child."

VATICAN CITY (CNS) Criticism by theologians and other Catholics of recent papal pronouncements demonstrates a widespread misunderstanding about the church's teaching authority, Pope John Paul II said.

Addressing members of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Nov. 24, the pope said the disse'nting voices threaten to create a "countermagisterium." Particulary dangerous, he said, was the mistaken idea that only those church teachings declared infallible need to be followed.

The pope's strongly worded talk reflected on the mixed reception several of his key documents have had inside the church. His remarks indicated concern about the level of public opposition that has been expressed in some quarters.

"Today we have to acknowledge a widespread misunderstanding of the meaning and role of the church's magisterium. This is at the root of the criticisms and challenges which you have observed about some pronouncements. especially the reactions in not a few theological and ecclesial areas to the most recent documents of the pontifical magisterium," he said.

The pope said this criticism had been directed at such authoritative statements as his two recent encyclicals on human life and moral truths, and his apostolic letter on the all-male priesthood. He said there had also been opposition to the doctrinal congregation's recent reiteration of the church's ban on Communion for divorced Catholics in invalid second marriages.

He said it is important to distinguish between legitimate theological questioning, in which difficulties about certain teachings are presented, and a stance of public opposition by theologians who would propose alternative teachings for the faithful.

He said theology operates within the church and its basic doctrines; theologians cannot ignore this, and they must respect the authority of the magisterium when it clarifies or pronounces on specific issues.

The pope said it is important for the church's doctrinal officials to use a style and language that will help convince the consciences of Turn to Page 13

See pages &and 9 tor

Advent Pastoral Letter

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for"priests and ·was largely instru- ' mental in preparing the 1992 archdiocesan policy handbook for handling allegations of clergy sexual misconduct. .

Bishop-elect McCormack remained in his cabinet post until last fall and in June of this year was named pastor of St. Francis Xavier parish, South Weymouth.

The bishops-elect will be ordained to the episcopate at ceremonies to take place at 2 p.m.

Wednesday,Dec. 27, in Holy Cross Cathedral. Assisting Cardinal Law will be Cardinal William Baum of the Roman Curia, Baton Rouge Bishop Alfred Hughes and t.he Most Rev. Agostino Cacciavillan, Apostolic Pro-N uncio to the V nited States, who will present the papal document of appointment of the new bishops.

BISHOP-ELECT MURPHY

BISHOP-ELECT McCORMACK

Pop~

names two auxiliary bishops for Boston

Commenting on the Nov. 21 After returning to Boston, he appointment of Msgr. William F. was secretary for community relaMurphyand Father John B. McCor- tions for the archdiocese and also mack, both of the Boston archdio- a regular contributor' to the diocecese, as auxiliary bishops to Car- . san newspaper, the Pilot. As archdinal Bernard Law, the Boston diocesan Vicar General, he served cardinal said the appointments were on a presidential delegation observ"cause of profound personal joy ing· elections in Haiti and was a for me. My pastoral task will be V.S. delegate to the 1991 inaugumade lighter by them, and the ration of Haitian President Jeanwhole Church will benefit by their Bertrand Aristide. pastoral solicitude."

Bishop-Elect McCormack Bishop-elect John B. McCorBishop-Elect Murphy Bishop-elect William F. Murphy, mack. 60, a Winthrop native, is the 'son of the late Cornelius and Elea55, a native of West Roxbury, is the son of the late Cornelius and nor (Noonan) McCormack. After Norma (Dugga n) Murphy. He preparing for the priesthood at St. prepared for the priesthood at St. John's Seminary, he was ordained Feb. 2, 1960, by the late Cardinal " John's Seminary, Brighton, and ~t the. North American College. in .. Richard Cushing.

Subsequently he earned a masRome, where he was ordained ter's degree in spcial work from Dec. 16.1964.

Boston College while serving in a After two parochial assignments, parish and from 1967 to 1981 as he returned to Rome for graduate executive director of the North studies, earning a doctorate in Shore Catholic Charities Center..

Sacred Theology in 1974. ReturnIn 1981 he was named pastor of ing to Boston, he began teaching the large parish of the Immaculate at Pope John XXIII National Conception, serving Malden and Seminary in Weston. but within a Medford; and in 1984 he was named few months was recalled to Rome by the Holy See to accept a curial' Secretary for Ministerial. Personnel in the archdiocesan adminisposition on the Council for Justice trative cabinet. and Vicar for Reliand Peace. He served in that gious.ln the Ministerial Personnel capacity until 1987 , attending conpost he was involved with formaferences in Thailand, Malta and in tion programs for newly ordained Latin America during that time. priests and for permanent deacons; He was named a chaplain of honor with the title of monsignor in 1979 and as Vicar for Religious, he provided various support programs and a prelate of honor in 1987.

STATEMENT OF BISHOP SEAN O'MALLEY The communications media recently published reports about Sister Michaelinda Plante, R.S.M., leaving her employment with the Diocesan Department of Education. In order that false conclusions may not be drawn, I believe it would be helpful to make public the following facts. . Sister Michaelinda was never dismissed from her position as Associate Superintendent of Schools. She was placed on temporary. administrative leave during which time she decided to tender a letter of resignation. At .no time did the Diocese ask for Sister's resignation.

Furthermore, I did not act on this request for some time, thereby providing her opportunity to reconsider her decision. Sister Michaelinda gave no indication that she would withdraw the letter. After consulting with her religious community, I accepted Sister's request to resign from her position in the Diocesan Department of Education.

In consideration of Sister's years of service in the Diocesan Education Office, an ,appropriate severance package was provided. She was paid her monthly salary for the remaining nine months of her contract. In addition, the automobile she had used while working in the Education Office was given to her community for her use. At times I am as confused as you must be by the stories that have swirled around this matter in the press, but I can assure you that the Diocesan Department of Education aded with fairness and justice.

Former Boston mayor John F. Collins Former Boston Mayor John F. Collins, 76, a member of St. Elizabeth Seton parish, North Falmouth, died Nov. 23 in Boston. A graduate of Suffolk V niversity Law School, he was elected to the General Court in 1946. He served in the Massach usetts House of Representatives from 1947 to 1951 ,a,nd in the Massachusetts Ser..ate from 1951 to 1955.

He was a member of the Boston City Council from 1956 to I ~57 and as Suffolk County Register of Probate from 1957 to 1960. He was Mayor of Boston from 1960 to 1968 and subsequently was a consulting professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

From 1986 to 1991, the former mayor was national vice president' of the Catholic League, natic'nal di,r;ector from Massachusetts from 1986 to 1992 and at the time of his death was a member of the board of advisors of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts. C.J. Doyle, executive director of the Massachusetts League, stated that .. At a time when so many Catholic public figures have accommodated 'themselves to secular culture, J,:>hn Collins remained to the end of his life a fearless and outspoken champion of traditional moral val.ues and an eloquent defender of the sanctity of human life."

I n retirement, the former ma.yor resided in North Falmouth.

Brewster famil:r nominated for K of C award Chatham Council 7312 of the Knights of .Columbus has nominated the family of Past Grand Knight Anthony Mercaitis as Family of the Month and entered the family in the annual Family of the Month contest sponsored by the K of C Supreme Council in New Haven. CT. Mercaitis has served twict: as Grand Knight of the Chatham Council and remains involved in council activities. He is also active in the Men's Club and St. Vincent de Paul Society of his parish. Our Lady of the Cape in Brewster.

At home. he cares for his wife.

Charolette, who has been blind for 45 years. The couple has four children. As an avid gardener, he not only works on his own property but shares his skills with friends and neighbors. Among his specialties is grafting and he has developed the Brewster apple. named for his home town.

JRA/S~

8~~ctS cfJorUS, REV. MARC Bergeron (left), Rev. Robert C. Donovan (right) and Rev. Raymond P. Monty (picture not available) will mark the 25th anniversary of their ordination Dec. 5.

Three to celebrate 25th anniversary of ordination ,

Three diocesan priests will mark their 25th anniversary of ordination this month. Fathl;rs Marc Bergeron, Robert C. Donovan and Raymond P. Monty were ordained Dec. 5, 1970, at St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River, by Bishop James L. Connolly. It was the last ordination at which the bishop, who had retired two months earlier, officiated.

Father Bergeron was born in New Bedford on January 10, 1945 to Romeo and Ella (Therrien) Bergeron. He graduatt:d from Bishop Stang High School and attended St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore.

Following his ordination, Father Bergeron was assighed to St. Joseph, New Bedford, St. Anthony, New Bedford and then reassigned to St. Joseph's in 1983. In 1990 he was named pastor of St. Joseph's and served in that capacity until 1994 when he was transferred as pastor to St. Anne's, Fall River.

He has served as vice chairman and treasurer of the Presbyteral Council in the diocese of Fall River and as a member of the National Board of Directors and the executive board. Rev. Bergeron was also active with the National Federation of Priests' Councils representing priests of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

In addition, he is a former member of the board of Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford, and former chaplain to the New Bedford Catholic Guild for the Blind, a post he now fills for the Fall River chapter.

Father Bergeron founded the Engaged Encounter Weekends in the diocese and continues to serve as a team priest for Cursillo, Marriage Encounter and Life in the Spirit Seminars and as an advocate in the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal.

Rev. Robert C. Donovan, a native of Boston, was born Novembel' 19, 1942 to Dr. Robert J. and Mary H. (McCarthy) Donovan.

He attended Newman Preparatory High School and later St. John's Seminary in Brighton and St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore.

He has been parochial vicar at Corpus Christi, Sandwich; Holy Name, Fall River: St. John the Evangelist, Attleboro; St. Francis Xavier, Hyannisand St. Patrick's, Wareham.

In 1989 Father Donovan was named pastor of St. Joseph parish

in North Dighton and in 1991 he became pastor of SI. John the Evangelist parish in Pocasset, where he has been since.

His diocesan appointments have been moderator of the Attleboro chapter of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, Pre-Cana Moderator and Liaison to the Cape Cod Council of Churches.

Rev. Raymond ·P. Monty was born to Rita (SI. Laurent) Monty on December 17, 1943 in New Bedford. He attended Msgr. Prevost High School in Fall River and both SI. John's and SI. Mary's Seminaries.

His parish assignments since his ordination were SI. Patrick, Fall River; St. Paul, Taunton; SI. Michael, Swansea; SI. Roch's, Fall River, and Notre Dame, Fall River.

Father Monty was chaplain of the Knights of Columbus South End, Fall River, and was secretary of the Marriage Tribunal.

In 1981, he entered the chaplain corps of the U.S. Air Force.

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T'HE ANc'l-iOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Dec. I, 1995

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the living word

A Call to Light The assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin once again reminds us of the deadly vicioWiness of the religious right. The bitter lesson of religious violence, whether in Northern Ireland, India, Pakistan or now Israel, must not be lost on those who seek peace. History teaches us only too well that religious extremists have far too often been the dominating force in nations. They have never produced good news,only absolute evil.

This description pertains not only to those involved in the case at hand but to all who use religion as a tool of a personal crusade to restore what they feel has been 10st.Characteristically, members of the religious right, be they Catholic, Muslim, Protestant or Jew are secretive and the more violent the crimes they plan, the more clandestine their activities.

The situation now'facing Israel for long seethed in the dark.

It hilS now come to light. Israeli security forces were taken by . surprise because the violence came from their own kind. It was not the Arab right but the Jewish right who were involved in Rabin's assassiI:tation. Concentrating on the dangers of Muslim militants, the Israelis failed to recognize what was going on in their own house. As more and more Jewish radicals are being unmasked, it has become evident that the religious right was well organized and was able to thrive even in a state whose security forces are considered to be among the world's best.

But one should not think that the growing numbers espousing the radical right are confined solely to the turmoil of the Middle East. The United States was the victim of such religious violence in the horror of the World Trade Center disaster of last year and there are many who would say that the catastrophe of the O~lahoma Federal Building stemmed from the same underground right which all too often cloaks itself in religious righteousness.

More and more we see the religiol.ls dictates. More and more we see the religious right dominating national and local politics, but even,th9ughwe might agree with§Q{1le of.its theologi.,. cal positions, it is doubtful that we would go along with its intolerance. But as attempts continue to move the country to the right, one can anticipate a growing amount of violence within our borders.

With regard to those in our own church who are attempting to push Catholic practices toward a rightist position, we must be vigilant that our constitutional rights are not destroyed. In this regard, the Fathers of Vatican II in their Declaration on Religious Freedom speak of the necessity of giving religious . freedom effective constitutional protection. No 'one can discharge obligations in a manner in keeping with human nature unless he or she enjoys immunity from external coercion and psychological freedom. . The Council further staled that "in the exercise of rights, individuals and social groups are bound by the moral law to have respect both for the rights of others and the common welfare of all." All are to deal with one another withjustice and civility.

But these qualities are not found in the hearts and minds of those involved in the violent religious right.

Let us be a ware of the growing tendency towards violent militancy in our own land as well as abroad and not hesitate to name the evil. The people of God are called to be children of light and life, not of darkness and death.

The Editor

the

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. Box 7 or call telephone number above

GENERAL MANAGER

EDITOR Rev. John F. Moore

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Rosemary Dussault UA'RY PRESS - FALL RIVEA

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AS ADVENT-NEARS, FILIPINO CHiLDREN MADE HOMELESS BY ATYPHOON HUDDLE IN A MAKESHIFT TENT

"God himself will come and save yOU." Is. 35:4

Tho'ughts on the ordination of women

By Father Kevin J. Harrington There seems to be little doubt that American-style feminism and the papacy are on a collision course.

Some feminists have gone so far as to claim that women should not want to be priests in the name of the equality of all believers that denies the very need of a hierarchy, male or otherwise, or .even the need of a distinctive role for priesthood.

The latest controversy was stirred by a statement approved by Pope John Paul II which seems to have closed the door on any hope for women to be ordained. Unfortu: nately, many have made the ordination of women a measuring stick of the Church's attitude toward women's equality.

The recent statement underlies the need for,the Church to recover "the authentic concept of authority." It carefully distinguishes between freedom of theological research and freedom as regards the truth. The statement clearly distinguishes between those theologians who seek to understand Church teachings and those who are in dissent. There is no other way of, asserting authority that assures that Catholics do not get the impression that there is "a kind of counter-teaching, offering the faithful alternative views and ways of behavior."

Eighteen months following Pope.

John Paul II's apostolic letter that stated "I declare that the church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordi l1 ation on wo-

men and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the church's faithful," there theoretically should have been no need for a followup.

However, the latest statement invoking the use of the word "infallible" became increasingly necessary after a signature campaign in Germany and Austria which advocated sweeping changes, including the ordination of'women and selection of bishops by the laity and priests, not the pope.

As we come of age, there is a temptation to indulge in an iconoclastic refusal to recognize that authority has a le~itimate and a~, essential role to play. It is a common mistake to present individual conscience and authority as somehow inherently opposed to one another. A properly developed conscience should on occasion demand that authorities be consulted and followed. In regard to the exclusion of women from priesthood, the Church's authority rests upon not only the written word of God but on tradition.

If priests and laity could only learn to collaborate better, ordination would not be seen as a position of privilege but as one of service. If only priests are decision makers on the parish level, then the desire of some for ordination may not be a function of a legitimate call to priesthood but a call for a just share of decision-making authority and for re'spect for the laity.

It is a shame that advocates of women's ordination should assert that Jesus called only' men as apostles because he was a product of narrow cultural conditioning. This is asserted in spite of the fact [hat the Gospels are replete with simations where Jesus clearly de:fies cultural taboos, from curing on the Sabbath to dining with sinners to mention only two examples.

Worse are those who assert that Pope John Paul II's narrow Polish experience is responsible for the ban on the ordination of women and that his statements are malting it more difficult for those who agree with his position to ac,;ept what they see to be the inevitable ordination of women. ...

The latter position was articulated on the op-ed page of the New York Times of November 25 by Thomas C. Fox, editor of the National Catholic Reporter, who wrote "The ordination of women has spread through Christian den,)minations. If - or as Catholic progressives say, when - this reform comes to Roman Catholicism, it will be the traditionalists, decades hence, citing the pronouncemt:nts of Pope John Paul II, who will have the most difficult time. How sad that he might be making it more likely that those who share his views may cut themselves off homthechu~h~neda~"

What an example of wishful thinking and convoluted logic! It should make us all grateful that Pope John Paul II and not the NCR truly speaks for the Church!

In Advent we yearn for the light Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:37-44 During the dark days of December, we Christians begin our Advent vigil by watching for the light and longing for the coming of God's kingdom ofjustice and peace in the Messiah Jesus. With our Jewish ancestors and the early Christian community, we are ca.lled to live in hope and eager expectation. As we listen to Isaiah's vision of peace for Judah and the city of Jerusalem, let us pray in the words of the responsorial psalm for peace in all the world's cities and nations.

For the peace of Jerusalem pray: 'Peace be to your homes!

May peace reign in your walls, in your palaces. peace!' .

(Ps 122:6-7) Although the prophet Isaiah lived through the Assyrian invasions which destroyed the kingdom of Israel and reduced Judah and Jerusalem to "a waste, like Sodom overthrown," his vision for the future is filled with hope for a world peace established by God. Isaiah envisions a time when "The mountain ofthe Lord's house shall be established as the highest mountain." Then the world's warweary nations will decide to pilgrimage to the Lord's temple mountain in Jerusalem in order to be instructed in "his ways." And the Lord "shall judge between the nations" so that they will turn their weapons into instruments of productive agriculture.

They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.

Isaiah concludes with an invitation to the "house of Jacob" and to us: "Let us walk in the light of the Lord."

Paul's exhortation to the Romans continues this Sunday's light

Daily Readings Dec.4 Is 4:2-6; Mt 8:5-11 Dec. 5 Is 11:1-10; Lk 10:21-24 Dec. 6 Is 25:6-10a; Mt 15:29-37 Dec. 7 Is 26: 1-6; Mt 7:21,24-27 Dec. 8 Gn 3:9-15,20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6,11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Dec. 9 Is 30:19-21,23-26; Mt 9:35-10:1,6-8 Dec. 10 Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17; Rom 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12

1111I1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-020). Second Class Postage Paid at Fall River. Mass.

Published weekly except the week of July 4 and the week after Christmas at 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $11.00 per year. Postmasters send address changes to The Anchor. P.O. Box 7, Fall River. MA 02722.

By DR. PATRICK V. REID theme and offers us a pattern for living in the season of Advent.

Paul believed in the imminent return of the Lord Jesus to complete God's kingdom, and therefore he warns the Roman Christians: "The night is far spent; the day draws near."

He urges them "to wake from sleep" and "cast off deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." They are to "live honorably as in daylight" and are to avoid carousing and drunkenness. sexual excess and lust, quarreling and jealousy. .

The Gospel reading for the first Sunday of Advent is always from

Jesus' apocalyptic sermons in Jerusalem just before his trial and. death. In these sermons Jesus speaks of the destruction of the Jerusalem temple and his later tri.umphant return as the Son of Man to complete God's kingdom. During this year the Church does the A cycle of readings which feature Matthew's Gospel, and so this Sunday we read from his version of Jesus' apocalyptic discourse.

In tnis section Jesus warns his disciples that "You cannot know the day your Lord is coming:" Since the time is unknown, those who await Jesus' return must not make the mistake of the flood generation, when people were so totally unconcerned that "they were eating and drinking, marrying and being married, right up to the day Noah entered the ark."

Because they were unprepared, "the flood came and destroyed them." Christians who live in the expectation of Jesus' coming cannot simply continue life as usual; they must "stay awake" and "be prepared" like the owner of a house who knows a thiefis coming.

Perhaps there is no better way to maintain this alertness than to live by the words that Isaiah puts on the lips on the nations in his vision.

"Come, let us climb the Lord's mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob.

That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths" (Isa 2:3).

$12,000 to help DePaul boys In keeping with its mission to Winterhalter. "We are very pleased help children lead happier, health- to be able to support these proier and more productive lives, the grams with an RMCC grant."

Ronald M(:Donald Children's CharThe Vocational Initiative proities (,R MCC) of Eastern New jeot will offer boys the opportunity England has awarded a $12,000 . to receive hands-on training injangrant to the St. Vincent's Residen- itorial services, carpentry or culitial/ Special Education Treatment nary arts throughout their stay in Center, Fall River. The grant will the DePaul program. support a Vocational Initiative "The goal of the project is to project for adolescent boys at the DePaul Center, Westport, a short- give at-risk boys a chance to term shelter and residential diag- develop their self-confidence while learning life skills that will be usenostic assessment facility. ful well beyond their stay at St. On behalf of RMCC, Joseph Winterhalter, Sr., owner of two Vincent's," Father Costa explained.

McDonald's restaurants in Greater RMCC awards grants to proNew Bedford, presented a check to grams in three areas: health care Father J osepli Costa, executive and medical research, education director of St. Vincent's. and the arts, and civic and social "The DePaul program and in services. Since 1986, R MCC of particular the Vocational Initia- Eastern New England has awarded tive Project are very important over $3 million to non-profit organservices for children and much izations in Eastern Massachusetts, needed in the community," said New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

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Fri., Dec. 1,1995

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"Dear children, today I invite you that each of you begin anew to love first God who saved and redeemed each of you, and then brothers and sisters in your vicinity. Without love, little children, you cannot grow in holiness and you cannot do good deeds. Therefore little children, pray without ceasing that God reveals His love to you. I have invited all of you to unite yourselves with me, and to love. Today also, I am with you and I invite you to discover love in your hearts and in your families. For God to live in your hearts, you must love.

Thank you for having responded to my call."

OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE PRAYER GROUP Marian Messengers P.O. Box 647, Framingham, MA 01701 Tel. 1-508-879-9318

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THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Dec. I, 1995

A LEGION of Mary retreat was held recently at the Family Life Center, No. Dartmouth. From left, Bishop Sean O'Malley; Father Pio Mandato, Cap. Recollect, retreat preacher; and Sister Mary Rose Perry, SS.Cc., who attends most of the Legion of Mary' retreats.

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One thing people have in common, I'm afraid, is that periodically we all endure frustration.

Something happens that thwarts our finely made plans, reminding us maddeningly that we are not always in'charge of our schedules. . Because we're only human, we feel the angst of frustration when forced by unexpected developments to adapt our plans. Thafhappened to me when I planned to write my weekly column right after doing some chores,at a shopping center.

As 1 returned to my car, I found the nightmare we all fear - a flat tire.

'Frustration! Fortunately I had recently seen an ad on television pitching a puncture-seal product guaranteed to temporarily repair your flat tire. I went out and boughuhe product - and it worked. .

The fact that I was able to temporarily seal the puncture and'get to the tire shop did wonders to reduce my frustration. Th'en,' as I revised my day's schedule while waiting at the tire shop, I' thought about why it is so easy to become frustrated. . I wondered where our patience is. Why can't we immediately rise above frustration, accepting the reality that daily life is not something that can be carefully planned?

'Could it be that, like bad medicine, life's little upsets are good for us?

In all honesty, I couldn't get phi-

losophical at that moment. Bl!t I could read the paper while I waited, and that was a godsend. For 10 and behold, I read about an incident that caused considerable consternation-for another person, a grandmother named Nancy Stein of New York .

Mrs. Stein had taken her4-yearold grandson William to a playground near Central Park. After a while, William came running to his grandmother telling her he had to go to the restroom. But there just weren't any restrooms in the area.

As Grandma searched, William was hopping from foot to foot.

Finally, Mrs. Stein led her grandson between some trees and bushes where: he could b.e discreet. She had no choice at this point.

But two park police officers saw what she had done, and they cited her for allowing her grandson to release a "noxious liquid" in the park.

In her court appearance Mrs. Stein argued her case, telling the judge that the horses in Central Park are always spilling "noxious liquid" on the ground, and they don't get fined'! The judge upheld the officers' judgment and fined her $50.

Mrs. Stein's husband was outraged and wrote a letter of protest to Mayor Rudolph Giuliani of N.ew York. The mayor requested that someone from the city's environ-

Break tension .with humor

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· .'. Dear Mar.y:'· My father-.. and •mother-iri'-Iaw,'are in' .their· early 70s an'd in good health. 'Mywife.is . 39 with two brothers. . ,The problem is that their parents cannot let go. They feel they have to control their children's lives, especially my wife's.

They are critical, negative and give the silent treatment if anything doesn't.go.their way or if one oftheir children doesn't agree with them (mostly trivial stuft). . I ,know it is hard to change them, but I would appreciate any advice, books or tapes that may change their way of thinking or something that would help my · wife accept them and deal with this negative way of life. - Missouri . Your wife is lucky to have y6u.

You seem to recognize the problem without sh'owing anger or resentment toward your in-laws.

When adult children have a problem with their parents, it is much more difficult for the child involved than for the spouse.

Each of us carries baggage .,good and bad - from·childhood.

This baggage in the relationship means that each exchange between parent and adult child is loaded with longstanding emotional content.· Since you do not carry that baggage with her parents, you can be more objective and supportive.

Being aware of the problem is the first step toward a solution.

Both you and your wife seem to recognize the negativism that per-' vades her family. Use this awareness to be positive in your own lives, in dealing with each other, with your children and with the people around you.

Use humor. Laugh together. If you feel crabby, you might say, "I'm in my grandpa mood." In one family, when a member got negative, the others would joke that someone had taken a "sour pill."

Gentle kidding and laughter about negativism might help to diffuse the strong emotional pull her'parents exert.

Spend only as much time with your in-laws as you can without becoming upset. We often have said the model for relationships between parents and adult children. is friendship.

Friendship means we seek the company of others.because we can enrich those people and be enriched by them. Frie'ndship means a· two-way street., Where there is

ADVENT W·REATH .

.

PRAY.. ER First Week of Advent'

STIR UP thy power, we beseech thee, 0 Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins, by thy protection we may deserve to be rescued and be saved by thy deliverance, who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

Amen.

By ANTOINETTE BOSCO

mental control board review the case.

I finished reading the story. and by then my tire was fixed. Hut I was still laughing at the absurdity of the story. By contrast, my cause for frustration was minuscule next to Mrs. Stein's. All the way home I kept visualizing the scene and imagining what a field day a comedian would have recounting this story.

Fu'nny, but by the time I got home, I was feeling absolutely terrific, experiencing no frustration at all at my day's altered sched ul~.

Somehow, I learned a most important lesson: that we make too much of unexpected in(:onveniences.

It was even more of a blessing to learn that the best antidote for frustation may simply be com:entrating on something else, something funny, something that makes you see the humorous side 0:: so many daily happenings, something that rriakes you laugh.

Now the trick will be to see if I can remember this the next time I find myself in a frustrating situa.' tion.·

By

·MARY KENNY no mutual enrichinent, friendship withers.

Sadly, you and your wife do not seem to enjoy a friendship with your in-laws. Continue to honor them, visit for holidays, send cards and notes, remember birthdays.

Spend your vacations and leisure time in ways that enrich and rejuvenate you.

Finally, difficult as it may seem, try not to judge your in-laws.

When a fault such as their negativism is so obvious, it is easy to sc:e 'nothing but that fault-.

Try to focus oil their good qualities. Together with your wife, make a list of their virtues, their talents, all the things they do well. Remind each other that these virtues are part of themjust as the negativism is.

You are not likely to change a lifelong pattern in your in-law!:.

However, you and your wife call support each other in trying to be positive in your own lives.

You can be respectful, and you can focus on their good qualities.

And you can look elsewhere fOT support and enrichment from friends.

Love isn't always easy. For a more complete consideration of dealing with elderly parents, yo\:: might read our book "Caring for Your Aging Parent," available through the Kennys at the address below.

Reader questions on family living and child care to be answered in print are invited. Address questions: The Kennys' 219 W. Harrison; Rensselaer, Ind. 47978.

Was it the devil or the serpent?

Q. My question has to do with the story of the fall of man in Genesis.

In that story the serpent tricks Eve into eating the fruit, she gives some to Adam. Later God banishes them from Eden and the ser· pent is cursed.

11 seems to me the serpent is being punished for something tbe devil did. I don't believe God would punish one creature for the misdeeds of another.

So what am J misunderstanding about the story? (Pennsylvania) A. It would help you co'nsidera-

without an annulment, in the eyes of tb. cbureb my daughter would be considered an adulteress.

Her already shaky faith is definitely not being shored up by this attitude. .

What do you suggest? What would be the religious consequen· (es for her and any future children? (I.ndiana)

By FATHER JOHNJ. DIETZEN

A. First. I am sorry about the priest's remarks. I :suppose I can tory of how the world and human understand what he was trying to beings began. ' say. but his words were at least For example. you speak of the insensitive and thoughtless. if not curse placed on the serpent for rashly jUdgmental about her subtempting Adam and Eve. that from this time onward he would move jective spiritual condition before God. by crawling on his belly (Gn. 3: 14).

You have many priests in your Did you ever stop to wonder how area. I suggest your daughter talk serpents moved around before the with one of them. explain her curse? situation and ask his advice.

I'm not being facetious at all.

Another process exists. called only emphasiling that such lhings ___ ----lli ,Jirs~ Q{~JL. _tQ!lQ_~oJ:!!~_~_~ri_~~_s Are..OQJ alwa~ m~.a.rJy a_~_ sim-JW;_as "privilege of the faith." that apreading about biblical interpreta- they seem and that a little good. - parentl)'colHcr oe- purs'u-e-ah-ere'rather than an annulment and tion:including how we might underserious and reputable Catholic which would not involve her exstand the Genesis stories of creareading on the subject will help husband -or the history of their tion. you. marriage in the wayan annulment A good start would be the introQ. My daughter married a Jew~ procedure would. ductory pages of the New AmeriEven should your daughter ish man several years ago in an can Bible. published under the interfaith ceremony presided over auspices of the bishops of the li niby a rabbi and a priest. ted States.

These pages reflect Catholic Two 'years ago they divorced. teaching about the need to recog- We feel she has grounds for an nize various literary forms in the annulment in the church, but she S~riptures, for example in the does not want to put her ex"description" of the creation and husband in the position of having fall of the human race to which 'to release all his medical records, At a recent meeting of the Eastyou refer. etc., and feels this to be an undue ern Region ofYicars for Religious. invasion of his (and her) privacy.

Briefly. and to the point. while some Christians disagree with us.

She is considering remarriage to held at Cardinal Spellman Retreat House. Riverdale, NY. Sister Mary' we do not understand these stories another non-Catholic, who was told by a Catholic priest t~at, Noel Blute. RSM. Episcopal Repreas describing a strict.. s~raight hissentative for Religious of the Fall Riverdiocese. was elected regional vice chair for a two-year term.

Keynote speaker Sister Elizabeth By Johnson. CSJ, spoke of the interaction between vicars for religious DAN and the bi-shops of their dioceses.

Now here's a real-life theologiCalling the vicars the "linchpin" cal issue I wish the bishops would MORRIS between the religious ill a diocese put on their calendar next time and their bishop. Sister Johnson they get together: What about challenged religious to reflect on Santa Claus? the heart of the faith: a response to Don't get me wrong. I love the presence of Christ crucified Santa Claus. Or at least the idea of and risen in the world.

Santa Claus, or wh'at I thought were little ones. They loved to mix Discussing the journey of the Santa Claus was when I was 5, or and match characters ofthe Santa disciples to Emmaus, she noted as something like that. entourage with the cast of the key values of the Gospel passage However, Santa caused me my nativity scene. honest mutual dialogue, sharing at first real crisis of faith when I disHere we have Rudolph, Comet table, the Resurrection as a forecovered that he was, well, uh, less and Dasher adoring Jesus with the telling of renewal in the next world than advertised. (Note: If your 4three kings, the sheep. the donkey, and encountering strangers. year-old is an early reader and still the camels ~ and a couple of pIas"We can become like the Stranga "believer;' snatch this column tic soldiers and a cow. er," she said, "voicing the attracout of his or her little paws.)

Next we see the three kings and tiveness of love, empathizing with And who was doing the adverone of thelr camels sky-riding with others, listening and grieving. tising? It was ~ in addition to all Santa in the latter's sleigh. Mary accepting hospitality, bringing of the world ~ my mom and dad, couldn't make it as she was busy Christ to others in the "breaking of and my grandparents and cousins, with the baby, and Joseph stayed bread:" and all kinds of people I truly, at the manger. too. although it was Reacting to Sister Johnson's truly trusted. suspected he was hoping for a little presentation, two former vicars Then I found out, uh, you know ride with Santa later. who are presently provincial supewhat.

Logic. love and fantasy are riors of their communities, discussed Kids, if nothing else. are logical. swirled by children's imaginations it at a session entitled" A View No Santa? Then why a Jesus? into a delightful understanding of From Both Sides."

If the or fat guy really doesn't cosmic truths. I tend to like their Sister Patricia Heath, SUSC. magically make it down the chiminterpretations better than some provincial of the Holy Union Sisney, or under the door mat, or of the others kicked around. ters of Fall River, and Brother through the cracks in the winMy wife and I handled the Kevin Smith, OSF, a Franciscan dows, then what about Jesus? H ow impending"N o-Santa-no-Jesus?" provincial, spoke of the values of can we (at age 5 or so) be expected transitions as many folks do - by communication and collaboration to believe he can Whip us into awkwardly stretching Santa's role between religious congregations heaven where we will live forever? into a more collaborative effort and the dioceses where their memForever and ever. with Jesus. S9mehow the myth of bers serve.

And what about Tubby, my litSanta and his troops did not tragiAt a business meeting, officers tie cocker spaniel who was nit by a cally vaporize. Thank goodness. elected for two-year terms. in car? The folks told me not to On consideration, maybe this addition to Sister Dlote were Sister worry about him because Jesus isn't something we have to kick Jane Ann Scanlan, of the diocese would take care of him, and now I upstairs to the bishops. Maybe we of Brooklyn, chair; and Sister Anne find out Santa -- and the North can handle this one around the Winschel, CDP. secretary-treaPole cottage ind ustry staffed by dinner table or the "story rug" by surer. my loving little buddies, the elves the fireplace. That's where some of - were just so much; well, uh, the best theology "happens" anypiffle. way.

Stewardship....

No Santa. no elves, no North Your comments are welcome Pole. No Jesus? Poor little Tubby. always. Please send them to Uncle This of course all came back to Dao, 25118 Meadow Way, Arling~ me when our own fOUf children ton, Wash. 98113.

THE A\/CHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -- Fri., Dec. I. 1995

marrv {Iutside the church. her child;en might be raised in the Catholi<Church: but that involves other conditions and eircuslances which cmnot be predicted now.

Pleas{ ask her to check out her options in the church a!o> soon as possible A freebrochure answerin~ ques·

tions Cattholics ask about cremation and I other funeral regulations and custmms is available by send· iog a stannped self-addressed enve'lope to Flather John Dietzen, Holy Trinily Church, 704 N. Main SI..

Bloominlgton, III. 61701.

QuesWons should be sent to Father ,Oiietzen at the same address.

Students don "t care !ww--mf;jr;en---vfj]ttt--Itnt:JiVY-

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ClRDER BY DEC. 1st FOR CHRISTMAS'

An Advent Letter from Bishop Sean Advent, 1995

I

During this time of year when the sacred iand profane clash in our yearly (;elebration of Christmas, I write to you with mu(;h affection and concern. I wish to reflect on some of the important religious issues that confront us in 1995 and to begin to formulate a plan of action.

Advent is not just a pre-Christmas season, It is a new year in the Church:s calendar, a new bwcinning that looks back in history to the days when the world was longing for the coming of the Messiah. Advent also looks to the fut~re, to the second coming of Christ and the end of,ame. This year, I propose to you Advent as our beginning of preparation for the Jubilee Year of 2000 A.D. In the scriptures, each week is punctuated by a Sabbath or a holy day; and each century, by holy years. Every fiftieth year (or 7 times 7 years) became a year of grace, reconciliation, forgiveness of debts. The Church has contillued this tradition. The Year 2000 is not only a Julid!ei Year but the beginning of a new millennium. As the title of Pope John Paul II's book says, we are "crossing the threshold of hope.:' We prepare to celebrate the 2000th birthday of Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, our Savior.

I would like to begin our five years of pr~paration for the year 2000, a Sabbath year, by focusing on our own (;ommitment to the Sunday observance.. As our culture becomes more ;)(;l..UJ.d.l.lLoI;;;U, VUl J,-J.u..... .l.ll.. )

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In the Old Testament, the Sabbath rest is, related both in the creation account and in the Decalogue, viz. "Remember thou keep holy the Lord's Day." The Sabbath observance is related to Israel's liberation from bondage and to th~ covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people.

In the New Testament, Jesus calls Himself the Lord of the Sabbath and says that the Sabbath bas been made for us. We need the day of rest and prayer to renew ourselves spiritually and live a fully human life. In our Christian tradition, the new Sabbath is Sunday, the first day of.be week, the-day of the Resurrection, the day of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

These are the two fundamental events in the history of God's people. The Gospels give witness to these historic happenings on the first day of the week. Sunday becomes the first day of the new creation, the new Sabbath.

I • The New Testament indicates how this shift took place under the guidance of the Apostles in the first generation of Christians. St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 16:1-2) talks about the Sunday assembly and calls 0111 the people to take up a collection on that day, the first day of the week, to help the poor. The Acts of the Apostles (20:7-12) also speaks of the celebration of the Eucharist on the first day :of the week, thus replacing the old Sabbath, the last day of the week. It is in the Apocalypse that we find the expression "The Lord's Day" [EV tll KVPW.KllllIlEpa]. The term reappears in other ancient Christian texts like the Didachl, the Epistle a/St. Ignatius and the Gospel a/Peter. Eventually, the term was adopted in Latin and Romance languages to indicate the first day bf the week (Dominicus, Domenica, Domingo, Dimanche)...theLord's Day. In English, our term "Sunday" harkens back to pagan times, but the reality has everywhere been the same: SUnday is the Lord's Day. Sunday is for us. We need the Lord's Day to punctuate our week with God's word, the Eucharist, family, community and rest.

The spiritual renewal of society cannot be brought about without a recommitment to the Sabbath observance, to keeping the Lord's Day. If members of our family are not coming to church, we need to invite them. At times parents need to have a family meeting to speak to children about the values and priorities involved in obeying God's command to observe His day as a community of believers. Of course, the example of grandparents, parents and godparents is= important factor in transmitting God's law and love for God's house to a new generation of young Catholics.

As the love of a husband for his wife shotuld not be contingent upon her beauty, neither shOlald the believer's love for Mass be based solely on the beauty ofits music or the eloquence of its homily.. 'This does not mean lhat we'should not 'strive to give.our,G:e1ebrations the beautyaad.dignity that they. .deserve, but we. should never think that the Eucharist .is to..be !One more form of entertainment. It is only if we are a faithful worshiping community that we will be able to fulfill our destiny and attain the salvation Jesus has won for us. We long for a civilization of love based on the values of the gospel. If'we do not find time and space for God in our lives,ohowever, that new world will never be attained.

Once I was invited to a synagogue servicb and was very touched by a phrase from the Jewish prayer book: "More than Israel has kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath has kept Israel." We as Catholics can say the same. It is our celebration and observance of the Lord's Day with the Eucharist that has preserved the Church for nearly 2000 years. In spite of fire, dungeon and sword, the Catholic Church remains steadfast and intrepid. Built on the rock of Peter's faith and sustained by the Sunday Eucharist, the Church of the Martyrs need not fear that the gates of hell will prevail.

I ' Sunday is the Lord's Day. It is made Sabbath for us, to refresh us, renew us and lead us on the path of salvation. Sunday is the day of the Church. For us, it is a day of reconciliation.

We gather before God's altar and forgive one another as we ask forgiveness for our sins as individuals and as a community. Reconciled in the Lord, we draw near to offer our gifts on the altar.

Sunday is a day of joy because in the Eutharist Christ breaks into our history in His words and in the communion of His Body and Blood. Sunday is a day for community. We stand together before our God as His people. The family that prays together stays together; and the community that prays together stays together. The Eucharist builds up the Body of Christ.

Catholic Christians gather on Sunday to live the Resurrection, to be united in communion with Him and to recall His coming. On Easter Sunday, the Risen Lord walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Their hearts bUrnied as this mysterious stranger spoke to them. They recognized Him in the breaking of the bread. Immediately, Jesus disappeared, but the bread remained and the bread is Christ.

All of Christendom looks forward to thie year 2000, Jesus' 2000th birthday, a new millennium. We want to begin now to prepare ourselves. Let the first step be to recommit ourselves to the Third Commandment: "Remember'thou keep holy the Lord's Day." In our churches, our CCD classes, and in our schools we must talk about the obligation and the privilege of Sunday Mass. We all long for stronger fa~ilies, communities and parishes. Let us begin by an unwavering commitment to be present each Sunday with our brothers and sisters in the faith to celebrate the Lord's Eucharist with faith and joy. We all desire a better world. Let us begin by faithfully doing what the Lord has asked of us, to worship each Saturday night or Sunday' --to make time and space for God in our li'{es.

When]esus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, in His last agony, He asked His disciples, who were falling asleep, "Could you not watch one hour with me?" Today, Jesus asks a generation that spends hours each day before the glass idol of the TV set, "Could you not spend one hour a week in church?" The third Commandment is not a human invention, not a suggestion, not something optional, but a Qommand that comes from God. If we want to live a Godward life, the Sabbath observance is a good start. It will help us to focus on our obligations to God and to each other.

And so as we begin our preparation for ithe new millennium, I issue the call: "Back to basicSl~ This Advent I want to join so many parish priests who invite our people home for Christmas; but after the sentimental journ~y, I want to invite you to stay home to help us to bBiild a stronger community of faith, a family of families, God's Holy People.

Assuring you of my constant prayers arld friendship, I am Devoteclly yoW'5. in Christ,

7:f~ Bishop of F.all River

QUODCUMQUE DlXERIT FACITE

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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Dec. I, 1995

WORKING ON arrangements for the annual Bishop's Charity Ball, ~o ~ake place from 8 p,m, to midnight Friday, Jan, 12, at Venus de Milo Restaurant, Swansea, are members of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, Ball cosponsors with the Society ofSt. Vincent de Paul. From left, M\Ss Claire 0'- oole, Fall River, chair of the presentee committee; Mrs. Katherine Lancisi, Attleboro, DCCW president; Mrs, Michael J. McMahon, Fall River, chair of the hospitality committee; Mrs, John Schondek, Taunton, Taunton district president of the DCCW, (Gaudette photo)

Bishop's Ball will have Springtime Magic theme For over 40 Y~TS. the Bishop's Charity Ball has been a social highlight of tile post-holiday season in southeastern Massachusetu.

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take place Friday, Jan. 12,at Venus de MHo in Swansea. Its theme will be "Springtime- Magic/' reports

decorations chairwoman Mrs. Aubrey Armstrong, and the bright floral colors of spring will dispel winter glpom.

A Ball highlight is the presenta-

tion to Bishop Sean O'Malley of young ladies from all corners of the diocese. Miss Claire O'Toole is

the many new initiatives undertaken by diocesan agencies with the assistance of Catholic Charities. Th~l include special counseling for first'Hme homebuyers from ~he H..ispanic community and a program seeking to guide Cambodian teens away from gang involvement.

In general. constant efforts are made to maintain all the endeavors of Catholic action in the area and to expand outreach by means of innovative services geared to meeting community problems.

Ballgoers are invited to consider several levels of support, including Sponsors, Guarantors. Benefactors. Very Special. Friends and Memorial tributes to deceased loved ones. An annual souvenir booklet lists those offering significant assistance to diocesan charitable works.

Prot:pective- contributors may contact Bishop's Ball Headquarters, 344 Highland A ve~ PO Box 1470, Fan River 02122, or c.n (508) 676-8943 or (508) 676-3100,

completing preliminary arrangements for this special part of the evening's activities. Presentees will hail from 37 parishes, from St. Mark's in Attl<:boro Falls to Sacred Heart in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. Pastors of parishes participating in the 1996 ceremony are urged to present their nominations to the Presentee Committee, if they have not already done so, at the earliest possible moment.

The practice has emerged over the past few years of inviting women who were presented 25 years ago to attend the Ball. Mrs. MichaelJ. McMahon, Hospitality Committee chair, reports that she is seekStonehiJI CoJlege. North Easton. ing to contact all those who as teen- recently inducted thirteen new agers were presented to the then members into the Evening Division Bishop of Fall River and now Arch- HonorSociety. Stonehill's Beta Xi bishop of Hartford Daniel A. Honor Society is the local chapter Cronin althe 1971 Ball. She said of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Nashe also hopes that some of those tiona) Honor Society whose mem· presentees will serve on her com· bers represent the academic top mittee together with members of t~n percent of continuing educathe Diocesan Council of Catholic tion students nationwide. Among Women. Ball co·sponson with the the new members announced were: Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Antonio C. Sousa of New Bedford FoHowing presentation of this graduating in May, 1996, with a year's young ladies to the bishop, bachelor"s degree in health care members of the "Class of 1971'" administration; Susan Romaine of will reenact their own special day. Taunton graduating in May, 1998, The BaB helps provide fundini' with a bachelor's degree in crimifor a variety of charitable endea- nal justice; and Marianne Giorgio vors. Father Joseph M. Costa, of South Easton who will graduate diocesan Secretary for Commun- in) 997 with a bachelor's degree in ity Service, has identified some,.'.of'. r. >, '.... humanities. <. ..J,V.v v'; "',Y. "' ... "", !,:',?,': .' ., ••.

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Ecumenical services to honor dead Ecumenical remembrance services of loved ones who have died will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4. at 51. Julie Billiart Church, North Dartmouth; arid at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. l4,at Notre Dame Church, Fall River.

The Dec. 4 service will be under the auspices of Hospice of St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford. It ",ill include a meditation by Bishop Sean O'Malley, prayer offered by Rabbi Barry Hartman of Ahvavath Achim Synagogue, New Bedford; and a Scripture reading by Rev. Ellsworth B. McAfee of the People's Christian Church. All present will participate in a candlelight service with petitions read by Hospice staff members. Music will be by the Liturgical Chorus of Bishop Stang High School, North llarimoufli, aireclea by'Ms. 'Su-zanne Christie.

Permanent Deacon Leo W. Racine, MSW, LCSW, bereavement coordinator for St. Luke's HQspital, noted that all clergy in the Greater New 'Bedford area have been invited to the service and that it is expected that future services will rotate among community churches and synagogues.

He also said that the hospital's hospice -offers free English and Portuguese language bereavement support group programs throughout the year for children and adolescents ages 5 to J8 and for adults. Further information on EngliSh-language groups is available at telephone 984-0200; for Portuguese·language groups the number is 993-0529.

Fall River Area The Fall River service. spon· sored by the Hospice Outreach program associated with Saint Anne's Hospital. will be coordinated by Rita Good and will include prayer, music and a presentation during which bereaved children win sing and will enact a story on coping with grief. Adults will offer stories and readings and there will be a ceremonial placement of white bows on a Christmas tree in memory of departed loved ones.

Patients and families wllJ participate in the program.

Pivotal role ARLINGTON,' Va. (CNS) The laity, especially women, will playa pivotal role in the new evangelization as the church approaches the third millennium, said speakers at the Women for Faith and Family conference Nov. 3-5. ·We are here to say that women are not oppressed by the Roman Catholic Church," said Helen Hull Hitchcock, president and founder of the St. louis-based Catholic women's organization that promotes traditional church teachings. "In fact. we are liberated by the Roman Catholic Church." More than 100 women from 22 states and the District of Columbia attended the group's first conference outside St. Louis.

In the keynote address, Joyce A. Little, theology professor at the University of St. Thomas in Hous· ton, said that while the lay voca~ tion is bound up in the church. it is not carried out in the church. "It is carried out in the world."

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BENEDICTINE SISTER Fabian Debt plays with children at the Wee Care child center in Atchison, Kansas, The 88-year old nun will highlight the U.S. bishops' campaign for retired religious this year, (eNS/Bollig photo)

A chance to say thanks to retired religious Dec. 9-10 Continued from Page One gations to membership," she said.

«No one wants to stint on service ... but fewer and fewer religious orders are able to allow members to work for no remuneration."

"Religious can still work in schools, parishes, soup kitchens. clinics and other areas where they draw low salaries because people donate to the retirement collection," she added. "In many instances. religious are the primary people doing such work. They need to be able to continue doing so."

Many religious congregations also have sold property and consolidated retirement programs in .order to reduce the unfunded retirement liability of their elderly members.

Sister Fabian Dekat, 88, a member of the Mount St. Scholastica

Benedictine motherhouse in Atchison, Kansas, is "i>0ster nun" for this year's campaign. Sister Fabian, who professed her vows 72 years ago, currently volunteers at a child care faciJity, rocking babies to sleep after they've been fed. "1 love it. It's a great place to work," she said.

Sister Fabian, like most nuns her age, worked for little or nothing at small schools through the hard years of the Great Depressio~.

World War II and the 'postwar years. She said she is glad to do her part to help the annual co])ection for religious.

Also featured on this year's poster are ph;otos of Crosier Brother Martin McGuire doing woodwork and Sister Lucilda O'Connor, a Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, chatting with a teenage basketball player.

Focus on attitudies WORCESTER. Mass. (CNS) - .Couples living together before marriage is a tough issue for Catholi£ pastoral ministers, but they need to focus more on a coupie's attitudes than on theircohabitalion. according to a speaker in Worcester. "Canon law indicates that we ;;hould not impede the sacrament of marriage based solely on the grounds of cohabitation," said James Healy, main speaker at a program for pastoral leaders in the Worcester diocese. "The Catholic Church has to help people move from irregular to regular situaticns:' he said. "We need to help in the transition from living

togethertto marriage." Healy, director of the Center for Family M inistry forthe diocese of Joliet. III., is , recognized nationally on the subject of family relationships and is an adviser to the U.S. bishops' Committee on Marriage and Family Life.

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the risk of recurrence. Such THE ANCHOR--Diocese of Fall River--Fri" Dec. I, 1995 11 therapy is frequently pre~ scribed daily for six weeks radiation oncology by the Amer- endometrial cancer, please call and may include a hospital~ ican Board of Radiology. the Hudner Oncology Center based procedure for a two For more information on at (508) 674-5688. '" I ' " II U S I' I I t\ I to three~day period. Some patients experience increased urinary or bowel frequency CATHOLIC and skin irritation due -to ASSOCL~TION radiation treatments; how~ OF FORE:STERS (a drug prescribed for the ever, these are temporary treatment of breast cancer) effects which clear up soon 347 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02115 should pay particular atten~ after therapy is completed.

MOTHERS-FATHERS-GRANDPAREN1'S-GODPARENTS tion to symptoms as these Through each step in the FOR THE HOLIDAYS conditions are associated treatment process physi~ GNE A GIFT THAT WILL LAS7' A LIFETIME with an increased risk of cians, nurses, social workers SANTA'S CHOICE endometrial cancer. and dietitians at the Hudner LIFE MEMBERSHIP PLUS INSURANCE FOR JUST ONE PAYMENT As women, we must take Oncology Center provide SINGLE PREMIUM LIFE INSURANCE responsibility for our bodies support specific to the needs and our well~being- which of women. In addition, they includes advocating for our offer cancer education pro~ individual healthcare needs, grams, support groups and educating ourselves about counseling for patients and warning signs and seeking their families .. medical advice when'we have Dr. Ellen Kornmehl is a concerns," emphasized Dr. graduate of the Yale School of Founded in 1879, the Catholic Association of Foresters is a fraternal insurance organization of Catholic families offering social and Kornmehl.

Medicine, New Haven, CT. spiritual benefits, charitable programs, scholarship awards and inIf a woman is diagnosed She completed her internship surance plans for its members. with endometrial cancer, her at Beth Israel Hospital, Bosj-REQUESTFORINSURANCEmFORMMION-j physician will explain treat~ ton, and her residency at the ment options tailored to Joint Center for Radiation I Name I her individual needs. ttSur~ Therapy, Harvard Medical I~~ I gery is the primary treat~ School, Boston. She was also I I ment for endometrial cancer, an A merican Cancer Society I. I including exploratory sur~ Clinical Research Fellow at I Telephone No. I gery to evaluate the stage of the Dana-Farber Cancer Insti~ I the cancer and a total abdom~ tute in the Department of I Children's Birthdates I Mall to: C.A.O.F., 347 Commonwealth Ave. • Boston, MA 02115 I incal hysterectomy and re~ T"",mo! I-WmuD-ology. Dr. I(ornL ThI~lli53~82~~~~2.2263~ ~ mo\lal ,of th~ ovaries to· -'mehl' is boa;l certified in ensure c'omplete eradication of malignancy," explained Dr. Kornmehl.

Placement Exam - Sat. December 2nd 8:30-12 In many cases, she said, hysterectomy alone can a~ Take the first step chieve a high cure rate. How~ on the road to your future! ever if endometrial cancer penetrates the muscular wall • No pre-registration necessary of the uterus, postoperative • A $10 testing fee is payable radiation therapy may be the day the exam advised in order to reduce

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Early diagnosis and treat~ ment are the most powerful means of fighting endomet~ rial cancer, which commonly affects women who are SO or older. ttThe best way to detect and prevent potential health~ care problems is to have an annual check-up with a physician, including a gyne~ cologic examination," said Dr. Kornmehl.

Endometrial cancer originates in the endometrium, the superficial inner layer of the uterus responsible for 'supporting a pregnancy. most common symptom is abnormal vagirtal bleeding or spotting in postmenopausal women. Women with such symptoms are urged to bring them to the attention of their physician and schedule an examina~ tion of their endometrium.

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CR AT THE RECENT bishops' meeting in Washington, Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton speaks to the press on his ministry to homosexuals as his gay brother, Dan Gumbleton, looks on. Courage, a spiritual support group initiated in the Fall River diocese by Msgr. Thomas J. Harrington for men and women seeking to lead chaste lives in accord with church teaching on homosexuality, will hold its first meeting at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Holy Name rectory, New Bedford. All interested persons are welcome. (CNS/ Roller photo)

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THE ANCHOR- Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Dec. I, 1995

Canon lawyers told church law must change MONTREAL (CNS) - In a more diverse and inculturated worldwide church, church law must change or it will stifle development. Oblate Father Francis G. Morrisey told more than 500 canon lawyers from the United States and Canada at a recent joint meeting of the canon law societies of both nations. Father Morrisey was the main speaker at the final general session of the meeting.

Attending from the Fall River diocese were Father Jay T. Maddock, judicial vicar; Father Paul F. Robinson, O.Carm, adjutant judicial vicar; Msgr. Henry T. Munroe, PA, and Father Richard W. Beaulieu,judges; Father Bruce M. Neylon, an advocate; and Father Arnold R. Medeiros.

"It will be harder and harder to . maintain uniformity in a church that is.universal.. .. Any attempt to stifle legitimate diversity will only meet with failure in the long run," said Father Morrisey, a pr'ofessor of canon law at St. Paul University in Ottawa and a leading church law expert in North America.

"Probably in the areas of matrimony and governance structures cultural differences are being felt most," he said. "But they are also clearly noted in matters relating to the genders, to clergy and laity relationships, to the living of the consecrated life and so forth."

The U.S. society at a separate business meeting: - Received and ordered published a 53-page study paper which concludes that the church ordained women deacons in the past and that permitting them again is "within the authority of the Apostolic See." The document says having deaconesses "may even be desirable for the United States," and the U.S. bishops could petition Rome for permission.

- Decided to form a task force to study general absolution as a form of the sacrament of reconciliation, as well as other possible new forms. in order "to formulate a recommendation for their future use."

- Decided to form a committee on canonical education to develop national standards for knowledge of church law by persons holding ,various church posts, such as permanent deacons and lay administrators of parishes.

- Elected Sister Lynn Jarrell, vice president of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, Ky., as the society's vice president and president'elect. .

At the conclusion of the meeting' Father Randolph R. Calvo, San Francisco archdiocesan judicial vicar, who was vice president and president-elect for the past year, automatically became president of the society, succeeding Maronite Chorbishop John D. Faris, vicar general of the diocese ofSt. Maron of Brooklyn.

Lawforthe Latin Church with the 1990 Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, saying that the Eastern code "recognizes legitimate diversity and is quite different" from the Latin code's "preoccupation in the text for unity and uniformity."

He expressed concern that bishops' conferences are not making fuller use of provisions in the Latin code that allow them to develop their own legislation adapted to local social and cultunil conditions.

He described change and growth in the church in terms of the biblical warning against placing new wine in old wineskins.

"Some of the wineskins that would have to be changed if we are to meet new needs," he said, might include: - "The form of exercise of the papal office," an issue Pope John Paul II himself raised in his recent encyclical on Christian unity.

- "The role of the Roman Curia.... It is slipping back into its former practices. At the present time we ,get the impression that bishops are either considered as the 'enemy,' or (\t least as 'vassals' of certain officials."

- "Revising the manner of selecting bishops in the church today" to improv~ "bonding between the bishop and his people."

Other areas that may face change, he said, include the life and ministry of priests, methods of selecting priests, the organization of consecrated life, marriage tribunal rules, the church~s penal law, and the Latin co~de's treatment of church teaching authority in light of the Eastern code.

NCCD lay general secretary to retire

WASHINGTON (CNS)-Francis X. Doyle, the first lay associate general secretary of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and U.S. Catholic Conference, will retire Dec. 31 after nearly 24 years of working for the U.S. bishops.

He will be succeeded by Father Paul Theroux, NCCB executive director of priestly formation and vocations.

Doyle, 62, joined the NCCBUSCC in 1971 as assistant director of government liaison. He became deputy director of finance and administration in 1977, director of that office in 1978 and associate 'general secretary of the conferences in 1984.

He oversees personnel and financial operations of the bishops' national offices and staffs the bishops' committees on personnel, stewardshi p and, the economic concerns of the Holy See. He also staffs the National Advisory Council, a consultative body of about 50 bishops, priests, religious and lay people who regularly advise the bishops on issues facing them at the national level.

In the late 1980s he oversaw Chorbishop Faris conferred the society's prestigious Role of Law construction of new NCCB-USCC Award on Dominican Sister Lucy headq uarters near the Catholic University of America and the Vazquez,. chancellor, marriage tribunal director and vicar for reli-. move of staff offices to the new gious of the diocese of Orlando, building.

Father Theroux, 44, is a p'riest Fla., who in 1990-91 was the first woman president of the Canon of the diocese of Providence, R.1.

During the past year he was naLaw Society of America.

In his closing address to the tional coordinator for Pope John Paul II's Oct. 4-8 visit to the Unijoint convention Father Morrisey compared the 1983 Code of Canon ted Nations and United States.

AS NA TIONAL chaplain of the Vietnam Veterans of America, LaSalette Father Philip G. Salois was asked last May to offer prayer at the dedication of the state Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, NJ. From left, New Jersey Governor Christine Todd-Whitman, Ge:neral Norman Schwarzkopf and Father Salois.

A wounded healer.

Vietnam vet, now

By Rob Hart Twenty-five years ago LaSalette Father Philip G. Salois, a native of . Woonsocket, RI, was a U.S. foot soldier in the Bien Hoa region of Vietnam. On March I, 1970, his platoon, ordered to destroy a North Vietnamese battalion, walked into an ambush. Soldiers ahead of them were trapped by heavy enemy fire and Sa.lois declared, "If 1 were out there, I would hope someone would make an attempt to rescue me. I'm going to go out and do something."

The future priest then made a hasty promise to God: "If you get me out of this mess safe and sound, I'll do anything you want." His plan was to tak'e cover behind two large boulders with two other soldiers and provide diversionary fire to allow the trapped men to escape.

The strategy worked and Salois thought all the soldiers were safe. but then he realized that one had not returned. "Without even thinking," 'he re~ounted, "I ran out to get him but I couldn't budge him."

With the help of two comrades he finally was able to drag the man to safety, only to realize that he was dead.

Salois' promise to God was quickly forgotten as he returned to his tour of duty. But in May, 1972, safely back in the United States, he read a newspaper article about the growing shortage of priests. He read and reread the article and also started to read a Bible he had brought home from Vietnam.

"I started to ask myself, 'Is God calling me to' the priesthoodT" he said, and eventually he decided to enter the seminary, although still not recalling his battlefield promise until October 1974 when d uring a prayer period he said to. God, "Thank you for bringing me here. ,I'm very happy."

At that point he remembered his promise. This incident convinced Salois that the church was his calling and that it would eventually lead him down a road where hc could help other veterans.

chapla~n, helps

However, it was to be almost 10 years later before Salois would start counseling veterans. In 1983, he attended a workshop'on ministering to Vietnam veterans and after watching film footage from ,Vietnam, became restless and uneasy. When John Brock" a counselor, asked if he was all right, "I told him I was very unsettled by what I had seen and heard. Since he was a former grunt and a minister, I felt I could trust him."

Over the next six months, Salois began his healing process with numerous therapy sessions and, returning to LaSalette, was ordained June 9, 1984. Subsequently he joined the Vietnam Veterans of America and was asked to conduct a memorial service. Soon after that, veterans began coming to him for counseling and, with the approval of his LaSalette superior, he accepted a chaplain's position ,at the Boston Veterans Administration Hospital to subsidize his newfound ministry.

Working in Boston has not only given him a chance to exorcise his personal demons, but also to help fellow veterans exorcise theirs.

"My focus at the VA is to run support groups and help veterans deal with 'post-traumatic stress disorder," said the priest.

Father Saloi's has also devoted much time and effort to ministering to veterans incarcerated in the Walpole and Norfolk prisons, hoping to help them turn their lives around.

He is the current president of the National Conference of Vietnam Veteran Ministers and chaplain of the Vietnam Veterans of America. "We try to determine what war does to a man and his spirituality," explained Father Salois. He is also involved in the Stand Down' program, which "reaches out to the homeless vets who fall through society's cracks," he said.

The program sets up encampments in open fields where free medical screenings, dental care.

others

showers, haircuts and HIV testing and education are provided for veterans. "We have seen more and more H IV among Vietnam veterans, mostly from needles. For this reason HIV education is verY'important,'; said the priest. . . The past 27 years have taken him on a journey during whil:h he has faced his own demons and helped many fellow veterans face theirs.,

Pope praises Ukrainian Catholics VATICAN CITY (CNS) -In a document marked by strong ~cu足 menical overtones, Pope John Paul II celebrated the 400th anniversary of the Ukrainian church's union with Rome and urged its faithful to help mend relations with Orthodox Christians. He praised what he called the heroic witness of Ukrainian Catholics, especially during 50 years of communist persecution. He said the Ukrainian church should now use its newfound freedom to rebuild its own structures and to take on a more prominent ecumenical role.

He said some progress has already been made toward closer ties with the Orthodox. But in unusually pointed language, he warned that there are "forces ready to do alm.;)st anything" to slow down the movement toward Christian unity.

Give and Take "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and tal:e without forgetting. "-Elizabet h Bibesco

THE ANCHOR--Diocese of Fall River-Fri .. Dec. 1,1995

Keep Christ in Christmas

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Magisterium misunderstood Continued from Page One contemporary Catholics. At the same time, he added, the concept of authority must be clarified.

He said he is concerned that some people seem to think church teachings can be ignored unless they are presented as infallible.

One apparently confusing factor is that church teachings do have different grades of authority, he said.

"But that does not authorize people to think that pronounce-

ments and doctrinal decisions of the magisterium require irrevocable assent only when it presents them with a solemn judgment or definitive act, and that, consequently, in all other cases the.only thing that counts is the argumentation or the reasoning adopted," he said.

He said it was urgent that the whole church recover an "authentic concept of authority," based not only on rules but on the faith and the church's tradition.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 3, 1995 AT 2:30 P.M. FOR BEREAVED PARENTS OUR LADY OF VICTORY CHURCH

CATHERINE HOYT, 10, of Silver Spring, Md., peeks behind the window of an Advent calendar from the National Gallery of Art in Washington. Calendars such as this help count down the days of the Advent season, which begins Dec. 3, to Christmas.

Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 South Main Street, Centerville, MA will be celebrating a Mass for all parents who have lost children due to illness, accident, murder; suicide, SIDS, still-born, or miscarriage on Sunday, December 3,1995, at 2:30 P.M. Please bring the whole. family to share. A very special Mass is planned to help all of us to live our lives today without our children, but with the memories.

There will be refreshments served in the Parish Center immediately following the service.

Priest paves way for new pastors BALTIMORE(CNS) - It's not always easy for a parish to lose its pastor and adjust to a new one.

That's why Father Patrick Carrion has a new job in the Baltimore archdiocese. For three years, as an interim pastoral administrator, he will move from one parish to another, seeing each through its tran-

Dec. 2 1917, Rev. Arthur Savoie, Pastor, St. Hyacinth, New Bedford 1958, Rev. Dennis W. Harrington, Assistant, St. Mary, Taunton Dec. 3 1926, Rev. John W. McCarthy, P.R., Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River Dec. 4 1945, Rev. Charles Ouellette, Assistant, St. James, Taunton 1994, Rev. Edward C. Duffy, Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis Dec. 5 1986, Rev. Eugene J. Boutin, Manchester Diocese 1990, Rev. Coleman Conley, SS.Cc., Chaplain, Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford Dec. 6 1959, Rev. Joseph L. Cabral, Pastor, Our Lady of Angels, Fall River 1966, Rt. Rev. Msgr. John H. Hackett, Chancellor of Fall River Diocese June-December 1966 1971, Rev. Joseph K. Welsh, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Victory, Centerville 1985, Rev. John T. Higgins, Pastor Emeritus, St. Mary, Mansfield Dec. 7 1976, Rev. Thomas F. Daly, Retired Pastor, St. James, New Bedford 1977, Rev. Ambrose Bowen, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Taunton Dec. 8 1940, Rev. John F. Broderick, Pastor, St. Mary, South Dartmouth

sition from the departure of one pastor to the arrival of the next.

His job., said the priest, is to "help the people mourn their loss, celebrate their hopes, reconcile themselves to some things" and pave the way for the ministry of the new pastor.

"I think it'S' a very' important innovation," said Paul Dietterich, director of the Center for Parish Development, a Chicago-based research and development agency that works with churches of all denominations.

Dietterich said that within the past few years some Protestant denominations "have started training a limited number of people to be interim pastors," but this was the first one he had heard of in the Catholic Church.

The usual Catholic approach is "to try to fill a vacancy right away, which is a mistake," he said.

Father Carrion, 39, said the new hopes and fears that surface with the loss of a pastor create an energy in a parish that needs to be managed and guided through an open approach. A change in pastors sets a natural stage for a parish self-evaluation.

Sometimes transition may involve conflict management, he said, adding that his time in a parish may not be long enough to resolve problems, but he can look for ways of "treating and then containing them" so a new pastor does not walk into an explosive situation.

While a fuIItime post as interim pastoral administrator is new, Father Carrion had been called on four times in recent years to administer parishes after the departure or death of a pastor.

If there is a downside to the job, it may be the challenge of impermanence. Frequent change is "the best thing and the worst thing," he said. "I've made some lasting friendships even in a short time, and I've found that each parish has its own personality. So, it's bittersweet really; it can be sad leaving one parish but exciting going to a new one," he added.

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You can help one very poor child like Conchita through Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA), a Catholic sponsorship program assisting needy children at Catholic mission sites around the world.

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Ordinarily it takes $20 a month to provide a child with the life-changing b'enefits of sponsorship. But if th s is not possible for you, we invite you to do what you can.

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Vocations workshop 'da,Y

Connolly students teens ofthe month Angela Pacheco of, Fall River and Kenneth Marino of Warren, R.I., were named Teens, of the Month for the month of October by the Fall River Elks Lodge.

At Connolly, Angela is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society a,nd the Connolly Mentor Program.

She has won the Xerox Award.

She is also a member of the ,Yearbook Staff, Amnesty International, the Drama Society. the Basketball Cheerleading Squad, and the Spring Track Team. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jose Pacheco of Fall River.

Ken is'a member of the Natiol1al Honor Society, the French Honor Society and the Campus Ministry Program. He has won the Bausch. and Lomb Science Award and has been named as a National Merit Commended Scholar. Ken has also played freshmen and junior varsity basketball and varsity tennis.

He is a member of the Winter and Spring Track Teams. He is tile son of Mr.' Angelo Marino of Providence and Mrs. Kathleen Marino of Warren. ' Mr. Anthony S. Nunes, Connolly principal, has announced that report cards for the first term have been distributed.

Parents who may have questions regarding grades may contact the Guidance Department at school at 508-676-1071.

The National Honor Society under the direction of N. H .S. moderator, Mr. Roland LaCroix, and school chaplain, Father Dave, Costa, coordinated the school's annual Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit area families.

N.H.S. members collected food and donations from each homeroom and from faculty members throughout the month of November. As a result, the student body and faculty contributed twenty huge boxes offood and $425.0'0 to the St. Vincent de Paul Society following the school's Thanksgiving liturgy. , St. Vincent de Paul purch,ased ' turkeys with the c'lsh donation and distributed the foodstuffs to needy families throughout the Fall River area.

<~:

KINDERGARTENERS AND sixth graders at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, New Bedford,'combined efforts in a cooperative learning proje~t by making rosaries.

"FUN students height.en awareness Holy Family Holy Name stu- the students about the dangers of dents in grades four, five and six tobacco use and applauded their recently heightened their a ware- efforts at curbing its availability 'ness of.the dangers of tobacco use and appeal to children. The visby participating in a letter writing itors also presented first, second campaign and essay contest. Stu- and third place awards to students dents learned, how the current FDA in each grade. The winners are as proposals can help protect child- follows: Grade 4 - Ist Craig Silva, ren from tobacco by restricting 2nd Heather Matson, 3rd Ashley their access to it and by reducing Lanna. Grade 5 - Ist Cesar Tiago, its appeal. The students then 2nd Rosemary Larkin, 3rd Carin became advocates for themselves ,Cabral. Grade 6 - I.st Meghan and theii- peers by writing letters to Brady, 2nd Robbie Massoud, 3rd President Clinton urging him to Jenna Tremblay.

Student winners received antipush these FDA proposals into law. , smo'king T-shirts and all particiUnder the direction of grade 5 pating students received a bag of teacher, Mrs. Laura Chevalier., and goodies including a pencil, eraser, with the helpful sponsorship of the ruler and pencil sharpener, all Greater New Bedford Tobacco bearing the message 'prevention is Control Program, the students were the best protection.', These gifts recognized and thanked for their were provided by the Greater New efforts. On November 16, the day Bedford Tobacco Control Proof. the Great American Smoke路 gram. The entire program was Out-Speak Out, Mr. Ray Belanger videotaped by Cable Access (ch. of-the Board of Health and repre- 48) and will be aired soon. Stusentatives from the Greater New dents have also been collecting Bedford Tobacco Control Program food for the needy hoping to gather visited the schooL They spoke to one ton in all.

Overflows," facilitated by Sister Aliceann Walsh, R.S.M., Sister Rayleen Gianotti, R.S.M" and Father Greg Mathias, reminded participants of God's overflowing grace which' empowers thl:m to bring hope and'lo've to {leople through Christian service and; "Crossing the' River of Dreams," facilitated by'Sister Mildred Marengo, S.S.J., Brother Raymond Davey, ,F.S.C., Mr. Douglas Rodrigues, 'and Father Craig A. , Pregana.

Sister Carole Mello,.O:P. and Sister Monique Couture, F.CS. CJ. coordinated the Mo.rning Prayer and music for the Mass.

Some students helped with the .planning of the workshops.

Approximately 80 students were invited to the day-long pro.gram along with the campus chaplains and some faculty. During the closing Mass, Father Pregana reminded the students that "vocation'" of each Christian is to a life of holiness and service. As remembrances of the day students were given a candle and a vocation prayer.

The Diocesan Vocation Council is a group of diocesan priests and religious brothers and sister who minister in the diocese. The coun,cil sponsors vocation awareness and recruitment experience:; to encourage Catholics to consider a priesthood or religious life as a life choice.

For more information about vocations, please write to: Father Craig A. Pregana, P.O. Box 2~,77, Fall River, MA 02722 or call him .at 675-1311 ext 124. The Vocation Office is committed, to helping young people talk about and discern where the Lord may be (:al. ling them.

Feehan' Sha~rocks set the ,pace

The Bishop F~'~h~,~'High Sch'obl Campus Ministry Office, directed

by Chaplain Father Greg Mllcthias, is coordinating a Clothing drlv~ for the needy. Any clean; pre-o'wned coats, sweaters and mittens wili be., collected daily in homerooms. , Junior, Katie Wheeler(Attlebo~oj' is the ~tudent liaison'for the drive: Catholic high schools in the Mr. Robert L'Homme;(Feehan Diocese of Fall River will accept' Class of 1977), history te~che~and applicants and administer a place-cross" country and' spring tJack ment examination for ne'w students coach at the school;.was rece'iltly on Sat. Dec. 2. Students wishi1;lg , . i'nducted into the Attleb'oro Area to enter any of these schools Football Hall, of Fame. Mr. next September should report to L'Homme was recognized' for' his the school of their choice at 7:45 versatility and unselfish contribua.m.: Bishop Feehan High, Attle-, tions. Mr. L'Homme, 'residing in bora; Bishop Connolly'High, Fall Attleboro, is married to the former River; Bishop St~ng High; No. 'Kathleen Lynch (Feehan 1978)'and Dartmouth; Coyle-Cassidy' High, is the father of two boys Nicholas Taunton, The examination and (6) and Michael (4). application procedure willlastuntil The Debate Team, under the approximately 12 noon. There will direction of teacher Diane Crime (Norfolk) recently competed at New oe a $10 fee payable at the time of application. The students need Bedford High School. Sophomores. bring no records with them nor do Eleanor Sbardelli (Attleboro) and: their parents have to accompany Ryan Brown (North Attleboro) them. Complete information as to defeated New Bedford in the Novice courses. activities, financial aid, Division. Juniors Carla Fazio (Ate'tc., will be given at thetime of the tleboro) and Danielle Szelag (Atapplication. tleboro) defeated Foxboro and New

Placement exams scheduled

Students rrom the four diocesan high schools gathered at St. Thomas More Parish Center on Nov. 14 for the "River of Dreams'" Leadership Day sponsored by the Diocesan Vocation Council.

The workshops were.conducted by religious who work in the diocese of Fall River and organized by Sister Mary Noel Blute, R.S.M., Brother Robert Hazard, F.S.C., and Father Craig A. Pregana.

The workshop program seeks to educate and encourage young Catholics to respond to their baptismal call to holiness and 'service while becoming more aware ofthe priesthood or religious life as viable options in living out that call.

The day is an opportunity for the young men and women to' gather with peers from other high schools to listen, dialogue, and pray. Some commented about the day: "I enjoyed meeting new people" and "The vocation workshop was very good and kept me interested. I liked it because it was really helpful in decision making in the future."

The River of Dreams day is 'comprised of workshops, discussions, prayer and concludes with Mass. A few weeks prior to the program, students were asked to indicate which three of the four workshops they would like to attend: "Sparkling Waters", facilitated by Sister Monique Couture, F.C.S.C.J. and Sister Carole Mello, O.P., focused on the call received in Baptism; "The Stream Within," led by Sister Rosemary Cuneo, CR. and Brother Robert Hazard, F.S.C, invited the young people to consider how God's Spirit moves within us like a stream, always new yet always the same; "The River

Bedford i'n the' Var.sity (Affirmative)D,ivision. Danielleranked as top speaker in both rounds,and, Carla as second in round one. Juniors Justin Allen (No. Attleboro) and Brad M.cCormack (E. eridgewater) defeated Bishop Stang in the Varsity (Negative) Division., B'rad ranked as second speaker.

The team's.n路ext meet is Dec. 7.

\ !

The Math Team, under the gui-' dance' of moderator Mrs. Ginny ~ Jolin placed second in team's first' competition' of-the 'year at Taunton High School. Junior Jennifer Loring (Pawtucket) was tne top scorer for all juniors' who comJacob McGuigan, a senior' at peted in the meet.

Bishop Stang High School, North '. Bishop Sean O'Malley visited : Dartmouth, was .recently nomithe school Nov. 22 and路 offered nated to compete in the national Mass with six area priests and . Principal's Leadership Scholarship chaplain Father Greg Mathias. The' Program. His selection was based Bishop's annual Thanksgiving visit upon demonstrated ability to commarked the conclusion of classes' bine academic excellence with ex" before the holiday break. M r.' Mi- emplary leadership roles,in school chael Dias and the Feehan liturgi- and,community activities. Jacob is cal ensemble led the entire congre- the sQn of Brooke and Frank gation of students in song. FollowMcGuigan of Westport. ing the Mass, the students adJacob was also recently selected journed to the gymnasium for the a school winner in the National pre-game football rally.

Honor Soci,ety Scholarship ProU

.'

.

STUDENTS CREATE.a poster at the Vocational Workshop held recently at St. Tho~as More Church,Somerset.

Stang senior ,nominated for principal'slea'dership program gram and-nominated for the National Honor. Spcie.ty .scholarship based on his scholarship, character, leadership, and service.

Jacob is'President.ofThe Na,路 tional Honor'Society, S.A.D.D, chapters and an active member of both the Campus Ministry team and the Student Council. He is a member of the steering committee for the Stang chapter of Habitat for Humanity and also finds time for varsity basketball and spring track.

Youths will aid' church if it will aid them MINNEAPOLlS(CNS)-- Catholic youths are willing to be active in the church, but they need support and respect as well as relevant liturgies and programs to keep their interest alive, said participants in the National Catholic Youth Conference held last month in Minneapolis.

About 10,000 teens, clergy and youth ministers from across the country discussed what works and what doesn't in keeping youth active in the church. Topics included popular music and liturgy and music in small towns and rural areas.

During the conference, a separate National Youth Congress for 300 young people dealt with violence. There was also a forum for 125 youths on liturgy.

Teens said liturgy works best when: they are comfortable, "the priest talks to you," the music is uplifting and everybody sings, "the priest doesn't talk about only adult things," and teens themselves take responsibility for a good liturgy.

Jennifer Hitcho, of Buffalo, NY, a lector at her parish, said she is usually the only young person involved in liturgical ministries at Mass.

THREE YOUNG people join in conversation at one table during a Nov. 17 session at the National Conference in Minneapolis. From left are Marlene Pacheco of Newark, NJ, Frantz Norburn of Boston, and Ryan Bemis of Casper, Wyo. (CNS/ Fitzgerald)

"I hate when I look into the crowd - I mean congregation and they're falling asleep," she said, "but I can see why they do."

Mary Bigelow of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, said that "incredible music" and youth involvement draw young people to liturgies.

The ideas from the teens will be incorporated by the National Federation for Catholic Youth M inis,try to draft a document that aims to be the equivalent for teens of the Vatican-approved liturgy for children's Masses.

Teens from small towns and rural areas said in another forum that they don't always get helped to become better Christians.

Rural teens often travel half an hour or more to get to events, said Mike Mary, a high school senior in Greensburg, Pa. "We need more activities closer to home." Part of the problem is boredom, which sometimes leads to abuse of alcohol or drugs, Mary said.

However, during the round-table discussions, the young people found they had things to be proud of in their small communities. Athletic and artistic successes, intergenerational communication and good youth ministry groups were among positive points named.

In a session on popular music, Anna Scally said it generally has a positive role in the lives of young people.

The program director for Cornerstone Media, a music resource center in Santa Rosa, Calif., she also teaches a youth ministry class at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. She said parents need to distinguish between songs that reinforce positive and negative values, and to encourage young people to see their relationship with God reflected in values-based songs.

"I truly don't believe that music today is causing young people's problems," she said. "I think it's telling exactly what is going on today, and we better listen to it."

Many of today's hits are telling young people to get in touch with God, themselves and others, she said, citing "Hold My Hand" by Hootie and the Blowfish, ''I'll Be There For You" by the Rembrandts and "As I Lay Me Down" by Sophie B. Hawkins.

Young Catholics must "light the candle" that leads the world to peace, said San Francisco Auxiliary Bishop Patrick J. McGrath at

the congress on violence and peacemaking. He was among 30 bishops at the National Youth Congress, which assembled 300 young people to discuss the theme "Be Peacemakers and Apostles of Hope."

Bishop McGrath challenged the youth to make people aware of the pervasiveness of violence, to seek solutions to the terror of violence in schools and on the streets, and to learn appropriate means of intervention in potentially violent situations.

He also asked them to "pray in public places, pray in small groups, pray in private - and know that I pray for you and draw strength from knowing that you pray for me, too."

Congress delegates prepared an action plan with suggestions such as school campaigns against violence, training youth ministers to help deal with violence and helping young people understand the problems of violence within themselves.

ers. You can pegin to recognize the qualities in another that you genuinely want in a relationship.

Initial attractions do not mean that the foundations for an enduring relationship are present.

By Charlie Martin

BREAKF AST AT TIFFANY'S You say that we've got Nothing in comnion No common ground to start from And we're falling apart You11 say the world Has come between us Our lives have come between us But I know you just don't care And I said, "What about 'Breakfast at Tiffany's?'"

She said, "I think I remember the film."

And as I recall I think we both kinda liked it.

And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got."

And I see you The only one who knew me And now your eyes see through me I guess I was wrong So what now?

It's plain to see we're over And I hate when things are over When so much is left undone Wrillen by Todd Pipes Sung by Deep Blue Something Copyright (c) 1995 by Interscape Records

DEEP BLUE SOMEtHING: It sounds like a character from "Tales of the Beyond!" Actually, they are the musical group who recently made their chart debut with "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

The parents of today's teens probably remember the movie by the same name. However, for most pop music fans the song's title is just an enigmatic reference to something unfamiliar.

The song does raise an interesting question: How much does a couple need to have in common to build a lasting relationship'!

Romantic relationships in one's tc~en years usually won't be, and need not be, lasting. In fact, as you begin to date, it helps to get to know a variety of people.

If you don't go steady, you have a better chance to learn more about yourself and oth-

However, if you have been dating for several years and now seek a committed relationship with another, the question of "common ground" is an important one.

There are many ways to develop what two people can hold in common. Let me describe just one, a common ground that has proven valuable in my own marriage.

JENNIFER SCHOPPEN of Emporia, Kan., celebrates at Mass Nov. 19 at the conference. (CNS/Fitzgerald)

.Inform Your Faith Weston Jesuit School of Theology offers a wide variety of graduate-level courses in Church History.

Biblical Studies, Systematic and Historical Theolog)~ Moral Theology and Pastoral Studies taught by a world-renowned facul:y. Work towards a degree on a part-time basis or take courses individually. exploring and enriching areas of personal interest.

I am thankful that my wife and I share the common ground of being Catholic. Clearly, a couple does not have to be of the same religion to have a last'ing marriage. But our common practice' of Catholicism has brought my wife and me many common experiences. It has provided ways to share in growth as a couple while giving us a common focus for raising our three children.

God gave us the gift of life so that we might grow spiritually.

Practicing Catholicism is one way to do this. However, no matter what a couple's practice of religion, placing an emphasis on spiritual growth gives a couple a chance to nurture their relationship with God. As the song mentions, enjoying a movie together is not much of a basis for keeping a relationship going. While there are many sources of common ground available to couples, few are more important or as successful as developing a shared spirituality.

(Your comments are always welcome. Please address: Charlie Martin, RR 3, Box 182, Rockport, IN 47635,)

This springi evening courses include: Ignatian Way II: The Spiritual Exercises George L. Drury. SJ â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays 6:00-8:00pm Leadership and Spirituality Katherine Clarke/Brian O. McDermott, SJ Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm Seminar: Casuistry James F. Keenan, SJ¡ Wednesdays 7:00-10:00pm

Weston Jesuit

School of Theology A National

Theological Center Classes Begin January 29th

Franciscan Spirituality Margaret Elena Guider, OSF Thursdays 7:00-9:30 pm For information ou these or any of our other courses and programs, please contact: Mary Ellen Herx-Morrill, MDiv

Oi rector of Admissions Weston Jesuit School of Theology 3 Phillips Place, Dept. Q6 Cambridge, MA 02138-3495 Phone: (617) 492,1960' Fax: (617) 492-5833 Registration Datts: December 4th-8th from 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm

1'6

THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Dec. I, 1995

fteering pOintf BLESSED SACRAMENT, FR A polka Mass will be celebrated Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. by Bishop Sean O'Malley. All invited.

OUR LADY OF VICTORY, CENTERVILLE For the fifth consecutive year, the parish is joining with other parishes throughout the country in the National Night of Prayer for Life, Dec. 8 following the 7 p.m. Mass until midnight. All welcome.

CHRIST THE KING, ,TAUNTON There will be a concert of sacred music of Advent and Christmas on, SACRED HEART, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. The parish choir, NO. ATTLEBORO children's choir and the Concordia There will be a First Friday liturgy Brass Quintet will perform. today at 7 p.m. A program at 8 p.m.

OUR LADY OF THE CAPE, entitled "Gratitude for God's Gifts", BREWSTER will allow the opportunity for inHealing servi"ce with Mass Dec. 6, formal story telling about blessings 7:30 p.m. Celebrant will be Father received from the Lord.

Dick Lavoie, M.S. Information: Sue, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY tel. 432-4934.

An affiliate for the Fairhaven, ST. MARY'S, MANSFIELD Acushnet, Mattapoisett, Marion, Exposition of the Blessed SacraRochester and Wareham areas is ment will take place today from being organized. People from these noon to 8 p.m., concluding with a communities are needed to help. holy hour from 7 to 8 p.m. All Information: Bill Farrell, tel. 993welcome.

2971 or 998-2682.

PUBLICITY CHAIRMEN are asked to submit news Items for this column to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, 02722. Name of city or tow/l should be Included, as well as full dates of all activIties. Please send news of future rather than past events.

Due to limited space and also because notices of strictly parish allalrs normally appear In a parish's own bulletin, we are forced to limit Items to events of general Interest. Also, we do not normally carry notices offundralslng activities, which may be advertised at our regular rates, obtainable from The Anchor business office, telephone (508)675-7151.

On Steering Points Items, FR Indicates Fall River: NB Indicates New Bedford.

BEREA VEMENT,SUPPORT GROUP Meetings for adults and children take place at St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford on Thursdays, 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. There will be an ecumenical memorial service at St. Julie Billiart, No. Dartmouth, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.' with Bishop Sean O'Malley.

All invited.

SECULAR FRANCISCANS St. Francis of Peace Fraternity, West Harwich, will hold its monthly meeting Sunday, Dec. 10at 2 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, West Harwich.

Mass will be celebrated by Father Cornelius Kelly, O.F.M., who will speak on "St. Francis and the Christ Child." There will be profession and reception ceremonies for members; a Christmas Tableau and reading. A business meeting, discussion and refreshments will follow. A rosary to end abortion will be recited at 1:30 p.m. Inquiries are welcome. Information: Dorothy Williams, tel. 3944094.• SS. PETER & PAUL, FR Celebration of the feast of St. Nicholas will take place Dec. 6 at I p.m. All welcome to join the school children in the church.

LaSalette' displays global nativit~r sets LaSalette Shrine, Attleboro, announces that its 1995 Christmas Festival of Lights will once again include a display of nativity sets from all around the world. Ihis display is in the Shrine Theater and is open to the public, free of charge" Monday through Friday at 3:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 PM. This year's display includes a King's Creche, two country creches and over 60 additional sets from' 33 countries. One of the country creches was created by Father . Manuel Pereira, assistant shrine director, who modeled the Portuguese-style village after his own birthplace of Horta, Fayal in the Azores. It includes representations of actual buildings in his village and depicts various Portuguese Christmas traditions.

In conjunction with the new outdoor display telling tht: story of St. Nicholas, there is an ir..door St. Nicholas display in the theater, from the collection of Father Marc Bergeron, of St. Anne's Shrine, Fall River.

The international display of nativity sets is from the collection of Father Timothy Goldrick, St. Bernard's parish in Asso'l1et. Father Goldrick will be available on the following dates to give walkthrough tours of the display at I:00 and 2:00: Dec. 4, 7, 18,2 I and 28. These one-hour tours are by appointment only and me for groups of 10 to 25 people (litudent groups welcome). Please ,(:all the shrine programs office at 222-5410 to make an appointment f(if your group or for further information about the Christmas Festival of Lights.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL, TAUNTON Mass Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. for the intention ofthe beatification of Frederic Ozanam & deceased members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Meeting will be in the church hall.

ST, DOMINIC, SWANSEA On Dec. 17 at 7 p. m. the music ministry will present the story of the first Christmas through lessons and carols. Voices will be accompanied by various instruments and bells, and there will be congregational caroling. All welcome, ' ST. THERESA'S CHAPEL, SAGAMORE An afternoon of recollection for women will be held Dec. II. Confessions will be heard from 2:30 to 3 p.m. and also at 5 p.m. by a priest of Opus Dei. All area women welcome.

ONE OF the nativity sets from the international display at LaSalette Shrine.

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