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True Spirit of Christmas lives in Nantucket By DAVE JOUVET

Central to the celebrations are the events initiated by Nantucket's many Christian NANTUCKET - For the last 26 years, St. church communities, including St. Mary's/ Nicholas hasn't forgotten the small commu- Our Lady of the Isle Church, part of the Fall nity residing on this tiny Atlantic island 30 River Diocese. The Stroll originated in miles off the Massachusetts coast. For over a 1974 as the Christmas Shoppers Stroll. The idea quarter of a century, the favorite of children and was to dniw tourists to the island to help out the loadults alike has boarded cal shop owners during the a U.S. Coast Guard vesslow fall and winter sel to take him to Nanmonths. Through the tucket for a pre-Christmas years, the Stroll has becelebration. come famous drawing It's part of what is now thousands of tourists for commonly known as the "Stroll," a three-day, isthat particular weekend. The island Christian land-wide holiday party churches saw this as an held the first weekend of opportunity to help revelDecember. ers remember the real This year, the event meaning of Christmas. took place from DecemUsually, the true meaning ber 3-5. of the season is overBut what's even more ,important is that the iswhelmed by a secular way of thinking. But on Nanland community hasn't tucket, the faithful have forgotten what prompts reversed that trend. the jolly guy's yearly soAs crowded as many of journ through Nantucket STAINED-GLASS image ,Sound. Amidst the hoopla of Our Lady of the Isle greets the secular events are, the of St. Nick's arrival, the visitors to the island church. Stroll Weekend church functions are as equally crowds of tourists, the (Anchor/Jolivet photo) well attended. shopping, the lights, the At St. Mary's, Pastor decorations and the food is the knowledge that all these things pale in Father Thomas C. Lopes has initiated a parcomparison to what the real meaning of the ish tradition on the Saturday of each Stroll season is - the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Turn to page 13 - Spirit ANCHOR STAFF

SHOPPERS BUY goodies at the St. Mary's Christmas Fair during Stroll Weekend on Nantucket last week. (Anchon'Jolivet photo)

Elves of St. Mary's excel in 'Fair' weather By DAVE JOUVET ANCHOR STAFF

NANTUCKET - Their busy season, where it used to be once a year, doubled nearly a decade ago. Instead of expending all their time and talents just in the summer, the "Elves" of St. Mary's/Our Lady of the

Isle Church in Nantucket have an encore performance on the first weekend of December. These elves are a core group of women in the parish, island born, baptized here and still devoting their energies to help keep the Turn to page 13 - Elves

Norton deacon assisted families in wake of EgyptAir jet crash By MIKE GORDON

to the families of victims and our primary goal is to coordinate local resources to meet the needs of people," said NORTON - Shortly after search and rescue crews Murray. "I call it a ministry of presence." People are filled brought in debris from the Oct. 31 crash of EgyptAir Flight with a lot of'grief and anger and we "listen to what people 990 off. Nantucket, Deacon Michael Murray received have to say. They need to deal with their feelings." SAIR is sponsored by the National news at home. Within a short time, the Transportation Safety Board and the permanent deacon was responding, en American Red Cross and is a nationwide route to New York - and later Newport, team of 60 people who are specially R.I. - to meet with grieving families of trained as crisis and trauma chaplains who the missing 217 passengers, who would respond to domestic air disasters. Eight later be confirmed as dead. people are on call on any given month. For Murray, consoling families and reAlthough they could be called, to work sponding to disasters are part of his pasany airline disaster, said Murray, the team toral duties as a specially-trained memresponds to crashes in the U.S. and its ber of the Spiritual Care Aviation Inciterritories. dence Response Team (SAIR). After the 1986 crashes ofValuJet and "The ministry, although sometimes TWA airplanes, Congress enacted the difficult, is an important one," said the Family Assistance Act through which the 51-year-old deacon, whose son is Father NTSB and American Red Cross were John Murray, the parochial vicar at St. charged with coordinating grief counselPatrick's Parish in Fall River, and who ing for victims relatives. also showed up to assist his dad. Turn to page 13 - Deacon 'The SAIR team provides spiritual aid DEACON MICHAEL MURRAY ANCHOR STAFF

The Anchor will not be printed on Dec. 31, but should return to your door on Jan. 7, 2000. Material for the Dec. 24 edition must reach us by noon on Dec. 15.

THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River-Fri., December 10, 1999

St. Peter's 'KitchenAngels' , are at the~r s~onalministry PROVINCElDWN-Among the Their concern was to give financiallydawn patrol of shoppers out early the strapped families - 30 of them day after Thanksgiving were six gifts to present to their approximately members of St. Peter Parish's re- . 60 children. nowned "Kitchen Angels;' who have To finance the effort, that this year added gifts to their annual, 10-year offered families food, needed gift program of delivery of hot dinners to items and even a Christmas Tree, the senior shut-ins on special holidays group held several clothing drives, when the Mellis on Wheels program suppers, and collection drives. is not in operation. ; The Kitchen Angels: Yvonne Assisted by a team who lines up Cabral-Edwards, Pat Sullivan, at the parish hall kitchen to whisk Wendy Lacerda, Irene Joseph, Kathy away the hot means as soon as they Gonsalves, and Dan DePalma, lost are packed, the volunteers will de- one of their original members, Nancy liver them to approximately 45 Marotto, who died in,October. homebound in the area. Financial contributions are a1. , Last year, the Kitchen Angels ~ays welcome. Anyone interested . opted to give St. Nicholas a hand and is invited to call Yvonne at 487-9483 , were able to distribute wish list forms or Dan at 487-2434, or contact any to families that needed assistance. of the Kitchen Angels.

'Lifeteen' youth ministry program set for Jan. 9 at Fairhaven parish FAIRHAVEN -St. Mary's Parish will hold a parish assembly.on youth ministry, "Lifeteen" on· Jan. 9, following the 11 a.m. Mass. : "Lifeteen" is a Catholic youth ministry program open ,to high school aged teens of all faiths. Developed 15 years ago in Mesa, Ariz., it is being implemented in more than 600 Catholic parishes nationally. At St. Mary's, coordinating parishioners Carol Fautaux and David Dufresne will present the program to interested paris~ioners following

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THIS PRO.:.L1FE message has been seen by thousands of motorists and pede.strians in the Fall River Area in recent months on billboards at two busy intersections of the city. The Greater Fall River Chapter, Massachusetts Citizens for Life sponsored the billboards and has plans for others in the immediate future, thanks in large measure to the support of MCFL I . . fund-r~isers by more than 20 area Catholic parishes. Pro-life help may be obtained by calling ' (877) 999-MCFL.

the Mass. Pre-registration of interested parishioners will be held at all Masses. The group will break for lunch at noon and the program will continue from I to 3 p.m. With special attention to the particular interests ofyoung people, the program emphasizes the importance of the Mass in Catholic life. The SWANSEA - An unprecSunday worship is celebrated in a edented number of parishes from style attractive to you.ng people and across the Fall River Diocese will with teens as the principal focus. be sending young ladies to be for''Lifenite;' which is a program that mally presented to Bishop Sean P. would follow the "Lifeteen" Mass, O'Malley, OFM Cap., as a highlight meets the spiritual" emotional, of the 45th Annual Bishop's Charcatechetical and social needs of teens. ity Ball on January 14 at the Venus St. Mary's is currently in the pro- 'de Milo Ballroom here. . cess of recruiting. a fulltime youth. Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. Harrington, minister, music ministry for the director of the event, reported that "Lifeteen" Mass and young adult mor~ than 50 parishes plan to sponparishioners interested in being of sor the presence of a representative service to teens through the pro- to participate in what has become a gram. feature of the yearly diocesan fund-

Annual Bishop's Cha'rity Ball -expected to draw large numbers

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Daily Readings Dec 13

NiTl24:2-7,15. 17a; Ps 25:49; Mt 21 :23-27 Zep 3:1-2,9Dee14 13; Ps 34:2- ' 3,6-7,17:19,23; Mt 21 :28-32 ' Dec 15 Is 45:6b, 8,18,21 b-25; Ps 85:9ab-14; Lk7:19-23 Dec 16 Is 54:1-10; Ps 30:2,4-6,1113; Lk 7:24-30 Gn49:2,8-10; Dec 17 Ps 72:3-4,78,17;Mt1:1-17 Dee18 Jer 23:5-8; Ps . 72:1,12-13,1819; Mt 1:18-24 'Dec 19 28m 7:1-5,8b12,14a,16; Ps 89:2-5,27,29; Rom 16:2527; Lk 1:26-38

the ball is a wonderful celebration of the unity and diversity of the diocesan family, said Msgr. Harrington. Funds generated by the event are channeled to the many works of charity conducted by the agencies, apostolates and ministries of the diocese. . Subscriptions are currently being sought from prospective benefactors in all the geographic areas of the diocese. Many organizations in the parishes will be reserving seats and tables for the affair. Regional coordinators in the five deaneries of the diocese conduct the solicitation process of business and industries in anticipation of the program booklet.

raising social. "Because of the special festivity associated with the millennium, which our Church is observing as a Year of Jubilee, our committee decided to afford this opportunity to many more parishes than usual," Msgr: Harrington said. . At a recent meeting of the coqrdinating committee, careful planni'ng was devoted to devising the best means of accommodating the exceptional number of presentees. Members, including Mrs. Michael J. McMahon, chairman of hospitality; Miss Claire O'Toole, who directs the presentees; Horace J. Costa, head usher; and Antone Pacheco, the master of ceremonies for the ball, joined with Msgr. Harrington for a planning visit to the spaciolis ballroom recently. Held annually at the conclusion of the winter holiday social season,

Those interested can reach the Diocesan Office for'the, Catholic Charities and Development at P.O. Box 1470, Fall River, MA 02722 or by calling (508) 6751311.

In YQur Prayers \

Please R'ray for' the following priests during the coming week \ NECROLOGY

\ '.

\ 'Declf- / 1972, Rev. Reginald 1]Jeriau\( O.f;St. Anne, Dominican Priory, Fan River 1991, Rev., /Adrien L; FrancOeur:' \M.S., LaSalette Shrine, North Attleboro / \ .

-,. \./~

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1970, Rev. Msgr. John 1. Hayes, Pastor, Holy Name, Fall River . '\ \ . . \

Dec. 15 1942, Rev. Mortimer Downing, Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis \

111111I1II111111111111111111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS-545.Q20) Periodical PoStage Paid at Fall River. Mass. Published weekly except for the first two weeks in July ani the week after Chrisunas at 887 HighIaIXI Averwe. Fall River, Mass. 02720 by lheCatholic Press of !hi Diocese ofFall River. Subscription price by mail. postpaid $14.00 per year. POSTMASTERS send address changes to The An:hor. P.O. Box 7, Fall River. MA(Jl.7'l2.

\ \

PRIESTS CURREN'FDY SERVING December December December December December December

13 14 15 16 17 18 .De~ember !9

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

Dermot Rodgers. OFM Cap. Richard M.. ~oy Albert J. Ryan Stephen B. 'Salvador George B. Scales Charbel T. Semaan David M. Sharhind

•

Fall River Diocese may host 2001 Catholic Coalition on Preaching ~

The Coalition sponsors dent of the National Organization nary rectors, teachers of homiletfor the Continuing Education of ics and representatives from an aryearly national Roman Catholic Clergy. ray of national Catholic organizaconferences across the "We hope to be one of the first tions explored various strategies nation. dioceses in the nation which will to improve preaching by priests,

FALL RIVER - Back from San Antonio, Texas and the recent gathering of Catholic leaders who strategized about improvement of preaching, Father Mark R. Hession reports that the Fall River Diocese has put in a bid for a similar national conference here. Father Hession, diocesan director of Priestly Formation and Education, participated in the colloquium in his capacity as viCe presi-

host the planned convocationstyle workshop aimed at improving the quality of Catholic preaching," said Father Hession. He said he invited the national planners to come to the Fall River Diocese in June of 2001. The Texas meeting, with a theme "A Strategic Colloquium on the Future of Catholic Preaching," included more than 50 Church leaders at the Oblate Renewal Cen-' ter in San Antonio. Bishops, semi-

deacons, and lay people. Keynote addresses were delivered by Father Eugene Hemrick, director of Research at Washington Theological Union; Dominican Father Gregory Heille, assistant professor of homiletics at Aquinas Institute ofTheology in St. Louis, Mo.; and Bishop Sylvester Ryan of Monterey, Calif. Father Hession said the principal focus was on finding effective ways to improve preaching by the

clergy, homilies that must challenge those who have college and graduate degrees as well as those who have never been in school one day. By the end of the three-day meeting, the group had identified a number of methods, that included: - determining why "Fulfilled in Your Hearing," the U.S. bishops 1982 document on preaching, has not been fully implemented, and exploring new ways to promulgate it; - developing a "portable" preaching workshop model for the

continuing education of priests and the formation of lay preachers that could be offered in diocese settings across the country; - creating a preaching resource directory of a CCOP-sponsored web page of preaching resources; - asking the Catholic Association of Teachers of Homiletics to update a white paper on preaching they produced several years ago; - sponsoring a national "Festival of Preaching" to showcase Catholic preaching and provide a model for similar events on a regional basis.

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PREVOST SCHOLARSHIP - At its recent 40th reunion, the Class of 1959 of the former Msgr. Prevost High School in Fall River, made a gift of $1,000 to the alumni association's scholarship fund to help students attending Catholic high schools. Taking part in the presentation were, from left, Class Secretary Gerard Letourneau, Class President Paul Lambert, scholarship fund Chairman Roland Masse, Alumni President Robert Chouinard and Henry DeGagne, a class leader. The scholarship fund currently exceeds $50,000. For the current academic year, nearly $3,000 in financial aid is being given by the alumni group to relatives enrolled at Catholic high schools anywhere.

MoveDlent launched to create 1,000 years of true peace Bv CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE CINCINNATI - St. Anthony Messenger Press and a coalition of 13 congregations of women religious are inviting people to take an active part in creating 1,000 years of peace. The Cincinnati-area religious communities, which are part of a coalition called Sisters United News, and the Franciscan-run publisher want people to pledge time that they will spend on peacemaking activities. The goal is to have pledges totaling 8,766,000 hours, or 1,000 years. St. Anthony Messenger Press will take pledges through its Web site - www.AmericanCatholic.org - beginning Dec. 1 and going through the end of 1999. Or pledges can be sent by regular mail during the same period to Sisters United News, c/o Sister Mary Garke, 100 E. Eighth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202. Participants will assign the hourly value to the activities they choose to do and report them via the Web site or by mail.

Throughout the coming year, pledges will be tallied and reported on the publisher's interactive Web site. Selected pledges will also be posted. "We believe world peace begins at home," Sister Mary Bookser, who is a Sister of Charity, said in announcing the effort. "The hours one person spends praying for peace or volunteering for a worthy' cause can contribute to a better, more peaceful world." Other peacemaking possibilities, she suggested, might include letting go of a grudge, renewing efforts to recycle, inviting a lonely neighbor to dinner, or working for legislation designed to reduce violence. ·"This is not a fund-raiser but a time-raiser," said Sister Bookser, who is chairwoman of the Cincinnati region of Sisters United News. "Peace is built hour by hour, day by day." Sisters United News is dedicated to improving the' image of Catholic sisters in the media. St. Anthony Messenger Press is run by the Franciscan Friars of St. John the Baptist Province.

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THEANqiO.R ~ DioceSe Fall Riv~r-'-Fri., December 10, 199~

themoorin~

the living word

Lessons to be learned The Seattle debacle that. was the World Trade Association's fourday meeting should be a major eye-opener as we enter a new century. Aside from extremists and rioters, the vast majority of protesters were union members, environmentalists and humanitarians. Our media would have us believe that is was simply a confrontational battle in which the forces of darkness prevailed. This is a distortion of reality. Broadcasting confrontation seemingly was the main objective of television coverage. Because of this, many Americans were unable to objectively discern the real truth of the moment. Much can be learned from this event. First and foremost, on the political stage it was a Clinton disaster. If he did not lose the leadership in the World Trade Organization, he certainly heightened that possibility. As William Satire of The New York Times stated, "the president knocks himself out." As he becomes a lame duck he seems to be maiming hjmself with greater frequency. Aside from that political scarring, there were two basic concerns that surfaced on the streets of Seattle and in the convention center itself. They are issues that will be a major challenge in the years to come. They are the realities of the environment and the dignity of the human person. The politics of labor are as fickle as those of Washington. One cannot ignore the thousands of mainstream Americans who have formed a coalition based on ideas and ideals. This coalition of college students, church groups, the Sierra Club and social justice organizations is one that will have a powerful voice not merely in the trade movement but also in the halls of Congress. It is a voice of tomorrow and will echo across planet Earth. Trade is not the only issue that surfaced in Seattle. If one ignores this fact, they will become a mere echo of the past. The real task is to make clear that huge corporate machines are fighting for control of global trade. In this struggle for dominance, people become a secondary concern. Global corporations are basically controlled by the prosperous nations of the world. The rest are all slaves to this system. deprived of the human dignity tha.t is the right of every person. The rich are getting richer and the poor even more poor. We are failing to accept the concept that human institutions, both private and public, must labor to minister to the dignity and purpose of man. Economic slavery results when we tum our b,acks on humanity for the sake of mere profit and gain. The cry of the poor was indeed heard in Seattle. Hopefully it will not fallon deaf ears in. the halls of unrestrained corporate capitalism. The other Seattle group that peacefully demonstrated was the one that sees the protection of the planet as an environmental priority. Those who ridicule and demean this segment of our social order are self-destructive in fact and intent. The unrestrained pollution of Earth should be a real concern for all who live on this planet. Granted, corporations have ignored the destructive forces they have unleashed on the environment. The forests of South American and the decaying atomic plants of Russia are signs that , we are on the road to mankind's suicide. From China to the Caucasus, from Boston to Bombay, humanity is choking on its. own waste because of the headlong dash for profit and greed. We are at a critical' point in our life on this earth. Unless we save the water and purify the air, we will simply be killing ourselves. Death linked to toxic waste is a reality. ' Look beyond the headlines and media madness. Realizing what took place in Seattle should be a wake-up call for all of us.

JUMANA AYYAD, A CATHOLIC FROM BElT SAHOUR IN THE WEST BANK, LEADS A GROUP OF HIKERS ON THE NATIVITY TRAIL THROUGH THE JUDEAN DESERT RECENTLY. THE HIKERS MARKED THE POSSIBLE ROUTE TAKEN BY MARY AND JOSEPH ON THEIR WAY FROM NAZARETH TO BETHLEHEM. (CNS PHOTO BY DEBBIE HILL)

"MY FOOT HAS ALWAYS WALKED IN IDS STEPS; IDS WAY I HAVE KEPT AND HAVE NOT TURNED ASIDE." JOB 23:11

Creating a good mood for Christmas By FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

When I heard Christmas music on the radio before Thanksgiving, it irritated me. I asked myself, as I do every year: "Why do we have to rush the seasons 'and turn this路 sacred time into a business? And since we alThe Editor路 ready experience gridlock on our highways, do we have. to create mental gridlock and gridlock at the malls every time we have a holiday?" There must.be a way to counter ,the rushed,. overcommercialized ' atmosphere created at Christmas, OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER and I think I found the way this Published weekly by The Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River year. It has to do with using music P.O, BOX 7 '887 Highland Avenue to get intu the spirit of the season. Fall River. MA 02720 Fall River. MA 02722-0007 When I prepare for marathons, I often rely on .music to help shape Telephone 508-6~5路7151 FAX (508) 675-7048 my mood; I remember one year listening to Dmitri Shostakovich's Send address changes to P.O. BOll 7 or call1elephone number above second piano concerto. One movement in particular is zestful and EDITOR GENERAL MANAGER NEWS EDITOR melodic, and I would listen to it in James N. Dunbar Rev. Msgr. John F. Moore Rosemary Dussault the evenings in my car. Then, as I ~ LEA'RY ~ESS - FALL RIVER trained, it would echo in my mind,

.theancho~

helping me to find just the lightfooted pace I wanted in my running style. ' Another time I listened to Ottorino Respighi's "Pines of the Appian Way." Respighi often composed music to create pictures. In the "Pines of the Appian Way," he starts' with the faint beat of drums which builds louder and louder, creating feelings 'of strength and power: The picture he paints is that of a victorious Roman legion , marching to Rome. I played this melody in my' head as I trained, 'hoping it would prompt the sense of strength and endurance needed to complete a marathon. There have been many times' when I wanted something peaceful rather than energizing. In my quest for music to create this effect, I found Beethoven's "Pastoral Symphony" perfect. Its opening light melody often transports my thoughts to lovely meadows and quiet forests. Of course, music also can communicate joy or a sense of liveliness.

I believe that music doesn't exist for its own sake but for that of the listener. So. what I propose is that you select music at Christmastime that .will serve to create the mood you ne~d in order to truly enjoy the holiday. , If you are looking for music to lower your blood pressure, I highly recommend Gregorian chant. Its great success these days can be attributed to the way its soft, sacred melodies counter the harsh mental poundings we encounter daily. Some time back, a parishioner who is Ukrainian gave me a recording ofchurch bells from around the world. As I listened to them, I found myself pondering the majesty of God and the sacred, peaceful atmosphere of many churches. Perhaps a recording like this would behelpful for getting into the right Christmas spirit. Whatever the mood you need to truly celebrate Christmas, look to music to help you. It not only delights the ears, it speaks to the soul.

THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River-Fri., December 10, 1999

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Massachusetts OKs $llM for private school students ~

It enables more parents

cacy efforts and reflects a growing awareness among lawmakers that there are a lot of parents in Massachusetts who choose Catholic schools. Funding will be divided By MICHAEL Cox among the state's private schools CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE in the following way: school nursWORCESTER, Mass. - In a ' ing, $6.5 million; school transmove that is being hailed as a sig- portation, $1.5 million; dual ennificant victory for students and rollment, $1.7 million; and a parents in Catholic schools, Mas- teacher Internet discount prosachusetts state lawmakers have gram, $1.3 million. There is also approved more than $11 million an open-ended amount of fundfor private-school services in the ing allotted for students in private schools who have special latest state budget. Stephen A. Perla, executive di- education needs. Perla noted that all the serrector of the Parents' Alliance for Catholic Education, or PACE, one vices are legally permissible unof the advocacy groups that der the state constitution besought the budget changes, said cause they are public health and students in Catholic schools and safety measures or are considered the state's other private institu- a benefit to the individual, not . tions will now have access to a the school. He said none of the services diwide range of services. These include school nurses, vert funding from public schools. transportation, dual enrollment, a In fact, he said PACE worked in teacher Internet discount program collaboration with public-school and the restoration of special edu- advocacy groups to secure increased funding for nursing procation programs. "What this will mean for our grams in both public and private students is that they will get the schools. "These partnerships benefit all services they need," Perla said. "The availability of these services children," he said. "Our aim is to will enable many more parents to ensure that all children have choose Catholic schools for their equal access to vital educational resources. Equalizing educational children." Charles E. McManus, superin- access is important for all chiltendent of schools in the Worces- dren but especially important for ter Diocese, lauded lawmakers for those families who may not have promoting education in all of the the resources to choose where their children attend school." state's schools. In practical terms, what these "We're very happy that members of the House and Senate see new gains mean for Catholic the need to help out the children school students, teachers and parand parents who attend our ents is that they will have access schools," he said. "It's a signifi- to more vital services, he said. The new funds will be used to cant achievement for us." He said the budget action is a increase the availability of nurses result of PACE's assertive advo- at the state's schools, reversing a

to chose Catholic schools for their children.

trend that in recent years saw that service being reduced or eliminated at private institutions. Concerning special education, the budget restores special-education services for children who attend Catholic schools, a program discontinued last spring. Perla noted this gain is significant because otherwise parents of special-needs students who wanted to send their child to a Catholic school would have been forced to pay for their specialneeds classes on their own.

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lBEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., December 10, 1999

Donor mom "brings "new life to others Claudia Grammatico knows that Christ- Medical professionals were asking her if the mas will be a difficult holiday for her this family would consider donating Paul's oryear. It will be her first one without her son gans to people in need of transplants. Paul. Yet she'll be rejoicing in her soul, knowing thilt because of Paul nine people who had been fatally ill will be alive to celebrate this and many Christmases to come, On May 16, Claudia, her husband Paul and their daughter Christine got the terrible news that devastates By Antoinette Bosco a family. Paul Jr., 26, and a friend, Michael Penny, 25, had been fatally injured whe'n a drunk driver .....- - - - - - - - - - -......J._~__..J_I slammed into their vehicle. Michael died instantly; Paul was brought to the hosMomentarily, this request seemed like a pital "brain dead." violation of her son. But then came a pro"You're in such shock. I didn't recognize found realization. "In that moment, you have my handsome, blonde, green-eyed son's face. the chance to give the gift of life," Claudia I recognized his arms and legs," said Claudia. told me. But almost immediately she had to go beShe' thought of how Paul would answer. yond her tears and pain to make a decision. Paul, a stockbroker, was already a philan- .

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thropist who gave generously to help needy children and to a favorite charity, the work of the Sisters of Merc;yin Brooklyn, N.Y. Th~s mother knew that her son would want her to say yes. Paul's heart now beat{in the chest of Joe Senatore of Bay Shore, N.Y. His liver was given to a woman in New York; one of his kidneys was transplanted in a woman from Kansas with three children, the other to a man in Nevada with two children; a lung went to a nurse in Massachusetts; his bones will help heal children with spinal and joint deformities and his skin aided burn victims needing skin grafts. Nine lives have been saved, and this "brought Paul back to me in a different way," Claudia said. She now calls herself "Donor Mom," Her experience has given her a mission:lo educakpeople about the importance of organ donation. At this writing, there are 65,963 patients .on th~ United Network for .

Organ Sharing waiting list. "The need for donors is great," she says. Claudia says that giving Paul's organs to others has "made all the difference in how I cope as well as how I go on with my life." This Catholic mother says that she, too, is a "transplant recipient," with a "new heart and spirit" to be of service to others in "their trauma, sorrow, grief and transformati9n." She now works with the New York Organ Donor Network and has launched a donor support group, the first ever started by a mother. The family also set up the Paul Grammatico Memorial Fund in conjunction with the Sisters of Mercy to help underprivileged children. At Christmas there will be tears in the Grammatico home, but not bitter ones. A family of faith, they can rejoice for having been the instrument through which Paul in death gave life to others, A greater Christmas gift would be impossi~le to imagine.,

The路 language gap between priests and laity My friend, Bud, gave me this list of gender jokes the other day that were totally sexist and clearly socially backward. In other words, I laughed until I had to blow my nose. The jokes focused on different understandings of the same word by men and women. For example, "vulnerable": female - opening oneself emotionally to another; male playing football without a helmet. This, naturally, led to deep theological reflection on my part, which led in turn to the realization that a similar language gap exists between the priesthood and most ofus lay folk. For example, "bishop": priest - the person from whom all authority, financial requests and much paperwork flows; laity - a chess piece. . Understanding these things would no doubt clear up many unnecessary tensions in parish life. Take another example, "hold-

ing hands": laity - something couples do with they stroll on the beach, or parents do with children when they cross the street; priest - topic of the next liturgy committee meeting because so many people are complaining about touching palms during the Our Father. Or, "collars": laity - the hardest part of the shirt to iron or a synonym for "making an arrest"; priest - a slang word for him and his colleagues. . Even when we think we mean the same thing, there can be nuances of perception. For example, "shared decision making": laity - trying to get your way at the parish council meeting; priest -:- trying to remember to tell the parish finance committee chairperson about the new lighting he ordered for the sanctuary. Sometimes th~ problem is the part of

speech. For example, "cook": laity - a verb; priest - a noun. Or "project": laity - noun, something you do, often on a Saturday, like clean the garage; priest - verb, how you

The offbeat

world of Uncle Dan By Dan Morris

talk when the sound system takes a hike. Or the. connotation of a word, like "dinner": laity - a meal;路 priest - a location. "Run": priest - to direct a meeting; laity -

to move just faster than a jog. Or "operation": priest - a euphemism for "parish plant"; laity - something we can talk about for hours, especially if it has been done on us and we are still fighting with the insurance company and hospital about being charged $75 for paper socks. Maybe the National Council of the Laity and the National Federation of Priest Councils could get together and talk about this. They could co-author a lexicon: "Laity Are From Earth, Priests Are From The Seminary." Of course, they would have to agree on the meaning of "agenda" first. Comments are welcome. Write Uncle Dan at441 Church St., San Francisco, Calif. 94114; or e-mall: cnsuncle@yahoo.com.

Parish offers ways t~ 'Unplug the Christmas Machine' BVSUE KROPP

We are, he says, being brainwashed by the Christmas machine. ROCKY RIVER, Ohio - Even in midBut the holidays don't have to be a time November with Christmas more than a month of stress, competition and consumerism gone away, Americans were already in the holiday' mad, said the associate pastor at St. Christofrenzy over gifts, decorating, foods and par- pher Church in Rocky River, in the Cleveties, notes Father Dan Schlegel. land Diocese. CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

Father Schlegel offered parishioners ideas on how to make Christmas a more spiritually oriented holiday focusing on the birth of Christ during a November workshop called "Unplug the Christmas Machine." The session was based on a book of the same name by Jo Robinson and Jean Coppock Staeheli. According to Father Schlegel, the holidays have become a stressful time for many families. He said gift-giving has become a competition, and the disappointment of unfulfilled expectations often dampens holiday spirits. The commercial aspect of Christmas has trivialized the holiday, making Dec. 26 the most welcome day of the year, he said. .Participants at the workshop agreed with Father Schlegel. "I am the Christmas路 machine," said one woman. "I want to unplug me." Historically, Father Schlegel explained, the holiday season was not a commercial event. At the turn of the century, gift-giving played a minor role in the Christmas season. Instead, families concentrated on planning a family-friendly. celebration with songs, games, and food. If gifts were given, they were of a practical nature, lillowing the holiday to remain rooted in the birth of Jesus. After World War I, he said, commercialism crept into the holiday season. By 1920, department stores offered the first pre-holiday sales. By the end of World War II, retailers launched what Father Schlegel called a frontal assault on American consumers. How .can anyone break away from these . current holiday practices? "It's not simple," Father Schlegel said,

"but you can change what the holidays mean to you." After consciously deciding to change their attitude, Father Schlegel said people can follow five simple steps to de-stress the holidays and reclaim the spiritual meaning of the season: - make a list of enjoyable holiday activities. Then make another list of unpleasant activities; - involve the entire family in Christmas preparations. Delegate the unpleasant activities to other family members or consider dropping the activities from the list. - pri~ritize the activity list; - complete all activities on the list, but do them in order. Place unimportant activities at the bottom of the list, and concentrate on the activities at the beginning of the list; - each year, complete one or two favorite holiday activities. Everything does not have to be completed during one season. Father Schlegel also said that it is important for families to schedule time for each other during the holiday season. Families often are manipulated by the media during the Christmas season, he added, saying that,the constant pressure to buy expensive gifts and create a perfect holiday celebration can send normally balanced families spinning out of control Father Schlegel stressed, however, that families need to create an evenly-paced season filled with reliable traditions to maintain tht spiritual values of the season. "The greatest gifts are unexpected," he said, "and come when we create a kind of environment in which the unexpected brings joy."

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Understanding "Haggadic Midrash" Q. Your column has been a big help to me since I returned to the Catholic Church. My question is about the three magi. One priest told us that the story of the wise men is only a fable, something he called "midrash." If this is so, why all

call them kings - they were probably astrologers - nor does it say how many there were. Tradition in the Eastern Catholic churches, for example, speaks of 12 men coming "from the east," or from the rising sun, not three.

the details _ - - - - - - - - - about Herod, the killing of the innocents and so on? How can the ordinary person know what By Father to believe? J. Dietzen John (Missouri)

uestlons and Answers

A. First, let's be clear that we.'re not speaking here of anything which is part of required belief for Catholics or other Christians. Particularly, it does not involve belief in "three kings" or wise men. The Gospel according to Matthew, the only one that tells the story (2:1-12), does not

The answer to your question entails certain technicalities of. Scripture interpretation dealing with the literary forms, or styles of writing, Matthew used in this Gospel. As your priest hinted, we are fairly certain, from study of this Gospel and other writings of that

1HEANCHOR- Diocese ofFalI River-Fri., December 10, 1999

period, that Matthew contains several examples of what is called "haggadic midrash." These are stories, typical in Jewish tradition, employed to spin out and clarify the meaning of a particular event or teaching. Sometimes these narratives are quite long and complicated, depending on the skill and intentions of the teacher. They were .not meant by the author to be taken literally in our sense of that word, but to flesh out and illustrate the truth being considered. Often I have referred readers, who wish to enlarge their knowledge of Scripture, to the New American Bible. Published under the auspices of the American bishops, the text and notes are a good starting' place for gaining insights into subjects like this. The NAB, recalling that this Gospel was written much later in the first century when Jesus had been rejected by Israel and had

Teaching nonviolence at home Dear Dr. Kenny: I read and enjoyed your earlier column on the culture of war. What about the culture of peace? Perhaps if we had some ideas of what to work toward we might even make some progress. (New York)

human rights by avoiding me-first greed, the attempt to gain a bargain at the expense of someone else. A home open to all in need is a wonderful way to promote respect for the rights of others. 3. Democracy. Government of Peace has to be much more than the people, by the people and for the absence of violence. A culture . the people should replace authori'of peace should have some identi- tarian regimes of all types: . Families.need not be ruled like fiable characteristics, both internaa dictatorship. All family members should have 'Ige-appropriate input into key decisions. 4. Tolerance and solidarity. With Dr. James & Differences are Mary Kenny to be applauded. We need an international acceptance of individual diftionally and within the family. The year 2000 has been desig- ferences. Families can lead the way by , nated as the U.N. International Year for the Culture of Peace. The Soci- noting the beauty and richness of ety for the Psychological Study of' all differences: skin color, religion, Social Issues is preparing a report . liturgies, music, language, food. 5. Sustainable human developof ideas on the subject to distribute. ' ment for all. Children have the need The U.N. General Assembly has and right to grow up healthy and listed eight keys to building a cul- sane, wherever they are born. We need worldwide preventive mediture of peace. 1. Nonviolence. Violence is the cine, a "war" on disease. last resort of the incompetent. There Families must take basic meaare better ways than physical forcl:; sures to eat weil and exercise well, to achieve results. Gandhi and Mar- to keep firearms away from chiltin Luth'er J5:ing Jr: are our .modern " dren, to set an example by avoid-, prophets of effective nonviol.ent ing alcohol, drug andnicoti~e, abuse. .. intervention. 6. Education for peace and rionFamilies can teach members to think of desired outcomes and th'en violence. Cultural exchanges focus on all the possible ways to might be arranged to teach joint gain those results. A good example international courses in nonviolent might be brainstorming ways other conflict resolution. Conflict resolution can be modthan bullying to achieve sharing a eled within the family. Cooperative desired toy. 2. Respect for human rights. In- creativity might also be taught as a ternationally, all human beings way of preventing conflicts.' . 7. Free-now and sharing of inmust have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. To formation. Secrecy is at the root of achieve these goals within the deception and violence. Freedom world economy, free and fair trade of the press throughout the world is basic. is crucial. Family members should listen Families can show respect for

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begun to be accepted by the gentiles, explains that the magi story projects this rejection and acceptance back -in time to the infancy of Jesus. There is no room here to go into detail, but several elements of the story hearken back to Moses, the exodus and prophecies that God would establish a new "star," or king, for his people. Thus, the magi narrative wraps together a major theme of Matthew's Gospel and locates it early in the life of Jesus. . Several levels of understanding are therefore open for us. One may accept the tale of the magi as happening exactly as it is narrated in the Gospel. Or one may believejt is partly fictional, but based on some actual journey of "wise men~' to Jerusalem about . .....--,

.-L -.

Dr. William H. Langfield Dr. Lee E. Guertin - OPTOMETRISTS -

the time of the birth of Jesus. Or one may see the story as wholly mad~ up, intended to call attention to the fulfillment of ancient prophecies about the coming and the mission of the Messiah. Any of these explanations is compatible with the Catholic understanding of the meaning and divine inspiration of the Bible.

A free brochure answering questions Catholics ask about ecumenism, intercommunion and other ways of sharing with people of other faiths is available by sending a stamped, selfaddressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, III. 61651. Questions for this column may be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address, or e-mail j jdietzen @aol.com.

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to one another, show respect for one another's opinions, encourage openness in communication. Perhaps one hour each week might be set aside as a gripe-and-wish session. . 8. Equality of men and women. The oppression of women is an economic rip-off and an ethical disgrace. The battle between the sexes has a smoldering violence to it. Families can begin by treating men and women, boys and girls, evenhandedly. While respecting individual preferences, families can assign chores and encourage activities irrespective of gender. The culture of peace may come with a price, but it can be "purchased" within our homes.

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1HEANCHOR-Di~ofFallRiver:-Fri.,Decemberl0, 1999

Nuns create cards to renew spirit of.· Christmas season ~

Poor Clare Nuns turn , out simple' cards with Scriptural texts.

thought rather than closes it down. .~~ We didn't want people to have stereo. -j' t;~\ typical responses." ;-:'~ The Sisters of St. Clare chose to • ..":t ; ._:~~;. design and, sell Christrnascards that By DAN DIGMANN they felt were more,in line with theii" CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE tradition, said Sister Hammel: SAGINAW, Mich. - There was TheSistersofStClare,aisoknown ·nothing routine about Christ coming as Poor Clare nuns, were founded by . into the world nearly 2,000 years ago. ,St. Oare ofAssisi. Their foundress was , So why, a community offour nuns a contemporary ofSt. Francis ofAssisi, in Michigan asked, are faith-filled who is credited for popularizing the people content with sending cards that Nativity scene. . echo the same tired cliches to their For many people, sending Christ-, friends and families each Christmas. mas cards has ~ome more of a holiMessages such as uSeasons Greet- day routine to tell friends and family ings," UHappy Holidays" and "We "Hello." In fact, many ofthe cards sent wish you a Merry Christmas" do little this season were likely purchased from . - POLICE AND farm workers flank Catholic Worker founder Dorothy Day, seated in a farm . to evoke the samefeelings of wonder, the clearance rack following last, workers picket line in Lamont, Calif., in 1973. She was arrested that day fo~ viol.ating an excitement and hope felt so many Christmas. 'This season people can choose. injunction limiting picketing. Day was recently chosen by a gr~up of Ch~rch histOrians and years ago. , . The SistersofSt.Oare, a small con- to send 'something,' or they can use theologians as the 20th century's most outstanding I~y Catholic. (CNS file photo) templative community in Saginaw, the ritual as a faith experience and have found a fresh way to ignite the blessings for 'a new year," Sister . true spirit of the s~n through their Hammel said. specially designed contemporary' This marks the third year the comChristmas cards. The set offive differ- ' munity has sold its Christmas cards. ent cards utilizes abstract images and Income from the cllTds helps to suporiginal interpretations of the scrip- port the Sisters of St. Clare, who detural promises ~o' ,prompt personal ',' pend on·aIms as ~~ir major financial 'ALBANY, N.Y. (CNS) '---An .,'National Catholic Reporter, and Christmas imagery. means. 'American woman who advocated for ining the first 2,000 years of Church Catholic, author Fl~~ O'~~?r. uWe're looking'for what is clo~t Saginaw Bishop Kenn,eth E. the PQOr, ~tood up for the rights of. history. _ . Lernoux, whodledm 1989, Iss~g to our spirit - the spirit ofconveying Untener invited the community to his workers, and protested against aborMaureen A. TIlley, associate pro- nificant, because she brought to lIfe that Christ is with us'at Christmas and, :diocese in 1991 to be a permanent tion and the VietnaI11 War /las been, fessor <;>f religious studies at ttie.UIli- ." file plight oftht? marginalized in Latin , throughout the co~ng year," said Sis- . prayerful presence. ' . chosen the most outstanding lay versltY ofDayton in Ohio, named Day . America that enabled man~ aro~nd . , ter Laura Hammel, who has lead reIt's often difficult for the faithful to Catholic in the world during the 20th ' . along with Patrick and Patricia the ~orld. to understan~ th~ mtentI?n sponsibility for the project. ' acquire good, religious art, so people century. Crowley, who founded the Christian of liberatIon theology' m lIght of Its The card designs are simple - ' often settle for, generic reproduced' Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Family Movement in 1949. . successes and its limitations," Barnett consisting mostly of fancy hand-Iet- pictures and shallow text, Bishop Catholic Worker movement, was choShe also cited Dolores Huerta and said. tenngon the outside with simplemes- " Untener said. He explained that sen by a panel of Church historians Chavez, who helped found the NaJeffrey Marlett, assistant professor sages inside, including uChristmas through their' cards, the Sisters of St. and theologians asked to select laity tional Farm WorkersAssociation, now of religious studies at the College of brings heavenly gifts to earth:' "Peace' Oare are providing a source of good, who made the Church better or lived the United Farm Workers ofAmerica., St Rose in Albany, said Chesterton, a is the gift of Christ,:' and "A child is religious art. , 'Their struggle for legislation to British conve~ whodi~ in 193~, their faith in exemplary ways during bOrn for us, Christmas Peace." They Internationally known artist the past 100 yearS. Her name appeared protect farmworkers showed how "gave the Enghsh-srea;king ~olic are sold in sets of 20. cards for $15 Michael Clark, ofRichmond, Va, works on all but one of the nine ballots. Catholic teachings on social justice , world a humorous, easily acceSSible, with shipping and handling extra. as their calligrapher. Commwncating "Her outspoken and consistent could be appropriated by the workers and faithful intelle,etuai ,:,oice,.to coun'The dialogue isn't complete; it through fax and e-mail, the nuns and pacifism, even in the time of World themselves to bring dignity and jus- teract the oppositIon the Church ofonly initiates thought:' Sister Hammel Clark design and compose the cards, War II, kept that time-honored Chris- tice to their lives:' TIlley said. ten faced then." told The'Catholic Weekly, newspape;:r which the sisters then market out of tian ideal and alternative before the In addition to Day, Father Fiore Marlett also selected Day and muof the Saginaw Diocese. UIt opens up their home in Saginaw Township. consciences of informed Catholics cited Catherine de Hueck Doherty, sician Bruce 'The Boss" Springsteen and non-Catholics 'alike," said Jesuit "whose Madonna House in as outstanding lay Catholics of the Father Ben Fi'ore, a professor at ' Combermere, Ontario, remains an ef~ century. . Springsteen, "while probably not Canisius College in Buffalo, in a re- fective center for the training of lay sponse echoed by many of his col- apostles who carry her vision forward:' the most exemplary Catholic, h~s leagues. and Tony Walsh, whose Benedict penned some of.the most authentic, "She also carne to know abortion Labre House in Montreal ,"was an honest and yet still hope-filled popuas a hideous reality and rejected that early prototype ofthe type ofoutreach , lar songs in 20th-century popular as a choice" Father Fiore added. "Her center that has flourished across North music," he said. "Often, his stories end in les~-than social con~ciousness i~spired count- - America." less others to follow her example." Father Skok praised Day for "her happy circumstances, but such honOther lay Catholics receiving , absolute and total dedication to the esty is- precisely what ~I~vates more than one vote were Catholic poor and downtrodden; her complete Springsteen ab<;>ve other ~uslclans.as book publishers Maisie Ward and loyalty to the Church, in spite of well as others mterested In the daIly . Frank Sheed; British author Gilbert churchmen who viewed her with sus- lives of'real'Catholics,"Marlett added. Keith, Chesterton; and French writer picion and disdain; her unconditional Benedictine Father James Jacques Maritain and his wife, Raissa., pacifism; and her undivided heart at Wiseman of ~e th~lo~ departrn~nt The Maritains "were great voices home both in contemplative prayer atTheCathohc UmversltyofAmen~a in the world of philosophy, art, cul-' and in energetic activism." in Washington, n~ed Day, AustrIa " tureandreligion,"saidFatherCharles Franciscan Father William farmer and NaZI oppon~n~ Franz D. Skok, professor emeritus ofreli- McConville, professor of religious Jaegerstaetter, and the ~~tams. giou.s studies at Gonzaga University studies' at Siena College in , "Together the ,Marltam~ e~em in Spokane, Wash. 'Their accomplish- Loudonville, named Day' as "an un- plify ~~ the sanctIty,of":Iamage ~d ments kept the Church from becom~ settling yet comforting presence the slgmficant contrIbution that ~n ing-peripheral in the 'modem' con-' within the communion of saints" and tellectual activity can.make to the lIfe versation." "Jacques Maritain for his "critical re- of the Church:' he said. The scholars' other choices ranged ,trieval of the scholastic tradition in Th,e choices ofJude P. ~ougherty, from the late Cesar Chavez, who or- dialogue with the modem world." dean of the School of Philosophy at NUNS STANDING atop a building facing Manger Square ganizedfarmworkers, to anonymous'. WIlliam R. Barnett, associate prO- Catholic Uriiversity, were Chesterton; lay ministers, and even a rock singer fessorofreligiousstudiesatLeMoyne Sheed and Ward; German leader observe activities for the kickoff of "Bethlehem 2000" recently. popularly known as 'The Boss.". College in Syracuse,sel~ Day ~ Konrad .A~enauer; French-born auThe festival' is a millennial observance sponsored by the PalThe list was compiled by The Evan- weliasPennyLemoux,longtuneLatin thor HIlam~ Be!loc; and Ralph estinian National Authority. (CNS photo from Reuters) gelist, n~spaper of the Albany Dio- American affairs correspondent for the McInerny. \~

.Dorothy Day leads historians' list of century's top lay people cese,aspart~fayeariongseriesexarn-

Canadian community shows local pride in Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha By MARY CURRAN

Lande. ,Indians blamed the MONTREAL - Local pride "Blackrobes" for the sudden apin Blessed Kateri pearance of deadly white Tekakwitha is evident in :-::::1_-" man's 'diseases, includthe Mohawk community ing small pox. Blessed of Kahnawake, a few Kateri's parents were miles southwest of victims of this plague. Montreal. WIIIII:;......• Under pressure from The influence of her relatives to marry, in Blessed Kateri, the first 1677 the spiritual and North American Indian contemplative young beatified by the Cathogirl fled to present-day lic Church, is seen Quebec, taking refuge at throughout the Indian reSt. Francis Xavier. misserve. The medical cen- ~~~ sion, about nine miles ter, the school, and a downstream from present youth center have been day Kahnawake, at La named after her. Prairie, on the St. Jesuit Father Louis Lawrence River. Cyr recalled the words of She was baptized by one native at the time of the Jesuits and asher beatification 20 tounded them with her years ago: "It is not our deep spirituality and her custom to put anybody devotion to the Blessed on a pedestal. But deep Sacrament. She shunned down we're very proud of marriage and took a priher." vate vow of virginity. Of Blessed Kateri's tomb frail health, she died in attracts pilgrims from all 1680, at age 24. Soon afover North America who ter Blessed Kateri's come to the historic St. death, Catholics started Francis Xavier Church to to claim favors and venerate the "Lily of the miracles had been obMohawks." tained through her interBLESSED KATERI Tekakwitha is de- cession. Most come with two goals: to receive a bless- picted in a window of St. Matthew's Church In 1943, Pope Pius XII ing and to further the in Phoenix. (CNS photo by Carol Casserly. declared her venerable; cause for Blessed Catholic Sun) Pope John Paul II beatiKateri's canonization. fied her in 1980. Today, Blessed Kateri was born to a her father's Iroquois people tor- many see her as a model for Christian Algonquin mother-and tured and massacred thre~ of the Christian natives. a Mohawk father in 1656 at Jesuit martyrs: Rene Goupil, "I believe that Kateri has been Auriesville, N.Y., then known as Isaac J ogues and Jean de la chosen by God; our Creator, to CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

Ossernon. She was born into a period of political and religious turmoil, 10 years after a band of

be a model to native· people," Ron Boyer, a permanent deacon and an Ojibway native who works at the parish, told a local newspaper, the Gazette. "She inspires native people in their struggle for recognition. She is a presence and inspiration in the healing of our cultures. She gives affirmation of native Christian identity." Boyer said that coming from a mixed Mohawk-Christian Algonquin marriage, Blessed Kateri was well placed to understand issues of rivalry among different tribes and between natives and the white man. Today, some natives reject

Blessed Kateri, saying she was a "white man's saint." Some Mohawks in Kahnawake see her as a symbol of the colonial imposition of European values on the Indians. The Jesuit movement to have Blessed Kateri canonized continues to collect and document favors and miracles attributed to the young Mohawk. Some alleged medical miracles attributed to her intercession have been documented, but none have been approved by the Vatican's verification process.

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Pope urges young people to follow their vocations By CINOVWOODEN CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY - By discovering and following their voca, tions, young people can make the new millennium an era marked by reconciliation, trust and belief, Pope John Paul II said. "The 21 st century will be how you young people will want it to be" and how you make it, the pope said in a message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The theme for the day, which will be marked May 14 in most dioceses, is: "The Eucharist, source of all vocations and ministries in the Church." In the message released at the Vatican, Pope John Paul said young people can discover their vocation by meeting Christ in the Eucharist, and they <:an find the strength to answer God's call by receiving the Eucharist. "In their encounter with the Eucharist, some men discover that they are called to become ministers of the altar," serving God and the Church as priests, the pope said. Some men and women are called to a life of contemplation, some are called to spread Christ's love by serving the poor and others are called to bring the transforming power of his love to the world through their families and jobs: he said.

The world needs people who are aware that God has a specific plan for each person's life and that God gives people the strength to follow his call, the pope said. "After so much violence and oppression, the world needs young people capable of 'building bridges' to unite and reconcile," he said. "After the atmosphere of suspicion and distrust which poisons human relationships," Pope John Paul said, "only.courageous Young people with minds and hearts open to high and generous ideals will be able to restore beauty and truth to life and to human relationships." The pope said the Vocations Day. focus on the Eucharist also highlights the urgency of praying for vocations to the priesthood in areas where a shortage of clergy has meant less access to Communion. "Let every believer become an educator of vocations without fearing to propose radical choices," he said. "Let every community understand the centrality .of the Eucharist and the necessity for ministers of the eucharistic sacrifice. "Let the whole People of God raise an ever more intense and impassioned prayer tothe Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest," the pope wrote.

lHEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., December 10, 1999

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lHEANCHOR-DioceseofFallRiver-Fri., December 10, 1999

Book urges peopl(! to take stock, -not stockpile, for new year By Lou PANAAALE CAlHOUC NEWS SERVicE

WASHINGIDN-Insteadofstoek- , piling food and cash for the turn of the millennium,Americans would be wiser to take stock of their spirituality, say ,contributors to a new book titled 'The New Millennium Spiritual Journey." In the book released this fall by Skylight Paths Publishing in Woodstock, Vt., 25 leaders of various faiths share what they feel should really be people's priorities for the new millennium. "We don't want to convince you that this new millennium is somehow different from the one we are leaving behind. It's nol;' say the editors in the introduction. ,''What we do want to do for you ... is to offer tools you can use to take your spiritual temperature, and look as if through a wide-view lens at your,life, in order to take charge of where you are heading and where you want to be going in your spiritual and religious lifie." Catholic contributors to the book, which is part reader and part workbook, include: ' -EugeneHsher,directorofCatholic-Jewish relations for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops; - Retired Father Joseph Girzone, author of the "Joshua" series of novels and several other books; , - Mitch Fmley, author of'TheJoy of Being Catholic" and several other ' books; - Holy Cross Father Theodore He$burgh, 'president emeritus of the University ofNotre Dame; - - Trappist Father M. Basil Pennington, known worldwide for his books and ministry on centering prayer. The book is divided into five sections: "Seeking Spiritual Understand, ing;' "OurLives on This Small Planel;'

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,"WeAre Co-Creators with the Divine:' "Focusing~n What Is Importanl;' and "Establish Your Spiritual Priorities & Goals for the Next Millennium." In his reflection, Fisher outlines three spiritual priorities for the new millennium: to "confront the inhuman conditions of bigotry, exploitation and violence that enslave such a large part o~America's inhabitants"; to "introduce moral guidanCe into economics"; and to "nurture and care for all forms of

r •

lifie."

Father Girzone wrote that one of his spiritual priorities is "to keep focused on what is' essential," and he urged others, as they think abOut their own spiritual priorities, to think of God . ACTRESS JOAN Cusack (right) and Toy Shower director Maryjeanne BU~ke display as the '10vingcreator who watches over $ome of toys collected by Catholic Charities in Chicago. (CNS photo by David V. Kamba, us." Cat~olic New World) 'To realize this and respond to that love dispels all fem: of the funire and inspires hoPe for what God has pre,pared for us," he wrote. ' Speaking from his home in Altamont, N.Y., Father Girzone told CNS he believes spirituality is essential "because that's the way we were ,By MicHAEL D. WAMBL£. unwrapped gifts were collected. Al- tioned the need for Jessie the Cowgirl to designed by God." CAlHOUC NEWS SEFMcE ready Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy become a helpless damsel in distress. "When people are led by their own "As a mom of a one-year-old and selfish emotions they go off in a thou- , CHICAGO - Sequels' have be- Sosa has donated 15,000 Beanie Basand directions and produce chaos become a ,recurring theme for Joan bies to be given out to each child served . an expectant mother-to-be, I've really by Catholic Charities~ Cusack. begun to think about children and cause they have no focus." This Christmas season, Burke said children's issues," she said. This holiday season, the comedic Finley wrote that his spiritual pri'Through her voice, I tried to make ority is "tQ better integrate my spiri- actress is starring as Jessie the Cowgirl, they've set a goal of 20,000 donations. tuaVreligious values into my every- alongside the character voiced by Tom Toys may be dropped off at various her strong~ Originally, Tom Hanks' Hanks in 'Toy Story 2;' the follow-up locations throughout the Chicago area. character was to rescue her. So I asked, day life." . Another program called Sponsor- 'Can she rescue him a bit too?' And He noted a recent remark by Min- to the 1995 computer-animated blocka-Family for Christmas allows groups, that was worked into the story. I was nesota Gov. Jesse Ventura that orga- buster. But it's her return as spokeswoman clubs and businesses to come to the -glad to add that for little girls out there;' nized religion was nothing more than . for Catholic Charities of Chicago's aid of two or up to 10 members of a she said. "a crutch for weak-minded people." Script suggestions and especially, "My response toVentura would be, armual Toy Shower that she hopes will needy family. ''When we started, 70 families n<- contribution:; to organizations such as 'So you're telling me that Mother make a lasting impact on the city's ceived sponsorship; 'now that number Catholic Charities are ways of putting Teresa ofCalcutta was a weak-minded needy. A native of Evanston, the actress has increased to 350;' Said Burke. the spotlight on what's important in person who needed religion for acrutch, With Catholic Charities and in films, life, Cusack said. as wereSt. ThomasAquinas, St Francis best known for her Oscar-nominated "Being part of a community is ail ofAssisi and Thomas Merton,'" Finley sllpporting roles in the films "Working Cusack said, it's always important to Girl" and "In and 'Out" was "cast" in remember that one's actions can im- important part of life, and volunteersaid. "Let's be fair here." this latest role by a persuasive party at pact and influence others. ing and giving ofone's selfto the com: During the sound studio production munity is rejuvenating and deeply rethe Catholic agency: her mother-in-law. "I asked i(she'd do it and she said of 'Toy Story 2;' Cusack said she ques- warding;' she said. yes,': said Maryjeanne Burke, who chairs Catholic Charities'.Toy Shower committee. "Now it's really a family NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The least one international telecast a month affair, with the ladies in ~e family volNEW YORK (CNS)-Following Picture Association of America rating Christmas Eve international television during the Jubilee Year. Among those unteering their time toward this wortransmission ofthe opening ofthe Holy anticipated during Jubilee 2000 are: thy cause." Burke's daughter, Mary, is ,are recent capsule movie reviews is- is R - restricted. '''The End of the Affair', Door at Rome's St. Peter's Basilica will - Dec. 31, midnight Hurbi et orbi" a member of the organization's advi- sued by the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting. (Co~bia) mark the 25th anniversary of Knights ,("to the city and the world") greeting; sory board. . "Cradle Will RoCk" London-based World War II-era ro. of Columbus grant support to bring - March 25, liturgical celebration, The importance of giving back to (Touchstone) mantic triangle involves an unfaithful Christmas and Easter liturgies of the ,feast of the Annunciation, Basilica of others, Cusack said, always has been Ii . Ambitious political drama set in wife(JuliarmeMoore),herdullardhus" pope to the world. the Annunciation Nazareth Israel' ' family value.'The seeds to help others Considered to be the most watched' . ',:-May, '18, ~ncelebrated M~ on w~ plan~ in me by my family;' she 1936 New York follows a struggling, band (Stephen Rea) and the adoring religious programs in the world, the occasion 9fPope Jolm Paul II~s'8Oth: SaI~re~errmgto~evolunteerwork;of 'federally funded ,theater group under lover (Ralph Hennes) she leaves withliturgies reach w.orldwide :audiences " birth<iay;, ',. " '.. ~- ,~ '~eractor~father,DI~k;and the ~Ia congressional investigation' as being out explanation as part of her vow to through satellite' uplii1kS, tiie cOsts of' .-·,...)Jun¢ 18-25, at leaSt one 'ofthe ..tlon o~ her m~ther, Nan~y, ~Itll, me communist-influenced while rich in- God when his life is spared after an which are funded by the KnightS celebrationSattheIntemationil1Eucha~" Catholic Worker ,movem.entm,~~\y duStrialists pIotto profit on the com- apparently fatall?omb~ng injury. ing war.Writer-directorTun Robbins~ , Adapted from the 1951 Graham Greene coordination with the Pontifical Coun- ristic Congress iJ) Ro~e;:, . Yo~k aI1:d~Boston:: ." - ,; . fact-based story of. greed - and artis- novel,and written ~d'direCted by Neil cil'for Social Comm,unications and its -Au~st 1~-2Q,WorldYo~tJt bay . That' (Cathohc Worker) ~rslb!l~, tic integrity at the mercy 'of govern- Jordan, the very adult drama is a preSident, Archbishop John P. Fol~y. highlights;. Rome; , " , I~ was very.much part of lllY P3;Ie~ts' December's Christmas telecasts are - Jan. 6, 2001, closing ofthe Holy' ' lives: It ~es as a challenge notJust t.o men~ censocihip- is awell-acted en- thoughtful characterstudy about sexual the first of several the Knights of Co- Door at StPeter's on the feast of the meditate, CUS3:ck told the Catholic semble effort but one whose numerous jealousy, spirituality, forgiveness and lumbus has agreed to underwrite dur- Epiphany: ' ' ' : New World, Chicago's archdiOcesan characters andstory strands nearly over- redemption. Several extramarital enwhelm the choppy narrative. Briefvio- counters with extended nudity. The U.S. ing the celebration of the Jubilee Year. These and other telecasts will be in newspaper. . lence, discreet sexual situations and Catholic Conference claSsification is To mark the beginning of the Jubilee, addition totheregularO!ristmas, Good '. Burke isn't the only one ap~recia-, live coverage will be available ofPope Friday and Easter telecastS. tlve of her s.uPp~rt. ~a~er M~chael some profanity and rough language. A-IV - adults, with reservations. The John II's opening of th~ Holy Door in In the United States NBC for sev- Boland, Chantles admmlstrator, IS also The U.S. Catholic Conference classifi- . Motion PictureAssociation ofAmerica ,the MadernoAtrium ofSt Peter's. The eral years has rebroadc~t the transmis- ~static, about the actress' involvement cation is A-ill - adults. The Motion rating is R - restricted~ live telecast of the ceremony. and the . sion to its affiliates. The EWTN cable m ~e pro~am~ Christmas Eve Mass which will fol~ ,network, whose programming now' , Jo~? IS ~~ly a ~ember of the low, will begin at.5 p.m., Eastern time, " reaches some 56 million homes in 40 Ca~ohc Chantles family, and we are Friday, Dec. 24. countries, also carries the telecasts of dehghted"to we~come her for the secArchbishop Foley hopes to offer at ' the papal events. ond year, he SaId. , . In 1998, 15,000 individual new,

'Toy Story 2' star leadS charge for Chicago Catholic Charities

K', of C, again to broadcast Vatican Christmas liturgy

eNS movie capsules

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See page 16 for EWTN's Holy Season Schedule.

THEANCHOR-Diocese ofFall River-Fri., December 10, 1999

Elves

FATHER THOMAS C. Lopes, pastor of S1. Mary's/Our Lady of the Isle Church, Nantucket, seated, left, joined with clergy members from the island's other Christian churches for an ecumenical Christmas prayer service on Dec. 4. (Anch,?dJolivet photo)

Spirit

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Weekend. At the outside entrance to the church is a traditional manger scene. But before the figurines are placed in the manger, Father Lopes places them in the sanctuary, and during Saturday morning Mass, he blesses the statues, and at the conclusion of the Mass, they are processed to their home in the stable. "We started this in 1996, when the feast of the Immaculate Conception happened to fall on Stroll Weekend," said Father Lopes. "Since then, it's

Deacon

become a standard part of our Stroll tradition." Nantucket is known primarily as a summer resort for tourists. The population shrinks to just the yearround residents when summer vacations end and the warm weather wanes. But for that one weekend in December, the crowds swell to summer-proportion again. "Our Masses during the summer are very well attended;' said Father Lopes. "So much so that there are

Continued from page one

Murray said that before that there wasn't really anything like the SAIR team until the spiritual component came together in April. He was involved in training programs in San Diego and Mexico and became involved with the project through his involvement with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and one of their vol unteer programs. Murray said he has spent a lot of time working with the sick in hospitals and it was something he wanted to help with. "I think it's a ministry that I've been called to by God," he added. The SAIR team was not scheduled to officially be on call until July of 1999, but his first assignment came on June 2 when the American Airlines MD 80 flight went down killing nine people. There were a hundred survivors in contrast to EgyptAir 990 which saw no survivors. That fact made it difficult according to Murray. There was a little hope when they got to New York said Murray. It was thought that some of the bodies might be recovered, but at the first family briefing people were told there was no hope of rescue and no bodies were expected to be recovered. ''That was difficult for people to take. Many were in a state of denial and there is really no way to describe the grief and emotions in that room." Murray said that he tried to have Mass available every day and that his son celebrated some of those Masses, but it is still difficult for the members of the team. "We are involved with the families and people are filled with a lot of emolions. It'S!1 terrible ordeal. We have

resources to keep us from burning out, but it can be difficult," he said. "It was quite an ecumenical experience," said Murray. The team, made up ofrepresentatives from different agenCies, organizations and faiths, had to consider many things when helping the family members and planning the memorial service. Murray said that Muslims pray five times a day and special prayer rooms were made available. The team is versed in multiple denominations. He explained that the memorial service was a "grace-filled moment," because people from the Islamic, Jewish and Christian communities were brought together by the tragedy and all helped plan the service. Some prayed, some visited the recovered wreckage at Quonset Point, but the one constant was that they "were all in this together," said the deacon. Family members received small bottles of ocean water, flowers and prayer cards at the memorial service. Many placed the flowers in a large basket which was lifted by Coast Guard helicopter ,which dropped them at the crash site. One positive thing that came out of the tragedy is that the media focused on the spirituality and talked positively about the ministry the team did said Murray. "For the team, airlines and the NTSB, it was a learning experience," he added. Murray was in Tulsa, Okla., recently to meet with the Red Cross and NTSB and representatives from seven major airlines and work out strategies on how resources can be best used and the spiritual needs of grieving families be met should such a tragedy occur again.

additional weekend Masses for a few months. During Stroll Weekend, many people attend the Masses here. We don't have to add any Masses, but they are all comfortably full." This year, Stroll visitors to St Mary's found quite a few changes in the quaint wooden church. All the pews and floors have been refinished, and there's new island-made furniture in the also-refillished sanctuary to name a few. But perhaps one of the most magnificent and eye-catching additions is the glorious stained-glass portrayal of Our Lady of the Isle, with an image of Nantucket Island at her feet. Another of the parish's Stroll traditions is the St. Mary's Church Christmas Fair, held in the newly renovated church basement. On Saturday night, Fath~r Lopes joined with clergy from other island Christian faiths to lead a Christmas Stroll Candlelight Service at the Methodist Church. The focus of the ecumenical service was to ensure that folks don't forget the true meaning of the Christmas season. Many tourists and residents attended to hear Scripture readings and sing Christcentered Christmas songs. Near the end of the service, the lights were dimmed and a single candle distributed its flame to the candles held by the members of the congregation. In a prayerful, yetjoyful setting, those in attendance sang "Silent Night" and finally offered up the "Lord's Prayer." The evening ended with Benediction. In the middle of Santas and shopping and partying, worshippers could feel the calm and peace of the first Christmas. Throughout the weekend, people had scores of activities from which to choose. Many ofthem with a Christian theme. The St. Paul Bell Ringers from St. Paul Episcopal Church serenaded the revelers throughout the weekend. Other events included a traditional service of Choral Evensong; a Family Christmas Concert celebrated through song and Scripture at the First Baptist Church. Like last year, and years before that, the tiny island of Nantucket hosted throngs ofChristrnas revelers this Stroll Weekend. There's no doubt the event helps fIll the coffers oflocal merchants. But more than that, tourists and islanders alikehave many chances to fili their spiritual bank accounts as well.

Continued from page one

church community vibrant. The two big events are the St. Mary's Church Fairs, ~)fie held in July and the other on Stroll Weekend in December. The women prepare for these events year-round, securing donated items to be sold or auctioned off, soliciting handmade crafts and home-made goodies, or creating goods themselves. "These ladies are what makes the fairs so successful," said St. Mary's pastor, Father Thomas C. Lopes. "They do it all." This year, the St. Mary's Church Christmas Fair was held on Dec. 4, and at any time during the day, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., people were waiting in line to get in. "There are no leaders in this group," said parishioner and yearly fair volunteer Barbara Kotalac. "We are just a group of women who get together and help each other out. We're just a bunch of elves getting things done." The fair, held in the newly renovated church basement, offers the fair-goer table after table of things to buy or to eat. "I think one of the reasons that we are so successful every year is that we don't sell junk," said Kotalac. "All the donated items are cleaned up and fixed up so they'll be worth buying."

The fair used to be held only once a year, during July when the tourist population is high. But since the popularity of the Christmas Stroll draws the tourists back路 for a weekend, the women at St. Mary's have rallied again to raise funds for their parish. "It's been nearly 10 years that we have had the Christmas Fair now," said Kotalac. "And they are very successful." All of the proceeds go to the parish. "We're at the end of a major renovation project at St. Mary's, and the funds have helped," said Kotalac. "But the proceeds help out in any way they are needed." Based on the size of the crowds at last weekend's fair, Father Lopes and his "elves" should have another very successful Christmas Fair under their belts. But for Barbara Kotalac and the other volunteers at St. Mary's/ Our Lady of the Isle Parish, it's not just about raising funds for the church, it's about being together and working together. "There are always things to do around a parish," said Kotalac. "And that's important, but we just like being with each other. This is a wonderful group."

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THERE WAS no lack of volunteer help at last weekend's S1. Mary's Christmas Fair, held in the basement of S1. Mary's/Our Lady of the Isle Church on Nantucket. For nearly a decade, S1. Mary's Parish has held a fair on the island's Christmas Stroll Weekend. (AnchodJolivet photos)

TIffiANCHOR- Diocese of Fall River- Fri., December 10, 1999

1.===============1 HliGH ScHOOL HAPlPENJINGS

-..o.....-:'tnternel Services

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.... ANNE MELONI, a theology teacher at Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, recently received recognition from the Massachusetts State Police in appreciation for her friendship, support and dedication to providing a better quality of life for the students and citizens in the Commonwealth. Lt. David Paine of the state police presented her with the award. ~ FEEHAN JUNIOR Jill Whittaker and her classmate Usa Plante were some of the students who helped prepare food baskets for the needy in the Attleboro area.The project was sponsored by its National Honor Society.

NEWS CHANNEL :1 0 meteorologist Gary Ley broadcasts his weather show live from Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton, with the help of its meteorology club. From left are: club member Magdelena Fichna, club Moderator William Breen, Ley, and club members HeatherViera, Carlyn Cyr, Tim Jusseaume, Nicholas Chmura and Kevin Geffroy.

THE COMMUNITY of Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River, celebrates the holiday season by helping others and recently collected food to be donated to those in need. From left are teacher Steven Wrobleski, students Deirdre Avila, Laura Pacheco and Jen Medeiros, teacher Christopher Connelly, Father John Murray and Principal Anthony Nunes.

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EIGHTH-GRADERS (left) from Susan Massoud's class at HolyFarnily-Holy Name School, New Bedford, recently visited Our Lady of Pur~atory Church and spoke with Father Charbel T. Seeman to learn more about the Cath6licj~ith and the faiths of others. Pre-schoolers (right) from Holy Family-Holy Name School, enjoy a day out at Capron Park, Attleboro.

., lHEANCHOR-Diocese ofFall River-Fri., December 10, 1999

SECOND-GRADERS from St. James-St. John School, New Bedford, celebrated the completion of their unit on the Pilgrims and Native Americans with a Thanksgiving feast and many children dressed up in festive attire. Their teacher is Sharon Hudon.

FIRST-GRADERS in Margaret McCormick's class at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, New Bedford, recently visited Fire Station No.6 where they learned about fire safety and prevention firsthand. Here they show off their homemade fire chief helmets in front of the station's pumper truck.

From Wicca to Christmas

Our Rock and Role Handling money responsibly By CHARLIE MARTIN· CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Christmas. Wicca is based on fabrications and fantasies. If you do any amount of research into it at all, you'll find glowing discussions of various deities myth·s no more valid than tales of

Christmastimeseems like a really good time to talk about wicca. Oh, you can't quite see the connection? Bear with me; this should just take a minute or two. Over the past few years, wicca has become a minorrage. Perhaps you even have a friend or two who is enamored. Movies like 'The Craft" and "Practical Magic" ride the wave of interest in wicca, and it is now recognized as a Age real "organized" religion by prison FOR YOaTH • "BoaT YOaTH systems and the U.S. anned forces. You might think of wicca as neopaganism. It's an essentially do- Jupiter and Juno. You'll find detailed it-yourself religion, so there's no cen- accounts of how to cast spells and do tral creed or hierarchy, of course, but other kinds of "magick." I just wish that those teens who there are a few beliefs held in comare keen to question claims about the mon by most wiccans: Christian faith in the cold light of ~ _- .They're animists, ,placing veneration of/?£ earth and its forces at the reason would tum that same attitude center ofthe\: spirituality. Most toward neopaganism. For you see, Christianity is not wiccans and other- neopagans are based on fabrications. Our celebrapolytheists of a sort t~tEy invoke deities, particularly the Grea.t God- tion of Christmas makes this clear. dess and her consort, the homed God. When we celebrate the birth ofJesus, They perform rituals and yes, cast we're remembering the beginnings spells - all, they say, for the sake of of a person who really lived - no keepjng themselves attuned with the historian of any type disputes that. holy, which is the Earth and all these The req)rds of his ministry - the Gospels - are reliable sources of various deities. Wicca and other· forms of what he said and did. ,Even the resurrection - perhaps. neopaganism strike many teens as terribly interesting and attractive. on the surface, the most "unbeliev3ble" part ofJesus' life - is recounted Why? Partly because it's an arcane, con- by such authoritative witnesses voluted system guaranteed to pro- who happened to back up their foundly irritate the nearest adult. claims with their lives - that one Partly - .and I think this is more im- must almost tum off one's reasoning portant - because the whole idea of to discount it. Wicca is a set of practices rooted it offersateen a sense of power. And what is the biggest issue that most in fantasy and myth that has little to teens struggle with? Independence do with reality and is even poter.tially dangerous. Christianity springs and power. Wicca and other neopagan reli- from the life of a historical person gions are growing in popularity and who lived and walked the earth, seen increasing their efforts to be seen as and witnessed by many who bethe equivalent of traditional reli- lieved in him so strongly they were gions. There's no difference, they say, willing to offer their lives for the between Christianity and paganism. cause of telling others about him. As you listen to a friend discuss Both could be equally true, so there's . no reason to look down on wicca and wicca, ask this simple question: Why would people give their souls oxer see it as less legitimate. Yes, there is adifference, and this to a lie, when the truth is right at is why we're bringing this up at hand?

~6~COmlng

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Bills, Bills, Bills I need someone to help me out Thou shalt pay bills At first we started out real cool Instead of a scrub like you Taking me places I ain't never been Who don't know what a man's about But now, you're getting comfortable can you pay my bills? , Ain't doing those things you did no can you pay my telephone bills? more Do you pay myautomo' bills You're slowly making me pay for things tf you did then maybe we could chill Your money should be handling I don't think you do And now you ask to use my car So you and me are through Drive it all day and don't fill up the tank (Repeat chorus.) And you have the aUdacity Now you've been maxing out my card . Giving me bad credit, To even come and step to me Ask to hold some money from me Buying gifts with my own ends Until you get your check next week Haven't paid the first bill Chorus But you're steady heading to the mall You trifling, good for nothing Going on shopping sprees Type of brother Perpetrating toyour friends Silly me, why haven't I found another? Uke you be [eaming money] And then you use my cell phone A (money earner) when times get hard

By AMY WELBORN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

calling whoever that you think is at home And then when the bill comes All of a sudden you be acting dumb Don't know where None of these calls come from When your mama's number's Here more than once (Chorus) You trifling, good for '!ctt\\nD-_ .. Type of brother Oh silly me, Why haven't Ifound another? : (Repeat three times.) (Chorus) •Sung by Destiny's Child Cq't>/right(c) 1999 by Sony Music Entertainment

DESTINY'S CHILD joins TLC in the short list of Do you often ask your parents to finance your choices? very popular all-female R&B groups. TLC's disc If so, you might want to become more self-responsible. "Fanmail" is at the top of the charts, but Destiny's Child' Parent-teen trust is .enhanced as your parents see you managing your expenses. album "Bills, Bills, Bills" also is selling well. 2. What is your attitude toward society's pressure to The album's title cut tells an interesting story. As the girl sings to her guy, "At first we started out real cool, spend? Advertisers are astute at getting people to think taking me places I qin't never been." However, once the they need a specific product. Be honest. Look around guy sensed that she was attached to him, his behavior your room, and ask how necessllI)'-YOOr recent purchases are. Sure, money is to be enjoyed. However, it is easy to changed: "You're slowly making me pay for things, and now get trapped into society's emphasis on material possesyou ask to use my car, drive it all day, and don't fill up the sions. 3. Are you getting into debt? Here, I speak, not just tank." It gets worse: "Now you've been maxing out my card, giving me about credit cards, but borrowing money from friends. If bad credit, buying gifts with my own ends, haven't paid a teen has a debt that lasts longer than a week, that indithe first bill." She now sees that she is being used. Fortu- vidual is forming an irresponsible habit. nately, she tells him that "you and me are through." 4. How generous are you with your money? Those This girl got herself into a bad situation. She needs to who follow Jesus accept his challenge to care for others. look at why she got emotionally entangled with a guy This includes sharing your financial resources. Have you picked out charitable organizations to support? I invite who treated her so poorly. The song also raises the issue of learning to handle you to consider the'biblical principle of tithing, giving money, one oflife's most important skills. With the avail- away 10 percent of your income. Responsibility and generosity are important characability of credit even for teens, it is easy to become burteristics of a Christian.-. -.. dened with debt. Your comments are always welcorr-e. Please adAs you look at how you deal with money, here are dress: Charlie Martin, 7125 W 200S, Rockport, Ind. some questions to consider: I. How much of your life do you personally pay for? 47635.

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TIffiANCHOR"'-Diocese ofFall River-Fri., December 10, 1999

NEW BEDFORD-AEucharis~ tic Day of Prayer for Vocations to . priestly and religiou'sHfe-wiIlbe held on Dec. 16 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. It will begin following the 7:30 a:m. Mass arid continue until noon. It will include Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. All wel,.come. For more information call 992FALL RIVER -An afternoon of 9378. holiday-music will be held at Sacred NEW BEDFORD...:....The DaughHeart Church on' Dec. 19 beginning at 2 p.m. The concert will feature the ters of Isabella, Hyacinth Circle No. Southcoast CotnIIlunity Chorale un- 71, will meet on Dec. 14 at the Holy der the direction of Frank Wilhelm. Name Parish Center. It will include Refreshments will be served in the Christmas dinner and c:arols. For more parish center following the perfor- information on joining the Daughters of Isabella contact Dolores Ferro at mance. All welcome.

fteering pOintf ATILEBORO'- The 47th an" nualLa Salette Christmas Festival of Lights is going on' at the Shrine and features an indoor display of more than 100 nativity sets. Lights are lit every night at 5 p.m. and Father Pat w\1I give Christmas concerts 3 and 7:30 p.m. All welcome. For more information call 222-5410,

99~-6677.

BUZZARDS BAY. -:- St. FALL RIVER- Saint Anne's NQRTH ATILEBORO -:- The Margaret's Parish will celebrate the Hospital is seeking volunteers for new millennium with 24-hour adoration . ,and existing programs including its students of St. Mary-Sacred Heart of the Blessed Sacrament on the first . Patient Care Liaison program. Train- School will present a Christmas ConFriday of each month. beginning in ing and orientation will be provided . cert on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. in Sacred January. It will start at 9 a.m. and con- . for all volunteer positions. For more Heart Church. Chorus and band will tinue until ,Saturday at 7:30 a.m. All information call the Voll!riteer Ser- perform under the direction of Julie welcome. For sign-up information call vices Department at 674-5600 ext. Donais. All welcome. the rectory at 759-7777. 2080. NORTH DARTMOUTH- A CENTERVILLE -- The Cape FALL RIVER - ''Miracle on Separated-Divorced Group will meet Cod Widowed Support Group will . Bethlehem Street," a musical for chil- on Dec. 13 from 7-9 p.m. at the Diocmeet on Dec. 29 from I :30 to 3:30 dren that captures the Christmas story, esan Family Life Center, 500 Slocum p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Parish. will be Performed on Dec. 14 and 15 Road, for its annual Christmas gathThe topic will be "Facing the New at 7 p.m. in the Kolbe Center at 4 I 2 ering. . ,Year." For more information call Manchester Street. It is sponsored by Dorothyann Callahan at (617) 267- SS. Peter and Paul School. For more NORTH DARTMOUTH -An 5258. All welcome. , Advent Twighlight Retreat will be information call 672-'7258. . . . ,

held at St. Julie Billiart Church on Dec. 15 from 7-8:30 p.m. It will include Advent reflections and prayer and will be presented by Benedictine Father Robert J. Powell.All welcome. NORTH DIGHTON -

The

parish nurses of St. Joseph's .Churchwill present a holiday program entitled "Lift Your Spirit," Sunday at 3 p.m. in its parish center. It-will feature music and refreshments will be served. All welcome. For ·more information call Catherine Scott at 822-9788.

Bishop's prayer for postal workers ,makes' rounds 'KANSAS CITY, Mo. (CNS)-As the U.S. Postal Service prepares for its busiest days of the year, people can remember postal workers with a .prayer penned by Bishop Raymond J. Boland of Kansas City-St. Joseph. The prayer was delivered for the first time on Sept. 8, 1986, when - as a monsignor serving in the Archdiocese ofWashington - Bishop Boland gave the invocation at the National Postal Forum in Washington. It immediately struck a chord with postal workers, and Bishop Boland subsequently received many requests for copies and per. mission to reprint it, including in needlepoint. Between, Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Postal Service nation" wide will deliver some 20 billion holiday letters, postcards' and packages, according to information from

the U.S, Postal Service in Washington,~

Here is the text of the bishop's prayer: God, Our Father; May everything we do be first class. Imprint your own loving Zip Code upon our hearts so that we may never go astray. ' Provide in your gracious providence special handling for those of us who are fragile and keep us in one piece. We have been signed. sealed, stamped and delivered in your image and likeness and we beg you to keep us in your care as we go about our appointed rounds. And when our days draw to a close and we are marked return to sender, be there to greet us at heaven's door so that nobody may ever'say unknown at this address.

Amen.

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:I EWTN lines up religious. shows for Advent,, C, hristDlas : I I.

Dec. 21, 4-4:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 11-11:30 a.m. I, WASHINGTON - The EWTN cable chanDec. 24 and 4:30-5 a.m Dec. 25. "Christmas I nel has lined up an a~sortment of rel~gious- Part I" will be shown 4-4:30 p.m. Dec. 20 I themed shows throughout the Advent and and repeated 11-11:30 am and 11-11:30 p.m 'Christmas seasons. Dec. 22. ''Christmas Part 2" will be shown 4I EWTN's Advent- and Christmas-themed 4:30 p.m. Dec. 21, and repeated 11 :30 p.m.hhows include (all times listed are EST): midnigftt'Dec. 22 and 11.-11:30 am. Dec. 23. I Another ''In Concert" ~stallment, "Christ"Angels, Messengers of GlXi"· will be shown 4-4:30 p.m. Dec. 23 and repeated 1l:30 p.m.mas Symphonies b~'Michel Corrette," 1:3Q.. I 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. The 18th-century midnight Dec. 23 and 11-11:30 am. Dec. 25. "In Dulci Jubilo," 2-3 p.m..Dec. 20. TImoI French composer's works are played by the I La Fantasia chamber ensemble. Repeated 3- 'thy Brown conducts the choir of Clare Col, 4 :30 a.m. and 10-11:30 p.m. Dec. 18,,10lege of Cambridge, England, as they sing' 11 :30 am. Dec. 20, and 3-4:30 a.m.. Dec. 22. popular Christmas carols. Repeated 3-4 a.m, I· An "EWTN Global Showcase" called Dec. 21 and 10-11 am. Dec. 24. 'The Donut Man: The Best Present of AIl," I "Christmas Across America," 8-9 p.m. Dee. 18 . Takes in Christmas celebrations and ob4:30-5 p.m. Dec. 20.·Rob Evans and the Doservances in Arizona, NewYotK, Nevada, New nut Repair Club celebrate Jesus through I England, Colorado and New Mexico. Re- teaching and song. ,. .._._---I peated 1-2 p.m Dec. 22' and 2-3 am. and 10''A Time toJei1iember," 5-6:30p.'m:-De.c. ' III p.m. Dec. 23. 20, St~nald O'Connor as a kind priest, 'The Candy Maker's Christmas," another it tell§ tile story of a young boy, who experiI "EWTN Global Showcase," 9-9:30 p.m.· Dec. .bR~ a spectacular vision of the Christmas 118. It tells the story of how a candy maker learns''''''' miracle. Repeated 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 23 and 34:30 am. Dec. 24. I that not his new candy'cane creation, but Jesus, I is the perfect Christmas gift. Repeated 2-2:30 ''A star for Jeremy," 6:30-7 p.m. Dec. 20. An animated story in which a little boy and p.m. Dec. 22, 4-4:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 p.m. a tiny star have their Christmas wishes come I Dec. 23, and:8:3009·p.m Dec. 24. I. "Greatest Stories Ever Told," 2:3003 p.m. true. Repeated 2:30-4 p.m. Dec. 22. "Catholic University of America's ChristDec. 19. A Christmas version of the 'series. I Repeated 5-5:30 p.m.. Dec. 21. mas Concert,".8-9:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Features, the ,~nual performance by the university's I "Francesc,o's Friendly World: The Gifts of choir. Repeated 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 21 and 3I Chris~as," 4-5 p·m. Dec., 19. ~ranc~~co's ~mal fnends hope to surpnse him With Christ4:30 p.m. Dec. 25. I mas 'The Abundant Life: Christmas Special," gifts, but they leam it's more important 10-11 p.m. Dec. 20. Host Johnnette Benkovic I to share with those in need. Repeated 6-7 I p.m; Thesday, Dec. 21, 1-2 p.m. Dec. 24 and -discusses the meaning of Christmas and its 10011 am. Dec. 25. effect on those who strive to.live their lives I "Christmas for Little Children,'; 5:30-6 abundantly in' accordance with the will of I p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. Children share in the God. Repeated 2-3 p.m. Dec. 21 and i-2 am. I ~ethlehem experience, visit a colo~ul famDe~: 22. '" " , l1y of puppets for a home celebration,. and Gerbert: The Gift of GlVlng, 5:30-6 p.m. worship Jesus in'the beauty of the Church. Dec. 21. A puppet named Gerbert highlights I Repeated 4:3005 p.m. Dec. 22. the gift of giving ·and the true meaning of Christmas. Repeated 2:3003 p.m. Dec. 24. I "Candles and Carols," a new EWfN spe"Mary's House: All Are Invited," 10-11 :30 I cial, 1-2 am. Dec. 20, repeated 5-6 p.m Dec. 23. A five-part Spanish-language Christmas a.m. Dec. 21. Travels to the biblical city of Ephesus and the place believed to be Mary's I series, "Testigos," 6-7 am. Dec. 20-24. house. Repeated 4:30-6 p.m. Dec. 24. I "The Joy of Music," with pianist Diane . ''Nanny & Isaiah Welcom~ the Savior," 5I Bish travefing among monasteries and . churches to capture a tranquil blend of the 5:30 p.m. Dec. 22. Nanny Feather shares a I joyful celebrations of the birth of Jesus. story of what might have happened that first I "Christmas in the Alps" will be shown 1:30- Christmas. Repeated 2-2:30 p.m. Dec. 24 and ,2 p.m. Dec. 20, repeated 11:30 a.m.-noon 9:30-10 am. Dec. 25.

BVCAlHoucNews SERVICE

'The Prince of Peace Is Born," 5:30-6 p.m. late Conception," 10:30 p.m.-midnight Dec. I Dec. 22, A musical performance telling the . 24. Live Mass celebrated by ArChbishop true meaning of the Christmas story through Gabriel Montalvo, the new apostolic nuncio I the eyes of St. Nicholas. Repeated 7:30-8 p.m. to the United States. , Dec. 24. "Solemn Mass of Christmas From the I 'The Juggler of Notre Dame," 6-7 p.m. Dec: Shiine of the Most Blessed Sacrament," 1- ' 22. As the parish prepares for Midnight Mass, 2:30 a.m. Dec. 25. Live Mass from the shrine' everyone is preparing their gifts for Jesus. in Hanceville, Ala. Repeated 8-9:30 am and I Barnaby, a new man in town, is troubled at the 7-8:30 p.m., Dec. 25. " fact that he has no gift. He begins to question "Urbi et Orbi: John Paul n's Christmas if he should stay to celebrate the birth of Jesus Message," 11-11 :45 a.m. Dec: 25. The pope I with his new friends or move on. Repeated 8offers his holiday message to the world. Re- • 9 p.m. Dec. 24 and 6-7 p.m Dec. 25. ' peated 4-4:45 p.m. Dec. 25. • "The Mother Angelica'Live Christmas _"Solemn Mass of Christmas Day From the Special," 8~9p.m. Dec. 22. Mother Angelica Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immacu- I reflects on the true meaning of the birth. of late Com;eption," 11 :45 a.m.-I p.m. Dec. 25. I Jesus. Repeated 2-3' and 9-10 am Dec. 23, 5- . A live Mass from the Washington basilica. '6 p.m. Dec.. 25, ~d2-3 and.-lO-11 am; SunRepeated 10-11:15 p.m. Dec. 25. I day, Dec. 26. ., "O'pening of the Holy Door· at St. John . ."Joseph: The Man Closest to Christ," 10Lateran with Pope John PalJl 11,"'2-3:30 p.m. I 11:3u p.m. Dec; 22: The program shows how Dec. 25. • St. Joseph, was' more th;m just his role at the 'The Fourth Wise Man," 8:30-10 p.m. Dec.• center of t,'ne salvation message. 25: Starring Martin Sheen and Alan Arkin, it 'The Liegend.of the-Christmas Hower," 1-· tells how a. wealthy physician sells his prac2 a.m; D~c. 23. Yuletide tale traces the. holitice in Persia and begins a pilgrimage in hopes day traditipn of the poinsettia plant, with aniof finding the new-born Messiah. Repeated mation and't.raditional Mexican music. Re34:30 am. and 10-11:30 p.m. Dec. 30. peated 6-7 p.m Q~c. 23. A "Catholic Compass" installment, ''Life on the Rock:' Christmas Special," 8"Mother Angelica Live New Year's Eve Spe9 p.m. Dec. 23. Host Jeff Cavins and his guests cial," 8-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26. Mother Anin the coffeehouse discuss the real meaning 'gelica and her guests discuss the year 2000, of Christmas. Repeated 1-2 and 10-11. a.m. which the Holy Father has dedicated to the Dec. 24. Holy Trinity. Repeated 1-2 p.m. Dec. 30 and 'The Little Brown Burro," 4-4:30 p.m. Dec., 34 am. and 10-11 p.m. New Year's Eve, Fri24. A series of humorous and sometimes poiday, Dec. 31. gnant incidents, illustrates how Ii desert rat ''Prayer Vigil for Passage to the Holy Year named Onm helps a rejected burro fmd self2000 Live from St. Peter's in Rome with Pope . confidence. Repeated 4-4:30 a.m. and 11John Paul n," shown live noon-2 p.m. Dec. 11:30 p;m. Thursday, Dec. 30. 31, repeated 11 p.m.-l am. Dec. 31. . "Go Look in the Manger," 4:30-5 p.m. "Solemn Mass of Reparation;' 1-2:30 am. Dec. '24. An eight-year-old boy in 1966 Jan. 1. Live Mass with nuns from the Our America leams the meaning of Christmas and' Lady of the Angels Monastery in Alabama.• the spirit of forgiveness.. Repeated 8-9:30 am. and 7-8:30 p.m. Jan. l. I "Opening of the Holy Door and Solemn "Opening of the Holy Door at St. Mary Mass of Christmas Eve With Pope John Paul Major in Rome," 3:30-6 a.m. Jan. 1. In a live I II," 5-8 p.m. Dec. 24. The· Holy Father opens telecast, Pope John Paul opens the Holy Door I the Holy Door and celebrates Mass live from at one of Rome's four major basilicas. ReSt. Peter's Basilica. peated noon-2:30 p.m. Jan. 1, 7-9:30 p.m. I . "Choral Meditations for Christmas," 10Sunday, Jan. 2, 1-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, I 10:30 p.m. Dec. 24. The choir from the Baand 3-5:30 a.m. and 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Fri- I silica of the National Shrine of the Immacuday, Jan. 7 . . 1 late Conception in ,Washington sings live.' '''Angelus,'' 6-6:30 am. Jan. 1. Recited live "Solemn Mass' of Christmas from the Baby Pope John Paul. Repeated 11:30 a.m.-I silica of the National Shrine of the Immacunoon and 6-6:30 p.m. Jan,. 1. I

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