12.15.06

FRIDAY, DECE~mER 15,

DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

2006

Bishop Coleman urges "perseverance, commitment to marriage amendment At rallies in New Bedford and Barnstable, The Marriage Protection Amendment, which would dethe bishop and others spoke boldly against fine marriage as a union of one man and one woman in state lawmakers who unjustly and arrogantly Massachusetts, "involves our basic rights as citizens to refuse to act on the citizens' petition. vote on a matter that greatly affects the culture and sociBy

DEACON JAMES

N.

DUNBAR

NEW BEDFORD - Calling the proposed Massachusetts constitutional amendment on marriage "one of the most critical issues of our time," Bishop George W. Coleman on December 9, in a statement read by Father John J. Oliveira, urged a group gathered on City Hall steps to passionately persevere in efforts to move the reluctant legislature to act on their initiative petition. Father Oliveira is pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford and dean of the New Bedford area parishes.

The rally was followed by another in Barnstable. The following day, similar rallies were held at city hall locations in Springfield and in Worcester.

All of the rallies denounced state legislators for their hitherto dereliction of duty in failing to act on the amendment in July and November and putting it off for an II thhour constitutional convention on January 2, the day before the current legislative session ends.

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ety in which we live," Bishop Coleman stated.

In some of the most forceful language of his episcopacy, Bishop Coleman told the more than 100 at one rally, "In this great cause, we all must remain committed. We cannot lose our passion, our zeal or our resolve to defend and protect the truth about marriage. For the sake of our society, we must persevere."

On the question of the legislature's failure in July and November to put off taking up the petition signed by 170,000 voters across Massachusetts, Bishop Coleman said, "Those who criticize and opposed our effort to amend the state constitution accuse us of bigotry and discrimination. They claim that we are trying to 'write discrimination into the constitution' and to deprive people of a civil right, which the courts must protect from the will of the majority." • Saying that normally, it would not be the task or responsibility of a Catholic bishop to safeguard and defend Tum to page three - Amendment

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NEWS

DECEMBER

15, 2006

Pope denounces 'false secularism' that bans religious symbols, input VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope Benedict XVI denounced what he called a "false s~ularism" that bans religious symbols from public places and excludes religious input on crucial moral questions.

While the Church does not seek to interfere with the freedom of every people to organize its political life, it cannot be mute in front of threats to human life and human dignity, the pope said.

He made the remarks in a talk December 9 to the Union of Italian Catholic Jurists, which was meeting in Rome to discuss the theme of secularism in modem society.

In his speech, the pope synthesized a theme that has become a cornerstone ofhis pontificate: that modem societies are drifting toward an ideological form of secularism that excludes God and moral law and relegates religion to the realm of the individual conscience.

In this narrow vision, he said, the separation between church and state is understood as prohibiting the Church from making its views known on moral issues.

"This secularism would even mean the exclusion ofreligious symbols from public places ... such as offices, schools, courts, hospitals and prisons," he said.

"At the foundation of such a concept lies an a religious vision of life, thought and morality: a vision in which there is no place for God, or for a mystery that transcends pure

reason, or for a moral law of absolute value, in force at all times and in all situations," he said.

The pope said the answer was to encourage a healthy secularism that reserves to the state and the political sphere its rightful autonomy, but that accepts the church's right to express its teachings on moral problems including those that concern legislation and law. ''This is not undue interference by the church in legislative activity ... but affirmation and defense of the great values that give meaning to life and protect its dignity," he said.

The pope ended his talk by citing arguments he made in his first encyclical, "Deus Caritas Est" ("God Is Love.") He warned that along with the exclusion of God there was a strong modem tendency to view God as an antagonist of men and women.

The Church's task, he said, is to demonstrate that God is love and desires the happiness of all people.

"It is our task to make people understand that the moral law given to us by God and which manifests itself to us with the voice ofthe conscience is not designed to oppress us but to liberate us from evil and make us happy," he said.

'1t's a matter ofdemonstrating that without God, man is lost, and that the exclusion ofreligion from social life, in particular the marginalization of Christianity, undermines the very foundation ofhuman coexistence," he said.

Pope consecrates new church in Rome ROME (CNS) - Pope Benedict XVI consecrated a new church in a Rome suburb, where Catholics had been worshipping for years in an oversized garage.

"Your parish should be a beacon in a largely secularized social context, radiating the light of faith," the pope told parishioners December 10 at the Church of Santa Maria Stella della Evangelizzazione.

It was the pope's third parish visit in Rome since his election in 2005 and the first time he had dedicated a new church. As part ofthe special liturgy, he anointed the marble altar with oil before celebrating Mass.

The parish was founded in 1989 in one of Rome's fastest-growing

suburban areas. Today, it has the youngest population and the highest number of baptisms of any Rome parish.

In his sermon, the pope underlined the fact that the church was dedicated to Mary as the "star of evangelization." He said Mary, by accepting her role as the mother of Christ, teaches all Christians the true meaning of Advent as a meeting with the Lord.

Later, speaking at his noon blessing at the Vatican, the pope elaborated on the importance of Advent.

He said it was important for Christians to remember that, while God took the initiative in the plan of salvation, he "does not want to accomplish it without our active cooperation:'

GOING TO GREAT HEIGHTS -In ceiebration of the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a firefighter puts a ring of flowers on a statue of Mary near the Spanish Steps in Rome. The statue commemorates Pope Pius IX'sproclamation in 1854 that Mary was conceived free of original sin. (CNS photo/Daniele Colarieti, Catholic Press Photo)

Vatican officials gauge life span, geographic reach of Thrkey visit

By JOHN THAVIS CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

"The pope didn't change his mind about what he believes. But VATICAN CITY - Buoyed by Regensburg was speaking about Pope Benedict XVI's successful Muslims at a distance from them visit to Turkey, Vatican officials and that led to misunderstanding began trying to gauge its long- and bitterness. This visit injected term effect on ecumenical and an element of human contact, Catholic-Muslim dialogue in which is key to any serious diaother parts of the world. logue," said Jesuit Father Daniel Would the rave reviews and up- Madigan, director of the Institute beat headlines carryover into for the Study of Religions and coming weeks and months? And Culture at Rome's Pontifical in the case of Islam, would the Gregorian University and an adpope's outreach to a Muslim viser to the Vatican on Islamic ispopulation on the edge of Europe sues. make a similar impact in Arab and Sources said the Vatican's East Asian countries?

Pontifical Council for InterreliVatican and other experts gave gious Dialogue was making plans a tentative but hopeful "yes" to for a number of meetings with both questions. At the same time, Islamic scholars and groups in they cautioned that ecumenical Europe, Africa, Asia and the and interreligious dialogues are Middle East, focusing in part on long projects, involving historical the questions raised by 38 Istensions that reach far beyond the - lamic scholars in response to the 24-hour news cycle. pope's Regensburg speech.

Several observers said that by "For these dialogues, the atmopraying in a mosque next to an Is- sphere created by the Turkey visit lamic cleric the pope showed that will be very important," said Jeprayer carries at least as much suit Father Christian W. Troll, proweight as intellectual arguments fessor of Islamic studies at the in the difficult dialogue between Sankt Georgen Graduate School of Philosophy and Theology in the two faiths.

"The pope's gesture in the Blue Frankfurt, Germany.

Mosque opens a new horizon in Father Troll, a key participant interreligious dialogue. It shows in a closed-door papal symposium that prayer is the privileged path on Islam last year, said the pope for the meeting between faithful made it clear in Turkey that huof different religions," said Ital- man dignity, human rights and esian Bishop Vincenzo Paglia of pecially religious freedom must Terni, a veteran organizer of in- be the measure for Christian-Muslim relations. terfaith meetings.

But he said the pope linked Vatican experts said the pope this message with the high redid not retreat from questions he raised in Regensburg, Germany, gard the Church has for Muslast September about Islam, rea- lims. In doing so, the pope showed that there is no "changson and violence.

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ing mood" in the Catholic Church on dialogue with Islam, Father Troll said.

"First, people can see the Church does not believe in this business of a 'clash of civilizations,'" Father Troll said.

Second, he said, is the question of Turkey's request for European Union membership, which has drawn some unexpected Vatican support.

"If this does work out, Turkey could be a kind of laboratory for the wider problem between the West and the Islamic world," he said.

The ecumenical gains of Pope Benedict's trip to Turkey were less clear-cut.

Cardinal Walter Kasper, the Vatican's chief ecumenist, said the joint declaration between the pope and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople could open up new possibilities of dialogue "not only between Rome and Constantinople, but also between Rome and all the other Orthodox churches."

One big question is how the Orthodox Patriarchate of Moscow will react to closer ties between the Vatican and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. As usual, there were mixed signals from Moscow after the Turkey trip.

The Italian weekly Panorama reported that the Vatican may try to arrange a meeting in Hungary next year between Pope Benedict and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow, at a monastery that predates the East-West Christian schism of 1054.

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DECEMBER

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15, 2006

Amendment the democratic process, "It is my responsibility and duty to speak out against injustice, and there has been an injustice here, because the legislators have refused to let the people vote," Bishop Coleman declared. "They believe they are acting to protect a civil right, but the so-called right to same-sex marriage is a legal fiction, invented by the court. The only civil right in this matter is the right of the people to vote."

"To remedy this error, we seek to amend the constitution to preserve the definition of marriage," said Bishop Coleman. "We have followed the democratic process guaranteed to the citizens, but we are now being denied this process by the legislators who refuse to let the people vote."

Later in the afternoon, on the steps of the Barnstable County Court House, another group including Catholic couples, were just as outspoken on the reluctance of legislators to take a vote on the petition that would allow it to go to the voters to decide on the 2008 ballot.

In essence, while they said they were intent on protecting marriage as the union of one man and one woman, they are more committed to protecting their right to vote.

Retired District Court Judge John St. Cyr, also a former legislator, and his wife Jackie, members of St. Joan ofArc Parish in Orleans, spoke at the Cape rally. He recalled that during five years as member of the House °of Representatives he could not recall any occasion when he considered "a measure so devoid of merit that it was unworthy of my vote either for or against."

St. Cye, noted that in a constitutional convention from 1917 to 1919, an initiative petition was ap- proved that allowed voters to amend the constitution by their petition which demands it be taken up. That it mandated only 25 percent of the legislature's votes would be needed in two, subsequent sessions to get the petition on the ballot, showed how important the will of the voters is, he noted.

"It was the initiative process that would afford an alternative avenue for such relief if faced with a recalcitrant and obstructionist legislature," asserted St. Cyr. "Eightyeight years later, we now face a recalcitrant legislature !ntent on thwarting the will of the people."

He added, "We will move on if the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which made our petition necessary by finding a constitutional right (for gay marriage) where none existed, has the courage to right that wrong by ordering the legislature to vote. This is my Christmas wish.

God bless you and Merry Christmas."

Dan Yetman and his wife, Paula,

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Continued from page one

members of Holy Family Parish in Taunton, who are the parents oftwo daughters, had spearheaded the marriage amendment signature drive in their parish after having talked on the sanctity of marriage.

With so much at stake, they said they couldn't just sit home. ''As we watched the shenanigans of the state house in July and November we were deeply disappointed by their lack of respect for the people's right to vote," the couple told those at the New Bedford gathering.

Dan said he wanted to borrow a card carried by a person at the state house opposing the marriage act.

"The card read 'How dare you take away my constititutional rights.' I wanted it because my constitutional right to vote was being trampled by our state elected officials."

Paula Yetman said, "I didn't expect to have to stand up at a rally to literally have my voice heard because my state government is squashing my rights. It is apparent this state legislature is more interested in special interest groups than 170,000 voices which spoke with their signature on this marriage amendment. We must wake up from our long winter's nap and make our voices heard."

Also at the Barnstable rally, Dennis Fonseca, a member of Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich, posed the rhetorical question, "How many of you know the difference between our U.S. Constitution and those of most other countries?"

The answer, he said, is summed up in a quote from the late President Ronald Reagan: "Almost all the world constitutions are documents in which governments tell people what their privileges are.

Our Constitution is a document in which We The People tell the government what it is allowed to do.

We the People are free."

Fonseca added, "Sadly, I would proclaim that not to be the case in Massachusetts any longer.

We now face a crisis more serious that the economy, the environment, joblessness and so on. Weface the level of crisis that forced a group of individuals to leave England in search of a new land.

That crisis is the reality of having those in authority elevate their own collective will over the will of the electorate."

Urging the people to continue to press their legislators for action and thanking supporters for their work in advancing the marriage act, Bishop Coleman said, "Finally, I encourage you to persevere in this great cause. It will decide whether our society remains rooted in and founded on the truth, or whether it move dangerously away from the truth, and attempts to govern our lives according to false notions of freedom and autonomy."

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The Anchor ,

Bishop Feehan High School saves holiday dinner for the needy

By MIKE GORDON, ANCHOR STAFF ATTLEBORO - Bishop Feehan High School students will be helping to spread a little more cheer this Christmas as they sponsoring the 23rd annual Christmas Holiday Dinner for the needy, to be held December 25 from lOam. to 3 p.m. at the SouthAttleboro Knights of Columbus hall.

The event, which serves several hundred meals to the hungry and deliversjust as many to the homebound, was injeopardy due to a lack of sponsorship. But when Feehan Principal Bill Runey found out about the need he brought the Feehan community into the mix and they are putting up the needed $8,000. ''We were very excited about Bishop Feehan coming forward like they did," said long-time organizer Sherri Morin. ''We almost thought it wouldn't happen, but it's great to see the students involved and we're very grateful for theirhelp and thankful for all those who make this event possible."

More than 100 volunteers work together each year to help make the dinner a success.

Runey knew it would be "a great opportunity for Bishop Feehan to help others."

'This school has a great reputation of service and we always strive to get our students involved in events such as this. It's a great way to carry out the mission of the school and help the hungry."

The school's primary role is providing the funding which will come from its Ministry Works fund. This fund was started in 2005 to continue the work and vision of the Sisters of

Mercy who originally staffed the school.

Runey added that students raise money through various fund-raisers and school events thrbughout the year.

When he proposed the idea of helping with the dinner, ''the response was very positive. Everyone thought it was a great cause and we wanted to make a difference for those who come out on Christmas day for this wonderful dinner."

He said students, teachers and parents have also signed up to assist with set-up the night before and to help serve dinner on Christmas day.

The event has been a staple at Christmas, thanks to many years of support and dedicadon by the late founders Ed Tedesco, who died in 2002, and Jack Hagopian, former ownerof Ro-Jack's supermarket, who died in 2000. The dinner was sponsored through 2005 with a five-year commitment by John; Martins.

Tedesco's daught~rs, Morin, Kim Taylor and Lori Carrbll have continued the tradition their late father began.

"Helping others is a value that our parents instilled in us," declared Morin, an alumnus ofBishop Feehan.

"We enjoy helping those in need and want to continue thei legacy of good things as they did ~ough the years. like family to Those who attend us now. This is more than just a dinner, it's a place to be on Christmas."

Morin's Catering and the Knights of Columbus do all the food preparation and the sisters lire also assisted

by Henry and Linda Lumbra. Art stu-

ate

dents from Coelho Middle School in SouthAttleboroprovide the place mats and centerpieces each year.

Such an effort by Bishop Feehan is no surprise as the school is no stranger to charitable work. Last week in their 11th annual Christmas Giving Program, thousands ofdollars oftoys were donated to 200 needy families. To date, that event has realized donations of nearly $350,000 in new toys.

School chaplain, Father Michael Fitzpatrick, is looking forward to the event. ''It's a wonderful opportunity for the school to step up for the local community. It's part ofour mission to help others and this Christmas dinner is a great way for our students and the school to put our faith into action."

He went on to say, 'The Mercy Sisters have a long tradition of helping others and this is consistent with that tradition and Bishop Feehan. We're excited about this important event."

It was all good news to long time Knights of Columbus Council No. 5876 member Bill Synosch, who has seen the event continue to grow over the past 20 years.

"It's a wonderful thing to provide a meal for those in need and we're happy we can playa small part in that," saidSynosch. "It helps a lot of people and I think it's great that Bishop Feehan is helping out like they are this year.

We're certainly glad we can help. If we didn't have this event many people might not really have a Christmas."

The South Attleboro Knights of Columbus hall is located at 304 Highland Avenue. For more information call 508-399-7705.

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Step up efforts for peace in Lebanon, bishop urges Rice WASHINGTON (CNS) - The among the country's Sunni MusUnited States and the U.N. Secu- lims. At the same time, a second rity Council must step up efforts Mass organized by Michel Aoun, to resolve problems in Lebanon a Christian leader with ties to a that threaten a tenuous peace Shiite organization, took place at agreement, said a letter to Secre- St. George Cathedral, a short distary of State Condoleezza Rice tance away.

Bishop Wenski said in his letfrom Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Fla., chairman of the ter that the brief war this summer U.S. bishops' international policy between Lebanon and Israel "not only devastated civilian commucommittee.

In the December I letter nities, but it also weakened the Bishop Wenski said the Novem- forces of moderation and democber 21 flssassination of Industry racy and emboldened radicals."

He said resolving the crisis will Minister Pierre Gemayel was a sign of the deepening crisis and require disarming militias, negoinstability in Lebanon. He urged tiating a permanent cease-fire and a concerted effort by the United an eventual peace agreement with States and the international com- Israel, and providing reconstrucmunity to ensure the sovereignty tion assistance to Lebanon.

"All nations in the region will and stability of Lebanon.

On December 3 there were vio- need to play constructive roles in lent clashes between rival Muslim helping the Lebanese people regroups in Beirut, causing one solve their own internal political death from gunshot wounds and .crisis and refrain from actions that injuries to 21 others, according to could further destabilize the situation," he wrote. an Associated Press story.

The United States should also Meanwhile, as protesters blared revolutionary and nation- team up with other nations to proalist songs outside, a memorial vide humanitarian and reconstrucMass was said for Gemayel in the tion assistance to rebuild the cioffice of Prime Minister Fouad vilian infrastructure and devasSiniora, who has supporters tated communities, the bishop said.

"We must replace the despair that feeds radicalism with a hope C.C. NATIONAL for a brighter future for the long- .

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JOINED IN PRAYER - Three women join hands as nearly 30,000 people from throughout the greater Los Angeles area gather at East Los Angeles Stadium recently for the nation's oldest religious procession in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This year's celebration was especially significant for the community as it is celebrating both the 475th anniversary of the Virgin of Guadalupe appearing to St. Juan Diego and the 75th anniversary of the Archdiocese's annual procession in her honor. (eNS photoNictor Aleman, Vida Nueva)

Thousands honor Virgin of Guadalupe in Los Angeles procession, Mass LOS ANGELES (CNS) - To honor the Virgin of Guadalupe on the 475th anniversary of her appearance to St. Juan Diego in Tepeyac, Mexico, close to 30,000 people in Los Angeles December 3 processed a mile from Our Lady of Solitude (La Soledad) Church

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About 50 doves were then reto a college stadium where a speleased. They flew together around cial Mass was celebrated.

With the theme "The Mother of the stadium before disappearing.

Los Angeles Cardinal Roger M. All Immigrants," the event attracted people of all ages and na- Mahony, as well as Los Angeles tionalities carrying flags from their Auxiliary Bishops Edward W. home countries. Some dressed in Clark, Alexander Salazar, Gerald the ethnic clothing of their former E. Wilkerson and Oscar A. Solis, homeland to celebrate the feast day and more than 30 priests particiof the patron saint of the Ameri- pated jn the procession leading up to the celeb~ation of Mass. cas.

The liturgy began with the Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was among those who . cardinal's blessing in Spanish and English: "Welcome, Mother of processed through the streets.

The 75th annual procession in God, to Los Angeles. Thank you the Los Angeles Archdiocese was for giving your mother's love scheduled to coincide with the through Juan Diego. Thank you month when Mary appeared to St. because you are with all of us and Juan Diego and left her image on know the suffering of your children." his cloak in 1531.

"Oh, holy Mother, to you we For this year's procession, Msgr. Diego Monroy Ponce, rec- entrust our suffering, come to our tor of the Basilica de Santa Maria aid, listen to our cries, pray to Jesus de Guadalupe in Mexico City, for us," he continued. "You look brought an image of St. Juan Di- upon us with kindness. Take us in ego as well as a digital reproduc- your hands; heal the wounds intion of Our Lady of Guadalupe that flicted on our journey. You are our was touched to the original image mother and in you we trust."

Msgr. Ponce gave the homily. and was blessed. The framed imThough most of the Mass was in carried through the ages were streets, surrounded by people, Spanish, the prayers of the faithmusicians and dance ensembles ful were prayed in Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Mayan, English, dressed in costume.

Picking up worshippers along a Native American dialect, Indothe route, the group filed into the nesian, Japanese and Tongan.

The December 3 procession stadium at East Los Angeles College, filling the 20,000 seats as was preceded by a novena of dancers and musicians dressed in Masses celebrated in parishes from bright, colorful costumes pro- Santa Monica to East Los Angecessed into the stadium and occu- les. The images of St. Juan Diego pied the center field. The images and Our Lady of Guadalupe were of St. Juan Diego and Our Lady of being taken into parishes for a Guadalupe were also brought in to nine-day period, concluding with applause and chants of "Viva la a vigil at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels December II. Virgen!"

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He recently told U~A News, an ity or telephone service due.tofallen Asian church news agency based in posts and destroyed cables. . Thailand, "We c~otgo there even Father Panesa appealed for food, . with our four-wheel-drive vehicles" water, medicine and medical s~r­ because-of mud and debris block- vices. phoons that preceded it. ing roads and bridges., He said that without electricity all In the Albay province, southeast Rain from the tyPhoon has shops and businesses', including of Manila, Durian triggered stopped, but still there is no electric- banks, remain closed. mudslides on Mount Mayon, a volSpeakers Include: cano that recently has 1;>een restive.

About 11000 people are feared Father J,ohn Corapi trapped in rocks and sludge that burI ' Stephen Ray CD of the'Month Club ied houses and·fields around Mount Great CatIiolic Speakers Jeff Cavins Mayon.

Just $5.00 per month/CD Reports to officials ofthe Legazpi Dr. Scott Hahn (includes shipping - in the U.S.) Diocese confirmed 111 deaths in

Pope sends his support'to Philippine typhoon victims, rescue workers QUEZON CITY, Philippines (CNS), - As government officials' try to ·assess and address the damage Qf Typhoon Durian, Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message of encouragement to victims and rescue workers in the Philippines.

"His floliness Pope Benedict XVI assures all affected of his closeness in prayer," said a message from the Vatican secretary of state; Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

"His Holiness mcewise prays fo! the rescue workers and all involved in providing practical assistance to the victims of this disaster, encouraging th~m to persevere in their efforts to bring relief.and support," the

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message said, More than 1.09 million people in 13 'provinces were affectl(d by the typhoon that hit the country November 30,reported the Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council.

Tens ofthousands ofhouses were destroyed, 425 p60ple were listed as , dead, 507 injured and 599 missing.

Nearly 23,000 people have sought refuge in 129 evacuation centers. ' Daraga alone, butF~ther Rolando Philippine President 'Gloria PaI!esa, the diocese'~ financ~al ad~ Macapagal-Arroyo has declared' a ministrator, expects the figure to rise. state. of national calamity and ordered the release of money for re. lief and rehabilitation efforts in ar- . eas struck by Durian and the ty-

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DAUNTING TASK....:. Filipino soldiers dig at a riverbank a~ they search for six students believed to be buried after their dormitory collapsed in Legazpi City, south of Manila, during Typhoon Durian.

(CNS photo/Cheryl Ravelo, Reuters) .

Ukrainian archbishop denounces recent Lefebvrite ordinations .

OXFORD,. England (CNS) - A Ukrainian Eastern Catholic archbishop has denounced the recent ordinations of Lefebvrite supporters and said those responsible face excommunication. . Archbishop Thor Vozniak of Lviv told the Ukrainian newspaper Lvfvska Gazeta that "none ofthese new priests and deacons have a right to serve in parishes of the Ukrainian Catholic Church since they were ordained in the Latin rite by an excommunicated bishop. .

"It looks like a'deliberate incite-. ment to enmity within the Ukrainian nation. We await the quick reaction from the Holy Father in Rome," he said. .

Two UkraiiJian priests and seven deacons were ordained in Warsaw, Poland, November 21 as members of the Society of St. Pius .X, which rejects reforms ofthe Second V~tican Council: ,The followers of the late French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who was excommunicated in 1988, form the society.

Bishop Richard Williamson, one of the bishops ordained by Archbishop Lefebvre, presided over the ordinations.

In early September, the Vatican approved a new religious community, the majority ofwhom were members

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of the Society of St. Pius X. Called the 0000 Shepherd Institute, it is located in the Archdiocese of Bordeaux, France., Meanwhile, the press secretary for the Ukrainian Lviv Archdiocese, Father Oleg Panchinyak, said the, Ukrainian CatholicChurch·"has long made ' its position clear about schismatics."

"Efforts have been ma~e to divide and destroy. our Church for many . years." FatherPanchinyak told Catholic News Service December 2. ''The Lefebvrists may be using subtler methods, but their aims are nothing 'new."

Father Panchinyak was referring to Catholic-Orthodox tensions in the country due to the revival of Eastern Catholic churches since the 1989-91 collapse of communist rule.

Father Panchinyak also .rejected Lefebvrite' claims that their movement faced persecution and said a committee had been set up to study the situation. ' Father Vasyl Kovpak, the director of the Lefebvrite movement in Ukraine, the Society of St. Josaphat, told Poland's Catholic information agency, KAI, November 29 that Cardinal Lubomyr Husar of KievHalych, head ofthe Ukrainian Catholic Cliurch, rejected a request for the ordiriations to take place in Ukraine.

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Being in and receiving holy '~ommunion During the 2004 presidential election cycle, there was much debate over whether Catholic politiCians 'who publicly promote intrinsic evils like abortion should be denied holy Communion, While there was no clear consensus among U.S. Bishops over whether holy Communion should be refused, there were two things on which the bishops were clearly in agreement. The first was that politicians in such circumstances, because of their positions and actions, out ofintegrity should not present themselves to receive holy Communion. The second was that these politicians were not alone among Catholics whose actions or beliefs should cause them to refrain from receiving the Eucharist.

The bishops decided that the wisest first step was to give all Catholics in the U.S. a clear and .accessible catechesis about the necessary dispositions one must have to receive holy Communion. They did so in the document they approved in their November meeting, "Happy Are Those Who Are Called To His Supper: On Preparing To Receive Christ Worthily in the Eucharist." Formatted in questions-and-answers, it is tailor-made for pansh,-wide and private study, . . After reviewing that Catholics b~lieve thai: the Eucharist is Jesus Christ under the appearancesQofbread and wine, the bishops describe ~at sharing in Communion means participating in the life, death and resurrec- . tion of the Lord w'e receive. "He gives himself completely and entirely to us, and we are c.alled to give ourselves completely and entirely to him." Our "Amen!" is meant to signify that we believe in and accept the reality of Christ's real presence, seek total loving communion with him, and recognize that "union witl:t CIp-ist also means union with all those to whom he gives himself." . .

While the bishops encourage all of the faithful to receive holy Com- . munion "regularly, gratefully and worthily," they note that "we may find ourselves in situations where.,. we should refrain from partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ." They describe a ~traightforward principle: "In order to receive holy. Communion, we must be in communion with God and with the Church;" What being in communion with God . and the Church means is the heart of the first half of the document.

The bishops cite St. Justin Martyr, who in the middle of the second century, presented the ancient principle that "no one is allowed to .par~ take [in the Eucharist] except one who believes that the things we teach are true, who has received the washing for the forgiveness of sins and for rebirth, and who lives as Christ handed down to us." St. Justin described a three-foid Communion: doctrinal, sacramental and moral.

Doctrinal communion means that "one believes that the things we teach are true." The bishops say thaf"As Catholics we believe what the C1}urch authoritatively teaches on matters of f;lith and morals.... If a Catholic in his or her personal or professional life were knowingly and obstinately to reject the defined doctrines of the Church, or knowingly or obsjinately to repudiate her definitive teaching on moral issues, he or she would seriously diminish ~is or her communion with the Church.

Reception of holy Communion in such a situation would not accord with the nature of the Euchinistic celebration, so ·that he or she should refrain." . .

Sacramental communion means that we are one body through the sacramental economy initiated in bll,ptism, that is, "the washing for the forgiveness of sins and for rebirth." For this reason, the bishops declare, "Christians who are not Catholic are welcome to join us in prayer during the Eucharist liturgy, but normally are not permitted to receive holy Communion, since they are not in full communion with the Catholic Church.. .. Members· of non-Christian religions are also welcome to attend prayerfully the Eucharistic liturgy. They are not permitted, how'ever, to receive holy Communion, since they possess no bond of com'mon faith in Jesus Christ, the one whom we receive in the Eucharist."

Finally, moral communion means that we "live as Christ handed down to us." When we commit a mortal sin and deliberately fail to live as Christ taught us in a serious matter, the bishops write, there is a "rejection of communion with God ... and we are seriously obliged to refrain from receiving holy Communion until we are reconciled with God and the Church" through the sacrament of penance. The bishops specify several of these mortal sins. Some are obvious, like worshipping another God or committing murder. Some are not so obvious, but much more popular, like: "Failing to worship God by missing Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation without a serious n~ason, such as sickness or the absence of a priest"; "Engaging in s.exual activity outside the bonds of avalic,i marriage"; "Speaking maliciously or slandering people in a way that seriously undennines their good name"; and "producing, marketing or in~ dulging in pornography." The bishops state that Catholics who have cut. off their communion with Christ in any of these ways must" first go to receive Christ's forgiveness in the sacrament of penance before they come to receive him in the sacrament of the Eucharist.

To present oneself worthily for holy Communion, one needs to be in communion with Christ and,the Church he founded in each of these three ways. Holy Communion is not a piece of birthday cake at a party which everyone expects to be offered asa sign of hospitalitY. Rather it \ is an efficacious sign of a radical union with Christ and his Body the Church that can be worthily 'received only by those who are already in such union doctrinally,'sacramentally and morally. . Next week, we will discuss the advice the bishops give to those who are in this communion with the Lord, about how they can prepare to receive hiin more fruitfully and worthily.

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in addition to protecting Mary's life .' .the law, because this, too, would have cast unjust suspicion upon lind reputation. (See Frederico Suarez, Joseph of Nazareth, 1982.)

Mary.

Another option, of course, was to The news of Mary's pregnancy .take Mary as his wife and claim the must have been shocking to St child as his oWn. But until'the angel Joseph. He knew that the'child waS of God instructed him to do this, St. not his, and yet he also knew Mary Joseph hesitated to take this option. to be a virtuous young woman.

Instead, the Gospel tells us, "Joseph, More than this, he must have being a just man and unwilling to put her to primarily to his ~pera- • _ - - - - - - - - .shame, resolved to send her tion with God's will in the away quietly." events that brought about Trusting in Mary's the birth of the Savior. fidelity and holiness, but Above all,. he i~ known as a unable to explairi the man ofjustice. mystery that confronted The justice of St Joseph him, St. Joseph decided to is evidenced in the remove himself from such a following passage from the holy mystery, considering Gospel: "When his mother himself unworthy to assume the role noticed, along with everyone else in Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, of guardian Nazareth, that Mary was uniquely and foster father of this before they came together she was mysterious child.

By sending Mary different.

He musfhave noticed that found to be with child of the Holy away quietly, he protected her life . his betrothed showed no sign of sin Spirit; and her husband Joseph; and reputation, while allowing it to or even the inclination to sin, with being a just man and unwilling to . appear as if he were at fault for which everyone else struggled, put her to shame, resolved to send abandoning his wife. ~y deciding including himself. He must also . her away quietly" (Mt q8-19). upon this course of action, St. have noticed, with great bewilderOn the surface, the GospelJoSeph chose to protect Mary's ment, that Mary showed no shame, suggests that St. Joseph assumed interests, rilther than his own. And in Mary had been unfaithful, but he did no guilt and no embarrassment over this unselfish motive, it is suggested, her pregnancy. not want to subject her to the we see the justice of St. Joseph, Observing all of this must have punishment of the law, which would which consisted of deep humility confused St. Joseph and caused him . have been death by stoning, for the and selflessness, in addition to to consider. the matter seriously and .sin· of adultery. According to this compassion. prayerfully.

St. Joseph's senses and interpretation, the justice of St As we pray in the preface for his reason told him that Mary had Joseph consisted of compassion and been unfaithful to him. But his heart th~ Mass of St. Joseph, "He is that leniency, shown by his refusal to just,man, that wise and loyal insist on his full rights under the law. and his soul told him that Mary servant:" He is also a true hero of would not betray.him. It was truly a .This certaillly was the traditional our faith, a'man of heroic virtue dilemma for St. Joseph, who had'to understanding of St. Joseph's and a source of inspiration, . consider his options. motives, according to many of the especially for all husbands, fathers If he was, in fact, convinced of Fathers of the Church. . and priests.

Mary's innocence, he knew that More modern interp~ons, Father Pignato is clwploil} at publicly accusing her of adultery however, look more deeply into the. , BiShop Stang High School in North would have been the height of ' meaning of the words recorded in Dartmouth and is secretary to injustice. Nor could he write her a the Gospel and conclude that St. " Joseph was moved b~ considerations bill of divorce, as was allowed under Bishop George If. Colenian.

During this holy season of Advent, one of the most prominent figures proposed for our meditation is St Joseph, the patron saintof the universal Church, and one of the heroes of the Christmas story.

Although very little is said about St. Joseph in the Gospels, his sanctity has been known by the Church from the very beginning, due

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Through the eyes of a four-year-old I love living Christmas through the eyes of a four-year-old.

When we put the tree up this year, she couldn't wait to help. As the tree became more recognizable with each branch inserted, her eyes grew wider. I wonder if she thinks all trees come from a box. No matter, she loves it. When the tree was finally a tree, she was delighted.

Next came the formality of stringing up the lights. The beauty of the twinkle of the tiny lights was matched only by the twinkle

herself when our efforts switched in her eyes as she gazed in amazement at the wonder she was . to the outdoors. She marveled at how the shrubs that were just witnessing. moments before dull and barren, now shimmered with hundreds of lovely white specks.

Now the boxes are empty and stored away.

What's left is the warm glow of an evergreen adorned with bright colors and shapes. She loves to sit or lay next to the tree each It was quite comical to watch evening as we watch television. her go from box to box to catch a Thanks to this four-year-old, I glimpse of the next ornament to be placed on the newfound tree. can't wait for Christmas morning.

Last year, she eagerly accepted She could hardly contain

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sought to remove fear not just by know our actions will bring. This their words "have no fear," or "do love will come in sharing moments not be afraid;' but by pointing to with friends and family, celebrating Jesus. In each instance, the angel the joy of friendship and faith in our gave comfort by pointing toward Lord. It will come in giving to those ~~-,'''I in need. It will come in

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favored daughter! The Lord is with you. Blessed are ofFailft~.-' you among women.' She was deeply troubled by his lilt!. "

By Greta MacKoul words, and wondered what his greeting meant. The angel went on to say to,her: Mary. You have found and revealing the presence, the 'Do not favor with God. You shall conceive power, the love that is Jesus. and bear a son and give him the St. John ill his first letter dename Jesus.''' scribes how the presence and power We see it in St. Matthew's of Jesus takes away our fears. "We depiction of Joseph's struggle to have seen for ourselves, and can accept Mary's pregnancy. The testify, that the Father has sent the converted tax collector tells us, Son as savior of the world. When ''Now this is how the birth of Jesus anyone acknowledges that Jesus is Christ came about: When his mother the Son of God~ God dwells in him Mary was engaged to Joseph, but and he in God. We have come to before they lived together, she was know and to believe in the love God found with child through the power has for us. God is love, and he who of the Holy Spirit. Joseph her abides in love abides in.God, and husband, an upright man unwilling God in him. Our love is brought to perfection in this, that we should to expose her to the law, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his have confidence on the day of intention when suddenly the angel judgment; for our relation to this of the Lord appeared in a dream and world is just like his. Love has no room for fear; rather perfect love said to him: 'Joseph son of David, casts Ol)t all fear." have no fear about taking Mary as your wife. It is by the Holy Spirit Jesus is that perfect love. When that she has conceived this child. She we experience his love for us, and is to have a son, and you are to name love and trust him in return, then him Jesus... '" there is nothing to be worried about.

We see it in St. Matthew's ' We cannot have fear when Jesus is account of the Resurrection, when in our hearts. he describes that "there was a violent During this Christmas season we earthquake, for an angel of the Lord may experience a mixture of fear came down from heaven and, going and love. There may be fear in the to the tomb, rolled back the stone fonn of anxiety, of making sure that and sat on it. His appearance was everything that needs to be accomlike lightning, and his clothes were plished during this season will in white as snow. The guards were so fact get done. There may be fear or anxiety that all that needs to be afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel accomplished will be done so in a said to the women, 'Do not be manner that is satisfactory or afraid, for I know that you are pleasing to those around us. looking for Jesus, who was cruciOn the other hand, what will save fied. He is not here; he has risen, just many of us from a state of anxiety or as he said.'" fear is, in fact, love. It is the love that In each of these passages, angels we have for others, the joy that we !.'

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gi~e~:a:n:~:~ will take us away from fear and show us the true meaning of Christmas.

Jesus has shoWn us his perfect love by becoming one of us and if we allow that truth to penetrate us deeply this Christmas, that perfect love will cast out all our fear.

Greta is an author and illustrator. She and her husband George, with their children are members ofChrist the King Parish in Mashpee.

offended by hearing Merry Christmas.

All she sees is a special time of year when a colorfully lighted tree magically sprouts from a box.

All she senses is the love of folks as they gather to eat and exchange tokens of their love for one another. All she cares about is that we're together and we're family.

She's a smart little four-yearold. Wise beyond her years. Yep, she's a good dog that Igor. . davejolivet@anchornews.org

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JesiJs; the perfect love Several times in the Gospel, we hear angels speak the comforting words, ''Do not be afraid" or ''Have no fear."

We see it in St. Luke's account of the Annunciation, when the _ _

each gift, taking it gently, and then tearing aside that which separated her from what waited inside.

Only after she completely absorbed the thrill of one present did she move on to the next.

This four-year-dld has no pretensions about Christmas. She doesn't see the commercial aspect. She doesn't, understand the hullabaloo about public displays of the Christ Child. She doesn't grasp how some folks are

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Rejoice in the Lord always Sometimes even nature reflects our spiritual journey.

This Thursday, December 21, is the winter solstice which is the "shortest" day of the year. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. I know, every day is 24 hours long. Following the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer and the nights shorter. Interestingly, the summer solstice, around June 22, marks the day of the year when the North Pole is tilted farthest towards the sun, giving us the most daylight. Afterwards, the days gradually grow shorter. As we begin to lose daylight we celebrate the feast of our great Advent prophet, John the Baptist, on June 24.

Like the lengthening of daylight, John the Baptist declares, "He must increase and I must decrease."

This weekend we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent known as Gaudete Sunday.

"Gaudete" is a Latin imperative command telling us as a community to rejoice. During this darkest time of the year we are commanded to be a people of joy.

One writer, Marianne Williamson, has a wonderful description of joy: "Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are." The seventhcentury B.C. prophet Zephaniah, in our first reading, speaks not only of hope, but, a real reason for rejoicing. He tells his listeners and us today to "sing for joy" because "our God is in our midst." Not only are we to be glad and exult with all our hearts, but he reminds us

that God is rejoicing over us and renewing us in his love.

Wow, do we think of God rejoicing over us? If this isn't good news, what is? God was in love with Israel and is in love

with us - his love is without end.

Paul, in his Letter to the Philippians, reminds them and us to rejoice because the Lord is near. He encourages us to remember we are a people of hope, a people who wait in patient endurance. This is " echoed in the little prayer said

after the "Our Father" at Mass: "We wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ." This embolism, a Greek word meaning "a little piece added to the garment," was added around the sixth century by St. Gregory the Great to the "Our Father." It reflects the text of Titus 2: 13: "We await the blessed hope and the coming of the glory of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ."

In Luke's Gospel, people are wondering if John the Baptist is the longed for Messiah. John makes it clear that one mightier than he is coming. He prepares the way for the Lord with a sense of urgency because he knows he is near: "I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals." As John points to the

coming of the Lord, he preaches justice. This justice is as relevant today. God's presence in our midst is seen in the way we care for those who do not have what they need: clothing, a roof over their head, food, and a sense of dignity. As we "wait in joyful hope" we must brighten our world by reflecting Christ to those in our lives.

In his first coming, Christ broke into the darkness of a fallen world as the Light of the World and the Prince of Peace. In his second "advent," we await his return in glory. As Christmas draws near, let us joyfully draw close to the true "Son." Father Ciryak is pastor of St. Francis ofAssisi Parish in Swansea and director of Campus Ministry, and Chaplain at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat, Dec 16, Sir 48:1-4,9-11; Ps 80:2-3,15-16,18-19; Mt 17:10-13. Sun, Dec 17, Third Sunday of Advent, Zep 3:14-18a; (Ps) Is 12:2-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18. Mon, Dec 18, Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1,12-13,18-19; Mt 1:18-24. Thes, Dec 19, Jgs 13:2-7,24-25a; Ps 71:3-6,16-17; Lk 1:5-25. Wed, Dec 20, Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 1:26-38, Thurs, Dec 21, Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3: 1418a; Ps 33:2-3,11-12,2{}-21; Lk 1:39-45. Fri, Dec 22,1 Sm 1:24-28; (Ps) 1 Sm 2:1,4-7.8abcd; Lk 1:46-56.

Misreporting the pope Despite its op-ed page which often sounds like a transcript from an asylum for victims of Bush Derangement Syndrome - the New York Times remains the nation's newspaperof-record. If it decides that something is news, so do other papers, and so do the networks; the Times' take on the news also echoes throughout the American media. These facts of journalistic life put a special burden on the Times to get the story right -

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which, in Istanbul last month, it certainly didn't.

Thus on November 29, frontpage, above-the-fold, the Times trumpeted the "news" that "Pope Backs Turkey's Bid to Join European Union."

According to reporters Ian Fisher and Sabrina Tavernise, "Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Turkey ... armed with a surprise gesture . of good will aimed at blunting Muslim anger toward him: he backed Turkey's long-stalled desire to join the

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European Union, reversing a statement he made two years ago." The reporters went on to note that their source was the Turkish prime minister, Recep

Tayyip Erdogan, who said that the pope had responded positively to his request for support for Turkey's admiss~on to the E.U. "'You know we don't have .a political role, but we wish for Turkey's entry into the E.U.,'" the pope said, according to Mr. Erdogan. "His wish is a positive recommendation for us," the prime minister concluded.

Was it? Or was this first-class prime ministerial spin?

Until the last minute, Mr. Erdogan, who leads a "moderate Islamic" party, had declined to meet the pope. Now, having changed his mind so as not to look like a cad, he likely wanted to demonstrate to his constituents that the man some of them had charged with leadinK a new "Crusade" had, so to speak, truckled, and at the prime minister's urging. At least that's what a typically worldly Timesman might have thought.

But not Mr. Fisher and Ms. Tavernise, who apparently took Erdogan at his word (a courtesy the Times rarely extends to the President of the United States).

Buried in the 12th and 13th paragraphs of the story was a statement by the Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, that might have given the Times pause - had the paper not been too busy chortling over Benedict's "concession" and "reversal." According to Father Lombardi, while the Vatican had neither the power nor the political clout to get Turkey admitted to the E.U., the Holy See "looks positively and . encourages the road of dialogue and of moving toward integration of Turkey in Europe on the basis of common values ·and principles." In other words, nothing whatsoever had changed in the Vatican's position on Turkey and the E.U.: if and when 1;'urkey demonstrates that it is part of Europe - by, among other things, bringing the state's role in protecting religious freedom into line with European "values and principles" - then the integration of Turkey into the E. U. becomes a possibility. The question at issue today, just as it was when then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger raised the point years ago, is whether Turkey can do

that; unfortunately, it can't, now.

Why did the Times botch this so badly? It's a question of assumptions. The Times went to Istanbul convinced that the rigid, undiplomatic Benedict XVI had made a serious error .in his September Regensburg lecture (an even more-egregious-thanusual Times editorial on November 29 derided the pope's "tonedeaf comments about Islam").

Evidently indifferent to the overthe-top Islamist response when Benedict at Regensburg raised the (obvious) question of why terrorists claimed the sanction of Islam for their deeds, the Times was looking for an apology. So when Mr. Erdogan put his spin machine into overdrive, the Times jumped aboard ---,- and misinformed the world.

The Times is famous for criticizing what it judges to be the false assumptions that shape policies of which it disapproves.

Might the newspaper-of-record - which has barely recovered from a variety of recent newsroom scandals, including the falsification of stories - take a moment to examine its own assumptions about Pope Benedict XVI? For if the Times hadn't assumed that the "Pope Benedict = dolt," the Times wouldn't have blown the story in Istanbul.

George Weigel is a senior fellow ofthe Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington,

D.C.

DECEMBER

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My final answer is yes and no Saturday 9 December 2006, at sunset - Second Week ofAdvent begins Is Advent about the return of Jesus at the end of time or is it about his birth in Bethlehem? The correct answer is yes. Confusing? Good. We are dealing here with mystery.

And now, everything you ever wanted to know about Advent. Advent once lasted 40 days. Advent is no longer considered a penitential season, but a time of hopeful waiting. There is still, though, a twinge of penance.

Advent penance services are

popular.

Advent is about darkness.

That's why we light the candles

of the Advent wreath. In addition to the Advent wreath, there are other customs. In the 1880s, European printers produced elaborate Advent calendars. Each calendar contains 24 windows or doors,

and, starting on December 1, one is opened each day to tell the Nativity story until the last door is opened on Christmas Eve. Then there's the Advent tower.

It's similar to the Advent calendar, but this decoration has only nine windows for the nine days leading up to Christmas. Behind each window is a title from the Old Testament used to hail the Christ Child. The titles begin with the most ancient and proceed to the most recent. Since the title always begins with the letter "0", they are known as the "0 Antiphons." The verses of the

A Catholic education at non..Catholic secondary schools to pass up some good, evening history classes, it is popular to This is the seventh in a series activities in order to keep family elevate native cultures and native ofcolumns on the impOltance of religious beliefs; to dismisS or giving all Catholic kids a dinnertime from morphing into "Mom's Take-Out Deli" or demonize Catholic contributions Catholic education.

McDonalds every night. In to Western civilization, and to When our children were toddlers many of us parents put minimize the Christian faith of making these hard choices, don't many of our nation's forefathers. nightlights in their rooms. This forget that "discipline is rememwas an age-appropriate way for bering what you really want."

We will need to introduce our Reading books by Christian children to Catholic and Chrisus to push back the darkness and authors or bOOkS of the all the insecurities of a looming bedtime. Now, ....~!'---!'!"""-'!'!!lIIl'III""l::~~.,r-"'::iiiii::--,., Bible and discussing as our children enter them with our teens has high school and prepare been a favorite, faithto leave our homes, we building activity for our can similarly push back family during the shadowy uncertainties summer months. of the oncoming adult In addition to what life by enlightening their I've suggested, a good minds and souls to the friend with children in One who is the Light of the the public high school tian historical figures from World, Jesus and his Church. advises Catholic parentS to sources other than their secular As maturing teens, our encourage their teens to apply basic, Christian behavior to history books. Parent-assigned children still need to receive heart, hand, and head knowledge summer reading bQOks area school situations both in and out greatWay to do thiS. In science about the Catholic faith, but of the clasSrOOm and to interject during the high school years, class they will probably never Catholic beliefs and teachings head knowledge is of special into their child's school curricula hear about God, ~e one who created every liftle detail that and take~home projects Whenever ' importance. In order for the light to illuminate their adult lives as scientists study. This gives us the possible. If you have questions privilege and responsibility of brightly as possible, they need to about the Catholic perspective on know the truths revealed to us by a.topic, talk with a knowledge- . discussing at b<1w.~ bioethical issues and h\lll.lailkind's use of Jesus, and at least a rudimentary able priest, a person ina religious knowledge of Catholic history, scientific technology from a order, or consult a good Catholic website. the lives of saints, and the positive, Catholi9Point-of-view.

Having promised to be the Catholic people and events that S~d, pari$b:;prograrns. We will need to take full advantage have shaped and continue to ''first and the best teachers in the shape our world today. ways of the faith" when we had of parish confirmation programs Here are some areas to focus our children baptized, we must and diocesan-wide youth and family ministries. Teen~agei-$ are on in bringing the Light of the remain cottllnitted to illUminating aching to change the world, so World to our teens in nontheir lives with the light of Christ Catholic high schools: give them that chance by taking as they go through high school First, teachers and curricula. the diOCesan bus to.the annual and step onto the path leading Stay on top of what is being Pro-Life Walk in Washington toward mature, Catholic adultD.C., serving with them at a local taught in health, history, and hood. Next week, we will wrap soup kitchen, and taking them on science. In Health Class our up this series of column of giving retreats and mission trips. children will probably be all Catholic kids a CathOlic Third, home life. I believe education. exposed to moral relativism. family dinnertime remains both This means that we will need to Heidi is an author, photograour defensive and offensive present Catholic teaching at pher, andfull-time mother. She home about health and medical front~e when it comes to and her husband raise theirfive staying connected as a family issues like pre-marital sex and children in Falmouth. and keeping our kids Catholic. chastity, homosexuality, and birth homegrownfaith@yahoo.com.

We, and our children, may need control. In today's secular

9 Advent carol "0 Come, a Come, Emmanuel" list all of these titles.

The Moravian Star has 26 points. It originated in Europe as a kind of paper lantern with an oil lamp inside. It crossed the Atlantic with the early settlers of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. During Advent, these are displayed in windows and doorways. Because the manufacturing of the star took place initially in the town of Herrnhut, Germany, it is also called the Herrnhut Star. Pieter Verbeecan, who had learned the skill at the Moravian Boy's School about 1850, began producing the piece commercially.

The Jesse Tree is a fir tree decorated with biblical symbols representing the ancestors of Jesus and the events leading up to the birth of the Christ Child - an apple representing Adam and Eve, an ark representing Noah, a ladder representing Jacob, etc. At the very top of the tree, it is customary to place the initials of the title "Christ" in Greek - the Chi and the Rho. (PX) Advent is about the changing of the times and seasons as reflected in the stars and planets, and in the ebb and flow of Mother Nature. The measurement of this continuous cosmic motion is called time.

The passing of the seasons is measured by what we call our calendar.

We tend to think of calendar time as a straight line. Like any line, it has a beginning and an end. Any given point on the line occurs just once and never again. When a month has passed, we tear the page from the calendar and toss it away.

Our ancestors did not think this way. They saw the year not as a line but as a circle. Their hearts were attuneo to the cycles of nature and for them the year, like nature, would repeat in a kind of eternal turning. The circle of the year was divided into two halves - the season of light and the season of dark-

ness. The Winter Solstice and its calendar opposite, the Summer Solstice, marked these two seasons. In the dark half of the year, cultures around the world would watch and pray for the return of the sun. Their lives depended on it.

Like nature, human beings would also become dormant.

They would gather in their thoughts and their lives for the coming of the cold and darkness. Farm tools would be hung up. Hearth and home would become the center of daily life; and so, our ancestors would wait out the winter.

Nobody really knows why December 25 was chosen as the official birthday of Jesus. Many say it was because the Roman Empire celebrated the Birth of the Unconquered Sun at that time..To further complicate matters, the Gregorian reform abruptly dropped 10 days from the calendar. Thus, the feast of the Epiphany ended up being observed on what used to be the feast of the Nativity. The Eastern Orthodox Church refused to accept the new style calendar but kept the old style or Julian calendar.

So when does Christmas begin?

When the song ofthe angels is silent, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and the princes are home, When the shepherds are again tending their sheep, When the manger is darkened and still The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among people, To befriend the lonely, To release the prisoner.

To make music in the heart.

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

Comments are welcome at StBernardAssonet@aol.com.

Previous columns are available at www.StBernardAssonet.org.

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Pope says Christians are urged to become immaculate in love like Mary ROME (CNS) - All Christians are called to become "holy and immaculate in love," just as Mary was, Pope Benedict XVI said. The pope celebrated the December 8 feast of the Immaculate Conception by reciting the Angelus prayer at the Vatican and by making an afternoon visit to a Marian monument in the center of Rome.

During his afternoon visit, the pope blessed a large basket· of pink roses set at the foot of a column topped by a statue of

Mary. The statue commemorates Pope Pius IX's proclamation in 1854 that Mary was conceived free of original sin. Earlier in the day, Rome city firefighters had hung a wreath of flowers from the statue's outstretched arm.

In his Angelus address, Pope Benedict said that, while it would be impossible to know why God chose Mary from among all women, the Bible makes it clear that "God was attracted by the humility of Mary."

$ Grace-filled music

By MIKE GORDON

lot of joy to my family."

She started taking piano lessons at age six and FALL RIVER - The most beautiful sound, accord- said she "fell in love with it right away." She was a member of St. Mathieu's Parish in Fall River where ing to Madeleine Grace, is a singing congregation.

"A well-prepared choir, one that can lead people Father William G. Campbell gave her lessons on the in song, helps make the Mass a true celebration," pipe organ when she began high school. "It was natusaid Grace. "I love to hear everyone sing." ral to go from piano to the organ," said Grace. She The 55-year-old Grace serves as director of mu- also began singing at that time as a member of the sic and organist at St. Mary of the Assumption Ca- St. Mary's Choir. thedral and has been playing music at Masses for 35 She met her husband Richard, a professor of hisyears. Her duties at the Cathedral also include di- tory at Providence College, in the choir at St. Mary's recting the youth choir, parish choir and the dioc- and the two were married in 1977. They have three esan choir, which performs for special occasions like children, Elizabeth, Marianne and Benjamin.

Marian Medal presentations, the Chrism Mass and Music continues to be a family affair as Elizapriestly ordinations. beth is studying voice "Events such as those ",. ,-.~I-' ,-r-:-,-'-~:-,-.------,'.----~--,-r.---_____, and music at Providence are thrilling,". said ~~;" '.~' ,. ~~: .. - ->"~ f ~,_ ~ , College. She plays piano ,~" .; ,~~~~) and has served as cantor Grace. "~t's movl.ng to ":c... play dunng a pnestly ",' '\; .. " " _ '-:,- - . at St. Mary's Parish. o.rdin~tion and ~on- : ", , ~_~k:7!,!!/~~'J'~rslin./J/'tMfI':tel.! Marianne is also a can''-.', r 7 ~ •. , '"' tor and plays piano. BenSider It a great pnvllege ' ---:;-. to be involved in these jamin plays guitar and events. I feel like the music mandolin and "a little piano." really lifts us up. It sets the "I was a music education tone." major at the New England The choir for special Conservatory in Boston," said Grace. "After graduation events is comprised of singers from parishes around the I taught in the Somerset diocese and anyone may bemiddle school system for come a member. "We have a seven years. I then worked in core group of very faithful the parish music ministry programs at St. John of God members, some of whom in Somerset for seven years have been singing in this group for 40 years," said and Sacred Heart Parish in Grace, "but we are always Fall River before I was inready to welcome new memvited to go the Cathedral." bers too."

As she recalled that it's There are 10 children in been 21 years of playing muthe youth choir and Grace sic at the Cathedral, she said she enjoys working with smiled again and said, "I young singers. "We have started there in 1985. It's hard children with beautiful CATHEDRAL ORGANIST MADELEINE GRACE to believe it's been that long. voices and they do a great It goes by fast, but it's somejob." The group is currently learning to work with thing I've truly loved." handbells and recently completed an Advent proShe also teaches piano and organ. As for keys to gram that Grace said, "was wonderful." her success besides practice, Grace said "having my "I'd really like to encourage more young people family participate and a supportive husband" were to get involved in music ministry at their parish. The the two most important things.

Church needs more musicians and it can bring a lot Grace, like many, was surprised to hear that she of enjoyment for all those involved," she added. was nominated as a Person of the Week, but said it Father Paul Bernier, rector of the cathedral, was an honor to be chosen.

"What I do is a very visible ministry and one good praised the dedication ofGrace. "She's been involved in the music ministry here for many years and does thing is I get a lot of positive feedback. I've always so much to enhance the liturgy. We're so happy to had supportive pastors also," she added.

Although the lOOth anniversary celebration of the have her here."

He went on to say, "We have a wonderful youth diocese was cited as one of Grace's most memochoir that she started three years ago and Grace is an rable performances, she noted that playing during a inspiration for other parishioners. She's very tal- funeral Mass is what has impacted her the most. '''That is one of the greatest graces playing at a fuented."

Asked if she ever gets nervous before a perfor- neral. You know that what you're doing really conmance, Grace smiled and said when she was study- soles people. I really love playing at any Mass. I feel ing music in college and had to perform she did get so close to the people in my own life who have died nervous. "Now I get excited about it more than ner- and by playing I feel a connection to them and the vous. I still get a little nervous, but it's not so much communion of saints." performing to me, as it is a form of prayer. I'm doGrace has been a member ofthe singing group Sine ing this for God. It's the way I pray best," said Grace. Nomine for past 12 years. They perform concerts of The Fall River native enjoys finding hymns or sacred music. She is also a member ofthe parish counsongs to play that will help people pray and said, cil and served on the Diocesan Liturgy Committee and "Much can be learned about theology from spiritual as a representative for Pastoral Planning.

Grace also serves as chairman of the committee music, especially some of the beautiful hymn texts we have." Grace also enjoys including musical trea- to restore the Cathedral's pipe organ.

Thus far they've raised $106,000, but Grace said sures of the past in the weekly musical offerings.

"I pray to the Holy Spirit before I pick out music there is still a great need. "Right now we're seeking or begin organizing for an event and often tiIDes I a major donor to help out." Currently she plays an find songs or music I might not have found without electric organ at the Cathedral, but the committee is that little guidance," said Grace. "It's the Holy Spirit hoping they use parts of the organ from the Cathethat guides us through the music." dral and the former St. Louis Parish to make one She grew up in a home filled with music where whole unit. all her siblings were encouraged to develop musical When she's not playing music or singing, Grace skills. "Both my mother and father played the pi- enjoys reading, gardening, cooking and traveling ano. My father played every day and would play by when she and her husband can. "Being an organist ear. They encouraged us and each of my siblings and involved with parish music programs keeps me played an instrument or sang. Music has brought a pretty busy, but it's been wonderful."

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Christmas traditions get mixed reviews

By CAROL ZIMMERMANN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

to mention the religious nature of the season on the naughty list.

WASHINGTON - The Catholic League Despite the Christmas offenders, the for Religious and Civil Rights is teaming up season's traditions and religious symbols are with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal for welcomed in other places.

Christmas Watch 2006, a campaign to point According to an online survey of commuout the schools, home associations, towns and nity association members in Florida released municipalities that do not allow traditional recently, nearly 80 percent of respondents said Christmas decorations or celebrations. their communities chose to place holiday The campaign singles out these groups as decorations in common property areas during December. The "Christmas killjoys." survey was conRecent additions to the list include ducted by the ComRecent additions to the list include the the cancellation of a Santa break- munity Association cancellation of a fast at a public school in Warwick, Leadership Lobby, Santa breakfast at a N. Y., after a complaint the event pro- an organization public school in moted religious discrimination. representing more Warwick, N.Y., after than 4,000 condoa complaint the miniumS" and comevent promoted religious discrimination. Also munity associations in Florida. making the list were the University of ColoOf the survey's respondents, 78.8 percent rado for banning university-sponsored Christ- said the displays included Christmas decoramas parties and several city and town officials tions, 36 percent cited Hanukkah decorations for not allowing public Nativity scenes. and 1.7 percent noted a Kwanzaa theme.

The group highlighted a home association More than 37 percent said their association's iD Pittsburgh that banned religious holiday holiday displays were not religious-based, but decorations, etiquette experts at the Emily Post survey organizers said that overall responses Institute for urging businesses not to acknowl- to the survey illustrate that the holidays' reliedge Christmas in their holiday cards, and gious and spiritual messages are important for retail and store officials for using only the most Florida community associations. word "holiday" when referring to Christmas.

"Clearly, most community associations in Liberty Counsel, a religious rights law finn, Florida recognize the spiritual origins of the has similarly put together a Friend or Foe holidays and tend to deal with different reliChristmas Campaign by publishing a gious and ethnic traditions in a spirit of toler"naughty and nice" checklist. The list puts ance and inclusion," said Donna Berger, exstores and retail chains that acknowledge ecutive director of the Community AssociaChristmas on the nice list and those who refuse tion Leadership Lobby.

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DVD/video reviews

..

NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of new and recent DVD and video releases from the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Theatrical movies on video have a USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification and Motion Picture Association of America rating. These classifications refer only to the theatrical version of the films below, and do not take into account DVD releases' extra content.

"The Ant Bully" (2006) Whimsically entertaining computer-animated fable about a young boy (voiced by Zack Tyler Eisen) who, in response to havoc wreaked on an anthill in his front yard, is magically shrunk to bug size by an ant wizard (voiced by Nicolas Cage), put on trial and sentenced to remain miniaturized until he makes amends, which he does by saving the lawn's insect population from annihilation at the hands of a gung-ho exterminator (Paul Giamatti). Written and directed by John A. Davis from the John Nickle children's book, the pixilated parable wraps its might-doesn't-makeright moral and agreeable life lessons in vibrantly imaginative visuals, though the performances of the A-list voice talent (including Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep, in addition to Cage) are bland and the writing is less than sharp. A few instances of mildly crude language and humor and a menacing sequence that may be scary for very young children. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I - general patronage.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG - parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children (Warner Bros.). ''Bug Rangers: Hairy Situation" (2006) Formerly called "Roach Approach," the computer-animated series uses the zany cartoon adventures of a clan of cockroaches to teach Bible lessons. In "Hairy Situation" - the fourth installment scrawny egghead Cosmo doesn't think he has what it takes to earn his Bug Rangers "Bulging Muscles Merit Badge," only to discover that

Movies Online

..

Can't remember how a recent film was classified by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops?

Want to know whether to let the kids go see it? You can look up film reviews on the Catholic News Service Website.

Visit catholicnews.com and click on "Movies," under the "News Item" menu.

underneath his thick glasses he's a physical dynamo. His newly realized prowess - which he mistakenly attributes to a merit badge he happens upon - makes him popular with a local jock, but leaves old pals Squiggz and Flutter in the cold, providing an opportunity for Grandpa Lou to recount the Old Testament story of long-locked strongman Samson. Created by Bruce Barry, the Christian-flavored series, with its vibrant animation, conveys positive faith-based messages - including the moral that God is the source of all our talents and that we must use our gifts - in a way that's fun for kids. Bonus features include a look at the episode's storyboard process and a drawing lesson with cartoonist Barry (Fox MAKING (AIR) WAVES - Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York and moming host Gus Lloyd pose for a Home Entertainment). photo during the debut of the Catholic Channel in the studios of Sirius Satellite Radio in New York Decem"Flower Drum Song" (1961) ber 4. The channel offers round-the-clock programming, seven days a week. (CNS photo/Chris Sheridan) Rodgers and Harnmersteih musical about a mail-order bride (Miyoshi Umeki) from Hong Kong NEW YORK (CNS) - The 9 p.m.-l a.m. Father Paul Keenan, and Susan Konig, a columnist and who arrives illegally in San Francisco, but instead of marrying a Catholic Channel debuted Decem- a New York archdiocesan priest and author, will bring their unique pernightclub owner (James Soo) as ar- ber 4 on Sirius Satellite Radio. author of "Good News for Bad spective on family, marriage, chilranged, she falls for a college grad Sirius and the Archdiocese of New Days," "Stages of the Soul" and dren - they have four - and cul(James Shigeta) who's hooked on York worked together to create the "Heartstorming" will bring his pas- ture to their program. toral advice and 30 years' experi- "Seize the Day With Gus a singer (Nancy Kwan). Directed by channel.

Its original Sept. 26 launch date ence as a priest on how to live a Lloyd," weekdays, 6:15-8 and 8:30Henry Koster, the plot is formulaic but the Chinatown settings are of was delayed because of New York meaningful, purpose-driven life in 10 a.m. Lloyd chats with interest and there's a strong Asian- Cardinal Edward M. Egan's recov- an often confusing, overwhelming newsmakers, personalities and callers to discuss what's on their minds American cast. Romantic compli- ery from September 6 knee-re- world.

- "Speak Now - With Dave and in their hearts. . cations. The musical makes its first placement surgery. It can be found There are about 4.7 million subDVD appearance in a handsome an- at Channel 159 on Sirius receivers. and Susan Konig," weekdays, 10 The Catholic Channel airs pro- a.m.-l p.m. Dave Konig, an actor, scribers to Sirius. amorphic print with commentary gramming 24 hours a day, seven

by Kwan and film historian Nick days a week.

Many of the programs Redman; entertaining featurettes are listener call-in shows, and a about the property's evolution from dedicated toll-free telephone line book to stage to screen to recent has been established to handle calls: Broadway revival; the thenNEW LONDON, Conn. (CNS) Catholic women nationwide who groundbreaking casting of Asian 888-322-8465.

- Catholic Digest and the National strive to live their faith and serve Among the Catholic Channel Council of Catholic Women have the church," said Ellen Bachman, actors in a major musical; the timeless songs; Richard Rodgers and offerings are (all times EST): announced a partnership that they NCCW president, "and we are de- "Busted Halo," weekdays, 7- hope will both benefit the bottom lighted to also offer them the opOscar Harnmerstein; and the colorful sets and costumes. The USCCB 9 p.m., hosted by Paulist Father line for the women's organization portunity to enrich this faith by Office for Film & Broadcasting Dave Dwyer, who was not or- and boost circulation for the maga- reading Catholic Digest." classification is A-IT - adults and dained until he reached his 30s. He zine.

Kathleen Stauffer, Catholic Diadolescents. Not rated by the Mo- had a career in television (MTV, In 2007 and 2008, the more than gest president and publisher, said tion Picture Association ofAmerica Comedy Central) and radio prior 50,000 NCCW members have the the partnership "is a wonderful op(Universal Studios Home Entertain- to entering the seminary. Father option to enhance their membership portunity for two established Dwyer aims to reach young adults by adding a subscription to Catho- Catholic institutions to further ment). and teach them that nobody is per- lic Digest, which currently has a their missions via mutual empow''The Very First Noel" (2006) fect, hence the name "Busted worldwide readership estimated at erment."

Narrated by Andy Griffith as .

Halo."

Melchior of the Magi, this delightThe NCCW was established 75 2.4 million.

- "Ask the Cardinal," Thursful 23-minute computer-animated "We are eager to give women the years ago, and Catholic Digest has Christmas video recounts the Na- days, noon-l p.m. featuring Cardi- opportunity to join with other been published for 70 years. tivity story from the perspective of nal Egan. The show will allow the the Wise Men as they journey to cardinal to speak directly with Bethlehem. Combining humor, Catholics around the nation on brightly colored and stylized visu- Scripture, current events and als, Seussian rhyme and funky ver- Vatican news.

- "The Catholic Guy," weeksions of traditional Christmas carols, co-directors Yarrow and Car- days, 4-7 p.m., hosted by Lino Rulli rie Cheney celebrate the true and offering a fresh, fun and often meaning of the holiday in a way offbeat take on living out the faith that's fresh and entertaining, while in the world today.

- "Across the Nation With Bob maintaining a deep reverence for Scheduled celebrant is the miracle of Christ's birth, em- Dunning," weekdays, 1-4 p.m. VetFather Richard R. phasizing God's love for all hu- eran broadcaster Dunning takes an ~Gendreau, pastor of St. manity. A particular gesture at the in-depth look at the news and ismanger is especially heartwarm- sues of the day from a Catholic perLouis de France Parish ing. This is a worthy addition to spective and helps make sense of in Swansea the family's Christmas video col- the most important stories in the lection (Exclaim Entertainment, headlines.

- "As You Think," weekdays, www.exclaimentertainment.com).

Catholic Channel debuts on Sirius Satellite Radio

Catholic Digest partners with National Council of Catholic Women

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, December 17

at 11:00 a.m.

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The Anchor

Clergy, laypeople seek action on global warming, climate change WASHINGTON (CNS) - Tliroughout the United States, clergy and laypeople concerned about global warming and ecological changes are seeking new approaches to slow, stop or reverse the changes..

Archbishop Harry J. Flynn of St. PaulMinneapolis was one of three Minnesota religious leaders who met Noyember 20 with Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., urging Coleman to help lead efforts to mitigate the threat of global warming.

"Global warming is a religious issue," said a letter to Coleman signed by Archbishop Flynn and 29 other Minnesota religious leaders. "We need energy policies that guarantee global-warming emissions will decrease, that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, and that tighten fuel economy standards."

"I don't think people in our community realize the catastrophic effect of global warming," Archbishop Flynn said. "This is a problem for all."

The meeting with Coleman came three weeks after a Pax Christi gathering in Eden Prairie, Minn., that drew hundreds who wanted to learn about climate issues from a Catholic perspective.

Another visible Twin Cities figure, WCCO-TV weathercaster Paul Douglas, said he believes there is "a moral imperative" for all individuals to become better informed about global warming and do their part to maintain the health of the planet.

Douglas, a Catholic, said that while Minnesotans could enjoy some results of global warming -'shorter winters, longer autumns, earlier springs and not as many below-zero nights - the downsides include. more drought, more severe thunderstorms and a strain on water resources.

"Can we adapt in time? The naive optimist in me thinks yes, but there's no question our quality of life is going to be under

increasing stress in our lifetime, certainly in this century for our kids and for our grandkids," Douglas told The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese.

In November, the Oregon province of Jesuits issued a 17-page plan defining sustainable development, meant to guide Jesuits as they advance ecological justice.

The plan "simply widens our vision by bringing the critical problems of the environment into focus," said Jesuit Father Bill Watson, a provincial official. The plan calls for the use of renewable resources, recycling and the restoration of nature. Buildings at Jesuit institutions ought to meet high standards of sustainability, it said.

The plan also urges economics that take into account the human and environmental costs of production. For example, the price of treating sickness caused by pesticides and fertilizers should be figured into the price of a crop.

Theologian Russ Butkus and environmental biologist Steve Kolmes of the Catholic-run University of Portland in Oregon led workshops in November at parishes in the Archdiocese of Portland on climate change and the common good. The archdiocese sponsored the sessions.

Butkus and Kolmes pose the idea of a Catholic theology of climate justice. In the Gospels, Jesus talks of the kingdom of God as the re-establishment of creation, not just a realignment of the human order.

"It's the restoration and renewal of creation - human and nonhuman," Butkus said. "When we talk about the kingdom of God we tend to see it as about humans. But the Bible sees it as much more cosmic."

Also in November, John Kirk, a longtime parishioner and usher at Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Sparta, N.J., was honored by GreenFaith, New Jersey's interfaith coalition for the environment.

An environmental studies professor at

-

fir

THE HEAT IS ON - Paul Douglas, chief meteorologist for WCCO-TV in St. Paul, Minn., a Catholic, said he believes there is a "moral imperative" for all individuals to become better informed about global warming and do their part to maintain the health of the planet.

(CNS photolDave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spiri~

$

Montclair State University and director of the New Jersey School of Conservation for 37 years, Kirk in 1987 helped establish the Interfaith Partnership for the Environment, which educates religious leaders in North America about serious environmental problems. The organization has evolved into a global network of religious groups and or- : Ii

ganizations working to bring religious and ecological issues together.

"Some people are more interested in the green of money than the green of the forest," Kirk told The Beacon, newspaper of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. "We are responsible to God and the earth, this beautiful pianet, which we've shortchanged."

.-------:-------, SANTO CHRISTO PARISH Columbia Street Fall River, Massachusetts Ii

.â&#x20AC;˘ "Glory to God in the Highest!" ,i

With oUr best wishes for a blessed Christmas, and a New Year of Reace and happiness. "

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MASS SCHEDULE CHRISTMAS EVE - DEC. 24 6 PM - English 11:30 PM Concert of Carols 12 Midnight Mass - Portuguese Broadcast on the Portuguese Channel

FELIZ NATAL!

CHRISTMAS DAY - DEC. 25 lOAM Mass - English 12 PM Mass - Portuguese

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The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro Wishes all a Merry Christmas and Happy Blessed New Year as we celebrate "Lord, You Are Our Hope". We invite you to visit the La Salette Festival of

Lights until January 1, 2007. Please visit our web site at M!P:llwww.lasalette-shrine.org. open site map and then Christmas link. "

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Pro-Lifers cheer local

MD's federal appointment

By GAIL BESSE

man Services Secretary Mike TAUNTON - Six-month-old .Leavitt.

A storm of vitriolic criticism Geneva Smithson has never met Dr. Eric Keroack, but she's alive ensued from pro-abortion advoin part because of his pioneering cates because ofthe doctor's Pro~ Life background and his work in . work in ultrasound technology He is the pro-life gynecologist discouraging pre-marital sex.

A graduate of Tufts University named November 17 by President George W. Bush to oversee fed- School of Medicine, Keroack eral family planning and absti- also served on an advisory panel to define guidelines for federally nence programs.

A Marblehead resident, funded abstinence education proKeroack had served on the Salem grams, according to Dr. John Hospital staff since 1993 and su- Agwunobi, DHH assistant secrepervised much of the ultrasound tary for Health. He noted that work for A Woman's Concern, a Keroack is nationally recognized non-profit group of crisis preg- for his work in preventing teen nancy centers in eastern and pregnancy and explaining sexual. risk behaviors. southeastern Massachusetts.

At one of the centers last year, Geneva's mother Angela Smithson of Taunton saw an ultrasound of her unborn daughter's heart beating.

"Everyone in my life at the time was telling me to have an abortion," she said in an interview. "I was really torn. I knew this was a baby, but it wasn't until I saw the ultrasound. that it really hit me - she's alive!"

Smithson, 31, credits the counselors and ultrasound technician at A Woman's Concern with giving her the support to continue her pregnancy.

"They were excited about the DOCTOR ERIC, KEROACK baby, but they never pressured me. I was able to make an inTwenty-one pro-abortion formed decision," she said. "Before, I believed in God on and Congressmen called for Presioff, but I thought that having this dent Bush to rescind the appointchild would ruin my life. Instead, ment. They were joined by everything that she's needed has Planned Parenthood Federation been provided for, and she's been of America, a major recipient of the beginning of my life. I'm so family planning funds and nation's leading abortion proglad I made that decision."

Stories like Smithson's don't vider.

"This is all over Dr. Keroack's make national news, but they motivated Keroack to work for objection to contraception," said nominal pay the past six years Mark Conrad, president of A with A Woman's Concern. The Woman's Concern. "The irony is faith-based group has offices in that more than half the women Boston, Brookline, Revere, that come to us were using some Beverly, Fall River and Hyannis. form of birth control. We just try What did make national news our best to ensure that women get was Keroack's appointment as the truth."

Keroack's appointment does the new deputy assistant secretary of Population Affairs under U.S. not require Senate approval.

He began in late November at Department of Health and Hu-

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

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

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

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

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his new post, where he will oversee the distribution of $30 million annually under the abstinence-oriented Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs and $283 million in annual familyplanning grants. According to HHS, these grants are "designed to provide access to contraceptive supplies and information to all who want and need them with priority given to low-income persons" under the Title X Family Planning Program.

Keroack will not speak with the press for several weeks, HHS spokeswoman Rebecca Ayer said December 6.

The storm of hostile "prochoice" reacti9n stems from fear that now contraception-based programs may lose a portion of federal monies, according to Concerned Women for America.

Spokeswoman Janice Crouse said Planned Parenthood has been able to provide abortion facilities and abortions without any restrictions because it has had an "unobstructed way to the federal trough," according to a November 27 Agape Press report.

"This appointment is good news," Bea Martins, coordinator of Catholic Citizenship for the Fall River Diocese, said in an interview. "We know abstinence is best, but we're dealing with a secular world. Planned Parenthood is offering free courses on condom use that teachers can receive continuing education credits for. We want to see that abstinence is at least a portion of the health program."

Martins is also on the steering committee for A Woman's Concern, which opposes contraception-based family planning programs.

Just how strongly the contraceptive mentality has taken root can be seen in the uproar over Keroack's appointment, Jennifer Roback Morse wrote December 5 in National Review Online.

Morse, an author and former Yale University professor, noted that .Keroack's warning of the "substantial emotional risks associated with casual sex" is hardly fear-mongering. Still, his critics are outraged because he advocates abstinence as the most reliable method of pregnancy and STD prevention.

A statement by Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council . concluded that Keroack "will follow the law as it relates to family planning, but abstinence and public health measures like partner reduction are in his portfolio as well."

Gail Besse is a freelance writer for Catholic newspapers.

She can be reached' at gailbesse@comcast.net.

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15,2006

, The Anchor news briefs Vatican confirms excommunication for U.s. dissident group (CWNews.com) - The Vatican has confirmed an American bishop's decision to excommunicate members of the dissident group Call to Action. Call to Action is "causing damage to the Church of Christ," wrote Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the prefect ofthe Congregation for Bishops, in a letter to Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz ofLincoln, Nebraska. In March 1996, Bishop Bruskewitz had announced the excommunication of all Catholics in his diocese who were members of Call to Action or several other dissident groups which he described as "totally incompatible with the Catholic faith."

The Nebraska chapter of Call to Action appealed the bishop's decision to the Vatican. In his November 24 letter to Bishop Bruskewitz, Cardinal Re reports thatVatican's finding that the disciplinary action was "properly taken."

The Vatican has determined that ''the activities of 'Call to Action' in the course ofthese years are in contrast with the Catholic Faith due to views and positions held which are unacceptable from a doctrinal and disciplinary standpoint," Cardinal Re writes. He concludes: 'Thus to be a member of this Association or to support it, is irreconcilable with a coherent living of the 'Catholic Faith." The excommunication that Bishop Bruskewitz announced covered not only to Call to Action, but also to members of Catholies for a Free Choice, Planned Parenthood, the Hemlock Society, the Freemasons, and the Society of St. Pius X. The excommunication order applies only within the Lincoln, Nebraska Diocese. But the Vatican's judgment against Call to Action raises clear questions about the status of the group's members in other dioceses.

Australian parliament approves fetal-research bill (CWNews.com) - Australia's House of Representatives approved a bill allowing broader use of human fetal tissue in medical research, in a "conscience vote" on December 6 that cut across party lines. The bill passed despite opposition by Prime Minister John Howard, health minister Tony Abbott, and opposition leader Kevin Rudd. The legislation had been energetically denounced by some Church leaders, led by Cardinal George Pell of Sydney. Rudel, the opposition leader, voiced his regrets after'the passage ofthe bill. "I find it very difficult," he said, ''to support a legal regime which allows creation of a form of human life for the single pwpose of allowing the conduction of experimentation.

St. Paul's tomb uncovered ROME (CWNews.com) - An Italian archeologist has uncovered the tomb of St. Paul, underneath the altar of the Roman basilica of St. Paul-outsidethe-Walls. Archeologist Giorgio Filippi confinned that his team has completed excavations around the altar of the ancient basilica, discovering the sarcophagus located there. St. Paul-outside-the-Walls was built in 390, on the site of St. Paul's tomb. The sarcophagus was visible until the 19th century, when the basilica was destroyed by fire and rebuilt, with the new altar on top of the site where the old crypt was located. In 2002, the Vatican authorized an archeological dig to recover the tomb of St. Paul and make it available to the public for veneration,

Mary not just for Catholics anymore WASHINGTON (CNS) -As publications from Time magazine to Christianity Today have discovered recently, Mary, the mother ofJesus, is notjust for Catholics anymore. Features on Mary are perennial favorites for editors looking for a religion-themed story before Christmas, and in the last few years many of these articles have focused on the increasing popularity of Mary among Protestants. Marianist Father Thomas Thompson, editor of the Marian library Newsletter at the University of Dayton in Ohio, points out that the expanding Protestant acceptance ofMary is based upon a strictly scriptural view of her, rather than on any change in Protestant theology.

Some Catholic doctrines about Mary, such as the Immaculate Conception - the belief that she was conceived without sin - remain controversial among Protestants, FatherThompson said. But as anti-Catholicism has waned among Protestants, the barriers to Episcopalians, Baptists and evangelicals turning to Mary have faded as well. ''We're very happy to see others taking an interest in Mary;' he said in a telephone interview with Catholic News Service.

Catholics' approval rating for bishops rises for first time in years SYRACUSE, N.Y. (CNS) - For the first time since before the clergy sex abuse scandal broke in early 2002, the percentage of Catholics who think the U.S. bishops are doing a "good job" is higher than the previous year, according to results of the Contemporary Catholic Trends poll conducted by LeMoyne College in Syracuse and Zogby International. In the fall 2006 Contemporary Catholic Trends survey, 71 percent of Catholics said they strongly agreed (29 percent) or somewhat agreed (42 percent) that "the U.S. bishops are doing a good job leading the Catholic Church." That percentage had been 83 percent in the fall of 2001; the U.S. clergy sexual abuse crisis erupted in Boston in January 2002. The percentage dropped as low as 58 percent in 2004.

Last year, 67 percent of Catholics said the bishops were doing a good job.The latest survey results, made public November 30, had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points. Zogby conducted telephone interviews of 1,505 self-identified Catholics chosen nationwide.

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Museum marks life of priest killed in communist Poland WARSAW, Poland (CNS)- In the darkness ofa church basement, video pictures of a massacred face and beaten hands throw light on a nearby'wall, where a glass case contains a priest's cassock, a police baton, a lengtl:t of,twine and a sack of stones.

When the crypt museum was opened at Warsaw's St. Stanislaw Kostka Church in 2004, it was hoped it would help preserve memories ofFather Jerzy Popieluszko, a popu~ lar human rights activist murdered wider communist rule.

Two years and 160,000 ,visitors later, organizers are pleased with the.interest shown in the life of a priest many hope will one day be named a,saint.

"It's surpassed our expectations," said the church's rec- . tor, Msgr. Zygmunt Malacki. "This is a museum which not only records and displays, but also educates the peop~e who "see it:' The' bound' and gagged body of 37-year-old Father Popieluszko was dredged from the Vistula River ~t. 30, 1984,1) days after his.abduction by agents from Poland's , Interior Ministry.

The killing ofthe'priest was intended as an act of terror to deteroutspoken Catholic,clergy. Instead it is'widely believed to have hastened C()mn1unism's collapse by discrediting the regime of Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski and embOldening supporters of the banned Solidarity movement . At the museum entrance ~ few yards from Father Popieluszko's grave is a life-size photo of the b'right-eyed priest at the door of the adjoining rectory.

The first exhibit shows the village of Okopy, with its , wooden hovels on sandy tracks lined with willow~ and ·birches. Father Popieluszko was born in the town in 1947, the year commw.tism was imposed on Poland. Photos show the priest as a young lad with his peasant parents and Sts. Peter and Paul Church, where he was baptized. The exhibit includes a reproduction of young Jeriy Popieluszko's window overlooking the garden well. ' The museum displays mementos from his conscription in Poland's army, the rosary he was reprimanded for wearing, reportS from his seminary studies and a 1972 docu: , ment approving his ordination. ' , .

Father Popieluszko's desk is preserve9 as he left it, with his Bible and rosary, diary and ration cards, and'il battered typewriter with a half-Qnished prayer still in its roller.

The small bookcase behind the desk contains works by the late Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski of Gniezno and W3!saw and a secretly printed Solidarity calendar, captioned ''We will never bow to the power of force."

Alongs,ide are images of Poland's famous Black Madonna icon; ,a tapestry of the A~schwitz miutyr, St. , Maximilian Kolbe; and a get~well telegram from political prisoners, declaring 'The nation awaits your sermons.".

Father Popieluszko's room was bugged, and Poland's secret police constantly watched his movements. Despite this, St. Stanislaw's was a magnet for writers and artists who helped create Poland's unofficial culture, with its thousands of underground publications and self-help groups.

Photos show the priest, arms raised in the.victory sign, preaching from the church's outer balcony to hugecongregations. The same room cont:airu; a famous portrait of Father Popieluszko in a melancholy pose shortly before his death.

In the next room, the Polish regime's declaration of mar, tiallaw Dec. 13, 1981, leads ~to a tunnel ofbricks, inscribed with crosses for victims of.the regime. Pictures of tanks and prison cells are interlaced with photos of protests and demonstrations, while in nearby display cases court documents list the anti-government ch3rges against the priest. ' The tunnel winds into a dark interior room, titled ''Golgotha,'' symbolizing the forest road where the priest's car was stopped, the night of his death, after a Mass in Bydgoszcz.

The man who tied and, beat the, priest" Grzegorz Piotrowski, an Interior Miriistry agent responsible for monitoring Church activities, testified that Father Popieluszko was still alive when thrown, with weights, into the river.

Although Piotrowski and three accomplices were convicted . of the murder, all were released early '~r controversia!_

amilesties: The museum's final sections are filled with images of Father Popieluszko's funeral, when the streets and squares around St. Stanislaw's were packed with half a million people.

The last room contains framed letters attributing miracles to Father Popieluszko, including one from a Catholic philosopher, Stefan Swiezawski, relating how he was cured of cancer after praying to Wm. .

Documentation ror Father Popieluszko's canoni~tion was sent to Rome in 2001.

Although love for Father Popieluszko lives on, so does hatred. The priest's grave is still guarded by volUnteers round the clock,and there are still incidents at St. .Stanislaw's, SCENES OF A HOLY LIFE - An exhibit in the crypt of St. where the word "Czuwamy" (We are vigilant) has been . Stanislaw Kostka Church in Warsaw, Poland. documents the life painted on flagstones at the gate. of F~ther Jerzy Popieluszko. (CNS phQto/Jonathan Luxmoore) I' ,I

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Sun. Dece"1ber 24 Mass at 4:,00 p.m.

Mon. December 25 Mass at Midnight and at 9:00 a.'m. "

<Our £ab,y of ;£ourbes <c~urcfj Past(Jr Rev. John F. Andrews {;Jrganist Vzcky Anderson.

The Directors, Officers and Staff of ~fayette F~eral Savings Bank , appreciate your continued patrortage, ,a~d extend to you and your family a joyou~' holiday season.

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YOUTH PAGES ,

DECEMBER

15, 2006

THE VOTES ARE IN - These students from Bishop Connolly High

School in Fall River were recently elected as officers for their respective national Language Honor Society groups. From left front: May-Ling Chong and Samantha D'Amico. Rear from left: Melanie -Pavao, ti0lly Marchand, and Courtney Ponte. Also elected but not pictured is Shannon Cordeiro. They serve as liaisons between students and teachers. .

A FULL PLATE - 'Students in the Bishop Stang High School student council and those serving as officers for its senior class at the North Dartmouth school have been busy this year planning and implementing a variety of activities and fund-raisers.

Standing from left: council members Megan Andrews, 'secretary; Jack Carroll, president; and Kendra Cirillo, treasurer. Seated is vice president Nicholas Celone. Below from left: Seniors Jesse Tarlton, treasurer; John Kalife, president; and Cameron Durant, Vice,president. Seated is Mary Rivet, secretary.,

A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE - The Sisters of Mercy recently received a tribute from' Bishop Feehan

High School, Attleboro, for their many years of service and dedication to Catholic ~ucation. Seated from left: Sisters'Zita Foley, Doris Kelly, Pauline Goodall, Olive Coupe, and Patricia Harrington.. Standing: Mercy Associate Anne Carroll, Mercy Sisters Audrey Blake, Jessica Aguiar, Michaela Deloia, ' .

Barbara Cote, and Frances Lynch.

BIG WHEELS - First-graders in Margaret McCormick's class at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in New Bedford took advantage of a recent warm day to try out pinwheels they made to celebrate International Peace Day. The creations were decorated with peace words.

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Preschool, Pre-K and kindergarten students,at Espirito Santo School in Fall River listen to fire inspector MlkeArruda and other local firefighters wh9 recently visited to teach students, a~out. fire safety.

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Daily Mass readings now available for download as podcasts WASHINGTON (CNS) - Audio recordings of the daily Mass readings from the New American Bible are now available for download as podcasts through links on the U.S. bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign Website - www.usccb.org/ccc/.

"The Internet is now a part of our lives and a medium which can help provide for spiritual enrichment," said Archbishop George H. Niederauer of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Communications.

"This service complements the text versions of the readings already popular on the USCCB Website and responds to the many requests for podcasts of the readings," he added.

Podcasts are recordings that are prepared with actual radio broadcast material for individual listening on computers Qr the iPod personal music storage system. The term podcasting is derived from the iPod name.

The communications committee approved a $30,000 CCC grant for the podcast project at a meeting last June.

Patricia Ryan Garcia, CCC coordinator of the project, said listening to the podcasts "will be much like hearing them proclaimed in a parish setting."

"Several readers, including bishops, clergy and laity from different ethnic backgrounds, have lent their voices to the project so listeners will hear at least three different voices on any given day," Garcia added.

On Sundays and feast days, such as Christmas and All Saints' Day, musical presentations of the responsorial psalms will be included in the USCCB podcasts through the generosity of music publishers GIA Publications of Chicago, Oregon Catholic Press of Portland, Ore., and World Library Publications of Franklin, Ill. The audio recordings are accessible free of charge through several popular Internet audio content aggregators, including Apple's iTunes (www.apple.com/itunes/music/). Feedburner (http://feeds.feedburner.com/usccb/zHqs) and Podcast Alley (www.podcastalley.com/index.php). There are links to these sites on the CCC Website. Information on how to download the audio is also available at www.usccb.org/nab.

YOUTH PAGES

17

Leaving a positive mark on the world

By CHARLIE MARTIN ROOFTOPS When our time is up When our lives are done Will we say we've had our fun?

Will we make a mark This time?

Will we always say we tried?

Refrain: Standing on the rooftops Everybody scream your heart out Standing on the rooftops Everybody scream your heart out Standing on the rooftops Everybody scream your heart out This is all we've got now Everybody scream your heart out All the love I've met I have no regrets !fit all ends now I'm set Will we make our mark?

This time Will we always say we tried?

(Repeat refrain twice.)

Standing on the rooftop Waiting till the bomb drops This is all we've got now Scream until your heart stops Never gonna regret Watching every sunset Listen to your heartbeat All the love that we've felt (Repeat refrain.)

Scream your heart out Scream your heart out Scream your heart out (Repeat refrain.)

Sung by Lostprophets Copyright 2006 by Sony Describing Lostprophets' music is difficult. Some reviewers put this Welsh band with pop-punk groups like Simple Plan or The Cure.

Others see their sound as

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

representative of harder rock! alternative styles like Linkin Park or Hoobastank. Out this summer is their third disc "Liberation Transmissidn" and released off this CD is their current single "Rooftops."

The song asks us to evaluate if we are living with all the zest and care possible. While I doubt that we need to prove this by "standing on the rooftops" and screaming our "hearts out," we can consider the song's questions: "Will we make a mark ... will we say we tried?"

As today's followers of Jesus, we hear these questions with a different perspective. We know that using the talents th~t God gave us is important. Even more significant is how we use these abilities to support others' lives.

This is the true "mark" that we want our lives to offer.

If you follow these columns, you know how I stress responding to those in your everyday life. It is true that our world is full of needs and concerns.

However, as a Christian;: your "mark" begins with the people closest to your life.

I' For example, do you notice your parents' needs? Providing for your family and guiding your life requires dedication. Do you thank them for what they do for you? Do you look for opportunities to help out with family tasks without being asked?

Further, if you are fortunate enough to have living g~andpar­ ents, do you call and see how

they are doing? Aging often brings additional challenges for grandparents. While many may be beyond your ability to help, . showing that you care makes a difference. I encourage you to call or visit your grandparents weekly.

Of course the people that you are likely to spend the most time with are your friends. However, they may not always tell you what is going on in their lives, especially if they are facing difficulties. Thus, you need to observe their behaviors and moods. You are not in your friends' lives to fix all their problems. Most times you will not know how they can best proceed. But you can truly "make a mark" by standing with them as they navigate through their difficulties.

As you can see, there is a consistent pattern to "making a mark" as a follower of Jesus.

Put simply, it is to do as he did.

You can go about your days much more focused on what you give rather than looking to receive. Receiving in life remains important. However, if you want to "stand on the rooftops" and "scream out your heart" that you've "made your mark," first think about how you have lived this day. Discern whether you have truly supported and cared about others.

Your comments are always welcome. Please write to me at: chmartin@swindiana.net or at 7125W 200S, Rockport, IN 47635.

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History, mystery and majesty "Oh my God." How many times do we hear that phrase around us?

It has just become another exclamation phrase which means little to most of us anymore. My wife and I have taken to calling attention to that phrase in our everyday situations. Many a time when she or I hear the phrase, "Oh my God." we'll respond with..."where?" "Is he here?" "Where is he?" Of course, our response will often gamer a chuckle by those around us, but we hope to make the point.

As we prepare for Advent we are "looking for his coming this Christmas," are we not? The season of Advent turns our minds and thoughts to the commemoration of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem nearly 2,000 years ago. But the season of Advent is given to us by the Church not only to prepare ourselves for this Christmas "coming,", but to prepare ourselves to let Jesus into our hearts and minds and to redirect our lives going forward.

Even though we may use this season to prepare ourselves better

for Christ's coming, Christ is truly here now and we often fail to recognize that.

Father Ralph Tetrault, a visiting priest in our parish, spoke at Mass several weeks ago about the coming of Christ at Christmas. He mentioned that we celebrate at this time of year the coming of Christ in history, the coming of Christ in mystery at Mass in the Eucharist and the coming of Christ in majesty at the end of time.

It was Christ's coming in'mystery that particularly struck me. As I looked around the church I wondered why it wasn't filled to overflow capacity with people out the doors and into the parking lot. After all, Christ was here was he not? Why is it that we don't seem to realize that in the Eucharist, Christ is truly present?

I recall several years ago Rich Rodrigues, a member of the YES! team gave a Eucharist talk to YES! ' retreatants; What he said those

many years ago, came flooding back to me as I sat in church several weeks ago. Rich mentioned in his talk that several years before, the then President Bill Clinton was going to be visiting Fall River.

There was a great deal excitement that the President of the United States would be speaking at

Kennedy Park. People flocked from throughout the region to attend this event and the crowds were,huge.

Rich then mentioned that this mere human being was able to draw tremendous crowds of people to hear him speak. But on any day, the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist at Mass and few are present. Isn't it odd that

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we all will rush to see the president or to see a celebrity or singer and yet, the Son of God draws few to Sunday Mass and even fewer to daily Mass?

Rich made the point then which I hope to make now - that we as a people just do not get it.

Has the Eucharist become 180 common place that we have lost the exci~ment?

Has the Eucharist become so ordinary that w~ just don't think about it? Or do we forget or perhaps not believe that Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist?

Think about it.· God is present to us in the mystery of the Eucharist, where he is truly present among us. Why don't we as a people flock to "see" him each time we have an opportunity?

So as we prepare for the-coming of Christ at Christmas, jom. me in remembering that we are ~o fortunate to have Christ so close to us. He's as close as our hearts, He's as close as our friends and neigh-

bors, but he's also physically close to us ~h time we take the opportunity to visit and receive him in the Eucharist at Mass. That is truly our "0 My God!" moment and one we should take advantage of often.

Since Father Tetrault's homily, every time I hear the phrase "Oh my God," I try to give additional thought to the presence of Christ in my life and pray that I will draw .closer to him in the Eucharist.

I hope that in the coming weeks, when you hear someone say, "0 my God," you :will join me in saying, ''Where is he?" and, with your hearts and thoughts centered on the Eucharist, respond, "He's right here."

Frank Lucca is a youth minister at St. Dominic's Parish in Swansea. He is the chair and a director ofthe YESl Retreat and the current director ofthe Chris· tian Leadership Institute (Cll). He is a husband and a father oftwo girls.

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La Salette "This year's theme is 'Lord, You are Our Hope,'" Father Pat, a member ofthe Missionaries of La Salette who serve at the Shrine, told The Anchor. "This is our 54th annual Festival of Lights, and we have much going on to present that thought. And we are seeing greater numbers of people, including many more travelers coming to the Shrine and seeking the sacraments and guidance."

Does he see all the vanous liturgies and ministering programs as instruments to bring people back ... or closer to Christ?

"Yes I do," he declared. "We see

Continued from page one

conversions and renewals going on.

Our Website includes requests from many people who want to come and see me. I see them a couple of times and then, because of time restrictions, I have to refer them to others. I receive letters and emails from people saying 'We heard your concert and now we're back to church where we haven't been in 10 years,' for instance. It happens, and we are grateful for that. But we have to remember it's not our work, it is God's work and he's working through us."

He added, "We all hope people's time here at the Shrine this Advent

SONGS OF PRAISE - La Salette Father Andre A. "Paf' Patenaude sings at one of many concerts he performs at The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro during the annual Festival of Lights. (Anchor/Gordon photo)

Our Lady of Fatima to Sister Lucia, Blessed Jacinta and Blessed Francisco July 13, 1917 "I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace. If not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, various nations will be annihilated. In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she will be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world. In Portugal, the dogma of the Faith will always be preserved, etc."

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will get them to wonder 'How will I celebrate Christmas?' 'How will I get myselfready to bring Christ into my heart?' 'How will Christ fill me with the hope I need?'"

Father Pat added, "With so many bad things going on in the world today, people should be on their knees. But we have to see the hand of God, even in the tragic things happening all around us. God is trying to get our attention. He is asking us this Advent to be more hopeful, more forgiving, more loving, more understanding, more compassionate, and that would be truly be Christmas." . His unique part in the festival are his daily Advent concerts - except Mondays - at 3 in the afternoon and 7 at night, that draw many people. "I never know how many will come. Sometimes there is standing room only. Visitors come after prayers or during the retreats we offer. Today there were about 50. That's not too bad."

He said, "I never ever thought that music would become so useful in ministering and evangelizing. It is useful for people of all ages. I find that senior citizens are now becoming more interested - they come in from the high-rises. It is said that singing Christian music is praying twice. I always try to make my singing a prayer."

There is a mix of music and dialogue in his concerts and the singing priest invites those attending to join in the song to get them into the holiness ofthe Spirit that is Christmas.

This year he is releasing a new album, "Bright and Joyful Mom," the title of one his original songs. It includes four of his favorites as well as a 12th-century piece that centers on animal songs which delight the children.

"I have the young ,children join in making the animal sounds during the singing, that brings them into the Christmas spirituality," he said.

One of the favorites with the young listeners is the "Ballad of the Christmas Donkey." Father Pat says "it talks about how slow we are sometimes to doing good things; how we sometimes act like Scrooge

DECEMBER in getting into Christmas and have to be pushed along like a donkey; and yet, we point out that the donkey was chosen to carry Mary and the Child from Bethlehem to Egypt.

The donkey felt worthless, but in the eyes of God he was very important. It gets the message across that we are loved by the Lord despite our weaknesses and frailties."

His involvement with music began when he was a student at St. Jean Baptiste School in the Maplewood section of Fall River along Stafford Road, where he grew up.

He developed his hobby and added the guitar when he was about 23 through the La Salette Preparatory School in Enfield, N.H., and at the former La Salette novitiate in East -Brewster.

It continued while he studied for bachelor's degrees in arts and philosophy at the University of Ottawa and the University of St. Paul, and during that time he gained attention as part of a folk group, the "AMen," that performed at the World's Fair Pavilion during Expo '67.

Following ordination to the. priesthood in 1969, Father Pat became the Shrine's music director.

Since then he has sponsored folk festivals, lectured extensively to CCD and CYO groups and provided music for ecumenical and other religious events locally and nationwide.

Another new facet of this year's festival at the Shrine is a marvelous Nativity set created by the famous Fontanini Family of crafters from Italy, which is set up outdoors.

"It really is quite beautiful," Father Pat reported. "The statues are said to be life size ... and I think they are close to it. The figures include the Holy Family as well as sheep, shepherds, the Wise Men and camels."

The expensive creche was donated in someone's memory.

"Things like this ... and we have so many other wonderful displays, truly get one feeling what Christmas, the birth of Christ, is really about, and prompts us all to reflect on what's going on and what should be going on in our lives," Father Pat asserted.

15,2006

"I love this season personally.

One is able to get into a personal relationship with the people who come. And they have the opportunity to hear the words of a La Salette Missionary ... because they think we're all Franciscans!" he said laughing.

There are currently 20 La Salette Missionary priests at the Shrine, with hundreds more at locations across the world busy in giving retreats and missions and concerts. So is he.

"I'm scheduled to give a Lenten mission for the deanery in Taunton, and I did one this summer on Martha's Vineyard. I have others set in Pawtucket and Virginia and Texas too," he reported. "I offer them my music at the same time and so the presentation is different and original."

Having been uniquely in touch with people for 25 years in his music ministry, does he see a difference in parishes and congregations in various parts of the United States?

"Absolutely," he said. "I don't know why, but I find a greater response in parishes in the Southern states as compared to those in our Northern states," he said candidly.

'You offer a mission in Florida or Arizona and you'll have 350 people attending. I think it's more a part of their culture to do things like this.

It could be that it's a lot colder up here or that people don't want to walk outside nights."

But wherever he is ministering "I try to use my music to touch the heart ... to get people to come home to him, to the heart of God. What more could I want? There is something in my voice, I'm told, that moves people. I realize that a song can get people to resonate with their faith quicker than any word could.

But there has also to be message, and that's what I strive for."

One more message: "Remind people our lights go on at 5 p.m., and stay on until 9 p.m., and to come and visit with· us," said Father Pat. "We want you to be with us."

For more information about the manyprograms and liturgies at the National Shrine, call 508-2225410.

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A BRIGHT MESSAGE - A lighted display at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro, extends Advent, Christmas and New Year's wishes to all who attend the annual Festival of Lights.

(AnchodGordon photo)

DECEMBER

15, 2006

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Around the Diocese ~

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I~u~~~ris!i~~_d_or_ation _ _._ FALL RIVER - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held Monday through Friday following the 7 am. Mass at Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street. It continues until 9 p.m. in the parish adoration chapel. Each Tuesday a holy hour is held from 7-8 p.m. concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Confessions are heard from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Tuesday. For more information call 508-679-6732.

NEW BEDFORD - Perpetual eucharistic adoration is held at Our Lady's Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street. For more information call 508-984-1823.

NEW BEDFORD - The Daughter's ofIsabella, Hyacinth Circle, No. 71, will meet December 19 at 7 p.m. at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Refreshments will be served.

For more information call 508-9907595.

SOUTH DARTMOUTH - The Knights of Columbus Bishop Stang Council No. 4532 is seeking good Catholic men to become new members.

It meets on the first Tuesday of each month in the basement of St. Mary's Church, 783 Dartmouth Street. For more information call Brock Cordeiro at 508979-8930.

Social Events FALL RIVER -A catechists' workshop, "Prayer and Spirituality;' an approved course ofthe diocese's Catechist Certification Program, will be presented January 7, 14,21, and 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish school hall, 64 Lamphor Street by the coordinator of Religious Education Pat Pasternak. For information and to register call 508-673-1284.

FALL RIVER -A presentation about the use of icons in prayer by Pat Pasternak will be given January 6 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in Our Lady's Chapel at the Cathedral ofSt Mary oftheAssumption. It will feature many icons for the Christmas season. For more information call 508-678-1054.

NEW BEDFORD - The students of Holy Family-Holy Name School invite all to celebrate the birth ofJesus in song and tableau on Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Lawrence Martyr Church, 556 County Street. A $2 donation and canned good is asked. Fore more information call 508993-3547.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A large display of Christmas creches is on display at the Center for Catholic and Dominican Studies on the campus of Providence College. They will be viewable from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through December 19 and again January 3-8.

For more information call 401-8652870.

fifu~;u-an-eo-u-s----._-. ~ FALL RIVER - Polish Christmas Wafers, or Oplatek, will be available after all weekend Masses during Advent at SS. Peter and Paul Parish at Holy Cross Church. For more information call 508676-8463.

FALL RIVER - A pilgrimage with Bishop George W. Coleman to Washington, D.C., for the annual March For Life is being organized by the diocese's Pro-Life Apostolate for January 21-23.

It will include Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. A youth bus, which will return on January 22, will accommodate youth at a reduced fare. For more information call 508-997-2290.

INDIA - St. Antony's Church, a missionary parish in India seeks items for its school children and to continue its mission. Especially needed are pens, pencils, markers, magazines, used cards, holy pictures, rosaries, statues, medals and scapulas. They can be sent in care of Father Paul Cruz, St. Antony's Church, Kanjirakodu, P.O. Kundara-691501, Kollam, Kerala, India.

ATTLEBORO-The 54th annual Festival of Lights, featuring more than 300,000 lights is now underway at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. Themed "Lord, You are Our Hope;' it includes a indoor display of international nativity sets, and concerts

by Father Pat at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Lights are illuminated nightly from 5-9 p.m. Parking and admission are free. For more information call 508-222-5410.

CENTERVILLE - Gregory NorlJet, a respected spiritual leader, singer and retreat director will present his Adventsong retreat and concert Saturday and Sunday at Our Lady ofVictory Parish. The retreat will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday and the concert will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday. A freewill offering will be taken. For more information call 508-775-5744. .

FALL RIVER - ''Lessons and Carols," will be presented Sunday at 2 p.m. at St. Michael's Church. Refreshments will follow. For more information call 508-672-6713.

NEW BEDFORD - The Spirit of St. Anthony Choir will assemble for a Christmas concert and caroling singalong Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. Parish organist Thomas Sargent, willjoin forces with choir director, David Touchette, to offer a memorable family holiday event, to be followed by free hot chocolate. For more information call 508-993-1691.

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NORTH DARTMOUTH - A divorced-separated support group will meet December 18 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road for its annual Christmas party. Attendees are asked to bring some potluck food for the party and a $10 gift for the Yankee Swap. For more information call Bob Menard at 508-673-2997.

NORm DARTMOum - Project Rachel, a ministry ofhealing and reconciliation for post-abortion women and men is available in the diocese. If you are hurting from an abortion experience and want help call 508-997-3300. All calls are strictly confidential.

ORLEANS - A divorced-separated support group will meet Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in the parish center of St. Joan of Arc Parish, 68 Canal Road, for its annual Christmas party. Attendees are asked to bring a main course, dessert, salad or appetizer to share and $10 gift for theYankee Swap. For more information call 508-255-0170.

LOOK WHO CAME TO BREAKFAST - St. Nicholas recently visited Mary's House in Sassaquin, Our Lady of Fatima Church, New Bedford.

He enjoyed a pancake breakfast and visited all the children in Religious Education and the adults as well. St. Nicholas' feastday was December 6.

Marian Medals to be aired on cable FALL RIVER - A video of the 2006 Marian Medals Ceremony that took place last month at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River is airing on several cable television public access channels in the Fall River Diocese.

The schedule is as follows: - Fall River, cable channel 95, Dec. 16 and 23 at 9 p.m., Dec. 17 and 24 at 3:30 p.m., Dec. 18 at 1:30 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.

- North Attleboro, cable channel 15, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 21 at 4 a.m., Dec. 22 at 8 a.m., 1 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 10:30 p.m.

- Somerset, cable channel 9, Dec. 15 at 10 a.m.

- Swansea, 'cable channel 98, Dec. 18, 20, 25 and 27 at 8:30 p.m.

Airtime infonnation for additional communities will be published in the coming weeks.

The 2006 Marian Medal Ceremony video is also available for purchase. Contact the Diocesan Office of Communications at 508-675-0211 for infonnation.

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In Your Pr~y:~~~_ Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks December 19

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Rev. Manuel S. Travassos, Pastor, Espirito Santo, Fall River, 1953 Rev. John A. Janson, OFM, Missionary in Brazil, 1996 December 21

Rev. Henri J. Charest, Pastor, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1968 Rev. Manuel M. Resendes, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Taunton, 1985 Rev. Laureano C. dos Reis, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony of Padua, Fall River, 1989 December 22

Rev. Adriano Moniz, Retired Pastor, Our Lady ofAngels, Fall River, 1964 Rev. Armand P. Paradis, S.1., psychologist, San Francisco, Calif., 1991 December 23

Rev. Owen J. Kiernan, Pastor,lmmaculate Conception, Fall River, 1901 Rev. Charles P. Trainor, SS, St. Edward Seminary, Seattle, Wash., 1947 Rev. Msgr. John A. Silvia, Retired Pastor, St. John the Baptist, New Bedford, 1970 Rev. William E. Collard, Retired Pastor, St. Theresa, New Bedford, 1986 December 24

Rev. James K. Beaven, Pastor, Sacred . Heart, Taunton, 1886 Rev. Tunothy 1. Duff, Assistant, St. Joseph, Woods Hole, 1914

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