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VOL. 49, NO. 48 • Friday, December 16,2005

FALL RIVER, MASS.

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14

PCI' YCOI'

Growing apostolate reaches out to Spanish-speakers

By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

AITLEBORO - Members of thc Hispanic community celebrated the feast ofOur Lady ofGuadalupe on December 10 at St. Joseph's Church in Attleboro.

For all that attended it was a time to honor Our Lady witil prayer and song as well as reflect on what she represents.

Franklin Mendoza, a parishioner ofOur Lady ofGuadalupe Parish at St. James OlUrch, said thc celebration was something he had to attend because he ''felt it in his heart. "Originally from Honduras, Mendoza said Our Lady of Guadalupe represents "love, faith and hope for tile Hispanic community."

Prior to the celebration of Mass, children processed through the aisles holding flags from various Latin American countries as a large choir led by Guadalupanan Sister Aida Sansor, assistant director of

tile Spanish Apostolate, sang songs to honor Our Lady. Men and women dressed in traditional attire laid flowers at the feet of ilie icon of Our Lady.

Mauro Quevedo came from St. Francis Xavier Parish, Hyannis, to participate in the event and said he enjoyed the celebration because it brings the Hispanic communities together. He said Our Lady of Guadalupe represents "my mom, my faiili and my hope."

Thc feast officially falls on December 12 and according to Sister Sansor, it is the main feast of the Hispanic Community. Thecelebration brings together Spanish-speaking pilgrims from seven faith communities within the diocese: St. Joseph's Church, Attleboro; St. Kilian Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church, New Bedford; St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River; St. Mary's Turn to page three ~ Spanish

THIS AFRICAN manger scene is part of Father Joseph F. Viveiros' collection. The creche i,s on display at St. Dominic's Rectory in Swansea, where Father Viveiros is pastor. Other photos are found on page nine. (AnchorlGordon photo)

Priests' creche collections inspire new reflections on Incarnation

By DEACON JAMES N.

MELISSA SMITH, Luz Gamboa and Maria Cordoba display traditional attire prior to the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration at St. Joseph Church, Attleboro. (AnchorlGordon photo)

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - Christmastime, with its expectation and hope mirrored in the birth of Jesus our savior and the season of good will iliat accompanies it, is understandably the happiest season of the year for Christians of every time and place.

For many area Catholics, the various traditions iliat hearken back to oilier cultures and native lands of forebears, provide a magical background to celebrate in a diversity of songs, foods, prayers and devotions, a new look at Christ's coming to all mankind.

For five Fall River diocesan priests, Advent reflections remembering Christ's first coming and thoughts of preparedness for Christ's second coming, are prompted and presented to the faithful ilirough ilieir unusual and outstanding creche and figurine collections gathered over a span of many years.

The five Christmas aficionados, Father Timoiliy 1. Goldrick of St. Bernard's Parish in Assonet Village; Failier Marc H. Bergeron ofSt. Anne's in Fall River; Father Bruce M. Neylon of St. Stanislaus in

Fall River; Father Dariusz Kalinowski of Our Lady of Victory in Centerville; and Father Joseph F. Viveiros of St. Dominic's in Swansea, readily admit Christmas is a most special time for iliem.

And no wonder. Their various collectibles from across ilie globe uniquely recount ilie story of ilie birth of ilie Christ child in many cultures and artistic forms, transcending race, generations and geographical locations far removed from Bethlehem.

Failier Goldrick, dubbed by his colleagues the "master of creche collectors and lore," has also been the inspiration for other priests to become involved in creche collecting.

"Yes, you may call me a Christmas nut," Father Goldrick said when contacted by The Anchor.

Wiili more ilian 300 Nativity sets gailiered over 25 years from dozens of countries and regions iliat include Ghana in Africa and even Iceland, the collection includes individual sets ranging from iliose wiilijust ilie iliree figures of the Holy Family to the French Santons, or "holy saints" that might number several hundred each.

Turn to page eight - Incarnation

New Bedford priest serving in Vietnam marks 25 years ofpriesthood By

MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Orleans. He is a graduate of Bishop Stang High School.

NEW BEDFORD - Cannelite Father Paul A. Joining the celebration were Father Robert Denault recently celebrated the 25th anniversary Oliveira, pastor, and Msgr. Thomas Harrington, of his priestly ordination at a Mass at Holy Name fonner pastor. Also present was Father Clement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church here. A Dufour, former pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, bnl11ch in the parish hall followed. where Father Denault celebrated his first Mass The New Bedford native has been serving as a on Oct. 12, 1980. missionary in Vietnam since February 2005, "It's hard 'to believe that 25 years have gone where he is preparing Vietnamese men to beconfe'- by already," said Father Denault. "During that Carmelite friars and teaching English as a sec- time, I served as a hospital chaplain, a parish ond language. priest and as the novice director for my province.

Father Denault is the son of Roger and Muriel Now I am helping the young men in Vietnam Turn to page J2 - Carmelite Denault and the cousin of Father Richard Roy,

CARMELITE FATHER Paul Denault, right, was joined by his parents, Roger and Muriel Denault, and as his brother Marc, at a Mass observing the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination. The New Bedford native is currently serving as a missionary in Vietnam.

Friday, December 16, 2005

Sister Mary.Evelyn Sipes SUSC FALL RIVER - Holy Union Sister Mary Evelyn Sipes, 88, who had ministered at Sacred Heart and St. Michael's parishes here, died December 4 in the Catholic Me- . morial Home.

Born in Baltimore, Md., the daughter of the late Jesse 1., and the late Bertha (DeBroglie) Sipes, she entered the Holy Union Sisters in Fall River on Aug. 15, 1933. She professed vows on March 25, 1935 and made her perpetual profession on Sept. 20, 1940.

She earned a bachelor's degree in education and a certificate in Early Childhood Education from Towson State University in Maryland.

Besides her service in the Fall River diocese, which included volunteering at Charlton Memorial Hospital, Sister Mary Evelyn also taught and ministered at convents . and parishes also in Massachusetts, as well as in Portsmouth, R.I., New York, New Jersey and North Carolina.

She is survived by a brother, Earl Sipes; a sister, Emma Matthews; nieces and nephews; and her Holy Union Sisters.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated December 7 in St. Michael's Church, Fall River..

Burial was in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Fall River.

Paul J.O'Connell BOSTON Paul J. O'Connell, 83, of Sandwich, husband of Mrs. Beryl (Borden) O'Connell, and father of Deacon Dennis G. O'Connell, who serves at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich, died December 4 suddenly at Massachusetts General· Hospital.

Born in Taunton, Mr.' O'Connell was a U.S. Navy pilot during World War II. A graduate of St. Anselm's College, he received a master's degree in edu- . cation from Bridgewater State College.

Prior to his tenure as a textbook salesman for Macmillan Publishing Company, he was the principal of Wareham High School. .

Active in the community, he was a member of the Community Associates of Wareham, the Sandwich School Committee and the Sandwich School Building Committee, the American Legion, and was a fourth degree member of

the Knights ofColumbus. He was also a member of the National Association of Sports Officials, and officiated at football games.

A member of Corpus Christi Parish, he was recognized for his devotion as one of the first extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. He also served as a lector and sacristan. He was a recipient ofthe Fall River diocese's Marian Medal.

Besides his wife of 56 years, and deacon son, he is survived by two other sons, Kevin E. O'Connell ofMaine, and Terrance P. O'Connell of Sandwich; a sister, Helen Sullivan; a brother, John O'Connell; and five grand~ children. He was also the brother of the late William and Edward O'Connell.

His funeral Mass was celebrated December 10 at Corpus Christi Church in East Sandwich.

Burial was in St. Peter's Cemetery in Sandwich.

In honor of Sister Lucia dos Santos, seer of Fatima, who died February 13,2005, age 97.

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Helping people find .hope.

Stonehill College associate professor authors definitive biography of famed Rosary Priest

By DAVE JOLIVET, EDITOR

sition as rector and superior of Moreau Seminary at the University of Notre Dame, Father Gribble took on the project with great joy and enthusiasm.

Then-Bishop of Fall River.

Sean P. O'Malley, OFM, Cap., officially opened Father Peyton's sainthood cause on June 1, 2001.

Crossroad Publishing Company released the hard cover of Father Gribble's labor of love this past summer.

During his research for the biography, Father Gribble got to know Father Peyton in great depth. "I couldn't imagine the great dedication Father Peyton had to that one particular cause, the rosary," said Father Gribble. "He believed the Blessed Mother had cured him of tuberculosis in 1939, and he felt he owed it to her to spread her rosary message. Father Peyton had a great knowledge of people, and he had passion for what he did."

Father Gribble also revealed that Father Peyton valiantly tried to keep up with the changes Vatican II brought about. "It wasn't always easy for him," Father Gribble told The Anchor. ;..::...:u..:::..::..::!.-_--.. '''In some ways he had to ad, just his message," in light of has a great devotion to the the changing times in which the Blessed Mother and the rosary. rosary became less popular. "I "I've been saying the rosary ev- give him a lot of credit. He kept ery day since I was a boy," said trying, despite being forced to Father Gribble. "That devotion change with the times." didn't come from Father Peyton.

The rosary message of Father I'd have to credit my eighth- Peyton is as important today as grade religion teacher for that." it was in the Rosary Priest's heyThe wheels for the sainthood day. "Younger students today are cause of Father Peyton started looking for things more devoturning shortly after his death in tional in nature than in recent 1992, and a definitive biography years," said Father Gribble. of the beloved priest was neces- "They're seeking stability more sary. Father Phalen approached than their predecessors." And Father Gribble a,bout the project like his predecessor, Father in 1997. Despite having a full Gribble knows the importance slate of commitments in his po- of the rosary, having written "The History and Devotion of the Rosary," published by Our Sunday Visitor in 1992. Father Peyton wrote the forward.

"Since meeting him while I was in seminary, I was always fascinated with Father Peyton and his works," said Father CASKETS&URNS Gribble. "This project was ajoy.

I'm proud of this book."

"Eternal Caskets can save "American Apostle of the Family Rosary: The Life of you hundreds, or thousands Patrick J. Peyton, CSC," is an in-depth history, written in "lovoff your final expenses." . ing detail," about the remarkable life and times ofthe Rosary Priest. The nearly 500-page biography is available in hard cover only at Holy Cross Family Ministries, 518 Washington Street, North Easton; at www.hcfm.org; or by calling 1FREE CASKET STORAGE FOR SENIORS 800-299-7729.

For more information about PAYMENT PLANS Father Gribble and his writings visit the Website: stonehill.edu/ PROUD MEMBERS: FUNERAL CONSUMERS ALLIANCE GROUP religious_studies/r..,.gribble.htm.

EASTON - The path that Servant ofGod, Congregation of Holy Cross Father Patrick Peyton, walked while on this earth was far from ordinary.

Born in 1909 in County Mayo, Ireland, 'one of nine children living in a three-room, thatchedroof home, Father Peyton became one of the most notable priests of the 20th century. The famed Rosary Priest, who originated the saying, "The family that prays together, stays together," was friend to the poor and sick and to the rich and famous, attempting to lead all he met to salvation through Christ and the Blessed Mother.

It was only.natural, then, that the author of the definitive biography of this remarkable man be an individual whose life path is quite unconventional in its own right. Holy Cross Father Richard Gribble was born in Shafter, Calif., served on a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine, worked with defense contractors, attended the University of Notre Dame in Southbend, Ind., was a parish priest in Goodyear, Ariz., and currently serves as an associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Stonehill College in Easton.

His work on Father Peyton, "American Apostle of the Family Rosary: The Life of Patrick J. Peyton, CSC," details the life and times of the man in great depth.

"When Fath~r John Phalen, CSC, president of Holy Cross Family Ministries, asked me to take on this project, I was quite honored," Father Gribble told The Anchor in a recent interview. "There were so many others who could have written this biography, but they chose me

because I'm a Holy Cross person, I met the man while at Notre Dame, and I truly enjoy this type of work."

Father Gribble, a Church historian, is the author of 18 books, including the biography of Archbishop Edward Hanna of San Francisco, and more than 200 articles on history and spirituality.

What made the project even more meaningful for Father Gribble was the fact that he, too, -'" ~;,\~ 01' j',\lif! •.. ,-,.)",: .,Oll"

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Sister Sansor said when Span- Medellin, Columbia, where he met working in the seven communities. ish-speaking people see Our Lady with the archbishop and made ar- They are Father Wilson and Father Continuedfrom page one ofGuadalupe in a church it is like a rangements to have three Spanish- William Rodrigues as well as FaChurch, Taunton; St. Francis "It will help us reach more message ofwelcome. "They know speaking priests come to work in the ther Humberto Villa, lYE; Father Xavier, Hyannis and St. Mary-Our people and better respond to the there is something there for them Fall River diocese. They were se- Michael Carvill, FSCB; and Father Lady of the Isle, Nantucket. needs of our communities," said and there is someone at the parish lected by chancellor Father Oscar Kayajan.

There are a lot ofgood things in that can help or reach out to them. Alvarez, who has spent a great deal "It's very special to have them Father Wilson. oftime in our diocese studying En- the works for the Spanish commuall come together and it's a great The appearance of Our Lady of Our Mother brings us together."

She added that the image of glish and serving Spanish-speaking nities of the diocese according to . celebmtion," said Sister Sansor. The Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego in event was planned by the Diocesan 1531 on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico Mary is very appropriate to the Catholics.'They will begin serving Sister Sansor.

"The Spanish communities are Spanish Council. Food for a dinner City was a catalyst for the evange- Christmas season because she is the Hispanic communities here once telling us about the coming ofChrist immigration details have been growing here in the diocese and that that followed was provided by each lization ofAztecs. worked out. means the community of faith is . of the parishes.

One of the things that connects through her pregnancy. ''We're happy to have the help growing and I'm excited about ~'Christmas is a celebration of Father Richard D. Wilson, pas- her to Christmas is the fact that her tor ofOur Lady ofGuadalupe Par- image is that of a pregnant Mary; a God coming to us as a human per- and it was a good visit to Columbia that," she concluded. ish at St. James Church and direc- black band under her arms symbol- son. The feast of Our Lady of and nice to see the healthy life of tor ofthe Hispanic Apostolate, was izes this according to Father Wilson. Guadalupe is a new beginning of the Church down there."

Currently there are five priests principal celebrant for the Mass. He "That is what an Aztec would faith for this continent. It's another spent much time speaking to mem- wear if she was expecting. She's Christmas for us."

Sister Sansor said we must also bers of the various communities pregnant and she shows how she C.C. NATIONAL prior to Mass and by the smiles pro- brings Christ to the people of remember St. Juan Diego when we Fifth MORTGAGE duced it was evident that both Fa- America." He added that she is re- think ofOur Lady ofGuadalupe bePrintingl ther Wilson and attendees were ferred to as the Advent Vrrgin in one cause ''they are always together and 2005 ofthe hymns they sang at the Mass. his is a very beautiful story." Accordhappy to be there.

A world of knowledge with ., "I'm pleased with the direction Father Wilson has served as the ing to Sister Sansor many people a Catholic sensibility of the Hispanic Apostolate," said director ofthe apostolate since 2000 think he was a poor man, but he was Low. low rates starting at FatherWllson. ''Ourprimary mission and said "I have always enjoyed in fact an important member of the "Grampas Are For is to reach out to people ofHispanic working with the Hispanic Aztec community. ''The fact that he All Seasons" backgrounds and help them grow in Apostolate and it has been a good was so willing to take the message By Richard J. Ward NO POINTS, NO CLOSING COSTS of Our Lady to the bishop shows he their faith and bring them closer to experience."

1ST, 2ND, 3RD MORTGAGES This timeless resource Christ. Things are going well."

Father Paul Canuel, on leave was a profound believer and we are PURCHASE OR REFINANCE belongs on all reading tables.

IMPROVEMENT, REPAIR Currently they are in the middle from the Hondums mission, was all represented in him."

Open any page for knowledge, DEBT CONSOLIDATION Sister Sansor is the last of the of a project to develop a Diocesan homilist and said "It is wonderful & inspired wisdom of sages CREDIT CARD PAY OFFS, Hispanic Pastoml Plan. They held to be back home and celebmte this Guadalupanan Sisters serving in the HOME EQUITY, COMMERCIAL past and present. For readers 2ND HOMES. TUITION. SELF EMPLOYED college age and older, this is a a series ofworkshops in the fall and great feast with you. Our Lady of diocese, and plans to be here for NO INCOME VERIFICATION classic of its genre - it's what two more years working to about Guadalupe is the Mother of the tminees will present workshops POOR CREDIT - NO CREDIT living long is all about.

PAY OFF LIENS & ATIACHMENTS for parishioners ofthe Spanish com- America. She came to console us' complete the pastoml plan. She said FORECLOSURE-BANKRUPTCY "This book should provide rewards for munities this spring to study and and hold us close to her heart. It is it has been difficult this year beAPPLICATION TAKEN ON PHONE the reader and sl/ccess for the aI/thor. " better respond to the pastoml needs a time to rejoice. The Lord is near." cause it's the first time in her reliNO APPLICATION FEE. - Father Dennis Sughrue, SJ, FAST SERVICE. WE CAN HELPI Luz Gamboa is originally from gious life that she has lived alone. of Hispanics.

University of NoIre Dame Sister Sansor and Holy Cross Vera Cruz, Mexico, and has been But she said, "I have great support CALL NOW "/ enjoyed this book and agree with the praise ofthe Miell1 and Rodgers 1T!Views. " Father Daniel Kayajan ofSt. Mary's living here for eight years. She also of the community and Father WilCape Cod 508-362-7777 • Sister Joan Bland Parish, Taunton, are coordinators dressed in native attire and said the son."

New Bedford 508-992-1400 Trinity College, Washington, D.C. In addition to the pastoral plan, for the project. It is expected to be celebration was special. "It's a day Free(application on Internet Paper & hardcover at fine Father Wilson is also working to for all Americans," she declared. completed in June of2007. www.ccnm.com bookstores or at bring priests fro)ll Columbia to asAuthorhouse Publisher sist with the work ofthe Apostolate.

(1-888-280-7715) He recently returned from

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His Excellency, the Most Reverend George W. Coleman, Bishop of Fall River, has announced the following appointments:

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Rev. Robert Powell, aSB Cam. from Parochial Vicar of Saint Mary Parish, Seekonk, to Parochial Administrator of Saint Mary Parish, North Attleboro.

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Friday. December 16, 2005

the.8DQKJI\.Y

T HE LANDING The assault against conscience and religious freedom

the living word

Historians of the abortion debate in our COlUltry have long noted how abortion advocates have manipulated the extreme cases of-rape, incest and life-endangeringcircumstances to the mother as means to achieve unrestricted access to abortion for the more than 98 percent of cases that do not fall into those categones.

Abortionadvocates in our Commonwealth have now manipulated the plight of rape victims to achieve something notjust evil but tyrannical: compelling emergency room medical persol)Ilel against their conscience to participate in a chemical abortion and forcing Catholic hospitals, in violation of Catholic teaching and religious freedom, to do the same.

Such are the consequences ofthe law that went into effect on Wednesday.

It mandates that all "facilities that provide emergency care shall promptly offer emergency contraception at the facility to each female rape victim of childbearing age and shall initiate emergency contraception upon her request."

The emergency contraception to which it refers is a pill called Plan B, which is a high dose of hormones that not only stops' ovulation but prevents the . implantation ofa previously fertilized egg in the uterine wall. The lattereffect aborts any child conceived but not yet implanted prior to the administration • of the pill.

Catholic hospitals have long been in the forefront of the sympathetic and holistic care of women who have been se~ually violated. They have been guided by the Ethical and Religiolls Directives for Catholic Health Care Services of the U.S. Bishops' Conference, which state, in directive 36, that "compassionate and lUlderstanding care should be given to a person who is the victim of se~ual assault. Health care providers should cooperate with law enforcement officials, offer the person psychological and spiritual support and accurate medical infornlation. A female who ·haS been raped should be able to defend herselfagainst a potential conception from the se~'1Ial assault.

If, after appropriate testing, tllere is no evidence that conception has occurred already, she may be treated with medications that would prevent ovulation, spernl capacitation, or fertilization. It is not penllissible, however, to initiate or to recommend treatments that have as their purpose or direct effect the removal,. destruction, or interference with the implantation of a fertilized

LUIS ALBERTO WAS DRESSED AS A YOUNG ST. JUAN DIEGO AT TI-IE RECENT OUR-LADY OF GUADALUPE CELEBRATION AT ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, 'A1TLEBORO.

HIs

MOTHER, MONICA, IS A PARISHIONER OF ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL, FALL RIVER, AND ORIGINALLY FROM· MEXICO. (ANCHOR/GORDON, PHOTO)

"REMEMBER THOSE WHO LED YOU, WHO SPOKE THE WORD OF GOD TO YOU; AND CONSIDERING THE RESULT OF THEIR CONDUCT, IMITATE THEIR FAITH" (HEBREWS 13:7).

ovum."

The six Catholic hospitals that are part of the Caritas Christi network, including Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River, have courageously annolUlced that they are going to continue to follow the protocol given in the Directives, and not provide the abortifacient pill to those victinlS whose pregnancy tests return positive. They have obvious moral reasons for doing so, but they also have legal basis: a 1975 law that bars the Commonwealth from forcing private hospitals to dispense contraceptive devices or participate in abortions.

The Catholic protocol is not satisfactory to those whowantto force Catholic hospitals and Catholics in public hospitals to dispense the abortifacient pills.

They have annolUlced that they may resort to lawsuits to try to compel Catholics and Catholic hospitals to implement the law without a pregnancy test.

Planned Parenthood spokesman Angus McQuilken, who with other abortion activists hovered over Attorney General Tom Reilly at his press conference on the measure last week, has betrayed in public comments what this effort is really all about. "Rape victims should never have to worry about the affiliation ofa hospital before they go there seeking their care, or are brought there in an an1bulance." In other words, no one should have to worry about Catholic hospitals being Catholic. That is a clear violation of the principle of religious freedom McQuilken maintains that it isn't, "because Catholic hospitals are not places of worship." McQuilken fails to lUlderstand, however, that Catholics are obliged to obey God notjust in church but in daily life.

If this law is able to stand and lawsuits uphold it, it will establish a truly draconian precedent: that others can be forced, against their conscience and principles, to participate in the ghastly practice of the taking of irmocent hu. man life through abortion. On the basis of past history, it would be hard to imagine that abortion advocates would not tIy to take advantage ofthat principle and' apply it to other circlUl1Stances. Their colleagues in the state of lllinois have already succeeded in mandating that all pharmacists distribute Plan B to anyone who asks for it for any reason.

Rape crisis counselors have often stressed that rape is driven more by a lust for power and control over others than a hlUlger for sex: someone with greater strength uses his might to violate another's body against herwiU. Is it any less evil when those withpolitical poweruse their might to violate another's conscience and force that person to kill an innocent child?

Obscurity

A few years ago, I had the divine nature of God was united to privilege of attending a lecture our frail human nature, forever. It given by Justice Antonin Scalia, of was the greatest event in human the United States Supreme Court, history. and he told the story of his fmal And yet, as momentous as this exam before graduating from occasion was, it occurred in GeorgetO\\l1 University with a complete obscurity. It took place major in history. At the exam, quietly in tile sma!1 village of Nazareth, in the solitude of the which was an oral one before a panel of professors, one of the young virgin's room, where the profes~ors asked him what he heavenly messenger appeared to thought was the greatest event in annOlUlce salvation. There was no human history. The justice fanfare of any kind, no general explained that he struggled for a announcement to the world. There moment, because'he didn't expect such <;I . question, and he eventually offered as the answer some military battle that he felt turned the tide of history. ''Wrong!'' the

By Father David Jesuit professor replied.

A. Pignato "The greatest event in human history was the Incarnation - never forget it!" was no notice given to the political As we near the solemnity of or even to the religious leaders of Christmas, and prepare to celebrate the time. The news was given only the truth of the Incarnation by to the young lady who_would carry celebrating the birth of Christ, it's the Savior in the secrecy ofher iinportant to remember that the womb. We know that Mary went Incarnation began even before immediately to tell her cousin OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE Christmas. It occurred nine mont1lS Elizabeth, and that she must have .

DIOCESE OF FALL. ~IVER. before, at that dramatic moment in . also told St.' Joseph, who apparPublished weekly except for two weeks in JUly and the w~ek atter Christrnas qy .salvation history, when the ently did not believe her at fIrst, the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland AVenue; FalCRiver, archangel Gabriel was sent to lUltil the angel appeared to him, to MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 - FAX 50~-675l7Q1;~, E:;;maJIi Nazareth, to annOlUlce God's plan confinn Mary's story. But these theanchor@anchornews.org .. SUbscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 peryea,r.

Send address changes to P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA, call or USl'liJ:-~n ad?re~ to send his Son into the world. And were the only people who knew Member: Catholic Press Association. New England Press Associ~tion. 'Cath~iic N~s S~ice \ . when Mary said 'yes" to God's what had happened at that historic PUBLISHER· Bishop George W. C:oIeman;!' t·· i;; plan, "the Word became flesh and moment when God became man.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Roger J. Landry fatherrogerlandry@anehornews.org dwelt among us" (In 1: 14).

The story of the AnnlUlciation is EDITOR David B.·Jolivet davejollvet@anchor~Ws.oi'lJ ., V' .

This was the moment when remarkable for its obscurity. But NEWS EDITOR Deacon James N. Dunbar jimdunbar@anchornews.org heaven and earth were united as this is the way in which God chose REPORTER Michael GOrdon mlkegordol'l@anc!horn\Ws.ofg OFFICE MANAGER Mary Chase marychase@janchornews.org never before, when he who exists to enter our world, and it is also the Send Letters to the Editor to: theanchor@ahchomeWi.orgil h . \;f. in eternity, outside of time, entered way in which most ofus live. We our world, at a specific time and POS'IMASlERS send address ch~ to The AnchQr,P.O. Box 7,FallR,jver,MAQ2727\; are known to our families, our.

1lIE ANCHOR (USPS-545-020) Periodical Postage Paid alFall RiVer, Mass.~" . :t . place. It was the moment when the friends and perl1aps ourcommu-

the

ancholS>

Putti ng Into the Deep

nity, but for 1110st of us, our lives are lived in relative obscurity.

While some may have aspirations to greatness and recognition, still most of us live outside of the' limelight.

At times, this truth might be a source of sadness or discouragement for some of US·- the thought of obscurity might disappoint us. It may even be at amoment when we consider pursuing holiness, that the thought crosses our mind, "But, who will know?" And tile fear of not being recognized might discourage us from, following Christ. But if this happens, it should be consolation to us tllat God himself chose to live in obscurity, not only for the nine months that he lived in the womb of his motller, but also for the flfSt 30 years of his life; before he began preaching publicly and manifested himself as the Messiah.

Obscurity - it's the way in which Our Lord entered our world and lived most of his life, and it's how most of us live our lives. It is the Christian way not to seek fame and recognition, but rather to trust that God who sees all will see and reward our efforts to please him, even if the world does not. As we near the great celebration of Christmas, may we be happy to live in the obscurity ofour lives, after the pattern of Our Lord's own life on earth. And may we trust that, although our lives may not be known to all the world, they are known to Our Father in heaven, who will reward us for our efforts to follow his Son.

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51

Friday, December 16, 2005

'What gifts?'

The youth group had spent many hours decorating the church for Christmas, making several trips to collect leaves in the nearby woods, then stringing them together to make garland.

Two large pine trees framed the sanctuary with the manger scene prominent.

As Mass time approached, families filed into church hoping to find a seat, even if it wasn't their regular pew. The faces of the children filled with delight and anticipation, ready to By sing familiar carols. As they waited for Mass to begin, the children visited the manger to see where the Christ Child would be placed during Mass.

For my first Christmas at our diocesan mission in Guaimaca, far from home, I found the celebration very familiar. Although there was no snow falling outside, the celebration inside was almost the same. The familiar Gospel proclaimed the good news of the Incarnation and it brought joy to all the people: Do not be afraid; for behold, 1 proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David. a savior has been born for \'O~I who is Christ and Lord.

It \\as while leaving church that the similarity ended. I asked

one of the children about the customs in her family., She said that they all attend Mass on Christmas Eve and return home to cat nacatamales, a mixture of rice flour, vegetables, and chicken, all wrapped and cooked in the leaf of a banana tree.

"Tonight is tithe for the family to spend together celebrating

Our Mission Father Craig A. Pregana

Christmas," she said, "and tomorrow we can rest."

Listening to her, it seemed different to celebrate more Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. Curious to learn more about their customs, I asked if they also exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve, or did they wait until Christmas morning. She looked up at me rather quizzically, "What gifts?"

Imagine celebrating Christmas without exchanging gifts, even a small token of the season! For most of the people in the parish, there are no presents to wrap and exchange. I wondered what would Christmas morning be like for the

children? For that matter, why were the children at church so filled with delight and anticipation? Seeing the church all decorated? Visiting the manger scene with the image of the Mother and Child? Perhaps singing the familiar Christmas carols? What were they celebrating?

The answer should have been so obvious, especially having heard the Good News proqlaimed more than once, "a savior has been born for you who is Christ the Lord." Christmas here is not about giving presents. The miracle of Christmas is not in the giving, rather in the receiving the gift, who has been given to us. The gift comes not wrapped in Christmas paper and bright ribbons, rather in swaddling clothes. Christmas is all about the Incarnation: the Word made flesh. If not for Christ, we may be celebrating but we're not celebrating Christmas.

May this Christmas find us with hands and hearts open to receive the blessed moments shared with family, the abundant graces of this holy night, and the sacred gift of God's love.

Father Pregana, or any member ofthe Guaimacan Mission Team, can be contacted at wWll\HonduranMission. org.

THIS MANGER scene appears in the church in Guaimaca, Honduras. Below is a Nativity scene created by its youth group.

These gifts!

There it was on page five. Just Most of us have been inas I remembered - a list of volved with it at one time or items $20 could buy. another. In fact, some of us may In our diocesan mission in be involved right now. I an1.

Honduras, $3 can buy a week's It's the time of year for itsupply of powdered milk for a secret Santas. You know the child. A bag offood for a poor drill: pick a name, keep it a family, from the St. Vincent de secret, set a price limit, and try Paul Society is a mere $6. Fifteen desperately to find a meaningful dollars can provide a pair of gift within that price range.

I can recall the'days when the school shoes for one child. secret Santa limit was $5, and you could get a pretty decent gift for that fin.

Now, the dollar limit of choice seems to be $20.

What can $20 buy

By Dave Jolivet today? Believe it or not, I was having a difficult time trying to What gift? find a gift in that price range There's more - $85 can until I read Father Craig provide a fam.iJy with a bicycle Pregana'scolumn appearing for transportation; $125 will directly above this one today. educate a child in a primary Father relays a story ofa school for one year; and $150 can young Guaimacan girl and her provide special education to one family celebrating Christmas in handicapped child for one year.

Honduras. He asks the girl if Other' financial donations can they exchange gifts on Christhelp young girls at the mas Eve or Christmas morning.

Internado, a boarding school for Shc rcsponds, "What gifts?" students ages 11-18, where they What gifts? The little girl's can complete their secondary response has stayed with me education. since. What gifts?

The students in Guaimaca At once my gift-giving have so little and need so much dilemma seemed trite. Her - note books, pencils, rulers, response caused me to dig up chairs, desks, shelves. the last newsletter from our There is also a great need for diocesan mission in Guaimaca.

My View From the Stands

0

medicines, vitamins, gardening tools, diapers and such.

That $20 suddenly looks like a million now.

This Christmas, I thinkTm going to stretch my holiday dollar and ship it down to Honduras.

It's the right thing to do.

Those are our brothers and sisters there, and I can't stand the thought that one of my sisters had to ask, "What gifts?"

Imagine if 100 families in the diocese could help out. Imagine if 200 could.

What would happen if 1,000 did? I'd love to find out.

I'm going to broaden my secret Santa horizon this year and reach out to my family in Guaimaca. Maybe you can too.

Maybe someday, when asked what gifts he got for his birthday, the Christ Child won't have to say, "What gifts?"

Donations for our mission in Honduras can be sent to the Diocesan Office for the Propagation of the Faith, 106 Illinois Street, New Bedford, MA 02745. Be sure to indicate your intention for the donation.

To be included on the Guaimacan newsletter mailing list, contact Father Craig Pregana at craig6204@aol.com.

Comments are welcome at dave;olivet@anchornews.org.

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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 necessaryfor the salvation oftheir souls, all those who on thefirst Saturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confession,' 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the Rosary (5 decades); and 4. Keep me companyfor 15 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 Communion may be received at either the morning or evening Mass on the first Saturday.

Friday, Degember 16, 2005

The Lord comes ... on a Fiat OK ... this is a rather lame play on a theological word, for which my brother priests will surely let out collective groan (iforwhen they read this reflection). In fact, we are not talking about sporty Italian cars during this Sunday ofAdvent, but a certain '1lighly favored daughter" with whom' we are well familiar in our Catholic piety. Of course, I sp'cak of Mary the Mother ofJesus. She didn't drive a Fiat either, but she did make a ''fiat,'' Latin for "let it be so": that is, she made to God, through the gift ofgrace, the perfect response offaith. In the' title I use the word "comes" rather than "came" to suggest that this is standai-d opemting procedure for the Lord Jesus. He came "in the flesh" upon Mary's faithful response to the angel Gabriel and he will.do so again under circumstances that are similar. What could I possibly mean by this? What, scripturally speaking, would warrant such an assertion?

It's a thought that comes from' a deeper reflection on the

a

as heir to the throne of David, elements of this mystery as they which is an obvious allusion to are reported by St. Luke in his t~ay'sfirst reading from the Gospel. The details of Mary's Second Book of Samuel, chapter interaction with the angel and the 7. "code words" used by Gabriel to In that reading, King David describe what is going to happen considers building God a house, within her do not allow us to dismiss Mary as playing a merely instrumental . role in the coming of Homily of the Week Jesus.

Of course, she is an Fourth Sunday instnunent of God's of Advent saving work, but she is more: she is the original

By Father. model after whom the Gregory A. Mathias Church of Christ is patterned. Whoa!

Suddenly our reflec(referring to tile God's presence tion is not just on the role of in the Ark ofthe Covenant). The' Mary, but on the nature ofthe Lord responds to David's pious Church itself. When the angel thought by making a covenant speaks of the Holy Spirit's with hinl: ''The Lord will "overshadowing" Mary, he establish a house for you. Your indicates her likeness to tile "tent house and your kingdom shall of meeting," (Ex.33), to which endure forever before me." the Israelites in the desert would St. Luke reveals to us tlmt tllis go to consult the Lord. In other covenant is fulfilled with tile words, the very presence ofGod coming ofJesus through Mary's is to dwell within her in the faithful response. The notions person ofChrist. Moreover, which we distill from all of this, Gabriel refers to Mary's offspring

Tools of the trade of the Church. Even ifiliese When the Liturgy of the Eucharist is over the Sacrifice of prayers do not express how you feel at a given moment, you the Mass soon comes to an end. should still pray them in a spirit We have given ourselves to God of communion with your in union with Christ's perfect brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sacrifice renewed on the altar.

God, in turn, gave us the greatest of all gifts tills side of heaven: Christ's Body and BlQod as our spiritual sustenance and pledge of resurrection (cf. In. 6:54). Before we

By Fr. Thomas M. Kocik conclude our tour by examining the Concluding Rite, let's note The Lectionary is the book the sacred vessels and other containing all the Scripture objects used for this marvelous exchange of gifts we call the readings and is used at the Mass. lectern or ambo. A separate Book The chalice is the cup ofthe Gospels may be used by containing the wine that becomes the deacon for proclaiming the the Precious Blood of Christ; it Gospel readings. Faith, says St. Paul, comes through hearing ~hould be made of precious metal or at least noble material God's inspired word (Rom. 10:17). that does not easily break or rust.

Pour out your heart into the The altar cloth is the white covering used for the tabletop chalice with the wine, and put (mensa in Latin) of the altar; it into it all your hopes and fears, symbolizes Christ's burial joys and sorrows, love and shroud. The lighted candles: on or adoration, your whole self.

The paten is the plate on near the altar represent Christ, which the priest's host rests. the Light of the world (In. 8:12).

Imagine yourself on the paten The crucifix on or near the altar reminds us that the sacrifice of with the bread, offering to God Calvary is sacrmnentally reyour mind and heart, your soul and body, all that you have and newed in the Mass. are.

Other noteworthy items are: The ciborium (from the Latin the chalice veil (optional), either cibus, ''food'') is another vessel white or the color of the Mass . of precious metal; it holds the vestments, used to cover the altar breads to be consecrated chalice before the Preparation of and distributed for the Commun- the Gifts and again after Comion of the faithful. munion; the burse (optional), a The Roman Missal is the book square, envelope-like container the priest uses for the prayers of for holding the corporal; ilie pall, the Mass. Many of these prayers a cardboard square covered with date back to the early centuri(ls linen used to cover the mouth of

Loving and Living the Mass

TIlis reflection assumes a such as the idea ofGod's significant familiarity with Old "indwelling," the emphasis on Testament prophecy and expectathe one through whom he conies tion, but the basic point for us, as to his people, arid the sense of fulfillment which is confirmed by .modern CatllOlics, is to take another look at our own personal Mary's readiness to respond piety witll respect to Mal)' and positively to the angel, forethe Church. shadow the establishment Pemaps we are more accusof the Church tllfOUgh tomed to tIUnking of the Church Peter and the Apostles. as just another organization or Mary's personal institution, such as a club you response of faith comes choose to join. This is often the fIrst, and sets up the conditions for tile possibil- only kind of language the news ity of tile Church's coming media, for exainple, knows how to use when talking about her. to be. And, quite simply, However, this idea doesn't get to the Church is very much the vel)' deepest understanding of like Mary: tlloologically speaking, she has a female what she is to us. character in her receptivity and in .

Christ continually comes to us the "space" she makes for God to out of tile grace-filled womb of the Church, penetmting through dwell ,,~thin her. Like Mary, she her hunlall weakness and bears tile grace 9f Christ within preparing us for his final coming her members, and she is fiuitful in glory. And it all began when in bearing Christ into tile'world Mary said, "let it be done to me through the sacraments, most as you say." especially, the Eucharist. So, Father Mathias isparochial Jesus continues to come to us administrator at St Julie BiUiart from out ofthe motherly womb Parish, North Dartmouth, and of the Church, and in our director ofthe diocesan Office Catholic piety we recognize ofFamily Ministry.

Mary mother of the Church.

as

Sacred vessels & objec'ts

the chalice, particularly to keep chains, which holds charcoal and golden ciborium. He comes to find anotller heaven infmitely out insects and dust; the corporal incense; and the aspergillum (from the Latin corpus, "body"), (from the Latin for "sprinkle"), a dearer to him: our souls, made in a square of linen folded into nine container for the holy water used God's image, the living temples of the adorable Trinity. . parts on which rest the paten 'and "to sprinkle the congregation as a Father Kocik, an author of chalice during the Liturgy of the reminder of Baptism. two books, one on the liturgy, is Eucharist; ilie cruets We, like the sacred vessels, chaplain at Charlton Memorial containing the water were made to receive Christ. As Hospital, Fall River, and resides and wine; the St. Therese of Lisieux said, our at St Thomas More Parish, purificator, a cloth used Lord does not come down from Somerset. to dry the chalice after heaven every day to remain in a its cleansing; and the finger towel used to dry the priest's hands after they are washed at the Preparation of tile Gifts.

Please prayfor the following Also used on occasion are the thurible, a metal priests durin$, the coming weeks bowl, hanging by one or three

In Your Prayers \

Daily Readings Dec 18

2 8m 7:1-5,8b12,14a,16; Ps 89:2-5,27,29; Rom 16:25-27; Lk1:26-38 J9S 13:2-7,24Dec 19 25a; Ps 71 :36,16-17;.Lk 1:525 Dec 20 Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 1:2638 Dec 21.. 89 2:8-14. or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3,11-12,2021; Lk 1:39-45 'Dec 22 1 8m 1:24-28; (Ps) 1 8m 2:1,47,8abcd; Lk 1:4656 Dec 23 Mal 3: 1-4,23-24; Ps 25:4bc-5ab,810,14; Lk 1:57-66 Dec24 28m 7:1-5,8b12,14a,16; Ps 89:2-5,27,29; Lk .1:67-79

:

\.\

Dec. 19 \ \ 1988, Perntanent Deacon Eugyne L. grosz \ D.e2-20,.-路-- . ' 1953, Rev. Manuel S.Travassos,(Pastor, Espirito Santo, Fall River 1996, Rev. John:~Janson, OF~ Missionary in Brazil .

Dec.\2i 1968, Rev. Henri 1. Charest, ~ast~il, St. Mathieu, Fall River 1985, Rev. Manuel M. Resendes; Retired Pastor, Our Lady of \_/."

Lourdes, Taunton \ \ 1989, Rev. Laureano C. dos Reis, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony of Padua, Fall River \ \ Dec. 22 '0 .

1964 Rev. Adriano Moniz, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Angels, Fall River .

1991, Rev. Armand P. Paradis, S.1., Psychologist, San Fmncisco, Calif.

Dec. 23 .

1901, Rev. Owen 1. Kiernan, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall

River 1947, Rev. Charles P. Trainor, SS, St. Edward Seminary, Seattle,

Wash.

1970, Rev. Msgr. John A. Silvia, Retired Pastor, St. John the Baptist, New Bedford 1986, Rev. William E. Collard, Retired Pastor, St Theresa, New Bedford

Dec. 24 1886, Rev. Jmnes K. Beaven, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton 1914, Rev. Timothy 1. Duff, Assistant, St. Joseph, Woods Hole

7

Friday, December 16, 2005

Merry comma!

13 December 2005 - Port-O- generic tree, goes the tIlinking, would be acceptable to all Call: Boston - St. Lucy Day traditions and religions. It Here I stand on Boston Common. Before me is a lighted couldn't offend a single soul in 48-foot spruce tree. Sure looks our multi cultural, super-sensitive like a Christmas tree.

It's not. The commissioner of parks says I'm The ~Ship's Log looking at a "Holiday Tree," adding, "We're Re\fl~t!~ins of a trying to be more :~r'_~I!3_tishsPrtest ~.~ inclusive." Is there ',~.:" ~':<'.-.:;~,.~.. :..: anything today that is _..'~~;ByF-at"'er-nmc .~. not potentially controGoldrick versial? This tree made national news. And well it should. society. Nobody would complain.

Nova Scotia annually sends Unfortunately, Boston's trendy Boston the gift of a Christmas "holiday tree" caused a calanlity. tree. This year, by the time it People across the country were upset - the majority, in fact. arrived, it had somehow transformed itself into a politically "Enough, already!" became their correct "holiday tree." Such a chant. I got to tllinking. How did

.

_

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-

_,._'"-

.i.IJr.......

this Christmas tree morph into a "Holiday Tree?" Why did the greeting "Merry Christmas" become "Happy Holidays?"

Ladies and gentleman, it's time for another exciting episode of "More Than You Really Need to Know: Holiday Edition!"

Look closely at the word "Chrisbnas""Christ-Mass." It's the "Mass of Christ." We once had Martinmas (St. Martin's Mass), Michaelmas (The Mass of the Archangel Michael), and Childermas (Mass of the Holy Innocents). All that's left is "Christ's Mass" - the solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord.

The word "Christ" means the Christus, the Anointed One, the

It's a wonderful life!'

As a cold drizzle soaked tile himself at tile service of his soccer fields, I huddled on the community, ratller tIlan of sidelines with another mom. Her hinlself. In doing so, George acted only child was in tIlird grade, like as a type of Christ, and his my youngest, and she was sharing community becmlle a more loving how she had recently re-enrolled place. Unfortunately, George in college to fmish her degree. himself didn't believe in tile After describing how great it was, importance of his little acts of she said sympathetically, "Well, love. George believed his life had once the kids are gone, you can been a waste; so much so tIlat get back to what you wanted to when the accidental loss of do, too."

Ouch! She didn't mean to be insensitive about my choice to focus my eneIgies at home while raising the kids, but her words hurt. She implied that raising kids wasn't a valuable use of

By Heidi Bratton my life, so the sooner it was over the better. Her comment reminded me $8,000 put his company and how undervalued mothering is in fmuily in financial and legal our society, even by, or maybe trouble, George entertained especially by women tIlemselves. suicide. He believed tIlat tile life As an aid in correcting tIlis sort insurance money he could of self-defeating point of view, I provide for his family by his deatll find tlle Chrisbuas movie, "It's a would be more valuable than his Wonderful Life," to be a splendid presence in tIleir lives. analogy. In this 1946 classic we There are many parallels first meet GeoIge Bailey after a between the plight of George financial crisis has caused him to Bailey, and tIlat of modem contemplate jumping off a bridge motllers, but let me highlight just and ending it all. Now, I must one. It was George's misguided admit that motherhood has, on perception about what was truly occasion, driven me to sinlilarly valuable, not his rightly guided extreme tIloughts, but tllat is not actions, tllat limited his satisfacthe analogy 1want to explore tion witll life. So it is for many today. No, I want to look at how modem mothers. George, like so George, like most modem many mothers, made the right, women, grew up with big dreams. life-giving choices each time he George was aiming to get out of chose to invest his talents at home his small hometown and make a in Bedford Falls instead of difference in the great beyond fUIllling off to do it somewhere somewhere. Unfommately, events more glanlOrous. The problem and people kept getting in was tIlat George couldn't see it George's way. Events like his tIlat way. So God sent a quirky father's death and tlle stock guardian angel named Clarence to market crash of 1929. People like show George tIlat his life was not his brotller who never returned to a waste. Clarence did tIlis by help George witll tlle family showing George what a big business and the local millionaire, difference all of his seemingly Mr. Potter, who served as little, life-giving choices had George's nemesis. made. At ilie end of tile movie In response to these.events and George understands and begs of people, George sacrificed his big Clarence, "I want to live again! 1 dreams little by little. In tlle face want to live again!" or each new crisis, George put This Christnlas, let me be

Home Grown Faith

Clarence for you, for just a minute. Thank you, mom, for all tile time, talent, and treasure you are devoting to your family. You are making a difference. Our world is a better place because of your service to your family. Thank you for all tile little sacrifices and tile big ones, too. It's easy to tIlink, like George Bailey did, that all tile really fulfilling, important stuff happens outside our homes somewhere out tlleie in the big career world. It doesn't. It's just easier to quantifY out tIlere. Next time you feel like I felt at iliat driuJy soccer game, sidelined in ilie gmlle of life because of the life-giving choices you've made, remember this: You, just you, are more important in tile life ofyour family tIlan any material thing you could ever provide. Believe it, act on it, and tile world will be a better place because of you.

Heidi Bratton is the at-home mother offive and the author and photographer of11 Christian children ~ books and one trade book on mothering caOed UMaking Peace with Motherhood and Creating a Better lbu. " Heidi and her husband, John, make their home andgrow theirfaith in Falmoutk

Messiah. "Mass," as we will something elemental- nature. surely learn from Father Tom We naturally ease into the Kocil<, is derived from the last darkness of winter. It does not words of the Celebration of the crash upon us suddenly between Eucharist - lte, missa est - or December 21 st and December "Go, you are sent."

25th - nor does Christmas.

And what does "merry" Growing up, I had a friend mean? You may be surprised. It who belonged to one of tIlose did not originally mean "happy," ''Non-Denominational-One-Sizeas in the obsequious greeting Fits-Most" churches. Since tlle "Happy Holidays" or in the congregation had Puritan roots, pandemic "holiday parades." As the celebration of Christmas was we all surely agree, old King forbidden as being way too Cole was a merry old soul. This Roman. But my buddy loved all does not mean he was slaphappy. things Christmas. He became a It means he was a great and regular part of our family's mighty ruler. "Merry" originally Christmas celebrations from meant "strong" or "mighty." unpacking the Chrishnas decorations, to going to Midnight Mass, Robin Hood and his merry band to storing it all away on January were likewise strong but not necessarily hysterically joyful 24/ 2. Our Christmas tree did not 7. Look at the carol "God Rest offend him at all.

Ye Merry Gentlemen." When it In the Village, one man in was written more than 500 years particular is "Mr. Christmas."

His is the first card to arrive. He ago, it meant something other hangs colored lights everywhere. than what we understand today.

We sqmehow lost the comma He sends massive poinsettias to between "merry" and "gentletllOse on his gift list. He apmen." "God Rest Ye Merry proached town hall one year for (comma) Gentlemen." This was permission to erect a few not necessarily a bunch of gleeful Christmas trees on public guys, but ones made powerful by property. Permission granted.

God's grace. Nor did "rest" mean "Mr. Chrishnas" is Jewish. Why these gentlemen were dozing off, can't we embrace and celebrate perhaps as a result of too much the uniqueness of each culture wassail. It meant "make" or instead of striving for the "keep." "God Make You Mighty, ultinlate political correctness Gentlemen." "Have a Merry bland and utter sameness?

Christmas" meant "Have A Boring.

Powerful Christmas." Who In the spirit of political correctness, so as not to offend knew?

To complicate matters, the anyone anywhere: "Season's Greetings" to one and all during Church liturgy police have lately this "mid-winter break" as you taken to forbidding visual or verbal references to Christmas sing your heartfelt "solstice during the season of Advent. carols" around your stylish Even in the Church, tllere can be "holiday tree." no Christmas decorations until Oh, wait! Has it occurred to anyone that the word "holiday" December 24. In a politically is a contraction of "Holy Day" correct parish, you will see no Christmas trees until that date, - a solemnity of tile Church? and nobody is allowed to say Oh, dear. We seem to have "Merry Christmas." What you painted ourselves into a comer -again! have in your sanctuary is not a Father Goltlrick is pastor of Christmas tree - it's a "Giving St. Bernard Parish, Assonet.

Tree" or a "Jesse Tree." Are we Comments are welcome at not shooting ourselves in the StBernardAssone@aolcom foot?

Previous columns are at Like it or not, the Advent!

Christmas Season is connected to www.StBernardAs!lOnet.org.

St. Anne's Prayer "Good St. Anne, Mother of Mary, and Grandmother of Jesus, Intercede for me and my petitions. Amen."

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Friday, December 16,2005

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Incarnation Well-known throughout the world, Father Goldrick is a board member of the Friends of the Creche, an organization with national and international members that meets every other year. A nonprofit with a solid educational bent, its headquarters are in Rome.

"My first creche was given me at about age five from my mother.

Later r was int~ pop-up creches in school, and my big interest was my grandfather's creche. As a priest r met a woman with more than one cmche "... and that kicked me off, and I remain inspired by them."

He recalls displaying his early collection in his parent's house in New Bedford. "When the house

Contilluedfrom page aile

became too small I took them to the La Salette Shrine in Attleboro and that's how the Shrine began its displays. Now I display in the church, the parish hall, and in our 1OO-year-old stables.

"This year's display in the church itself is called Nativities of Mexico, which centers on the creches from the Spanish and Hispanic and Anglo cultures," he reported. ''The one in the stables is Nativities Around the World, and it will open the week before Christmas."

Father Goldrick's collection of Christmas village around the world is currently on display at the Freetown Historical Society.

A columnist for The Anchor, whose much read and popular

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column, "The Ship's Log," appears weekly, Father Goldrick is preparing a story on creche collections and their beginnings sometime in the third centwy with carving on sarcophaguses, and plays presented in the churchyards and puppet theaters for children. It will be featured in an upcoming edition.

Father Bergeron's favorite creche comes from Provence in France near the Italian border.

It's all part of his heritage, the pastor explained. "And I have long been in love with Christmas all my life," he stated.

"As a Franco-American, one of the major moments in life is Midnight Mass and afterwards for family to have revellion together.

It is a traditional meal with French meat pie; cretan, a pork spread most people call gauton, and other specialties. It is a complete celebration of Church and home and Christmas. The creche and its figurines are part of that for me ... as well as my collection of St. Nicholases."

It all began with an old Woolworth's cmche, which was very important in our home in New Bedford, Father Bergeron recalled. .

"At Provence, there is an italian twang in the French dialect that is spoken," he said. "They say bonamera, which is close to the French for good mother, meaning Mary, the Mother of Continued on page J2

~ 2005

(})ecem6er 16th, 17th; anti 18tn In Historic flssonet O/i{{aae qphMe visi'ft- eJ,!PJ 3. sff,'ft~$: St. (jjemara Cliurcli, 30 S. :Main Street (CRJe. 79) - Vnitea Cfturcli ofjlssonet, :N. :Main Street, Preetown HistoricafSociety, Sfa6 (jjridiJe tJl.paa (jJrinB tlie entire famify for some Booao[a-fasliioneafun. Come meet ana minB[e witIi tlie 'CIictorian 'CJi[[aBers as you roam a60ut enjoyinB a fiot cocoa or fiot mu[[eaciaer on a winter's aay. 'We'[[ liave crafts for tfie lij.as, itemsfor your fast minute liofiaay sfioppinBJ ana rots ofplioto opportunities. 'You never /{.now wlio :you miglit 6ump into in tfie vi[[aBe - St. :Nicfio[asJ sfiepfierasJ 'WisemenJ caro[ers ana more fiave 6een /{.nown to wanaer a6out.

Site t: St. Bernard Church, 30 South Main Street Daily Events: "Stable within a Stable" Exhibit - International cmche collection Village Christmas Shop - unique gifts for everyone Kids Only Shop - No adults allowed! Inexpensive gifts for the family Holiday Crafts and Ganles for the kids Friday - December 16th - Open 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM: 5 PM to 9 PM - Chowder and Clam Cakes 6:30 PM - St. Mary's Bell Choir Performing Christmas Favorites Saturday - December 17th - Open 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM: 10 AM to 3:30 PM - Open Kitchen - hot dogs, burgers, fries, sausage & pepper subs, desserts, and beverages available.

II AM to 3:30 PM - Hayride with Santa - sing-a-Iong with Santa as you ride through the village 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM - Meat Pie Supper - tickets on sale - $6.00 adult and $3.00 Child under 12 Sunday - December 18th - Open 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM: 8 AM to 12 PM - Breakfast with Santa 12:30 PM - The Village Players present their latest Christmas Production, "One Small Voice," for your enjoyment.

1:30 PM - Holiday Family Feud Game - come participate with your family in this live game show.

1 PM to 7 PM - Open Kitchen -light lunch and refreshments 7 PM - Ecumenical Christmas Concert - a wonderful potpourri of talent in the spirit of Christmas, followed by refreshments.

Site 2: United Church of Assonet, North Main Street Daily Events: Life of Christ Exhibit - Gospel scenes come to life.

Historic Revere bell on display Friday - December 16th - Open 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM: 6 PM to 9 PM - Horse and Carriage rides through the village Saturday - December 17th- Open 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM: 7 PM - Apponequet Vocal Groups - a very talented g- :' of high school students performing for your enjoyment 7:45 PM - "A Holiday Tale," as told by Pastor Don Bliss of East Freetown Christian Congregational Church, a master story weaver holds you spellbound.

Sunday - December 18th - Open 12 PM to 6:00 PM: Site 3: Freetown Historical Society, Slab Bridge Road, Assonet Saturday - December 17th - Open 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Sunday - December 18th - Open 12:00PM to 6:00 PM: "The Christmas in the Village" exhibit - a lighted, miniature village depicting life in a simpler time.

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'TIS THE SEASON (Clockwise from left) Father Marc H. Bergeron stands near his display of St. Nicholas statues; a New Mexican creche from the collection of Father Timothy J. Goldrick; a Paradise Tree adorns the entrance to the rectory at St. Dominic Church, Swansea; Father Goldrick shows off a small part of his collection; one of several southwestern nativity sets from the collection of Father Bruce M. Neylon; Father Neylon and his shadowbox Nativity sets.

(Anchor/Gordon photos)

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eVD/video reviews路 NEW YORK (CNS)- Thefol- come together to stop the villainlowing are capsule reviews ofnew ous Dr. Doom (Julian McMahon). and recent DVD and video releases Despite ham-fisted dialogue, bad from the Office for Film & Broad- acting, chintzy sets and, at tinies, casting of the U.S. Conference of cheesy special effects, director Tim Story's film has goofy campiness Catholic Bishops. but doesn't take itselftoo seriously, "Cinderella Man" (2005) Moving true-life story of De- and manages to impart a positive pression-era boxer Jimmy message about teamwork and acBraddock (Russell Crowe in top cepting those who are different. fOIDI) who-after several years out Intense comic-book a~tion vio(- of the ring, working on the docks lence, some sexual innuendo and - took up fighting again to sup- brief mildly crude language. The port his loving wife (Renee USCCB Office for Film & BroadZellweger) and their three young casting classification is A-IT children, and against all odds made adults and adolescents. The Moa tremendous comeback, eventually tion Picture Association of going up against the notorious Max America rating is PG-13 - parBaer (Craig Bierko). Director R9n ents are strongly cautioned. Some Howard has made an absorbing film material may be inappropriate for with first-rate perfonnances (in- children under 13. (Fox) "Kidnapped" (2005) cluding that of Paul Giamatti as his Robert Louis Stevenson's clasnianager) and authentic period flavor; though the boxing sequences sic tale concerning young David are strOJ;1g, they're far less graphic Balfour (James Anthony Pearson), than similarly themed fIlms, and the a Scottish boy from the Lowlands, hUDlan story of Jimmy's devotion shipped to sea under the machinato his family is paramount. Much tions ofhis wicked Uncle Ebenezer period profanity, some crude lan- (Adrian Dunbar), who wants to guage and ring violence with blood. cheat him out his rightful inheritThe USCCB Office for Film & ance after the lad's father dies in Broadcasting classification is A-III 1751 Scotland. Davie is rescued - adults. The Motion Picture Asso- from a future of indentured serviciation of America rating is'PG-13 - tude by blockade-running Scottish - parents are strongly cautioned. rebel Alan Breck (lain Glen), and Some material may be inappropri- together they deternline to confront ate for-children under 13. (Univer- his uncle, and undennine the British occupiers. Director Brendan sal) Maher's letterboxed production, "The Dukes of Hazzard" which originally aired on PBS' (2005) Sleazed-up film version of the "Masterpiece Theatre," grips you popularielevision series about right from the start, and the draredneck rascals Luke and Bo Duke matic tension holds your interest (Johnny Knoxville and Seann Wil- from first to last. The cast is splenlianl Scott), who with the help of did with Glen'a grand and chariscurvaceous cousin Daisy (Jessica matic hero. It's good to be reSimpson) and moonshine-running minded of a time when heroes Uncle Jesse (Willie Nelson) foil the were motivated by truly noble purshady land dealings of crooked lo- poses and fought for a cause. cal politician "Boss" Hogg (Burt There's typical swordplay,shootReynolds). Directed by Jay ing, fleeting bloodshed, an almostChandrasekhar, the movie plays like hanging and even an attempted .an episode ofthe original TV show, suicide, but nothing to prevent this capturing its rip-roaring spirit, but being recommendable to all but the also introducing a raunchier brand youngest children. (WGBH) "The Ninth Day" (2005) bfhUDlor that pushes the envelope Quietly compelling drama of its PG-13 rating. Recurring action violence, sexual situations and about a Catholic priest (Ulrich hUDlor, drug references, Southern Matthes) temporarily released stereotYPes, reckless behavior, fla- from a concentration camp and grant if comical disregard for au- returned to his native Luxembourg, thority, as well as some crude lan- where a young SS officer (August guage arid gestures and profanity. Diehl) infornls hinl that he has nine The USCCB Office for Film & days to convince the staunchly anti-Nazi bishop to sign a letter Broadcasting classification is L limited adult audience, films whose supporting Hitler, leading to a problematic content many adults battle of wills in which the priest would find troubling. The Motion must choose between survival and Picture Association ofAmerica rat- the dictates of his conscience. ing is PG-13 - parents are strongly Loosely' based on the prison diacautioned. Some material may be ries ofreal-life Luxembourg priest inappropriate for children under 13. Father Jean Bernard, and intelli- gently directed by Jesuit-educated (Warner Bros.)

German filmmaker Volker "Fantastic Four" (2005) Occasionally fun, but mostly Schlondorff, the picture is an emotionally forceful and morally comunfantas~ic, superhero movie based on the Marvel comic-book plex meditation on faith, redempseries about four scientists en- tion and the cost of true discipledowed by cosmic rays with super- ship. Subtitles. Several images of powers - the elastic Mr. Fantas- sadistic violence, including a crutic (loan Gruffudd), Invisible cifixion, as well as some crude lanWoman (Jessica Alba), self-com- guage. The USCCB Office for bustible Human Torch (Chris Film & Broadcasting classification Evans) and superstrong rocklike is A-III - adults. Not rated by the Thing (Michael Chiklis) - who Motion Picture Association of America. (Kino)

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SARAH JESSICA Parker .(Ieft), Dermot Mulroney, Craig T. Nelson, Diane Keaton and Rachel McAdams star in a scene from the movie liThe Family Stone." For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo from 20th Century Fox)

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lCCll)sLlles NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference ofCatholie Bishops.

"Aeon Flux" (Paramount) Stylish but nonsensical sci-fi action adventure set in a distant future where the last remnant of a plague-thinned humanity lives in a walled, socially engineered "perfect" society, and centers on a female assassin (a cat-suit-clad Charlize Theron) conflicted about her assigned target: the utopia's totalitarian ruler (Marton Csokas), whom she senses holds the secret to the unexpl~ined disappearance of citizens as well as to her own shrouded past. Directed by Karyn Kusama and based on the popular series of MTV animated shorts, the film's "Matrix"-style acrobatics and visual panache can't disguise emotional flatness and a barely coherent script littered with videogame carnage. Much stylized violence, brief gore and a sexual encounter. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L-limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling., The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 - parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropri'ate for children under 13.

"The Family Stone" (20th Century Fox) Bittersweet Christmas comedy-drama as a New York businessman (Dermot Mu,lroney)

brings his controlling but so- cultural allowances for the concially awkward fiancee (Sarah cept of a geisha - strictly speakJessica Parker) home to New ing' a woman trained to converse England to meet the family with and entertain men with (played by Diane Keaton, Luke dance and music - but there is Wilson, Rachel McAdams and a discreetly portrayed sexual . Craig T. Nelson among others), component to the story as related but sensing that everyone dis- here. Some sexual banter and dislikes her, the woman invites her creetly filmed sexual situations, sister (Claire Danes) to join her including a sexual assault, and a for moral support, leading to ro- couple of violent episodes. The mantic complications. Writer- USCCB Office for Film & director Thomas Bezucha's low- Broadcasting classification is Akeyed film takes its time getting III - adults. The Motion Picture started, and is not devoid of con- Association of America rating is trivances, but the cast is excel- PG-13 - parents are strongly lent, and the plot ultimately cautioned. Some material may be leads to a moving, life-affirming inappropriate for children under conclusion. Some profanity and 13. crude languagy, light sexual "Yours, Mine & Ours" (Paramount) banter, partial nudity, a same-sex Inferior remake of the 1968 couple and their adopting a child, premarital situations, and 'Henry Fonda-Lucille Ball drug references. The USCCB charmer about a widowed naOffice for Film & Broadcasting val officer (Dennis Quaid) with classification is A-In - adults. eight children, and a free-spirThe Motion Picture Association ited widow (Rene Russo) with of America rating is PG-13 10, who marry years after beparents are strongly cautioned. ing high school sweethearts, Some material may be inappro- and the comic complications that arise from merging the -priate for children under 13.

"Memoirs of a Geisha" families. Despite a heart-tug(Sony/Columbia) ging ending, director Raja Beautifully filmed and finely Gosnell relies on too much unacted adaptation of Arthur realistic slapstick and though Golden's best-seller about a girl Quaid gives an accomplished (Ziyi Zhang) sold by her family performance, Russo is utterly into being a geisha in pre-World bland, making the original a far War II Japan, and her over-the- better bet all around. Some mild years love for a businessman innuendo. The USCCS Office (Ken Watanabe) who bought her for Film & Broadcasting clasice cream as a child. Director sification is A-I - general paRob Marshall has crafted what is tronage. The Motion Picture basically an unrequited romance Association of America rating of the kindliollywood used to is PG - parental guidance sugmake, though one must make gested.

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 film reviews up on the Catholic News Service Website.

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

Friday, December 16, 2005

111

the ancholS)

Camden priest named rector of the U.S. seminary in Rome ROME (CNS) - Msgr. James F. Checchio, a priest ofthe Diocese ofCamden, N.J., has been named rector ofthe North American College, the U.S. seminary in Rome.

Msgr. Chccchio, 39, has been vice rector for administration at the seminary since 2003. He will succeed Msgr. Kevin C. McCoy, who will move to Washington to direct the college's $25 million capital campaign after more than four years as rector.

The appointments, announced December 12, were made by the college's board of governors, and Msgr. Checchio's nomination as rector was approved by the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education.

The rector oversees the fonnation of 170 seminarians. Also wlder his care are the 71 U.S. priests living at the college's Casa Santa Maria while pursuing graduate degrees in Rome and the 60 priests enrolled in the college's institute for continuing fonnation.

Msgr. Checchio, an alumnus of the North Amen-can College, told CatholicNews Service he hoped to follow the same path outlined by Pope Benedict XVI for his pontificate -

Maria Parker to retire from MCC position December 31 BOSTON - Maria C. Parker, associate director for Public Policy, will retire at the end of tile year after working with the Massachusetts Catholic Conference (MCC) since 1998. Initially hired for a tllree-year tenn as project Director of In Support of Life, the Catholic bishops' firstever statewide educational initiative on end-of-life care, Parker was appointed to her current position in 2000.

A video and other materi!lls produced under her direction for the In Support of Life Project are now being used internationally. While at tile MCC, Parker lobbied on a broad range of issues, lending partieularexpertise to debates concerning the protection of human life and safeguarding the family. She was an articulate spokesperson, addressing numerous gatlterings besides speaking to legislators and the media. She was an effective advocate for the Church, and will be missed greatly.

Parker will remain active in her work as the main MARIA C. PARKER representative at the United Nations for the World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations.

In addition, she plans to continue to speak and offer consultation to other groups on international and national public policy issues.

The following is a statement from Parker on her retirement: "I am grateful to the bishops for giving me the opportunity to serve the Church and for their warm support throughout my time here at the Conference. It has been inspirational to collaborate on a daily basis with all the wonderful people who are dedicated to advancing truth, bringing justice, and working towards a well-ordered society based on the wisdom of the Church's unique social vision of the human person. I leave with an especially high regard and appreciation for those officials in the public policy arena who stood strong even when confronted witlt tremendous public pressure to abandon their support ofChurch teaching on matters affecting the common good.

I will miss everyone, though I look forward to sharing more time with my husband, our five children and their spouses, and our six grandchildren. Nonetheless, I wiII continue to put in my two cents worth on issues that concern the dignity of human life and the family."

"not following my own progranl, but listening to the Lord." ''My hope and prayer is to help the men grow to be happy, holy, zealous priests," he said.

Although as vice rector for administration he has overse.en fmancial and legal matters for the college, Msgr.

Checchio said he also was part ofthe fonnation team "working with the men to help them be men offaith, integrity and hope."

Although located in Rome and required to file an extensive report with the education congregation each year, tlte college will be part ofthe Vatican-mandated visitation of all U. S. seminaries in tile wake of the clerical sex abuse crisis, Msgr. Checchio said.

Msgr. Checchio said it is clear that while the students live and study in Rome, they still are affected by the news, the questions and the scandal created by the abuse crisis.

"It is a difficult endeavor they are involved in," he said. ''But it also motivates them to be men of God in touch with God. ''What they see and hear about the scandal affects them,

but it also encourages tllem to take their fornlation more se- . riously," he said.

Msgr. Checchio said working in a seminary "is privileged work. The zeal and desire of the men to serve inspire me."

He will take over as rector January 16, said Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien, archbishop for U.S. military services and chainnan of the college's board ofgovernors.

"Our new rector comes witll a wealth of pastoral and administrative experience in his home diocese as well as two successful years as our college's vice rector," Archbishop O'Brien said in a written statement. ''We are very fortunate to have a priest as exemplary and capable as Msgr. Checchio in this key position of responsibility for our Church."

Ordained to the priestltood in 1992, Msgr. Checchio holds a doctorate in canon law from Rome's Angelicwn University.

He has served the Diocese of Camden as vice chancellor, as a member of the marriage tribunal and as diocesan director ofcommunications. In 2004, he earned a master's degree in business administration from La Salle University in Philadelphia.

~ ~llr The Directors, Officers and Staff of Lafayette Federal Savings Bank appreciate your continued patronage, and e~end to you and your family a joyous holiday season.

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'The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro wishes a'lI a Merry Christmas anc.l Happy Blessed New Year as ,we celebrate "We Are The Light Of The World." We invite you to visit the La Salette Festival of Lights until January 1, 2006.

Please visit our web site at http:// www.lasalette-~hrine.org.Open site map and then Christmas link. "

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112 COl1til1uedfrom page eight God. Nativity sets there became popular at the tim~ of the French Revolution when people were very secularized and didn't go to church. So the creche at home became central to life. The set I have is by Carvonel, one of the best in the business and is of terra cotta."

Father Bergeron's collection had its start about 15 years ago and now has more than 75 statues of St. Nick as well.

"I keep my eyes open for such things on my travels and the St.. Nicks came from many countries. They are of different sizes, materials and makers. What makes them collectible is that while there are some - there at not many," he added.

For Father Neylon, Christmas and the Nativity scene "have been special to me since I was a young boy growing up. I really am into this season. And the creche is always inspiring to me."

While serving at Sturdy Hospital in Attleboro in 1979, he encountered the Bullock Fanlily which operated a store dealing in Native American items, and that opened a whole new vista on the Navajos.

With his interest in Native American art, he found what he was looking for on a trip to the pueblos or villages in New Mexico about 10 years ago. His collection of creches, many in his rectory study, number about 80. Some are always on view in the church for all to ponder.

"What's unique is that those the Native Americans call "the elders." which we know as the three kings or M~gi, give presents that represent their culture, to the Christ Child. The gift bearers are seen presenting pottery, a blanket or bread."

They depict the Nativity as happening in their locale, and often include Christian saints introduced to them by the missionaries and adopted into their culture through their artistry.

In the villages, like in the Acoma pueblo, usually those with storytellers, artists create Nativity scenes in various mediums including pottery, and others sculptured by hand in clay in different styles and hand-painted.

Some artists do only the Holy Family, others include the Magi and shepherds. and animals too. One of his sets includes a buffalo. Some sets are simple, some are more elaborate; and they are the work of unknown artists and some o well known.

"I became very interested and so began my collection, and they vary," Father Neylon said. "For instance, from Santa Clara pueblo, the Nativity sets, most of which are between three and five inches tall, are in either red or black pottery, depending on how they are fired. " Navajo art has also taken over his Christmas Tree, Father Neylon said. The unusual decorations, some in pottery, include dream catchers. "They are circular and may have feathers dangling from them, and contain a center of webbing and fetishes -like arrow points - that prevent the bad from entering," he sai.d.

The "collecting bug" bit Father Dariusz Kalinowski about 10 years ago.

"That's when I began seriously," the parochial vicar of Our Lady of Victory Parish, who was ordained in 1999, said.

"I think we all.have memories of going to church and seeing the Christmas displays and entering in to the spirit of Christmas; and it has always been that way for me. It moves people to celebrate

Friday, December 16, 2005 _ the Birth of Christ."

A native of Poland, he admits to "a deep interest in all the culture of the world, especially the ancien~ ones and their beauties. So I thought I would like to have a different Nativity set from every culture or at least frol;1 every country. " Currently he has nearly 100 sets, the major portion from Poland where, during visits, he obtains new ones. "Thev are all different, because the region"s have different styles, and the focus changes," he said. "Some have stables, some have castles, some have houses."

He also has sets from the pueblos, admittedly.under the influence of Father .Neylon, "but also because it is an ancient culture of our country."

He also has one or two from most of the countries in Europe, and unusual ones from Asia, China, "and from the mountainous countries like Kazakhstan which I can't even pronounce," he said laughing.

"For the last several years I have put my displays in the church, for while they inspire me I hope they will also inspire other people too. The displays will soon be in place here in Centerville."

The Anchor s call to Father Viveiros in Swansea was timely forthe story on creches.

"I'm in the I~iddle of packing to travel to Germany for the Christmas Market Tour on the Rhine," the member of the Cape Cod Creche Society reported.

"Basically, I'm scoping it out to see if I can offer a pilgrimage kind of tour for people next year. There are many people who are 1nterested in creche;. and are members of the Creche Society: and I'm offering it to them." ., Father Viveiros said he's been collecting "for as long as Father Goldrick, because we both began collecting in the Azores in the 1980s.

How many Nativity sets does he have? "I stopped counting after 100," he quipped.

He also has a wide collection of other Christmas memorabilia that includes Santas, angels, and decorations. "It 路all began with family sets. My current collection includes pieces from Portugal, Africa, South America, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Philippines and Russia."

And there are other liturgical season pi'eces that include Ukrainian Easter Eggs that offer a unique Christmas link.

"I have a Ukrainian Christmas Tree with Ukrainian Easter Eggs and at the base it has a St. Nicholas and a Russian Nativity Set. I'll set them up when'I return from Germany for all to see. And they will continue on display until February 2, the feast of Our Lady of the Star or Candlemas Day, which is the old world end of the Christmas season."

The parish display will also include Christmas Trees from around the world; including the French Paradise Tree with tassels and roses; and more topically; a small Mardi Gras-style tree to com"" memorate those looking to celebrate in New Orleans after suffering from Hurricane Katrina.

How did all this begin?

"A long time ago, I used to buy pieces for my Nativity set from Kresge's and Woolworth's with money from my Fall River paper route as a kid," Father Viveiros said, "Some of the pieces from the Five and Ten Cent Store still have the price tags on the bottom. Some cost only 19 cents. Today, if you can find them in the antique stores, you pay up to $12."

Bioethics debate must tie human dignity to other values, says expert

By AGOSTINO BONO CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

lated but no one has violated his rights," he said. "Yet it says something about the WASHINGTON - The concept ofhu- way a society views human dignity."

Torture is a violation of a person's man dignity needs to be tied to other moral values such as justice if it is to in- rights and dignity, he added.路 "Burning the bodies of dead Islamic fluence social behavior and public policy, 'said Paul Weithman, philosophy depart- soldiers is a violation of human dignity, ment chairman at the University of Notre but not a violation of rights because the soldiers were. dead," he said.

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A person's rights and his dignity are Citing reproductive technology, not always the sanle or weighed equally, Weithman said many advanced techhe said December 9 at a meeting in niques are affordable only to the wealthy.

Washington of the Poor 90uples should President's Council on be aided in accessing Bioethics. He was inthese techniques as a "Everyone agrees that matter of justice, not vited to speak on "llUman dignity as a bioet- suffering from ole! age and because infertility is a hical concept." dementia is undignified," violation of their human The council advises he said, but people dis- dignity, he said.

President George W. agree as to what can be Another invited Bush on bioethical isspeaker, James sues. Dr. Edmund done about it. "Supporters Childress, professor of Pellegrino, a physician of assisted suicide want it biomedical ethics at the and longtime leader in both ways. They want as- University of Virginia, developing bioethical sisted suicide from doctors said human dignity is a standards based on who are caring and com- useful concept even Catholic values, is though some people passionate but willing to criticize chairman of the council. it as "a loose "Human dignity reso- kill them. " canon" in p.ublic policy nates with many of the debates. moral traditions that shape us," . Critics say the concept is contained alWeithman said, but noted that people dif- ready in the ideas of respect for the perfer in how they apply the concept. son and respect for personal autonomy, Both sides in the 'physician-assisted he said. suicide debate cite human dignity- as a Childress distinguished betweell reason for their position, said Weitlunan, human dignity as a "standard of rights who has written articles opposing the le- and duties" and as a "standard of virgalization of assisted suicide. tlie. " "Everyone agrees that suffering from It is easier to make a case for legislaold age and dementia is undignified," he tion if human dignity is seen as a stansaid, but people disagree as to what can dard of rights and duties, he said. be done about it.

International human rights and reli"Supporters of assisted suicide want gious groups often use human dignity as it both ways. They want assisted suicide a me'asure of rights and duties as the bafrom doctors who are caring and com- sis for their stands, said Childress. passionate but willing to kill them," he As a "standard of virtue," the concept said. of human dignity focuses on how an acRegarding human rights and dignity, tion reflects on the person performing it, Weithman said there are cases in which he said. the concept of human dignity makes In the case of human cloning, such a people see a wrong ev路en though no rights standard would measure the character of are violated. the person performing the cloning rather . "A homeless person living in squalor than the effect this has on the embryo, he said. .

III the streets has his human dignity vio-

Carmelite

Continuedfrom page one

study English and grow in the spiritual life. " He was professed a Carmelite on June 18, 1976 and ordained to the priesthood on Oct. 11, 1980 at St. Joseph Church, Troy, N.Y Father D~nault said it was a "great joy" to see his family and friends again and share the celebration with them. He was also grateful for the love and support he has received from those people throughout the years.

"We're very proud of what he's accomplished," said his father, Roger Denault. "It was great to see him and it was quite a turnout for the Mass. He was very happy and we're happy for him," he added. . According to Mr. Denault, the Carmelites are not officially recognized by the local Vietnamese government, but they are trying to establish themselves by seeking native vocations. His son is working with Carmelite Father Mario

Esposito and may be in Vietnam another four to five years. The order has had a presence in Vietnam since 1996.

"I miss him, but he's a Godsend to us and other people," declared Denault.

Father Denault said he finds the native people to be friendly and warm and he is enjoying his time in Vietnam.

"The biggest difficulty is with the language. I spend most of my time preparing classes and teaching English to our students and. at a local language school. " The Carmelite Order was founded on Mt. Carmel in 1209 to be devoted to prayer and the spiritual life. They later took on an active ministry similar to the Franciscans and Dominicans.

"While the cloistered nuns are the most famous branch of the order," Father Denault said, "the friars have been involved in parishes, schools, as hospital chaplains and in spiritual direction. It is a unique way of being a religious."

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Friday, December 16, 2005

n

You can

ATTLEBORO - Perpetual eucharistic adoration is held at St. Joseph's Church, 208 South Main Street. For more information call 508-226-

Donovan House, a transitional home for women and children, seeks volunteers to share their time, knowledge and skills. Training and ongoing support will be provided.

For more information call 508-

1115.

999-5893.

FALL RIVER - A holy hour is held every Tuesday from 78 p.m. at Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street. It includes rosary, confession and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. For more information call 508-679-6732.

NORTH DARTMOUTH A pilgrimage with Bishop George W. Coleman to Washington, D.C., for the annual March for Life is being organized by the Pro-Life Apostolate for January 22-24.

It will include Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. A youth bus is available. For more information call 508-

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

WEST HARWICH - The Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Church, Route 28, invites people to spend an hour or two in prayer. This regional chapel of the mid-Cape area depends on the support of people. For more information call 508-430-4716.

WEST HARWICH - A monthly holy hour will be held Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church. Rosary will be followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. For more information call 508-430-

4716.

LECTURES/ PRESENTATIONS

NEW BEDFORD - Students from Holy Family-Holy Name School will celebrate the birth of Our Lord in song and Tableau Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Lawrence Martyr Church, 556 County Street.

Attendees are asked to bring a $2 donation and canned good for the needy. For more informa'tion call 508-993-

3547.

MiSCELLANEOUS

INDIA Father Paul Kocheekaran is seeking used Christmas cards, rosaries, small statues and stationary for schools within his parish mission. Items can be sent to his attention: Mount Carmel Cathedral, Alleppey 688001, Kerala, India.

997-2290.

SEEKONK - Th'e local food pantry, Doorways, Inc., is seeking volunteers to stock shelves during the week or assist clients on Saturday mornings. For more information call Katie Malo at 508-

761-5491.

SOCIAL

ATTLEBORO - The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette is hosting the annual Christmas Festival of Lights now through January 1, 2006. Illuminations are from 5-9 p.m. daily and the 2005 theme is "We are the Light of the World." Singer Titiana will perform December 19 at 7 p.m. For more information call

508-222-5410.

SUPPORT GROUPS

ORLEANS - The Separated-Divorced Catholics Support Group will meet for its annual Christmas dinner and Yankee Swap December 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the parish center of St. Joan of Arc Church. Attendees should bring an appetizer or dessert and a wrapped $10 gift. For more information call Father Richard Roy at 508-255-

wish me a...

Merry Christmas!

FATHER BRIAN McSweeney, pastor of Our Lady of Loretto Parish in Cold Spring, NY, offers a wide variety of merchandise, such as this bumper sticker bearing the slogan "You can wish me a Merry Christmas!" on the Website www.MerryChristmas.ms. He wants the world to know "it's not a 'Happy Holiday,' it's a 'Merry Christmas.'" (CNS courtesy Father McSweeney)

Knights of Columbus campaign to 'keep Christ in Christmas' NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CNS)Local councils of the Knights of Columbus kicked offthe Christmas season in early December by participating in "Light Up for Christ" programs, organized by the fraternal organization to increase awareness of the true meaning of Christmas.

Councils were encouraged to hold·a Christmas tree or Nativity scene lighting ceremony on the fIrst Tuesday of December to commemorate Christ's birth.

In addition, the Knights of Columbus provides public service announcements to radio and television stations nationwide urging people to keep Christ in Christmas.

This year, radio spots encouraging people to help the less fortunate in keeping with the spirit ofChristmas were produced in English and for the fIrst time in Spanish. A television public service announcement - which fIrst ran last year - is being sent to TV networks and hundreds oflocal broadcast stations and cable television systems.

The fraternal organization has been producing Christmas public service announcements since the 1980s. According to a news release from the Knights, the radio and televisi9n promotions have reached more than 20 million television viewers and as many as 27 million

Pope: Season being spoiled by commercial

chain, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., radio listeners each year.

"In a modern society that is in- planned to sponsor full-page advercreasingly commercial and secular, tisements in 270 newspapers across it is all too easy to lose sight of the the U.S. December 25 with the true meaning of Christmas," said message "It's a boy!"

"What better way to celebrate Supreme Knight Carl Anderson in a statement. "Even those who do the true meaning ofChristmas than not share the Christian faith can and with asingle birth annOlmcement?" do appreciate the message ofpeace said a release on the ads from thc and hope that this Christian holiday JagerGroup, a marketing and com- holy day - brings to the world. munications finn in Grand Rapids, It is a message that the world needs Mich., which created the ads.

"By presenting tlus age-old mesnow more than ever."

Individuals and organizations sage in an everyday maimer through around the country were promoting a commonly used phrase, we're sunilar efforts to combat what they hoping to touch a cord in all who say is a gro\ving trend to secularize see it," said Jager's senior art director, Rob Jackson. His creative Christmas.

A priest in Cold Spring, N.Y., tealn also used tile theme in outdoor recently launched a Website that advertising, a 30-second TV spot, sells a wide variety ofmerchandise and signage for buildings as well with the words: "You can wish me as newspaper ads.

"Our goal is to reach hundreds aMeny Christmas!" Any proceeds from the sale of the items were go- of thousands of people on Christing to supportyouth programs at his mas morning through a variety of fornlats, each sponsored by a difparish, Our Lady of Loretto.

Meanwhile, a national retail ferent corporate partner," he said.

Charlie's Oil Co., ·Inc. • Prompt 24 Hour Service • Automatic Deliveries • Call In Deliveries • BUdget Terms Available • Free Estimates

You Never Had Service Until You Tried Charlie's We're located at ...

46 Oak Grove Ave., Fall River or-call ...

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pollutio~

VATICAN CITY (CN.S) Pope Benedict XVI said the contemporary Christmas season is be0170. ing spoiled by "commercial pollution" that obscures the true NORTH DARTMOUTH meaning of Christ's humble birth.

NEW BEDFORD - The Project Rachel, a ministry of People need to remember that healing and reconciliation for Christ was born in a manger, in a post abortion women and sign of poverty, the pope said.

Corrections There are three corrections to . men is available by calling Later, keeping up a tradition of the infonnation provided by 508-997-3300. If you are still Pope John Paul II, he blessed Nahurting from an abortion ex- tivity creche figurines of baby Catholic Citizenship and printed perience they can help. All Jesus held up by thousands ofItalin the December 2 edition of The calls are kept strictly confi- ian children in St. Peter's Square.

Anchor. St. Francis Xavier in dential.

Hyannis collected 416 signaThe custom of putting up Natures, St. Joseph in Taunton 135, tivity scenes in the home is a NORTH FALMOUTH and St. Paul in Taunton 1l0. simple and effective way ofbringSt. Elizabeth Seton Can- ing back the real meaning of The Moreover, in the homily of the cer Support Group will meet Christmas, the pope said. week for the same edition, the December 21 at 7 p.m. in the "TIlls remains the sign, even for church.

For more information us, men and women of the 2000s.

Hanington was aday off. He was call 508-563-7770. ordained June 5, 2004.

There is no otherChristmas,"he said.

The Franciscans Immaculate Conception Province .

(OFM)

Vocation Director: Br. Charles Gingerich, ofm Email: Charles848@aoLcom Website:

WWW.FRANCISCANYOC.ORG

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1-800.-521-5442 (days) 1-888-521-5442 (evenings) 978-863-0042 978-863-0041 (evenings only) FAX: 978-863-0172 USA 459 River Road Andover, MA 01810-4213 CANADA 2210 Lawrence Ave. East Toronto ONT. MIP 2P9

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14

Friday, December 16, 2005

St. Mary's Primary School exemplifies spirit of the season TAUNTON - On Sunday, December 4th, despite cold temperatures and snow, St. Mary's Primary School in Taunton rallied for faith in the annual Taunton Christmas Parade.

The parade's theme, "The Nutcracker," was incorporated in the form of a float titled "Our faith comes to life at St. Mary's." It featured a replica ofthe school along with students dressed as nutcrackers. The children wore red sweatshirts made to look like nutcrackers with hats constructed of paint buckets.

The float was led by Fifth STUDENTS FROM St. James-St. John School, New Bedford, helped with a Christmas program for the needy at Catholic Social Services on a vacation day. From left: Gabrielle, Grade students Angie Smith, Katie Lynch, Sam Gomes and Monteiro" Alana Monteiro, Kelci Ann Raposo, Victoria Pereira, and Kristen Botas.

Olivia Stephenson holding a banner, followed closely by FourthGrade teacher John Castro and

Principal Brian Cote. , Cindy Bernard, chair of the school's Student Life Committee, was happy with the turnout and said "We had about 30 children on the float and many new families joined us this year. That is what this float is all about for us, coming together and expressing our sense of community."

Many parents helped to make the float possible this year and thanks went out to Classic Chrysler for donating a building space as well as Giant RV World for pr,oviding the trailer.

Participating in the annual Christmas Parade has become tradition for students at St. Mary's who come together each year to share, by example, the true spirit ofChristmas with their community.

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THE FALL RIVER Futsal League recently started its,2005 season and welcomed teams from several schools including St. Stanislaus, Holy Name, St. Michael's and Notre Dame.

Pictured is the St. Michael's squad. '

STUDENTS AT St. John the Evangelist School, Attleboro, have been lighting a candle each week as they celebrate Advent and prepare for the birth of Christ. The candle lighting is followed by prayer. Students have also collected hats and, mittens to give to the St. Vincent de Paul Society for those in need. From left are students Donovan Tkach, Delia Tinory and Matthew Castro.

,

KOREAN WAR veteran Roland Gendron and Vietnam War LOTS OF SMILES were found at the second annual Joseph Gazzola Scholarship Night held at Morin's Restaurant in Attleboro. The Joseph Gazzola Scholarship is awarded to a Bishop Feehan senior each year. From left are Chris Servant. Class of '66; Elise Servant, '67; Lou Gazzola, '66; Mindy Morrel, '97 and Pat Gazzola.

veter~n John Remedls recently visited students at Our Lady

of Mt. Carmel School, New Bedford, where they explained the meaning behind armed service symbols and talked about their experiences. With them are students Jennifer Medeiros.

Martinho Correia and Michael Ferreira.

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Friday, December 16, 2005

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'Year-end review of music

By CHARLIE

CATHOLIC SCHOOL third-graders Jessica Rikke, left, and Lilly Barkes unpack and mark some of the 366 toys they delivered to the Catholic Charities Christmas Store in Indianapolis recently. The games, dolls, trucks, stuffed animals, books, crafts and other toys will be given to children whose parents cannot afford to buy presents for Christmas. (CNS photo by Mary Ann Wyand, The Criterion)

KEVIN VALERA, 15, practices with the Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bell Ringers at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Oakland, Calif., recently. Members of the choir will be among thousands of boy singers ringing in the New Year with a concert at the Vatican January 1. (CNS photo by Greg Tarczynski)

What is the power ofa new and bold idea?

One big idea - "Make poverty history!" - was behind the biggest music happening of the past year, the Live 8 concerts. Millions attended the concerts held in July in nine cities worldwide; a billion more listened via the Web and TV. Live 8's organizers asked us to commit to "the long walk to justice." They asked, "Will you journey with today's musicians as they challenge world govemments to seek justice and poverty's alleviation in Africa and other suffering places?"

Back in 1985, Live Aid concerts raised $100 million to help famine victims. Twenty years later, Live 8 organizers say their effort is about justice, not charity. The Live 8 concerts were held just before the meeting in Scotland of the G-8 nations, the world's eight richest countries. Live 8 organizers called on G-8 leaders to find government solutions to world poverty and hunger.

I believe these July concerts were the musical highlight of2005.

I hope that you, along with your youth group or religious education class, are following up on this event. If you need help to focus your efforts on Live 8's big idea, check out the Web at makepovertyhistory.org.

Also, join with fellow Catholics around the United States in fighting'poverty through the work of Catholic Relief Services (www.crs.org). Consider how your youth group can get involved, in practical ways, with two opportuni-

MARTIN -

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

ties offered by CRS, the "Gift of Hope" program (crsgifts.org) and "My Global Village" (myglobalvillage.org).

Other musical developments of note in 2005 included Green Day's return to the spotlight with their megahit "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" off the "American Idiot" disc. That song about disappointments prompted my column about how to overcome discouragement.

and loneliness when life does not evolve as we hoped.

Matchbox 20 fans were surprised when the group disbanded. But in 2005 lead singer Rob Thomas returned as a solo artist. His "Lonely No More" also addressed the challenge of loneliness. In my column, I suggested that deepening our connection with God can help fulfill more of the innate hunger for a loving connection in life.

Two 1990s' "boy bands" emerged from distant memory in 2005. Backstreet returned to the charts with "Incomplete." The song was reminiscent oftheir better

ballads. It reflected on the pain of ending a relationship at a point when hope for getting past current problems still existed. And Duran Duran reappeared with the hit "What Happens Tomorrow," a song about finding ways to overcome fear so that we can attain the promise and satisfaction life offers.

My favorite in the new talent category has Howie Day's "Collide," a song about destiny in relationships. I was also quite taken with the vocal abilities of Anna Nalick on her debut hit "Breathe (2AM)."

Among my favorite groups is the "nearly Christian" band Switchfoot. Their new disc ''Nothing Is Sound" featured one .ofthe best songs in 2005, "Stars."

The song asked us to recognize hurts both in our personal lives and our world. As we face these aspects oflife, Switchfoot encouraged us to find perspective and larger purpose by observing the grander reality around us. We are part of God's world and we can trust his guidance for us and for our world. To do this, we need habits that renew us when we feel down and empower us to do whatever good we can.

I want to thank everyone who wrote to me in 2005. Your comments truly helped me in writing this column. I look forward to how today's music can speak to us with new and positive messages throughout the coming year.

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

The Millennial Generation As a year ends, many teens and adults look back and grade the past year, and also look with excitement and anticipation at the new year. What will the new year be like?

Will it be better than this past year? Will there be great changes, or will it be more of the same? Looking at the bigger picture, most teens reading this look with a similar excitement and anticipation about the next 10 or more years. Will I go to college? What kind ofjob will I have or business will I start? What will I do with my life? WillI fall in love? Will I get married? Will I have children? Will I make a difference in the world?

Those of us who work with teens look at your generation with wonder and anticipation.

We ask what difference your generation will make to society, and even the world? What mark will the Millennials leave over the next decades? The "Millennials": that's one ofthe titles ofyour generation, those who are 20 years ofage and younger. This designation describes those ofyou who will come ofage and make your mark on society in this new millennium.

I had the privilege of working in the Office ofYouth and Young Adult Ministry in our diocese for nine years, 1994-2003. During those years, one of the things I did was research about modern teen-agers: what you are like; what the trends are; how your

generation views the world, society, family, faith. This information was one ofthe ways I leamed about modern teen-agers and what we can expect from your generation in the years to come.

As a group, you are unlike any other youth generation in living memory. You are more numerous (almost 100-million strong), more affiuent, better educated, and more ethnically diverse. More important, you are beginning to show a wide array of positive social habits that older Americans no longer

By Bud Miller associate with youth, including a new focus on teamwork, achievement, modesty, and good conduct. Over the next decade, the Millennial Generation will entirely recast the image of youth from downbeat and alienated to upbeat and engaged - with potentially seismic consequences for America.

When I looked at the surveys, studies, and .hard facts, nearly every youth indicator has taken a strikingly positive turn. Rates ofyouth crime, school violence, teen pregnancy, abortion, suicide, parent/teen conflict, and drug abuse are all heading down. At the same

Be Not Afraid

time, measures ofteen optimism, achievement, aptitude test scores, chastity, a beliefin God, trust in parents and authorities, community service, and a sense ofpeer solidarity are all heading up. As a group, today's young people are infused with an optimism not seen among teens and young adults in decades.

There was another way I gathered information about you. I leamed it from an old man who was in his late 70s, who was also optimistic about your generation.

This oldman seemed to have deep insights about teen-agers.

He was very, very hopeful about the future ofsociety and the influence Millennials are going to have on it. Where did this old man get his information? The Holy Spirit was certainly one ofhis guides, but this old man also had the privilege ofmeeting millions of teen-agers. In fact, this old man had met more teen-agers than anyone in human history.

They loved him and he loved them. He spoke with teen-agers and young adults all over the world and listened to their dreams and goals.

Because ofthese encounters, he was convinced that your generation is going to be the

next great generation.

Of course, the old man I am talking about is the late Pope John Paul the Great. At World Youth Day events and many other gatherings, he challenged your generation to be promoters of a Culture of Life. He challenged you to be a generation that values family and marriage and children. He challenged you to build a culture ofjustice and peace. He challenged you to open your hearts to Christ and to live for Jesus. He even challenged you "not to be afraid to be the saints of the new millennium." Hundreds of thousands of teens promised him that they would not let him down. I was there at three of~hese youth gatherings, and it inspired me beyond words. After meeting with so many teen-agel's and yOWlg adults over the years, John Paul was convinced that your generation will accept these and other great challenges. He spoke as ifhe had inside information about the effect your generation will have on society.

As I look at the surveys and studies about your generation, coupled with what the pope thought ofyou, I, too, look with excitement and anticipation about the coming y~ars. I look forward to witnessing the mark the Millennials will make. The baton is about to be passed to you. It's time to step up.

Bud Miller is the director ofReligious Education at SL Patrick's Parish, Wareham.

116

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FridalY, December 16,2005

Dear Parishioners, May God the Father, Son and Holy Spirifbless you and your family with all that you need at Christmas and throughout the New Year.

Sincerely in the Lord Jesus, I

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CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2005 CONFESSIONS:

CHRISTMAS MASSES:

NEW YEAR'S SCHEDULE

Christmas Eve Individual Confessions

Saturday, December 24 4:00 P.M. and 6:30 P.M.

Vigil Mass for New Year's Day Saturday, December 31 at 4:00 P.M.

Saturday,' December 24 11:00 A.M. to Noon

Christmas Day Sunday, December 25 7:00,8:30, 10:30 A.M. and Noon

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Mass on New Year's Day Sunday, January 1st is at 7, 8:30, 10:30 A.M. and Noon