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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

F riday , December 19, 2014

Bishop da Cunha’s 2014 Christmas Message

Jesus still is the Reason for the season Dear Friends in Christ, As the celebration of the birth of Christ approaches, we become more and more aware of the changes that have taken place around the celebration of Christmas. Those of us who are a little older remember with nostalgia the time when Christmas was really all about Christ. Unfortunately our secularized culture, materialistic world, and consumeristic society have taken Christ out of Christmas, made Santa Claus the central figure, and made buying and selling the main purpose of the season.

There is a tendency in our modern society to change the whole meaning of Christmas. They even want to change the name. Instead of Christmas, they want to call it Winter Festival; instead of Christmas Tree, they want to call it Community Tree or Holiday Tree; instead of wishing Merry Christmas, they want to wish you Happy Holidays.

As Christians and Catholics, we all have the obligation to bring Christ back to Christmas and make Him again the center of our celebration and the Reason for the season. We have to teach our younger generation that Christmas is about Christ, not Santa. That giving and receiving gifts is a wonderful expression of our love and appreciation for each other, of what we mean to one another, but it is not the only reason why we wait for December 25th.

All that we sing, say and do, all our shopping and decorating, the sending and receiving of cards, calling and emailing each other, should all lead us to welcome Christ into our world, our homes, our lives and our hearts. When we exchange gifts with friends and loved ones, we must remember that God gave us the most Precious Gift of all, the Gift of His only Son Jesus, to us and our world. We must also remember that the most important and most precious gift we can give to one another is the gift of ourselves, our time and our presence.

Unfortunately, there are some who substitute the gift of their presence with material gifts, but they cannot. Our gifts are worthless if they are empty of our giving of ourselves. The personal gift of ourselves, our love, care, concern, and compassion that we show to our family and friends might just be the best gift somebody could receive.

We say that Christmas has become too commercialized and secularized, and it is true. But, instead of just condemning the commercialization and secularization of Christmas, how about bringing the message of Christ into the world with our words and our actions in order to change this reality? Perhaps, instead of cursing the darkness, we may be bearers of His light to the world.

As I celebrate my first Christmas here in the Diocese of Fall River with all of you, my dear brothers and sisters, I want to wish each and every one of you a truly blessed, peaceful and Holy Christmas. May Christ be the center of your Christmas celebration and the center of your lives.

Merry Christmas! Feliz Natal! Feliz Navidad! Buon Natale! Joyeux Noel!

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

From CNS

Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. Bishop of Fall River

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December 19, 2014

Members of St. Mary’s Parish Outreach Ministry, a group based out of St. Mary’s Parish in Fairhaven, made up of a mixture of all ages; the group spends the Christmas season visiting nursing homes in Fairhaven while giving out cards signed by Faith Formation students and parishioners of the parish. Now in its fifth year, the group was the brainchild of St. Mary’s parishioner, Sharon McGraw, who said of the group’s recent visit to Our Lady’s Haven: “We had such a nice visit. Residents on all floors were full of smiles and some sang along with us while we caroled. In fact, the resident birds were singing with us too!”

Diocesan Health Facilities focuses on making the season bright for residents

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor

FALL RIVER — No season other than Christmas can generate such a dichotomy of emotions.

For many, Christmas means gathering with family and friends and expressing the joy of the birth of the Christ Child in a plethora of ways. For many others, they can only dream about such events.

In the Diocese of Fall River the Diocesan Health Facilities Office manages five extended health care facilities, one adult day care facility, and one care manager program for elderly patients.

Through the DHFO agencies, hundreds of area ailing and terminally-ill patients receive rehabilitative or end-of-life care in a Catholic environment which exemplifies Pope Francis’ call to lovingly care for the most vulnerable of God’s family, among which are the sick and the elderly.

Finding oneself in a nursing facility or under the watchful eye of a caregiver can be a traumatic event for those who, at one time in their lives, provided care for others.

That difficult adjustment

is only magnified during the Christmas season. Some patients still have the love and support of family and friends, while others have simply outlived their comrades and family. In either case, each of the seven DHFO agencies has a mission of making spirits bright during this holy season.

The staff and management teams embrace it as their Christian duty to make Christmas special for all of their patients, whether they are alone or have other sources of support.

Our Lady’s Haven serves the communities in the Fairhaven area. “We realize that this time of year can be a particularly sad or difficult time for those without family,” administrator Michael Medeiros told The Anchor. “Staff members who wish to participate, ‘adopt’ a resident and provide them with gifts for Christmas. These gifts are handed out at Christmas so they do not feel forgotten.”

Medeiros said the home also provides other activities throughout the season. There is a special Christmas dinner for residents and their families in the dining room; various Christmas shows are performed by local schools, Turn to page 14

Continuing his tour of diocesan schools and celebrating Mass with the students and staffs, Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., was recently at St. Anthony’s Church in New Bedford where he celebrated Mass with the New Bedford area’s Catholic school children. The top photo shows a filled church. Middle: Bishop da Cunha distributes Holy Communion to students; and bottom, the bishop used the majestic pulpit at the beautiful church to deliver a heartfelt and optimistic homily to the students. (Photos by Becky Aubut) See page 20 for photos of Bishop da Cunha’s visit with students from Cape Cod Catholic schools.

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December 19, 2014

Scripture Alive is bringing the Good Word to 2015

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff

FALL RIVER — As people harken the new year’s arrival with good cheer, many in the Fall River Diocese will welcome in the new year with the Good Word.

For five years the Office of Faith Formation, with the assistance of Sister Frances Thomas, RSM, has been offering Scripture Alive, a faith-sharing initiative that reads Scripture with an emphasis on Spiritual reflection rather than Biblical study.

“There are many great Bible study programs available, but the underlying philosophy of ‘Scripture Alive’ is to connect adults with Scripture so that they will encounter Christ,” explained the director of the diocesan Faith Formation Office, Claire McManus. “We use the Loyola Press ‘Six

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

Weeks with the Bible,’ authored

by Kevin Perotta. The program includes enough Bible study to place the readings into their proper context. We supplement the series with some Biblical study texts to give a firm foundation.

We use ‘A Walk through the New Testament,’ by Margaret Nutting Ralph and ‘Reading the Old Testament,’ by Lawrence Boadt.”

When Sister Thomas studied theology while getting her master’s degree in the late 1960s, “that’s when it really clicked for me,” she said. “We had these great professors saying things I had never heard before.”

Wherever she found herself ministering, Sister Thomas found individuals who shared her desire to learn Scripture and to delve deeper into its meaning. By 1971 she found her niche in Religious

Education and began leading Bible study groups for adults.

“In those early groups, it was Bible study,” recalled Sister Thomas. “It was right after Vatican II and a whole new orientation to Scripture, the new translations of the Bible were coming out, and people were eager to learn. Catholics had Bibles in their homes but they had never read them, and everything changed. It really blossomed after Vatican II. There was a real desire to read and learn, and to get to know the Bible.”

As time went on, however, Sister Thomas realized that Bible study wasn’t just getting to know the Bible, and “I didn’t want to spend the rest of my days just giving people intellectual knowledge,” she said. “I wanted people to encounter the Scriptures, the

the coveted vehicle just last week through a program sponsored by Wal-Mart.

Although the St. Anne’s site was selected as one of the 150 national finalists competing for just 75 grant awards, they failed to garner enough online support by the deadline.

“We had to answer a questionnaire and write an essay about the food pantry itself (to qualify),” Gregoire told The Anchor. “Our food pantry happened to be one of 150 that was selected. And we were one of only four from Massachusetts — the others were in Salem, in Boston, and another in Chicopee.”

Despite their best efforts to get the word out about the grant opportunity and the online voting via Facebook — including a front-page article in the local newspaper — Gregoire said they couldn’t muster enough votes.

“Voting ended on Decem-

ber 12 and not enough people voted for us,” he said. “We’re a small city, how can we compete with places like Boston or New York?

“But I was pretty excited that we were one of the top 150. I thought that was pretty impressive. There were thousands of (groups) that applied for this.”

Gregoire remains optimistic that they might still be able to raise the funds on their own to purchase a truck and he hopes the recent media attention might help them with their cause.

“If everyone pitched in, why not?” he said.

It’s clear that Gregoire is passionate about the work he’s been doing since 2006 — overseeing and coordinating the weekly food pantry every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the basement of St. Anne’s Church on Middle Street.

Working with a regular

Turn to page 15

Father Leonard M. Mullaney, longtime Mattapoisett pastor, dies

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

FALL RIVER — Last week the diocese collectively mourned the passing of Father Leonard M. Mullaney, 78, who died from cardiac arrest on December 10 at the Catholic Memorial Home.

A native of Fall River, Father Mullaney was the son of the late Joseph E. Mullaney and the late retired Judge Beatrice Hancock Mullaney.

Although retired from fulltime pastoral duties for the past five years, Father Mullaney remained active in diocesan ministry and recently enjoyed traveling and spending time with his extensive family that included many nieces and nephews.

“He was a person who took his vocation seriously,” said Msgr. Barry W. Wall, who was ordained with Father Mullaney. “He was a person who had strong convictions in every Turn to page 13

St. Anne’s Food Pantry hopes to get delivery truck

FALL RIVER — If you had to put one thing on Philippe R. Gregoire’s wish list this Christmas, it would be a truck.

Not a tiny, Tonka-type toy under the Christmas tree, mind you, but a full-sized box delivery truck that he could use to transport groceries and provisions from the Boston Food Bank to the food pantry at St. Anne’s Parish.

“We go up there at least three times a month,” Gregoire said. “We rent anywhere between a 17- and a 24-foot truck from a local trucking company and it costs between $150 and $200 every time. We fortunately have a gentleman who drives for us, but we need a truck badly.”

As the coordinator of the weekly food pantry at St. Anne’s Parish since 2006, Gregoire said they came close to getting a $20,000 grant to buy

group of about 24 dedicated volunteers, ranging in ages from six to 80, Gregoire said they currently serve between 225 and 250 people a week.

“We used to do something similar with the church, but officially we started in 2006,” Gregoire said. “Just this year we got our government authority, so we’re now an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.”

And although the need remains great year-round in the area, Gregoire said it’s particularly difficult this time of year to see families going without food.

“We’re open every Saturday, including holidays,” Gregoire said. “We were open on Christmas Day one year, by the way.

And we had families show up on Christmas Day.” Calling this the most “fulfilling” work he’s ever done, Gregoire said the experience has been equally satisfying for

his fellow volunteers as well.

“You have parents and kids working together,” he said. “We have four families that come every week with their children to help out. I think it’s important for the kids to see, because that’s the whole idea of the Christian faith — to help other people. These people with their young children are putting that example forward and encouraging them to continue it.”

Although there are some volunteers who come and go — such as the high school students who later venture off to college — Gregoire said there is a core group that remains week after week.

“Usually when people come to help, they stay,” he said.

Not only would the truck come in handy to make those large pick-ups from suppliers in Boston, New Bedford and other locations, but it also could be used to deliver some Turn to page 18

Lay ministry continues to grow

By Linda Andrade Rodrigues Anchor Correspondent

NEW BEDFORD — Our faith binds us together. We use our God-given gifts to care for each other, serving our parishes in myriad of ways.

“Lay ministry is growing and will continue to grow,” said Deacon Bruce Bonneau, assistant director of Adult Evangelization and Spirituality of the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation. “We have more and more people involved in ministering to the people of

the parish.”

Last Saturday, lectors, ministers of music, Rite of Christian Initiation teams, bereavement caregivers, pastoral associates, special ministers of Holy Communion, hospitality teams, youth ministers and Religious Education catechists gathered at Our Lady of Fatima parish hall in the North End of New Bedford for a Retreat Day for Parish Ministers, offered by the Office of Faith Formation.

They represented eight diocesan parishes, including Holy

Cross, South Easton; St. Mary and St. Joseph, Fairhaven; St. Patrick, Falmouth; St. Mary, South Dartmouth; Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Mary, New Bedford; and St. John Neumann, East Freetown.

Sharing Christ’s message “Go and teach them everything I have taught you,” Father Thomas J. McElroy directed the retreat. A member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary for 53 years and a priest for 47 years, he has served as a pastor

in the Diocese of Fall River and was the director of the Sacred Hearts Retreat House for 10 years. Now retired, he offers retreats, missions, days of prayer and Spiritual direction.

The Retreat Day for Parish Ministers began with Morning Prayer, which included psalms and readings, a music selection and a brief reflection about the readings, by Deacon Bonneau, who was ordained in 1993 and has held parish assignments at St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown and St. Mary’s

Parish in Fairhaven.

“John the Baptist points beyond himself to Christ, and that’s what we do,” said Deacon Bonneau. “The call of the Gospel is to all people, and our baptismal vows ask us to evangelize and be the Church. But don’t put the work of the Lord before the Lord of the work.”

He added that we can only lead people as far as we’ve gone ourselves and explained that sometimes what happens in ministry is that we forget about Turn to page 11

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December 19, 2014 News From the Vatican New pope, new leadership changed tone of visitation of U.S. religious

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — During the process of the apostolic visitation of communities of U.S. religious women, a shift in tone took place.

The Vatican’s final report on the visitation, released December 16, made observations, not accusations. Instead of giving the women instructions, it made suggestions — mostly encouraging them to continue discernment about their identity, vocations promotion and formation, fidelity to Christ and the Church, community life and cooperation with the wider Church, including local bishops.

The tone change was partially the result of the dialogue style those conducting onsite visits were instructed to take, and partially because the Sisters decided to share their own decades of discernment and struggle with the visitors.

Mother Mary Clare Millea, superior general of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the apostolic visitor appointed by the Vatican, told Catholic News Service the biggest change she saw was in the public perception of the visitation.

“The surprise announcement (of the visitation) caught people off guard and made them guarded,” she said.

But a change in the leader- the world of consecrated re- against your brother, tell ship of the Vatican congrega- ligious life from the inside. him to his face. Sometimes tion overseeing the visitation Throughout his pontificate it might end in fisticuffs,” he also contributed to the new he has used that experience said, causing the superiors to tone. Cardinal Joao Braz de to instruct, encourage and laugh. “That’s not a problem.

Aviz, who was named prefect exhort religious to be coura- It’s always better than the terof the Congregation for Insti- geous, joyful and prophetic, to rorism of gossip.” tutes of Consecrated Life and “wake up the world.”

While tough on gossip, Although he will some- Pope Francis is even tougher Societies of Apostolic Life in 2011 — two years after the times apologize for giving on people breaking with the visitation began — told re- “publicity” to St. Ignatius, Church’s tradition, creating porters that he and his leader- founder of the Jesuits, time scandal or division or acting ship team have decided their and again Pope Francis looks as if the Holy Spirit could main approach to religious to his order’s founder for in- lead them to ignore the hierorders will be to spend archy. s a former Jesuit superior time with them, visiting Responding to God’s and former archbishop of call to enter religious life them — not conducting visitations, except for Buenos Aires, Pope Francis rec- means feeling, thinking very serious reasons. ognizes how much effort and good and acting in commu“We are putting more nion with the Church, will is needed to respect religious of an accent on going to which “generated us them, not to identify mis- orders’ discernment of what min- through Baptism,” he takes or judge situations, istries to engage in as well as a told the women’s Interbut to listen to the suf- bishop’s responsibilities as shep- national Union of Suferings, see the difficul- herd, teacher and leader of the local periors General in May ties, listen to what they 2013. Christians do not are going through,” the Church. do good because of a cardinal said. The con“personal inspiration, but gregation wants “more of in union with mission of the climate of a family — I’m spiration and instruction, just the Church and in its name.” not saying this didn’t exist be- as women religious look to Religious superiors, Pope fore — but we are emphasiz- their founders. His medita- Francis told the women, need tions on the meaning of pov- to ensure their members are ing it more.”

However, the biggest erty, chastity and obedience educated in the doctrine of change since the visitation lead to very concrete and nu- the Church, “in love for the began in 2009 was the elec- anced observations; he, too, Church and in an ecclesial made those vows as a way of Spirit.” tion of Pope Francis.

As a Jesuit and former Je- following Jesus as completely Quoting Pope Paul VI, suit provincial, one who ad- as humanly possible. he said, “It’s an absurd diAnd then there are his chotomy to think one can live mits he made mistakes by being authoritarian as a young observations about commu- with Jesus, but without the superior, Pope Francis knows nity life, which his comments Church, to follow Jesus outhighlight as an essential — side the Church, to love Jesus and perhaps most challenging and not the Church.”

— part of consecrated life.

A month later, meeting Meeting in early Novem- with members of the Latin ber with the superiors of men’s American and Caribbean communities in Italy, the pope Confederation of Men and said, “Please, don’t let the ter- Women Religious, or CLAR, rorism of gossip exist among he urged religious to put you. If you have something greater effort into dialogue with their bishops and to courageously minister to the poor without worrying they might receive a questioning letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

If the letter comes, “don’t worry. Explain what you have to explain, but keep going,” he told them, according to a leaked report from one of the participants.

“You are going to make mistakes; you are going to put your foot in it. That happens,” he said. “I prefer a Church that makes mistakes because it is doing something to one that sickens because it stays shut in.”

As a former Jesuit superior and former archbishop of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis recognizes how much ef-

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fort and good will is needed to respect religious orders’ discernment of what ministries to engage in as well as a bishop’s responsibilities as shepherd, teacher and leader of the local Church.

In November 2013, meeting with the international men’s Union of Superiors General, Pope Francis announced that he had asked the congregation for religious to revise “Mutuae Relationes,” a set of directives issued jointly with the Congregation for Bishops in 1978. The document said that religious orders are part of the local Church, though with their own internal organization, and that their “right to autonomy” should never be considered as independence from the local Church.

“That document was useful at the time but is now outdated,” the pope told the superiors. “The charisms of the various institutes need to be respected and fostered because they are needed in dioceses,” and consecrated men and women cannot be seen simply as employees.

The point is not to allow religious to set up parallel structures or have free rein in a diocese, but to allow them to offer their unique gifts to the Church and the world.

After all, Pope Francis insists, the Church exists to bring God’s love to the world and the Holy Spirit has a variety of ways to do that.

Meeting with members of the Vatican congregation for religious in late November, Pope Francis said he knows not all the news about religious life is good and the Church should not “hide the areas of weakness,” including “the diminished ability to attract new members, the not irrelevant number of those who leave — this really worries me!”

At the same time, “consecrated life will not flourish as a result of brilliant vocation programs, but because the young people we meet find us attractive, because they see us as men and women who are happy,” he wrote in a letter for the 2014-15 Year of Consecrated Life.

Consecrated life is not about efficiency, he said, but about “the eloquence of your lives, lives which radiate the joy and beauty of living the Gospel and following Christ to the full.”

December 19, 2014

The Church in the U.S.

Just Philadelphia for a papal visit?

Catholics hope other cities get added

WASHINGTON (CNS) because of the international tan area of Las Cruces — we — To date, the only city of- recognition that Birmingham think that’s a good reason and ficially announced for a Sep- has as cradle of the civil rights a great place to come,” Bishop tember visit by Pope Francis is movement,” Mayor William Mark J. Seitz of El Paso told Philadelphia, where he will at- Bell told AL.com. “We had the El Paso Times. “This is also tend the eighth World Meet- not heard back from them un- a great area to highlight the ing of Families. til recently.” The city hosted international cooperation that we have between our cities.”

However, other cities are the Dalai Lama this fall. still making their bid to be part — Boston Mayor Martin He issued the invitation jointly of a papal itinerary.

Walsh asked Cardinal Sean P. with Bishops Oscar Cantu of Talk persists about the pope O’Malley of Boston to deliver Las Cruces, N.M., and Reincluding two more East Coast the invitation to Pope Francis. nato Ascencio Leon of Juarez, cities on his first U.S. visit as St. John Paul II visited Boston Mexico.

— Green Bay, Wis.: “It pontiff. One is Washington, in 1979. In the letter, Walsh where he has been issued an said he would love to have comes back to why not Green Bay?” Mayor Jim Schmitt invitation to address a joint session of Congress.

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh told The Compass, Green Bay’s diocesan newspaThe other is New York, asked Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley per, last February. “It just where he has been invited to address the United Na- of Boston to deliver the invitation seems that there’s a whole to Pope Francis. St. John Paul II lot of synergy with what tions General Assembly.

Even before the Phila- visited Boston in 1979. In the let- the pope speaks and what delphia visit was con- ter, Walsh said he would love to the greater community of Green Bay believes,” he firmed by the Vatican, have Pope Francis bless a park said, adding it is possible which was November 17, the pope told reporters in Dorchester named for the new the pope could celebrate Mass at Lambeau Field, accompanying him on the saint. home to football’s Green plane back from South Bay Packers.

Korea in August he want— St. Augustine, Fla. The ed to go Philadelphia and not- Pope Francis bless a park in ed the invitations from Wash- Dorchester, named for the new diocese will celebrate its 450th anniversary in 2015. ington and New York. “Maybe saint. the three cities together, no?”

— Buffalo, N.Y., originator Mayor Joe Boles issued an he said. of the “Mass Mob” movement invitation a year ago. The Catholics in Detroit, which where Catholics go to old Freedom From Religion only emerged in early Decem- churches in the city for Mass. Foundation asked him to reber from a yearlong bankrupt- The Buffalo Mass Mob issued scind it, saying it was “fiscally cy, did not get attached to the its own invitation. “If the pope reckless” of the mayor to do papal itinerary despite a letter- came to Buffalo, it would be so. Boles said he would not writing campaign by students historic and a spiritual boost withdraw it.

— Tucson, Ariz. In Auat Catholic schools in the city. to the whole Niagara FronMargaret Cone, who helped tier,” said Mass Mob organizer gust, Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson said he personally shepherd the letter-writing Greg Witul. initiative, told Catholic News — Chicago. This invite was wrote to Pope Francis to visit Service that an appeal for a extended nearly two years ago the U.S.-Mexico border to see papal visit could take an addi- by Cardinal Francis E. George, firsthand immigrants fleeing tional tack. the now-retired archbishop their native countries and tryA globally recognized cen- of Chicago. “The cardinal ex- ing to cross the border. “Pope ter on infant mortality is lo- tended a personal invitation Francis has deep interest and cated in Detroit, in the Detroit to Pope Francis immediately concern for the plight of miMedical Center complex — after his selection as pope grants,” Bishop Kicanas said, now one of the city’s largest last year,” said Colleen Dolan, “and Tucson is the epicenter private employers. Pope Fran- his spokeswoman. “Cardinal of the immigration movement cis is keenly interested in in- George invited the pope dur- across the border.”

Of course, it’s not just U.S. fant mortality, Cone said. New ing their official papal greeting Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, by stating: ‘You’ve taken my cities that are hoping for a paa Catholic, had been CEO name (Francis), so why not let pal visit. Mexico City has been of the Detroit Medical Cen- us welcome you to Chicago.’” talked about as one possible ter before taking the mayoral — Dallas. Students at the destination.

On that plane with reportreins.

University of Dallas, a Catho“This is a global issue and lic college, launched a letter- ers in August, Pope Francis Detroit is at the epicenter of writing campaign to have Pope said he could visit the shrine of all this,” Cone said, adding Francis visit. “Every single Our Lady of Guadalupe — the that giving the pope “some- prayer and every single letter patroness of the Americas — place to visit” would help in a counts!” wrote student Alex on the same trip, “but it is not Detroit bid.

Doucet in a message to stu- certain.”

President Enrique Pena NiWhere else might Pope dents, alumni and their famieto announced in June after a Francis go if he accepts their lies. invitations?

— El Paso, Texas. “There is visit with Pope Francis in the — Birmingham, Ala. “We no community on the border Vatican that the pope had acsent a letter to the Holy Fa- that is as large as our own, with cepted an invitation to visit ther about a year ago inviting Juarez, El Paso and extend- Mexico, but the Vatican has him to come to Birmingham ing to the whole metropoli- not confirmed that.

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December 19, 2014

Anchor Editorial

Strife in our country

During this time in which we prepare to celebrate the birthday of the Prince of Peace, we need only turn on the news (or try to drive through the downtown of a major city) to be reminded that there are great divisions in our country regarding race, regarding the proper roles of the police and of protests, regarding how we live together in this society.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston invited people to reflect on this strife in the context of Advent, with “the Church’s message, of hope and peace. These themes — hope, peace and compassion — are urgently needed in our nation as we pray for the [Michael] Brown and [Eric] Garner families and all who have been impacted by the turmoil of recent weeks.

Issues concerning race in our society call for recognition of our shared humanity.”

On November 24, during the height of the tensions in Ferguson, Mo., the local archbishop, Most Rev. Robert Carlson of St. Louis, released the following statement in response to the grand jury decision to not indict police officer Darren Wilson: “For several months, I and other religious and civic leaders have repeatedly called for prayer, peace, and calm. Since the grand jury received the case in August, we have seen offensive and violent outbursts by protesters, and acts of civil disobedience.”

Archbishop Carlson then demanded, “I implore each of you: Choose peace! Reject any false and empty hope that violence will solve problems. Violence only creates more violence. Let’s work for a better, stronger, more holy community — one founded upon respect for each other, respect for life, and our shared responsibility for the common good.”

The Midwestern archbishop issued the “following challenges” to his community, but they are good for all of us to ponder (and be challenged by): — “Commit to learning how to truly love each other. If we do this, then we will learn to love our neighbor. Show children the path of forgiveness and we will see walls of division crumble. Your homes are the foundation of our community. If your homes are full of forgiveness, they will be temples of peace.”

— “Youth, remember that you are not only creating the world of tomorrow, but you are a vital part of the world today. St. Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians: ‘For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.’ So, ask yourself: Are you sowing seeds of division, resentment, and discontent? These will only lead to anger and hatred. Begin creating the world you want to see.”

— “Please pray. Pray unceasingly for peace. Pray for our leaders and pray for your neighbors. If you feel called to act, do so only after prayer. Blessed Mother Teresa knew the proper formula. She spent a holy hour in prayer every day; it was only after prayer that she would serve. So, too, must it be for us.”

— “Finally, I issue this challenge to all religious, political, social and law enforcement leaders: Join me in asking the Lord to make us instruments of peace. We, as leaders, need wisdom, compassion, and courage in order to combat the brokenness and division that confronts us. We must be leaders who help heal, not inflict hurt. We must be leaders who can come together to address issues like family breakdown, racial profiling, quality education, abuses of authority, lack of gainful employment, fear of one another, mistrust of authority, and many other needs. We must ask the tough questions and find lasting solutions.”

Less than a month later, New York was convulsed in reaction to the death of Eric Garner due to a chokehold by a police officer. In response to the varied protests, Cardinal

Timothy Dolan, together with Bishop Nicholas A. DiMarzio of Brooklyn and other Catholic, Protestant and Jewish leaders, issued a statement to the population of the city, trying to remind them of prior successes of civic harmony, in the hope that that would prevent future violence.

They wrote: “New York City has a long history of confronting the challenges that arise from its greatest strength — the diversity of its residents, and our cooperation for the common good. Successive waves of immigrants have experienced both initial rejection and gradual acceptance. Minorities have endured discrimination, but have made significant progress in overcoming barriers to full inclusion.”

The interfaith leaders then brought up the current tension between some Americans and the police. “We have seen examples of extraordinary cooperation between communities and police, but barriers to trusting relationships remain. We have watched as incidents of mistrust and tension have torn other cities apart. In contrast, we in New York City have historically set the example for peaceful, meaningful, constructive engagement.”

Discussing demonstrations, the leaders said that they “can be a constructive part of this process, when they call attention to essential concerns and mobilize individuals and government to act. Peaceful discourse of this nature will ensure the progress we all hope to achieve.”

Dr. Maureen O’Connell, a professor at LaSalle University, writing back in 2012 after the death of Trayvon Martin, said that often we look at racism as an “examination of conscience” issue, reflecting on whether we personally have done a racist act, while failing to look at how our society is set-up. “[R]acism is not about isolated and blatantly evil acts. Rather, it is a far more subtle and pervasive way of perceiving ourselves and others that is shaped by our collective way of being together. Failing to name racism as a cultural phenomenon — a set of dispositions and perspectives on the world that are collectively learned and symbolically shared — only perpetuates white complicity in racism. Since few of us have probably ever committed conscious, intentional and deliberate acts of racial hatred, most whites can be assured of our lack of culpability with the events related to the Martin case in Florida and shirk any kind of responsibility for it that others try to foist on us.”

Dr. O’Connell offered the provocative thought, “If you want evidence that whites are indeed complicit in a culture of racism, consider the fact that we are usually unable and at times unwilling to accept responsibility for the privileges afforded to us by our white skin.

Like the privilege of wearing a hooded sweatshirt without fear of being seen as threatening, or knowing that the neighborhood watch is watching out for you and not watching out for you.”

Many members of the police have had the negative experience of being judged unfairly during these days (similarly to how “all” priests were considered pedophiles back in 2002, so “all” police have had to deal with being considered racists), while AfricanAmericans have had to continue to endure what they’ve endured their entire lives — being viewed, consciously or unconsciously by others, as somehow “different,” with a negative connotation to that difference. We ask God to help us make an examination of our individual consciences and of our society in 2015 so that all will be treated equally with love and respect.

Pope Francis’ Angelus message of December 14

As a gift from the Holy Father, 50,000 prayer books, produced by the Office of Papal Charities and published by the Libreria Editrice Vaticana (the Vatican publishing house), were distributed to those gathered in the square.

Dear brothers and sisters, dear children and young people, good day.

For the last two weeks, the season of Advent has invited us to

Spiritual vigilance so as to prepare the way of the Lord, the Lord Who comes. On this third Sunday, the Liturgy proposes to us another interior attitude for living this awaiting of the Lord, that is, joy. As this sign says [indicating a sign in the crowd: “Con Gesù la gioia è di casa”]: With Jesus, joy is part of the home. That proposes to us the joy of Jesus.

The heart of man desires joy.

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All of us aspire to joy. Every family, every people aspires to happiness. But what is the joy to which the Christian is called to live and to give witness? It is that which comes from the closeness of God, of His presence in our lives. Since Jesus entered history, with His birth in Bethlehem, humanity has received the Seed of the Kingdom of God, as the earth receives a seed, the promise of a future harvest. We don’t need to look elsewhere. Jesus came to bring joy to everyone and forever.

It is not a joy that is merely anticipated or set in paradise — “Here on earth we are sad but in paradise, we’ll be happy.” No. It’s not that. Rather, [it is] a joy that is already real and that can be felt now, because Jesus Himself is our joy, is our home.

As that sign of yours says, “With Jesus, joy is part of the home,” let us repeat this again, “With Jesus, joy is part of the home.” And without Jesus, is there joy? No. Jesus is alive. He is the Risen One and He works in

us, especially with His Word and the Sacraments.

All of us who are baptized, the children of the Church, are called to welcome ever again the presence of God in our midst and to help others to discover it, or to rediscover it if we’ve forgotten it.

It is a beautiful mission, similar to that of John the Baptist: to point people toward Christ — not to ourselves — because He is the final goal toward which the human heart reaches when it seeks joy and happiness.

Again St. Paul in today’s Liturgy indicates for us the conditions for being a “missionary of joy”: to pray with perseverance, to always give thanks to God, to follow His Spirit, to seek the good and avoid evil. If this would be our style of life, then the Good News could enter into so many houses and help people and families to discover that Salvation is in Jesus.

In Him, it is possible to find interior peace and the strength to face daily the various situations of life, even the most difficult and costly.

A sad saint or a saint with a face of mourning was never heard of. It’s never been heard of. It would be a contradiction.

The Christian is a person who has his heart full of peace, because he knows how to place his joy in the Lord, even when the difficult moments of life arise.

To have faith does not mean to not have difficult moments, but to have the strength to face them, knowing we are not alone. And this is the peace that God gives to His children.

With eyes set on Christmas, which is approaching, the Church invites us to give witness that Jesus is not a figure from the past. He is the Word of God Who today continues illuminating the path of man. His actions, the Sacraments, are the manifestations of the tenderness, of the consolation, of the love of the Father for each human being. The Virgin Mary, “cause of our joy,” always brings us back to joy in the Lord, Who comes to free us from so many interior and exterior slaveries.

Anchor Columnists Opening our hearts for today’s Holy Family and Holy Innocents

December 19, 2014

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mid the Good News of great joy of Christmas, astride the reverential beauty of the silent and holy night in the little town of Bethlehem, and beyond the infectious imitation of the Magi’s generosity to others, especially children, in God’s name at this time of year, there are always three parts of the mystery that prevent our forgetting the sins from which the Son of God was born as a Baby to save us.

The first is framed by the expressions, “They had no room for them in the inn” and “He came to His own but His own people did not accept Him.” People were too busy with what they were doing that not only did they fail to notice that the long-awaited Messiah had come, but they also didn’t give basic charity to a woman in labor.

The second is the reaction of the chief priests and scribes who formed Herod’s court of advisors.

Even though Herod and all of Jerusalem were in great disturbance after the Magi informed them of the star that they believed indicated the presence of a newborn King, the priests and scribes didn’t budge from the palace to make the simple six-mile journey to investigate whether Micah’s prophecy that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem might have been fulfilled.

The last is Herod’s reaction.

When the wise men didn’t return, out of paranoia and jealous rage, he sent out his henchmen to mas-

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hen I turned over the page of my complimentary wall calendar to the month of December, I was greeted with this message: “Give me the discipline to get rid of the stuff that’s not important, the freedom to savor the stuff that gives me joy, and the patience not to worry about the stuff that’s messy but not hurting anyone.”

Some wise person placed this prayer by Vinita Hampton Wright on the month that caps off an exhausting year by giving us a holiday season that rarely lets us sleep in Heavenly peace.

There is a lot of “stuff ” in the lives of our young families that gets in their way of experiencing the Sacred. Some of it is unavoidable and comes with the territory of raising a family. There will always be schedules to keep, shopping to do, family members who need our care. It is the unnecessary add-ons that tend to bring families to the breaking point. Take, for example, the innocuous little “Elf on the Shelf ” that has insidiously entered into the season of Advent. For those

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sacre every baby boy under two in where their Christian families the Bethlehem region. had lived for 1,600 years.

Inhospitality. Indifference.

Now they dwell in something Indiscriminate slaughter. These far less secure and warm than the anti-Christmas vices are the cave in which the Holy Famshadows that linger even as the ily abided in Bethlehem. What Light shining in the darkness was remains of the Iraqi government born. gives them no support. Most in To enter into the true Spirit of the media ignore their plight. The Christmas we need to acknowlvast majority of the world has edge that these shadows still lurk forgotten about them. and make the choice to live rather in Christ’s light.

Putting Into This Advent my the Deep thoughts are very much with the Christians in Erbil, one of the largBy Father est refugee camps of our Roger J. Landry Spiritual brothers and sisters displaced by the anti-Christian barbarism of ISIS Christians today cannot do in Iraq and Syria earlier this year. anything about the inhospitality, As winter approaches, more than indifference and indiscriminate 120,000 are still living in tents slaughter that accompanied the and almost totally dependent on Holy Family in Bethlehem, but alms. we can, in some way, repent and ISIS had given them the repair for it in the way we treat choice to convert to Islam or be these Christian families who have massacred. They chose not to lived through a modern slaughdeny their faith and to flee as they ter of the Holy Innocents and witnessed many of their fellow are now desperate for help and Christians beheaded, crucihospitality. fied and otherwise butchered.

We might not be able to adMany of the young girls of their dress all of their issues, but we’re families were raped or “married” not helpless to address some. I’d to ISIS troops. Their houses were like to suggest one way. contemptuously marked with the In August, Father Ben Kiely Arabic letter N (nun) for Nasare— a friend of mine who is pastor an — to denote they were follow- of Blessed Sacrament Church ers of Jesus of Nazareth — and in Stowe, Vt. — was asked by then pillaged or destroyed. Many parishioners how they could help needed to flee towns like Mosul the Iraqi Christians who were

being exterminated by ISIS. His first response was to urge them to contact their Congressmen and ask Congress to get involved. But later that day, taking a walk while praying the Rosary and noticing the rubber wrist band he was wearing to express solidarity with a good cause, he came up with another idea.

With the help of parishioners, local manufacturer Image Outfitters and the owners of a local UPS store, he set up a means to make and distribute rubber wristbands, lapel pins, zipper pulls and car magnets featuring the Arabic nun, as a means to raise money and awareness and solidarity for the plight of Christians. All of the proceeds go to Aid to the Church in Need, which is one of the intrepid Catholic organizations on the ground in Erbil seeking to minister to our displaced Spiritual siblings.

Father Kiely has created a website, www.nasarean.org, where people can order these items.

They’ve already sold 16,000 items and cleared more than $30,000 in profits to give to ACN to help build stable residences and schools and help out with other immediate humanitarian and Spiritual needs.

I ordered several hundred dollars worth of these supplies as soon as they were available and my parishioners have been

generously buying and distributing them.

I’ve also been wearing the lapel pin on my suit coat, which has given me a chance to witness at wakes, dinners, talks in various places in the diocese and speeches in 12 different states over the last couple of months. People always ask questions about what it means and once they find out, they want to do something. These items are a small way to show that our Christian solidarity can go viral.

Father Kiely’s work shows the difference one person can make. Imagine what we all can do together.

As we near Christmas and ponder the sufferings of the Holy Family in the midst of the joy of Christ’s birth, we can make a difference in easing the plight of other families whose celebration of Christmas won’t be in toasty houses with trees, lights and stockings full of gifts.

Please consider visiting nasarean.org and ordering these low-priced, high-quality items that you can wear during the Christmas season and beyond — and give out along with your Christmas gifts and cards — to raise awareness, spur prayers and solidarity, and give the Holy Family in disguise the type of care we all wish they would have received the first time around.

Anchor columnist Father Landry is pastor of St. Bernadette’s Parish in Fall River. fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.

of you not familiar with this new- Many years ago our parish youth est Christmas commercialization, came up with a great idea to the elf needs to be moved every hold a children’s Christmas party night to keep up the ruse that in the hall. Parents could drop Santa Claus has sent a helper to off their children for three hours watch over the little children and while the teen-agers organized keep them off the naughty list. games and activities. There was One young mom told the story a baby area for the very young, of how the “Elf on the Shelf ” arts and crafts, and a visit from a took over her life, to the point that she would wake up in the night stressed because she forgot to move it.

She finally freed herself from this sinister

By Claire McManus little guy by telling her children that once they touch the elf the magic goes out of it. This mom happily teen-age Santa. More than 100 announced, “The kids touched children were signed up within the elf; now it’s dead.” Good for hours of the announcement. At her for getting rid of one more the end of the day, several moms meaningless stress in her life. came to thank the teens, saying, Our parish leaders bend over “You have no idea what those backwards trying to find the best few hours meant to me.” Of all way of engaging parents and the activities offered by the parinviting them to grow in faith. ish that year, who knew that this They try every measure available: was the one thing the parents marketing, mandates, entertain- needed most? ment, technology, and whatever The common lament heard in new approach that sells books. many parishes is that parents just

drop off their children and never darken the doors of the church.

Have we ever asked them what they do during the time that they leave their children with us?

Some rush off to some mundane task, others are shuttling their other children to or from another after-school activity. But there are many who just sit in their cars, enjoying a few minutes of peace. Maybe the first step toward evangelizing these parents is to channel their desire for peace toward the One Who came to the weary.

Pope Francis reminded us to begin evangelization with the first proclamation: “Jesus Christ loves you; He gave His life to save you; and now He is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.” This simple message takes root when a person becomes profoundly aware of his or her need for Salvation. These busy young parents may not be aware of that which enslaves them, which is why many do not think that the first proclamation pertains to

them. We might want to explain the first proclamation as it relates to their lives: Jesus loves you and would like to free you from the stress of your life. Maybe these busy parents are not yet ready for adult Faith Formation, small Christian communities or intergenerational gatherings. They might welcome a simple message that the church doors will be open to them when they drop off their children so that they can sit quietly and experience a moment of peace.

We have an opportunity now that we are at the end of this paradoxical month of beginnings and endings to clean out the clutter from our lives. Blessed are the clean of heart for they shall see God. This will go a long way to clearing our vision of the young families that take up our favorite pews on Christmas day.

As we offer our hands at the sign of peace, we can share this simple message: relax, Jesus loves you.

Merry Christmas!

Anchor columnist Claire McManus is the director of the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation.

Relax, Jesus loves you

The Great Commission

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segment of a movie I viewed with our Confirmation preparation group a couple of years ago almost mesmerized me. It was a portrayal of Mary with her parents, Anne and Joachim, and Joseph. She has just told them that she is pregnant before her Marriage to Joseph, and they are questioning how this could be. They’re having difficulty accepting her explanation that an angel appeared to her and told her that she would become pregnant by God’s Holy Spirit.

You can see the bewilderment on their faces as they try to understand how this young lady, whom they all know to be a good, moral person, could allow herself to get pregnant. You can see the seriousness of this situation on the brows and heavy expressions of their faces. They are speaking to Mary in quiet voices that express the gravity

December 19, 2014

How far does our faith go?

of their conversation. disconcerting moment in her Joseph tells them that life. She didn’t really underhe will not make a public stand why or how this would charge against her, thus savhappen to her — but she ing her from being stoned trusted in God and said “yes.” to death. You can see the Imagine the archangel confusion, the disappointGabriel appearing to you ment, and probably the embarrassment and the hurt, that Homily of the Week he is experiencing.

Fourth Sunday Joachim and Anne of Advent are experiencing the same emotions, not

By Father James E. understanding how Fenstermaker, C.S.C. their good, decent daughter could allow this to happen to her.

We tend to hear this with a message from God. Gospel story as a romantic Surprised would probably rendition of such a wondernot adequately express your ful moment in Mary’s life reaction. Nervous, perplexed, when she said “yes” to God’s incredulous might come will and became the mother closer to your feelings at that of the Savior. Mary was able moment. You hear the angel to say “yes” because she was a asking you to accept from person of deep faith and trust God a mission that doesn’t in God; but, it was also a seem to make much sense to rather confusing and perhaps you and for which you don’t

feel well-prepared. You feel confused, hesitant, afraid.

You might be asking yourself, “How could this be, as I don’t feel capable of carrying out what is being asked of me?

I certainly don’t feel ready, and I’m uncertain if I wish to cause confusion in those who won’t understand.”

How far does our faith go? How much are we willing to trust in God? Like St. Paul, we might be surprised by the new directions in which God points us. We might be disturbed by what God asks us to let go of and what He asks us to take on in our lives.

The faithful Pharisee Saul found new life in accepting the invitation to leave his old life behind and to follow Jesus Whom he had been persecuting. Now Paul, he is able to declare in his letter to the

Romans, “To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever.” As he did for King David and the Jewish people, God offers to make His dwelling within us as a people and within each of us. In the Spirit of Advent we cry, “Maranatha!” Come, Lord Jesus. Come and make Your dwelling within Your people. Come and make Your dwelling within me.

Are we willing to be recreated this Advent season?

Will we allow the celebration of Christmas to bring us to new birth, so that we may become incarnations of the Incarnate Savior? Like Mary in today’s Gospel passage, our response needs to be a trusting and faithfilled, “May it be done to me according to Your Word.”

Father Fenstermaker, a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross Priests and Brothers, is pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Easton.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Dec. 20, Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38. Sun. Dec. 21, Fourth Sunday of Advent, 2 Sm 7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16; Ps 89:2-5,27,29; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38. Mon. Dec. 22, 1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56. Tues. Dec. 23, Mal 3:1-4,23-24; Lk 1:57-66. Wed. Dec. 24, 2 Sm 7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16; Lk 1:67-79; Christmas Eve Vigil, Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5,16-17,27,29; Acts 13:16-17,22-25; Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25. Thurs. Dec. 25, Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), Midnight, Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3,1113; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14; Dawn, Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1,6,11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20; Day, Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5,9-14. Fri. Dec. 26, Acts 6:8-10;7:54-59; Mt 10:17-22.

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he Advent readings are, for me, among the most beautiful of the entire year.

They speak of healing, hope, promise, prosperity, peace and unity.

Among my favorites is the reading from Isaiah 29: “But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard is regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; and out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.”

Or again from Isaiah the words: “Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” The words of Isaiah have been immortalized so well in the famous “Messiah” music program where you can almost hear the music as the words from this prophet are read.

Isaiah speaks of peace when he writes: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.”

Perhaps the one reading that is most familiar and depicted in many Christmas cards is from Isaiah chapter 11. It speaks of

‘Let it begin with me’ life with the Messiah. How attention to the incident there the Spirit of the Lord will be and the need to foster more upon Him: “A Spirit of wisdom violence, more demonstrations. and understanding, a Spirit of And lest we think this is far counsel and strength, a Spirit from affecting us, just last week, of knowledge and fear of the after morning Mass, one of the Lord.” Isaiah then tells us how life will be so Living peaceful. He states: “Then the wolf shall be the the guest of the lamb, Faith and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the

By Msgr. calf and the young lion John J. Oliveira shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the attendees said to me, “Please bear shall be neighbors, topray for my son, he is a police gether their young shall rest; officer in Ferguson.” the lion shall eat hay like the Violence to a person to the ox. The baby shall play by the extent he could not breathe cobra’s den, and the child lay becomes a rallying cry from the his hand on the adder’s lair. athletic stadiums to the local There shall be no harm or ruin news. Release of torture tactics on all my holy mountain; for used by our government fill the the earth shall be filled with the pages of the news and the print knowledge of the Lord, as water media. covers the sea.”

Even in the Church we hear I begin my day listening to of critics of Pope Francis’ desire these readings at Mass. When for open discussion on matters I return to the rectory and read of family life in the meeting the morning newspaper, the held last year in Rome. He said world of Isaiah does not exist. to those gathered, be honest, This promise of peace has not don’t tell me what you think I been fulfilled. want to hear, but speak openly Ferguson, Mo. looms large and honestly. That did not sit in the media. The tension is well with many and much ink exacerbated by constant media was spilled by those who did

not agree with those who spoke honestly and openly.

Recently, Pope Francis stated in a general audience on December 10: “The synod is not a parliament, but a protected space where the Holy Spirit can work. This means there was no clash between factions, but a discussion between bishops.” He went on to say that all synod fathers were able to speak and everyone listened. No one questioned, he noted, the fundamental truths of the Sacrament of Marriage; the indissolubility, unity, loyalty and openness to life.

At Christmas we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace. We pray for peace on earth. The Advent readings prepare us for peace and the coming of the Messiah Who would bring peace.

That peace remains elusive in our world, our country and our Church.

Perhaps our Christmas prayer and our Christmas gift to others will be to be a peacemaker. We cannot solve the problems of the Middle East, our country, or the Church. But we can be a person whose words and actions are peaceful. We all

know we can use words that are hurtful or consoling, angry or peaceable, revengeful or forgiving. Our actions correspond as well to our thoughts.

In the words of a popular Church song, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

The prayer attributed to St. Francis should be our prayer for this season and the coming year: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is discord, harmony; Where there is error, truth; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy.”

Be assured of my prayers for each of you as I celebrate Christmas Mass.

My prayer will be that you have a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Anchor columnist Msgr.

Oliveira is pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford and director of the diocesan Propagation of the Faith and Permanent Diaconate offices.

December 19, 2014

Friday 19 December 2014 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — Late Advent Weekday few weeks ago, Father Frank Wallace turned 93 years of age. Father Peter John, due no doubt to the influence of our two resident greyhounds, Transit and Justin, has oddly begun to think in terms of dog years rather than human years. Father Peter claims to be 231 years old. These young priests! In dog years, that would make Father Wallace 661. Traditionalist that I am (as you well know, dear readers) I still count in human years.

Father Peter John and I made plans to observe Father Wallace’s birthday. Our first thought was to hire a caterer and gather a crowd for a big celebration. No. Father Wallace’s party days are gone. How about just us priests treating Father Wallace to a meal in some fancy restaurant?

No. Restaurant noise impedes his hearing. He would be unable to participate in table conversation. How about a small group of catechism children singing happy birthday to him downstairs in the hall? Perfect. We made our plans. God laughed.

At the proper time, we managed to get Father Wallace (and

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his is truly a wonderful time of the year, a time when even the bitter cold cannot overcome the warmth of the season. There is a joy that somehow permeates the darkness and cold and fills our hearts and souls: The Christmas carols playing over and over again on the radio and everywhere you happen to be; the Christmas cards that come from near and far, from friends and relatives, letting you know that you are remembered and thought of during this joyous season; the smiles that creep onto your face as you watch the excitement of little ones when they see a Christmas tree or the holiday lights as you drive around.

There is a sense of wonder and awe, of all things possible, and of hopefulness and love. A time of year when all the Christmas preparations are done, the home is decorated and we take a look around, and are gently reminded of all the blessings in our lives.

As Advent draws to a close making way for the Christmas season, we are reminded of all the preparation and anticipation

Anchor Columnists Happy 661st birthday to you lace likes to read. They went dieven a cake) downstairs. The rectly to the book aisle. Yes, dear problem was there were no kids — school vacation. Father Wal- readers, newfangled pet stores have book aisles. They spied a lace is sitting downstairs, alone book of stories about army dogs in an empty hall. It will be his — the perfect gift for a retired worse birthday ever. Something U.S. Army colonel. must be done.

At the conclusion of Holy Mass upstairs The Ship’s Log in the church, a sponReflections of a taneous procession Parish Priest formed. Led by cross and candles, anyone

By Father Tim so inclined (including Goldrick children) proceeded reverently downstairs to sing “Happy Birthday.”

Father Wallace may no lonFather Wallace was delighted.

He had never before had a “Sol- ger be able to participate in pubemn High” birthday celebration. lic ministry due to his advanced age, but that doesn’t stop him Father Wallace even brought from one-on-one ministry. He out an old (very old) baby photograph to show how he has may no longer be able to drive around town making house calls, changed over the years. Some but he has more rectory visitors wag teased that Father Wallace than I do. Some are social visits, was born bald and bald he still but many are pilgrims come remains. to seek Spiritual direction and There were lots of greeting counselling. cards for Father Wallace this With the aging of the clergy, year, but no gifts to speak of. there are continuously increasThere comes a point when gifts ing numbers of priests retiring are redundant. The greyhounds, from active ministry. We already unfortunately, didn’t get the have Emeritus Pope Benedict memo. One night, the two of XVI, retired and living in Rome, them trotted sneakily down to and we have Bishop George the pet supply store. Justin and Coleman, retired Bishop of Fall Transit knew that Father Wal-

River.

Retired priests are currently providing Mass and other ministries, especially in parishes here on the Cape. Without our retired priests, what would we poor pastors do?

Here at St. Patrick Church, we get by with a little help from our priest-friends. Two retired Boston priests lend us a helping hand – Fathers Steve Koen and Paul Phinn.

Until very recently, we were also able to call upon Father Jack Andrews, retired priest of the Diocese of Fall River. Unfortunately for us, however, Father Jack needed to withdraw from assisting here due to pressing family responsibilities at home.

There can be a tendency these days to value retired priests only for the work they can do. A person’s value, however, lies not in what they do but in who they are. Senior priests are a treasure of the Church because of who they are. Elder priests in retirement are not useful because a parish might be able to squeeze more work out of them, but rather because they have gained wisdom. They hold the memo-

9 ries of where the Church has been. We need to know where we have been in order to understand where we are now and where we are going.

Some retired diocesan priests are able to live at home, frequently with family members. A handful are able to make arrangements to live in rectories with other priests.

Others prefer to live in the diocesan-operated Cardinal Medeiros Residence in Fall River. Thank heavens for the foresight of former Bishop Sean O’Malley who created this independent living facility.

Tonight, late in Advent, I sit in the darkened common room. The space is lit only by the crackling fireplace and the glow of the rectory Christmas tree.

I remember Bethlehem and I remember my own Christmases past. Christmas, it seems to me, is all about remembering.

What a gift it would be to the diocese if someone were to record the memories and stories of our retired priests. It would be the oral history of many, many, thousands of years (dog years that is).

Anchor columnist Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.

The Gift of Christmas We see the gentle look of love as we await the birth of Christ, on Mary’s face as she gazes at of the coming of our Savior the face of her Babe; the protecEmmanuel. The Advent wreath tive stanch of Joseph, as he takes is now shining brightly as we in the beauty of the woman he light more of the candles, filling our homes with light, illuminat- loves, and the newborn Child, love taking hold of his heart. All ing our lives, and promising us brighter days ahead.

The Christmas tree stands proudly adorning our homes, with the promise of life evergreen, everlasting, and the crèche

By Rose Mary is set in a place of honor Saraiva reminding us of the simplicity of Christ’s birth and how loved we are this imagery beautifully captured by the True Gift of Christmas, and painted by an artist’s loving God’s promise to all mankind. hand, telling us that we are not With all this joy, Christmas alone in our struggles and strife, can also be a trying time for us, that life is full of uncertainties, a time of not only remembering but yet through all the trials, the blessings, but recalling the there is hope. losses and difficulties. Of wantChristmas is love in its truing and wishing for the ability est form. It is a time of putting to slip into the past even if just others first, of bringing hope and briefly, hoping that all the hurt joy into their lives, of putting and pain will somehow disapour own pain and suffering aside pear. to ease the pain of others. This But then our eyes fall on is the message of Christmas, the scene in the manger, of the from that very first Christmas to bareness of the surroundings, today, we see and recall that God and we are jolted back into the put all else aside to give us the reality of Jesus’ humble birth.

In the Palm of His Hands

ultimate, perfect Gift; a Gift that came with no fancy wrappings, but in the most humble of forms.

A Gift that was recognized by those of modest means, simple shepherds who received the message in their hearts, got up and followed it, leading them to the manager.

The wise men, recognizing the significance of a brightly shining star, chose to follow it desiring only to gaze upon the King of Kings, opening the door for the rest of the world to believe.

Even the lowly animals, that provided warmth in the stable for the newborn Babe, giving up their manager so that the Infant Jesus could have a bed to lie in.

Let us not forget the sacrifice of Mary and Joseph. Mary, who willingly accepted the role of being the mother to God’s only Son, trusting that all would be cared for; and Joseph, who took on the responsibility of not only taking Mary as his wife, knowing she was expecting a Child, but the role of being a stepfather as well.

Christmas and everything about it is a reminder of the selfless love

of God for His people and His desire to give us all that we need.

My prayer this Christmas season is that of homes being filled with love and joy, of new-found hope in the midst of trials, and a willingness to let go and let ourselves be led to the perfect Gift, like the shepherds and wise men so many years ago. May the Spirit of Christmas remain with us throughout the coming year, and may we always trust and believe that we are cared for, and that we are gift to one another. Let the joy that fills our hearts and souls serve as light in the darkness for everyone we encounter, and may we always remember the humble beginnings of Jesus and how His simple birth and life, changed the world.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with love, laughter and prosperity.

Anchor columnist Rose Mary Saraiva lives in Fall River and is a parishioner of St. Michael’s Parish, and she is the Events Coordinator and Bereavement Ministry for the diocesan Office of Faith Formation. She is married with three children and two grandchildren. rsaraiva@dfrcs.com.

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December 19, 2014 The Tale of a Cow: A Christmas Story Those interested in purchasing the book by John Caron, “The Tale of a Cow: A Christmas Story,” that was featured in last week’s edition of The Anchor can call him directly at 508-636-4707 or send payment for $15 per copy to: John Caron, 89 Highland Avenue North Dartmouth, Mass. 02747

11

December 19, 2014

Lay ministry continues to grow continued from page three

our own self-care.

“We take the time to care for others, but don’t take that time for ourselves,” he said.

“We need time for renewal and reflection, and one of the reasons this is important is the hazard of parishioner burnout.”

He offered the analogy of boarding a plane, where the first order of business is the emergency instructions.

“The oxygen mask drops down, and you put yours on first,” he said. “We have to make sure we are breathing in the breath of God.” Consequently, the purpose of the day is to provide a retreat experience offering time for quiet prayer and reflection.

“It’s really a very simple day, not meant to be complicated, allowing people to remove the obstacles, to get a little bit more refocused and have some time alone,” he said. “We take a real look at their expectations: what they do, how they do it and more importantly, why they do it. It’s really about them, and there is also a lot of individual private time.”

During this quiet time Ex-

position and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are offered.

“It is a day we make for prayer and to rejuvenate ourselves,” Deacon Bonneau added.

Two sessions, Conference I in the morning and Conference II in the afternoon, provided Spiritual direction by Father McElroy.

“I retired from St. Joseph’s on August 8 of this year, and now I’m doing retreats of prayer, counseling, helping out in parishes, and prison ministry every Friday for the men and for the women on Sunday,” he said. “I retired because of my health, and I have a great deal more freedom now.”

Father McElroy spoke about ways to enter into ministry, based upon the teachings of Cardinal Basil Hume who provided a rubric on the qualities of leadership which uses our gifts to animate, to guide and be with the people.

“We must be a people of witness,” said Father McElroy.

“The harm is that we hear we

are short of vocations, and I don’t believe that at all. I chose religious life; the Lord called me to that. But the Lord is calling us all — as religious, through Marriage, through single life. Witness comes from Baptism.”

He cited the writings of Father Henri Nouwen who

taught that we have been given certain gifts to produce Christ in the world.

But when we come into ministry, we enter in powerlessness, Father McElroy explained.

“We need to understand we have not been given that power on our own, but through the Holy Spirit,” he said. “We enter in humility and use the gifts we develop though strong faith

and prayer. That is why prayer is so essential.”

Father McElroy said that the dark December days of the Advent season are the perfect time to host the Retreat Day for Parish Ministers.

“We wrap our arms around those we are caring for, those entrusted to us,” he added. “We tell them to receive the Light of Christ, keep this Light and light the world.”

12

I

t wasn’t as frenetic a scene as played out on television — at least it wasn’t for me.

When Denise went into labor for the first time, there was no

December 19, 2014

boiling of water, gnashing of teeth, a frantic search for car keys, or a call to the doctor.

We simply loaded her prepacked suitcase in the car and

I got this

made the drive to then-Truesdale Hospital in Fall River.

I’m not saying there wasn’t a massive case of nerves going on inside, but there was no panic. “I got

this,” was my general demeanor.

Why should there be? We were a 10-minute ride from a safe, warm, clean hospital where everyone knew exactly what to do.

All we had to do (except for Denise enduring the labor pains, so I really shouldn’t say “all”) was wait for the unexpected — the birth of our first child; what sex would it be?

Would it be

for all four of our pups.

But as Christmas Eve and Day approach, I can’t help but think of good old St. Joseph when his beloved Mary went into labor, and they didn’t even have a place to bunk down, let alone reach a hospital (which was non-existent then anyway).

I can’t imagine the step-father of our Lord and Savior slipping into a Hollywood panic. I picture one of my favorite saints ( Joseph is my Guardian Angel’s name, my youngest son’s middle name, and my dad’s as well) being proactive, confident (on the outside) and taking charge saying, “I got this.”

My View From the Stands

By Dave Jolivet

healthy? How will our lives change now?

(Let me count the ways!)

It was pretty much the same

He had the wherewithal to find a vacant manger or stable or cave with which to set up camp.

He did find a place for our Blessed Mother to give birth to the greatest Human Being ever born.

He did keep them safe and warm.

But I can’t imagine the inner turmoil, worrying about messing things up — with the Son of God, of all People!

Yet, he didn’t mess things up.

He lovingly cared for his wife and Child, no doubt with great sacrifice to his own comfort and well-being.

And another thing to remember is the Nativity scene we see in homes and on lawns and in churches, wasn’t a one-time thing.

After Christmas day, there was no director yelling, “Cut, that’s a wrap.”

Nope, the Holy Family had to stay in conditions that not many of us will ever endure, until mother and Child were ready to move on according to what Scripture had in store for them. And it was Joseph who made sure his holy peeps had what they needed and kept them as warm and comfortable as possible.

What a great daddy and husband. What a great role model.

What a humble, underrated (in my opinion) saint.

St. Joseph is one of my heroes.

I’ve tried to be the best daddy I could to my pups, but I’m so thankful that my circumstances were nowhere near Joseph’s. If they were, I wonder if I could have confidently said, “I got this.”

I wish the blessings of the Holy Family this Christmas to all you wonderful folks who read my column week after week.

Dave Jolivet can be contacted at davejolivet@anchornews.org.

13

December 19, 2014

Father Leonard M. Mullaney, longtime Mattapoisett pastor, dies continued from page three

phase of life … and he made them well-known, and the same was true with regard to his priestly ministry. He preached the Word of God in word and in deed and there was no equivocation.”

Born Oct. 7, 1936, Father Mullaney was an alumnus of Morton Junior High School in Fall River. He graduated from the former Msgr. Coyle High School in Taunton, where he was taught by the Holy Cross Brothers who “made a great impression on him to pursue a priestly vocation,” he said in an interview with The Anchor.

“We went to Coyle High School together,” said classmate Father John F. Andrews. “We later became roommates in the seminary. I always remembered him borrowing my typewriter … he didn’t have one and was always borrowing mine. He had a great sense of humor and was always playing jokes on me.”

Father Mullaney entered Cardinal O’Connell Minor Seminary in 1954 and continued his studies at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton.

He was ordained on Feb. 2, 1962 by Bishop James L. Connolly at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River.

“On the 50th anniversary of our ordination to the priest-

hood, we celebrated Mass together at the Catholic Memorial Home with Bishop George W. Coleman,” Father Andrews recalled. “That was the last time I saw him.”

Father Mullaney’s first assignment was at St. Patrick’s Parish in Wareham. While there, he also served as parochial administrator at St. Rita’s in Marion for several months. It was there he first developed an affinity for riding motorcycles.

He would enjoy long rides through rural areas of the diocese on one of two bikes — a big Suzuki or a smaller Honda.

“I began riding a motorcycle during my first assignment as a priest at St. Patrick’s in Wareham,” he recalled in a 2009 Anchor interview. “The young men would ride throughout the cranberry bogs and so I began to join them. I’m still riding the bikes … just came in from riding one.”

“I enjoyed hearing about his motorcycle hobby,” said Msgr.

Ronald A. Tosti, who was also ordained with Father Mullaney in 1962. “He was very much alive and very active. He obviously enjoyed the priesthood.

All my memories of him are very positive.”

Besides his motorcycle hobby, he took a liking to quahogging, which he enjoyed with

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will be the principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass for Christmas to be broadcast at 12 noon on WLNETV, Channel 6, on Christmas Day. The one-hour televised Liturgy is sponsored by the Fall River Diocesan Television Mass Apostolate.

The Portuguese Channel will also air a Christmas Mass in Por-

tuguese at 7:30 p.m. on Christmas night. It will be a broadcast of a Mass celebrated earlier in the day at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Providence, R.I. Parishes in the Fall River and Providence dioceses provide on an alternating basis the weekly Masses aired on the Portuguese Channel. The Portuguese Channel is carried by most cable systems in the Fall River Diocese.

Bishop da Cunha to celebrate Christmas TV Mass at noon

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, December 21, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Thomas E. Costa, pastor of Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Taunton

family members.

From 1972 to 1974 he was parochial vicar at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in New Bedford, then parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish in Taunton from 1974 to 1978, when he was named pastor at St. Bernard’s Parish in Assonet.

He was appointed pastor at St. Anthony’s Parish in East Falmouth in June 1986 and became pastor of St. Anthony’s in Mattapoisett in June 1999. “(Father Mullaney) was very hard-working for the Spiritual welfare of our parishes,” noted Father Philip A. Davignon. “He worked hard to keep parish expenses at a reasonable minimum … and he was very welcoming to other priests at his rectories.”

Before retiring in 2009, Father Mullaney served as pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish in Mattapoisett for nine years, capping off 47 years of priestly ministry for the diocese.

Looking back at his nearly half-century as a priest, Father Mullaney said those years “were very happy ones. I am a happy priest. I have had good assignments in several fine parishes — even sometimes while definitive changes were occurring in the Church — during my years of ministry.”

Father Mullaney also served as an advocate and a pro-synodal judge in the diocesan Tribunal and was director of Cathedral Camp in East Freetown from 1972 to 1983.

“I know I made a good choice in becoming a priest,” he told The Anchor. “I’ve put my life to good use as a priest.”

Father Mullaney is survived by his brother, Attorney Joseph E. Mullaney Jr., of Orchid, Fla.; a sister, Arline M. Angell and her husband William of Naples, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Vincent S. Mullaney and Margaret Mullaney Panos.

Father Mullaney’s funeral Mass was held on December 18 at Holy Name Church in Fall River. He was buried at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Fall River.

“He was direct and open in all that he did and hard-working and talented both academically and athletically,” added classmate Msgr. Wall, who delivered the homily during Father Mullaney’s funeral Mass. “He used all his gifts in his ministry in caring for people and drawing them closer to the Lord.”

Memorial contributions in Father Mullaney’s honor may be made to the Catholic Memorial Home, 2446 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720.

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December 19, 2014

Area health care facilities make season bright for residents continued from page two

including St. Mary’s Parish in Fairhaven, whose students come to carol and deliver Christmas cards; local entertainers come to help residents celebrate.

Medeiros said that residents are encouraged to participate and assist the staff in decorating the residents’ rooms. Shuttle buses from Our Lady’s Haven also take residents on a journey through the surrounding communities to see the Christmas light decorations.

“And of course, Mr. and Mrs. Santa will be arriving with the help of the Fairhaven Fire Department truck,” added Medeiros.

In Fall River, at the apex of Highland Avenue, sits the massive Catholic Memorial Home.

“Our goal throughout the month

is to keep residents involved and connected to their community and to also keep them connected to the specialness of the season,” said administrator Thomas F. Healy. “Residents with no family are comforted by their ‘Catholic Memorial Home’ family. Staff always give special attention to those residents who don’t have visitors or whose family cannot be with them during this time of year.”

Healy said each of the residents receives a gift to open on Christmas morning. St. Thomas More Parish in Somerset has a program to bring gifts to the Fall River facility, and members of Espirito Santo Parish in Fall River routinely come to the home during the Christmas season to carol and distribute gifts.

Healy also said that groups, such as the Boy Scouts and other community groups come to carol for the residents. “This is almost a daily occurrence during the Christmas season.”

A Christmas dinner is offered on Christmas day for residents and their families, so they may celebrate the day together.

Another activity is a program that specializes in remembering the season with discussion groups of residents talking about their favorite Christmas memories.

The Alzheimer’s units have special Christmas activities, at which family and friends attend, and, “Santa always makes an appearance,” added Healy.

“At Sacred Heart Home in New Bedford, we try to make the Christmas season as homelike as possible for our residents,” administrator Manuel Benevides told The Anchor.

“Many residents have family close by, but others have no families or families that live at a distance. We try to relive some of the Christmas customs that they cherished throughout their lives, and involve them in as many activities and programs as possible especially for those who do not get many visitors.”

During the season Sacred Heart Home residents take part in a “trim-a-tree” program, while the staff uses recipes given by residents to make delicious treats such as graham cracker strawberry pie, cream cheese brownies and Christmas cookies. “The aromas are awesome,” added Benevides.

Area parishes help bring the joy of Christmas to the home.

St. John the Baptist Parish in Westport and St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford sponsor and take part in various concerts and activities for residents.

Weather permitting, some residents travel to La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, or through New Bedford neighborhoods to view the Christmas light displays.

“This year, the Christmas party will be held on December 23,” added Benevides. “We have a Christmas Eve pizza party in our auditorium along with a New Year’s party the following week also in our auditorium. We make it a point to show classic holiday movies to our residents in the units and activity rooms. We also have carolers from various schools and organizations throughout the month.”

Madonna Manor services

the residents in the Attleboro area of the diocese. Administrator Mary-Ellen Murphy told The Anchor, “At Madonna Manor we strive to live the Christmas Spirit all year long through the loving, compassionate care we provide for our residents every day.”

Some of the manor’s Christmas activities include a Christmas dinner for family and residents on Christmas Day and a trip to La Salette Shrine to view the lights.

Children from St. MarySacred Heart School in North Attleboro perform a Christmas pageant for the residents, including a Christmas concert.

Following the pageant the students present each of the residents with a gift from the home.

The bell-ringers group from St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro performs for the residents, as do various local entertainers who bring Christmas cheer and warmth to the manor.

Marian Manor, an extended care facility, and Bethany House, an adult day health care facility, service the Taunton area.

The manor has been a host site for the city of Taunton’s “Lights On” celebration for many years. During the Christmas season the resident glee club sings for the public at the manor during the event.

Local entertainer Mike Higgins performs for the residents, among the many other activities taking place there including: a Snowflake Bazaar; a La Salette trip; Girl Scout and Brownie caroling events; a visit from the St. Anthony’s Parish (Taunton) Youth Group to sing carols; and a Christmas party and social.

“We have a very active season of events here at Marian Manor and Bethany House,” said manor administrator, Ray McAndrews. “In addition, our residents each receive a gift from the facility and Santa makes the delivery at a housewide party several days before Christmas.”

Phoebe Worcester is the director of Bethany House. She told The Anchor, “Our ‘clients’ live in their homes and come in to spend the day here (medically supervised). We provide activities, crafts, meals, day trips, etc. We are open year round to provide a caring environment and respite for their caregivers. Bethany House is a ‘house.’

We have a living room with a fireplace, a kitchen for cooking groups, a large dining room that functions as our large group

meeting area, a library and a quiet room. Most of our clients are poor, some living in a group home setting, adult foster care and/or with their children. I usually tell potential clients/ families we are ‘family’ here.

I also tell them that our all women staff are ‘angels sent down from Heaven,’ all kind, caring, respectful with beautiful souls.”

These “angels” help the clients bake cookies, have Christmas sing-alongs, and put up Nativity scenes and Christmas trees. “We wear ‘ugly sweaters,’ watch a few Christmas movies and spend one-on-one time with clients who need it,” added Worcester. “On December 19, Santa and Mrs. Claus will come and hand out to each individual a present that they asked for in October. Their names are picked from a Christmas tree and the gifts are wrapped and coordinated through Home Instead.

It is a very emotional day for the staff, to see clients who are mentally/physically-challenged who smile from ear to ear when they open their gift that was picked out just for them. I’m sure for many of them, it is their only gift. We have eggnog punch, baked-by-client cookies, etc. Sister Paulina comes over twice weekly to give Communion and we also provide Bible study for non-Catholics.”

Joan Jakuboski, RN, BSN, is the care manager for Elders First based in Fall River.

“Those of us who work in the Elders First program are registered nurses and we visit elders in their homes on a weekly or biweekly basis,” she explained.

“We spend much of our time with medication management and work with the elder’s physicians to ensure that their medical needs are being met. Since we see the clients on a regular basis, we get to know them well and know their families as well.

There are those who have no family and my staff and I make certain that they have some gifts and let them know that someone cares about them especially during this time of year.

We always let them know that we are only a phone call away, if there is anything that they need.”

Being away from home at Christmas tends to magnify the sadness and loneliness of many area residents. But also magnified are the simple acts of love, kindness, and Christmas joy provided by the many fine folks who work and volunteer at the diocese’s extended health care facilities.

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December 19, 2014

Scripture Alive bringing the Good Word to 2015 continued from page three

depth of the Revelations and how it interrelates with their lives. I wanted to create Bible sharing groups, where people would read the Bible together, reflect on it, contemplate on it; we have a process that we follow.”

Sister Thomas changed tactics and created Bible sharing sessions using the catechetical method Lectio Divina (Latin for “Divine reading”), a traditional Benedictine practice of Scriptural that does not treat Scripture as texts to be studied, but as the living Word.

“That, to me, is the beauty of these types of groups,” said Sister Thomas. “It’s not intellectual, or such. People who come have done Bible work for years and others come who barely know or have opened it.”

When Sister Thomas came to the Fall River Diocese and began working at the Office of Faith Formation, she not only wanted to create Scripture study groups but also wanted to train people to be able run their own group at their respective parish.

“It was always our hope that the individuals would learn enough to launch the program in their own parishes,” said McManus. “In order to spread the

program more widely we began to offer it in other areas of the diocese and to diverse groups.

We had a young adult group for a while, and I brought the program to the Cape for a couple of years, and Deacon Bruce Bonneau brought it to Fairhaven. Some of the participants have started the program in their own parishes, but many just want to continue with the original group.”

Though Scripture Alive may not have blossomed as much as the office had hoped, it still found roots in the diocese. Groups have grown in some locations, while others may stay small but have a loyal following in its members. A lot of that is due to maintaining the atmosphere that makes everyone comfortable and on the same level.

“I like comfortable, homey space,” said Sister Thomas. “We sit in a circle in comfortable chairs or couches, and it puts us all on the same level. It’s welcoming and adult space; the diocese is in need of good, adult space for adults to gather. I don’t want to put people in the basement with folding chairs. I want it to be like in someone’s living room.”

During this past Faith Forma-

at St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth: “The group was all women, of retirement age, three tion Ministry Convention, Bish- of whom were more than 85 op Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., years old. These amazing women also touched on the diocese’s ef- had such rich backgrounds and forts to push Scripture from the life experiences. They really enhead to the heart of the people: joyed learning, and didn’t mind “Bishop da Cunha reminded us that we added an extra week in in his homily at the Faith Forma- the beginning so that we could tion Ministry Convention that dive deeper into the background any catechetical effort must move of the texts. Their sharing was from the head to the heart,” said profound, and I came away from McManus. “This is why we have the experience every week feeling placed so much emphasis on faith as if Jesus spoke directly to me,” sharing and not Bible study. All said McManus, adding that due evangelization must begin with to cuts in staff at her office, she an encounter with Jesus, and there was no longer able to offer the is no better place to meet Him meetings. than in the Good News.”

“If a parish wants help in getThough they will launch into ting this started they should feel the fourth and final part of study- free to contact me,” said McMaing Genesis in January, this past nus. “These small faith sharing fall, the group that meets at St. groups should be a part of every John Neumann’s Parish in East parish’s pastoral plan.”

Freetown studied the parables: Even though she retired in “Up until now we had always 2013, Sister Thomas continues to done a book, or part of a book, feed her passion in Scriptures by but this time we did the parables,” leading two groups three times a said Sister Thomas. “It was some- year. When people gather from thing [the group] had chosen and all over the diocese to share in they were so glad they did. It re- their desire to learn more about ally focused on what is a parable and what is not, and they really got a lot out of it.”

McManus also shared her experience she had with her group that used to meet on the Cape

the Bible, the connection goes deeper than just finding common ground in the Word of God, but in the words of the group: “When you share faith, it bonds people,” said Sister Thomas. “There’s a real bond where they’ll pray for each other, if something’s going on in their lives; they’re concerned about each other. It creates a community.”

The Scripture Alive schedule for 2015 is: Tuesdays, January 6-February 10, 10 a.m. to noon at St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown to study Matthew 10-20; Thursdays, January 8-February 12 , 10 a.m. to noon at the rectory of St. Joseph Parish in Fall River to study the Philippians; Tuesdays, February 24-April 7 (no class Holy Week), at St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown to study John 11-21; and Thursdays, February 26-April 9 (no class Holy Week) at St. Joseph Parish rectory in Fall River to study Amos/Hosea/Micah.

For registration information, go to the Office of Faith Formation’s website: www.

FallRiverFaithFormation.org.

Youth Pages

16

St. Nick (Steven Sozanski) and Deacon David Akin spoke to the children at St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth about the traditions of Christmas at a recent Mass.

December 19, 2014

The kindergarten class at Holy Name School in Fall River recently participated in a Gingerbread Exchange with the Jefferson Elementary School in Redondo Beach, Calif.

Their gingerbread people are on their way and the class anxiously awaits the arrival of their counterparts from the West Coast.

St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro recently held its annual school Christmas concert, directed by music director Sue Fortin. Pictured are the pre-k and kindergarten students who performed the story of the Nativity while eighth-graders Kate Blazejewski, Rachel Erwin and Caitlyn Neary narrated. The school is celebrating its 60th anniversary and each grade performed Christmas carols from the Rockin’ 50s to the New Millennium. Athan Dafulas and Andrew Brown “hosted” the evening as Dick Clark and Casey Kasem respectively. The grade seven and eight Vocal Ensemble and the Bellchoir each performed while students in grades five and six also danced a Sock Hop dance.

The Glee Club from St. Joseph School in Fairhaven was caroling around the school spreading good cheer at the recent annual holiday bazaar.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., recently visited the staff and students at St. JamesSt. John School in New Bedford.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., was able to visit the students at St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet following a recent Mass. Here he addressed the fifth-graders in their classroom.

December 19, 2014

“I

Youth Pages Those who forgive the most love the most

am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to Your Word” (Lk 1:38). With those words Mary committed and commended her life to God. Every day we are faced with the choice of saying yes or no to God: we choose to be for God or choose to be against God. It’s not easy. In fact, at times it’s rather frightening. Sacred Scripture tells us that Mary was in her early to mid-teens when she was faced with such a choice. We are thankful for the choice she made — Mary said “yes” and became the Mother of God’s Son. At first, Mary was afraid, but her fears were quickly conquered because of her faith and trust in God. Imagine now, young women, putting yourselves in Mary’s shoes. Would you? Try explaining this pregnancy to your parents or your boyfriend. Sounds like a tough story to sell. But the fact is, aside from the issue of pregnancy, we’ve all been in Mary’s shoes. We’ve all come face-to-face with God and had to respond to God’s call in some way.

A young mother, visibly nervous, there’s no difference to me which one visited her doctor with her 10-month- dies. Sacrificing the child you hold in old daughter and asked him, “I need your arms is much simpler, and poses your help with a very serious problem. no danger to you.” The young mother, My baby isn’t a year old and I am panic-stricken, cried out, “No docpregnant again. I do not want chiltor. That’s horrible. Killing a child is dren so close a crime.” The in age.” The doctor smiled doctor reand saw that sponded, “Very the lesson was well. How effective. He can I be of had convinced service?” The the young

By Ozzie Pacheco young mother, mother that now seemthere is no ingly hopeful, difference in replied, “I want an abortion.” After a the killing of her born child and the moment of silent thought, the doctor killing of her unborn child. The crime said, “I think I have a better solution is exactly the same. Either way, she to your problem, and it’s much less would have become the mother of her dangerous to you.” The young mother dead child. smiled, believing the doctor had comOur Blessed Mother put her words plied with her request. into action — she bore for us a SavThe doctor continued, “Since you ior and gave Him life so we can have don’t want two young children so close life forever. If you are pregnant and in age, let’s kill the child you hold in considering an abortion, there are your arms. This way, the child in you other choices. Have courage. Trust in can be born. If the intention is to kill, God. Let Mary’s “yes” be your “yes,” your commitment to God — serve the God of life. Let Mary’s commendation be your action for life — entrust your life to God and let God’s will be done through you, in you and for you.

Be Not Afraid

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Loving someone with your life means you are willing to forgive every wrong they do. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life” ( Jn 3:16). Jesus died to forgive all our sins, all of them. And in doing so He showed the Father’s infinite love for us. Forgive always and you will love always! Forgive always and you will know Who Jesus is.

Love always and you will know God. There is a Christmas song titled, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” by Robert Macgimsey. In it he writes about this Jesus Who came to save us by taking our sins away, but, we didn’t recognize Him: “Sweet little Jesus Boy, they made You be born in a manger.

Sweet little Holy Child, didn’t know Who You were. Didn’t know You’d come to save us, Lord, to take our sins away. Our eyes were blind, we couldn’t see. We didn’t know Who You were.”

See Jesus in every person and come know Him in every person. Amen!

A blessed Advent and Christmas to you. God bless.

Anchor columnist Ozzie Pacheco is Faith Formation director at Santo Christo Parish, Fall River.

The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about our diocesan youth. If schools or parish Religious Education programs have stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, send them to: schools@anchornews.org.

Bishop Feehan High School girls’ lacrosse team members participated in the recent St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s “Give Thanks” walk-a-thon at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. The girls from the Attleboro school joined forces with more than 66,000 people in communities across America in this annual event and helped raise $8 million for the hospital. Front row holding St. Jude signs: Samantha Cilli and Samantha Fortune. Back row: Caroline Saunders, Elizabeth Romsey, Brenna Dunne, Elizabeth Scarsciotti, Megan Cooke, Maggie Lynch, and Mandy Semple.

Coyle and Cassidy High School (Taunton) students, accompanied by their moderator Andrew Gaboury, recently competed in a History Bowl in Everett. The History Bowl is a nationwide history quiz tournament in which schools play a series of competitions against each other. Teams of four answer increasingly harder questions about all eras of history and accrue points based on their collective knowledge. Winners advance to state and later national competitions. ​​​​

Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth was one of 100 schools that participated in the qualifying round for the WGBH’s High School Quiz Show. The show will include questions to the students on topics such as science, literature, history and other academic topics. Bishop Stang math teacher Tom Copps of Mattapoisett led the team from Bishop Stang. From left: Paul Hoey, Gabriel Nadolski, Sofia Maietta, and Jessica Rush. This is the first year the quiz show is open to students in parochial and private schools.

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Around the Diocese

The 2014 Festival of Lights at La Salette Shrine, 947 Park Street in Attleboro, will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. daily through Jan. 4, 2015. Masses will be celebrated on Christmas Eve at 12:10, 4 and 5:30 p.m., with a special Christmas concert at 11:30 p.m., followed by Midnight Mass. Masses will also be celebrated on Christmas Day at 12:10, 4 and 5:30 p.m.; New Year’s Eve at 4 and 5:30 p.m.; and New Year’s Day at 12:10, 4 and 5:30 p.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available daily at the shrine at 1 and 5:30 p.m. For more information visit www.lasalette-shrine.org.

A Day with Mary will be held January 3 at Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street in New Bedford from 9 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.

It will include a video presentation, procession and crowning of the Blessed Mother with Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There will be an opportunity for Reconciliation and a bookstore will also be available. Please bring a bag lunch. For more information call 508-996-8274.

The 17th annual Cathedral Christmas Carol Sing will be held January 4 at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral, corner of Spring and Second streets in Fall River. The performance will feature the combined choirs of St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish. Admission is free, but freewill offerings to benefit the Cathedral Pipe Organ Fund will be graciously accepted.

ECHO, a Catholic retreat program for teen-agers living on Cape Cod and the Islands, will have a retreat weekend for girls in Craigville on Jan. 16-18, 2015. For applications or more information go to www.echoofcapecod.org or visit your parish office.

Deadline for applications is January 11.

The Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is looking for married couples who would like to enrich their Marriage while helping engaged couples prepare for their lifetime together.

There is also a Re-Marriage Prep Program for couples entering their second Marriages. If you are interested in sharing the joys and challenges of married life, please contact your pastor or the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation at 508-678-2828 or email cmcmanus@dfrcs.org.

Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River is searching for missing alumni as the school plans for its 50th anniversary to take place during the 2015-2016 school year. If you or someone you know is an alumnus of Bishop Connolly High School and is not receiving communications from the school, please send your contact information by email to Anthony Ciampanelli in the Alumni Office at aciampanelli@bishopconnolly.com; via the school’s website at www.bishopconnolly.com; by phone at 508-676-1071 extension 333; or mail the school at 373 Elsbree Street, Fall River, Mass. 02720. Please provide the graduate’s name (including maiden name if appropriate), complete mailing address, telephone number, email address, and the year of graduation.

December 19, 2014

St. Anne’s Food Pantry hopes to get delivery truck continued from page three

500 food bags a month to needy families in the area.

Gregoire said they make regular deliveries to nine highrise apartment buildings in Fall River alone, and they also bring another 65 bags of groceries to displaced families living in motels in nearby Swansea and Somerset.

Noting that box trucks, be they new or used, are all “very expensive,” Gregoire said he nevertheless remains hopeful — which is appropriate during this season of Advent.

“Whenever I’ve needed any type of help moneywise, God has always come through for me,” he said. “We had to have some repairs done one time where we needed to raise $4,000 and I thought we’d never be able to raise it … but all of a sudden people found out about it and we raised it. We’ve always been fortunate and you can never underestimate the power of prayer.”

For more information about the St. Anne’s Parish Food Pantry or to make a donation to the delivery truck effort, call 508674-5651.

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Dec. 20 Rev. Manuel S. Travassos, Pastor, Espirito Santo, Fall River, 1953 Rev. John A. Janson, OFM, Missionary in Brazil, 1996 Dec. 21 Rev. Henri J. Charest, Pastor, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1968 Rev. Manuel M. Resendes, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Taunton, 1985 Rev. Laureano C. dos Reis, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony of Padua, Fall River, 1989 Dec. 22 Rev. Adriano Moniz, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Angels, Fall River, 1964 Rev. Armand P. Paradis, S.J., Psychologist, San Francisco, Calif., 1991 Dec. 23 Rev. Owen J. Kiernan, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1901 Rev. Charles P. Trainor, SS, St. Edward Seminary, Seattle, Wash., 1947 Rev. Msgr. John A. Silvia, Retired Pastor, St. John the Baptist, New Bedford, 1970 Rev. William E. Collard, Retired Pastor, St. Theresa, New Bedford, 1986 Dec. 24 Rev. James K. Beaven, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1886 Rev. Timothy J. Duff, Assistant, St. Joseph, Woods Hole, 1914

Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

ATTLEBORO — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the St. Joseph Adoration Chapel at Holy Ghost Church, 71 Linden Street, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

ATTLEBORO — The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette holds Eucharistic Adoration in the Shrine Church every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. through November 17.

ATTLEBORO — There is a weekly Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at St. John the Evangelist Church on N. Main St. Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the La Salette Chapel in the lower level of Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays beginning at noon until 7:45 a.m. First Saturday, concluding with Benediction and concluding with Mass at 8 a.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, Monday through Saturday, from 6:30 to 8 a.m.; and every first Friday from noon to 8 a.m. on Saturday.

East Freetown — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John Neumann Church every Monday (excluding legal holidays) 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady, Mother of All Nations Chapel. (The base of the bell tower).

EAST TAUNTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the chapel at Holy Family Parish Center, 438 Middleboro Avenue, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On First Fridays, Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m.

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m. Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration. Refreshments follow.

Fall River — Espirito Santo Parish, 311 Alden Street, Fall River. Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays following the 8 a.m. Mass until Rosary and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Bernadette’s Church, 529 Eastern Ave., has continuous Eucharistic Adoration from 8 a.m. on Thursday until 8 a.m. on Saturday.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has Eucharistic Adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

FALL RIVER — Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street, has Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady of Grace Chapel.

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with 3 p.m. Benediction in the Daily Mass Chapel. A bilingual holy hour takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday, following the 9 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 4:30 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

MANSFIELD — St. Mary’s Parish, 330 Pratt Street, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Benediction at 5:45 p.m.

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Mass every First Friday with special intentions for Respect Life, followed by 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel, concluding with Benediction Saturday morning followed immediately by an 8:30 Mass.

NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration takes place 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 233 County Street, with night prayer and Benediction at 8:45 p.m., and Confessions offered during the evening. Please use the side entrance.

NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the Rosary, and the opportunity for Confession.

NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel from 7:30-11:45 a.m. ending with a simple Benediction NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m., ending with Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time.

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 5 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration also takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

NORTH EASTON — A Holy Hour for Families including Eucharistic Adoration is held every Friday from 3-4 p.m. at The Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street.

OSTERVILLE — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 76 Wianno Avenue on First Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549.

Taunton — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction. Recitation of the Rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

Taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street. Exposition begins following the 8 a.m. Mass. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day. Confessions are heard from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 6:30 p.m.

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church begins each Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. and ends on Friday night at midnight. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall. ~ PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ~ East Sandwich — The Corpus Christi Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich. Use the Chapel entrance on the side of the church.

NEW BEDFORD — Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street, offers Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For information call 508-996-8274.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549.

WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street (Rte. 28), holds perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. We are a regional chapel serving all of the surrounding parishes. All are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.

December 19, 2014

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The Holy Trinity Religious Education Program grades one through nine recently took part in its annual Living Lesson: “Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself.” Members went caroling door-to-door at a local senior housing complex singing Christmas songs, bringing good cheer, and delivering Christmas presents and homemade cards to residents of the 100-unit complex. Above left, from left, student team leader Genny Paige, Cece Kane, Samantha Mahoney, Elise Kane,and Kelsi Culver were part of one of the teams that went caroling. Above, all the of the students and staff of the West Harwich parish’s Faith Formation program gathered for a group photo after a busy day of spreading good cheer. (Photos courtesy of Barbara-Anne Foley)

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December 19, 2014

Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., recently visited the students of Catholic schools on Cape Cod. The bishop paid a visit to several schools and met with the children to celebrate Mass with them at St. Francis Xavier Church in Hyannis. At left, the bishop delivers his homily. At top, he accepts the gifts of water and wine from students, and below, members of the St. John Paul II High School choir sing during the Mass. (Photos by John E. Kearns Jr.)