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VOL. 34, NO. 50
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Friday, December2i,
1990
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F ALL RIVER, MASS.
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The Christmas message of Bishop Cronin Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, During these days of Advent, we have been preparing along with our fellow Christians throughout the world for the birth of the "Wonder-Counselor, the Prince of Peace ... whose dominion is vast and forever peaceful." [Is: 9, 12] The vision of the Prophet Isaiah was a hope-filled prayer for the . promised Messiah who would transform the world. That age-old promise was fulfilled for all time in the birth of Jesus Christ. Yet, today, our own world is filled with the sounds and tensions of war and conflict. How imperfectly have we responded to the message of peace proclaimed by the angels on the gentle hills near Bethlehem and completed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the hill of Calvary! The fact of our imperfection, however, should not fill us
with despair but with new hope. For in the mystery of the Incarnation, we rejoice that the Son of God has taken upon Himselfthe flesh of humanitY,thus giving us all a share in His glory. May we always seek to reflect His glory to those around us. May the newborn Savior fill you all with His grace and love. rv1ay you and your ioved ones experience the joy of this Christmas day throughout the New Year. .Faithfully yours in Christ,
+rxr~~~. ~ Bishop of Fall River Bishop Cronin will be principal celebrant of the Mass of Christmas to be telecast from 10 to 11 a.m. Christmas Day on WLNE Channel Six.
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THE ANCHOR -
Diocese of Fall River -
Hostage release elates bishop
Fri., Dec. 21, 1990
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CONTEST WINNER Jonathan Mark Massoud at work at the Dominican Academy Creativity Center. (Gaudette photo)
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holy hour at 3 p.m. Dec. 30 at SI. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River. The theme will be presented in the context of a vesper service for the feast of the Holy Family at which Bishop Daniel A. Cronin will preside. The service will include exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and will conclude with Benediction. Parish pro-life representatives have been invited to the service and all concerned with respect for life issues are also encouraged to attend.
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Contest runners-up are students at Coyle-Cassidy High School, Taunton. Second place prize of $25 went to Wil Curran for a scenedepicting SI. Nicholas holding the Christ child, and third prize, $15, went to Bryan Murphy for a rendition of the "Kneeling Santa." Congratulations to our winners and Merry Christmas to all who entered!
Our Christmas front page design is the work of Jonathan Mark Massoud, 14, of Fall River. His peaceful nativity scene won first place - a $50 prize - in the Anchor Christmas Art Contest, open to area high school students. A communicant of SI. Anthony of the Desert Church, Fall River, he is a student at B. M.C. Durfee High School and studies art under Sister Gertrude Gaudette, OP.
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The bishop, w·ho was both the delegation's spokesman and .its spiritual director, said he was "extremely gratefUl to participate in the joyful reunion of hostages with their families. He said the hosU;ges, many Catholic, told him their belief in God "made a big difference." "They did a lot of praying," and one man found solace carving crosses out of wood, he said. Bishop Gumbleton, a prominent figure in Pax Christi USA, a Catholic peace organization, with many of the former hostages and family members because of the "strong feelings and deep affections" that were developed throughout the ordeal. The release was "a positive step nudging the peace process forward a bit ... but [Saddam) still has invaded another country," he said. Before U.S. withdrawal, Iraq should pull out of Kuwait and reinstate its legitimate government, the bishop said.
EDICTAL CITATION DIOCESAN TRIBUNAL FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS Since the actual place of residence of ANTHONY R. SHPACK is unknown. We cite ANTHONY R. SHPACK to appear personally before the Tribunal of the Diocese of Fall River on Thursday, December 27,1990 at 10:30 a.m. at 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Massachusetts, to give testimony to establish: Whether the nullity of the marriage exists in the LEMAIRE·SHPACK case? Ordinaries of the place or other pastors having the knowledge of the residence of the above person, ANTHONY R. SHPACK; must see to it that he is properly advised in regard to this edictal citation. Jay T. Maddock
Judicial Vicar
CAREGIVER
Saint Anne Parish and Shrine
DETROIT (CNS) - Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton, exhausted but content after a weeklong yuletide trip to bring back a dozen Americans held by Iraq, said he will remember the "joyful experience" of the release for the rest of his life. Bishop Gumbleton said he thinks his delegation contributed to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's decision to free all foreign nationals detained by Iraq. "It was a cumulative thing," he said Dec. II, a day after returning to the United States. His delegation, made up mostly of wives of detained Americans, had been writing letters to Iraqi officials for months before the trip. Numerous human rights groups from around the world had also been pressing Saddam to free the hostages, he said. The release, Bishop Gumbleton said, was "a realistic appraisal that the presence of hostages was a negative factor for Iraq, a violation of international law, and [it) made it difficult for other countries to support" Saddam.
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Given at the Tribunal, Fall River, Massachusetts, on this 1st day of October, 1990. 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111I11I11111111I1111 THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-Q20). Second Class Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass. PUblished weekly except the week of July 4 and the week after Christmas at 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $11.00 per year. Postmasters send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.
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BISHOP DANIEL A. Cronin, left, shares a moment with Bishop Robert J. Banks at the latter's installation as bishop of Green Bay, Wis. (Lisa Kessler photo courtesy of The Pilot)
Bp. Cronin at installation Bishop Daniel A. Cronin was ordained to the priesthood in 1952 among principal concelebrants at in Rome and served as a canon law the Dec. 5 installation of Bishop professor and academic dean and Robert J. Banks as Ordinary of then rector of St. John's Seminary, Brighton, before being the diocese of Green Bay; Wise. Bishop Banks, 62, formerly an ordained to the episcopacy in 1985. Bishop Banks officially took auxiliary bishop of Boston, was a classmate of Bishop Cronin at the possession of the Green Bay dioNorth American College in Rome. cese in the context of a Dec. 4 His appointment by Pope John evening prayer service at St. FranPaul II was the first to be . cis Cathedral in Green Bay. Some 1400 people attended his announced by Archbishop Agostino Cacciavillan, the new U.S. installation liturgy on Dec. 5, at which he was presented his crosier, apostolic pro-nuncio. A native of East Boston, he was symbolic of his pastoral authority.
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ues Make the Difference at Stonehill
St. Anne's Hospital CEO announces resignation St. Anne's Hospital, Fall River, announced Tuesday that Alan D. Knight, will step down as president of the hospital effective Jan. I to pursue other interests. In making the announcement, Sister Dorothy Ruggiero, O.P., chairman of the hospital's board of directors, said "The board has regretfully accepted the resignation of Mr. Knight but recognizes his interest in pursuing other personal opportunities. The hospital is certainly pleased with the job he has done at St. Anne's and we wish him success in his future endeavors." Knight, who has been St. Anne's president and chief executive officer since 1981, stated, "Although I have appreciated the opportunity the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation and St. Anne's Hospital have afforded me, I believe it is time to move on for my own personal grow~ Noting that the hospital has. experienced great growth over the last 10 years, Knight credited cooperation of the directors, an
A\\1DE CHOICE OF SA\ l~GS experienced and supportive medi& IN\ 'ESTME~T PIA~S cal staff and the dedication of employees and friends with helping St. Anne's to remain a thriving institution despite today's volatile health care environment. "I am encouraged that I will be . leaving the hospital in a financially secure position, which includes growing endowment fund to guarantee its future," he added. \\lTIl CO\Y[\IE.\T OFFI(l.~ St. Anne's boardexecutive has appointed. Paul Connolly, vice ""IilI '1l1lWna1Ol T SOllllEA.<,l1]l\ .\I·\SS ,
a
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Solid traditional values. Strong educational values. Stonehill is the Catholic, liberal arts college serving the diocese of Fall River. In this position, we are committed to the ideal of the knower as a moral being. Stonehill is also committed to continuing education. Through the Office of Continuing Education our Evening Division offers eleven bachelor's degrees in Business Administration, Humanities, and Sociology, for example. In addition, there are seven certificate programs which include Paralegal Studies, Substance Abuse Counseling and Accounting. The Community and Professional Education program provides noncredit courses which are practical and skills-oriented in such areas as Personnel, Fund Raising, Management, and Computer Information Systems. You may enroll in a single course or a full program to fulfill your career goals. Located just one minute off Route 24 at the Brockton/Easton exit, Stonehill is just a short jaunt for commuters. Our small classes, beautiful campus, and safe environment will enhance your experience. Classes are scheduled to accommodate your busy lifestyle. Learn more about the values of a Stonehill education. Call us at 508·230·1298.
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president, and chief operating officer, as acting chief executive "I t is reassuring and a testament to the management team of St. Anne's that we have the talent and expertise in Mr. Connolly to turn to during this transition period," stated Sister Dorothy Ruggiero. As hospital president, Knight was responsible for updating and replacing an old building with a state-of-the-art facility. The hospital also built the Hudner Oncology Center which has become a major regional resource for diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
BLESSINGS OF TtlESEASON From
THE EGANS TOM. DENNIS
BOB. JIM
THOMASP.
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A YOUNG FAN greets Santa Claus during St. Anne's Hospital's second annual Christmas party for pediatric patients, held on Tuesday. Toys were donated by Citizens for Citizens of Fall River and pizza by Papa Gino's restaurant. Santa's helpers are, from left, St. Anne's president Alan Knight; treasurer Sister Irene Therese Brodeur, OP; development and public relations director Sharon Danosky; and Ray Laliberte, general manager of Papa Gino's on Mariano Bishop Blvd., Fall River. (Hickey photo)
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4 THE ANCHOR -
Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Dec. 21,1990
the moori'19-..., The Children of God The one word that sends a shiver through the land is "draft" and once again that word is being heard in Washington: not as in a draft of beer, not as in a chill current of air in a cozy room, but as relating to young people, uniforms, guns and war. It is unsettling indeed to reflect that even as the Christian world prepares to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, American military experts are concluding that if the present situation leads to war with Iraq, more and more young and able bodies will be requisitioned for the butchery of war. Simply put, those who view war as a chess game have decided that if we continue sending personnel to Saudi Arabia, we will be shorthanded in other areas where military might could be needed, to say nothing of the fact that if war does come, replacements will be needed for those who die or are wounded. To the statistician, it is obvious that there are only a limited number of bodies in a volunteer army; hence the need of the draft, a wartime expedient that in this country was discontinued in 1973. Just the idea of reviving such a human lottery makes one shudder. Yet if our nation is forced to regress to such a tactic, let us at least make sure that it will not be just the working men and women who will be sent to the desert. First and foremost to be drafted should be the oil barons and their ilk. After all, oil and the greed is spawns are the prime reaso'ns for our sudden interest in Saudi Arabia. American oil interests have long been tied to this medieval kingdom where neither Christian nor Jew may publicly celebrate religious holidays. For example, American personnel in Operation Desert Shield must attend religious services clandestinely. We should also not become too sentimental about the Kuwaiti royal family. After all, they were able to flee their puppet state with assets of over $130 billion in oil profits. It is instructive to note how Bush and company rushed to their side as they took their riches into so-called exile. Why should our country aid such a corrupt dynasty when we failed to help Poland and Hungary in the dark days of Stalin? The answer is simple. There was no oil to be had or money to be made in the latter situations. Let's not forget that many American businesses have made a fortune selling arms and weapons to Iraq and that Saddam Hussein was recently our so-called ally in an embarrassment in Iran. Isn't it tragic to think that all those weapons from which American corporations profited in their dealings with Iraq may be turned against our own young men and women? What fools we are when we'play war games with our'own people. If we go to war for one wandering sheik, the body bags will be the silent witnesses of our guilt. As we gather to celebrate this year's far from peaceful Christmas, we are barely recovering from Vietnam. The wounds of that gross blunder are still raw and open, yet our politicians want us to plunge once more into the heartbreak of conflict. It's time for hearts that cry for healing and minds that seek peace to be given a chance to determine our national destiny. The warmongers have brought only blight to the land. We should remember that it is the peacemakers who are blessed and that it is they who will be called the children of God. The Editor
the
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Published weekly by The Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River P.O. BOX 7 887 Highland Avenue Fall River, MA 02720 Fall River, MA 02722-0007 Telephone (508) 675-7151 FAX (508) 675-7048 PUBLISHER Most Rev. Daniel A. Cronin, D.o., STD. EDITOR GENERAL MANAGER Rev. John F. Moore Rosemary Dussault ~ Leary Press-Fall River
WASHINGTON HOMELESS
"There was no room for them in the inn." Lk 2:7
Kids need Santa Claus
Excerpts from an article by Marilyn Whiteside, reprinted courtesy of u.s. Catholic magazine.
Loved and hated, cheered and lambasted, he still makes his appointed rounds-despite parents, teachers, politicians, clergymen, writers. and behavioral scientists who annually review his status. Should Santa Claus. many keep asking, be presented to children as an honest-to-goodness person? Pediatric psychologist Dr. Lee Salk said no. When Santa is introduced to a youngster as "real," the parent must keep telling lies in order to maintain the pretense. Inevitably, then, children experience disappointment when they learn that one of their favorite persons is only a fantasy. Dr. Salk said that, because S'oung people have particularly vivid imaginations, they can enjoy the Christmas saint without being burdened with unnecessary fallacies. Parents may successfully handle Hie questio!l of Santa's reality by saying: "Santa Claus is a real makebelieve person and everyone, even grown-ups, pretends that he is real." Child psychologist Bruno Bettelheim held a somewhat different theory. He noted that what a parent says about Santa Claus is less important than what a youngster wants to believe. Little children cannot cope with abstractions; they understand only the concrete. They are incapable of defining love, but they eagerly respond nonetheless to kindness, comfort, and physical closeness. They cannot deal with the concepts of generosity and joy, yet they delight in the ho-ho-hos of an old saint who bestows gifts and who, unlike parents, does not usually ask for anything in return. It was Dr. Bettelheim's contention that a little child who is obliged to view Christmas in a totally rational way-without Santa Claus
and reindeer' and sugarplum props-may in fact grow up to despise the sterile real world that took away such delights. One concern of parents and educators is that young persons, when they discover their parents have lied about Santa, may begin to doubt everything else that grown-ups say. And, according to . at least one psychiatrist, children who are taught that Santa Claus is a real person may develop permanently distorted thinking. The flight from reality may encourage a passive attitude toward life, and they may grow up expecting magical assistance whenever a crisis occurs. Such arguments, however, assume that little children cannot distinguish between fiction and fact. Frequently they can. Just as frequently, however, they choose to behave as though they cannot. Play. after all, is a child's primary occupation. Healthy youngsters use their imagination in learning to solve problems. It is easier for them to cope with parental restrictions and other childhood frustrations when they can occasionally romp in a world of
Prayer for Family Most Holy Son, may the spouses united to Your cross and resurrection in the sacrament of marriage be a living sign of truth and faithfulness to your Word for the spiritual well-:being of their children and the good of the Church, Amen.
absolute freedom. Their contacts with reality are actually strengt.hened by periodic visits to the . land of makebe1ieve. Imagination also helps young persons in overcoming fears. In playtime fantasies, they scale the steepest mountains, slay the most terrible tigers, and deal heroically with assorted interpersonal problems. Through role-playing, selfconfidence increases, and they return to the real world as more competent, stable persons. Well-meaning grown-ups who try to help children bypass this developmental stage by insisting that they focus on adult-defined reality are doing the youngster a disservice. Research indicates that children who are allowed to have perceptual freedom become more flexible in their thinking, adjust more satisfactorily to. new situations, and have a richer sense of humor. Some opponents of Santa Claus complain, Yuletide after Yuletide, that he is competing with the Christ Child. Actually, the hirsute old gentleman is probably protecting the Christmas Baby from the onslaughts of Madison Avenue. As long as Santa smiles down from the billboards and touts the latest toothpaste, the newborn Messiah may remain in his manger and testify solely to the goodness of God. Perhaps the single most important factor about Santa Claus is that he is perpetuated by adults. Children love him, but grown-ups are the ones who keep his myth alive. It seems probable that parents pay homage to the Christmas saint because he permits them a brief and merry return to the fantasies of their own childhood. Santa is a link between generations and between social classes. More important, he is the embodiment of everyone's dearest wish: to be absolutely and unconditionally loved.
tMfi)
THE ANCHOR -
Diocese of Fall River -
Born to Us "For a child is born to us, a son is given us ... they name him
Dec. 23 1901, Rev. Owen J. Kiernan, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River 1947, Rev. Charles P. Trainor, SS., St. Edward Seminary, Seattle, WA 1970, Rev. Msgr. John A. Silvia, Pastor Emeritus, St. John Baptist, New Bedford 1986, Rev. William E. Collard, Cochaplain, Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River
Fri., Dec. 21, 1990
Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace." -Is 9:5
Dec. 24 1886, Rev. James K. Beaven, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton 1914, Rev. Timothy J. Duff, Assistant, St. Joseph, Woods Hole
Dec. 27 1956, Rev. ThomasJ. Stapleton, Pastor, Corpus Christi, Sandwich 1970, Rev. Msgr. Armand Levasseur, Pastor Emeritus, St. Anne, New Bedford Dec. 28 1955, Rev. Charles R. Smith. Pastor. Immaculate Conception, Fall River 1987, Rev. Edward J. Sharpe, Pastor, St. Patrick. Somerset, MA 1987, Rev. Clement Paquet, OP, Assistant, St. Anne's, Fall River
Jan. I 1955, Rev. Jose Valeiro, Pastor, St. Elizabeth, Fall River 1956, Rev. Antonio M. Fortuna, Pastor, Immaculate Conception. New Bedford 1968, Rev. Francis R. Connerton, SS.STD., St. John's Seminary, Plymouth, Michigan 1975, Rev. Leo T. Sullivan, Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford Jan. 4 1961, Rev. Eugene L. Dion, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River
~ NOTICE Most of our usual columns will not appear this week, due to our Christmas features. All will return in our next issue which, in keeping with our 50-week publishing schedule, will be dated Jan. 4, 1991.
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AT A recent planning meeting for the Bishop's Charity . Ball are V. Vincent Gerardi of 51. John the Baptist parish, New Bedford, and Rev. Daniel L. Freitas, director of the ball. (Gaudette photo).
Final Ball preparations scheduled The 36th annual Bishop's Charity Ball will be held from 8 p.m. to I a.m. Jan. II at White's of Westport. Decorating is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 8 at White's and presentees and escorts will rehearse at 6:30 the same evening under direction of Mrs. James A. O'Brien Jr. Honorary Ball chairpersons are Daniel Couture of Raynham and Mrs. Madeline Wojcik of Taunton. Robert McGuirk of North Dighton is master of ceremonies.
!jail tickets may be purchased at any rectory in the diocese or from ball committee members. Ball hospitality committee members for Cape Cod and the Islands. inadvertently omitted from last week's Anchor. are Mrs. Andrew Mikita and Mrs. Joseph Mazzucchelli. Omitted from the' . .- - - - - listing of Fall River area committee members was Mrs. Anthony Geary. Mrs. George Bauza and Mrs. Albert Jackson are Attleboro area members of the committee.
Making room for Christmas I had just read a great article entitled "Christmas in Every Room of the House." "What do you think?" I asked at dinner last night. "It says every room can have a theme, like candycanes down the hall, Santas in the family room ..." "Santa's reindeer stable in the boys' bathroom," chimes in oldest daughter. "Yeah, and we could find lotsa Grinch pictures for your door," our 14-year-old shot back. "M om, you gotta quit idealizing Christmas," said oldest son philosophically. "We shouldn't try to live up to Christmases created in the imaginations of women's magazine editors in August. Let's simplify. Go back to Christmas basics." H is sister readily offered, "We can theme his room 'Christmas at the Basic Dump,' or 'The Basic Smells of Christmas Fruitcakes-
Past, Present and Future,' or ..." Spouse smiled. "We can do the kitchen in gingerbread houses like your mom makes. I wonder where you can find flaming gingerbread houses?" "How .come you're so quiet, stud muffin?" daughter asked our 12-year-old family baby. "Trying to figure out how to twist baseball cards into a Christmas theme?" M ikey hesitated. then swallowed and said. "I think we ought to do a little more thinking about the baby Jesus, like we used to do." He blushed a little. "Know what I mean?" After a long moment his sister found her voice. "Guess that means we'll be doing your room in a wise man theme, eh?" i~'C-"l'C'C_'C'C'C路'C_~"":'C'lI'C'C'C'COC----"IlIl'C-~l路
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Keep Christ in Christmas
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Christmas· Blessings May This Sacred Season Bring Its Finest
THE SERENE BEAUTY ofthe famous Christmas Festival of Lights at LaSalette Shrine, Attleboro, is mirrored in the shrine's Rosary Pond. Also reflected are two paintings by Sister Gertrude Gaudette, 0 P. Depicting two of the seven days of Creation, they are enlarged from the 1981 book "Beginnings: A Portrayal of the Creation" by Spencer Marsh and Heinz Seeling.
Blessings To You
Muslims, Catholics share Christmas joy The Parish
LONGMONT, Colo. (CNS)The journey that led MohamThey may not know much about maht t6 Colorado was harrowing. Christmas but its joy is in the When soldiers came looking for the then 15-year-old, youngest of hearts of the family of Vietnamese the family's three children, to force Muslim Aly Mohammaht, as well as in those of the members of him into military service, his faSpirit of Peace parish in Longther took him into the countryside mont who helped him bring 10 to hide and he later escaped to family members to the United Cambodia. States. "I know how to speak CamboMohammaht, now 33, who esdian, so I rode with a truck as a translator," he said. 'I passed for caped from Vietnam at age 15 to avoid military service, was reuCambodian. I walked through the nited with his parents, sister and jungle for two days, always going west, for where the sun goes down· brother and met his brother's wife and his five nieces and nephews' is Thailand." this summer. When he reached Thailand and "There were a lot of tears at the freedom, he spent 15 months in a airport when his parents arrived," Thai refugee camp and another six months in the Philippines. When said Margo Tiller of Spirit of he reached New York, he said, Peace, which sponsored the fam"my sponsor was terrible. He kept ily. "It was a very emotional meetmy money." ing after 15 years. We were holding Aly up." Mohammaht found an assembly job in New York, married a The parish helped the family Cambodian woman and moved to acquire bedding, linens and cloDenver in 1986 to be near his thing and arranged dental work and medical aid. wife's family. "I try so hard in this country," "The family has a wonderful he said. "( have so worried about sense of humor and is very relimy parents. My dream of years gious in their Muslim faith," Ms. Tiller told the Denver Catholic ago now has come true." "The longing of Aly for his famRegister, newspaper of the Denver ily was so moving;" said Sister archdiocese. "We pray together Mary Nelle Gage, director of Ecuand there is a trust between our menical Refugee Services, the Denfaiths. Other Muslims think God ver agency that helped bring M 0has shone on the family because hammaht's family to Colorado. they have worked across faiths."
Family Of OUR LADY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION TAUNTON
SS. PETER and PAUL OF FALL RIVER We extend greetings to all at Christmas and wish God's choicest blessings upon all.
"Seeing the amount of work this one man has done in order to make life happy for so many relatives who are sO'utterly dependent on him is one of the things that makes this job rewarding," she said.
Advent calendars Children in third and fifth grade religion classes at St. Mary's School, New Bedford, have made Advent calendars with each day marked with a good deed to be performed, such as praying for someone, giving up TV for a day, doing dishes or otherwise helping at home. The project has made children realize that there is more to the days before Christmas than shopping and commercialism. The calendars include a nativity scene, drawn by the children, to be uncovered just before Christmas.
Ultimate issue SAN ANGELO, Texas (CNS) - "Care for the environment is the ultimate 'respect life' issue," said Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer of San Angelo in "The Earth Is Our Home," a pastoral letter on ecology. "A theology of ecology which is systematic and pastoral, linking together creation and redemption" is needed to save "spaceship Earth," Bishop Pfeifer said.
CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES 4:00 - 5:30 & 7:00 P.M. (Spanish Mass) 12:00 MiDNIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY 11:00 A;M. REV. PETER N. GRAZIANO REV. GERALD P. BARNWELL
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ALY MOHAMMAHT, center, with his reunited family. He was aided in his efforts to bring them to the. United States by members of Spirit of Peace parish, Longmont, Colo. (CNS photo)
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t'xpected opportunity. Unease yields to excitement."; Archbishop Hurley, who led an -_ecumenical delegation to Magadan. said the visit will give him the opportunity to share with people who have had few church contacts and who never h_d a church in their region until this year, when a Russian' Orthodox church opened ~ io_ Magadan. __ . "The Magadanians have had almost no exposure to God or religion:' he said. 路路But the Magadanians are also believers and many of them reflect the desire to be worshipers. even though they are not sure whom they would be worshiping. "The celebration of Christmas . among them might open them to the story ofJesus Christ," he added. Delegates from Anchorage and the Magadan region agreed Oct. 31 to build an ecumenical center f~r .religion and cUltur~ in the
. eRR STMAS IS just another winter workday fgr most of China's almost I Y, billion people, but for the nation's 20 to 30 million Christians, it is a time of joy and awe, as d.emonstrated by this little boy looking at a nativity scene during a .Christmas Eve service in Peking, (CNS/ UPI-Reuters photo)
Prelate to' spend Christmas in Soviet Far East ANCHORAGE, Alaska (CNS) - Anchorage Archbishop Francis T. Hurley willcelebrjlte Christmas in the Magadan region of the Sovie.'t Far :East, the.site of a planned' ecumenical center-for religion and culture. His visit began Dec. 15 and will conclude Dec. 30. It will be the first time the archbishop has not
Qffered a Christmas liturgy in his own cathedral "since becoming a bishop," he said. "The very thought gives me an uneasy feeling. one of not ~ing where perhaps I ought to be," he wrote ina letter to the people of his archdiocese. "But celebrating Christinas in Magadan is an_~n~
Magadan flew into Anchorage for the meeting. Archbishop Hurley was credited with helping cut through mutual suspicions and red tape to foster the agreement. lie first expressed the idea of.having a <;atholic presence in the Magadan region in Jilly.1989 when, as a bishop with a master's degree in sociology, he visited the area as part of a scientific exchange between Alaska and the region".c-_ _-c-c---:cc-~c_ The Christ mas visit will be his third to the region. which is closed to outsider~ even other Soviets. Only those specially invited are allowed in the area, Archbishop Hurley said. He noted that the Vatican has been supportive of the Magadan preject. Architectural renderings of the
THE ANCHOR -
Diocese of Fall River -
Fri., Dec. 21, 1990
7
propo~d eculD.4?nical center .have tion, l\Dd cultural activities in b.oth already been completed by an nations. Alaskan firm. It will have a chapel Training in religious education, and will offer various programs. . culture, family life and social servInformation will be available on ices will be offered. .
religious subjects, church-state relations, social services offered by religious groups, chemical addic-
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LOVE, JOY
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PEACE
AT THIS CHRIST CENTERED TIME OF THE YEAR ,
.
MASS SCHEDULE VIGIL MASSES .4, 5:15 P:M., MIDNiGHT CHRISTMAS DAY 8, 10 A.M.
THE PARISH COMMUNITY ST. JOHN
THE
EVANGELIST
POCASSET REV. JOHN W. CLARK, Pastor
8
THE ANCHOR -
Diocese of Fall River -
"Mr' Brother's Keeper
Fri., Dec. 21,1990
Delivering~fu,rniture;with Tbe following article by Dan Kennedy is reprinted with permission of tbe Boston Pilot'and contains a few local additions. A couple of years ago Jim and Terry Orcutt were watching a TV movie about a homeless woman who was forced !o give up her child. At one time that might have left a feeling of momentary sadness, but little more. But the Orcuus, members of Immaculate Conception Parish in Tilunton, had recently gone on a Cursillo retreat at the Holy Cross Retreat House
TERRY AND JIM Orcutt display a crucifix like the one delivered by My arother's Keeper to furniture recipients. (Breen ph'?fo)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL From the staff of
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in Easton. They were looking for a way to reach out with their J:'enewed Christian zeal. Jim Orcutt started knocking on doors ,and le.rned. that a "very desperate need" existed for furnlture for peop'e who were moving out of shelters into apartments of their own. He started collecting furniture and delivering it in a-borrowed pickup truck. My Brother's Keeper was borh ~although, he notes:," we didn't even have a name at that point." From those modest beginnings My Brother"s Keeper has grown iota a program in which half a
dozen volunteers deliver furniture, kitchen utensils and other items to about 20 homes a month. My Brother's Keeper his helped 250 to 300 families. Jim Orcutt is a soft-spoken man with a humble demeanor who nevertheless utlks with passion and energy when describing his ministry. He says My Brother's Keeper takes its name and its mission from 'Matthew. Chapter 25. in which Jesus said: "Amen. I say to you. whatever you did for one of these I~ast brothers of mine, you did for me." Accordingly. when Orcutt or
TRE ANCHOR -
Dwelling Among Us "The Word became nesh and
a spiritual message one of his volunteers makes a delivery. he or she, has a simple message for the recipient: "We're just the delivery people. H ere's the per"son who sent you the furniture:' The volunteer hands a box containing a crucifix to the recipient. Most of the time, when My Brother's Keeper returns, the crucifix is on the wall. V~lunteers have. visited homes in Taunton, Attleboro, Norton, Rehoboth. and Dighton, the South , Shore area, and Boston neighborhoods. Along the way Orcutt has enco~ntered stories of inspiration as well as of desperation. I n a dangerous section of Brockton, for instance, Orcutt deliver¢d ,to. nlture, beds and a relClgerator to a grandmother whose daughter was in prison and who was taking care of her two young granddaughters. When Orcutt returned, the grandmother had given her bed to another poor woman and was sleeping on the couch. When he asked her why, she replied, "My goodness, I had so much and she had so little." Says Orcutt, "The people' who help the poor the most are the poor - they help each other." Need is overwhelminl The level of need•.though, is sometimes almost overwhelming. Just recently he received a call concerning a single mother who was getting sores from a mattress she'd pUlled out of the garbage. Another call concerned an 18year~old woman with four cbild~
ren, all of them suffering from lead poisoning. This fall My Brotber's Keeper is receiving assistance from the Holy Cross Associates Program. Three men and three women - recent graduates of the University of Notre Dame ~ are staying in the Broc~ ton area working with the poor and the disabled. My Brother's Keeper helped furnish their home, and the young missionaries are helping with furniture deliveries. ""My Brother's Keeper was very hel.pful in getting stray pieces of furniture they needed," says Rev. Wilfred Raymond, CSC, local directQr of the Holy Cross program and a campus minister at Stone hIll College.
Diocese of Fall River -
"We probably would have had to go out and buy the furniture, and we really didn't have the money.... Father Raymond says. "They were really excellent." Add Orcutt: "It's a beautiful tiein. God is putting together this beautiful tapestry and we're all just little threads." As the economy has deteriorated over the past year. Orcutt has seen a change in the way he receives referrafs. In the beginning, Orcutt heard mainly from halfway houses and from shelters that had a client who had received a Section 8 subsidy and was thus able to move out and rent an apartment of her own. Tum to Page 15
Fri., Dec. 21, 1990.9
made his dwelling among us, and wehaveseenhisglory."-Jn 1:14
She broueht forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no. room at the inn. -Luke 2:7 At this spedal time of year, we offer
our thanks and join with you in celebrating the birth of our Savior.
1\""iU'!Vj11J§.' COLLINS COHSTRUCTION CO., INC. ~, .' ,"~§~M. 55 HIGHLAND AVENUE· FAll RIVER •
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REV. THOMAS LA WTON, left, retreatmaster at the Holy Crossl"athers' Retreat House in North Easton, helps Jim Orcutt with some mattresses. (Breen photo)
ST. MARY'S PARISH FAMILY NEW BEDFORD
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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Dec. 21, 1990
Can't agree
to say they could not become bishops. The Church of England's general synod will decide on the ordination question in 1992. The present committee includes Bishop George Carey, who in January will succeed Archbishop Robert Runcie as spiritual bead ofthe worldwide Anglican communion and who favors women's ordination.
Theologians criticize Vatican actions
WASHINGTON (CNS) - At ing and impugning lhe authority "Many people would agree with least 431 members of the Catholic of bishops' conferences. at least SOme of the observations LONDON (CNS) - A Church Theological Society of America - Makingcooperation between - the statement contains," Archbiof England committee set up five have called "excessive Roman cen- ,bishops and theologians "more shop Lipscomb said. "'Nevertheyears ago to consider whether a tralization" under Pope John Paul difficult b} actions and statements" Jess, I find it unfortunate that, in woman could be a bishop has been II an obsta-ele to church renewal. 'which cast suspicion on "serious some cases, issues have been unable to agree on-an answer, but Two U.S. archbishops gave mixed theological scholarShip," and cut dragged up tbat bave already been has agreed that if women priests reviews to the Dec.- 13 CTSA off discmsion of still-debated resolved." were accepted, it would be difficult ..It would seem to me;' said statement. questions. It was the first major criticism of ~ Ign()ring "the hierarchy of Archbishop Quinn, "that a more Vatican actions by a large number truths acknowledged by Vatican effective means... would have been of theologians since hundreds- of Council II by presenting diverse an effort by the Catholic TheologSACRED HEART PARISH FAMILY European theologians endorsed a teachings "as carrying the same ical Society to meet directly with North Attleboro, Massachusetts "Cologne Dedaration" in 1989. .authority.'" officials of the Holy See, to air The statement, written by a ~ Ado~ting "a limited view of their concerns' honestly, to collabCTSA committee and approved women's 'proper role'" in marriage orate in devising effective strucby U.S, and Canadian theologians and family life, a view that the tures of dialogue:' via mail-in secret ballots. cited statement says fails to "reflect the Archbishop Lipscomb is chairI problems with Rome in four key experience of married persons or man of the National Conference of =±:=..f------:=/'~'f~:::-----t--~a~[:e.':a~s=O:f~c~h~u=rc~h=:'li";fe~::::V~a=ti':':c':a~n'---'c ...o"'n"'t"'e'¥m;;p:o~:r~a';;ry~s?;ci;h';0i;la;;r~sh~,~·p~."~~;;.-_.l,C;,altthhoOhli"c_BRilis;lbu:nljp"s":'~C~oDm~ml1llJittttCJee:'-'(lJJD'---_---: " treatment of bishops, theologians. ~ Dealing 'with the "intensified Doctrine. Archbishop Quinn is an women in the church and ecumen- theologicd reflection on the pos- . adviser and former chairman of ism. sibility ·of the church's ordaining that committee and a former NCCB They said some statements and women" by ordering bishops not president. Both spoke, however, actions by the Roman Curia hav~ to SUppOlt gr.oups that promote only in their individual capacities undermined the auth,ority of· women's Grdinationand by screen- as bishops, bishops' conferences and of some ing episcopalcandidatl;S""to insure In an interview with Catholic individual bishops. whi~ the pope theirunqiaJified opposition to the News Service. Father Michael J. and his Curia have adopted nal'- ordjnatlOl1-of women tothe priest- Walsh. director of the NCCB Secrow' views of legitimate ·theo·logy hood.... . an€l of the ""proper role" of women. ~ Hanning ecumenism by an "retariat for Pastoral Research and Practices, said the theologians' Christian unhy has been hurt by Uauthoritarian style of acting" statement did not violate recently laek of ecumenical leadership and . which "'clRnot be reconciled with pllblished Vatican norms against WIShing you a Blessed Christmas _ an "authoritarian style of acting" tb~eound:rs vision of the church" organized, public dissent from by the Vatican, they add'ed, <:onand whicltcreates new obstacles to filled with many reasons for rejoicing. I·h h Protos-_ta- nt, Anelican or Orthodox church teaChing because it did 'Dot . h V tTastlngt e ahcan stye Wit t ose .. engage in doctrinal dissent. of the U ,S. and Canadian bishops acceptance o(thepo~as a servant and generally praising North Amer- .ofunity. , " . His chief concern, Father Walsh iean priests for collegiality, good Father fl"rincipesaid tbatbecause said, was that' years of pr.ogress in relations with theologians and ballotini the' state,ment was building good relations between strong pastoral leadership On CODduetc<loutsidet~yearlycrSA U.S. bishops and theologians might e'tllmcniSm.1ld women~:CoDcer:ns. conventi(ln~ ~it. is. not ~n official be jeopardized b)' the s~tement. -- Canadian Basilian Father Wal" Slatemenl of th~ society. Yet it He said tbe stalemell' focuses Me" SChedule ter H. Principe, CTSA president. records t'e view's of the members on a number of negative things, _Chrlstmas Eft: 4 p.rn. FamRy Mass with emphasized that the statement was better than would a vote'at a con- "'but I'm not sure it's paid enough concert at 3130 p.m. by the Chldren's Choir. not an act of dissent from church ventlon'neeting since only about attention to what I would call the Christmas Midnlght Ma.. with Adult Choir. ~ teachings, focusing as it did "not 250 or 30C) members can usually be positive ~anifestations of the Holy CQ~rt of carols begins at 11 :30..p,.n!c'" _ ;.0)' do~trines bAl!_p,u,ctiQQS_ aDd _pre.sctl\ ~-!~.u~~.Il!~1.\!!gs4,~H~"'id J'h"Ii1~~'S,1'1J1; !m~9I!fuf.0!f;'ifT[,tlJ9r -procedures. many -~of dIem coming -lIi: - co·ns11le"fi;a ·tlie-·s 4· 'Ifa:Uots I ese areas. Cfiilstmas Day: 8:30 a.m. + 10:30 am. Masses - returned a high response for the Archbishop lipscomb said the from the Vatican Curia." with Music of the Season. The 3,OOO-word CTSA docu- short voting time allotted. difference in tbe roles of theolog!ment. titled "Do Not Extinguish Biohl'ps'Reactioas ansaDd IPshc;>ps in the church the Spirit" (I Thess. 5: 19). included The theologians' stateinent Ais must be taken iato account to extensive footnotes detailing spe- not an attack on' doctrjne,~ said understand the different perspeccific Vatican actions giving rise to ArchbishDp J,ohn R. QuiJtn ofSan tives frQJD which each tDay address the problems discussed. Francisc(l...It is· a criticism of an issue.. The text was mailed to the·socie- actions and styles of acting on the ty's 1,400 members Nov. 14. Of part of the Holy See and the 544 members responding, 431 pope." Students at Bishop Connolly approved ihe statement. NilletyBoth h, and Archbishop Oscar one, or 17 percent, rejected it, aDd- H. Lips<omb of Mobile. Ala.• High School, Fall River, began 22, or 4 percent. abstained. agreed wih and expressed support their Christmas preparations last The short statement of approval for the sutement's assessment that weekend when members of the on which the theologian'S voted relations-letween-bishopsandsbeo- student government decorated the said: "I judge the documeo~, .'0.0 loi;ansinNo.rthAmericaaregener- chapel, library and school foyers. Not Extinguish the Spirit: to be. ally good On Sunday evening a large crowd generally accurate. It expresses But both questioned whether of parents, students, faculty and serious theological and ecclesial the theologians had chosen the friends gathered for a Mass celeconcerns which are shared by many best met1J.od of airing their con- brated by Connolly principal FaNorth American theologians and cerns about theological tendencies ther John Murray, SJ. Following which deserve further critical and the yay authority is exercised Mass all enjoyed a d~sert potluck reflection and discussion within 'i,!~ome Jnder Pope John Pauill. at,the J,csuit--reside(lce. the church:' Following the vote. die society sent copies of the statement to tbt U.S: and Canadian bishops. In a Dir=rs, Officers and S''!1f covering letter to the bishops, Faof Lafayette Federal Savings Bank ther Principe said, "The cQnceQlS -appreciate your continued patronage, and extend we express come from our 10yaJ:t-y to you and your family to and love for the church." . The theologians presented tb:e a joyous holiday season. statement as "some reflections on the' church in the United States and Canada 25 ye~rs after Vatican n:' It went through nine drafts before being submitted to CTSA members. _ FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK Specifically. it criticized the ._.... MAIN omcJl, 60 &lfOnj _ , FAll RIVER _ Vatican for: _ ... 165 State Rood, WESIl'ORT ~FDK1I ~ Selecting bishops lnOl:e' on -.zlIHl~· 1236 County Street (Rt. 138) SOMERSET INSURED the basis of "adherence t-o prcs- ~ .,"\, 201 G,A.R. Highway, (Rte. 6) SWANSEA cribed positions on a few issues" OffiCE HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9:00 a.m. '- 4:00 p.rn. (All Ofticcs) Fri. 9:00 a.m.• &00 p.m. (All Offices) . than on "pastoral experience'" or Sat. 9:00 3.m.• 12:00 Noon (Branches Only) local pastoral needs. EPISCOPAL REPRESENTATIVE for Religious Sister Telephone; 679-1961 ~ Bypassing or publicly criticizing local bishops in local church Mary Noel Blute, RS M, makes a holiday visit to retired Sister affairs. rejecting their "mature Constant, OP, al Dominican Convent, Fall River. (Gaudette pastoral judgments" and question- photo)
on
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Bishop Connolly
The
LAFAYETTE'
THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Dec. '21, 1990
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IN PRAYERFUL REMEMBERANCE
1st ANNIVERSARY MASS ST. lOUIS CHURCH FAll RIVER DEC. 30.1990 -10:30 A.M.
FA.THERS Thomas A. Frechette and Francis L. Mahoney, standing at rear, join in applause for waiters and waitresses at annual Christmas meal Father Mahoney, pastor of Holy Name parish, Fall River, hosts for area religious. (Gaudette photo)
Couple defends Baby Jesus When Cathy Bookser Feister heard a sermon downplaying the importance of Baby Jesus in Christmas preparations, she felt it was time to draw the line. The priest had asked the congregation to consider at Christmas a Jesus who makes adult demands on us, rather than a sentimental baby.
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"Parents know there is nothing on earth more demanding than a newborn baby!" she complained to her husband, John. They wrote "We'd Like to Say: Don't Take Away Baby Jesus!", the cover story in the December issue of St. Anthony Messenger, a national Catholic family magazine. Babies help us celebrate and understand our humanity, where God is revealed to us, says the couple, expecting their third child. "When we understand the commitment and sacrifice it takes to love another human being, one who is flesh of our flesh, we begin to understand what it me'ans for God to have made us in God's image." That's why Baby Jesus is
such an enduring part of Christmas, they point out. Advent and pregnancy have parallels significant for today's accessory-laden parents. "By the time baby arrives," they note, "modern parents may feel they have more in common with the pack mule which carried the Holy Family to Bethlehem than with Mary and Joseph!" The solution, says the couple, is to quit trying to control the event, whether it be Christmas or a new baby, with false preparations. Preparation . is essential for Christmas and for new babies, but consumer binges and frantic attempts at perfection are unneeded. "Some of us spend ourselves into debt out of fear," says the couple. "We try to set things up so we cannot possibly go wrong, as if we could control people, or relationships which unfold in God's time. Faithfulness to Jesus may require giving up that sense of control." - Whether by house decorating', the mandatory Christmas card
mailing list, or a cookie-baking marathon, many people feel burned by the time Christmas arrives. They may feel driven to create a perfect Christmas, say the authors, yet "frantic preparations and attempts to create and manage the coming miracle may cause us to miss it altogether." The couple is in good company in pleading Baby Jesus' cause. St. Francis of Assisi's down-to-earth Christianity inspired his 13th-century reenactment of the Christmas story, the origin of our modern nativity creches. "Today we could imagine Francis leading a crusade against commercialized Christmas," they say, "with the infant Jesus as the central symbol of getting back to the basics." "How do Christians wait for a baby?" the couple asks. "We need to open our hearts to what is happening around and within us. We need to trust, and let go of some of our selfish ways. Christmas is closer to our everyday lives than we might have imagined."
JOYOUS TIDINGS As the Yuletide bells resound, joy and laughter all around, Filling every heart and home with merriment and cheer.. What better time for us to say, "Thanks to you in every way, May this Christmas holiday be the start of a great year,"
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Peace Mass at LaSalette Shrine A Mass for peace will be offered at 4 p.m. Dec. 31 in the People's Chapel at LaSalette Shrine, Attleboro. Speakers will be Vietnam veteran Michael House and Mr. and Mrs. John Ross, whose son Peter is serving in Operation Desert Shield. Copies of a papal prayer for I pea.ce will be distributed and a candlelight procession to the shrine's outdoor nativity scene will follow the Mass. Participants are asked to bring candles to be blessed for home use as a reminder to pray . for peace. Families of those serving in Desert Shield llre invited to visit the shrine for the Mass or anytime thereafter to inscribe service persons' names in a special book. Thf:y will receive a copy of the peace prayer and a medal with a yellow ribbon. The Shrine's Festival of Lights continues through Jan. I. Thereafter the LaSalette Missioners will continue to light a candle in every window of the provincial house for a portion of each evening as a symbol of community solidarity with families awaiting return of members from the Middle East. During 1991, Mass will be offered for world peace at 6:30 p.m. each Monday, each followed by a candlelight procession and recitation of the rosary and the peace prayer.
I
Daily Readings
MSGR. ALV ARO del Portillo, 76, prelate of Opus Dei, has been named a bishop by Pope John Paul II. He holds doctorates in civil engineering, history and canon law and has served on numerous pontifical commissions and congregations. Opus Dei, a personal prelature established by the pope, numbers over 76,000 laypersons, priests and seminarians worldwide. Its aims are to spread awareness of the universal call to sanctity and assist members in exercising a personal apostolate in everyday life.
May the love of home and family be a special gift to treasure throughout the season.
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JOLLY ST. NICK made an appearance at S1. Jean Baptiste rectory, Fall River, visiting with pastor Rev. Rene G. Gauthier, left, and parochial vicar Rev. Antoine Charest, SM. He also made a stop at S1. Jean's school for his traditional task of filling the children's shoes with candy.
Dec. 24: (morning) 2 Sm 7:1-5,8-11,16; Ps 89:2-5,27-29 (or Mal 3:1-4,23-24; Ps 25:45,8-10,14); Lk 1:67-79. (Christmas 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 Dec. 25: (midnight) Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3,11-13; 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; Reb 1:1-6; In 1:1-18 or 1: 1-5,9-14 Dec. 26: Acts 6:8-10; . 7:54-59; Ps 31:3-4,68,17-21; Mt 10:17-22 Dec. 27: 1 In 1:1-4; Ps 97: 1-2,5-6,11-12; In 20:2-8 Dec. 28: 1 In 1:5-2:2; Ps 124:2-5,7-8; Mt 2:1318 Dec. 29: 1 In 2:3-11; Ps 96: 1-3,5-6; Lk 2:22-35 Dec. 30: Sir 3:2-6,1214; Ps 128:1-5; Col 3:1221; Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22, 39-40 Dec. 31: 1 In 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2,11-13;Jn 1:118 Jan. 1: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3,5-6,8; Gal 4:47; Lk 2:16-21 Jan. 2: 1 In 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; In 1:19-28 Jan. 3: 1 In 2:29-3:6; Ps 98:1,3-6; In 1:29-34 Jan. 4: 1 In 3:7-10; Ps 98:1,7-9; In 1:35-42 Jan. 5: 1 In 3:11-21; Ps 100:1-5; In 1:43-51 Jan. 6: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3,5-6; Mt 2: 1-12 ]
IT'S TIME TO ORDER
THE 1991 DIOCESAN DIRECTORY
CHRISTMAS 'BLESSINGS
The Fall River Diocesan Directory and Buyers' Guide contains complete diocesan information and a telephone directory of priest, directors of diocesan institutions, parish religious education coordinators and permanent deacons. Also included are addresses of retired clergy and those serving outside the diocese, as well as a listing of priests by years of ordination and a table of movable feasts through the year 2011. It may be ordered by telephone at 675-7151 or by mail, using the coupon below. THE DIRECTORY IS $5.00 (plus $2.00 postage and handling per copy). ANCHOR Publishing Co. P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722 Please send me
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GILBERT C. OLIVEIRA INS. AGY,
FEITELBERG INS. AGY.
H1v!ay Christmas 1990 bring you a renewed spirit ofpeace, a gift from the Babe of Bethlehem and joyful blessings
A tribute Dear Editor: I am writing to express my sadness at the death of Peg Noonan (Anchor, Dec. 7), who as far as I am concerned was the epitome of what a Catholic woman should be. She was well informed, cheerful, kind and cooperative. She served her parish, her district, her diocese and her community faithfully and fruitfully for many, many years. She not only knew her religion but lived it daily by her actions. She was an inspiration to me when I became involved in the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women in the 70s. Peg had that rare quality that inspired people to do their best for God and country. I drove her to the last DCCW retreat and shared a room with her. I will always treasure that weekend and my memories of a great Catholic woman. Rest in peace, Peg, you've more than earned it. Alice Houst DCCW Community Affairs chairperson West Dennis
Opening hearts Dear Editor: As the beautiful feast of Christmas approaches, let us keep in mind that it is the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth. Let us not merely think of material goods but of spiritual needs. It is a time to prepare ourselves by receiving the sacraments of penance and Holy Eucharist. At the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' meeting in November, 1986, it was stated that "frequent reception of the sacrament of penance is encouraged for all." If we truly love the Christ Child, let us open our hearts to him during this Advent. Theresa Tousignant New Bedford
An exit door Dear Editor: Recently I attended a day of prayer and reflection, where we were invited to spend a few mo-.
ments in quiet thought reviewing God's presence in our lives. As often happens when one is told to "reflect," the mind goes blank or wanders. Quite by accident I found myself staring up at the exit sign and realized that God is an exit for me! He invites me to speak with him and to bring him all my worldly cares. Moments spent in prayer remove me, even briefly, from my many cares and concerns. It often happens that when I am particularly troubled and go off with my God, when I return I am calmed and less anxious. His presence is an exit door but also an open door to peace. Jean Quigley Rehoboth
throughout the New Year 1991."
REV. MSGR. HENRY T. MUNROE, V.G. Pastor REV. JOHN M. SULLIVAN, Parochial Vicar
The parish staff and parish family
A request Dear Editor: I would like to add my thanks for the publicity the Anchor has provided to bring to people's awareness the economic needs of retired and aging religious. I must admit I would have been even happier if I had found in the article onthe dedication of Corpus Christi center (Anchor, Dec. 7) some mention of an active religious, Sister Doreen Donegan, SUSC, who is the coordinator of the religious education classes for the 900 children who will use the new facility. , When some of us spoke in various parishes, we were happy to call parishioners' attention to the informative flyer about retirement expenses and needs distributed by the Anchor. I hope the paper can in a future issue include some pictures of the parishioners who made possible the building of the new center in Sandwich and maybe some of the Women's Guild hostesses. The sponsorship of our bishop and pastors, the publicity of our newspaper, the dedication of the sisters and brothers and the generosity of our people have been so apparent in the collection for vowed religious. May such a spirit be evident in our reports on other events. Sister Grace Donovan, S USC Raynham
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at Saint Thomas More in Somerset
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JOY TO THE WORLD! An Advent project at St. Joseph's School, Fairhaven, had students weekly placing symbols on a globe to illustrate the theme "God's Dream: to gather all the peoples of the Earth into one big family." One set of symbols (pictured) represented the children themselves, while the topic for the final week of Advent is "The Earth receives the Savior Jesus."
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MAKING CHRISTMAS merry for many youngsters will be new toys to be distributed by Catholic Social Services and the Fall River area St. Vincent de Paul Society. The Viking Motorcycle Club of Lakeville under president Bob Robinette holds a toy drive annually for local charities. Over 200 motorcyclists were greeted earlier in Kennedy Park, Fall River, by Father Daniel L. Freitas, diocesan Vincentian director, society members and representatives of Catholic Social Services. The toys, stored at St. Bernard's Church, Assonet, were picked up earlier this month by (clockwise, from left) Ed Orzeck of the Viking Motorcycle Club, Richard Mancini, Mary-Lou Mancini of Catholic Social Services, Vincentian District President Len Nicolan, and Vikings vice-president Ray Caron. Toy recipients will include Cambodian refugees... and children from Colombia and Puerto Rico. (Hickey photo)
Relive an era of days. gone by. V leT 0 R I A N V 1ST A S:
FALL RIVER, 1886-1900 edited by Philip T. Silvia, Jr. VOLUME II
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efore the turn of the century, history was in the making in Fall River. A magnificent high s,chool was under constuction, a woman by the name of Lizzie Borden was accused of the murder of her parents while her spectacular trial in New Bedford followed. Dr. Silvia, a Fall River native and professor of history at Bridgewater State College, has captured the essence of the late 19th century, as seen through newspaper accounts. First Federal Savings'Bank of America is the proud sponsor of this book, which has a limited edition of 2,000 copies. Books are available from all FIRSTFED offices or 'by filling out the coupon below.
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..¡KATE PRIOR, left, and Katie .Gumkowski decorate a Giving Tree at St. John the Baptist parish, Westport. Gifts under the free 'will go to residents of Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River,. one of four diocesan health facilities directed by Father Edmund J. Fitzgerald, also St. John's pastor. Tree ornaments specified a gift'for each of the home's 288 residents. Parishioners will distribute the collected gifts at the home on Sunday. St. John's has also collected such items as hats, mittens and socks for needy persons aided by New Bedford Market Ministries. .
Keeper
Stang celebrates Christmas season The cover design of this year's Bishop Stang High School Christmas card is a sketch by senior Charlene L. Patenaude of Westport. Miss Patenaude was awarded a first place prize of$50 for her entry in the annual Christmas card competition sponsored by the Richard Arthur family of Marion. Second place honors and $25 went to senior Elizabete Vasconcelos, while juniors Beth Sylvia and Andrea Rego finished third and fourth. Art students from the North Dartmouth school, directed by art
department chairperson Gary Rego, also decorated an area supermarket's windows for the holidays. In return the market donated gift certificates for the students to give to New Bedford Market Ministries. Another school Christmas project at the school was a student council-sponsored toy collection, during which donated toys were placed in a red sleigh in the school's foyer, then delivered by student councilors to Catholic Social Services and the Salvation Army for Christmas distribution to needy families.
Continued from Page Nine But because of cuts in Section 8, people aren't leaving the shelters as quickly. Instead, Orcutt hears mainly from agencies such as Catholic Charities, visiting nurses who go into an apartment and observe there is no furniture, or directly from poor people who have heard about the program. The Orcutts have created a storage area in their basement to hold donated household items such as lamps, sheets, pots and pans, and other kitchen utensils. Furniture is kept in selfstorage facility lockers. When referrals come in, Mrs. Orcutt collects and boxes needed household items and her husband and other volunteers pick up the furniture. Deliveries are usually made on Tuesdays and Wednesdays,' Orcutt's days offfrom his job at Paul . Dever State School in Taunton. As My Brother's Keeper has grown, it has attracted about 25 volunteers with various levels of involvement. Bill Hinchcliff, a member of St. Ann's Parish in West Bridgewater, stores furniture in his barn. Jim Pappas, a member of the Greek Orthodox Church in Brockton, donated two storage lockers. Dick and Anne Hepworth of Sandwich make deliveries on the Cape. The Orcutt's son, Jim J r., helps out. And about a dozen people donate $10 to $20 a month. Other contributions come in periodically, and the Orcutts have created a "$2 a month club" for people who want to donate but don't have much to give. It's a real grassroots type of ministry," Orcutt says. "We don't have any prerequisites for service. The person who calls does not have to justify their need." Deliveries are made in unmarked trucks "to preserve the dignity and privacy of the people we serve," he added.
THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Dec. 21, 1990
• "We want to serve the poor, but we want to avoid dealing with them as a class of people. As individuals we have to start helping each other and attaching names and faces to them." For information on assisting My Brother s Keeper or to refer someone in need. contact the organization at 38 Everett St.. Taunton 02780. or call 823-4998.
[Keep Christ in Ch~~~~.~J ~~~"''''».'''')>>
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For unto you is born this day in the city ofDavid a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 In celebration of that great event, we wish all of you a holiday filled with His peace and love.
THE PARISH COMMUNITY OF
STR JEAN BAPTISTE. FALL RIVER REV. RENE G. GAUTHIER, Pastor
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It's the season of His birth. Let us rejoice in loving adoration as we celebrate and remember the true meaning of Christmas.
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