12.23.05

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VOL. 49, NO. 49 • Friday, December 23, 2005

FALL RIVER, MASS.

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weeki)' • $14 Pel' Year

Friday, December 23, 2005

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Father Leo Joseph Melancon MM MARYKNOLL, N.Y. Maryknoll Father Leo Joseph Melancon, 98, a native of Fall River, Mass., and a priest for 72 years, died December 4 at St. Teresa's Residence in Ossining, N.Y. .

After attending St. Anne's el-' ementary school in Fall River, he' entered the Maryknoll Apostolic College at Clark's Summit, Pa., in 1922 where he studied for five ye'ars. After attending Maryknoll Seminary in Ossininl?' he studied at the Angelicum Um'versity in Rome, where he earned degrees in theology and philosophy. He was ordained a priest i.n the chapel of the North Amencan College in Rome on Dec. 8, .

1932.

Following advanced studies he joined the faculty at Maryknoll College in Pennsylvania, where he taught philosophy and French.

In 1941 he was appointed dean of philosophical studies and advancec:i French at the Maryknoll Seminary in Ossining. , In 1944 he received his first overseas assignment to the Maryknoll mission in Puno, Peru, serving as pastor to parishes in Crucero'and Sandia.

Father Melancon was later di-

rector of the Maryknoll Center in Bolivia, and return~d·to they.S. to teach at St. Gregory Semmary in Cincinnati, Ohio, Maryknoll Junior College in Lakewo?d, N.J., and Maryknoll College m Glen Ellyn, Ill. .

In 195 r he developed the Mexican Foreign Mission Seminary in Tlalpan, Mexico and ~ans­ ferred to Yucatan, where he served for 31 years as procurator and bookkeeper for the. mission and taught at ~he Se~l1lnary of San Ildelfonso m Menda.

In 1986; at age 79, Father Melanc.on r~~ed to the l!'S, an.d s~rved 1D miss~on h?uses m LOUls~ana and Cahforn~a.. He-ha.d .re.Sided at St. Teresa s 1D Ossmmg since 1997.

He is survived by nie.ces a~d nephews, among whom is Dons Gaudreau of Swa~sea.He was predeceased by five brothers, Frank, Henry, Arthur, Edward and Edmond Melancon; and four sisters, Eva Paquette, ThionaSirois, Diana Melancon and Rhea St. Pierre.

His funeral Mass was celebrated December 7 at Our Lady Queen,of Apostles Ch~pel at ~t.

Teresa s reSidence. Bunal was m Maryknoll Cemetery in Ossining.

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

Lucia pray for us.

Letters to.the Editor Editor: William H. MacLachlan asserts in his November 25 letter that the Mass as it is routinely celebrated does not reflect the intentions of Vatican II. Quite true. . What picture of the Mass emerges before the eyes of an unbiased reader of the council's Li.turgy Constitution? The Mass is celebrated m most cases in Latin (No. 36), but some parts are in the vernacular (No. 54). Gregorian chant has pride of place (No.116). The Proper chants (Introit, Offertory and Communion) come from the. Graduate Romanum (No.117) and are sung by a choir or schola (No. 114); the c~ngreg.a-' tion may join the chant (No. 114) and smg SUltable hymns as well (No.30). Plainchant is complemented by sacred polyphony or new compositions drawn from Scripture or the l.iturgical texts (No.12l); these correspon~ With a true liturgical spirit (No.116), Cathohc theology (No.12I),'and true art (NoJI2). The goal of the reform with regard to music was not merely to sing "something" during Mass, but to sing the Mass itself. .

As the Holy Father has noted, the task of present and future is to rehabilitate Vatican II, liturgically and otherwise.

Father Thomas M. Kocik Somerset Editor: I was bowled over when I read your October article about the bishop of Tyler, Texas. He "is 'restoring confirmation to its place before Communion." Holdit).g aside the theology/age issues, I believe that such a move demands we reexam-

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. The Church needs to rethink its position on homosexuality - all the way back to creation.

We must not second-guess God's plan for creation but must irrefutably trust it. Many still believe that Adam and Eve is a fact of science instead of fully appreciating the story as the right relationship of all humans have with God, no matter how unique. Homosexuality is a fact which was not known in biblical times. Galileo's planetary science was a fact that changed the worldview, and he was persecuted by the Church nearly to the point of execution. It's all part of "developmental doctrine" - a work in progress.

The constant challenge is to put biblical truths into modem relevance.

Anita Matthews Dennis

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Letters are welcome but the editor reserves the right to condense or edit for clarity if deemed necessary. Letters should be typed, no longer than 100. words and sh~uld. inc~ude name, address, and telephone number. Letters dO'not necessa~lly reflect the editOrial views of The Anchor. '.' . , II R' MA Letters should be sent to: The Anchor, Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 7, Fa Iver, 02722-0007. .

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ine the state of religious education in the Church. We do'a good job preparing youngsters for reconciliation and first Communion, but by Junior/senior high school, it seems we "confirm them right out of Church." In so many cases, after confirmation, they fail to find their place in the Church.

When the Church chooses to focus, it succeeds. The fact of the matter is that our teens and young adults do not embrace and are not embraced by the Church. I hope that moving confirmation to the lower grades will give us . the impetus to radically change the way we approach religious education.

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3

New St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Swansea brings unity, hope

said the developments "originated from Father Correia and his Pastoral Council to remedy the completion of the fomler merger into one building. What has pushed it into a

By DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR of the Lord speaking to him from were not receiving enough money greater cohesion ofthe parish comSWANSEA - As a new year the cross at Damiano," the pastor to take care of both locations and mtinity is the very serious fmancial dawns, members of St. Michael's noted. "The Lord told him to build multiple bills. We have approxi- reality they fmd themselves in."

He said the effort "was initiated Parish worshipping in its Ocean his Church because it was crum- mately 1,000 families, which transGrovc patronal church will join bling. Francis began to bring rocks lates into 3;000 people. But that by the parish. Then the bishop, in with fellow parishioners at its other in until he realized the Lord meant doesn't mean all of them come to conjunction with Pastoral Planning, site, Our Lady ofFatima Church on to build up the people who were the church. We have a lot ofhope ... to acquiesced to the serious fmancial Gardner's Neck Road, fomling the Church. Francis's vision was one of build up a new parish and hope to need while keeping the integrity of hope. So is ours. Hope is the un- trim costs and fmd new avenues of the process." new St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

'We are already an amalgamated derlining word. That's why the fmances."

Father Andrade said his experiTony Aguiar, who was a mem- ence in the successful merger of parish since 2001, with liturgies at name ofSt. Francis was chosen for ber of Our Lady of Fatima Parish three parishes into one location and both houses of worship, and in our new parish."

The pastor reported that during before the merger five years ago~ what became Holy Trinity Parish on granting our requcst to move into one church site Bishop George W. his ycar and a half as pastor, there c~didly said, 'We had no choice Stafford Road ''helped me to underColeman has also given our parish have been ongoing discussions by now but to go into one building be- stand what parishioners go a new name," the pastor, Father Ed- the parish Pastoral Council and its cause financially we couldn't swing through," adding, '~lOwever each is Finance Council about having one being in two places. It was deplet- different." ward F. Correia explained.

In a recent Advent message to As of January 1, the church of faith community at one site ofwor- ing any assets we had, and we still have a mortgage to maintain. Ifwe all parishioners Father Correia told St. Michael in Ocean Grove will ship.

"At the'merger five years ago it had continued.on as we were, we'd them: "This announcement causes close and Our Lady of Fatima many feelings. Some feel a sense Church will be the sole house o( was felt even then that this would be out of business."

Their hope is, he said, "that one ofloss, anger, disappointment, and worship for St. Francis of Assisi only be for a time," Father Correia Parish and all its liturgies and events said. "As time went on it was also' church location will resolve many so many other feelings that are felt thought advantageous to remain in of our problems. In the long run it as when someone dies. Others may beginning January 2.

In consolidating into one loca- Ocean Grove because there was a will unify the parish, and it is a very see the beauty ofeaeh church buildgood parish. There needs to be a lot ing. The chUrch will be experienced tion and imposing a new niune, rectory there. differently. Others see it as a new ''But increasing money problems of hope and a lot of prayer."

Bishop Coleman chose from three Father David M. Andrade, dioc- beginning: the bringing together of recommendations from the Parish running two operations really brought the matter to a head," Fa- esan director of Pastoral Planning, all that is good and producing someCouncil, Father Correia said.

"St. Francis had an experience ther Correia told The Anchor. 'We

Christmas Masses to be broadcast FALL RIVER- Bishop George W. Coleman will be the principal celebrant and homilist of Christmas Masses to be aired on ABC Channel 6 and on the Portuguese Channel.

ABC Channel 6 (WLNE-TV) will air Christmas Mass on Christmas morning from 8 to 9 am. It will be a delayed broadcastofthe Christmas Vigil Mass celebrated at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve at St. John Neumann Church in East Freetown.

Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Coleman will be Msgr.

Stephen 1. Avila, pastor of the par-

ish and the director of the diocesan Television Mass Apostolate.

The Portuguese Channel will air Christrilas Mass in Portuguese at 7 p.m. Christmas night. That broadcast will be an airing ofthe ChristmaS Midnight Mass celebrated at Our Lady ofMt. Carmel Church in New Bedford. Fathers John 1. Oliveira and Kevin A. Cook, pastor and parochial vicar, respectively, of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, will concelebrate the liturgy with Bishop Coleman.

The Portuguese Channel is available on most cable television systems in the area

thing new. That brings hope."

A healing service was held December 7 led by Barbara Britto, assistant director ofPastoral Planning for the diocese.

"The parishioners have been working to create one community, one congregation for a long time," she reported. ''The focus in pastoral planning is on bringing people together as a consolidated parish at one worship site. It may involve mergers or suppressions. But its ultimate goal is to create and revitalize a parish. lt is a positive move to build a stronger, larger community.

It is great to see people working togetller and realizing we have so much more in common."

She said she experienced those same feelings when she found herselfbecoming part ofthe new Good Shepherd Parish in Fall River, the result of the merger of three parishes. "Our people came together to form what is now a vital, thriving parish," she said.

She pointed out that parish mergers result from a variety of reasons including fewer priests, declining attendance at Mass, geographical shifting of populations, and higher costs for everything, especially Turn to page J2 - Unity

"We cannot dir~ct the wind, hut we can adjust the sails."

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Diocese of Fall River 47 Underwood Street Post Office Box 2577 Fall River, Massachusetts 02722-2577 OFFICE OF TIlE BISHOP

DECREE In considering the pastoral care of the faithful throughout the Diocese and after a study of the situation ofSaintMichael Parish in Swansea, and after having consulted the pastor of Saint Michael Parish, and after having heard the advice of the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese ofFall .River, the Diocesan Bishop hereby decrees the following: 111at Saint Michael Parish be known henceforth as Saint Francis of Assisi Parish; That the canonical registers of Saint Michael Parish be kept at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish; That the goods and obligations of Saint Michael Parish belong to Saint Francis of Assisi Parish; That the buildings of Saint Michael Parish become the canonical property of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish.

This Decree shall· be effective at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, the sec~ ond day of January, in the year two thousand and six.

Given in Fall River this twentieth day of December in the year two thousand and five.

Attest:

LIlA k. I,.t.............

Chancellor

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Friday, December 23, 2005

.

T HE LANDING-

the living word

Bringing Christmas to life again In 1223, 8t. Francis of Assisi inaugurated a pious practice that in places today has become so common that many think that it always existed.

This great saint, as he was traversing the rolling hills ofcentral Italy one December to proclaim the Gospel, noticed that few ofhis countrymen were taking the mysteries of the faith seriously. Many were not preparing for Christmas at all. Ofthose who were getting ready"to celebrate the Lord's birth, they looked at it as an event tied exclusively to the past. The mysteries ofthe faith had become st~rile. The central persons in the drama had become stale and lifeless, incapable even ofstimulating his contemporaries' imaginations - and therefore no longer capable of inspiring them to a greater relationship of mutual love with God in the present.

To counteract these tendencies, on Christmas Eve 1223 in the town ofGreccio, Francis set up the first creche in recorded history. He brought in live animals - an ox and an ass. There was a baby and a youngset of parents. There was plenty "of hay and a manger. There was even the attempt - with hundreds of burning torches - to create the luminescence ofa bright star. And Francis could not have been happier with the results. People came from all-over to see the living nativity. Through all the sounds, sights and even smells, the people became conviriced that Christmas was not just a cute story, but a real event, one that was not just past, but one they were called to enter into the present.

Living creches like this spread quickly throughout Italy. The phenomenon soon extended into art, as artists started to Raint nativity scenes with the main characters dressed anachronistically in 13th century garb - to emphasize that Christmas is not just a past event, but, even more importantly, a present one, in which every believer is called to "go now to Bethlehem" and "pay [Christ] homage." As St. Francis' first biographer wrote, "The Child Jesus had been forgotten in the hearts ofmany; but, by the working of his grace, he was brought to life again through his servant Francis and stamped upon their fervent memory."

The creches in our homes, the Beautiful praesepios in our churches, the Christmas pageants and living nativities in our schools and CCD programs all have the same purpose: to "bring the child Jesus to life again" so that he may be "stamped upon our fervent memory."

Just as in St. Francis' time, the "Child Jesus has been forgotten in the hearts of many." While the minds of multitudes still recall details of Christ's birth and their memories are full of the words of Christmas hymns learned long ago, their hearts can have amnesia. Their reflection on Christ Jesus in Bethlehem no longer sets their hearts on fire with greater love for him. Christmas still may inspire them to actions oflove for others, like altruistically helping young kids buy "Christmas shoes" for ill mothers or serving as Secret Santas for so many in need. But it fails to elicit the most important reaction of all: adoring love for the newborn king ofkings.

Prior to his death in April, one of our contemporaries - whom future generations will likely regard as a great saint like St. Francis tried to do for us what the poverello from Assisi did for his generation.

The means he proposed did not involve animals, or hay, or the best attempts to ~mulate a shining star. They involved something far more basic, which we can often take for granted and treat as lifel~ss as a plaster statue of the baby Jesus. To help the Child Jesus come to life in us, Pope John Paul IT called us all to live an intensely Eucharistic Christmas, for the same Jesus who was placed in a manger and adored by the shepherds and wise men is placed in our hands and in our mouths in holy Communion.

The best way for the Child Jesus to come to life again aild be stamped upon our fervent memorY at Christmas, he taught, is to remember that God-with-us is still with us. Bethlehem is as close as the altar and tabernacle of the nearest Catholic church.

This is indeed "good news ofgreatjoy for all people!" Merry Christmas!

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PUBLISHER. Bishop GeOrgeW. ColertJal1 '·r.S ,alo .q. d EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Roger J. Landry, fathllf'!'09lll1andry@an<;!.jomews.6rg,-< EDITOR David B. Jolivet .. daVej(lliv~"ch0rJle\'lS.(Irg NEWS EDITOR Deacon James N. Dunbar jimdunba1@an~h6me~:o'i-Q REPORTER Michael Gordon "mikeg(l~(In@ancll9m~ws.C!rg·¥ '.

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FATHER CRAIG

A .. PREGANA, RIGHT,

GREETS CHILDREN AFTER A MASS IN THE FALL RIVER

DIOCESAN MISSION IN GUAIMACA, HONDURAS.

"SITTING DOWN, HE CALLED THE

12 AND SAID TO THEM,

'IF ANYONE WANTS TO BE

. FIRST, HE SHALL" BE LAST OF ALL AND SERVANT OF ALL'" (MARK

9:35).

The night the soul·felt its worth "Hail and blessed be the hour °6n earth" (Lk 2:13-14). They were and the moment in which the Son suddenly and abruptly startled of God was born of the most pure from their earthly thoughts and Virgin Mary, at midnight, in invited to raise their minds and Bethlehem, in the piercing cold!" hearts to heavenly things.

In the words of this traditional And when they found the Advent prayer, the Church tries to manger and the one who slept capture the drama of the Christinside, they were invited to see mas event, an event so wonderful their lives from a different angle. that it compels us to put into the They were reminded that, in spite deep in meditation on mystery of of their troubles and worries, that holy night. despite the sin and suffering in the Some ofmy favorite figures in world and in their lives, God had the dramatic story ofChrist's birth come close to them. are those shepherds who were keeping watch over their flock by night (Lk 2:8). There they were, out in the fields, in the the Deep middle of the night, exposed to the cold and

By Father David" darkness, and trying to A. Pignato protect their sheep from wild beasts or robbers.

They were probably thinking oflittle other than earthly But the glory of this night was things, as they listened for sounds due to the fact that God did not of danger, and wondered about . just come close to us, he became the weather, and waited for the .one of us. God had decided to first signs ofday. Their thoughts save us by taking on our human were probably on how cold they " nature. As Pope St. Leo the Great were, or how hungry they were, wrote, ''the Omnipotent God or how much longer they would engaged in combat with His most have to do such a job. But, it was bitter enemy, not in the strength of to these shepherds - not to the His own Majesty, but in our princes ofthe world - that God hUman infirmity; confronting him first chose to announce the birth with our very form and ofRis Son. They were the first to nature. [For] the Conqueror's hear the news of what was victory would have profited us happening on that holy night. nothing if the battle had been And the announcement was fought outside our human not a subtle one. The skies condition." opened, and they saw the heav-' Before this night, the world enly host - choirs of angles was a dark place. Without a singing, "Glory to God in the 0 Savior, life was futile - there highest, and peace to his people was no reason to hope for

Putting Into

anything more than this life, which for many was one of only darkness, misery and suffering.

Life on earth was a long tunnel, with no light at the end. As the prophet Isaiah said, the people walked in darkness, and dwelt in a land ofgloom (Is 9:2).

But then, eyerything changed forever, because God was born among us. This was the night that God reminded his people that he had not forgotten them, that he had not left them to suffer the consequences of their sin.

This was the night when God fulfilled the promises he made throughout the Old Testament, to send his people it savior.

Because the baby born in the manger was born to die for us, to save us from our sins, this was the night that the soul felt its worth.

The soul feels its worth, because it knows that the baby was born for our salvation. Each of us . mows that the baby was born for us! He was born to free us and make life beautiful, even in the midst of suffering. He came to redeem our fallen nature, and show us how to live and how to love.

As we celebrate the mystery of Christmas and reflect on the divine events of that holy night; may we be inspired to live as a people redeemed, a people found worthy ofGod's great act oflove in the Incarnation. "For 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" (In 3: 16).

the

Friday, December 23, 2005

ancKotS>

Color me orange As maniacal as I've been When my time on this wonderthrough the years, nothing comes ful planet is up, I know there are close to last weekend. My those who will say, "He was a sports maniac." And I know there neighbor (another· maniac, I mean sports maniac) and I went to the are some that will mostly agree, Patriots-Buccaneers game in leaving out the word "sports."

My passion for the home teams Foxboro.

It was the best gWlle we never comes as no surprise to anyone saw. who knows me. Perhaps I've You see, wp had standing room raised a few eyebrows with my only tickets, and weren't able to behavior through the years. stake a claim at the relatively few I've worn a Celties shirt in open-view SRO locals at the Razor. downtown Philadelphia during Forced to stand behind fans the early 80s when the 76ersCelties rivalry was at its peak. I've donned a Bruins jersey whilst in View Montreal.

I've sat through snow From stomlS and rain stomlS the Stands at Patriots and Red Sox games.

By Dave Jolivet I nearly scared a pet parakeet named Larry Bird (it was green) to death when Roger Clemens struck with seats who didn't use them, I saw very little of the best Patriots out his 20th Seattle Mariner. I performance sinee last February's jwnped off my couch and tried to Super Bowl. help a rolling puck into an empty I bought the tickets'last June net while watching the Bruins on 15, the day Patriots tickets went TV on sale to the general public.

I've watched entire Bruins As has happened in tlte past, I games barely able to make out the players on a snow-filled TV-38 in was online at. I 0 am. sharp. The only tickets I could get were two the 70s. standing room only duckets for a I've scraped my knuckles on gmne one week before Christmas. the ceiling reacting to a Patriots I was dtrilled I got any at all. Until touchdown. (That was a case of Saturday. low ceilings - not a tall Dave.)

The SRO tickets are bright I've worn lucky socks, shirts, and hats. And 1worried about my orange - either to prevent folks from sitting in the few emptY . wedding reception landing on a seats dotting the stadium, or to World Series night in 1978, give uS inferiority complexes.

(Bueky Dent took care of that.)

My

Standing behind the seated patrons, we orange ticket holders had to adhere to a three-foot buffer zone between ourselves and the last row. It should be noted that the last row of seats is at the sanle level as the orange ticket holders - meaning, when they stood, we saw nothing including the large screen TV located behind the end zone. And. thanks to Richard Seymour, the . seated clientele stood through most of the gmne.

What I saw for three hours last Saturday was the Patriots logo on dIe backs of a half-dozen folks standing in front of me. I can still see tlte logos when I close my eyes. I think tltey're burned into my brain.

I know tlte Pats played an awesome game based on the fan reaction and the replays I caught at home.

Buying those orange SRO tickets was my worst waste of money - ever. Even worst than tlte exercise machines I bought and later sold in mint condition for half priee .

I slinked away from Foxboro feeling like a complete outsider.

But the up side of all tltis - I'll never do that again. . I may be a maniac, but spending big bucks to stand in the cold and not see the gmue? Uh-uh. I'd mllcll rather stay at home and scrape my knuckles on'the ceiling.

Merry Christmas and a blessed 2006 to all my friends who

51 faithfully read the rantings of this sports matliac.

Comments are welcome at davejolive@pnchornews.org.

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The gift of Jesus In a temple, in the voice ofa young boy, speaking soft(v Several years ago, I attended a Cltristmas the truth, as the elders listened il1 mve. pageant perfonlled by a group of elementary school students from a Catholic school. It was like so And the soft breath ofthis baby continued to be heard. In many of the beautiful pageants that we have all the voice ofayoung man, who walked among the people. seen; a cast of characters in costumes including T~e sojl, yet powerfiil voice ofa young man who spoke in angels, shepherds, animals and wise men and of parables ofwonder, with messages oftruth, ofa commitcourse, Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Sometimes in a , ment oflove, pageant like this, a doll may be used to represent bringing hope to all who listened the baby Jesus, but yery often, when possible, a real infant is cast in this When he died, he "called important role. out with a loud voice, On this particular Our 'Father into your hands I night there was a commit my spirit. When he beautiful baby in the Journey had said this, he breathed mmIger, and for some his last ,., (Luke 23:46). reason this infmlt caught of Faith my attention. I begml to Andajler his resurrection,

By Greta MacKoul reflect upon the power when he appeared to his and presence of Jesus' disciples he sah/, '''Peace being bom as an infmlt. be with you! As the Father has sent me, 1 am sending We bclieve that Jesus' public ministry began when .'y'Ou. 'And with that he breathed on them and said, he was 30 years old, but I began to reflect upon tl~e Receive the Ho~v Spirit" (.John 20:21-22). possible impact of Jesus on the world from tlw moment he was born, [rom the moment that he And the sojl breath ofthis baby continues to be heGlYI, as took his first breath. the Ho~y Spirit moves over the face ofthe earth, and This is the poem that I wrote that ilight entitled within the hearts>and minds ofthose who are listening.

'The Gift of Jesus." desert night was clear.

A peace had come over the earth. On~y the sofl breath of a baby was to be heard The soft, even breath ofa newborn child Breathing new lift into a tired world

When we speak the truth sojl~y, live the truth genuine~y, When we choose to give to a tired people, in a tired world It was a quiet, still night, still like no other, The peace of Christmas had come over the earth.

And only the soft breath ofa baby could be heard

This baby would grow, and the soft breath which wa.\' his Spirit, would continue to be heard, in the soft voice ofa child.

This Christmas, as we hold the infant Jesus close to our hearts, may his gentle Spirit bring us peace, may his everlasting love bring us joy.

It was a still night, still and calm like no other, and the

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6

Friday, December 23, 2005

Putting Christ back into C;hristmas In attempts to be politically' correct and to be inclusive ofall people, many seem to be missing the true meaning ofChristmas.

When Christmas trees are renamed holiday trees, Meny Christmas becomes Happy Holidays, and public displays ofNativity scenes are lost in a forest ofwooden soldiers and snowmen, Christmas becomes devoid ofits true meaning and not worth celebrating. When one takes Christ out ofChristmas, the holiday truly becomes a "humbug" or 'just another reason to pick a man's pockets every December 25th," to quote Ebenezer Scrooge.

As Catholic Christians we must find the season's true meaning in Jesus Christ and the mystery ofthe Incarnation. Christmas is the day on which we pause to remember

human race; the light that shines in the birth ofa baby. We remember the darkness, and the darkness has that the Christ ofthe manger is the not overcome it."

Christ ofthe cross and the The light ofChrist shines in the triumphal Christ ofEaster.

The world was in darkness and sin in need of redemption. God re- .

Homily of the Week sponded by sending into the world his only Son, who existed with him and Christmas the Spirit from all eternity.

In the mystery ofthe

By Fathet incarnation, God takes Maurice O. Gau"vin "': flesh and dwells With his people. In the beautiful hearts ofall men and women of prologue to his Gospel; St. John the faith. This faith gives us the power Evangelist writes, "He was in the to become who we are meant to be: beginning with God, all things children ofGod. As children of . came to be'through him, and God we are called to'bear witness without him nothing came to be. to him. We must keep Christmas What came to be through him was not only as a holiday but also as a life, and this life was the light ofthe ~-

'~

holy day, as men and women of faith we are called to put Christ back into Christmas.

We must show forth in our celebration ofChristmas, the true mt:aning ofthe day: that God loves the human race and desires only that which is'good for us.

Our response to God's love is a life ofloving service of God and neighbor, for love begets love. When we look 'at the baby Jesus in the manger we cannot but help to feel love and warmth and in him we see the light ofhope and joy.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us. ''How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet ofhim who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, mmouncing

salvation, and saying to Zion, 'Your God is King! '" The Christ child calls us to heed the words of Isaiah to be God's heralds in the modem world. On this Christmas day, let us reach out to those around us in love. As the Child Jesus brings, healing and hope to the world, let us heal old hurts, bind up wounds ofdivision, extend a hand in help to those in need and work to be instruments ofGod's love in,a world t1}at so much needs him but tries so hard to push him out. In doing all ofthis we are answering God's call to live holy lives while at the same time putting Christ back into Christmas.

Father Gauvin is pastor ofSt. John the Baptist Parish in New Bedford. '

Concluding rite Our tour of the Mass ends today. From what we have seen, it should be obvious why the Mass is the heart and soul of Catholicism: Christ, the Father's eternal Word and Son, our crucified and risen savior, descends to our altars to renew the perfect Sacrifice by which he redeemed mankind and to give himselfas the Bread ofLife to those who devoutly "take and eat."

The final part of the Mass, the Concluding Rite, is also the

Loving and Living the Mass

By Fr. Thomas M. Kocik shortest. It consists of a blessing and dismissal. Immediately following the Prayer after Communion, there may be . announcements to remind us of important activities coming up in the parish. Then, for the last time, the priest greets us while standing at the altar or at his chair: "The Lord be with you." We respond: "And also with you." Tracing the Sign ofthe Cross with his right' hand, he gives the blessing: "May almighty God bless you, the Father, + and the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Meanwhile we bless ourselves with the Sign of the Cross and answer, "Amen."

At a bishop's Mass and on certain other occasions the form .ofblessing is longer and more solemn. Sometimes the blessing is preceded by a "Prayer over the People," so called because the priest extends his hands over the people while he sings or says it.

The solemn blessings and prayers over the people relate to the particular theme of the liturgical season or day. When these are used, the deacon or priest first instructs us to bow our heads and pray for God's blessing.

After the blessing, the deacon

or priest sings or says the dismissal: "The Mass is ended, go in peace" (or similar words). We answer: "Thanks be to God," a joyous acclamation for the graces received at Mass. During the Octave ofEaster and again on Pentecost Sunday a double Alleluia (from the Hebrew hallelujah, "Praise the Lord") follows both the dismissal and our response.

As at the beginning of Mass but in reverse order, the priest and deacon kiss the altar, then . genuflect to the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle '(if it be in the sanctuary) or else bow to the altar. The other liturgical ministers likewise genuflect or bow, and all exit the sanctuary.

Mass is over.

Yet in another sense the Mass never ends.

You may recall from the introduction to this series that the Latin words of the dismissal, "lte, missa est," give the Eucharistic Sacrifice its name. "Mass," from missa, means a sending forth, as on a mission. And what are we sent forth to do? It is none other than to be the embodiment of Jesus Christ in the world. This is made possible through our baptismal union with him. This is what our communion with him in the Eucharist nourishes and increases. ' The world cannot redeem itself from all that is evil, enslaving, dehumanizing, and tragic. Only sacrificial love can do that - first Christ's, then ours as members of his mystical Body. That is the essence of the Mass and so of.the whole Christian life. Ifour . worship is to mean anything;as the biblical prophets never tired of saying, it must be translated into daily mercy and justice. When our self-offering joined to Christ's is sincere, the altar becomes the

platform ofour charity" As we leave church, we carry Christ and his transforming love into our homes, schools, workplaces, and public squares. By loving and living the Mass, we draw our earthly city closer to the heavenly

city on.which all men and women (whether they know it or not) have already set their hearts.

Father Kocik, an author oftwo books, one on the liturgy, is chaplain at Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River, and resides

at St. Thomas More Parish, Somerset

This cOltcludes Father Kocik's series on the Mass.

Daily Readings Dec 24

Dec 25

Dec 26

Dec 27 Dec 28 , Dec 29 Dec 30

Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4

2 Sm 7:1-5,8b12,14a,16; Ps 89:2-5,27,29; Lk 1:67-79 (Midnight) Is 9:16; 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 62:1112; Ps97:1,6,1112; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Acts 6:8-10;7:5459; Ps 31 :3cd4,6,8ab,16bc-17; Mt 10:17-22 1 In 1:1-4; Ps ,97:1-2,5-6,11-12; In 20:2-8 1 In 1:5-2:2; Ps 124:2-5,7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 1 In 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3,5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 Sir3:2-7,12-14; Ps 128:1-5; Col 3:12-21 or 3:1217 ' 1 In 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2,11-13; In 1:1-18 Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3,5-6,8; Gal . 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 1 In 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; In 1:1928 1 In 2:29-3:6; Ps 98:1-3,6; In 1:2934 1 In 3:7-10; Ps 98:1,7-9; In 1:35-

2 Jan5.

Jan 6

1 Jn3:11-21;Ps 100:1-5;Jn 1:4351 1 In 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15,19-20; Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-28 or 3:23,31-34,36,38

the ~

Friday, December 23, 2005

Christmas in Kuwait 24 December 2005 'Thank a Soldier Week"-

discharged and returned home.

He became a Fall River firefighter last May. In response to the increasing threat of worldwide terrorism, Tony has now rejoined the military. He felt the need to protect his country.

Home base for Dave is Santo Christo Church, Fall River.

Dave serves that parish as a extraordinary minister of holy Communion, a catechist, and a youth group and retreat leader.

Port-O-Call: Kuwait Citv Here I am at Cathednil Camp again. It's a meeting of Emmaus team No. 143. The Anny suddenly bursts into Villa Maria's parlor. Oh, wait, my mistake. It isn't the entire Army, just D-Rock and Tony.

Both are wearing Anny fatigues, though. They are just now returning from weekend training. Turns out they are also on this retreat team.

"Tony" is Antonio Rebello, age 33, of Fall River. Born in the Azores, at three years ';I,Refl.'-:Ct~~n~ of a . " of age he came to the ,~.~R:a'J'lsli;P[lest ;~'j,': United States with his parents Antonio and ·:"B.y'Father:1ifu~ :'," Lillian. Tony loves Goldrick Ford Mustangs and cheese.

"D-Rock" is D~\Ye DeSousa, aged 27, born and When stateside, Tony and raised in Fall River. Dave likes Dave work on youth retreats at Espirito Santo and Santo ' rock music. Dave and Tony are Christo churches. They have good buddies. Wherever you been on team for several "Yes!" see one, you're sure to see the and Emmaus retreats. They other.

Tony is a member of Espirito have been involved·for years Santo Parish, Fall River. Just as with the "Steubenville East" soon as he was confirnled, Tony youth rallies at La Salette Shrine. High school kids love volunteered as a catechist. 'em.

Tony's parents are very inDave has been in the milivolved in their parish. His late uncle Manny founded a parish tary for about two years youth group named "Soldiers of National Guard 3rd Unit, 126 Christ."

Aviation. It just so happens to Tony has been a soldier be Tony's unit as well. They since 1993. His last nine were activated together. They trained together at Fort Dix, months of active duty were N.J. Tony and Dave are mespent in Bosnia. He noticed the plight of the orphaned children. chanics. Black Hawk helicopTony phoned home for reinters are their specialty. They forcements. Bosnia was soon arrived together in Kuwait this flooded with tons of children's past November 4. God willing, Tony and Dave will be home clothes, toys, and candy.

Having completed six years of for Christmas - next Christmilitary service, Tony was mas, not this.

The ,Ship's Log

People like Tony and Dave are great assets to our Church.

These are two gifted men. Both love the Lord. Both are goodhearted. Both are talented storytellers. Both are full of zest. Both have empathy for those in need. Both have a terrific sense of humor. When some prank is played, Tony and Dave always protest loudly "We certainly didn't do it."

This means you can bet they did.

Tony and Dave have latelv noticed that some of the other soldiers don't seem to have the same support systems back home as they themselves enjoy.

When the two of them receive more than they need of Mach 3 razors or anti-bacterial hand soap, they pass them on to others. Tony and Dave get lots of mail. Some soldiers don't get any. Leave it to these two. They asked their friends and family back home to please send "general" notes of support, without any particular name (like theirs) mentioned in the salutation. They then give these letters to soldiers standing empty-handed at mail call.

Works wonders every time. ,; I get E-mails from Tony and Dave. Tony reports Christmas trees have appeared all around the camp - one in their tent, one in the chow hall, even one in the hanger. The 4th ID Band plays Christmas carols during meals. They will have a big Christmas dinner and open gifts from home. Christmas Mass is planned for the troops in Kuwait, says Tony. A photo was attached to the E-mail. Shows Tony and Dave on some sandy

street somewhere in Kuwait.

They look well enough. I wonder what they're feeling.

There are thousands of American men and women stationed in our military around the world. Each one is a unique individual and each one has a story. Most of them will not be home for Christmas but in some far-off place instead. It just won't be the same.

It's already Christmas in Kuwait. I sit silently for a few moments before Midnight Mass. I study grandfather's manger on the mantel. I notice the angel in particular. "Peace on earth" is the message on her banner.

Eastern Television

"Peace on earth," I repeat as a quiet prayer for Tony and Dave and for all our troops everywhere. Yes, peace on earth, 0 Lord, but when?

Amen.

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

Comments are welcome at StBernardAssonet@aolcom.

Previous columns are at WWl.~ StBernartlAssonet. org.

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May the Holy Spirit ofChristmas fill your heart.

May the Divine Infant of Bethlehem grant you His Choicest blessings.

May His Grace increase in your soul throughout the New Year.

ANTONIO "TONY" Rebello of Espirito Santo Parish, Fall River, and David liD-Rock" DeSousa, of Santo Christo Parish, Fall River, are long-time pals and serve in the same U.S. Army unit currently in Kuwait.

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Bibles· Books· Vldeos--.-. ~,Jl Music • Gifts. Cards ' -~, J~'

GOD WITH US! PEACE AND JOY"TO ALL .The.Parish Family of Christ the King Mashpee, Cotuit, Marstons Mills

/"

Rev. Msgr. Ronald A. Tosti, Pastor Rev. Mr., Robert D. Lemay, Pastoral Assistant Rev. Mr. Frank D. Fantasia Rev. Mr. Gregory J. Beckel Sr. Annette Roach, OP .

Sr. Claire Sinotte, OP Sr. Dympna Smith, RSM Sr. Shirley Agnew, RSM

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With Praywrfal Good Wishes to all for a Blessed Chrlltmas Day and a Holy and Healthy new Year!

Frw Bob Donovan and the Parish Family of St John the Evangelist In the Village of Pocasset. cape Cod

Mass Schedule: Christmas Eve: 4~OO. 7:00. and Midnight ChrlstmGs Day: 8:001' ':30 and 11:00 flIIM.

Saint Elizabeth Seton Parish 481 Quaker Road * North Falmouth

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE Saturday, Decem ber 24 3:30 PM - Children's Musical Pageant 4:00 PM - Mass 5:.30 PM - Caroling 6:00 PM' - Mass 11:30 PM - String Ensemble & Candlelight Concert MIDNIGHT - Mass Sunday, December 25 10:00 AM and 11 :30 AM - Mass Rectory 508-563-7770 ....

Rev. Msgr. John F. Moore, Pastor Deacon William Martin

Deacon Paul Roma Deacon Vincent Coates Deacon Peter Guresh "

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Friday, December 23, 2005

CSS's Giving Program brightens Christmas for thousands of youngsters By

MIKE GOR'DON

to become involved in 2006. High School and the Dartmouth "It's a huge project," she de- High School Girls Basketball FALL RIVER When clared.

Team recentlv volunteered. Lo~' They don't have extra money cal schools aJld parishes provide Catholic Social Services began collecting and wrapping Christ- for gifts and toys. For many of a steady stream of help throughmas presents for the needy in the young people who' volun- out the drive.

1995 they assisted 20 families. teered to wrap presents, that Volunteer Mary-Lou Frias; a This year, that number has spi- need really got them enthused parishioner of St. John Neun~ann about getting involved to make Church, East Freetown, has been raled to 800 families.

For many families the gifts difference. assisting with the annual project they receive from Catholic SoNinth-grader Cassie Ferreira, for eight years and said it is the路 cial Services is their Christ- a member of the confirmation spirit of Christmas that keeps . mas. class at St. Joseph's Parish in her coming back.

Thanks to the generosity of Fall River, helped to wrap pre"I get a lot out of helping. parishes, schools, community sents and thought it was great people and for me it's a gift," she LINDA PAVAO along with her nephew and niece, Danie groups and businesses, Catholic that her class was assisting. "It's said. Frias had thought that, beSocial Services continues to nice to help other kid.s that are cause of so much effort and do- and Drew Guay, stand in a sea of toys at Catholic Socia meet the growing need to bring less fortunate," she said. nations going to victims of Hur- SerVices while shopping for presents to wrap. With othe Her classmate Nathan Silva ricane Katrina, donations might volunteers, they helped make sure that thousands of need~ Christmas to children who might otherwise not have pl.'esents un- agreed. "]t's a good cause. We're be down this year. But she said . children will receive toys and clothing this Christmas. (An helping people and it gets me in the opposite was true. "We've chor/Gordon photo) der the tree.

"We've have more than 3,000 the Christmas spirit." It was the had more donations," she dechildren receiving help this first time either had participated clared with a smile. year," said project coordinator in the project, but both were alRosemary Gasperini has been Sandy Tiburcio. She commented ready thinking about helping out involved for five years and cothat although it is a lot of work, next year. ordinates the Giving Tree it's worth the effort because "Our kids see the Giving project for St. Joseph's Parish people are struggling and "it's Tree in the parish and they buy and said it bothers her to think gifts, but now they know where that a child would not have a toy essential."

By MIKE GORDON way into the hands that neede, , Families submit applications they all go to," said religious or be warm at Christmas~ "This ANCHOR STAFF them. for assistance in October and education coordinator Maureen is a wonderful effort. People FALL RIVER - Around the Parochial Administrato children are given several toys Lizik of St. Joseph's. "It's good love giving to children and diocese each winter, special trees George E. Harrison of Hoi: and clothing. Families also re- to help out the community and we've had great success thanks go up in parish centers and Name, Fall River, praised the ef ceive a gift certificate for gro- there is a lot of need," she to many volunteers." churches. They don't grow, but forts of the parish youth group il added. cenes.

Doris Sousa found out about Wrapping of presents began the opportunity to ,volunteer the fruits of these trees, called organizing its annual Giving Trel In November, donations begin to pour in and are organized on December 1 and continued through her parish bulletin. She ;Giving Trees, bringjoy to children project. "[t's been very success by volunteers and staff mem- until December 20. Some volun- wanted to help make a differ- and warnlth to those that are cold ful and there's been so much gen erosity," said Father Harrison bers. Among the donations are teers spend their evening prepar- ence. "There are a lot of chil- each Christmas.

A look around the diocese "We've had toys and clothes ane toys and clothing from the Giv- ing bags by picking out toys and dren who have nothing and they ing Tree projects of 29 diocesan outfits appropriate to the age of need people who care. It's nice finds that Giving Tree projects are the parishioners have been tre recipients. Others take those to give them something to look "everywhere and they ev~n lead to mendous."Those toys and clothe parishes. other programs and projects to were delivered to Catholic Socia "The parishes are very gen- prepared bags and wrap the forward this Christmas." help the less fortunate and the Services and helped one of thl erous," said Arlene McNamee, gifts. The gifts then have to get Matt Souza, also a confirmadirector of Catholic Social Ser- to the Catholic Social Services tion class member, busied him- sick. Some parishes have four and 800 families in search of help thi five projects around Christmas Christmas. vices. "We have some beautiful building and be sorted. self at a nearby table, helping to help others. One thing they tinle Father James H. Morse of St On the night The Anchor put labels on presents and picktoys and clothes and we couldn't all seem to have in common is Stephen's in Attleboro said of hi: do it without their help." stopped by, the students from St. ing out gifts for other children. parish Giving Tree "It gets bigge According to McNamee, they Joseph's Parish were assisted by He summed up the thoughts of their success.

Pastor Father Richard L. and bigger every year." The par had nearly 1,000 more children a group of Girl Scouts and many many when he stated "It's fun Chretien of Notre Dame de ish St. Vincent de Paul Socie~ adult volunteers.

McNamee said in need of gifts this year and she to help the community and those Lourdes Parish, Fall River, said collects and 'distributes the gift: is hoping for even more parishes students from Bishop Stang less fortunate than us." the parish giving tree project has and toys. Father Morse say: been very successful. "We always people do a great job. have a great.response and I'm ''We've had to put up more tag: proud 'of everyone's efforts," he during Masses because the re said. sponse has been so great," said th, "We're providing clothing and pastor. bedding items that are benefiting "It helps a lot of people and I'll the Little Brothers of St. Francis pleased with our efforts. It's : in Dorchester, and the F~llowship great support to folks especiall~ Health Resources of Fall River." with the high costs of things to At Immaculate Conception day."

Church, where Father Chretien is At Our Lady of the Cape il parochial administrator, they are Brewster, pastor Father Beman also collecting items of clothing Baris rep.orted that they have sev and he was thankful for the "hard eral projects this Christmas. Eacl wOl.'kand dedication," of the . child in the religious educatiOl women's guilds and all those who progranl decorated a shoebox an< help. . with the help of his or her fami "How often the Brothers of St. lies, filled it with school supplies Francis depend on contributions a Teddy Bear and a $5 bill to ben and the generosity of parishes. We efitchildren in need. They are sen must be aware of the needs of oth- to and distributed by a national or ers at this time of year." ganization.

He said those who help particiThe parish is also expressinl pate because they get a sense of its love and concern for its siste accomplishing something for their parish in Haiti. Parishioners arl neighbor, and many times people sponsoring 2,000 students attend don't have the basic necessities ing five schools. So far they havl STUDENTS FROM the religious education program of St. Joseph's Parish, Fall River, that we take for granted. Between collected more than $20,000 fo wrap gifts at Catholic Social Service during its annual Christmas Giving Program. From left: the two parishes, several hundred the effort. 771e Anchor printed , gifts and packages found their Matt Souza, Rodney Ferreira, Shane Amaral and Eric Ferreira. (Anchor/Gordon photo) 'li,rn to page J3 - Trees ANCHOR STAFF

Giving T.rees bear fruit for many

Friday, December 23, 2005 ofState Catholic Conference direc- U.N., which I will continue to do," tors in Washington, National Presi- Parker reported. dent Richard Doerflinger cited What has she learned?

Parker as being the only director in "A lot. How important it is to the nation to have accomplished stand with integrity for what you such a double coup for Pro-Life. believe in, and to advocate the ''It made me realized how Catho- Church's position on many public lic Conferences in each. state can policy issues. I've also leamed what affect one another, and how impor- an important contribution the tant it is to build on these things," Catholic Church can make to the Parker noted. "That is a hard les- society we live in today. It is cruson our opponent, Planned Parent- cially important to see how the unhood, has learned very well." derstanding and love for the dignity Following that, Parker became .of the human person and the comhost of a weekly, half-hour radio mon good is to making this a better program "To Life." Her guests dur- world ... because no one nation is ing a three-year period included leg- in isolation any longer." islators and tackled all the life issues.

Later she hosted a six-part TV series for the Providence diocese's ......." , Office ofCommunications. One of the guests was Attorney Gerald Fifth MARIA C. PARKER, right, associate director of Public Policy for the Massachusetts Catholic D'Avolio, at the time executive diPrintingI Conference, and main representative for the World Union of Catholic Women's Organiza- rector ofthe Massachusetts Catho2005 tions at the United Nations, sits with New York Cardinal Edward Egan, and Secretary Gen- lic Conference.

A world of knowledge with "He said the bishops of Massaeral of the United Nations Kofi Annan, at a conference in New York City. a Catholic sensibility chusetts were beginning a program called In Support of Life, the first"Grampas Are For ever statewide educational initiative All Seasons" on end-of-life care, and were lookBy Richard J. Ward ing for a project director," Parker This timeless resource remembered. "It was to be for a belongs on all reading tables. three-year term."

Open any page for knowledge,

By DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR Fortified by an avalanche ofsup. She applied and was appointed with family, I know there is too & inspired wisdom of sages portive mail, Parker attended the in 1998. Her work there included a PROVIDENCE, R.I. - I re- much going on for that to compast and present. For readers member meeting Maria C. Parker pletely satisfy me. I want a world 1991 national convention of the video and other materials such as college age and older, this is a Association in oregon, took them parish worksh9P binders, which are classic of its genre - it's what in 1995 at the state house when she that is better for them." living long is all about.

She added, "I'll wait for the Holy on, and "came smackdab up against still be used nationally and internawas assisting Msgr. Robert .

"This book should provide rewards for Newbold in lobbying Ocean State Spirit to make known to me what entrenched radical feminism. There tionally. were threats; meetings were called the reader and success for the author. " With the 'multiplying of life islegislators on respect for life issues, direction I should go."

- Father Denni& Sughrue, SJ, off.

It was horrible. A group of sues, the bishops established the Such thoughts probably stem and marveling at her vigor and teUniversity of Notre Dame prominent Pro-Life women from office of associate director of Pub.from her DNA. nacity. "/ enjoyed this book alld agree with the "I grew up in a big Italian fam- New York asked for a Pro-Life con- lic Policy and Parker was appointed praise ofthe Miele and Rodgers reviews. " I also recalled that she became clave at the convention, but it was - Sister Joan Bland in 2000. the first diocesan advocate in the ily in Worcester," the former Maria denied. The whole matter made Trinity College, Washington, D.C. "So it has been a wonderful and nation to influence local legislators Nigro said. I was one of six chilnational news." busy formal 15 years since I began.

Paper & hardcover at fine to pass bills banning partial-birth dren and with our parents we went Back in Providence, Diane Man- I found the issues at the state level bookstores or at to daily Mass at Our Lady of Mt. abortion and the death penalty. ning, the Pro-Life director was re- had ramifications on the internaAuthorhouse Publisher Carmel Church there.

On feast days And as the main representative signing, and Parker was asked by tional scene and so my work at the (1-888-280-7715) at the United Nations for the World we would take a picnic basket and Bishop Louis E. Gelineau in 1992 Union of Catholic Women's Orga- attend processions and go to to take over those duties. nizations, Parker has been a strong shrines. Both my father and mother Parker found that her role was voice on truth and justice issues as came from big families, and my fanotjust that ofan educator, but also well as the dignity of the human ther was active in the Church doof a lobbyist. ingjustice work." person.

"Then-Father Newbold didn't Those seeds offaith were nourSo when I learned she was leav• Prompt 24 Hour Service • Automatic Deliveries want to lobby as a man and a priest ing the Massachusetts Catholic ished at Venerini Academy in • Call In Deliveries • Budget Terms Available on the abortion issue. He wanted a • Free Estimates Conference at December's end, Worcester, a private Catholic school lay person, a woman, to do so. And where she has been associate direc- for girls run by the Venerini Sisters, I did. We were a good team. But the You Never Had Service tor for Public Policy since 1998, and that took her through the elemenUntil You Tried Charlie's assisted suicide issue came up in had successfully battled on behalf tary and high school Yl<arl?

March 1996 as well as the death penWe're located at ...

Her Rhode Island history began of In Support of Life and many alty issue, both life issues. We suc46 Oak Grove Ave., Fall River other matters affecting the Catho- when she met a lifeguard, Kenneth ceeded in getting those bills passed." orca" ... lic Church, I gave her a call to tell Parker, at Misquamicut Beach and Parker said those successes. shared her bowl of macaroni with her she'll be missed.

508-675-7426 • 508-674-0709 didn't seem gigantic to her at the "And I'll miss a lot of people him. They were married in 1963 and time. But they did to others. At a too," Parker said. "But I think it's took up residence in Westerly.

Parker's first foray onto the meeting ofthe National Association about time - to give more of it to my husband, Ken, our five married battlefields of Catholic faith and children and our six grandchildren;" morals carne after she became the Saint Anne's Hospital Although I boldly suggested she local branch president ofthe Amerihad too many talents in educating, can Association of University inspiring and moving people in Women. The 40-member group of is now offering an extended unit of matters of faith to take up a more teachers, bent on educational issues, Clinical Pastoral Education domestic lifestyle, she didn't rebuff was comprised of an even split of February 5 - June 11,2006 20 pro-choice and 20 Pro-Life me.

Mondays 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

"So many people have told me women. All went well until the naClinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a learning process; within asupervised clinical setting, that helps theological students. that," Parker said. "I do believe we tional president informed Parker • clergy, and qualified lay persons develop greater competence in iheir spiritual/professional roles. CPE is a means of are on this earth to make a differ- that she had to ally with the supporting people in their ministry and of extending quality spiritual care and education inio an integrated health-care setting. ence, to lead people to God and I've Association's stance ofpro-choice.

"I was not a member ofany Proalways worked under that assumpFor more infonnation, contact: tion. The line that comes across loud Life group at the time, but I knew it Ann Marie Lauzon, 508-614-5600, ext. 2060 and clear from those I've been talk- was wrong to advocate the killing ing with and the four bishops of ofa child in the womb. I refused to saint Anne's Hospital CPE progrBl1l is accredited by the AssocIalion CAltlTU CHltlSTI "rUTH CAU Massachusetts too, is that I have too divorce my morality and work for for ClInical Pastoral Education. Inc. and United States Confetence of much expertise to sit home and pro-choice, and I resigned," Parker 795 Middle Street, Fall River, MA 02721 Catholic Bishops Commi~ on Cettillcation and Accreditation noted. "But I filed a letter of prowash dishes." www.saintanneshospital.org· "So while I want to spend time .test with the leadership."

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For MCC's talenfed Maria Parker, retirement may prove elusive

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Friday, December 23, 2005

'Ocean Grove's St. Michael's Parish got a heq,d start from WWI veterans

By DEACON JAMES N.

DUNBAR

SWANSEA - When World War [ ended in 1918, Father OsiaS Boucher returned to the Fall River diocese after serving as a chaplain to the fanled 26th Yankee Division.

At the time. Ocean Grove was principally a smnmer resort, with approximately 80 Catholicfamilies calling it home.

When the Catholic community there clamored for a church of its own, Bishop Daniel F. Feehan approved a mission ofSt. Dominic:s Parish in Swapsea in May 1922 and appointed Father Boucher to lead it.

He began his pastoral duties celebrating Masses in summer cottages' or in a shady grove of beech trees, which gave the area its name.

It was a popular stop for trains ofthe New York New Haven and Hartford Railro~s, whose tracks were adjacent to the marvelous fme sand beach that drew hundreds from the area in the summer.

Among the many visitors to Ocean Grove were members of the Yankee Division's "Iron Battalion." They contributed much of the money for a rectory for Father Boucher, their fornler chaplain. Members of the unit met annually at a service at St. Michael's in honor of their dead comrades and to spend the day in Ocean Grove with the priest who had left the.army as a brigadier general. .

One of the young engineers in the late 1920s on the Providence to Fall River run that branched offfrom the TIl ain track in Warren, R.I., was Thomas E. McGrath, my grandfather. He was brought up on Brownell Street in Fall River's North End. I recall him as an old man telling stories of conductors who would take off their shoes and socks to wade into the water during the quick station stop in "the grove."

F ather Boucher was succeeded by Father Victor Masse, who assumed the pastorate in 1925 and who was responsible for the building of St. Michael's School. Built on a parcel ofland a short distance from the church,

.. ~--

it also provided living quarters for the Sisters of St. Joseph who staffed the school.

Further improvements on the church, sch001 and rectory were made by Father Leonidas Lariviere: who became the third pastor at St. Michael's in 1935.

Although the destructive 1938 . hurricane so badly m~gled the tracks that commuter trams to the area ended and the number of visitors slowed, the area continued to flol\fish.

In 1945, Father Joseph A. .Cournoyer arrived as pastor. He directed the bui.lding of an annex to the school in 1951 to meet the needs of the 400 students in the nine grades. The rectorywas also enlarged during his tenure. He was later to be named a monsignor.

During 1961, the Confraternity ofChristian Doctrine was or. ganized in the parish, which already had an active Holy Name.

Society, Catholic Women's Guild, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Eucharistic Crusade.

Father Joseph A. Martineau, who arrived in 1969, was the pastor in 1972 when the parish celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Father Clement D~four becanle pastor in 1978 and served for four路years. He was followed.

by Father Roger Levesque, and his tenure ended in 1992. He was succeeded by Father Richard Gendreau who was pastor when the parish marked its 75th anniversary in 1997.

June 2001 saw the merger of St. Michael's with Our Lady of Fatima Parish - its offshoot in 1958. Father Gendreau rem ained as pastor. Our Lady of Fatima Church, on Gardner's Neck Road, became a chapel.

Father Delmot Rogers became pastor in 2003. Father Edward F. Correia, replaced hinI as pastor of St. Michael's in 2004.

When the amalgamated parish that was St. Michael's moves out of the Ocean Grove patronal church into its sister site at Our Lady of Fatima Chapel on Gardner's Road tmder the tile of' St. Francis of Assisi Parish, effective January 2, 2006, Father Correia will become pastor ofthe newly named parish.

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

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

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

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

NAOMI WATTS stars as Ann Darrow in Peter Jackson's remake of the classic adventure .film "King Kong." For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules b.elow. (CNS photo from Universal Pictures) ,

NEW YORK (CNS)- Thefollowing are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Casanova" (Touchstone) Handsome but leisurely paced period piece about history's most fanlOus lover (Heath Ledger), focusing on a fictitious "secret" episode in his life: his incognito love affair with an 18th-century VenetiaIl, beauty (Sienna Miller) who writes feminist tracts under a male nom de plume. On the plus side, Lasse Hallstrom's film is well acted, farcical without overdoing the slapstick, remarkably restrained in sexual matters, and even has a reasonably moral ending, but there's a surfeit oftrouble-

Unity

some Inquisition-era jibes at the.

Catholic Church (including a comically villainous bishop played

by Jeremy Irons), and an episode involving seduction of a novice.

Brief sexual episodes without nudity, innuendo, some crude expressions; pervasive anti-clerical view and a mild torture scene. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L - limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling.

frightening and disturbing images, fleeting burlesque images and a few instances of.profanity make it inappropriate for younger adolescents. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II - adults and adolescents.

"The Producers" (UniversallColumbia)

First-rate filming .of路 Mel Brooks' Broadway megalIit about a losing-streak producer (Nathan Lane) and a stage-struck accoun"King Kong" (Universal) tant (Matthew Broderick) who Visually staggering remake of hatch a scheme to bankroll a show the 1933 classic about a giant ape that's doomed to failure - an smittl;:n by a blonde-haired beauty Adolf Hitler musical - and walk (Naomi Watts), captured frOl~I his away with the investment. Direclost world island home by a mav- tor Susan Stroman makes an auserick filmmaker (Jack Black) aIld picious film debut, faithfully retaken in captivity to New York creating.her original staging, while where, breaking free, his rampage members of the Broadway cast are climaxes atop the Empire State- joined by a funny Will Ferrell and Building. Though the film ru'ns Uma ThumlaIl in this throwback too long, director Peter Jackson's to 1950s-era movie musicals. strong storytelling masterfully Some bawdy and outrageous hublends stunning action sequences, mor including gay stereotypes, humor and pathos-tinged emo- cross-dressing, sexual innuendo, tion, paying reverent homage to suggestive costunling and dancing, the original while fleshing olit the some crude language and comic tragic story and raising the movie- violence. The USCCB Office for magic bar to dazzling new heights. Film & Broadcasting classification Intense action violence, some is A-III - adults.

Continlled/rom page three.

heating oil.

One of those' affected by the changes is Diane Tremblay, who' has been a parishioner at St. Michael's for 40 years. She sees worshipping "under one roof' as bringing together a parish, factions of which at times "did things apart fmm each oth~r."

"I don't ever want to say our parish was divided. But the fact is that some people always attended Mass at S1. Michael's while others went to Mass at the Chapel. It was rare when one group saw the pther. I kno,v some people will be critical of me "for taking one side and saying that. But worshipping together under one roof is what consolidates a parish, and only when we do that are we truly a parish, and all can work together for the good of the parish. I look forward to being a part of that again in our new parish of St. Francis of Assisi."

The new parish is the latest page in the nearly 50-year history of the relationship between the two faith

communities only one and' a half miles from each other.

Ironically, St. Michael's, which had its start in 1922 as a mission parish of S1. Dominic's Parish in Swansea, gave up part of its territory so that Our Lady of Fatima Parish might be founded in May of 1958.

In May, 2001, after a careful assessment of both' parishes) and a consultation between priests and representatives of both communities of faith, the two parishes were merged by then-Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap. However, both church sites were maintained, including a chapel in the fonner Our Lady of Fatima.

Weekend Masses were celebrated at both locations. Baptisms were celebrated at St. Michael's, and couples chose either location for marriages or funerals.

One of the advantages of S1.

Francis ofAssisi's at the Gardner's Neck Road site is the ample CCD classrooms built in tlIe lower level

in 1972 and refurbished a(ter that, Britto noted.

"Because parishes have to plan for the future Church and its children, the facilities were an important factor to consider ... along with others, for the best possible center for a working parish," Britto pointed out.

A disadvantage is tllat the highly marketable raIlch-style house tllat was the rectory at tlle Gardner's Neck Road site was sold after the 2001 merger.

"So the current rectory in OceaII Grove will continue 'to be the priests' residence," Father Correia said. "Besides myself tllere is Father Michael Ci!);ak, OFM, who is .chaplain at Bishop Connolly High School and UMass-Dartmouth, who is in residence in our recto!)', and so we need tlIat building."

Rhetorically, he asked: "Can tlIis phase in our journey as a parish be a continuation of what has been good to make it better? 1 hope and pray so." .

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Friday, December 23, 2005

Trees

Continued/rom page 10

letter regarding their "Buy a Goat" project last year, which provides many school children with their only meal ofthe day. They are also collecting money towards expansion of the school and a variety of projects. \ The women's guild will be distributing gifts ofclothing to needy children this Christmas, Father Baris declared, "I'm extremely proud of our parishioners and the help they are giving to others."

In Somerset, parishioners at St. Th'omas More have been busy this December with many projects to benefit others. A bake sale brought in more than $1 ,000 for lepers living in Vietnam. The parish raised $2,500 for Palestinian Catholics living in Bethlehem and Jerusalem through the sale of olivewood creches.

The parish St. Vincent de Paul society collected more than 3,000 food items and $1,000 in cash donations for the Sacred Heart Food Pantry.

"God has blessed us," said pastor Father Edward J. Byington.

"Our parishioners really stepped up to the plate and they have remembered those who are less fortunate. We had fantastic support from our parishioners."

The parish also donated $500 to the campus ministry program at Bristol Community College to support their upcoming trip to the mission church in Honduras. All these projects were going on in addition to the annual Giving Tree and a mitten, scarf and hat drive Religious education Director Dennis Griffin reported that more' than 1,000 presents wiU be distributed through the parish Giving Tree.' â&#x20AC;˘ "The parishioners have been great," he declared. "People have been very generous and want to help wherever they can."

On Martha's Vineyard, Father Michael Nagle reported that gift requests were flying off the Giving Tree. "We moved it to the parish center this year because the children of our religious education programs were clamoring to get involved. It's been great and the children have enjoyed helping others."

Children and adults who have made the Giving Tree successful ¡also participated in a clothing drive which collects mittens, gloves, hats and toys for children living on the island. , Father Nagle said that many times people don't associate poverty with Martha's Vineyard, but "there is a great need here and everywhere. So many things like gas, which is at $2.79 a gallon, are more expensive here. It's important to help out. It's a great thing."

Pastor Father David Costa said that the Giving Tree at Sacred Heart Parish, North Attleboro, will benefit the AIDS Ministry Office of the diocese as well as Marie's Place, a clothing distribution center in Fall River sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of the

Presentation.

Marie's Place helps the poor and immigrant population of the city. Items collected included household linens, sheets, towels, blankets, baby bedding and children's clothing.

Gift cards were collected from a variety of grocery and ~etail stores and will benefit individuals and families living with HIV/ AIDS. "More than $4,700 in gift cards was collected and we're very grateful," said Father Costa.

Father Jay T. Maddock, pastor of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton said the parishioners have been very generous with their annual Giving Tree.

"It's been highly successful," he said.

"Gifts are collected at the parish and distributed through the St. .

Vincent de Paul Society."

Father Robert A. Oliveira, pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart ofJesus Church, said he remembers the Giving Tree project from when he was newly ordained 20 years ago. Now back at the same New Bedford church he served back then, he said the generosity is still there.

"It serves as a nice r~minder to us about helping others and how a simple gift of gloves or a sweater or can make a big difference to someone," said Father Oliveira.

The parish collected nearly 400 gifts to benefit Market Ministries of New Bedford, Cape AIDS Ministry of Hyannis and the Donovan Kennedy Center.

The project is organized by the women's guild.

Father Oliveira added that a Christmas dinner for anyone who does not have one to attend will be provided on Christmas Day in the parish center. It is presented by the Council ofAging and members of the Jewish Community.

Those who would like to attend the dinner can call 508-991-6250 for more information.

"We had more than 100 people last year and it's a nice celebration" said Father Oliveira. He went on to say that even though it's been tough for people to give with the high cost of prescription medicine and other things, they still give to those that are less fortunate.

"People have been very generous and the response to the Giving Tree has been outstanding," he concluded.

Father Jeffrey Cabral, parochial vicar ofSt. Anthony Parish, Taunton, said gifts from the Giving Tree wil~ benefit children through Catholic Social Services.

He estimated that between 200300 tags were removed this Advent season.

"The response has been very good," said Father Cabral. "I have seen families take a tag or two and even young children taking one to help their peers. In the season of giving, it's important to remember those who are less fortunate. "

Stories from the Missions Remember those less fortunate this Christmas "Weare the heralds ofthe hope from the Bible. When they hear. a time to make these visits. AlofChrist." So wrote Father Khalid the Gospel of St. Luke they are though that is a sacrifice, Thomas Rashid of St. Mary's Parish and awe-struck by the humble begin- sees his vocation as a blessing. He St. Anthony's Hostel for Boys and nings of Jesus - his being born said: "I have been given a very St. Joseph's Hostel for Girls in a stable. As they learn more special vocation - to praise the shortly after the earthquake in about the life of Christ, they feel Lord and to share my faith with Pakistan. All around him, Father we are giving hope to them in their those who have not heard about Rashid has seen unspeakable dev- own lives. They are a grateful Jesus or the Catholic Church. [ astation and loss of life. And yet, people searching for God and want my children to grow up with he did not lose faith. "We have thirsting for human dignity." an understanding of how imporhope for the good," he said. "For In Zambia, in southern Africa, tant our faith is - that it is worth with God, everything is possible." Bishop Raymond Mpezele of making a sacrifice for such a comJust as the angels herpassionate and loving God alded the message of the who allowed himself to be birth of Christ to the shep"I have been given a very special born in dire circumstances herds centuries ago, so, toso we could understand his day, Father Rashid and other vocation - to praise the Lord and sacrifice for us." missionaries bring the mes- to share my faith with those who This Christmas, won't sage of Jesus - the Light have not heard about Jesus or the you give a gift through the of the World, the Prince of Catholic Church. I want my children Propagation of the Faith, so Peace - to people who that mission priests like Fahave much darkness in their to grow up with an understanding ther Rashid in Pakistan, relilives. As Father Rashid said: of how important our faith is - that gious Sisters like Sister Odile "We reach out to all, Mus- it is worth making a sacrifice for such in Ghana, and catechists like . lim,and Christian - espe- a compassionate and loving God Thomas in Zambia - and so cially the children. Their who allowed himself to be born in many more throughout the parents are the day-laborers, dire circumstances so we could un- Missions - may continue to the donkey cart drivers and reach out with the love of brick-makers who barely derstand his sacrifice for us. " Christ to the young and the make a living wage. These old? By supporting their parents cannot afford to Livingstone talks about the mis- work and witness you will, in fact, send their children to school. It is sionary witness of one of his cat- be making a difference for the sufvery sad." echists. "He is a capable man who fering poor of the Missions, offer-' However, at the hostel, Father reaches out to others in love, pa- ing them the hope-filled "good Rashid has been able to make a tience and zeal for the Kingdom," news" proclaimed by the angel that long-term difference in the Bishop Mpezele said. first Christmas, "A Savior has been children's lives. "We are able to Thomas Sitati is a catechist in born for you." provide an education for them," the diocese's biggest rural parish.

This Christmas, too, let usjoin he explained. "They learn about "He must visit five zones, spend- in prayer with Catholics worldJesus, and when they learn about ing three to five days in a zone, wide in gratitude for the greatest his life, they not only realize how moving from place to place on of his gifts to us, his Son. In much they are loved by such a foot because a bicycle is useless prayer, we also ask the Lord to gracious God, but also they have on tracks of deep sand," the keep us always in his care and to an extraordinary awareness that bishop explained. Thomas trains offer his light, hope and peace to they must share that love with oth- volunteer catechists, meets with a world so in need of him. Thank ers. They put on Christmas pag- the leaders ofthe community, vis- you and may the Lord grant to you eants in different villages, singing its the sick and leads prayer ser- and to those you love many blesswith joy of the newborn Baby vices when the priest cannot get ings this Christmas. whom they have grown to know to an area for Mass.

Donations may be sent to the as their Savior."

As a catechist, Thomas, who diocesan Office oftI,e PropagaFather Rashid spoke of the is married with three children, tion of the Faith, 106 Illinois time in his parish that followed the must leave his family for days at Street, New Bedford, MA 02745.

October 8 earthquake in Pakistan.

"The children asked immediately St. Anne's Prayer to pray and have Mass for the vic"Good St. Anne, Mother of Mary, and tims," he said. "And, although extremely poor, they have been Grandmother of Jesus, Intercede for me and my collecting funds to send to the petitions. Amen." children in the affected area.

Some of the older children are working as volunteers because as La Salette Retreat Center they have said, 'It would be what.

Jesus would have us do. ,,, 947 Park Street On another continent, in TaAttleboro, MA 02703 male, Ghana, in Africa, a missionary Sister talks of the witness to 508-222~8530 Jesus among the people there and their response. "We must Offerings in the New Year meet people where they are, not Jan. 8 at 1:00 p.m. Recollection - Community Building & Mending waiting for them to come to us," Fr. Dan Bradley, M.S. said Sister Odile. "We try to be Jan. 9 & 30 10:30 a.m. to Noon Grief Education Series humble, joyful witnesses of the Sister Judith Costa, S.S.D. love of God to the people among Jan. 15 at 1:00 p.m. Recollection - Humility: Knowing Ourselves whom we live."

Fr. Fern Cassista, M.S. In Tamale, the Sisters have set Jan. 12 at 6:30-8:00 p.m. Grief Education Series up religious education programs for children and adults. "With Sister Judith Costa, S.S.D. such a high level ofilliteracy here, Retreat Weekends we must teach the adults how to Jan. 6-8 - Mother-Daughter Retreat ** Jan. 13-15 - A Yoga Retreat read and write," explained Sister Jan. 20-22 - A Women's Retreat ** Feb. 17-19 - Men's Retreat Odile. "They come to us after ~ For more information, pleases can or write Retreat Secretary A work and learn by reading stories

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. Friday, December 23, 2005

MORE THAN 30 alumni of Bishop Connolly attended the . Thanksgiving Day football game on the campus of the Fall River school. Attending from the Class of 2002 were, from left: Stephanie Gleason, Julianne Medeiros, and Jessica THE NATIVITY themed float created by students and parents from S1. Mary-Sacred Heart Froh.

School, North Attleboro, recently won a $500 first place prize for the school. They appeared in the annual t9wn Christmas parade.

SEVENTH- AND EIGHTH-GRADE students at S1. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro held a "Santa's Workshop" for their buddies in kindergarten and first grade. The school provided gifts for the younger students to purchase for their families as Christmas presents.

SECOND路 AND THIRD-GRADERS from St. Joseph-St. Therese School, New Bedford, enjoyed a recent tour of Shaw's Supermarket where they learned about the various departments and the importance of good nutrition.

They were accompanied by their teachers Phillis Goodwin and Claudette Lizotte.

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THE NATIONAL Honor Society at Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton, left, recently hosted ifs annual Christmas toy shop. It included.a visit from Santa Claus and students entertained children with crafts, games and other activities.

FIFTH-GRADE student Ian Chaney serves pancakes at the recent breakfast with Santa, sponsored by the Holy Trinity School, Fall River, Parent-Teacher Organization.

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Friday, December 23, 2005

Bishop Connolly students take serving the needy to heart FALL RIVER - Bishop Connolly High School has had three very successful events that live out the meaning of the season. Continuing its annual tradition of caring for the needy at this time ofyear, the Bishop Connolly Campus Ministry, with the assistance of the Bishop Connolly Food Pantry, conducted another successful food drive. Under the direction of Father Michael Camara, O.F.M., campus minister, and Food Bank Advisor Daniel Boudria, more than two tons of canned goods, baking needs, frozen turkeys and other food stuffs were collected, sorted and donated to local families and agencies.

This is the 25th year ofthe program and Father Camara and Boudria were elated with the results. "Students and their families achieved a level of giving in this campaign that mirrors their dayto-day commitment to caring to the needs of others" stated Father Camara.

Beginning in early November, . students from both school organizations geared up for the daily food collections and cash donations that eventually would result in the hundreds offood items that filled the tables and flooded the floor of the storage room.

By November 23 the last ofthe : baskets had all been delivered and the more than 20 students assist. ing in the effort were able to relax and draw great satisfaction from their achievement. "When it's all said and done," commented

marked.

With demands of the needy ever present, and the words of Matthew's Gospel as poignant reminders that this is all done in the name of Christ, it is clear Bishop Connolly Food Pantry will continue to be a gratifying presence in the Greater Fall River community and an important function of Bishop Connolly High School's commitment to Christian service.

Poinsettia sale a huge success If you ask anyone what the

SCORES OF poinsettia plants "sit" in the pews at Bishop Connolly High School awaiting the annual Poinsettia Sale fund-raising event. The sale is one of many student projects at the Fall River school aimed at helping those less fortunate.

Boudria, "the students responded knowing there continues to be a great need in the Fall River area.

These kids always come through."

Food Pantry begins another year of service "For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink ... Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matt 25: 31-46).

These words from Matthew's Gospel ring particularly true for the members of the Bishop Connolly Food Pantry. Under the direction of Boudria, the 40-plus members ofthe group continue to heed the call of the needy.

Caring for the food needs of the Greater Fall River community is nothing new to this energetic group of students. Until recently,

the Bishop Connolly Food Bank operated from a site at Holy Rosary Parish with students coordinating food donations and cash contributions as well as the logistics ofdistribution for walk-in patrons. Parish needs, however, required turning the inner-city site back over to Holy Rosary. "We are in the process of trying to find another location," commented Boudria. "Proximity to the city's needy is' a must;" he added. According to the student members, the Food Pantry has greater goals for this school year. In addition to food baskets and finding another food pantry site, the group will be working once again with the Post Office and its annual "Food Call" program. Last year the Connolly Food Pantry was responsible for seven truckloads of food stuffs

that were donated to local 'agencies through the Post Office's program.

Boudria, the group's advisor for the past two years, used to be surprised at the caring and concern ofhis student volunteers. No longer. "By coming together, through their caring commitment, I know our kids have a real sense of satisfaction in what they are doing." This comment came from a beaming Boudria as he stood in the midst of mounds of canned goods, baking needs, frozen turkeys and other food stuffs being preparing for distribution.

For Boudria, a six year teaching veteran of Bishop Connolly, this year's membership has produced the best results in recent history. "It's the best year yet thanks to these students" he re-

Bishop Connolly foyer and chapel looked like the first weekend of December, people would answer, "Christmas!" It was not decorated however with trees and ornaments, and the like. Rather, it was filled to capacity with 171 red poinsettias sold to parents, staff, community businesses and alumnus of Bishop Connolly High School.

The poinsettia program started a few years ago. The sale is held for two-and-a-halfweeks, and in that small span brings people into the spirit of Christmas and ready for the season of hope.

There were a number of parent volunteers. Louise Broulliard, parent of a freshman and Volunteer Coordinator at Bishop Connolly High School, assisted in un-boxing, un-bagging and resleeving the plants. A number of parents and faculty drove the plants to area businesses after they were made ready.

AU ofthese efforts added to the joy of the event. The fund-raiser was a great spirit builder and beginning to the Advent season.

Not spoiled ... blessed!

Just gotta have that XBOX 360. Can I want stuff. The difficulty is that you get a have it ... can I, can I, can I mixed'message. Unfortunately, for most, PLEEEEEZZZZ? Does this sound like one . the "you need and should want stuff' of your younger brothers or sisters? Does it message is usually stronger and better sound like you? Or perhaps it's the sound received than the "you shouldn't want stuff" of your dad pleading for the latest and message. greatest game system to hit the streets ...

I have to admit to all of you that I have a ever? lot of stuff. I've This is the time of the year that most of got the latest us think about getting and giving stuff. We computer, the make the list and we check it twice. We newest car, the don't want to disappoint or be disappointed house, the by those that we love. We need to find the "stuff' of life. latest video or toy, LCD or Plasma TV" My daughters Game Boy or any other item that we know have a ton of

By Frank Lucca we just can't live without and that will truly stuff, too. We make us happy ... this year. are not lacking Then we hear about those who are going anything. without. We see that our parishes sponsor Christmas, until a few years back, was Giving Tree projects or collect food and another opportunity to add to the stuff. Oh money for those less fortunate. We see yeah! Family would gather round the tree people drop a dollar into those red pots with dozens and dozens of presents staffed by those wonderful volunteers underneath. Sometimes, Christmas gift outside of the mall. And we hear about opening went on for hours. We wanted our those that make annual pilgrimages to La children to have everything! Their aunt, Salette Shrine. We feel for those people that uncle, and grandparents wanted them to don't have the stuff. We want to help ... have everything too. And believe me .,. some day. they got everything!

As a young person in today's world, you However, I recall as ifit were yesterday are pulled in many directions. You're told an important tuming point in our lives. One that you need and should want stuff and day my eldest daughter, who was young at you're told by others that you shouldn't the time, was told by a friend that she was

Be Not Afraid

spoiled because of all of the stuff she had.

I'll never forget when she turned to the person and said, "I'm not spoiled ... I'm blessed!" Wow, what wisdom from the mouth of babes! And she was right. We are blessed. We have been given so much. It was at that point that we realized how much we had to give back.

Over the years since that day, we have made an effort as a family to give back. We no longer exchange dozens of gifts, but rather give of ourselves to others and to each other. Finally, this year for the first time, we've cut back on gifts to other family members and will offer those funds toward the needs of others.

Of course, we all still want "stuff." That new boat or car, that new iPOD Video, but as long as it doesn't take top priority in our lives, as long as we don't "worship" the stuff as more important that anything else, as long as the stuff doesn't stand between us and others, especially our God; as long as we know that we're "blessed" and that we work hard to help others, we know

we're okay with our God. You see, we, as a family, think we can do both.

Our family anthem, that we all adhere to, is taken from the Gospel of Luke 12:48 "To whom much is given, much is expected." We know that the more blessed we are, the more we're expected to give back. Sometimes that is a daunting thought, but everyday we strive to follow what God asks of us. He says that ifhe blesses us with anything - health, good families, or a roof over our heads - then we in tum must also think of others.

Give some thought to where you are this Christmas season. The joy of giving and receiving is part of our lives. But remember, that it is not the only thing that is important. Christmas is the time to remember and celebrate the greatest gift ever given ... the gift of God's own Son. We've received that awesome gift. We are truly blessed. By that one gift alone we have been given much. As a result of that one gift alone, much is therefore expected of us.

What more could we need or want? So what are you giving this Christmas?

Frank Lucca is a youth minister at St. Dominic's Parish in Swansea. He is the chair and a director ofthe YES! Retreat and the current director ofthe Christian Leadership Institute (CLI). He is a husband and afather oftwo girls.

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Friday, December 23, 2005

PARISHIONERS, FAMILY, friends and seasonal music lovers filled St. Mary's Church in Mansfield recently to enjoy the annual Winter Concert performed by the parish music ministries. cember 26 at 7 p.m. 'For more information call 508-222-5410.

SUPPORT GROUPS

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION NEW BEDFORD - Adoration ofthe Blessed Sacrament is held Mondays following the 8 a.m.

Mass at S1. Joseph-S1. Therese Church, until 2 p.m. For more infonnation call 508-995-5235. .

FALL RIVER - First Saturday devotions will be held at S1.

Mary's Cathedral January. 7, 2006 with a Mass at 9 a.m., folc lowed by exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until Benediction at noon.

Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette is hosting the annual Christmas Festival of Lights now through January 1,2006, themed "We Are the Light ofthe World." Illuminations t,lre from 5-9 p.m. daily. Singers Phil and Sue. Fortin will perform De-

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MISCELLANEOUS

NORTH DARTMOUTH ,....The Diocesan Divorced-Separated Support Group will meet December 26 from 7-9 p.m. at ·the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road. It will include a video presentation from the Divorce Recovery series. For more information call Bob Menard at 508-673-2997.

Anchor sponsoring essay contest The Anchor is sponsoring an essay contest, "What 1 love about my Catholic school." Winning essays from Grades 1-4,5-8, and 9-12 will be published in The Anchor. Essays should be 200250 words (for the older grades) and E-mailed to theanchor@anchornews.org by January 10.

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prcllllc Catholic lhlnksrs end Is oxpllCtSd to dr8w (WCI4,ooD ~.

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NORTH DARTMOUTH - A pilgrimage:with Bishop George W. Coleman to Washington, D.C., for the annual March For Life is being organized by the diocesan pro-Life Apostolate for January 22-24. It will include Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. A youth bus is available. For information call 508997-2290. '

SOCIAL ATTLEBORO- The National

Correction "

There is a correction to the infonnation provided by Catholic Citizenship and printed in the December 2 edition of The Anchor.

St. Stephen's Parish in Attleboro collected 67 signatures.

• Ff.Ranlero.

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Fr. John 'Corapl

The Anchor will not publish on Decem ber 30. It will·return. to your homes on January 6, 2006.

.

Ard'llllt;hop ~O'MaUey

To obtain a copy, send the coupon below, along with a check for $14 payable to Anchor Publishing to: Anchor Publishing, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722. Price includes postage.

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This message sponsored by the following business concern in the Fall River diocese GILBERT C. OLIVEIRA INSURANCE AGENCY