Diocese of Fall River, Mass.
Friday, December 23, 2016
The Anchor - December 23, 2016
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La Salette hopeful for favorable decision in assessors’ case
By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org
“We waited for 130 days, which is the (standard) time limit that the SJC gives to themselves before ATTLEBORO — While the they come out with a decision,” annual Festival of Lights is burning explained Father Cyriac Mattathibrightly at the National Shrine of lanickal, M.S., retreat director at La Our Lady of La Salette in AttleSalette Shrine. “After the 130 days boro, the caretakers of the wellthey wrote us back, waiving their known religious landmark — the rule and asking for an extension Missionaries of Our Lady of La before they could come up with Salette — are hoping to see light a decision. After about a month at the end of the tunnel in their or so, we received another letter appeal now sitting with the Massa- saying they were unable to reach a chusetts Supreme Judicial Court. majority decision on the case, and At issue is a 2013 tax bill for therefore they were asking for a $92,000 that La Salette is disputsecond oral argument of the case.” ing. The Board of Assessors for That second round of arguments the City of Attleboro would only was made before six of the seven exempt the church and parsonmembers of the SJC on December age structures on the La Salette 5 in Boston. property from taxes for that year, “I think part of the problem was along with 60 percent of the other three of the judges retired and were property on the grounds such as its replaced and one of the judges — cafeteria and bistro operations. Justice Margot Botsford — recused When the state Appellate Tax herself because of a conflict of Board likewise upheld the assessors’ interest,” Father Mattathilanickal decision, the shrine ultimately took said. “The reason we were told was their appeal to the state’s highest that the law firm we hired, Hemcourt, which originally heard oral enway and Barnes, LLP, of Boston, arguments on the case April 5. previously did some legal work for
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The Anchor - December 23, 2016
Judge Botsford.” During the follow-up 45-minute session before the SJC, the shrine’s attorney, Diane Tillotson, argued that the entire 300-acre La Salette campus should be considered a place of worship and, therefore, be wholly tax-exempt. “The statute uses the term ‘house of religious worship,’” Tillotson said. “And, as we all know, houses have many rooms. They have furnace rooms, they have kitchens, they have rooms where people congregate and eat and sleep. I think so long as there’s nothing that’s appropriated and totally outside — taken away from the use for religious purposes — that the exemption applies to the entire house.” But attorney Michael Siddall, representing the Attleboro assessors, noted that La Salette also rents out rooms, including bedrooms, for retreats and corporate events. It also operates a bistro and has a maintenance shed on the site. He said state law specifically allows tax exemptions for houses of worship and parsonages only.
“The second question I would consider for this court’s application is whether or not those other uses of the property either support the religious worship or instruction, or they are connected with that religious worship or instruction,” Tillotson countered. “And in this category would fall things like a maintenance shed, a cafeteria, a kitchen, a bistro — all of those types of uses.” “How can you have a Christmas display without a place to put them away at the end of the season?” Father Mattathilanickal agreed. “How can you have a church without a parking lot? One thing is ancillary to the other — that’s the legal term they use. These things are all ancillary to the operation of the shrine. Turn to page 22
This week’s Anchor cover is an original artwork created and designed by Emilie M. Jolivet.
Appreciate the gift of family this Christmas
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha’s 2016 Christmas Message
Dear Friends in Christ,
When God the Father sent Jesus to save the world, the first thing He did was choose a family for His Son. He prepared Joseph and Mary to be His parents so that Jesus could have a family. Both Mary and Joseph accepted God’s plan for them to be Jesus’ mother and foster father. Thus, the Holy Family of Nazareth was established. In many ways, Christmas is the feast of family. Joseph, Mary and Jesus teach us what a family should look like. This Christmas, many families will gather at the table to share a meal, remember their stories, celebrate the gift of each other, support one another, and show love for family members. As we gather with our families this Christmas, let us also remember those who have no family, those who are away from their families; the broken families, the divided families, the wounded families, the migrant families, the refugee families, and children waiting for a family. Christmas is a wonderful occasion for us to take time to recognize and appreciate the gift of family, not only what they mean to us individually, but also the importance of family for the Church and for the world. Family is where we learn that loving and being loved is the essence of human existence. It is in the family that we learn how to love and, consequently, how to live. It is in the family that we learn how to share and to give. It is in the family that we learn how to forgive and to ask forgiveness. It is in the family that we learn the fundamental principles of our faith. It is in the family that we learn the meaning of life itself. “It is in the warmth of the home that faith fills every corner, lights up every space, builds community. At those moments, people learn to discover God’s love present and at work” (Pope Francis). Each of us was born into a family. We did not choose our family, God chose for us. He gave us this gift. Who would we be without our family? Sometimes we take our family for granted because we assume they will always be here. But after God, family is the most precious gift we have in this world. Families are facing many challenges in our modern society. The values of the tradiimage of the Holy Family at the Vatican’s tional family are eroding. Personal encounter, time together, and personal communi- An Apostolic Palace. (CNA file photo) cation are all being challenged by modern means of communication, social media and electronic devices; many are left in isolation. Children will suffer if the family is not the center of their lives and the foundation of their formation as they grow. As a consequence, society will also suffer. We all remember Father Peyton’s motto: “The family that prays together stays together.” How many families today spend time praying together? Perhaps they are too busy to dedicate time for prayer as a family. If they only realized the benefit that prayer brings to their family, more people would take the time to do it. “Moments of family prayer and acts of devotion can be more powerful for evangelization than any catechism class or sermon” (Amoris Laetitia No. 288). This Christmas, I would like to invite all families in our diocese to spend time in prayer together as a family. May the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph intercede for all our families and help us to become like the Holy Family of Nazareth. Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. Bishop of Fall River The Anchor - December 23, 2016
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Diocese hires new executive director of Human Resources
FALL RIVER — Peter J. Powers has been named executive director of Human Resources and administration for the Fall River Diocese, reporting to the chancellor. He began his new post on November 22. In the position, he will oversee all benefits and insurance matters within diocesan administration. He will also work to develop further diocesan employment policies and procedures including performance management processes and employee assessment, and assist pastors and school principals with human resources needs. In addition, he will assist the Chancellor’s Office with long-term strategic projects. Powers comes to the Fall River Diocese with 29 years of experience in all functions of human resources in corporate and non-profit organizations. Most recently he
worked for the Island Oasis beverage company of Walpole with nearly 400 employees, first as its director of Human Resources leading a team of six, and then for the past seven years as its vice president of that area. Prior to that, he was senior vice president for Human Resources at Insurance Holdings of America, based in Beverly, and a benefits specialist at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston. After graduating from Stonehill College with a degree in business administration, he began his career in human resources at St. Margaret’s Hospital, Dorchester, where he eventually became assistant director of the department. Powers resides in South Easton with his wife and three children and is a member of Holy Cross Parish there.
Notice to Anchor subscribers: With Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on a Sunday this year, The Anchor will next publish on January 13, 2017.The office, however, will be open during its regular business hours, December 27-30. 4
The Anchor - December 23, 2016
not surprising that it’s also a difficult and challenging movie, but ultimately a rich one.” In a candid interview between Father Martin and the director of such acclaimed films as “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull” and “Goodfellas,” Scorsese shared the process of how “Silence” went from page to screen. “When he first encountered the novel, he was really captivated by it but there were some practical reasons why it took him Father James Martin, S.J., in background, listens to director Martin Scorsese discuss his so long to finally realize it, latest film, “Silence,” during a recent screening in Rome. Father Martin served as ad- (and) there were also Spiriviser and script consultant on the motion picture, which tells the story of Portuguese tual reasons,” Father Martin Jesuit missionaries working in 17th-century Japan. (Photo courtesy of Father James Mar- said. “He told me that, in a tin, S.J. / America magazine) sense, he didn’t understand the heart of the book and it took him a while to grasp it. (He explained it as) the stripped-down Spirituality ful work of art. I think this going torture, and Andrew of Father Rodrigues at the By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff Garfield and Adam Driver end of the novel.” really is Scorsese’s masterkensouza@anchornews.org as two younger Jesupiece. The film affected me While “Silence” may very deeply and it was won- its — Fathers Sebastião FALL RIVER — As derful to see the realization Rodrigues and Francisco editor-at-large of America Garupe, respectively — of all their work.” magazine, a frequent guest whose mission is to find Scorsese’s latest motion on Fox News and Comedy their mentor. They, too, find picture is an adaptation Central, and the author of themselves submitted to of the novel “Silence” by several best-selling books, torture and struggle with including “The Jesuit Guide Japanese author Shusaku Endo, which tells the story whether to apostatize. to (Almost) Everything: A “Marty has been working of 17th-century Portuguese Spirituality for Real Life” on this project for 30 years,” Jesuits working as misand “Jesus: A Pilgrimage,” sionaries in Japan. The film, Father Martin explained. “I Father James Martin, S.J., had heard rumors over the which opens in theaters certainly isn’t one to shy years that he was thinkthis weekend, stars Liam away from the spotlight. Neeson as Father Cristóvão ing of filming it. It’s a very But the affable and difficult novel (and), given Ferreira, a Jesuit who redown-to-earth priest who the subject material, it’s cants his faith after underleft a job with General Electric to answer God’s call and join the Society of Jesus probably never imagined collaborating with Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese on his film, “Silence.” “To me, it’s just an outgrowth of my work as a Jesuit here at America magazine, where I deal with the media,” Father Martin recently told The Anchor. “It was very moving for me to accompany Marty and (his team) on this pilgrimage to help create this beauti-
Jesuit author, editor is consultant on Scorsese’s ‘masterpiece’
seem an odd choice for the creative mind behind violent, gangster epics like “Mean Streets” and “Casino” to helm, Scorsese’s films have often hinged on religious themes. Beginning with an exploration of Christian doubt and guilt in his feature debut, “Who’s That Knocking At My Door?” in 1968, and carrying through to more overt questions of faith in movies like “Kundun” and “The Last Temptation of Christ,” the director seems to be on his own lifelong pilgrimage in search of God. And, like one of his many filmmaking idols, Alfred Hitchcock, Scorsese’s Catholic identity has become part and parcel of his cinematic language. “Religion has always informed his work — from ‘Mean Streets’ to ‘Taxi Driver,’” Father Martin Turn to page 20
The Anchor - December 23, 2016
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Anchor Editorial
Peace in the darkness
This editorial is being written on Tuesday, in the wake to the killings of the Russian ambassador to Turkey and of the people at the Christmas market in Berlin the day before, plus the deaths of the innocent people outside of an old crusader castle in Jordan on Sunday, and of at least 52 soldiers waiting to be paid in Yemen on the same day. One can go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ terrorist_incidents_in_December_2016 to read the whole list of people killed by terrorists this month. We would like to write, “God willing, more will not be killed between when this is written and when you read it.” Of course, God is not willing these massacres, although some of the killers invoke God right before breaking the Fifth Commandment. Some of the killers also claim to be doing so in response to the murders committed by others (the offduty Turkish policeman who killed the ambassador said, “Do not forget Aleppo, do not forget Syria”). What the devil would like in response to these murders is more revenge killings, more hatred, more turning away from religion by people who say that this is “par for the course” of believers. Secularists bring up our own Christian history of the use of violence, for which various popes have begged pardon from God, when faced by these recent incidents by Islamic extremists. Our response, to these extremists and to the secularists who wish to tie us to them, should come out of our love for God, not out of defensiveness. Father Landry, on the facing page, reminds us that we celebrate the deaths of many martyrs during these days of Christmas, beginning with St. Stephen on Monday. He prayed for his enemies, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). It is worth reading and meditating on Stephen’s speech to the Sanhedrin in Acts 7. He criticizes his listeners for their idolatry and lack of obedience to God. The fighters of ISIS also criticize idolatry by ancient pagans (which is why they destroy ruins from the times of the Greek, Roman and Persian empires), by Christians (claiming our crucifixes and statues are idols), and by other Moslems (most of the people ISIS has killed have been fellow Moslems, whom ISIS judge to be deficient in their faith). However, while Stephen spoke forcefully so as to move hearts to conversion (such as Saul’s, who did convert on the road to Damascus), ISIS only offers “convert or die” to the people subject to it. Meanwhile, other evils are perpetrated in the same neighborhood as various governments (Syria, Iran, Russia, Turkey, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, to name a few) kill innocent people in heinous ways, so as keep hold onto the idol of power. Almost two weeks ago, on the Third Sunday of Advent, Coptic Orthodox Christians were killed in a bombing in the Cathedral of St. Mark in Cairo, while in Nigeria scores of Evangelical Christians died due to the faulty construction of their church. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org
Vol. 60, No. 26
Member: Catholic Press Association Published bi-weekly by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 — FAX 508-675-7048, email: theanchor@anchornews.org. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $20.00 per year, for U.S. addresses. Send address changes to 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA, call or use email address
PUBLISHER - Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Richard D. Wilson fatherwilson@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org OFFICE MANAGER Mary Chase marychase@anchornews.org ADVERTISING Wayne R. Powers waynepowers@anchornews.org REPORTER Kenneth J. Souza k ensouza@anchornews.org REPORTER Rebecca Aubut beckyaubut@anchornews.org Send Letters to the Editor to: fatherwilson@anchornews.org
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The Anchor - December 23, 2016
of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a statement, “We are reminded that even the shadow of violence and terrorism cannot obscure the light of our coming Savior. St. Mark himself was no stranger to the persecution of Christians. Those who gathered to worship the Lord at his cathedral this morning in Cairo are family to us. We draw near to our Coptic brothers and sisters in prayer, sorrow and comfort. The lives lost strengthen the faith of Christians everywhere and offer a testament to the great privilege of worshiping God in peace. This weekend has witnessed the darkness of violence reach into many places, including Turkey, Somalia and the church building collapse in Nigeria. But the light still shines! Today let us offer a special prayer for all those facing persecution.” What the Texan cardinal said then is still needed today (and every day). We need to pray for our fellow Christians facing persecution, as well as for all people (for the protection of the innocent and for the conversion of those who wish to do them harm). Another temptation in this time period is to say “what a shame” about the violence in these lands, while condemning innocent people to have to live there. We have seen the same reaction to violence in Latin America — we note how terrible it is to live in lands controlled by gangs which rival ISIS in their brutality, while saying that people should be thrown back there. It is a difficult situation and one that does not have an easy answer. The United States cannot take in every person in the world fleeing violence, but we are called upon by God to open our hearts to see what we can do, either to end the violence there, to welcome some people here, or to find a safe place in a third land. In his message for the coming World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Jan. 15, 2017, Pope Francis wrote, “It is absolutely necessary, therefore, to deal with the causes which trigger migrations in the countries of origin. This requires, as a first step, the commitment of the whole international community to eliminate the conflicts and violence that force people to flee.” To build a better world, we have to begin literally at home. Pope Francis, in his message for the World Day of Peace on this coming New Year’s Day, noted, “The family is the indispensable crucible in which spouses, parents and children, brothers and sisters, learn to communicate and to show generous concern for one another, and in which frictions and even conflicts have to be resolved not by force but by dialogue, respect, concern for the good of the other, mercy and forgiveness.” We are going to be in that “crucible” this weekend. May Christ help us celebrate His birthday together, at home and at church, in such as manner that we allow His love to shine. “From within families, the joy of love spills out into the world and radiates to the whole of society. St. Therese of Lisieux invites us to practice the little way of love, not to miss out on a kind word, a smile or any small gesture which sows peace and friendship.”
Daily Readings Dec. 24 — Jan. 13, 2017
Daily Readings: Sat. Dec. 24, 2 Sm 7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16; Lk 1:67-79. Sun. Dec. 25, The Nativity of the Lord, Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5,16-17,27,29; Acts 13:16-17,22-25; Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25. Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3,11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14. Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1,6,11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20. Day: Is 52:710; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5,9-14. Mon. Dec. 26, Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Mt 10:17-22. Tues. Dec. 27, 1 Jn 1:1-4; Jn 20:1a,2-8. Wed. Dec. 28, 1 Jn 1:5—2:2; Mt 2:13-18. Thurs. Dec. 29, 1 Jn 2:3-11; Lk 2:22-35. Fri. Dec. 30, Feast of the Holy Family, Sir 3:2-6,12-14 or Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17; Ps 128:1-5; Mt 2:13-15,19-23. Sat. Dec. 31, 1 Jn 2:18-21; Jn 1:1-18. Sun. Jan. 1, Mary Mother of God, Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3,5,6,8; Gal 4:47; Lk 2:16-21. Mon. Jan. 2, 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28. Tues. Jan. 3, 1 Jn 2:29—3:6; Ps 98:1,3c-4,5-6; Jn 1:29-34. Wed. Jan. 4, 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1,7-9; Jn 1:35-42. Thurs. Jan. 5, 1 Jn 3:11-21; Ps 100:1b-5; Jn 1:43-51. Fri. Jan. 6, 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15,19-20; Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-38, or 3:23,31-34,36,38. Sat. Jan. 7, 1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6a,9b; Jn 2:1-11. Sun. Jan. 8, Epiphany of the Lord, (including Vigil) Is 60:16; Ps 72:1-2,7-8,10-13; Eph 3:2-3a,5-6; Mt 2:1-12. Mon. Jan. 9, Is 42:1-4,6-7 or Acts 10:34-38; Ps 29:1-2,3-4,910; Mt 3:13-17. Tues. Jan. 10, Heb 2:5-12; Ps 8:2ab,5-9; Mk 1:21-28 or or Heb 1:1-6 and 306: 2:5-12 and 305; Mk 1:14-20 and 306: 1:21-28. Wed. Jan. 11, Heb 2:14-18; Ps 105:1-4,6-9; Mk 1:29-39. Thurs. Jan. 12, Heb 3:7-14; Ps 95:6-7c,8-11; Mk 1:40-45. Fri. Jan. 13, Heb 4:1-5. 11; Ps 78:3,4bc,6c-8; Mk 2:1-12.
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he most abrupt and shocking transition in the Church’s Liturgical calendar occurs from December 25 to 26, when the Church pivots from celebrating the birth of Jesus and with it “joy to the world” and “peace on earth to those of good will” to marking the brutal stoning of St. Stephen and, at least at first glance, the ugly and unsettling refutation of joy and peace. This Liturgical mood swing between “mercy mild” and monstrous martyrdom is reinforced by the Church’s memorial of the Holy Innocents massacred by Herod on December 28 and the murder in the Cathedral of the 12thcentury St. Thomas Becket on December 29. Nothing seems more distant from “God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay” than the hatred and homicidal savagery directed against those who resemble or revere the Babe in swaddling in clothes. But we know that the same prophets who foretold that the “Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall name Him Emmanuel” also prophesied that the Messiah would be a Suffering Servant Who would be pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities; the One Who would inaugurate a kairos when the wolf would lie down with the lamb would also be the Lamb of God, slain to take away the sins of the world. As Simeon would declare on Jesus’ 40th day, He Who was a “light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory for Your people Israel” would simultaneously be a “sign of contradiction” destined for the “ruin and resurrection” of many. It is nevertheless disconcerting to come to realize, through daily life and Christian history, that this contradiction is more the rule than the exception. That’s why it’s superficially
From silent night to silence strange and profoundly fitting zeal of the Portuguese Jesuits, who would travel around the that Martin Scorsese’s longworld and confront torture awaited and critically-acclaimed movie “Silence” is be- and death threats to plant ing released the Friday before and water the seeds of faith among those who were previChristmas. This cinematic ously total strangers. depiction of Shusaku Endo’s It explores the theme of 1966 historical novel about inculturation and whether a the Japanese martyrs helps tree that flourished in Europe us to enter the experience can grow in the swampy soil of another group of Holy of Japan or whether Christian Innocents, the 35,000 heroic Japanese neophytes who, in the century after St. Francis Putting Into Xavier brought the the Deep Gospel to the Land of the Rising Sun, faithfully gave their By Father lives for the One Roger J. Landry Who had given His life for them. Endo’s novel and Scorsese’s evangelization is nothing but the “persistent love of an ugly film show us the types of torture to which the Japanese woman” who cannot bear children. Christians were subjected: It scrutinizes the mystery scorched slowly by drops of of God’s supposed silence condensed volcanic steam, crucified in the ocean by days as His faithful suffer, someof incessant waves of salt wa- thing that the Church has pondered since Christ on ter, enveloped in straw mats and tossed overboard into the Golgotha queried aloud, “My God, why have You forsaken sea, bled to death through incisions behind the ear while Me?” It introduces how lay hung upside down by one’s people systematically passed Achilles over a pit of dung. on the faith after all of the The story also shows us priests had been physically or their faith. Many could have Spiritually assassinated, which totally avoided their fate is one of the most amazing simply by stepping on an stories in Church history, and image of Jesus, spitting on a a model for familial and comcrucifix, calling the Blessed munity catechesis in every Virgin a whore, or revealing age. for enormous compensaWhat I would like to tion the identity of “hidden focus on most, however, is Christians” or priests. Some what may leave many viewcapitulated under the pressure; multitudes refused. One ers the most challenged and confused, the theme of what of the work’s most gripcould be called “loving aposping themes is betrayal and tasy.” The sadists of the Shoforgiveness, the recapitulagunate eventually realized that tion in time of the choice while priests were prepared of Judas and whether Judas personally to endure every can become a Peter through form of torture faithfully until the exodus from remorse to repentance, from treachery to the end, their one point of vulnerability was when their faith. love for Christ was put into There are other themes, direct competition with love worthy of whole columns. for others: that the Japanese The movie gives us a faithful would be tortured glimpse into the missionary
to death until and unless the priest apostatized. The work abounds in this psychological torture: The priest protagonist is told: “The price for your glory is their suffering.” “It all depends on you whether they are set free.” “If you are a priest possessed of true Christian mercy, you must have pity for them. You cannot stand by while they die with your eyes on Heaven.” “Think about the suffering you have inflicted on these people just because of your selfish dream of a Christian Japan.” “Show God you love Him. Save the lives of the people He loves.” “If Christ were here, He would have acted. Apostatized. For their sake. Christ would certainly have done at least that to help men.” In the climactic scene of the work, the priest is tempted to “fulfill the most painful act of love that has ever been performed” by stepping on an image of Christ, Whom the missionary in his moment of distress seems to hear breaking the Divine silence and crying out, “Trample! Trample! It was to be trampled on by men that I was born into this world.” The unspoken question of the work is whether that voice, and the whole logic of denying Christ to fulfill His
will and imitate His saving love, comes from Christ or from the one Christ dubbed the “father of lies.” Would the same Christ Who told us that what happened to Him would happen to us, Who promised that we would be hated, persecuted, and even some put to death, Who told us that we who acknowledge Him before others He would acknowledge before the Father, say “Step on Me” to save others from martyrdom? And if one would be willing to step on an image of Christ to save others’ lives, would the same principle of compromise then be able to be applied to save others from pain or even from hurt feelings? Is apostasy an intrinsically evil breaking of our covenant with God, or merely a venial sin, or even a virtuous act under some circumstances? These are the questions that echo loudly in “Silence” and make the novel and the movie so gripping. Those in search of answers are urged to find them, like the wise men, the shepherds and the Japanese martyrs, in the Babe of Bethlehem and throughout the Liturgical celebrations of the Christmas Octave. Anchor columnist Father Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.
Area Christmas Masses to be broadcast
FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will be the principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass for Christmas to be broadcast from 9 to 10 a.m. on WLNE-TV, Channel 6, on Christmas Day. The one-hour televised Liturgy is sponsored by the Fall River Diocesan Television Mass Apostolate.
The Portuguese Channel will air Christmas Mass in Portuguese at 7 p.m. on Christmas night. Father John J. Oliveira, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford, will be celebrant and homilist for the Mass. The Portuguese Channel is carried by most cable systems in the Fall River Diocese.
The Anchor - December 23, 2016
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Office of Faith Formation develops Sacramental guidelines
By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — In a concerted effort to assist pastors in the formation of candidates for the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation, the diocesan Office of Faith Formation, and Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., have formulated a guideline publication with the hopes of making uniform the process in all parishes across the diocese. The “Diocese of Fall River Guidelines for the Sacraments of Initiation,” was sent to pastors in June and promulgated August 15, following a detailed research and development period involving the aforementioned office, an advisory board made up of catechetical leaders from across the diocese, and a select group of clergy and the Presbyteral Council. “We needed to have guidelines to pull everything together — includ-
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ing those in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and parish Religious Education programs,” said Claire McManus, director of the Office of Faith Formation. McManus told The Anchor the process of developing a uniform set of guidelines began in January of 2015. She said that there were many variances in circumstances and, consequently, procedures. “Some were good and some, not good,” she added. McManus was assisted by Deacon Bruce J. Bonneau, assistant director of the Office of Faith Formation. “We eventually met with Bishop da Cunha to discuss the need for a uniform procedure process, and to get his input on what should and shouldn’t be done in varying circumstances,” said McManus. “We had to come up with something that was the best practice, pastorally appropriate, and in line with canon law,” Deacon Bonneau told The Anchor.
The Anchor - December 23, 2016
McManus and Bonneau developed a draft of the guidelines and again met with Bishop da Cunha to discuss the document. “Bishop da Cunha tweaked the draft based on his recommendations and that of the advisory board and the results of a survey sent to catechetical leaders in parishes across the diocese,” added Bonneau. After those changes were incorporated, the Presbyteral Council reviewed it and made its recommendations as well. “The bishop made the final changes based on those practitioners of the Sacraments, namely the priests,” said McManus. Among the many guidelines, two major changes were that unbaptized children in first grade or older who wish to enter the Catholic Church should enter a two-year formation process and may receive the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion when that is completed. “The reason for that is children at that age are
considered to be at the age of reason and must be given adequate time to develop Spiritually,” said McManus. Also, the time for the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation will be in the spring of ninth grade or any time during the 10th grade. “Through this process, we have tried to offer some clarity with RCIA and adolescent candidates,” said Bonneau. “We tried to take all situations that one would find in a parish, but it’s impossible to cover all extenuating circumstances.” Such occurrences will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The final version was distributed to pastors last month. It included a letter from Bishop da Cunha to all involved with the Faith Formation of adults and children across the Diocese of Fall River. He said, “It is my hope that these guidelines will assist all involved in the formation of those who will be receiving the Sacraments of Initiation, as well as in the planning of our Liturgical celebrations within our diocese.” In her letter to pastors, catechetical leaders and school principals, McManus said the guidelines were, “the product of collaboration among many catechetical leaders in the
parishes. The input and advice received from those who contributed helped to create this resource that is designed to assist and support parish Sacramental preparation programs.” McManus and Bonneau each indicated the hope that the new guidelines will not only assist pastors and Religious Education personnel, but families as well. “Throughout the process, we had in mind to use this all as an opportunity for evangelization — that of the candidates and their families as well,” McManus told The Anchor. “A lot of hard work, research and cooperation went into the final product.” McManus also made a point of thanking those involved in the process, including Bishop da Cunha, the Presbyteral Council, the Faith Formation Advisory Board, and catechetical leaders. She also gave kudos to Deacon Bonneau and Rose Mary Saraiva, Events Coordinator and Bereavement Ministry and part of the support staff for the Office of Faith Formation. A copy of the “Diocese of Fall River Guidelines for the Sacraments of Initiation,” can be found online at http:// fallriverfaithformation. org.
Santa and his evil trolls Friday 23 December 2016 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — the Eve of Christmas Eve. emember, dear readers, the troll craze of the 1960s? Back in the day, trolls were small plastic dolls with arms extended in a warm hug. They had big cheerful eyes, a broad smile and, of course, their signature up-combed fluorescent hair (available in a variety of colors). My sister Mary had a collection of troll dolls. Due to a 3D computeranimated children’s movie now playing in a theater near you, trolls have made a huge comeback. Children everywhere will find trolls under the Christmas tree this weekend. Well, mark my words: it’s all fun and games until somebody gets hurt. The prototypical troll doll, as we all know, was carved by Thomas Dam, a Dane, as a Christmas gift to little daughter Lila. All the girls in the village soon wanted one. These are the authentic Dam trolls and not to be confused with unauthorized rip-offs. Trolls are prominent in Danish folklore. They are nasty creatures that lurk in dark, dank, and forsaken places — in primordial forests, in mountain caves, and under old moss-covered stone bridges. Actually, my sister despised troll dolls but everyone presented her one on every possible occasion. So cute, they said. She would stash them away under the eaves and bolt the access door. One day, my sister
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bravely rounded up all her long protruding tongue. trolls and buried them in Even Gene Simmons a mass grave in the garof the rock group “Kiss” den. My sister was onto can’t hold a candle to the something. A cute troll Krampus. As a safety preis an oxymoron. There is no such thing as a “cute” troll (unless The Ship’s Log you have a pathoReflections of a logical fondness Parish Priest for ogres). Wait one By Father Tim cotton-picking Goldrick minute! I just remembered that back in the early 70s my caution, Santa keeps the dear sister gave me a little Krampus bound in chains. troll to display on my Never tease a chained office desk. It had orange Krampus. hair and wore a tiny black Another member of clergy shirt. It would be Santa’s North Pole gang a whimsical conversation is the French troll Pere piece, she said. So cute, Fouetta. This condemned she said. How gullible convict was spared excould I have been? I was ecution but sentenced pranked by my sister. This to forever follow St. explains certain adverse Nicholas as his slave. He events in my life over the sometimes uses the alias years. It was that Dam Houseckler. We have troll! come to know him as the After decades of exbogeyman. haustive research into Several members of worldwide Christmas Santa’s thugs were forlegends, I have made a merly employed as chimshocking discovery. Hang ney sweeps. They are small onto your Santa hats, dear enough in stature to slide readers: there’s a Christdown chimneys with ease. mas elf conspiracy. Covered in soot, they You know those charm- carry a bag of coal for ing elves that work yearchildren on the naughty round in Santa’s North list. There is Ilwyd (Sion Pole workshop? These are Corn) from Wales, Peter not elves at all. They are the Moor from Scandinatrolls! They are living the via, and Knecht Ruprecht thug life up there at the from Germany. North Pole. Who knew? There are also Santa The first among Santa’s troll wannabees, but they evil trolls goes by the never amount to much. name of Krampus. He is They seldom make it to well-known by children the North Pole, although in Germany, Austria, they do tend to be conand Eastern Europe, centrated in Nordic counalthough hardly anyone tries. These troublesome in the United States has gnomes hang around your heard of him. Nevertheattic causing mischief and less, he’s easy to identify. mayhem. You will never Krampus is a little devil. see one. They are only He has two horns and a visible to cats. These are
the Tomte, Nissen, and Gubben. Fortunately, you can distract them by leaving a bowl of rice pudding on the attic stairs every night. You may, however, notice your cat inexplicably gaining weight. Lastly, Pelznickle is a very clever troll who somehow got past Homeland Security and snuck into the United States through Germany. To be clear, he is not a member of Santa’s trolls. He is actually Santa’s doppelganger — an evil twin. This
one tries to arrive early on Christmas Eve and gobble up all the goodies left out for Santa. If the real Santa gets there first, Pelznickle steals the children’s gifts while the kids are still asleep. There have been several recent sightings in Pennsylvania. With all these trolls running around the rectory on Christmas Eve, I intend to lock myself in my room. Father Ray Cambra can say the Midnight Mass. Feliz Navidad. Anchor columnist Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.
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hen the kids come home for Christmas they fill the pews that are usually half empty throughout the year. The people who track demographics in the Church call them “young adults” because they fall between the age of 20 and 35, but that may be the only thing they have in common. The Church wants these people to be active members of our parishes, and experts have filled reams of paper with insights and strategies to get them. Seeing these young adults out there at Christmas time only heightens the reality that they fall out of reach when the holidays end. Parishes need a strategy and a paradigm shift to reach them. Those who work with and study young adults in the Church know the challenges they face when it comes to living their Christian faith. Their cultural environment is not open to living as disciples, and in some cases they feel unworthy to be in a relationship with the Church. Their lifestyles and their search for meaning in life have not caught up with Church teaching and they feel like they should keep their distance. They may not be interested in joining a particular parish because
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Young adults their Spiritual journey is the ones who come back not bound by geographihome after college to solidcal orientation, but this ify their financial situation. should not be seen as a sign Our cities are not magnets that they do not care about for young upwardly mobile their faith. This is a great professionals, but for young challenge to a parish if the people just out of high young adults do not choose to be cardcarrying members, but there may be The Great more of them out there than first Commission recognized. By Claire McManus The usual suspects when it comes to young adult ministry are the singles school who have entered who have graduated from the work place and are college and are now living scraping together a living. in large cities with neighThey are single mothers; borhoods that are magnets engaged couples; recently for young professionals. married with babies and Parishes that are fortunate toddlers; and young famito be within the geographic lies whose children have cluster of post-college captured every minute of young adults have easy time in their parents’ busy access to this low-hanging schedules. fruit. Places like South When young adults are Boston and the North End viewed through the lens have regular gatherings of of their life situation it young adults that feature is much easier to build a Mass, faith sharing, Adora- strategy for evangelization, community and good tion. The material needs of food. Unfortunately, there these groups may be very are no natural young adult different, but Spiritually stomping grounds in the they have in common the Diocese of Fall River. desire for an opportunity Young adults are not easy to encounter Christ, and to lump into a single ageguidance for their vocabased demographic, nor tional discernment. Parish can they be defined by their vocation committees that economic independence. offer young adults opportuOur young adults may be nities to accept their uni-
The Anchor - December 23, 2016
versal call to holiness can build on this to help them discern their vocation as single, married, religious or ordained. Evangelization often happens when a person’s material concerns are acknowledged and addressed. Young adults may be facing economic insecurity, violence, addiction, and raising children. This should be the concern of our parishes and could offer a way to gather young adults within church walls in order to offer them assistance and guidance. This is a Christbased model of ministry: take care of the physical needs and the Spiritual will follow. The Spiritual growth of young adults is the responsibility of all faith-filled parishioners. Ministry is relational, and this is even more important for the young adult seeking credible witnesses of how to live the Christian way of life. Engaged couples, on the threshold of building their Domestic Church, are wide open to hearing from married couples who share their stories of building Marriages and families on the foundation of faith. Young adults with babies
and young children fly across the radar of parishes when they come forward seeking Baptism, and fly right off the screen before the water dries. Parents of infants should not be left floating between the Baptisms of their babies and registering for First Communion. This is a time when couples struggle to figure out how to be a family; what better time to help them to infuse their family with faith. Parishes should not see young adults as yet another difficult group to evangelize, for they want to be partners in the mission of the Church, too. When we engage young adults in the missionary work of the Church they will be the best evangelizers to their peers. They want to engage with a Church that is centered on the charitable outreach to those in need, and that models the teachings of Christ. Even though they might need space to learn what it means to be a disciple, they want to be a partner in the mission. Merry Christmas to all our adult kids who have come back home; come and join, we have work to do! Anchor columnist Claire McManus is the director of the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation.
To advertise in The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at 508-675-7151 or Email waynepowers@anchornews.org
Performing at Marian Manor are the Tuffile children, from left, Hollis, Cami, great grandmother Mary Westgate holding Quinton, Tucker, Celia and Stuart. (Photo by Linda Andrade Rodrigues)
Musical and athletic, talented Tuffile children share Christmas joy By Linda Andrade Rodrigues Special to The Anchor seaskyandspirit.blogspot.com
TAUNTON — Six siblings sang and danced their way into the hearts of the folks at Marian Manor on the Holy Day of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Performing classic Christmas songs in the “Kids Christmas Spectacular” were Cami, 14; Tucker, 12; Hollis, 10; Stuart, seven; Celia, four; and Quinton, one, who made a cameo appearance in his sister’s arms, dressed in an adorable Santa suit. “This is a Christmas gift to their great grandmother and the other residents,” said Michelle Tuffile, their mother. “It is no coincidence that they are performing on this day, as my grandmother’s name is Mary.” Sitting in a wheelchair, Mary Westgate, 89, wept. “I’m just so happy and proud of them all,” she said through tears. “They brighten my day. They are so beautiful.” All homeschooled — the talented children live with their parents, Chuck and Michelle Tuffile, in Swansea and have been doing this community service for a couple of years now at Raynham Senior Center, Longmeadow of Taunton and Marian Manor. They are members of Holy Family Parish in Taunton, where Cami is a lector/cantor and Tucker, Hollis and Stuart are altar servers. All are in the choir. “This is their social justice: To share the gifts that God has given to them with people who cannot get out to see a performing arts show,” said Michelle. “It’s important to give back, and they just love all the kids.” At the end of the performance, resident Pam Chambers spoke to the children on Turn to page 15
The Anchor - December 23, 2016
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The true Gift of Christmas
hristmas blessings! It is the time of year C when we are reminded that
language and culture. In His adult years, Jesus experienced the issues we sometimes face, the death of a friend, rejection, mistreatment, and being “crucified” for His teachings and beliefs. But throughout His life and ministry, the message
Salvation came in the form of an Infant. That God felt compelled to send a Child Who would grow and experience all that we as humans do. Born to a young woman, Jesus In the Palm came into this world of His Hands the same way we all do, By Rose Mary fragile and Saraiva needing to be cared for and nurtured. was and still is one of love and As a young Child, He expehope. rienced the same challenges A hope that we find facing our youth today, even reflected in the Scripture the trials of relocation and readings during Advent, and being an immigrant, leaving the very fact that His birth friends behind to learn a new occurred in the dead of winter; a time where little grows and darkness looms. His birth was the bright light in the midst of the barren darkness, and continues to brighten this season. But it is so much more than just a simple message of hope, it is our Salvation; it is a reminder that we are loved in ways that hold no measure. That we are cherished children of God worthy and deserving of so much. Like the people of Jesus’ time, we, too, are dealing with harsh treatment of our fellow man, we see conditions that need attention, but lack the man-power or funding to exact change. There is so much turmoil, political unrest and upheaval, and nations and religious factions vying for the spotlight — not much has changed in the past 2,000 years. Yet the message rings as loud and clear today, as it did so many years ago on that cold winter’s night. We are not lost or forgotten; we have not been abandoned; we are very much held in the “palm of His hand”; and He has not left us orphaned. On the third Sunday of Advent we were reminded that, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall name Him EmContinued on page 14
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The Anchor - December 23, 2016
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Continued from page 12
manuel, which means ‘God is with us’” (Mt 1:18-24). Emmanuel –— a reminder that we are not alone, that God is with us, standing beside us, even when all seems bleak and lifeless. Our Liturgies echo this sentiment and are filled with the songs that remind us to make ready and prepare for His coming, for the birth of the Kings of kings. In the midst of all this dark and cold, we hear not only the songs of preparing, we also hear songs of joy, love and hope. Songs that fill our homes, autos, or wherever we may be listening, with promise and light. There is one Christmas song that is so different than many you might be familiar with, but yet bears a strong message. “It’s About the Cross,” by the Ball Brothers, begins with the verse, “It’s not just about the manger where the Baby lay,” and after a few more stanzas, goes into the refrain. This is where we are reminded of why Jesus came in the first place, with the words, “It’s about the cross — It’s about my sin — It’s about how Jesus came to be born once -— So
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The Anchor - December 23, 2016
that we could be born again.” Very powerful and poignant reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, and why Jesus became the ultimate gift that Christmas morn so many years ago. Even our Liturgical calendar takes us from Advent into Lent, a reminder that Jesus came to change our thinking and way of life, making visible the love God has for us. A love that manifested into a mission resulting in the ultimate sacrifice of laying down His life for all of us. In the second half of the verse you hear: “It’s about the stone that was rolled away, so that you and I could have real life someday.” “Real life,” which simply means, Jesus overcame the ultimate enemy to give us eternal life. So not only was the ultimate gift about love and compassion, but it was
about setting us free as well, breaking the bonds of death. Therefore in the true Spirit of Christmas we must remember that not only were we given Salvation in the form of an Infant, but in the message of the cross as well. That the Baby Boy lying in a manger came to pay off a debt, the cost of our sins, and its magnitude can be seen in the weight of the cross. God’s love born of an innocent Babe, Who came to give, not receive, and Whose life by His very presence, became the best present at Christmas. The one true gift lying in the manger, wrapped in simple swaddling clothes — worth more than any gift man could ever bestow. Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year. rsaraiva@dfrcs.com.
Talented Tuffile children share Christmas joy continued from page 11
behalf of the appreciative audience. “We thank you very much for coming and giving us this joy,” she said. “You will never know how lonely it gets here.” The children visit their great grandmother once a week. “We bring her favorite things for lunch or dinner, like pulled pork, stuffed quahogs and fish and chips,” said Michelle. “The children watch TV with her, tell her stories, or listen to her funny stories; and they sing to her songs from whatever musical they are
working on.” Before the children were born, Michelle worked in the wealth management field. She did not plan to homeschool all her children. It just sort of evolved. “Cami started to read at three-and-a-half on her own; she taught herself,” said Michelle. “So I decided to keep homeschooling her. In kindergarten she read ‘Little House on the Prairie.’” Cami is currently a freshman and is studying the Greek tragedies, civics, economics, ethics, philosophy and writing college
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 December 25, 9-10 a.m. Christmas Mass
Celebrant is Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River
January 1, 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Riley J. Williams, parochial vicar at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich
January 8, 10:30 a.m. * Note: Mass runs one-half hour earlier
papers. The others are following in her footsteps. “My older children, elementary on up, have a very comprehensive classical curriculum: math, Latin, reading the great books, spelling, grammar, history that aligns with our Catholic faith, ‘Lives of the Saints,’ catechism, poetry memorization, recitation, Bible, art, composers and geography.” Being homeschooled, the children have a free half-day every day, if they finish all of their schoolwork in the morning. In the afternoons, they visit Michelle’s parents, Barbara and Arthur Gauthier of Taunton. “They have lunch, play board games and play on their grandparent’s iPods,” she said. “We also visit with Chuck’s parents, Conni and Fred Tuffile of Lakeville. They live on a lake so the kids have learned how to swim, fish, sail, ice skate and waterski.” “It is a true blessing to have all of this time to develop these relationships with our family,” Michelle said. There seems to be a stigma that homeschoolers are isolated, but Michelle disagrees. “My kids are very much involved in the community and have many friends,” said Michelle. “It is not unusual for us to have 20
to 30 children at our home in the summer doing nature study, hiking and then playing tag or swimming in the pool.” In addition to academics, the children excel in the theater arts. Performing with world-class professionals, Tucker is Fritz in “The Nutcracker” for Festival Ballet Providence at the Providence Performing Arts Center this year, and Cami is a candy doll. “They were asked to audition for ‘The Nutcracker’ after dancing in a twoweek summer dance intensive with Festival Ballet,” Michelle said. Cami also has had lead roles as Flounder in “The Little Mermaid” and White Rabbit in “Alice in Wonderland” and Tucker was Mishu, Mulan’s funny dragon sidekick, in “Mulan.” In addition to dancing in “The Nutcracker” they all study dance and musical theater at On Stage Academy of Performing Arts in Fall River. “They sing all day and not the same song,” Michelle said laughing. Tucker and Hollis also take piano lessons, and Cami, Tucker and Hollis study art. They have won awards at the Bierstadt Art Society show, a very competitive children’s art competition. Hollis and Stuart are training in gymnastics. Growing up in Taunton, Michelle still attends her hometown church.
“Father Kevin Cook is very supportive of large families and of homeschooling,” she said. “It helps to have a pastor who makes sure the kids have social experiences. Those things are very important to him.” According to Michelle, homeschooling keeps the family intact and rooted in Christ. “We pray for the priests and seminarians and the pope and bishop,” said Michelle. “We want our children to grow in charity toward one another and toward people outside the home. We also want them to do their tasks joyfully. Our home is a gift from God, and nobody likes to clean; but we have to take care of the gifts we are given. Christ is in everything we do.” With so many interests Cami has no idea about a future career, but the other children have made their minds up. “I want to own my own bakery,” said Stuart, who has a sweet tooth. Tucker anticipates a military career as an Air Force pilot. Hollis wants to become a chef. “He can cook a whole meal,” said his mother. “He has made spaghetti and meatballs since he was seven, and he makes any kind of egg.” “I want a pink car when I grow up,” said Celia. “My job will be playing.”
The TV Mass will return to its usual 11:00 a.m. time on January 15
Celebrant is Father Rodney E. Thibault, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in South Dartmouth
The Anchor - December 23, 2016
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For and About Our Church Youth The gift inside
magine what that first Christmas was like. How much did God have to give up to come to earth as a Baby? God so loved us that He set aside His glory to be part of the human race. God did it all for you. Celebrate this wondrous gift, the gift that is Emmanuel and the gift that is you. Why do we really celebrate Christmas? Why do you celebrate Christmas? It is often stated that it is better to give than to receive. But, in order to give you must have something to offer. That something is the gift inside of you. God came to live inside your heart. God is Christ in you. He is alive within you. Sometimes we forget that and realize we have to stop whatever we are doing and tune in to God’s living presence inside of us. You see, we never really have nothing; we
thy of God’s love. You always have something may walk away from to give. God not fully realizing I often hear from it, and then think that young teen-agers (and, it is God abandoning sometimes, adults) that you. God only wants to if God is so good and embrace you and surso loving and lives inside of us, then why is there so much evil in the world? Why do my friends turn against me? Why am I bullied? To By Ozzie Pacheco understand this we need to know Who and what round you with His God really is. “God is love. That is called unlove, and whoever remains in love remains in conditional love. Look God and God in him” (1 for it inside of you. It is there! Jn 4:16). I heard this story When you see that about a teen-ager things are going well, who was bullied, and, you may feel more loved. And when things through the love and are a mess, you may feel care of her parents, discovered she could fix less loved. Those are just feelings. God’s love this. She only needed to look inside herself: is perfect and it never “I got bullied for changes. When you’re years. I was called fat in a bad situation and and ugly. I hated going life just seems to be to school. Then one day falling apart you may feel that you are unwor- my mom and dad told
Be Not Afraid
me some sage advice. They told me to think about my most favorite birthday present I ever received. They told me to tell them about it in detail. I did what they asked, but didn’t know why they were asking. Then my dad asked me to describe how the package was wrapped; what color paper, was there a bow and ribbons, was the box big or small? I had to admit that I didn’t remember. My parents said, ‘Exactly! No one ever remembers the packaging; they remember that what was inside made them happy. The inside is the gift, not the packaging.’” Simply stated, what we look like is the packaging that no one will ever remember. What they will remember is your inside beauty, your kindness
and compassion, the love and happiness you bring to them. “What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God” (Hans Urs von Baltasar). This Christmas, as you celebrate the wonder of the birth of Christ, remember to celebrate also your birth into eternal life. This awesome gift is the true purpose of God becoming Man, living among us and showing us the way. Enjoy this gift every day with a humble and thankful heart. Take time each day to explore God’s amazing love for you. It is this love that is the gift inside of you. May God’s peace rule your heart this Christmas and all the days of your life. God bless! Anchor columnist Ozzie Pacheco is Faith Formation director at Santo Christo Parish, Fall River.
Members of The Leaders in Training Program at Holy Name Parish in Fall River recently participated in their first service project — helping grade two Faith Formation students.
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The Anchor - December 23, 2016
For and About Our Church Youth
Father George Bellenoit, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth, teaches parish children about Advent and the Jesse Tree. The children had many questions.
Children in the Religious Education program at St. Lawrence Martyr Parish in New Bedford spent some class time making Advent wreaths to use in their homes.
Students at the Holy Trinity preschool in West Harwich have been working hard to earn money to help the Salvation Army “Dress a Live Doll.� This program includes purchasing clothing, hat and mittens, a coat and whatever the child really needs, including a favorite toy.
The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about our diocesan youth. If schools, parish Religious Education programs, or homeschoolers, have newsworthy stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, send them to: schools@ anchornews.org
Students from St. James-St. John School in New Bedford recently presented the Nativity Story at its annual Christmas concert. The Anchor - December 23, 2016
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For and About Our Church Youth
Mark and Lucy Falcon have run the Robotics club at St. Stanislaus School in Fall River for two years. This year the students are very involved and excited. The Falcons are considering entering a competition. Here Zoey works on her project.
Preschool-four students at All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford led midday prayer as a living Advent wreath, sharing the message of each of the weeks of Advent. Each day, the entire school gathered for prayer before returning to classes, celebrating the Liturgical seasons and the lives of the saints. St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro recently held its annual school Christmas concert, directed by Sue Fortin. This year’s theme, “Passport to Christmas,” encompassed some of the nations from which the students are from. The Bel Canto Handchimes and Jubilation Handbell Ringers performed. Other highlights included eighthgrader Seamus Sutula who performed “Auld Lange Syne” on the bagpipes while third-grader Katelyn Jones danced Irish step; and sixth-grader Avery Blanchard who played trumpet while the fifth-graders sang, “Trumpets Sound with a Shout of Joy.” Here the second-graders re-enacted the Nativity scene.
Students from St. John Paul II High School in Hyannis recently helped collect and load donations for the annual Toys for Tots program to help needy children receive a gift on Christmas.
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The Anchor - December 23, 2016
St. John Paul II students celebrate high note with chance to sing at the Vatican he felt the high school choir group “was the best choir on Cape Cod,” said Fish. HYANNIS — Choir Father Floyd shared his students at St. John Paul II personal opinion and CD High School in Hyannis got with some of his contacts an early Christmas gift when in Rome, said Fish, one of they were told that the choir whom is the director of the would be singing at Mass Julian Choir of St. Peter’s. at St. Peter’s Basilica in the The group is overwhelmed Vatican on February 26. and excited with 61 students “We’ve been building the making the trip accompanied program steadily for several by 28 chaperones. years, in quality and mem“I approach this with a bership,” said Christopher great deal of humility,” said Keavy, head of school at St. Fish. “I really believe this is John Paul II. “There are 70 through the grace of God. students in our concert choir We have prayed from the beand for a school of 275, that’s ginning, and continue to pray. really quite a high number The graces just keep pouring and a lot of participation.” in, and it’s quite lovely and Annually the choir tours beautiful.” in the Cape Cod and New Eighteen-year-old MiYork area, “so there’s a tradikayla Barreiro, a senior at the tion of going on the road,” school and president of the said Keavy. choir, has been hearing about Past performances include the possibility of the group singing for Rosary Hill Can- performing at the Vatican cer Hospice in Hawthorne, long before she put in her N.Y., several Catholic schools four years into the choir and parishes, and St. Patrick’s program. Cathedral at the Solemn “I was only in seventh Pontifical Mass with Cardigrade when Mr. Fish came nal Timothy Dolan. Tours to JPII, but my brother also include direct teaching was in the choir from the from Broadway actors, direc- beginning,” said Barreiro. tors and choreographers. “I remember hearing him “It’s a spring event we’ve say from the very beginbeen doing for five or six ning that Mr. Fish wanted years,” said Keavy. “The to bring kids to Rome, and Rome concept is an outpost it was something I desperof that tradition.” ately wanted to do. When A professionally-made Mr. Fish told us that he had CD was produced that show- a special announcement for cased the quality of the music us, I actually made a bet with and “it gave us good physical some of my friends that it evidence of what the choir was Rome. Still, having a is capable of, and [school sense it was coming didn’t chaplain] Father Ron Floyd, make it any less thrilling. I who studied as a seminarian was basically ready to cry, and in Rome, was able to share certainly yelled.” our work and give first-hand Among the songs Fish testimony,” said Richard Fish, said the choir will be perdirector of Performing Arts forming include the choir’s at the high school. signature piece, “Thanks be Father Floyd has accomto Thee,” by Handel and “Ave panied the choir on many Regina Caelorum,” a required of their performances, even piece for the Vatican. Barreiro going so far as the tell Fish can’t wait to sing her favor-
By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff beckyaubut@anchornews.org
ite, “For the Beauty of the Earth,” by John Rutter. “We did it my sophomore year as well and I’ve always really loved it,” said Barreiro. “It’s just so beautiful, musically and poetically. I actually started crying during our dress rehearsal last week because it was just so beautiful, and so relevant to life.” The choir’s vice president and fellow senior, 17-year-old Sean Farrington, was also ecstatic when he heard about the upcoming trip, especially since he has never traveled outside of this country. “I have always wanted to travel, but never got the chance to until now,” said Farrington. “Honestly, I thought it wasn’t even serious. I figured it was just an idea, and could never really be pulled off. It wasn’t until I paid the $1,000 dollars, I felt like this was really happening now.” And while he will be surrounded by the rich history of the Church, he is keeping his expectations low and relaxed. “I am not looking forward to seeing anything in particular because I do not want to be let down,” said Farrington. “I am just going to follow other people around and go to what they want to see, and just enjoy the experience thoroughly. It doesn’t matter what I go to. No matter what, I’m going to be walking around with my jaw down to my waist in awe of the amazing place.” Sixteen-year-old Joshua Haven Flynn, a junior in school, and bass section leader and librarian for the choir, said he vividly remembers the moment Fish told the group the news. “It was one of the best things someone has ever told me,” said Flynn. “During the day, Mr. Fish had
said that he had a surprise for us and it was a great one. When he told us, it was like everyone had just won the lottery. There were smiles and laughter, and I was amazed. It was an awesome moment to witness. When I entered high school, I never dreamed I would ever have an opportunity like this, an opportunity to leave the country and sing at the Vatican. It will be something I know I’ll always remember.” For 16-year-old junior Hannah Laird the thought of traveling to Rome and be able to sing in front of the pope seemed like a farfetched dream: “When I first found out we were going to be able to have the opportunity to go on the trip to Italy, I was ecstatic. I never thought I would ever be able to travel to Italy on a trip like this, let alone be able to sing at the Vatican. This is truly a chance of a lifetime, especially with us being such a small school. It is a blessing and a dream come true to be able to participate in such a great experience.” One song Laird is excited about performing is “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” “I must admit,” said Laird, “it was quite a challenging song to learn at first. However, now that we have all gotten the hang of it, the song is really beautiful. All of the different parts of the song were very confusing at first, but the hard work has really paid off. It is a beautiful song and the difficulty of it only serves to bring out its magic.” Fish said the better the quality and difficulty of the song, the more the students love singing it. The choir is comprised of 70 voices and “getting 70 teen-agers to do anything together is a monumental feat,” said Fish, add-
ing the students have had to learn a tremendous amount of Latin. “They haven’t complained. This year we’ve had to learn more Sacred music versus years where I would try to mix it up. There’s hasn’t been a complaint about it; they’re just so up for it.” The group is leaving February 23 and returning March 3: “The purpose of that was to bring the students to Rome and the Vatican right before Lent,” said Fish, “and have them there for Ash Wednesday; to have this be not only a choir experience, but a faithfilled experience — in a sense, a choir pilgrimage.” The group has tickets to a public audience with the pope, Mass at the altar of St. John Paul II, a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and tickets to Mass on Ash Wednesday. “I’m excited about it,” said Fish. “I’m told that what we got for Ash Wednesday is extraordinary.” Fish’s wife is one of the chaperones, and along with the occasion to experience Rome for the first time, Fish sees visiting the Vatican as an opportunity for the students to enrich their faith. “This opportunity seems very much to be blessed by God,” said Fish. Along with performing at the Vatican, the students will also be singing at the United States Naval Base in Italy. The cost is $3,200 per student, and the students have been busy fund-raising. “What a special memory this will be for them. I’m proud of the program and I’m delighted for them,” said Keavy. “It’s amazing. They’ve worked their way to this — they didn’t win the lottery — they worked their way to this.” For those interested in donating, visit to the school’s site: www.sjp2hs.org/ support/.
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Jesuit priest is consultant on new Scorsese film continued from page five
said. In his interview with Father Martin, published in the Dec. 19-26, 2016 issue of America magazine, Scorsese himself noted: “Well, ‘Mean Streets’ has a very strong religious content to the picture, and to a certain extent ‘Taxi Driver,’ and then certainly ‘Raging Bull,’ though I didn’t know it. I had gotten involved with (Nikos) Kazantzakis’ book ‘The Last Temptation of Christ.’ I wanted to make that. By 1988 when that was finally made, and it was about to be released, there was a great deal of an uproar, and we had to show the film, what was the film at that moment anyway, to different religious groups to show what it was rather than arguing about it without having seen it. “One of the people there was Archbishop Paul Moore of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, and he came to a little meeting afterwards at a small dinner we had. He felt that the film, as he said, was ‘Christologically correct.’ He told us many stories. He was a very interesting man. He said, ‘I’m going to send you a book.’ And he described some of the stories in the book, and he described the confrontation, the choices, the con-
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cept of apostasy and faith. I received (‘Silence’) a few days later, and by 1989, a year later, I read it. “The experience of taking on ‘The Last Temptation of Christ,’ and then doing ‘Goodfellas’ was so extraordinarily exhausting and pummeling, in a way, fighting very strong arguments and discussions. Really, it was around the world. By the time I did ‘Goodfellas,’ I had promised the great Japanese director Akira Kurosawa to be in a film of his called ‘Dreams.’ He wanted me to play (Vincent) van Gogh. I was 15 days over schedule on ‘Goodfellas.’ The studio was furious. My cameraman left because he had another picture to do. Somebody else came in. We were just scurrying to finish, and Kurosawa was waiting for me in Japan. He was 82 years old, and he had just finished the majority of the shooting, and he had only my scene to shoot, and he was waiting. It was very nerve-racking. Within two days after shooting that film, we flew to Tokyo, and then to Hokkaido, and while I was there I read (‘Silence’). Actually finished it on the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto.” Given the wellpublicized controversy
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surrounding “The Last Temptation of Christ” during its initial release, it’s ironic that the movie became the catalyst that ultimately led Scorsese to making “Silence.” “I never understood the critique of ‘Last Temptation of Christ,’” Father Martin said. “I thought the criticism was largely ridiculous for two reasons: one, Jesus is tempted in His life — we know this from the Gospels. The Gospels cannot be any clearer that He was tempted in the desert, specifically. “And two, the movie shows what is an extended (series of ) temptations — the desire to come down off the cross and get married — not what He did ultimately. At the end of the movie He decides to forgo them and He’s back on the cross. So I think the movie is totally orthodox and I think the criticisms against it were ridiculous.” Father Martin’s involvement with “Silence” began about two years ago, when Scorsese’s researcher, Marianne Bower, first contacted him to find out about Jesuit Spirituality largely due to his book, “The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything.” “Subsequently Martin
Scorsese and his coscreenwriter, Jay Cocks, contacted me to help them with the script and to make sure the Jesuit portrayal and the Jesuit Spirituality were accurate,” Father Martin said. “Finally, I was contacted by the three American actors — Adam Driver, Andrew Garfield and Liam Neeson — but I spent most of my time with Andrew, who I directed through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.” Although Father Martin wasn’t present for any of the actual location filming on “Silence,” all of which was done in Taiwan, he was very much involved during the writing and pre-production phases. “We did most of this preparation beforehand,” he said. “I worked with Marianne and helped her with a lot of the Jesuit research and also put her in touch with various historians like Father David Collins, S.J., of Georgetown University, and M. Antoni J. Ucerler, S.J., who lives in California. The script work was all done before they started shooting — I met with Marty and Jay in New York a couple of times and they were very open and receptive to my suggestions. I think I spent more than six months, maybe closer to a year with Andrew, just
working on the Spiritual Exercises.” Father Martin’s involvement and attention to Jesuit-specific details came to fruition during a special screening of the film for fellow members of the Society of Jesus held at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, a Jesuit University. “What happened was they told me there was going to be a Vatican screening and I thought, well, would you be interested in a Jesuit screening as well and it all worked out great,” Father Martin said. “We had about 300 Jesuits there who were packed into two rooms. They saw the movie and loved it. We then had a questionand-answer session with Scorsese, which was fantastic for both parties.” During that same trip, Scorsese also had a brief meeting with another high-profile Jesuit: Pope Francis, who told the director he had read Endo’s source novel. “Marty got to meet with the pope; I didn’t,” Father Martin said, laughing. “I did shake his hand once. As far as I know, Pope Francis has not seen the film yet.” Having seen “Silence” three times as of this writing, Father Martin said it is “very emotional for me to watch, but it’s also very moving.” “I would say that adults going into the film should prepare to see a deeply Spiritual movie that is not always easy to watch or grasp, at first,” he added. “It will be something that one will need to meditate on.” For more information about “Silence,” visit www.silencemovie.com. For more information about Father James Martin, S.J., visit www. jamesmartinsj.com.
Father James W. Fahey, 72
ATTLEBORO, Mass. — Father James W. Fahey, 72, died December 5 at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. Father Fahey was born in Taunton on Oct. 4, 1944. He was the son of the late James and G. Irene (Walton) Fahey. He is survived by his sister, Maureen Sands and her husband, Michael Sands of Raynham; his niece, Sarah Travers and her husband, Jeffery Travers of Raynham; and his grandniece and grandnephew, Madalyn and Brayden Travers of Raynham. Father Fahey was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop James L. Connolly on May 1, 1970. After his ordination, he served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville and Immaculate Conception Par-
ish in North Easton prior to entering the U.S. Navy. He served as pastor of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church in Attleboro and Commander USN, Chaplain Corps, (retired). Father Fahey served as a United States Navy Chaplain for 20 years. He was primarily assigned to the United States Marine Corps. When he retired as a Commander, he was assigned to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated December 9, at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church, South Attleboro with full military honors rendered at the conclusion of the Mass. Donations in Father Fahey’s memory may be made to either St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish or to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Around the diocese Bishop Connolly High School students from the French, Spanish and Portuguese Language Honor Societies are now collecting used coats, jackets, sweaters and sweatshirts, as well as blankets, to pass along to those in need in the greater Fall River area. Clean items in good condition may be brought to Bishop Connolly High School, 373 Elsbree Street in Fall River, Room 102. Donations will be accepted through January 10, 2017. For more information, call 508-676-1071 or visit www.bishopconnolly.com. The nationally-acclaimed Boys Choir of the St. Paul’s Choir School in Cambridge will sing for a Solemn High Mass on the Epiphany of Our Lord, January 6 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 347 South Street in Hyannis. Since 1963, St. Paul’s Choir School — the only Catholic boys choir school in the United States — has formed and educated boys in grades four through eight in the rich music tradition of the Roman Catholic Church, uniting a rigorous musical and academic curriculum with our Catholic faith and moral tradition. The Sacred ministers for this Mass will be Father Ron Floyd, main celebrant; Father Thomas Kocik, deacon and Father Chris Peschel, subdeacon. The Mass and choir are sponsored by the Latin Mass Community at St. Francis Xavier Parish. For more information call Joe Gallante at 508-942-4818.
In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks
Dec. 24 Rev. James K. Beaven, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1886 Rev. Timothy J. Duff, Assistant, St. Joseph, Woods Hole, 1914 Dec. 25 Permanent Deacon Nicholas M. CaraDonna, 2015 Dec. 27 Rev. Thomas J. Stapleton, Pastor, Corpus Christi, East Sandwich, 1956 Rev. Msgr. Armand Levasseur, Retired Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford, 1970 Rev. Manuel Andrade, Former Pastor, Our Lady of Health, Fall River, 1995 Dec. 28 Rev. Charles R. Smith, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1955 Rev. Edward J. Sharpe, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1987 Rev. Clement Paquet, O.P., Assistant, St. Anne, Fall River, 1987 Dec. 29 Rev. Msgr. J. Armand Levasseur, Retired Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford, 1969 Rev. Rafeal Flammia, SS.CC., Retired Pastor, Our Lady of the Assumption, New Bedford, 1993 Rev. Robert J. Kruse, C.S.C., Former Academic Dean, Executive Vice President, Stonehill College, Easton, 2015 Dec. 30 Rev. Thomas C. Mayhew, Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Seekonk, 1991 Jan. 1 Rev. Jose Valeiro, Pastor, St. Elizabeth, Fall River, 1955 Rev. Antonio M. Fortuna, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, New Bedford, 1956 Rev. Francis R. Connerton, SS., STD., St. John’s Seminary, Plymouth, Michigan, 1968 Rev. Leo T. Sullivan, Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford, 1975 Jan. 4 Rev. Eugene L. Dion, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1961 Rev. Joseph L. Powers, Founder, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, North Falmouth, 1999 Rev. Francis B. Connors, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Victory, Centerville, 2003 Jan. 5 Rev. William McClenahan, SS.CC., Former Pastor, Holy Redeemer, Chatham, 1994 Jan. 6 Rev. James F. Roach, Founder, Immaculate Conception, Taunton, 1906 Rev. Rene G. Gauthier, Pastor, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River, 1997 Permanent Deacon Antonio Da Cruz, 2009 Jan. 7 Rev. Alfred R. Forni, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi, New Bedford, 1970 Rev. Gustave Gosselin, M.S., La Salette Shrine, Attleboro, 1989 Rev. Raymond A. Robida, 2003 Rev. Jude Morgan, SS.CC., Former Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Wellfleet, 2003 Jan. 8 Rev. John Kelly, Founder, St. Patrick, Fall River, 1885 Rev. Alfred J. Carrier, Founder, St. Jacques, Taunton, 1940 Rev. Arthur C. Lenaghan, USA Chaplain, Killed in Action, 1944 Rev. Evaristo Tavares, Retired, Our Lady of the Angels, Fall River, 2000 Rev. Louis Joseph, U.S. Air Force, 2000 Jan. 9 Rev. William F. Morris, Pastor, Corpus Christi, East Sandwich, 1982 Jan. 10 Rev. Jourdain Charron, O.P., Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1919 Rev. George H. Flanagan, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1938 Rev. Msgr. Emmanuel Sousa de Mello, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Taunton, 1977 Jan. 12 Rev. Thomas P. Grace , Pastor, St. Patrick, Fall River, 1918 Rev. Manuel C. Terra, Retired Pastor, St. Peter, Provincetown, 1930 Jan. 13 Rev. Emile Plante, M.S., La Salette Seminary, Attleboro, 1954 Rev. Ralph D. Tetrault, Retired, Catholic Memorial Home, Former Pastor, St. Patrick, Wareham, 2007 Rev. Michael Annunziato, SS.CC., Damien Residence, Fairhaven, 2015
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La Salette hopeful for favorable assessors decision continued from page two
“One of the city’s arguments is that worship only takes place inside the church (structure), but we have worship outside the church, on the grounds, where people pray the Rosary. We also have an outdoor chapel. In other words, if you could put a big canopy over the entire shrine (property), the whole thing would be considered a place of worship.” Another bone of contention for the Attleboro assessors, according to Father Mattathilanickal, is that La Salette Shrine also rents its property out to other, “non-religious” organizations during the year. “The city seems to think we are running a big commercial operation, which is totally inaccurate,” Father Mattathilanickal
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said. “We don’t agree. We are not having a lot of non-religious activities. The predominant use of the entire property is for religious activities, mostly comprised of worship and instruction.” Tillotson also maintained these outside organizations are either connected to the shrine itself or operate fund-raisers that directly benefit the shrine’s operations. “I would suggest that if another organization is renting on more than an occasional basis, that the inquiry should be: is that use, is that other organization intrinsically connected to the worship and the mission of the religious institution in question,” she said in her oral argument. “And I would suggest in
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this case, the safe house, for example, is intrinsically connected to the mission of hospitality and shelter for pilgrims and those in need of the La Salette Fathers.” The SJC now has another 130 days from the December 5 date to render a decision, but Father Mattathilanickal is hoping they will respond even sooner — perhaps giving the shrine an early Christmas present. “This is a case that has been long overdue in terms of rendering a decision,” Father Mattathilanickal said. “We want to move forward. We have not been able to make any future plans because we are awaiting the decision. This goes back to 2013.” And while some of the press reports have incorrectly suggested that La Salette has been withholding tax payments pending the outcome of the appeal, Father Mattathilanickal said that is just not true. “You cannot even file for an abatement unless you have paid the tax bill in full,” he said. “We have paid the original bill and since 2013 we’ve been paying all the (tax) bills — a little over $86,000 a year. Until we have a decision from the SJC, we continue to pay the tax bills we receive from the City of Attleboro. Without paying them, we cannot argue the case anywhere. A lot of people do not realize that all our property tax bills are paid up to date.” Noting that Tillotson “represented us really well in presenting the case,” Father Mattathilanickal is confident they will finally receive a favorable decision on their appeal. “It’s very hard to say
100 percent that we’ll have a full victory or a partial victory,” he said. “But we’re hopeful that with all the (amicus briefs
filed) and all the support we’ve received from the Fall River Diocese and the Archdiocese of Boston, we’ll succeed.”
Beloved Stang educator dies continued from page 23
pal of Bishop Stang, Peter Shaughnessy knew Dougall during her last three years at the high school, when he worked alongside her as principal while she was president. Now having spent eight years at Bishop Stang, Shaughnessy said he appreciates everything Dougall taught him, and the legacy she has left at the school. “There’s no question when you spend any amount of time with Terry at all, you are impressed by a person of great intelligence, great faith, great integrity and tremendous wit, as well,” said Shaughnessy. “What Terry had was tremendous authority. When Terry spoke, people really listened because you had the sense that this person has a wisdom that truly derives from a deep relationship with God.” For the first time in its history, Bishop Stang High School recognized some of the key people who have become the bedrock on which the Catholic high school was built when it inducted an inaugural class of six into the newlyfounded Hall of Honors a few months ago, and among those “pillars of our community, really the founders of our school, Terry was one of them,” said Shaughnessy. He added, “Terry started the financial aid and scholarship program at Stang, which is a tradition we very much continue because that’s part of the legacy and core mission of our school. That’s a key element to her legacy. Another one is the number of people that she hired here; I think the best
thing about our school is the people we have, the faculty and staff. Terry’s legacy lives on in the people she brought in here.” In the greater community, Dougall served as a volunteer EMT for the town of Marion. She also served in different leadership positions of the National Catholic Educator’s Association for many years, and was the recipient of the NCEA Catholic Secondary Education Award. She served as chairman on numerous reaccreditation teams through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges; she was one of the founding board members of the Catholic Educators Collaborative at Stonehill College. It was under Dougall’s leadership that Bishop Stang High School was named a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Dougall is survived by godchildren Pamela Baptiste, Paul Rapoza, and Simone Payette, and many cousins. Dougall is also survived by her very dear friends, Cecile and Ron LaRochelle and Jean Revil, and many other friends who considered her “family.” Terry enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and traveling. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on December 16 at St. Julie Billiart Church in North Dartmouth, followed by her burial in St. John’s Cemetery. Donations may be made in Dougall’s honor to Bishop Stang High School, 500 Slocum Rd., North Dartmouth, Mass., 02747.
Theresa Dougall, distinguished Bishop Stang educator, passes away
By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff beckyaubut@anchornews.org
NORTH DARTMOUTH — Theresa E. Dougall, 70, of Marion, entered eternal life, Dec. 12, 2016, surrounded by her loving family and friends after a long and courageous battle with myelofibrosis. Born in New Bedford on Dec. 3, 1946, Dougall was the daughter of the late Lionel and Mary (Ponte) Perry. A graduate of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in New Bedford and Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, she earned her undergraduate degree from Stonehill College in Easton, and her master’s degree from Bridgewater State University. She returned to Bishop Stang in 1968 and began her 44-year career in Catholic education. Over those 44 years as a distinguished educator, award-winning field hockey coach, and administrator, Dougall touched the lives of thousands of Spartans and inspired many alumni to pursue careers in medicine and other science-related
fields. The Sigma Xi Society of UMass Dartmouth named her Teacher of the Year. Dougall earned several Coach of the Year titles, and her field hockey teams won many state and league championships. Dougall was appointed principal in 1987, and the first president of Bishop Stang High School in 1994. Christine Payette, director of Admissions at Bishop Stang, had Dougall first as a teacher and field hockey coach and then, when Dougall and Payette’s mother became close, she was an integral part of her family. “Terry had always been a part of my adult life, so when I had kids, they weren’t going to call her Mrs. Dougall; she was more important than that,” said Payette. “So we asked her what she wanted to be called, and we thought it was kind of neat our kids have only French grandparents — they’re all mémères and pépères — and we always thought it was a blessing they had a Portuguese grandmother in there, so they called her vovô. Since the moment they were born, she was a true grandmother
to them. “There are so many people she has touched. For me, personally, she was an incredible mentor. She set the bar really high. As a colleague, she was so open
and giving. Whatever questions [you had], she had this great, open door where you could go in and rattle off whatever was bothering you, and she had great, clear perspective to see where you needed to go.” Kathryn Crosson, teacher and chairman of the Science department first met Dougall when Crosson began teaching at Bishop Stang 39 years ago, when Dougall was chairman for the science department:
“This is my first full-time teaching job, and Terry was a great, great mentor to me. She was such a fabulous teacher, and she led by doing. She led by example. She was one who made me want to be the best I could be as a teacher, to go above and beyond and really think of the students. I really credit her for being the greatest influence in being the teacher I am today.” Crosson said Dougall was part of a larger group of Stang faculty who were friends inside and outside of school, often taking trips together. Crosson said Dougall became known for her great sense of humor. “She was known for her corny, ‘Terry jokes,’” said Crosson. “Somebody would say something, some corny joke, and we would be like, yep, that’s a ‘Terry joke.’
During the last couple of days when we would visit by her bed, we didn’t think she would be listening; we would then say something, and she would pipe out with a statement, and we would burst out laughing. She would have this grin on her face, so to the very end, that was part of Terry. “She put her whole heart and soul into everything, and that’s why she had so many people who respected her. She inspired so many people, especially in the field of science. There are so many doctors out there now that would probably say to you that it was Terry who inspired them. She was a fabulous teacher, and she would motivate the students to want to do well and excel.” President and princiContinued on page 22
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Marian Medal Awards ceremony on video FALL RIVER — The Nov. 20, 2016 Marian Medal Awards ceremony is available on DVD from the diocesan Office of Communications. The DVD cost is $25. To obtain one, please
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forward a check in that amount payable to the Diocesan Office of Communications, Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720. Shipping is included in the video cost.
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