12.24.93

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t eanc 0 VOL. 37, NO. SO

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Friday, December 24,1993

FALL RIVER, MASS.

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FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly

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ISTH·CENTURY NATIVITY PAINTING FROM THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. WENCESLAUS, KRAKOW, POLAND, USED FOR THE 1992 CHRISTMAS CARD OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

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Dioc~se of Fall River- Fri:, Dec. 24, 1993

OBITUARY Sr. Cecilia Marian The Mass of Christian Burial was offered Dec. 17 for Sister Cecilia Marian, O.Carm., 60, who died Dec. 14. A member of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm for 40 years, she had served at the Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River for the past four years.

The former Margaret Ann Hickey, the daughter of John Hickey of Fall River and the late Edna (Mooney) Hickey, she was a native of Fall River and a graduate of the

former Mt. St. Mary Academy in the city. As a member of her community, she served in houses in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York, as well as in Fall River.

As well as by her father, she is survived by a brother, Gerald F. Hickey of South Dartmouth, two stepbrothers, John and Robert Hackett of Fall River, and nieces, nephews and grand nieces. The late Rev. Jack Hickey, OP, was also a brother.

Too Poor Worldwide, 1.3 billion people live in absolute poverty, too poor to afford an adequate diet. (U.N. Development Program).

BIRTHDAY BANNER: A 50-foot wide banner, sponsored by the Denver archdiocesan Office of Justice and Peace, hangs from the archdiocesan Catholic Pastoral Center. (CNS photo)

Israel, V'atican to sign accord Dec. 30

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WeWishYouAMerry Christmas!

May the love of home and family be a special gift to treasure throughout the season.

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Ring in 1994 with these Celebrations 0 o at White's ofWestport!

Stang names card design winners

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PARIS (CNS) -Israel and the Vatican will sign a major agreement in Jerusalem Dec. 30 expected to lead to full diplomatic relations between the two states, Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said.

Hailing "perhaps the first real revolution in 2,000 years," Peres told the French daily La Croix that the accord would safeguard Catholic premises in Israel and the occupied territories.

"Toward the end of December we will establish diplomatic relations. For the first time in 2,000 years, there will be peace between the Catholic and Jewish worlds," he told a news conference, confirming the conclusion of two years of negotiations.

The agreement is expected to clear the way for a visit by Pope John Paul II to the Holy Land, marking a huge step forward in Jewish-Roman Catholic relations.

Peres told La Croix the agreement would establish a distinction between Israel's political sovereignty and what he terml:d "the sacred."

"The accord will be signed in Jerusalem itself, ending the great argument about the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem remains politically the capital of Israel, and religiously

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Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth, has named four winners in the annual Christmas Card Design contest. The wining design, printed as the school's Christmas card, is a pen and ink Nativity Scene by junior Christopher Erickson of South Dartmouth. .

Runners-up were junio: Renee Monteiro of North Dartmouth; freshman Aaron McNamee of New Bedford; and senior Brad Duhancik of Fall River.

The winners received cash prizes which are contributed by the Richard and Helen Arthur family of Marion. The Arthurs established the design competition to encourage participation in the arts.

it remains an open city for all faiths," he said.

The Palestinians, who signed a historic self-rule accord with Israel on Sept. 13, consider Jerusalem the capital of a future Palestinian state.

Diplomatic sources said the accord onthe status of church premises is part of a wider 14-point agreement covering issues such as the legal status of the church in Israel, taxation, pilgrimages and a stand against anti-Semitism.

Wider issues such as Palestinian rights and international guarantees for Jerusalem were left to the Middle East peace talks in Washington.

"It's an extraordinary agreement from a historic, spiritual and diplomatic point of view. It's the first time an open, diplomatic rapprochement is under way between the Catholic world and the Jewish world," Peres said.

The Vatican, which supports a Palestinian homeland, has always recognized Israel's right to exist within secure borders. But it wanted progress on the Palestinian question and guarantees for Jerusalem as a city sacred to three great monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - before agreeing to full diplomatic recognition. It also has sought greater legal rights for Christians living under Israeli control.

The signing will come a few days before the 30th anniversary of the late Pope Paul VI's 1964 visit to the Holy Land -three years before Israel captured the West Bank and

Gaza Strip, including Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.

Israeli political and religious leaders, including Peres and the chief rabbi, have invited Pope John Paul to come to Israel.

Steering Points Pax Christi of Southeastern Massachusetts will hold a Mass for Peace 7 p.m. Jan. 2 at St. Vincent's Home, 2425 Highland Ave., Fall River. Homilist Father Joseph Costa will speak on "The Tenth Anniversary of the U.S. Bishops' Peace Pastoral." A potluck supper and Epiphany celebration will follow. All invited. For information contact Debra Polselli, 674-8195.

The Taunton District St. Vincent de Paul Society will hold its monthly Mass 7:30 p.m. Jan. 3 at St. Anne's Church, Raynham, followed by a meeting in the parish center.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be held noon to 6 p.m. with holy hour 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 2 at St. Sharbel Chapel, St. Anthony of the Desert parish, 300 North Eastern Ave., Fall River.

Christ the King parish, Mashpee, will collect layette items for Birthright of Falmouth and Hyannis Jan. I and 2.

THE ANCHOR STAFF WISHES OUR READERS A HAPPY, HOLY CHRISTMAS

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THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-020). Second Class Postage Paid at Fall River. Mass.

Published weekly except the week of July 4 and the week after Christmas at 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River. SUbscription price by mail, postpaid $11.00 per year. Postmasters send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

. CCD STUDENTS from S1. Mary's parish, Norton, participated in a prayer service and procession with Bishop Sean O'Malley and Msgr. John J. Oliveria earlier this month at LaSalette Shrine's Christmas Festival of Lights in Attleboro.

Themed "Behold the Child," the display continues through Jan. 2. (Hickey photo)

THE AJIi'CHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Dec. 24, 1993

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The Child Jesus Wonderful is the feast of faith and friendship.

To old friends and new we extend our best holiday wishes and thanks for your patronage.

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~;3~~~ ;;.:;.::' '.. - :~~~ A JUBILANT MARY and Child, drawn by nine-year-old Lacey Upton of 51. Anthony's parish, Mattapoisett, are the centerpiece of the first-winner in the Anchor's Christmas Art Contest for first-- through fourth-graders. Other winning entries and honorable mentions appear throughout this issue of the Anchor.

Do You See What I See?

By Marcie HickeJ My desk overfloweth - with 414 ;~ntries in the 1993 Ar_chor Chri!:tmas Art Contest "or firstthrough fourth-graders in diocesan schools and ceo p:"ograms.

Their crayon and pen impressions gave the Anchor staff th ~ chance to vit:'w the first Christmas as children see it - and fro m the looks of 414 youthful perspectives,Bethlehem was a busy place that night so long ago!

From those entril~s - masterpiece:; all! - we had the difficult task of choosing three prize winners, whose drawin~;s, along with

LACEY UPTON

honorable mentions, appear in this issue.

Lacey Upton, 9, a student in her mother Kathleen's fourth grade CCO class at St. Anthony's parish, Mattapoisett, charmed her way to first place with her drawing of a beaming Mary holding up her newborn Son. In second place is Melissa Drumonde,9, a fourth grade student of Sister Mary Dumond, CP, at St. Anne's School, Fall River, who captured all the action in a multileveled depiction of the nativity.

Amy Wollish, 9, a fourth grade CCO student of Marcia Jones at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish, Seekonk, earned third place with her nativity scene.

In close contention were the honorable mention entries and the scores of others, which came from six schools, 16 CCD programs and from St. Vincent's Home, Fall River.

We asked for depictions of any aspect of the Christmas story, and submissions from young artists ran the gamut of possibilities, beginning with the Annunciation, which was the subject of entries from Kyle Pelletier of St. Mary's School, New Bedford; Stephanie Santos of SS. Peter and Paul School, Fall River; and Megan Severino of St. Joseph's parish, Taunton.

The Christmas story continued with .Ioseph's dream, by Joe Casey

of St. John Evangelist School, Attleboro, in which an angel appears to tell the slumbering Joseph: "You are to get married to Mary.

She will have a baby and name him Jesus."

John Pepin ofSt. Mary's School illustrates the journey to Bethlehem, where Mary and Joseph are turned away from the Inn in a picture by Ryley Conlon of Holy Name School, Fall River.

Next came the nativity in countless incarnations, complete with stables, interesting animals, proud parents and exuberant gift-bearing visitors:o the manger.

The Holy Family's lodgings ranged from none at all - camped out under the stars - to caves and crowded stables to cozy houses and dwarfing mansions.

Timothy Nunes of St. George's parish, Westport, editorializes, "Jesus is born tonight" - in a stable across from a building marked "hotel."

In a drawing by Jessica Brady, St. Elizabeth's parish, Edgartown, there isn't even room in the stable: it's so crowded with an enormous haystack, a pitchfork and a corpulent cow, that the Baby Jesus is outside.

His beds ranged from traditional mangers to piles of hay to a regular Turn to Page 14

NOTICE

, MEUSSA

DRtJMO~DE

AMY WOLLISH

Afost of our usual columns will not appear this week, due to our Christmas features. A II will return in our next issue which, in keeping with our 50-week publishing schedule, will be dated Jan. 7,1994.

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Merry ChristDlas Everyone ~

Warmest wishes to you' and your family from ~veryone in the Bradlees family.

May you enjoy this holiday season, And may the blessings of good health and prosperity be yours throughout the coming New Year.

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THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

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Fri., Dec. 24, 1993

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Skepticism and Christmas How is this for the latest Jesus story? The Right Reverend David Jenkins, Anglican Bishop of Durham, preaches that he no longer believes in the story of Christmas, therefore no longer accepts the physical resurrection of Jesus. In a recent BBC interview, he expressed doubt that Jesus was born in a manger, that Mary was a virgin and that the Wise Men ever existed. Jenkins feels that all these stories are but splendid symbols reflecting the faith of the early Church.

Of the same mind-set are those in this country who feel that the Jesus story is but an extension of Greek mythology.

Indeed, sO,me so-called theologians of various denominations would have Christians believe that all the stories of Jesus are simply reworked tales, devoid of scholarshi p and drawn from a melange offables.

But none of us who affirms the Incarnation should be concerned by these pronouncements. In an age devoted to the pragmatic and material, Jesus has little place. He and his teachings make little sense to either the capitalist or the communist. The beatitudes have little effect on Wall Street or on those who see the Lord as the opiate of the masses. The so-called Christianity of the West is relevant only for those who have preserved a sense of mystery.

Indeed, this has been one of our greatest losses in today's world. It seems that if a computer can't come up with a solution, we conclude that none exists. Even in some Christian churches, one wonders why some people go through the motions of faith when they possess none.

Of course, there is a laudable intellectual desire to know more about the historical Jesus. Today it seems that scholars are more fascinated than ever by him and much of such interest should be encouraged and supported. But there are also those who use the fruits of research to spread doubt and confusion, as evidenced by the emergence of self-proclaimed churches.

In America alone, Protestant churches number close to 300, each with divergent views and beliefs. This continuous fragmentation of Christianity-gives much ammunition to those who consider it fraudulent. Actually, for many Americans, going to church is like going down a buffet table, picking and choosing what appeals to you. In short, disregard for responsibility, dogma and revelation is reducing belief in Christianity to a mere personal experience, varying from one individual to the next.

As scholars continue their search for the "real Jesus," it is very important that we do not abandon faith. We must remember that it is not dependent on something so frail and fragile as human scholarship, but must be seen as a divine gift.

There can be little doubt that from the standpoint of historical investigation the human Jesus is the captive of his era. But the vision of faith brings us beyond that very limited sphere to see Jesus as Son of God as well as Son of Man. The attempt to know the historical Jesus will continue; and the pilgrimage of the soul is similar save for the fact that Jesus is a reflection not merely of time but of eternity.

From this standpoint we can celebrate Christmas free of the shackles of skepticism and uncertainty. For such a mind and spirit, the road to Bethlehem is free of the potholes of selfdoubt and fear.

May the words of the angel, "Do not be afraid," be our comfort as we seek the newborn Babe.

The Editor

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OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER PUblished weekly by The Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River 887 Highland Avenue P.O. BOX 7 Fall River, MA 02720 Fall River. MA 02722-0007 Telephone 508-675-7151 FAX (508) 675-7048 Send address changes to P.O. Box 7 or call telephone number above

EDITOR Rev. John F. Moore

GENERAL MANAGER Rosemary Dussault ~. Leary Press-Fall River

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SHEPHERDS AND KINGS COME TO THE STABLE IN MELISSA DRUMONDE'S SECOND PRIZE WINNER IN THE ANCHOR'S CHRISTMAS ART CONTEST. THE NINE-YEAR OLD ATTENDS ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL, FALL RIVER

"And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger;" Lk. 2:16

The message of Christ's birth

By Father Kevin J. Harrin~ton Christmas is here again and with it the annual and generally valid warning that we not allow the season's hustle and bustle to overwhelm the day's real message. In the first official comment on the meaning of Christmas. the angel proclaimed: "I bring you tidings of great joy." .loy is the most pursued yet most elusive of experiences and the danger of our world is that it too often accepts asjoy its most popular counterfeit. pleasure. We humans are a restless lot who tragically deceive ourse,"ves into believing that happiness consists in getting our own way. One reason why we rarely achieve our longedfor contl'ntment is that we forget that we were not created simply to meet our own needs.

Theangel of Christmas imparted genuine universality to his annoucement when he said that joy "shall be to all the people." The nature of joy is that it seeks to be shared. One路 of the most memorable scenes in sacred scripture is that of the expectant Mary's visit to her expectant cousin Elizabeth. when the unborn John the Baptist "jumped for joy."

It is still enlightening to sec Christmas through the awe and wonder-filled eyes of children. The unborn babe who leapt in his mother's womb was a foretelling of countless generations of youngstcrs who jump with delight as they encounter anew the magic which is Christmas. Keeping that magic alive is ourjoyfullask as we impart to them the meaning of the feast.

Children keep Christmas fresh.

How delightful it is to hear them say: "I can't wait for Christmas!"

We don't spoil them by giving

them what they want for Christmas. Children need to learn that we to whom they have been entrusted care for them not only as a duty but as a delight.

Children can learn to live without things but they also need to learn the nobler sentiments of human nature present in those of us who arc willing to make sacrifices to scc that they are showercd with the gifts that make tangible our love for them. Children should be protected from some of the harsher realities of human nature while their innocence is still intact.

The true grinches of Christmas are parents who trash Santa Claus and tell their childrcn what gifts are within their price range.

Our little ones will discover soon enough that there is no Santa

Praye~

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For Vision Almighty God and Father of light, a Child is born for us and a Son is given to us.

Your eternal Word leaped down from heaven in the silent watches of the night and now your Church is filled with wonder at the nearness of her God. Open our hearts to receive his life and increase our vision with the rising of dawn, that our lives may be filled with his glory and peace. Amen.

Claus. but his loss will be more than compensated by their discovery that the spirit of Christmas consists in giving totally of oneself.

Being decent and selfless with our fellow human beings requires time. One day a year is of course not enough but so often cease fircs between nations and within families have begun when the reali,ation of what is held in common has outweighed the differences. Mother Teresa has said sanctity is no more and no less than the ordinary duty of every person. ..

It can be easy in the Christmas rush to forget that we all have an obligation to look beyond our own comfort and convenience and to strive through acts of kindness to bring joy to all. It would be a terrible tragedy if we failed to find time to be kind because we were so busy trying to have everything for ourselves.

The joy of Christmas lies in knowing that a child born in a humble manger in the outlying town of Bethlehem would in a few score years. through the power of his message. life and works shake the foundations. of imperial Rome.

The Christmas birth. not humanly arranged. challenged and crossed swords with all the powers of the world. Today its message confronts the powers of violence. prejudice. greed. corruption and injustice. and the star of Bethlehem still shines amidst our contemporary darkness.

Christmas still speaks of a new and different power available to all who seek it in mcekness and love. The message of Christ's birth is a star for all believers who find their hope in the sure kno" ledge that well-fulfilled ordinary duties can make lives into living stars bringing tidings of joy to all.

A HAf>PY HAPPENING

M~be it takes times like these, THE NE WBOR.'V Jesus is adored by Mary andJoseph and a shepherd in Amy Wollish's third place winner in the Christmas Art Contest. Amy is a Joul,th-grade CCD student at Our Lady oj Mt. Carmel parish, Seekonk.

Honorable menaon,~ begin below and continue on succeeding pages. /,/

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difficult times, hard times, to see Christmas in a more gentle light.

To walk with Christmas down a different road.

Talking in a whisper.

We're not trying to ease the pain of a cut in sala'Y Or worse. the loss of a job.

We're not trying to say there isn't honest pleasure in giving and receiving gifts.

We're not trying 1.0 say there isn't jay in being a part of the awe-filled, fast-moving Christmas reactions of children.

No. we don't mean to subdue the special earth-bound properties of Christmas.

The laughter, the cheer, the singing.

They have their meaning and their place.

But on reflection aren't they an appendage?

An ann of the real?

A Santa Claus?

Whatever your means, whatever your station in this life.

You might pause sometime during this Christmas.

At Christmas dinner. perhaps.

Or on a Christmas afternoon. or in the light of a Christmas night.

And look around.

Look at fami!}'. look at friends. look at food.

Look at yourself.

Touch your hands, see your eyes.

Feel the real of Christmas.

The sunshine. the brightness. the white of the whites, the green of the greens. the pe.netrating reds.

Breathe the warmth of Christmas, the appreciation, the generosi9', the caring.

The hope that it brings.

Christmas.

A happy happening.

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Maggie Schill, grade 2, 55. Peter and Paul School, Fall River

Robert J. Levesque, 9, St. Mary's School, New Bedford

Nativity scene most popular image of Mary, survey shows DAYTON,Ohio(CNS)- When it comes to favorite images of Mary, mother of Jesus, there are no age or gender gaps.

A survey by researchers at the University of Dayton found that the nativity scene is, hands down, the most popular portrayal from the life of the blessed Virgin Mary.

The majority of respondents - of both sexes and ranging in age from 13 to 79 years old -- chose scenes depicting the birth of Christ as their favorite representations of Mary.

"If we look at the best-known and most popular events in the year. the one that sticks out is Christmas," said Marianist Father Johann Roten, director of the International Marian Research Institute and co-author of the study.

Even those unfamiliar with the histories of Jesus or Mary and related religious teachings recognize the nativity, he said. "Everyone is confronted with Christmas."

The ubiquity of nativity scenes partially explains their overwhelming popularity, he said. But people

also recognize the event as being fundamental to Christianity.

"This is the core statement you make about Christianity," he said.

"When you talk about Christianity, you say first of all it's a religion of incarnation, incarnation being that God became human reality."

Besides looking at 12 artworks based on events from Mary's life and selecting their favorite image, respondents were asked to react to the thematic impact of 12 Mary images and seven styles or periods of art depicting Mary. Roten and University of Dayton psychology professor Donald Polzella analyzed the responses by age group and sex, breaking ages into categories of teens, youngadults(those up to 24 years old), and adults (those 24 to 79 years old). The 210 participants were predominantly Catholic.

One schism appeared in the theme section, with most adults preferring the suffering Mary in the Pieta - a representation of the Blessed Mother grieving over the body of Jesus after the Crucifixion - and with most teens the selecting protective and comforting Our Lady of the Mantle.

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"Ad ults are more likely. because they are adults, to emphathize with Mary holding Jesus, mourning over the lost child," Polzella said of preference for the Pieta.

Roten pointed out that most adults have experienced loss and suffering.

Teens are less likely to relate to the mother-to-child bond and the emotions evoked in that scene.

For young people, the strong, protective mother image in Our Lady of the Mantle is emotionally more attractive, Roten said.

Teen-agers and young adults expressed about an equal liking for Renaissance and 19th-century period artworks, while adults clearly showed a preference for 19th-century images. Other .periods or styles included icons, Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and 20th century.

Teens probably gravitated toward Renaissance renderings of Mary because they are prevalent, familiar and "it's the way they expect Mary to be depicted," Polzelia said. Twentieth-century art, which teens deemed their least favorite, lacked that realism, making it less appealing.

"Ad ults are more sophi'sticated in taste; they're more apt to see subtleties that escape children," Polze,lla said, speculating that adults showed a preference for 19th-century images because they are emotionally more complex.

Roten added adults gravitate toward 19th-century images because that period was popular when they were gro~ing up. Adults also gave tnumbs down to the 20thcentury works, as well as Romanesque and Baroque representations.

Roten said he conducted the survey to evaluate knowledge of the life of Mary and to study the connections between art and religion. He surveyed students at Catholic high schools; students from Marianist-run University of Dayton, a Catholic university; and adult students at the International Marian Research Institute on the Dayton campus and adults in Cincinnati.

Results show that while respondents - especially teens and young adults - have a positive impression of Mary, they are uninformed. He speculated that a shift in the late 1970s away from religious instructions based on definitions, knowledge ahd concepts found in the catechism may account for the change, adding that art may provide a vehicle for re-educating the public about the fun'diimerHals 'Of religion. ' ._" .

Giving Rome's homeless a holiday meal ROME (CNS) - Francesca Zuccari's Christmas meal is a "family affair" for 700 people. It involves turning a basilica into a banquet hall and sending invitations to hundreds of persons with no addresses as well as finding room for people who just show up.

Ms. Zuccari organizes an annual Christmas meal for Rome's homeless, elderly and immigrants with no place to go. It is sponsored by the Community of San Egidio, a lay group.

The aim is to provide a family atmosphere with gifts, songs and the popping of sparkling-wine corks, said Ms. Zuccari.

"People think of their family at Christmas. Our idea is that those who do not have a family in Rome find one here," she said.

Using a church, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, shows that "the church is receiving people as its family," she said.

Preparations for Ms. Zuccari and her crew of 200 volunteers start a month before Dec. 25. Invitations are prepared, ingredients for the meal are gathered and small gifts are bought.

The invitations go to those who regularly show up at San Egidio's daily soup kitchen and to lonely elderly people made known to San Egidio members.

Each invitation has the person's name on it so guests "know that they have a place reserved for them at Christmas," Ms. Zuccari said. "But the door is always open for people who just show up," she added.

While some volunteers are cooking and serving meals, others are

writing the names on the gifts for guests enjoying lasagna, meatballs, lentils, fruit and sweets.

San Egidio's efforts extend beyond the meal at the basilica. On Christmas Eve traveling crews of volunteers also provide hot food for the homeless at train stations and several other Rome sites.

But the big San Egidio task is still turning the basilica into a dining hall after the last morning Christmas Mass, said Ms. Zuccari.

Her crew has 30 minutes to

move aside pews, put up 30 collapsible dining tables and set them with plates, glasses and utensils.

The meal is served from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Things were a lot easier at the first such meal in 1982 when there were only 20 diners, said, Ms. Zuccari.

Today the basilica is no longer big enough for all and guests are divided between it and San Egidio's regular dining hall, about a lO-minute walk from the church.

ALMOST DOWN to the wire on preparations for the annual Bishop's Charity Ball are, from left, Mrs. Manuel T. Nogueira. Diocesan Council of Catholic Women president and ball cochair; Rev. Daniel L. Freitas. diocesan director of the ball; and Mrs. Joseph Belanger, Fall River District Council of Catholic Women president. (Gaudette photo)

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Iloti(:e Isaiah 52:7-10 Hebrew!. 1:1-6 John 1:1-18 Mass on

Christm~.s Day

As important as it is today to proclaim that "th,~ Word became fle!:h and made his dwel ing among us," this is not the mlin reason John wrote his Gospel. He presumed the members of his community already believe:! Jesus, as God, had come ar~ong them.

The Fourth Eva:1gelist's primary goal was much more profound and helpful. Mystified by the fact that during most of h s ministry Jesus went about unnoticed by the very people who had been expecting him for centuries, Jo 1n reminds us that "he [Jesus] was in the world, and through hin the word wa:; made, yet the wOlld did not know who he was." He wants us to understand that tfi.l~ faith is not so much a process for c iscovering new things as it is a frame of mind which helps us uncover the meaning of that which is alreajy present.

John is not the only "ollower of God to reach this insigh t. DeuteroIsaiah, the author of ou: first reading, came to the same conclusion 540 years before J,esus' birth. Proclaiming the word of YHhweh during the Babylonian Exile, the prophet confronted a unique situatiOl. Not only did most Israelites anticipate the Lord's deliverance at any moment, they we:e also very clear about what Ind whom they were expecting. Molded by

-Daily Readings Dec. 27: 1 .In 1:1-4·; Ps 97:1-2,5-6,11-]2; J1I20: 2-8 Dec. 28: 1 In 1:5-2:2; Ps 1:~4:2-5,7-8; Mt 2:1~1-18 Dec. 29: 1 In 2::1-11; Ps 9(;:1-3,5-6; lk 2:22-35 Dec. 30: 1 Jr' 2:U-17; Ps 9(;:7-10; lk 2:3(;-40 Dec. 31: 1 In 2:18-21; Ps 9(;:1-2,11-13; Jill:I-18 Jan. 1: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 6~':2-3,5-6,8: Gal 4:4-]'; lk 2:16-21 Jan. 2: Is 60:1-6; ')s i'2:12,7-8,10-13; Eph 3:2-3,5-6; Mt 2:1-12 Jan. 3: 1 In 3:22 ·4-£i; Ps 2:7-8,10-11; Mt 4:1:~-1i',23­

By FATHER ROGER KARBAN Exodus stories, they presumed Yahweh would simply raise up another Moses, bedazzle their captors with signs and wonders, then triumphantly lead them back to the Promised Land.

They were waiting for this extravaganza to begin when DeuteroIsaiah arrived to tell them that their deliverance was already underway - and had been for some time! They just hadn't noticed.

Cyrus the Persian, who was con. quering country after country throughout the Middle East, was about to add Babylon to his list.

When he did, his religious scrupulosity would force him to grant everyone religious freedom. He would then permit the Jews to return to their temple and land in order to worship Yahweh as their laws and customs commanded.

We must keep this in mind when we read today's famous oracle: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, 'Your God is King!' Hark! Your watchmen raise a cry, together they shout for joy, for they see directly, before their eyes, the Lord restoring Zion."

Instead of declaring the start of something new, the announcer is simply helping the Israelites discover what is already there'. Yahweh is already saving, already restoring.

The author of the Letter to the Hebrews encourages his community to see even greater salvation and restoration in Jesus. "In times past," the letter begins, "God spoke in fragmentary and varied ways to our ancestors... but in this, the final age, he has spoken to us through

his Son ... the reflection of the Father's glory, the exact representation of the Father's being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word."

The problem is that most people with whom Jesus came into contact never noticed these characteristics. Throughout his ministry of proclaiming God's reign, they continued to look for someone else to bring salvation. Like the Israelites in exile, they never saw what was going on all around them. "To his own he came," John writes, "yet his own did not accept him."

We who follow the Lord are not special because we're the ones to whom the Lord came, but because we're the ones who recognized that he came. "Any who did accept him," John teaches, "he empowered to become children of God. These are they who believe in his name -who were begotten not by blood, nor by carnal desire, nor by man's willing it, but by God." We are the ones privileged to ..... have seen his glory."

The message is clear: instead of celebrating the event, we should be celebrating our noticing the event.

But then again, if we haven't noticed Jesus in those standing around us during the liturgy, or in those who continually give us the most static in life, then maybe we don't have much to celebrate today.

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Diocese of Fall River -

Wednesdays, Clemence Hall room 136. Ext. 2270.

"Nar-Anon" meets 7 p.m. Mondays. hospital Educational Classroom. Ext. 2270.

Diabetes Support Group meets second Tuesdays. September to June. in Clemence Hall, Ext. 2390.

Prostllte Support Group for men with prostate cancer meets 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Clemence Hall

Fri., Dec. 24, 1993

7

Nannery Conference Room. Information: Paul Taraborelli, MSW, oncology social worker, ext. 2270; or Rosemarie Baylies, RN, 6755688.

"Insight" support group for persons diagnosed with cancer will meet 6:30 to 8 p. m. second and fourth Wednesdays beginning Jan. 12 in Clemence Hall room 128.

Information: Brenda Sussman, ext.

2334.

The Directors, Officers and Staff of Lafayette Federal Savings Bank appreciate your continued patronage, and extend to you and your family wishes for a joyous holiday season.

Hospital lists support groups St. Anne's Hospital. Fall River. offers the following ongoing support groups. all free and open to the public. Further information is available by calling 674-5600 and the extensions listed below.

"Footsteps: Together We Walk" spiritual support group for persons experiencing cancer; information: Sister Linda Lambert. ext.

2060.

Bereavement Support Group meets 10:30 a. m. to noon alternate Tuesdays; next meeting Dec. 28.

Information, St. Anne's Hospital Hospice, ext. 2565.

"Reflections" Breast Cancer Support Group meets 4:30 to 6 p.m. first and third Tuesdays. next on Jan. 4. in Clemence Hall room 128 at the hospital. Ext. 2270.

"Emotions Anonymous" spiritual12-Step program meets 7 p.m.

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Jan. 4: 1 In 4:7-10; Ps 72:1-4,7-8; Mk 1;:34-44 Jan. 5: 1 In 4:11-18; Ps 72:1-2,10,12-13; Mk6:45-52 Jan. 6: 1 Jn4:19..5:4-; Ps 72:1-2,14-15,17; lk 4:14-22 Jan. 7: 1 In 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15,19-20; Lk 5:12-16 Jan. 8: 1 In 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6,9; In 3:22-30 Jan. 9: Is 42:1-4,6-7; Ps 29: 1-4,9-10; Acts 10:34--38; Mit 1:7-11

THE ANCHOR -

Merry Christmas and thanks to all!

We look forward to serving you in the coming year.

~

SARAH SMITH, a first-grader, whispers a Christmas wish to Santa during his visit to St. Mary-Sacred Heart School, North Attleboro.

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Keep "merry" in 'Christmas says upbeat fellowship PORTAGE. Mich. (CNS) What's all that talk about holiday depression? Just a lot of humbug, says the Fellowship of Merry Christians.

The December issue of the organization's Joyful Noiseletter says that newspaper stories ,about the

Christmas blues are the work of a modern-day Scrooge.

"The local psychologists," said the newsletter, "will wax eloquent about people who get depressed at Christmas and, incidentally, need their help, for $100 to $150 an hour, to get through the Christmas season."

The fellowship added, "Christian pastors and laypeople who look forward to Christmas and celebrate Christmas joyfully are rarely interviewed. This year, why not ask your local newspaper to interview pastors and lay people who, whatever their circumstances, plan a happy celebration of

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL BOAS FESTAS A TODOS OS PAROQUIANOS

ESPIRITO SANTO PARISH, FALL RIVER INVITING ALL TO COME TO MASS

Rev. Luis A.. Cardoso, Pastor

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BLESSINGS OF TI1ESEASON From

the birth of the joyful Christ?"

Moreover. it said, "how about some stories about the many Christians who celebrate Christmas joyfully and hopefully, even though they are suffering poor health, unemployment, or other sorrows?"

The fellowship is a ministry to clergy of all denominations, aiming, according to its mission statement, "to recapture the spirit of joy, humor, unity and healing power of the early Christians."

About half its members are Catholic.

Known for its suggestions for celebrating Easter joyfully, the fel-

lowship offered a couple of tonguein-cheek Christmas gift ideas: - A "Swiss army knife for pastors," which, in addition to the standard features, includes "a fold-out alms basin, a miniature flamethrower to ignite incense, a built-in counter for Sunday attendance, and a small compartment in the handle to store collar buttons or change for parking meters."

- "Praying pants" with "air bags on the knees that inflate prior to impact" while "a sensor detects the change in the angle of the knee."

Peace Day message addresses families v ATICAN CITY (CNS) - In his annual World Day of Peace message, Pope John Paul II says the modern family needs help in facing the tragic consequences of war and worrisome patterns of social violence.

Accompanying these dramatic forms of suffering are more subtle signs that family stability and peace are threatened: tensions caused by economic factors and consumerism, a refusal to have children and ill-treatment of minors, he said.

The theme of the papal message, titled, "The Family Creates the Peace of the Human Family," was released at the Vatican Dec. 14.

The papal theme for World Peace Day, to be celebrated Jan. I, was chosen to coincide with the 1994 U.N.-sponsored International Year of the Family.

The pope said the family represents the foundation of society and the essential educating community, where people first learn the virtues of respect and love for others.

But today's family, in contrast with its original vocation of peace, is "sadly, and not infrequently, seen to be the scene of tension and oppression, or the defenseless victim of the many forms of violence marking society today," he said.

The pope deplored the "very sad fact" that a growing number of boys and girls and even small children are playing a direct part in armed conflicts and are "forced to join armed militias and fight for causes they do not understand."

In other cases. thousands of children are left to survive on the

streets, where they are led into crime, the drug trade or prostitution. Many of these street children die tragically, he said.

In describing the new tensions that have gripped the modern family, the pope cited situations in which spouses must work far away from each other or in which unemployment causes them to worry about making ends meet.

Other family problems, he said, are caused by'behavior inspired by "hedonism and consumerism, which drive family members to seek personal gratification rather than a happy and fruitful life together.

"Frequent arguments between parents. the refusal to have children, and the abandonment and illtreatment of minors are the sad symptoms that family peace is already seriously endangered." he said.

The pope urged families to live their mission in harmony and cohesiveness, to meet their responsibility to "give love and to transmit life," and to educate children to be people of peace.

Families deserve the full support of the state, which should enact legislation favoring the family's well-being, he said. He said it was the duty of the state to respect the "natural structure" of the family, especially in view of pressure to consider non-marital forms of union as equivalent to the union of spouses.

He ended his message with a reminder that those who feel they have no family are welcome in the church, which "is home and family for all."

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CHRISTMAS ANGELS: Third-graders at S1. Joseph's School, Fairhaven, made angels as Christmas gifts. With their creations are (front row) Brandon Knutila (left) and Christopher Marconi; (back row, from left) Ryan McQuade, Monica Silva, Patrick Stapleton.

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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Dec. 24, 1993

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All Christmases aren't BOYS TOWN, Neb. (CNS) Not everyone has memories of Christmas that involve gifts, gaiety, good food and good times.

"The best Christmas we had was when we got evicted," says 13year-old Lisa, now a resident of Father Flanagan's Boys Town near Omaha. "We ended up spending Christmas in a motel. We didn't have much but what made it such a good Christmas was that my mom and my brother and I were all together, safe from harm for a while anyway."

Lisa was among several dozen of the 556 Boys Town residents who wrote about their best and worst Christmas memories. Her name and the names of other participants were changed, although ages and genders are correct.

Boys Town is a residential center for children, generally ages 9 to 18, with emotional and behavior problems.

"My worst Christmas was when I was at home," wrote 13-year-old Antonio. "We had nothing but crackers and bologna. Half of our

family had deserted us. My mom was never at home, so we children spent Christmas alone in the apartment with no electricity and no water.

"My best Christmas was last Christmas here at Boys Town," Antonio added. "Everyone who was here cared and shared and loved each other."

John, 17, recalled the Christmas of 1991, when he came home "as drunk as drunk could be. I was obnoxious, rude and smelly. My mother had to leave the room because she was crying so hard."

"My worst Christmas was when my sister and I got taken away from my mom," wrote 13-year-old Maria. "We were opening presents when the cops came and took us away from her."

Eleven-year-old Eric said he didn't think he'd ever had "a Christmas that would top all the rest to be the worst, but I haven't had a good one yet. I hope one comes along soon."

The children also were asked to

write about what they could do to help heal their families' problems and what their hopes were for their families.

"The gift that could most help my healing at Christmas would be that everyone could stop drinking in my family," said IO-year-old Fred. "That would be one of the best Christmases ever, but I guess it will not happen."

"The gift that could most help my healing this Christmas would be for my parents to stop doing drugs," said Dave, 16.

Fourteen-year-old Tommy said the best gift he could hope for at Christmas "would be ifmy mother and father would get along."

"As a teen-ager, I tried to get my mother and father hack together," Tommy wrote. "At 7 years old, I was forced to make the decision where I wanted to live with my mom or my dad. I just wish I would have never had to make that decision. I love both of them.

I hope that at leas't at Christmas they will be kind to each other."

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By Father Eugene Hemrick My Christmas wish for others is expressed through a beautiful story related by Hermann Hesse in his book, "The Glass Bead Game."

The main character, Joseph Knecht, is a young and talented student attending a village school that tests such students to see if they should be promoted to a school of higher learning.

Joseph is told to prepare for a music master who will soon come to test him. Joseph imagines the man arriving like a great celebrity, but to his astonishment there is simply a knock on the classroom door one day and he is told the master is waiting for him.

With violin in hand Joseph timidly walks to the music room. An old and kindly white-bearded man invites him to enter. What happens next jolts him.

"What would you like to play, Joseph?" the ·music master gently inquires.

Joseph is stunned for a moment since he was expecting to be told, not asked. Stuttering, he blurts out, "I like the school song."

"Fine," says the music master, "Let's play it together."

After they finish, the music master asks Joseph, "Did you like that?"

"Yes," replies Joseph.

"Well, then, let's play it again."

When they finish the music master again asks, "Did you like that Joseph?"

"Very much," Joseph replies.

"Can you play in two voices, Joseph?"

"Yes." "Then let's play in two voices."

Each time they finish, the music master invites Joseph to play again.

As they play and sway together Joseph begins to see a beauty he never saw before.

Notes swirl in and out, around and through each other with a new magnificence. Behind the music "he senses the world of mind, the joy-giving harmony of law and freedom, of service and rule."

Years later he would refer to that encounter as a sacramental moment, a union with what is most beautiful.

My Christmas wish is that others experience such moments. My wish is that beauty will enter your

life in a way that causes you to rejoice in the time from now to Christmas.

We all dream of beautiful unions.

It may be the dream of being with the woman or man of our dreams; becoming part of a dynamic team; being a scholar at one with his or her work; being at one with nature; or being in unison with our conscience and with God. The beauty of this draws us forward and draws upon our inner goodness. We want to taste life's sweetness.

Would that developments were always sweet, but they aren't.

Things get broken, causing disillusionment, hurt and fear.

May you who have been disillusioned and have grown suspicious of the events and people around you, doubting that they will bring beauty into your life, gain a new outlook this Christmas - a new gift of sight to pierce the gloom!

May you who have been hurt not indulge in self-pity. Instead,

prepare yourself to recognize beauty - to recognize whatever sacramental moment may present itself in this season of great signs and symbols. The capacity to recognize goodness and beauty can lead to many reconciliations.

May you who are bitter reflect more deeply on past sweetness and try once again to recapture its awesomeness.

May you who are blessed become more grateful for the signs of God's touch.

The beauty of Christmas is one with us in the Incarnation. God is present in our world. This Christmas season, prepare to recognize the touch of God in the beauty around you.

THE NORTHEAST Regional Council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society recently presented its Top Hat Award to Arthur A. Gauthier of St. Jean Baptiste parish conference, Fall River. He was cited for more than a decade of reconditioning antique furniture for sale to dealers, at flea markets and for use as raffle prizes at regional council meetings. All profits from the enterprises went to his parish conference. From left, at the communion breakfast at St. Anthony of Padua parish, Fall River, at which the award was conferred, Father Daniel L. Freitas, Vincentian diocesan director; Gauthier; and Joseph F. Gromada, Vincentian diocesan president.

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Christmas Message

POPE JOHN PAUL II blesses a creche in St. Peter's Basi.lica during the 1992 Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican.

Preparations for Christmas liturgies begin months in advance.

(CNS/ Arturo Mari photo)

It's big job orchestrating papal[ <:t.ristmas Season VATICAN CITY (eNS) Before most people h lve even thought about buying Christmas cards, Msgr. Piera M uini has chosen the art for the :Jrograms distlibuted at Pope Johr Paul II's Christmas season liturgil:s.

A nd before most ~ards are in the mail, Msgr. Marini has sent the art along with the texts of IV ass prayers, readings and m'Jsic L) the Vatican print shop.

But putting the booklets together is,or:ly a .small part oftne 51 -yearold priest's preparations for the papal Christmas Season Since 1987, he has been "r.'last~r of pontifical liturgical ceiebrations," the chief organizer and coordinator of Maf,ses and prayer services celebrated by t~e pope at horr,e and abroad.

Altar servers, readers, deacons and concelebrants answer to him.

He works with the musicians and with the Italian television crews who beam up to satellites t he images of the papal Christma~; celebrations seen around the world.

And he is at the pope'f, side during each liturgy: It's a rare photograph of Pope Johr. Pau cel~brat颅 ing Mass that does net include Msgr. Marini.

The Masses he plans have a worldwide congregation and set a standard for celebrations across the globe.

B~fore the two great litugical celebrations of the year - Easter and Christmas - Msgr. Marini meets with his papally appointed con:;ultants, who are liturgical experts.

"We evaluate the celel;rations of the year before to see if there are elements which ned to be improved, both in texts and in other areas," he said.

They have video':apes of the liturgies, the monsignor said, but usually don't have to use them because "these litur gies are reccrded within us."

The Christmas season liturgies begin with Midnight Mass and conclude with the Jan. 9 commemoration of the Baptism of the Lord, during which the :JoP~ baptizef; infants.

After six years of working with P0l'e John Paul, Msgr. Marini said, the Christmaf' liturgies "have reached a certain equilihrium."

Although he likes t 'ying new

things, he said, "with an international assembly, such as that gathered for midnight Mass, there are some elements, some songs, which cannot be changed."

For example, he said, "you can't replace' Adeste Fideles' with another song; it wouldn't be Christmas."

Whether at the Vatican or on a papal trip far from home, language and culture are significant considerations in the liturgy planning ,process.

"The most important thing is the participation of the people," said Msgr. Marini.

The language and the songs are the most obvious means through which people participate, he explained. but cultural expressions such as dance and other gestures also can be important, "although they must always respect the sacred character of the Mass," Tradition and the worldwide audience for the midnight Mass have led to some established uses oflanguage and others that change each year, he said.

The Gospel is always proclaimed in Latin, Msgr. Marini said. The first Scripture reading is usually in Spanish - the language spoken by the greatest number of Catholics in the world - and the second reading is usually in English "because it is the international language."

The real mix comes in the prayers of the faithful. With the petitions, "we try, above all, to take into account the university of the church. so there are a few European languages, an Asian and an African language to make all continents present in some way," he said.

The Mass he likes best during the year is the Easter Vigil, "even if at Christmas the liturgies are more intimate, more familial," he said.

Msgr. Marini, who started working at the Vatican three months after his ordination to the priesthood in 1965. does not have much opportunity to preside at parish liturgies.

"The pope is always busy on Sundays," he said. If he is not off on a foreign trip, he's likely to be found in a Roman parish.

Being in charge of everything that goes right or wrong during a

In a cold and dark loll' stahle a haby child lI'as born.

His birth/or mankind:5 wrongs. a hope for those forlorn.

With little pomp and ma;esty came the Prince ()( Saving Peace.

A gili to this sad world. the way to (ind release From bonds of wayward actions to ones 0/ simple joy.

This wondrous life for all in Christ the bahy boy. ' .

In tattered swaddling clothes the little child was clad Even midst this povertl路 no one there seemed sad. .

Lowly liveried animals attended this event.

So few men there to lI'itnes,I' that He was heaven-sent.

The meekest and the simplest were the ones God chose to see The secret of the heavens. that which sets us free.

Through this glorious sight Ifind a message there.

That we must be like him. the child ofloving care.

To follow Him with faith and repeat this age-old storr.

The Prince of Peace is 'horn. He has come in Heaven :1' glory.

- By Jean Quigley

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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Dec. 24, 1993

The Star "The star for which the world is waiting, without yet being able to give it a name, or rightly appreciate its true transcendence, or even recognize the most spiritual and divine of its rays, is, necessar-

ily, Christ himself, in whom we hope. To desire the Parousia, all we have to do is let the very heart of the earth, as we Christianize it, beat within uS."-Pierre Teilhard de Chardil1

SACRED HEART PARISH FAMILY North Attleboro, Ma...chuaett8

7, "1/

May the good News ofChristmas never cease to bring WI joy and renew our faith.

Dec. 27 1956, Rev. ThomasJ. Stapleton, Pastor, Corpus Christi, Sandwich 1970, Rev. Msgr. Armand Levasseur, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset; Rev. Clement Paquet, O.P., Assistant, St. Anne, Fall River Dec. 30 1991, Rev. ThomasC. Mayhew, Pastor, Our Lady ofMt. Carmel, Seekonk

Jan. I 1955, Rev. Jose Valeiro, Pastor, St. Elizabeth, Fall River 1956, Rev. Antonio M. Fortuna, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, New Bedford 1968, Rev. Francis R. Connerton, SS.STD., St. John's Seminary, Plymouth, Michigan 1975, Rev. Leo T. Sullivan, Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford Jan. 4 1961, Rev. Eugene L. Dion, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River

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CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE 1993 Vigil: 4:00 PM. - Family Mass (Children's Choir) Midnight: Vigil ofCarols begins at 11 :30 p.m.

(Adult Choir) Christmas: 9:00 A.M. - Music ofthe Season (Cantors and Guitarists) NO 4 P.M. VIGIL MASS FOR SUNDAY

Jan. 6 1906, Rev. James F. Roach, Founder, Immaculate Conception, Taunton Jan. 7 1970, Rev. Alfred R. Forni, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi, New Bedford 1989, Rev. Gustave Gosselin, M.S., LaSalette Shrine, Attleboro 1I11I11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111I111111111111111111111

papal liturgy makes actually praying during the Mass a challenge, Msgr. Marini admitted.

"There are pluses and minuses," he said. "The rewards are preparing the liturgy and all its texts, mccung different people, and bei ng in contact with the Holy Father, being near him, helping him. It's a unique experience."

On the other hand, it is difficult to pray when "you see everything that happens that shouldn't," he said, "Being in a position where I have to watch everything that is happening and think about what should happen next, there is distraction," he said.

"But despite that, there is always some level of prayer because that is why we are there," Msgr. Marini concluded.

11

GIBMAR ELECTRIC 54 Henri Street, Somerset, MA 02726 674-9861

II The followin~ article is the second in a four-part series tracin~ the history of the Fall River diocese. It was ori~inally presented as a talk by Father Barry W. Wall at the recent openin~ session of the Emmaus spiritual renewal pro~ram for priests. Last week's article described area Catholic life before the foundin~ of the diocese and the episcopate of the first bishop, Most Reverend William Stan~.

On March 19. 1821. a parcel of land at Allen and Dartmouth Streets was conveyed to Bishop Cheverus and here in the summer of 1821 the first Catholic church in the diocese was erected. The site is marked by a granite monument in front of the Aubertine Funeral Home.

Part of this land was used for a cemetery until the 1850s when the land for St. Mary's Cemetery was acquired. Those who have the care of cemeteries will relate to the account of the first burial in the new cemetery. After the interment the family beeame'Upset when they realized that the deceased was alone in the cemetery and demanded that the body be removed to Allen Street where the man would be surrounded by his relatives and friends. The man was from Wareham.

Priests like Father Robert Woodley who came from Maryland to assist his friend. Bishop Benedict Fenwick. began to travel throughout the area caring for Catholics who were beginning to settle in North Attlehoro. North Easton. Mansfield. Norton. Somerset, Woods Hole. Harwich. Provincetown. Martha's Vineyard. and Nantucket.

In spite of the increase in Catholic population after the coming of the railroad and from a rise in immigration. there were only nine parishes in southeastern Massachusetts when the territory was separated from the Diocese of Boston and illcorporated into the new Diocese of Providence in 1872.

Two were national parishes. St. Anne's in Fall River and St. John the Baptist in New Bedford.

There had 'been a Portuguese presence in the Catholic commun-

I ity in New Bedford since its beginnings. Portuguese seamen recruited in the Azores to fill out the crews of whaling vessels were the first to arrive. They are said to have contributed generously to the building of the first church and their contributions seem to have made a lasting impression on the Irish congregation because subsequent accounts never fail to mention that gold coins were seen in the collection.

Eventually some of the sailors began to settle in what was to be the Fall River diocese, marrying or bringing families from the Azores. On June I, 1830, Father Woodley baptized Lucy Anna, the two-year-old daughter of Antony and Lucy Francis. This could have been the first baptism of a Portuguese-American child. The city directory of 1836 lists an Antone Francis employed at a clothing store on Water Street.

Interesting. too. is thc story of Domingo DeMello, A fewdccades later he left the island of Pico at age 18 and came to New Bedford on a whaling ship. After 20 years at sea he returned to his homeland and married. Then. after one more brief whaling voyage. he hrought his wife and daughter to this country and settled- in Mattapoisett where a son was born. When the boy had finished school he worked in the Acushnet Mill in New Bedford. studied in Canada and in the Azores and was ordained to the priesthood in Fall River in 1908.

He founded St. Joseph parish in North Dighton. and was known to many of us as Monsignor Emmanuel Sousa DeMello. pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Taunton.

The very first Portuguese priest who came at the invitation of Bishop Williams was Father Antonio Felisberto Dias. Unfortunately. he died shortly after his arrival in 1868 and is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery. New Bedford.

He was succeeded by the real founder of St. John the Baptist parish. New Bedford. Father .10'10 Ignacio de Azevedo.

After the Civil War. French Canadians were drawn to the area a nd to jobs provided by the growing textile industry. Priests from

AMANDA MELLO, 10, of Somerset, a former pediatric patient of Saint Anne's Hospital, Fall River, illuminates Christmas decorations during the hospital's tree lighting ceremony earlier this month. (H ickey photo)

Canada who were sent to assist Father Edward Murphy at St. Mary's in Fall River began celebrating Mass there in French in 1868. The next year Bishop Williams sent Father Paul Montaubricq. an honorary canon of Bourdeaux. to establish a parish for French Canadians in Fall River.

Work was begun on a church at the eorner of Hunter and William Streets and the laying of the cornerstone was scheduled for March 13. 1870. but a storm forced postponement of the event. A week later. close to 100 people gathered for the rescheduled ceremony on a high platform which collapsed when the frozen ground beneath it began to thaw. sending those on it crashing down. When calm was restored. the cornerstone was laid.

The church was to have been dedicated to St. Clothilde but in gratitude to St. Anne. to whom Father Montaubricq attributed the near miracle lhat no one was seriously injured. the name of the church was changed and St. Anne's became the first of many parishes to be established in the diocese for French-speaking Catholics and a focal point of devotion for the entire city of Fall River.

For the last three decades of the 19th century the Catholics of southeastern Massachusetts would be under the jurisdiction of the hishops of Pro~'idence. These were years of great expansion in every sphere of life.

During this time 35 parishes were established. among them many that would grow to have a gn;at impact on the life of the Church: in Fall River tlie parishes of Sacred Heart. St. Patrick. St. Joseph. Notre Dame and Santo Christo. as well as the first parishes for Polish and Italian Catholics. St. Stanislaus and Holy Rosary; in New Bedford. St. James.

St. Anthony and Mt. Carmel: in Mansfield. St. Mary's; and in Hyannis. St. Francis Xavier.

Perhaps one of the most interesting parishes was St. Mathieu's in Fall River. Bishop Thomas Hendricken had become enmeshed in a well-known controversy with a group of members of Notre Dame parish over their desire for the appointment of a pastor who not only spoke French but was a Canadian. At the height of the fray. the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda. the Archbishop of Boston and the French-born Bishop of Burlington were all involved. Peace was fil;ally restored when everyone was exhausted and the Bishop was able to secure a gifted priest from the Bishop of the diocese of St. Hyacinthe. Sherbrooke, Canada. to take charge at Notre Damc.

Bishop Hendricken died shortly thcreafter and was succeeded by Matthew Harkins, the amiable pastor of St. James in Boston. It was a tribute to his reputation as a healer and a signal that better days were ahead when the pastor and people ofa new parish founded for French Canadians in the north end of Fall River requested that it bear the title of Bishop Harkins' patron. I think it is particularly fitting. especially in the light of the a ntics we have seen not too far away. that when St. Mathieu's parish had to close and the impressive church huilding was razed. there was comparative calm. again a trihute to the eommon sense of diocesan authorities and the faith and loyalty

ST. ANNE'S CHURCH, FALL RIVER of the people of St. Mathieu路s. which seems to have been their hallmark from the beginning.

January 7: Growth from missionary days to established parishes; the episcopate of Bishop Feehan.

"Nunsense" to' hit TV NF\\' YORK (CNS) According to author Dan Goggin. "Nunsense" is the longest-running musical in off-Broadway history exeept for "The Fantasticks."

"NunsL'nse" is entering its eighth \'Car off-Broadwa\' with companies on tour across 'the countr~' and foreign productions in 16 languages.

To top all that. ";-";unsense" is going to be seen by even more people when it premicres on cable tele\ision Thursda~'. .Ian, fl. <)-11 p,m, EST on the Arts and Entertainment eahle ehannel.

In a reeent telephone inten iew. (ioggin expressed complete satisfaetion \Iith his TV \'ersion. gi\ing credit to the show's "nicely halaneed cast of talented performers," The TV production was filmed in the Chern' Countv Playhouse in Traverse cii\'. Mich'.. bel:ore a live audience thai occasionall\' interaets with the performers.

In nearbv Grand Rapids is the motherhou~e of the Dominican nuns who taught (ioggin as a youngster and inspired his musical.

This gave (ioggin the idea to open the TV version with a scene referred to but not seen in the musical. It shows the convent's cook aecidentally poisoning 52 I.ittle Sisters of Hoboken nuns. Raising funds for their burial provides the reason for the survivors putting on a musical entertainment.

The poisoning scene was filmed in the mot herhouse wit h 55 Dominican sisters taking part. including Sister Vincent de Paul Roberts.

90. who was the prototype for the musical's mother superior.

Filming Ihe scene in the motherhouse also contrihuted to the

commllnit~"s

fundraising for a retirement home for its sisters, Goggin said the idea for ":\unsense" started with his reali/ation that people arc "fascinated \Iith nuns in traditional habits." The humor of the musical lies in the ineongruit~, hetween the traditional image of nuns and their on-stage antics, The show's higgest fans. Goggin points out'. are "real nuns and priests." One reason the~ enjoy it is hecause it shows that. contrar~' to the eon\'Cntional image. nuns ha ve a sense of humor, In fact. he's heen told that t he show is "t he hest ad for \'()cations" around, "People are really looking to laugh these days." said Goggin. but they arc also looking for something uplifting. and the nuns pro\'ide "a sense of some sort of morality. of some kind of standards to live by," (ioggin currently has a sequel on the road called "Nunsense II (The Second Coming)" and is constructing a TV series on the further misadn:ntures of the I.ittle Sisters of Hohoken.

After .Ian, fl. A&E is repeating the program .Ian, 9 and twice again between April and.l une 1994, The TV \'ersion. plus 20 extra minutes of material. will also soon be a\ailahle on \'ideocassette,

Development differs from fundraising, says Omaha priest

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BABY JESUS' CRIB. drawn by Ricky. St. Vincent's Horne. Fall Rive:-. is an honorable mention art contest entry.

Blessing of a crib For a home blessing of a Christmas crib, the motl1er, father or other adult takes the part ofthe leader. For parish, schoc,. or other grou ps, a leader rna)' be designated.

Leader: As we gat he:' to bless our Christmas crib. let u~ be mindful of the goodness ofGcd in coming to us as a helple!;s infant whom no ene could fear hut whol"!1 everyone can love.

(Children or other designated persons read:)

A reading from the Gospel of St. Luke: The shepherd~ said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem and let us see this word that is come to pass. v,hich the Lord hath showed to us.

And thev came with ~ aste; and thev found" Marv and Je,seph and the"infant lying in the m.lnger.

And seeing. they Jndel'stood the word that had been sJoken to them concerning this child.

And all that heard. \"ondered: and at thosc things that were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these words. pondering them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned. glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen. as it was told unto them.

Let us pray: Jesus. sweetest child. born in Bethlehem of the Virgin Mary. wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. announced by angels and visited by shepherds. have mercy on us.

All: Having mercy on us. Child Jesus. have mercy on us.

Let us pray: Jesus. sweetest child. manifested by the leading of a star to the three Wise Men. worshiped in the arms of thy mother. presented with the mystic gifts of gold. frankincense and myrrh. have mercy on us.

Leader: Bless. we beseech thee. o Lord. our Christmas crib. converted by your presence into a royal throne. May our souls also become your dwelling place and may we love and serve you in this life so that we may be worthy to enjoy you eternally in the life to come.

All: Amen.

Second postcard campaign: r~ 0 ab()rticln in health care WASHI;\;GT01\ (C:\S) For the second vear. U.S. Catholics will mark Ja~. 23 a~; National Project Life Sunday by sending Congress a pro-life message by postcare.

The theme of the new campaign will be "Keep Abortion Out of Health Care Refor:n."

The 1994 campaign was announced Dec. 15 by the U.S. bishops' Secretaria.t f"ar Pro-Life Act .vities and the Natic nal Committee for a Human Lif~ Amendmert. a Catholic pro-lif,: group.

Jan. 22 marks the 21st ar.niversar} of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade deci:;ion.

"Health care reform i; likely to be the most important mllttel' Congres; will take up in 1<;94:' said Cardinal Roger M. Mahonv of Los Angeles, chairman cf the U.S. bishops' pro-life committee.

"-ihe pro-life commullity needs to act now to ensure that we are not forced by law to subsidize abortions with our tax rronies and insurance premiums." he added.

"No government has the right to force us .to finance the deliberate destruction of human lives."

The 1994 postcards carry this message: "Our nation needs to reform its health care system to protect the lives and enhance the. dignity of all. especially the poor and vulnerable. the unserved and the unborn. Abortion is not health care; it destroys human life. and most Americans don't want to pay for it. Please de}n't force me to pay for abortions against my conscience. As your constituent. I urge you to keep abortion out of needed health care reform."

Last year. the National Project Life Sunday postcard campaign generated from 3 million to 7 million postcards and letters to Congressagainst the Freedom ofChoicc Act. Congress failed to act on the Act in 1993 and it is given little chance of passage in 1994.

The campaign will involve distribution of postcards at Catholic parishes during the Jan. 22-23 weekend.

OMAHA. Neb. (CNS) -- What's the difference between fundraising and development?

According to Father John A. Flynn. director of education for the Omaha archdiocese. the goal of the first is to attract money. while the second is about cultivating "personaL fulfilling. lasting relationships with people."

In development "the dollars are the result. not the goal. of a successful program." he told a recent clergy conference.

Such a program can aid pastors in dealing with money and financial affairs.

"We invite people to share in the ministry of development," said Father Flynn. "Their need to give is far greater than the church's need to receive. By offering Catholics the opportunity to give a gift of faith and charity. we are doing them a bigger favor than they can ever do for us."

The emphasis in development is the "theology of giving." which "eliminates any threats to close an institution if people don't contribute." the priest said. "While we will always have fund raising. let's emphasize development," He suggested thinking in terms of available resources. rather than limited resources and think about multiplying the "options for giving:' rather than limiting the number of appeals.

Father J. Thomas Finucan. former president of Viterbo College in La Crosse. Wis .. told the clergy that 35 to 40 percent of money going to non-Catholic TV evangelists comes from Catholics "because they are being asked."

Another speaker. Msgr. Joseph Champlin. pastor of St. Joseph parish in Camillus. N. Y.. said there are four principles in sacrificial giving. and "each can be applied e4ually well" to retirees. wage earners. those on fixed incomes.

THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River--Fri., Dec. 24.1993

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CONFIRMA nON CANDIDATES at St. Patrick's parish, Falmouth. wrap Christmas gifts for clients of the Ncw Hope family services agency. The students purchased clothing. presents and gift certificates with proceeds from a bake sale and hot chocolate concession at the Falmouth Christmas Parade. tcens who work parttime and children with an allowance, The first principle. he said. is for Catholics to give back "to the Lord in gratitude a portion of everything God has given:' whether that be paychecks. dividends. windfalls. Social Security payments or allowances.

Second is giving a gift that is "a sacrifice:' something "almost more than affordable that 'makes holy:" all the efforts of the week. said Father Champlin. known nationally for his books and articles on stewardship.

Next, he said. is making a commitment to regular support of the church. illustrated by using the parish envelopes provided each week. he said, adding that the contribution then becomes part of one's Sunday worship.

Finally. ':consider t he biblical norm of tithing 10 percent as the barometer for determining the sacrificial gift." Father Champlin said.

Many parishes put half of tithed

monev toward parish needs and resen:e the other half for the missions. local appeals. private charities and Catholic school tuition.

Sad Statistics The Asia-Pacific region holds 67 percent of the world's chronically undernourished people and nearly 80 percent of the world's underweight children. (FAO! World Health Organization)

OUR LADY'S REliGIOUS STORE Man - Sat. 10.-00 - 5.30 PM

GIFTS CARDS

BOOKS 673-4262 936 So. Main St..

Christmas 1993

Peace

and Joy from Fr. Costa, the Sisters, Staff and Children

of St. Vincent's Drawing by Nick, a resident

Fall River

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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Dec. 24,1993

Do You See What I See? Continued from Page Three mattress and box spring. There were peacefully slumbering Baby Jesuses, crying Baby Jesuses, and bouncing babies leaping from their mangers.

The wailing Baby in a drawing

by Jennifer Holcomb, St. John Evangelist School, seems not to appreciate his accommodations but no wonder he can't sleep, with all the barn animal noises emanating from the drawings of Jennifer's schoolmates!

A more contented Baby Jesus yawns and stretches in the hay at the feet of a sturdy-looking horse in a picture by Stephanie Flores, Sacred Heart parish, Oak Bluffs.

Stables were filled with creatures great and small - cows, pigs, horses, camels, even birds, such as the very curious rooster perched on the edge of Jesus' cradle in an entry by Jonathan Sokol, St. Joseph's parish, Woods Hole.

In a drawing by Candice Vrona, St. George, Westport, an equally interested floppy-eared dog looks down from a loft upon a baby and his "mom" and "dad." Sheep with bells around their necks parade into a stable surrounded by palm trees in a drawing by David Anderson, Oak Bluffs. A donkey in the picture by Paige MacGregor, St. John Evangelist School, carries a large package on his back the Donkey Express? Chubby horses and sheep munch hay in drawings by Marianne Phillips, St. Mary's School, and Nicole Lavalley, St. Joseph's School, New Bedford.

And in this year of Jurassic Park and Barney, it was inevitable that a few prehistoric~looking critters would find their way to the manger. .

All manner of travelers were captured en route to Jesus' birthplace: of course there were shepherds and kings - though not necessarily in threes - and myriads of the heavenly host.

There were two depictions of the Little Drummer Boy: Christopher Lafontaine's (St. John Evangelist School) asks "Can I play my drum?", to which an ob. viously pleased Mary replies, "Yes, you may." Andmusical notes from the drum are already adrift in a stable drawn by Kristen Ladino, St. Mary's School.

Three kings by Leslie-Anne Stevens, St. Mary's School, wear crowns and elaborately decorated coats, while in the drawing of Kristen Hetzler, SS. Peter and Paul School, three kings bear gifts and giant croziers that would be the envy of any bishop.

And the pope himself appears in a picture by Andrew Olejarz, St. Mary's School.

A drawing by Mark Schroth, St. John Evangelist School, shows a kneeling king laying treasure by the manger as two other kings look on, an angel above declares "I'm watching," and an astronaut floats around the stars and the moon.

In Kevin Johnston's (St. John Evangelist School) drawing, a surprised traveler in a long scarf riding a camel hears shouts from a nearby stable: "I'm a mom!" and "I'm a dad!"

The visitors come by camel one drawn by Paul Reis, St. Michael's School, Fall River, seats two; by boat in a picture by Johnathan Parker, Oak Bluffs; and by

chariot, as drawn by Thomas Kenney, Oak Bluffs.

Others haven't quite reached the stable: Adam Myers, Holy Name School, drew a shepherd pointing to a distant star and stable as he shouts "Look!"

The skies of Bethlehem are alive with action; angels with trumpets, angels with candles, angels with magic wands, angels that look like Macy's parade balloons. "I bring great joy," says one; "Peace on Earth" declares another with arms outstretched over the stable in a drawing by Katelyn Germana, St. Rita's parish, Marion.

An angel with a banner reading "Gloria" hovers in a stable by Valerie Luiz, St. Mary's School, while a shaft of starlight shines on Mary and the manger below.

There were rainbows and suns and stars - twinkling stars, shooting stars, stars with smiley faces, and dizzying rows and rows of stars. A star streaks over the Bethlehem skyline in a picture by Michael Macri, Holy Rosary, Fall River.

For better navigation by its followers, Heather Morin, St. John Evangelist School, marked her star N, S, E and W. Below, the Baby Jesus says "Hi!" There are numerous other vocalizations from the stable: "I am happy!" says Mary in a drawing by Caitlin Beth Carrol, St. John Evangelist School. A row of ZZZZZs surrounds the infant Jesus in pictures by Danielle Levesque, St. Mary's School, and Paul Gagnon, St. John Evangelist School.

"The new baby was born," says Joseph in a drawing by Laura Lokitis, St. John Evangelist School. "His name should be Jesus," adds Mary.

And as he looks over the scene in a stable that contains a sun, two stars, Mary, baby, sheep, and a shepherd, Joseph comments, "Good!" in a drawing by Angela Ramunno, St. George, Westport.

And of course there were unique interpretations of that first Christmas night, such as one by Ashlee Ferreira, St. Michael's School, Fall River, whose stable is surrounded by star-decorated Christmas trees with wrapped presents underneath.

Danny Shea, St. Mary's School, shows the stable perched on top of the world with a banner above reading "Christmas."

Extending the Christmas story was Elizabeth Cramer, Oak Bluffs, who depicts Joseph leading a donkey carrying Mary and Jesus as they flee - which they must because a mean-looking King Herod is in pursuit in a drawing by William Panek, also of Oak Bluffs.

Two entries came in amazing technicolor: Lisa Marie Alessandri, St. Mary's, Mansfield, used a spectrum of magic markers to compose a scene with a stable surrounded by Christmas trees and ornaments, a rainbow, sun, hearts, stars, flowers and crosses.

Megan Severino, St. Joseph's, Taunton, submitted her Annunciation scene on white paper bordered with green Christmas wrapping paper. Drawn with pink ink, it had the angel Gabriel adorned with gold crayon, and Mary in a blue robe with a halo of sparkling gold paper.

And we had two sets of twins send entries: Adam and Timothy Nunes of St. George, Westport, and Tracy and Michele Afonso, students at St. Michael's School.

By Charlie MartJn

CAROL OF THE BELLS Hark how the bells Sweet silver bells o seem to say Throw cares away Christmas is here Bringing good cheer To young and old Meek and the bold Ding-dong, ding-dong That is their song With joyful ring All caroling One seems to hear Words of good cheer From everywhere Filling the air 0, how they pound Raising the sound O'er hill and dale Telling their tale Gaily they ring While people sing Songs of good cheer Christmas is here Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas On, on they send On without end With joyful tone To every home 19th Century Traditional Ukrainian Carol Written by P.J. Wilhousky, M. Leontovich (c) 1936 by Carl Fischer Inc. "ONE SEEMS to hear words Yet, what is the joy of Christof good cheer from everywhere mas? Is it to be found in the exchange of presents or in gathfilling the air ... Christmas is here." I ndeed. Christmas 1993 erings with our friends and famis here, and as the words of the ilies? Should we look for this joy in the solemnity of our "Carol of the Bells" remind us, we are invited to experience the church services? joy of the season. .

One hopes that all these ritu-

RINGING IN the holidays: Father George Almeida and Altar Boys' Handbell Choir of Holy Family parish, East Taunton. Father Almeida has been teaching young people to ring hand bells for more than a dozen years, beginning when he was pastor at St. Elizabeth's parish, Edgartown.

The Holy Family choir has 14 members, who begin rehearsing in September for Christmas season performances at nursing homes, neighboring parishes and at the Holy Family Christmas Midnight Mass.

Organist Phillip Spindola assisted this year in directing the group, which will perform the carols "0 Little Town of Bethlehem," "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" and "Good King Wenceslaus" for the WLNE Channel 6 television Mass to be broadcast 8 a.m.

Dec. 26, the IOOth anniversary of the feast of the Holy Family.

•

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To sum it all up, we don't think we can say it any better than did Patrick Coogan, 7, a CCD student at Sacred Heart parish, Oak Bluffs, who wrote in large letters above

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als of the season' add meaning and joy to our lives. However, I would suggest that the enduring joy which the bells of this carol ring out has more to do with what God does for our lives.

In giving us Jesus, God reveals that he will spare no effort in offering us the best of himself.

Christmas announces that God walks with us as we face life's challenges, pains and difficulties. Christmas celebrates the fact that we are never truly alone, even when we feel totally forgotten, unloved or hurt.

Christmas joy is true joy because it does not try to mask life's suffering. For a moment consider some of the loss that has occurred in our world during 1993.

While you may not have been caught up in a large-scale disaster, perhaps you encountered personal hurt or tragedy. Maybe this Christmas feels like you have nothing to celebrate as you grieve for what has been lost in your life.

The joy of Christmas does not mean nothing in life ever hurts us. Jesus' life itself shows how real suffering can be. We pause to remember Jesus' birth' because his life reveals that nothing can separate us from God's love, even life's deepest hurts.

Christmas celebrates lasting hope. Christmas bells ring out our infinite worth before the Creator, promising that every hurt will be healed.

May the remembering of Jesus' birth lift up your life, bring you healing and help you find joy.

Your comments are welcomed always by Charlie Martin, R.R. 3; Box 182, Rockport, Ind. 47635

Coyle-CasshlJ

THE ANCHOR--Diocese of Fall River- Fri .. Dec. 24.1993

15

Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton, closed out 1993 with many holiday events.

I n addition to a Christmas con-

ST. NICHOLAS.. the famed fourth century bishop of Myra, visits youngster~ at St. Joseph's School, Fairhaven, on his feast day, Dec. 6. Rer.owned for his generosity, the saint distributed candy :anes and other treats to students and staff.

,------,-----------Sleepin~~ bag proj~ct

EAST HANOVER, N.J. (CNS) - After giving awa~ some 3.400 sleeping bags to the homeless in New York City. Philadelphia. Newark a-nd Atlantic City last winter, Jeff Biggiani knew his work was not done.

"The story in the news recently about the 42-year-old h Jmeless woman who froze to d ~ath in Washington just strengthened my resolv~ to keep Project ~ leeping Bag going to help as man) people as we can," said Biggian, a parishio:ler at S1. Rose of Li:na parish in East Hanover.

What began as a family Advent project with his wife, Debbie, and their eight children snowba led into a par.sh and community effort. raising more than $40,000 last year.

Aided by fellow parishioners of S1. Rose, the Biggianis'ecently delivered a truckload of ~;Ieeping bags to two New York City sites.

"Television news re port~, say the homeless situation in New York is being taken care 0[," he Did The Beacon. newspaper of the P2.terson diocese. "But w~ drcve into the ci':y after midnight last week

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and found hundreds of them living in cardboard boxes."

Among the volunteers who went to New York with Biggiani was Father William McCarthy. pastor of S1. Rose.

"The homeless people were very excited when they saw we had sleeping bags for them," Father McCarthy said. "They were very kind to us and received them with grateful hearts. They were very concerned about the other homeless and told us of other pockets of homeless people who need sleeping bags."

Sister Dolores Alfone. a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Ringwood and pastoral associate at S1.

Rose's, said Project Sleeping Bag is meaningful "even though we know it can't take care of the total needs of the homeless, but it sends a message to the world that people do care about one another and will do whatever they can to help."

Project Sleeping Bag can be contacted at (800) 541-WARM or c/o St. Rose of Lima Rectory, 312 Ridgedale Ave., East Hanover, NJ 07936.

cert by the concert band and girls' select choir, the school opened its doors and hearts to the area needy with the December Food Pantry and the National Honor Society Christmas Gift Shop.

On Dec. 18. the Food Pantry distributed nearly 300 bags of groceries. more than double the amount distributed in a regular month.

The cafeteria was transformed into "a mall without cash registers" for the first annual National Honor Society Christmas Gift Shop. There were games, stuffed animals and toys, and bikes and Christmas trees were raffled.

The NHS project was coordinated by moderators Stacy Goyette and Kristen DeMoura. The students started their toy collections in October. receiving many donations from the CC community and local merchants.

Also, nearly 600 poinsettia plants were sold, with some of the proceeds going to the Food Pantry.

There was even an appearance

by Santa. who visited with children while parents browsed in the Gift Shop.

The school celebrated a Christmas Ma~s Dec. 22 at St. Mary's Church. Taunton. where the CoyleCassidy community was joined by students and teachers from S1.

Mary's School.

Readings from the four Sundays of Advent were proclaimed and the Christmas story was told in tableau form.

St. Mary's students, some in costumes, described Christmas traditions of 25 countries.

Ornament deemed collector's item ARLINGTON, Va. (CNS) - A writer associated with Hallmark has recommended that a religious Christmas ornament created by an Irish woman living in Virginia become a collector's item.

Clara Johnson Scroggins, who does ornament collectors books for Hallmark, picked the "Mary Queen of Peace, Pray for Us" ornament created by Mary Hewson of Fairfax, Va. Designed to commemorate Pope John Paul II's World Youth Day 1993 U.S. visit, the solid brass ornament with a 24-carat gold finish features an image of Mary holding white rosary beads. Behind her are 12 white flames representing the Apostles. A small cross with a crown of thorns represents the crucifixion.

A yearning for her home of Limerick. Ireland, first led Ms. Hewson to design ornaments. She came to the United States in 1990 to teach preschool. Shortly after she arrived her mother died, but she was unable to return home.

As a way to ease her pain, she created .m ornament with a map depicting every county of Ireland in November 1992, and a friend who owns a local Irish gift shop urged her to have it manufactured.

Her idea for the Christmas ornament carne out of wanting something to represent the significance of the season. She said she found the first Christmas after her mother's death especially difficult.

Her designs are not limited to religious themes, though she does plan a series of them with the next one on the Holy Family.

GIFTED: Kindergarteners at St. Anne's School, Fall River. portray Christmas presents at a luncheon for senior citizens served by eighth-graders. Entertainment was provided by kindergarten through fifth grade students and by the children's choir under direction of Normand Gingras. Students made decorations. placemats and gifts for the event.

Another Christmas project at the school was a "Rudolph Christmas Shop" run by eighth-graders at which children were able to select gifts for family members. Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer made an appearance.

Mount Carmel School performed for parents Dec. 17.

The show ended with the seventhand eighth-graders' rendition or "Let There Be Peace on Earth."

A Christmas luncheon for facult\'. staff and students was held Dec'. 21. concluding with carol singing and followed by indiyidual classroom celebrations.

Students also prepared for the Christ mas season wit h large Ad \ent calendars posted in hallways this month and weekly Adyent wreath sen'lces.

The drama club or Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. New Bedford. performed its first play. "The Greatest Christmas Card in the Whole World." Dec. 10. The program concluded with a musical presentation b~' grades 5 and 6.

Traditional. religious and Portuguese Christmas songs were featured in a school wide Songfest

Bishop Connolly The Bishop Connolly High School. Fall River. chapter of the National Honor Society recently sponsored its annual Christmas Gift Drive for disad\antaged children. Students and faculty members participated by signing up to purchase presents for local children who might not have received a gift otherwise. The toys and other gifts were collected this week for Christmas delivery.

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