Diocese of Fall River
The Anchor
F riday , February 12, 2010
World Marriage Day: What’s changed for Catholic couples? By Deacon James N. Dunbar
Diocese again calls faithful to ‘Be Reconciled to God’ By Dave Jolivet, Editor
MANSFIELD — Last year, nearly 5,000 Catholic faithful took advantage of the Diocese of Fall River’s first-ever Reconciliation Weekend. Many of those who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation did so for the first time in a very long time. Many experienced the relief from the burden of sin carried for years. Most of the priests across the diocese hailed the success of last year’s event and expressed a hope for a repeat this year. Bishop George W. Coleman was quick to offer the Reconciliation Weekend in 2010, naming Msgr. Stephen J. Avila, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Mansfield and diocesan director of the Office For Worship, as chairman of a committee of priests to plan and organize the event that will take place March 19 and 20. “The committee consists of priests from each of the five diocesan deaneries,” Msgr. Avila told The Anchor. “It represents a good cross-section of the diocese. The lines of communication are always open, and we’ve been discussing what worked last year and what didn’t.” Msgr. Avila added that “reconciling with God is vital for spiritual life. Having this concentrated time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation calls attention to its importance. When people see how the priests are taking the time to do this, it also shows just
how important it is to reconcile with the Father. Many of our diocesan priests saw the fruits of the reconciliation weekend last year and are excited about it this year.” In most diocesan parishes, confessions will be heard from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 19, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 to 3:30 p.m. on March 20. Some parishes’ confession schedules may be slightly different, but a list of each parish and the times is available at the website BeReconciledtoGod.com. A schedule will also be published in a special Reconciliation Weekend supplement to appear in the March 12 edition of The Anchor. This Year For Priests marks the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, who constantly stressed the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and who spent countless hours in the confessional offering the power of Christ’s forgiveness to those who are truly repentant. In the spirit of St. John Vianney, all diocesan priests will be available to offer that same powerful presence of God’s love for his people. Parishes will provide Massgoers with flyers and other announcements as the weekend draws nearer. The BeReconciledtoGod.com website will provide visitors with much valuable informaTurn to page five
FALL RIVER — World Marriage Day 2010 will be celebrated Sunday — February 14 — which is also Valentine’s Day. Hopefully, whatever is done in parishes and families, especially by young engaged couples by way of celebrations, will bring the significance of the sacrament of marriage and their love and need to pray to center stage for at least one important day. World Marriage Day was begun in 1983 by Worldwide Marriage Encounter to honor the husband and the wife as head of the family, the basic unit of society, and to salute the beauty of their faithfulness and the need for prayer and sacrifice and joy in married life. The annual observance takes on new meaning as the sacrament and institution and meaning of marriage are facing crucial new challenges from within and without. More than ever, couples are experiencing problems arising from a widespread mistaken understanding of what marriage truly is; and unity and
indissolubility are being replaced by personal fulfillment. Facing the worrisome statistics that one out of every two marriages today fail, the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops is undertaking a new evangelization seeking to reverse the tide of marital breakdown by teaching the “Good News” of the Catholic understanding of matrimony, and highlighting the importance for spouses to seek a deeper faith in God through prayer for the graces needed in their married life. In its “For Your Marriage” initiative, the bishops call attention to the meaning and value of married life for the Church and for society. “The initiative weaves together the Catholic faith tradition and its pastoral practice, the data of social science, and the experience of married couples to offer guidance and resources, including a pastoral letter, in order to promote, strengthen, sustain and restore marriages,” the bishops wrote. It finds pastors and parochial vicars, educators and workers in the marriage apostolate more comTurn to page 12
Catholic singles looking for love in cyberspace By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff FALL RIVER — It’s not just roses and chocolate young lovers are buying in anticipation of February 14 these days — it’s also online subscriptions to Catholic dating websites. Valentine’s Day always seems to be a catalyst to spur single people into action to seek out a potential soul mate. If Cupid’s arrow hasn’t found them yet, they figure, maybe it’s time to step onto the range and seek it out. And with more than 22 million single Catholics in the country — a record number and many of whom are marrying at an older age
— business is booming for Catholic online dating. Thankfully, there are several reputable resources in cyberspace for Catholic singles. Websites like CatholicMatch.com, CatholicSingles.com and AveMariaSingles. com all provide a safe and reliable forum for like-minded Catholics to connect and, hopefully, find that special someone to share their lives and faith together. “It’s not surprising that so many singles join our site this time of year,” said CatholicMatch.com cofounder Brian Barcaro. “They’ve just endured another holiday season alone and now they’re staring down the face of another date-less
Valentine’s Day. That can be a painful one-two punch.” Members of CatholicMatch. com said they are determined to take action this year. Asked in a recent online poll, “Which aspect of your life do you most want to improve in 2010?” 30 percent answered: “Be more proactive about meeting someone.” The secondmost popular response, netting 24 percent of votes, was to lose weight, while 19 percent said they’re hoping to get finances in order. Unlike secular dating websites such as Match.com and eHarmony.com, Catholic dating sites obviTurn to page five
Anchor to implement long-delayed price increase
By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff
FALL RIVER — For the first time in 13 years, to offset everescalating postal and printing costs, The Anchor is increasing the annual subscription rate for
the official Catholic newspaper of the Fall River Diocese. Effective immediately, the price for a one-year subscription (49 issues) to The Anchor will be $20. While there are many factors
that influenced the price adjustment, the main reasons for the increase at this time include an industry-wide jump in the cost of paper due to the shutting down of one of three major paTurn to page 14
News From the Vatican
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February 12, 2010
Vatican making final review of English liturgical translations VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments is pulling together the final version of the English translation of the complete Roman Missal, the book of prayers used at Mass. The Vox Clara Committee, an international group of bishops established to advise the congregation about the translation of the Roman Missal into English, met in Rome as January ended. A statement released at the end of the meeting said members “reviewed various reports on the steps being taken for editing, coordination of manuscripts and reviews for internal consistency of the English-language translation” of the Roman Missal. Marist Father Anthony Ward, an official of the congregation for worship, said that because bishops’ conferences approved the Roman Missal in sections over a period of years, a final review and minor edits were needed to ensure consistency. For instance, he said, the same Latin prayer may be used in two different Masses and may have been translated slightly differently during the bishops’ approval process. The Vox Clara statement said committee members reviewed the last two sections of the Roman Missal translation to be approved by bishops’ conferences in English-speaking countries: The proper of saints, a collection of specific prayers related to each saint in the universal liturgical calendar; and the common
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of saints, general prayers for celebrating saints listed in the “Roman Martyrology,” but not in the universal calendar. Spanish Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera, prefect of the congregation, met with the committee and “expressed his hope that the coming confirmation of the Roman Missal would prove to be of great pastoral advantage to the church in the Englishspeaking world,” the Vox Clara statement said. Most English-speaking bishops’ conferences are preparing materials to introduce and explain the new translation with the hope people will begin using it in parishes at the beginning of Advent 2011. Father Ward said the congregation would finish its work long before that, although he could not give a precise date for when the Vatican will approve the entire Roman Missal in English. Individual bishops’ conferences would then make arrangements for printing, binding and distributing the missal and setting a date for its introduction. “Expressing their enthusiasm for the extraordinary pastoral opportunity provided by the publication of a translation characterized by high literary quality, theological precision and pastoral utility, the members emphasized the importance of providing pastors and people with the greatest possible support in the effective pastoral reception of this new translation,” the Vox Clara statement said. OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 54, No. 6
Member: Catholic Press Association, Catholic News Service
Published weekly except for two weeks in the summer and the week after Christmas 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 P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA, call or use email address
PUBLISHER - Most Reverend George W. Coleman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Roger J. Landry fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org NEWS EDITOR Deacon James N. Dunbar jimdunbar@anchornews.org OFFICE MANAGER Mary Chase marychase@anchornews.org ADVERTISING Wayne R. Powers waynepowers@anchornews.org REPORTER Kenneth J. Souza k ensouza@anchornews.org Send Letters to the Editor to: fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org PoStmaSters send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722. THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-020) Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass.
fan club — Italian children hold a sign expressing their affection for Pope Benedict XVI at the pontiff’s general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican recently. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Church has right to bring Gospel values to public debate, pope says By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
he said. Pope Benedict also asked VATICAN CITY — Cathothe bishops “to be generous in lic teaching and the truths of the implementing the provisions” Gospel have a right to be heard of his recent apostolic constituin public debate, especially in tion, which established a spea country where so many peocial structure for Anglicans who ple claim to be Christian, Pope want to be in full communion Benedict XVI told the bishops of with the Roman Catholic Church England and Wales. while preserving aspects of their However, the Church must Anglican spiritual and liturgical recognize dissent within its own heritage. ranks and not accept it as being He asked the bishops to assist part of a balanced discussuch groups in their deidelity to the Gospel in no way sire for full communion, sion, he said February 1 restricts the freedom of others saying that if they were in an address to bishops who were making their — on the contrary, it serves their freedom warmly and openly wel“ad limina” visits. comed, they “would be by offering them the truth,” he said. The meeting with the a blessing for the entire bishops, who were at the Church.” Vatican to report on the status many people who are unable to The pope also said his upof their dioceses, took place as express them, he said. coming visit to Great Britain Pope Benedict prepares to visit “When so many of the popu- would be an opportunity to witGreat Britain in September. lation claim to be Christian, how ness firsthand the “many signs Referring to the Equality Bill could anyone dispute the Gos- of living faith and devotion” under debate in Britain’s Parlia- pel’s right to be heard?” the pope among Catholics and to help ment, the pope said some leg- asked. them strengthen and confirm islation designed to guarantee “Fidelity to the Gospel in no their faith. equal opportunity for all people way restricts the freedom of othArchbishop Vincent Nichols actually would impose “unjust ers — on the contrary, it serves of Westminster, president of the limitations on the freedom of re- their freedom by offering them Catholic Bishops’ Conference of ligious communities to act in ac- the truth,” he said. England and Wales, told the pope cordance with their beliefs.” To bring a coherent, convinc- that his visit would offer encourCatholic bishops have said ing message to the people, the agement not only to Catholics, the bill means churches could be Church must ensure the Catho- “but to all our fellow citizens.” sued by anyone who was turned lic community speaks with one The archbishop also said the away as a candidate for the voice, he added. beatification of Cardinal John priesthood on grounds of gender In a culture that encourages Henry Newman “is, we trust, or sexual lifestyle. the expression of a wide variety the eagerly anticipated climax of A recent vote in Britain’s of opinions, the pope said, “it is your proposed visit.” House of Lords, however, sup- important to recognize dissent The Vatican has not officially ported an amendment that pro- for what it is, and not to mistake announced the dates or cities tected the existing rights of it for a mature contribution to a the pope will visit in Great Britchurches to insist that clergy balanced and wide-ranging de- ain in September, but the pope and high-profile lay employees bate.” is expected to preside over the live in a manner consistent with The bishops must prepare the beatification of the influential Christian moral teaching. laity to convey Church teaching 19th-century theologian and forPope Benedict urged the accurately and comprehensively, mer Anglican. bishops to continue defending Church teaching in the public realm, adding that they have a right “to participate in national debate through respectful dialogue with other elements in society.” By being vocal participants in public discussion, the bishops are maintaining Britain’s longstanding tradition of freedom of expression and are giving voice to the similar beliefs held by
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February 12, 2010
Lenten 40 Days for Life vigil will begin February 17 By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff ATTLEBORO — Faithful Catholics from the diocese will join groups in cities across the nation during a Lenten 40 Days for Life vigil beginning February 17. Participants will once again assemble outside the only remaining abortion clinic operating within the Fall River Diocese, Four Women, Inc. on Emory Street in Attleboro — just steps from the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette — to peacefully pray for an end to abortion. “This is the fourth campaign in the Fall River Diocese,” said coordinator Steve Marcotte. “We started in the fall of 2008 and have had two in the fall and this is the second one during Lent.” The largest and longest coordinated Pro-Life mobilization in history, the nationwide 40 Days for Life campaign includes prayer and fasting, community outreach and participation in peaceful vigils at sites throughout the country like the one in Attleboro. Since beginning the local campaign two years ago, Marcotte noted how interest and participation in the program has continued to grow with each subsequent 40 Days for Life effort. “Steadily people seem to trickle in and inquire about it,” he said. “We’ve had some people inquire about starting a campaign in Brockton and we just signed up two new people for this up-
coming campaign, so we’re excited.” Since its inception, 40 Days for Life has generated measurable life-saving results in more than 130 cities where it has been implemented. Some locations have reported as much as a 28 percent decrease in local abortion numbers and hundreds of new people getting involved in local life-saving ministry efforts. “It’s a beautiful time to come together and share with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to lovingly pray for an end to abortion and to turn hearts and minds to life,” Marcotte said. “Incredible friendships have been formed as a byproduct of this campaign — along with some real examples of healing, too.” To that end, Marcotte cited examples of people coming up to him during past vigils to lend their support and share their own tragic experiences with abortion. “People have come up to us to share the pain and suffering that they’ve experienced by either having an abortion or being directly involved in an abortion,” he said. “You come out there to pray and support each other but there are so many other things that seem to be taking place. For me, its just confirmation that the Lord needs us to be there.” Those interested in lending their own support to this latest 40 Days for Life vigil need not
commit to any one time slot or even duration, Marcotte said. Even though the national campaign website provides a calendar for people to sign up for specific times online, he hasn’t had difficulty with coverage in the past. “For whatever reason, people come out when they come out, without having to sign up,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, you stay as long as you can stay — whether it’s for 10 minutes or two hours. I think people might be intimidated initially, so we don’t want to make it overwhelming for them. If we can get them out there once, that’s enough.” Marcotte said he’s been impressed with the profound and lasting impact this simple grassroots effort has had on people over the last four years and he’s confident the Pro-Life movement will continue to gain traction here and nationally as it moves forward. “You see it in little or profound ways everywhere you look — just people rallying around the Pro-Life issue,” Marcotte said. “I think recent elections and polls have confirmed that there’s a definite shift and ultimately it’s going to be the conversion of hearts that ends this tragedy. “I just attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C. and it was so awesome to see these high school kids from the diocese proudly standing up and saying how important it is to
Aid agency decries attacks on Pakistani Christians laments torture, rape of 12-year-old LAHORE, Pakistan, (Zenit. org) — Aid to the Church in Need is decrying the rape and torture of a 12-year-old Pakistani Christian that led to her death. Neville Kyrke-Smith, the U.K. national director for the aid agency, spoke out against the violent death of Shazia Bashir, who died January 22 in a Lahore hospital after her employer allegedly raped and tortured her. The girl, who was from a poor Catholic family, was working as a servant for a lawyer, Chaudry Muhammad Neem, in Lahore. The aid agency reported that Bashir’s parents had been forbidden to see her for several days before her death. Kyrke-Smith stated: “As in so many parts of the world, Christians are degraded, abused or suffer appallingly for being seen as outsiders, the lowest of the low or associated with the West. They feel unprotected — and such a terrible case shows the
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The International Church
need for our solidarity in faith and action.” The agency’s press release noted that Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore, chairman of the country’s Justice and Peace Commission, and Peter Jacob, the executive secretary, stated that this act of violence is not an isolated occurrence. Rather, they affirmed that servants are frequently victims of these attacks. Francis Mehboob Sada, director of the Rawalpindi-based Christian Study Center, told Fides: “The tragic case of Shazia will not be the last. It’s very sad. The girl was tortured and killed for no reason. “She was young, weak and Christian, hence, the perfect victim. We are indignant over a situation which is untenable.” He added: “Christians in society, especially poor families, suffer all forms of violence and bullying. We have documented a litany of cases that bear witness to this.
“The police and the government do not do much to protect us and often many cases end in impunity.” Aid to the Church in Need reported that the police initially refused to take action on the Bashir case, but both Christians and Muslims launched a three-hour protest, forcing the authorities to follow through. The January 25 funeral was attended by thousands, including leaders of various religions. The girl’s employer was brought to court in connection with her death, but the hearing was adjourned until Wednesday. Kyrke-Smith pointed out that “the human rights and dignity of Christians in Pakistan are frequently abused.” He continued, “This terrible case shows the need for Aid to the Church in Need to deepen our support for Christian communities in Pakistan and to exert pressure on the government.”
choose life.” The 40 Days for Life vigil in Attleboro will run through March 28. For more information
about the Attleboro 40 Days for Life campaign, visit www.40daysforlife.com/attleboro or call Steve Marcotte at 508-406-1211.
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“The shrines of italy”
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- St. Anthony of Padua - Venice - St. Catherine of Siena - St. Francis of Assisi - Loreto (Our Lady’s House) - Lanciano (Bleeding Host) - San Giovanni - St. Padre Pio - Monte Cassino - Rome / St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican, Sistine Chapel - Catacombs
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February 12, 2010 The International Church Haitians in tent camp give thanks and place their future in God’s hands
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By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — With words of praise to God in a melodic song that carried over the din of thousands of people, Dolce Rochelle let it be known to anyone who cared that no matter the challenge, she was doing just fine. One of an estimated 50,000 people living in makeshift shelters of sheets, blankets and plastic tarps on what was once a golf course at the Petionville Club, Rochelle passes her days singing and selling goods for a friend out of her tent. “I like to praise God,” she said, a smile gracing her face. Rochelle, her husband and daughter lost everything — their home in the Delmas neighborhood, their few possessions, their way of life — January 12 during a magnitude 7 earthquake. “I’ve got hope because in what happened, my family and I didn’t die,” she said. In a world where the future remains uncertain, Rochelle and many others camped out at the Petionville Club expressed a great deal of hope that God will help them survive. The U.S. bishops’ Catholic Relief Services has worked with the United Nations and the U.S. military to turn the informal gathering of people into
a formal camp. A two-week supply of food was delivered recently, and 40,000 shelter kits were scheduled to be delivered the week of February 1,
agency’s history, has kept most people from going hungry. Such an enormous undertaking has not gone unnoticed by Haitians in the camp.
hardly a home — A family sits in their makeshift tent on the Petionville Club golf course in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, recently. An estimated 50,000 people were living at the camp after the January 12 earthquake left up to one million homeless. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)
said Lane Harthill, CRS spokesman in Port-au-Prince. The effort, among the largest in the
Because food and water supplies remain steady, camp residents are able to focus on other needs: raising income, education and recreation. Ernsot Dormeil has been at the camp almost since people started claiming spots on the golf course — far from the danger of still-teetering structures — hours after the earthquake. A civil engineer by profession, Dormeil, 29, is spending his days organizing others to begin classes for the youngsters living in the camp. He said he has five others interesting in teaching so the kids will not lose a full school year of education. “All of the kids are losing their school and the opportunity to learn,” he told Catholic News Service. “I want to create that opportunity.” Like so many others at the camp,
the largest in the Haitian capital, Dormeil lived in the Delmas neighborhood, which borders the club to the north. Children, the focus of Dormeil’s attention, engaged in games of their own creation. Some could be seen pulling small cars built from scavenged plastic bottles, bottle caps and pieces of wood or metal, all held together by short pieces of string. Girls jumped rope. Above the tents, small kites made of plastic sheeting and scrap paper or cloth poked into the breezy, humid air. Numerous adults returned to — or started — their own businesses in the camp. From selling necessities such as fruit and preparing food to offering goods such as hair extensions and plastic jewelry, people are making the most of their plight. Fifteen-year-old Jean Bernard Thomas has opened an outdoor barber shop of sorts. His tool: a straight-edge razor. Another woman recovered some of the equipment from her beauty shop and reopened her business in a tent at the intersection of two busy paths. Among other services, she offered manicures and pedicures, permanents and haircuts. Nearby, inside a shelter with a vinyl covering where the temperature seems almost unbearable in the mid-day sun, Elouise Marseille, another Delmas resident, ran a small cell phone-charging business. For $4 (US 50 cents), Marseille charges cell phones. Seven cell phones could be seen on a table outside of his shelter. A generator nearby provided the power to two dry-cell batteries next to his bed. He keeps a list of customers — with cell phone numbers, of course — to call them to remind them to keep their phones fully charged. Marseille said he makes little money from the service, mostly because he charges phones for family members for free. He wondered, though, what he would do when the last half-gallon of fuel he had was gone. But, he said, “With God, everything is possible.”
a shroud of mystery — A bronze statue, titled “The Body of the Man of the Shroud,” is seen in an exhibit on the Shroud of Turin at Regina Apostolorum University in Rome recently. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Catholic singles looking for love in cyberspace continued from page one
ously cater to singles seeking out significant others who share similar belief systems and value the importance of the Catholic faith in their lives. “I first joined CatholicMatch. com after a few relationships ended badly mainly because of our religious belief differences,” admitted Veronica Clark of Worcester. “Being an old-fashioned Catholic girl, finding a guy who was also an old-fashioned Catholic is very difficult to do at a bar or college party. I was shocked to find all the good-looking men in my area who were practicing Catholics, and immediately started talking to and meeting up with them.” Clark’s perseverance paid off. Through CatholicMatch.com she ultimately met and is now engaged to John, with whom she will exchange vows June 27. “We dated for nine months and I honestly knew within a month of dating that I would marry him,” Clark said. “Already having the difficult Catholic beliefs squared away, there wasn’t too much more that we didn’t already see eye-toeye. I would have never met a more amazing man anywhere else.” Anthony Buono, founder of AveMariaSingles.com, said his 11-year-old website was borne out
of his own frustrations in initially not being able to find someone who shared his strict Catholic beliefs. “It wasn’t an option for me to marry someone who didn’t share the depth of my faith,” Buono told The Anchor. “I did eventually meet someone and have been very, very happy. Then what happened is early in my marriage I continued to meet others who were in the same boat as I was. They were very frustrated. Ironically, there was a common denominator: the issue of contraception. There was an unbelievable amount of single people who had broken hearts from relationships with other Catholics. Things seemed to be going great and they invested their heart only to find out later that this other person wanted to put off having children.” Joseph P. Hubert, a parishioner at Notre Dame Parish in Fall River, is a member of CatholicMatch. com and CatholicSingles.com and has had good luck in finding potential mates who share his beliefs. He said knowing the other person’s religious beliefs upfront takes the guessing out of the dating process. “I used to go to the secular websites, but I had trouble finding people who were Catholic,”
Reconciliation Weekend is March 19-20 continued from page one
tion, including examination of conscience sheets for adults and teens, frequently asked questions about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, prayers, videos and radio spots dealing with various aspects of the sacrament and the Catholic Church. A letter from Bishop George W. Coleman will go out to all parishes the weekend of March 13-14, encouraging all faithful to take advantage of the extended hours priests will spend in the confessionals.
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The Anchor
February 12, 2010
Inspired by last year’s great success in the Fall River Diocese, the Boston Archdiocese has prepared a similar reconciliation event, utilizing many of the materials used by Fall River diocesan priests last year. The Boston website is thelightisonforyou.org. All parishes and chapels in the archdiocese will offer the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wednesdays from 6-8:30 p.m. beginning February 24 and ending March 31.
Hubert said. “I find that on the Catholic sites the people are more devoted to their faith. For me, I want everything to be just right. If I’m going to date someone, I try to be as upfront with them as much as possible.” Joining a dating website can be intimidating for some, but these faith-filled singles believe it is not just a forward or forceful step, but also an important way to become proactive. Waiting on God’s will and trusting in his timing doesn’t mean sitting on the sidelines. Today it means clicking into cyberspace and, hopefully, connecting with another single Catholic. “All I promise if you join our site is that you won’t feel alone,” Buono said. “That hope goes a long way until the appointed time when God does bring someone into your life. That’s what AveMariaSingles.com is all about. You might meet somebody — and I hope you do — but one thing is for sure, you will have hope.”
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The Anchor The vindication of abstinence-only education
Ever since the Bush Administration and a cooperative Congress increased funding for abstinenceonly education programs, there has been a concerted effort to try to say that such instruction does not work to prevent teen-age sexual activity, pregnancies, and the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). When the Alan Guttmacher Institute published data last month showing that after a decade of decreases, teen-age sexual activity, pregnancy and STD rates began to increase in 2008, many who favor a condom-based education for teens seized on the news as “proof” that abstinence-only education does not work. But the data actually demonstrated the exact opposite conclusion. It was in 2007 that many states, like Massachusetts — misreading and exaggerating a study of abstinence-based education programs by Mathematica Policy Research of Princeton, N.J., that implied abstinence education showed no noticeable impact on future sexual activity — began voluntarily to refuse federal funding for abstinence instruction. So, if teen-age pregnancy sexual activity and pregnancy rates rose in the first year after many states for political reasons voluntarily gave up funds for abstinence-only programs that had existed throughout the Bush Administration years, honest reviewers should recognize it implies that it is precisely the absence of abstinence-only education, rather than its presence, that has led to an increase in sexual activity among teens in 2008. After the Obama Administration last year eliminated more than $170 million in annual federal support for abstinence programs, we would anticipate sexual activity rates among teens to increase again in 2009. Further vindication for the importance of abstinence-only education came last week in a landmark federally-funded study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. Called by all sides in the sexual education debate a “game-changer,” it made the strong scientific case that not only does abstinence education work, but it may be the only element in sexual education curricula that works at all. The study, which took place between 2001 and 2004, involved 662 African-American students in four public middle schools in an unnamed city in the northeastern United States. In order to participate in the program, the 12-year-old students could not already have been sexually active. They were randomly assigned to participate in one of five different curricula with randomly assigned teachers: an eight-hour program on abstinence; an eight-hour program focused on “safe-sex”; an eight or 12-hour program that focused on both abstinence and “safe-sex” education; and finally an eight-hour control program that did not talk about sex explicitly at all, but rather was dedicated to ways to remain healthy like exercise and eating well. Over the next two years, 47 percent of those in the control group who had received the general health curriculum had begun engaging in sexual activity. Fifty-two percent of those who were taught “safe-sex” techniques had begun sexual relations, which indicates what common sense readily understands: that such education actually increases, rather than decreases, sexual activity. Of those students who received both “safe-sex” and abstinence education, the rate of sexual activity dropped to 42 percent, which is a clear sign that an abstinence message, even within the context of mixed messages promoting condom use, works to help decrease sexual activity. The greatest confirmation of the importance of abstinence education, however, came in the results of the group that had received only abstinence training: only 33 percent of the students had become sexually active in the next two years. The study showed, in others words, that “safe-sex” training increased sexual activity by 11 percent, “comprehensive sex education” — including both abstinence and “safe-sex” messages — decreased sexual activity by the same amount, and abstinence-only instruction decreased sexual activity by 34 percent. When you look at the onset of sexual activity, the contrast between the curricula is even starker. Compared to the control group, those who received “safe-sex” education were nearly twice as likely to begin sexual activity in the first three months after the training; those who had received abstinence-only and a 12-hour comprehensive training were half as likely. Talking about “safe-sex” without an abstinence message, the study demonstrated, clearly encourages the young not only to think about sex but to engage in it, as 12-year-olds. The question critics of abstinence-only education immediately asked upon hearing of the study was whether the lack of “safe-sex” education in the abstinence-only education put those students at greater risk of teen-age pregnancy and STDs by a failure to educate them about the use of condoms. The study indicated, however, that there was no difference in condom use among those in the abstinence-only group in comparison with those in all three other groups. “A randomized controlled trial and a literature review found no effects of abstinence interventions on condom use,” the authors wrote. “Similarly, in this trial the abstinence-only intervention participants did not differ in self-reported consistent condom use compared with the control group.” Seventy-eight percent of students in the control group reported using condoms if they engaged in sexual activity, compared to 76 percent for abstinence only, 76 percent in the comprehensive and 74 percent in the safe-sex groups, differences that are not statistically significant. The study shows, therefore, that sixth- and seventh-graders do not need a condom-based sexual education to learn about using condoms should they decide to engage in sexual relations; a “safe-sex” education doesn’t work to make them any “safer,” but only to encourage them to sexual behavior more and earlier. The study indicates that those who receive a “safe-sex” education are no more likely than those who received no sexual education curriculum at all to use condoms — which raises the question about whether “safe-sex” education brings about any benefit at all. Moreover, the typical argument against abstinence-only education — that the young will be at higher risk of not using condoms if they engage in sexual activity, with the consequent higher rates of teen-age pregnancies and STDs — seems to collapse with the data of this study. There are some other lessons to learn from the study. First, no sexual education curriculum is foolproof. Even though the abstinence-only education was shown to be by far the most effective in discouraging teen-age sexual activity and the pregnancies and STDs that may result from it, it still “failed” a third of the time because students chose to ignore the message. It failed, however, far less than other curricula. This is important to remember, for example, whenever people try to point to someone like Bristol Palin and her teen-age pregnancy as “proof” that abstinence-only education doesn’t work. They almost never point to the much higher rate of failure among other approaches. Abstinence-only education clearly doesn’t work all of the time, but it does work — and works better than other programs. Second, even four hours of a solid abstinence message — as was used in the comprehensive curriculum, alongside four hours of “safe-sex” education in the eight-hour program, and complemented by another four hours of basic human sexuality education in the 12-hour program — has a marked effect in decreasing sexual activity among teens. The abstinence-only message for eight hours was most effective of all. Lastly, no sexual education curriculum seems to be able to work without a serious abstinence component. The “safe-sex” curriculum not only failed to retard sexual activity but increased it. The motto of the Obama Administration’s sexual education funding, that they would give federal funding only to those programs that have been shown “scientifically” to work — which was a means, based on the erroneous interpretations of the Mathematica study to eliminate abstinence-only funding — now needs to be applied to the results just published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. Abstinence-only funding, which has been scientifically shown to be the most effective sexual education program of all, should be restored. And governors like Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, who have refused federal money in the past for abstinence-only education, should once again, for scientific reasons, accept the funding and promote abstinence-only curricula, so that sexual activity rates among teens may begin to fall in 2010, 2011 and beyond. Sexual education without an abstinence message simply doesn’t work.
February 12, 2010
The Curé of Ars and the devil
Among those who, prior to this Year for popular images most people have of him. He’s Priests, had heard about the Curé of Ars but did not a fiery red animal with a pitchfork, or a snake, not know much about him, most likely they had or someone who looks like Al Pacino. He’s a fallheard of two facts: that he was an heroic confes- en angel who by definition has no body. He’s insor who spent more than half his life in the con- finitely more malicious, however, than anything fessional reconciling sinners to God; and that, Dante Alighieri or the most creative Hollywood more than any other modern saint, he was unre- screenwriters could concoct. lentingly and palpably attacked by the devil. The Third, the devil has various modes of operalatter seems to be even more well-known than the tion in the world. With the vast majority, he works former. One of the only movies made about the mainly to tempt them toward evil and is content saint is called “The Priest and the Devil” and the to remain in the background, undetected. With most popular children’s book on him is entitled, some, his action takes the form of harassment, “The Priest Who Out-Talked the Devil.” called infestation, which is the way he mostly Through the decades, many have preferred to dealt with the Curé of Ars. When the devil begins focus far more on St. John Vianney’s fighting the physically to attack, beat and hurt people, this is evil one than his valiant priestly work to free sin- called obsession. The most severe attack happens ners from the evil one’s grasp. They have chosen when the devil basically enters a person and beto concentrate on what is rather unique about him gins to act through them, which is called possesthan on what is imitable, on what is fascinating sion. The most famous exorcisms have occurred and perhaps a little bit terrifying instead of on on those who were possessed in this way. what is ordinary and constitutes, in my opinion, It’s important to remember with those who the true reason for his greatness. are possessed that, while their body and their I have deliberately chosen to delay consider- consciousness have been hijacked to some deation of the subject of the Curé of Ars and the dev- gree by the devil, and while they may have been il so that readers who had been totally unfamiliar somewhat culpable in opening the door to the with him might first come to relate to him as a devil by an act of the will or through engaging in humble man and holy priest. I tried to introduce an occult practice, they themselves are not evil. him as a poor farm boy from a family that trea- Sometimes, in fact, they may be in the state of sured the Cathograce despite belic faith so much ing possessed. that they risked Father Gabriel their lives to Amorth, the lead shelter priests exorcist for the and attend clanDiocese of Rome destine Masses; who has writas a young man ten extensively By Father who, because of on exorcisms, Roger J. Landry a poor educadescribes in one tion, flunked out of his books a of seminary and woman posyet persevered to overcome so many obstacles to sessed for many years who at the same time pibe ordained; a young priest who full of wonder ously attended daily Mass. Such a circumstance for the awesome privileges of conversing with makes plain that, in all of this, there are mysteries God in prayer, bringing him down on the altar at in the interaction between the divine and the diaMass, and giving the Lord Jesus and his words bolical in a human person that revelation and our to others; and a pastor who made all night vigils, finite experiences and minds have not yet been heroically fasted, endured multiple physical pen- able to unravel or explain. ances, preached like an Old Testament prophet, Lastly, we shouldn’t exaggerate the devil’s and did whatever else it took to try to bring his power. The Catechism says, “The power of Sapeople to conversion and holiness. tan is… not infinite. He is only a creature, powAs we approach, however, the first Sunday of erful from the fact that he is pure spirit, but still Lent when the Church accompanies Christ into a creature. He cannot prevent the building up the desert where he is tempted by the devil, it’s a of God’s reign. Although Satan may act in the fitting time for us to focus not only on the reality world out of hatred for God and his kingdom in of the devil, but on how he tries to thwart God’s Christ Jesus, and although his action may cause holy ones from their mission. grave injuries — of a spiritual nature and, indiBefore we jump into the subject of how the rectly, even of a physical nature — to each man devil tried to thwart St. John Vianney’s mission and to society, the action is permitted by divine in particular next week, I think it’s important for providence which with strength and gentleness us to make a few preliminary points. guides human and cosmic history. It is a great First, even though in many places it’s un- mystery that providence should permit diabolipopular to speak about the devil, it’s incontest- cal activity, but ‘we know that in everything God able, both from the point of view of faith and works for good with those who love him’ (Rom reason, that the devil exists. For Christians who 8:28)” (CCC 395). take the historicity of the Gospels seriously, it is Catholic theology is clear that Satan is not absolutely clear that Jesus encountered the devil the evil equivalent of God, but is a creature who, and demons directly on many occasions, not only with the other fallen angels, radically and irrevoduring his temptations in the desert but also in the cably rejected God and his kingdom. The Book many possessed people whom he freed from the of Revelation depicts the Archangel Michael and devil’s clutches. It is also absolutely clear from his angels defeating Satan and the fallen angels our baptismal rites and promises that Catholics (Rev 12:7-9). It is one of the healthiest parts of must believe in the existence of Satan in order to traditional Catholic piety to pray to the Archreject him, his mendacious promises and his evil angel Michael to “be our protection against the works. wickedness and snares of the devil” and “by For those who do not accept the Christian the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all faith, there is the scientific evidence about the his evil spirits who prowl about the world seekdevil’s existence that comes from the exorcisms ing the ruin of souls.” Such a prayer, faithfully of those who have been genuinely possessed by recited, does not merely remind us of the presthe devil. There is simply no legitimate, alterna- ence in the world of terrorists far worse than Al tive explanation for the phenomena that’s been Qaeda and mover us to ask for God’s protection, observed in exorcisms: scrawny teen-age girls’ as we do in the last clause of the Our Father. It speaking ancient languages they have never also demonstrates the clear limits of the devil’s studied (and doing so backwards), overpower- power, doctrinally reminding the that the devil is ing groups of strong men several times their size, the evil equivalent, more or less, of St. Michael, pronouncing in detail the sins of those whom they and that St. Michael, with God’s power, is stronhave never met or heard of, and so many other ger than the devil still. humanly inexplicable occurrences. Only those Next week we will get into the specifics of with false and unscientific a priori assumptions how the devil harassed St. John Vianney for three that the devil can’t exist would even try to posit and a half decades and how the saint, with God’s alternative explanations — if they don’t seek the help, defeated him — in his bedroom and in the even less rational position to deny that the exis- confessional. tence of the phenomena themselves. Father Landry is pastor of St. Anthony of Second, the devil is clearly different from the Padua Parish in New Bedford.
Putting Into the Deep
February 12, 2010
I
couldn’t imagine leaving my family. That was the reason why I didn’t enter the Franciscans or the Jesuits. I just couldn’t imagine moving to another part of the world, far from those I know and love, so I became a diocesan priest. It doesn’t sound very spiritual but it seemed a little “safer” to be committed to the home diocese, rather than be sent to other parts of the globe. That’s how I saw things in my late 20s, but it is amazing how God’s plan unfolds in our lives. The ironic part is that I am writing this reflection from Honduras in Central America, where I serve as the pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish, living many miles away from my family. No, I am not a Franciscan Friar, nor a Jesuit priest; I am a diocesan priest of the Diocese of Fall River in Massachusetts currently “on loan” to the Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. No, the bishop did not send me here as a punishment, nor was I “out of work” looking for a new ministry. I am here serving in a mission parish that our diocese sponsors. The story doesn’t begin in Honduras; rather it began when I was in high school with a desire to serve God. The Jesuit priests who ran the high school were admirable men. They were smart, engaged in the mission, and engaging in the classroom. They cultivated a desire to
A
n important but often unacknowledged angle of the abortion debate involves the serious effects that legalized abortion has on men. A recent scandal surrounding John Edwards, former North Carolina Senator and U.S. presidential candidate, brought this issue into plain view. Edwards publicly acknowledged an extramarital affair with Rielle Hunter in the summer of 2008, a few months after pulling out of the presidential race. Even after admitting to the affair, however, he continued to deny having fathered Hunter’s daughter, Quinn, until January of 2010 when he finally admitted that he was, in fact, her father. A former aide to Edwards has just published a tell-all book describing how Edwards tried to coerce Hunter to get an abortion. Commentator Jill Stanek analyzed the situation this way: “Fortunately, Hunter resisted this all too typical coercive attempt by a sexually exploitative and irresponsible man to abort his own baby. Of course Edwards is a pro-abort, which as we see is incredibly self-serving for men. Edwards was ready to sacrifice his own baby for political and personal expediency.”
7
The Anchor
Direct service
learn and broadened our horizons well as be a “fill-in” administrator beyond Fall River. They promoted when a priest was on sick leave. a sense of service to others and As time went on I was asked to taught us to be “not only hearers serve as a high school chaplain but doers of the Word.” In that even though youth ministry was daily environment in high school, not on my “top 10” list and the the priesthood was a truly viable thought of working with youth option for a life vocation. daunting. All in all, the ministries Coupled with the example of were varied and they expanded my the Jesuits, our parish was staffed understanding of how a diocesan by Franciscan Friars for much of priest is called to serve the needs my youth. They were men dedicated to the parish and they reached out Year For Priests to the poor. In addition, Vocational Reflection they actively promoted vocations. They regularly invited a group of servers By Father to their formation house Craig A. Pregana to experience firsthand the life of a seminarian. This contact showed that of the diocese. It also was a prepathe priesthood was tangible and ration for the next part of God’s attainable. It was clear that serving plan. God was dynamic and fulfilling After serving as a high school but who wants to leave family to chaplain, I “graduated” to the be elsewhere … certainly not this university, the same university kid from Fall River. So I “settled” where I earned my undergraduate for the diocesan priesthood thinkdegree. Being a college chaplain ing that it was the safer choice, was another stretch beyond the even if it wasn’t as dynamic. comfort zone, but the campus was My first parish assignment as a very familiar setting. In one way a newly ordained was a typical it was an act of divine justice beparish, with a school and hospital cause during my four years as an coverage. The pace was hectic undergrad, I had never darkened but the work extremely fulfilling. the door of the campus ministry After approximately six years in office. Now as the chaplain, I that one parish assignment, I was would spend time and energy tryasked to do vocation ministry, as ing to get young college students
involved in the life of the Church. While serving as chaplain at UMass-Dartmouth, our diocese began a connection with the Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa by staffing a mission parish there. As the Diocesan Mission developed, it occurred to me that it could be a great site for an “alternative spring break” for the university students. We worked on the arrangements and advertised the trip. With a couple of students I traveled to Honduras for a week of mission work. The ministry was eye-opening and heart-wrenching at the same time. Although we had running water and electricity, the conditions were “rustic” at best. The students enjoyed their alternative spring break, and the program grew. The following year more students applied for the trip and the return to Honduras was a little easier. One night after supper during the spring break trip one of the students, named Patrick, said to me, “You could never do this.” “What do you mean?” I asked. “Be a priest here and live in a place like this,” he said. We both laughed, partly because he was right, and partly because he said it with an attitude of “I dare you.” I explained to Patrick that I saw my role, especially at the university, as
Edward’s extramarital have expanded in recent years, activities remind us how legalmany women along with their ized abortion has the clear and husbands or male partners have pronounced effect of supportcome to seek help in dealing ing sexual infidelity, providing with the negative effects of their “cover” and encouraging men abortion. A growing number of to become less responsible and men have found themselves reaccountable for their personal gretting their involvement in an choices. It enables men to justify and get away with sexual license. Abortion hurts men in other, more direct ways as well. The fact that upwards of 3,000 abortions By Father Tad occur each day in the Pacholczyk U.S. implies the obvious corollary that about 3,000 men lose a son or daughter each day to aborabortion, and various websites tion. Some of these men may now include testimonies from have encouraged or pressured men who have lost a child this their partners to abort; others way (cf. rachelsvineyard.org or may have strongly resisted; still priestsforlife.org). others may not have known they Many of the testimonies are were fathers until afterwards. poignant, raw and searingly honWhat is not widely acknowlest. Phil McCombs, a Washingedged is that men can and do ton Post staff writer shared his suffer emotionally and spirituown post-abortive struggles in a ally from their loss. It seems fair 1995 article in the Post: to say that men are not often “I feel like a murderer, which encouraged to acknowledge their isn’t to say that I blame anyone emotions around this issue — else, or think anyone else is a whether relief, grief, anger, or murderer. It’s just the way I feel resentment. and all the rationalizations in As post-abortion healing the world haven’t changed this. ministries like Rachel’s Vineyard I still grieve for little Thomas.
It is an ocean of grief. From somewhere in the distant past I remember the phrase from Shakespeare, the multitudinous seas, ‘incarnadine.’ When I go up to the river on vacation this summer, he won’t be going boating with me on the lovely old wooden runabout that I can’t really afford to put in the water but can’t bring myself to discard, either. He won’t be lying on the grass by the tent at night looking at the starry sky and saying, ‘What’s that one called, dad?’ Because there was no room on the Earth for Thomas.” Another anonymous father wrote a letter, excerpted here, to his deceased son as part of his own journey towards healing and peace: “My Dear John Peter — This past weekend I did something I should have done a very long time ago. I confessed to your death by abortion. John, you would today be a young man of 20, vibrant and alive…. Tears come again John, as they did Saturday night…. In the fall, John, when the leaves fall from the trees I shall think of you, for you too fell from life. In the cold of winter, John, the snow shall
the one that connects people with learning experiences. “I don’t do direct ministry,” I explained to Pat. “Instead I like to make connections for people.” I laughed again at the thought of living in the missions. On the way home, and in the time to follow, my own words began haunting me. “I don’t do direct service.” Had I come so far in ministry as priest that I couldn’t work among the poor? At the university, we had begun to work at a local soup kitchen with the students, so I knew that I could work with the poor. I could make a plate of food, clean the tables, sweep the floors, talk to the guests, etc. Yet deep down inside I knew that I was living in the “safe zone.” I trusted God but only to a certain point; I was afraid to let go completely. Gently, softly, came the invitation again: “Put out into the deep and lower the net for a catch.” It has been five years of ministry in Honduras that has helped me to understand a bit more how the Jesuits, the Franciscans and so many others are able to leave home to serve God. The real challenge is trusting God, who not only walks beside us but is already there waiting. Father Craig Pregana was ordained in 1988 and is pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Guaimaca, Honduras.
How men are harmed by abortion
Making Sense Out of Bioethics
remind me of you: for like the snow you were and are white and pure. In the spring, John, I shall think of you: for the birth of spring shall remind me that you, too should have been born into this world. John, I shall think of you in the summer: I shall imagine your laughter. I shall see you as you might have been, a little boy running and playing, scraping your knees from a fall. I shall miss, John, all that I might have gained from your life. My Little One, John Peter, I can only now ask you to forgive me as Jesus and God have done. May you rest in the arms of God — Dad.” The deep emotional scarring of men and women that follows in the wake of legalized abortion should be a growing concern for all of us, and should challenge us to craft a more just society where every man, woman and child is unconditionally protected, respected, welcomed and loved. Father Pacholczyk earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, and serves as the director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org
8
A
s we stand on the threshold of the beginning of the Lenten season, we encounter, in this Sunday’s Gospel reading from Luke, a narrative that anticipates the paradoxical tension inherent in a journey that will take us from the call to repentance on Ash Wednesday to Jesus’ triumphant proclamation on Palm Sunday that the “stones will cry out.” For the past several weeks, through the Gospel readings proclaimed in Ordinary Time, we have encountered Jesus in a kind of “whip-saw” like manner; from his manifestation at Cana and his reading from Isaiah 61 in the temple in Nazareth to the point where his own townspeople are prepared to hurl him from a hill, to the calling of Simon, James and John. In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, often called the Sermon on the Plain, it is as if all of the drama and tension and joy presented in these accounts
February 12, 2010
The Anchor
Now and then
have been telescoped into a few pel; it would not be reasonable verses. to think that those who hunger, The symmetry of form and weep or are hated should be the change in tense presented in satisfied, laugh or leap for joy Luke’s account of the Beatiunless one notes the changes in tudes beautifully renders the tense within each verse. Pope paradoxical tension inherent in discipleship. In the reading, the four Homily of the Week blessings are balanced Sixth Sunday by the four woes. With in Ordinary Time two exceptions, within each of the blessings By Deacon and the woes the change Joseph McGinley in tense, from present to future, serve to capture the “now and not yet” nature of Christian discipleship. Benedict XVI, in “The Yes of G.K. Chesterton once wrote, Jesus Christ,” writes that the concerning Matthew’s Sermon changes in tense provide a “two on the Mount, “The statement temporal dimension” (present that the meek shall inherit the and future) that translates into a earth is very far from being a “prophetic paradox.” meek statement…. [It] would The first blessing provides seem to be a very violent statean exception to this paradox, ment; in the sense of doing vio“Blessed are you who are poor, lence to reason….” Doubtless, for the Kingdom of God is the same observation is valid yours.” This exception can be concerning this Sunday’s Gosunderstood if we recall that
Jesus began his teaching by “raising his eyes toward his disciples”; it would appear, then, that the blessings are directed toward those who have already picked up their cross of discipleship, have already committed themselves to giving up everything and following Jesus and, in that sense, they truly do possess the Kingdom of God as it has broken into human history in the person and Good News of Jesus Christ. In the remaining blessings, the present state of hunger, sadness and exclusion that true Christian discipleship must in some way entail is balanced with the assured attainment of satisfaction, joy and reward. It is at this point, in moving from the “are” to the “will be,” from the “now” to the “then,” that one encounters the prophetic paradox upon which the pope wrote.
As Benedict goes on to note, in many of Paul’s writings we are provided a vivid description of how the paradox inherent in Christian discipleship is actualized. Paul writes, in 2 Cor. 6:10, “We are treated … as sorrowful yet always rejoicing; as poor yet enriching many; has having nothing and yet possessing all things.” As we enter the season of Lent, the season of repentance, almsgiving and fasting, we do well to remember that there is a prophetic nature to doing without. We do well to recall the assured attainment of the satisfaction, laughter and joy Jesus holds out to us, and that St. Paul celebrates in his second letter to the Corinthians, “For this momentary light affliction is providing for us an eternal weight of joy beyond all comparison” (4:17). Deacon Joseph McGinley serves at St. Ann’s Parish in Raynham.
Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Feb.13, 1Kgs 12:26-32;13:33-34; Ps 106:6-7b,19-22; Mk 8:1-10. Sun. Feb. 14, Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jer 17:5-8; Ps 1:1-4,6; 1 Cor 15:12,16-20; Lk 6:17,20-26. Mon. Feb. 15, Jas 1:1-11; Ps 119:67-68,71-72,75-76; Mk 8:11-13. Tues. Feb. 16, Jas 1: 12-18; Ps 94:12-13a,14-15,18-19; Mk 8:14-21. Wed. Feb. 17, Ash Wednesday, Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6b,12-14,17; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6,16-18. Thur. Feb. 18, Dt 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 9:22-25. Fri. Feb. 19, Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6b,18-19; Mt 9:14-15.
C
onnoisseurs of political kamikaze runs will long debate what finished off Martha Coakley in the recent Massachusetts election to fill the seat Edward M. Kennedy held for 47 years. The baseball fan in me likes to think it was Coakley’s bizarre charge that Curt (“Bloody Sock”) Schilling was a Yankees fan — a gaffe in Red Sox Nation commensurate with claiming that the late Senator Kennedy had been a George W. Bush fan. Yet there was another clumsy Coakleyism that ought to have enraged a considerable part of
The erosion of religious freedom
the Bay State electorate. Pressed diminished view of religious freedom when she declined to by an interviewer on what use that term, substituting “freeCatholic physicians, nurses and other health-care workers should do when they cannot in conscience provide certain services or conduct certain procedures, Coakley replied, “You can have religious freedom but By George Weigel you probably shouldn’t work in the emergency room.” dom to worship” in a catalogue A month earlier, speaking at of fundamental human rights Georgetown University, Secrethat included a striking innotary of State Hillary Rodham vation. Asserting that people Clinton offered a similarly must be free to “choose laws and leaders, to share and access information, to speak, criticize and debate,” the secretary of state then averred that people “must be free … to love in the way they choose.” For those with ears to hear in Gaston Hall that day, the promotion of the so-called LGBT (lesbian/gay/ bisexual/ transgendered) agenda had just been declared a human rights priority of the United States, in the same sentence in which the secretary of state had offered an anorexic description of religious freedom that even the Saudis could accept (so long as the worshipping was done behind closed doors in a U.S. embassy). One has to wonder if there is a connection here. Religious freedom is already
The Catholic Difference
under assault from proponents of the LGBT agenda in Europe and Canada. Rocco Buttiglione’s convictions about the immorality of homosexual acts prevented his becoming Minister of Justice of the European Union, despite a lifetime in defense of the basic human rights of all and an explicit assurance that he would scrupulously enforce the EU’s equalprotection laws. The Canadian Revenue Agency (their IRS) has recently removed the tax-exempt status of a Calgary church, in part because it spends more than 10 percent of its funds and time preaching and teaching against same-sex “marriage” (and, to compound the offense, euthanasia and abortion). Anyone who imagines that this can’t happen in the Great Republic need only consider the recent efforts by the Washington, D.C., City Council to bring the Archdiocese of Washington to heel over the marriage question. And now we have the successor of John Quincy Adams and William H. Seward, Elihu Root and Cordell Hull, George Marshall and Dean Acheson suggesting that the defense of the LGBT agenda will, as a human rights issue, be considered on a par with such basic human rights as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of
assembly, and religious freedom — and that no small part of the substance of religious freedom may have to be sacrificed, if necessary, to advance that agenda. Religious freedom, rightly understood, cannot be reduced to freedom of worship. Religious freedom includes the right to preach and evangelize, to make religiously informed moral arguments in the public square and to conduct the affairs of one’s religious community without undue interference from the state. If religious freedom only involves the freedom to worship, then, as noted above, there is “religious freedom” in Saudi Arabia, where Bibles and evangelism are forbidden but expatriate Filipino laborers can attend Mass in the U.S. embassy compound in Riyadh. In its glory years, the State Department’s human rights bureau was a stalwart friend of those brave men and women in communist countries who were asserting, in addition to their right to worship, their rights as believers to be fully participant in society. That noble legacy should cause the present guardians of U.S. human rights policy to think very carefully about the path they seem to be taking in this field. George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.
February 12, 2010
How I inherited a treasure
the Church, Lawrence assembled Sunday 7 February 2010 — at home in Old Dighton Village — In- the poor and announced to the emperor, “Here is the treasure of ternational Coaching Week begins understand, dear readers, that in Japan certain individuals are declared “Living TreaReflections of a sures.” Those so honored Parish Priest have made extraordinary contributions to commuBy Father Tim nity life. People really are Goldrick living treasures. People are far more valuable than silver or gold. Consider the story told about St. the Church.” Whether or not this actually happened makes little difLawrence, deacon and martyr. It seems that Lawrence was the Chief ference. The truth is that people, be they rich or poor, are the treasure Financial Officer of the Church at of the Church. The parish of St. Rome and the go-to man for the Nicholas has no patrimony in the poor. Arrested during government form of silver or gold, but we are persecutions and ordered to surrender to the State the patrimony of rich in “living treasures.”
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The Anchor
The Ship’s Log
According to national statistics, when two or more parishes merge, you can expect one-third of parishioners to decide to go elsewhere, one-third to drop out of the practice of religion, and one-third to affiliate with the new entity. Here in the Parish of St. Nicholas, we have grown beyond statistical predictions. In the past 18 months, we have been blessed not only with quantity, but also with quality. This is very evident in the emergence of lay leadership from both former parishes. This was not the absorption of one parish by another. This was not a corporate take-over. This was not a matter of finding roles for lay leaders from two former
Of burqas and bridges
Europe make no distinction burning issue in among religious professions. France right now is Thus Mohammed and Jesus, whether women should be the Buddha and Lord Shiva allowed to wear the burqa must all break bread with — a complete face-veil Voltaire and Rousseau, and if considered obligatory by moral confusion ensues, it is some Muslims for the sake the price of accommodating of modesty. Muslims disevery worldview as an equal agree among themselves as and no confession as true. to what exactly their faith Islam, the fastest growdemands, but some believe ing faith in Europe, teaches that in order for a woman firmly that men are supeto leave her home, she must rior to women, that women be invisible — leading to a are property of the men in host of impersonal shrouds floating through the streets of Europe, rattling the sensibilities of the locals and setting relationships between the cultures rightfully on edge. By Genevieve Kineke Interestingly, the French bishop in charge of interreligious their lives (fathers, brothdialogue has condemned a ers, husbands and sons) and proposed ban on the burqa, noting, “If we want Christian that women should not mix freely with men who are not minorities in Muslim marelated to them. Girding this jority countries to enjoy all worldview is the notion that their rights, we should in our women are temptresses and country respect the rights of men are incapable of resistall believers to practice their ing their crafty wiles. faith…. A dialogue in truth To Christians, who unamong believers will help us derstand men and women to go beyond mutual mistrust.” be fundamentally equal and His primary appeal to called to a fruitful complereciprocity is very impormentarity, this view is insulttant, since there are onerous ing. The virtues of modesty burdens placed on Christians and chastity are grounded in predominantly Muslim in the call to prudence and countries. But it is his secself-control, and freedom ondary appeal for dialogue includes the ability to act — the “dialogue in truth” in accord with God’s will that makes his statement despite our disordered pasupsetting, and it may well sions and compromised will. compromise the first, beBlaming women for leading cause the truth about human men astray and punishing dignity has been swallowed them by banishing them in confused notions of both from visible society leads diversity and modesty. many to say that Islam must The Enlightenment values not be taken as an equal partthat currently prevail in
The Feminine Genius
ner by those who value the gifts of women. Just as civilization has rightly marginalized racists and anti-Semites, the bigotry inherent in Islam has to be considered from a human rights angle. To consider diversity as a strict benchmark ignores the hard fact that some of the celebrated cultures brought into the pantheon of respect degrade certain persons and deny them authentic freedom. Thus, while I respect this bishop’s grave concern for the well-being of Christians in Islamic nations, I would warn that if a singular drive to co-exist is the fuel to their action, then authentic freedom is in jeopardy everywhere. Doesn’t the acceptance of fully veiling women indicate that permitting some to exist as non-persons in Europe is an acceptable price to pay for negotiating abroad? What of the countless women who look to the West to honor their dignity and reject those who brand them as chattel? To insist on decency, integrity and respect for women — Christian, Muslim and other — requires that all forms of oppression be banned, and to this end, a soul-searching inventory of all that contributes to utilitarianism and objectification would benefit all persons who are called to a deeper communion and a higher standard. Mrs. Kineke is the author of “The Authentic Catholic Woman.” She blogs at feminine-genius.typepad.com
parishes. A completely new parish leadership structure had to be formed. Lay leaders of the former St. Joseph Church and those of the former St. Peter Church melded seamlessly. As a result, the parish of St. Nicholas has greatly benefited. The members of the former St. Peter Parish, along with the members of the former St. Joseph Parish, stepped into leadership roles in the new parish. I have before me the last roster of the members St. Peter Church. Many of the people named on this list have quickly proved to be leaders in St. Nicholas Parish. I see the name of Teri Carpenter. Teri, a registered nurse, is enrolled in a program at Saint Anne’s Hospital to become a certified parish nurse at St. Nicholas Church. She is already a lector and an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. There’s Joe and Ruby Corcoran — both volunteer in the parish of St. Nicholas. There’s Mike Cordeiro. He serves as the institutional representative to our Scouts, is a member of the Parish Pastoral Council, and a charter Knight of Columbus. (St. Nicholas Council of the Knights of Columbus was officially chartered by World Headquarters on Christmas Day, 2009.) Martina Grover, retired school principal, assists the children in our Faith Formation Program, helps to manage the Religious Education Office, and serves as lector. She is on our Catholic Charities Committee and proved invaluable on the Parish Transition Team. George and Robin Moitoza, Nadine Ferreira and Belinda Westgate have become involved with ministering to our teens. Steve and Lucille Platt have made themselves available wherever we need them. Dave Quigley serves on our Parish Pastoral Council. His wife Jean, who is a published poet, is very active here. Susan De Sa, a music teacher,
serves as one of our organists. Maureen Dutra was elected first president of the St. Nicholas Women’s Guild. There are at least a dozen members of the Guild from the former St. Peter’s Guild. Nancy Goulart, Town Selectman, is a member of the Parish Finance Council. Her husband John is charter member of our Knights of Columbus Council. So is George Lafontaine. Faye Perry not only serves on the Parish Finance Council and as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, but also oversees the “Supper Club.” The Supper Club holds monthly breakfasts and suppers and is always on call for parish events involving food. The number of catechists who come from the south end of the parish and are now teaching our children is extraordinary. From Dighton: Eneida Byrnes, Eve Cabral, Sandy Cabral, Linda Cestodio, Susan Cordeiro, Coleen Farley, Heather Harrison, Dana Roderick, and John Rufo. From Rehoboth: Mary Lou Drown, Shawn Masterson, Cathy Potter, and Susan Tibbels. Young people, too, from the south end of the parish are taking their part. Among them are altar servers Josh Tibbels, Michael Cordeiro, Quentin Brooks and Keith Brooks. Extraordinary ministers of holy Communion from the southern section include Alice Souza, who also directs the Town’s Council on Aging. I myself live in the southern part of the parish and commute the short distance to the church complex. We have come into focus as a new faith community. There is no north or south, no east or west, but one church professing one faith. I praise God daily for showering such treasures on this community. Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton.
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The Anchor
February 12, 2010
Musician’s talent a source of inspiration By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff
at weddings. He put me in the midst of the Mass and the Eucharist was always at the center. So in a NORTH DARTMOUTH — For musician Tony roundabout way, he helped me to minister.” Born in Nicaragua, Melendez and his family Melendez, it all began with an electrifying performance on Sept. 15, 1987 for none other than Pope moved to Los Angeles when he was young to be fitted with artificial arms. He wore them until he was John Paul II. During the pontiff’s visit to Los Angeles, Me- 10, when he disposed of them. “I didn’t feel comfortlendez — born without arms because his mother able,” he said. “I could use my feet so much more.” Confident and self-reliant, Melendez started to was prescribed Thalidomide, a dangerous drug once used to help calm morning sickness during pregnan- find innovative ways to use his feet to first take on cy — performed a touching rendition of his song day-to-day tasks and, eventually, to even dabble with “Never Be the Same” while sitting on a stool and different musical instruments from the push-button organ to harmonica and then guitar. playing a guitar on the floor with both feet. “I was pretty secure in what I could do,” he said. When the song finished, the pope bolted from His older brother José was even amazed to learn his seat opposite Melendez, pushed his way through the crowd to where the musician was sitting, and his brother could play Frisbee with him — catching reached up onto the small stage to embrace Me- the disc under his chin and then gripping it firmly in his toes to toss it back. lendez with an affectionate hug and kiss. “It was on that day that I realized my brother The pope’s grateful reaction and Melendez’s own could do whatever he emotional response were wanted to do,” José told enough to bring everyone the students during the watching to tears. show, once again tossing “Tony, you are truly a a Frisbee for his brother courageous young man,” to catch to illustrate the Pope John Paul II said point. to him. “You are giving Having gleaned meanhope to all of us. My wish ing and purpose from the to you is to continue givpope’s genuine gesture ing this hope to all the bestowed on him all those people.” years ago, Melendez has Melendez recalled how devoted his life and career he was first asked to come to bringing that same joy in to audition for what he to others. thought was a spot in a “I’ve had a few kids group choir. come back and tell me, “They were trying to ‘I started to play guitar choose a gift to give to because of you. If you the pope from the youth can do it, I can,’” he said. of Los Angeles, that’s “There was a guy who what I was doing there came up to me one time that day,” Melendez told after a show and gave me The Anchor. “I saw Pope a dollar. I told him I didn’t John Paul II seven times want his money, but he after that. Most of them said ‘No, you don’t unwere performances durAnchor person of the week — Musician, derstand. This is what I ing World Youth Days.” would have had to pay at Taking the pope’s in- Tony Melendez. Other photo on page 17. my AA meeting because spirational words to heart, I drank … I messed up. Melendez’s life has indeed never been the same. In the 23 years since, he’s recorded and released Today I want to give it to you because I feel strong. seven CDs, has written an inspiring autobiography I don’t have to drink today.’ I hear in a roundabout entitled “A Gift of Hope,” and continues to tour and way sometimes how I inspire others.” One person inspired by Melendez’s performance perform for audiences all over the world, spreading at Bishop Stang was junior Tim Carrigg, an aspiring his story of hope and faith. “Receiving that papal kiss has allowed me to musician and pianist who called the concert “imreach millions of people with my message,” he pressive.” “I know it’s hard to play any instrument, never said. During a stop at Bishop Stang High School in mind playing guitar with your feet,” Carrigg said. North Dartmouth last week to commemorate Cath- “What impressed me the most was that he enjoyed olic Schools Week, Melendez shared his God-given playing up there and he inspired and connected with talents and faith-filled message by wowing high the crowd.” Now a hero and inspiration to millions, Melendez school and middle school students with two performances and also offering them words of encourage- said he had his own music idols when he was growing up: people like singer-songwriters Kenny Logment and inspiration. Backed by Tim Pope on drums and bass and Pat- gins and Dan Fogelberg. “I say those names to the kids today and they don’t rick Smith on lead guitar and keyboards, Melendez’s group — the Toe Jam Band — played an energetic know whom I’m talking about,” he said, laughing. For Melendez, it’s never been about overcoming set of pop/rock songs that had everyone in the Stang a handicap or learning to deal with a disability. He gymnasium on their feet and singing along. “I have a good little mix,” Melendez said after prefers to rely on a little extra work and effort to get the show. “One thing I’m very blessed with is I’m things done. “I’ve always been asked, where do you get your not locked into performing for a certain age group. I don’t play just for high school kids. Tomorrow I strength?” Melendez said. “I tell them it’s my faith. might be playing for a company or a group of fami- It’s something I can lean on and it’s something I can turn to when I most need it. It gives me meanlies. It lets me go almost anywhere.” It’s been said that God works in mysterious ways, ing. This whole ministry/singing/concert career … and Melendez’s path to performing his message for I mean, without the Christ part, I’d be playing in a audiences all over the world grew out of his initial bar. I realize for some musicians, that’s their life. But this gives it even more meaning because it has a desire to become a priest. “I wanted to be a priest, because I thought in or- message. It’s not just music to make people dance.” For more information about Tony Melendez, der to minister, I needed the collar,” Melendez said. “Then God opened my eyes and the music started visit www.tonymelendez.com. To nominate a Person of the Week, send an email coming. Working with music in church, I was right next to the priest at Mass — at funerals, at baptisms, message to FatherRogerLandry@anchornews.org.
February 12, 2010
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The Anchor
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, February 14 at 11:00 a.m. Celebrant is Father James Morse, pastor of St. Stephen’s Parish in Attleboro
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The Anchor
What’s changed for married couples? continued from page one
mitted to spouses seeking help to repair a broken marriage and obtain counsel. “This past generation has witnessed a dramatic shift in the culture and meaning of marriage and the adverse effect it has made on Catholic marriage and society as a whole,” reports Deacon Stephen R. Cote, coordinator of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment for the Diocese of Providence, R.I. “First of all, marriages in the Catholic Church just aren’t happening as frequently. Instead of a sacramental ceremony taking
place, we’re seeing more and more Catholics choosing secular ceremonies held at country clubs, resorts and beaches, and other outside venues, performed not by clergy, but civil officials,” he added. Mark Gray, a researcher at Georgetown University, told the Arizona Republic newspaper that Catholic marriages across the U.S. have declined in number from 10 or more per 1,000 Catholics in the 1940s and 1950s to 3.5 per 1,000 today, adding that the decline is connected to the rise in divorce and second mar-
riages and increases in interfaith marriages. The need of new marriage preparation guidelines is becoming more and more evident in dioceses across America. In Phoenix, Ariz., new marriage preparation guidelines went into effect on January 1. They aim to respond to the increase in cohabitation and divorce, the decline in marriage role models and “increasing confusion” over the meaning of Christian marriage. Couples seeking a Church wedding there are now required to have nine months of preparation instead of six. They are also required to undergo a full course in Natural Family Planning and more comprehensive courses on the theology of marriage and practical skills. In the Providence Diocese, as part of the ongoing Year of Evangelization, the 2009 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Marriage Letter: “Love and Life in the Divine Plan,” will be the topic at a presentation intended to inform how Catholic marriage is defined and meeting the needs of couples from engagement through the senior years. The March 13 event at Bryant College in Smithfield, R.I., will also offer an overview of Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body,” designed to help engaged and married couples become more aware of the importance of their sexuality in the context of marriage. Pastoral experience shows, says Deacon Cote, that those who are properly evangelized and catechized, and who have encountered Christ personally and who understand, embrace and strive to live the Church’s teachings on marriage, and choose a sacramental marriage, very rarely divorce. “We are seeing that 65 percent of sacramental marriages can turn the tide of marital breakdown,” he asserted. Using evaluation tools, two factors are playing key roles in the breakdown of modern marriages: dual careers in which the husband and wife have their own employment; and that one or both of the spouses come from a family background that includes divorce, a weak faith, and poor catechesis, Deacon Cote reported. “So we see couples seeking a lifestyle that includes a new big house and an expensive car, and it breaks down to this: the working couple having no time for each other, they do not have a good, healthy sexual relationship, and impacted by a society that keys in on the materialistic, money and finances take control of their lives, even as they try to
February 12, 2010 raise their children in the faith.” When their marriage fails, he said, “it is tragedy for them … and for society as well. One of the many things I tell young couples is, ‘You need to remake or make your love for each other important again. Be in love again as on your first date,’” Deacon Cote acknowledged. Sometimes a revisit to that first love can spark a renewal. Father Francis De Sales Paolo, pastor of St. Margaret’s Parish in Buzzards Bay, will host World Marriage Day at the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday with special ceremonies he’s held since he arrived there four years ago. The homily will be on the sacredness of marriage and the oldest married couple will bring up the gifts. Couples will renew their vows, light a marriage candle, place wedding day pictures at the altar, hear a reading of the Legend of St. Valentine, and after Mass enjoy a luncheon in the school hall. “It’s all meant to edify the vocation of marriage, and yes, there are not as many Catholic marriages as there once were,” Father Paolo said. “We’ve lost the sense of the needs and we sometimes fail to teach that each partner in the marriage must outdo themselves — often by self-sacrifice — to the love and needs of the other. They fail to remember how much Christ did for them by his sacrifice on the cross, as well as the dignity he gave to marriage, and they have to pray constantly to have their marriages endure.” He said the world “is constantly preaching a materialism that can destroy marriage and I counsel couples to celebrate their marriage every day in love. Communicate. Go out to dinner, take a walk together and certainly pray together. Be like you used to.” Last month, Jason Angelette, director of Faith and Marriage at the non-profit Willwoods Community in New Orleans, La., which does marriage enrichment within the New Orleans Archdiocese, said that Catholic married couples today “are hearing a lot of mixed noise — and are confused about what marriage really means.” He told The Anchor, “God is the key to keeping a marriage strong, and that is the advice our community gives at parish presentations nationally, which are a part of our caring apostolate. We know so many things today merge to ruin marriages. It is only by love of Christ, his Church, prayer, and the graces of the sacrament of matrimony and other sacraments, especially the Eucharist, that we can keep our marriages strong and lasting.” He cited Pope Pius XI’s encyclical, “Castii Connubii” (“On
Christian Marriage”) and the message of “God’s Plan For A Joyful Marriage” that must be embraced fully for a successful and enduring marriage. “Another of our programs is called ‘Supper and Substance’ which brings Catholic married couples together for a dinner and an evening of talk, and it has proven very successful. And we offer grants to make those happen,” Angelette noted. Jerry Foley, who along with his wife Scotty, are program directors in the Family Ministry Office of the Fall River Diocese, says another phenomenon in the changes in marriage environment is that people are marrying much later in life than in previous generations. This “comes at a time when many of them are more removed than ever from parish life.” To bring them up to date with the trends, the directors and personnel are constantly looking for suggestions from spouses they encounter. “If we find something we think needs attention or change, we’ll program it for a section of the diocese, and if it works, then we’ll implement it uniformly across the entire diocese,” Foley said. It is right in line with the bishops’ initiative that urges “bringing Catholic belief into dialogue with contemporary needs … the Catholic Church becomes a community of hope and help for marriages and to join others in building a culture of marriage.” One example is a new program that seeks to assist spouses who are suffering from physical and substance abuse affecting their marriages and want to resolve those issues. Another is the revised Natural Family Planning program that now specifically deals with those who have received a valid annulment and are remarried. “We have dynamic programs,” Foley said. “The Marriage Encounter program is for those happy in their marriage and want to keep it that way. The Retrovaille program is for those who are actively seeking to save and renew their marriages.” Foley said that while Retrovaille has been shown to be effective, “it is clearly seen that fewer people are taking advantage of it than in former years. We are not seeing the number of people that once came to us to help repair their marriages, and because so many have given up on their marriage bothers us.” To counter that and other challenges, the office offers leading speakers on marriage issues, including one talk on the marriage liturgy, with two programs offered in 2009 in the diocese, and more planned.
W
e don’t usually think about it this way, but it seems certain to me that the brain, like the stomach, has an appetite. It seeks out things that feed it: ideas, experiences, artistic delights. It is a curious — one might even say peculiar — thing about being a human. We take many pleasures in life: eating, drinking, spending time in each other’s company. But another integral part of being embodied human beings with grey matter between our ears is that we take great pleasure in knowing. It appears that we were designed to use our minds to experience and to know the world into which we were born, and the drive to do so is appetitive, which means pleasure-seeking. This is the secret to the popularity of the mystery novel or suspense thriller: we enjoy the protagonist’s solving the puzzle because it mirrors our own way of moving through life. As we go about daily living, we continually puzzle out the world, our fellow man, and ultimately our own mysterious selves. Paraphrasing Shakespeare, we are driven to pluck the heart of our own mystery; we yearn to discover what tantalizes us with
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The Anchor
February 12, 2010
Food for the hungry Catholic brain seeming unknowability. by G.K. Chesterton, a convert My name is Jennifer Pierce to Catholicism. Like reading a and I live on Cape Cod with my dream of my Catholic past, I read: husband Jim and two daughters, “I did try to found a heresy of my two-year-old Bronwyn and oneown; and when I had put the last year-old Marina. I am a writer touches to it, I discovered that it and a doctoral candidate in the was orthodoxy.” Never had I read humanities. I am also a Catholic something so profoundly recogrevert. No, not a convert but a nizable. revert. I was raised by two faithful Catholic parents in the Catholic school system. I entered a secular university, however, studied philosophy and temporarily left my By Jennifer Pierce cradle faith. I certainly believe it is possible for a young Catholic girl to go to a secular university and come In reading the words of “great out with her faith intact; I know thinkers,” I thought myself truly several women who have come free to discover my “own” truth; out unscathed. Wandering from but as I pieced together my the faith was nothing but my own thinker-quilt, I took a step back to doing, a Pandora’s Box I couldn’t look at my handiwork. I realized resist opening. God, however, something rather odd and kind somehow manages to turn even of amusing: all of the pieces I our failings to grace. He’s embar- sought were to be found within rassingly generous like that. this large, breathing organism that It is a compelling fact that we can call “Catholic Thought,” developing a life of the mind led in both the large-C and small-C me away from the faith — and it meanings of the term Catholic. is that same developing life of the Like Dorothy in “The Wizard of mind that led me home again. It Oz,” I went on a strange journey, began with the book “Orthodoxy” only to discover that what I had
Great Catholic Thinkers
been looking for was in my own backyard. I’m on a new journey now and I have found a whole tribe of Catholic Thinkers who had the same questions I had. Through reading, writing, and reflection, they created their own set of creative and innovative answers to questions like: How can we know that Jesus was the Son of God? What is prayer? What is the nature of sin and virtue? What role does imagination play in understanding the fullness of God? What is religion? What does it mean that God, in the person of Jesus, became man, that he was “incarnated”? I’m going to use this space to share with you part of that journey as I go through a series of “Great Catholic Thinkers,” people I think of as being cornerstones in this expansive and living body of “Catholic Thought.” Several of the thinkers in the series are people I know almost as intimately as I know a friend. But several others are people with whom I’m only mildly acquainted, like a neighbor whom we know by sight but with whom we have never
taken a meal or shared a conversation. In this way, I’ll be sharing some of my inner-circle with you, but I will also be taking you along with me as I get to know some of our other friends even more intimately. We’ll meet here, and sit down with a cup of coffee or tea (or maybe a beer or a glass of wine — hey, we’re Catholic. We can do that.) and just talk about this part of our larger circle that stands, waiting patiently, to be introduced. Over the next nine articles, I will write about nine great Catholic thinkers, in order: C.S. Lewis (an “almost” Catholic, but we’ll get into that next time), Frank Sheed, G.K. Chesterton, Hilaire Belloc, Ronald Knox, Fulton Sheen, Avery Dulles, Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), and Peter Kreeft. I’ll look forward to the time with you and I hope that, with the help of grace, these great Catholic thinkers will help feed well our hungry Catholic brains. Jennifer Pierce is a parishioner of Corpus Christi in East Sandwich, where she lives with her husband Jim and two daughters.
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Anchor has rare rate increase continued from page one
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February 12, 2010
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February 12, 2010
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The Anchor
Another study demonstrates link between abortion and breast cancer By Christine M. Williams Anchor Correspondent
BOSTON — Pro-Life groups are once again bringing to light the dangerous effect that abortion and contraceptives have on a woman’s breast health. Another study, published last year, has found an increased risk of breast cancer in women who have had abortions. Leading cancer organizations, including the National Cancer Institute, continue to deny any link. What is particularly notable about this last study, which appeared in an issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention in April 2009, is that one of the co-authors is Dr. Louise A. Brinton, an NCI researcher. The admission that abortion increases the risk of breast cancer by 40 percent, a finding that is consistent with previous studies, is in direct contrast to an NCI workshop in 2003 chaired by Brinton that found it was “well established” that “abortion is not associated with increased breast cancer risk.” Two more studies released last year also found that abortion raised the risk of breast cancer. One in Turkey found a 66 percent increase, and the other in China found a 17 percent increased risk. The 2007 study “The Breast Cancer Epidemic” found that abortion was the “best predictor of breast cancer” among seven risk factors. On its website, NCI maintains, “The evidence overall still does not support early termination of pregnancy as a cause of breast cancer,” and a representative of the organization had “nothing further to add” during an interview with The Anchor. This discrepancy has prompted the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer to call for an investigation of NCI. In a letter to Congress, the organization said NCI failed to issue “timely warnings about breast cancer risks.” “The NCI puts politics ahead of women’s lives,” Karen Malec, president of the coalition, said in a statement dated January 25. Last month, in a letter to the board of directors of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, president Marie Sturgis wrote, “The real tragedy of this story is that from the time of the April study, organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen foundation and other like-minded groups have made no effort to inform the public.” The study focused mainly on the increased risk of triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form associated with high mortality, for women under 45 who used hormonal contraceptives. The study found a 270 percent increased risk for women who began using con-
traceptives before age 18 and a 320 percent increase for women who had used contraceptives within the past five years. Dr. Angela Lanfranchi, a breast surgeon in New Jersey and head of the Breast Cancer Prevention Institute, told The Anchor that every woman has a “susceptibility window” when she is at greater risk for cancerous breast cells. The window lasts from after puberty to the 32nd week of her first pregnancy. During that time, a woman’s breasts have formed but not fully matured, and they are more susceptible to carcinogens — anything from chemicals found in cigarette smoke to estrogen found in their own bodies. The link between estrogen and breast cancer has been documented for decades. Women are exposed to elevated estrogen levels with each menstrual cycle. For this reason, women who menstruate early in life and delay having their first child experience more menstrual cycles and are at a higher risk for breast cancer. Hormonal contraceptives, which often contain estrogen, increase the risk as well, she said. A woman who has never been pregnant has Type 1 and Type 2 breast cells. A woman who has carried a pregnancy to term develops Type 4 breast cells and by the time lactation is complete, 85 percent of her breast tissue is Type 3. Type 3 and Type 4 breast tissue is resistant to cancer, and a woman who has carried a pregnancy to term has a lower breast cancer risk simply because there are fewer places for cancer to start, Lanfranchi said. In the case of premature birth or induced abortion, a woman has an increased risk of breast cancer because her breasts have doubled in volume, and there are more places for the cancer to start. She has more Type 1 and Type 2 cells, and none have matured to Type 4. The same is not true for miscarriages that occur in the first trimester, since they are associated with low estrogen levels, she said. Lanfranchi added that more than 20 studies documenting a link between abortion and breast cancer convinced her to look for a connection in her patients. Within
six months, she began to see a correlation. “I expected to hear about it in medical meetings,” she said. “No one would talk about it.” She added that she waited until 41 to have her first child, which gave her a 30-year susceptibility window. Considering that her mother and great-grandmother both died of breast cancer, she wonders if she would have chosen to wait so long if she had known about the increased risk. “Women don’t have the knowledge to make those kinds of decisions,” she said. Eve Silver, a medical research analyst and executive director of Clear Research, said that women who become pregnant today do not know how their actions will influence their lives years down the road. “Young women do not know their history because it’s still in their future,” she said. “They have a right to know about this.” Silver added that she has experienced both abortion and breast cancer. She would have liked to understand that the pregnancy she terminated was a living child. She would also have liked to know that
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abortion increased her risk for developing breast cancer. Silver has had cancer twice, and the second time she had a mastectomy. “It is the most awful thing to lose your breasts,” she said. “It fractures your femininity.” Marian Desrosiers, director of the Diocese of Fall River’s ProLife Apostolate, said that the fact that information about the link
between abortion and hormonal contraceptives to breast cancer has been available but not publicized has been a “terrible disservice” to women. “I think it’s absolutely outrageous,” she said. “I hope that there can be a movement of women demanding truth.” She added, “Women, quite frankly, are dying.”
Youth Pages
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a bowl victory — St. Mary’s eighth-grade students participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring project by volunteering at the local soup kitchen in Mansfield. The project is nationwide, created by students in Alabama who wanted to make a difference to the hungry in our country. The Mansfield school participates during Catholic Schools Week as part of its annual community service project.
balloon brunch — Grandchildren of George and Jeanne Towers from St. John’s Parish in Pocasset, have fun at the fifth Annual St. Mary’s Education Fund Winter Family Brunch held recently at the Coonamessett Inn in Falmouth. The Towers attend and support many of the St. Mary’s Fund events on Cape Cod. (Photo by Bruce McDaniel)
February 12, 2010
relief specialist — Recognizing the plight of the Haitian people, religion teacher Carol Sypko at Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton, recently organized a fund-raiser to assist the Haitian Health Foundation. Here Sypko collects a donation from Senior Leann Martins.
helping haiti — First-graders at St. James-St. John School in New Bedford, recently collected toys for children in Haiti.
pajama jamin’ — The seventh-graders, with faculty advisor, Adele Monticello, of the Sacred Hearts Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society of St. Joseph’s School, Fairhaven, recently organized a collection drive and donated 125 pairs of children’s pajamas and 300 children’s book to the Pajama Program; a charity that provides items to homeless children.
heart stuff — Students at Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford recently emptied their piggy banks and collected donations for the “Have a Heart for Haiti” fund-raiser to benefit the victims of the earthquakes in Haiti.
A
s I write this week’s article, it is the Monday morning after the Saints upset the Colts in a shocking 31-17 win. It also means that my article is late and Dave Jolivet has a brand new grey hair — by now he probably has a whole patch with my name on it. But back to the task at hand…. With a stunning on-side kick to start the third quarter and a perfect interception resulting in a 70-plus-yard touchdown, the Saints marched to a spectacular victory. To borrow a phrase from a few of my New Orleans pals, “Who dat gonna beat dem saints?” What a victory for a city so devastated and broken not too long ago — a city still recovering. I attended a national meeting of diocesan directors two weeks ago in Los Angeles (don’t get too excited for there wasn’t an ounce of warm Southern California sun to be had) and during the meeting, John, the Youth Ministry Director for New Orleans, talked about how the city is still recovering and rebuilding after Hurricane
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Youth Pages
February 12, 2010
Who dat gonna beat these Saints?
Perhaps it is prophetic that Katrina. He said it could take NFL’s Saints call New Orleans a decade for it to “completely” home. Like the saints of our rebuild and he used the term Church, they could not be disloosely. But he also thanked missed, discounted or discredited. everyone for their prayers, wellLike the saints of our Church, this wishes and generous financial NFL team and in particular their support to Catholic Relief fans have faced adversity and Services and the Catholic Youth Foundation, USA, not only to help rebuild the city but also to invest in the youth of the city and its surrounding parishes (counties). Because of the generous contributions, youth were able to parBy Crystal Medeiros ticipate in camps, many of which were destroyed when the levees broke. stood their ground. They are a A large group of young people testament to their city. were able to attend the National Our Catholic faith is blessed Catholic Youth Conference in Atwith so many men and women lanta that year. While at NCYC, the young people experienced the who intercede on our behalf. My non-Catholic friends often joke larger Church in its celebration of the Catholic faith and returned with me and say, “You have a saint for everything,” and there to a city so immersed in devastais a grain of truth to that statetion with a renewed spirit and a ment. Our saints are leaders, renewed faith. No one and nothing could beat witnesses, patrons but most of all they are examples. Besides, can those saints.
Be Not Afraid
you imagine our faith and Easter Vigil Mass without the Litany of the Saints? Our history is rich with men and women who are a witness and testament of what it means to be Catholic — they stood their ground in their faith when it mattered most and to some it meant death. But do we spend enough time familiarizing ourselves with them? Sure, we may research a saint or two if we are asked to select a confirmation name different from our baptismal name, but do we really come to know and understand the life, mission and call of any particular saint, particularly the not-so-wellknown ones? I honestly doubt it and I am just as guilty. After yesterday’s Super Bowl, I’m sure many who watched could name about a half a dozen Saints players, but can we do the same for our Catholic saints — excluding of course those from our four Gospels? What if we learned about a new saint each
month? I am sure some of their stories could capture our attention as some read like a modern day novel. These remarkable men and women may not have scored a winning touchdown but they are all players of a much bigger team — our Catholic one. These saints are the perfect example that we too are called to be saints to others. We can be saints to others simply by being Christ to others. We do that by becoming a welcoming people, an embracing people, a loving people, a faithfilled and faithful people and a supportive people. Look what our prayers and support have done for the people and city of New Orleans. Look at what it is starting to do for the people of Haiti. Yesterday, thousands of us put our hope and faith in the Saints of the NFL. Now let’s put our hope and faith in Our Saints … for no one can beat ’em. Crystal is assistant director for Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the diocese. She can be contacted at cmedeiros@ dfrcec.com.
teens for life — Dozens of teens from the Diocese of Fall River’s five Catholic high schools journeyed to Washington, D.C. for the annual January 22 March For Life in the nation’s capital. At left, students are pictured with Bishop George W. Coleman at a Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in D.C., prior to heading home the day following the march. At right, area students make their opinions known about the value of all life. (Photos courtesy of Marian Desrosiers)
Operation Rice Bowl starts Ash Wednesday, February 17 BALTIMORE, Md. — Every year, millions of Catholics in the U.S. participate in Operation Rice Bowl, Catholic Relief Services’ annual Lenten program that starts on Ash Wednesday. Each Lent, Catholic schools and parishes from more than 13,000 communities use symbolic rice bowls as the focal point for their prayer, fasting and learning, knowing that getting involved is a tangible way to help people living in poverty around the world. Participants make the small sacrifice of preparing simple, meatless recipes each week and
putting the money they otherwise would have spent on a big meal into the cardboard rice bowls. Last year, Catholics raised more than $6 million through Operation Rice Bowl, 75 percent of which is used to fund hunger and poverty projects in 40 countries. The remaining 25 percent stays in the U.S. dioceses to support food pantries and soup kitchens. To learn more about CRS’ Operation Rice Bowl and to order the rice bowls, the video “Solidarity Will Transform the World,” calendar and other materials, go online at orb.crs.org.
TOE JAM — Singer-guitarist Tony Melendez, the famed musician born without arms who once gave an inspirational performance for Pope John Paul II, had middle school and high school students on their feet during two energetic shows inside the Bishop Stang High School gymnasium in North Dartmouth February 5. Melendez and his “Toe Jam Band” put on their faith-filled and inspirational shows to close out Catholic Schools Week for New Bedfordarea students. He also performed a concert on February 7 at St. Lawrence Martyr Parish in New Bedford. See related story on page 10. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)
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The Anchor
Trouble on the horizon I found the story that appeared on the front page of the January 22 edition of The Anchor concerning the vandalism at St. Kilian’s parish and the harassment of it pastor, Father Cardenas, extremely troubling. The information contained in the story has compelled me to respond. I spent 43 years as a classroom teacher in the Fall River Public Schools. For 25 years I taught a course entitled “The History of World Genocide” to high school students. For the past 15 years, I have been a member of an interfaith, communitybased committee that works with students and the public at large in Southeastern Massachusetts relating the lessons that can be learned from the Holocaust and other acts of genocide. While the incidents in and of themselves might be regarded as minor, they can also be regarded as the first signs of a dangerous pattern that if gone unanswered have the potential to lead to more serious actions. The rise to power of Adolph Hitler in Germany began with six men in a beer hall in Munich. He and his followers appealed to the worst traits of human nature. Many in Germany paid little attention to his hate driven message until economic and political conditions provided the opportunity for the Nazi Party to come to power. Once in power Hitler, through a series of well planned steps, carried out his plans for the
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extermination of six million European Jews and five million others including Gypsies, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other minorities. The events involving St. Kilian’s Parish and its pastor must be regarded as a small brush fire, which, if it is not quenched immediately can lead to far more serious acts of hatred. That response must come from all members of our community, Christian and non-Christian alike. Those who commit such acts are cowards. When confronted they soon disappear from sight. In 1993 white supremacists carried a series of hate crimes against minority groups living the city of Billings, Mon. Those targeted included Native Americans, African–Americans and members of the city’s Jewish community. The citizens of Billings who were not targeted took strong and decisive actions, which sent the message to those carrying out acts of hate, “Not in our town.” The graffiti spayed on the houses of Native Americans was immediately removed. Members of all denominations began to attend services at a small African–American Church to confront those who had attempted to intimidate the members of its congregation. In December when Jewish citizens were the targets of vandalism, during the feast of Chanukah, the response was the appearance of more than 10,000 menorahs in the windows of homes and businesses
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throughout Billings. Both the supremacists and acts of vandalism soon disappeared. There must be a similar response to those in our community who would seek to carry out acts of hate; not our town, not here, not now, not ever. The English statesmen Edmund Burke correctly observed, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” We would be wise to act upon his words. James F. Wilcox Fall River
Grateful to have The Anchor online I want to take this opportunity to tell you how happy I am to see The Anchor extending its work on the Internet. I get The Anchor sometimes up to three weeks after publication because of the long distance and mail classification of each issue. Sometimes I get three together on the same day. So it is truly a great pleasure to get online and see the news before it reaches me. Keep up the good work. Father Roger LeDuc Tehachapi, Calif.
Politics on the front burner Your January 29 editorial was great and right to the point. If the election of Scott Brown proves nothing else, it shows how inertia can eventually reverse itself, especially when there’s an element of arrogance involved (e.g. “these slobs will vote for us regardless of what we do to them”). My goodness, even the Boston Globe gets the point. Any desperation, hand-wringing, finger-pointing, etc. on the part of the Democrat machine should be a source of great rejoicing to those of us who cannot comprehend how or why folks who claim to be “good Catholics” continue to support a political party whose main policies with regard to life and marriage are 180 degrees out from those of the Church to which they nominally belong. Bill Black Falmouth Needs a cleanup It has been widely unreported in the Massachusetts media that the Four Women “Health” Services abortion clinic in Attleboro
has violated the state regulations. They were not disposing of medical and biological waste properly but in the regular trash. The Department of Public Health sent them a reprimand letter but these actions should be unacceptable. I call on the general public to call the DPH and ask them to be totally shut down. Just because they are legal doesn’t make them safe or clean. S. Howey Milton Village Letters are welcome but the editor reserves the right to condense or edit for clarity if deemed necessary. Letters should be typed, no longer than 100 words and should include name, address, and telephone number. Letters do not necessarily reflect the editorial views of The Anchor. Letters should be sent to: The Anchor, Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722-0007, or emailed to fatherrogerlandry@anchornews. org.
Diocesan native celebrates 50 years of priesthood, in Brownsville Diocese EDINBURG, Texas — Ordained in January of 1960 by Bishop James L. Connolly, Msgr. Agostinho Pacheco is celebrating 50 years of priestly service. Born in Fall River he is the son of the late Manuel and Belmira Pacheco, brother of the late Manuel and Arthur Pacheco and the late Idalina Perry. He is also brother to Mary Mosher and Irene Habib of Westport. Father Pacheco’s first assignment in the Fall River Diocese was at Immaculate Conception Parish in New Bedford. After several other assignments in the Fall River Diocese, he joined then Bishop Humberto Medeiros in 1968, in the Diocese of Brownsville, in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas where he has spent the rest of his priestly ministry. His tenure in the Brownsville Diocese saw him serve the predominantly Hispanic community
in numerous assignments under the leadership of Bishop Medeiros, Bishop James Fitzpatrick and Bishop Enrique San Pedro in Brownsville, Alamo, McAllen, and San Benito, Texas, from the lower part of the Rio Grande Valley to the Mid Valley where he assumed the pastorship of what was to Msgr. Agostinho become Holy Spirit Parish Pacheco in McAllen, Texas. After completing the creation of this new parish, and serving there during its initial years of growth, he was assigned to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish which is also in McAllen. There he served as pastor overseeing a large congregation and McAllen’s only Catholic
elementary school with more than 500 students. During his time at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, he was responsible for the construction of its new church building and office complex. Father Pacheco served as chairman of numerous pastoral commissions throughout the diocese including chairman of the diocesan insurance committee and head of the deanery in which he served. In 2005 Father Pacheco was elevated to the status of Monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI, at the recommendation of Bishop Raymundo Peña. In 2007 Msgr. Pacheco retired from active pastoral ministry and is currently serving in hospital ministry at Doctors’ Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, Texas, also in the Brownsville Diocese. He celebrated his 50th year with a Liturgy at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in McAllen, Texas on January 31.
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The Anchor
February 12, 2010
Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Fridays 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays end with Evening Prayer and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.; Saturdays end with Benediction at 2:45 p.m. Brewster — Eucharistic adoration takes place in the La Salette Chapel in the lower level of Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays following the 11 a.m. Mass until 7:45 a.m. on the First Saturday of the month, concluding with Benediction and Mass. Buzzards Bay — Eucharistic adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, every first Friday after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending the following day before the 8 a.m. Mass. EAST TAUNTON — Eucharistic adoration takes place First Fridays at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, following the 8:30 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 8 p.m.
Cape codders for life — This is a group shot of 57 adults who attended the 2010 March for Life with Bishop George W. Coleman at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The group traveled to the nation’s capital on the bus provided by the Cape Cod Bus for Life, Inc.
Rules for Lent
FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with eucharistic adoration. Refreshments follow. FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has eucharistic adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on the first Sunday of the month from noon to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, February 17 is Ash Wednesday. The Church’s regulations for the Lenten season follow: — abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays during Lent and Good Friday for those aged 14 and older; — Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are to be observed as days of fasting for those aged 18 to 59. Fasting is defined as eating only one full meal and two light meals during the day. Eating between meals is not permitted; liquids however, are permitted. The Code of Canon Law very aptly summarizes the ecclesiastical discipline in Canon 1249: “All members of the Christian faithful in their own way are bound to do penance in virtue of divine law; in order that all may be joined in a common observance of penance, penitential days are prescribed in which the Christian faithful in a special way pray, exercise works of piety and charity, and deny themselves by fulfilling their responsibilities more faithfully and especially by observing fast and abstinence….”
HYANNIS — A Holy Hour with eucharistic adoration will take place each First Friday at St. Francis Xavier Church, 21 Cross Street, beginning at 4 p.m.
2009 Marian Medals video airs on cable TV
OSTERVILLE — Eucharistic adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 76 Wianno Avenue on First Fridays following the 8 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 5 p.m. The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed at 4:45 p.m.; on the third Friday of the month from 1 p.m. to Benediction at 5 p.m.; and for the Year For Priests, the second Thursday of the month from 1 p.m. to Benediction at 5 p.m.
FALL RIVER — A video of the 2009 Marian Medals Ceremony that took place on November 22 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River is airing on several cable television public access channels in the Fall River Diocese. As of press time, the schedule is as follows: — Raynham, cable channel 9, February 13, 20 and 27 at 4 p.m.; February 14, 21 and 28 at 12 noon
In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Feb. 15 Rev. Joseph G. Lavalle, Pastor, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1910 Rev. James C. Conlon, Pastor, St. Mary, Norton, 1957 Feb. 16 Rev. Alphonse J. LaChapelle, Assistant, Holy Ghost, Attleboro, 1983 Rev. Joaquim Fernandes da Silva, CM, 2001 Feb. 19 Rev. Andrew J. Brady, Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1895 Rev. Leopold Jeurissen, SS.CC., Pastor, Sacred Hearts, Fairhaven, 1953 Feb. 20 Rev. James H. Fogarty, Pastor, St. Louis, Fall River, 1922 Rev. Raymond M. Giguere, O.P., Assistant, St. Anne, Fall River, 1986 Rev. Thomas E. Morrissey, Pastor, St. Jacques, Taunton, 2006 Feb. 21 Rev. Msgr. Luiz G. Mendonca, PA, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, New Bedford, 1997
and 4 p.m. — Taunton, cable channel 15, February 13 at 12 noon and 9 p.m. and February 14 at 12 noon. — Wareham, cable channel 9, February 14 and 21 at 5 p.m. — Westport, cable channel 17, February 16 and 23 at 9 p.m.; February 17 and 24 at 1 p.m.; and February 12, 19 and 26 at 5 p.m. — Swansea, cable channel 98,
February 15, 17, 18, 22, 24 and 25 at 6 p.m. The video is also available for purchase in VHS format ($22.95) or DVD format ($24.95). To obtain a video, please forward a check payable to the Diocesan Office of Communications, Diocese of Fall River, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722. Shipping is included in the video cost.
Around the Diocese 2/12
“Our Children’s Children: A Relief Concert for the Holy Cross Community in Haiti” will be held tonight at 7 p.m. in the great room of Holy Cross Parish, 225 Purchase Street, South Easton. Anne DiSanto and Friends will perform their popular inspirational anthems and original music. Special guests include Malida Thelusme and the Haitian Youth Choir. Refreshments will be served. For information call 508-238-2235 or visit www.holycrosseaston.org.
2/12
The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, 947 Park Street, Attleboro, is now displaying the Missionary Icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe through Sunday with daily adoration after the 12:10 p.m. Mass until 4 p.m. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. followed by evening Mass at 6:30 p.m. along with speakers. All are welcome. For more information call 508-222-5410 or visit www.lasalette-shrine.org.
2/14
On Sunday, the feast of St. Valentine, St. Margaret/St. Mary Parishes, Buzzards Bay, will hold a World Marriage Day Celebration during the 11 a.m. Liturgy. The event will include Mass, renewal of vows and a luncheon.
2/15
A Lenten course on the seven sacraments will be offered at St. Kilian Parish, 306 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford, for seven Mondays beginning February 15 at 7 p.m. Bring a Bible, “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” paper, pencil or pen. Deacon Leo Racine will teach using holy Scriptures about the symbols used in the Old Testament of what Christ would institute as the sacraments in the New Testament.
2/16 2/18 2/18
The Daughters of Isabella Catholic organization will meet on February 16 in the church hall of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, New Bedford, at 7 p.m. For more information, call Sally Medeiros at 508-567-3288. A Healing Mass will be celebrated at St. Anne’s Parish, Fall River, February 18 at 6:30 p.m. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m., with Benediction and healing prayers after the Mass.
St. Louis de France Parish, 56 Buffington Street, Swansea, will host weekly Centering Prayer gatherings using a Lectio Divina format in the Family Room of the main church at 6:15 p.m. every Thursday in Lent beginning February 18 through March 24, plus Wednesday of Holy Week, March 31. Prayer begins at 6:30 p.m. For information, contact Charles R. Demers at forums8799@mypacks.net or 508-264-5823.
NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic adoration takes place 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 233 County Street, with night prayer and Benediction at 8:45 p.m., and confessions offered during the evening. NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the rosary, and the opportunity for confession. SEEKONK — Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish has eucharistic adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508336-5549. NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic adoration takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m. The rosary is recited Monday through Friday at the church from 7:30 to 8 a.m.
Taunton — Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord Church, 31 First Street, immediately following the 8 a.m. Mass and continues throughout the day. Confessions are heard from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., concluding with recitation of the rosary and Benediction at 6:30 p.m. Taunton — Eucharistic adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction. Recitation of the rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass. WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street, holds perpetual eucharistic adoration. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716. WOODS HOLE — Eucharistic adoration takes place at St. Joseph’s Church, 33 Millfield Street, year-round on weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No adoration on Sundays, Wednesdays, and holidays. For information call 508-274-5435.
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The Anchor
February 12, 2010
Life is beautiful, not disgusting
I
generally like to keep my proves beyond a shadow of a column light because this doubt that the “choice” or “tiscan be such a mad world. If sue” is a human being. laughter is the best medicine, then The picture is no less “disI like to hand out small doses gusting” than the image of our whenever I can. beloved Jesus Christ during the But sometimes you have to horrific period from Holy Thursmake a stand. Sometimes laughday through Good Friday. ter isn’t the best medicine. We can’t dismiss the rendiThis is one of those times. tions of the way the good Lord There are a few Anchor readwas treated by some of the most ers who found the photo on the callous torturers the history of cover of last week’s Anchor ofman has ever seen — the Rofensive and disgusting. I can see mans. how they could think that. Yet, I We can’t sweep under the must respectfully wholeheartedly rug the pictures and statues of disagree. On the contrary, I find that photo of a yet-unborn child grasping the finger of a surgeon to be By Dave Jolivet one of the most beautiful photos ever snapped. That photo reveals life in its Christ’s scourging at the pillar, most basic form. I had the Godhis being crowned with thorns, given privilege of watching the his collapsing three times under births of all four of my children. the weight of the cross, his being Were there blood and fluids and nailed to the wood, his bloodied, pain involved? Of course, yet I brutalized body hanging from the can’t think of a greater scene to tree, and his being pierced in the ever play out in my life. side with a lance, at which time The photo reveals that life is more blood and “fluids” poured precious, that life begins well out. before birth, and that the fetus is All those scenes reveal the in fact a tiny human being. One greatest sacrifice Christ made has to look past what is seemfor us sinners. They may be ingly a disgusting sight and see disturbing, but they are not to be the beauty of life. dismissed or hidden from view. Some say that photo didn’t Clancy’s photo shows just the belong in a Catholic newspaper. opposite — life. A child graspFor me, that’s exactly where it ing the finger of a fellow human belonged. Front and center, as a being. It’s not a picture to be matter of fact. buried. It’s a picture for all ChrisThe abortion industry loves tians to see and admire — young to throw out words like “choice” and old alike. and “tissue” and “pregnancy What is gory and disgusting is termination.” These descripthe torturous murder of the owner tions hardly paint a picture of the of little fingers such as those that destruction of human life that is appear on page one of last week’s abortion. Michael Clancy’s photo Anchor.
My View From the Stands
winter brunch — The fifth annual St. Mary’s Education Fund Winter Family Brunch was held recently at the Coonamessett Inn in Falmouth. More than 300 guests including friends from Cape Cod parishes, and students and their families from the Catholic schools on the Cape attended. All proceeds benefit the St. Mary’s Education Fund. From left: Diocesan School Superintendent George A. Milot; Dorothy Hiltz, event chair; and Father Barry W. Wall, who served as the honorary guest. (Photo by Bruce McDaniel)