Anchor 01.08.10

Diocese of Fall River

The Anchor

F riday , January 8, 2010

Traditional marriage proponents call 2009 ‘encouraging’

By Christine Williams Anchor Correspondent BOSTON — As proponents of traditional marriage look back on 2009, many see a new momentum in the battle for marriage.

Victories that came in the final months — in Maine, New York and New Jersey — are a heartening trend, they said.

“There’s a shift in state legislatures in liberal states which is very encouraging,” said Kris Mineau, president of Massachusetts Family Institute.

Not only has the trend of ordinary citizens upholding traditional marriage continued but state legislators in blue states have also voted for family values, he said.

Last year a court ruling in Iowa legalized same-sex marriage in April. State legislators in Vermont and New Hampshire approved same-sex marriage in 2009 — both states previously had civil unions. In New Hampshire, the law took effect on Jan. 1, 2010. Currently, same-sex marriage has been legalized in five states including Massachusetts in 2004 and Connecticut in 2008. City counselors in the District of Columbia also voted in favor of same-sex marriage in 2008.

But as 2009 drew to a close, the citizens of Maine reversed a decision made by the Legislature to bring same-sex marriage to the state. With 52.8 percent of the people voting in favor of repealing the law, the measure passed with a wider margin than was seen in a similar vote in California last year.

Maine became the 31st state where citizens have voted down same-sex marriage. More than 50 million people in the United

States have voted on marriage, with traditional marriage winning by an average pass rate of 68 percent, Mineau said.

In an email to supporters the day after Maine’s election, Brian Brown, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage, called the vote a “decisive and historic victory.” NOM is a national grassroots organization that supports traditional marriage.

“The importance of the win in Maine nationally cannot be overstated,” he wrote. “Same-sex marriage activists saw Maine as their best chance to win a direct marriage vote.”

In December, state legislators in New York struck down samesex marriage by a 38-24 margin.

Soon after, sponsors of a New Jersey same-sex marriage bill cancelled a scheduled vote on the measure.

In an email to supporters sent December 18, Brian Brown said same-sex marriage proponents expected bills legalizing samesex marriage to sail through Legislatures in the northeast. They thought people would affirm that “gay marriage is a civil right whose time has come.”

“Make no mistake: gay marriage advocates had big plans for 2009. This was supposed to be the year the gay marriage debate was over, that gay marriage definitively won,” he wrote. “What happened instead was very different, thanks to your prayers, your sacrifices, your letters, emails, calls, and financial support: 2009 was the year the politicians learned that they cannot ignore the people’s voices and values.

They cannot ignore truth, decency, common sense, or the will of Turn to page 19

going high tech — With the coming of the new year, The Anchor launches its first-ever website to supplement the weekly print edition of the official Catholic newspaper of the Fall River Diocese.

The digital edition of the publication will include much of the same local news and features, in addition to some exclusive “web-only” content.

The Anchor rings in the New Year with launch of its first-ever website

FALL RIVER — Following a growing trend in print journalism The Anchor, the official Catholic weekly newspaper of the Fall River Diocese, has designed and launched its first-ever website to supplement the regular print edition of the 52-year-old publication.

The new website, www.anchornews.org, will include much of the same local news and features that have continued to make The Anchor a primary source of information for Catholics throughout the diocese for the last half-century, but won’t completely mimic everything from the 20-page print

edition, either.

“We wanted to offer highlights from every issue — mainly concentrating on our locally-generated content — without detracting from the print edition or making it obsolete,” said Kenneth J. Souza, Anchor reporter and special projects coordinator who built and maintains the website.

“What we’re doing is a bridge to the future,” said Anchor Executive Editor Father Roger J. Landry. “It’s clear that in upcoming years almost all news is going to be digested through Internet-based sources, so we’re moving in that

direction.”

“There are many faithful Anchor readers who aren’t necessarily computer-savvy and frankly aren’t interested in a digital version of the paper. But we also felt we needed to reach out to those who regularly get their news via the Internet and it made sense for The Anchor to have a presence online,” Souza added.

To that end, the new Anchor website will offer a broad range of articles, columns and content from the weekly edition beginning with all the local news covered by the Turn to page 20

Diocese in 2009 mulled penance, Paul and priests

By Deacon James N. Dunbar FALL RIVER — As 2009 dawned, Catholics in the Fall River Diocese continued to observe the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of St. Paul with hopes for a similar personal conversion, and prayed for the growth in holiness of their clergy in the Year For Priests, also instituted by Pope Benedict XVI. But it was the mid-Lent, diocese-wide Reconciliation Weekend, initiated by a handful of priests, that brought hundreds of the fallen-away back to the faith that truly capped the goal of the jubilee of the Apostle considered the model of Christian conversion, and at the same time pointed up the holy priesthood’s gift to be an alter Christus in the confessional.

Using Paul’s message to the Corinthians, “We are ambassadors of Christ. God as it were appealing through us. We beseech you on behalf

of Christ; Be reconciled with God,” priests in 73 parishes across the diocese heard confessions for six hours on March 20 and again on March 21, to make it as easy as possible for those who hadn’t been to confession for many years to come back to the Church and receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

Their sacrifice and accompanying prayers were so successful that an estimated 5,000 confessions were heard — including hundreds, who, according to confessors’ general summaries, reportedly had not been to the sacrament of penance for as many as 15, 20 or 30 years — making it a very special Lent indeed for the local Church.

To promote the endeavor, The Anchor published a 12-page special edition that included information on how to prepare for the sacrament of penance; a reminder of how to make the formal act Turn to page 14

News From the Vatican

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attentive audience — Pope Benedict XVI meets with the Roman Curia and cardinals resident in Rome recently in Clementine Hall at the Vatican. During the annual meeting, the pope said Christians must make the first move in offering reconciliation. (CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters)

Inside and outside the Vatican, 2009 was busy year for pope

By John Thavis Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Looking back on 2009, it’s difficult to imagine a busier year for 82-yearold Pope Benedict XVI. The Year of St. Paul. The Year for Priests. A major social encyclical. A Holy Land pilgrimage.

A first meeting with President Obama. Ten new saints. An African trip and an African synod. A Facebook debut. A controversial concession to Catholic traditionalists. An unexpected overture to disaffected Anglicans.

And those are just the highlights, of course. Being pope is a day-in, day-out ministry, and over the course of the past year Pope Benedict met with more

than 200 dignitaries and groups, held talks with more than 300 bishops and celebrated more than 50 major liturgies.

The year brought moments of deep personal satisfaction, as when the German pontiff prayed in silence before Christ’s empty tomb in Jerusalem, or when he arrived on his first African visit to a tumultuous welcome by hundreds of thousands of Cameroon residents.

But the pope’s disappointment was also evident in 2009, in part because he felt misunderstood by some of his own faithful and the mass media over difficult decisions or statements.

In January, the pope announced that he was lifting the

excommunications of four bishops of the Society of St. Pius X to open the way toward reconciliation talks with the traditionalist group — a move that had been opposed by some bishops in several countries.

Media attention quickly focused on the fact that one of the four, Bishop Richard Williamson, had given interviews denying the extent of the Holocaust.

Suddenly the German-born pope was on the defensive, having to assure Jewish leaders and others that his initiative aimed at Church unity and in no way represented a backtracking on the Church’s teachings against anti-Semitism.

One of the most remarkable documents of 2009, in fact, was the pope’s subsequent letter to the world’s bishops expressing his amazement that even some Catholics had misunderstood him and attacked him “with open hostility.”

The pope’s visit to Africa in March was a weeklong experience of intense liturgies, discussions with bishops and moving encounters with youth, the disabled and even a group of Pygmies.

But the media impact was overshadowed by the pope’s remarks to reporters on the first

January 8, 2010

day of the trip, when he spoke of the Church’s strategies against AIDS and said, “One cannot overcome the problem with the distribution of condoms. On the contrary, they increase the problem.” The comment drew widespread criticism, although some experts agreed that over-reliance on condoms was a problem in African countries.

The Synod of Bishops for Africa in October brought the continent back into the Vatican spotlight. The pope presided over the synod’s assemblies and, at the conclusion, received 57 pastoral proposals to elaborate into a future document on the Church in Africa.

In May, Pope Benedict traveled to Jordan, Israel and Palestinian territories. The eight-day trip was a biblical pilgrimage, an interfaith mission and a political balancing act all rolled into one.

The pontiff visited a mosque in the Jordanian capital, prayed at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, and blessed cornerstones for new Christian churches and facilities in the region.

In June, the pope closed the Year of St. Paul and opened the Year for Priests. In weekly talks and liturgical celebrations focusing on St. Paul, the pope sketched a detailed portrait of the man considered the model of Christian conversion and the archetypal missionary.

In launching the Year for Priests, the pope said the Church must acknowledge that some priests have done great harm to others, but it also must thank God for the gifts the majority of priests have given to the Church and the world.

In July, the pope issued his long-awaited encyclical on economic and social justice, “Charity in Truth.” It called for reform of international economic institutions and practices, and said the global economic crisis stemmed in large part from the moral failures of greedy financiers and investors.

The pope gave a copy of his encyclical to President Barack Obama when the two leaders met

The Anchor

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for the first time at the Vatican in July, along with a copy of a recent Vatican document on biomedical ethics. In their private talks, which the Vatican said took place in an atmosphere of “great serenity and great cordiality,” the president “explicitly expressed his commitment to reducing the numbers of abortions and to listen to the Church’s concerns on moral issues,” the Vatican said.

In September, Pope Benedict welcomed the new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Miguel Diaz, and in a speech outlined wide areas of potential cooperation with the Obama administration. At the same time, echoing concerns by U.S. Church leaders, the pope called for respect for the life of the unborn and protection of the right to conscientious objection on the part of health care workers.

Among the new saints proclaimed by the pope in 2009 were two with strong U.S. connections: Father Damien de Veuster, the 19th-century Belgian missionary who ministered to people with leprosy in Hawaii, and Sister Jeanne Jugan, a French nun whose Little Sisters of the Poor continue to assist the elderly in the United States and more than 30 other countries.

In internal Church matters, the pope in May ordered an apostolic visitation of the Legionaries of Christ and their institutions following disclosures of sexual impropriety by the order’s late founder, Father Marcial Maciel Degollado.

In October, the Vatican unveiled Pope Benedict’s new plan for welcoming Anglicans who want to be in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church while preserving aspects of their Anglican spiritual and liturgical heritage.

As the year wound to a close, the pope buffed up his “green” credentials in his message for World Peace Day 2010. The message said degradation of the environment is a pressing moral problem that threatens peace and human life itself, and called for action on a global and personal level.

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 54, No. 1

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.

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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 kensouza@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.

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The International Church

January 8, 2010

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Founder of Montreal’s St. Joseph’s Oratory headed for sainthood VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI formally recognized the miracle needed for the canonization of Blessed Andre Bessette, a brother of the Congregation of Holy Cross and founder of St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal in Montreal.

Known for his intense piety, famed for miraculous cures and praised for his dedication to seeing a shrine built on Mount Royal to honor St. Joseph, Blessed Andre is set to be the Holy Cross Brothers’ first saint.

While Pope Benedict issued a decree December 19 putting Blessed Andre on the track toward sainthood, no date has yet been announced for Blessed Andre’s canonization ceremony.

In a statement released by the oratory Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte of Montreal said he was happy because “Brother Andre takes pride of place among the builders of our diocesan Church.”

In the same statement, the vice postulator for Blessed Andre’s cause, Holy Cross Father Mario Lachapelle, said that with the papal decree “one of the most significant pages in our collective history has been written.”

The congregation’s superior general in Rome, Holy Cross Father Hugh Cleary, said, “What a grace for our religious family to count among its ranks such a model of the Christian life offered to the world, a true inspiration for a welcoming, compassionate presence,” according to the oratory press release.

Born Alfred Bessette on Aug. 9, 1845, in Saint-Gregoire d’Iberville,

Quebec, he was one of 12 children and suffered from a chronic stomach ailment that kept him out of school and often without work.

A few years after his father’s death, his mother died, but their piety and trust in God had deeply influenced Blessed Andre. When he reached the age of 18, he set out for New England in search of employment. He spent four years working in cotton mills and farms in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

In 1867 he returned to Canada and sought the help of his childhood parish priest, Father Andre Provencal. The priest encouraged the young man to pursue his desire to enter into religious life.

When Blessed Andre entered the novitiate, Father Provencal sent a letter to the novice master saying, “I am sending a saint to your congregation.”

At 25, Blessed Andre could not read and his health was so fragile the Holy Cross brothers assigned him to be the doorman at Montreal’s College of Notre Dame, where the congregation had just opened its novitiate.

The Holy Cross brothers had initially turned the less than five-foottall Blessed Andre away from seeking a religious vocation because of his delicate health. In reference to his assignment as doorman, he once quipped, “When I joined this community, the superiors showed me the door.”

He made his final vows in 1874 when he was 28 years old.

For nearly the next 40 years, Blessed Andre contented himself

Blessed Andre Bessette

with his humble tasks of welcoming visitors, cleaning the premises and running errands. He put himself at the service of everyone including the students, whom he would tend to when they were ill.

Many visitors would come to the college and ask Blessed Andre to pray for their loved ones who were ill, and many claimed they had been healed. Soon he attracted large numbers of people seeking help and he would give them a medal of St. Joseph, bring oil from a lamp burning before a statue of St. Joseph in the college chapel, anoint the ill and pray with them. News of his power to heal spread as people

began to recover.

In response the many healings and conversions, Blessed Andre would always insist it was the work of St. Joseph, not himself.

Blessed Andre’s special affection for St. Joseph inspired him to build a church in his honor. Using the small sums he received cutting students’ hair, as well as donations, the brother was able to build a modest structure in 1904, which he continued to expand as more funding became available. Blessed Andre was named the oratory’s custodian in 1909 as hundreds and then thousands of pilgrims made their way to Mount Royal to meet

Blessed Andre and pray to St. Joseph.

The huge numbers of pilgrims flocking to the site compelled the archdiocese to turn the sanctuary into a minor basilica, which was completed in 1966 — almost 30 years after Blessed Andre’s death.

Today the oratory is the world’s largest pilgrimage site devoted to St. Joseph, attracting some two million visitors a year.

Blessed Andre died on Jan. 6, 1937, at the age of 91. Between his death and burial, more than one million people came to pay tribute to him. In May 1982, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II.

The Church in the U.S.

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January 8, 2010

Health reform, Pope Benedict named in poll top story, newsmaker of 2009 WASHINGTON (CNS) — The debate over health care reform topped the religious news stories of 2009, and Pope Benedict XVI and President Barack Obama were again the top newsmakers, according to the annual poll conducted by Catholic News Service.

The continued effects of the recession on the U.S. and global economy took second place among the 30 news stories on the ballot. The controversy over Obama’s commencement address at the University of Notre Dame in May and the decision to award the president with an honorary degree came in third.

Most first-place votes on the newsmakers list went to either Obama or Pope Benedict, although the pope was the clear winner this year. The late Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts was a distant third.

The poll was the 48th annual survey conducted by CNS. This year’s ballots were distributed in December.

When the editors’ poll was first conducted in 1962, the overwhelming choice for top story was the opening of the Second Vatican Council. Last year, editors chose the election of the first African-American U.S. president and controversy surrounding the role of Catholic voters in the campaign as the top religious story of the year. Pope Benedict and Obama were the top newsmakers.

Editors were asked to vote for the top 10 news stories from a list of 30 selected

by CNS staff, and the top five newsmakers from a list of 22. Votes were weighted by

the rankings editors gave — 10 points for a first-place vote, nine points for second, etc., and five points for top newsmaker, four for second, etc.

Eleven different stories received firstplace votes, including three that did not make the top 10.

With 29 editors and CNS staff members submitting ballots, the maximum points a story could have received was 290. The most a newsmaker could receive on the five-point scale was 140, because one editor voted only for top stories and not newsmakers.

Rounding out the top five for religious news stories were the papal encyclical “Caritas in Veritate” (“Charity in Truth”) and the Vatican-ordered visitation of U.S. women religious, which was to continue into 2010.

Pope Benedict took first place in the CNS poll for his travels to the Middle East and Africa, his outreach to Anglicans and traditionalist Catholics and his proclamation of a Year for Priests. Obama, whose first year as president included the Notre Dame controversy, his reception of the Nobel Peace Prize and a fight over abortion funding in health reform legislation, was second.

The next three top newsmakers were separated by only one vote each. The late Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts was third, new Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor fourth and Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, named to head the New York Archdiocese in February, was fifth.

Here are the choices for top 10 stories and top five newsmakers of 2009, followed

by points received in the weighted ballot count and, in parentheses, the number of first-place votes received.

STORIES 1. Health reform, (8) 211.

2. Recession/economy, (6) 192.

3. Notre Dame controversy, (3) 154.

4. Encyclical “Caritas in Veritate,” (2) 109.

5. Visitation of U.S. women religious, 94.

6. President Obama’s first year, (2) 86.

7. Year for Priests, (2) 82.

8. H1N1 flu outbreak, 77.

9. Africa, (1) 60.

10. Anglicans, (2) 59.

Also receiving first-place votes were climate change, sainthood causes and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

NEWSMAKERS 1. Pope Benedict XVI, (13) 102.

2. President Barack Obama, (9) 73.

3. Sen. Ted Kennedy, (1) 34.

4. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, (2) 33.

5. Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, 32.

Also receiving first-place votes were U.S. women religious and Holy Cross Father John I. Jenkins, president of the University of Notre Dame.

January 8, 2010

The Church in the U.S.

down to earth visitors — Pope Benedict XVI greets NASA astronauts Scott Altman, center, Mike Massimino, right, and their wives during the pope’s weekly general audience at the Vatican recently. (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters)

‘Not a shred of disagreement’ between CHA, bishops on health reform bill B y N ancy Frazier O’Brien C atholic News Service WASHINGTON — Despite a New York Times report to the contrary, the Catholic Health Association and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are working together to achieve health reform legislation that does not expand federal funding of abortion, according to the CHA president and CEO. Sister Carol Keehan, a Daughter of Charity, told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview that her organization has never wavered in its commitment to health care that protects “from conception to natural death,” as outlined in the CHA document, “Our Vision for U.S. Health Care.”

She disputed a report in The New York Times December 26 that a recent CHA statement on Senate negotiations over abortion funding in health reform legislation represented a split with the bishops.

“There is not a shred of disagreement between CHA and the bishops,” Sister Carol said.

“We believe there is a great possibility and probability that in conference committee we can work toward a solution that will prevent federal funding of abortion.”

She said the CHA, which represents more than 600 Catholic hospitals in the U.S., “brings a lot of expertise with funding structures in the marketplace” to the debate and hopes to “bring that to bear” during the conference committee’s work.

Shortly before the Senate approved its version of health

reform legislation early December 24, the chairmen of three USCCB committees said the bill should not be approved “without incorporating essential changes to ensure” that it “truly protects the life, dignity, consciences and health of all.”

In a letter sent late December 22, about 36 hours before the Senate’s 60-39 vote along party lines, the USCCB leaders pledged continued efforts to incorporate needed changes during the work of the House-

Senate conference committee.

“For many months, our bishops’ conference has worked with members of Congress, the administration and others to fashion health care reform legislation that truly protects the life, dignity, health and consciences of all,” said the letter signed by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of GalvestonHouston and Bishops William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y., and John C. Wester of Salt Lake City.

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The three chair the USCCB committees on Pro-Life Activities, on Domestic Justice and Human Development and on Migration, respectively.

“We regret to say that in all the areas of our moral concern, the Senate health care reform bill is deficient,” the three chairmen added.

The bishops said their biggest problem with the Senate bill was its treatment of abortion funding, which “not only falls short of the House’s standard but violates long-standing precedent in all other federal health programs.”

In addition to not maintaining the legal status quo on abortion funding that has been supported by President Barack Obama and by the majority of Americans in many polls, the abortion provisions in the manager’s amendment to the Senate bill would require purchasers of some health insurance plans “to pay for other people’s abortions in a very direct and explicit way,” the USCCB letter said.

“There is no provision for individuals to opt out of this abortion payment in federally subsidized plans, so people will be required by law to pay

for other people’s abortions,” it added.

The Senate bill also fails to include provisions to prevent “discrimination against health care providers that decline involvement in abortion” and would not protect the rights of Catholic and other institutions “to provide and purchase health coverage consistent with their moral and religious convictions on other procedures,” the chairmen said.

The letter also urged changes in the Senate bill’s provisions barring undocumented immigrants from purchasing health insurance from an exchange with their own money and banning legal immigrants from federal health benefit programs for five years.

In an earlier statement, Cardinal DiNardo said the USCCB would continue to oppose the Senate legislation “unless and until” it is amended to “comply with long-standing Hyde restrictions on federal funding of elective abortions and health plans that include them.”

The Hyde amendment prohibits federal funding of abortion except in cases of rape, incest or threat to the woman’s life.

Rev. Msgr. John J. Oliveira, V.E. 106 Illinois St., New Bedford, MA 02745 ANCH. 01/08/10

6 Growing in the knowledge of the faith in the new year On December 9, in the days of preparation for Christmas, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life published the results of a survey that suggested that theological confusion may pose a larger threat to the Christian character of Christmas and influence in society than anything that comes from the opposition of the American Civil Liberties Union or other militant secularists.

The survey revealed that, although Americans overwhelmingly declare themselves to be Christian, large numbers nevertheless accept various things wholly incompatible with the Christian faith. It found that 23 percent believe in astrology, affirming that the position of stars and planets directly affects their lives; 22 percent believe in reincarnation, that people will be reborn in this world again and again, and therefore reject the Christian teaching on the resurrection of the body; 23 percent accept pantheistic premises that spiritual energy resides in inanimate objects like mountains, trees and crystals; 17 percent believe that people can cast an “evil eye” or other types of curses on them and harm them; and 14 percent consult psychics, fortune tellers, and necromantics.

Notably, the survey showed that among American Catholics, there was not much difference in the responses between those who practice the faith each Sunday and those who seldom come.

This was yet another confirmation that many American Catholics are unaware about the contents of the faith, are theologically confused, or are not receiving the “salt” of the Christian faith sufficiently as to forsake superstitions or the beliefs and practices of the New Age or Eastern religions. Parishes, parochial and diocesan schools, Religious Education programs, Catholic colleges and universities, and even organs of Catholic adult information and formation like this newspaper have not been doing a sufficient job in combating the influence of the religious syncretism of the surrounding culture.

It’s also true, however, that the teaching of the Church has in recent years been made amply available to Catholics through the “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” through various apologetic websites, and so many other accessible resources. Sadly few Catholics take advantage of them.

While Catholics now rank among the most educated of Americans — with almost everyone graduating from high school and large numbers going on to college and even to graduate degrees — many know their trades or academic disciplines far better than they know their faith. It’s not uncommon that even Catholic doctors, lawyers and university professors have remained at the level of the knowledge of faith they had at the time of their confirmation; their knowledge of the faith has not kept pace with their knowledge of other disciplines, even though many would readily admit that God and their response to him and faith in God are more important than these other disciplines.

Perhaps nowhere is this lack of growth in the knowledge of the faith more evident than in the relationship Catholic adults have to the Word of God. During the 2008 Vatican Synod on the Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church, an international survey was conducted that showed that even though 93 percent of Catholic adults own a Bible at home — the average household has three copies — only one in 30 read the Bible each day and only one in 14 read it at all during a given week.

Forty-four percent of Catholics say they rarely or never read the Bible.

Eighty percent confess that the only time they come into contact with the Word of God is when they hear in proclaimed at Mass. So while the average American spends six to eight hours a day watching television, 29 in 30 do not take even one minute to read the Word of God. It goes almost without saying that religious vitality will suffer when so few Catholics ever take advantage of the incredible treasure God has placed in their hands. It is also obvious that if Catholic adults do not know their faith very well, it will be difficult for them to pass on the faith effectively to newer generations. Ignorance of Scripture, St. Jerome taught in the fourth century, is ignorance of Christ. And that ignorance of Scripture, which is getting worse by the generation, has been amply demonstrated in several other recent surveys of biblical illiteracy among Americans.

Recent studies have shown that 60 percent of American Christians believe that Jesus was born in Jerusalem, not Bethlehem. Only 40 percent of Christian Americans can name any five of the Ten Commandments. Half of high school seniors think that Sodom and Gomorrah were married.

Less than half can identify Genesis as the first book of the Bible. Only a third of Americans know who gave the Sermon on the Mount, and more people believe that the Rev. Billy Graham delivered it than Jesus. Twelve percent think that Noah’s wife is Joan of Arc. The examples abound.

The Church in America needs a culture shift as it comes to the study of the Bible and the faith. Catholic pastors and educators need to encourage, inspire, guide and assist Catholics to become zealous life-long learners.

Catholics adults must also take up their own responsibility to use the gift of the mind God has given them to come to know him, his word, and the faith he has revealed, as it has been lived and transmitted faithfully from generation to generation from the time of the Apostles.

It would make an excellent New Year’s resolution for every Anchor reader to make a commitment to spending at least 10 minutes a day prayerfully reading the Word of God and the “Catechism of the Catholic Church.”

The Anchor

January 8, 2010

Dealing with detractors

One of the most difficult things for any of us to Normally, however, his strategy was to remain sideal with is criticism. It’s hard enough when we’re lent, as Christ himself did before the Sanhedrin. He criticized justly and constructively. When the criti- once confided to a priest friend, who himself was cism is unmerited, off-base, intended to injure, or experiencing similar opposition: “Do as I did: I let worst of all a calumny, it is infinitely harder to en- them say all they wished and in this way, they ended dure. up by holding their tongues.”

One of the most important things a priest in parWhen verbal insults failed to get him to leave Ars ticular has to learn is how to respond in a holy way or at least stop his crusade to convert the populace, to the barrage of criticism that will accompany his Vianney’s denigrators began to resort to violence. priesthood. Every priest knows, in some way, that if One day a man approached and savagely slapped Jesus himself were repeatedly criticized and calum- him in the face. Stung, the Curé took a moment niated, if all the prophets suffered disdain and rejec- to gain his composure. He then turned to the man, tion, and if even Mother Teresa’s charity toward the smiled, and said, “My friend, the other cheek is jealpoorest of the poor in our own day was attacked, ous.” there’s no way he’ll be spared. But no matter how Most difficult to endure were the calumny and great a priest’s preparation might be, when the criti- character assassination. Some young men, disapcism begins, it’s always jarring. pointed that their former dance partners had been The criticism takes many forms. Some of it is converted by the priest, began to spread rumors that unquestionably deserved, and, when given, takes the the reason behind his emaciation and pallor was beform of the fraternal correction that everyone needs cause he had a sexually transmitted disease caught to overcome moral and character defects (Mt 18:15- through a hidden life of sordid debauchery. As ludi18). Some of it is just as obviously undeserved, such crous as the accusation was, they thought that if they as when a newly ordained priest is pilloried for the repeated it enough it would eventually stick. They sins of priests in previous generations, new pastors composed beer songs mocking him for these supare disparaged because they do not imitate — or posed sins, plastered posters around town and even change — everything on the rectory door their predecessors labeling him a pervert, did, or preachers are and wrote anonymous faulted because they letters to the bishop accannot give homilies cusing him of almost as eloquent as Fulton every degeneracy posJ. Sheen and as sucsible. cinct or developed as When a young

By Father the particular listener woman living in a Roger J. Landry desires. house close to the recThe patron of tory became pregnant, priests, St. John Vianthese young men startney, learned what it was like to suffer criticism in ed the rumor that the pastor himself was the father. his early years in Ars. His reaction to these contra- His front door was splashed repeatedly with filth dictions constitutes a primer not just for priests but and many of the people of the village began to treat for all Catholics in how to respond to conflicts, criti- him as a guilty hypocrite. His new bishop, having recism and even calumny in a Christian way. ceived so many anonymous letters and not knowing Some of the antagonism the patron saint of the Curé well at the time, felt obliged to send a priest priests received came from the anti-clericalist “free- to investigate the charges. The allegations were unthinkers,” but most of it came from those Catholics surprisingly determined to be total fabrications. who really did not want a holy pastor. Those walkSt. John Vianney’s response to all of this suffering in darkness abhorred the light he was radiating ing was to abandon himself into God’s hands. He and began to act toward him as the Book of Wisdom did not care in particular that his own good name had predicted more than 2,400 years earlier: “Let us was being besmirched — if God didn’t need his repbeset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us; he utation, who was he to think he did? — but he was sets himself against our doings, reproaches us for sickened by the attacks on the honor of the priesttransgressions of the law and charges us with vio- hood. In a weak moment, he considered leaving Ars lations of our training. To us, he is the censure of for the spiritual health of the people who were being our thoughts; merely to see him is a hardship for us, scandalized, until he was convinced that by doing because his life is not like other men’s, and his ways so, he would be give plausibility to the notorious are different” (Wis 2:12-15). rumors.

Among his biggest critics were the patrons of The mayor, who knew him to be innocent, the taverns, the partisans of the raunchy dances pressed him to make a defense and expose the called the vogues, and those who were not able to slanderers. Vianney responded, rather, “We must receive absolution because they refused to give up pray for them.” He forgave his accusers and never the occasions of their sins. Since he was a faithful revealed their names, even though he knew who priest, he also became a proxy punching bag for all they were. When one of the calumniators hit hard those who had a problem with any Catholic teach- times, Vianney brought the family money. Evening or practice. tually, the force of the evidence of his holiness The opprobrium began with insults. They began and confidence in God began to bring sanity and to call him names — like “ingrat,” which refers to truth back to Ars. someone disagreeable and wearisome. Others viliToward the end of his life, he summed up all that fied him to his face. One man came to the rectory he had suffered, admitting, “If on my arrival at Ars, and bombarded him with vile insults for 15 min- I had foreseen all that I was to suffer there, I should utes. Vianney listened patiently without responding. have died on the spot.” He confessed that he had When the man had finished, the saint accompanied expected that eventually “a time would come when him to the door and embraced him. Immediately people would rout me out of Ars with sticks, when after bidding him adieu, however, his flesh gave the bishop would suspend me and I would end my evidence of just how much his forbearance had cost days in prison.” him: his entire body began to break out with pimAs hard as it was, however, he counted all of ples. He used to say that he had a temper as “quick this suffering a “grace.” He converted the pain into as gunpowder,” and it was nothing short of heroic prayer. “Never have I been so happy,” he divulged at self-restraint for him to take so many abuses and the end of his life, “as in moments when I was berespond with love. ing persecuted and calumniated. At such times God For 18 months another man used to stand out- would flood me with consolation. God granted me side the rectory each night and excoriate Vianney everything I asked him.” for as long as his voice could shout.

Jesus taught that it’s easy to love those who love To such detractors, Vianney would occasionally us. What distinguishes his followers, however, is that respond, “My friend, you know me well!” This was we love even our enemies and pray for our persemore than a means to disarm them; the saint knew cutors. In the way he dealt with his critics, St. John that even if the particular things for which they were Vianney proved himself to be a Christian not just in faulting him were totally unfounded, there was so name but in fact. much more for which he could be faulted that the Father Landry is pastor of St. Anthony of Padua depreciators did not know.

Parish in New Bedford.

Putting Into the Deep

I

The changes and constants of a happy priestly life

grew up in Lowell, Mass. and after graduating from Merrimack College, I taught high school science and math for several years. After many discussions and reflections, I decided to try to help others by my life in the priesthood.

I entered the Holy Cross Fathers seminary at Stonehill College. I spent one year in the novitiate in Bennington, Vt. and then did graduate work in Washington D.C. and received a degree from Notre Dame.

After ordination in 1970, I was on a mission band for six years, living and working out of North Dartmouth, giving missions and retreats in parish settings, retreat houses and to religious communities. The retreat work was enjoyable and I met a lot of good people searching for their Church after the changes that took place with the implementation of Vatican II. This time allowed me the chance to “fill in” at hospitals and various parishes.

I spent a total of three months in the parish in Times Square as well as about four months at St. Patrick Cathedral, in New York.

During these years I saw some of the best parishes and some of the worst. I saw some of the best in religious life and some of the worst. I saw

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The Anchor

January 8, 2010

he Christmas season, with all its attendant feasts and celebrations, has come to a close. The liturgical calendar slams the door on the season of fun and indulgence by moving us into Ordinary time.

Not that the Baptism of the Lord isn’t another moment of celebration, but if we read the entire passage we get a dose of John the Baptist’s rant and rave against the hypocrites of his day. “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance; and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you God can raise up children of Abraham from these stones.”

Repentance, John the Baptist style, was all about having a change of mind, or conversion.

His rant against the children of Abraham came from their stubborn belief that they didn’t need conversion, they were all set.

This is a pretty strong message to those who claim security in their salvation because of their birthright. John’s vehemence should leap off the page at all

some of the best in human pastor. The parish was in Copnature and some of the worst. peras Cove, near Fort Hood It was an enriching experience military base and most of the indeed. people were from somewhere I spent the next six years in else, having been assigned a parish in central Vermont. there for three years or having The Bethel parish covered chosen to retire in the area. close to 350 square miles and Again I was privileged to between two of us priests, meet so many beautiful people there were five churches. at very significant times in Every other weekend there their life. was a drive of 80 miles just My next assignment was to get to the churches for Mass. There was Year For Priests a lot of poverty in the area, including the Vocational Reflection church property. There were also two major ski areas in the parish.

By Father This was in the mid William H. Kelly, CSC 70s, the time when a lot of people were returning to nature, giving up back in Massachusetts in a big jobs and taking a pay cut parish in South Easton, where for the quality of life. I met there were new experiences some beautiful people in the and many wonderful people. hills and at the resorts. Many As a gift for my 25 years people allowed me to share in as a priest, I had the opportheir lives some very signifitunity to take a nine-month cant moments. long sabbatical in Berkeley, From the hills of Vermont, Calif. For a person who grew I moved to Texas to be with up in Massachusetts, I always Father Larry Bauer, CSC. He considered anything outside had spent 40 years in the hills of Route 495 as far west. of Bangladesh, worked 14 Going to California was a hours per day, and then made delightful experience. I ata holy hour every night. He tended workshops and classes was an inspiration to me and with approximately 50 others, to all who knew him. Despite men and women. The speakthe fact that he was ordained ers were some of the best and the year I was born, I was the were for the most part inspi-

rational. The Berkeley experience was exciting.

As my present to the community for the gift of the sabbatical, I agreed to be a curate in Bennington, Vt. for five years and as a curate in St. Mary’s Parish in Taunton for two. It was yet another chance to meet some wonderful people who shared part of their life with me and inspired me.

I was later named pastor and the only priest in Bennington.

The staff meetings improved markedly as I always had good thoughts. Many of the staff meetings were on the chair lifts of Loon Mountain.

I have been fortunate to have never lived alone, but have lived with other priests or brothers.

Some of my activities since my ordination have had little to do with religion or priestly life. As one speaker described the life of a pastor, it concerns the big L’s: lights, locks, ledgers, lawns, laws and leaks.

During the last 39 years, many events stand out. There have been the deaths of my parents and other friends and relatives. There’s been the changing view of the priesthood, with many friends who

are holier than I and much more effective, choosing to leave the active priesthood.

There’s been a change in family life, with the joke that what used to be a dedicated family having several members entering religious life has now become a dysfunctional one.

As everyone who has worked in a parish, I have my share of “war stories” about weddings that most people would not believe. I have several sermons that people talk about and recall years later; many of these come from the very touching times of deaths and funerals, whether out of time or when death came as a welcome friend.

I remember the moving notes that I have received that I have never shared with anyone, the notes of people thanking me for helping them not to end their life, or about the work of God touching people though my presence.

Often I have had many children call me God, but no parish council members among them. I have received great inspiration from families and friends living a faith-filled life. These are the things that come to mind.

Father Kelly is pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Taunton.

The baptism of our Lord of us who are still resting on the found a winning formula that has been replicated and adapted laurels of our infant baptism. for many generations since the What fruits have we produced 16th century. as evidence of our own repenThe 30-day Spiritual Extance?

We could all use a renewal of our infant baptism. Getting dunked into the Jordan River may not be practical, but an immersion into a good

By Claire McManus retreat experience can do wonders for a change of mind. The Catholic Church today is facing ercises retreats are powerful the same challenges that evoked and effective means of conversion, but it needed to be John’s ire in the first century: adjusted so that more people too many people are taking for could have access to them. The granted the faith they are born original 30-day exercises were into. Throughout the history of Christianity there have been ob- condensed into an eight-day experience. Another variation stacles to spiritual growth that extends the Exercises over required some innovative approach to rekindle the flames of a nine-month period, and is faith. When the Catholic Church known as the “Nineteenth Annotation.” Spanish members was rocked by the Protestant of Catholic action adapted Reformation, St. Ignatius of the eight-day Exercises into a Loyola came along to re-evan“short course” on Christianity gelize European Catholics, and as a way of re-evangelizing a spread the Gospel to the misnation torn apart by the Spansion territories. Using creative ish Civil War. These Cursillo measures such as the Spiritual retreats came to the Southwest Exercises Retreat, St. Ignatius

The Great Commission

in the early 60s, and eventually spread throughout the United States. Our parishes have many faithful and active members who are products of the conversion experience brought about by a Cursillo retreat.

The Cursillo movement has deep roots in the Diocese of Fall River. It also has generated its own offspring, including the ECHO, YES and Emmaus retreats. Theses retreats once were filled with participants hungry for spiritual renewal; now they struggle to fill a weekend. What has changed?

The leadership of these retreats has looked inwardly to find the answers, but the problem lies somewhere out there in the secular world.

YES and ECHO retreats were once vibrant vehicles for teens to explore the commitment to faith made at their confirmations. Today they compete with secular activities that are perceived to be of more compelling benefit. This is also the case for the Emmaus

retreat. Emmaus grew out of the Cursillo movement in order to invite young adults into a deeper relationship with Christ.

Today the young adults are part of the generations X and Y that have drifted away from religion all together. It isn’t that the retreats are not relevant; they simply are offering nutrition to a society over-satiated by junk food.

It is time to bring back John the Baptist, or at least echo his call to conversion. People need to be re-introduced to Jesus Christ and his powerful message of love and forgiveness.

This work has already begun in many of our parishes. There has always been a great tradition of Cursillo and Life in the Spirit Seminars, but ground has recently been broken in the field of parish retreat experiences.

These retreats begin the change of mind that compels the people to seek more. As we enter the next decade of the millennium, let this be the era of the Great Conversion.

Claire McManus is the director of the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation.

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im Kouzes and Barry Posner are coauthors of the best-selling book, “The Leadership Challenge.” The book is the result of more than 25 years of research into effective business leadership practices. In it, they identify what they call the five practices of exemplary leadership, the first of which is to model the way.

Simply put, those who model the way lead by example.

They lead by actually participating in doing what they ask others to do. Credible leaders practice what they preach.

There is harmony in what they say and what they do.

While Kouzes and Posner can take credit for coining the term “Modeling the way,” it is clear that Jesus long ago put it into practice.

Jesus never said, “Do as I say,” but rather, “Come, follow me.” His modeling the way is certainly evident in the feast we celebrate today:

The Anchor

January 8, 2010

Modeling the way

the baptism of Jesus by John the nations. in the waters of the Jordan As sharers in the Church’s River. Jesus did not need to be mission, we too are called baptized. John’s was a baptism to model the way, in our of repentance. Being without neighborhoods, in our worksin, Jesus had done nothing from which to repent. But Jesus knew Homily of the Week that John’s baptism The Baptism of prefigured the baptism the Lord that he himself would

By Deacon later institute, when he told his disciples before Joseph K. Kane his ascension into heaven, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the places, but most of all, in our nations, baptizing them in the homes. Our late Holy Father, name of the Father, and of the John Paul II, called for a new Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” evangelization. EvangelizaUnlike Jesus, we need baption means to spread the faith, tism. Baptism makes heaven and he told us it begins in the possible. Through baptism we family. are freed from sin and reborn Empowered by the grace as sons of God. Through bapreceived through the sacrament tism we are incorporated into of marriage, parents are given the Church. As members of the the responsibility and privilege Church, the Body of Christ, we of evangelizing their children. are made sharers in her misThe best way to give our chilsion to make disciples of all dren the faith is to model it for

them. As parents, we are their best teachers. We’re called to teach them the faith by living the faith.

It is the teaching of the Church that parents are to be the primary teachers of their children in the faith. Our CCD teachers are there to assist us in that effort, not to do it for us.

Far too many parents think it’s the other way around. Anyone who has taught CCD will tell you that their efforts are futile unless what they teach in class is reinforced seven days a week by the words and actions of the parents in the home. The “do as I say, not as I do” mentality simply does not work.

Nothing, for example, will convince children more of the value and necessity of the sacrament of reconciliation than seeing their mother and father making frequent use of

the sacrament. There are few things more powerful than going to confession together as a family. Similarly, nothing will undermine more for children the Church’s teaching on the obligation of attending Mass on Sunday than parents who seemingly confuse the word obligation with option.

The best way to love our children is to be for them the role models they deserve and that Jesus calls us to be. Our primary job as parents is to instill in our children a strong and lasting faith. Our goal as parents should be to join our children in heaven. Our responsibility as parents is to model the way there for them.

May God give us the grace to do just that.

Deacon Kane serves at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Wellfleet, and St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Provincetown.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Jan. 9, 1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6a,9b; Jn 3:22-30. Sun. Jan. 10, feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Is 42:1-4,6-7; Ps 29:1-4,9-10; Act 10:3438; Lk 3:15-16,21-22 or, in Year C, Is 40:1-5,9-11; Ps 104:1b-4,24-25,27-30; Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7; Lk 3:15-16, 21-22. Mon. Jan. 11, 1 Sm 1:1-8; Ps 116:12-19; Mk 1:14-20. Tues.

Jan. 12, 1 Sm 1:9-20; (Ps) 1 Sm 2:1,4-8; Mk 1:21-28. Wed. Jan. 13, 1 Sm 3:1-10,19-20; Ps 40:2,5,7-10; Mk 1:29-39. Thur. Jan. 14, 1Sm 4:1-11; Ps 44:10-11,14-15,24-25; Mk 1:40-45. Fri. Jan. 15, 1 Sm 8:4-7,10-22a; Ps 89:16-19; Mk 2:1-12.

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n Dec. 7, 1859, 12 American seminarians, who had previously been studying at Rome’s Urban College, moved to Humility Street near the Trevi Fountain and launched the North American College under the protection of Blessed Pius IX. One of those students, Michael Corrigan, became archbishop of New York decades later. As the vagaries of Church history and personal orneriness would have it, Archbishop Corrigan excommunicated the man who had been sent to the house on Humility Street to serve as the seminarians’ temporary prefect, Father Edward McGlynn.

Happily, that is neither the only nor the most emblem-

America’s Roman college at 150

through a fallow period in atic story to be told about the decades after Vatican II. America’s Roman seminary But under the leadership of — although it does, as Archreforming rectors like Edwin bishop John Myers of Newark put it in a fine sesquicentennial F. O’Brien and Timothy M. Dolan, and with the inspirahomily at the Pontifical North tion of Pope John Paul II, the American College on December 8, suggest a lesson in prudence for the 225 seminarians living atop Rome’s Janiculum Hill today: “Look around you carefully; you never know who your boss is going to be.”

By George Weigel All joking aside, NAC in its sesquicentennial year is one of ship was righted and today’s the finest houses of priestly college is strong, virile, roformation in the world. Like bustly orthodox, liturgically other seminaries, the North splendid, and a happy place.

American College suffered Its men speak with the accents of every region of the country; the dominance of IrishAmericans among the student body is a thing of the past; conversations in the refectory and the hallways even include a smattering of “No worries,” as the 11 Australians in the house enliven things with their distinctive form of the mother tongue.

I’ve been privileged to be the college’s guest many times over the past 16 years and I count some of the young men I’ve met on those occasions, as well as many members of the faculty, as close friends. Some

The Catholic Difference

will undoubtedly be among the episcopal leaders of the Church in the United States in the 21st century; it’s entirely possible that a papal elector or two (or more) is in residence on the Janiculum today. Yet in this anniversary year, I could not help but think it appropriate that Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo, preaching at the college last month on the Second Sunday of Advent, reminded the seminarians that the priests of tomorrow must never forget the possibility that martyrdom may be in their future.

Throughout the North American College’s first century, NAC students faced the prospect of encountering various forms of anti-Catholicism in the course of their priestly lives. But no matter how nasty the nativism got — and a mere half-century ago, in 1960, prominent American Protestants were determined to prevent the election of a Catholic as president of the United States and went to considerable rhetorical lengths to do so — imprisonment for the faith, or martyrdom, were not among the likely options for graduates of the college’s first house on Humility Street and its contemporary home on

the Janiculum. They are today, and Bishop Aquila was entirely right to remind the college of that. Christian clergy in Canada have already faced imprisonment and harsh financial penalties for preaching biblical morality, which some in the gay insurgency are determined to smear as “hate speech.” If death threats are issued — and they are — against prominent American lay defenders of marriage rightly understood, can anyone doubt that similar threats will eventually be aimed at Catholic priests who defend the primordial sacrament?

No one wishes for this; indeed, we should pray daily that we are spared such sacrifices as a Church. That the dictatorship of relativism (as Pope Benedict XVI describes it) is determined to use coercive state power to enforce lifestyle libertinism is not, however, in doubt.

The evangelical challenge that fact poses gives a special spiritual texture to preparation for ordained ministry, at NAC or anywhere else, in the Church’s Year For Priests and the sesquicentennial year of America’s Roman college.

George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

Bidden or unbidden, Christmas comes

Sunday 27 December 2009 though, I was completely — at home in Old Dighton pooped. To tell the truth, I Village — feast of the Holy could hardly wait for ChristFamily mas to be over. This was not hey call me Father good. Something had to go.

Christmas, and for good reason. I’m obsessed year-round with the mystery of Reflections of a the Incarnation. There Parish Priest was a time when I would knock myself

By Father Tim out in preparation for Goldrick Christmas. In those days, I had truckloads of Christmas gifts purchased The first to go was the and wrapped before HallowChristmas cards. Although I een. I mailed out Post Office sent no cards, Christmas came trays of hand-written cards on anyway that year. The followthe day after Thanksgiving. ing year, I pushed the enveBy the first Sunday of Advent, lope even further. I decided I had strung more lights than not to give Christmas gifts to La Salette Shrine had. By the people I saw but once a year. time Christmas finally arrived, You guessed it. Christmas

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The Anchor

January 8, 2010

The Ship’s Log

came anyway that year. The third year, I decided not to accept every single invitation I received. That year, I mostly stayed home. Christmas came anyway that year, too. I was on to something.

This year, Christmas was even simpler for me. After the Midnight Mass, I was so keyed up I was awake until 4 a.m. As a result, on Christmas day, I was tired. I never got around to putting up a Christmas tree in the rectory. Once the church had been decorated, there was one 10-inch wreath left over. I brought home the wreath and hung it on a preexisting nail on the door — inside where I could enjoy it.

I have hundreds of Nativ-

Of pitchers, pennies, and priests

in our home, recalling who had his time last year some given them to us and under graduate-school friends what circumstances. It was from Ireland and their three an astonishingly emotional young children came to visit journey through many special us on the Cape. It had been times, friendships, and places several years since we had from our past. It revealed in a seen one another, so our time powerful way that “my” home together was rich with recountis not strictly “mine,” but more ing old memories and making like a mosaic of gifts from new ones. many people who have loved At one point during their me and my family. The event visit, we took a snowy walk got me thinking further about to a nearby country store for penny candy. As we prepared to go, I brought out a modest, but distinctly decorated clay pitcher full of loose change. Usually there are only pennies

By Heidi Bratton in this pitcher, very rarely a hidden nickel or dime, but with the my faith, and how in a general going price of candy at the sweeping sense, “yes,” my country store being four cents Catholic faith is mine, but just per piece, a handful of coins like my physical home, it’s reper child would be plenty for ally anything but. the event at hand.

My faith is really a mosaic While the children were of the gifts from many people each taking some coins my who have loved God and taught friend exclaimed, “My, what me to do the same. As I had a brilliant use for that lovely lost track of the history of my little pitcher.” I was about to Irish pitcher and its source, I dismiss her compliment by am sure most of us have lost saying I had no idea where the track of the history of our pitcher had come from, when personal faith, and specifically she continued by saying, “I of the many priests who have remember bringing it straight contributed to it over the years. back from Ireland for ye some In this, the Year For Priests, 15 years ago. How nice ‘tis to I think it would be a remarksee it again.” able journey for each of us to Gulp. I had innocently lost peruse our faith history with an track of the pitcher’s origin, but eye to rediscovering the many if my foot had been allowed to priests who have contributed continue its trajectory toward so generously to our lives of my mouth, my forgetfulness faith. Maybe a priest friend has would most likely have been moved out of our life or we out heard as ingratitude instead of of his, but I’ll bet the gifts he poor memory. gave remain. One special priest The event started me looktaught me to love Scripture. ing around, eyeing other items

Home Grown Faith

Another’s gift was a hunger for truth, and a third’s was the sheer joy of his vocation, and the gift of many has been time spent around our dinner table.

All of us can begin recounting the priests who celebrated our family’s sacraments, and the priests who were our pastors and chaplains, but we can dig deeper, too. Did we have a grandparent who always listened to Bishop Fulton Sheen’s broadcasts and passed the wisdom on to us?

Or maybe the grace poured into us from an individual priest was just a drop; a simple smile or the tousling of a toddler’s hair. Maybe it was a larger outpouring such as a confessor’s ear for an incredibly complex situation. Of course the ultimate gift a priest can offers to us all is his daily consecration of the Eucharist.

The thing is that like coins, pennies in a pitcher of loose change, single drops of grace add up and have a way of being the exact amount we need for the life situation at hand.

As we continue celebrating the Year for Priests, let us recount old memories of our faith lives and make new ones by remembering our priests in prayer, by thanking them personally for their service to God, and by honoring them for so generously pouring from their spiritual pitchers into ours the rich deposits of the Catholic faith.

Heidi is an author, photographer, and full-time mother. She and her husband raise their six children in Falmouth. homegrownfaith@gmail.com.

ity scenes. I put up none of them. On Christmas Eve, a parishioner gave me a small single-piece souvenir Nativity she had obtained on a recent pilgrimage to Bethlehem. That one went on the mantel in the rectory. The other sets remained packed in their boxes.

I had planned to go to the home of one of my sisters for Christmas supper, but her husband had a heart attack a few days before Christmas. He came home from the hospital on Christmas Eve. So, on Christmas Day, after morning Masses, I stayed home. It was just the greyhounds and me.

Being alone is not the same as being lonely.

First, I took a long winter’s nap. Then I made myself a ham sandwich and poured a glass of chocolate milk in celebration of Christmas.

I sat down to open my Christmas gifts. There was a compact disc of the Christmas concert at the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. There was a pair of furry-lined slippers from my sister in Colorado, and a lap robe she had knitted.

In addition, there were mounds of goodies from parishioners — cranberry and pumpkin breads, homemade Christmas cookies of every sort, and a box of fine Swiss chocolates.

I turned on the television and watched several old movies, one right after the other.

I feasted all afternoon on my tasty treasures. I telephoned friends and family and offered them the greetings of Christmas. This turned out to be one of my best Christmases ever.

Driving over to the church on Christmas Day in the morning, I noticed the first discarded Christmas tree of the season cast out on somebody’s front porch. How sad.

I intend to celebrate all of the days of Christmas, and not just the first few hours. In fact, I’m still having myself a merry little Christmas. In the Church calendar, Christmas is a season, not just one single day.

There’s St. Stephen’s Day, Holy Innocents Day, the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Epiphany, St. Elizabeth Seton Day, St. John Neumann Day, and wrapping it all up is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. I’ll savor each one to the fullest. I’ll reread my Christmas cards and say a little prayer for the intentions of the senders. I’ll play my Christmas music (especially early medieval) until the season ends at sunset on Jan. 10, 2010. I’ll speak to anyone who cares to listen about the meaning and beauty of the Christmas season. I’ve already given lectures on Christmas customs and traditions to the professors at the University of Massachusetts, and to the Mormons in Salt Lake City, and to the Knights of Columbus at their world headquarters. I am, after all, Father Christmas.

Early on this feast of the Holy Family, I was over at Alice’s Restaurant for my cup of morning coffee. The place was empty of customers, save for two women sitting in a booth. The radio was softly playing Christmas music.

“Can you imagine that?” asked the server, just to make conversation, “They’re still playing Christmas music on the radio. Don’t they realize that Christmas is over?” I just smiled and echoed, “Can you imagine?”

Bidden or unbidden, with or without us, Christmas comes.

Isn’t it wonderful?

Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton.

10 Directory notice Please note that the 2009-2010 Diocesan Catholic Directory has sold out and there will not be a second printing. Those who have submitted payment in the hopes of a second printing will be reimbursed shortly.

The Anchor

January 8, 2010

Back to school

By Michael Pare Anchor Correspondent

lonely.

And she returned to St. Joseph School, joining FAIRHAVEN — It wasn’t wrapped up in a her grandchildren there. It seemed like old times. fancy box and topped with a pretty bow, but Phyl- Helping children with math lessons or vocabulary, lis Ducary received an early Christmas present. It doing whatever needed doing. arrived during a visit to St. Joseph School, where She loved it so much that long after her grandshe has long been a volunteer. children left the school, Ducary remained. It was The occasion was the school’s annual Christ- where she belonged. mas concert. A third-grader, with whom Ducary Julie Vareika, principal at St. Joseph School, had spent time last year, came up and gave her a has been thrilled to have Ducary’s presence in the warm embrace. school. She calls Ducary a woman of many talents.

“I miss you,” said the student.

There is nothing, it seems, beyond her scope.

That hug and the kind words that accompa“Mrs. Ducary has given her time and talent in a nied it probably meant as myriad of ways,” said Vamuch to Ducary as a diareika. “She assisted in the mond necklace. It meant preparation of our secthat she had touched the ond-grade students in the life of a child. She had sacraments of reconcilileft an impression. And ation and first Commuwhat could be more fulnion. She helped collect filling than that? photos and other memo“Jesus taught us to rabilia of our school and love and serve,” said Duparish to create beautiful cary. “What better way scrapbooks of the history to do that than through of our school.” children?”

Vareika added that Ducary’s relationship Ducary helped create with St. Joseph School beautiful replicas of the has deep roots. It is where religious vestments worn she and her late husband by the members of the Edward sent their four Congregation of the Sachildren. And years later, cred Hearts of Jesus and it is where three of her Mary, a project, she said, grandchildren attended that served to remind school. students of those who When her children founded their school. were in school, Ducary She also helped parents Anchor person of the week — Phyllis Duvolunteered as a teach- cary. and teachers create two er’s aide and with any twin-size anniversary other duties that needed quilts to commemorate doing in the school. She loved every minute of it, the school’s 100th anniversary celebration. she said. Helping children with their studies was There are subtle signs of Ducary’s talents such a rewarding experience. throughout the school. For example, those min“They are so eager to learn,” she said. “They iature uniforms worn by the dolls in the display are impressionable. They all like new things.” case? They were sewn by Ducary.

When the couple’s children had gone through “She practices what she preaches in terms of school, Ducary knew it was time for her to go to her Catholic faith,” said Vareika. “Everyone who work. So she dutifully returned to school herself, knows her is touched by her devotion, kindness, training to become an LPN. That led to a 25-year and the patience that she shows to everyone she career at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford. meets.”

“I wanted to do something where I would be Ducary was born in New Bedford. Her family helping someone,” she said. moved to Fairhaven in the 1940s. She and Edward So she did. And always, said Ducary, her faith were married at St. Joseph Parish in 1951. She has guided her. been a parishioner since 1948. Her God has been “My philosophy was to treat every patient as if good to her. That’s how she looks at things. they were a member of my own family,” she said.

She misses Edward, who died three years ago.

It was a philosophy that served Ducary — and But they saw 55 years of marriage as a blessing her patients — well. Just like with the children at from God — a gift to be appreciated. As a devoted St. Joseph School, Ducary found that she could Catholic, she sees gifts from God everywhere. And make a difference. Leaving an impression on oth- even when there were trials along the way, Ducary ers is a powerful thing. chose to see them as learning experiences.

Two-and-a-half decades passed quickly. ReLike when her sister Patricia became so sick. tirement presented Ducary with a valuable com- She died at 40, a young mother. It was a difficult modity — time. time, to be sure.

To this day, she can vividly recall the conver“Patricia taught me patience,” she said. sation she and Edward shared, the one that conIt is a beautiful way to approach life, to spend cluded in her decision to once again volunteer to one’s time serving and teaching and learning. serve others.

That’s Phyllis Ducary.

“We were talking about how good God had She remains dedicated to St. Joseph School, been to us,” she said. “We were so blessed. So this helping whenever she can. And she says she learns was my way of paying him back and doing what is this dedication from the one on whom she has alright. Jesus taught us to love one another, to love ways been able to depend. our neighbors and give back what we could.”

“I’ve always been able to count on Jesus,” she And so in retirement, Ducary busied herself said. the way she figured a good Catholic should. She To nominate a person, send an email mesdevoted herself to others. She visited hospitals sage to FatherRogerLandry@AnchorNews. and nursing homes. She talked to folks who were org.

I

t was in the old “Dragnet” television series in the late 60s and early 70s where the famous phrase was heard weekly — “The story you are about to hear is true.

The names have been changed to protect the innocent.”

I’m going to borrow from the classic cop show and announce “the story you are about to read is true, only the names and location have been omitted to protect the author.”

I’m leaving out the parties and place because I know certain individuals would not be pleased to be identified, and may in fact seek revenge.

That, I can understand, but the story must be told nonetheless. It’s a story that exemplifies what it means to be a priest and a faithful Catholic.

It’s a story that one wouldn’t find in the secular press, nor would it invoke much interest in the secular world. But I’m certain God smiled down upon his faithful servants this day.

The story took place within the last few weeks — on December 20 to be exact. That was the day southern New England was belted by blizzard conditions across most of the diocese.

I can bet most of the diocesan faithful attended vigil Masses that weekend because

11

The Anchor

January 8, 2010

For where two or three come together ...

He found the church doors of the dire forecast. open and gladly entered the One such individual, an edifice.

88-year-old gentleman, fulThe time was nearly five filled his Sunday obligation by minutes to eight, and the going to the 4 p.m. Saturday church was completely empty Mass at his parish. but for two individuals sitting That night, Mother Nature unleashed her frosty fury, burying this particular city in more than two feet of the white stuff, driven by a nasty northeast gale.

By morning, much

By Dave Jolivet of her rage was in full force.

This particular together in a pew. gentleman noticed in the parThe elderly gentleman apish bulletin that a Mass for his proached the pair and discovfamily and the family of his ered one was the priest schedbrother-in-law was scheduled uled to celebrate the Mass and to be celebrated that morning the other, the lector. at 8 a.m.

He asked the priest if the As in the past, he felt the Mass would still be celneed to attend such a Mass ebrated, and the response was, and decided to make the two“You are here. There will be a block trek to church, just in Mass.” case the Mass was still on.

Normally, this journey was a five-minute saunter, but on this morning it had to feel more like an Admiral Byrd expedition, especially for someone closing in on 90.

It wasn’t uphill both ways, like in the old days, but it was a dangerous decline to the church and a slippery climb home.

The individual made it to the church safe and sound, perhaps a bit snow-covered.

My View From the Stands

special recognition — With Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of the Boston Archdiocese are Leo Racine, his wife Yvonne and his father, Deacon Leo Racine of New Bedford. Leo is one of the 2009 recipients of the Archdiocese of Boston Bishop Cheverus Medal for service to the Church. The son of Deacon Leo and Marguerite Racine of New Bedford, Leo is a graduate of Bishop Stang High School, Boston College, and the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. He and Yvonne and their three daughters are members of St. Mary’s Parish in Holliston, where he is the coordinator of the St. Mary’s Parish ARISE team. (ARISE is a three-year adult faith enrichment program developed by RENEW International in coordination with the archdiocese.) He also prepares an Adult Faith Formation Resources page for his parish monthly newsletter. Leo has been the director of the parish folk group for the past 15 years and is a member of the liturgy committee and a group facilitator for the “Protecting God’s Children” program, the archdiocesan safe environment program. Leo began and coordinates the annual parish Ministry Recruitment weekend and leads parish evening prayer services during the seasons of Advent and Lent.

It should be noted that this priest is retired and lives at the parish to help out. No doubt he, too, made a journey of several blocks in blizzard conditions to celebrate the Mass.

It should also be noted that the lector, too, had to brave the wintry mess to make it to the church.

The retired priest celebrated the Mass with a congregation of one. And it wasn’t the “Reader’s Digest” version either. It was prayerful, reverent, complete with a homily.

Now I would be willing to bet that this was smallest gathering this more-than-100year-old house of worship had ever seen.

I’m sure that there have been other instances like this with one or perhaps a handful of worshipers, but I can

also bet not many with such seasoned participants.

When I heard the story, I was very moved, and also very encouraged knowing our Church is made up of folks who take the faith seriously, and who care enough to remember the dead and care for the living.

Much like when the three planets aligned in the sky 2,000 years ago to form the star of the East, these three individuals aligned to create a moment pleasing to the Almighty.

Jesus said, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

On December 20, Christ also made the journey to a snow-covered church to be there with three of his brothers, with whom, I’m sure, he was most pleased.

I still get a lump in my throat just thinking about it.

12

The Anchor

CNS Movie Capsules NEW YORK (CNS) — The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the

Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” (Fox) Harmless but mostly routine comedy with music, mixing animation and live action, in which the familiar trio of harmonizing rodents (voices of Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney) have a series of slapstick misadventures, eventually

winding up in the inept care of a gadget-obsessed slacker (Zachary Levi), becoming school students, and entering a singing competition that pits them against a group of chipmunk divas (voices of Amy Poehler, Anna Faris and Christina Applegate). A bit of gently rude humor aside, director Betty Thomas’ extension of the 50-year-old franchise, which includes hit recordings, a pair of TV cartoon series and this fea-

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ture’s 2007 predecessor, “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” is unobjectionable, though its positive lessons about choosing loyalty over selfishness come wrapped in an entertainment package that feels somewhat shopworn. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

“Nine” (Weinstein) Glossy but morally shallow musical drama — set in 1965 Italy and based on the life of Federico Fellini — in which a celebrated film director (Daniel Day-Lewis) suffers a creative and personal crisis, scrambling to conceal the fact that his latest work, about to go into production, has no script, and struggling to maintain his relationships with his wife (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Penelope Cruz), his favorite actress and muse (Nicole Kidman) and his costume designer confidante (Judi Dench).

Director Rob Marshall’s adaptation of Arthur L. Kopit and Maury Yeston’s 1982 Broadway hit, itself an homage to Fellini’s “8 1/2,” treats adultery as a symptom of sophistication, and present the Catholic Church as, by turns, irrelevant, repressive and hypocritical. Pervasive negative portrayal of Catholicism, brief nongraphic adulterous sexual activity, recurrent adultery theme, partial nudity, a couple of uses of profanity, a few crass terms.

The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O — morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

“Sherlock Holmes” (Warner Bros.)

This vigorous but frequently

violent addition to the chronicles of the iconic sleuth sees Holmes (entertainingly sly Robert Downey Jr.) and his perennial sidekick Dr. Watson (Jude Law) on the trail of a Satan-worshipping homicidal aristocrat (Mark Strong) who has inspired a wave of public panic by apparently rising from the dead after his execution, while Watson’s plans to abandon detective work to marry the young woman (Kelly Reilly) for whom he’s fallen, as well as the appearance of a femme fatale (Rachel McAdams) who has bested and befuddled Holmes in the past, heighten the tension. As envisioned by director Guy Ritchie, this brawny Sherlock slugs his way through several bone-crunching squareoffs across Victorian London while investigating the dark doings of the Masonic-style secret society to which the errant lord belonged and which may hold the key to his seemingly supernatural powers. Considerable action violence, occult themes, satanic activity, brief irreverence, a sexual situation, a few sexual references and jokes.

The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Movies Online Can’t remember how a recent film was classified by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops? Want to know whether to let the kids go see it? You can look up film reviews on the Catholic News Service website.

Visit catholicnews.com and click on “Movies,” under the “News Item” menu.

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Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Karl C. Bissinger, secretary to Bishop George W. Coleman, and diocesan director of Vocations

January 8, 2010

O

13

The Anchor

The Amish and Mennonites: Children of the radical reformation

nce the Protestant Reformation sundered the unity of Western Christendom, groups on the Reformation’s “left” wing urged a complete return to what they considered primitive Christianity. Chief among these radical sects were the various Anabaptist communities, which denied the validity of infant baptism, requiring rebaptism of all who had been baptized as infants. During the most brutal periods of persecution from all sides, Anabaptists sought safety by withdrawing from mainstream society, trying to live simply, piously, and peaceably. In time this became their hallmark and that of their descendants.

The term “Mennonite” refers to a large number of similar but separate groups, all descended from the Anabaptists. These groups take their name from Menno Simons (1496-1561), an ex-Catholic priest from Friesland (a region now shared between Germany and the Netherlands) who organized and institutionalized the dozens of independent Anabaptist communities. The Mennonites disapproved

The Fullness of the Truth

By Father Thomas M. Kocik of violence for any reason, lawsuits, the swearing of oaths, and the holding of public office. They preferred an untrained and unsalaried ministry chosen by lot, and sought to establish a voluntary Church of saints, in contrast to a Church that embraced believers and mere conformists alike. Failure to meet one’s moral, religious, and social responsibilities could result in “the ban” or “shunning,” by which an unfaithful member is excommunicated, ostracized, and in some cases rebuffed as if he were dead. Disputes over principles of the ban resulted in factions; today only the most conservative Mennonite groups practice the ban.

The first Mennonite congregation in America was founded in 1683 at Germantown, Pennsylvania. Mennonites took their pacifism seriously, refusing to take up arms in the Revolutionary War. After the war they were accused of treason for feeding starving British soldiers.

During the Civil War, when both sides had mandatory conscription, most Mennonites hired substitutes or paid a hefty exemption fee. In the two World Wars of the twentieth century, Mennonite men were exempted from military combat in exchange for serving in such positions as clerks or hospital orderlies.

The promise of land and exemption from military conscription lured thousands of German Mennonites to Russia beginning in 1788. They settled there, while retaining their German language and culture. Almost a century later, however, the Tsar required that all Russians, including the pacifist Mennonites, serve in the military. Many Mennonites left for America, settling primarily in the Midwest.

In 1860 representatives of several independent Mennonite groups met in Iowa to form a North American conference, later called the General Conference Mennonite Church. The largest Mennonite body, known simply as the Mennonite Church, merged with the General Conference Mennonite Church in 2002; the united body is called the Mennonite Church USA and numbers 109,000 members among 939 congregations. Most of the world’s 1.6 million Mennonites live in North America, Africa, India, and Indonesia. A Mennonite World Conference is held every six years, but it is strictly for communication and mutual support; it has no doctrinal or jurisdictional authority over any local conference or congregation.

In the 1690s a major schism took place. Jacob Amman, the chief elder or “bishop” of Switzerland, left the established Mennonites to form a new community dedicated to strict enforcement of the ban. Amman was influenced by the Lutheran Pietist movement, which emphasized personal religious experience and simplicity of life. For example, the Pietists used hooks and eyes instead of buttons, because buttons at that time were a symbol of status and wealth. Amman and his followers renounced all modern conveniences. Almost all supported themselves by farming. They called themselves Old Order Amish Mennonites, after Amman’s name, but are usually simply called Amish. Many Amish migrated to America, most settling in Pennsylvania and the Midwest.

By the beginning of the twentieth century many Mennonites had become more modern in their approach, dropping their traditional use of German and instituting such mainstream practices as Sunday schools, inter-congregational organizations, and missionary work. This led to a number of divisions, and today there are several Mennonite groups, spanning a wide spectrum. Some, such as the Amish, are easily recognizable by their clothing: the men wear dark trousers, a long-sleeved shirt with a vest, and a straw hat; women wear a “no frills” dress and a small cap or bonnet. Among many Mennonite groups it is the custom that the men are clean-shaven until they marry, and then grow a beard to show their unavailability.

The Amish and Mennonites affirm the core doctrines of the Trinity, Incarnation, and atonement. They look to the Bible as their sole authority for doctrine and primary guide to living. They practice believer’s baptism (never infant baptism) as a ritual testimony of their faith in Christ. Neither baptism nor communion is considered a sacrament in the Catholic sense, that is, as a means of grace.

Communion is held only annually or semi-annually in most congregations and is usually accompanied by the washing of feet, after Jesus’ example and command (Jn 13:1-17). Amish worship is conducted in homes or barns rather than in churches.

Christians in the Anabaptist tradition

are admired for their honesty, simplicity, industriousness, strong sense of community, and witness for peace. Although they are far removed from the liturgical and sacramental core of the apostolic Tradition, and although we might fault them for seeking to erase the distinction between the Church and her sinful members, their exemplary conduct provides

valuable lessons for mainstream Christians, who by definition manifest the least degree of difference from their surrounding culture. Like the ancient Christians with the culture of pagan antiquity, the Amish in particular embrace a radical way of being in the world but not of it.

Father Kocik is a parochial vicar at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River.

dashing through the snow — Father Stephen Salvador, pastor of SS. Peter & Paul Parish in Fall River braved blizzard conditions to tend to the spiritual needs of his parishioners. He came to the church — on foot — during the height of the storm to celebrate Mass for anyone who was brave enough to come. (Photo by Kathy Bednarz)

14

The Anchor

Diocese of Fall River 2009 review continued from page one

of contrition; as well as a list of participating churches and directions on how to get to them.

The diocese utilized the web, YouTube Video and radio advertisements to promote the reconciliation weekend, which reportedly, will be held again this year.

In June 2009 the pope closed the Pauline Year he had begun a year before, and opened the Year For Priests, acknowledging the great harm some priests have done to others, but that the Church and its faithful must thank God for the gifts the majority of priests have given the Church and the world.

In declaring the Year for Priests, Pope Benedict said he hoped to encourage “spiritual perfection” or sanctification of priests across the globe. He noted that spiritual perfection is the basis for effectiveness of a priest’s ministry.

It officially opened on June 19, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and will close during the celebrations of a World Meeting of Priests in St. Peter’s Square in Rome on June 11 this year.

The jubilee celebrates the 150th anniversary of the death of Father Vianney, considered the patron of parish priests, but whom the pope also designated as the patron saint for all the world’s priests.

To mark the conclusion of the many Pauline Year observances, Father Andrew Johnson, OCSO, who had directed the observance, chose Dr. Scott Hahn, a convert and professor of theology and Scripture at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, to be the speaker at three crowded sessions held in St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford.

Pro-Life issues On Pro-Life matters, 2009

proved a busy year for Catholics in the Fall River Diocese, who reacted firmly as they proclaimed their mature faith commitment for all to see, often at great sacrifice.

They sided with Bishop George W. Coleman, who, along with the other three Catholic bishops in Massachusetts — in league with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops — mustered to doing battle with Congress over the proposed Freedom of Choice Act, one of the most dangerous anti-life measures ever drafted, and aimed at negating all Pro-Life policies enacted at the federal, state and local levels in the past 36 years.

A postcard campaign that began with signings “in the pews” or following Masses at all parishes in the diocese in January, urged congressional delegates to vote against the proposed legislation that would have made abortion an entitlement the government would be forced to fund and approve.

Among FOCA’s propositions are the elimination of laws protecting parental involvement and conscience clause rights and those preventing partial-birth abortion and taxpayer funding of abortion; and doing away with an amendment that currently prevents government discrimination against health care providers who do not perform or refer abortions.

Bravely proclaiming their beliefs, Pro-Life marchers from across the diocese, young and old, merged with tens of thousands like them in Washington D.C., on January 22 to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, just days after President Barack Obama was inaugurated.

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And young diocesan faithful from the Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Taunton, Holy Family Parish in East Taunton, and Bishop Stang High School were among the hundreds who took part in the Boston Walk for Life in October to let people know that life is precious.

Hundreds of young students from high schools across the diocese joined for the annual High School Youth Convention at Bishop Stang High School in October.

Church rites for U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy came in for heavy criticism by Pro-Life advocates — via letters to the editor — after he died on August 25, in Hyannis after a long battle with brain cancer. Father Mark R. Hession, pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville, was homilist at the funeral Mass celebrated at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Roxbury.

Controversial legislation Faithful Catholics’ concerns were also about issues closer to home.

Abortion proponents filed three bills with the Massachusetts Legislature that would further endanger the health and safety of women and young people and the lives of unborn babies, and ran into strong opposition.

One measure would allow minors to have an abortion without parental consent or a judge’s order. Another would repeal all laws effecting later trimester abortions, and the third would allow a controversial sex education program in grades kindergarten through 12, violating the freedom of religion and conscience.

The filings prompted a “Lobby Training Day” on Cape Cod to train lay people how to influence legislators more effectively.

More controversial bills with far-reaching effects on the family, school children and freedoms

January 8, 2010 of speech carry into this current year, and await action. One bill would legalize sodomy. Another would make compulsory a public school health curriculum for grades preK-12 with portions on sex education that push abortion, contraception and homosexuality.

While civil marriages between same-sex couples is ongoing, state statutes to redefine civil marriages never changed, and its advocates have refiled a bill to accomplish this.

Local Catholics stood firmly on respect for life issues.

Awards The “40 Days” Pro-Life Vigil outside an abortion clinic at 150 Emory Street in Attleboro, codirected by Attleboro firefighter Ron Marcotte and Ron Larose, members of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Seekonk, resumed its former years’ successful efforts with fasting and prayer. Its 40 days event found plenty of supporters volunteering for spending an hour at the site on each of the days from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Their efforts were not overlooked. Marcotte and Larose were jointly presented the John Cardinal O’Connor Award by the Mass. Citizens for Life for their work. Also honored was Samantha Varnerin, a senior at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, who received the John Cardinal O’Connor Youth Award for her tireless efforts.

Five people known for their defense of life received well-deserved recognition at the annual dinner of the Massachusetts Citizens for Life held in September in Randolph They included State Rep. Elizabeth A. Poirier and her husband Kevin Poirier of North Attleboro; Marian Desrosiers, director of the Pro-Life Apostolate in the diocese; and Madeleine Lavoie of Fall River and Patricia Stebbens of East Sandwich, members of local MCFL

chapters.

Fifty-three Catholic youths who demonstrated service to their parish community with dedication, commitment and selflessness, were awarded the St. Pius X Youth Award by Bishop Coleman at May ceremonies in St. Mary’s Cathedral, as their families and pastors looked on.

The award is named after Pope St. Pius X, who founded the Fall River Diocese in 1904.

The diocese also took time to recognize members of the justice system at the annual Red Mass in October at the cathedral.

St. Thomas More Awards were presented to Judge Elizabeth O’Neill LaStaiti of the Probate and Family Court; Attorneys Daniel Del Vecchio of North Attleboro and Brian Foley of Dartmouth; distinguished court employee Antoinette “Toni” Carvalho of Raynham; and as the ecumenical recipient, Attorney Penelope Psomos of Barnstable.

In November Bishop Coleman presented the prestigious Marian Medal Award for devotion and service to the Church to 87 individuals at the 41st annual awards ceremony during a prayer service at the cathedral.

Two parish priests received career achievement awards from the Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School they attended as young men. Father Michael Racine, pastor of St. Bernard’s Parish in Assonet, and Sacred Hearts Father Martin Gomes, pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish, Nassau, Bahamas, received the annual alumni honors.

Catholic Education Catholics looked to reaffirm their spirituality and promote the Gospel as thousands attended the Boston Catholic Men’s Conference and the Women’s Conference on April 18-19 at Boston College to fervently meditate on their lives and the theme, “In the Footsteps of Christ.”

In April, several educators from the diocese voiced their concerns at a Boston meeting against proposed legislation called the “Bathroom Bill” that would allow anyone to use public facilities such as rest rooms and locker rooms according to their “gender identity or expression” regardless of the individual’s biological sex at birth. They contended that rather than end discrimination, the measure would challenge issues of safety, privacy and modesty.

Catholic Schools Week in January found schools challenged to meet a “Celebrate Service” theme — with the “T” in the word forming a cross — and Turn to page 15

January 8, 2010

Diocese of Fall River 2009 review continued from page 14

the logo perfectly captured their teachers’ goal to not only instill life-long Gospel values to their young charges in a Christ-centered academic community, but also to inspire them to carry that message into the marketplace for the good of all mankind.

Taking a cue from that, The Anchor asked the educators: “How does your school try to inspire its students to imitate Christ who came to serve and not to be served?”

The answer testified to an amazing bevy of activities that went far beyond what was required of them, ranging from collecting food for the homeless and stocking food pantries, visiting the home bound and those in nursing home, sending heartfelt, goodwill messages to their marginalized peers in mission parishes, doing fund-raisers, as well as offering their Masses and prayers.

By November, the concerns were of the quick spread of the H1N1 or swine flu, with approximately 50 cases among students in the diocese’s Catholic schools even as the vaccine was being meted out in small amounts by the Massachusetts Department of Health and the Center for disease control.

The importance of prayer was never taught better than it was by 590 teens, who formed a living rosary on the campus of Stonehill College in North Easton in June. Reciting the rosary in 59 different languages. Each bead — or student — represented a different country, pointing up the rosary as a key means of evangelization. It was part of the Family Rosary Fest sponsored by Holy Cross Family Ministries during its yearlong celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of its founder, Servant of God Patrick Peyton, the famed “Rosary Priest” whose sainthood cause is ongoing. One speaker was Father George E. Harrison, pastor of Holy Name Parish in Fall River, and chairman of the diocese’s centennial rosary celebrations in 2004.

And in October, Stonehill dedicated its new, state-of-the art Science Center, named in honor of longtime friends and benefactors Tom and Mary Shields.

Social concerns As the recession hit harder, the economic downturn brought a spike in food pantry numbers and soup kitchens. Places like the Solanus Casey Food Pantry and the Catholic Social Services-sponsored facility in New Bedford, as well as the soup kitchen at Sacred Heart Parish in Fall River and several others, experienced a dramatic increase

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of more than 130 percent.

It posed a greater challenge for the annual spring Catholic Charities Appeal that kicked off May 1, and at its conclusion in July had raised a near-record $4.28 million to fund its many apostolates, just six-tenths of one percent below the all time high recorded in 2007.

In September, a resurgence in gun violence and homicides in New Bedford prompted clergy to join with law enforcement officials to run anti-gun seminars; offer churches as “safe havens” where people can turn in illegal firearms with no questions asked; and hold a Peace Walk and covenant signing that Bishop Coleman participated in.

Growth in the Church Bishop Coleman presided at the solemn Rite of Dedication for the new, 500-seat Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Wellfleet in March. The newest church in the diocese and attached parish center was the culmination of a major, $2 million fund-raising effort led by its pastor, Father John F. Andrews. It replaces a former church closed in 1999.

In June, the bishop blessed and dedicated the new hall at Holy Family Parish in East Taunton.

In November, the renovated St. Andrew’s Church in Taunton reopened after an 11-month major refurbishing and Bishop Coleman consecrated a new altar in the house of worship that dates from 1910.

That same month, Bishop Coleman accepted recommendations to merge the faith communities of St. Mary’s in Seekonk and St. Stephen’s in Attleboro into a new parish It will be inaugurated later this year.

The faithful took time to march in the annual procession celebrating the feast of Corpus Christi in New Bedford in June, and also joined in the candlelight procession to pray for peace in October in Fall River, culmination with a Mass at St. Anne’s Church.

The annual Faith Formation Convention was held November 7 at the Holiday Inn in Mansfield, and Franciscan Father Thomas Washburn, a New Bedford native and recently appointed vocation director of the regional Franciscan Province of the Immaculate Conception in Boston, was among the presenters.

Father Paul F. Robinson, O. Carm., judicial vicar for the tribunal of the Fall River Diocese, was among six canonists invited to share their insights at a March 5-6 symposium in Rome conducted by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts.

Father Robinson, who holds a doctorate in canon law from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, said the meeting was called because the Council in the next few years will produce an instruction for the penal law of the Code of Canon Law similar to one produced in 2005 as regards marriage.

He told The Anchor in an interview that in October 2008, that PCLT expressed the desire to hear the experience of American canonists in applying the procedural and penal law of the Code to cases involving the sexual misconduct of priests/deacons under the terms of the 2002 Dallas Charter and Norms.

Anniversaries and personnel changes Several diocesan priests celebrated the 50th anniversary of their priestly ordinations.

Among them were Father Roger J. Levesque, Msgr. John J. Smith, Father James F. Buckley and Father Francis Kirby. They were among two groups of 10 men ordained at different times in 1959, some of then by Bishop James L. Connolly.

Another celebrating his 50th jubilee was Maryknoll Father Raymond Kelley of Attleboro.

Among retirees from active ministry in 2009 were Father Leonard M. Mullaney, pastor of St. Anthony’s in Mattapoisett; Msgr. John F. Moore, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in North Falmouth; Father William P. Blottman, chaplain at the Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River; and Mercy Sister Lourdette Harrold after serving 49 years in administration at St. Vincent’s Home in Fall River.

But others were in formation to follow in their footsteps.

Transitional Deacons David Craig Deston Jr., of Fall River, and Peter J. Fournier of Attleboro, were ordained priests June 13 by Bishop Coleman. Within months of his ordination, Father Deston was the principal celebrant of a Mass in Notre Dame de Lourdes Church in Fall River commemorating the death of Father Vianney, and Father Fournier was the homilist.

Named first-time pastors were Father Marek Chmurski, a native of Poland, as pastor of St. Lawrence Martyr Parish in New Bedford; and Father John M. Murray, a native of Brockton, as pastor of Holy Ghost Parish as well as St. Joseph’s Parish, both in Attleboro.

Father Paul A. Caron, pastor of St. Rita’s in Marion, took on additional duties as pastor of St. Anthony’s in Mattapoisett in September. Father John J. Oliveira, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in New Bedford’s South End, in November was assigned

to also become pastor at St. John the Baptist Parish in that city.

St. Patrick’s Parish in Somerset celebrated its 125th anniversary; Taunton’s Holy Rosary Parish its 100th anniversary of the dedication of its church building; St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth its 40th; Bishop Stang High School marked its 50th anniversary with a Mass and a rededication; and on December 6, parishioners at Immaculate Conception Parish in New Bedford celebrated 100 years of unwavering faith to the Portuguese community and beyond.

Bishop Coleman joined with the Sacred Hearts Fathers in Rome to celebrate the October 11 canonization of one the bestknown members of its Congregation, Belgian-born Blessed Damien de Veuster, who served patients with Hansen’s disease on

the Hawaiian Island of Molokai more than a century ago.

Sacred Hearts Father William F. Petrie, the provincial at the congregations’ house in Fairhaven, led a local group of pilgrims, clergy and laity, to the event at St. Peter’s in Rome.

The grim sacrifices resulting from the warring in Iraq and Afghanistan were felt locally.

In May, funeral services were held in St. John Neumann Church in East Freetown for 22-year-old Tyler J. Trahan, a U.S. Navy man killed in April in Fallujah, Iraq.

As the Church commemorated All Saints and the nation remembered its war dead, funeral services for Marine Capt. Kyle Van De Giesen, 29, were held in St. Mary’s Church in North Attleboro on November 6. He was killed in one of two separate heTurn to page 18

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Youth Pages

feeding the hungry — Kate McEvoy-Zdoncyk, senior director of Community Relations at Fallon Community Health Plan, is pictured presenting a donation to Coyle and Cassidy Food Pantry members and Director Michael Cote. This donation will help the Coyle Food Pantry continue to provide a valuable service to more than 300 area families each month. From left, front: Angela Schondek, McEvoy-Zdoncyk, and Lauren Dykas. Rear: Zach Micciche, Ben Williams, Steven Tran, Steven Angelos, and Tyler Pearson.

January 8, 2010

buddy system — Bishop Feehan High School students regularly visit St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro as part of the Social Justice program at their school. The students read with the younger pupils and assist the teachers with various classroom activities. Recently, buddies at St. John’s met to make paper Christmas wreaths with the Feehan students. From left: seventh-grade St. John’s student Emily Cataloni, Feehan Senior and alumna of St. John’s Mary Anderson, and her kindergarten buddy Caroline Smith.

ready to perform — Fourth-grade students from St. James-St. John School in New Bedford prepared for their annual Christmas concert.

joyful prayer — Staff and students of St. Joseph School in Fairhaven recently gathered for a prayer service. Here, a group of eighth-graders lead in singing Amy Grant’s “Emmanuel” accompanied by dancing and hand gestures.

not just holiday givers — Throughout the year, Holy Trinity Regional School in West Harwich collects food items for the local Family Food Pantry to help members of the community. The fifth-grade class recently went to the pantry to help distribute items collected by the students. Holy Trinity is one of the major contributors to the pantry. The school will soon begin a drive for badly needed gently used clothing for children.

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January 8, 2010

Blessed are the peacemakers

D

uring the Christmas season it is quite obvious that gestures of peace and good will are shared in abundance. But what happens when the holidays are over? Are we so keen to continue wishing one another joy and peace, good will for all and keeping the message of Christmas alive every day in the new year?

Probably not. Many of us might think it strange and out of place to extend such greetings after New Year’s Day. If you feel that way, how about making a change, now? Begin with yourself, then extend it to your family, and then to your community, the world.

I believe we all have a place

Be Not Afraid

By Ozzie Pacheco where we go to be at peace, if only for that moment. It’s there where we can clear our minds and then go face the realities that cause our conflicts.

Do you have such a place? If not, try creating a place for peace.

St. Matthew tells us in his Gospel (Mt 5:23-24), “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” What I believe St. Matthew is saying is that we must not live the false hope of being at peace with God if at the same time we have a conflict with our brother.

I firmly believe that being aware of how you handle conflict will allow you to be conscious of the choices available to you in dealing with others.

Look at conflict as a problem to be solved and not a contest to be won. Be aware of how you respond to conflict. Do you avoid it? Fly off the handle?

Try to expand your range of peacemaking skills. The place that you create to seek this peace will help you to put all of this into perspective.

I share with you what I think we must do to engage in peacemaking efforts: — don’t let little things that bother you build up until one of you explodes the issue into a fight. Making a mountain of a molehill is hardly conducive to anyone’s well-being; — if you are angry about

something don’t try to talk about it right away. Let it go until you have thought things through. You know very well what happens when you say things you don’t really mean.

Think twice, speak once. This is especially important if your brother doesn’t want to discuss the matter. Wait, be patient, you’ll know when the time is right; — when the waiting is over, know what the issue is before you engage in serious conversation. Then both of you should stick to the subject. Going in different directions will only cause you to lose sight of the real issue and what’s really important.

Focus only on the facts and the issue, not on the person or personality characteristics.

Above all, don’t bring up past history; — no namecalling. Even endearing terms and pet names can be hurtful when you are using a sarcastic tone. Be careful how you use humor. Laughter is good, but teasing can be misinterpreted and hurtful; — listen to one another fully. This includes watching body language. Look at one another while you speak.

Don’t interrupt. Don’t blame one another or make accusations; — try to use “I” sentences instead of “you” sentences.

Accept responsibility for your part in the conflict. Be open to asking for forgiveness and be willing to forgive; — and finally, in the words of St. Paul to the Romans, “If possible, on your part, live at peace with all” (Romans 12:18).

And so my friends, in this new year of our Lord, resolve yourselves to becoming peacemakers. Stand on firm ground and use as your peacemaking foundation these three gifts: time, waiting until you are rested and calm; trust, addressing the conflict in a way that you will both see the other side of it; and transparency, being willing to share genuine feelings and honest thoughts.

Then, together, echo (or sing) the words to that old beloved song, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Ozzie Pacheco is Faith Formation director at Santo Christo Parish, Fall River.

chiming in — The bell choir at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro recently visited Madonna Manor in North Attleboro. Advent and Christmas songs were performed by the choir to the delight of the residents. The bell choir is in addition to the school’s regular music program and was formed by the school’s music director and teacher, Sue Fortin, who is shown in the picture with the choir performing at the Manor.

Australian nun hopes 2010 canonization of nun inspires young to help poor

By Anthony Barich Catholic News Service PERTH, Australia — A member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart hopes the 2010 canonization of her order’s founder, Blessed Mary MacKillop, will encourage young people to act radically to help the poor.

St. Joseph Sister Pauline Morgan told The Record, Catholic newspaper of the Archdiocese of Perth, it was “quite remarkable” for Mother MacKillop, who set up her first school at age 24, to make significant change at such a young age in 19th-century Australia.

It was particularly extraordinary, Sister Pauline said, because Mother MacKillop — also called Blessed Mary of the Cross — had come from a poor family as the eldest of eight, whose father, in particular, ensured the family was well educated.

“She was a woman of courage — that’s the word I’d use — and a woman of action,” Sister Pauline said. “When she saw a need like the poor children not being educated, she worked to eventually set up schools ... because if they didn’t get educated they wouldn’t be able to get on and get a start in life.

“Then when she saw elderly weren’t cared for on the streets, she set up a house called The Providence so they could he cared for,” Sister Pauline said, noting that Mother MacKillop also set up a house for unmarried mothers.

“Whenever there was a need she tried to do something about it,” she said.

Pope Benedict XVI earlier formally signed a decree recognizing the miracle needed for Mother

MacKillop’s canonization next year in Rome, although a date was not set.

Sister Pauline said she hoped the canonization would alert people to poverty, “putting it before our eyes so more people will respond in some way.”

“She is a role model for young people and for those who want to make a difference but are not sure how to do it. People of good will can tap into the good works of so many organizations around today,” she said.

Mother MacKillop will become Australia’s first saint. Born Jan. 15, 1842, in Fitzroy near Melbourne, she died in Sydney Aug. 8, 1909.

Although her sainthood cause was initiated in the 1920s, it faced some serious hurdles, not the least of which was her brief excommunication and the temporary disbanding of her religious order, which was committed to following

poor farmworkers, miners and other laborers into remote areas of the country to educate their children.

Local Church officials disapproved of the Sisters living in tiny, isolated communities — sometimes only two to a hut — frequently cut off from the sacraments in the remote Australian outback.

Within a few months of the Sisters’ excommunication, the bishop who had initiated the act lifted his censure, and a Church commission cleared the Sisters of all wrongdoing.

The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about our diocesan youth. If schools or parish Religious Education programs have newsworthy stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, send them to: schools@ anchornews.org

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January 8, 2010

Diocese of Fall River 2009 review continued from page 15

licopter crashes on October 26 in the line of duty in Afghanistan.

In Honduras, Father Craig A. Pregana, pastor of St. Rose of Lime Parish in Guaimaca, a mission parish of the Fall River Diocese, faced curfews and fighting in the streets after exiled former Honduran President Manuel Zelaya returned to the capital at Tegucigalpa, following his ouster in a June 28 coup.

In New Bedford, the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate prepared in October to launch the first-ever Catholic radio station in the diocese — WPMW 88.5 — 24 hours a day.

St. Mary’s Education Fund, which provides need-based scholarships to students at Catholic elementary and middle schools in the diocese, called on Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino to speak at the Fund’s fall dinner at White’s of Westport As the year was ending, Bishop William Stang, the first bishop of the Fall River Diocese established in 1904, was among

the 2009 nominees for induction into the Rhode Island Hall of fame, cited for his outstanding assistance to the Church in Rhode Island.

Deaths Among those who died in 2009 were Father Clement E. Dufour, 80, who had courageously battled pancreatic cancer for nearly 20 years, and died on September 26. The Fall River native and former pastor had retired from active ministry in the diocese in November 1999, and celebrated his 50th anniversary as a priest in February 2008.

Sacred Hearts Father William Mitchell, 87, a missionary who ministered in the diocese; March 21.

Franciscan Father Callistus Bamberg, 74, a former teacher at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth; March 12, at Tufts Medical Center in Boston from circulation complications.

Redemptorist Father Joseph

Hurley, 81, a native of Fall River and former provincial of the Baltimore Province; October 30 in Our Lady of Lourdes Rectory in Seaford, Del., of a heart attack.

Dominican Sister of Hope Flora Desoucy, 92; January 25.

Dominican Sister of Hope Theresa Gonya, 76; February 3.

Holy Union Sister Grace Donovan; April 9.

Franciscan Missionary of Mary Sister Maria Silva, 84; April 30.

Franciscan Missionary of Mary Sister Rosalina Cabral; May 9.

Mercy Sister Mary Nathan Doherty, 81; May 24.

Holy Union Sister Yvonne Phoenix, 95; June 21.

Sisters of St. Joseph Sister Elizabeth Marcotte, 98; June 25.

Dominican Sister of Hope Angele Morin, 95; July 19.

Holy Union Sister Rosemarie Murphy, 80; August 1.

Brother of Christian Instruction Normand E. Simoneau, 89; September 24.

U.S. Postal Service to honor Mother Teresa with stamp

The Espousal Retreat House and Conference Center Directed by the Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers 554 Lexington St., Waltham, MA 02452 Tel: 781-209-3120 . Fax 781-893-0291 E-mail: espousaladmin@gmail.com

For further information please contact: The Espousal Retreat House 544 Lexington St., Waltham, MA 02454 Phone: (781) 209-3120 www.espousal.org or E-mail: espousaladmin@gmail.com

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta will be among the subjects depicted on U.S. stamps debuting in 2010, the U.S. Postal Service announced.

The 44-cent stamp, bearing a portrait of Mother Teresa painted by artist Thomas Blackshear II of Colorado Springs, Colo., will go on sale on what would have been her 100th birthday, August 26.

“Her humility and compassion, as well as her respect for the innate worth and dignity of humankind, inspired people of all ages and backgrounds to work on behalf of the world’s poorest populations,” said the Postal Service news release on its 2010 commemorative stamp program.

The release also noted that Mother Teresa received honorary U.S. citizenship in 1996 from the U.S. Congress and President Bill Clinton. Only five other people have been made honorary U.S. citi-

zens — Winston Churchill, Raoul Wallenberg, William Penn and Hannah Callowhill Penn and the

Marquis de Lafayette — and all but Hannah Callowhill Penn also have appeared on U.S. postage stamps.

Mother Teresa also received the Congressional Gold Medal in 1997 for her “outstanding and enduring contributions through humanitarian and charitable activities,” the release said.

Born Aug. 26, 1910, in what is now the Republic of Macedonia, Mother Teresa went to India at the age of 18 and founded the Missionaries of Charity there.

She died in Calcutta Sept. 5, 1997, and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003.

Other stamps to be issued during the next year will honor actress Katherine Hepburn; “distinguished sailors” William S. Sims, Arleigh A. Burke, John McCloy and Doris Miller; cartoonist Bill Mauldin; 10 abstract expressionist artists; “cowboys of the silver screen” William S. Hart, Tom Mix, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers; entertainer Kate Smith; and filmmaker Oscar Micheaux.

U.S. postage stamps in 2010 also will depict the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, the Chinese lunar new year, the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan, the Bixby Creek Bridge in California, the Negro Baseball League, and characters from the “Sunday funnies” — Archie, Beetle Bailey, Dennis the Menace, Garfield and Calvin and Hobbes.

In 2010, the Postal Service will issue the first stamp designed especially for oversized or odd-sized greeting cards. The 64-cent stamp will depict a monarch butterfly, and an illustration of a generic butterfly will appear on cards or envelopes requiring the additional postage.

Traditional marriage proponents call 2009 ‘encouraging’ continued from page one

the majority of Americans.”

“2009 was the year we proved that together, with God’s help, we can win this fight for marriage,” he added.

Maggie Gallagher, president of NOM, agreed.

“In 2009 we showed the ‘doubting Thomases’ that we can win on the marriage issue,” she told The Anchor. “If you can defeat gay marriage in Maine, New York and New Jersey, then there’s no place you can’t win.”

Looking ahead, she said that in 2010 NOM will seek to overturn same-sex marriage in Iowa, New Hampshire and D.C. Gallagher said the same-sex marriage movement is “strategically frustrated,” but added that in the fight for traditional marriage

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January 8, 2010

she does not count on momentum.

“What I count on are truth, common sense and courage,” she said. “There’s no place where the majority of voters are in favor of gay marriage.”

Even after five years of samesex marriage in Massachusetts, opinion on the matter is still deeply divided. In May last year, a poll found that 44 percent of voters support traditional marriage, 43 percent support samesex marriage and another 17 percent are undecided. Gallagher said she believes traditional marriage can be restored in the Commonwealth, though she said the road would be difficult.

Previous efforts to restore traditional marriage have failed because the Legislature did not pass

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

an amendment and struck down a citizen’s petition that would have defined marriage as the union between one man and one woman in the state’s constitution. The petition was voted down 151 to 45, which meant the initiative fell just five votes shy of the 50 needed to move it to the ballot box.

According to Mineau, the next step is the 2010 elections.

“If we can get some profamily candidates elected, we will once again be in a position to promote a marriage amendment,” he said. “Next November it is more important than ever to vote for candidates who are promarriage and pro-family.”

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Jan, 12 Rev. Thomas P. Grace, Pastor, St. Patrick, Fall River, 1918 Rev. Manuel C. Terra, Retired Pastor, St. Peter, Provincetown, 1930 Jan. 13 Rev. Emile Plante, M.S., La Salette Seminary, Attleboro, 1954 Rev. Ralph D. Tetrault, Retired Pastor, St. Patrick, Wareham, 2007 Rev. Joseph A. Richard, A.A., St. Francis Home, Worcester, 2008 Jan. 14 Rev. John J. Lawler, M.M., Maryknoll Missioner, 1977 Jan. 15 Rev. Thomas F. Kennedy, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Woods Hole, 1948 Rev. Vincent Marchildon, O.P., Director, St. Anne Shrine, Fall River, 1972 Rev. Msgr. John E. Boyd, Retired Pastor, St. Patrick, Wareham, 1977 Rev. Harold A. Whelan Jr., SS.CC., Ph. D., 1997 Jan. 17 Rev. John F. Laughlin, Retired Pastor, Holy Ghost, Attleboro, 1967 Rev. Daniel J. McCarthy, SS.CC., Former Provincial Superior, Retired Pastor, Holy Redeemer, Chatham, 2002

Around the Diocese 1/12

Young adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to gather for Theology on Tap January 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Vineyard Restaurant, 809 Washington Street, South Attleboro. A presentation titled “The God of Unlikely Situations” will be given by Dr. Ernest Collamati, chairman of the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department at Regis College, Weston. Time for Q&A will follow. For more information, contact Crystal-Lynn Medeiros at 508-678-2828 or email cmedeiros@dfrcec.com.

1/21

A Healing Mass will be celebrated at St. Anne’s Church, 818 Middle Street, Fall River, January 21 at 6:30 p.m. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. with Benediction and healing prayers after Mass.

1/21

A Prayer Vigil for Life, joining in prayer with our brothers and sisters in Washington, D.C., will be held January 21 at Holy Cross Family Ministries, Easton, to pray for dignity and respect for all human life. The evening features three offerings: a film screening of Assumptions; Rosary Prayer with film Rosary Stars; and Come Walk With Me, meditations with music. Participants can join in one or all three programs that will be repeated throughout the evening beginning at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street. This evening of prayer is free and open to the public.

For information call 508-238- 4095, ext. 2027 or go to www.HCFM.org and click on News & Events.

1/22

To coincide with the anniversary of Roe v. Wade in 1973, a Holy Hour will be held January 22 at 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, Route 28, West Harwich. The rosary will be followed by Benediction of the most Blessed Sacrament.

1/22

Those attending the March for Life in Washington, D.C. are invited to attend the Massachusetts Citizens for Life Caucus January 22 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Russell Senate Office Building, Room 325, Boston. For more information, contact Mass Citizens for Life at 617-242-4199, visit www.masscitizensforlife.org, or email MCFL@masscitizensforlife.org.

1/23

A Portuguese Dinner Night and Raffle hosted by the Knights of Columbus will be held at St. Dominic’s Parish, 1277 Grand Army Highway, Swansea, January 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the parish center.

The menu will consist of Portuguese style roast and potatoes, Portuguese soup, vegetables and dessert. For tickets or information, call 508-675-7206.

1/24

The Massachusetts Citizens for Life’s annual Assembly for Life will be held January 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Boston’s Great Hall at historic Fanueil Hall, Boston. The keynote speaker will be ProLife photojournalist Michael Clancy and Cardinal Sean O’Malley and young songwriter Michael Maloney are also scheduled to appear.

1/30

COURAGE, a welcoming support group for Catholics wounded by same-sex attraction who gather to seek God’s wisdom, mercy and love, will next meet January 30 at 7 p.m. For location information, please call Father Richard Wilson at 508-992-9408.

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The Anchor rings in 2010 with new website continued from page one

in-house staff — mainly the “page one” material focusing on diocesan events.

In addition, most of the weekly columnists’ contributions along with editorials, obituaries, “Person of the Week” profiles, “Around the Diocese” events, and special series like the current “Year For Priests” reflections offered by local clergy will be posted online.

National and international articles from syndicates like the Catholic News Service, the Catholic News Agency and ZENIT that regularly appear in the print edition will not be replicated on the website and will remain exclusive to the print edition. The website will, however, offer links and news feeds to the syndicates, along with a “news ticker” of headlines from the Catholic News Service on its main page.

While the print edition of The Anchor is published every Friday, Souza said the website content of that issue won’t be updated until the following week so that subscribers are still getting their news first.

“Many newspapers are simply offering all of the content people pay for in their print edition online for free,” Souza said. “We were sensitive to the fact that our longtime paid subscribers should be getting preferential treatment, so we decided to limit the amount of content we posted on the site and delay the updates so the print edi-

tion remains the most timely and complete edition of The Anchor.”

“The challenging thing for us is to make what we’re doing accessible to readers within our diocese and elsewhere, while not putting ourselves out of business by put-

sive ‘web-only’ content online that can’t be done in print.”

In addition to the aforementioned “news feeds” and links, sections of the new site are also devoted to bonus photo galleries and YouTube videos of local events, complete downloadable PDF files of previous special supplements published in the print edition, and

January 8, 2010 provide ‘Around the Diocese’ announcements for every day of the week. It’s an interactive calendar where you click on the date to see what’s happening.

“We’ve also set up a new Reader Survey for 2010 using Zoomerang that will take you mere minutes to complete simply by clicking on a few multiple-choice answers.

year for priests site — This is a screen image of the Year For Priests section of the new Anchor website located at www.anchornews.org.

ting the entire paper up on the website immediately and therefore making the newsprint edition superfluous,” Father Landry added.

Souza sees the website as a natural extension of the weekly print edition and noted there will also be opportunities to provide exclu-

contact links to staff members and various sites of interest throughout the diocese.

“There are some great features on the website that offer a lot more than we can in the print edition,” Souza said. “For example, we used a Google events calendar to

We’ve also joined peer sites like Facebook and Twitter to further expand our presence on the World Wide Web.” In this age of cyber-shopping, www.anchornews.org will also provide those with a PayPal account or anyone with a major cred-

it card the opportunity to purchase subscriptions online and will soon broaden the service to include special items like the annual diocesan Catholic Directory and to make advertising payments online.

And soon clients will also be able to place web-only advertisements online with direct links to their own websites.

“The website will provide us with an additional outlet to reach readers and prospective clients of The Anchor,” said Anchor advertising manager Wayne Powers.

“Several current Anchor advertisers have already expressed interest in online advertising and this is just another resource for them.”

Built and designed using Sandvox software over the past several months, the new Anchor website already offers a complete year’s worth of archived issues going back to January 2009 and plans are in place to eventually post older archived editions online.

Souza said it’s been an ongoing “work in progress” and he’s excited to finally launch it and have the website “go live,” as they say.

“We’re going to continue to tinker with it as we move forward, constantly trying to improve the print edition as well as what we make accessible for the web,” Father Landry said. “But we’re very excited to be launching into cyberspace and we hope, like the Letter to the Hebrews says, to throw our ‘anchor’ upward and hopefully inspire, form and inform people and give them hope across the diocese and country..”