Anchor 05.28.10

Diocese of Fall River

The Anchor

F riday , May 28, 2010

Let the little children come to me — The children of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Attleboro, received first holy Communion during three celebrations in May. Pictured with pastor, Father Richard M. Roy, are some of the first communicants.

Sixteen to be admitted as candidates for permanent diaconate in diocese

By Deacon James N. Dunbar

Father Roman Chwaliszewski, OFM, Conv.

Father David Stopyra, OFM, Conv.

Two Franciscan pastors observe 50th anniversaries

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

TAUNTON — It was 50 years ago today that Father Roman Chwaliszewski, OFM, Conv., pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, New Bedford, and Father David M. Stopyra, OFM, Conv., pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Taunton, were ordained

by Bishop Christopher Weldon at St. Michael Cathedral in Springfield.

The Franciscan Friar classmates, who have been longtime pastors

serving the Fall River Diocese, observed the occasion with separate celebrations.

While both priests began their ministries working in education, their early career paths veered off in different directions.

“We were ordained together, but then we went on separate assignments,” Father Stopyra said, noting that he initially served as a guidance counselor, teacher and ultimately principal at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, Turn to page five

Faith Formation Office to maintain, enhance duties of former Family Ministry Office — page 12

NEW BEDFORD — Sixteen men aspiring to become permanent deacons will be admitted to candidacy at a Mass June 1 at 7 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church.

Bishop George W. Coleman will celebrate the Mass during which the admission ceremony will take place.

Assisting Bishop Coleman will be Msgr. John J. Oliveira, diocesan director of the Permanent Diaconate program.

Deacon Frank Fantasia, assistant director for candidate formation, and Deacon David Boucher, assistant director for continuing formation, will serve as deacons of the Mass.

The prospective candidates are the eighth class for the permanent diaconate in the diocese and have been in the formation program for two years.

Admission to candidacy occurs when the prospective candidates have reached maturity of purpose

and have demonstrated other necessary qualifications along with their completion of the required preparatory steps.

During the ceremony, candidates publicly express their desire to be ordained as deacons and the bishop accepts their declaration.

“I am grateful for these men who have volunteered to serve the Church as deacons,” Msgr. Oliveira said. “They are good men, filled with enthusiasm and willing Turn to page 18

Bishop blesses expansion of Cardinal Medeiros Residence

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff FALL RIVER — Six new suites have been added to the Cardinal Medeiros Retirement Home for priests located on Elsbree Street and connected to the adjoining Bishop Connolly High School.

The six new rooms, which offer spacious accommodations and idyllic views of the high school campus, will complement the 16 existing full-time apartments and one short-term recuperating room at the diocesan facility, bringing the total living quarters to 23.

“The reason we’ve expanded is that is as our aging population of priests increases, we needed to have them in order to complement the rooms we already have,” said Msgr. Edmund J. Fitzgerald, director of

the Diocesan Health Facilities Office which oversees the Cardinal Medeiros Residence. “So

everything is designed to make living here independent, but Turn to page 19

HOME SUITE HOME — Bishop George W. Coleman blessed six new suites recently added to the Cardinal Medeiros Residence for retired priests on Elsbree Street in Fall River earlier this week. The new rooms will increase the facility’s total capacity to 23. With the bishop is Msgr. Edmund J. Fitzgerald, director of the Diocesan Health Facilities Office which oversees the retirement home. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

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News From the Vatican

May 28, 2010

The Inquisition and Index: Vatican records shed light on dark legend B y Carol Glatz C atholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The Roman Inquisition and the Index of Forbidden Books obviously do not represent the brightest chapters in Catholic history, but newly published documents from Vatican archives should help scholars distinguish between the truth and the dark legends.

Hundreds of documents detailing the Church’s investigations of individuals and of written works during the Roman Inquisition have been published — most of them for the first time — in a new series released by the Vatican.

Reproducing records from the Inquisition’s activities — records held in the formerly secret archives of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith — the series hopes to shed light on how the Roman Inquisition really worked and to dispel age-old biases.

A lack of access to the archives, which were opened to the public only in 1998, meant some scholars and historians made “sweeping generalizations without sufficient foundation” about the Church’s aims during the Inquisition, a former papal theologian wrote in the volume’s preface.

Cardinal Georges Cottier, theologian of the papal household under Pope John Paul II, wrote that by focusing only on cases in which the Church acted extremely harshly — such as the condemnation of Galileo Galilei and the burning at the stake of Giordano Bruno, some historians concluded the Church was engaged in a vicious war against science.

It is “misleading to see the activity ... as a struggle against science undertaken in the name of faith” when the Roman Inquisition actually was concerned more with preventing Protestant ideas from spreading, he wrote.

Released at the Vatican May 12, the first volume represents 13 years of organizing, studying, cataloguing, and then transcribing thousands of documents from the Roman Congregation of the Holy Office, which dealt with individuals suspected of heresy, and the Congregation of the Index of forbidden books, which handled the suppression or correction of written works.

Titled “Catholic Church and Modern Science: Documents from the Archives of the Roman Congregations of the Holy Office and the Index,” the series’ first

volume reproduced all the doctrinal congregation’s documents concerning science and natural philosophy from 1542 to 1600.

The volume contains the documents in their original language — Latin — but offers extensive footnotes, summaries and commentary in English by co-authors Ugo Baldini — a history professor at Italy’s Padua University and an expert on Galileo Galilei — and Leen Spruit — an expert on the censorship of science in early modern history.

Spruit told Catholic News Service that the Roman Inquisition did not target science and natural philosophy. Rather, he said, certain individuals and authors were condemned “often for their faith or religious creed.”

A perfect example, he said, is Nicolaus Copernicus, the 16th-century Polish scientist who first proposed in 1543 that the earth revolved around the sun — a theory that would get Galileo in trouble a century later.

Copernicus was virtually ignored by censors until a Protestant wrote about his work and that author was put on the Index, not for supporting heliocentrism, but for being a Protestant, the book said.

Scientific ideas and proposals never mattered to inquisitors unless those theories negatively impacted the Church’s religious view of mankind, he said. And then it was the unorthodox anthropology that received condemnation, not the science, he added.

The first and only purely scientific trial the Roman Inquisition pursued was against Galileo, “and I think they consider that now as a very big mistake,” said Spruit.

In addition, scientific works like those written by Copernicus and Galileo were not condemned until they were published in the vernacular rather than in Latin, he said, “because then they could be more dangerous for a broader audience.”

According to the book’s authors, the Inquisition’s juridical innovations included “the defense attorney, testimony under oath, appeals to a higher court, the adoption of the principle ‘unus testis nullus testis’” [“One witness, no witness”], in which uncorroborated testimony is inadmissible, as well as reducing life sentences to a few years of incarceration and offering a public defender for the poor.

papal support — A sign in Italian on the colonnade in St. Peter’s Square says, “Together with the pope,” after Pope Benedict XVI’s “Regina Coeli” prayer at the Vatican. Some 120,000 people attended the “Regina Coeli” in a show of support for the pope. (CNS photo/ Paul Haring)

Huge crowd gathers to show support for Pope Benedict

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — An estimated 120,000 people converged on St. Peter’s Square to express support for Pope Benedict XVI in dealing with the clerical sexual abuse scandal.

Thanking the crowd for their presence and affection May 16, Pope Benedict said, “The true enemy to fear is sin, the spiritual evil that unfortunately sometimes infects even members of the Church.”

“We Christians are not afraid of the world, even if we have to be careful of its seductions. Rather we must fear sin and, for that reason, be strongly rooted in God and solid in goodness, love and service,” he said at his weekly Sunday blessing.

With trust in the Lord and a renewed commitment to following him, he said, the Church can become holier by going through “the trials” it is facing.

The Italian National Consultation of Lay Groups, a Catholic organization, spearheaded the effort to bring Catholics to the square to join the pope and show their support. A variety of Catholic organizations and movements, labor unions and political groups joined them, filling St. Peter’s Square and spilling onto the adjacent streets.

Paola Dal Toso, secretary of the national consultation, told Vatican Radio that participants wanted to pray for the victims of sexual abuse, but also “to recall all the good that many priests do, which does not make the news.”

Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco of Genoa, president of the Italian bishops’ conference, led the crowd in prayer before the pope arrived at his studio window to address the gathering.

“Almighty and eternal God, comfort of the afflicted and support of the troubled, hear the cry of those who are in pain so that they

would find justice and comfort,” the cardinal prayed.

He also prayed that the abuse victims would return to participating in the life of a “purified” Church, so that they could “rediscover the infinite love of Christ.”

In a rare exception, Vatican officials allowed the organizers to hang banners from the colonnade surrounding the square; many proclaimed, “Together with the pope.”

“We young people are with you,” “The people of Rome with the pope” and dozens of other signs, banners, balloons and flags expressed love for the pope.

Salvatore Martinez, president of the Italian Renewal in the Holy Spirit movement, told Vatican Radio that Catholics recognize that some people in the Church have seriously sinned, “but the Church is alive, the Church is still standing. The laity and the movements are expressions of it through their vitality, their beauty and through the strength of the witness they give each day.”

Andrea Olivero, president of an Italian Christian workers’ group, told the radio that members of his group appreciated the pope’s bluntness in recognizing that some priests have hurt children and be-

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trayed the trust placed in them.

The abuse scandal, he said, “should be experienced as a cross by all of us. We cannot allow our pastors to be the only ones who live with this suffering, which is a suffering that affects the entire Church.”

At the same time, Olivero said, all Catholics must make a renewed commitment to living their faith and to helping the poor, the weak and the hurting.

Pope Benedict also referred to the scandal when he wrote to participants in a large ecumenical gathering in Germany. The ecumenical Kirchentag, which ended May 16, had focused on the theme of hope.

The pope said that at a time when the world’s people are in need of hope, some people are asking if the Church really is a place to find it.

“In the past few months, we repeatedly have had to face news that could attempt to remove the joy from the Church, news that obscures it as a place of hope,” he said.

The Church continues to be a place of hope, he said, because it is the place where people hear the word of God, “which purifies us and shows us the path of faith.”

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 54, No. 21

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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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 m arychase@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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May 28, 2010

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The International Church TV ads for abortion services rile British Pro-Life groups

By Simon Caldwell Catholic News Service

“Moreover, to allow the broadcasting advertising of abortion referral services LONDON — Pro-Life groups vowed is, in effect, to allow the exploitative proto take all legal steps possible to halt the motion of these services and is not in the broadcast of advertisements for abortion interests of the health or psychological services on traditional television. well-being of women,” it added.

Marie Stopes International, Great Pro-Life groups pledged to work to Britain’s leading provider of health care stop the ads from being broadcast. services, announced May 20 that British “The notion that the destruction of hutelevision Channel 4 was to air the first ad man life can be advertised freely on TV May 24 in a campaign that would contin- as a service to the public is outrageous ue through June. and we will be doing all we can to stop The agency performs about one-third the advert from being aired,” said Andrea of the country’s 216,000 abortions annu- Minichiello-Williams, director of the ally.

Christian Legal Center.

The announcement “It is entirely unsatcame as a shock to Cathisfactory that the adverbortion is not a tising codes supposedly olic leaders and ProLife groups because the consumer ser- allow these adverts to Broadcast Committee vice,” the statement con- take place, based on a of Advertising Practice, very narrow reading of a government agency tinued. “To present it as the term ‘commercial,’” responsible for writing such erodes respect for she added. and reviewing radio Anthony Ozimic, life and is highly misand television advertisspokesman for the Sociing codes, forbids the leading and damaging ety for the Protection of advertising of commer- to women, who may feel Unborn Children, told cial abortion clinics. pressured into making journalists May 19 that Although Marie his organization was Stopes has an annual a quick decision, which consulting with attorbudget of more than can never be revoked. neys about the legality $180 million, much of of the ad campaign. it from contracts with He urged the British the taxpayer-funded National Health Ser- secretary of state for culture, media and vice, it is a not-for-profit agency and is sport to intervene. technically not covered by the ban.

The ads ask the question, “Are you The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of late?” before inviting women to call the England and Wales criticized the cam- agency’s 24-hour helpline for “nonjudgpaign in a statement released May 20. mental support, advice and services.”

“We believe that services which offer or Dana Hovig, Marie Stopes’ chief execrefer for abortion — whether commercial utive, said in a statement that 350,000 anor not-for-profit organizations — should nual calls seeking assistance demonstrated not be allowed to advertise on broadcast that there is a large demand for advice and media,” the bishops said. information on the agency’s services.

“Abortion is not a consumer service,” “We hope the new ‘Are you late?’ camthe statement continued. “To present it as paign will encourage people to talk about such erodes respect for life and is highly their choices, including abortion, more misleading and damaging to women, who openly and honestly, and empower wommay feel pressured into making a quick en to reach confident, informed decisions decision, which can never be revoked. about their sexual health,” she said.

“A

warming trend — Russian Orthodox Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk attends a press conference at the Pontifical Council for Culture at the Vatican recently. Metropolitan Hilarion, the head of ecumenical relations for the Russian Orthodox Church, said the “atmosphere of dialogue has improved” between the Vatican and the Russian church. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Meeting of pope, Russian patriarch increasingly possible, official says

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — While a meeting between Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Pope Benedict XVI has not been scheduled, the head of ecumenical relations for the Russian church hinted that the possibility of such a meeting is greater than ever.

Metropolitian Hilarion of Volokolamsk, president of the Moscow Patriarchate’s office for external relations, told reporters at the Vatican May 19 that a meeting “is a desire, it is a hope and we must work for it.”

He repeated the long-standing position of Russian Orthodox leaders that a popepatriarch meeting could not be held as long as Catholic-Orthodox tensions remain in Western Ukraine and that the meeting should cap a process of preparing an agreement on common point of faith and on concrete collaboration.

“I think the atmosphere of dialogue has improved and without a doubt relations improve along with the theological dialogue.

But I think the theological dialogue still has a long way to go,” he said.

“What is important is not the speed of dialogue, but the quality of the results we achieve,” said the metropolitan. He was in Rome for a series of events on Russian culture and spirituality sponsored by the Vatican and the Moscow Patriarchate.

“An encounter between a pope and a patriarch should be a historic event, not just because it is the first meeting between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church but especially because such a meeting must be sign of

the intention to move our relations forward, which is why it must be prepared for well,” he said.

“I hope there could be an encounter not between just any pope of Rome and patriarch of Moscow, but between Patriarch Kirill and Pope Benedict XVI,” Metropolitan Hilarion said.

Pressed on the question, he said, “By mentioning these two concrete people, I tried to indicate somewhat a desired deadline.”

He told reporters that most of the Russian Orthodox clergy and faithful have a very favorable opinion of Pope Benedict and particularly appreciate his efforts to promote traditional moral values and to strengthen the Christian culture of Europe.

Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, told reporters later that the Vatican’s position was that a meeting between the pope and patriarch could be the best way to begin to settle the tensions and questions that the Russian Orthodox want resolved before a meeting.

In addition, he said, it would be an opportunity “to give witness to an increasingly secularized world that our churches have the same positions on moral questions.”

“We hope that this meeting will not be something eschatological” — dealing with the end of time — “but that it would take place in our age,” the cardinal said.

However, the cardinal, who is 77 and expected to retire in the next few months, said he did not think he would still be working at the Vatican when the meeting finally happens.

More than 110,000 expected in Warsaw for June beatification WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — More than 110,000 people are expected for the June 6 beatification of Father Jerzy Popieluszko, the outspoken priest killed by communist agents in 1984.

Warsaw Archbishop Kazimierz Nycz told journalists in mid-May that the openair Mass in Pilsudski Square would be celebrated by Archbishop Angelo Amato, prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Saints’ Causes. He said he expected 100 bishops, 1,500 priests and Father Popieluszko’s mother, Marianna Popieluszko.

The archbishop said relics of Father Popieluszko, whose body was exhumed April 6-7, would be taken in procession to the capital’s Wilanow suburb for interment at a still-unfinished Divine Providence Basilica, while the rest would be reburied June 13 at St. Stanislaw Kostka Church, Father Popieluszko’s parish.

The church rector, Father Zygmunt

Malacki, said that relics of the priest also would be sent to churches rededicated to him in other cities, and that parishes as far away as Uganda and Peru had also requested relics.

More than 80 streets and squares in Poland have been named after Father Popieluszko. Hundreds of statues and memorial tablets have been unveiled to him; some 18,000 schools, charities, youth groups and discussion clubs have been named after him.

In October, the 25th anniversary of Father Popieluszko’s death, the country’s late president, Lech Kaczynski, posthumously awarded the priest Poland’s highest state honor, the White Eagle.

In a resolution, Poland’s parliament, the Sejm, said Father Popieluszko’s message remained “still topical for us,” adding that his life had been “a gift to the nation’s history, fully expressed by the words of St. Paul, ‘Overcome evil with good.’”

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The Church in the U.S.

May 28, 2010

Vatican supreme court upholds closing of 10 Boston parishes

By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — The Vatican supreme court has denied the appeals of parishioners trying to save 10 parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston from closing, according to a spokesman for a group fighting the closures.

Peter Borre, co-chairman of the Council of Parishes, which was formed to oppose the archdiocese’s 2004 decision to close 64 churches, said he learned of the May 7 decision by the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature from a canon lawyer representing the group in Rome.

The decision from the Vatican’s highest tribunal means that the archdiocesan process to close the parishes — suppression in Church parlance — complied with canon law.

The decision also means that parishioners have no further recourse within the Church to bring their concerns to Church officials.

Parish representatives and the council will meet in early June after they receive the official documents from the court before deciding its next step, Borre told Catholic News Service. He did not rule out the possibility of a lawsuit to overturn the closings based on civil law violations.

In a statement posted on its website May 17, the archdiocese declined comment on the court’s action “until such time as we receive a formal decision from Rome.”

The parish closings under a massive archdiocesan reconfiguration plan was controversial, with many Catholics believing the effort was undertaken to help raise funds to pay settlements to victims of clergy sexual abuse.

The archdiocese repeatedly has

denied that funds from the sale of parish property was used or will be used for such payments.

In its statement on the website, the archdiocese reiterated its stance regarding the proceeds of the sale of Church buildings.

Since the closings, parishioners have led round-the-clock vigils at three churches: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Scituate, St. James the Great in Wellesley and St. Jeremiah in Framingham. The vigils show that the faith communities at each site remain vibrant, the Council of Parishes has maintained.

A year after the original suppression order, Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston reopened three of the parish sites as either chapels or as a rectorate.

In addition to the parishes where the vigils continue, the others involved in the supreme court decision are Infant Jesus-St. Lawrence in Brookline, Our Lady of Lourdes in Revere, St. Anselm in Sudbury, Sacred Heart in Natick, St. Jean d’Arc in Lowell, St. Mary Star of the Sea in Squantum section of Quincy and St. Michael the Archangel in Lynn.

Cardinal O’Malley of Boston had said no action would be taken against the people involved in the vigils until the Vatican issues its ruling.

Borre told CNS the vigils in all likelihood will continue.

“So the cardinal can kick the can down the road and continue to play a waiting game or he can call in the police,” Borre said.

“The question I would ask is, in today’s environment, is that a new story line that the Roman Catholic Church is going to want?”

The archdiocese said in its statement that it “continues to seek a prayerful resolution to all of the vigils.”

serving the americas — Noted theologian, author, academic, and pastor, Bishop Norbert Strotmann of the Diocese of Chosica in Peru, center, received a Doctor of Theology degree at the Stonehill College commencement last week in North Easton. Originally from Germany, Bishop Strotmann has devoted his life to serving the urban poor in greater Lima. The Congregation of Holy Cross has strong ties to Peru. With him are Bishop George W. Coleman of the Fall River Diocese, left, and Stonehill President Holy Cross Father Mark T. Cregan.

Boston Archdiocese to study policies for children of same-sex couples

By Jim Lockwood Catholic News Service BOSTON — After the decision by a Boston archdiocesan Catholic school to rescind its acceptance of the child of a same-sex couple, Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley said archdiocesan officials would “develop policies and procedures” to guide schools on the issue.

“The Archdiocese of Denver has formulated a policy that calls into question the appropriateness of admitting the children of samesex couples. It is clear that all of their school policies are intended to foster the welfare of the children and fidelity to the mission of the Church,” Cardinal O’Malley said in a May 19 blog post. “Their positions and rationale must be seriously considered.”

In March, the Archdiocese of Denver upheld a Boulder, Colo., Catholic school’s decision not to re-enroll the child of a same-sex couple.

Cardinal O’Malley’s remarks were posted on www.cardinalseansblog.org about one week after St. Paul School in Hingham withdrew its acceptance of a lesbian couple’s child. The cardinal was on a pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal, when the news originally surfaced.

In his blog, he stressed that the primary issue is how to make Catholic schools available to children from “diverse, often unconventional households, while ensuring the moral theology and teachings of the Church are not compromised?”

The cardinal defended the school’s decision and the pastor, Father James Rafferty, noting that the priest’s actions were based on what he thought would be best for the child.

In a May 18 interview with The Pilot, Boston’s archdiocesan newspaper, the vicar general of the archdiocese and its moderator of the curia also defended Father Rafferty.

“In this (case), the decision he made had far-reaching consequences,” said Father Richard Erikson, adding that the archdiocese does not have a specific policy that addresses whether children of samesex parents should be admitted to Catholic schools.

Although the archdiocesan schools’ office is upholding St. Paul’s decision, the archdiocese does not prohibit children of samesex parents from attending Catholic school and officials have promised to help the parents find another Catholic school for their child.

Mary Grassa O’Neill, archdiocesan school superintendent, said in a May 13 statement that she met with St. Paul officials about the decision and told the applicant’s parent she would help her find another Catholic school for her son.

“She was gracious and appreciative of the suggestion and indicated that she would look forward to considering some other Catholic schools that would welcome her child for the next academic year,” O’Neill’s statement said in part.

Father Frank Daley, pastor of SS. Martha and Mary Parish in Lakeville and a close friend of Father Rafferty’s, said the Hingham priest has received numerous phone calls, supporting and criticizing his decision. Since the incident occurred, Father Rafferty has declined media interviews and referred all inquiries to the archdiocese.

“He is very upset by the whole situation. It’s been a tough week and a half,” Father Daley said.

The Catholic Schools Foundation, an independent organization that provides scholarships to students at inner-city Catholic schools, weighed in on the situation with a letter clarifying its funding requirements.

It said the organization will not fund schools that have “an exclusionary admissions policy or prac-

tice” and that refuse to admit students of same-sex parents.

The May 13 letter was signed by the organization’s executive director Mike Reardon and sent to the administrators of all elementary and high schools in the archdiocese.

“We believe a policy or practice that denies admission to students in such a manner as occurred at St. Paul’s is at odds with our values as a foundation, the intentions of our donors, and ultimately with Gospel teaching.”

Catholics United, a national Catholic organization that promotes social justice, similarly objected to the decision and circulated a petition on its website calling for the archdiocese to allow the applicant to attend St. Paul School and “allow all children to have access to a Catholic education.”

The group collected nearly 5,000 signatures, according to James Salt, director of organizing.

“We humbly ask Cardinal O’Malley to intervene in this matter and allow this child to attend St. Paul Elementary School,” said Chris Korzen, Catholics United’s executive director, in a May 13 statement. “In making this request, we do not intend to challenge the Church’s teaching on marriage and relationships. Rather, we simply believe that no one should be denied the benefits of a Catholic education on the basis of their parents’ background.”

C.J. Doyle, executive director of Catholic Action League of Massachusetts, urged the archdiocese to support St. Paul’s, calling the school’s action “entirely appropriate, warranted, and necessary.”

“The admission of a child of a lesbian couple to a Catholic school would only result in self-censorship, and de facto acceptance of same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption,” Doyle’s statement said in part.

Franciscan pastors mark 50th anniversary continued from page one

Md. Meanwhile, Father Chwaliszewski was first assigned to work as a guidance director and assistant principal at Bishop Ryan High School, Buffalo, N.Y.; then guidance director of St. Francis School, Athol Springs, N.Y.; assistant principal of Kolbe High School, Bridgeport, Conn.; and finally principal at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Tonawanda, N.Y. Father Chwaliszewski received his first parochial assignment in 1979, when he served as associate pastor in Trenton, N.J., and also was assigned to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in Taunton briefly before taking on his present pastorate in New Bedford in August 1982.

“Staying here all these years has really been an exception,” Father Chwaliszewski said. “All the religious orders try to move their priests around at least every six to eight years. But the scarcity of priests everywhere necessitates my staying here and helping the bishop as long as I can.”

Although he hasn’t worked in education since the 1970s, Father Chwaliszewski looks back fondly on that period of his ministry.

“Being in the schools was a blessing and it reaped its rewards,” he said. “With my upcoming jubilee, I’ve been receiving cards and well wishes from many of my former students who I thought had forgotten me.”

Looking back over nearly five decades of priestly ministry, Father Chwaliszewski said he’s faced many challenges — not the least of which was his initial reaction to being assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish.

“When I first came here in August 1982, I had just had open heart surgery,” Father Chwaliszewski said. “All of the Friars living here were cigar smokers and I couldn’t breathe in the house — the windows were all locked and shut. That first night I was so depressed, I vowed I wouldn’t stay here for more than a year. I told my provincial about all the problems I had to deal with. Then I started praying and got people together and we started working to revive the parish.”

Through prayer and perseverance, Father Chwaliszewski managed to revive a once-struggling parish back into a vibrant ethnic Catholic community.

Now 28 years later, Father Chwaliszewski is proud of what he calls “the Mother Church of Poland in the Greater New Bedford area.”

“One of my greatest joys, first of all, is that God called me to be a priest,” Father Chwaliszewski said.

“I look back and realize I’ve had hardships and difficulties, but God always perks you up and brings you to do something good.”

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The Anchor

May 28, 2010

“You’ve got to have a prayerful life. If you don’t have a prayerful life, you’re lost,” he added.

Father Chwaliszewski marked his jubilee with a Mass of Thanksgiving last weekend at his parish followed by a reception at Venus de Milo Restaurant in Swansea.

Like Father Chwaliszewski, Father Stopyra worked through most of the 1970s in education.

After his assignment in Baltimore, Md., he was named director of seminarians at St. Hyacinth College and Seminary in Granby in 1976 and he also served on the provincial council for the Franciscan Friars from 1973 to 1979.

Father Stopyra’s first pastorate was at St. Stanislaus Parish in Trenton, N.J. He later served as pastor for St. Hyacinth Parish, Auburn, N.Y. and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Athol Springs, N.Y., before being assigned to the Fall River Diocese as pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in 1997.

Although he took a vow to serve the Franciscans, Father Stopyra explained how his order essentially makes an agreement with the Fall River Diocese to loan out priests for pastoral assignments.

“All the work we do for the parish comes under the purview of the bishop — the bishop is my boss,” Father Stopyra said. “When it comes to my Franciscan life, my provincial is in charge. The provincial has to submit our names for approval to the bishop to be in the diocese, in whatever capacity.”

While these assignments are generally for a limited period, Father Stopyra noted that the lack of priests has extended his tenure in the diocese.

“Usually we’d serve a parish for six years,” Father Stopyra said.

“The Franciscans join pastoral work with guardianship, and you can only serve as a guardian for a certain number of years.”

Although he enjoyed working in education, Father Stopyra said these days he’s more appreciative of his parochial work and he’s especially thankful for having remained for the past 13 years in the Fall River Diocese.

“This has been one of the nicest dioceses I’ve ever worked in,” he said. “The clergy and the people are the most accepting of religious orders. They immediately make you feel at home and that you’re part of the group. A lot of times religious orders are seen as the outsiders coming into a diocese — that’s not the case here.”

Father Stopyra said some of the biggest joys of his ministry have included his past work in education and his recent pastoral work here in Taunton.

“I still associate myself a lot with Coyle-Cassidy High School — they use a lot of the parish facilities here,” he said. “We’re like an affiliate parish for them and they

are most welcome here.”

Father Stopyra is also proud of the fact that his parish has provided a home for the local Brazilian Catholic population.

“They come here every Sunday — they have their own keys to use the parish center,” he said. “That’s the beautiful part of this parish — the extended family of CoyleCassidy and our Brazilian community. It’s not a credit to me, it’s really a credit to our parishioners who welcomed them in.”

A modest man who doesn’t like to make a big deal of anniversaries or birthday celebrations, Father Stopyra said he plans to quietly celebrate his jubilee with a Mass of Thanksgiving at a later date.

Vermont diocese to sell headquarters, camp to settle abuse lawsuits BURLINGTON, Vt. (CNS) — The Diocese of Burlington has settled 26 lawsuits involving clergy sex abuse for nearly $18 million and put its administration building and a former Catholic summer camp on the real estate market to help cover the cost.

Bishop Salvatore R. Matano of Burlington, whose diocese covers the entire state, announced the settlements in a May 13 letter to Vermont Catholics. “I once again apologize most sincerely for the pain the victims have suffered,” he said. “I ask that you join me in praying always for these wounded

and hurt brothers and sisters. It is my constant hope that one day we will be united in the faith.”

In addition to the 26 cases settled for $17.65 million, the diocese also settled three cases that had been appealed to the Vermont Supreme Court. Juries had awarded $15 million to the victims in those cases, but the settlement amounts — kept confidential at the request of the plaintiffs — were “much more modest than the jury awards,” the bishop said. The diocese’s unrestricted reserves “have been depleted to satisfy the financial costs of these settlements,” he said.

6

The Anchor

Parental partnership in the mission of Catholic schools The mission of Catholic schools emanates from the mission of the Catholic Church, commissioned by Jesus to “teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and instructing them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19-20). The fundamental purpose of Catholic schools is not to make “graduates” who go on to future educational and employment success, but to make “disciples.”

It’s true that some parents opt to send their children to Catholic schools not because of the formation in the faith, but because they provide a superb education, committed teachers and administrators, small classrooms, and a disciplined and safe environment for learning. The primary reason Catholic schools exist, however, is religious. They help Catholic parents raise their children in the holistic context and rich culture of the truths of the faith, so that their children may develop the gifts God has given them and succeed in this life and the next. When Catholic schools accept children from families that are not Catholic or do not practice the Catholic faith, this religious focus remains, insofar as the schools seek to model for those children and their families how much God loves each one of them and, without proselytism, to introduce them to the beauty of the Catholic faith in action, flourishing in a school community based on Christian love.

Acknowledging this primary religious dimension of a Catholic school is essential for understanding and evaluating the much-publicized decision of St. Paul’s Catholic School in Hingham to rescind the acceptance of an eight-year-old boy being raised by a lesbian couple. Many Catholics and non-Catholics responded by assailing the decision, claiming, as Catholic Schools Foundation executive director Michael Reardon wrote, that it was “at odds with our values … and ultimately with Gospel teaching.” Others wondered how representatives of Jesus — who instructed his disciples, “let the little children come to me and do not hinder them” (Lk 18:16) — could penalize a child because they disapproved of the lifestyle of those who were raising him. Others accused pastor Father James Rafferty and Principal Cynthia Duggan of harboring a special animus toward a child raised by a same-sex couple, since it’s common knowledge that Catholic schools routinely accept children of cohabitating, unmarried parents, those who are civilly married, or divorced-andremarried, or otherwise not living in conformity with the teachings of Jesus and his Church. In short, many understood their decision to be, purely and simply, an instance of unjust, shameful and un-Christian discrimination.

The truth is that it wasn’t a bigoted decision at all, but a courageous, principled, and doubtlessly difficult one, seeking the good of the eight-year-old boy and the rest of the children at the school.

To understand why the decision of St. Paul’s does not violate Catholic principles but rather affirms and applies them, we need to appreciate some general Catholic principles as well as what makes the application of them to the new situation of children raised by same-sex couples somewhat unique.

The first principle is that the Catholic Church seeks to welcome everyone and to call and assist everyone to conversion and holiness of life. Specifically with regard to children, the Church is never looking for a reason to turn a child away, but sometimes, with great reluctance and sadness, needs to do so for the good of the child. This paradoxical situation happens not just with Catholic school decisions, but with something far more important and fundamental: the sacrament of baptism. The Church obviously desires all parents to bring their children to be baptized, but when they do, the priest, in order to celebrate the baptism, has the duty to determine that there is a “well-founded” or “realistic” hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith (canon 868 in the Code of Canon Law). The Church always welcomes the desire of parents to baptize their children, but needs them to understand that baptism is a sacrament of initiation tied to a way of life. If there is no realistic hope that the parents are going to raise the child in the faith — ordinarily by committing to teach the child to pray, take him or her to Mass, provide for his or her religious instruction, set a good Christian example at home, and choose godparents who will take seriously his or her religious upbringing — the pastor, outside of a danger of death situation, must reluctantly delay the baptism.

This is one of the most excruciating things a pastor is ever asked to do, because of the importance of baptism for salvation. While it may seem that such a decision only penalizes a child for the parents’ lack of willingness to follow through on their larger commitments, the pastoral decision is actually made in view of the good of the child, who assumes rights and responsibilities upon being baptized. If the child is not going to be nourished in the faith to know and live by those privileges and duties, then the Church delays the baptism, hoping that either the parents will have a change of heart or the child, upon maturity, will freely request baptism as a catechumen. The U.S. bishops reemphasized these principles in a 2006 document with specific application to children presented by same-sex couples.

With regard to Catholic school admissions decisions, similar principles are at work. The Church never wants to turn any child away. Rather, it has a deep desire to share the blessing of a Catholic school education with as many children as possible. At the same time, however, there is a requirement, for the good of the child, that the parents commit to raise him or her in a situation that at least does not contradict the values and formation given at the school. If the child’s education will not be coupled to a way of life consistent with it, we would be placing the child in a spiritually and morally schizophrenic situation — which will obviously be harmful for the child.

This was the specific determination that Father Rafferty and Duggan made in Hingham for the good of the eight-year-old boy. As Father Rafferty wrote in his parish bulletin on Sunday, “Our decision was made in the best interests of the child based upon our discernment that in our Catholic environment, with its teaching on marriage as a covenant relationship between a man and a woman, a child from a same-sex family might feel discomfort, frustration or confusion. Additionally, in our small school, without support services, we were concerned whether we could help a child of this age reconcile an inherent conflict between our teachings and his home life.”

By alluding to an “inherent conflict,” Father Rafferty pointed to the obvious truth that the situation of children being raised by a same-sex couple is different from that of kids being raised in other non-traditional situations. Kids being raised by couples who are unmarried, married outside of the Church, or divorced-and-remarried are seldom taught to look at those situations as models, or even as goods to be desired. Very often the parents of those children accept the Church’s understanding of marriage even if in their own circumstances they do not live in accordance with it.

There’s a moral conflict, not an inherent one — and in many circumstances the relationship happily can be brought into conformity with the moral law. Same-sex relationships, on the other hand, not only can never be reconciled with the Church’s teaching on marriage, but are often looked at as a positive good and are even scandalously celebrated with parades and rallies in ways that other nontraditional situations never are. This only magnifies the inherent conflict and confusion a child of a same-sex couple at a Catholic school could suffer.

The new situation of children being raised by same-sex couples — basically made possible and more common by the recent advent of artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilization and same-sex adoptions — requires the Church to apply our Catholic principles to these new circumstances. The Archdiocese of Denver has a general policy that it has already begun to apply to children of samesex couples. The Archdiocese of Boston is presently working on one. Any such policy will need to emphasize a double welcoming: Catholic schools seek to welcome all children, provided that parents welcome the Church’s teaching and are prepared to partner with the Church for the good of the child’s overall and integral education.

May 28, 2010

God’s greatest masterpiece and our greatest treasure

In Catholic piety, May is dedicated to the a man was resisting coming into the church for Blessed Virgin Mary. It’s a fitting time, there- confession, the Curé of Ars was overheard prayfore, to see what we can learn from St. John ing, “Mary, don’t leave me for a minute. Be alVianney’s ardent devotion to the Mother of God ways at my side. Mary! Chase away the demon and how he sought to spread love of her among who has enslaved this person under his empire, all his parishioners. who is tempting him and trying to prevent his “The Blessed Virgin Mary was the object of making a good confession.” When others came my earliest affections,” the Curé of Ars declared asking him to pray for the conversion of a loved late in life. “I loved her even before I knew her.” one, he always readily assented, but he likewise His devotion began as an infant praying recommended that they have recourse to the the rosary with his mother. When he was four, Blessed Virgin and make a novena to her for this Marie Vianney gave him a statue of the Blessed purpose.

Mother that became, for the next several years, He tried to help everyone relate to Mary as a his constant companion. He would place it on mother full of merciful love. “The heart of this a chair in the corner of a room and kneel down good mother is only love and mercy,” he said. and pray before it. He would make a small altar She “desires so much to help us … but above out of bales of hay in the barn and spend hours all does so when we want to return to the good in meditation. When he was watching the sheep, God.” Therefore, “we should address her with he would place the wooden image in the niche great confidence, sure that, even though we’re of a tree and invite his companions to join him miserable, she will obtain for us the grace of in honoring her. Wherever he went, Mary was our conversion.” To back up this point, he used beside him. “Oh, how I loved that statue,” he a characteristically unforgettable image: “The would say retrospectively. “Neither by day nor more we’re sinners, the more she has tenderness by night would I be parted from it. I would not and compassion for us. The child who has cost have slept had I not had it beside me in my little his mother the most tears is always the one dearbed.” est to her heart. Does not a mother always run to That childlike love for Mary only intensi- the weakest and most exposed of her children? fied over time. He meditated on the mysteries A doctor in a hospital, doesn’t he always pay of the rosary every day. He sanctified each hour most attention to the sickest?” by saying a Hail He encourMary as soon as aged them to the Church bells follow his exrang. He prayed ample and have the Angelus three recourse to her times a day. He under trial. “If would turn to you invoke her Mary whenever when you’re

By Father he was in need. tempted, this Roger J. Landry Once when his mother who is older brother was so full of tendersupervising him ness will come raking hay in the fields, the brother expected the immediately to your aid,” for she is “better than young John Mary to keep up with all the other, the best of mothers.” much bigger boys in workload. The first day, He encouraged his parishioners to develop a John Mary broke down in tears at his incapac- deep filial relationship with her, by saying a Hail ity to meet the higher expectations. The next day Mary at the beginning of each hour, praying the he sought Mary’s help. He decided to place the rosary and the Angelus each day and turning to statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary ahead of him her with confidence whenever in need. and rake as fast as he could to “catch up to her.”

The secret of all his intercessory prayer, he He did that non-stop for the entire day, kept up confessed, was to make it through the interceswith all the bigger boys, and finished the day sion of the Blessed Virgin: “One prayer very amazed — and grateful to Mary — that he was pleasing to God is to ask the Holy Virgin to ofnot tired in the least. fer to the eternal Father his divine Son, all full As a priest, his love, devotion and reliance of blood, all lacerated for the conversion of sinonly magnified. One of the first things he did ners. It’s the best prayer one can make. … My after arriving in Ars was to erect an altar in the children, listen well: every time I have obtained church dedicated to Mary. Every Saturday for a grace, I have asked for it in this way and I’ve the next 40 years, he celebrated a votive Mass to never gone without.” her on that altar, asking her intercession for his Full of love and reverence, he preached about vocation and for all his parishioners. He led a Mary as “the masterpiece of God’s hands” and pilgrimage of his whole parish on foot to Notre “the depository of all his graces.” When Pope Dame de Fourvìeres in Lyons, to help them learn Pius IX solemnly declared the dogma of the Imhow to follow Mary’s faith on the pilgrimage of maculate Conception in 1854, five years before life. When he remade the entrance of the church, Father Vianney’s death, the priest’s joy couldn’t he put a statue of Mary on the pediment above be contained. Despite multiple infirmities, he the door and hung around her neck a red heart- rang the church bells himself so long and so shaped box in which he had put the names of all loudly that people from neighboring villages his parishioners, as a tangible reminder of how came thinking that there was a fire. He sang the tenderly she keeps each one in her Immaculate solemn Mass in a beautiful new vestment and Heart. walked in a celebratory procession. To those He encouraged every family in the village to who thought in his condition he was going erect a statue of her before their house, to remind overboard, he gave his own version of the trathem each day to imitate St. John and take Mary ditional Catholic aphorism, de Maria numquam into their home. For the inside of their houses, satis (“of Mary, one can never say enough”): “In he gave every family a colored picture of the order to give something to the Holy Virgin,” he Mother of God, as a visible reminder of the con- declared, “I would sell myself if I could!” secration of the entire parish to her Immaculate He treasured his relationship with his spiriHeart in 1836. He encouraged all the mothers tual mother as the greatest gift he had ever rein his parish, when they saw that blessed image ceived after the Eucharist. “Jesus Christ,” he in their homes each morning, to re-consecrate to said, “after having given us everything he could, Mary all the members of their family. wanted to make us heirs of what was most preIn his extraordinary ministry of conversion, cious to him: his holy mother.”

Mary was St. John Vianney’s constant interHe never took that gift for granted, and Mary cessor and accomplice. He repeated often that helped him not only to become a faithful priest he sought to put into practice the insight of St. after the heart of her Son but a tireless collaboraBernard, who attested that he had obtained more tor in bringing literally hundreds of thousands conversions by a single Hail Mary than by all to know, love and follow the blessed fruit of her his sermons combined. The parishioners of Ars womb. routinely witnessed their pastor begging Mary’s Father Landry is pastor of St. Anthony of help for the conversion of sinners. Once when Padua Parish in New Bedford.

Putting Into the Deep

May 28, 2010

I

can still hear my father’s question to me as we huddled together in what was the only “private” place in our house: the bathroom. I had just revealed to him the reason for my wanting to go to a Catholic high school instead of the local public high school. It was something we could ill afford and he wanted to make sure I knew what I was asking for. I didn’t, so I asked him what he meant.

“Well,” he said, “do you want to be a priest like Father Parent, or a priest that goes out to the missions?”

There was no doubt in my mind. I wanted to be a priest like Father Maurice Parent, the assistant priest in our parish. I had seen Father Parent

H

adley Arkes, Edward N. Ney Professor of Jurisprudence and American Institutions at Amherst College, received the sacraments of Christian initiation into the Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. on April 24. He has been described by Gerard Bradley of Notre Dame Law School as “America’s most articulate and cogent defender of the limited, but important and indispensable, role of moral reasoning in constitutional adjudication.” Like St. Thomas Aquinas, he teaches that law and morality, while distinct, are intrinsically related.

Over the years, he has brought many of his students back to the Catholic Church, not by instructing them in the faith, but by confirming their confidence in knowing moral truths. “The students,” he surmises, “had absorbed the sense that we can never do without that faculty for tracing our judgments back to that core or that ground of first principles, and what some of us may call the ‘natural law.’ In any event, as the students renewed their confidence in moral truths, they seemed to have been drawn yet again to the Church that has stood firmly with these truths, even against the currents and fashions of the time. And that Church has provided the main sanctuary for that disciplined moral reasoning, even as the schools of philosophy may be drawn to the romance of postmodernism and nihilism. (As Allan Bloom used to say, these people talk so casually about nihilism ‘as though it were a jacuzzi.’)”

On May 10, Pope Benedict wrote to an ecumenical gathering in Munich: “In his impassioned dispute with God over sparing

7

The Anchor

‘What kind of a priest do you want to be?’

as he visited the classrooms cause to me he was the most of our school to give out the like the Christ I had come to report cards; as he came to know and love through the the meetings of our Boy Scout Sisters of St. Joseph who troop; as he projected the Saturday morning movies in Year For Priests the basement of our Vocational Reflection school; as he tirelessly rehearsed Holy Week services with

By Father the altar boys; as he Paul E. Canuel raced around the parish in his Ford station wagon delivering groceries to needy families; as had taught me at St. Roch’s he passed the collection bas(Fall River) and St. Michael’s ket with a smile and a wink (Ocean Grove). And so began during the pastor’s sermon. the journey.

He seemed to be everywhere Along the way there have and was the glue that held us been others who nurtured all together as a parish family. and challenged the seeds of a I wanted to be like him bevocation to the priesthood that

were planted by God, family and parish but always there was the example of a humble, hard-working parish priest.

As a parish priest of the Diocese of Fall River I have experienced extraordinary moments (what I call close encounters with God) of grace in the many (11) parishes and missions I have served during my 44 years of priestly ministry. I have worked and lived in parishes that were labeled French, Irish, Portuguese, Spanish and Polish.

I have been blessed with the unique opportunity of serving the Church in Peru and Honduras. I have had to

make sacrifices that challenged me but I also have received graces and blessings I never imagined possible.

I have slept in rectories worth millions of dollars and in adobe huts on sheep hides covering a dirt floor. None of it matters.

What matters most to me, as I look forward to the next stage of ministry, i.e., retirement, what would make it all worthwhile, would be to hear some young man from any of the places I have served, nervously saying to his father: “I would like to be a priest like Father Canuel.”

Father Canuel is pastor of St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish in Nantucket, and will be retiring next month.

Remembering where the spots came from among its members. In the curthe city of Sodom, Abraham obtained assurance from the Lord rent issue of the Harvard Journal of the Universe that if there were of Law and Public Policy, he has another piece on Supreme Court ten just people there he would caselaw regarding the obligation not destroy the city (cf. Genesis of contracts in light of the current 18:22-23). Thanks be to God, in economic crisis. Ever prolific, he our cities there are many more has a book entitled Constitutional than 10 just people!”

Thanks be to God, and I would add, to people like Hadley Arkes.

Hadley, whom I am fortunate to call my friend, is a superb prolife speaker and author,

By Dwight Duncan maybe the best there is. He masterminded the Born-Alive Infants Illusions and Anchoring Truths Protection Act of 2002. In the coming out from Cambridge current issue of First Things, he University Press next month. has a fine article about the pendHere’s what Princeton Profesing Supreme Court case involvsor Robert George wrote about ing the University of California’s Hadley’s conversion: “Speaking refusal to grant recognition to of his Jewish identity, Hadley the Christian Legal Society on said that he neither would nor campus because it insists on not could ever leave the Jewish condoning homosexual conduct

Judge For Yourself

people. His entry into the Church was for him, he stated, a fulfillment of his Jewish faith, and in no way a repudiation of it. Invoking the testimony and authority of the late Cardinal Lustiger of Paris, he declared that he was and would always remain a Jew, though a Jew who, like the earliest Christians, had come to accept Jesus as ‘the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” Hadley, who looks a bit like Groucho Marx and can be just as funny, occasionally wears dark, pin-striped suits that make him look he came straight out of Damon Runyon and “Guys and Dolls,” which happens to be a musical we both love. The last time I saw him, at Washington’s annual Pro-Life march, he reminisced about the scene involving Big Julie, an intimidating gambler who comes

to New York to shoot craps, but insists on using his own dice.

Nathan Detroit is suspicious, and notices that the dice have no spots. So Big Julie assures him, “I had the spots removed for luck. But I remember where the spots formerly were.” At a time when widespread moral relativism and skepticism have removed the cultural signposts and dots that can guide us as individuals and as a society to a morally upright, examined life, and when Church sexual scandals can obscure the Church’s witness to truth, Hadley remembers where the spots were — and where they point.

Dwight Duncan is a professor at Southern New England School of Law in North Dartmouth. He holds degrees in civil and canon law.

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8

May 28, 2010

The Anchor

Good things come in threes

A

carpenter will tell you that in order to build a stool or a table, he needs to place equally apart three legs of equal length and thickness for the stool or table to stand erect and to hold weight. Without a minimum of three legs, the stool would be unstable and useless.

A mathematician will tell you that the simplest geometric figure is the triangle, composed of three line segments that meet at three points called vertices. Unless these line segments meet together, there will be no geometric figure.

In a Christian marriage, the love of the husband and wife will together conceive a child and the family will live as one.

Is it not similar with the Blessed Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit?

With our own eyes, we can see a stool, a geometric figure

and a family as a symbol of by looking at the Son. “Show unity, balance, and completeus the Father,” the Apostle ness, but how can we visualPhilip pleaded during the Last ize the Holy Trinity, since we Supper. And Jesus replied: cannot see God and yet are still “Philip, he who has seen me called to believe?

The answer is quite simple: Look at Christ.

Homily of the Week He is the image of the invisible God. God’s Holy Trinity sonship saves me. It Sunday is Jesus calling me

By Deacon his brother or sister, John F. Branco the child of the same father, and co-heir to the Kingdom of God. Jesus spoke about himself as has seen the Father” (John being like a good shepherd, 14:8-9). Christ is the Father’s who teaches us, cares for us self-portrait. and backs up his words with And what about the Holy mighty deeds. What a beautiful Spirit? The Holy Spirit is a gift image we have of God. to us from the Father and the But what about the FaSon. He is the bond of love bether? The Fatherhood of God tween the Father and the Son, has produced this marvelous and between the Son and us. universe with all its wonder, The Holy Spirit is the real and power, and beauty. And we personal presence of God in can tell what the Father is like my soul and body, in my total

being. This spirit of God is life, light, and fire, energy, grace, and gift to me and through me to others.

Now all of this may seem complicated, but simply remember the words of St. John: “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8). Stop asking yourself whether you can believe in God. Simply ask yourself whether you have the ability to love. In today’s second reading, St. Paul tells us, “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Rom 5:5). When we can love another person, we can truly experience God. The love we have and share with another allows us to know and experience God in a personal way and all doubt disappears like an early morning mist vanishes

with the coming of the rising sun.

The doctrine of the Holy Trinity tells me something else about God as he is “within himself.” He is a family of persons, similar to a family of mom, dad, and children. The Trinity lives together by love as we do and through the dynamics of love — togetherness, creativity, concern and outreach. The Blessed Trinity and we are lifegiving and creative. The Holy Spirit has given us the will and ability to do so in imitation of God. The Spirit of strength, of truth, and of love is with us, and if we allow him into our lives we will never lack what we need to be faithful to ourselves and to God. Deacon Branco was ordained in 1993 by Bishop Sean O’Malley. He is currently assigned to Good Shepherd and Holy Trinity parishes in Fall River.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. May 29, Jude 17:20b-25; Ps 63:2-6; Mk 11:27-33. Sun. May 30, The Most Holy Trinity, Prv 8:22-31; Ps 8:4-9; Rom 5:1-5; Jn 16:12-15. Mon. May 31, feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Zep 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16; (Ps) Is 12:2-3, 4bcd,5-6; Lk 139-56. Tues. June 1, 2 Pt 3:1215a,17-18; Ps 90:2-4,10,14,16; Mk 12:13-17. Wed. June 2, 2 Tm 1:1-3,6-12; Ps 123:1-2; Mk 12:18-27. Thur. June 3, 2 Tm 2:8-15; Ps 25:4-5b,8-10,14; Mk 12:35-37.

Fri. June 4, 2 Tm 3:10-17; Ps 119:157,160,161,165.166,168; Mk 12:35-37.

I

Trouble for the Church, and democracy, in Ukraine

n 1994, prior to the inauguration of Leonid Kuchma as president of Ukraine, a prayer meeting involving all confessional leaders of the newly independent country was held at the Church of Holy Wisdom in Kiev: an important ecumenical moment in the reconstruction of civil society in the former Soviet republic. The same protocol was followed prior to the inauguration of Viktor Yushchenko in January 2005: representatives of Ukraine’s various religious communities came together to pray for the incoming president and the well-being of the nation.

This past February, at the inauguration of President Viktor Yanukovich, this impressive pattern of ecumenical coopera-

tion was not repeated. Rather, Husar, the major-archbishop Yanukovich invited Patriarch of the Greek Catholic Church Kirill of Moscow to give his of Ukraine. The Yanukovich blessing to the new Ukrainian representative evidently wanted administration in a service at the an assurance that the Greek Monastery of the Caves in Kiev. Catholic Church (the repository No other religious leaders were and guardian of Ukrainian nainvited. No religious leaders other than those affiliated with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (one of three Orthodox communities in Ukraine, and the

By George Weigel one that functions as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Patriarchate of Moscow) have been invited to tional identity during the Soviet period, even as it scraped out meet the new president. an underground existence as the Shortly before Ukraine’s world’s largest illegal religious 2010 presidential election, a body) would not endorse one representative of Yanukovich’s of Yanukovich’s rivals for the party visited Cardinal Lubomir presidency. Cardinal Husar replied that the Greek Catholic Church, consistent with Catholic social doctrine, never endorsed individual candidates; rather its role was to raise issues of moral consequence for the country. Yanukovich’s representative then asked Cardinal Husar a rather blunt question, which amounted to “Well, what do you want?” The cardinal replied, “All we want is for all confessions to be treated equally according to the constitution.”

Yanukovich’s representative, evidently stunned, left.

Cardinal Husar has not gotten what he asked for, which

The Catholic Difference

is simply that the Yanukovich government act as a democratic government should, showing a proper respect for all religious communities. Yet in the brief months since Yanukovich was inaugurated, the Ukrainian Orthodox ChurchMoscow Patriarchate has become, for all practical purposes, a new state church. It clearly enjoys presidential favor. It alone is invited to bless public events. And its overseers in Moscow have not hesitated to involve themselves directly in Ukrainian political affairs.

Thus when the controversial nomination of Dmytro Tabachnyk as minister of science and education (often called the minister of culture) ran into trouble from members of President Yanukovich’s own party, who had questions about Tabachnyk’s integrity, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow lobbied President Yanukovich to go through with the appointment of a culture minister who has slandered Catholics, especially Greek Catholics, and who has been known to assert that western Ukraine (the heartland of Ukrainian Greek Catholicism) isn’t really Ukraine, culturally or linguistically. Kirill’s intervention was successful and Dr. Tabachnyk was duly appointed.

Thus Ukraine’s new minister

of culture is a man who has denied that the Soviet-enforced Ukrainian Terror Famine of the 1930s, a pivotal drama in modern Ukrainian history in which perhaps as many as six million Ukrainian kulaks were deliberately starved to death, was a genocide.

Things are quickly getting ugly in Ukraine. The new head of the security services is a media magnate, one of whose first acts in office was to ask for the secret police files on his competitors. Father Borys Gudziak, the president of the Ukrainian Catholic University in L’viv (one of the country’s most important independent institutions of culture and learning), believes himself to be under surveillance, with his phone tapped; Gudziak expects state pressure on the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (which Russian Orthodoxy tried to extinguish in 1946) to increase.

The alliance of the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate of Moscow with Russian state power is flourishing and the results, next door in a Ukraine whose political leadership is now closely attuned to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, are not savory: for ecumenism, for Ukrainian democracy, and perhaps even for Ukrainian independence.

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

May 28, 2010

Somebody bad stole the wedding bell

Sunday 23 May 2010 — neighbors. One morning, before Three Mile River — Pentecost the 8 o’clock Mass, I pulled the must confess, dear readers, plug. I had had enough. that nobody stole the bell.

I relied on the alleged bell to I shut the darn thing off. Here begin Mass. I relied on the bell in North Dighton, the church steeple “bell” is a fake. It’s actually a tape cassette broadcast over Reflections of a speakers. The thing is Parish Priest temperamental. Sometimes it sounds more

By Father Tim like a kettle of popping Goldrick corn than a bell. The cost of repair is ridiculously expensive. One company has a monopoly on to know when to start parish these contraptions. The bell is an meetings. When the curfew bell embarrassment to the congregarang at 9 p.m., it was time to tion and an annoyance to the adjourn all meetings, put out the

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The Ship’s Log

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9

The Anchor lights, and go home. Tomorrow is always another day.

Any break in routine can cause confusion. It did. Here, the ringing of the bell is the predetermined signal for our lectors to stand and read a list of prepared announcements. When the short announcements are finished, the minister of music announces the opening hymn. All stand for the entrance procession.

The lector sat waiting for the bell but the bell was dead. I had killed it. The organist noticed the time and announced the opening hymn.

Take up your iPod and follow me

Recognizing the power hen it comes to helpof music to tie us to good or ing our teen-agers bad social principles, moral choose enriching and avoid or immoral creeds, and selfdestructive music, sometimes ish or selfless personal dreams we parents feel as if we have means also respecting this all the power of a cricket to be power. We do this by screenheard during a rock concert. In ing wisely the music to which fact, with musical taste being we listen, and by teaching our such an iconic battleground children to similarly guard between generations, and their own thought lives by because when today’s teens piping in only that which will want to “rock out” they often fix their thoughts to our loving just pop in their iPod ear buds God. One way we can set the rather than cranking the stereo, pace for musical choice in we parents might be tempted our homes is by listening to to abandon the combat zone of contemporary Christian music. music altogether, erroneously thinking, “Out of ear shot, out of mind.”

After attending the musical, “Annie Get Your Gun,” at my daughter’s high school recently, I was reminded, howBy Heidi Bratton ever, how important it is for us to remain engaged in this area of I recommend doing this by the parenting. time the children are around After attending only two age eight, and definitely before performances, the show tunes they set off for middle school, from “Annie Get Your Gun” borrowing from the simple reagot stuck in my head for soning that it is easier to launch weeks; stuck to the point of a large, ocean-going vessel in my kids covering their ears and the right direction first than it saying, “Mom, please, stop is to turn it around when it’s singing.” But really, who hasn’t careening toward rocky shores. been caught humming a tune A warning though: what I’m out loud without even knowing talking about is not your granit? We may not intentionally ny’s Christian music. Surprisexamine our thought lives very ingly enough, contemporary often, or the influence of music Christian music exists in every on our thoughts, but the words possible genre, from hip hop and tunes echoing in our subto heavy metal to rap to basic consciouses affect our moods, rock-and-roll, and more. The inform our actions, and thereinstrumentation, production fore influence who we become quality, and musical arrangeas people. This is why St. Paul ments are excellent, and the tells us to manage our thoughts lyrics range from overtly Chriswell: “Fix your thoughts on tian to simply positive. The what is true, and honorable, band members themselves are and right, and pure, and lovely, a breath of fresh air compared and admirable. Think about to today’s secular pop stars. My things that are excellent and teens’ favorite bands and mine worthy of praise” (Philippians aren’t exactly the same, but it is 4:8).

Home Grown Faith

still a win-win situation when I cover my ears and say, “I don’t care how encouraging the lyrics are, turn that noise down.”

To find Christian radio stations in the Diocese of Fall River check out the following website http://www.capecodplus.com/Radio.htm. My daughter also found a helpful list matching the sounds and genres of secular bands and artists with those of Christian counterparts at http://christianmusic.about.com/library/ blcomparea.htm. Here are some examples of what’s on that list. If you like softto-medium rock music like Goo Goo Dolls and Depeche Mode, try the Christian alternatives of Switchfoot and Newsboys. For hard rock/ hip hop/rap music like Black Eyed Peas and Sugar Ray, try Superchick and TobyMac. For country music like Dixie Chicks and Brad Paisley, try Amy Grant and Gary Chapman.

The win-win situation of contemporary Christian music can be compared to that of a cricket not only being heard, but appreciated during a rock concert, not because he outchirped the band, but because he was invited to join in and enrich the harmony. In other words, when it comes to helping our children choose upbeat music that will help to anchor their lives to Jesus, I think our best chance of being heard is to venture with them into contemporary Christian music, introducing what we do like and why, instead of always harping against what we don’t.

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

All stood. The lector scurried to the podium and made announcements while the congregation stood attentively, hymnals in hand and mouths opened for song. Instead, their mouths were open for the weekly announcements. This was a first.

I haven’t worn a wristwatch in decades. Without the “bell,” I must rely on my cell phone to give me the time of day. This works as long as the batteries are charged. My out-dated cell phone doesn’t hold a charge. It’s going the way of the recently deceased bell.

I have to take care to shut off my cell phone before I begin Mass. Once, I forgot. My cell phone rang during the silent meditation after Communion.

Trying to save face, I answered it. “Holy Father, how nice of you to call,” I said. “I can’t talk to you right now. I’ll call you back later.” No one fell for my ruse, but it was the best I could do in an embarrassing situation.

I try my best to be punctual.

It seems rude not to. Being “fashionably late” is disrespectful. It sends the message that my time is more valuable than those who have arrived promptly.

There are exception circumstances, but these should be infrequent.

I’ve noticed that there are those who are never on time for anything. They seem to live in a time zone all their own.

I wondered why this was the case with certain individuals. I researched the psychology of chronic tardiness. Here are some of the categories: Oscar The Omnipotent: He wants to do everything for everyone. Consequently, he is always over-scheduled. Feeling exhausted at end of the day convinces him he has accomplished much. It makes him think he possesses super-human powers. This feeds his sense of self-worth.

Betty The Blameless: It’s not her fault she’s always late. There was traffic gridlock, the kids took longer than expected to eat supper, or she had just too many things to do to be able to arrive on time. She tends to blow off her tardiness by convincing herself that she is rarely late and never more than a few minutes.

Everyone else knows this isn’t true.

Sammy The Sluggish: He simply isn’t motivated by anything. He lacks self-discipline.

His “get up and go” got up and went, and, for him, that’s OK. Sally The Space Shot: She lives in Dickey’s meadow, as they say in New Bedford. She has the attention span of a hummingbird. Sally The Space Shot can’t focus on anything.

Danny The Dasher: He enjoys running around like the proverbial decapitated chicken.

He gets a rush out of rushing.

He thrives on the excitement of doing things at the very last minute and making the mad dash to the finish line. He finds it energizing. He craves excitement because he’s bored with his life.

Ruby The Rebel: She breaks all the rules of good etiquette.

She wants control. She wants to annoy her superiors. Being late makes her feel powerful.

Lastly, we have Andy The Anxious. He lives in a perpetual frenzy, making lists, plotting schedules, and trying his best to control the uncontrollable. He can’t. He may say he’ll be there at precisely 6:32 p.m. but he won’t.

Oh, dear. Look at the time. I must put this column aside and get over to the church. I’m late.

I’m late — for a very important date. I’m late. I’m late. I’m late.

Just call me Timmy the Tardy.

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

Special maritime Mass remembers those affected by Gulf oil spill WASHINGTON (CNS) — A Mass for mariners and people of the sea celebrated in Washington May 22 took on special significance in light of the massive oil spill endangering people’s livelihoods and sea life in the Gulf of Mexico.

Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, the main celebrant and homilist, dedicated part of his homily to the situation. “Perhaps it takes a tragedy such as the events in the Gulf of Mexico to remind us of how life-giving the water is and how it touches all of us in one way or another” said the archbishop.

Hosted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Apostleship of the Sea national office and

the USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church, the Mass was celebrated in the Crypt Church at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Concelebrants were Scalabrinian Father Anthony Dall Balcon, Msgr. William Cuddy Jr. and Father Joseph Opalda.

Since November 2005, the U.S. bishops have declared May 22 as the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea. The Mass was celebrated to commemorate merchant mariners, seafarers, fish and water workers, port personnel and others in the maritime community.

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The Anchor

May 28, 2010

Active parishioner hopes faith, experience will inspire others

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

NEW BEDFORD — If you ask George Lavoie why there’s a lack of parish involvement today, he’s likely to say it’s because we have too many distractions.

“Years ago we didn’t have all these distractions so people would spend more time with each other and go to church,” Lavoie said. “If people would use a little more understanding of their fellow neighbor and parishioner, there would be a lot more peace in the world.

Society today has changed.”

But one thing hasn’t changed for Lavoie in his nearly 85 years of life, and that’s his devotion to his faith and his dedication to St. Lawrence Martyr Parish.

For more than 30 years now he’s been a driving force in the parish, serving on the St. Vincent de Paul Society, organizing and maintaining the bimonthly Food Pantry, and even keeping track of supplies and inventory as the church sacristan.

“I’m in the church at 5:45 every morning,” Lavoie said. “I get up at 4 a.m., take my shower, say my prayers, have my orange juice, read the newspaper and go open the church. I’ve been doing that for a long time.”

For a relatively new pastor like Father Marek Chmurski — who’s been at St. Lawrence Martyr just shy of one year — parishioners like Lavoie are a Godsend.

“George is a very dedicated food supplies on a regular basis. ing items from the Greater Boston and faithful parishioner,” Father We now open every other Friday Food Bank, stocking shelves, and Chmurski said. “He’s been active and serve about 65 people each then putting the items into individhere for many years and he’s very session.” ual bags for that week’s pick-up. devoted. He greets parishioners During two Friday mornings a “We give them a good bag of after daily Masses in our food,” he said. “We don’t chapel. Oftentimes, he will ask any questions and we even go out to personally try to help everyone. We buy supplies for the parish don’t give out any perishjust to save us some money. able items, though. We have He’s such a joyful person to a table with extra items that be around.” we can’t fit into the bags “I’d say there are a lot and people can then pick of people who are more up to three additional items deserving than me,” Lavoie that aren’t in the bag. It’s said in being nominated as been very successful.”

Anchor Person of the Week.

As a member of the St. “I don’t do as much now for Vincent de Paul Society, the parish as I used to. My Lavoie also got them to legs have been bothering assist with providing addime and my age is a factor: tional vouchers for perishI’ll be 85 in September.” able items.

But there’s no denying “You may have a family that Lavoie is still someone that needs meat or whatever who stands out from the we can’t provide in the bags rest. and we’ll give them a food Although he’s quick voucher for $50,” he said. to credit the late Father “I got help from the St. Thomas E. O’Dea, with Vincent de Paul Society to starting the parish Food cover those.”

Pantry effort, it was Lavoie Anchor person of the week — George Given the current econwho took over the reins and Lavoie. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza) omy, Lavoie said the Food kept the tradition going afPantry is a vital resource for ter Father O’Dea’s passing. month from 10:30 to 11:30, Lavoie people in New Bedford.

“We didn’t have a big Food and a group of dedicated volun“We have a lot of the same peoPantry at first — we just gave teers hand out pre-stocked bags ple who come every two weeks,” out whatever food we could get,” filled with provisions to needy he said, “but sometimes we see difLavoie said. “When Father O’Dea families who come to the church ferent faces. We only need to know passed away, I took over and got for assistance. what district they’re from — but us affiliated with the Greater BosThey also spend time the previ- when people come in from other ton Food Bank and that helped get ous Monday or Tuesday collect- areas we don’t turn them away. We

only suggest they go to the Food Pantry that’s closest to their home.

It just makes it easier for them.”

Lavoie and his late wife, Jeanette, were blessed with three children — two boys and a girl — and they and his many grandchildren have helped him cope since losing his wife eight years ago.

“My wife took sick. She had a bad heart and other problems,” he said. “She was on life support for a while, so it was a blessing. My wife was very devoted to the Church and we both brought our children up in the faith. But when they got married they were on their own. If you could change things around, it would be nice, but you can’t.

I’m just thankful my children are healthy, they treat me well, and I have a great family.”

Having worked previously for the A&P Supermarket chain and Rite Aid Pharmacy until his recent retirement less than two years ago, Lavoie said he’s learned a few simple lessons from his work experience that he still uses today.

“When I worked in a store, I never told anyone to do anything that I wouldn’t do myself,” he said. “In other words, if you haven’t done the work, you can’t tell someone else to do it.”

Lavoie said he applies this same “learn by example” theory when trying to encourage involvement with the Church.

“You don’t ever want to tell people how to live,” he said. “You want to set a good example, but you can’t tell them how to live. I figure if enough people see me going to church and getting involved and they are inspired, that’s a good thing.

“Some people have a lot of faith, some people have a little faith — but it’s up to them,” he added. “If you believe enough, you’ll get there. If something is bothering you, prayer never hurt.

I go see my brother-in-law sometimes and he, sadly, has turned away from the Church ... but I still pray for him.”

To nominate a Person of the Week, send an email message to: FatherRogerLandry@anchornews.org.

The Anchor

May 28, 2010

11

Valiant crusaders lead families in consecration to Sacred Heart

B y D eacon James N. Dunbar

FAIRHAVEN — The weathered, hand-painted red and white sign on the vintage storefront on Main Street reads “National Enthronement Center of the Sacred Hearts.”

Although the location seems remote from the national spotlight and the building unassuming, it offers little indication of what’s going on.

Because once inside the former mom-and-pop store — and one-time temporary convent — the visitor will find an ardent crusade being waged, the evangelization of people and families not just locally, but across the globe: a ministry of dedicated laymen aimed at building a civilization of love.

Framed by statues and pictures portraying Jesus as the “king and center of all hearts” and of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a smiling Donald St. Gelais, president of the Men of the Sacred Hearts, said assertively, “We’re busy furthering devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus by consecrating families and even parishes by enthroning Jesus in homes and churches.”

Sacred Hearts Father Francis Larkin founded the Men of the Sacred Hearts in Fairhaven in 1964, although the enthronement of the Sacred Heart can be traced back to 1907, established by Sacred Hearts Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey, who, at the command of Pope Pius X, made it his life’s mission.

“The Provincial House is here in Fairhaven and our chapter in Fairhaven is the original group,” said St. Gelais, who has been a member since 1979 and its president since 1983.

“Ever since its founding, for 52 weeks a year, our group here in Fairhaven, currently with 28 members, is busy answering the many requests from area families and parishes for the enthronement, and making the many preparations leading up to it,” he said during a visit by The Anchor.

From the center, established in 1998, kits or packets are mailed out containing everything needed for the enthronement preparation and ceremony, including a full color pictures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; family certificates, copies of the litanies, triduum readings and prayers, and adoration booklets.

“As the only National Enthronement Center in the entire world, we are the contact

point for all the materials, and we recently sent out requests from Australia and China,” St. Gelais reported.

As for the local enthronements, his group conducts the prayerful ceremony in one home each week, each enthronement handled by a veteran five- or six-member team.

In essence, the enthronement takes place over a two-

week period, St. Gelais explained.

“When we initially meet with the family, we urge them to pray, and in the first week we enshrine a statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in their home. We feel having Mary there opens up the whole celebration, and hopefully, her Son will follow.”

Turn to page 18 heart of gold — Donald St. Gelais, president of the Men of the Sacred Hearts, is dedicated to furthering devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. (Photo by James N. Dunbar)

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The Anchor

May 28, 2010

Faith Formation Office will strive to continue, enhance Family Ministry’s great works

By Dave Jolivet, Editor

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Michael Racine, pastor of St. Bernard’s Parish in Assonet

Our Lady of Grace Church 569 Sanford Road, Westport, MA Sat., 5 June 2010• 508-674-6271

7:50 am

Church Hall: Fatima Video Presentation.

9:00 am

Church: Procession of Our Lady. Angelus. Crowning Ceremony. Sung Litany of Loreto. The Five Joyful Mysteries.

10:00 am

Mass of Our Lady: Main Celebrant and Preacher: Fr. Horace Travassos; Consecration of Parish to Our Lady by Fr. Travassos.

11:15 am

Lunch break (please bring bag lunch). Bookstore will be open.

12:25 pm

Exposition and Procession of the Blessed Sacrament.

12:50 pm

Sermon on Our Lady by Fr. Joshua Mary, FI. Silent Adoration.

1:30 pm

Meditations of the Passion of Our Lord.

1:55 pm

Church Hall: Break. Book Store will be open.

2:15 pm

The Five Glorious Mysteries.

2:35 pm Act of Consecration. Benediction.

3:05 pm

Enrollment in the Brown Scapular and Conferment of Miraculous Medal. Procession of Our Lady.

- Confessions available throughout the day - Finish approx 3:30 pm Wheelchair accessible SELECTION OF VENUES FOR 2010: Saturday, 3 July 2010 St. Lawrence Church, New Bedford, MA Saturday, 7 Aug 2010 St. Patrick’s, Somerset, MA Saturday, 4, Sep 2010 St. Francis Xavier, Acushnet, MA Saturday, 2, Oct 2010 St. Margaret’s, Buzzards Bay, MA

FALL RIVER — When Jerry and Scottie Foley retired from the diocesan Family Ministry Office after more than 30 years of remarkable service, their absence left a huge void. But as the old saying goes, “When God shuts a door, he opens a window.”

Bishop George W. Coleman saw this change as an opportunity to tackle head-on the increasing problems and road blocks facing marriage and family life in the 21st century.

As of July 1, the Family Ministry Office, located in North Dartmouth, will be absorbed by the Faith Formation Office in Fall River, under the direction of Claire McManus. Current Family Ministry Director Father Gregory A. Mathias will remain on as a clergy advisor.

All operations will move from North Dartmouth to Fall River.

Bishop Coleman, in his letter to diocesan priests and deacons advising of the merger, wrote, “In the earlier days of the Office of Family Ministry, it could be assumed with some confidence that couples were formed in the Church’s understanding of marriage through their family upbringing and relationship to the Church; it has become clear that such assumptions cannot be made today. The situation calls for a more systemic approach, such as is suggested by Pope John Paul II in his 1981 apostolic exhortation, Familiaris Consortio (On the Christian Family in the Modern World).”

In an Anchor interview, McManus said the newly-formed collaboration will be called the Office of Faith Formation/ Family Ministry. She said all of the current Family Ministry services will continue in its new location. “We brought over Family Ministry Administrative Assistant Michelle Durcharme, who so adeptly handles all the logistics for the immediate Marriage Preparation Program, as well as the Marriage Prep volunteer teams,” said McManus. “Everything about the Marriage Prep programs will remain the same, and I will be there to support the teams and the great work that they do. The only changes that would come would be from recommendations from the team members following periodic meetings with them.”

In line with Familiaris Consortio and Bishop Coleman’s vision of expanding marriage preparation to include children,

adolescents and young adults, McManus’ team will develop remote marriage preparation and proximate marriage preparation.

“Remote marriage preparation will be designed to teach the sacrament of marriage and its importance to the family to young children via our Religious Education programs,” McManus told The Anchor.

“It’s evident, not just in our diocese, but in dioceses across the U.S. and the world, that the family is in trouble. We hope to build up the concept of a sacramental marriage in our Religious Ed programs. One way of doing this is to place an emphasis on family and work with parents on the importance of marriage in their own lives.

“A major problem today is the disconnect of parents’ lived faith and sending their children to Religious Education. The Religious Education Advisory Board will strategize ways of connecting to our young students’ parents and helping them grow in their faith, thereby enhancing their children’s faith lives.”

The proximate marriage preparation concept will target older adolescents and young adults. “One way of doing this is to incorporate marriage talks in retreat programs commonly attended by these age groups,” said McManus. “In the YES! retreats, we are instituting a talk focusing on marriage as a vocation ... marriage as a sacrament to be taken seriously.”

Another way to reach the older adolescent group is to instruct adult youth ministry advisors to work with teens and discuss marriage as a vocation.

“In this way we can teach them the importance of a sacramental marriage as well,” added McManus. “We hope to have this in place fairly soon.”

With regards to reaching young adults with the message, McManus explained that the current Theology on Tap series which is active in the Attleboro area and soon to be on Cape Cod, will incorporate teachings about sacramental marriage and its importance.

“I’m very pleased that Bishop Coleman has been very progressive in his thinking about this joining of forces,” said McManus. “It shows that he takes this very seriously and his hope is to build up families and marriage. I admire his forward thinking in bringing the topic to all generations.”

McManus added that marriage is an important priority for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “There are increasing numbers of websites that people can visit to build stronger marriages ... to help build stronger families with stronger marriages.”

McManus said she is looking forward to the new challenges that are approaching.

“We must help build the family and marriage and connect it to the Eucharist,” she said. “It’s a daunting task, but a great opportunity. I’m very much looking forward to it, and to working with such great individuals that have been so devoted to the Office of Family Ministry.

I have a lot to learn, and from them, I will gain valuable insights and information.”

She also told The Anchor that all of the other ministries formally under the Family Ministry umbrella will be maintained and supported, including: Separated and Divorced ministry; Rainbows; Natural Family Planning; bereavement ministries; Remarriage Preparation; and the M.O.M.S. programs across the diocese. The FOCCUS program will also remain intact, where engaged couples are surveyed, and their results analyzed. “It’s a help when we see the areas where the couple agrees, and the areas that need work to meet an agreement.”

“This is not an example of the revamping of an existing ministry, but rather the enhancement of one,” said McManus. “Marriage is a natural access point to reach young adults.” She added that it makes perfect sense to join forces like this, stating more can be done in a period in Church history when society has a tendency to change things rapidly.

McManus also expressed her thanks, appreciation and admiration for Scottie and Jerry Foley, and their three decades of dedication and hard work at the Office of Family Ministry.

“They did a remarkable job and their care and support of all the ministries and the volunteers is unmatched.”

Bishop Coleman, too, expressed his appreciation to the couple in his letter to priests and deacons. “I express my thanks to Jerry and Scottie Foley, as well as Ann Carney, who have labored at their ministry for the past 30 years. They have served the diocese and so many couples and families exceedingly well during those many years.”

May 28, 2010

D

John Henry Newman: ‘Doctor of the post-conciliar Church’

uring his lifetime John together with having no real Henry Newman was an power of my own. And then I administrator, controversialist, had a sudden confidence that education theorist, historian, finally I could walk. It was now lecturer, novelist, poet, preachor never — and the next thing er, tutor, translator, spiritual was that I shouted to the nurse: guide, minister, priest, theolo‘I have no more pain!’” gian (his disowning this title The cure took place Aug. 15, notwithstanding), and, finally, 2002, the feast of Mary’s Ascardinal. sumption.

Now it seems he was someIn an article published in thing more.

Britain’s Catholic Herald, Ian In 2008 the Vatican anKer, referring to the Second nounced Newman is on track to Vatican Council, said Cardinal being declared the first nonNewman should be viewed as martyr saint in England since “the Doctor of the post-conciliar the Reformation. During the pope’s visit to England this September, he The Enduring will celebrate the Mass Importance of of Newman’s beatification, a sign of how imCardinal Newman portant the pope believes Dr. Peter J. Mango Cardinal Newman’s life and enduring influence are. When Prime Minister Tony Blair gave the Church,” and “has often been pope three signed photographs called ‘the Father of Vatican II’ of Newman in 2007, the gesture in the sense that he anticipated foreshadowed Blair’s entry into key themes of the Council.” the Catholic Church.

“From his study of the Greek Pope Benedict XVI has folFathers,” Ker writes, he “underlowed Newman’s cause of beati- stood the Church to be primarfication since its inception. A ily a sacramental communion, breakthrough occurred in 1986 the organic community that when, following a complete reVatican II embraced in the two view of Newman’s long life and opening chapters of the Constiwritings at the request of the tution on the Church,” called in Archdiocese of Birmingham, Latin Lumen Gentium. the archdiocese sent its results Also found in No.12 of Luto the Vatican. Rome confirmed men Gentium is a description of their findings, and in 1991 Pope the laity’s role in the Church, John Paul II declared Newman and this text sounds very much “Venerable,” meaning that he like Newman’s article “On Conlived a life of heroic faith, hope, sulting the Laity in Matters of charity, prudence, justice, temDoctrine”: “The holy people of perance, and fortitude.

God shares also in Christ’s proAnother milestone in Newphetic office.… The entire body man’s cause was his apparent of the faithful … cannot err in intercession in curing the spinal matters of belief. They manifest condition of Jack Sullivan, a this special property by means permanent deacon in the Archof the whole peoples’ superdiocese of Boston. A Vatican natural discernment in matters medical council serving Rome’s of faith.… That discernment in Congregation for the Causes of matters of faith is aroused and Saints found no known medical sustained by the Spirit of truth explanation for Deacon Sulli… exercised under the guidance van’s recovery. of the sacred teaching authorWhile he was preparing for ity.” the diaconate, Sullivan was bent The document adds that in double by his condition. His relation to faith, God’s people doctors told him that “the dura “penetrates it more deeply with mater, surrounding the spinal right thinking,” which means cord, was all gone, so there was that further insight into the truth no protective fluid around my is gained as time goes by. This spine.” He prayed, “Please Carwas the theme of Newman’s dinal Newman, help me to walk work “An Essay on the Develso that I can return to classes opment of Christian Doctrine.” and be ordained.” The response Also, according to Ker, “Newwas instantaneous: “Suddenly I man understood Revelation to felt heat all over, very warm and be primarily the revealing of very intense, which lasted for a God in Christ rather than the long time. I also felt a sense of revealing of doctrinal propojoy and peace that I had never sitions.” Thus, revelation is in my life experienced before: historical and concrete, and not a sense of God’s presence, something merely, to use New-

13

The Anchor

man’s term, “notional.” These are both themes of the Vatican II document on Divine Revelation, “Dei Verbum.”

Newman praised the rise of Industrial Age transport, the postal service, universal education, and lectured on the relationship of Christianity to science. Vatican II’s Declaration on Christian Education “Gravissimum Educationis” later commented on how “men find the remarkable development of technology, scientific investigation and new media offers them an opportunity to attain more easily their cultural and spiritual inheritance, and to complete one another through closer ties.”

Newman highlighted the role of conscience in its duties toward truth.

This became the capstone of the Council’s document on religious liberty, “Dignitatis Humanae.” He also avoided triumphalism vis-à-vis Protestant Christians and relativism, practicing simple Christian charity. In this Newman anticipated the Vatican II document on Christian Unity, “Unitatis Redintegratio.”

It will be the task of this series to understand better this remarkable man.

Dr. Mango, who wrote his doctoral dissertation on Cardinal Newman, teaches philosophy at the Thornwood Center for Higher Studies as well as at the Archdiocese of New York’s St. John Neumann Pre-Theology Program and Institute for Religious Studies. This is the first in a 10-part series, in anticipation of Newman’s September beatification.

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This week in 50 years ago — The diocese received word that the Holy See ruled the prayers after Low Mass may be omitted after Dialogue Masses on Sundays and feast days and after Masses during which there has been homily. The so-called Leonine Prayers consisted of three Hail Mary’s, the Hail Holy Queen, prayers for sinners and the liberty of the Church, and invocations to St. Michael and to the Sacred Heart.

25 years ago — The annual Catholic Charities Appeal raised a total $1.66 million, the largest sum raised in its 44-year-history, it was announced by director Msgr. Anthony M. Gomes, and honorary chairman Mrs. Aristides Andrade of Taunton.

Diocesan history 10 years ago — The La Salette Missionaries announced they would not rebuild the seminary “Castle” on the Shrine grounds in Attleboro, which was destroyed in a devastating fire on Nov. 5, 1999. Instead, the new Shrine Church, recently opened, would better serve their local needs, Provincial Vicar Father Bernard Baris pointed out.

One year ago — Seven members of the youth group at St. Patrick’s Parish in Wareham saw their ministry program bear fruit, as accompanied by two chaperones, they participated in a Vacation Bible School with youngsters in Union Springs, Ala., as part of a mission journey to a Hispanic community in need of outreach.

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May 28, 2010

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At half-way mark Appeal still ‘has long way to go’

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FALL RIVER — As the books closed at the end of the third week of the annual Catholic Charities Appeal, the $2 million dollar mark had been attained. It certainly bodes well as those in the Appeal Office can attest, but it also means there is a long way to go.

“It’s a wonderful sign of the generosity of those who have contributed, but it also means that there is a need for others to consider their ability to give, and to be as generous as possible. We are only half-way towards our $4,280,000 total of last year, with many more thousands of needy looking to us for assistance than in previous years,” commented Patty Dooley and Cindy Iacovelli of the Appeal Office.

“The message to those who are wondering if they will or can give to the thousands in dire need across southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands through the Catholic Charities Appeal is simply that ‘Those in need can’t afford to not have you give.’

That according to Mike Donly, diocesan coordinator of the Appeal, is the comment that was made to him by one of the parish volunteers at their area meetings just before this year’s Appeal began.

“The comment was one of honesty, coming from someone who was very much aware of the circumstances facing so many of those in need,” according to Donly. “There is an awareness on the part of many just how much need there really is out there. We need to have the others, those who wonder about whether they can afford to give, realize that the poor, many of whom have never asked anyone for help before, can’t afford not to have them give.”

The profile of the needy, both in number and composition has changed dramatically in the past two years. Facing the worst economic climate in recent memory, with unemployment at its highest in decades, with foreclosures affecting both owners and renters, the stress has put thousands of individuals and families in positions of great anxiety, tension and insecurity. According to the agencies funded by the annual Catholic Charities Appeal, the people coming to them, so many of them identified as the “new poor,” are embarrassed and bewildered by the prospect of having to ask for assistance and not knowing what the future will bring. As one worker states it, “Something they

I

have never experienced before.

For them it was always someone else that needed help and never them.”

“Many of the ‘new poor’ were contributors to the Appeal before, and now they are asking for help themselves,” states Donly. “This is a thought they could never have fathomed before this. If those who are wondering if they can afford to give or want to give could only realize that no gift is too small when offering hope to someone in need, and how much their generosity would really mean to someone in these dire circumstances, there wouldn’t be anyone who wouldn’t give. People by their very nature are generous when they realize the extent of the need. To quote Pope John Paul II ‘The inclination to give is rooted in the depths of the human heart.’ It’s bringing people to truly realize the dire need and the impact their gift can have that is the challenge.”

Donations to the Appeal can be sent to the Catholic Charities Appeal Office, P.O. Box 1470, Fall River, Mass. 02722; dropped off at any parish in the diocese; or made on the Appeal website: www.frdioc-catholiccharities.org

Another Garden flight

win the title this year, but Rondo’s t’s so apropos that it happlay will forever be part of Boston pened only a few hundred sports lore. yards away from Bobby Orr’s When I was a lad in Little “The Goal” shrine outside the League, and later playing softball TD Garden. Orr’s famous flight as a young man in my 20s and across the old Boston Garden in 30s, I always came home with a 1970 was the most famous aviary fete since the Wright Brothers first dirty uniform. I loved to play the game — hard. powered flight in the early 1900s.

Watch Dustin Pedroia of the The site where Orr soared across the Garden ice is now a parking lot. A stone’s throw away to the north is the new Garden.

By Dave Jolivet That’s where the second greatest Garden flight Red Sox or watch films of Jerry took place last Friday. Boston Remy — dirt dogs. The same Celtic guard Rajon Rondo lifted goes for Patriot greats Steve off and landed on the parquet Grogan, Tedi Bruschi, and Wes floor, diving after a loose ball in Welker. Just watch highlights a Game 3 rout of the Orlando of the Bruins of the 70s and the Magic in the NBA’s Eastern Celtics of the 60s, 70s and 80s, Championship series. and you’ll find it — hustle — a With about 8:30 left in the win-at-any-cost attitude. second quarter and the Cs already In this age of athletes looking ahead by 17, Rondo gave a lesson for respect (cash), it’s ironic that a in hustle to every young athlete hustle play is considered outstandin any sport. Not only did Rondo ing. With all the respect that’s bemake the dive, but he ultimately ing handed out, one would expect came up with the ball, got to his hustle from start to finish. feet and scored a basket against a That’s OK, if it weren’t for the stunned Orlando hoopster. There mundane attitudes of sports’ most are those who claim Rondo travrespected athletes, Rondo’s play eled on the play, but that’s just sour grapes from folks who totally may not have been so special. But it was. It’s the stuff statues are missed the incredible effort. made of.

The Celtics may not go on to

My View From the Stands

May 28, 2010

15

The Anchor

Area mental health mentoring program in need of adult, student volunteers

By Dave Jolivet, Editor

NORTH DARTMOUTH — According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 57.7 million Americans experience a mental disorder in any given year.

One in five people worldwide have a mental or neurological disorder at some time in their lives.

Sadly, despite the great success of various treatments, two-thirds of individuals with a mental disorder never seek help from a mental health professional.

There are many stigmas attached to mental illness, among which are that it’s a life-long ailment with no treatment; such individuals cannot function in normal society; and they are to be feared or mistrusted. All of these are blatantly false, yet many suffering from mental conditions are afraid to seek help for fear confidentiality of their diagnosis and treatment will be breached.

Mental health professionals can treat all types of mental disorders, including depression, bipolar, eating, personalty and obsessive compulsive disorders, schizophrenia and post traumatic stress disorder. Common treatments, which vary based on the severity and condition, include therapy and/or medication. Once an individual makes strides toward recovery, these health professionals can refer the patients to various outreach programs.

One such program is the Compeer Program, a worldwide organization that serves people with mental disorders. Initiated in Rochester, N.Y. in 1973 with a dozen individuals, the Compeer Program is now very active in 14 states in the U.S., including on the campus of UMass-Dartmouth in Massachusetts, Canada and Australia, where the program is sponsored by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In all there are now more than 5,000 volunteers in 80 chapters.

The UMass-Dartmouth affiliate began in 2001 by nursing professor Sharon Sousa and Christine Frizzell, director of the school’s counseling center. In 2008, Dominican Sister Joseph Marie Levesque, former director of Cathedral Camp, became the director of volunteers.

“Some students here and other community volunteers participate in the program,” Sister Joseph Marie told The Anchor.

“The Compeer motto is ‘Making Friends, Changing Lives.’

The students visit group homes and psychiatric hospitals, and the community volunteers take part in one-on-one sessions and befriend people undergoing treatment for mental illness. One UMD Compeer volunteer is assisting at a Veteran’s home in New Bedford.

It’s an adjunct to therapy and the clients, volunteers, and society at large benefit from the program.”

Lauren Brown, a senior at UMD and a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk, has been involved with Compeer this past semester.

“This is such a great non-profit program,” she told The Anchor.

“It’s a simple, yet very effective way to improve people’s lives and help with their recovery. Mental illness is so misunderstood in our society.” Brown, who graduated this spring and will serve two years in Africa with the Peace Corps, wanted to get involved because she had a strong desire to make a difference in people’s lives. “After I return from the Peace Corps, I hope to become involved again with people who are struggling with these types of disorders.”

Volunteers at the UMassDartmouth chapter, the only one in the Commonwealth, bring the healing power of friendship to the treatment of mental illness. It serves the greater Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton areas.

“Whether the volunteers participate in group sessions or oneon-one, there is marked improvement in the lives of the clients,” said Sister Joseph Marie. “The volunteers simply do with the clients what friends would do together — go for coffee, go to a movie, play games, participate in crafts, or simply go for a walk.

They provide companionship, a relationship that is proven to help people recover. It helps clients remain true to their therapies, whether it’s attending psychotherapies or remaining on their medications.” According to the UMD Compeer website, “92 percent of clients and referring professionals, and 94 percent of volunteers report satisfaction with their Compeer friendship.”

The volunteers are never paired with anyone considered dangerous. Mental health professionals are very careful that the client is in the recovery mode before making referrals.

The volunteers receive a very thorough training which includes lectures, role-playing sessions, discussions, videos, and readings, covering topics such as understanding mental illness and how it is treated; defining what a Compeer relationship is and what it is not; combating stigmas about the disease; building a relationship; understanding confidentiality; the responsibilities of the volunteers; and crisis situations.

Mary Ellis, a parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish in South Dartmouth, is on the UMD Compeer board and an adult volunteer. “I was asked to be on the board, but

I really didn’t know that much about mental illness,” Ellis said.

“I had a business background but I felt I should learn more about the disease, so I became a volunteer.

“Having a Compeer friend is one of the highlights of my week.

It took a little while before we became not just in the mentoring stage, but true friends. We have a great rapport. We go out, call each other and check in on each other.

The benefits of this program are mutual. I’ve learned a lot from her, and I’m thrilled to see her gain confidence and be comfortable in social surroundings.”

Ellis encourages others to consider volunteering. “It’s so worthwhile on both sides,” she told The Anchor. “You are paired with a peer around your age, and you learn they have the same emotions and feelings and interests.

There’s such a spiritual benefit to this as well. My friend has a great spirituality that she’s shared with me.”

Karmen Grech is on the Southcoast Compeer board. The parishioner of St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth is a mental health substance abuse professional who has been active in the Church working with persons with disabilities, getting persons with developmental disabilities back to Church, working with divorced and separated Catholics, and as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion.

“I got involved with Compeer because I can’t run away from people who are suffering from mental disorder. It’s in my blood,” she told The Anchor. “As a mental health professional, I know these people suffer from low self-esteem, low self-confidence, isolation and fear of being hurt.

The Compeer program helps integrate them back into society, it helps build up that trust and confidence.”

She said that mental disorders can be the result of many things: events from childhood, trying to escape current stresses and worries, or trying to forget some trauma. “They don’t want to mix with others any more,” she said. “They feel they’re not worth anything.

But the Compeer program serves a great purpose. It has great success. Referrals don’t have to become involved with Compeer, but those who do eventually gain self-worth and confidence, and blossom. The feel accepted, and they truly are. When they discover that they not only receive benefits

from the program, but they also help their peer, it means a great deal to them.”

Rosita Maeks-Anderson, a junior at UMD, is a volunteer. She journaled some of her experiences and shared them with The Anchor. “During the time I spent with the clients, I have come to the realization that these people are just like us. However, to the outside world many would not come to such a conclusion. Children stare and ask questions that are quickly shushed and adults tend to look away after noticing that these people are not ‘normal’ and continue on their way.

“These people walk, talk, eat, have friendships, have families, have children, have lives, and it saddens me now how much our society thinks so little of them and their capabilities.”

Maeks-Anderson relayed that those suffering mental disorders can be very talented, including great skills in math, poetry, and art. “The talents and life stories of these individuals are what I think should be shared with others instead of being ignored,” she wrote. “It is for this reason that I write to remind those who are unaware, that people with mental

illnesses are not people without feelings, abilities or talents, and these people are worthy of respect and acceptance, not shushing and ignoring.”

Sister Joseph Marie indicated that a volunteer is expected to devote four hours per month and commit for at least one year.

“We are in great need of volunteers in the community,” she said.

“We have many more referrals than we do volunteers. And we need male volunteers especially.

There just aren’t that many.”

Sister Joseph Marie relayed a story about one client who at first was very reluctant to take part. “The individual wouldn’t even leave the house,” she said.

“But this person has come a very long way thanks to Compeer and now helps us in various fund-raisers.”

Sister Joseph Marie encourages adults in the community to consider becoming part of the Compeer family. Interested individuals can contact her, or get more information by calling her at 508-999-8843. More information on the UMD Compeer Program can be obtained at umassd. edu/compeer, or nationally at compeer.org.

16

Youth Pages

May 28, 2010

New Bedford principal honored as YWCA Woman of Distinction NEW BEDFORD — One During her 20 years as prinaspect of advancing the cause cipal, Felix established a threeof women is to develop them as year old and four-year old leaders by giving them opportu- preschool program. She also nities for leadership, as well as established a before-school and the skills and training that it takes after-school program, a Faith in to be a leader. Praise and recog- Action community service pronition are the next aspects of em- gram, and organized both curpowerment. Women leaders need riculum development workshops to be acknowledged. The YWCA and faith-focused workshops for Women of Distinction lun- the Greater New Bedford Cathocheon event, YWCA’s signature lic schools, sought funding for event honoring outstanding area an on-site counselor to serve the women, was held recently at the children and families in need, Country Club of New Bedford. and coordinated the establishThis year’s honorees included a ment of the North Street Central Greater New Bedford Neighborhood group, Catholic school princiwhich in turn sought pal, Cecilia M. Felix, funding for the Mother of Holy Family-Holy Teresa Playground. In Name School. addition, Felix headed YWCA Women of many school building Distinction Awards improvement projects, seek to inspire others such as the installation to achieve by recognizof new windows, elecing the leadership of Cecilia M. Felix trical upgrading for the women in a variety of purpose of technology, arenas. Corporations, security systems, lightagencies, civic organizations, ing, handicap parking and more. schools, places of worship, or Felix has been at Holy Familyother groups and individuals Holy Name School for a total of have nominated candidates for 33 years. these prestigious awards.

She is the recipient of the SadFelix began her teaching ca- lier National Catholic Identity reer in 1977 as a junior high Award, the Marian Medal, Carschool teacher at Holy Family- ney Academy Brother Award, the Holy Name School in New Bed- Inter-Church Council of Women ford. Her parents, the late Joseph Award, the American Business and Elsie Felix provided her a Women of the Year Award, the foundation in Catholic education Sarah Delano Award, Music Apat Our Lady of Mount Carmel preciation from the New Bedford School and Holy Family High Symphony and many others. In School in New Bedford. While addition, she has served on nua classroom teacher, she pursued merous councils and on the New her master’s degree in Religious Bedford Public Library Board Education at Providence Col- of Trustees, and has volunteered lege as well as her administra- her time at an extensive list of ortive certification. In 1990, Felix ganizations. was appointed principal of Holy Felix is well known in the Family-Holy Name School, and New Bedford area for her tireco-director of Religious Educa- less commitment to Catholic tion at St. Lawrence Martyr Par- education as the mission of the ish.

Church.

breaking down barriers — Holy Union Sister Marie Baldi, right, principal of St. Michael School in Fall River, got to meet Wally the Green Monster during the school’s recent trip to Fenway Park, where the choir sang the American and Canadian national anthems. Wally befriended Sister Marie despite the fact that she’s a native New Yorker.

that’s entertainment — Students in Grade One at St. James-St. John School in New Bedford celebrated Mother’s Day at their annual Mother’s Day Brunch.

three of a kind — The children in pre-K through grade eight at Holy Name School in Fall River recently participated in a parade and presented their favorite books. “James and the Giant Peach,” “Harry Potter,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and “Planting a Rainbow” were a few of the featured books. The activity was held in conjunction with class activities to celebrate Children’s Book Week.

home improvement — The Kindergarten students, and their dads at Holy FamilyHoly Name School in New Bedford recently got together with the Home Depot to build bird houses to welcome their feathered friends back from winter migration.

May 28, 2010

A

s a parent, I expect my children to reciprocate the love and respect I give them. This, of course, presents many challenges.

I find myself making deals with them — deals that try to teach a valuable and practical lesson.

The approach I use to deal with any issue confronting youth, and my own children, is Josh McDowell’s six-step response called “LEADER” (Listen, Empathize, Affirm, Direct, Enlist, Refer). Adults dealing with youth sometimes find themselves wondering, “What can I do?” “What should I do?” or “What do I need to know?” This six-step approach is an invaluable resource.

Listen: Always invite dialogue. Allow the youth to speak openly about his or her feelings. Do not interrupt or condemn. You’ll be surprised at the response you get. Many teens don’t expect an adult to listen, especially without rebuke.

Empathize: Consider the issue from the youth’s point

17

Youth Pages A good deal

to face your trials on your of view. Put yourself in his own. We adults are available or her shoes. Be available to to listen and offer our help. them, understand them, and God is always available — be patient with them. don’t leave him out. Involve Affirm: Sincerity is key to your parents in your life’s ups reaching youth. Take every and downs. But if you want opportunity to communicate sincere acceptance and affirmation to the youth.

Direct: Often, youth are unlikely to accept the fact that they need direction.

Help them to work

By Ozzie Pacheco toward an agreement, where negotiables and non-negotiables to ease the burden of whatare identified and where exever it is you’re dealing with pectations can be met.

— depression, alienation, Enlist: Youth cannot be guilt, anxiety or fear — becoerced into submission to gin at home. Do what your their parents, nor any adult.

Help them to become actively parents ask you. Don’t make a fuss about it, or not do it. involved in addressing their Do it with pride and see your own issues and behavior. parents’ smiles grow. Offer Refer: Don’t be proud. We parents and adults don’t know to do things for your parents. everything. We can’t solve all If they look tired or if they look like they need help with problems. Get qualified help, something, offer to help them. if the need arises. There is no Do it with pride, and make shame in doing this. no complaints. Respect your Life isn’t easy for you young people. You don’t have parents’ rules. Be obedient.

Be Not Afraid

special guest — Father Michael Racine, pastor of St. Bernard’s Parish in Assonet stands near the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima during its recent visit to the parish. With him is Judy Studer, custodian of the statue. (Photo by Russell Pinto)

Be grateful. Always say thank you to your parents; they devote a lot of time and energy to you. Don’t expect to be the center of attention all the time because you are not. Never lie to them. Listen to what your parents say and try to come to an agreement with them. Think about your siblings for a change. Your parents will see and be pleased by your maturity. This will allow them to give you more freedom.

Ask politely. “A wise son makes his father glad, but a fool of a man despises his mother” (Proverbs 15:20).

If there’s something you really want or need, and you must make a deal or agree to one with your parents, remember: they have the gift of wisdom. Be open to that gift; be open to their advice. I promise it will be of value to you and put a smile on your face.

A young boy had just gotten his driver’s permit and inquired of his father if they

could discuss his use of the car. His father said he’d make a deal with his son. “You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, get your hair cut and we’ll talk about the car.”

The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he’d settle for the offer and they agreed on it. After about six weeks his father said, “Son, I’ve been real proud. You brought your grades up and I’ve observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I’m real disappointed you haven’t gotten your hair cut.”

The young man paused a moment then said, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair and there’s even a strong argument that Jesus had long hair.” To this his father replied, “Did you also notice they all walked everywhere they went?”

Ozzie Pacheco is Faith Formation director at Santo Christo Parish, Fall River.

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

USCCB launches new website to promote religious vocations

caring for the sick — Rene Poyant, left, and Tom Duffy of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville recently returned from a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, where they served as auxiliary members of the Order of Malta in caring for persons with various maladies.

WASHINGTON — The Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington has launched a new website to promote vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.

The site, www.ForYourVocation.org, is meant to help people who are discerning a possible vocation and educate Catholics about the need to encourage others to consider a vocation.

The site includes discernment resources for men and women, ideas for promoting a vocation

culture within the home, and a range of tools for educators, youth leaders and vocation directors, including prayers, videos, best practices, lesson plans and vocation-awareness programs.

It also includes videos of priests and religious men and women talking about their vocations and testimonies from family members.

The site has links to a Facebook fan page and a YouTube vocation channel.

A Spanish-language site will be available in the fall at www.

PorTuVocacion.org.

18

The Anchor

May 28, 2010

Sixteen to be admitted as candidates for permanent diaconate

Crusaders lead families to Sacred Heart

continued from page one to bring the message of Jesus to others. I look forward to the day when they will be able to exercise their diaconal ministry in our diocese.”

Priests are invited to join the pastors of the prospective candidates, including priests who are their spiritual directors and formation instructors, in concelebrating the Mass.

Deacons and wives from the diocese and the families of the candidates will be present to join in prayer at the Mass.

The candidates have completed a period of aspirancy during which they were advised of the role of the deacon, expectations for formation and the ministry to which they have been called.

Along with Msgr. Oliveira and Deacon Fantasia, other deacons formed a team with the purpose of evaluating them and their applications.

“This is the first time we’ve had assistant directors on board,” reported Deacon Fantasia, who, following a lengthy selection process of the many who showed interest, led the chosen candidates through the first year that included interviews, discernment, reflection and a spiritual retreat.

“Several of our deacons were involved, and we are fortunate in this diocese to have so many talented and willing priests taking part and dedicated to teaching courses in theology to the candidates in the first study year as well as in the next three years,” said Deacon Fantasia, who was ordained in 1997.

During aspirancy, prospective candidates submitted required documentation and along with their wives, participated in psychological evaluation.

They have completed one year of study, which included courses in spiritual theology, apologetics and fundamental/dogmatic theology. They continue with three more years of academic and pastoral formation before ordination as deacons.

The candidates, their wives and their parishes include: Bruce J. Baxter of Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich.

He is married to the former Maureen A. Cove.

Eduardo M. Borges of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in New Bedford. He is married to the former Anna M. Moniz.

Brendan W. Brides of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. He is married to the former Gail Chase.

Robert M. Craig of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton. He is married to the former Kathleen A. Feeney.

Timothy E. Flaherty of St. Stanislaus Parish in Fall River. He

continued from page 11

is married to the former Karen L. Frailey.

Ralph J. Guerra of St. Margaret’s Parish in Buzzard’s Bay. He is married to the former Sandra Ehrhard.

Paul J. Harney of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. He is married to the former Joanne M. Donoghue.

Dennis J. Hickey of Holy Trinity Parish in Fall River. He is married to the former Betty-Ann Medeiros.

Gary M. John of Holy Trinity Parish in Fall River. He is married to the former Susan L. Belanger.

Paul R. Levesque of St. Bernard Parish in Assonet. He is married to the former Carol A. Turcotte.

Frank R. Lucca of St. Dominic Parish in Swansea. He is married to the former Kristine K. Turenski.

Thomas J. McMahon of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Seekonk. He is married to the former Jutta L. Farrell.

David C. Murphy of St. Patrick’s Parish in Wareham. He is married to the former Marsha A. Betti.

Gary A. Porter of Sacred Heart Parish in North Attleboro. He is married to the former Elizabeth A. Savaria.

Lawrence D. St. Pierre of St. Joseph’s Parish in Attleboro. He is married to the former Donna Jean Priestman.

Wilfred “Rick” Varieur of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Seekonk. He is married to the former Karen M. Doyon.

Several candidates talked to The Anchor about discerning God’s call and the ongoing process.

“I’m excited about the admission ceremony, especially after the first two years of the process,” said Frank R. Lucca, who is also a columnist for The Anchor.

“Looking back over my life I can now more clearly see that all that I have done in life and all I have become through the experiences and lessons have prepared me for this next phase of my life.

The ‘tug on my heart’ which I have felt was a call from God to serve has now grown into a commitment to pursue this vocation.

After a great deal of prayer and soul searching, I feel that God has led me to this point. I don’t know what the future will hold but I am open to his call and pray that he will give me the graces necessary to answer it fully. Of course, I believe that this has never been about me or what I may want. It is about Christ and what he wants for me and from me. I am open to his call and will do all I can to pray, listen and grow so that I may continue to become the person he

wants me to be.

“My family is in complete support of this decision and with their support and prayers, we will move forward to serve God’s Church. I can think of no better way to live out my life here on earth.”

For Paul R. Levesque, it wipes away the regret of the decision he made some five years ago “when I said no to answering God’s call and missed the chance, the opportunity to be part of that formation class.”

“So it’s absolutely thrilling to be admitted as a deacon candidate, and after the age of acceptance was raised and I’m 62, it’s all finally falling into place,” he added. “There have been many, many weeks of prayer and I’m obsessed with what is ahead.”

While the liturgical aspects of diaconal service “add another dimension to ongoing service” at his parish of St. Bernard’s, the theology studies bring immeasurable thoughts presented by “so many wonderful priest-teachers,” he added.

Asked what specific ministry he would chose if given a choice, he said candidly, “I haven’t figured that out yet.”

Varieur said two things constantly come to mind as he approaches the upcoming welcome to diaconate candidacy. “I’m remarkably humbled that God would ever think I could assist him in the salvation of souls. It is awesome.”

As he drives home to Pawtucket from theology classes given the candidates, “My second thought is I’m struck by the fact that God has set me among these devout, holy men who are so much better than I am, and I wonder sometimes why I am so blessed,” he added. “This is an incredible experience.”

Also what might be his thoughts on a ministry, Varieur, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, and has worked in clinics in three African counties and Mongolia, said “there were no limits: perhaps being a missionary … if they allow me.”

Brendan W. Brides, from Christ the King Parish in Mashpee, told The Anchor, “This spiritual and academic formation has had a profound effect on my family and me. It brought me closer to Christ and my family, and it still does.

“I’m very excited. This is another step in the process. I’m with a great bunch of guys, and I’m looking forward to studying again in the fall.

“I’m 52 years old and have been thinking about this for some time. It was Deacon Frank Fantasia who encouraged me, and he is a big part of where I am today.”

In the second week the family is encouraged to hold a triduum of nightly devotions on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and it is suggested they receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

Usually, on the Friday night, a Mass is celebrated in the family’s home during which the enthronement takes place and the family recites the prayers of consecration.

The Mass is celebrated by the family’s parish priest, or by a priest of the Congregation of The Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary — which is at the very center of the devotion to and enthronement of the Sacred Heart — and sometimes by priests from Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford’s downtown.

“We hang a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in a conspicuous place in their home, a place where all can easily see it all the time,” St. Gelais added, “because it is meant to keep the families united and maintain their spirituality. We hope that by Jesus being present, like a father present to his family, it means Jesus will always be there to help them when family members turn to him.”

Pointing to a photo of the late Sacred Hearts Father Mateo, as he was known to those who often referred to him as “a modern apostle of devotion to the Sacred Heart,” St. Gelais related how the 32-year-old priest founded the enthronement movement at Paray-leMonial on Aug. 24, 1907. It took place beside the tomb of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who, following Jesus’ appearances to her in 1675, became known worldwide as the apostle of the Sacred Heart.

Born in Tinto, Peru, in 1875 of an English father and a Peruvian mother, Father Mateo founded the Catholic University of Valparaiso. After surviving a disastrous earthquake, his health failed in 1906 and he was sent to Europe.

In his book “Firebrand,” Sacred Hearts Father Marcel Bocquet recounts how, when Father Mateo explained the enthronement to Pope Pius X (later to become St. Pius X and founder of the Diocese of Fall River), he asked him to permit him to be the new apostle of the Sacred Heart to the world.

The Holy Father replied, “Not only do I permit you, but I order you to give your life for

this work of salvation. It is a wonderful work. Consecrate your life to it.”

His health restored and his mission set, Father Mateo proceeded to help spread this devotion throughout the entire Catholic world, to make more visible and efficacious the kingdom of the divine savior in the family.

Father Francis Larkin, also pictured with Father Mateo, translated Father Bocquet’s book and later became the National Director of the Enthronement Apostolate. St. Gelais told The Anchor. “We are proud to have photos of Father Mateo with Father Larkin taken when the founder visited this area.”

Father Mateo died on May 4, 1960, and his cause for canonization has begun.

With a goal “to promote the social reign of the Sacred Heart,” Father Larkin also established the men’s ministry in Michigan in 1964.

The movement spread and is still growing, said St. Gelais, who reported that a chapter of the Men of the Sacred Hearts is active on Cape Cod and another is beginning at St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Taunton.

Jose Amaral, who along with fellow Fairhaven chapter member Mark Costa attended the May 14 to 17 meeting of the National Board of Men of the Sacred Hearts at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Ill., told The Anchor he was impressed with the reports of growth of the apostolate.

“I’ve been a member only since last August, but what continually is in my mind is that the foundation of the enthronement has its focus on family, not the house,” said Amaral.

While enthroning the Sacred Heart in homes is important, priests and parishioners also request their churches be consecrated,” St. Gelais, a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet, reported.

“St. Patrick’s in Wareham will be consecrated on June 11, the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,” he announced.

“A full week of preparation by way of religious events is planned and will begin on June 7. It will include a speaker every night, rosary and Benediction, with the enthronement capping it off.”

Bishop blesses Cardinal Medeiros Residence expansion continued from page one

with assistance if needed.”

Bishop George W. Coleman blessed and dedicated the new rooms earlier this week and was joined by 40 of his brother priests from throughout the Fall River Diocese — some of who were curious to see what the facility might offer them in their golden years.

Many of the priests were impressed with the suites, all of which offer a bedroom, private bathroom, combination study and pantry, and great views of the Bishop Connolly High School campus.

As they toured the six new apartments, some of them joked that it might be worth retiring earlier than planned in order to take advantage of the spacious new facility.

A small chapel has also been added to the new second-floor wing that is located above the main entrance to the high school.

“We already have one recuperating room that we use where someone can stay if they are recovering from surgery or need to stay for a temporary period,” Msgr. Fitzgerald said, adding that the other 22 suites will all be occupied by retired priests on a permanent basis.

As for who will get dibs on the new rooms, Msgr. Fitzgerald said they are waiting until formal retirements have been approved for this year, but he said he will do his best to consider all applicants.

While some may be put on a waiting list, at least one existing resident of the Cardinal Medeiros Home already knows he’ll be moving from his cur-

In Your Prayers

Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks May 31 Rev. Vincent A. Wolski, OFM Conv., Pastor, Holy Cross, Fall River, 1964 June 1 Rev. James A. Ward, Former Pastor, St. Peter, Provincetown, 1911 June 3 Most Rev. James J. Gerrard, DD., Auxiliary Bishop of Fall River 19591976, Retired Pastor, St. Lawrence, New Bedford, 1991 June 4 Rev. Louis J. Terrien, O.P., Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1920 Rev. Jose P. d’Amaral, Parochial Vicar, Santo Christo, Fall River, 1949 Rev. George Daigle, Pastor, Sacred Heart, North Attleboro, 1979 June 5 Very Rev. Thomas J. McLean, V.F. Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1954 Rev. Msgr. Louis Prevost, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, New Bedford, 1970 June 6 Rev. Cornelius J. Keliher, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1993

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May 28, 2010

rent room into one of the newer, more spacious suites.

“I’ve been asking about getting into one of the new rooms because I would prefer to be on the sunny side of the building,” said Father Luis A. Cardoso, who will move into the room adjacent to the new chapel. “The room I have now is enough for me, but I’d prefer to have the sunshine for most of the day.”

Another benefit of the new suite, according to Father Cardoso, is the inclusion of an electric chair that will help to lift him up out of a seated position.

“I’ve been having problems with my legs and that will be a big help to me,” he said.

For retired priests like Fa-

ther Cardoso — who still remains active by assisting at St. Michael’s Parish in Fall River and serving as a spiritual leader for the diocesan Teams of Our Lady — having a comfortable and centralized home base is an important benefit in their retirement years.

Bishop Coleman praised the efforts of Msgr. Fitzgerald and the Diocesan Health Facilities Office in expanding the accommodations at the Cardinal Medeiros Residence.

“I would like to thank the staff here for their work in overseeing the new additions,” Bishop Coleman said. “And I especially want to thank Msgr.

Fitzgerald for overseeing this project. He has put a great deal of time and interest into it.”

Around the Diocese 5/31

A Memorial Day Mass will be celebrated May 31 at 8 a.m. at St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery, Franklin Street, Mansfield. In case of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. in the church. All community members are welcome and lawn chairs are recommended.

6/3

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.

ATTLEBORO — St. Joseph Church holds perpetual eucharistic adoration in the Adoration Chapel located at the (south) side entrance at 208 South Main Street. For open hours, or to sign up, call Liesse at 401-864-8539.

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.

FALL RIVER — Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street, has eucharistic adoration Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady of Grace Chapel.

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.

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Mass every First Friday with special intentions for Respect Life, followed by 24 hours of eucharistic adoration in the Chapel, concluding with Benediction Saturday morning followed immediately by an 8:30 Mass.

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.

Holy Cross Family Ministries, 518 Washington Street, North Easton, will commemorate the 18th anniversary of the death of its founder, Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton, CSC, and the 68th anniversary of Family Rosary on June 3. The event will include rosary at 4 p.m. at the Rosary Walk and Mass at 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Chapel with a light reception to follow. For more information call 508-238-4095.

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.

6/3

A sung High Mass for the Feast of Corpus Christi will be celebrated June 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Parish, Middleboro using the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite. A eucharistic procession will immediately follow the Mass.

Call 508-947-0444 for more information.

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 508-336-5549.

6/4

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 from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

6/5

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.

The final meeting for this season of the Fall River Area Men’s First Friday Club will be June 4 at Good Shepherd Parish, 1598 South Main Street, Fall River.

Following the 6 p.m. Mass celebrated by pastor Father Freddie Babiczuk, a hot meal will be served in the parish hall. Father Babiczuk will be guest speaker. For more information call 508-672-8174.

St. John the Baptist Parish, corner of County and Wing streets, New Bedford, is hosting a Ministry Fair and Registration Drive on June 5 from 3 to 6 p.m. and on June 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come learn about the ministries available at the first Portuguese Catholic parish in North America. For more information call 508-992-7727.

6/5 6/5

Sacred Heart Parish, corner of Seabury and Pine streets, Fall River, is holding a “Giant Indoor Yard Sale” on June 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to benefit the church.

A Day with Mary will be held on June 5 at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 569 Sanford Road, Westport, beginning at 7:50 a.m. The event will include a Mass of Our Lady with Father Horace Travassos, pastor, celebrating at 10 a.m. For information call 508-674-6271.

6/6

The feast of Corpus Christi will be celebrated at Our Lady’s Chapel, New Bedford, with a procession of the Blessed Sacrament starting at 2 p.m. on June 6. During the procession participants will be singing hymns and reciting the rosary in English and Portuguese. For more information call 508-994-5035.

6/6

The feast of the Holy Spirit will take place June 6 beginning with a procession at 9:30 a.m. from 154 Leawood Lane, Attleboro, to Holy Ghost Parish, 71 Linden Street, Attleboro, where Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Traditional free sopas will be served in the church hall following Mass. For more information call 508226-1115.

6/10 6/19

A Healing Mass will be celebrated June 10 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Anne’s Church, Fall River. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. with Benediction and healing prayers following Mass.

The Attleboro Women’s Center is sponsoring the third annual Attleboro Walk for Life June 19 at 10 a.m. beginning at Capron Park. The proceeds will benefit the new pregnancy resource center in Attleboro. Registration forms to sign up pledge sponsors are available at area churches.

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.

WAREHAM — Beginning in May, adoration with opportunities for private and formal prayer is offered on the First Friday of each month from 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. The Prayer Schedule is as follows: 7:30 a.m. the rosary; 8 a.m. Mass; 8:30 a.m. exposition and Morning Prayer; 12 p.m. the Angelus; 3 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet; 5:30 p.m.

Evening Prayer; 7 p.m. sacrament of confession; 8 p.m. Benediction.

WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street (Rte. 28), holds perpetual eucharistic adoration. We are a regional chapel serving all of the surrounding parishes. All from other parishes are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.

WOODS HOLE — Eucharistic adoration takes place at St. Joseph’s Church, 33 Millfield Street, year-round on weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No adoration on Sundays, Wednesdays, and holidays. For information call 508-274-5435.

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May 28, 2010