Anchor 10.15.10

The Anchor Diocese of Fall River

F riday , October 15, 2010

Seventy-four couples gather for wedding anniversary celebration

By Rebecca Aubut Anchor Staff

NOT MISSING A BEAD — From left, Eileen Whittemore of St. Ann’s Parish in Raynham and Millie Woodworth of Holy Cross Parish in South Easton are among the more than 25 volunteers who work to make, pack and ship free rosary beads around the world at the Holy Cross Family Ministries. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

Month of Rosary spurs Peyton Center volunteers

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff NORTH EASTON — It’s been nearly a decade — pun intended — since Holy Cross Family Ministries set up shop at their new headquarters in North Easton.

And since 2001 the ministry founded by the late famous “rosary priest,” Servant of God Father Patrick J. Peyton, C.S.C., has distributed an estimated 8,000,000 rosaries to people worldwide.

“It’s very moving, it’s just phenomenal,” said Susan Wallace, director for External Relations at Holy Cross Family Ministries.

“You’d be surprised by some of the countries from where we get requests.”

The “Rosaries for the World” program is

supported in part by parishes and individuals who make and donate rosaries to Holy Cross Family Ministries. People from all over the world will then submit requests for rosaries and volunteers will pack and ship out the requests.

Originally begun by Father Peyton as the “Rosaries for Russia” initiative to increase devotion to Mary in the former communist nation, the program has now expanded to include more than 175 countries.

“Hopefully we’ll next be moving into China — that’s our next big endeavor to spread rosary devotion,” Wallace said.

But with only a small staff of about 20 employed at the ministry’s Father Peyton Turn to page 18

NORTH DARTMOUTH — This past Sunday, St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth opened its doors to celebrate wedding anniversaries with a special Mass celebrated by Bishop George W. Coleman.

Seventy-four couples lined up at the door patiently to wait their turn to pick up their specially-prepared envelopes containing a marriage scroll, a golden-embossed print of the Holy Family, and a certificate marking the number of years the couple has been married.

Pumpkins dotted the altar while bright yellow- and plum-colored mums brought a touch of the fall season into the church.

Some couples came together while others were accompanied by their children and grandchildren.

Twenty-nine diocesan parishes were rep-

resented and anniversaries ranged from one couple celebrating their first anniversary to three couples celebrating their 65th, an announcement by the bishop that brought gasps of appreciation from the pews.

After extending a warm welcome to those gathered, Bishop Coleman began his homily by referencing St. Paul and his suggestions for, what could be called, a marriage wardrobe.

“The wardrobe does not consist of clothes, but virtues,” explained the bishop.

“They are the virtues you have practiced over the years of marriage and which contribute so much to the happiness of your marriage.”

“First, St. Paul exhorts us, put on compassion,” continued Bishop Coleman. “Literally, compassion means heartfelt mercy.

Compassion is an inner attitude each of you Turn to page 12

wedding march — Line of couples wait to meet and be blessed by Bishop George W. Coleman at the annual diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass held October 11 at St. Julie Billiart Church in North Dartmouth. (Photo by Rebecca Aubut)

Attleboro woman’s family experienced the healing power of Blessed André

By Dave Jolivet, Editor

a brother’s touch — Attleboro resident Thérèse Davignon’s aunt Dorette could only walk with the aid of crutches from age 11 to 24, before she was healed by Brother André Bessette in 1920. Brother André will be canonized in Rome on Sunday. (Photo by Dave Jolivet)

ATTLEBORO — Thérèse Davignon wasn’t going to let a major hearing disability stop her from letting others hear about how excited she is regarding Sunday’s canonization of Frère André Bessette. After several calls to The Anchor through a telephone relay service, Davignon arranged a face-to-face interview to tell her story of how the saint-to-be directly affected her and her family.

Davignon relayed a story told to her “countless times,” by her mother Hermine Davignon-Champagne. “My mother would gather me and my brother and sisters, and tell the story of this holy man and how he healed my aunt after she spent nearly 13 years on crutches,” she told The

Anchor. Despite her severe hearing loss, Davignon can hear some in a quiet setting. “I didn’t want to do this by telephone relay,” she added.

“It would have taken so very long.”

Davignon’s mother and aunt, Dorette Champagne, grew up in Montreal, Canada. Champagne was involved in a serious cable car mishap at age 11, and nearly lost her leg.

“The doctors didn’t think they would save the leg, but eventually they did, but they had to perform an arthrodesis (fusing of the joint) on her knee,” said Davignon. “She couldn’t walk without crutches after that.”

Such a loss for an 11-year-old is bad enough, but little Dorette, as the oldest of seven Turn to page 12

News From the Vatican

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October 15, 2010

Vatican health experts ‘dismayed’ by Nobel prize for IVF codeveloper Rome, Italy (CNA) — The International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations has declared its disagreement with Professor Robert Edwards being awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine for his work in developing in-vitro fertilization. The problems of infertility, the group said in an official statement, must be solved within an ethical framework that respects the dignity of the embryo as a human being.

A statement from the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations from October 4 was released by the Holy See’s Press Office concerning the recent announcement that Cambridge University professor-emeritus Robert Edwards was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine for his part in developing human IVF. “As Catholics we believe in the absolute dignity of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God,” FIAMC declared in the statement signed by their president, Dr. Jose Maria Simon Castellvi.

“That dignity exists from the earliest moment of the conception of the new human being, and remains with them to their natural death.”

Noting the “enormous cost,” that of undermining human dignity, with which IVF has “brought happiness” to couples who have conceived through this method, FIAMC decried the use of millions of embryos, thus human beings, created and discarded “as experimen-

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tal animals destined for destruction.” This use of human embryos, added the statement, “has led to a culture where they are regarded as commodities rather than the precious individuals which they are.”

“As Catholic doctors,” the members of FIAMC “recognize that pain that infertility brings to a couple, but equally, we believe that the research and treatment methods needed to solve the problems of infertility have to be conducted within an ethical framework which respects the special dignity of the human embryo, which is no different from that of a mature adult with a brilliant mind.”

Concluding the statement protesting the Nobel Prize for Edwards, FIAMC observed that “the history of our salvation by Jesus Christ shows us that mankind suffers when it forgets or ignores the fact that God is our creator and we are his creatures.”

“We can only be fully human,” the group said, “when we live in accordance with the will of God respecting the special dignity which is accorded to all human beings.”

The award was also denounced by Archbishop Ignacio Carrasco de Paula, the head of the Pontifical Academy for Life, who said that giving the Nobel Prize for Medicine to Robert Edwards encourages the “marketing” of human embryos and that the professor “opened the wrong door” with his research.

“Without Edwards there would not be a market for eggs, without Edwards there would not be freezers full of embryos waiting to be transferred to a uterus, or more likely waiting to be used in research or perhaps waiting to die abandoned and forgotten by all,” the archbishop commented to Vatican Radio.

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 54, No. 39

Member: Catholic Press Association, Catholic News Service

Published weekly except for two weeks in the summer and the week after Christmas by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 — FAX 508-675-7048, email: theanchor@anchornews.org.

Subscription price by mail, postpaid $20.00 per year, for U.S. addresses.

Send address changes to P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA, call or use email address

PUBLISHER - Most Reverend George W. Coleman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Roger J. Landry fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org OFFICE MANAGER Mary Chase marychase@anchornews.org ADVERTISING Wayne R. Powers waynepowers@anchornews.org REPORTER Kenneth J. Souza k ensouza@anchornews.org REPORTER Rebecca Aubut beckyaubut@anchornews.org Send Letters to the Editor to: fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org PoStmaSters send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

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center stage — Pope Benedict XVI attends a concert sponsored by Italian utility company ENI in this zoomed exposure at the Vatican recently. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Vatican meeting looks at mission of Catholic press

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Budget crunches, the availability of free information from the Internet and suspicion about the Catholic Church in the wake of the clerical sex abuse crisis have all combined to present a serious challenge to the future of the Catholic press, said speakers at a Vatican conference.

But the importance of information in Catholics’ daily lives and the need for the Church to communicate and to help people grow in responsibility and holiness also combine to encourage the Catholic press to find ways to stay afloat, they said.

The “difficult and painful” cases of abuse must lead “the entire believing community to a greater commitment to following the Lord and placing itself at the service of humanity with an even greater witness of life capable of demonstrating what we bear in our hearts,” said Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

Archbishop Celli’s office sponsored a Catholic Press Congress October 4-7 to discuss the present and future role and challenges facing Catholic journalism. Representatives from 83 countries gathered at the Vatican for the congress.

The archbishop told the journalists and communications directors that the Catholic press must have a clear idea of its mission and role within the Church and society, and must look at how it can help people face their worries and desires in a truly Catholic way.

“Of no less importance,” he said, is “the role that the Catholic press has within the Church because it can be a privileged instrument in the not easy task of promoting and nourishing an intellectual understanding of the faith.”

Greg Erlandson, president of Our Sunday Visitor Publishing in the United States, told the conference that the Catholic press faces the financial pressures all newspa-

pers are facing. But additionally, he said, the Catholic press suffers because Catholics know less about their faith, there is “a growing distrust of institutions” and, consequently, there is “a resulting decline in Catholic identity.”

At the same time, he wrote in remarks prepared for the meeting, the Internet allows Catholic media to reach different audiences in different ways at a relatively low cost.

Erlandson said the sex abuse crisis is, or should be, forcing the Church to change the way it communicates.

“Church leaders have become increasingly aware that most of their flock gets its news about its own Church from the secular media and that media is often an unreliable source,” he said.

He told the congress he hoped the experience would help Church leaders understand the value of the Catholic press and the fact that if they allow Catholic newspapers to be “transparent and honest, they will gain in credibility over the long haul.”

Amy Mitchell, vice director of the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism, presented statistics on the decline in U.S. secular newspaper subscriptions and their plummeting advertising revenues, as well as on the fact that people are increasingly “news grazers,” getting their news and information from an average of two to five media platforms each day.

In the new media environment, she said, “journalism is not a product, but a service” that gives people verified information.

By serving as a credible eyewitness and pulling together information from reliable sources, she said, journalists help people make sense of the news and empower them to act.

Even as outlets offering free information mushroom, the Church — like society in general — needs trained journalists able to present

accurate news and ask the right questions to help people understand what is going on around them, she told Catholic News Service.

Although the world of journalism has changed enormously over the past 20 years, “the principles of journalism haven’t changed. The ideas of verification, authentication, of being transparent with your readers or listeners about the information you know, the information you don’t know, about where you’re coming from, the influences you have — all of those remain constant,” she said.

“Covering important events from the perspective of a Catholic point of view still involves solid reporting,” she said, and Pew surveys have shown that people “really do understand the differences” between the various outlets they access for information. They go to different places for analysis and “sense-making,” than for quick takes or entertaining debate, she said.

Michael Pruller, vice director of the Die Presse newspaper company in Austria, was a bit more optimistic about the future of printed news because, he said, “to have something printed in black and white on paper still matters.”

While encouraging the Catholic press to look at new opportunities to create revenue with digital products, he said it would be stupid to kill off a Catholic paper “just because you are afraid it’s dying.”

Although newspapers are making less of a profit than they were 10 years ago, “it’s still easier to make money in print than online,” he said.

Pruller told the journalists one thing they still have going for them is “the irresistible force of curiosity,” which makes people wonder what is in each issue delivered to their home. “Your job is to make your customers curious about what is in each issue,” he said.

October 15, 2010

The International Church

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Evangelization is not a competition with other religions, pope says

a show of support — Participants pray during the opening Mass of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican October 10. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

At synod Mass, pope urges new pastoral energy for Middle East Churches

By John Thavis Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI opened the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East with a strong call to support the minority Christian population in the region, and said peace and protection of human rights were essential conditions for the Church’s survival there.

Celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica October 10 with more than 250 synod participants, the pope said the Middle East has a unique place in salvation history as the “cradle” of the Church’s worldwide evangelizing mission.

The synod’s primary goal, he said, was to renew the pastoral energy of Middle Eastern Church communities and strengthen their faith identity, so that they can continue to witness the Gospel to all peoples. That task, he added, goes hand in hand with the Church’s dialogue with Muslims and Jews.

The Mass featured liturgical elements from many of the Catholic rites of the Middle East, as well as prayers in Latin. It began with a long procession of 177 synod fathers, many of whom wore the distinctive vestments and headgear of their Eastern rites.

Prayers of the faithful were recited in English, Arabic, Turkish, Hebrew and Farsi, invoking the need for peace, the promotion of tolerance and the Christian duty to evangelize through example. The eucharistic liturgy featured a hymn in Arabic and Syriac, sung by an inter-ritual choir of Eastern pontifical colleges in Rome.

The pope was joined at the altar by several chief concelebrants, including two honorary president

delegates of the synod: the Lebanon-based Maronite patriarch, Cardinal Nasrallah P. Sfeir, and the Chaldean patriarch, Cardinal Emmanuel-Karim Delly of Baghdad.

In his opening remarks, Pope Benedict said the Mass would help them all spiritually prepare for “these days of intense work.” The 83-year-old pope was to preside over most of the twice-daily sessions of the synod assembly, which was to conclude October 24.

In his homily, the pope emphasized the synod’s theme of unity in a land where the Church has a rich variety of liturgical, spiritual, cultural and disciplinary traditions.

Without Church unity, there can be no real witnessing of the faith, he said.

The pope encouraged the Middle East Church leaders to rise above their present difficulties with the same spirit of Pentecost that moved the early Church.

“The first Christians in Jerusalem were few. No one could have imagined what happened afterward. And the Church still lives with that same energy that made the early Church arise and grow,” he said.

The synod’s role, he said, was to renew that sense of “permanent dynamism” among Catholic communities of the Middle East.

In that sense, he said, the synod was primarily pastoral, although it could not ignore the often dramatic social and political situations in which Christians live.

The pope said that in order to effectively witness their faith, the Church’s members need to strengthen their Christian identity through the word of God and the sacraments. Such witness is also a fundamental human right, and requires conditions of peace and jus-

tice — a responsibility that implicates the international community as well as the majority religions of the region, he said.

The pope said the synod would promote ecumenism as well as interfaith dialogue. Jewish and Muslim representatives were scheduled to address the synod, and leaders of other Christian churches were also invited.

“This event is favorable for continuing constructive dialogue with Jews, with whom we are tied in a permanent way by the long history of the covenant, as well as with Muslims,” he said.

The pope pledged that the Catholic communities in the region would continue to contribute much to their societies, not only in works of social promotion like schools and hospitals, but also by practicing the Gospel values of forgiveness and reconciliation.

In keeping up this social presence, he added, the Christians of the Middle East must rely on support from Catholic communities around the world, many of which also sent representatives to the synod.

After the Mass, addressing pilgrims who packed St. Peter’s Square below his apartment window, the pope asked for prayers for the success of the synod. He said the Church in the Middle East has been afflicted by the “deep divisions and age-old conflicts” of the region, but today is called to be an instrument of reconciliation, on the model of the first Christian community of Jerusalem.

Noting that October is the month of the rosary, which he called a “biblical prayer,” the pope entrusted the synod to Mary’s intercession.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Catholics pursue their missionary duty, they must understand the Church is not in competition with other religious groups or ideologies trying to win over believers but is working to make the Gospel accessible to everyone, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Evangelization is not an attack on religious freedom because it fully respects the freedom to believe and does not impose anything on another person’s conscience, he said.

The pope made his remarks October 4 as he met with bishops from the heart of Brazil’s Amazon region, an area that covers about 770,000 square miles.

The pope noted the difficulty of evangelizing such vast and at times inaccessible areas.

“Sometimes we find this objection: to impose a truth, even if it is the truth of the Gospel, to impose a way, even if it’s the way to salvation, can be nothing but an assault on religious liberty,” the pope said.

To answer that objection, the pope quoted Pope Paul VI’s 1974 apostolic exhortation on evangelization, “Evangelii Nuntianti,” which stated: “It would certainly be an error to impose something on the consciences of our brethren.

But to propose to their con-

sciences the truth of the Gospel and salvation in Jesus Christ, with complete clarity and with a total respect for the free options which it presents — without coercion, or dishonorable or unworthy pressure — far from being an attack on religious liberty is fully to respect that liberty.”

As all baptized Catholics have the duty to pursue the Church’s missionary and evangelical activities, they must not develop a superficial concept of mission, Pope Benedict said.

Mission “cannot be limited to a simple search for new techniques and ways to make the Church more attractive and capable of winning the competition” against other religious groups or relativistic ideologies, he said.

The Church does not operate or work for itself, he said. The Church is at the complete service of Christ and “exists so the good news may be made accessible to all people,” he said.

Weakened missionary zeal is not the result of limitations or lack of resources; it is caused by neglecting the fact that mission must be nourished and strengthened with the Eucharist, he said.

If missionary activity is to be effective, it must begin and end with the Eucharist, he added.

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The Church in the U.S. Panel discusses ways to help pregnant couples facing dire prenatal diagnoses

WASHINGTON (CNS) — When parents receive a prenatal diagnosis that their unborn child has a disability or a potentially lethal illness, they need the support of the Church and the community more than ever, said a panel of medical and pastoral experts and several parents who have experienced that sad scenario.

“Parents feel harassed and judged if they even consider bringing into the world a child” with a prenatal diagnosis of a disability or a lethal or even nonlethal condition, said Dr. John Bruchalski, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Tepeyac Family Care Center in Fairfax, Va. The pressure to abort such a child is strong and often couched in euphemisms such as “early induction” and “merciful choice,” Bruchalski said. As a result, up to 90 percent of children diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted. But he said screening tests for Down syndrome deliver “false positives” seven percent to 10 percent of the time.

The diagnosis of an illness or disability often comes unexpectedly after an ultrasound, on a day when parents “hope to come home with a cute ultrasound picture for the refrigerator,” said Monica Rafie of Chicago.

Rafie had what she calls her own “D-Day” in 2001, when a doctor told her the child she was carrying was “incompatible with life.”

“The defining moment of

your pregnancy is no longer the delivery date, but the diagnosis date,” Rafie said. “And from that day on, the pregnancy does begin to feel more like a battle than something wonderful.”

Rafie and her husband resisted pressures to abort their child diagnosed with complex heart problems. Although she required several surgeries in the first months of her life, their daughter Celine is now eight and in the third grade.

In 2002, Rafie and other parents and professionals founded BeNotAfraid.net, a resource designed to offer hope and information to others facing a poor prenatal diagnosis. Although the outreach is guided by Catholic principles on decisions related to life and death, it is available to anyone who needs support.

Capuchin Father Dan Mindling, a theologian and academic dean at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., said it is important for everyone affected by a situation involving a poor prenatal diagnosis to remember that “the child is alive now, the parents have a relationship with the child now.”

“Their very seriously ill child is both their child and a child of God right now,” he added.

“Every moment should become precious.”

Nancy Mayer-Whittington, who lives in the Archdiocese of Washington, said she learned from her daughter Angela that “life can be lived fully and completely in nine months and 10

minutes.”

Angela was diagnosed in utero with trisomy 18, a genetic defect that is usually fatal. She died 10 minutes after her birth in 1994.

“I was scared that I would never be the same, that I would never recover,” said MayerWhittington of her decision to continue the pregnancy after the diagnosis. And that turned out to be true, because Angela “opened my life in ways I had never imagined,” she said.

Mayer-Whittington and Cubby LaHood, whose son Francis died shortly after birth, founded Isaiah’s Promise nearly two decades ago to help women continue their pregnancies after receiving a poor prenatal diagnosis.

“We hold their hands as they walk the path of a pregnancy that is not as they envisioned,” Mayer-Whittington said.

Tracy Winsor, a North Carolina perinatal loss peer counselor, co-founded the BeNotAfraid Ministry of Charlotte in 2008 with Sandy Buck, whose son Casey was diagnosed with trisomy 18 during her pregnancy.

Winsor said the free services — primarily offered by volunteers — are “a ministry of presence” that can help parents “move past the diagnosis.”

She recalled the comments of a Charlotte nurse who witnessed the help given to one mother. “I didn’t realize you were a regular service,” she said. “I just thought those parents had the best friends in the world.”

The panel discussion with Bruchalski, Father Mindling, Winsor and Rafie was part of an Internet seminar organized by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. Held before an audience at The Catholic University of America in Washington, the seminar also had online participants in 258 sites around the country.

The seminar was followed at Catholic University by another panel discussion with LaHood and her husband, Dan; MayerWhittington; Theresa Bonopartis, whose New York-based organization, Lumina: Hope and Healing After Abortion, offers retreats for women or couples who regret an abortion following a prenatal diagnosis; and Msgr. Charles E. Pope, pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian Parish in Washington.

The second discussion was designed to move forward local plans for a Catholic pastoral response to unexpected prenatal diagnosis.

October 15, 2010

stark reminder — Ann Rangel, a parishioner of St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, walks through rows of crosses near Governors Highway in Matteson, Ill., recently. Members of the parish Pro-Life committee set up the crosses to represent aborted babies. October is Respect Life Month, an observance set by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to call attention to threats to human life.

(CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World)

Same-sex attraction doesn’t justify redefining marriage, bishops explain

St. Paul, Minn. (CNA) — The Catholic bishops of Minnesota have issued a brief statement on marriage, saying that having samesex attractions does not deprive anyone of basic human rights but also does not create the right to “marry” someone of the same sex.

A constitutional amendment clearly defining marriage as a union of one man and one woman would be one practical measure, but redefining marriage and legitimizing same-sex unions would work against the “socially vital goal” to support marriage between one man and one woman, the bishops said.

Their catechesis also countered the claim that maintaining the definition of marriage as a manwoman union is discriminatory against homosexuals.

“Persons with same-sex attractions are our sisters and brothers, and their same-sex attraction does not define them as persons nor deprive them of their authentic human rights, including the most fundamental rights of all — the right to life and the right to love,” the bishops said. “Consequently, we oppose any discrimination against persons based on their having a same-sex attraction.”

However, meeting “authentic human needs” does not require changing the legal definition of marriage or creating a marriagelike status for those with same-sex attractions.

“As pastoral leaders within the state of Minnesota, we believe that efforts to bestow legal recognition on same-sex unions are mistaken,” they continued, saying it is “erroneous” to think that a “committed homosexual relationship” is a human right and can be legitimately defined as a marriage.

“The specific privileges granted to married persons by the state are not granted for the personal advantage of spouses but to advance the common good,” they wrote.

While protecting people from discrimination advances the common good, not recognizing a same-sex union as a marriage is not discrimination “because it does not deny a

basic human right.”

The “natural right to love another and to marry” is limited significantly by the nature of the human person and the nature of the institution of marriage, the prelates explained.

In their catechesis Minnesota’s Catholic bishops also discussed Catholic teaching on marriage.

“Based on God’s Word given in divine revelation, we believe that marriage creates a sacred bond between spouses. We hold this to be true not only for ourselves, but for all humanity,” they stated.

The bishops said that God willed marriage to mirror his love for the human family, underlining that Jesus raised marriage to “the dignity of a sacrament” and made it a sign of his sacrificial love revealed on the cross.

“Marriage is a constant reminder of God’s love for the human race, as well as a reflection of the permanent, faithful, and fruitful bond of love between Christ and the Church,” their statement continued, citing the Manhattan Declaration as an indication that this perspective is shared by nonCatholic Christians and others.

Noting the “universally recognized” importance of stable marriages for the education and formation of children and the “obvious and intimate connection between the conjugal act and conception,” the bishops said that marriage is a public matter that is part of the common good.

“Both faith and reason agree, then, that marriage is an institution central to the life of human society,” they continued. “The committed relationship between one man and one woman calls forth the best of the spouses, not only for their own sake, but also for the well-being of their children and for the advancement of the common good. It is neither possible for us to change the definition of marriage nor wise to attempt to do so.”

For further reading, the bishops recommended the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website www. usccb.org/defenseofmarriage.

The Church in the U.S. Fiscal questions dominate in otherwise quiet year for referendums

October 15, 2010

WASHINGTON (CNS) ­ — The hot-button issues of abortion, same-sex marriage and assisted suicide are mostly absent from the state ballot questions facing voters November 2, but Catholic leaders are speaking out on a variety of fiscal issues in a time of economic stress.

Bishops in Arizona, Colorado and Massachusetts, among others, are working to ensure that budget problems in their states are not solved at the expense of the poor and vulnerable.

“The current economic crisis affirms the connection between lack of affordable housing and the experience of personal hardship in so many other areas of life,” said the four bishops who head Massachusetts dioceses in a statement urging a “no” vote on a proposal that would repeal the state’s affordable housing law known as Chapter 40B. “The commonwealth has developed policies such as Chapter 40B to build a better housing system,” they added.

“Repealing Chapter 40B would result in the loss of a valuable tool that has prompted many cities and towns to build homes for those otherwise unable to secure adequate housing.”

In all, 155 ballot propositions will come before voters in 35 states in November. Another 24 ballot questions in 10 states were already settled in elections earlier this year.

The Arizona bishops have spoken out against an initiative that would transfer the balance in a state child development

fund into the state’s general programs, education and health of fertilization. A similar profund. care programs,” the conference posal failed in 2008, when the “Arizona’s voters were right said, while two others would Catholic Church also remained in 2006 when they set aside a “impact funding for public ed- neutral, with only 23 percent of new tobacco tax funding stream ucation and local services” by the voters supporting it. to care for our youngest chil- changing property tax laws.

In a letter to pastors, the dren,” the heads of the state’s “These three ballot initia- state’s bishops said they bethree dioceses said. “This spe- tives do not reflect just or fair lieved the “personhood amendcial funding should not be policies; children, the elderly ment” strategy would not “prodiscontinued, nor should our and the most vulnerable in our vide a realistic opportunity for children’s potential be compro- communities would bear the reversing” Roe v. Wade, the mised.” greatest impact of severely re- 1973 U.S. Supreme Court deThe bishops of Washington duced state revenues and the cision legalizing abortion, and state offered guidance to voters drastic restriction of the ability would “divert valuable resourcon five budget-related initia- of local governments to meet es away from other more contives on the November ballot people’s needs,” it added. structive efforts in defense of but did not offer spehuman life such as enThe current economic crisis af- acting a fetal homicide cific recommendations on how Catholic firms the connection between lack law or an ultrasound should vote. Three of of affordable housing and the experience and informed consent the measures would law.” affect taxes, while of personal hardship in so many other The only other two others would areas of life,” said the four bishops who abortion-related quesclose state-run liquor head Massachusetts dioceses in a state- tion on the ballot in stores, a source of ment urging a “no” vote on a proposal 2010 was a proposal revenue for the state. in Alaska to require “The factors which that would repeal the state’s affordable parental notification have given rise to the housing law known as Chapter 40B. before a minor’s aborproposed modification. Voters approved tions and reforms of it August 24 by a 56 the current tax structure cannot The Colorado bishops also percent to 44 percent margin. be ignored,” the bishops said. are opposing a proposed conUnlike earlier years when “Yet the challenges before us stitutional amendment that many states put proposals to are about more than economics. would change how bingo and ban or permit same-sex marThere is also an important mor- raffle laws are administered in riages before voters, the only al component to them, which the state, making it “harder for ballot question this year touchnow more than ever cannot be non-profits in Colorado to raise ing on same-sex marriage is in overlooked.” charitable funds.”

Iowa, where voters will decide The Colorado Catholic ConBut the state’s bishops have whether to convene a constituference, public policy arm of remained neutral on five other tional convention. the state’s three Catholic dio- Colorado ballot questions, inUrging voters to ask canceses, is urging “no” votes on cluding the only abortion-relat- didates where they stand on three fiscal proposals on the ed question on any state’s bal- amending Iowa’s constitution ballot. One would “reduce lot November 2 — a proposed “to recognize marriage only funding for state government amendment that would define as a union of one man and one by 25 percent, causing huge a “person” under state law as a woman,” a brochure distributed cuts to state human services human being from the moment by the Iowa Catholic Confer-

“

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ence says, “The way to do this is by convening a constitutional convention. ... A ‘yes’ vote on this measure will allow Catholics and others to work for a marriage amendment to the Iowa Constitution.”

Voters in Michigan also must decide on whether to convene a constitutional amendment, but there the state’s bishops are urging rejection of the proposal, primarily for fiscal reasons.

“The near $50 million cost of the convention would only present additional hardships for a state budget that is already in dire straits,” the Michigan Catholic Conference said.

“State programs that provide necessary aid to the most vulnerable and destitute among us have experienced painful budget cuts in recent years, and any additional funding cuts would only further harm the health and safety of the state’s poor population that has suffered greatly throughout this decade’s recession.”

The bishops also acknowledged that a constitutional convention could be used “to eliminate Michigan’s marriage protection amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman.” That amendment was approved by voters in 2004.

The issue of physician-assisted suicide is not on the ballot in any state in 2010. It was approved by voters in Oregon in 1997 and in Washington state in 2008, and is permitted in Montana by a 2009 court decision.

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The Anchor An ignoble prize for medicine

In 1949, an enormous controversy was ignited when the Nobel Foundation awarded its Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Dr. Antonio Egas Moniz for developing the technique of prefrontal leucotomy, popularly known as a lobotomy. Many in the medical community protested.

Large newspapers decried the award. The complaint was not that Dr. Moniz’s medical research and the surgical technique that developed from it were not up to high scientific standards. The criticism was that the award was given despite the ethical problems associated with lobotomies. The Nobel Foundation’s decision gave prestige to a medical practice that many doctors and others said violated the human dignity of the often-involuntary recipients, severing the brain connections in those with behavioral or psychological problems, not to resolve the problems but to incapacitate those who had them to benefit interested third parties.

The Nobel Foundation seemed to learn some lessons from the controversy and in the ensuing 60 years has awarded its medical prize to scientists and doctors whose discoveries had no inherent ethical problems associated with them. That was until this year, when the foundation awarded its 2010 prize to Professor Robert Edwards for the development of in-vitro fertilization (IVF). As with Dr. Moniz before him, no one disputes Professor Edward’s scientific credentials or the validity of his conclusions with regard to the processes of human reproduction. The problem is ethical, about how in-vitro fertilization violates the dignity of parents, children conceived through the process, and others.

The Nobel Foundation totally ignored any and all ethical concerns in its statement announcing the prize. It stated that it was awarding the prize to Professor Edwards because “his achievements have made it possible to treat infertility, a medical condition afflicting a large portion of humanity including more than 10 percent of couples worldwide.” That, already, was less than truthful. IVF does not “treat infertility,” in terms of providing a therapy to infertile couples that medically addresses the underlying issues as to why the couple cannot conceive naturally. IVF totally bypasses not only those basic problems of a couple’s infertility but also bypasses the human reproduction. It also must be stated that IVF is used not merely by couples struggling to overcome infertility problems. It’s chosen by fertile couples who want to select the sex of their child. It’s used by single, fertile women who prefer to conceive children without any relationship whatsoever with their child’s genetic dad or who hope to select certain genetic traits in a child from a list of anonymous sperm donors. It’s used by post-menopausal women as old as 67 who want to bear a child again. It’s chosen by gay or lesbian couples whose infertility problems have a rather obvious scientific basis. It’s used by women like Nadya Suleman, the unemployed, unmarried, infamous Octomom who last year gave birth to eight more children by IVF to add to the six she had previously so conceived. Not only does IVF fail to treat infertility directly but it opens wide the path to all of these ethical issues and abuses.

But IVF’s ethical problems do not stop there. As is well-documented, IVF practitioners normally produce multiple “spare embryos” — often up to eight at a time — so that men and women do not have to undergo again the debasing process of masturbation and egg extraction if the practice fails (which occurs two-thirds of the time). Several embryos are implanted in the womb, often leading to the “reductive” abortion of one or more if more than the desired amount begin to grow; other embryos — their fraternal twins — are discarded or destroyed, especially if they’re found to have any genetic disorders or to be of the “wrong” sex; others are deep frozen for future use if necessary, treating spare children like spare tires, capable of being stored in case they’re needed later.

There’s also the problem of egg extraction. Without human ova, IVF cannot happen. Multiple eggs are needed for every cycle. Sometimes the women seeking IVF will use their own eggs and go through the very painful process of superovulation, with its side-effects of soreness, breast tenderness, mood swings, headaches and mild fluid retention; on occasion the women will develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which causes blood clots, excruciating abdominal pain, kidney failure, loss of ovaries and sometimes even death. In order to avoid these problems or because they are incapable of producing healthy eggs, have genetic conditions, sexually-transmitted diseases or polycystic ovary syndrome, many women choose to use other women’s eggs, as men who wish to have a child with their own genes but who don’t want to have a relationship with a mother need to do. A whole industry has therefore developed that pays young, healthy, college-aged women up to $50,000 to undergo these side-effects and health risks to produce cartons of eggs. “Eggsploitation,” a new documentary by Jennifer Lahl of the Center for Bioethics and Culture Network, sheds light on this dark side of the mostly unregulated fertility industry and the young women who are victimized by it.

There’s also the huge ethical problem of paternal identity, which is relevant not only to children conceived through anonymous sperm donors but also, to some degree, a concern to all those conceived through IVF; there have been multiple instances of egomaniacal IVF doctors, like Dr. Cecil Jacobsen of Virginia, who have substituted their sperm in place of the father’s and have sired scores of half-siblings through unsuspecting mothers. The reality is that once conception no longer occurs in the act of making love but in a manufactured mating of an extracted egg and washed sperm in a cell-culture dish, anything can happen. Many of the four million children conceived through IVF since 1978 are now coming of age and many of them wish to know the identify of their fathers, not merely for the sake of identifying genetic markers for medical problems, but also simply to know their origins. The Nobel Foundation, at the end of its “speed read” press release for Professor Edward’s award, tried to pretend that there’s something prestigious in being an IVF baby. “Thirty-two years after that first IVF birth,” it sordidly declared, “the four million ‘IVF babies’ worldwide now have a rather unusual boast: who else can say that the method of their conception was worthy of a Nobel Prize?” Most children would prefer to know that they were conceived in a human act of love and who their father is.

The Boston Globe, in an October 6 editorial, rejoiced in Professor Edward’s receiving the prize and expressed hope that IVF’s supposed vindication by the Nobel Foundation would harbinger a similar triumph of other immoral scientific techniques like embryonic stem-cell research that flow from IVF and cannot work without it. The Globe’s editors wrote that Professor Edward’s award is a “reminder that advances in human well-being can win nearly universal acceptance for procedures once considered highly controversial.” Only “the Roman Catholic Church still opposes” IVF, it sneered, while “other critics have been hushed in the face of millions of overjoyed parents. … Few would dare today to take on in-vitro fertilization, even though it [like embryonic stem-cell research] often results in embryos being destroyed.”

The Globe implied not only that right or wrong is determined by poll numbers — if most people have no major problems with IVF, then the teaching of the Catholic Church must be wrong — but that the checkmate of ethical criteria is the “face of millions of overjoyed parents.” If only enough people can be found to smile over still-yet-to-be-seen therapies from embryonic stem-cell research, the editorial suggests, then the problem of the destruction of human beings will be overcome there, too.

If facial expressions constitute the Globe’s most important ethical criteria, then honesty would require that editors also factor in the faces of Nadya Suleman and Dr. Jacobsen; the grimaces of exploited egg-donors and children looking for their fathers; and the silent screams of all the brothers and sisters of the four million IVF babies, who were either destroyed, discarded, or cryo-preserved.

These, too, are all IVF offspring.

The Church, whose moral principles in defense of human dignity, human life and human love cannot be changed or hushed by people’s facial expressions or the politically-charged decision of a Norwegian foundation, will continue to have courage to stand “alone” and point this out.

October 15, 2010

‘Lord, I am not worthy to receive you’ (part I)

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before receiving holy Communion. This ach year a number of my seminary was done in order to give Catholics an classmates and I get together for a opportunity to receive holy Communion week’s vacation. It is a time for us to relax more frequently, especially at later mornand enjoy each other’s company. Each ing Masses. year we choose a different location of the In 1964, Pope Paul VI announced that country to visit. This past summer we all gathered in Washington State. It wasn’t Ha- the eucharistic fast would be reduced to one hour before Communion for both waii, but it was good to be with my friends priests and the faithful. This obviously nonetheless! doesn’t apply to those with a medical situEach day we would celebrate the holy ation that could compromise their health Mass together in a room that we would convert into our temporary chapel. One of (Canon Law, 919). This means that those who need to take medicine (with water) the days we went to visit some of the local are not breaking the fast. churches in the city. During one of those Fasting is a practice that helps us to visits we walked into a church during the prepare for holy Communion by enkindistribution of holy Communion. As we quietly waited in the back of the church we dling within us a hunger for God and a thirst to be in communion with him. We all noticed the same thing. Being that all also fast before receiving holy Communion of us were priests and are usually distribas a way of reminding ourselves that we are uting holy Communion ourselves at this preparing to receive something sacred and point, this is not something that we would divine. normally observe.

The fast before Communion is done to What each of us witnessed was a rather begin preparing us at least an hour before significant irreverence on the part of those we receive our Lord. Certainly the moin line about to receive holy Communion. ments immediately before demand of us a Some were chatting with people along the greater preparation and reverence, not to way, waving and shaking hands. Others mention the were looking moment when around for we are blessed people they Putting Into to receive our knew. Some the Deep Lord in the were chewing Eucharist. gum. One was But all of our even sending a

By Father external postext message on Jay Mello tures and signs her cell phone. of reverence All of this going should be a reflection of our inner spiritual on while most of the congregation piously preparedness and reverence. approached the altar to receive CommuSadly, many come to receive him spiritunion. ally unprepared. This is indicated by the When we got back to the house, we all expressed to each other a common anguish fact that the lines for holy Communion about the present situation, presuming that are often very long, while the lines for confession are often very short. This is not this is not a situation that is unique to this one church in the northwestern part of the because Catholics have stopped sinning, but because many have lost the sense of the country. We asked ourselves how things incredible holiness of Jesus in the Eucharist. have gotten this bad. When did we forget In order to worthily receive him in holy that as we approach the altar, we should be preparing ourselves to receive the most sa- Communion, Catholics must first be in moral communion with Christ, (which cred and precious gift that God the Father is commonly referred to as the “state of has given us — the Body and Blood of his grace”) which is ruptured by mortal sin. only Son? When we have committed a grave sin, In contrast to this sort of irreverence such as missing a Sunday Mass or a holy that we have probably all experienced at day of obligation without valid reason, one point is an image that was printed in for example, we need to go to Jesus in the The Anchor’s wonderful first Communion sacrament of reconciliation (confession) supplement in May 2009. The cover of before coming to receive him in holy Comthat particular issue was a young man munion. with tongue outstretched, looking very Both of these practices — fasting before eager and excited as holy Communion receiving holy Communion and being free was placed on his tongue for the very first time. If only we could all be filled with such from any grave sin are sure ways to begin being spiritually prepared to worthily pious anticipation and amazement every receive Communion. Sadly, younger gentime we receive our Lord. erations are almost totally unaware of this Obviously, we can never judge how and some older generations have allowed prepared or focused one is to receive holy it to be forgotten. But let’s not be misCommunion internally from that person’s taken: it is the clear teaching and practice external disposition (nor should we ever of the Church, which wants us all to be being judging anyone’s heart or soul for well-prepared so that we might receive all that matter). We should, however, all be the graces and blessings that come from very focused and concerned as individuworthily receiving the sacraments. als in how we approach the altar to receive As we strive to grow in a greater love holy Communion. and devotion to our Lord in the EuchaOne of the essential elements of proper rist, let us remember and reflect upon the preparation for the reception of the Euwords that we pray immediately before charist is called the “Communion Fast.”

Communion — “Lord, I am not worthy to For many centuries the Church required a receive you, but only say the words and I strict fast from midnight before one could shall be healed.” receive holy Communion. In the 1950s Father Mello is a parochial vicar at St. Pope Pius XII introduced a much more Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth. moderate and relaxed practice of fasting

October 15, 2010

Q: What responsibility do parishioners have to attend Mass on Sundays instead of going to a lay presiders service when four Masses are available on weekends within a 10-minute car drive? — D.L., Yarmouth, Nova Scotia A: This theme is treated in Canons 1247 and 1248 in the Code of Canon Law. Canon 1247 states the obligation to assist at Mass on Sundays, while No. 1248 Subsection 2 says that if assistance at Mass is impossible due to the lack of a minister, or for some other grave cause, then it is recommended that the faithful assist at the Liturgy of the Word if this is celebrated in the parish church.

The sense of canon law is clear. Assistance at Mass is obligatory, except for a “grave cause.” The use of the expression “grave cause” indicates that the obligation is a very serious one. For obligations that admit more readily to exceptions, canon law usually uses expressions such as “a just cause.”

It is also important to point out that the Catholic’s obligation is to assist at Mass, not to “go to church.” According to the canonical and moral principle “ad impossibilia nemo tenetur” (nobody is obliged to do the impossible), when an objective impossibility exists, then the consequent obligation disappears. However, the Church recommends, but does not oblige, that Catho-

Communion service instead of Mass?

have to consider these factors. lics sanctify Sunday in some When Mass is easily available other way, such as assisting at a Communion service, follow- at nearby parishes, sometimes it might be best to have no ing a televised Mass, or prayCommunion service at all at ing at home. the local parish rather than Thus, when a parish offers risk disorienting the faithful a Communion service when as to the central importance of Mass is impossible, this is Sunday Mass. done in order to allow CathoA grave inconvenience of lics to follow the Church’s recommendation to sanctify Sunday in some other way. But it does not substitute the Sunday obligation, which in fact, no

By Father longer exists.

Edward McNamara An objective impossibility need not always be a dramatic situation. Examples of such a solution is that it could objective impossibility could be age, illness, the need to care deprive those least able to find alternative arrangements such for a sick relation, or seasonal as the poor, the sick and the variations that make leavelderly of the comfort of at ing home a hazardous task. least receiving Communion.

Catholics involved in necesThis grave inconvenience sary Sunday occupations such could, however, become an as police, medical personnel opportunity to exercise and and flight attendants are also develop charity on the parish exempt while on duty. level by inviting the faithful to It is not always easy to voluntarily share in transportjudge what is objective, as ing to Mass those in need. conditions vary from person Should this not be possible, to person. However, Cathoand a significant number of lics should not be too light people would be deprived of in assessing their difficulties and should be willing to make Communion, then it is probably best to hold the Commureasonable sacrifices in order nion service. But the faithful to assist at Mass. should be informed that this So, if a Catholic can easily service is provided for those assist at Mass in another parish without any great inconve- who have no alternatives, and that those who are able should nience, then in conscience he assist at the nearest Mass. or she is obliged to do so.

Of course, a Catholic who Bishops and pastors also

Liturgical Q&A

Joint Catholic-Anglican vespers at Stonehill College

By Seminarian Christopher Peschel

NORTH EASTON — On September 26, Catholics and Anglicans from across Eastern Massachusetts gathered in St. Mary’s Chapel at Stonehill College for an ecumenical vespers service.

The occasion of the service was the feast of Our Lady of Walshingham, a 12th-century Marian apparition in England recognized by Catholics and Anglicans.

The event was attended by approximately 70 people and appeared to be successful on all accounts.

Representing the Anglicans was Bishop Brian Marsh of the Anglican diocese of the Northeast. Bishop Marsh preached at the event and reminded all in attendance that Our Lady of Walshingham appeared for

7

The Anchor

all not just a particular ground; indeed, he said, she stands as a point of real unity between the Catholic and Anglican churches.

Presiding over the service was Father Richard Bradford, a Catholic priest who was a former member of the Anglican clergy. Father Bradford is the current chaplain of the Anglican-Use Catholic Congregation of St. Athanasius, which worships in Brookline.

The ecumenical dimension of such an event was noteworthy. Catholics and Anglicans both, could not help but notice that there were more similarities than differences between the way Catholics and Anglicans celebrate an evening-prayer service. The psalms were sung and there were several readings from Scripture. It was mutually

edifying to see the pride of place given to the Mother of God, not only in the preaching, but also in the observance of the Marian feast.

Pope Benedict’s recent document Anglicanorum Coetibus was not mentioned in Bishop Marsh’s sermon or raised in the discussions at the reception following the event. There was also no explicit discussion about the recently-beatified John Henry Cardinal Newman, who was a former Anglican who became a Catholic priest, cardinal, and is now on a path towards canonization.

The event succeeded in gathering people of differing faiths together in communal prayer.

Most in attendance seemed open to dialogue and a real desire for unity between the Catholics and Anglicans.

has even an inkling of the full meaning of the Mass would never voluntarily settle for a Communion service.

A priest from Minnesota asked about the “scheduling of Communion services every week on a weekday when the priest is unavailable for Mass.”

If daily Mass is not feasible (for example, if the priest has already celebrated the usual canonical limit of two daily Masses), there may be good reasons for the priest to preside over a weekday Communion service such as fomenting a regular pastoral contact with the faithful.

In recent discussions, the U.S. bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy considered several principles regarding the issue of daily administration of Communion in a Church or oratory. Among the recommendations made to bishops to guide them in their development of their own diocesan norms were the following published on their website: — Whenever possible Mass should be celebrated daily in every parish.

— Whenever the Rite for Distributing Holy Communion Outside Mass with a Celebration of the Word is scheduled on a weekday, every effort must be undertaken to avoid any confusion between this celebration and the Mass.

Indeed, such celebrations

should encourage the faithful to be present at and to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist.

— Whenever possible, the Mass schedule of nearby parishes should be available to parishioners. If a nearby parish is celebrating Mass on a given weekday, serious consideration should be given to encouraging people to participate in that Mass rather than the parish scheduling a Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of holy Communion.

— When daily Mass is scheduled in a parish, it is usually not appropriate to schedule a Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Holy Communion. This rite is designed for “those who are prevented from being present at the community’s celebration.” When necessary, the scheduling of these celebrations should never detract from “the celebration of the Eucharist [as] the center of the entire Christian life.” Such celebrations should never be seen as an equal choice with participation at Mass.

Father Edward McNamara is a Legionary of Christ and professor of Liturgy at Regina Apostolorum University in Rome. His column appears weekly at zenit.org.

To submit questions, email liturgy@zenit.org. Please put the word “Liturgy” in the subject field. The text should include your initials, your city and state.

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October 15, 2010

The Anchor

Don’t quit now

hether you’re watching many times. The advertising guget rid of this woman, so he happens when we become faithsome tough questions: TV, listening to the rarus know that if we keep seeing finally gives her what is rightful in prayer.

Are we persistent in prayer? dio, or reading the newspaper or and hearing about their products fully hers. Although her situation First of all, we build a closer Do we make sure that we find a magazine, things that you will over and over again, we are more at the time appears hopeless, she relationship with God. Commutime each day to be in communidefinitely experience are comlikely, at some time, to buy these never gives up. Jesus is telling nication does that in all relationcation with God? mercials and advertising, and it’s products or, at the very least, to us that with God, our situation ships and most importantly in Do we bring him all of our amazing how often commercials remember them. Advertising is (whatever it may be) is never our relationship with the Lord. requests and expect him to be repeat themselves. persistent and relentless. The rule hopeless. In our faith life, Jesus Secondly, by coming closer a candy dispenser and give us There are some commeris to repeat, repeat, and to God, we begin to everything we ask for, or can we cials that I remember, and I’m repeat. change. We begin to trust him to do what is best in for Homily of the Week sure you do too, from decades Jesus today is talktrust God more, we us the long run. It’s hard to trust ago. Remember Speedy Alkaing to us about persisbegin to rely on him and hard to be persistent, but it is Twenty-ninth Sunday Seltzer, Little Miss Sunbeam? tence, about sticking to more, and we receive the what God calls us to do. in Ordinary Time How about the jingle, “You’ll something over and over strength to live through Advertisements and commerwonder where the yellow went, again. In this case we see whatever may come cials cause us to think about and

By Deacon Robert when you brush your teeth with a widow who constantly our way. That is the true remember certain things. Maybe G.L. Normandin Pepsodent!” Who can forget the nags a judge until he miracle of prayer. that same approach can help us Ty-D-Bowl man in the little boat finally gives in. RememWhen we get past our with our prayer life. A catchy who spends his entire life in your ber that in Jesus’ time, thinking of God only in little jingle or slogan taped to a toilet, or Dinah Shore singing, women had no rights of their is teaching us something very what we can get out of him, we bathroom mirror or refrigerator “See the USA in your Chevroown, their rights came through specific: We should be just as find that so much good comes may help us to remember and let.” their husbands. So if a widow persistent in prayer as was the freely to us in so many differthink about God. Some of the newer comhad no family to take care of widow. ent ways. God wants us to be Something like “Got God?” mercials have found a place in her, she was completely alone Too many times we treat God happy, he wants to be close to us; might be good, or maybe our minds also. The words and and had no claim to any money like a Pez dispenser. When we that’s why we have Jesus in the “Prayer, so easy, anybody can do images stay with us, such as or property left by her husband. don’t get what we want when we Eucharist. And if I can borrow it,” or be creative and write your “Can you hear me now?,” or the So in this impossible situation, want it, we give up. We assume another advertising slogan, God own. gecko that sells car insurance. the widow uses the only means that God can’t be bothered, or wants us to “be all that we can Then if someone does ask How about our new awareness available to her, persistence. that he really doesn’t answer all be.” Unlike the corrupt judge, he about your prayer life, or the of cavemen and the slogan, “So Believing that the squeaky wheel prayers. Nothing, however, could does care about us and he never love of God, you can say, “It just simple, even a caveman can do gets the grease, she comes to be further from the truth. Jesus gives up on us, we can be sure keeps on going, and going, and it.” And of course the immortal, the “courthouse” everyday and wants us to come to prayer with of that. What we need to learn is going....”

“Where’s the beef?” makes a scene. And for the sake all of our needs and all of our never to give up on God. Deacon Normandin serves We remember these things of his own peace of mind, this problems, and even with all of Jesus challenges us to look at at St. Louis de France Parish in because we see and hear them so judge realizes that he needs to our wants, because something our prayer life, and ask ourselves Swansea.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Oct. 16, Eph 1:15-23; Ps 8:2-3b,4-7; Lk 12:8-12. Sun. Oct. 17, Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Ex 17:8-13; Ps 121:1-8; 2 Tm 3:14-4:2; Lk 18:1-8. Mon. Oct. 18, 2 Tm 4:10-17b; Ps 145:10-13,17-18; Lk 10:1-9. Tues. Oct. 19, Eph 2:12-22 Ps 85:9-14; Lk 12:35-38. Wed. Oct. 20, Eph 3:2-12; (Ps) Is 12:2-3,4b-6; Lk 12:39-48.

Thur. Oct. 21, Eph 14-21 Ps 33:1-2,4-5,11-12,18-19; Lk 12:49-53. Fri. Oct. 22, Eph 4:1-6; Ps 24:1-4b,5-6; Lk 12:54-59.

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wo postcard portraits of the recently-beatified John Henry Newman have graced my office for years. One is a miniature painted by Sir William Charles Ross in 1845, the year of Newman’s reception into the Catholic Church. The second,

by Emmeline Dean, gives us the aged cardinal, a year before his death in 1890, in cardinalatial house cassock and walking stick.

Between those two portraits lies a spiritual and intellectual pilgrimage within Catholicism

Newman’s faith

progressive Catholics would try that, combined with Newman’s to claim Newman as a patronpre-Catholic journey from evangelicalism to highchurch Anglicanism and the Oxford Movement, remains one of the most compelling such tales of modern times — a path the Church has now officially recognized one

By George Weigel marled by heroic virtue, miraculously attested.

The times being what they are, it was inevitable that gay saint of gayness, citing letters he exchanged with his longtime activists and their allies among friend Ambrose St. John, with whom he asked to be buried. As the pre-eminent Newman biographer, Father Ian Ker, pointed out, however, suggestions that Newman and St. John were homosexually involved (even if in a non-carnal way) testify to the ignorance that our culture exhibits about deep friendships, especially deep male friendships. He might have added that letters between such friends written in a 19th century literary style ought not be scrutinized through the foggy lens of 21st century homoeroticism, which saturates everything from Abercrombie and Fitch ads to prime-time banter these days.

These crude efforts to recruit a holy man to a dubious cause are a distraction from measuring Newman’s greatness as a thinker, writer, and preacher — a man who anticipated the Second Vatican Council in his own navi-

The Catholic Difference

gations through the whitewater of Catholicism’s encounter with intellectual modernity.

Newman was also ecumenically prescient, if not in precisely the way that some ecumenists would celebrate. He left the Church of England for Rome when he could no longer accept Anglicanism’s claims to be apostolically grounded. And as the recent travails of the Anglican Communion have demonstrated, Newman was right, if ahead of his time, in recognizing that Christian communities untethered from apostolic tradition inevitably end up inventing do-it-yourself Christianity, taking their cues from the ambient culture of the day.

I once had the honor of spending time in Newman’s rooms at the Birmingham Oratory, which are much as the aged cardinal left them at his death in 1890. Over the altar, which occupies one side of the room, are tacked-up notes by which Cardinal Newman reminded himself of those for whom he had promised to pray. In the sitting room, a tattered newspaper map, also tacked to a wall, bears silent testimony to Newman’s interest in Kitchener’s efforts to lift the siege of Khartoum and rescue General Gordon from the Mahdi, a 19th century jihadist (Gordon died with Newman’s poem, “The

Dream of Gerontius,” in his pocket). Perhaps most touching are Newman’s Latin breviaries, which he began to use as an Anglican, causing much controversy about such popish practices.

It is as a man of faith that the Church beatified John Henry Newman, however: the kind of man of faith who could write the following (which I take from another prayer card I’ve had for years, given me

by Catholic Worker artist Ade Bethune): “God has created me to do him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. Therefore I will trust him, whatever I am.

He does nothing in vain. He knows what he is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me — still, he knows what he is about.”

Blessed John Henry Newman, pray for us and for the unity in truth of Christ’s Church.

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

October 15, 2010

Beyond the pail (sic)

The phrase “beyond the Sunday 10 October 2010 — at home in The Dightons — pale” was famously (but not “Vocation Awareness Sunday” exclusively) used in Ireland.

This was once explained to me hat could it possibly

by Father Timothy Joyce, a mean to be standing Benedictine monk at Glastonon the far side of a bucket?

“Beyond the pail (sic)” is an old phrase commonly misspelt. The correct word is not Reflections of a “pail” but “pale.” It’s no Parish Priest longer used in conversational English. Nor

By Father Tim does the word “pale,” in Goldrick this spelling, have anything to do with being a shade lighter in color.

The word is based on the Latin bury Abbey in Hingham, palus. A palus is a pole or stake retreat director and author of the book “Celtic Spirituality.” used to mark a boundary line.

According to Father Timothy, A pale separates “us” from the Pale was a particular des“them.”

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The Ship’s Log

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The Anchor ignated region. When the City of Dublin was occupied by British forces, the districts surrounding the city were settled with those sympathetic to the British Crown. The Pale served as a buffer zone. Those Irish unsympathetic to British rule lived “beyond the Pale.” There was even an attempt actually to construct a protective barrier. In the case of the Irish Pale, the barricade was never completed.

Fences do not always make good neighbors. Fences can make bitter enemies.

You will notice, dear readers, that there is not now nor has there ever been a pale sur-

Women of influence

ichelle Obama is be somewhat grateful — no the most powerful matter what they think of woman in the world, accordany particular member of ing to the annual survey unthe list. Moira Forbes spoke dertaken by Forbes magazine. about her choice of women, While I may not share many explaining, “They have built values with those chosen for companies and brands, the top 100 women, I find sometimes by non-traditional this fascinating on two levels. means and they have broken Ultimately, women should through gender barriers in take a moment to think about areas of commerce, politics, what the new methodology sports and media and culof the survey actually says, tural zeitgeist, and thereby especially considering the affecting the lives of millions, fundamental shift in its criteria.

Last year, the list was headed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and included a bevy of

By Genevieve Kineke corporate executives, political geniuses and media moguls. The previous sometimes billions of people.” method of ranking was obviAnd so they have. ously fed by the notion that While it may come as a “money is power,” and that shock to Forbes, who is vice financial structures, informapresident and publisher of tion outlets and government ForbesWoman, her comment posts are singular stepping hearkens back to the closstones because they provide ing documents of the Secaccess to vast sums of money ond Vatican Council, which — either their own or that stated, “The hour is coming, of shareholders and citizens. in fact has come, when the This is true enough, as far as vocation of woman is being it goes. achieved in its fullness, the But there is another way hour in which woman acof looking at power, and quires in the world an influthis includes the influence ence, an effect, and a power that comes with high profile never hitherto achieved. That women who use their creis why, at this moment, when ative talents in other ways, the human race is undergoapart from the political and ing so deep a transformation, industrial infrastructures.

That explains the inclusion of women impregnated with the spirit of the Gospel can do entertainers like Oprah Winmuch to aid mankind in not frey and Lady Gaga, who are falling.” household names because of And yet, here is where a their message as well as their Christian woman must part bank accounts. company with the movers For this, women should

The Feminine Genius

and shakers of this world, remembering the most powerful woman of all — the Blessed Mother. From the Annunciation to her quiet presence at Pentecost, her motherly receptivity of the plan of God gave inspiration, comfort and flesh to the life of untold millions of pilgrims over the millennia. Although humble in demeanor, quiet in action and without earthly treasure, her strength and faith allowed her to stand at the foot of the cross in the face of crushing derision and apparent defeat.

Considering that the Forbes list now gives voice to the creativity of women who work outside the normal structures of power, they are to be heartily commended — for finding creative ways to love and offer support has always been at the heart of the feminine vocation. And yet the notion that such resourceful paths need broad outlets and global recognition, our faith says no. Finite acts of quiet love, which are offered with sincerity of purpose and allied to the saving power of the cross, are the most meritorious of all. Every woman is capable of wielding this influence. No one need know the scope and personal cost of these gestures, for ultimately their value will only be truly recognized in heaven.

Mrs. Kineke is the author of “The Authentic Catholic Woman,” and editor of the Feminine Genius channel at catholicexchange.com.

rounding the City of Fall River.

What we call the Diocese of Fall River includes not only that city in which the diocesan ordinary has his ecclesiastical seat, but also all of Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands. We form one local Church. The word “church” is too often restricted to mean a parish, separate and distinct from the local or Diocesan Church. There are 90 parishes in the Diocesan Church of Fall River. The individual parishes and the diocese are mutually responsible to encourage and support each other. Sometimes this is not easy for parishioners (or even priests) to grasp: there is no “us” and “them.”

This principle applies also to the relationship between individual parish priests and the diocese. Diocesan priests are not self-employed subcontractors. We are responsible to the diocesan ordinary and the diocese is responsible for us. It is a symbiotic relationship. The diocese has the right to expect certain things of us priests and, conversely, we priests have the right to expect certain things of the diocese.

It is often (but not always) an unspoken agreement, an understanding.

Our ordaining bishop and his successors can expect (and is promised) our obedience and respect. We are expected to celebrate the sacraments of the Church worthily. We are expected to preach and teach orthodox Catholic doctrine.

We are expected to accept and fulfill, to the best of our ability, the responsibility of the pastoral care of souls to which we are assigned. We are, of course, expected to live ethically and morally in accordance with our state in life.

On the other hand, we in the ministerial priesthood also have expectations of the diocese, some based on human rights, some on Church Law, and some on the Lord’s law of charity. We can expect to share

in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ by sharing in the ministry of the diocesan bishop.

We can expect fraternal concern and encouragement from brother priests. We can expect spiritual, emotional, and physical solicitude from the diocese. We can expect to be treated in a professional manner, with all due respect.

We can expect adequate shelter and the food necessary for sustenance. We can expect continuing education and formation. We can expect care in times of sickness and distress, in retirement and in old age.

Here’s something to consider under the heading of vocation awareness. There are distinct differences between a diocesan priest and a religious order priest. One is the “chain of command.” As the diocesan priest is responsible to the local ordinary of the diocese, the religious order priest is responsible to the superiors of his particular community. Our charisms and lifestyles are different. For example, a diocesan priest, unlike a religious order priest, does not take a vow of poverty. A diocesan priest receives standardized remuneration from the parish or entity to which he is assigned. As a consequence, the diocesan priest (not the diocese) must provide his own car, clothing, books, personal items, and vacations; pay his own taxes; and, in the end, provide for his own burial.

The diocesan priesthood, in union with the diocesan ordinary, is one as a family is one.

There is really no “younger clergy,” nor is there an “older clergy.” There is no “conservative” and there is no “liberal.”

There is no “in” and there is no “out.” There is no “us” and there is no “them.” There is no demarcation stake separating one priest from another.

In Jesus Christ, no priest is “beyond the Pale.”

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

The Anchor

10

October 15, 2010

A woman of courage, not afraid to live the Gospel

By Rebecca Aubut Anchor Staff

ORLEANS — On October 30, Doris Toohill will receive the Pro-Life Community Award from Massachusetts Citizens for Life, an award in Toohill’s mind that will be a belated birthday gift; she will have celebrated her 77th birthday two days before the annual awards dinner.

“Doris is a courageous woman who is not afraid to speak her mind, and she backs up her beliefs and philosophies with action,” said Pat Stebbins, president of Cape Cod Family Lifeline, who has known Toohill for more than 12 years. “She is a wonderful friend and has a delightful sense of humor.”

Originally from New York, Toohill moved to the mid-west in 1973 to follow her husband as he was relocated by his employer, a life insurance company, to set up a new office. Pregnant with her eighth child during the move, Toohill is a walking symbol of the Pro-Life movement.

“I love to tell the story of when people would say to me, is this the change-of-life baby?” laughed Toohill. “And I’d say, that this is the baby that changed our lives.”

Living outside of Chicago, Toohill and her husband were active in their local parish, becoming extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and belonging to various organizations in the Church, including a group that wanted to establish a crisis pregnancy center.

“We’re Pro-Life and we had a Pro-Life pastor,” said Toohill. Using her husband’s knowledge of administration, they opened

the center in 1985. “He set it up as if he was setting up something for his management sessions. I did some training and became a counselor.”

In 1996, three years after her husband retired and with their youngest child newly married, Toohill said the couple was ready for a change. With their oldest son living in Massachusetts, they decided to relocate to Cape Cod. They purchased a home and moved in early December of that year.

In February of 1997, her husband had a fall, and three weeks later he passed Anchor person of away at Massa- Toohill. chusetts General Hospital.

Some of her children begged her to return to Illinois, but Toohill says she wanted to remain where her husband was buried.

Shortly after arriving on the Cape, the couple had joined St. Joan of Arc Parish of Orleans, and it was in there that Toohill found

much-needed solace.

“That was my saving factor,” she said, “that I had a wonderful community. I’m a daily Mass-goer.

I would sit in a certain spot and it just seemed the people that I sat around became my friends and support group.”

Toohill also channeled her energy into embracing a more active role in local Pro-Life activities, joining the Massachusetts Citizens for Life in Hyannis.

She also struck up a friendship with MCFL cochairman, Claire Twitchell, and both women set the week — Doris about bringing A Woman’s Concern chapter to the Cape.

Connecting with A Woman’s Concern founder John Ensor, Toohill and Twitchell began to look at properties, as well as ask Ensor for advice, and nine months later the Hyannis location opened its doors.

“It was slow in the beginning, we had to get known,” said Toohill. “Fortunately or unfortunately, however you look at it, we were located right next door to the abortion clinic. It was the only abortion clinic on the Cape.”

A Woman’s Concern offers an array of resources, said Toohill. From counseling to pregnancy tests, to baby showers, the program is run primarily by volunteers who offer no judgment, only support.

“There’s no limit to the kind of things we help them do,” said Toohill. “Say a need and we’re there for them. We become a support for them before, during or after — no matter what their decision. We’re only con-

cerned about their health, no one is turned away.”

Toohill’s passion for Pro-Life is evident, and her message is keenly felt by those around her.

“I know her mainly through the Right to Life committee of the parish, that’s the thing she is mostly and completely committed to,” said Father Robert Powell, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish. “I think the key thing is her commitment to respect life. That’s the thing with Doris, is her unshakable commitment to right for life.”

In 2007, the Hyannis abortion clinic closed when a woman died during the procedure. Toohill says that the group used that tragedy as a counseling tool for those thinking about abortion.

“Some people die, not everyone,” said Toohill, who stresses no one is being judged when coming in for services. “We treat our clients as if they were the only person walking through those doors. I would be a liar if I said I didn’t want to save babies. But primarily we want to serve and save women, that’s why we call ourselves A Woman’s Concern.”

As the grandmother of 19 prepares to accept her award later this month, she is excited for the opportunity to meet the speaker for the evening, Wanda Franz. Toohill has been a member of the National Rights to Life for years and is thrilled to have the chance to meet the head of that organization.

When asked how she feels about receiving the award, her response became more humble, and then her “delightful sense of humor” peeked out.

“I’m really honored. I’m just overwhelmed with the love and the support, not just from the pastor of our parish, but people all over the Cape. Because of this award, it makes you feel like a celebrity,” she said, laughing. “And I’m thinking, OK, am I going on an ego trip here? And I hope I’m not.

I don’t think I am. The thing is, it takes so many people to make things like this work.

I do one part; a lot of it is administrative, bringing things together. We’re in a war.”

To submit a Person of the Week nominee, send an email with information to fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org.

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October 15, 2010

O

ver nearly 32 years of marriage, Denise and I agree on many things, and disagree on many others. I’m not even going to hazard a guess which is in the lead, mainly because she’ll probably disagree with me. Read into that what you will.

I think one of the greatest disagreements we have is about the seasons of the year. Denise, without a doubt, is a spring/summer person.

I have nothing against summer, providing we have one — as we did this year. Last “summer” was muggy, wet, and downright miserable. I can do without spring.

In this neck of the woods, I find it cold, wet and windy.

My favorite seasons are autumn and winter. If Denise had her way, we’d live in a locale that had summer year-round. Me, I’d migrate north. Perhaps it’s the French-Canadian in me, yet Denise has that same blood coursing through her veins, so it’s hard to say.

My warm-blooded spouse loves going to the beach in summer— savoring the warmth, the sun, and the ocean. The key phrase here is in the summer.

Over the Columbus Day weekend, Emilie and I decided

11

The Anchor

No day at the beach

to head to Horseneck Beach in late morning —actually hearing Westport. She wanted to take the ocean’s roar instead of radios some photographs for a school and loud conversation. project, and I wanted to hit the beach when you can actually see the sand ... not thousands of blankets and coolers overwhelming the scenery.

Denise didn’t come

By Dave Jolivet along.

I found the stretch of ocean and sand facing the Atlantic Ocean to be extremely We decided Igor should share peaceful and soothing. in this adventure, and we made There were no crowds, and plans to take her the next day. even the seagulls were actually Iggy eagerly climbed into the searching for food the way they car, not knowing where she was were meant to; They weren’t feasting on French fries, sandwiches and potato chips. The gulls had slipped into their autumn/winter feeding mode.

Emilie wandered the shoreline trying to capture images photographed millions of times, but from different perspectives.

She was lying down inches from where the waves lapped on the shore, climbing dunes (where it was permissible), and attempting every weird angle possible. I thought for sure she’d be drenched for the ride home, but she managed to stay on the sandy side of the ocean — for the most part.

It was a great way to spend a

My View From the Stands

headed.

Denise didn’t come along.

When we got to the parking lot, Iggy could hardly contain herself. She practically yanked my arm out of my socket in her exuberance.

We made it to the sand and the sea, and Iggy slammed on her brakes.

Unlike me, she didn’t like the roar of the ocean.

Emilie and I tried to coax her to the shore, but she dug in and refused to budge. I carried her to the shore hoping she would see there was nothing to fear, but she headed landward quicker than a

tsunami.

So much for her day at the beach. It was more like 15 minutes. I wonder if the temperature had been in the 90s and the humidity was as high, if she would have resisted.

A pang of sadness overcame me, hoping my beloved pooch wasn’t a “summer person.” That would mean I’m out-numbered.

Then I remembered how much Iggy loves the snow, and a ray of optimism returned.

I’m not alone, and some people will just have to get used to the fact that my seasons are in full swing for the next six months.

12

The Anchor

October 15, 2010

Bishop celebrates wedding anniversary Mass Attleboro woman shares excitement of Frère André’s canonization

continued from page one has toward the other. A fullness of tender care which overflows into how we treat each other.”

He continued, “On top of compassion, he tells us, ‘put on kindness.’ When you are clothed with kindness, you will seek the other’s good as you deal with each other’s weaknesses. Kindness is a garment that brings about healing.”

Humility and gentleness are other items of clothing, additional virtues that will do a marriage good, said Bishop Coleman.

“Lack of humility leads to every kind of struggle. Humility recognizes the other’s equal status,” he said. “Gentleness is the garment of the God-controlled person. When you put on gentleness, the other can take off fearfulness and can put on trust.”

Patience is also a virtue, added Bishop Coleman, a sentiment echoed by Jacqueline Levesque of St. Bernard Parish in Assonet.

One of the 39 couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Levesque and her husband, Roger, said that patience is key to making a marriage last.

“Patience,” said Levesque, “patience is a virtue. Love is one thing, but patience and caring are what keeps you together.”

This is the second year that St. Julie Billiart has hosted the wedding anniversary Mass. Michelle Ducharme was instrumental in planning this year’s event for the diocese’s Office of Faith Formation. Taking part in the Mass was also a personal moment for Ducharme, who has been married to her husband for 33 years.

“They love it, everyone is thanking us,” said Ducharme, as she gestured around to the tables where refreshments were being

enjoyed by those gathered in the reception hall.

Toward the end of Mass, Deacon Bruce Bonneau, assistant director of Adult Evangelization and Spirituality, also gave great credit to Ducharme and her hard work.

He then turned to all the couples and said, “We extend our sincerest and heartfelt congratulations as you celebrate significant anniversaries of the sacrament of marriage. Be sure that your witness and commitment to one another are signs of joy and hope for all us, for the diocese, and for all people.”

At the end of Mass, Bishop Coleman graciously came back to the front of the church and extended his personal blessing to the couples. People lined up along the aisle to receive their blessing, some taking a moment to mark the occasion to pose for a photo with the bishop.

One of the first to receive their blessing was Shirley Pacheco, who was wheeled to the front of the church by her husband, Peter Pacheco.

The couple from Holy Name Parish in Fall River celebrated their 50th anniversary at the cathedral in Fall River, and happily made their way to North Dartmouth this past Sunday to celebrate their 60th.

“We’re going to try for 70,” laughed Shirley, looking at her husband — something that illustrated the touching moments in a marriage that Bishop Coleman had summed up at the end of his sermon.

“Love affects all the other virtues and makes them perfect,” said the bishop. “It leads to a life which is lived in thanksgiving to God and for the benefits of others.”

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, October 17 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Michael Fitzpatrick, chaplain at UMass-Dartmouth and part-time chaplain at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford.

continued from page one

children, was also a major caretaker of her siblings. Her mother was very ill and her father worked long hours.

“At about age 13, my Aunt Dorette began to make weekly visits to Frère André every Thursday,” said Davignon. “Many people visited this holy man, and my aunt went weekly for nearly 10 years.

She would take along my mother, who was 10 years younger, when she didn’t have school.”

The journey for the girls wasn’t an easy one, especially for Dorette. It was a two-cable car journey to visit Frère André, but they enjoyed being in his company.

Through the years, Frère André, who himself was quite sickly and frail, gained a reputation as a healer. Thousands visited him over the years, seeking his intercession.

“One Easter Sunday, when my aunt was 24, she and mother attended Mass and then went to visit Frère André,” relayed Davignon.

“When they were there, he said to my aunt, ‘Dorette, what are you still doing with those crutches?’

Dorette said, ‘I need them.’ Frère André responded, ‘No, no, put them over there with the others.’

“A bit nervous, my aunt obeyed and laid the crutches down, and was able to walk around.

“My mother told me that when that happened people began shouting ‘alleluia,’ and ran after her.

“My aunt then told my mother to go on home ahead of her. She would stay a bit longer. And she had no problem making the trek home without the crutches. In fact, she never used them again to the day she died at age 78.”

Davignon said that her mother and her aunt told her that Frère André never took credit for that healing or any other. “He always credited his beloved St. Joseph’s intercession for the healings.”

“It’s so exciting that my mother shook hands with someone who is going to be a saint, and my aunt was healed by him,” added Davignon. “They said he was a humble, gentle person, but he had a sense of humor, too. One day, when my mom was visiting, a woman next to her had fallen asleep. Frère André said to my mother, ‘Hermine, please wake up your companion.’”

Eventually, Davignon’s mother moved to the Attleboro area, married and raised a family. “My aunt remained in Montreal, but when she came to visit, there was never any sign of how at one time she couldn’t walk,” said Davignon.

“And during summers, I would stay for a while with my aunt in Montreal. We would visit St. Joseph’s Oratory. It was so beautiful.”

Champagne continued her

role as care-taker for her siblings, and as Davignon put it, “She went about doing her work as if nothing happened. My mother used to love to tell the story though.”

Days after Frère André’s beatification in 1982, Hermine told her story to the Attleboro SunChronicle, which ran the story of the miraculous healing.

“My mother would tell the story with a religious aspect to me and my siblings,” Davignon told The Anchor. “She knew it was a miracle, and we believed it, too.”

When asked what her mother and aunt, now deceased, would think of Frère André becoming a saint, Davignon immediately said, “They would be ecstatic.”

It’s certain that Thérèse Davignon is ecstatic. “I can’t tell this story to enough people,” she said.

“I used to love to hear my mother tell it. I love to tell it to other people. I’ve been blessed for sure, to be a part of this holy man’s life in some way.”

All three women, Thérèse, Hermine and Dorette, had, or have, great devotion to St. Joseph, as did their beloved Frère André.

During his lifetime, the “doorman of Notre Dame College” in Montreal made several visits to the Diocese of Fall River in the 1920s and ’30s, staying with a family in Fall River and visiting in that city and New Bedford. He also spent time in Connecticut.

Another group that is basking in the elation of Sunday’s canonization is the Congregation of Holy Cross Fathers, Brothers and Sisters, many in Stonehill College in Easton, and at Notre Dame, Ind. A large contingent from the order will be at Sunday’s Mass, as will pilgrims from around the world.

The founder of St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal in Montreal will be the first Holy Cross Broth-

er to be canonized.

Blessed Andre is known for his intense piety, famed for miraculous cures and praised for his dedication to seeing the oratory built.

He was born Alfred Bessette Aug. 9, 1845, near Montreal. He was one of 12 children and suffered from a chronic stomach ailment that kept him out of school and often without work. His father died when he was nine and his mother died when he was 12.

When he entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross in 1870, his childhood parish priest, Father Andre Provencal, sent a letter to the novice master saying, “I am sending a saint to your congregation.”

La Salette Brother David Eubank told The Anchor that plans are in the works to create a small tribute display to Frère André at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro.

Brother David and Brother Bob Russell, also of the Shrine, will be traveling to Montreal later this month to secure a statue of Frère André from the Oratory for the display. “We’re hoping to get on loan, some second-class relics of him, but that’s up in the air at this point,” said Brother David.

A large painting of Frère André will also be part of the display, as will a video of his life and prayer cards will be available to pilgrims who visit.

A continuous airing of the canonization Mass will also be featured.

Brother Bob said the museum display will be available from Thanksgiving to January 2, 2011.

Sunday’s canonization Mass will be aired on CatholicTV Sunday at noon and 8 p.m. Check CatholicTV.com to find the cable channel in your area.

The brief history of Blessed André was taken from Catholic News Service.

October 15, 2010

13

The Anchor

Fifth annual Lay Fast for Priests is October 23

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

ATTLEBORO — It was five years ago that Anna Rae-Kelly, a parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Attleboro, was first inspired to do something to support the Catholic priesthood, which had been coming under constant attack since the clergy abuse scandals broke in 2001.

“Just after the priest abuse scandal hit Boston, as Catholics we all felt drawn to pray much more intensely for the priesthood which seemed to be under such tremendous attack at the time,” Rae-Kelly said. “Being aware that without priests we have no Eucharist, we have no sacrament of reconciliation, and we have no one to administer the last rites, I felt compelled to pray for them.”

Knowing how priests make tremendous sacrifices of their own for the faithful and the Church to fulfill their ministry, Rae-Kelly didn’t feel like simple prayers were enough. So she decided to take a cue from Jesus and embark on a personal fast of her own.

“Since fasting is promoted by Jesus as one of the most powerful methods of prayer, I decided I would fast for our priests,” she said.

“I did it for a period of about eight months and gradually I got the impression that as a member of the body of Christ, there should be other members fasting with me.”

After initially approaching the La Salette Missionaries at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in her hometown about promoting a lay fast there, RaeKelly said she received the blessing and support of Bishop George W. Coleman to promote the first Lay Fast for Priests back in 2006.

“When I told a man about my idea, he said I was wasting my time because Americans don’t fast,” she said, laughing. “Well, at that first fast 202 people signed up. So I guess he was wrong. Since then, Our Lady has shown she is pleased with the endeavor and it has now spread worldwide. Just yesterday

we had people signing up from Warsaw, Poland; from Prague, Czech Republic; and from Saudi Arabia.”

Now in its fifth year, the annual Lay Fast for Priests — which will take place this year October 23 from dawn to 3 p.m. — has gone international and has continued to generate interest through RaeKelly’s dogged determination and promotion via the Internet and social network sites like Facebook.

Although she admits to not knowing much about the technical aspects of the Internet — her husband handles the postings and updates — Rae-Kelly is thrilled with how far and wide word has spread about her cause.

“I know that St. Padre Pio is the patron saint of the Internet because he bi-located, and the Internet allows us to be in more than one place at one time,” she said. “I believe he’s just storming the Internet because there are so many people signing up this year, that my website and email accounts can hardly cope. It’s incredible.”

For the first time this year the idea has caught the attention of people in her native Ireland thanks to the Internet.

“Word never reached there before, but people from Ireland have been signing up this year,” she said.

“Apparently a Carmelite monastery in Ireland read about it on the Internet and they’ve started to promote it.”

Rae-Kelly said she chose October to hold the fast since it is “Our Lady’s month” and said it will continue to be held on the third Saturday of the month.

“It begins at dawn and ends at 3 p.m. — the hour of our Lord’s death,” she said. “Wherever we are at 3 p.m., we end with a prayer and a piece of fruit and conclude our Fast for Priests.”

Participants are asked to refrain not only from food, but also from anything else that is “significant” to them. For example, Rae-Kelly has known of people fasting from talking, television, or other aspects of

everyday life.

She added there will be a formal closing Benediction at La Salette Shrine in Attleboro at 3 p.m. for those interested in attending.

“A couple of years ago, there was an older woman standing at the back of the church waiting for the end of the Benediction with a huge basket of crackers, which she handed out,” she said. “I guess she knew we’d all be hungry after fasting.”

Looking back on what started as a simple gesture on her part to pray and support our priests, RaeKelly is amazed with how the idea has caught on and gained in popularity.

“I really thought this would be restricted to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette,” she said. “I thought there would be maybe 20 or 30 people joining me that first year. I was stunned when more than 200 people signed up.

“As soon as people hear about it, they want to join this army of fasters to pray for priests. We pray for their protection and that Our Lady will give us many more good priests.”

While Rae-Kelly feels the annual fast has already done much to encourage vocations and support our priests, she plans to keep promoting the effort as long as she can, adding that it’s a small sacrifice on the laity’s part once a year.

“I know our priests are going to continue to be attacked in horrific ways and they need our constant prayers and support,” she said. “I know thousands of people pray for priests everyday, but on this one day every year, the whole body of Christ is fasting for them.

It’s amazing how many Catholics worldwide treasure the sacrifice priests make for us every day of their lives so that we can receive the Eucharist.”

The fifth annual Lay Fast for Priests will take place October 23 from dawn to 3 p.m.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.annaprae.com/layfast_2010.html or search for “Lay Fast for Priests” on Facebook.

This is no devil dog — Msgr. John J. Oliveira, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford, recently held a blessing of the animals at the parish.

Our readers respond

Standing by his statement I would appreciate the opportunity to respond succinctly to G. Thomas Ryan’s letter of October 1, especially since Mr. Ryan suggests that I know not of what I wrote.

First, my favorable view of the “eastward” orientation of the priest and people during the Liturgy of the Eucharist has absolutely nothing to do with reverence for the Real Presence of Christ in the tabernacle. Second, regarding paragraph 299 of the “General Instruction of the Roman Missal,” which Ryan cites against my position, the subtle wording of this paragraph (“possible”) indicates that the position of the priest facing the people is not compulsory. The added phrase “which is desirable wherever possible,” refers to the provision for a free-standing altar, and not to the desirability of celebration facing the people. This is not my opinion; it is the interpretation of the Congregation for Divine Worship in a clarification dated Sept. 25, 2000.

As far as the rubrics are concerned, I stand by my statement that they “presuppose a common direction of priest and people,” as is seen in the Order of Mass of the Roman Missal (2002) in rubrics 29, 127, 132-33, and 141.

Father Thomas Kocik Santo Christo Parish, Fall River

Even nothing can be something Regarding the September 17 mention of Stephen Hawking’s claim of “spontaneous creation” even “nothing” could be said to be “something,” the something that IS — the great I AM — as in First Cause. I wonder what Hawking’s view of infinity is —either time-wise or spatial.

Kathy King North Attleboro A conversion of hearts needed Your October 8 editorial on the Pew Research Poll on religious knowledge was a sobering but not surprising look at how little most Catholics know about their faith. We’ve lost two generations of souls and are well on our way to losing a third. Despite an increased emphasis on catechetical programs and adult formation, we are still lacking in even basic understanding of our faith. Of course, no amount of faith formation will change anything until there is a conversion of hearts and people become open to the truth.

Adam Morin Fall River P.S.: My eight-year-old daughter got all seven questions correct. We home-school.

14

The Catholic Response

Vatican spokesman says Church must be credible, transparent

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

of the Vatican bank, which was being investigated by Italian authorities in late September, but that more transparency earlier would have made that clear.

John Thavis, Catholic News Service’s Rome bureau chief, told the congress that Catholic journalists in the United States “have been on a learning curve” over the past 20 years in dealing with reports of clerical sex abuse and with the bishops’ attempts to deal with accusations and establish prevention programs.

When the crisis began in the 1990s, he said, many Catholic newspapers hesitated to cover

tion,” letting people know what is happening in the Church and VATICAN CITY — The clerithe world, promoting a civilized cal sex abuse crisis was a serious conversation about it and giving proving ground for the Cathopeople the tools to do something lic Church and its commitment about it. to be open and honest with the What should make Catholic world about the failures of its newspapers different, he said, members, the Vatican spokesis its “Catholic vision,” both in man said. the sense of having a universal “There was a great loss of trust breadth — “presenting different in the Church — partially justivoices and different continents” fied, partially caused by a nega— and reflecting “the Christive and incomplete presentation tian tradition according to the of the problem — but this damChurch of Rome.” age, as the pope said, can be overThe Catholic press does have come with good if we move in a responsibility to inform and the direction of a profound puform Catholics, but also must rification and renewal” try “to speak to those so that no one is ever the Church in Church that is credible before outside again abused by a priest friendship,” Vian said. the world is a Church that is or Church worker, said To communicate efJesuit Father Federico poor and honest in the way it uses its re- fectively to all parts of Lombardi, the Vatican sources, able to give an account of how the Church and to surspokesman. rounding society, the Father Lombardi, it uses them” and able to prove that its Catholic press must use who directs the Vati- financial dealings are legal and trans- “a language that is not can press office, Vatican parent, he said. only for the initiated.

Radio and the Vatican If we speak only with a television center, spoke language that we alone October 5 to Catholic commu- the story, but when the scandal understand, we won’t be heard.” nicators from 83 countries gath- in the United States hit a real criVian said it is obvious the Vatered at the Vatican for a congress sis point in 2002, there was a real ican has made mistakes in its aton the Catholic press. shift, “first, because many in the tempts to communicate, includThe only way to promote Catholic press shared the sense of ing recently. But “the Holy See, Church unity in the midst of outrage over these disclosures.” at least since the time of Pope controversies and protect the As the scandal erupted in Eu- Pius XI (1922-1939) has been freedom of expression and truth rope at the beginning of 2010 at the vanguard of mass comin the Church is to be credible and many secular newspapers munications” with multilingual and transparent, the Jesuit said. seemed to try to lay the blame editions of Vatican Radio and “The serious sex abuse crisis at the feet of Pope Benedict XVI, L’Osservatore Romano, the Vaticertainly was a test, a fundamen- the Catholic press knew that the can website and the Vatican Teletal testing ground, for the cred- pope had been “methodical and vision Center. ibility of the Church” and its abil- determined and patient” in tryJaime Coiro Castro, director ity to enact serious changes, he ing to deal with the problem of communications for the bishsaid. since the 1990s, he said. ops’ conference of Chile, brought Father Lombardi said the “What worries me,” he said, with him a Chilean flag signed as Church also must learn to be as is that Catholic communicators a witness of continued survival open and transparent in answer- “have not really had much im- and well-being by the 33 mining questions about its finances, pact beyond their own limited ers who have been trapped unsince many people in the world audience” in informing people derground in the San Jose mine still think the Vatican is rolling about what the Church has done since early August. in cash. in the last 20 years to deal with “I dream of a Catholic press “A Church that is credible be- the crisis and to let people know that is happy to write, like these fore the world is a Church that that the vast majority of cases miners,” he said. is poor and honest in the way it being reported on today regard The Catholic press must be uses its resources, able to give an abuse that took place decades a vehicle of communication for account of how it uses them” and ago. and with the thousands of people able to prove that its financial Giovanni Maria Vian, edi- who “need to be heard and treatdealings are legal and transpar- tor of the Vatican newspaper, ed with dignity and respect. In ent, he said.

L’Osservatore Romano, said the that way we will be a responsible Father Lombardi added that goal of the Catholic press has and respectful voice in public he is convinced of the honesty to be “information and forma- dialogue,” Coiro said.

“A

October 15, 2010

Vatican-ordered investigation of Ireland to focus on abuse victims

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The apostolic visitation of the Catholic Church in Ireland will pay special attention to victims of clerical sex abuse as part of its overall goal of helping the local Church respond adequately to past cases of abuse and to perfect preventative measures, according to the Vatican.

“The visitators will give particular attention to victims of abuse and their families, but will also meet with and listen to a variety of people, including ecclesiastical authorities, lay faithful and those involved with the crucial work of safeguarding children,” said a statement released by the Vatican press office.

Vatican officials held a series of preparatory and planning meetings with the apostolic visitators named by Pope Benedict XVI and with the Irish archbishops whose dioceses will be the first to be investigated.

The Irish Church leaders — Cardinal Sean Brady of Armagh, Northern Ireland; and Archbishops Diarmuid Martin of Dublin, Dermot Clifford of Cashel and Emly, and Michael Neary of Tuam — met with the prelates conducting the visitations and with officials from the Congregation for Bishops and the Vatican Secretariat of State.

The meeting, which was “marked by fraternal warmth and mutual collaboration, summarized the discussions from the previous day and focused on the organization of the apostolic visitation and the archdioceses involved,” the Vatican statement said.

On October 5, the prefect and secretary of the Congregation for Bishops and other Vatican officials met with the four apostolic visitators: British Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, retired archbishop of Westminster, who will conduct the visitation of the Archdiocese of Armagh; Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, who will visit the Archdiocese of Dublin; Archbishop Thomas Collins of Toronto, who will conduct the visitation of the Archdiocese of Cashel; and Archbishop Terrence Prendergast of Ottawa, Ontario,

who will visit the Archdiocese of Tuam.

“Mindful of the tragic abuse of children that has taken place in Ireland, the participants discussed the particular aspects of this important visitation,” the statement said.

The statement reiterated that the visitation is a sign of the pope’s desire to “offer his pastoral solicitude to the Church in Ireland” and that the visitation’s aim is to help the local Church “on her path to renewal.”

Pope Benedict announced plans for a visitation in his March letter to Catholics in Ireland, promising to root out the problem that the Church had ignored in the past.

Irish bishops met with the pope in February after an independent study known as the Murphy Report said the Church operated with a “culture of secrecy” in dealing with charges of abuse by victims and their families in the Archdiocese of Dublin from 1975 to 2004.

Other reports showed the problem was widespread throughout other dioceses and often involved the complicity of Irish authorities.

While the diocesan visitation initially will involve only the four archdioceses, other dioceses and religious orders will be visited at a later stage.

Pope Benedict also named Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York, former rector of the U.S. seminary in Rome, to lead a visitation of Irish seminaries, including the Pontifical Irish College in Rome.

The pope named two priests and two religious women to conduct a visitation of Irish religious orders.

Archbishop-designate Joseph W. Tobin, secretary of the Vatican congregation for religious, and Jesuit Father Gero McLoughlin, promoter of Ignatian spirituality for the Jesuits’ British province, will visit men’s religious orders.

U.S. Sister Sharon Holland, a member of the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and former Vatican official, and Irish Sister Mairin McDonagh, a member of the Religious of Jesus and Mary, will conduct the visitation of the women’s communities.

October 15, 2010

15

The Anchor

Annual diocesan High School Youth Convention is October 17

By Dave Jolivet, Editor

MASS APPEAL — Faithful from throughout the Fall River Diocese packed St. Anne’s Church in Fall River Monday for the 35th annual diocesan peace Mass celebrated by Bishop George W. Coleman.

(Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

35th annual procession and Mass for peace draws faithful

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

FALL RIVER — In commemoration of the sixth and final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima to three Portuguese shepherd children in Portugal on October 13, the Fall River Diocese has annually held a peace procession and Mass during the second Monday of the month — traditionally Columbus Day — for the past 35 years.

And despite news to the contrary about our nation’s current status in world affairs, the idea of praying for world peace remains just as important and poignant today as it did more than three decades ago.

“We’ve been coming just about every year since it began down at Kennedy Park,” said Mary Pimental, a parishioner at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River who attended this year’s procession with her sister who, coincidentally, is also named Mary.

The siblings not only share the tell-tale name, but also the same devotion and deep faith in the Blessed Mother and the power of the rosary.

“It’s always good to pray for peace — especially during this month of Our Lady and the rosary,” Pimental added. “After all, she is the Queen of Peace.”

The procession and Mass were first held in October 1975 to commemorate the 58th anniversary of Our Lady’s appearance at Fatima and to pray for peace in Portugal.

The inaugural procession began at St. Mary’s Cathedral and ended at Kennedy Park where an estimated 30,000 people attended an outdoor Mass celebrated by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin.

The closing Mass has since been moved indoors to St. Anne’s Church, but the event still draws sizeable numbers from parishes throughout the diocese to pray for world peace.

“I’ve been coming every year ever since I can remember,” said Nancy Larson of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford. “I come every year looking for hope — hope that our lives can get better, that our economy can get better, and that our children can have better lives.”

This year’s milestone event stepped off Monday night from

St. Mary’s Cathedral and included large delegations — many bearing Marian banners and flags — from Espirito Santo and Santo Christo parishes in Fall River; Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Mount Carmel parishes in New Bedford; and St. Anthony’s Parish in Taunton.

According to Father Paul Bernier, rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral, the unseasonably comfortable fall weather certainly played a role in drawing a large crowd to this year’s procession and he was impressed with the turnout.

“It’s always good to see people celebrate their faith in such a public way,” Father Bernier said. “It’s a great tradition I look forward to every year.”

Parishioners from Espirito Santo arrived en masse singing on Second Street as they bore the statue of Our Lady of Fatima for the entire half-mile route down South Main Street to St. Anne’s Church while a large congregation of followers cupped their hands over flickering candles and alternately prayed the rosary and sang hymns in Portuguese and English to Our Lady of the Rosary.

Bishop George W. Coleman joined in the candlelight procession and also celebrated the Mass in honor of the Blessed Mother for a capacity crowd at St. Anne’s Church. Just prior to the Mass, participants recited five decades of the rosary in English, Portuguese, French, Spanish and Polish.

NORTH DARTMOUTH — The Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the diocesan Office of Faith Formation is hosting 2010 High School Youth Convention on October 17 at Bishop Stang High School, 500 Slocum Road, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All students in grades nine through 12 are invited to attend the event.

The theme of this year’s convention is taken from Pope Benedict XVI’s 2010 World Youth Day message, “To the young people of the world .... If you are willing, the future lies in your hands, because the talents and gifts that the Lord has placed in your hearts, shaped by an encounter with Christ, can bring real hope to the world.”

There will be two nationally renowned keynote speakers at this year’s convention — ValLimar Jansen and Tom Kendzia.

Jansen has a long history of singing sacred music and she currently tours the U.S. and abroad as an inspirational speaker, story-teller, psalmist, song-leader, vocalist and

ValLimar Jansen

more.

Kendzia is a well-known composer, arranger, producer, teacher, clinician, author, and performer who has appeared throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

This week in

Bishop George W. Coleman will celebrate the convention’s closing Mass at St. Julie Billiart Church next door to the high school.

Jansen and Kendzia will also appear at two Junior High School rallies, open to all junior high school students.

The first is October 18 at Bishop Feehan High School, 70 Holcott Drive, Attleboro, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for Catholic school students, and from 6:30 to 8 for all junior high students.

A second rally will take place October 19 at Pope John Paul II High School, 120 High School Road, Hyannis at the same times.

Students can register for any of the events at the Faith Formation website at www. fallriverfaithformation.org, or by calling Crystal-Lynn Medeiros at the Youth and Young Adult Ministries at 508-678-2828.

Diocesan history

50 years ago — Youth from the Fall River Diocese prepared to join 7,000,000 young people throughout the nation for National Catholic Youth Week. The observance included ceremonies at parish and regional levels.

10 years ago — St. Stephen’s Parish in Attleboro marked its 125th anniversary with a jubilee Mass celebrated by Bishop Sean P. O’Malley and a reception following at the Knights of Columbus Hall in South Attleboro.

25 years ago — The Fairhaven-based eastern province of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary held its firstever convocation of priests and brothers at the St. Francis Retreat House in Rye Beach, N.H. More than 30 of the priests and brothers serving the Fall River Diocese at the time attended the event.

One year ago — A group of more than 60 pilgrims from the Fall River Diocese, including Bishop George W. Coleman and Father William Petrie, SS.CC., provincial of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, embarked on a trip to Rome to attend the canonization ceremonies for St. Damien of Molokai.

16

Youth Pages

off and running — Ann Sylvia and Wendy Andre started a track team at Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford last year. Recently, the entire team ran in the BWS 5K, a 3.1-mile run put on by HFHN alumni Jay Kruger and his wife, Kathy, to help raise money for a disease that their daughter suffers from, BeckwithWeideman Syndrome. Not only did every single track team member proudly cross the finish line with a smile, but some even placed in their age category. Seventhgrader Cameron DiBenedetto placed third for the boys 12 and under category. The seventh-grade girls were on fire as they swept the 12 and under category with Lily Murray taking third place, Kaylin Boswell taking second, and Caroline Baglini claiming first place. The coaches have started to work with the other four New Bedford Catholic elementary schools to get track teams going in their schools. The plans are to hold the first intra-school Catholic Track Meet this Spring.

brother sun, sister moon — Students at St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School in Hyannis held a garden prayer service in remembrance of St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Francis of Assisi. Students recited the “Canticle of the Brother Sun” by St. Francis and the poem “A Morning Prayer,” written by St. Therese. The school chorus serenaded the student body with an amazing rendition of “I’ll Fly Away,” written by Albert E. Brumley. Pictured: Religion teacher Joe Daly introduces the saints, while fifth-graders Andrew Aubee and Alice Pendergast hold up portraits they made of the saints.

they’re off — Family, friends, students, alumni, runners, walkers, faculty and administration of St. Mary’s School in Taunton recently participated in the 12th annual “5K Road Race and Fun Walk.” The morning included a onemile walk for children and a 5K race that followed. Runners ranged in age from eight-year-old Joseph Paulo and Madison Davine to the 70 and older category. Here Seamus O’Brien, Eaman O’Brien, Thomas Condon, Hannah Waring, and Julia Paulo hit the road.

October 15, 2010

part of who i am — As part of the language arts and religion curricula at St. Mary-Sacred Heart School, North Attleboro, second-graders read “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse,” by Kevin Henkes. The story focuses on each student’s uniqueness as well as consequences for not following directions. As a followup activity, each student made a purple bag and filled it with four to six items that reflected his or her uniqueness. The students then presented their projects before their peers. Here Walter Kretzer presents the contents of his bag.

no debate about it — The captains of the Bishop Connolly Debate and Mock Trial teams were invited to the Mass. State House to attend the James Otis Lecture sponsored by the American Board of Trial Advocates in celebration of Constitution Day. The students heard a lecture on “Lincoln and the Law” and were invited to sit at the legislators’ desks in the chamber of the House of Representatives and to engage university professors in a brief question-and-answer session. From left: William Richtmyer, Shaundry Swainamer, Lindsey Rebelo, and Jennifer Casey.

in A creative mood — Sixth-grade Religious Education students of the combined St. Mary’s and St. Joseph-St. Therese parishes’ Faith Formation program recently created bookmarks to be used in class this year.

Youth Pages

October 15, 2010

I

17

The God-shaped hole

was speaking to a friend this week, who asked me a question: What the heck is going on? He continued, “We seem to be a people that are going a bit crazy.

Everywhere I look I see things that shouldn’t be. What are we suppose to do?”

I wonder the same thing sometimes. I look around, as he did, and see things that just aren’t right. The world seems to be changing for the worse at a breakneck speed. What was taboo even to talk about 20 years ago is everyday public conversation today. What we couldn’t imagine seeing on early evening TV is now the norm even during the daytime hours. What we couldn’t imagine anyone doing is played out right in front of our eyes.

While there are many young people who are exceptional and who live the life we are called to as Christians, many do not. What makes it even more difficult for our young people is the lack of good role models both external to them and, unfortunately, even in their own families.

How many of you have fol-

lowed the exploits of a Lindsey Lohan or Charlie Sheen or dozens of other celebrities? We can list countless well-known people and not-so-well-known people whom we watch move down the road to self-destruction. Why is it when someone seems to have it all, that they suddenly start to unravel right before our collective eyes?

In his book, “The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything,” Father James Martin, S.J., offers some thoughts on this very topic.

He writes that we all feel a restlessness, a nagging feeling that “there must be something more to life than our day-to-day existence.” And there is. The something more that is missing is God. Those who are heading down the road to destruction quite simply are searching for something to fill a hole in their heart. As Father Martin quotes another writer, “This emptiness within our hearts [is a] ‘God-shaped hole,’ the space that only God can fill.” There is nothing that they can do on their own to fill in the hole in their life,

FALL RIVER — On October 7, the Diocese of Fall River released a press release saying that two days earlier a Catholic Social Services staff member received a report alleging inappropriate sexual conduct by Bishop Stang High School faculty member and Anchor youth columnist Jean Revil with a female student in 1994. The report was made by the alleged victim — now an adult — who claims that the incidents took place at the school.

In keeping with its policies, the Fall River Diocese reported the allegation to Thomas Carroll, investigator from the Office of the Bristol County District Attorney. At the same time, Revil was informed of the receipt of the allegation and was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. Her being placed on leave, the diocesan statement stressed, was done as a matter of policy and should not be construed as an indication of guilt or wrongdoing.

Revil has strongly denied the allegation. In a written statement provided to news outlets, she stated, “I am stunned by the allegation.

I’ve worked with young people for more than 30 years and I’ve always tried to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. I would never do anything to violate that dignity. I am praying for the person who made the allegation and for a speedy resolution to the situation. God knows the truth and I am confident that the truth will

come out.”

Revil is a longtime staff member at Bishop Stang High School, serving at different times over 30 years as a classroom teacher and as director of the school’s campus ministry program. She began writing her monthly youth column for The Anchor in 2005.

Father Roger Landry, executive editor of The Anchor, said that Revil’s column will not appear during the time of the investigation.

“I’m hoping that the investigation will be completed expeditiously,” Father Landry said, “but in the meantime, it’s obvious that Jean has more pressing concerns than writing her excellent monthly column.” Father Landry added that in the past decade, he has collaborated with Revil at various events at Bishop Stang and in pilgrimages

but they keep on trying.

That hole is God-shaped because only God can fill it. He wants to fill that space in our lives.

Anything else we try to put in there is like, “putting a square peg in a round hole.” You can jam it in there, but it’s never going to fit exactly right. And we all desire

Be Not Afraid

By Frank Lucca

that perfect fit. That perfect fit is Jesus Christ.

Father Martin continues, “Some try to fill the hole with money, status, power. They think: if only I had more I would be happy. A better job, a nicer house.”

Yet, as we can see with many of those who seem to have it all, something still seems to be missing for them. They are still trying to fill that hole. Again quoting

Bishop Stang teacher, Anchor columnist, placed on leave

with young people to Washington, D.C., for the Pro-Life March and to Toronto for World Youth Day. He stated that he has always found her conduct around young people “exemplary.”

The diocesan statement said that “any allegation of this kind is obviously a very troubling matter for all involved, including the alleged victim, Revil, and the entire Bishop Stang High School community.” It said that Catholic Social Services was providing counselors for any student or staff member who wished to talk with one about this distressing situation.

The diocese also asked any individuals who believe they may have information which might be of assistance in the District Attorney’s investigation to contact that office at 508-997-0711.

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

Father Martin, “Some are pulled toward addictive behaviors, anything to fill it up: drugs, alcohol, gambling, shopping, sexual activity, compulsive eating. But those addictions lead only to a greater sense of disintegration, a more cavernous emptiness and, eventually, to loneliness and despair.”

This seems to make sense, doesn’t it? We have a need for God in our hearts and in our lives. If he isn’t there, we try to fill that same hole with something else that only God can provide. The more we try to fill the hole, the emptier we feel which starts a cycle that some can never escape.

Just as Father Martin shares of his own life in his book, I too, tried to fill that hole in my heart with things; fancy cars, big house, money, success. Fortunately, I never walked the road of addiction, but I certainly could have, had I not turned my life toward Christ. I had that type of personality depicted in Father Martin’s

book, which I’ll paraphrase: “If only I had more, better, faster, then I would be happy.” It didn’t take long for me to learn that I was “chasing something I could never catch. I raced ahead, straining to reach one goal after another, yet it always seemed tantalizingly out of reach. That prize of wholeness was elusive. Emptiness remained.”

Father Martin concludes the chapter with a better synopsis than I could ever write. “The hole in our hearts is the space from which we call to God. It is the space where God wants most to meet us. Our longing to fill that space comes from God. And it is the space that only God can begin to fill.”

Take some time this week to think about that God-shaped hole in your heart. How are you trying to fill it?

Frank Lucca is a youth minister at St. Dominic’s Parish in Swansea. He is chairman and director of the YES! Retreat and director of the Christian Leadership Institute (CLI). He is a husband and a father of two daughters.

18

The Anchor

Month of the Rosary spurs on Peyton Center volunteers continued from page one

Center in North Easton, Wallace said they couldn’t keep up with the demand for rosary requests without the dedicated service of their volunteers — a group of more than 25 people from the area who help with making, packing and shipping out rosaries on a daily basis.

“We have people who pack rosaries for us everyday,” Wallace said. “We just couldn’t do this without our volunteers or our donors. And our volunteers are donors, too, they volunteer their time, they volunteer their talents.

With about a million rosaries getting shipped out of here every year, there’s a lot of work going out of this building.”

Two examples are people like Eileen Whittemore of St. Ann’s Parish in Raynham and Millie Woodworth of Holy Cross Parish in South Easton. During a recent visit, the duo was happily packing newly-made rosary beads in assorted colors into clear plastic bags with small cards that include instructions on how to pray the rosary along with the four sets of mysteries.

“I enjoy doing the work, it’s peaceful,” said Whittemore, who has been volunteering at the center for several years.

Woodworth has been a volunteer since the center opened nearly 10 years ago and she said she’s very happy that she’s been able to help send rosaries all over the world.

Revised and updated ...

Margaret Perry of St. Pius X Parish in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been making chain-link rosaries for Holy Cross Family Ministries for the last seven years. Four years ago, her daughter Catherine began contributing with her own cord-braided rosaries.

“A woman here in Ohio taught me how to make chain rosaries and I read in a local bulletin about Holy Cross Family Ministries seeking rosaries,” Perry said. “I make them for free — it’s my way of being a slave, a servant for Mary.”

Over the years Perry estimated that she’s made at least a thousand rosary beads for Holy Cross and her more prolific daughter has completed close to 3,000 rosaries.

More recently, Perry has become the go-to person to fix and repair broken rosaries that are often sent to the ministry.

For Wallace, having these volunteers has been vital to the growing rosary distribution ministry.

“We’ve seen over the past 10 years a real resurgence in the rosary, especially among the young, which is interesting,” said Wallace.

“I think people are realizing what a powerful tool it is — the simplicity of it, the meditation — and we’re focusing on our most important role models, so to speak — Christ and his mother, Mary.”

The mission of Holy Cross Family Ministries began back in 1942 — a year after Father Peyton was ordained to the priesthood.

Born Jan. 9, 1909 in Caracastle,

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County Mayo, Ireland to a family that prayed the family rosary in their home, Father Peyton immigrated to Scranton, Penn. with his brother in May 1928. He and his brother were called to the priesthood in the fall of 1929 and they entered the seminary at Notre Dame, Ind. Two years shy from ordination, Father Peyton became seriously stricken with tuberculosis and was forced to leave the seminary. Desperate, Father Peyton faithfully prayed the rosary and through Mary’s intercession, was healed in time to join his brother in becoming ordained on June 15, 1941.

Forever grateful to Christ and his mother Mary for having healed him, Father Peyton began a lifelong crusade to promote family unity through the praying of the rosary. He coined the phrases, “The family that prays together, stays together,” and “A world at prayer is a world at peace,” and was given the opportunity to reach an even wider audience on May 13, 1945 when his half-hour radio program made its debut on the Mutual Broadcasting System.

This premiere outing featured Hollywood icon Bing Crosby discussing the importance of family prayer. Crosby was the first in a long line of celebrities to come who would assist Father Peyton in his ministry through Family Theater Productions, a mass media enterprise Father Peyton founded in Hollywood in 1947.

“Father Peyton started by just going to bishops and asking them to promote the rosary in their dioceses,” Wallace said. “Then he realized that he could only visit so many people and he needed media to broaden his message. That’s how Holy Cross Family Ministries began. He would have loved the Internet.”

Even after his death on June 3, 1992, Father Peyton’s mission lives on through the Holy Cross Family Ministries, Family Theater Productions, the Father Peyton Family Institute and Family Rosary International. Interred on the campus of Stonehill College in North Easton, Father Peyton’s grave site still draws devoted faithful from around the world, many of who participate in an inspired rosary bead exchange program.

“Today there’s so much talk about heroes and role models,” Wallace said. “As Catholics, where do we start? We start with our Lord and his mother Mary — and it’s all there in the rosary. When you talk about keeping it simple, it doesn’t get any simpler than those 20 mysteries of the rosary.”

To order free rosaries through the Rosaries for the World program, call 1-800-299-PRAY or visit www.hcfm.org/freerosaries.

October 15, 2010

Obituaries

Sacred Hearts Father John F. Yurco

FAIRHAVEN — Sacred Hearts Father John Francis (Roy) Yurco, passed away at Our Lady’s Haven September 19, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Father Yurco, who would have been 77 years old on October 10, was born in New York City to Ludwig and Della (Risavy) Yurco, who had immigrated to the United States from Czechoslovakia in the early 1930s.

The middle child of three sons, Father Yurco was predeceased by his two brothers and is survived by his sister-in-law Diane of Chicago. Having learned about the life of St. Damien of Molokai in the vocation club at school at the age of 15, Father Roy felt a connection to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts. After visiting the Queen of Peace Seminary in Jaffrey, N.H., he entered the novitiate in Fairhaven in 1956 and was ordained in Jaffrey on June 21, 1962.

During his almost 50 years as a priest, Father Yurco served his Church and his Congregation in many capacities. As a young priest, his first assignment was as a teacher in Glendora, Calif. From 1964 to 1965 he assisted at St. Joseph’s

in Fairhaven and Our Lady of the Assumption in New Bedford before being assigned for a short time to the National Enthronement Office in Washington, D.C. Upon his return to the area he was appointed procurator at the “Monastery,” in Jaffrey before accepting a position at St. James Church and New England Medical Center in Boston where he served for 10 years. In later years, Father Yurco was an associate at St. Anthony’s Parish in Mattapoisett and pastor of St. Boniface’s Parish in New Bedford.

He also was the spiritual director for the Damien Council of the Knights of Columbus and later became Grand Knight, one of the only priests to ever hold that office. Father Yurco’s final assignment was as chaplain at Our Lady’s Haven, where he fondly remembered removing the pews around the altar to make room for the residents in wheelchairs, and where eventually he became a beloved resident.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated for Father Yurco at St. Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven, on September 23, followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery.

Mercy Sister Mary Monice

CUMBERLAND, R.I. — Sister Mary Monice, 97, a Sister of Mercy and a retired child care supervisor, died September 24, at Mount St. Rita Health Centre, Cumberland, R.I. Born Evelyn Margaret Houston in Pawtucket, R.I., she was the daughter of the late Ambrose and Eva (Pariseau) Houston. She entered the Sisters of Mercy on Feb. 2, 1934 and professed her vows on Aug. 15, 1939.

Sister was assigned to St. Vincent’s Home in Fall River in 1938. There were 45 boys awaiting her care when she arrived at the home. She asked her mother how she should handle them and she was advised to treat them the way she would her own two brothers and to be sure to listen to them. Sister followed the advice and took care of children at St. Vincent’s for 55 years. In later years the children she supervised visited her frequently and remem-

bered her particularly on holidays.

To respond to the many changes in regulations concerning childcare, Sister completed studies at St. Louis University Institute of Child Care, Simmons College, and the New England Association of Child Care in order to be certified. In 2005 she received the St. Vincent’s Mission Service Award for her significant contribution to the service of children. Sister retired in 1994.

In addition to her religious family, the Sisters of Mercy, she leaves many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late William Houston; Sister Edna Marie Houston, RSM; Sister Lillian Houston, RSM; Peter A Houston; and Marjorie Harker.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated September 28 in Mount St. Rita Chapel. Burial was in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland, R.I.

The Anchor

October 15, 2010

Cape Cod prayer group to host ‘Life in the Spirit’ workshop

EAST SANDWICH — The Cape Cod Prayer Group is sponsoring a “Life in the Spirit” workshop entitled, “There’s Always More — Expecting New Fire,” October 22 from 7 to 9 p.m., and October 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Corpus Christi Parish Center. Pastries and coffee will be offered on the Saturday morning, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch.

The workshop is based on the book by the same name

by Sister Nancy Kellar, S.C. The workshop is broken down into three key elements — “More Love,” with sessions on more love, more love through prayer, and more love through purification; “More Power,” incorporating more power through charisms, more power through community, and more power through service; and “More Wisdom,” touching upon more wisdom through discernment, vision, and hope.

For more information on the workshops contact Charlie at 508-540-1808, or Pam at 508-750-2737.

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Oct. 19 Rev. Manuel A. Silvia, Pastor, Santo Christo, Fall River, 1928

Oct. 21 Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Carr, P.R., Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River; Chancellor 190721, 1937 Rev. Francis E. Gagne, Pastor, St. Stephen, Attleboro, 1942 Rev. Walter J. Buckley, Retired Pastor, St. Kilian, New Bedford, 1979 Oct. 22 Rev. John E. Connors, Pastor, St. Peter, Dighton, 1940 Rev. Jerome F. O’Donnell, OFM, Our Lady’s Chapel, New Bedford, 1983 Oct. 23 Chor Bishop Joseph Eid, Pastor, St. Anthony of the Desert, Fall River, 1970 Oct. 24 Rev. Marc Maurice Dagenais, O.P., Retired Assistant, St. Anne, Fall River, 1982 Most Rev. Joseph W. Regan, M.M, Retired Prelate of Tagum, Phillipines, 1994

Around the Diocese 10/16 10/16

Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 121 Mount Pleasant Street, New Bedford, will host its annual Family Bazaar tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The image of Our Lady of America will be on display at St. Bernard’s Parish, 32 South Main Street, Assonet this weekend. The visit will begin with a 9 a.m. Mass tomorrow and the image will be available for private prayer until after the 4 p.m. Mass and again on Sunday until noon. For more information call 508-644-5585.

10/16

Holy Cross Parish, 225 Purchase Street, South Easton, will host its fall festival tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Activities will include a rock-climbing wall, games, silent auction, clowns, jugglers, hay ride and musical entertainment. There will also be ample food offerings including fried dough, hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken kabobs. For more information visit www. holycrosseaston.org.

10/16

Join the prayer group of Corpus Christi Parish, 324 Quaker Meetinghouse Road, East Sandwich, tomorrow at noon for a rosary rally to pray for discernment and strength to withstand the trials we face. Rosary beads will be provided for those who do not bring them.

19 Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Mondays, Tuesdays, 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, Tuesdays, 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 eucharistic adoration in the Adoration Chapel located at the (south) side entrance at 208 South Main Street, Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to midnight, with overnight adoration on Friday and Saturday only.

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, 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 Freetown — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John Neumann Church every Monday (excluding legal holidays) 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady, Mother of All Nations Chapel. (The base of the bell tower).

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.

10/16

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has eucharistic adoration every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at noon. Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with eucharistic adoration. Refreshments follow.

10/16

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.

10/19

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has eucharistic adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass until 6 p.m. in the Daily Mass Chapel. There is a bilingual Holy Hour in English and Portuguese from 5-6 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

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

Holy Name Parish, President Avenue, Fall River, will host its annual Harvest Festival tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Holy Name School grounds. A yard sale will begin at 9 a.m. and entertainment will be provided by the Toe Jam Puppet Band. The event will also include auctions, raffles, games, rides and more.

St. Philomena School is inviting families of prospective students to attend an open house on October 19. An opening presentation begins at 9:30 a.m. and another at 1 p.m. in the Student Activity Center followed by tours of the school. The school is located on Narragansett Bay at 324 Cory’s Lane in Portsmouth, R.I. For more information visit www.saintphilomena.org or call 401-683-0268, extension 114.

10/21 10/21

A healing Mass will be held at St. Anne’s Church, Middle Street, Fall River, on October 21 at 6:30 p.m. beginning with rosary at 6 p.m. and Benediction and prayers after Mass. For more information call 508-674-5651.

St. Anne’s Fellowship is a Catholic-based organization that meets two or three times a month to share God’s word and give thanks for his blessings. Due to the closing of St. Anne’s School, the group is now meeting at Good Shepherd Parish, 1598 South Main Street, Fall River, in the second floor conference room. The next meeting is October 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. Please use the back door entrance where the ramp is located.

10/23

The “Fill These Hearts” Tour, sponsored by the Diocese of Providence, R.I. and featuring Theology of the Body speaker Christopher West and the Christian band Mike Mangione and the Union, will take place October 23 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the R.I. Center for the Performing Arts in Cranston, R.I. To register visit www.fillthesehearts.com or call Father Greg Stowe at 401-331-1316.

10/23

A seminar on “Women’s Health and Caring for the Patient with Renal Disease” sponsored by the Fall River Diocesan Council on Catholic Nurses will be held at White’s of Westport on October 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information or to register call 508-678-2373.

10/28

The Divorced and Separated Support Group will meet on October 28 at 7 p.m. in St. Julie Billiart’s Parish Center, North Dartmouth. This meeting will include a screening of the video “Dreams End” and will cover “Death of a Relationship,” “A New Reality,” and “The Mourning Process.” Discussion will follow and all are welcome. For more information call 508-678-2828.

10/30

St. Anthony’s Parish, School Street, Taunton, needs crafters for its fifth annual Harvest Craft Fair to take place October 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include food, baked goods and crafts to buy. For more information call 774-226-5537.

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.

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has eucharistic adoration each First Friday, following the 9 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 4:30 p.m. The rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

HYANNIS — A Holy Hour with eucharistic adoration will take place each First Friday at St. Francis Xavier Church, 21 Cross Street, beginning at 4 p.m.

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.

NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the rosary, and the opportunity for confession.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish has eucharistic adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549.

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic adoration takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m.

The rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

OSTERVILLE — Eucharistic adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 76 Wianno Avenue on First Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and every Friday from noon to 5 p.m., with Benediction at 5 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 — 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. at St. Patrick’s Church, High Street.

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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The Anchor

October 15, 2010