Anchor 09.10.10

Diocese of Fall River

The Anchor

F riday , September 10, 2010

Catholics urged to vote in Tuesday primary

By Dave Jolivet, Editor FALL RIVER — For years, voter turnout for Massachusetts’ primary elections has been very light. There are several reasons for this, none of which hold true in 2010.

Nearly 48 percent of Massachusetts voters, including a great many Catholics, are registered as independent (not Independent Party), now called “unenrolled.” At one time in the Commonwealth, independent voters who chose to cast a ballot in the primaries were asked to select either a Democratic or Republican ballot. Once a choice was made, that voter was automatically reregistered as belonging to that particular party affiliate. To change back to independent status, the individual had to reregister. For this reason, many independents stayed away from the primary election.

For a few years now, that is no longer the case. Unenrolled (independent) voters can now vote in the primaries. They may select a Democratic or Republican ballot, yet their unenrolled status will remain intact.

Another reason many eschewed the primary elections,

particularly practicing Catholics, was because there was rarely a candidate who maintained an allegiance to Catholic Church teachings on family values, the evils of abortion and other critical items. Again, that is no longer the case.

“This year’s primary is very exciting and hopeful because there are candidates out there, Democratic and Republican, who adhere to Church teachings and values,” Bea Martins, Catholic Citizenship’s representative from the Fall River Diocese, told The Anchor.

“People from both parties are standing up for traditional family values.”

The “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” clearly advises Catholics to exercise their right to vote. In sections 2239 and 2240 it states, “It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom .... Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country.”

Turn to page 19

SISTERS IN SERVICE — Dominican Sisters of the Presentation currently living at the order’s national provincial house in Dighton and working in the Fall River Diocese include, from left, Sister Elin Pirkey; Sister Auilinra Jaramillo; Sister Camille Descheemaker; Sister Marie William Lapointe, house superior; and Sister Vimala Vadakumpadan, provincial. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

Dominican Sisters adhere to the rich charism of their foundress

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff “She saw what was good in the eyes of God and did it.” — Epitaph on Blessed Marie Poussepin’s tombstone.

DIGHTON — While many religious orders tend to focus their ministries on one or two areas of expertise, the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation continue to attract a diverse spectrum of talents

and abilities.

According to Sister Vimala Vadakumpadan, the order’s provincial in the United States, this diversity can be traced back to the charism of their foundress, Blessed Marie Poussepin — a charism also shared with their patron, St. Dominic.

“Our charism says, you contemplate and then you give the fruit of your contemplation,” Sis-

ter Vadakumpadan said. “Through our daily lives we become preachers — not from the pulpit, but through the work we do. Contemplation and action go hand-inhand. Without prayer, our work is nothing. Anyone can do work, but in order to be a Dominican Sister, you must reap from your prayer life and give the fruits in action.

Prayer life, community life and Turn to page 18

Court halts funding for embryonic stem-cell research

By Christine M. Williams Anchor Correspondent

a right and a duty — A voter emerges from a voting booth with her ballot after casting her vote. The Massachusetts primaries are September 14. Catholics are urged to vote. (CNS file photo)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A District Court ruling has put the brakes on millions of taxpayer dollars spent on embryo-destructive research. On August 23, Judge Royce C. Lamberth found that the Dickey-Wicker Amendment bars federal funding of research that requires the killing of human embryos.

The amendment, a rider attached to the Balanced Budget Downpayment Act in 1996, has been included in every appropriations bill for Heath and Human Services since. It provides that no federal funds shall be used for “research in which a human embryo or embryos are destroyed, discarded, or knowingly subjected to risk of injury or death greater than allowed for research on fetuses in utero.”

The judge wrote in his decision, “Thus, as demonstrated by the plain language of the statute, the unambiguous intent of Congress is to prohibit the

expenditure of federal funds on ‘research in which a human embryo or embryos are destroyed.’”

The defendants had argued that as long as the federal funds do not pay for the actual destruction of embryos, it could be used for studying the stem cells left behind.

“To conduct embryonic stem-cell research, embryonic stem cells must be derived from an embryo.

Thus, embryonic stem-cell research necessarily depends upon the destruction of a human embryo,” the judge added.

Father Tad Pacholczyk of the National Catholic Bioethics Center called the judge’s arguments “reasonable” and said he correctly interpreted the amendment.

“If you are doing research on the remains of embryos, which is what embryonic stem-cell research is, then it was necessary to destroy a human being to start that research,” he told The Anchor.

In statement from the United States Conference Turn to page 15

News From the Vatican

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September 10, 2010

Holy Father expected to address recent Church controversies in upcoming book Vatican City (CNA/ EWTN News) — Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi announced that a German journalist has been given permission to publish a series of his conversations with the Holy Father. In the book, to be released by the end of the year, it is expected that the pope will share his side of the story on the subjects of sex abuse, AIDS in Africa and the lifting of the excommunication of the Society of St. Pius X bishops.

Journalist Dr. Peter Seewald previously published two collections of interviews with thenCardinal Joseph Ratzinger when

he was prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Permission to publish was granted the week of July 26 at the pope’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo while the interviews — conducted in German — took place.

Seewald’s two books, which resulted from interviews with then-Cardinal Ratzinger, are titled “Salt of the Earth” from 1996 and “God and the World” published in 2002.

Father Lombardi announced that the new series of conversations is slated for publication before the end of the year in both German and Italian.

Archbishop Koch pledges unity with pope as he assumes new Vatican post Vatican City (CNA/ EWTN News) — The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity is not an entity independent from the pope, its new president confirmed recently. Archbishop Kurt Koch spoke with L’Osservatore Romano newspaper about some of the highlights from his meetings with the pope this past week.

Archbishop Koch told L’Osservatore Romano that the meeting of the pope’s former theology students was “a concrete, lively and positive experience.”

He said that the participants’ conclusion after examining the reform of the Second Vatican Council over the weekend was that ‘loyalty to tradition, openness to the future’ is the most correct interpretation of Vatican II, which remains the magna carta of the Church also in the third millennium.”

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As a result of the “interesting and rich” debate, he explained to L’Osservatore Romano, the members were able to see “how the spiritual dimension is fundamental in every aspect of Christian life. “And this is true,” said the archbishop, “from my point of view, also in the ecumenical dialogue that constitutes the field of work most directly before me.”

At the end of June, Archbishop Koch received the call from Rome to move from his place as auxiliary bishop of Basel, Switzerland to lead the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

Although he shared few details of his audience with Benedict XVI, the archbishop did tell L’Osservatore Romano that he and the pope spoke about his “new ecumenical challenge because the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity is not independent (from the pontiff) but it has a mandate from the pope to see how dialogue may develop in the future.”

Exiting the presidency of the council earlier this summer, Cardinal Walter Kasper said looked to the future of dialogue “with hope, which is not human optimism, but Christian hope.” The “torch” of unity, he added, passes on to a new generation that “will surely look at the dialogues undertaken with new eyes.”

class reunion — Pope Benedict XVI leads a meeting with some of his former students at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, recently. (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters)

Response to Eucharist is gratitude for undeserved gift, pope says

By Catholic News Service

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — When attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist, Catholics must be filled with gratitude for God’s great gifts, Pope Benedict XVI told a group of his former students.

“Despite the fact that we have nothing to give in return and we are full of faults,” the pope said, Jesus “invites us to his table and wants to be with us.”

The pope presided at a Mass August 29 in Castel Gandolfo during his annual meeting with students who did their doctorates with him when he was a professor in Germany.

Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna, a regular participant in the “Ratzinger Schulerkreis” (Ratzinger student circle), gave the homily at the Mass, but the pope made remarks at the beginning of the liturgy.

Introducing the penitential rite, Pope Benedict said: “In today’s Gospel the Lord makes us see how, in reality, we continue to live like the pagans do.

We extend invitations only to those who can invite us. We

give only to those who can give back.”

In the day’s Gospel passage from Luke, Jesus tells his disciples not to invite the rich to dinner “in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

The pope told his former students that “God’s style” of inviting people is clear in the gift of the Eucharist.

“Before him we are crippled, blind and deaf; he invites us even though we have nothing to give him,” the pope said.

Pope Benedict said Catholics must experience gratitude before such a generous God. But in addition, he said, we must “feel guilt for detaching ourselves so slightly from the pagan style, for living so

The Anchor www.anchornews.org

slightly in the new way, God’s way.”

Pope Benedict chose Archbishop Kurt Koch, the former bishop of Basel, Switzerland, to lead the formal discussions of the “schulerkreis” this year.

Archbishop Koch is the new president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

The discussions, held behind closed doors, focused on understanding the teaching of the Second Vatican Council and the balance it tried to strike between reforming the Church and maintaining tradition, reported L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper.

Archbishop Koch gave two lectures: “The Second Vatican Council: Between Tradition and Innovation,” and another on the council’s document on the liturgy and on the liturgical reforms it launched.

The lectures were followed by discussion among the participants, including the pope.

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September 10, 2010

The International Church

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Commemorative stamps celebrate pope’s U.K. visit and Newman beatification London, England (CNA/ EWTN News) — The post office of the Isle of Man, a small independently-governed island near the U.K., issued a set of commemorative stamps this month honoring Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman, along with Pope Benedict XVI. The pope will officially beatify the English cardinal at the end of his visit to England and Scotland from September 16 to 19.

The stamps were part of a miniature sheet issued on August 11, the 120th anniversary

of Cardinal Newman’s death.

Since then, the Isle of Man’s department for stamps and coins has been working with the Vatican Post Office to produce additional commemorative materials for the September 19 beatification.

Since Newman’s beatification was originally scheduled to take place at Coventry Airport, the stamps give the original location for the announced ceremony rather than the new site at Cofton Park in Birmingham. Stamp collectors, however, often increase

special delivery — Pictured is a special edition envelope produced for the upcoming papal visit to the U.K. (CNS/EWTN photo)

Bricks from collapsed chapel used in memorial to Haitian quake victims

By Tom Tracy Catholic News Service PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Some 800 bricks from a collapsed chapel at St. Louis King of France Parish now stand in a new memorial to Haitian earthquake victims.

The bricks take the shape of two converging walls with a colorful cross in the middle. A crack running from the ground up signifies the earthquake damage.

Many of the bricks bear the names of the local deceased, including the names of the Montfort priest and 10 seminarians who were killed while sitting in a van, crushed by a carport. The collapsed parish chapel killed 10 parishioners who had gathered for a prayer service, said Montfort Father Quesnel Alphonse, pastor.

“I could easily have been one of those killed, but by God’s grace I lived, and this was an idea I had to pay homage to those who lived,” he told Catholic News Service through a translator.

Months of planning and local donations of more than

$13,000 helped launch the project.

The monument was designed by local architect and engineer Indra Lafontan. Some of the bricks will remain blank to signify the estimated hundreds of thousands of earthquake victims as well as those whose remains were never found or identified, said Father Alphonse.

With a section of the wall outfitted to hold candles, the monument attempts to convey the Judeo-Christian idea that out of darkness emerges light.

Another major theme was taken from St. John’s Gospel, concerning the dying seed giving new life.

St. Louis Parish serves an estimated 2,000 local Catholic families and is the provincial headquarters of the Montfort Fathers.

The parish grounds now support a tent city for the parish staff and hundreds of members of the local community, as well as a school and health clinic. Church services are held under a temporary structure constructed on the site adjacent to the destroyed chapel.

the level of an artifacts’ value to apparent discrepancies of this kind.

Newman is depicted in two photographs, one taken in his residence at the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in 1883, when the cardinal was 82. The other was taken around 1866, just over two decades after his conversion from Anglicanism and reception into the Catholic Church. The photograph of Pope Benedict XVI was taken during a general audience in St. Peter’s Square on June 10, 2009.

Among the materials to be produced jointly by the Isle of Man Post Office and the Vatican, will be a special welcome message to the pope from Cardinal Keith O’Brien of Scotland and Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster.

Announcing the stamps in a press conference earlier this summer, Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham said that they “highlight the importance” of the “first time a pope has been welcomed to the United Kingdom on a state

visit.” A prior visit by Pope John Paul II in 1982, which was the first ever visit by a pope to the U.K., was a pastoral visit and not undertaken in his capacity as the head of the Vatican City State.

Describing Cardinal Newman as an “example of holiness “ as well as a “figure of international significance,” Archbishop Longley hoped the stamps would “introduce Cardinal Newman and his witness to goodness and truth, to many people throughout the world who may not yet know him.”

September 10, 2010 The Church in the U.S. Nine years after 9/11, New Jersey pastor sees ripples of hope, goodness

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B y Michael C. Gabriele Catholic News Service ORADELL, N.J. — Sitting in his office at St. Joseph Parish in Oradell on a warm August afternoon, Father Tom Iwanowski became emotional as he recounted his memories from Sept. 11, 2001.

But it wasn’t the events of the cataclysmic date itself that brought him to tears; rather, it was an unexpected encounter with a woman in 2006, who gently knocked on the door of Our Lady of Czestochowa, the parish in Jersey City where he had served.

Five years after the terrorist attacks, she had come to the Jersey City parish to express her heartfelt gratitude. The woman had been in lower Manhattan that September 11 and had been transported across the Hudson River, along with hundreds of others, by ferry.

During the ensuing chaos, she wandered to Our Lady of Czestochowa, which is located just four blocks west of the waterfront. Dazed and afraid, she went to the parish rectory and asked to use the phone so she could contact her family.

“She came back to thank us,” Father Iwanowski said. “She wanted to say ‘thank you’ for

letting her use the phone. You never know how a small act of goodness will ripple through the lives of others. Many people were drawn to our church that day. What else could we do but come to God and cling to one another?”

For Jersey City residents living near Our Lady of Czestochowa, the absence of the twin towers of the World Trade Center — which had been a dominant point of reference on the horizon — is a constant, sad reminder of the brutal murder of 3,000 innocent people, including more than 670 from New Jersey.

Father Iwanowski served as the pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa for 14 years. Three men connected with the parish were killed when the twin towers collapsed: a Cantor Fitzgerald employee; a Port Authority policeman; and a businessman who had relocated to Jersey City from Hong Kong. The priest was installed as the pastor of St. Joseph Parish July 1.

Sifting through his 9/11 experiences, he revealed memories still clearly etched in his mind — fragments of commonplace activities that would have been forgotten on any other day. On that Tuesday

morning, Father Iwanowski was taking his car to a nearby service station for routine maintenance. As he was driving to his appointment, he saw mobs of people running toward the river.

“I knew something horrible had happened,” he recalled.

“As I listened to the radio and heard that a second plane hit the South Tower, everyone realized this was no accident. I turned my car around. I knew I had to get back to the parish.”

The first thing he did once he returned to Our Lady of Czestochowa was to open the church doors. He then went to the parish school to meet with teachers. Fear already had gripped the young students.

The decision was made to lock down the school, and Father Iwanowski visited each classroom.

By the time both towers had crumbled, around 10:30 a.m., he realized the church would now have to serve as a place of

refuge, for those in the neighborhood as well as anyone who was being shuttled across the river. He sent the parish staff to buy food. After celebrating noon Mass, he ran to the waterfront to observe the dreadful sights.

“As the afternoon progressed, people came to seek consolation in church and comfort in the rest area we had so quickly set up,” Father Iwanowski said. “We had workers from Manhattan. We had residents from Battery Park City.

We had folks from a hotel in Manhattan who arrived in their sleepwear. We had 22 students from the High School of Economics and Finance. The students literally had no idea where they were. They ran for their lives and headed for the river.”

By 9:30 p.m., Father Iwanowski was sitting in his quarters — alone, physically exhausted and emotionally drained.

“The spirit of God was

working in me and the parish staff members that day,” he said. “God used us to be the light in the darkness. We simply reacted to the situation.

Somehow we knew what we had to do. It was instinctive.

“How could anyone be prepared for such an event?” he asked. “The only thing you can do is be open to God. There’s a sense of prayerfulness; you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you so that you can do something to answer the prayers of others.”

Today, nine years later, Father Iwanowski is still coming to terms with 9/11.

“In this world, there are ripples of evil — like the circle of small waves that form when you throw a rock into a lake,” he said. “But there are also ripples of hope and goodness.

Good Friday is not the end. We have hope, we have strength, we have one another and we have God. We can still sing out, ‘Christ, Be Our Light.’”

altered skyline — This is the view of the New York skyline from the Paulus Hook waterfront taken August 26 in Jersey City, N.J., four blocks from Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish. Commuter ferry boats, similar to the one pictured in the bottom right corner, were used during the September 11 terrorists attacks to shuttle people away from the deadly chaos. (CNS photo)

September 10, 2010

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The Church in the U.S. Christian leaders welcome new Middle East peace talks

traveling companion — U.S. soldier Garrett Bennet of Colorado Springs, Col., reaches for his Bible during a customs inspection at Camp Virginia in Kuwait, before his flight back to the U.S. recently. The last of the Stryker Brigade Combat Team based in Iraq were waiting for clearance of their bags and personal possessions before flying out from Kuwait back to their home base in the U.S. (CNS photo/Stephanie McGehee, Reuters)

Cardinal George on new Mass translation: Let’s get ready Calls for systematic preparation before November 2011 CHICAGO (Zenit.org) — Information about the new translation of the Roman Missal needs to be given in a systematic way before U.S. parishes implement it next year, says the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Cardinal Francis George, archbishop of Chicago, made this affirmation in a recent column for the archdiocesan paper, Catholic New World.

Noting the Vatican’s July approval of the translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal, he explained that parishes around the nation will begin using it on the First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 27, 2011.

A 10-year translation project “to bring from Latin into English the third edition of the official missal for public worship in the Church is now complete,” he said.

Cardinal George added that “information about the new translation will have to be given in a systematic way, because much of the information found so far in various articles and news stories has been incomplete and sometimes erroneous.”

The prelate explained that the third edition has new eucharistic prayers, prefaces and feast days.

“The text will sound somewhat different than what we have become used to in praying with the second edition, now in

use,” he observed. “Some sentences will be longer, but no longer than the sentences used in Polish and Spanish for the past 40 years. The English vocabulary will be richer, and the tone will be more expressive of our humility before a God who is so merciful that he gives us the power to address him in prayer.”

Cardinal George further noted that translations have been made with singing in mind, and he said there should be more music in the eucharistic celebration. Postures and gestures, the cardinal clarified, will remain the same, since the General Introduction to the Roman Missal is already in use to regulate our movements at Mass.

“But,” he continued, “we can renew our appreciation of these instructions, with special

attention to the symbols used at Mass and the unity of the rites. They were simplified in the liturgical renewal after the Second Vatican Council so that their meaning would be more evident to all.”

Cardinal George proposed this time of preparation as a “long moment to look again at what the Mass is, at what we are doing to participate fully and actively in its celebration, and how the liturgy connects us to the life of the entire Church for the sake of the conversion of the world.”

He said that if the faithful take the time to “deepen our understanding of ourselves as a priestly people, a eucharistic assembly,” then this time “can be a blessed time for us, bearing good fruit in our life of prayer and service.”

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace joined 27 other Christian leaders in welcoming the renewal of direct peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders brokered by the United States.

Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, N.Y., and leaders representing Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox and evangelical churches and organizations that constitute Churches for Middle East Peace urged President Barack Obama to be vigilant in the effort to help both parties to find acceptable solutions to the long-standing conflict.

“This conflict continues to undermine the social, economic and spiritual fabric of the lives of all persons in the region, including Christians who have lived in the Holy Land since the earliest days of our faith,” Bishop Hubbard said in a separate statement released by Churches for Middle East Peace.

“With majorities of both Israelis and Palestinians supporting a durable peace, it is incumbent on their political leaders and our own to do everything possible to help bring about a just peace,” he said.

Other Catholic leaders who signed the letter to Obama were Sacred Heart Father Thomas Cassidy, president of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men; Marie Dennis, director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns; and Franciscan Father Larry Janezic, executive director of the Franciscan Action Network.

The August 30 letter was released as the United States prepared to host meetings between Israeli Prime Minister Benja-

min Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas September 2.

The faith leaders said major compromises will be needed “at considerable risk and cost” from both parties so that an agreement can be reached.

The leaders called upon Obama and U.S. negotiators to “empower both sides to take risks for peace.”

“We have no illusions about the difficulty of the task ahead,” the letter said. “Both sides hold deep convictions contrary to those held by the other.”

A major stumbling block is expected to be the construction of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories. A 10-month moratorium on settlement construction in the West Bank is set to expire September 26, and Israeli officials have said it is unlikely to be extended despite demands by the Palestinian authorities to extend it and to halt construction plans in East Jerusalem.

Israel has occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. The faith leaders also pledged to reach out to American Jewish and Palestinian communities to explain their stance and encourage their support for negotiations as the peace process moves forward.

The White House announced the resumption of talks August 20 and said it hoped that both sides could reach a settlement in about a year. Talks were suspended in December 2008 after Israeli forces attacked the Gaza Strip in a violent three-week barrage. Israeli officials said the attack was needed to stop Palestinian rocket attacks into Israel from Gaza.

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The Anchor

The Catholic resistance to state-encouraged atheism What ought to be the response of Catholic believers to the rise of militant secularism in the West that is seeking to exile Christian faith from relevance, cultural history, and the public square? Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver, perhaps the most prophetic of all U.S. Catholic Church leaders on Church-state issues, gave a profound answer to that question on August 24 in a speech before Church lawyers in Slovakia.

Against the backdrop of the Slovakian Church’s 50 years of suffering under Nazi and Soviet regimes that brutally repressed and mercilessly massacred many of the country’s faithful, Archbishop Chaput examined what happens when a society tries to order itself as if God did not exist and when those who do believe in God fail adequately to resist this secularizing trend. He called upon Catholics in the West to recognize the signs of the times and not to be caught asleep as a dictatorship of practical atheism seeks to “repudiate the Christian roots and soul of our civilization.” His analysis, sobering at times, needs not just to be read but studied by all those who care about the future of the Church, the future of our country and the survival of western civilization.

Archbishop Chaput began by reviewing a brief history of what helped to make the United States of America historically great and free in contrast to the bloodshed that bathed many parts of Europe after the Enlightenment: the positive role of faith in American culture. America, he stressed, was established as a non-sectarian state, but one in which faith was expected and fostered as a prerequisite for a free society. Contrary to the opinions of revisionist secularist historians today, the founding fathers had “no desire for a radically secularized public life,” Archbishop Chaput stated.

“They had no intent to lock religion away from public affairs. On the contrary, they wanted to guarantee citizens the freedom to live their faith publicly and vigorously, and to bring their religious convictions to bear on the building of a just society.”

The danger today is, he continued, that in the U.S. and in Europe, “we face an aggressively secular political vision and a consumerist economic model that result — in practice, if not in explicit intent — in a new kind of state-encouraged atheism. To put it another way: The Enlightenmentderived worldview that gave rise to the great murder ideologies of the last century remains very much alive. Its language is softer, its intentions seem kinder, and its face is friendlier. But its underlying impulse hasn’t changed — that is, the dream of building a society apart from God.” He said that their vision “presumes a frankly ‘post-Christian’ world ruled by rationality, technology and good social engineering. Religion has a place in this worldview, but only as an individual lifestyle accessory. People are free to worship and believe whatever they want, so long as they keep their beliefs to themselves and do not presume to intrude their religious idiosyncrasies on the workings of government, the economy, or culture.”

Despite the “rhetoric of enlightened, secular tolerance,” government agencies in the United States, he explained, “now increasingly seek to dictate how Church ministries should operate, and to force them into practices that would destroy their Catholic identity. Efforts have been made to discourage or criminalize the expression of certain Catholic beliefs as ‘hate speech.’ Our courts and legislatures now routinely take actions that undermine marriage and family life, and seek to scrub our public life of Christian symbolism and signs of influence. In Europe, we see similar trends, although marked by a more open contempt for Christianity.” He drew stark conclusions from these trends: “These are not the actions of governments that see the Catholic Church as a valued partner in their plans for the 21st century. Quite the opposite: these events suggest an emerging, systematic discrimination against the Church that now seems inevitable.”

How are believers to respond to this attempt to organize western societies without God? Archbishop Chaput suggested that believers must learn from “the Catholicism of resistance” demonstrated by the Slovakian Church in response to a half-century of repression by atheistic totalitarian regimes. That resistance was seen above all in responding to the culture of the lie —the rampant lying in practice that was a staple of communism as well as the anthropological mendacity and propaganda at the basis of atheistic “inhuman humanism”— with the truth. Archbishop Chaput said we need to be guided practically by Jesus’ words “the truth will make you free” as well as by Vaclav Havel’s application of those words to “live within the truth.” For Christians, living within the truth, Archbishop Chaput says, means living according to Jesus Christ, “proclaiming the truth of the Christian Gospel, not only by our words but by our example. It means living every day and every moment from the unshakable conviction that God lives, and that his love is the motive force of human history and the engine of every authentic human life. It means believing that the truths of the Creed are worth suffering and dying for. Living within the truth also means telling the truth and calling things by their right names. And that means exposing the lies by which some men try to force others to live.” Archbishop Chaput got very specific about “two of the biggest lies in the world today” and says that believers must work hard to expose their falsity.

The first big lie is that “Christianity was of relatively minor importance in the development of the West.” The Denver prelate said that the history of the Church and Western Christianity are being pushed down an Orwellian memory hole, sometimes out of an attempt to promote peaceful co-existence in a pluralistic society, but often in order to “marginalize Christians and neutralize the Church’s public witness.” He said that we need to “name and fight this lie,” because our societies in the West “are Christian by birth and their survival depends on the endurance of Christian values,” especially values like the belief in individual rights that precede the state and the balance of powers.

“The defense of Western ideals is the only protection that we and our neighbors have,” he warned, “against a descent into new forms of repression, whether it be at the hands of extremist Islam or secularist technocrats.”

That leads to the second big lie that might be identified and opposed: that Western values and institutions “can be sustained without a grounding in Christian moral principles.” Modern secularists are pushing relativism — the idea that there is no unchanging truth — as the “civil religion and public philosophy of the West.” This may seem superficially appealing within the context of a pluralistic society, but in practice, he added, “without a belief in fixed moral principles and transcendent truths, our political institutions and language become instruments in the service of a new barbarism.”

That is seen above all, Archbishop Chaput noted, in the crime of abortion, which he called “the foundational injustice” and “crucial issue” of our age. “The right to life is the foundation of every other human right. If that right is not inviolate, then no right can be guaranteed.” He said that the widespread acceptance of abortion in the West “shows us that without a grounding in God or a higher truth, our democratic institutions can very easily become weapons against our own human dignity, [through] a form of intimate violence that clothes itself in democracy [wherein] the will to power of the strong is given the force of law to kill the weak.” That despotism of might-makes-right is “where we are heading in the West today,” he warned, and needs to be resisted, as the Slovaks resisted the totalitarians of the nazist and communist murder regimes.

This resistance, he added, must come not just from “Church professionals” but from “every serious believer.” The whole Church is called to imitate the Slovakian heroes of the faith and become a “believing community of resistance.” Such a community, he said, will call things by their true names, “really believe what we say we believe,” and be willing to prove God is real by the witness of their lives in the midst of a world that is on the verge of forgetting him. “The renewal of the West depends overwhelmingly,” he concluded, on Christian families, parishes and dioceses beginning to live out this faithful communal resistance in the truth.

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September 10, 2010

Why did I just do that?

ave you ever thought to yourare reminded of our journey of faith and self, “Why did I just do that?” I that God strengthens us along the way. am referring to the times that we walk Jesus entered the waters of the Jorinto a church and out of habit dip our dan River and was baptized by John the finger into holy water and bless ourBaptist, making baptism the means by selves. What about when we walk to which we become sons and daughters our seat and genuflect before getting of our heavenly Father and by which into the pew? These may seem like we are cleansed of our sins. And just afsmall and insignificant gestures, but ter our Lord died upon the cross and the when we actually think about them and soldier pierced his side with the lance, why we are performing them, we come the Gospel tells us that blood and water to understand the great realities that flowed from his side, symbolizing the they symbolize. sacraments that Christ established and Let’s start with holy water. I have gave to the Church as way of sustainoften said jokingly that one of my ing us in our efforts to be his faithful favorite parts of being a priest is being disciples. able to sprinkle people with holy water Are these the things that we think during the sprinkling rite at Mass on about when we dip our finger into the Palm Sunday and Easter. I have also holy water font? It is so easy to allow been known to fill a squirt gun with such a meaningful symbol of our faith holy water and bring it to the senior to become so routine and common. It prom and homecoming dances. Perhaps is so easy to go through the motions in it seems a bit juvenile at first, but if we such a way that we forget why we are think about what holy water is and why doing it in the first place. we use it, it makes perfect sense.

Holy water is just one of those symHoly water bols. What is meant to about what remind us of we do immePutting Into our baptism, diately after the Deep the day in we dip our which we finger into the became chilholy water?

By Father dren of God, We bless Jay Mello were freed ourselves, from origiby making nal sin, and the Sign of given the grace to live as disciples of the Cross. Perhaps each of us has had Jesus Christ. When at a dance I observe an experience when that sacred action someone not acting in a way that comof blessing ourselves is done in such a municates that they are a disciple of sloppy or haphazard way that it hardly Jesus Christ, sprinkling them with holy resembles the cross upon which our water serves to remind them of their Lord died for our sins. baptism … or at least cool them down.

In 1956, Romano Guardini wrote of Do we think of our baptism every this: “When we cross ourselves, let it be time we dip our finger into the font and with a real Sign of the Cross. Instead of bless ourselves? Do we think of how a small cramped gesture that gives no God has used water throughout history notion of its meaning, let us make a large as a symbol of his love for us? When unhurried sign, from forehead to chest, water is blessed, the prayer calls to from shoulder to shoulder, consciously mind God’s saving actions that involve feeling how it includes the whole of us, water. We first hear of water in the our thoughts, our attitudes, our body and second verse of the Bible at the dawn soul, every part of us at once, how it conof creation, when darkness covered the secrates and sanctifies us. Think of these abyss and the Spirit of God hovered things when you make the Sign of the over the waters. God blessed water and Cross. It is the holiest of signs” (Sacred made it a sign of cleansing and nourish- Signs, p. 13-14). When we make the sign ment. of the cross, let us call to mind not only The waters of the great flood remind the sacred action of blessing ourselves, us of the covenant that God made with but also of the sacred and holy symbol of Noah. When the world had turned away the cross that it represents. from God and was lost to sin and death, Finally, the act of genuflecting. I have the waters cleansed the earth and God heard of more than one person, myself revealed his plan to bring about our included, who finds themselves in the salvation. Years later, Moses would embarrassing situation, when at a movie lead the Israelites out of Egypt and cinema or theatre, they are genuflecting God would separate the waters of the in the aisle before going to their seat.

Red Sea to allow his people to escape Again, genuflecting is another routine slavery. This passing through water action that out of force of habit can foreshadows what baptism would even- sometimes lead us to forgetting why we tually bring about in a sacramental way do it. We genuflect in an act of reverence — freedom from the slavery of sin. to the tabernacle where Jesus Christ is After wandering throughout the truly present. This act of humble adoradesert in search of the Promised Land, tion is meant to remind us that we are in Moses was instructed by God to strike the presence of the sacred and the holy, the rock and from it water flowed forth indeed, the King of Kings. giving refreshment to his people. When Father Mello is a parochial vicar at we bless ourselves with holy water, we St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.

September 10, 2010

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iscussions about the morality of stem-cell research often focus on the differences between adult stem cells and stem cells derived from embryos. The adult variety, such as those derived from bone marrow or umbilical cords, are already providing an impressive array of treatments and cures for sick people, while the embryonic kind are not. Adult stem cells can be obtained without crossing any moral boundaries, whereas embryonic stem cells cannot, because they are obtained by destroying young human beings who are still in their embryonic stages of growth.

In spite of great progress in identifying ever more powerful adult stem-cell sources, scientists still clamor for embryos.

Even in the face of impressive new technologies for making “embryonic-like” stem cells without using embryos, the chorus of voices pushing for the sacrifice of embryos seems only to grow louder. Indeed, one of the most common questions I encounter when I give talks about stem cells is why scientists and politicians are so intent on pursuing the destruction of human embryos when so many other non-

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ne of the most interesting things about William Shakespeare is that he even makes this column at all.

Traditionally, historians have narrated his period in history as a time when Henry’s heir, Elizabeth, unified and led a predominantly Protestant England willingly into her Protestant future and away from her superstitious past.

Historians today, however, are uncovering a much different story. When Elizabeth I ascended the throne it was over a Catholic majority in England.

The country suffered from a a post-influenza malaise and had little energy for resistance, forcing Catholics to practice their faith in secret. Failing to attend the now Anglican Church services was punishable by harsh financial penalties and prison while Roman Catholic priests became fugitives, eluding capture, torture, and execution through disguise and clever hiding places in English homes called “priest-holes.”

Where was Shakespeare in all of this? Certainly, it is remarkable that the playwright with apparent opinions on everything from astrology to grave digging remained ostensibly silent on the most important issue of his day. The state-sponsored

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The Anchor

Spinning stem-cell fairy tales embryonic sources of stem cells therapeutic results, is not truly at are available that are already the service of humanity.”

In our society, however, the helping countless patients with serious diseases. What is behind hype surrounding the harvestthis incessant drumbeat to go af- ing of human embryos as a way to cure nearly every disease has ter the human embryo?

One can sense a certain “log- taken on the form of a popular ic of killing” that hovers in the mythology. A Washington Post wings of these discussions. If article summarized it this way a tiny human embryos were to be few years ago: “‘To start with, people need a safeguarded and protected by law, this would constitute a threat, if not a frontal assault, to legalized abortion-on-demand, which routinely allows us to end the lives of older, almostborn humans more than

By Father Tad 3,000 times every day Pacholczyk in the United States by surgical means and many more each day through chemi- fairy tale,’ said Ronald D.G. Mccal means. This desire to sanc- kay, a stem-cell researcher at the tion current immoral practices National Institute of Neurologiis certainly one reason we see cal Disorders and Stroke. ‘Maycontinuing pressure to allow the be that’s unfair, but they need a destruction of human embryos story line that’s relatively simple to understand.’ Human embryfor research.

Pope Benedict XVI, in a re- onic stem cells have the capacity cent address, spoke of resisting to morph into virtually any kind “those forms of research that of tissue, leading many scientists provide for the planned suppres- to believe they could serve as a sion of human beings who al- ‘universal patch’ for injured orready exist, even if they have not gans.”

This idea, though still specuyet been born. Research, in such cases, irrespective of efficacious lative, is straightforward and

Making Sense Out of Bioethics

easy to sell, especially to desperate patients and patient-advocacy groups. Some scientists are happy to perpetuate the myth, too, believing that this kind of “master cell” from the earliest stages of human life could help unlock some of the most primordial and tantalizing biological powers mankind has ever seen — almost God-like powers, leading to the “Tree of Life” itself. As some researchers ambitiously seek to wrench control of those life-powers into their own hands, it should perhaps come as no surprise when they yield to the seductive siren call of our day: “One life can sometimes be taken for the benefit of another,” and “Good ends can sometimes justify evil means.”

In a way, then, embryonic stem cells have become a great modern secular fairy-tale, even a kind of surrogate for our yearning for immortality. People are being told that Alzheimer’s can be addressed; Parkinson’s can be overcome; diabetes can be defeated; and MS can be conquered. Who knows? Perhaps we could extend our longevity, defeat aging, and live as if we were

always young. Perhaps we could even defeat death itself through these powerful cells. Vanquishing death and achieving immortality through science — the reality-bending power of these myths and fairy-tales should not be underestimated.

In the final analysis, the “planned suppression of human beings” cannot be allowed to continue to creep into the practice of modern science and medicine.

Our yearnings for various goods and blessings, like healing and new medical therapies, must always be tempered by our duty to pursue responsible and completely ethical science. Only by insisting on the use of upright means to achieve good ends can we steer clear of the Nazi-like drive to subjugate and destroy others in our quest for desirable outcomes.

Only then can science be a force for authentic healing and truly stand at the service of humanity.

Father Pacholczyk earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, and serves as the director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www. ncbcenter.org

Where there’s a Will ... censors would have ensured that outward adherence to the state religion. It renounced all public he could make no pro-Catholic acts of defiance against her and sentiments clear in his plays absolved the signer of the will of but, like the revelation of the secret English Catholic majority, the sins committed therein.

Shakespeare’s identity recent Shakespeare history also reveals that Shakespeare and his remains, ultimately, a mystery. family had a few secrets of their If he was successful in eluding prosecution and remained a own.

In 1750 an aged document was pulled from the rafters of the Shakespeare family home where Will grew up. It was a spiritual testament signed, it seemed, by John

By Jennifer Pierce Shakespeare, the Bard’s father. The document remains a subject of controversy but it was confirmed favored playwright in London, what evidence would be left authentic in 1923 by Herbert behind? Scholars, however, have Thurston, S. J. who identified it amassed compelling evidence as John Shakespeare’s personal that the playwright was, in fact, copy of Borromeo’s Will and a secret Catholic (I recommend Testament.

Joseph Pearce, Peter Milward, St. Charles Borromeo develand Clare Asquith for further oped a document for faithful reading). At the very least, mainCatholics in Europe, sending stream scholarship (notably Peter copies of it with the Jesuits Ackroyd and Stephen Greenblatt) secretly bringing sacraments to has acknowledged that Shakethe faithful and scribing copies speare emerged from a Catholic of the testament for them. The family with confirmed connecwill functioned as a retroactive tions to the seditious counterlast rites for faithful Catholics reformation underground. barred from extreme unction, Where does that leave his and allowed them to testify to plays? Elizabeth I has been their faithfulness to the Roman described as the first monarch Catholic Church, despite their

On Great Catholic Writers

in history to use soul control as her primary form of governance.

In such conditions, regardless of what his ultimate conviction was — Catholic or Protestant — Shakespeare’s plays would be inescapably infused with the suppressed sacramental imagination of a populace under spiritual siege. Think for a moment of the ghost of Hamlet’s father, wandering, moaning about purgatory — a doctrine under contest in Elizabeth’s England as a “Catholic” idea — because he’d been denied Catholic sacraments at death.

The English person was quite literally haunted by a receding Catholic past and the souls of Catholic martyrs.

Unlike Dante, Shakespeare’s plays, by necessity, were not expressly theological but implicitly so. Hamlet’s ghost was the most directly theological plot point in all of his plays; the rest deal with history, sedition, love, loss, and a familiar transformative magic that defies belief as certainly as it pleases the heart, echoing the theological themes of resurrection, redemption, and transubstantiation. A young girl appears to rise from the dead after the folly of her fiancée is

revealed; twins, dear to each other, separated by a storm, impossibly reunite; a wife, thought dead through a husband’s own fault, turns from statue to flesh before his eyes.

The argument about Shakespeare’s “Catholicness” and “Protestantness” will likely never be settled entirely to everyone’s satisfaction, but what is incontestable is that he was writing in and for a Catholic context.

Centuries of sacramentality and faithful Catholic practice don’t vanish overnight on the whim of a monarch. Rather, they roam restless, crying out for mourning and even, as Hamlet’s ghost does, vengeance. Shakespeare’s father had recently died when the Bard penned “Hamlet”; the ghost, for grieving Will, may be literal and not figurative. John Shakespeare’s will — if not his Will — speaks loudly, asking his friends and family to pray for his departed soul to “assist and succour me with their holy prayers and satisfactory works, especially with the holy sacrifice of the Mass, as being the most effectual means to deliver souls from their torments.”

The rest is all silence.

Jennifer Pierce is a parishioner of Corpus Christi in East Sandwich, where she lives with her husband Jim and two daughters.

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n today’s Gospel there are three parables. They are all familiar to us. We have heard them over and over again, but have we ever pondered them in our minds?

They are of course the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son.

First the lost sheep.

Have you seen any sheep lately? Do you have any sheep? Do you know anyone who has sheep? If we are not familiar with sheep how can this Gospel make any sense to us?

If we lived 260 years ago in what is now the Fall River Diocese, we would know a lot about sheep and the production of wool. Have you ever taken a walk in the woods, hunting, jogging, bird watching, or whatever and come across a stone wall? Why would there be a wall right in the woods?

Because 260 years ago this was cleared land, divided by handmade stone walls to keep the sheep in. Where did all

September 10, 2010

The Anchor

Letting ourselves be changed the wool go? Into the mills stories of the happy shepthat crowded near the streams herd, the men listing to him and rivers of the area. Most said, “Huh, what is he talking of the mills in the area started about?” He’s talking about out as wool mills. So indeed change. sheep at one time were very The lost coin. important to us just as in JeIn Jesus’ time a woman sus’ time for wool and meat and milk. Yes, I said milk. There was Homily of the Week no refrigeration at the Twenty-fourth Sunday time of Jesus so the in Ordinary Time sheep milk was usually sour, something

By Deacon like yogurt.

John Welch But the shepherd of Jesus’ time was a very had no rights at all. In fact practical and hard-working a woman was thought of man and if one of his sheep as “property” and could be should wander off, depending bought and sold like cattle. on his mood at the time when So when Jesus told the story he found it, he might not be of the woman who lost the as happy as Jesus appears coin and then swept the in the story. The shepherd house clean until she found might tie the two front legs it and when she did rejoiced of the sheep together, or even and called in her friends to more harshly break its legs. celebrate, the people listening He could still push himself to him said, “ Huh, what’s he around but he wouldn’t run talking about?” He’s talking very far. He might kill the about change. lamb and eat it for supper.

Then the lost son.

So when Jesus starts telling

We have heard the story before. The son takes his inheritance and squanders it on “wine, women and song” but when he comes to his senses and returns home, his father, runs to him and hugs him and puts on a big party for him to celebrate with family and friends the return of his beloved lost son. The people listening to him said, “Huh, what’s he talking about?” He’s talking about change.

And no one likes to change.

Yet in our second reading for today (1 Tim 1:12-17), we read of Paul’s changing.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost. But for that reason I am mercifully treated.”

And in our first reading from Exodus, the Lord instructs Moses to turn the people away from their evil ways.

Change … change ...

change.

Someone has once said “the only thing that is constant in life is change.” Just open a package of seeds as we do in the early spring.

Then we plant them and water them and weed them and make sure they are in a nice warm and sunny window. All the while they are changing. We cannot see this until after several days a little whisper of green pokes up through the surface and our hope springs eternal for new life has begun. And if we are patient in due time we enjoy the fruits of our labor in vegetable or flower. A feast for the eyes and body, and indeed our souls. As we come forward to receive Jesus in holy Communion let our prayer be one of acceptance to the will of our heavenly Father, and let ourselves be changed.

Deacon Welch is retired and serves at St. Ann’s Parish in Raynham.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Sept. 11, 1 Cor 10:14-22; Ps 116:12-13,17-18; Lk 6:43-49. Sun. Sept. 12, Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Ex 32:7-11,13-14; Ps 51:3-4,12-13,17,19; 1 Tm 1:12-17; Lk 15:1-32 or 15:1-10. Mon. Sept. 13, 1 Cor 11:17-26,33; Ps 40:7-10,17; Lk 7:1-10. Tues. Sept. 14, The exaltation of the Holy Cross, Nm 21:4b-9; Ps 78:1b-2,34-38; Phil 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17. Wed. Sept. 15, 1 Cor 12:31-13:13; Ps 33:2-5,12,22; Jn 19:25-27. Thur. Sept. 16, 1 Cor 15:1-11; Ps 118:1b-2,16ab-17,28; Lk 7:36-50. Fri. Sept. 17, 1 Cor 15:12-20; Ps 17:1bcd,6-7,8b,15; Lk 8:1-3.

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hirty years ago, on Aug. 31, 1980, an electrician named Lech Walesa signed the Gdansk Accords, ending a twoweek-old strike at that Hanseatic city’s Lenin Shipyards. Walesa signed with a giant souvenir pen featuring a portrait of Pope John Paul II. The choice of pen was not, as Marxists might have said, an accident. Neither was the distinctive revolution that unfolded in the wake of the Gdansk Accords, which were forged over two weeks of high drama on Poland’s Baltic coast.

The Accords were the pivot between John Paul’s Polish pilgrimage of June 1979 and the rise of the “Independent Self-Governing Trade Union Solidarity” in September 1980.

Fourteen months before the

The Solidarity difference

strike, John Paul II had ignited food prices), and brutality. 1980 a revolution of conscience that was different, and the difference had inspired countless numbers that made 1980 different was of people to “live in the truth,” the John Paul II difference — a to live “as if” they were free moral difference.

— as the period’s mottos had I try to capture that difference it. “Living in the truth” gave in “The End and the Beginning: a special texture to the Gdansk Accords, which in turn led to the unique social and political phenomenon that was Solidarity.

There had been labor

By George Weigel unrest in Poland in 1953, 1956, 1968, 1970, and 1976. In each instance, Pope John Paul II — The Victothe Polish communist regime ry of Freedom,” the Last Years, pacified the workers (in whose the Legacy, which Doubleday name these Marxists putatively will publish on September 14: ruled) by a combination of “This moral difference divide-and-conquer tactics, economics bribes (usually involving showed itself almost immediately as the Gdansk shipyard strike broke out on Aug. 14, 1980.

It was an occupation strike, in which the workers took over the entire shipyard complex, thus creating an oasis of free space in the totalitarian system. Rigorous discipline was maintained, aided by an absolute ban on alcohol in the yards. Religious seriousness was manifest, publicly evident in open-air Masses and confessions. Perhaps most crucially from the point of view of what followed, the workers, having been tutored by John Paul II

The Catholic Difference

in the larger meaning of their dignity as men and women, refused to settle for the economic concessions the regime quickly offered.

“Thus on the night of August 16-17, the Inter-Factory Strike Committee was established to publish a broader set of demands, including the establishment of independent, self-governing trade unions …. The famous ‘21 Points’ agreed upon by the MKS presidium … emphasized economic change while including a full menu of basic human rights, specifically mentioning, among others, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and an end to discrimination against religious believers ‘of all faiths’ in terms of access to the media. The goals of dissent had been enlarged and deepened; as one worker-poet would put it a few months later, ‘The times are past/when they closed our mouths/with sausage.’”

Solidarity’s tumultuous path over the next nine years paved the way for the Revolution of 1989, the (largely nonviolent) collapse of European communism, and the demise of the Soviet Union in 1991. There were endless arguments as Walesa

and the Solidarity leadership wrestled with the inevitable turbulence of a new trade union that was also a mass social movement and a de facto political opposition — in a society where the communist party and the state apparatus it controlled tried to occupy every available inch of social space. That the Catholic Church in Poland had tenaciously maintained its independence for 35 years in this suffocating social and political environment helped make Solidarity possible; the Church’s independence also helped provide a protected space in which the movement could continue after Solidarity-the-trade-union was dissolved, under the martial law martial law imposed on Poland on Dec. 13, 1981.

During its epic period, Solidarity was a unique blend of moral and intellectual conviction, economic good sense, political shrewdness, and personal courage, all of which were shaped by the social doctrine of the Catholic Church and the personal witness of John Paul II. Its example should inspire free people, and those who aspire to freedom, everywhere.

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

September 10, 2010

Pigs-R-Us 6 September 2010 — on the work for days in preparation and shores of Three Mile River — spend the entire night before the Labor Day event tending the roasting pig. ur parish Knights of He complimented the hard work Columbus Council of my parish Knights. recently hosted a pig roast. This I informed Father Canuel little piggy weighed 196 pounds. There were also bushels of corn-onthe-cob, baked potaReflections of a toes, homemade beans, Parish Priest coleslaw, and desserts.

A hundred-and-thirty

By Father Tim guests showed up. When Goldrick all was said and done, there were no leftovers.

One of my dinner guests was that the Knights simply went Father Paul Canuel, who foron the Internet and found a merly served in our Honduran local pig roast catering commission. I asked Paul if they had pany. He laughed uproariously. pig roasts in Honduras. He anHe also took home one of the swered that pig roasts, being so caterer’s business cards to show labor-intensive, were relatively his friends in Honduras. He rare. The villagers would have to knew they’d get a chuckle over

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The Ship’s Log

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The Anchor how pig roasts are done in The Dightons.

Also at my table were five Dominican Sisters of the Presentation. These are the Sisters who operate the medical clinic and girls’ vocational school in the Honduran mission. One of the Sisters observed that, by happenstance, all eight people sitting at the table had worked in the Honduran mission — except one. That would be me. I can take a hint.

For entertainment afterwards, we played a parlor game (with a prize of $200) and then held an auction. One of the auction items was body-building equipment, a kind of punching bag called “Wave Master.” Just to get the ball rolling, Sister

Getting one spiritual step ahead

y cleaning spree started afternoon. After saying our penances, we pleasantly knelt in a with the long-overdue pew listening to the choir warm decision to throw out a box of up for 4 p.m. Mass. My soul was cassette tapes. It ended four days later with the removal from enjoying a wave of sacramentally-clean euphoria until I realized our house of nine trash bags of that it wasn’t the music that was garbage, two ancient computkeeping me there. ers, one broken TV, six bags I knew that the longer I knelt of donatable goods, and four there, oh, so piously in my pew, bins of baby stuff to return to the more mothering duties I a generous friend. The result?

Four completely cleaned out and would get out of at home, and so I kept kneeling. Afraid that there newly functional areas of our might be a text message from home. Phew. The sorting, bagging, and hauling were grueling, but getting my house back was worth the effort.

I was enjoying a wave of cleaning euphoria until my husband

By Heidi Bratton asked if anyone had seen the power cords to our new computer printer; the kids telling us to pick somehe had just unboxed it the day thing up at the store on our way before the cleaning began. home, I was also purposefully Oops. avoiding my cell phone. Rats.

We looked everywhere inside We had worked so hard to get to the house. No cords. Replacethis inconvenient sacrament, and ment cords would likely cost more than another printer, so out I couldn’t even make it out of the church before needing to go I angrily riffle through all the back to the confessional. Two bins and bags that were already steps forward, one step back. in the car. No fun and no cords.

I’m going to guess that there Next, I begrudgingly trudged are others like myself who find into the rain to intimately reacthe usual time of confession to quaint myself with the contents be terribly inconvenient, and of the nine soaking wet bags of who may also get discouraged disgustingness. Even less fun at confession’s not being a oneand still, no cords. The longer time-only solution to sin. Maybe I searched, the madder I got. It these two factors alone are felt as if all my initial time and enough to explain why Cathoeffort had been a waste. Talk lics, young and old, dodge this about taking two steps forward sacrament for years at a time. Or and sliding one step back. maybe the real problem is even It reminded me of the time bigger. my husband and I arranged our Maybe the real problem is entire weekend around getting that we have forgotten what sin to the sacrament of confession at is and does. Maybe our culture its usual, but incredibly inconvehas so successfully redefined all nient time of 3 p.m. on Saturday

Homegrown Faith

sins as either no-fault or genetically inescapable mistakes — “very human and certainly nothing to feel guilty about” — that we no longer even believe that sin is as real and as burdensome to the proper functioning of our souls as the many bags and bins of useless and outdated stuff in my house were to the proper functioning of my home.

Well, our souls know better.

Our souls long to be free of anger, lust, jealously, and all spiritual garbage, no matter what name it is given. Only by the sincere spiritual work of first sorting out and bagging up our spiritual garbage, then of hauling it up to the confessional, dumping it there, and promising to try not to recycle it, are our souls given the grace needed to be restored to proper functioning. The inconvenience and repetitiveness of the sacrament become minor hassles once our souls experience the grace of forgiveness.

The net result of taking two steps forward and one step back is still being one step ahead.

By the way, after the sun came out and I had pleaded for St. Anthony’s intercession multiple times, I rummaged through the nine trash bags a second time. Hiding among rotten kitchen waste and old phone cords in the fifth bag I found our new printer cords.

Yes. Two persevering steps out pace one angry step, yet again.

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

Marie William made the first bid. Nobody dared outbid a nun.

Mother Superior went home with a punching bag under her arm and a gaggle of giggling Sisters following behind.

The days are getting shorter; the nights longer. The next six months are nature’s time of darkness. In another age, harvest time meant not only reaping and preserving the fruits of the earth, but also culling the herds and flocks. Most farm animals could not be maintained through the winter. A village-wide feast was held. There was plenty of roast pork, beef, and lamb for everyone. I suspect few of my brother Knights realized that a pig roast is a traditional harvest feast.

Nothing can beat corn straight from the garden, cooked quickly in water already boiling when you went out to pick it. The less time between the garden and the pot, the better the corn tastes. I always put a pinch of sugar and a little milk in the water. Frozen corn is not the same thing, nor is that rubbery “fresh” corn picked in California a few weeks previously.

Then there are vine-ripened tomatoes. Those pale pink paper maché things you buy in the supermarket year-round are something else. I can make a meal out of a couple of ripe red tomatoes, sprinkled with salt and pepper; maybe, too, some fresh basil and a little salad dressing.

We are a high-tech age, no longer in touch with the rhythms of the earth. This puts our worship at a disadvantage. Being clueless to seasonal changes handicaps our spirituality. The Church calendar of feasts and seasons, developed over millennia, feeds our souls. When we are no longer grounded in the earth we are no longer humble

(the core meaning of humility, from the Latin humus.) To stand before God without humility is to lose an opportunity of grace.

Now is the time of in-gathering. Creation is ripe and bountiful. We ponder the fruitfulness of our own lives. This fullness of creation is celebrated by several autumn Church feasts. The first such feast is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (formerly called Our Lady’s Day in Harvest). The feast celebrates Mary’s perfection in God — her completed human wholeness at the end of her life when she was taken body and soul into the Mystery of God. With her humanity fully realized, Mary was gathered-in as the first of God’s harvest of souls.

The final Church harvest feast in the cycle is All Saints/ All Souls, remembering all those who have been gathered-in.

We celebrate the bounty of creation and the ripeness to which each of us is called, body and soul. The human body, called to glory, is sacred. These beliefs of ours call into question acts deliberately intended to pollute the earth and to debase the human body.

Church feasts involve feasting. Who knew? At the feasting, seasonal foods are served and savored. In these days of refrigeration, quick-freezing, greenhouses, and rapid transit, we can eat strawberries in November or cantaloupes in March. Whatever we want, whenever we want it, we get it. What is there to look forward to?

I think I’ll have seconds on the corn, and maybe a little more pulled pork. The season of darkness will be upon us soon enough.

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

a night of food and punch — Dominican Sisters of the Presentation Marina, Vimala, Marie William (behind punching bag), Alene, Mrs. Thelma Sherman, Lay Associate, and Sister Lissiue (rear), at a recent Pig Roast event at St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton. (Photo by Ed Kremzier)

10

The Anchor

September 10, 2010

Catholic Extension grants help rebuild churches, schools on Gulf Coast CHICAGO (CNS) — The Catholic Church Extension Society has provided more than $14 million in grants to help Catholic communities recover from the devastation

caused by Hurricane Katrina five years ago.

The grants provided by the Chicago-based organization have been primarily earmarked to sup-

port Church-related projects and encourage faith in the devastated region. Although grants for the Gulf Coast dioceses support a wide range of work — from salary subsidies to area student ministries — the most pressing need has been repairs to hurricane-damaged churches.

Nearly $7 million has been specifically designated to rebuild these churches and facilities.

“Many charitable organizations focused their attention on immediate response following the natural disasters in the gulf,” said Joseph Boland, senior director of grants management for Catholic Extension.

He said Catholic Extension’s focus was on making sure people impacted by Katrina had a faith community to turn to for support. “As

a result these communities have come together to rebuild with an unwavering belief in God and each other,” he said.

Catholic Extension supports under-resourced and isolated communities across the U.S. Its most recent grant to the Gulf Coast region was $100,000 to help construct a new cafeteria at Resurrection Catholic School in Pascagoula, Miss.

Katrina damage to the school was extensive. The school cafeteria was declared structurally unsound and required a total demolition.

The new cafeteria will serve multiple purposes for the community. It will function as a dining hall and as a place to gather for morning prayer, club meetings, class retreats, guest speakers and parent meetings. The neighboring Our Lady of Victories Parish will also rely on the facility for parish social functions, such as Christmas celebrations, wedding receptions, Lenten fish fries and events following Mass.

Kay McKenna, Resurrection’s principal, said the school owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Catholic Church Extension Society. “Our students are humbled and grateful. They really are. They commented on ‘the universal Church’ coming to their aid,” she told the Gulf Pine Catholic, diocesan newspaper of Biloxi.

Boland, who visited the high school along with a team from Catholic Extension, told the school community that “there’s such power in the stories of perseverance and determination that arise from faith communities such as this school.”

All but one of Resurrection’s 31 seniors at the time of Katrina saw their homes destroyed by the storm, and all but two faculty members lost their homes.

“You’ve been on a long journey over the past five years that really has been a story of determination.

It really has been your faith that has moved this community along and moved this school along. You’ve actually emerged as a stronger organization as a result of these past five years and what you’ve done to rebound,” he said.

September 10, 2010

11

The Anchor

Families believe ‘miracle’ saved 33 Chilean miners

By Aaron Nelsen Catholic News Service SANTIAGO, Chile — Diana Olivares’ husband, Daniel Sanderson, had one foot out the door before a gentle nudge from his wife convinced him to stay with the family instead of heading to the mine for work.

Later that day, the couple received word that the San Jose mine where Sanderson worked had collapsed, trapping 33 miners, including Olivares’ cousin, Carlos Buge.

For 17 days and nights, the families of the trapped miners crowded in tents at Camp Hope outside of the mine, many of them turning to the Church and praying that their loved ones would be rescued from the belly of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile.

With each passing day, the likelihood the miners would be found alive faded, but Olivares never lost faith.

And then the improbable happened: The miners were found.

“For me, it was a miracle what happened here,” Olivares said from outside the mine.

Many in this nation of nearly 17 million share Olivares’ view of the dramatic events of August 22, when the 33 miners feared dead unexpectedly let the world above know that they had indeed survived.

While Olivares has little doubt that a miracle transpired, the Catholic Church has been more cautious in its public statements.

Bishop Gaspar Quintana Jorquera of Copiapo, Chile, who has spent several days at the mine offering support to the families and celebrating Mass, declined to call the discovery of the men a miracle. He said the requirements for such a determination were clear.

“Theologically, it can’t be argued,” Bishop Quintana told the press. It was a great event, “but not a miracle.”

The bishop was on his way to the mine when he heard that there had been a message from the miners.

He admitted believing there was little chance of finding the men alive.

Prior to the mine collapse, Bishop Quintana had been an outspoken critic of mine operator San Esteban, which reopened the San Jose mine in 2008 after it was closed because of safety violations a year earlier.

“I’ve been careful not to say things that don’t cor-

comfort items — A relative of one of the 33 miners trapped in a copper and gold mine holds rosaries and scapulars she received from a nun in Copiapo, Chile. The miners have requested religious items, such as statues of saints and a crucifix. (CNS photo/Pascal Parra, Reuters)

respond, but clearly there exists abuse on the part of the company,” Bishop Quintana told Catholic News Service by telephone. “There is exploitation and poor treatment. They should understand that the miners aren’t beasts of burden.”

Meanwhile, the vigils continue outside of the San Jose mine.

Alonso Contreras, member of the Virgin of Candelaria, an organization devoted to St. Mary, has led nightly prayer services for the people at Camp Hope.

His cousin, Carlos Barrios Contreras, is one of the trapped miners.

Contreras has exchanged letters with his cousin since a hole was drilled 2,300 feet down to chamber where the miners took refuge. In their correspondence, the miners have asked that their wives and children look after one another; they have requested their favorite foods, cigarettes and other diversions. Mostly, the trapped men want to feel supported, Contreras said.

In his first letter, Barrios acknowledged that he never considered himself religious, but what he wrote in the second paragraph made Contreras cry.

“He told me, ‘Cousin, now I believe in God, I believe completely,’” Contreras said.

In the days before the men were found, Contreras witnessed the gamut of human emotion.

“Many people here said ‘I have to stay strong.’ Oth-

ers said, ‘No, the authorities are lying to us. They must be dead. Tell us the truth,’” Contreras said. “These are moments of human weakness that affect us all, but the other day, just before they were found, we said, ‘No, our faith is strong.’”

12

The Anchor

September 10, 2010

New stands taken on indecency front, but discouraging signs continue

By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — New stands have been taken on the indecency front, but discouraging signs continue to surface.

In what is potentially the most important stand, the Federal Communications Commission filed an appeal August 26, asking a federal appeals court to reconsider its July ruling striking down the FCC’s indecency policy concerning fleeting expletives.

The July ruling by a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals “threatens to have a wide-ranging adverse impact on the FCC’s ability to enforce federal statutory restrictions on the broadcast of indecent material,” according to the brief filed by FCC General Counsel Austin Schlick.

The FCC, in its brief, contends that the judges overreached in ruling the FCC’s policy unconstitutional. Instead, according to Communications Law Blog writer Dan Fitzpatrick, the court should only have considered whether the words uttered — both of the four-letter variety — were in and of themselves indecent.

The brief filed by the FCC asks the three-judge panel to revisit the case or, failing that, to send the case to the full 2nd Circuit. “That Main Event has been deferred at least a year or two,” Fitzpatrick said, alluding to a likely appeal by the ultimate loser to the Supreme Court.

In the meantime, CBS is unveiling a new sitcom whose title uses one of the words claimed by the FCC to be indecent — although you’ll never see or hear it. That’s a good thing, since the program will air at 8:30 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time — 7:30 p.m. in the Central and Mountain time zones.

CBS labels the show “$#*! My Dad Says.” The typographical figures replacing the letters do a good enough job suggesting the word that’s been substituted. The title is based on a book and blog of the same name. The New York Times uses four consecutive underline marks to replace the representation of the offending word.

The Parents Television Council sent letters to 300 prospective advertisers, asking them whether they really wanted to be associated with a show featuring a title like that.

Independent marketing professional David Maskin offered his analysis of the situation to the Hollywood Reporter, an industry journal. “If the show is good, folks will

watch and advertisers will advertise,” he said. “If the show is as bad as its title, then advertisers will turn a deaf ear.”

Coupled with “The Big Bang Theory,” this is CBS’ first foray into Thursday sitcoms since 1990’s “Doctor, Doctor” and its first attempt to lead off prime time with comedy since “Family Affair” 40 years ago. It makes one wonder whether the avuncular Uncle Bill or Mr. French would have used the vchip to keep Cissy, Buffy and Jody from watching whatever it is “my dad says.”

A Rasmussen Reports poll issued during the summer concluded that a majority of parents believe that the TV Parental Guidelines and content-blocking technologies like the v-chip are useful.

Rasmussen said 60 percent of those polled with children at home say the current TV rating system is an effective way to warn users, and that 67 percent of respondents with children at home say the rating has an impact making them more or less likely to watch the show.

This would fall in line with similar polls.

A survey commissioned this year by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops found that eight in 10 parents say they use the media ratings information in making their decision about what to allow their children to view or use. In fact, they are more likely to say they rely on ratings information than on the opinions of other parents.

A 2007 Kaiser Family Foundation poll indicated that 71 percent of parents who have tried the vchip say they find it very useful. Vchip usage rates, though, have been stuck in low gear since the technology was made mandatory in new TVs more than a decade ago.

A survey by a group called All Parents found that 83 percent of parents are satisfied with the effectiveness of the v-chip and other blocking tools, and 91 percent say they personally take some steps to manage what their children see on TV. Further, 87 percent believe they do a better job — but All Parents did not specify better than whom or what — of protecting kids from violent and offensive content, and 60 percent disagreed that “the current parental controls and ratings systems have failed. It’s time for government to step in and do more.”

But with the FCC’s appeal, it’s not likely the government will do less.

growing up in suburbia — Israel Broussard and Callan McAulliffe star in a scene from the movie “Flipped.” For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo/Warner Bros.)

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

by Catholic News Service.

“The American” (Focus) A professional assassin (George Clooney) flees to Italy in search of healing and a better life, only to discover that it’s hard to shake his past. He falls for the proverbial prostitute with a heart of gold (Violante Placido), and receives moral advice from the flawed but sympathetic local priest (Paolo Bonacelli), but must ultimately find his own way. Although the serious intent of the filmmakers is clear, director Anton Corbijn’s adaptation of Martin Booth’s novel “A Very Private Gentleman” makes for a dark, brooding and lethargic film that features graphic sexuality and an insubstantial treatment of Christian morality, only skirting the implications of its main character’s profoundly sinful situation.

Bloody violence including multiple shootings, full-frontal female and partial male nudity, and explicit scenes of nonmarital sex. The Catholic News Service classification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

“Flipped” (Warner Bros.)

A heartwarming coming-ofage story, based on the Wen-

delin Van Draanen novel, that chronicles the relationship of two kids, Juli Baker (Madeline Carroll) and Bryce Loski (Callan McAuliffe), over a six-year period. At seven years old, Juli has “flipped” over Bryce, but her puppy love is not returned.

Amid the ups and downs of their friendship, the film examines family life in baby boom-era suburbia, challenging stereotypes and prejudices with a surprisingly strong ProLife message. As directed by Rob Reiner, everything about “Flipped” feels right and genuine, with a prevailing atmosphere of innocence and sensitivity, making this uplifting film probably acceptable for older teens. A handful of profane and crass expressions and scenes of family discord. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested.

“Going the Distance” (Warner Bros.)

Drew Barrymore and Jus-

tin Long are girlfriend and boyfriend living on opposite sides of the country in this surprisingly raunchy romantic comedy. Whatever wholesome charms the two actors possess are obscured by the dirty-minded nature of the dialogue as director Nanette Burstein and screenwriter Geoff LaTulippe resort to sophomoric bawdiness to enliven the proceedings. The couple’s separation anxiety pales in comparison to the audience’s distress at hearing them continuously spout vulgarities and obsess about sex. Two somewhat explicit if fleeting premarital encounters, rear male nudity, persistent alcohol and an instance of marijuana use, much profanity, frequent graphic sexual banter and pervasive rough, crude and crass language. The Catholic News Service classification is O — morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, September 12 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Philip A. Davignon, pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville, with the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women in attendance.

13

The Anchor

September 10, 2010

Our readers respond The enduring papacy A great English statesman and writer of the 18th century, Macaulay, wrote this about the papacy in the early years after the Church had survived the French Revolution and the mightiest autocrat of modern times. “No other institution is left standing which carries the mind back to the times when the smoke of sacrifice rose from the Pantheon, and when camelopards and tigers bounded in the Flavian amphitheater. The proudest royal houses are but of yesterday, when compared with the line of the Supreme Pontiffs.

That line we trace back in an unbroken series, from the pope who crowned Napoleon in the 19th century, to the pope who crowned Pepin in the eighth; and far beyond the time of Pepin the August dynasty extends, till it is lost in the twilight of fable. The republic of Venice came next in antiquity.

But the republic of Venice was modern when compared with the papacy; and the republic of Venice is gone, and the papacy remains. The papacy remains not in decay, not a mere antique, but full of life and youthful vigor. The Catholic Church saw the commencements of all the governments and of all the ecclesiastical establishments that now exist in the world; and we feel no assurance that she is not destined to see the end of them all. She was great and respected before the Saxon had set foot on Britain, before the Frank had passed the Rhine, when Grecian eloquence still flourished in Antioch, when idols were still worshiped in the temple of Mecca. And she may still exist in undiminished vigor when some traveler from New Zealand shall, in the midst of a vast solitude, take his stand on a broken arch of London Bridge the sketch of the ruins of St. Paul’s.”

We can make the same commendation today. Even when our world comes to an end, we have every confidence to believe — as Macaulay did in the 18th century — that the papacy at the Vatican will still exist making its substantial contribution to the welfare of mankind.

It has survived wars, emperors, kings, reformations and other rulers of governments of all kinds. The everlasting contribution that the papacy has made to mankind in all centuries of its existence should be recognized and appreciated from century to century. We have seen or heard so many governmental, political and economic institutions come and go, but we continue

to witness, in all of its splendor, the papacy at the Vatican.

Hon. William H. Carey Dartmouth, Mass.

Keep up the good work I’m grateful Father Landry is continuing to write the editorials but blown away to learn that there is a human ending to his column Putting into the Deep.

I’ve read many different diocesan newspapers in my time, but The Anchor is the first that I pick up and make a centerpiece (after the Eucharist) of my Sundays, not exclusively but very largely because of his column and editorial. Talk about readable, to-the-point and moving.

I forced myself to read on after the last paragraph of the Putting into the Deep today (August 6) and was relieved to admire and take joy in several of the articles/authors: Deacon Hussey, Genevieve Kineke, always George Weigel, the CNS article on Father Peyton’s cause, Dwight Duncan on Archbishop Sheen and I’m still reading onto others.

Dr. Joanne L. Hager Yarmouthport, Mass.

A forgiving Church I read Father Landry’s excellent article on “Forgiveness and repentance” in the July 10 edition of The Anchor. I have become a follower of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, which is based on the message of Jesus to St. Faustina in the 1930s outlining a very simple message for salvation, praying for mercy for yourself and others and granting mercy to those who have offended you. I think these prayers are extraordinary. The Catholic Church is a very forgiving Church. Pope John Paul II proclaimed the first Sunday after Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. However, I have never heard a homily on the subject.

I don’t understand why the Church does not promote this simple devotion more.

Edmund J. Coye Buzzards Bay, Mass.

Executive Editor replies: On Divine Mercy Sunday, many parishes in the diocese hold prayer services in honor of the Lord’s Divine Mercy at 3 p.m., which are invariably advertised in The Anchor. For the past five years as well, we have published homilies on that Sunday here in The Anchor that have focused on the Lord’s mercy. There are certainly many parishes, priests and deacons who are preaching about and promoting this beautiful and timely devotion.

Rationale decision The July 9 editorial entitled “A reckless gamble” was a terrific piece with lots of rationale for your position. Teachers must have enjoyed The Anchor’s editorial writer in class, as he was probably the student who did his homework. I have never supported the gambling initiatives as they make no economic or social sense in my view. Thanks for writing such a logical and powerful piece.

Howard Llewellyn Cotuit, Mass.

Inspiration for the suffering I wrote a religious poem called “Jesus is Always My Friend,” which I ask you to publish. I wrote it to help, inspire and give hope to all people with suffering.

When I was betrayed by my best friends, Jesus told me “It’s all right. Just trust in me and I will be your friend.”

When I feel depressed and all alone, Jesus is there with his compassion to comfort me and wipe my tears away.

When I feel that no one loves or cares about me, Jesus reminds me of all the blessings and examples that God has put in place to help me along the way.

When people make fun of me because of my disability, Jesus says, “Just ignore and forgive them. I will always be here for you.”

When I have no father figure, Jesus says, “God is your father.

My Father’s love for you is unconditional and everlasting.”

When I have family problems, Jesus tells me, “Do not try to solve it. Talk to me about what is bothering you, for I am willing to listen and to help according to the Father’s time who knows what is best for you.”

When I feel hopeless to the point that I just want to give up, Jesus says, “Believe and trust in me. Take up your cross and follow me. Whoever believes in me will have eternal life.”

Brittany DeGagne Fall River, Mass.

Insightful reading I am a Marist Missionary Sister of the Society of Mary who spent 38 years in the Pacific and began the NFP program at the Family Life Center next to Bishop Stang High School when Msgr. Ronald A. Tosti was in charge. I was born in New Bedford and grew up in Fall River.

I want to say that I read every issue from cover to cover.

I also want to add that I found Father Landry’s year-long series on St. John Vianney was tops. They should be printed in a book. God bless your en-

tire staff.

Sister Lucille Levasseur, SMSM Tampa, Fla.

trying to be funny when he wrote that article but he failed.

William Bayley E. Falmouth, Mass.

Well done Dwight Congratulations to Dwight Duncan for writing and to The Anchor for printing his recent refutation on the subject of Charles Pierce’s July “What I Believe/Why I Remain a Catholic” article in the Boston Globe. Duncan’s acknowledgment of the widely-shared views of Kennedy-style, pick-andchoose, or cafeteria Catholicism — call it what you will — in Massachusetts is refreshing. It should be of no surprise to the Catholic Church that a significant number of its members, in our state in particular, have chosen this erroneous approach to the faith. The Anchor has, I realize, editorialized on the subject but one wonders why an acknowledgment of and refutation of this approach to the faith is not a popular and recurring subject from the pulpits of our churches.

Richard Tobin Orleans

Stop the destruction Since the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, recorded abortions in this country alone are approaching 52 million. The un-recorded abortions add significantly to that number, but still remain unknown. Likewise the unrecorded abortions throughout the world remain unknown. Let us stop to reflect on the magnitude of the number of 52 million murdered infant babies in the womb in our country alone. The population of the city of Fall River is 100,000. The figure of 52 million represents the total annihilation of 520 cities identical in size.

Joseph R. B. Levesque Swansea, Mass.

That wasn’t funny Thank you for printing the above Dwight Duncan’s article “The Church without Christ” in the August 27 edition. It was reassuring to me that I wasn’t the only one who was perplexed by Charles Pierce’s article in the Globe. I, too, like Charlie Pierce. He’s funny most of the time. Maybe he was

The Anchor provides a weekly wealth of Catholic information.

Why not share this gift with a friend?

Grateful for Father Mello’s column I just finished reading the column “A Deeper Look,” by Father Jay Mello in the August 13 edition and want to thank you for choosing him to begin this series. With his understanding of the desire of many people to be holy, he will lead us directly to the ways of fulfilling that desire, namely, by following Jesus Christ and his teachings. We will all benefit by continued catechesis.

Dorothy Peluso Sandwich, Mass.

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The Catholic Response

14

German Church to require background checks for those working with youths TRIER, Germany (CNS) — The German Catholic Church will require all employees who work with young people to obtain police checks and undergo psychiatric tests when necessary, under new guidelines published August 31.

“The new guidelines now extend to clerics, order members and other employees in the Church’s service,” said Bishop Stephan Ackermann of Trier, the bishops’ representative for sex abuse issues. “They depend on people actively serving the Church to follow the necessary procedures and offer help whenever possible.”

Bishop Ackermann said the key point in the guidelines, which took effect September 1, concerned the Church’s duty to notify state law enforcement bodies of all abuse accusations. He said the new text went further in preventing cover-ups, as well as in encouraging victims to report abuse and enhancing child protection.

“It was important for us to ensure the best support for prosecutors, while at the same time meeting requirements for protecting victims,” he said at a news conference in Trier.

“The terrible facts and experiences of recent months have shown our previous guidelines from 2002 were not precise enough in all points. This is why

Revised and updated ...

we have taken another critical look at them and tightened them up,” he added.

The document was prepared by a seven-member team appointed in February.

The 55-point text was shown to experts and victim groups, as well as members of a national roundtable on sex abuse convened in Berlin in April by Germany’s Justice, Education and Family Affairs ministries. It was approved August 23 by the bishops’ permanent council.

The guidelines require dioceses to appoint independent ombudsmen, not linked to the diocesan authorities, to represent the rights of victims and to set up a permanent team of legal and psychotherapeutic experts to advise on abuse cases.

Clergy and laypeople working with children and young people in Church institutions will require police statements certifying no previous abuse convictions, while those suspected of abnormal sexual tendencies will have to undergo psychological tests.

Clergy and lay Church staffers incriminated in molestation will be barred from further work with children and checked by psychiatrists to ascertain where they may safely be employed.

Financial compensation for victims is not specified in the guidelines and will be deter-

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mined during upcoming talks with the government.

Bishop Ackermann added that the bishops’ conference would discuss procedures for applying the guidelines in all 34 Catholic dioceses at its autumn plenary.

“In the past months, I have received more than 500 letters, directly or via my Bonn office, from disappointed victims recounting traumatic experiences at the hands of the Catholic Church, as well as from experts offering us help and advice,” said the bishop. “It is all the more important now to thank the victims honestly, once again, for taking the courageous steps of bringing these appalling events to light, and thus helping expose and fight the crime of sexual abuse more effectively.”

Since January, when claims of abuse were made against staff at a Jesuit-run college in Berlin, many German dioceses and religious orders have faced accusations of abuse by Catholic priests.

In February, the bishops’ conference opened a hotline offering advice, therapy and contacts for victims. In May, Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Bishop Walter Mixa of Augsburg after claims he beat children at a Church-run orphanage before he was a bishop.

In June, a German prosecutor said he was investigating accusations against the president of the German bishops’ conference, Archbishop Robert Zollitsch of Frieburg. The accuser said the prelate had been an accessory to the abuse of children in the 1960s and had allowed an abusive priest to return to his diocese in 1987.

The archdiocese rejected the allegations, accusing the media of sensationalism.

September 10, 2010

Belgian cardinal’s spokesman says no abuse cover-up, just naivete OXFORD, England (CNS) — A spokesman for Belgian Cardinal Godfried Danneels said the transcript of an April meeting with a victim of clergy sex abuse has been interpreted out of context.

“There was no intention of any cover-up,” said Toon Osaer, spokesman for the cardinal, who retired in January as archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels.

“Seen from today’s perspective, the cardinal realizes he was rather naive to think he could help the family in question reach a reconciliation,” he told Catholic News Service August 30. “At that moment, however, the family didn’t want to make public something they’d kept secret for 24 years.”

Belgium’s Flemish-language De Standaard and Het Nieuwsblad dailies published an alleged transcript of the cardinal’s April meeting with relatives of the nephew of Bishop Roger Vangheluwe of Brugge. The unnamed nephew was abused by his uncle before and after the bishop’s 1985 consecration.

Osaer said that Cardinal Danneels had not kept notes from the “informal private meeting” April 8 and could not verify the transcript’s accuracy. He added that he believed the text was “broadly correct” but said the context had been “totally different” than newspapers currently claimed.

“This was a totally confidential meeting, and the family intended to keep it all within the family,” the spokesman said. “This is why the cardinal tried to see if a reconciliation was possible. He asked the victim if Vangheluwe should resign immediately, pointing out that we would then have to provide an explanation for his departure.

He said if the resignation could be left for another year, it would not

This week in 50 years ago — Preparations for the construction of the third regional Catholic high school in the diocese — what would eventually become Coyle and Cassidy High School — began with the demolition of the former Old Colony Mill structure on the eight-acre property at the corner of Adams and Hamilton Streets in Taunton.

25 years ago — Sister Leona Misto, RSM, former Religious Education coordinator and school principal at SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Fall River, was named dean of campus ministry at Salve Regina College in Newport, R.I.

be necessary to bring the family’s internal affairs into the open.”

Osaer told CNS that Cardinal Danneels had offered his advice because the family “disagreed sharply” over the best course of action.

Bishop Vangheluwe resigned April 23 after admitting abusing his nephew for 13 years.

According to the text, Cardinal Danneels drew a distinction between “public and private punishment” of the bishop and suggested “forgiveness and forgiving” to the unnamed victim, who said he would leave the decision about going public to the cardinal.

In an August 28 statement to Belgian newspapers, Osaer said Cardinal Danneels “condemned and profoundly regretted” the abuse by Bishop Vangheluwe but also regretted the April meeting had been recorded without the knowledge of those present.

In a May pastoral letter to Catholics, the bishops of Belgium asked forgiveness of victims of priestly sexual abuse and promised wide-ranging steps to curb the problem in the future.

In June, while the bishops were meeting in Brussels, police seized 475 files compiled by a Church commission on clergy sexual abuse. Police detained the bishops for nine hours and took away their cell phones, and a laptop belonging to Cardinal Danneels.

On August 28, Belgian Justice Minister Stefaan De Clerck called for a new Church commission on clergy abuse and urged the Catholic Church to “continue assuming its responsibilities.”

Osaer said the bishops’ conference had already decided to set up a new commission and would announce its members by midSeptember.

Diocesan history 10 years ago — A Mass was held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River for the five-missionary team heading to Guaimaca, Honduras to begin a new parish ministry. The team included Father Paul E. Canuel, Father Gustavo Dominguez, Deacon James Marzelli Jr. and his wife JoAn, and Sister Marie Ceballos.

One year ago — The extended family of students, staff and alumni at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth commemorated the school’s 50th anniversary with a formal rededication ceremony and Mass at St. Julie Billiart Church celebrated by Bishop George W. Coleman.

September 10, 2010

Court halts funding for embryonic stem-cell research continued from page one

of Catholic Bishops on August 25, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on ProLife Activities, called the ruling a “victory for common sense and sound medical ethics.”

“I hope this court decision will encourage our government to renew and expand its commitment to ethically sound avenues of stem-cell research,” Cardinal DiNardo added. “A task of good government is to use its funding power to direct resources where they will best serve and respect human life, not to find new ways to evade this responsibility.”

Scientists conduct research on three types of stem cells — adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs). Adult stem cells have been researched for the past 50 years and are used to treat cancer, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and juvenile diabetes.

Embryonic stem cells have been researched for more than 10 years. Because they are taken from an embryo still in development, they are capable of becoming any cell in the human body. To date, no therapies have been developed.

IPSCs, first derived in 2007, are genetically reprogrammed adult stem cells that are virtually identical to embryonic stem cells.

The Church does not consider research on them or adult stem cells to be morally objectionable.

In 1999, President Bill Clinton commissioned a legal memo that allowed federal funding of research on embryonic stem cell lines. In 2001, President George W. Bush issued an executive order that prohibited the use of taxpayer dollars on research of embryonic stem cell lines created after he signed the order. In 2009, President Barack Obama authorized federal funds for research on donated surplus embryos created for in-vitro fertilization, even if those stem cell lines were created after 2001.

Drs. James L. Sherley and Theresa Deisher, who study adult stem cells, sued, requesting an injunction. They argued that when funds go to embryonic stem-cell research, less federal money is available for their research.

The ruling in their favor on Shereley v. Sebelius immediately freezes $95 million federal dollars previously approved for 150 embryonic stem-cell research grants because those grants are currently up for annual renewal.

Another 22 grants are up for renewal in September, and 131 more are up for renewal in the coming year.

A member of the plaintiff’s legal counsel, Matt Bowman of

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The Anchor

the Bioethics Defense Fund, told The Anchor that his clients are “very pleased” by the outcome of this case.

“Science has already made embryonic stem-cell research obsolete through induced pluripotent stem-cell research and through the only research that has been successful, which is adult stem-cell research. There is no benefit from embryonic stem cell research that you don’t get cheaper from induced pluripotent stem-cell research and better from adult stem-cell research,” he said. “In these economic times, it doesn’t make sense for our government to use precious taxpayer dollars for illegal, unethical and unnecessary research.”

The Justice Department has vowed to appeal the decision.

In an August 24 statement, Children’s Hospital Boston said the ruling “dashes the hopes of patients and families facing illnesses who will someday benefit from this research.”

“This decision is a tragic set-

back not only for patients but for the whole field of stem-cell research,” the statement added.

“We hope that the injunction can be rendered moot by an act of Congress that removes any ambiguity in their support of federal funding for human embryonic stem-cell research.”

Father Pacholczyk said that any effect on future therapy is speculative. But he acknowledged that it is possible that someday embryonic stem-cell therapies could exist.

“My sense is that if they work on this long enough and hard enough, they will come up with something that works, but the issue is not just about what works and what doesn’t work,” he said.

“It would also work to help a patient who had a heart attack to forcibly remove the heart from another living patient and transplant it into him. That works perfectly well, but it’s absolutely immoral to do so. And embryonic stem-cell research, even if it does work, still remains absolutely immoral.”

My Father’s House P.O. Box 22, 39 North Moodus Rd. Moodus, CT 06469 . 860-873-1581 Website: www.myfathershouse.com Email: jz1mfh@gmail.com

~ UPCOMING EVENTS ~ September 11, 2010 - 9am - 4:15pm Legion Of Mary - Day of Recollection Pray, Praise, Talk, Consecration to Mary. All Welcome.

Call (860)873-1581 for information or to register.

September 17, 18, 19, 2010 The 1st Annual Catholic Music Festival in New England Honor God, Honor Catholic Music & Catholic Musicians All Faiths Welcome. For tickets go to our website www.myfathershouse.com or call (860)873-1581.

September 25, 2010 - 8:30am - 12:00pm Communion Breakfast & Bible Study Topic: A Journey of Faith -”The Patriarch & The Prophet” Come All & Bring Some Friends!!!

For more information call (860)873-1581.

January 3-12, 2011 Holy Land Pilgrimage with Spiritual Director Fr. Bill McCarthy & Group Leader Mary Alice Rossini, NP Visit Galilee, Nazareth, Jerusalem and much more.

For information visit our website or call Mark Bodston @ Education Opportunities at (863)648-03383 or (860)873-8767.

Check out our website at www.myfathershouse.com for upcoming Parish Missions

Edward Saunders, director of Mass.

Catholic Conference, dies after illness

By Father Robert M. O’Grady, Boston Pilot BOSTON — “He was one of those people who you are glad you were able to walk through life with, no matter how long or short the trek.” So one of his friends said of Edward “Eddie” Saunders, the executive director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference who died on August 28 after a brief battle with a recently-diagnosed virulent form of cancer.

The only son of the late Edward and Ellen (Nolan) Saunders and the brother of Ellen (Saunders) McCarthy of Falmouth, he was a Boston native and grew up in the city’s Roslindale section. He was an alumnus of Boston College High School and Boston College, and of Suffolk Law School.

Before coming to the MCC he served as an attorney on the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. He was well known in many circles.

His cousin, Janet O’Connor of Needham, said, “When we were chatting among the family and recalling Eddie’s friends and contacts we were amazed at the variety of people from all walks of life who populated his phone directory.

Eclectic describes it best.”

What was not eclectic was his loyalty as son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend. Nor was his loyalty to Boston College ever for a moment in doubt. Perhaps his well-planned and organized tailgates at BC football games tells it best. He arrived early, secured a spot near the garage gate entry to Shea Field, set up the pre-game provisions and awaited the arrival of anyone he had invited and anyone they had invited. Win

or lose, winning or losing season, whatever the weather, unless a family or professional obligation required otherwise, he was there.

Just a few weeks ago he was on vacation in Falmouth and was not feeling well. He reluctantly went to the hospital and was immediately sent to New England Medical Center in Boston where the doctors diagnosed an aggressive cancer that had spread through many parts of his body. They could not offer any treatment that would arrest, never mind reverse, the devastating effects of the disease.

He died in the early hours of August 28 with his family and friends surrounding him at NEMC. Seán Cardinal O’Malley was the principal celebrant of the funeral Mass August 31 at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, Newton. Ed’s BC High classmate and NEMC chaplain, Father James Shaughnessy, SJ was the homilist. Among those concelebrating with the cardinal were Springfield’s Bishop Timothy McDonnell, Worcester’s Bishop Robert McManus, Fall River’s Bishop George Coleman, Worcester’s Bishop Emeritus Daniel Reilly; Boston Auxiliary Bishop Robert Hennessey, and Bishopelect Arthur Kennedy. Also present were Ed’s other BC High priest classmate and long time friend, Father Thomas Maguire, pastor of St. Helen Parish, Norwell; Father Robert O’Grady, staff of The Pilot; Jesuit Fathers Donald MacMillan and Joseph Duffy and more than a dozen other priests.

Following the funeral Mass Ed was buried in St. Joseph Cemetery, Falmouth.

SE RE ATING GI ST LIM ER IT NO ED W! !

Youth Pages

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September 10, 2010

Pope highlights call for ‘firm’ and ‘planted’ youth in WYD 2011 message Castel Gandolfo, Italy (CNA/EWTN News) — Speaking to youth in his message for World Youth Day 2011, Pope Benedict XVI said that the young person’s relationship with Christ is fundamental to his reaching maturity. Christ, he added, gives young people all they need to confront life.

The pope’s Message for World Youth Day 2011 was only just released by the Holy See recently but carries the date of August 6. The theme of the encounter, to be held in Madrid from August 15-21, is “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith.”

Calling the theme from the book of Colossians “decidedly against the current,” he asked, “who, in fact, proposes to the young people of today to be ‘planted’ and ‘firm’?”

Uncertainty, mobility and communication are exalted today, he pointed out, explaining that these are “all aspects that reflect an indecisive culture concerning the foundational values, principles on the basis of which one orients and regulates life.”

Drawing from his own personal experience and his contact with young people, the Holy Father said that he “knows well that every generation, indeed, every single person is called to remake the path of discovery of the meaning of life.”

For this reason, he said, the WYD 2011 message employs biblical references to the tree and construction.

“The young person, in fact, is like a growing tree: to develop itself well it needs deep roots, which, in the case of a windstorm, keep it

well planted in the ground.”

On the other hand, he added, “sound foundations” can be seen in the image of the building.

The core of the message, he said, thus lies in the expressions “in Jesus Christ” and “in the faith.”

“Full maturity of the person (and) his interior stability have their foundation in the relationship with God, a relationship that passes through the encounter with Jesus Christ.” This relation of trust and friendship with Christ is capable of giving young people that which they need most to confront life, said the pope. It’s able to give them “serenity and interior light, an attitude to think positively, broadmindedness towards others (and) availability to give personally for good, justice and truth.”

The fact that the young person is supported in the faith also by the Church is an important aspect to becoming a believer, he said, explaining that “if no man is an island, less so is the Christian, who discovers in the Church the beauty of the shared and witnessed faith together with others in the brotherhood and service of charity.”

Noting the significance of the date of the publication of the Message for WYD 2011, signed on the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, he prayed, “May the light of the face of Christ shine in the heart of every young person.”

“And,” he added, “may the Virgin Mary accompany the path of the community and of the youth groups towards the great encounter of Madrid 2011 with her protection.”

great start — St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro began its school year with a Mass for the faculty held at the church. Pastor Father Richard Roy celebrated the Mass. The faculty is pictured gathered at the altar as part of the offertory and consecration.

getting ready — Teachers of the Greater New Bedford Catholic schools attended a prayer retreat at St. Joseph Church in Fairhaven to kick off the start of the new school year. The event was led by Margie Copeland.

a century of tradition — The 100th year of the tradition that is Coyle and Cassidy High School in Taunton began this week with a new principal at the helm, Mr. Robert Gay, at right. Also pictured are President Dr. Mary Pat Tranter, Dave McConnell and Casey May.

17

Youth Pages

September 10, 2010

Revamped ‘La Salette eXtreme’ youth program kicks off tonight

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff ATTLEBORO — The youth program held on the first Friday of every month at La Salette Shrine in Attleboro is taking on a new name and new format in the hopes of getting more teen-aged Catholics involved.

Created in 2007 and formerly known as Extreme East, the newly-named “La Salette eXtreme” is a monthly program that provides teen-agers with an opportunity to grow in and deepen their faith through praise and worship music, hearing the Gospel message, adoration, confession, and fellowship.

The revamped La Salette eXtreme kicks off tonight with a program titled “No Strings Attached” and free pizza for all attendees.

“It’s generally held on the first Friday of every month, except for this month because of Labor Day,” said Lauren Murphy, coordinator of youth ministry at La Salette Shrine and the driving force behind La Salette eXtreme. “We start off around 6:45 with praise and worship music performed by a house band. Then we’ll have some type of witness or catechesis and that’s when the speaker will make a presentation.

“After that, we have exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. During that time we’ll also offer the opportunity for reconciliation.

Then we’ll close with benediction, have a few more prayers and worship songs, and then a social hour in the cafeteria with pizza and soda.”

According to Murphy, who took over as youth ministry coordinator in March, this is the fourth year that La Salette Shrine has been offering the monthly youth program and in previous years attendance has been spotty.

“Sometimes we have more than 100 people, other times less,” she said. “It really depends on the time of year and who the speaker is. But I think the more we get the word out, the more people will know what we’re doing at La Salette and the more people will attend.”

Originally conceived as an offshoot of the popular Steubenville East Youth Conferences that were previously hosted on the shrine grounds, Murphy said the new La Salette eXtreme is an attempt to establish a program with its own identity that is somewhat

unique to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette.

“What we really wanted to do with the name change was to get the message of Our Lady of La Salette out there,” Murphy said. “And we really wanted to emphasize her message when she appeared to the two children, Maximin and Melanie, in France in 1846.

She said: ‘Come near my children. Do not be afraid. I am here to tell you great news.’”

In fact, the new logo for La Salette eXtreme incorporates those very same words of Our Lady.

“We want youth — especially high school students — to have exposure to the sacraments and to really emphasize the extreme love and forgiveness of Christ — hence, La Salette eXtreme,” she added.

While tonight’s kick-off and some of the subsequent monthly programs are freeof-charge, others will have a nominal admission fee to cover the cost of that month’s speaker.

Murphy, a member of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton, hopes La Salette eXtreme will help provide an outlet for young Catholics to exercise their faith and fill the void in some parishes in the diocese.

“Sometimes parishes don’t have that many opportunities for youth involvement, and sometimes teens don’t feel like they’re needed or welcomed,” she said. “But that’s obviously not the case. I hope this program will get the message

across that the Church needs and is for young people, too.

I think it’s really important for us and parishes to reach out to the youth and say: we need you, we want you, this is your

Church, too.”

As one of many teen-oriented programs sponsored by the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette under the guidance of Father Cyriac Mattathilanickal, MS, director of youth ministries, Murphy sees La Salette eXtreme as an important tool to draw young people closer to the Blessed Mother, her Son, and his Church.

“At La Salette, the Blessed Mother urged the young children to return to her son, Jesus, for he is extremely loving, forgiving, and reconciling,” she said. “We pray that this ministry helps teens to come to understand the extreme love of Christ and his Mother.”

Tonight’s kick-off and all subsequent sessions of La Salette eXtreme begin at 6:45 p.m. in the main church at La Salette Shrine, with praise and worship music followed by a witness speaker, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, confession, and a social hour in the cafeteria with pizza and soda. Although La Salette eXtreme is geared for teens, all ages are welcome.

Future first Friday La Salette eXtreme sessions for 20102011 will include: — October 1: Bob “Righteous B” Lesnefsky, a Catholic rapper; — November 5: Paul Melley, director of liturgical music at Holy Cross College, professor, and songwriter, topic: “Sacramentality of the Church”; — December 3: La Salette Christmas, no admission fee.

Come early and check out the Christmas lights and the La Salette Gift Shop. There will

be no social hour this month due to the Festival of Lights; — January 7: Allison Gingras, local Catholic speaker, wife, and mother, topic: “Loving the Unseen God”; — February 4: Father Jose Robles-Sanchez, pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Church, Alexandria, Louisiana; — March 4: Dr. Christopher Klofft, STD, assistant professor of theology at Assumption College; — April 1: Reconciliation Night, no admission fee. Adoration, praise and worship will still take place, but there will be a special focus on the sacrament of reconciliation. This is a great Lenten opportunity to help prepare your hearts for Easter; — May 6: Caroline GambaleDirkes, dynamic Catholic speaker of 2Tim4 Ministries; and — June 3: Sarah Bauer, singer and speaker from Indiana.

For more details and updated information about La Salette eXtreme, consult its new website at www.lasaletteyouthministry.org.

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

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The Anchor

DOMINICAN DORM — The national provincial house for the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation located in Dighton is home to 13 retired and active Sisters within the Fall River Diocese. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

Dominican Sisters adhere to charism of their foundress continued from page one

ministry are all interrelated for us.”

Although best known in the Fall River Diocese for their work in health care facilities such as Saint Anne’s Hospital and nursing homes like Madonna Manor in North Attleboro and Marian Manor in Taunton, the Dominican Sisters are also very much involved in education and parochial ministries.

In fact it was this variety of ministries that first drew Sister Vadakumpadan to joining the order in her native India in the early 1970s.

“I saw the good work of the Dominican Sisters who came to my village to work with the poor and I was inspired by their charism,” she said. “After looking into the order I learned that health care, education and parish ministry were the three main orientations of their ministry and I was just attracted to the work they did.”

It was the opening of Saint Anne’s Hospital that first brought the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation to the fledgling Fall Riv-

er Diocese back in 1906.

“That was our first mission,” said Sister Vadakumpadan, who currently serves as chairman of the hospital’s board of directors and is one of five Dominican Sisters still working at the facility.

The national headquarters for the order — or the provincial house — is also located here in the diocese in Dighton, where 13 active and retired members of the community currently reside. There is a smaller community house located near Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River and four Sisters also reside and work at the diocesansponsored St. Rose of Lima Parish mission located in Guaimaca, Honduras.

Although no members of the order are currently teaching in any diocesan schools, they do provide parochial support and ministry to nearby St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton.

“We also have communities in Providence, R.I., Washington, D.C. and Brownsville, Tex., the latter of which was established by the late Cardinal Humberto

Medeiros,” Sister Vadakumpadan said.

The total of 36 Dominican Sisters working within the United States that technically makes them a “delegation” and not a “province.” Sister Vadakumpadan said she still prefers the latter term.

“Most people don’t understand the difference, so we continue to call ourselves a province,” she said. “There’s not much of a difference, really.”

Originally founded by Blessed Marie Poussepin as the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity in Sainville, France in 1724, the order later became known as the Dominicans of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin and received recognition and diocesan approval in 1738.

Today the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation are active worldwide and ministering in 36 countries, including the United States.

“Wherever we go, that original charism of Marie Poussepin is so alive,” said Sister Vadakumpadan, who took her final vows in 1973

September 10, 2010 and first came to the United States in 1982. “That’s what inspired me to join. We could be sent anywhere there is a need — be it working in education, working among the poorest countries, working in parish ministry, or working in health care.”

Sister Camille Descheemaker, now retired and living at the provincial house in Dighton, first became aware of the Dominican Sisters at the advent of World War II and took her final vows on Nov. 21, 1941.

“For my first ministry I went to Paris. They initially wanted me to do social work,” said Sister Descheemaker, who was inspired to religious life by her aunt. “After that, they sent me to Brussels to teach. Then I came to Fall River in 1966 and worked for Saint Anne’s Hospital and Lifeline until 1975.”

For house superior Sister Marie William Lapointe, who was born and raised in the north end of Fall River, entrance into religious life took her in the opposite direction.

After graduating from Saint Anne’s School of Nursing, she went to France for her novitiate and took her final vows there in 1961.

“After doing missionary work for 14 years, I returned to the United States and went to work for a residency for women students in Washington, D.C. where I stayed for 22 years,” Sister Lapointe said.

“Then I was asked to come back here and be the superior of this community.”

Eighty-two-year-old Sister Auilinra Jaramillo, who also lives at the Dighton provincial house, will celebrate her 60th year with the order next year. She first joined the Dominican Sisters in her native Colombia and was later sent to work at nursing homes in Washington, D.C. Before retiring, she also ministered at Marian Manor and Madonna Manor here in the diocese.

“I came to the Dominican Sisters to sanctify myself, work for the glory of God, and for the salvation of souls,” Sister Jaramillo said.

“My favorite ministry is working with those who are sick or dying. I like being there for them and their families in their time of need to pray for them.”

As a perfect example of the multifaceted work the Dominican Sisters do, Sister Vadakumpadan proudly pointed to the diocesan mission in Honduras where the order has been helping to support a parish, school for young women, and medical clinic for the past 10 years.

“Look at the work we’re doing at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Guaimaca,” she said. “They are fulfilling all three parts of our charism.”

When asked what she would say to encourage those who might be discerning a vocation to religious life, Sister Vadakumpadan said the Dominican Sisters are always looking for someone to share their God-given talents — whatever they may be.

“If there’s someone who wants to follow the Lord’s calling … whatever gifts that person has, they will be utilized,” she said.

“We have Sisters teaching in universities, we have nurses and health care professionals, we have Sisters working in many different professions.

“If a young woman is really interested in reaching out to the poor — to go and work where they are — we could find a place in our congregation for her.”

“I never knew I was going to do so many different things in my life, but I’ve been happy,” Sister Lapointe added. “I thought I was going to be working at Saint Anne’s Hospital for the rest of my life — but I’ve seen the world.”

For more information about the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, visit http://www.dominicansistersofthepresentation.org/.

The Anchor

September 10, 2010

Catholics urged to vote in Mass. primary September 14 continued from page one

The “Catechism” also mentions in section 2242, “The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of the Gospel.” And that includes in the voting booth.

Martins furthered explained that “it’s been quite a while since Catholic voters have had the choice of Church-minded candidates.” She added that “many more people are choosing to run for office now. They want to make a difference.”

She stressed the importance of Catholic voters to cast a ballot in the primaries. “In some of the elections, the final vote will be decided in the primaries, so it’s very important to vote this week.” “Also,” she said, “sometimes a candidate will never make it to the November elections if he or she doesn’t receive the votes they need.

You may never see a Pro-Life pro-Church candidate make it

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Sept. 13 Rev. Charles A.J. Donovan, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, North Easton, 1949 Rev. Isadore Kowalski, OFM Conv., Our Lady’s Haven, Fairhaven, 2003 Sept. 14 Rev. Stanislaus J. Ryczek, USA Retired Chaplain, Former Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Bedford, 1982 Sept. 15 Rev. Henry J. Mussely, Pastor, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River, 1934 Rev. Brendan McNally, S.J., Holy Cross College, Worcester, 1958 Rev. John J. Casey, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, North Easton, 1969 Sept. 16 Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jean A. Prevost, P.A., P.R., Pastor, Notre Dame de Lourdes, Fall River, 1925 Sept. 17 Rev. Thomas F. McNulty, Pastor, St. Kilian, New Bedford, 1954 Cardinal Humberto Sousa Medeiros, Archbishop of Boston, 1970-83, Pastor of St. Michael, Fall River 1960 -1966, 1983 Rev. Felix Lesnek, SS.CC., Former Associate Pastor, St. Joseph, Fairhaven, 1991 Sept. 18 Rev. Luke Golla, SS.CC., Seminary of Sacred Heart, Wareham, 1945 Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edmund J. Ward, Retired Pastor, St. Patrick, Fall River, 1964 Sept. 19 Rev. Henry E.S. Henniss, Pastor, St. Mary, New Bedford, 1859 Msgr. Arthur W. Tansey, Retired Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1985

to the November ballot without support in the primaries.”

Two major organizations that advocate Church teachings have included sections of their websites to help practicing Catholics know where candidates stand on certain issues.

Masscitizensforlife.com has a section entitled “Where do the candidates stand?” on its site. Simply scroll down to that section and click. It reveals a candidate’s answers, if the candidate chose to take part, to a questionnaire that includes topics considered very impor-

tant by Church leaders. For those who chose not to answer, the site includes, if available, where the candidate historically stands on an issue. It also includes a section on how to determine what district a voter is in based on their address and who their representatives and the other candidates are. And another section includes where U.S. Congressional candidates stand on certain issues.

Martins said that Catholic Citizenship also has election information on its website, catholic-citizenship.org.

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 of the month, concluding with Benediction and Mass.

Buzzards Bay — Eucharistic adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, every first Friday after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending the following day before the 8 a.m. Mass.

East 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.

Around the Diocese 9/11

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.

9/13

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.

St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton will commemorate its second anniversary with a parish festival tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the parish grounds, 499 Spring Street. Admission is free and the festival is open to everyone, with a fine offering of food, music and games. For more information call 508-822-7669.

Theology on Tap, a discussion series to help single and married young adults in their 20s and 30s learn more about and grow in the Catholic faith, will take place on September 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Sam Diego’s Restaurant, Route 132 in Hyannis, and again on September 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Olive Garden, Route 140 in Taunton. Dr. Ernest Collamatti will present “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?” on both nights. For more information call Crystal Medeiros at 508-678-2828.

9/16 9/16

A Healing Mass will be celebrated at St. Anne’s Church, Fall River, on September 16 at 6:30 p.m. Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. with Benediction and healing prayers after Mass.

The diocesan Divorced and Separated Support Group will air a video on “Surviving Divorce” by John Bradshaw on September 16 at 7 p.m. at St. Julie Billiart Parish, 494 Slocum Road, North Dartmouth. The video shows the pitfalls to avoid on the road to recovery while giving the tools needed to survive divorce. A discussion will follow and all are welcome.

9/18

Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 121 Mount Pleasant Street, New Bedford, is having a Meat and Seafood Raffle on September 18 beginning at 5 p.m. with supper and the raffle scheduled for 7 p.m. in the parish center. For more information call 508-992-3184.

9/19

The Legion of Mary will have a Day of Recollection on September 19 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Cathedral Camp Retreat Center, East Freetown.

The day is open to members and non-members and will include a talk by Father Joseph Medio, formerly of New Bedford now serving the Archdiocese of Boston. For reservations call 508-995-2354.

9/20

St. Louis de France Parish, 56 Buffington Street, Swansea, will host a Fall Scripture Study on the Gospel according to Matthew every Monday beginning September 20 through November 15. Sessions begin promptly at 7:15 p.m. on the second floor of St. Louis de France School and will last about 90 minutes. For more information call 508-264-5823 or email forums8799@mypacks.net. To register call Nancy at 508-674-1103.

9/22

The fifth annual Attleboro 40 Days for Life campaign begins September 22 and continues until October 31. The campaign consists of prayer, fasting and standing in silent prayer in front of the only remaining abortion clinic in the diocese, located at 150 Emory Street in Attleboro. The efforts are supported by the diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate. For information contact Steve Marcotte at 508-406-1211 or email at 40dflattleboro@comcast.net.

9/24

St. Bernard’s Parish, 30 South Main Street in Assonet, will host its Harvest Festival beginning with an outdoor middle school dance on September 24 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The festival grounds will be open September 25 and 26 beginning at 11 a.m. both days, with a Pumpkin Fun Run slated for September 26 at 1:30 p.m. For more details visit www.igroops.com/igroops/stb or call 508-644-5585.

9/25

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Margaret’s/St. Mary’s parishes, Buzzards Bay and Onset, will sponsor its second annual Canal Walk on September 25 (rain date: October 2). Registration is from 8:15 - 8:45 a.m. in front of St. Margaret’s Church, 141 Main Street, Buzzards Bay. The one-mile walk begins at 9 a.m. starting at the train depot. For information call 508-291-1791.

10/2

St. Julie Billiart Church will host a Prayer Shawl workshop on October 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parish hall. The presenters are Janet Bristow and Victoria Cole-Galo. More information about this workshop and prayer shawls is available at the website, www.shawlministry.com, or by calling the parish at 508-993-2351.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has eucharistic adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on the first Sunday of the month from noon to 4 p.m.

FALL RIVER — 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.

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 508336-5549.

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

20

I

The Anchor

A (w)hole new experience

games at all levels, track meets, can’t count the number of volleyball games, and field hockey sporting events I’ve seen games (the rules of which I’ve still live over the years with my own peepers. There have been countless never quite grasped).

There are still a few events that football games — pro, college and high school. The same goes for baseball, basketball and ice hockey.

I’ve witnessed stock car racing and a demolition derby at Seekonk Speedway, and I’ve made a one-and-only appearance

By Dave Jolivet at a professional wrestling event. Having earned my letter in wrestling in high school, I couldn’t buy into that one. I have to check off my list before I check out, among which are a I even witnessed, again, one time professional rodeo, a professional only, a roller derby contest. tennis tournament, a cricket match, As a one-time professional a rugby and Australian football sports writer, I’ve had the opporbattle, and an exciting curling tunity to have witnessed soccer

My View From the Stands

event.

But I did get to check one more off the list this past Labor Day Weekend. One of my golfing chums, his son, my Emilie and I got to see the first round of the Deutsche Bank Championship at Norton Country Club.

Despite the threat of Earl’s arrival later in the day, we piled into the car at 6 a.m. and headed west on I-495 North (?).

We arrived at the Comcast Center (I think that’s what it’s still called) and prepared to hop on a luxury bus to be shuttled to the links.

Now, at mostly every sporting event I’ve attended, I’ve tailgated, yelled, screamed, cheered, snapped

September 10, 2010 photos and basically let loose for a few hours with other sports crazies.

This golf thing was a whole new experience.

Before we could even step foot on the bus, we had to leave all cell phones and cameras in the car. I didn’t know if Emilie was going to make it. I did notice her thumbs twitching the whole time we were there though.

Then we had to empty our pockets of all metals into a small basket and step through a metal detector. At least we could leave our shoes on. Must have been TSA employees.

Then, after my golfing partner was called back while walking away with the basket (I’m sure it was unintentional) we were able to board the bus.

We arrived just in time for the 7:10 opening tee time for the first of the 100 players.

I knew this would be an adjustment for me when at the first tee (which was at the 10th hole — but trust me, there’s a method to that madness), there were any number of blue-shirted men and women with their arms up in the air, and one with what looked like two orange cricket bats held aloft. They were there to ensure that none of the gallery (fans in any other sport) made a sound or movement until after the player made his shot.

I was hoping Emilie’s twitching texting-fingers wouldn’t be a distraction to the players. And there were several times when I felt a sneeze coming on while the blue army held arms aloft. Luckily I was able to control it.

I do watch golf nearly every weekend on the tube, so it was a thrill to see many of my favorite players, especially the up-andcoming stars of tomorrow like Anthony Kim, Camilo Villegas, Jason Day, and Ricky Barnes. It

was also pretty cool to see veterans like Tiger Woods, Stewart Cink, Steve Stricker, and Jim Furyk.

We spent most of the day watching play on the back nine, but we wanted to catch Phil “Lefty” Mickelson who was playing on the front nine.

I had a map of the course and took charge to get us to the hole at which Lefty would be playing.

Then after seven hours of roaming the course, we would leave.

Off went my foursome with me in the lead. After about 20 minutes, my so-called friend said, “Boy we’ve seen these buildings several times before.”

Undaunted, I kept on going until I heard him ask Emilie, “Does he do this in the car too?” I didn’t hear her response ... just the sound of chuckling.

I was taking us in a big circle, going nowhere. I found it’s much easier to make your way around a golf course if you’re playing ... especially in my case because I get to know the entire lay of the land looking for my tee shots.

I relented and asked where the third hole was and just as we were nearing the area, the suspend play horn sounded because of lightning and heavy rain. By taking too many left turns (a circle) we missed Lefty. My bad.

As we returned to where the buses awaited to take us back to the car, my cohorts took charge of getting us there. Boy, make one mistake ....

Once back at the car, everyone made a beeline to their cell phones.

I can only imagine how many microwaves were flying in that parking lot at that time.

Play resumed later in the day, but I watched from home — while texting, moving about at will, and not keeping my voice down or worrying about sneezing.