VOL. 49, NO.4- Friday, January 28, 2005 FALL RIVER, MASS. Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly -$14 Per Year

BISHOP STANG High School, North Dartmouth, studentsraised $7,500 for tsunami victims. Seated from left: AshleyWilliams and Campus Minister Jean Revil; standing from left:Katie Aiello and Joana Teles-Fazendeiro.

Keepinga healthybalance

to curriculums and take stock ofthe advantages and disadvantages.

For George A. Milot, superin­tendent of schools for the FallRiver diocese, "the situation islooking good" he summed up forThe Anchor last week.

"Right now the schools are ingood shape enrollment wise ...the numbers are down a little bit,but it is not unusual for them tobe up one year and down thenext," Milot said candidly in anoverview.

"We have 8,572 students thisyear and that is down 21 studentsoverall, but all in all it means en­rollment has remained steady," headded.

Currently there are more than600 teachers working in thediocese's elementary, middle andhigh schools, slightly higher thanlast year.

Tum to page 11 - Balance

• Catholic schoolsaddress academicsand religion.

By DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - Every year atthis time, officials at Catholicschools across America come un­der the spotlight as they ready toherald Catholic Schools Week.

For most leaders of diocesanschools it amounts to somethingof a "state of the schools" address,and at this time just after Christ­mas holidays, the numbers arefirmly in place and everyone hashad a chance to weigh additionsTHE CHARACTER Education Committee at Coyle and Cassidy High School, Tau~tbh, recently

sprang into action to help tsunami victims in Asia. From left: Nik Schuttauf, Su~anne Keyes, MikeReid, Courtney Kasianowicz, Ben Mattson, Eileen Molloy, Ross Perry, and Katie Sousa.

Diocesan high schools raisefunds for tsunami victims

NORTH DARTMOUTH ­Sensing the need to help ease thesuffering of tsunami victims thou­sands of miles away, students andfaculty at Bishop Stang HighSchool, North Dartmouth, andCoyle and Cassidy High School,Taunton, put their faith lessonsinto action by collecting moniesto send to Catholic Relief Ser­vices.

At Stang, the Student Council,Campus Minister)ean Revil andStudent Council Advisor GlennForgue organized homeroom rep­resentatives to collect funds.

In four days, the homeroomrepresentatives collected$7,500.

At Coyle and Cassidy, theCharacter Education Committee,a group of eight students, whosemission is to help facilitate anddevelop character and moral be­liefs and values at the school,raised $1,700 in just three hoursduring lunch breaks.

The committee members are:Nik Schuttauf, Suzanne Keyes,Mike Reid, CourtneyKasianowicz, Ben Mattson,Eileen Molloy, and Katie Sousa.

Salute set fornext weekin diocese

• National AppreciationDay for CatholicSchools is February 2.

FALL RIVER - "Faith in Ev­ery Student: Catholic Schools" is thetheme of Catholic Schools Week2005. The week runs from January30 to February 5 in Catholic schoolsin the Fall River diocese andthroughout the nation.

The celebration, which alwaysbegins on the last Sunday in Jan~~

ary, was launched 31 years ago.Besides National Appreciation

Day, two otherhighlights ofthe weekare National Appreciation Day ForCatholic School Teachers, a tributeto the 163,000 Catholic educators,observed February 4, and new, thisyear, Vocation Appreciation Day, onFebruary 3. The latter was estab­lished to recognize the leadership ofreligious orders and clergy in serv­ing Catholic education and to en­courage others to follow in their foot­steps.

A long-time tradition in Catholiceducation, Catholic Schools Weekbecame part of The National Mar­keting Campaign for CatholicSchools in 1991. This year-roundprogram is a collaborative undertak­ing by the National Catholic Educa­tional Association, (NCEA) and theU.S. Conference of Catholic Bish­ops (USCCB).

The logo for the campaign fea­tures a student whose stance andoutstretched arms cast the shadow

-of a cross.The campaign includes an illus­

tration by Bil Keane, creator of the"Family Circus." The artist is a prod­uct ofCatholic schools and has beendesigning cartoons celebratingCatholic Education for several years.

This year's illustration is titled"Catholic Schools" and shows Billy,Dolly, Jeffy and P.J. singing "Schooldays, school days, dear old goldenrule days .. , readin' writin' Religiontoo ... remembered forever by quitea few."

NCEA President Michael J.Guerra said, "Catholic education isone of the great and generous worksof the Church. Our graduates have

Tum to page 11 - Salute

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before 'moving to the Landmark "in 2002.

, She loved to play the violin,was adept at needlework,-and,en-..joyed crossword puzzles. , .:..'

She is survived by nieces andnephews, including DominicanSister Marie Jeanne' Beauregardof Fall River.' ' • ,

Her Mass of Christian Burial,was celebrated January 19 i,n St..Anne's Church, Fall River. Burial .",was in Notre Dame Cemetery, FallRiver.' ,.'

The Boule Funeral Home, 615Broadway, Fall· River, was in 'charge of arrangements.

Taunton Catholic Middle School.'She later retired f~rm all teach- •'-':ing. In 1986she moved to SacredHearts Convent in Fall River, andto the Landmark, also in Fall ",River, in 1999. More recently shewas transferred to the Catholic'. '.Memorial HOqle.

She leaves two nieces and herHoly' Union Si~ters.'~esid~s her

, parents she was predeceasecl.by asister, hene F. CaswelL' , .,:-

Her funeral Mass was cel- • ,ebrated January 19 in the Catho­lic Memorial Home ChapeLBurial was in St.Patrick's Cem~etery, Fa!! River.~ ,..'

..'

Feb. 41921, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Hugh J. Smyth, P.R., Pastor, St. Lawrence,

New Bedford; First Vicar General, Fall River, 1904-07. Administra­tor of Diocese, February-July 1907.

Feb. 6 '. "198~, Bishop Frederick Donaghy, Vicar Apostolic of Wuchow

'..

Feb. 21907, Most Rev. William Stang, D.O., First Bishop ofFall River:

1904-07'1913, Rev. Patrick F. McKenna, Pastor, Immaculate Conception,

Taunton1941, Rev. John L. McNamara, Pastor, Immaculate Conception,

Fall River1947, Rev. P. Roland Decosse, Pastor, St. Hyacinth, New Bed­

ford1991, Rev. Daniel F. Morarty, Pastor, St Brendan, Riverside, R.I.

In Your PrayersPlease pray for the following

priests during the coming weeks

Feb. 31952, Rev. Antonio O. Ponte, Pastor, Our Lady of Angels, Fall

River

, Feb. 1'1948, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Michael J. O'Reilly, Pastor, Immaculate

Conception, Taunton. 1968,'Rt. Rev. Patrick Hurley, Pastor, St. Joseph, Taunton

1975, Rev. Anatole F. De$arais, Pastor, St. Jacques, Taunton1983, Rev. Msgr. Gerard 1. Chabot, Pastor, St. Theresa of the

Child Jesus, South Attleboro1995, Rev. William F. O'Connell, Pastor, Holy Name, New Bed-

ford '.

Jan. 311901, Rev. Charles J. Burns, Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro1930, Rev. William F. Sullivan, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset;

Rev. Manuel C. Terra, Pastor, St. Peter, Provincetown

St. Mary's, Immaculate Concep­tion and St. Joseph elementaryschools and Taunton CatholicMiddle School, all in Taunton;and at schools in Rhode Island,Maryland, and New Jersey.

Because Sister Rose Francisattended many schools, taught atall levels from primary gradesthrough college, and was princi­pal of several schools, a Decem­ber 15, 1989 story in The Anchorbore the headline: "Sister Riley;education is her middle name." ,

. , ..After retiring from,full-timeteaching, Siste.r ~ose Francis,taught remedial reading classes at. . .. . - ~

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Daily ReadingsJan 31 Heb 11 :32-40; Ps

31 :20-24; Mk5:1-20

Feb 1 Heb 12:1-4; Ps22:26-28,30-32;Mk 5:21-43

Feb 2 MaI'3:1-4; Ps24:7-10; Heb '2:14-18; Lk2:22-40 or 2:22-32

Feb 3 Heb 12:18-,19,21-24; Ps48:2-4,9-11 ; Mk6:7-13

Feb 4 He,b 13:1-8; Ps27:1,3,5,8-9; Mk6:14-29

Feb 5 Heb 13:15-17,20-21; Ps23:1-6; Mk 6:30-34

Feb 6 Is 58:7-10; Ps112:4-9; 1 Cor2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16

Sister Marie Paule Beauregard OPFALL RIVER -'- Dominican ,Sister Marie Paille's ministry

Sister of Hope Marie Paule as an elementary school teacherBeauregard, 97, died January 14 began in 1929 and took her to as­inSt. Anne's' Hospital. ' '. signments 'locally and -in

Born in St. Dominique, Que- Plattsburgh,.N:Y. 'bec, Canada, the daughter of the Locally, she taught 'at St.late Emile and the late Olivine Anne's School in Fall River;(Langevin) Beauregard;' she en- where she was also principal, and.

. t~red the Dominican Sisters of St.' at St. Francis Xavier School inCatherine of Siena in Fall River Acushnet, where she was also li­

.in December 1,930, made her first ,brarian and principal.' ",profession of vows in July 1932 She also taught French at Do~and her,final profession 'in July minican Academy in Fall River,1936. She received a bachelor's did private tUtoring, and was caf­degree in humanities and modem eteria supervisor. She w~ en­language from Providence Col-' . gaged in a variety of volunteerlege. services at the Fall River Convent

Sister Rose Francis Riley SUSCFALL RIVER":"": Holy Union

Sister Rose Francis Riley, theformer Mabel Riley, 97, diedJanuarY 14 at the Catholic Memo-rial Home.' '

Born in Fall River, a daughter ofthe late Frank and the late Rose.(McDermott) Riley, she attendedSacred Hearts AcarJemy Elementary

, and High School and B.M.C. HighSchool. She later attended normalschools in Fitchburg and' Hyannis,and'taught school in Westport.

Sister Rose Francis entered theHoiy Uriion:'Novitiate in Fall'River and made her profession of'vows in March 19~0_andon July26, :-I~n5. ~fter .profl;S'sioJ;l ~heearned a bachelor's'degree and amaster's.degree from The Catho­Jic Un,iversity of America in'Washington, D.C., and aIso stud­ied at Providence College an~

Boston College. 'She subsequently taught at Sa­

cred Heart,s AcademyElementary ,and High School in Fall River; at

1111111111111111111111111111111THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-<l20) PeriodicalPostage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Publishedweekly except for two weeks in July and theweek after Christmas at 887 Highland Avenue,

, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Pressofthe Diocese ofFall River. Subscription priceby mail, postpaid $14.00 per year.posTMASTERS send address changes to TheAnchor, P.O. Box 7;Fall River, MA 027'22.

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BOSlDN - The Boston Col- society - family, congregation andlege Institute of Religious Pduca- community - in the holistic andtion and Pastoral Ministry (lREPM) communal practice of Catholichas received a three-year grant of faith. ' ' ,$275,000 from the Henry Luce' ''We are convinced that it takesFoundation to support its new mas- a family and a village to form Chris­ter of education degree concentra- tian identity, and the IREPM's newtion in Total Community Cat-concentration in Total Communityeehesis, which will be offered be- " Catechesis will prepare the leader­ginning September, 2005. ship that can implement such, a

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Leadersli~ ani'Responsi6i(ityConJiieflce to rrake 'Action

ASSUMPTIONCOLLEGE

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Educating in the Presentwith Faith in the Future

www.assumption.edulnccsa500 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA

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Assumption Collegeis pleased to announce

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The Eight Con~itionslhat;JfectAspirations

Catholic school enrollmentCatholic school enrollment is 2,484,252. There are 1,842,918students in elementary/middle schools and 641,334 insecondary schools.

"

Source: The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), 2004.

School registrations will takeplace all week.

At SS. Peter & Paul School thetheme for the week is "Faith inOur Students." Events plannedinclude: a photo collage of the stu­dents' service to the Church andcommunity. Artwork will be dis­played at the Fall River Main PostOffice; a middle school sciencefair; a Mass for seventh-gradersand their Senior Guardian Angels,as well as a pancake breakfast.Letters written to the diocesanmission in Honduras will be sentto Father Craig Pregana there; anopen house and a career day; ser­vice projects by each class, in­cluding a mock trial in gradesseven and eight, a Middle GradSpelling Bee; and a faculty swapday.

Holy Name School has a fullslate of events, including: guard­ian angel teams, reading storybooks with PJs and stuffed ani­mals; thank you projects to be sentto armed forces, police and firepersonnel; red-white-and-blueday; the "Singing State Trooper";a Spirit-filled pep rally; an aca­demic bee; a "Faith on Wheels"trip to Fall River churches; and a"Father Quinn Family GamesJamboree," with students donningHawaiian clothes.

St. Stanislaus School studentswill take part in: Mass; a cannedfood drive; a rosary project; hatday; a science fair; Post Officeday; and the teachers will cookand serve a pancake breakfast tostudents.

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is also spirit day at the school.There will be a staff and basket­ball team hoops game at 10 a.m.In the evening, there will be anart display at the school. A Bingogame for the entire school is ontap for Friday, and there will be aStudent Council dance Saturdayevening from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Fall River schools will be in onthe fun as well. Espirito SantoSchool has several events sched­uled, including: a family Mass andreception; an alumni day; a grand­parent luncheon; a career aware­ness day; a dress-down day; anda family Bingo event.

St. Michael's School has a fullslate ofevents on tap for the week.The week begins with a parish lit­urgy on Sunday at 10 a.m., fol­lowed by a pancake breakfast,celebrating the parish. Monday iscelebrating the community whenthe students will participate injoint projects, teaming up upper­and lower-grade students. Bowl­ing is on the agenda for Tuesday,as are movies, games and treats,to celebrate students. Wednesdayis themed Celebrate Our Nationwith a special prayer for our coun­try on tap, followed by a teacher­student volleyball game. Thursdaycelebrates parents with the stu­dents providing entertainment ata special event that evening at 7p.m. Friday celebrates teacherswith a special prayer and break­fast. From 10:30-11 :30 a.m., stu­dents will become leaders, fol­lowed by a luncheon, and laterthat afternoon, a scavenger hunt.

~ A variety of activities,entertainment andliturgies are planned forCatholic SchoolsWeek.

Catholic. school students put funon schedule for week's events

Friday, January 28, •2005 \'he Md111

FALL RIVER - Fun can be alearning process too, and eachyear it seems there's no end towhat students and teachers andparents do to make the observanceof Catholic Schools Week amemorable time.

The annual celebration of whatCatholic education is all aboutnaturally keys on students show­ing appreciation for all their teach-

, ers bring them. And in return,teachers show their students howimportant they are as Catholics,and as future leaders of the Church,the community and the family..

The events in many diocesanschools key on individual class ac­tivities. Special breakfasts andlunches, entertainment, ice creamparties, dress-up dress-down, bowl­ing, skating, art and poster contests,spelling bees, other competitions,open-house, parent and family visi­tation, special enrollment sessions,are on the days' agendas.

And prayer sessions andMasses too, will round out theobservances.

At St. Pius X School in SouthYarmouth, events begin on Sun­day, January 30 with an inaugu­ral social event for parents andstaff. Monday is Staff Apprecia­tion Day and a staff luncheon willbe sponsored by the WelcomingCommittee of the Parents' Asso­ciation. Tuesday offers a Mass inSt. Pius X Church at 11 a.m., fol­lowing an open house for parentsand grandparents. On the Wednes­day students and staff will enjoya performance by the "SingingSisters" in the Parish Life Center;and on the Friday is Students'Appreciation Day and the Parents'Social Committee will host an icecream party.

At Holy Trinity School in EastHarwich, the Monday findsmiddle school students preparingbox lunches for NOAH Shelterresidents. On Tuesday studentswill design T-shirts with theSchool's Week logo. InternationalNight is scheduled for Wednes­day, and on Thursday, ice skating,bowling and a hot dog lunch arethe program. Friday will find allattending Mass at 9 a.m., followedby a spelling bee and a TeacherAppreciation Luncheon.

Buzzards Bay students willshare in the fun. St. Margaret'sSchool will host an ice skatingparty on Monday. Tuesday, thestudents will take part in a Movie/PJlPopcorn day. On Wednesdaythe students will attend a schoolMass at 10 a.m. Parents, grand­parents and new families inter­ested in the school are invited toan open house from 11 a.m. to 2p.m. Mass for the feast of St.Blaise ushers in Thursday, which

the moorins.-.,Friday, January 28, 2005

the living word

killer is not one of I.Q. It's that oneis humane and the other is not.

As Ginott illustrated, the mostimportant part of a young person'seducation is not the three R's. It'sto fonn a person's freedomproperly, because it's only in theright use of one's freedom that onebecomes humane.

Said in another way, the mostimportant part of education ismoral education.

This is why Catliolic schoolsare more important nowthan ever, because it isgetting increasingly harderand rarer for young peopleto receive a solid moraleducation in our publicschools. Good publicschool teachers are gun­shy to pass along moralwisdom, because theyknow that almost anything

they say that a particular parent orcolleague doesn't like can be thesubject of a politically correctlawsuit or disciplinary investiga­tion. And as more lawsuits try toeliminate all references to God inpublic education, the situation isbound to worsen, as young people,deprived of any reference to acreator, risk losing their identity ascreatures.

But even if public schools werestiU able to provide a solid secular

Turn to page 12 - Exam

But his message is important forall of us.

"Dear Teacher," he wrote, "Iam a survivor of a concentrationcamp. My eyes saw what no manshould witness: gas chambers builtby learned engineers; childrenpoisoned by educated physicians;infants killed by trained nurses;women and babies shot andburned by high school and collegegraduates. So I am suspicious ofeducation. My request is: help your

students become human. Yourefforts must never produce learnedmonsters, skilled psychopaths,educated Eichmanns. Reading,writing, and arithmetic areimportant only if they serve tomake our children more humane."

Instruction, in other words, islike fire: it can be used for good orfor evil. The difference between apediatrician and an abortionist, atrustworthy airline pilot and aMohammed Atta, a high schoolbookwonn and a Columbine serial

By Father RogerJ. Landiy

Putting Intothe De'ep

YOUNG PEOPLE LEAD PRo-LIFE ACTIVISTS AS THEY MAKE THEIR' WAY TOWARD THE SUPREME

COURT. BUILDING DURING THE ANNUAL MARCH FOR LIFE IN WASHINGTON JANUARY 24.BUSES SCHEDULED TO CARRY HUNDREDS FROM THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER TO THE MARCH

. WERE PREVENTED FROM EMBARKING BECAUSE OF LAST WEEKEND'S BLIZZARD.

Final exam preparation

"PuT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD SO THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO STAND FIRM AGAINST

THE TACTICS OF THE DEVIL" (EPHESIANS 6:11).

The celebration of CatholicSchools Week causes us to reflecton the blessing of a Catholiceducation and why it is worth themany sacrifices - from parents,teachers, parish communities, andso many others - that make itpossible.

Four years ago last week, Idiscovered, or rediscovered, whatmakes Catholic education sospecial.

.I went on pilgrimage with morethan 200 students fromour diocesan high schoolsto Washington, D.C., forthe annual March for Life.As part of our itineraryprior to the March, wevisited the HolocaustMuseum, in order tosensitize the students towhat human beings can do L.. _

to each other once theybegin to dehumanize each other.(Most were able, on their'own, tosee a similar dehumanization atwork, with similar ghastly conse­quences, in regard to abortion.)

At the end of the visit, one ofthe teachers.approached me in thebookstore visibly moved. Heopened a book and pointed me to apassage, the words of whichmoved me as much as they hadmoved him. It was a letter from aHolocaust survivor, Chaim Ginott,directed specifically to teachers.

. EXECUTIVE EDITORRev. Msgr. John F. MOQre

EDITOR NEWS EDITOR OFFIc:E MANJ\GEfjlDavid B. Jolivet James N. Dunbar' "Mary:Chliije 't'.

Freedom

The Executive Editor

~..L...... ;; 0~. ~"h"tt.,·~anc,

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER O'FTHE DIOc~SE1IF'F1(fi¥' '~Published weekly by the GatMlic Bress .oft!!\e ~iocese.dfFFal!iBiv~ri i~

887 Highland Avenue ., *.P.Q~ E\~ "¢4%:lht.lFall River, MA 02720 .. Fall River, MA -0. OQ07f .

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In his inaugural address, President George W. Bush mademuch use of the world "freedom." However, his use of the wordwas indeed restricted to the temper of the times. What he meansby freedom must be viewed by what he means by tyranny andterrorism. On the surface, the speech would be seen as an all­American ideal. Yet, when viewed in the context of his pastfour years as president, freedom becomes a political tool ratherthan an objective reality. Freedom in his mind-set becomes ameans of banishing terrorists and tyrants. It is a rather cynicaluse of the word.

First and foremost, freedom must be viewed as the powerrooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that,and so to perform deliberate actions on one's own responsibil­ity. The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" reflects that byfree will one shapes one's own life. Human freedom is not amere expression of politics, but a force for growth and maturityin truth and goodness; the more one does what is good, the freerone becomes. There is no true freedom except in the sense ofwhat is good and just. Freedom should not be a mere conceptfor convenience. It has its own basic intrinsic value and defini­tion. In our own history as a nation we have supported tyrantsand terrorists. We backed countl~ss dictators in Central andSouth America. For generations the Ku Klux Klan ran rampantand was supported by local and national elected officials.. We have the obligation to know that freedom makes man re­sponsible for his acts to the extent that they are voluntary.

Freedom is exercised in relationships between human beings.We must uphold the concept that every human person createdin the image of God has the natural right to be recognized as afree and responsible being. '

The right to exercise freedom, especially in moral and ethi­cal matters, is an inalienable requirement of the dignity of thehuman person. This right is not optional, and must be recog­nized and protected by civil authority within the limits of thecornmon good and public order.

Most Americans in recent times view freedom as a privateand personal matter. They have reduced the ideal of freedom toa level of self-choice. In many situations, freedom has becomelicense. The exercise of freedom does not imply a right to sayand do everything. When persons deviate from the moral law,they violate their own freedom. They become imprisoned in theirown selves. Freedom in this very narrow view 'is lived in termsof one's total independence and subjective autonomy. Such anattitude should never become public policy. .

As w~ enter a second administration, it is more than neces­sary for us to view freedom in its true meaning, apart from thenarrow and selfish interpretation that is so common in our so­cial order. We should not manipulate the concept of freedomfor personal gain. We must remind ourselves that what is trulyfreedom is an exceptional sign of the image of God in us. ForGod willed .than man should "be left in the hand of his owncounsel" (Sir 15:14), so that he might of his own accord seekhis creator and freely attain his full perfection. In such a lightwe are required to act with conscious and free choice and notby blind selfish impulses. "For freedom, Christ has set us free"(GalS: 1). In this spirit we\can say that it is "Truth that makes usfree."

Friday. January 28, 2d05

Just put it on the Bill Expanding opportunitiesto attend Catholic schoolsmarks PACE 2005 agenda

I'm trying to find a differentangle to describe our NewEngland Patriots, but I can't.

Sportswriters across theregion have drained them allbone dry. I guess that'swhat happens when ateam keeps winning andwinning and winning.

Sometimes the mostprofound words ofwisdom come frompeople who aren't tryingto impress ~eir reader­ship.

Following Sundaynight's incredible victory overthe Pittsburgh Steelers, asportscaster said the Pats couldsoon win their third LombardiTrophy in four years.

Hearing that, my wifehaphazardly said, "maybe theyshould rename it the BelichickTrophy." .

If not for the fact that BillBelichick could re-write therecord books over the nextdecade, that wouldn't be a badidea - no offense to thelegendary Vince Lombardi.

As a kid growing up in the60s, the Green Bay Packerswere my second favorite profootball team, and I was enam­ored with Coach Lombardi andhis troops.

My first favorite team? The

lowly Boston Patriots of thelowly American FootballLeague. Of all the kids playingpickup football games inKennedy Park in Fall River, I

My ViewFrom the

StandsBy Dave Jolivet

was the only one who wasn'twearing a New York Giants orGreen Bay Packers helmet.Nope, my headgear was whitewith Pat Patriot adorning eitherside.

A lot has happened to thoseBoston Patriots since then ­most notably, how dominant afootball force they've become.

We should all make our kidspay close attention to this team,because they are history in themaking.

Years down the road, atrophy should be named afterBelichick - but what should itbe?

How about a trophy forPrestidigitator of the Year? Whobetter embodies the knack forslight of hand and performing

magic than Bill? Holding thebest offense in football to threepoints one week and scoring 41points against the best defensein the league the next? C'mon.

Or, how about theaward for Motivator ofthe Year, or Talent Scoutof the Year, or Boss ofthe Year? Belichick is allof those.

Name a team in recentyears that is a successful,yet humble as these NewEngland Patriots. Namefor me someone who can

take a bunch of no-names,develop their strengths and thenutilize those talents in every wayshape and form. Name a teamwhere more players WANT tostay than the New EnglandPatriots.

Years from now Bill Beli­chick will have the status ofVince Lombardi.

He's doing his part to make itthere.

Our part? Sit back, enjoy theride, and watch history beingmade.

Dave Jolivet, editor ofTheAnchor, is aformer sporls editor/wriJer, and regularly gives onefan's perspective on the uniqueworld ofsporls.

Comments are welcome atdavejolivet@anchornews.org.

~ Participation at AnnualCatholic SchoolsAdvocacy Day WillShape AdvocacyOutcomes

BOSTON - The Parents Alli­ance for Catholic Education (PACE)has lead the fight on Beacon Hill formore than a decade to expand pa­rental choice in education and en­sure that Catholic school students gettheir fair share of federal and stateentitlements.

Now in its 11th year, PACE hasincreased state budget support in theareas of special education, schoolnursing, early education, transporta­tion services and after-school pro­grams for Catholic school studentsand teachers from $1.5 million in1994 to what now totals to over $30million annually.

"PACEhashad an incredibly suc­cessful first decade, but there is stillmuch to be accomplished for our stu- .dents," said Steve Perla, executivedirector.

Thisyear's budget and legislativeagenda will focus on the key themesof expanding school health, earlyeducation and care, after-school aidand equity in the Adams Scholarship

program for Catholic school studentsacross the Commonwealth.

A critical component to PACE'ssuccess is the support seen by legis­lators at the Annual Catholic SchoolsAdvocacy Day - to be held thisyear on Thesday, March 15, 2005from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the StateHouse. This event highlights the bud­get and legislative priorities ofCatholic schools and allows parentsand Catholic school supporters tohave an audience with key leadersin the State Senate and House. PACEinvites parents and others commit­ted to Catholic education, to investa half day of their time by attendingCatholic Schools Advocacy Day. Foradditional information about Catho­lic Schools Advocacy Day, contactthe PACE office at6l 7-723-9810 orrnkeane@paceom·net.

"Now that we have successfullyengaged with elected officials andhave a 'place at the table,' PACE isin a position to really advance pa­rental choice and educational equityin ways not conceivable when wefirst opened our doors in 1994," Mr.Perla added.

Three main issues on the PACEadvocacy agendaare early educationand care, school health and the

Tum to page 12 - PACE

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ACTIVITIES

BISHOPFEEHANHIGH SCHOOL

• TEACHER/STUDENT RATIO OF 1 :13

• 100% COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE RATE

• COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMIC PROGRAM

• CAMPUS MINISTRY

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• STRONG EXTRACI,JRRICULAR AND SPORTS PROGRAM

245 Main Street

West Harwich, MA 02671

508-432-8216

FAX 508-432-9349

www.htrsharwich.com

htrschool @ comcast.net

Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.Spelling Bee (Gr. 3-8)"Teacher Appreciation" lunch

Ice SkatingHot Dog LunchBowling

International Night

"Spirit Day" - Students will be designingT-shirts with "Catholic Schools Week"design

Middle School Students preparing "BoxLunches for NOAH Shelter reside'nts

WEDNESDAY -

FRIDAY -

THURSDAY -

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

Prayer-chain E-mails

Communal anointing of the sickEucharist. Christian tradition, infact, gives a special name to holyCommunion when it is received bythe dying. We call it "viaticum,"literally something to be with usand help us "on the journey"through death into eternity.

The anointing of the sick,therefore, may and should bereceived by anyone whose health

is seriously impairedfrom sickness or oldage. This includes thosewho have been anointedbut are now sufferingfrom a different illness,those who are toundergo surgery becauseof a serious sickness,sick children if theyhave sufficient use ofreason to be comforted

by this sacrament and old peoplewho are weak from age, even ifthere is no dangerous illnesspresent (Ritual for Care of theSick, Nos. 8-12).

The ritual notes that no oneshould become overly demandingin determining how sick anindividual must be. "A prudent orreasonably sure judgment, withoutscruple, is sufficient for decidingon the seriousness of an illness."

Communal anointings areceremonies at which a number ofpeople receive the sacramentwithin one celebration. Theseanointings may be either within ,the celebration of Mass or in a 'separate liturgy.

Questions may be sent toFather John Dietzen, Box 325,Peoria, IL 61651, or E-mail:jjdietzen@aoLcom.

had in the past burnped into T.D., Jakes while channel-surfing. He is

a very popular, Pentecostallyoriented preacher and seems to bea one-man industry. He drives a ,new Mercedes, lives in a million­dol)ar home, sells tons of booksand is featured on some killer

Websites.Maybe there is

something to this "8 in 8"thing, and it does makeone think of the "MagicEight Ball." You know theone. You shake it, and itwill mysteriously floatanswers for your mostintimate queries of theuniverse, insightful ,responses like, ''No way"

or "Go for it!" ,Whether this E-mail has

anything to do with T.D. Jakes orthe Magic Eight Ball, I guess youcan't go too far off base bypraying: ''Lord, I love you and Ineed you. Come into my heart, andbless me, my family, my home andmy friends, in Jesus' name.Amen."

And if it makes you wake uplooking for a miracle, maybe that'smiracle enough. Because God'slove for us is just that. You know?

Comments are wekome. E­11U1il Uncle Dan atcnsuncle01@yahoo.com.

Friday, January 28, 2005

However one might explainthese Catholic teachings, they fitwith the words of the Catechismof the Catholic Church that "theanointing of the sick completesour conformity to the death andresurrection of Christ, just asbaptism began it. It completes theholy anointings that mark thewhole Christian life," baptism and

confirmation. This last anointing,it continues, "fortifies the end ofour earthly life like a solidrampart for the final strugglesbefore entering the Father'shouse" (No. 1523).

Determining who shouldreceive this sacrament also haschanged over the years. Forcenturies, any seriously ill personwas considered eligible foranointing. Later on, as most olderCatholics still remember, it wasthought of more as the "last rites,"only for people actually dying. Infact, reception of this sacrament 'usually was delayed until the sickperson reached as close aspossible to the moment of death.

Today the Church againacknowledges more explicitly thatthe true sacrament for the dying isnot anointing of. the sick but the

would have the miracle machineclanging like crazy.

That seemed kind ofpiggy to,me, but it's hard to be too judg­mental about apparent acquaintan­ces who are only encouraging youto recite a simple prayer that willprovide, just maybe, the Power

Ball Lotto immbers.However, I have some reserva­

tions about prayer-chain E-mailsthat promise miracles. So first Itested the prayer for length. Sureenough, it timed out at eightseconds on the nose, although Icould stretch it to 10 seconds if Idawdled around with some of thepunctuation.

Second, it is attributed toBishop T.D. Jakes. ''Hah!'' Icackled after a little Internet'research. No such bishop. But Ihad made the mistake of limitingmy miracle-E-mail investigation toCatholic circles. I totally forgot I

, By-Father, John -J. Dietzen

Questions, andAnswers

Today I received an E-mailfrom an apparent acquaintancewho is quite impressed with myspiritual life. I know this becausehe said so in the E-mail. Well, OK,he wrote: ''Your quest for spiritualenlightenment is clear, Robert"

The fact that my name is Dan isof little consequence, it,seems to me, as the E-mail ~----------r--==::::--.,..i; <. '

~~:,f~~x~) :dmy :;:r.he ,bf£lbeatnotice that the E-mail also ._" "!" lvorId. 0 f" .~~~~~~~~~~e:;UQcleJDansame time, so the minor ".'c',,~:v.. $'. s-, F~ .0' <. T

name mix-up is totally ,4' ~, '<J3~ q~tl01MOr;p$runderstandable. :-' ~ .

What confuses me a ,little is that I have receivedthe same E-mail in recent daysfrom two other people I actually doknow by name. (Only one of themcalled me Robert)

In a nutshell, the E-mail tellsyou that ifyou repeat this particu­lar prayer and then send it along toeight people, and I quote here,''You will receive a miracletomorrow." It's called the "8Second Prayer," and the wholeprocess is known as the "8 in 8."

The apparent acquaintancementioned earlier must havemisread the instructions - orfigured that ifeight people couldgenerate a miracle, 392 or so

Q. Please explain communalanointing of the sick and whenit may be received. My husbandunderstands that the sacramentof anointing will take away allyour sins. Is that what webelieve? (Iowa)

A. In Catholic belief, forgive­ness of sin always has been oneeffect of the sacrament ofanointing of the sick.The primary biblicaltext about prayer andanointing of the sick(Jas 5) says that "if he(the sick person) hascommitted sins, he willbe forgiven." ,

Exactly what thismeans, however, or howit happens is not spelledout. The Council ofTrent, in its classic text on thesacraments, says the anointing"cleanses all sins yet to beexpiated (forgiven or absolved),as well as any remainders of sin."This is the first effect of theanointing mentioned by thecouncil (Session XIX).

Our current Catholic ritual forpastoral care of the sick teachesthat, ifnecessary, the sacrament ofanointing "also provides the si<;:kperson with the forgiveness of

, sins and the completion ofChristian penance" (No.6).

In all its major documentsabout this ~ent, the Churchprofesses that the sacrament alsoarouses trust in God's help to bearone's suffering in a holy way andmay return the sick person tohealth if that would be helpful forsalvation.

TAUNTON - Members ofthe Taunton District Council ofthe St. Vincent de Paul Soci­ety wilL offer Mass on Febru­ary 7 at 7 p.m. at the Immacu­late Conception Church for theintention of the canonization ofthe Blessed Frederic Ozanamand in memory of deceasedmembers. The regular monthlymeeting will follow in the par­ish hall.

771-6771.

MISCELLANEOUS - Aretreat for men, sponsored bythe Falmouth Knights of Co­lumbus, will, be held February11-13 at the Calvary RetreatCenter in Shrewsbury. It isthemed "The Word Alive." Formore information' call MelGonsalves at 508~548-5774.

NEW BEDFORD - A Di­vine Mercy Healing Night willbe held tonight at 7 p.m. at OurLady of Fatima Church, 4256Acushnet Avenue. It will be ledby Father Jay Finelli and in­cludes Benediction of theBlessed Sacrament.

NORTH DARTMOUTH- Father Jay Maddock willaddress the topic "Annulmentsin the Catholic Church," at theJanuary 31 meeting of the Di­ocesan Divor.ced~Separated

Support Group. It meets from7-9 p.m. at the Family LifeCenter, 500 Slocum Road. Formore information call BobMenard at 508-673-2997.

NORTH EA'STON --.: inobservance of the'-Yeaf'ohlieEucharist, a series of interac­tive presentations about theEucharist, led by Brother JoeEsparaza, CSC, will be offeredon Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m.beginning February 3 at HolyCross Family Ministries, 518Washington Street". For moreinformation call 508-238­4095.

TAUNTON - The St.Jacques Church Choir is seek­ing new members. There are noauditions, but you should beable to match pitch and blendwith other singers. For moreinformation call FrankWilhelm at 401-639~oi42.

YARMOUTHPORT - Fa­ther Roger Landr,y will lead aMorning of Recollection,themed "Lenten Conversionand the Eucharist," February12 at Sacred Heart Chapel onSummer Street. It will beginwith the celebration of Mass at9 a.m. and includes Adoration

, of the Blessed Sacrament, twoconferences on prayer and rec­onciliation.

BREWSTER - Mass willbe celebrated by La Salette Fa­ther Richard Lavoie February2 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of theCape Church, 468 Stony BrookRoad. A healing service willfollow. For more informationcall 508-385-3252.

6

EAST FREETOWN ­Emmaus, a Catholic retreatpro'gram for young adults ages20-40, will be held at Cathe­dral Camp February 11-13. Itoffers participants the oppor­tunity to'grow in their relation­ship with Christ. For more in­formation call Barbara Haydenat 508-336-9158.

EAST FREETOWN - Thenineteenth YES! Retreat willbe held March 11-13 at Cathe­dral Camp. Young people inter­ested in attending should con­tact their parish priest or youthminister for an application. Formore information call FrankLucca at 508-324-4576.

EAST FREETOWN - Aretreat entitled "Awakening toGod's Presence: The Contem­plative Dimension of ChristianLiving," will be held February12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fa­ther Robert Powell will lead it.For more information call Fa­ther Powell at 508-761-0746.

EAST SANDWICH - Aprogram entitled "Conversa­tions on Catholic Spirituality,"presented by Paula Raposo willbeheld from 10-11:30 a.m. atCorpus Christi Parish begin­ning February 10. It will con­tinue on Thursdays February17 and 24 and again on March3. It will focus on Catholicspirituality and prayer for dailyliving. For more informationcall 508-678-2828.,

FALL RIVER - BishopGeorge W. Coleman will cel­ebrate the Rite of Election andCall to Continuing Conversionon February 13 a't 3 p.m. at St.Mary of the Assumption Cathe­dral Parish.

FALL RIVER - A prayerprogram entitled "TuesdaysTogether," will be held Febru­ary 1 and March 1 from 9:30­11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish,hall. For more information call508-672-8340. '

MISCELLANEOUSCatholic Social Servicesneeds volunteers to teachESL for their Cape Cod sitein Hy-annis. New students arewaiting for an opportunity tolearn English and no priorteaching experience is neces­sary. Training and ongoingsupport will be provided. Formore information call 508-

.\ FrtcIay, January 28, 2005 7\

Contact your local Catholic Schoolfor registration inform -Dn

.' ..'. . .... .,

St. Anthony School190 AshleyBlvd, New Bedford, ItA 02748508-994-5121~salntanthon,.choo/.C(Jm

St. Mary School115 Illinois StIeet, New Bedford, 1M 0Z145508-995-3698 .www.stmarysnb.com

.

Out Lady ofMt. Carmel School . .103 Crapo Street, New Bedford, MA 02744~08-997·9612

www.mtcarmelschool.com

Holy Family-Holy Name School91 Summer Street, New Bedford, MA 02740508-99~3547

www,hfhn.~rg

St. James - St John School180 OrchardStreet, NewBedford, itA 02740508-998-0534 .

St. JoSeph • St. Therese School35 Kearsarge Street, New Bedford, ItA 02745508-995-2264

St. Francis Xavier School223 Main Street, Acushnet, itA 02743508-995-4313www.sfxschoolacushnet.org

Bishop Stang High School500 Slocum Road, North Dartmouth, AfA 02747508-998-5602www.bishopstang.com

St. Joseph School100 Spring Street, Fairhaven, itA 02719508-996-1983·www~sscc.orglstjosephfhvn

Come and seewhat faith makes possiblefor your child!

•

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEKJanuary 30 • February 5, 2005 .

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8 Friday, January 28, 2005

The FaU·River Catholic Schools

,J1

SS. Peter & Paul SChool240 Dover Street

508·672·7258

Holy Trinity SChool,64~phorStreet

.. 508-673-6772

. Sf. Anne School240 Forest Street~8-678-2152

., ""':lil>HoIy N8me'Sc:I1OOI.'

~l:,,_~~ .;...

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Notre Dame SChool~

34 St. Joseph Street508-6722'5461

. . . . . . . . . . . . '. '. '. . . '. ~ . . ~ , , , , , , . . , . . , . . . . . . , , , , , . . ,

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Friday, January 28,2005 9...

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS·Catholic schools have faith in every

student. They believe'in each student's potential to learn,'

to grow in virtue and wisdom, . .to become valued and outstanding

members of their church,community and nation. :

Catholic schools nurture faith inevery student, belief in God :

and a deeply rooted commitmentto God, the Church and Christianity.,'

Our Lady of Lourdes School52 First Street

Taunton, MA 02780

Tel: 508-822-3746Fax: 508-822-1450

E-mail: olol@tmlp.com

St. Mary's Primary School106 Washington Street

Taunton, MA 02780

Te~: 508..822..9480fC&lx: 508...822oc1164

~cs~~ntmarystaunton8com

~t:lm@ji~: ft)((;o~®@~amntmarystaunton.com.

Taunton Catholic Middle School'Teaching Gospel values today, for tomorrow"

61 Summer Street

Taunton, MA 02780

Tel: 508-822-0491.Fax: 508-824-0469.

www.catholicmiddle.comE-mail: tcms@catholicmiddle.com

. .

Coyle and Cassidy High School"Enter to learn, learn to serve"

...

-

.,_..-

.'The four Catholic schools of Taunton,

each a unique, individual entity,'­join with more than 8,000 other

catholic schools, nationwide, to share .their enthusiasm, values and praise of

Catholic education.

".

2 Hamilton Street

Taunton, MA 02780

Tel: 508-823-6164Fax.; 508-823-2530

www.coyiecassidy.com

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, '

NCEA to,lDar,k second century,of'-service' to Catholic, education

·PHILADELPHIA - When (NPCD) convocations will meet in at the Kimmel Center for the Per­more than 14,000 delegates attend' Philadelphia concurrently with the fonitingArtswillfeaturestUdentmu-: ~the 102nd Annual'Convention and NCEA convention.' sicians and singerS from the archdi<>;.Exposition of¢,e Nati~nal Catholic Parish cateChetical. leaders. and cese. 'Educational Association here in coordinators of religious education TheNCEA convention is open to .March,itwillmaIktheendofthe ' will gather fqr work- . 'anyone working in or interested inNCEA's centennial obser- ~ /Cl:> iQ)~T1 t.tb shops, prayerand fel- Catholic education. It features gen-

,,vanceandsignalthestart .h~'·~ ~ J.rJ1~ lowship with hun- eral sessions and liturgies, depart-. ofasecondcenturyof V..... ' dreds of colleagues ment meetings, development ses~,

, service: t$©" from across the United StateS; sions, technology sessions, preseri- ~' '. The conven- . . Keynote speakers for the NPCD tations and workshops dealing with. tion; 'set for .' . meeting are Brother Michael special interests for school board ; ~

March " 29 McGrath, OFFS, author and artist; members, directors ofreligious edu-throygh April 1, . .Msgr. Raymond East, vicar for cation,' parents, pastors, principals' ,-

. has its theme evangelization and director, and teachers. ', "We,the People: ; • ,Office of\Black Catho- The convention is expected .to" ",

Associ~tio'n is~ues,.. ke.y ~~~~~n;.~~~" " , ~~~hdi~ :~~~m:t~=~::s~~dom." , WaShington; vania Convention Center.statement on'assessment Keynote a9-' 'and Domirii- '. NCEAlastmetjnPhiladelphiain ,.dresses willl:ie pre- can Sister 1996. The archdiocese rariks second

',alJ,d accoun.tabili~y., ~~:~o~:y,=~°cirthe W ~ 0 0 ::~C::~~or~o~~~~=".. , " , ", .. P~mtific~ Co~cil.f9I' Soci~r ~ TrrTI\[ ~nmm'nTm~' 'dents, with ,272 schools' serVing

-:-; WASHINGT<?N; D.C. ~,Th~ fered in.the statement include an- .Cominunica.tions;. Timothy ~ . . 11- W lUll.U..lliill.lli11 111,949,students. \' • ....National Educational Association nual repo$; financial, legal, en- " §hri,:er,.~c~~'and cpo Qf..,: ' " ". According'to 'has issued a.stateme!1ton a,ccpunt;, virqnme'qtiil and:sli(ety' au,djt.s;~,S~lli.9Iymplcs;andDaughters,:. - of'' 't-b"& F'" d' .. ." Sue Arv'o ,:ability. and assessment ·in Catlw':"" ighiduation rates'; lllgh SChbbl and" ""Qf 'Chadty ~ister~,MaIY ,Rose :' " .. "~:" "J,: ra"}:, ~; '."; 'fee om ,~CE~ conven~" .. ',lie Education. and calls:'upon ,post-secondary' a9nllssions;' as- ".:McGready:, fo~ei pr~sid~ni imd'.: .~... :. .. \.. lJon director,. anmembers of the',cormPunity "to sessment-of religious education; .- CEO of<;ovenan~H<?~.·, , " . " ....,' flo " .. integraLpart of'share in the process of assessing' professional' certification; back- . ~iturgieswill be celebratedby" ,.' " the four-daythe success of -catechetical and 'ground checks; regional state or C3!dinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of . Kate Dooley, associate professor bf convention is the exp~siti9n, which'education programs verifying that diocesan accreditation; participa- Philadelphia; Cardinal Edward, theology and,religious studies, The features the latest in educational . ,we are who we say we are." tlon in parish life; standardized' Egan, archbishop ofNew York; Car- Catholic University ofAmerica. . equipment and supplies. "

Although Catholic ~chools' testing; and stateand natiOlial test- dinalWtlliamKeeler,archbishopof . SchoolsandparishesintheArch- "With offerings ranging from,long have been accountabkto ing. Baltimore; and Bishop Joseph . diocese ofPhiladelphia are sponsOr- school uniforms to computer' net- y

academic ac- "Justice de- McFadden, auxiliary bishop of ing a Freedom.Parade in downtown worki,ng and Iritemet services, ~x'" .'.. crediting bodies . .mands' ac- Phila:delphia~ , ' Philadelphiaon Monday, March 28, ,hibitorsfindtheexpositionaneffec-' >

and Church offi- The statementpoints out .countability," The 14th annual National Asso- featuring marching bands, a chorus tive way to develop contacts," Arvo '..cials, recent po~ that schools are account- ;. the statementciation'ofParish Coordinators aria and 5,000 studerits. On Wednesday, said. Approximately 500companieslitical debates able to the Catholic com'- declares. "Cat- directors of Religious Education March,30, a Concert of Excellence will display inmore than 750 booths. , -:-.'about school, ,munity, civil society, boards echetic~l andvouchers led to, d ./ ~ d' ' educatIonalcomplaints that an ~ouncis, ,un ers, pro-, programs must,Catholic schools ,fesslOnal colleagues, stu- -: therefore, es':were not held to dents, parents and guar:d- taplish prin­standar~s.of ac- ians, and, ultimately, to one cip1.es and

, countablhty. another. , . methods forThe NCEA' ongoing report- '

statement aims ing of informa-to correct this misrepresentation, tion in a clear, accurate mannersaid NCEA President Michael J. consistent with our mission, eachGuerra. He called on schools and audience's needs· and state law." .parishes nationwide to ~'accept ac- Writing in the NovemberlDe­countability for those they serve; . cember 2004 issue ofMomentum,to:their sponsors arid supporters the NCEAjOlimal, Guerra reiter-'and to the Church and civic com-, : ated that, "As Catholic, institu­munity." •'lions, we have a responsIbIlity to

, ,The statement points out that the Church that comrillssions usschools are accountable to the to share her teaching mission, to

'Catholic community, civil society, the families who entrust us withboards and councils, funders, pro- . their children, to countless sup­fessional colleagues, students, . porters who trust us to be who weparents and guardians, and, ulti-' claim to be; to all who believe thatmately, to one another. we teach as Jesus taught.~'

"Assessment is a means of Continuing, he wrote, "We aremeasuring performance," the 'a committee to serve as, instru­statement reads. "It illustrates ments of God's grace in buildInghow well we are accomplishing a faith-filled future, Iri acceptingour stated mission, goals and ob- accountability, we strengthen ourjectives to educa~e the whole per- ability to invite people of goodson," it added. . , _ will to' help us do this important

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Balance Continued from page one Salute Continued from page one

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become leaders of this country,teachers, religious men and womenand business entrepreneurs. Withoutdoubt our schools have had a far­reaching impact on shaping theworld."

Dominican Sister Glenn Anne .McPhee, secretary for education atUSCCB, said that the theme of''Faith inEvery Student" underscorestwo guiding principles of Catholiceducation - the fact that faith is animportant value at the foundation 01a Catholic school curriculum andthat Catholic schools have faith thatevery student can achieve.

The purpose ofCatholic SchoolsWeek is to build support and recog­nition for the almost 8,000 Catholicschools nationwide. During this cel­ebrations week, many dioceses en­courage parents to enroll their chil­dren in Catholic schools.

It is also an opportunity to inter­estcitizens in volunteering their timeand talents to local Catholic schools.

As part ofNational AppreciationDay on February 2, a delegation ofmore than 150 Catholic school stu­dents, teachers and parents will visitCapitol Hill inWashington, D.C., tomeet with congressional leaders topromote Catholic schools.

As part of their marathon day,

~We cannot direct the wind,hut we can adjust the sails."

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program on the right course.

Milot's brother, William J. Milot,who is director of educationaltechnology for the diocese. He hasbeen giving workshops on how touse the moodle.

"It makes sense that if, for in­stance, a mathematics teacher ishaving problems in teachingangles, he or she can be in con­tact with other mathematics teach­ers who might respond they havemore success teaching it this orthat way," the superintendent ex­plained.

Currently a teacher here hasbeen in contact with a teacher inDetroit, sharing curriculum ideason creative writing for students,that is proving very successful.

"It involves a great deal oftechnology, and this is how we arebringing it into the classroom," headded. "At the same time we areeager to teach the young peopleof the dangers that can be foundon Websites too.

"The thing we are concernedabout is that Catholic schools to­day are probably more importantin history ... maybe even morethan they ever have been," Milotasserted.

There has been a decline inpriests in every American dioceseand the alarming statistics are thatfewer people are going to church,he stated

"But there are many, many re­search studies that show thatyoung people from our Catholicschools are more involved in theirparishes, in society, in social ser­vices, and contribute more to theChurch in many ways," the super­intendent reported.

"We think that as more laitybecome necessarily involved intheir parishes, Catholic schoolshave to take the leadership in pre­paring our students to becomeadults in the Church."

With less religious involved inteaching school and in the educa­tion programs of today, "laity havestepped to the plate to make surethe religious life of the studentsand the practice of the faith arejust as important as teaching themreligion and theology," Superin­tendent Milot said. "We are al­ways concerned about the reli­gious aspect of our schools."

He made it clear that on thattopic, things have changed.

"Everybody teaching religion.today has a degree, usually amaster's degree in religion. Wehave professionals at the highschool level. It is no longer justanyone who is called in to teachreligion. It forces us to be better."

Years ago, students would havea holiday on holydays. ''Today, wekeep them in school and get themto Mass," he said. "It's better. Allour high schools have campusministers. They are lay people.And they are involved not just inreligious classes, but also givingretreats."

Academic excellence and howto live and grow in the Catholicfaith must go hand in hand in ourCatholic schools, Milot said. "Webalance both in our diocese."

"And we're very happy to talkabout our new school on CapeCod, St. Pius X School in SouthYarmouth, which in Septemberopened with grades pre-K throughfour. It is doing extremely welland will open a new grade everyyear until they reach grade-eight,"Milot stated.

He also reported that St.Mary's School in Mansfield,which opened a couple of yearsago, is currently at the level ofgrade-K through grade-six, andleading into adding grade-eight.

Milot said that openingSt. PiusX School "was indeed a big step.It was part of the study done onthe Cape in 1989 by Meitler Con­sultants from Hales' Corners,Wis., to determine the feasibilityof a Catholic high school there.But what became clear from thatstudy was a stronger need formore elementary schools thereright now - and look to the fu­ture for a high school."

Milot said the biggest increase'in all levels of curriculum in di­ocesan schools is that of technol­ogy.

"It is an area of education thatis increasing dramatically and ourdiocesan schools are right at thetop when it comes to that," hesaid. "The system-wide profes­sional day for diocesan teachersthis years focused on that, and wework constantly on the use oftechnology as an educational toolin the classroom."

While some basics are still be­ing taught, he said that youngpeople today have most of theskills needed because ofcomputergames and programs they use athome and in many instances ex­cel in computer skills.

"But how to use the computertool in an educational manner isat the center of our program. Weare constantly integrating that inthe classroom," Milot explained."What's available today is monu­mental."

Taking history for an example,Milot said "a student today can gofar beyond any textbook, go to agovernment site and look at andstudy primary sources, such asletters George Washington wrote.And it means students can shareinformation."

In diocesan schools a programcurrently underway is called"moodle" Milot reported. "It is aninternal chat room kind of thing,where, for example a teacher inAttleboro can share with a teacherin West Harwich such things aspreparing lessons, and comparingand planning things in their class­rooms. It brings us together edu­cationally."

The superintendent said thatplans are "to tie students into thesituation. It is a closed networkand is not in any sens.e a chat roomthat anyone can get into. It is away that our teachers can con­verse in educational terms, helpeach other out, and advance edu­cation in the diocese."

This specific internal systemwas designed by Superintendent

12 Friday, January 28, 2005

BMC HealthNet Plan.

The current pastor is FatherHenry 1. Dahl.

The parish began when FatherJoseph Finotti arrived on Aug. 26,1852 in response to Catholics onthe Cape Cod-tip community whoappealed to Bishop John B.Fitzpatrick of Boston, whose ter­ritory included southeastern Mas­sachusetts.

In 1854 Father Finotti bought abuilding on Bradford Street. Hesaid Mass in the upstairs area andlived in the basement.

Under Father John McGeoughthe parish began to build a churchto seat 600 and it was completedunder the pastorate of Father John1. McGuire who became the frrstpastor when he arrived on July 4,1874.

The church was blessed anddedicated on Oct. 11, 1874 byBishop Thomas F. Hendrickson ofthe newly established Providence,R.I. diocese, which at the time in­cluded Cape Cod.

In 1866 a new rectory was builtbeside the church and a bell in­stalled in the church in 1887. In1914 the sanctuary was extendedand new windows installed. A par­ish hall was built in 1953.

An exceptionally fine mural ofSt. Peter walking on the sea en­riched the sanctuary.

Catholic schools. The MassachusettsSchool Nursing Collaborative, ofwhich PACE is a partner, has askedthe legislature to restore $4M ofthisfunding to ensure that thousands ofschool children do not lose basicschool nursing services.

Adams Scholarship Equity: TheJohn and Abigail Adams ScholarshipProgram, available for the first timeto 2005 high school graduates, pro­vides a tuition waiver for eight se­mesters at Mass. state universities,colleges and communitycolleges. Toqualify, students in the 11 th grademust have taken the high schoolEnglish language arts and Math­ematics MCAS tests during the stan­dard spring grade 10 MCAS tests.Because Catholic school students donot take the MCAS, currently theyare not eligible for the scholarship.PACE and its advocacy partner, theBureau of Jewish Education, haveasked the state legislature to adopt aprovision in the FY '06 state budgetthat enables grade 10 non-publicschool students who reside in Mas­sachusetts to voluntarily take theMCAS exam at no cost so that theymay be eligible for the program.PACE believes Catholic and othernon-public school students shouldnot be precluded from eligibilityin this statewide scholarship pro­gram.

PACE is a non-profitorganizationdedicated to serving theCommonwealth's 80,000 Catholicelementary and secondary schoolstudents.

Continued from page five

PROVINCETOWN - Hun­dreds ofparishioners watched andwept as a raging fIre destroyed St.Peter the Apostle Church, one ofthe oldest parishes in the Fall Riverdiocese, on Tuesday morning asThe Anchor was going to press.

There were no immediate re­ports of injuries, and cause of thefIre remained unknown at the time.

Built and dedicated in 1874, thechurch on Prince Street near' thetown's high school, was rebuilt in1914, and extensively remodeledin 1956, with other refurbishing in­cluding stained glass windows in1958, 1971 and 1978..

According to reports, thesteeple had fallen into the interiorof the church after the fire atmidmorning had destroyed theroof. .

FirefIghters from Brewster andHarwich were said to have en­countered snowdrifts from theweekend blizzard as they assistedProvincetown fIrefIghters in an- .swering the three-alarm frre. Theyjoined frrefIghters and rescue per­sonnel from Truro, Wellfleet,Eastham, Orleans, Brewster andHarwich.

Using water cannons atop lad­der trucks the fIre teams managedto keep the blaze from reaching thenearby reCtory and church annex.

PACE

Provincetown. churchdestroyed by fire

Adams Scholarship program.Early Education and Care: A

2004 initiative by the state legisla­ture to offerpublicly-funded, univer­sal early education for three-, four­and five"year-old students over thenext decade holds much promise forparents who want to give their pre­school age children the advantage ofa Catholic school education but can­not presently afford the cost. PACE'sexecutive director, Steve Perla, wasnamed to the Early Education andCare Advisory Committee chargedwith developing recommendationson how to structure this new depart­ment and its work. The position ofEarly Education for All, of whichPACE is a coalition partner, is to cre­ate a new Department ofEarly Edu­cation and Care that would coordi­nate, streamline, and universalizethrough public funds, a mixed sys­tem ofearly education programs andservices, which includes Catholicschools. PACE seeks to include af­ter-school programming and fund­ing in this new department. PACEwill continue to advocate Catho­lic school inclusion in these pro­grams.

School Health: Since FY '04,school health funding in the state hasbeen cut nearly 50 percent - from$25.1M to $14M. Within the SchoolHealth Services budget line item, theDepartment of Public Health hasreduced funding for the EssentialSchool Health Services Program(ESHSP) from $16M to just $9M,impacting public, non-public and

everyone individually.They are educated not just in a

safer environment, but where aShepherd protects them from thewolf and guides them safely withhis familiar voice and the simpleinstruction "follow me."

.They are prepared not just forthe SAT and for entrance intocollege, but for the final exam oflife and for ~ttance, God­willing, into the college of saints.

Catholic schools do makestudents fully humane - and theydo more. They make studentsdisciples of the Master who teacheswith the words ofeverlasting life.

Father Landry is aparochialvicar at 51. Francis Xavier Parish,Hyannis.

love others as Jesus has loved us. Itis by imitating Jesus in his humannature -laying down our livesout of love for others - that wewill become most humane.

The greatest gift of a Catholiceducation, therefore, is thatstudents can be introduced notonly to the truths of math, science,history, and language, but also toTruth incarnate (In 8:32). Thestudents can be presented with thewell-rounded geography of the realreal world, and not the flat-earthequivalent of a God-less one.

In a Catholic school, studentsfind not just sQ1aller classrooms,but a divine Master who tutors

Continued from page four

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EXAMmoral formation of their students,the value and uniqueness of aCatholic education would standout all the more, because the mostdistinctive aspect of Catholicmoral formation is that it can bedone with explicit reference toJesus Christ. Catholic schools canintroduce the student not merely to"moral values" but to their source.

Christ, as the fathers of VaticanIT reminded us, "fully reveals manto himself and makes his supremevocation clear." He teaches us ourgreat dignity and discloses to usour "supreme vocation," the pathto true human goodness and

. fulfillment.to use our freedom to

Friday, January 28, 2005 thea~ 13

SAMUEL L. JACKSON stars in a scene from the movie "Coach Carter." For a brief reviewof this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo from Paramount)

You Never Had ServiceUntil You Tried Charlie's

eNS video reviews

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-

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without the usual slushy piety.The result is a straightforward,but spiritually moving, pictureof a young woman's faith, astory that still has relevance forcontemporary viewers. Dubbedinto English. The USCCB Of­fice for Film & Broadcastingclassification is A-I - generalpatronage. The Motion PictureAssociation of America ratingis PG - parental guidance sug­gested.

"Schindler's List" (1993)Sobering account of an op­

portunistic German business­man (Liam Neeson) who comesto occupied Poland to make hisfortune by exploiting Jewishcapital and labor but, after wit­nessing the increasing barbar­ism of Nazi racial policies andthe sadistic perversions of thelocal concentration camp com­mandant (Ralph Fiennes), herisks his life by using his tal­ents for manipulation to savethe Jews in his employ. Direc­tor Steven Spielberg painstak­ingly restages the appalling his­tory of the Holocaust on an epicscale that gives horrifying di­mension to one man's attemptto save a few innocent lives, butthe narrative provides little in­sight in the German's moraltransformation or the individuallives of his slave laborers. Re­alistically graphic treatment ofan infamous historical periodand its crimes against human­ity, a few discreet sexual scenesand occasional rough language.The USCCB Office for Film &Broadcasting classification isA-III - adults. The MotionPicture Association of Americarating is R - restricted. (Uni­versal)

PRACTICE THE DEVOTION OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS,

AS REQUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia(seer of Fatima) and spoke these words: "Announce in myname that I promise to assist at the hour ofdeath with the graces

necessary for the salvation oftheir souls, all those who on the firstSaturday of five consecutive months shall:

I. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite theRosary (5 decades); and 4. Keep me company for 15 minutes whilemeditating on the 15 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of

making reparation to me."In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be

preceded by the words: "In reparation for the offensescommitted against the Immaculate Heart of Mary:'

Confessions may be made during 8 days before or after thefirst Saturday, and Holy Communion may be received at

either the morning or evening Mass on the first saturday.

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508-675-7426 • 508-674-0709

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NEW YORK (CNS) - Thefollowing are capsule reviewsof DVD and video releasesfrom the Office for Film &Broadcasting of the U.S. Con­ference of Catholic Bishops.

"Bernadette" (1987)The story of St. Bernadette

and her visions of "a beautifullady in white" at a grotto nearLourdes, France, in 1858 is rev­erently rendered in this 1989French production by veteranfilm director Jean Delannoy("Mary of Nazareth," "TheEternal Return"). American ac­tress Sidney Penny portrays theeponymous 15-year-old peasantgirl with graceful down-to-earthinnocence, humility and youth­ful awkwardness. Her honestperformance shows Bernadetteas a normal teen-ager caught upin circumstances beyond herunderstanding, but who refusesto wilt under local pressure.Having been previously un­available in the United States,the movie has some fine perioddetails and on-location photog­raphy, but the overall film iscompromised by' extremelypoor dubbing into English andfalls short of Henry King's su­perior "Song of Bernadette"(for which Jennifer Jones wonthe best actress Oscar in 1943in the title role). The miracu­lous apparitions are handleddiscreetly, without resorting tocheesy special effects. Praisedby the Vatican as "a sensitiveportrayal of a very moving storythat deserves a wide audience"and selected to screen daily atthe shrine in Lourdes, the filmis simple and historically accu­rate, as well as faithful to thereligious drama of the events

"Elektra"(20th Century Fox)

Low-wattage action moviebased on the titular MarvelComics character (played by abuff Jennifer Garner in hellcatmode), a blade-wielding femmefatale who runs afoul of a super­powered crime syn.dicate whenshe decides to turn from her as­sassin ways and protect the twotargets - a young girl (new­comer Kirsten Prout) and herfather (Goran Visnjic) - whomshe has been contracted to kill.Directed by Rob Bowman, thisslick but stale "Daredevil"spinoff is little more than a se­ries of frenetic" death duels slop­pily strung together in a hack­neyed attempt to distract view­ers from the lame dialogue andmuddled plot, resulting in aviewing experience which isanything but "Elektra-fying."Recurring strong stylized vio­lence, including severalimpalings and an implied de­capitation, thematic moral am­biguities, a gratuitously eroticsame-sex kiss, sporadic crudelanguage and an instance of pro­fanity. The USCCB Office forFilm & Broadcasting classifica­tion is L - limited adult audi­ence, films whose problematiccontent many adults would findtroubling. The Motion Picture As­sociation of America rating is PG­13 - parents are strongly cau­tioned. Some material may be in­appropriatefor children under 13.

guage (unfortunately true to life)and an abortion subplot withquestionable moral implica­tions. Much crude language,drug dealing, some violence,abortion, suggestive dancingand sexual situations. TheUSCCB Office for Film &Broadcasting classification is A­III - adults. The Motion PictureAssociation of America rating isPG-13 - parents are stronglycautioned. Some material maybe inappropriate for childrenunder 13.

reasonably gripping - story ofa desolate Detroit police pre­cinct under siege by crookedpolice who are out to silence acriminal (Laurence Fishburne)incarcerated there, to cover upwhat he knows about corruptionwithin their ranks, effecting anunusual alliance between thepolice and criminals within thestation house who must unite todefend themselves. Jean­Francois Richel's remake of the1976 film features good perfor­mances by Fishburne, EthanHawke and Brian Dennehy, butthe bloodshed and violenceseem unnecessarily explicit, andthe improbable story calls formajor suspension of disbelief.Graphic and bloody violenceand related gore, much rough,crude and profane language, andsome sexual innuendo. TheUSCCB Office for Film &Broadcasting classification is L- limited adult audience, filmswhose problematic contentmany adults would find trou­bling. The Motion Picture Asso­ciation of America rating is R ­restricted.

"Coach Carter"(Paramount)

Formulaic but interestingstory of real-life basketballcoach Ken Carter (Samuel L.Jackson) who accepts a job at aRichmond, Calif., high schoolwith the stipulation that all theplayers sign contracts agreeingto uphold academic standards,and when some of them don't,he grounds the entire team, acontroversial action that causesa great furor. The film directedby Thomas Carter (no relation)is reasonably absorbing, andJackson gives a compellinglytough and unsentimental perfor­mance. Though parents mayconsider it important for inner­city kids to see this inspiringstory with its message extollingacademic achievement andteamwork, be warned thatthere's a good deal of crude lan-

IC~S ~'I()viile

ICaIIV~Ulllle~

NEW YORK (CNS) - Thefollowing are capsule reviews ofmovies recently reviewed by theOffice for Film & Broadcasting ofthe U.S. Conference of CatholicBishops.

"Are We There Yet?"(Columbia)

Leaden road comedy about asmooth-talking skirt-chaser (IceCube) with no patience for kidswho gets more than he bargainedfor when he falls for a pretty di­vorcee (Nia Long) and volun­teers to taxi her two mischievouschildren (Philip Daniel Boldenand Aleisha Allen) from Port­land, Ore., to Vancouver, Brit­ish Columbia, where she is stay­ing on business, so they can allbe together on New Year's Eve.Directed by Brain Levant, thisfilm runs out of gas early, leav­ing viewers to endure a bumpyride of scatological sight gagsand mean-spirited mishaps(making it unsuitable foryounger adolescents) which, un­fortunately, dampens its sincere,albeit sentimental, messageabout the importance of familyand parenthood. Recurringcrude humor and comic vio­lence, and some mildly crasslanguage. The USCCB Officefor Film & Broadcasting classi­fication is A-II - adults andadolescents. The Motion PictureAssociation of America rating isPG - parental guidance sug­gested.

"Assault on Precinct 13"(Rogue)

Brutal and violent - though

Friday, January 28, 2005

evolve. Rock band Switchfoot's venture and learning inherent in"This 'S Your Life" challenges us this day.to look at our lives and see what Further, don't lose today be­now beckons us toward new cause of any sense of guilt overgrowth. past mistakes. While any of us

Switchfoot definitely has might have healthy regret overmade me into a fan of their mu- choices or behaviors that havesic. Their soft-peddled, value- hurt us or others, don't dwell oncentered approach often invites mistakes. They are your teachers.us to consider important aspects .. Your past mistakes reveal how to

live more lovingly and success-

a Il 'kfully today.",,, 0'" -Guilt's purpose is to grab your••• ....J immediate attention., This feelingteI1s you that you have violatedyour own values. Receive guilt'smessage, make the necessary ad­justments, take the necessary ac­tions and then put aside any re­turning feelings of guilt relatedto the same past situation.

Of course, who you want tobecome depends most on whatyou want to give others. Conse­quently, think big! Understandyour desires and passions. Don'tsettle for anything less than thefull development of the abilitiesthat God placed within you. Thiswill bring personal satisfaction toyou, and it will enhance the qual­ity of many others' ,1iyes. _, .

H¢re's' a practic'al suggestionfor following up on the aboveideas. Write out who you want tobe. Be specific. Name your goalsand how you want to contributeto God's family on this planet. .

Keep your writing in a jour­nal or diary. Your. writing ismeant only for you and God. AskGod to guide you toward yourpersonal vision of all that 'youwant to be.

Your comments are alwayswelcome. Please write to me at:chmartin@swindiana.net or at7125W 2008, Rockport, IN47635.

of our 1i~~>&...:'This Is'Your Life"is off their most recent disc "TheBeau'tlfhi.Letdowh,'" the albumthataIready~hasproduced thehits;'Mean(t<lLive" and "Dare YO.ut~m~1Qvbii:~"'J:~ . . .... :,

.' :' Swi~~l.tfo.o~ say.s, 'This is yourlife an(tod~y is all you've gotnow:':. THey' ilrge us not to closebur ,eyes!, :roday is the gift, andy'ou \Vb_~!pn:t want to miss it.<':One 'Sun~~way to miss today'sopportpD:i,tfes is to get lost Inthinking ~bout what might havebee'n. Ydur mind might try tohook you. into' prooding abouthow "unlucky" you have been.While it is·natural to feel this wayoccasionally, try to refocus onother concerns.. Being. obsessedabout what m~ght 'have: beensteals away the:potential for ad-

?-; .

--------...::;-

, ~.

THIS IS YOUR LIFEYesterday is a wrinkle on

your foreheadYesterday is a promise that

you've brokenDon't close your eyes, don't

close your eyesThis is your life, and today is

all you've got nowYeah, and today ·is all you'll

ever haveDon't close your eyesDon't close your eyes.

Refrain:.This is your life, are you who

: .. ' you want to be?, ~ This is your life, are you who

you want to be?" This is your life, is it every­

thing you dreamed it.;.~, > • would be

.. When the world was younger .. and you had

. everything to lose?Yesterday is a kid in the

cornerYesterday is dead and over.

(Repeat refrain.)Don't close your eyes(Repeat four times.)

This is your life. Are you whoyou want to be?

This is your life. Are you who.you want to be, yeah?

(Repeat refrain.)And you had everything

to loseSung by SwitchfootAlbum: The BeaUtifulLetdownCopyright (c) 2003 by Sony

.MusicAre you all that you want to

be? Probably not.Most of us figure out what is

important to us and who we wantto be over our whole lifespan.

. Young people need to recognizethat their interests and goals will

14

A quick take on issues and statistics

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SNAPS

Source: The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), 2004.

'",-. /

. ~ .......

Wisdom from Iraq ...I.. '.

BY KAsE JOHNSTUN

CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

Out of the blue, I received aletter from a Marine serving inIraq. His wisdom, fortitude anduplifting perspective on theworld gave me more hope than Iam sure he ever intended.

Kevin Leverence took thetime to write me, in ink onpaper, November 19, and sent itin an envelope. He apologizedfor not sending E-mail, but Ithanked him for the effort it tookto pen his thoughts. It meantmuch more to me. I want toshare his words with you.Perhaps they will give you hopeon a day when it may feel thathope has disappeared.

"Dear Kase,"Hi! Warm greetings to you.

My name is Kevin Leverence

and I am a Marine deployed in .Iraq. I have been fortunateenough to be receiving theCatholic Times and keeping up.Your article entitled 'Why DoesGod Allow Evil?' in the October24 edition really caught myattention!

"I agree with youi: notion ofevil happening because of freewill, and I wanted to share someof my thoughts to elaborate onit. .,. "Some people have a realpr<?bleri'i;when evil and misfor­hme .befall-theII! personally,despite having prayed forprotection and grace. The fact ofthe matter is, suffering IS grace!If we look at Jesus' life and thelife of the apostles, we see allthe hardships they experiencedin the name of Christ.

"That is our calling asChristians.

"Christ told us following himwould not be easy, but it would·surely be worth sticking out.Our suffering is living in Christ.

-I;<~

.. ~ '-::ll Comingof,

fige'

No one is perfect and ready forthe kingdom with an entirelyclean slate. Our trials educate usand bring us closer to Christ, inpreparation for the coming ofGod's kingdom. .

"My take: Suffering is a gift,no, a blessing from above. It

should be embraced."I just wanted tq- share that

with you. Sorry-;l couldnoi E­mail; my access:i~ incrediblylimited. Take car~, Kevin Q.Leverence, USMC.;'

We face trial~.~yery day. Itseems some days' ~at nothingcan go right and,Pur wo'tId isfalling apart, and aNim~s wemay ask, "Why IJle?" to God.'!Why am I made .fun of, whycan't I do bettedn school, whyam I having so much troublewith my parents and familymembers?"

Our problems consume ourlives on these days, and ourhope and trust in Jesus disap­pear. But there'are biggerthings that will develop as wecome of age, like death andsuffering,

I am not trying to say thatwhen something devastatinglybad happens to us that weshould not feel, or hurt. But ifKevin and others in Iraq orthose who lost family in thetsunamis can look to Jesus andunderstand that "suffering is ablessing from above" and that"our trials educate and bring uscloser to God," then we too

. need to understand that weexperience these in the name ofChrist. And when we do this, thesuffering with no purpose willend.

Kevin, thank you. Your letterhas truly changed my life, and Iam sure it will touch manyothers. Our prayers are with youin Iraq,

P.S. Please keep writing me.E-mail: kase;@hkusa.com.

I Frtday, January 28, 2005 the~ii'r . "" I, ff " 15 I

EIGHTH-GRADERS Hannah Berube and Sarah Monizfrom St. Stanislaus School, Fall River, share a social studiesproject with second-graders. The students created projectson life in the 1920s, which included a picture book. Below,pre-schooler Bobby-£..oady and his mom enjoy the annualMother-Son dance at tile school.

THE BISHOP FeehanMarching Band was recentlycrowned Division 2 champi­ons at the New EnglandScholastic Band Associationfinals in Quincy, beatingseven other schools. TheAttleboro school also wonawarps for best music andpercussion. The band's score'of 96.0was the second high­est among the 23 competingschools. At right, SefliorNicholas Messinger signs aletter of intent to play base­ball for. Sienna College inNew York this fall. PrincipalChristopher Servant looks on.

Thursday, February 3, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

37 Rockland Street, Fall River, Massachusetts508-674-6771

www.saintstanislaus.com

-

A Faith-filled Future

Preschool - Grade 8

A Vibrant Present

Open HouseSt. Stanislaus School

A Treasured Past

SEVENTH-GRADER and Student Councilmember Sarah Campion from St.John theEvangelist School, Attleboro, helps make oneof 14 care packages the school sent to parish­ioners in Iraq and Afghanistan. The council hasbeen sending cards of encouragement andpraying for the troops daily.

.-~

Hard to be president withoutrelationship to God, says Bush

THE REV. LOUIS Leon stands at the door of St. John's Epis­copal Church as President George W. Bush and first I~dy LauraBush depart following Sunday services in Washington recently.In a recent interview with The Washington TImes; Bush said hedid not know how a person could be president ''without a rela­tionship with the Lord." (CNS photo from Reuters)

16

WASHINGTON (CNS) ­President George W. Bush said he

· could not envision being presidentwithout a relationship to God andthat he is sustained by the prayers ofmillions ofpeople "I will never see."

In an interview with The Wash­ington TImes, he also said religious

.~ faith is not under attack in the UnitedStates.

"I think more and more people ...understand the importance of faithin their life," said Bush in a lengthyinterview with editors and reportersof the daily newspaper. Excerptsfrom the interview were publishedin the paper a week ago.

'1 don't see how you can bepresi­dent, at leaSt from my perspective,how you can be president ... withoutarelationship with the Lord," he said.

Bush noted that some people arecritical ofhis open references to theimportaDce offaith in his life; he re­Jerred to an article which questionedwhether he should take the oath ofoffice Janllal); 20 with his hand on

, .the Bible."I will have my hand on the

.. Bible," he wd..- .j .Bush rejected views that his faith

is an obstacle to being president in aphiralistic society.

."There are some who worry~bouta president who is faith-based,a.person who openly admits that Iaccept the prayers ofthe people, try­ing to impoSe my will on others," he

"""said.· .;'

'1 t)illy understand that the job of·,the president is and must always be· protecting the great right of people

'. . to. worship or- not worship as they. ~fit," he said,

'The president's jobis not to sayyou've got to be religious," he said.

. "The president'sjob is to sayeach~-- is free to choose it," he conrinned

"And it's really important IbaI: tbat. be clear today, given the wOOd inwhich we live. And ifyou're a SikhorMuslimor-aMethodist orany­body else for that matter, it's an im-

portant message."Bush was raised an Episcopalian

and joined the United MethodistChurch when he got married.

Bush referred to the hymn "ACharge to Keep I Have" by JohnWesley, the 18th-eentury founder ofthe Methodist Church:

'The hymn taIks about servingthe Almighty. So it speaks to me per­sonally,', he said. ,

"I cannot tell you how inspiredand sustained and comforted I amby the fact that millions of people,many of whom I will never see, arepraying for me. It's one of the mostunique aspects of the presidency,"he said. .

On policy issues, Bush reiteratedhis pledge to work with "faith-basedpeople" on his "compassionate

. agenda."He proposed expanding a pro­

gram by which people needing s0­

cial services could use vouchers tochooseafaith-based agency for help.

Faith communities will not bediscriminated against when they bidfor federal grants as long as fundsare not used to proselytize, he said.

"If you're capable of helping anaddict ... we ought to let you accessfunds specifically designed for ad­diction relief," he said.

"For those who believe weshouldn'tbeusing taxpayers' moneyto proselytize, I agree completely,100 percent," he said.

Bush said irnmigration reform isahigh priority. 'The system has bro- .ken down," especially along theMexican border, he said. "We havea problem in America when you'vegot eight rilillion undocumentedworkers here," he said. .

Bush praised the motives of im­migrants who. illegally enter theUnited States to find jobs, saying

. they ~ant to improve the lives oftheir f<imili.fis.

Regarding troops stationed in warzones, Bushopposedputting womenin the military into ground combat.

'Ii";" •

Friday, January 28, 2005

Half-century after her death, effort.for Merrick's sainthood proceeds

WASHINGTON (CNS) - Fifty years to the day spring that Merrick's cause for sainthood had begun,after her death, Washingtonians gathered to celebrate and she had been recognized as a "servant of God." At

·the life of Mary VIrginia Merrick, who may become the time, Washington Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrickthe fIrst recognized saint from the nation's capital. called Merrick "a true example of how one person can

When she died on Jan. 10, 1955, at the age of 88, overcome obstacles to live out Christ's love for othersMerrick was nationally known for her outreach to chil- and transform lives."dren in need as the founder of the Christ Child Society. In the Archdiocese of Washington, the Christ ChildAlthough paralyzed in a fall as a teen, she had the faith Societycontinues Merrick's workofhelping needy moth-

· and determination to start a movement that grew to in- ers and babies, and it also sponsors a school counselingclude chapters across the country and offered special program that helps children and their families with ev-centers and summer camps for poor children. . eryday problems and crisis situations.

Her work began in a siinple way, when Merrick in- FatherDrinan said supporting the effort for Merrick'sspired family members and . r-----~_::--------, possible canonization "will re-friends to sewclothes for a poor quire three things - resources,family's baby. Today the Na- prayer and perseverance.... Sttional Christ Child Society in- Ignatius Loyola, the founder ofcludes 40 chapters nationwide . the Jesuits, wrote that when wewith 7,000 members who con- ( confront the challenges of life

~~~~~~k's work on behalf ..J:lj -~~n:u~~~:u:i':X::~:;

t~~~~ '-;t~'.0' ~s~~~ceived her first Communion, . (C~,,''):\ ";r(>"'r" tiona! ChristChild Society, saidand where her parents were "i;;, i.(' t"i;;:/ Metrick"was awoman ofcour-married. age.... Shealways putGod first.

JesuitFatherRobertDrinan, She reminds us that we shouldthe homilist at the Mass, noted please God before we pleasethat Merrick founded the group ourselves."in 1887 at the age of21, with a Joining Scalise in bringingconviction that she spelled out up the gifts at the Mass wasmany times in letters and state- Roseann Anderson from Cali-ments, that "weshould love and fomia, the society's currenthelp every child because that president. "She (Menick) waschild is another Christ Child." absolutely selfless. In the self-

Father Drinan, a professor ish world oftoday, that's a greatoflaw at the Georgetown Uni- WASHINGTONIANS gathered re- trait."versityLawCenterinWashing- cently to celebrate the life of Mary Vir- Joan Conley, a member ofton, added, "Loving and help- ginia Merrick, a candidate .for sainthood. the society's Washington chap­ingchildrenistheveryessence (CNS photo by Rafael Crisostomo, ter, said she is inspired byof our faith.:' .Catholic Standard) Merrick's "dedication to chil-

He noted that Merrick's "life dren from all over the world,was filled with adversities," and said the holy way she no matter what the need. (That's) a model for all of uslived her life can,inspire Catholics of today, especially today.",those suffering from a disability. In a later interview with the Catholic Standard, Wash-

Msgr. Ronny Jenkins, the main celebrantat the Mass, ington archdiocesan newspaper, Msgr. Jenkins, a priestserves as the postulator of Merrick's cause for canoni- ofthe Diocese ofAustin, Texas, said the major task rightzation and is a professor of canon law at The Catholic now is "collecting and transcribing all the documentsUniversity ofAmerica. Speaking ofher legacy, he said, Mary VIrginia Merrick wrote."'There is perhaps no greater way to celebrate that work The priest estimated that her personal letters andthan at the sacrifice of the M~s." " writings, now partofThe Catholic University ofAmerica

He noted that, like Christ, Merrick lived a life ofself- archives, total about 20,000 pages. 'They're beautiful.less love and endured suffering for the sake ofothers. They're filled with a beautiful vision into her soul and

. The National Christ Child SocietY announced last her heart," he said.

Catholics can receive special indulgencesduring current Year of the Eucharist

VATICAN CITY (CNS)-,-Dui- sion, receives the Eucharist and or chapel could still earn the indul­ing the Year of the Eucharist, which prays for the intentions of the pope, gence if they make the visit "withruns through October, C;ttholics can all in a spiritoftotal detachmentfrom the desire of their hearts, in a spiritreceive special indulgences for.eu- . the attraction of sin. offaith in the real presence ofJesuscharistic adoration andprayerbefore' .Special plenary indulgences,.he Christ in the sacrament of the altar."the Eucharist.' . saic\, would be given to those who Those who cannot goto church,

Pope John Paul authorized the . fulfill the normal requirements in he said, should recite the Lord'sindulgences in order toenco~ge in· conjunction withparticipating "with Prayer, the creed and a short prayer

·the faithful "a deeper knowledge.ofattention and piety in a sacred func- about the gift of the Eucharist.and a more intense love" for the tion or a pious exercise carried out The cardinal said Catholics whoEucharist, saidU.S. CardinalJ. Fran- . in honor of the Blessed Sacrament, are physically unable to do even thatcis Stafford; head of the. Apostolic either solemnly exposed or pre- could Je<:eive the indulgence by of­Penitentiary.. . . seryed in the tabernacle." "-. fering their illness and difficulties up

An indulgence is a remission of .. In addition, he said, those who to the Lord and uniting their prayersthe temporal punishmentduefor sins ( recite the vespers and compline with the prayer of someone fulfill-committed.' prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours ,ing the requirements.

Cardinal Stafford said the special in a church or chapel where the Eu- Cardinal Stafford asked priestseucharistic year indulgences include charist is present in· the tabernacle around the world to be generous inthe normal requirements set by the will receive a plenary indulgence. making themselves available to hearChurch for all plenary indulgences: Cardinal Staffordsaid thatCatho- confessions so that Catholics couldthat within a reasonably shortperiod lics who because of illness or other ·fulfill all of the requirements forof time, the person goes to confes- serious reason cannot visit a church them.

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