| july 15-28, 2016 | volume … · 7/15/2016 · | july 15-28, 2016 | volume 77, number 17 raymond...
TRANSCRIPT
Families renew marriage vows
Thanks to support from Catholic Catholic Char-ities of Central Florida, sisters Roxana and Sara Sanchez were able to hug their father, Jeremias Sanchez, for the first time in 15 years.
Their reunion occurred at the Orlando Inter-national Airport June 9. Jeremias had been mark-ing the calendar each day since realizing their arrival would become a reality. Also on hand for the reunion were their mother, Maria Sanchez, and U.S.-born brother, 8-year-old Pablo. Roxana and Sara came to the United States through the Central American Minors (CAM) Refugee/Parole Program.
Click on the ORLANDO DIOCESE above for more on this story.
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WWW.THEFLORIDACATHOLIC.ORG | July 15-28, 2016 | Volume 77, Number 17
Raymond Russo is a man of unshakable faith, who is thankful for every day. He gets emotional when talking about his near-death experience, the deadly diagnoses and then the healing of his best buddy, Sir Lancelot, which he credits to God and the healing Masses at St. Ann Church, which the two try to never miss.
“Sir Lancelot is a miracle dog.” In August, Lance and Russo will celebrate Russo’s birthday. “It isn’t about a party,” said Russo. “It is to celebrate life.”
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A man of faith and his ‘miracle dog’
From the beginning of their relationship as high school sweethearts, Emil and Mary Stuerm-er made Christ the cornerstone of their lives. They made a lifelong choice 60 years ago when they married. It has been an honored commitment that has included ups and downs.
On June 25, they stood at the altar once again to renew their vows. And so did their seven children and their spouses. All told, the families represent-ed a combined 272 years of marriage.
“Our choices have consequences. They can open us up to God’s love or do the opposite,” said Father John Ludden, pastor of St. John the Evan-gelist Parish in Naples, where the Stuermers re-newed their vows. “Emil and Mary show us what can happen when we open ourselves to God’s love. … It is beautiful.”
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The Sanchez family is reunited with their children from El Salvador after 15 years. (JACQUE BRUND | FC)
Texas abortion
law is struck
down. Will it affect laws in Florida?
A long-awaited family reunion
Emil and Mary Stuermer and their seven children pose for a picture in 2006. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Raymond Russo and his best friend Sir Lancelot, fondly called Lance, visit St. Ann Parish. (LINDA REEVES | FC)
As shootings
continue to plague U.S., the Church stands as symbol of
love
Organizers and
pilgrims prepare
for World Youth Day
and its long walks
www.thefloridacatholic.org | July 15-28, 2016
FLORIDACatholicORLANDO DIOCESE
town outside of San Salvador. Last year the homicide rate spiked, putting the country on pace to pass Honduras as the homicide capital of the world. With the growing preva-lence of gangs and organized crime in the re-gion, as well as drug and human trafficking, normal activities like going to school have become very dangerous. With no second-ary school near their home past sixth grade, the girls would have to ride a bicycle for 45 minutes to catch a bus for another hour and a half to get to school.
Sara decided to work instead of attend-ing school after eighth grade, taking a job as a housekeeper earning $1.05 per hour at a hotel. The parents worked multiple jobs in the United States to be able to send money to the relatives who were caring for their children. Having a parent in the United
States put the girls in danger, and in 2012, a man contacted Maria and demanded a $2,000 ransom. Fearing for her children’s safety, she paid the extortionist who gave her explicit instructions not to contact the police. Afterward, Roxana had to drop out of school and was afraid to leave the house. Maria sent the girls to live in another town for their safety.
Since arriving in Orlando, the girls have been busy getting to know their father, and getting reacquainted with their mother, who has only been able to see them twice since she left El Salvador for the United States. Friends and neighbors have been inviting them to dinner and showing them around their new city.
When asked how things were different than in their home country, Sara remarked,
“Everything is bigger than I imagined. The streets are paved and you have to ride in a car everywhere. If you want to get a coconut at home, you would just climb a tree. Here, you have to buy it at Bravo.”
Mirta Perez, a caseworker from Catholic Charities of Central Florida, has been fol-lowing the family’s progress since Maria first came to the office in March 2015 to complete the CAM application.
“It is awesome to see the full circle, help-ing them through the process, and witness-ing the love and support the girls will be get-ting from their mom and dad,” said Perez. “The parents are very aware that they are not going to regain the years that have been lost. They are putting it in the past and moving forward to build a better life for their daugh-ters.” n
Siblings reunited with parents after 15 yearslong-awaited family reunion
Catholic Charities staff, Mirta Perez and Carolina Toro, help reunite the Sanchez family with their children from El Salvador after 15 years. (JACQUE BRUND | FC)
Jennifer PowersFlorida Catholic correspondent
ORLANDO | Thanks to support from Catholic Catholic Charities of Central Flor-ida, sisters Roxana and Sara Sanchez were able to hug their father, Jeremias Sanchez, for the first time in 15 years.
“We were pinching each other to make sure it was real,” Roxana said. “We were emotional and very excited, wondering what it was going to be like.”
Their reunion occurred at the Orlando International Airport June 9 when the sisters arrived from El Salvador after a layover in Miami. Jeremias had been marking the cal-endar each day since realizing their arrival would become a reality. Also on hand for the reunion were their mother, Maria Sanchez, and U.S.-born brother, 8-year-old Pablo.
Roxana and Sara came to the United States through the Central American Minors (CAM) Refugee/Parole Program, which was developed in response to the humanitarian crisis at the U.S./Mexico border when unac-companied Central American children were crossing in large numbers. The program provides refugee processing in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, for those deemed to be in need of humanitarian protection in the United States.
The CAM program primarily gives un-married children under 21, who are trying to reunite with parents who are living lawfully in the U.S., a safe, legal alternative to under-taking the dangerous, sometimes deadly, journey to the United States. The process is lengthy and slow, starting with a compli-cated application that must be completed through an affiliate organization of one of the nine resettlement agencies in the United States.
Staff members at Catholic Charities of Cen-tral Florida assisted the Sanchez family. Once the application was completed, the process required interviews and DNA testing to estab-lish the family relationship, all of which took nearly 15 months to complete.
The Sanchez sisters come from a rural
sTAff rePorT
ORLANDO | A day of reflection will be held Saturday, Aug. 6, at St. Andrew Parish, 801 N. Hastings St., Orlando, for the upcom-ing National Black Catholic Congress XII, which will be in Orlando July 6-9, 2017. The theme is “The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me: Act Justly, Love Goodness, and Walk Humbly with Your God!” Approximately 3,000 people are expected.
The National Black Catholic Congress
(NBCC) is comprised of member organiza-tions, representing African-American Ro-man Catholics, working in collaboration with national Roman Catholic organizations. It is committed to establishing an agenda for the evangelization of African-Americans, and to improve the spiritual, mental and physical conditions of African-Americans, thereby committing to the freedom and growth of African-Americans as full participants in Church and society.
Every fifth year, the NBCC convenes a
congress, complete with invigorating and deeply moving daily Eucharistic liturgies. In-cluded is a Gospel choir, ministry workshops, and serious discussions about strategies for responding to events that are occurring in African-American communities today, and developing a meaningful and faith-filled re-sponse. Over 2,300 people attended the most recent congresses, and a youth track attracted busloads of teens and youth ministers.
The day of reflection is an opportunity for prayer, reflection, discussions, sharing and
other activities, much of which are geared toward preparing for the upcoming Congress XII experience. Participants will focus on the theme, guided by volunteers and presenters with the support of NBCC staff and materi-als. Topics include black Catholic history, social issues, human life and human dignity, marriage and family life, youths and young adults, and spiritual growth.
To register, visit tinyurl.com/NBCCreflec-tion. For more information on NBCC, visit http://nbccongress.org/.
day of reflection planned before upcoming congress
2July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR ORLANDO COMMUNITY
Glenda Meekinsof the Florida Catholic staff
ORLANDO | Regina Boyd said she “always had a heart to help peo-ple” and that is what led her to an-swer her vocation to become a men-tal health counselor. After counsel-ing children, teens and couples for six years, she offered some advice to parents who seek to comfort their children after a tragedy. This spiritual work of mercy is known as comforting the afflicted.
“The most important thing im-mediately after a crisis is to let your child or teen know that you’re there for them,” said Boyd, a member of Annunciation Parish in Altamonte Springs. “Be supportive and be that listening presence as much as pos-sible. Encourage a teen to talk about the event, how it impacted them. Facilitate a discussion on how their lives are different now that this has happened and what has not changed.
“And then when they do share with you, really do your best to lis-
Christine YounGSpecial to the Florida Catholic
ORLANDO | From June 20 to July 1, Catholic Charities of Central Florida operated a temporary as-sistance center at St. John Vianney Parish in Orlando, in partnership with the parish and VITAS Health-care, to provide case management and supportive services for victims and family members of the Pulse shooting in Orlando. Local com-munity members volunteered to help, including a certified trauma counselor who took a week off from work to help families begin to heal.
“The victims and family mem-bers have only just begun to grieve the loss of loved ones,” said Heath-er Knoop, Family Stability Pro-gram manager at Catholic Chari-ties. “They have been through so much. It is both humbling and mo-tivating to work with them know-ing they are placing their trust in us to help them through this difficult time. Our support, guidance and counseling allow them to focus on what’s most important — their physical and emotional healing.”
In addition, Catholic Charities helped to coordinate a six-week grief and crisis support group at St. John Vianney for victims and fami-lies led by Deacon Felix Montanez, a volunteer chaplain from St. Au-gustine Parish in Casselberry, who works for VITAS offering support to families with loved ones in hospice care.
Agency helps victims of Pulse shooting
The support group, Deacon Montanez explained, is for victims and family members affected by the shooting on June 12 and others as well. The group was created to help anyone struggling with grief, especially those not legally recog-nized as a family member of the victims.
“There are many brokenhearted boyfriends, roommates and friends of the victims who will continue to need our support beyond six weeks
as they grieve the loss of their loved ones,” said Deacon Montanez, who plans to offer his support as long as it is needed.
He and his wife, Digna, a li-censed clinical social worker, were part of the emergency sup-port team from local parishes and Catholic Charities who ministered to victims and their family mem-bers at the aid center hours after the shooting took place.
“That first day was very difficult
to witness as we worked with the medical staff to help inform fam-ily members and friends that their loved ones had not survived,” Dea-con Montanez said. “But Jesus was present there in everyone who had gathered to offer support.”
The Lord’s presence continues to motivate Deacon Montanez and his wife in their ministry. “When you give from your heart, the more you give, the more you receive from the Lord,” he said.
Catholic Charities established a fund with $20,000 to help the victims of the Pulse shooting and continues to provide support-ive services to those impacted at its main office located at 1819 N. Semoran Blvd., Orlando. Victims and family members are urged to call 386-341-3740 to request fi-nancial assistance. Bilingual case managers are available to assist. For more information, visit www.cflcc.org. n
How to comfort the afflicted after a tragedy
She added that if a child is asking questions, it may be a good time to say, “Let’s open the catechism. Let’s open the Bible.”
“Faith plays a huge role in some-one’s ability to heal,” she said. “Time and time again that com-munity, church or parish can be
so instrumental in bringing about that sense of not feeling alone and isolated.” n
Catholic Charities of Central Florida case managers Eyme Gil, center, and Yolando Arroyo, right, help a victim of the Pulse nightclub shooting. (JACQUE BRUND | FC)
A makeshift memorial pays tribute to a victim of the Pulse nightclub shooting. It is a grave reminder that the healing process is long and that children will continue to need help coping with the tragedy in the months and years to come. (ANDREA NAVARRO | FC)
ten non-judgmentally,” Boyd con-tinued. “As parents, we can very easily see through our children’s problems and get into fix-it mode. Especially in a crisis situation, the best thing you can do is be with them and hear them out because that gives them that sense of safety and support.”
Boyd said a personal crisis could also be a turning point for children spiritually. “Research shows that church communities are incredibly helpful, very pow-erful when it comes to healing from a tragedy,” she said. “And these situations bring up a lot of questions and bring to light, ‘What is the purpose of my life; how can these things happen?’ People start asking more of those existential questions about why are we here, what are we to do. Being able to be in an environ-ment like your church where you can pray and come together and be united with the infinite power of God, this can bring a complete sense of peace.”
‘(The victims and family members) have been through so much. It is both humbling and motivating to work with them knowing they are placing their trust in us to help them through this difficult time.’
— Heather Knoop
3 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016YOUR ORLANDO COMMUNITY
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DIOCESE OF ORLANDO
Vol. 77, No. 17
The Florida Catholic (ISSN 0746-4584) publishes semi-monthly for the Dioceses of Or-lando, Palm Beach and Venice for $24 per year in Florida, $30 per year in the U.S., and $95 per year foreign, by The Florida Catholic Inc., 50 E. Robinson St., Suite G, Orlando, FL 32801-1619. Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertisements contrary to pa-
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‘F
STAFF REPORT
St. Camillus de Lellis Feast day: July 18Central Florida has witnessed
dedicated medical personnel care for the sick and dying from the Or-lando shooting tragedy these past few weeks. These heroic individu-als are a reminder of the corporal work of mercy to care for the sick. St. Camillus de Lellis also reminds the faithful of this corporal work of mercy and his life gives witness to the truth that God calls each per-son, regardless of their circum-stances, to love and care for others.
Probably the furthest thing from Camillus de Lellis’ mind was saint-hood. He was born May 25, 1550, in Bocchianico, Italy, to a soldier father and a mother who was 50 years old at the time of his birth.
His father was away most of the time and Camillus had inherited his bad temper. He was not a pleas-ant individual to be near. After his mother died, he was raised by rela-tives who did not pay much atten-tion to the boisterous young man with a bad attitude. He also devel-oped an addiction to gambling.
He eventually joined his father in the war against the Turks. After his regiment disbanded, he worked at a Capuchin friary as a laborer. He was continually bothered by a leg wound that would not heal.
Despite Camillus’ difficult past, the guardian of the friary saw a more compassionate side in him. The young man had a religious conversion in 1575 and entered the novitiate of the Capuchin friars but was denied access to religious life. He moved to Rome where he
became a patient at the Hospital of St. James. Camillus later became a caregiver at the institution, and then its director. He led a pure life and practiced many penances.
Camillus assembled a group of like-minded men to improve patient care at the hospital and founded the Order of Clerks Regu-lar, Ministers of the Infirm. The order’s cassocks bear a large red cross on the front, centuries before the International Red Cross was established.
Camillus cared for soldiers on the battlefield and in Rome when its citizens were suffering from Bu-bonic plague. He is credited with ridding the city of the plague and the famine that followed.
How can Catholics follow the example of St. Camillus to care for the sick? Starting with family
and friends, take note of who is not feeling well and offer a comforting meal, offer to drive them to medi-cal appointments or just listen to their concerns.
Discover local parish minis-try to the sick programs. Catholic Charities of Central Florida has volunteer opportunities in each of its three, free clinics. They are in great need of medical profession-als, but also need translators and office help. The many volunteer opportunities and application pro-cesses can be found at www.cflcc.org/volunteer/.
The diocesan Mission Office organizes medical and surgical mission trips to the Dominican Republic. For more informa-tion, contact 407-246-4890 or [email protected].
My Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
June 1 is the first day of the hurri-cane season. As I write this column, we have not had any serious meteo-rological events in Central Florida. Yet, I believe we have and are continuing to weather many storms since June 1. These storms have come and terrorized our communities, some within our own diocese and some across the sea in lands such as Turkey. Some of the storms were more subtle, involving a fa-tal accident or a purpose-ful attack on an individual. However you might characterize the first month of hurricane season, the storms have come with a ven-geance.
Where do we go when we en-counter such tumult? How do we find certainty amidst such uncer-tainty? I turn to prayer.
From where does prayer come?
Whether prayer is expressed in words or gestures, it is the whole person who prays. According to Scripture, it is the heart that prays. If our heart is far from God, the words
of prayer are in vain. It is an expression of our covenant relationship with God. The dimensions of prayer are those of Christ’s love.
Pope Francis said, “God promptly answers his chil-dren, although this does not mean he does it in the time and manner that we would like. Prayer is not a magic wand! It helps to preserve our faith in God, and to trust in him even
when we do not comprehend his will. In this, Jesus himself — who prayed so much! — is the example.”
When Jesus prays he is already teaching us how to pray. His prayer to his Father is the path of our prayer to God. The Gospel also gives us Jesus’ explicit teaching on prayer. Like a wise teacher, he takes
hold of us where we are and leads us progressively toward the Father. Addressing the crowds following him, Jesus builds on what they al-ready know of prayer from the Old Covenant and opens to them the newness of the coming kingdom.
Pope Francis gives the example of Our Lord’s prayer at Gethsemane, where he prayed for the Father to “deliver him from the bitter cup of the Passion.” He says, “But his prayer is permeated by faith in the Father, and trusts without restraint in his will: But — says Jesus — not as I will, but as you will.”
Our Holy Father tells us, “The goal of the prayer is of secondary importance; what matters above all is the relationship with the Fa-ther. This is what makes the prayer transform the desire and shape it according to the will of God, what-ever it may be, because the per-son who prays first of all aspires to union with God, who is merciful love.”
As you read the stories within
this issue of the Florida Catholic, pray with the people about whom each story speaks. Rejoice with the children from El Salvador as they are reunited with their parents after many years. Pray with inter-cession for those who still desire reunification. Praise the Lord with the people of St. John the Evange-list in Viera who look forward to the construction of a new church. Offer thanksgiving for Brother Randall Pinner who professes his first vows as a Franciscan. Pray with com-passion for the ministers of heal-ing, the victims and families of the tragedies of violence. Ask God to forgive us for our sins and for those who trespass against us. Pray with thanksgiving for our clergy. Pray with and for each other.
Prayer is already in our mouths and our hearts. In this prayer we experience the compassion of God, like a Father who comes to meet his children full of merciful love. May we carry it out. n
or this command that I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you. It is not up in the sky, that you should say, “Who will go up in the sky to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?” Nor is it across the sea, that you should say, “Who will cross the sea to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?” No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out’ — Dt 30:11-14
Prayer opens a relationship with God
Bishop John
Noonan
Saints of mercy show us the way
4July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR ORLANDO COMMUNITY
Glenda Meekinsof the Florida Catholic staff
ORLANDO | Father Tomás Hurtado, who serves as parochial vicar at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Apopka, professed his oath of incar-dination June 22, after a three-year process.
“This is a great day,” said Father Hurtado who came from Santa Clara, Cuba. He left Cuba in 2003 and served two years in Miami be-fore arriving in Orlando in 2005. He first served at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish in Kissimmee, then St. John Vianney Parish in Orlando.
Three years ago he applied for incardination, a process for priests from other diocese who would like to become permanently assigned to a new diocese. The word incardina-tion stems from the Latin word car-do, which means “hinge.” Through incardination, a priest is “hinged” or “connected” to a bishop. Father Hurtado’s profession to Bishop John Noonan means that he will solely serve the Diocese of Orlando.
“I have been working in the dio-cese here longer than I did in my town of Santa Clara,” Father Hurta-do said. He was ordained in 2002 in Santa Clara and served there for only one year before coming to the United States. “Life as a priest in Cuba was a very difficult experience because of all the restrictions.”
While in Cuba, Father Hurtado had served in three towns, celebrat-ing Mass, feeding and educating the
poor and administering the Sac-raments to the faithful, but there were obstacles. “I remember that one day somebody asked me to go to the hospital. To visit someone in the hospital, I have to talk to a lot of people to be allowed to go visit,” he recalled. “You have to be cleared by a government representative who is there like a military guard. They ask you why you are there, who you are visiting.”
He recalled one incident in which his safety was threatened. Dur-ing confession, a man warned the priest how in another town Father Hurtado was regarded as a “counter revolutionary.” Father Hurtado said it was a difficult situation because “you can’t tell the truth about what you are thinking. There is no free-dom of speech there.”
This repression also stifles the Church’s ability to evangelize and prevents people from publicly ex-pressing their faith. He recalled how the bishop had asked permission for a procession for Our Lady of Charity (patroness of Cuba), but that per-mission was never granted.
“It was difficult for me in my childhood because I grew up with two ideologies. In the school there was communist ideology and at home (was) the faith and all the be-liefs,” he said. “I was free to practice my faith with some restrictions. In my time, we did not have holidays at Christmas. In order for me to cel-ebrate Christmas with my family,
my father had to tell the school that I had an appointment with the doc-tor. Thank God my family kept the faith at home.”
But changes have occurred. With Pope Benedict’s visit in 2012, Good Friday was declared an of-ficial holiday. Slowly, but surely, re-ligious freedom is seeing progress. Through the efforts of Pope Francis, in his visit to Cuba in 2015, lines of communication and cooperation have been improved. After his visit, certain properties were returned to the Church. But although there has been progress, freedom to evange-
lize and express one’s faith is still frowned upon.
“It was very difficult for the Church in Cuba to help the needy as they do here,” he said. “It was very hard for the children to get close to the Church due to what they were being taught and the suspicions of the government.”
Father Hurtado said the greatest difference between being a priest in Cuba versus the U.S. is the freedom that the Church has here. He gets the opportunity to work with a large multicultural community and helps many migrant families that form a
large part of the parish in Apopka. But he remains hopeful as Cuba makes headway toward religious freedom.
“The Catholic Church in Cuba, throughout all these years, has tried to keep the values of family and the faith. I know that today a lot of dio-ceses in Cuba have programs that help the people to study and, not only to evangelize, but to work with the people,” Father Hurtado said. “I hope that the Church and the peo-ple of Cuba may have all of the free-doms and human rights that, at this moment, they do not have.” n
Cuban priest professes oath of incardination
Franciscan Brother Randall Pinner, center, kneels before Franciscan Father Patrick Quinn, left, and professes to give his life to God, living in poverty, chastity and obedience as a Third Order Regular Franciscan during a Mass celebrated June 26 at St. Patrick Parish in Mount Dora. At right is Father Anthony Aarons, pastor of St. Patrick. This is Borther Pinners’ first profession of vows, which comes after completing his novitiate year. “Therefore with all my heart I give myself to this brotherhood that through the work of the Holy Spirit, the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, our Father Francis and all the saints, I hereby give my consecration to the service of God, the Church and all of the people,” he vowed. On July 1, Brother Pinner became the director of San Pedro Spiritual Development Center in Winter Park. (ANDREA NAVARRO | FC)
FRANCISCAN BRotheR tAkeS vowS
At left, Father Tomás Hurtado is pictured at the age of 3 in his native town of Encrucijada, Cuba. At right, Father Tomás Hurtado celebrates his first Mass as a priest Jan. 6, 2002, at San Pedro Nolasco Parish in the Province of Villa Clara, Cuba. (COURTESY PHOTOS)
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5 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016YOUR ORLANDO COMMUNITY
Glenda Meekinsof the Florida Catholic staff
VIERA | Dreams really do come true, at least for the parishioners at St. John the Evangelist in Viera. For the past three years they have been dreaming big, hoping to raise funds for their first church through a campaign titled “God’s Heart … Our Dream.”
Through the generosity and sup-port of many people, the dream started to become reality with a Mass celebrated by Bishop John Noonan June 26, followed by a groundbreaking ceremony, and hot dogs and hamburgers to celebrate.
In his homily, Bishop Noonan related the building of this new church to the building of God’s kingdom here on earth. “Freedom comes from knowing God,” he said. “The freedom of letting the grace of God come into our lives, to give us the freedom above all to serve God with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul. That’s why we build the kingdom of God. That’s why we have a Church. That’s why we have a community, because we need a community of faith. You, the people of God, come first and you are the ones who are building the kingdom of God.”
In closing, the bishop asked con-gregants to be mindful of their par-ents and grandparents “who plant-ed the seed of faith in your life.”
“It was through their dedication and love, through their freedom of allowing the grace of God into their life to serve their brothers and sisters, like you today are serving
Growth leads to groundbreaking for new church
challenges. Father Beaupré said the new church will make room in the parish life center for additional meeting space, concerts, events and various church functions, and will assist in the community’s contin-ued growth. Construction will be-gin soon on the 19,629-square-foot church and will take approximately
a year to complete. Conceived in a basilica style, the church is expect-ed to seat 1,050 people.
“It is a historic moment for Holy Cross and for the parish. This will give us all a chance to celebrate the beginning of a new era in the life of St. John’s,” Father Beaupré said. n
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your brothers and sisters — not the brothers and sisters just of today, but of the future,” he said.
Holy Cross Father Bradley Beau-pré, pastor, said the parish’s growth in the past eight years has been im-pressive.
“Every year the parishioners seem to grow closer to one anoth-er,” he said. “Certainly, that will be enhanced with our new church. When a parish develops, the main piece is the church where worship takes place, because from worship we take the Gospels and go out and start to live them.”
Plans for a church in Viera, north of Melbourne, began in 1988 when 20 acres were purchased, but it was not until 2001, when the Congrega-tion of Holy Cross approached the Diocese of Orlando, offering to pro-vide priests to start the new parish. The order assigned Father Laurence M. Olszewski as pastor and Father Robert A. Wiseman as associate pastor to establish the new com-munity, making it the first parish in the diocese to be served by Holy Cross priests.
After searching for temporary space, the priests settled on us-ing the Brevard County Govern-ment Center for weekend Masses and Faith Viera Lutheran Church for daily Mass while plans began to build on the property. However, after much research, it was deter-mined that about 10 of the 20 acres were wetlands. The property had apparently become a runoff from developments in the area, render-ing it unusable. Eventually, land was purchased in 2001 across from
the future Space Coast Stadium where the Washington Nationals baseball team holds spring train-ing.
Excited parishioners partici-pated in the celebration of their first Mass on the grounds in their Parish Life Center on Palm Sunday in March 2007. The current build-ing houses a daily chapel, a large hall seating 725 people, meeting rooms, an office wing, a choir space and kitchen. Since then, St. John the Evangelist has grown from 300 families to over 2,300.
“As the Viera community began to flourish and grow due to new construction of homes with family influx from the space industry and aviation industry, so did the num-ber of the faithful,” said Holy Cross Father John Britto Antony, paro-chial vicar. “As the Lord has blessed us with these many families, we felt the need of having a proper church to worship him.”
The parish is indeed bursting at the seams with activities every night of the week and that has pre-sented its congregation with new
At left, Father John Britto Antony, left, Bishop John Noonan, center, and Father Bradley Beaupré concelebrate Mass before the groundbreaking ceremony. Above, a drawing shows the new church which will seat 1,050 people and offer the parish a chance to better serve the community. (PHOTOS BY GLENDA MEEKINS | FC)
From left, Father Bradley Beaupré, Bishop John Noonan and Father John Britto Antony prepare to break ground for the new church.
Members of the construction team lift their shovels alongside Bishop John Noonan, Holy Cross Fathers Bradley Beaupré and John Britto Antony during the groundbreaking ceremony June 26.
6July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR ORLANDO COMMUNITY
Editor’s note: The last name of the person profiled was omitted due to fear of reprisals for her or her family.
Laura DoDsonFlorida Catholic correspondent
M E L B OU R N E | M i r ia m prayed the entire vigil during “A Night of Merciful Love” June 3-4 at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Indi-alantic. Born and raised in Egypt, her family was forced to f lee be-cause of persecution. Her father is Coptic Orthodox and her mother is Roman Catholic. Miriam felt called to participate to pray for the safety of persecuted Christians.
Describing the persecution
Laura DoDsonFlorida Catholic correspondent
MELBOURNE | “A Night of Mer-ciful Love — An All-Night Prayer Vigil” was a courageous effort to devote nine hours of prayer during the overnight hours at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Indialantic. Coordi-nators wondered how many would come, if any would pray all night.
“We’re here to pray using the gifts of the Church and graces of the Holy Spirit,” Cathy Manese, event co-co-ordinator, welcomed the commu-nity. “So when we leave we will be more merciful. We come to receive God’s love and mercy which Jesus pours into our hearts from his Sa-cred Heart.”
The vigil began 8 p.m., June 3 — the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus — and continued through to 5 a.m., June 4 — the feast of the Im-maculate Heart of the Blessed Vir-
gin Mary. June 3 was also the World Day of Prayer for Priests. Pope Francis had declared a Jubilee for Priests and the vigil was celebrated in thanksgiving for all priests in this Jubilee Year of Mercy.
“This has been Holy Spirit-driv-en,” said Diane Collingsworth, co-coordinator. “I was waking up at 4 a.m. and had to write everything down. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before. I have been called and I’m thankful that people came and other people are hearing the call to come.”
The initial 200 printed programs were distributed within the first hour. For over two hours, a constant stream of people approached three priests for the Sacrament of Recon-ciliation. Nearly life-size statues of Jesus and his Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Fatima with her Immacu-late Heart graced the sanctuary.
The joyful mysteries of the rosary
were prayed for the sanctity of life, followed by the luminous mysteries and the litany of the Sacred Heart prayed for the atrocities against the Sacred Heart. At 10 p.m., Father Jeremiah Payne, parochial vicar, celebrated Mass for more than 400 people gathered to pray.
“The presumption of God’s mercy is no excuse for medioc-rity,” Father Payne said in his homily. “We should never accept mediocrity in our lives. God cre-ated us for excellence, to give us the strength of his grace to choose his will that we might become what he created us to be. We ask for a new beginning tonight. We ask him to meet us at our deepest depths of our sin, but with a mercy that allows us to live as he lives. Tonight dive into and embrace his merciful love.”
“Tonight was a sacrifice for Je-sus,” said parishioner Sue Yandura,
“to come away from the comforts of home and spend time with him in prayer.”
Exposition of the Blessed Sacra-ment followed and at midnight the glorious mysteries were prayed in honor of persecuted Christians.
“I am here praying for this coun-try, for our broken world, for the persecuted,” said Miriam (whose last name is not given due to fear of reprisals for her or her family). “I left persecution behind. Mistreatment everyday is the norm for Christians in Egypt.” (See sidebar below.)
At 1 a.m. the healing of the family chaplet was prayed for the sanctity of marriage and family life.
“My mom told me about this,” said Sebastian Accetto, 16, “and I said I wanted to come. I want to be more a part of the Church.”
The sorrowful mysteries were prayed for Christian morals and values, followed by the Divine Mer-
cy chaplet prayed for priests, the souls in purgatory and sinners. At 4 a.m. there was Benediction and a Communion service for the 60 people who remained until dawn.
“I work a lot and I’m at Florida Institute of Technology getting a master’s degree in business,” said Bo Thompson. “I don’t get to do a lot with the Church and I thought this was a great opportunity to make up for not being as active as I would like to be. Ever since I’ve grown more in my faith, I’ve be-come more thoughtful and con-scious of other people. If we do this again, I will definitely be here. I cherish any time I get to spend with Jesus.”
“People left revitalized,” Manese concluded. “They were filled to overflowing. They came for some-thing and they clearly left wanting more. I know that it’s not the end; there is more.” n
Once persecuted, she prays for those still suffering
All-night prayer devoted to merciful love of Jesus
she faced in her city, she said, “I have been pointed out, put in the back of a line, that is all normal. Violence is normal. People adjust themselves to violence and stay home more. They walk their older daughters ever y where to pro-tect them from being kidnapped and raped. I was chased going to school or church, called names — ‘infidel, sinner, dirt.’ Bags of dirt and rocks were thrown at us as we walked to church. I carried a pic-ture of Our Blessed Mother in my hand; she walked with me.”
M i r i a m a t t e n d e d C a t h o -lic school through sixth grade, but then went to public middle school. “I made friends with a
Muslim girl and halfway through the year she invited me to her house after school. I went but a few days later my dad came home from work early to tell me that I was never to be in any association with her or something evil would happen to our whole family. Her dad had visited my dad. The next day at school, the girl spit at me and smacked me in the face in front of everyone. I told her what I was taught: ‘God loves you any-way.’
“People come here to America to worship, to be free in peace,” she continued. “America is won-derful. It opens its doors to people as a peaceful and warm haven, a
place founded on Christian val-ues. We must pray for those who are easily dragged into extrem-ism, terrorism. We try to be lov-ing, but something happens that is beyond understanding.
“What will make a difference in the child that spits and throws rocks? W hat w il l change t he hearts of people and help them re-ject the wrong traditions they are taught?” Miriam asked, then pro-vided her own answer. “I pray that Muslim ears and hearts must hear the voice of the true God that says love each other, not hurt or hate.”
Miriam belonged to a youth group at her church in Egypt and during a meeting that she missed,
terrorists went in with swords and guns, vandalized the church, at-tacked the teens and seven or eight of them died.
“It happened quite a few times before we left,” Miriam said. “My dad had put us in the lottery to come to America and our turn fi-nally came through.” The family settled in the United States. Mir-iam graduated from college and now has a professional job.
“Church is not a place I go just on Sunday,” she concluded. “I want to be here, to serve, to have accountability and to be chal-lenged. There’s joy, there’s peace that just naturally happens with those who put on Christ.” n
At left, more than 400 faithful gather June 3-4 to pray during “A Night of Merciful Love” at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Indialantic. At right, Chuck Earl, deputy grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Bishop Verdot Council 5845 at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, and Darlene Weldon lead the faithful gathered for “A Night of Merciful Love” in the joyful mysteries of the rosary for the sanctity of life. (PHotos By PAM stIMPsoN | FC)
7 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016YOUR ORLANDO COMMUNITY
Glenda Meekinsof the Florida Catholic staff
ORLANDO | Missioners from nine parishes poured out God’s mercy on those in need during a one-week summer camp June 20-25. Youth groups from Holy Cross, Holy Family, St. James Cathedral and St. John Vianney parishes in Orlando; St. Paul Parish, Leesburg; St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Apop-ka; St. Ann Parish, Haines City; Immaculate Conception, Mel-bourne Beach; and Most Precious Blood Parish, Oviedo, traveled to various locations in Charleston, S.C., to perform service projects, including repair work, yard work, and painting.
Organized by Alive in You Cath-olic Conference and Service Camp, the goal of the program is for par-ticipants to return home with a practical sense of how to live their faith. Louie Cornelio, a 16-year-old peer minister from St. Paul Parish, served at Memminger Elementary in downtown Charleston.
“We helped these kids envision the beauty that God provides to us each day,” he said. “We collected school supplies for the teachers and students before we left and presented them to the school be-
cause the students rarely receive anything new.
“The vice principal had tears in her eyes when we delivered the supplies. She was so happy with the donation,” he said.
Fellow St. Paul peer minister Micah Castillo, 15, spoke about the beauty of helping someone in need. “During the mission trip, I was able to see God through prayer, song, people and service,” he said. “Simply collecting and putting school supplies together
for the local schools in need only took 10 minutes of our time, but knowing that the students will benefit from them for at least one whole school year made it so meaningful.”
While in Charleston, some stu-dents visited Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting there. At the me-morial, they prayed for the victims of the church shooting and all who died in Orlando during the tragic
struggle,” which dealt with mo-ments of doubt, and “a firm founda-tion,” which addressed the need for a strong foundation in order to stay close to God.
“I get to talk about my faith with people that are of the same faith,” he said. “I don’t have to be afraid that people might make fun of me or dis-courage me in believing in Jesus.”
Angie, now 12, has been coming to San Pedro since she was 6 years old. “I love the community and how
close you are to God,” she said. “And I love meeting all the new friends. Everyone is so accepting.” She said that she is always hard on herself, but when the topic of “gifts” came up, everyone was very supportive and helped her look at the good things about herself.
Another St. Margaret Mary stu-dent, Tiffany, said she had trouble making friends in the past. Yet when she came to San Pedro last year, she and Angie became best friends. Tif-
fany said she likes San Pedro be-cause “they find ways to get through to you in ways most people can’t. This camp is probably the best deci-sion my mom ever had me do.”
Angie has advice for parents considering the camp in the future. “Do it,” she said. “They will make so many friends and they will have so much fun and grow so much closer to God. It is definitely 190 percent worth it and they will come back here year after year.” n
Teens participate in summer of service
San Pedro campers learn from ‘Jedi’ guidesGlenda Meekinsof the Florida Catholic staff
WINTER PARK | The San Pedro Spiritual Development Center offers camps every summer for children ages 9 to 18. This year’s theme, “May the Faith Be With You,” has been a hit with boys and girls, whether they are “Star Wars” fans or not. When campers are not boating, playing Nine Square or swimming, they participate in themed discus-sions about their faith, presented by young adult counselors who are often former campers themselves.
Mary Kate Wilkerson, summer camp and program coordinator, said the theme allowed leaders to put the focus on discipleship. “It’s so important for this younger gen-eration to be comfortable with that title of discipleship,” Wilkerson said. “It’s not just something that was in the Bible or something that the great saints do. It’s something we’re all called to do.”
Through themed skits such as “Jedi Catholic Academy” where master Jedi serve as guides, coun-selors try to help campers find their own talents that “they can use to be disciples,” Wilkerson said. To aid in the process, counselors gave wit-ness talks.
“It helps the kids learn that ev-
eryone struggles,” Wilkerson said. “Seminarians come and share how they came to the idea of priesthood. Some share how they were bullied and how they were able to find their true friends and really stand up for themselves.” Wilkerson said that topic, in particular, resonated with the kids.
Laurence, 12, from St. Margaret Mary Parish, is in his fifth year at camp. He said he loves the camp’s environment, the fact that it’s Catholic, the food and activities. The takeaway for him at this year’s camp came from two themes: “the
Students from Most Precious Blood Parish put the finishing touches on a garden at one of the service sites in Charleston, S.C. (COURTESY)
June 12 shooting at Pulse night-club. Father Miguel Gonzalez, pas-tor of St. John Vianney Parish, led them in prayer.
Deacon Edwin Cardona attend-ed the Alive in You service camp and was moved by the youths’ gen-erosity and joyfulness.
“It was ver y refreshing and inspiring to see,” said the transi-tional deacon who is in his final year of study before ordination
to the priesthood. “We give this generation a bad rap for being so consumed in their technolog y. But they were so willing to give and also receive. A big part of the week was to come back to the program, after a day of work, and spend time in prayer and wor-ship. I could see in them, wanting to receive the Lord’s mercy and the Lord’s comfort. They had a longing for that.” n
At left, children at San Pedro Camp get to explore God’s creation through a variety of outdoor activites. At right, campers make bracelets while forming lasting bonds of friendship. (PHOTOS BY GLENDA MEEKINS | FC)
‘It helps the kids learn that everyone struggles. Seminarians come and share how they came to the idea of priesthood. Some share how they were bullied and how they were able to find their true friends and really stand up for themselves.’
Mary Kate Wilkerson
A Holy Cross student trims hedges as part of the cleanup project for three area schools. (EVELYN ROSADO | FC)
8July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR ORLANDO COMMUNITY
Quo Vadis 2016: Sunday, July 31, noon-Tuesday, Aug. 2, San Pedro Center, 2400 Dike Road, Winter Park. Sponsored by the Office of Vocations for high school-aged Catholic men to learn more about the priesthood, to deepen their faith, and to better discern God’s call. Attendees must have parental
consent form filled out and sent in by July 25 to [email protected], [email protected], or mailed to Office of Vocations, P.O. Box 1800, Orlando, FL 32802. Information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/quo-vadis-2016-tickets-24345075777. Call 407-246-4875.
DIOCESAN EVENTS WITH BISHOP JOHN NOONANTo submit event information to be
considered for publication in the Dio-cese of Orlando and Florida Catholic calendar of events, please visit www.orlandodiocese.org/submit-an-event. Submissions should be received 4-6 weeks prior to the date of the event.
FYI
World Youth Day stateside event
For those not making the trip to Poland for World Youth Day, young adults ages 18-40 are invited to cel-ebrate Saturday, July 30, 2-8 p.m., at Holy Family Parish, 5125 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando. Experi-ence the spirituality and theme of World Youth Day as well as Po-land’s culture through food and music. Event to include a keynote talk on mercy, Mass and Eucha-ristic Adoration, and participants can watch ongoing video footage of World Youth Day events. Contact [email protected].
News briefs
Workshop focuses on new rite for weddings
A new English translation of the Order of Celebrating Matrimony has been approved for use in all dioceses in the United States. Its use is optional starting Sept. 8 and is required starting Dec. 30. To help prepare parishes for this transition, the Federation of Dioc-esan Liturgical Commissions and the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship Secretariat Staff are teaming up to offer formation workshops on the revised rite for
priests, deacons, parish musi-cians and leaders who actively prepare couples for marriage and for the celebration of Matrimony. The workshop for FDLC Region XIV will be held Tuesday, Aug. 2, at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, 5300 Old Howell Branch Road, Winter Park. The daylong workshop will combine the very best of liturgical theology and pastoral practice and will cover many topics. The cost of the workshop is $55 per person and includes continental break-fast, lunch, workshop materials, and presenter fees. To register on-line, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/welcoming-the-order-of-
celebrating-matrimony-orlando-fl-registration-22914370499.
Collection benefits outreach activities of Church
Parishes throughout the Dio-cese of Orlando will hold a special collection July 30-31 for the Church in Latin America and Africa, The Catholic University of America, and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Proceeds from the collection give hope to people in Latin America and Af-
rica, especially young people, who seek to live their faith. Gifts made to this collection will fund evange-lization, formation and catechesis projects The collection also un-derwrites scholarships to assist financially deserving students in completing their education at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and benefits the Catholic Campaign for Hu-man Development, which seeks to address the root causes of poverty in America through the support of community-led, self-help organi-zations and transformative educa-tion.
DIOCESAN EVENTSMinistry to the
incarcerated information session: Saturday, July 30, 1-3 p.m., St. Paul Parish, 1330 Sunshine Ave., Leesburg. Diocese is seeking individuals who are willing to serve as ministers to the incarcerated at the Coleman Federal Correction Center in Wildwood. There is a need for more lay and ordained ministers to provide for inmates’ spiritual needs, such as holding rosary services, bringing holy Communion, mentoring and teaching. Deacon Mike Balchus, 352-818-9275, [email protected].
World Youth Day stateside: Saturday, July 30, 2-8 p.m., Holy Family Parish, 5125 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando. Young adults ages 18-40 are invited to come celebrate World Youth Day with others who could not travel to Poland with the Orlando pilgrims. Get a taste of World Youth Day’s spirituality, theme and the cultural experience of Poland. Features Polish food, a keynote on mercy, Mass and Eucharisitic Adoration. [email protected].
Workshop for new Order of Celebrating Matrimony: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 8:30 a.m., Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, 5300 Old Howell Branch Road, Winter Park. Formation workshop on the revised rite for priests, deacons, parish musicians and leaders who prepare couples for marriage and celebration of Matrimony. Cost: $55, includes continental breakfast, lunch, workshop materials, and presenter fees. Register online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/welcoming-the-order-of-celebrating-matrimony-orlando-fl-registration-22914370499.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Annual rummage sale: Thursday, July 21, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday, July 22, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, July 23, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Blessed Trinity Parish, 4545 Anderson Road, Orlando. Sponsored by parish’s Council of Catholic Women. Toys, clothing, shoes, purses, small appliances, housewares, furniture, jewelry,
Christmas and seasonal items. Donations accepted Monday-Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 5-7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 407-277-1702.
Arts and crafts play day: Saturday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. San Pedro Center, 2400 Dike Road, Winter Park. Transform small wooden boxes and tins into shrines with pictures of your favorite saint or person. Cost: $35, includes basic supplies and lunch. mwww.sanpedrocenter.org/retreats-programs, 407-671-6322.
RETREATS/DAYS OF REFLECTION
San Pedro Center retreats listed below, various dates: 2400 Dike Road, Winter Park. For more information or to register: www.sanpedrocenter.org/retreats-programs, 407-671-6322.
• “Sensing the Memories: A Summer Retreat for Mothers and Daughters,” Friday, July 22-Sunday, July 24. Take a look back at what’s made your relationship special and look ahead to ways to enhance your relationship. Mother and daughter: $295; commuter mother and daughter: $165; additional daughter: $95.
SUPPORT MINISTRIES/PEER GROUPS
Separated and divorced: • Mondays, 7:30 p.m., Holy
Redeemer Parish, 1603 N. Thacker, Kissimmee. Sylvester, 407-406-0707.
• Catholic Divorce Survival Guide, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Cost: $30, scholarships available; first Fridays, Mass
and dinner, social; St. Margaret Mary Parish, 526 Park Ave. N., Winter Park. Lori Reinneck, [email protected], 407-645-0284.
• Coffee and conversation, second Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Our Lady of Lourdes, 1014 N. Halifax Ave., Daytona Beach. Terre, 386-238-3631.
Families with incarcerated loved ones:
• Third Saturdays, 9 a.m., St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Mother Teresa Room, 861 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs. 407-463-5780 or email [email protected].
• Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m., Holy Name of Jesus, 3050 N. Highway A1A, Indialantic. “Divorce Care Ministry Adults and Children.” Program teaches children how God’s love can strengthen and help them find hope and joy. Parents can attend the adult Divorce Care program the same evening. 321-773-2783.
Bereavement support groups:• Blessed Trinity Parish,
Building L, 5 S.E. 17th St., Ocala, multiple groups; and first Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. Compassionate Friends, Ocala chapter, for bereaved families who have experienced the death of a child. Peggy McClaskey, 352-694-2978.
• First Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m., St. Stephen Parish Enrichment Center 1, Room 103, 575 Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs. For anyone who has lost a loved one, spouse, parent, child or sibling. 407-699-5683.
• Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m., St. Mary Magdalen Parish life center, Mother Teresa Room, 861 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs. Rosemary Kazyk, 407-831-1212.
• Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 201 University Blvd., Daytona Beach. Pat Beeman, 386-788-7128.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Mission Office of the Diocese of Orlando
• Seeks volunteers with the 2016 goal of completing three major constructions projects in Orlando’s sister Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic. Help needed includes concrete, carpentry, painting, stucco, and plumbing and electrical. Construction mission dates: July 23-30, July 30-Aug. 6, Oct. 15-22, Oct. 22-29. Emmett Sapp, [email protected] or www.orlandodiocese.org/ministries-offices/mission-office.
• Seeks volunteers Aug. 13, 7 a.m.-noon, to help pack and load containers with donations and supplies, and prepare them for shipping to San Juan de la Maguana. Public Storage, 8226 S. Highway 17-92, Fern Park. Caroline Genovesi, [email protected], or 407-246-4890.
Catholic Charities of Central Florida seeks volunteers for the following programs. Visit www.cflcc.org /volunteer or contact [email protected] or 407-658-1818, ext. 1026.
• Hospitality volunteers are needed to staff front desk of the food pantry in Orlando. Volunteers are needed three-four hours each week to greet guests, gather food bags, organize the reception area and restock the front counter.
• Pantry needs individuals or groups (maximum of five) to sort and stock food donations. Volunteer shifts are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon, and 1-4:30 p.m.
• Emergency Family Services clerical/administrative volunteers in Orlando to assist with data entry, copying, filing and organization. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Receptionist with Family Empowerment Program in Winter Haven: Volunteers answer phones, greet guests, schedule appointments, operate copy and fax machine. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon. [email protected]; 863-299-7983, ext. 103.
• Refugee youth mentor in Orlando to help refugee children learn to speak English and learn American culture. One-two hours weekly, flexible schedule. Must be 21 or older.
• Refugee resettlement mentors in Orlando to “adopt-a-family” to help introduce newly arrived refugees to American culture and help them learn and practice English.
• Furniture pickups and apartment setups in Orlando: Volunteers help staff pick up furniture and set up apartments for refugees before they arrive. Must be 18 or older and able to lift furniture.
• Volunteer medical professionals such as MDs, PAs, RNs, OBGYNs, EKG technicians, endocrinologists, orthopedic surgeons, certified health educators, general and nurse practitioners needed at each clinic. [email protected], Lazarus Free Medical Clinic in Wildwood; [email protected], St. Luke’s Free Medical and Dental Clinic in Eustis; [email protected], St. Thomas Free Medical Clinic in St. Cloud.
Life Choices Women’s Center, a Catholic pro-life pregnancy resource center, 600 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, is in need of volunteer lay counselors (training provided), nurses to perform ultrasounds (training provided), administrative assistance, handymen, help with light cleaning, and receptionists. Also accepting donations of baby items, especially diapers and wipes. Drop off during office hours. 321-422-4168.
www.thefloridacatholic.org | July 15-28, 2016
FLORIDACatholicPALM BEACH DIOCESE
LINDA REEVESof the Florida catholic staff
WEST PALM BEACH | Raymond Russo is a man of unshakable faith, who is thankful for every day. He gets emotional when talking about his near-death experience, the deadly diagnoses and then the healing of his best buddy, Sir Lancelot, which he credits to God and the healing Masses at St. Ann Church, which the two try to never miss.
“Sir Lancelot is a miracle dog. In January, I gave him a sweet-16 birthday party,” he said about a celebration with balloons, banners and carrot cake for his beloved Lance, a Lha-sa apso with a friendly temperament and long golden hair. In August, Lance and Russo will celebrate again, marking Russo’s birthday. “It isn’t about a party,” said Russo. “It isn’t about a dog. It is to celebrate life.”
“There is a reason that I am here today,” he went on to explain. “God has a plan for me. He has put me here, and Lance’s healing is a miracle. Three doctors told me to put him to sleep. I told them that was not an option. I am Catholic and believe life is from conception to death.”
Russo, a parishioner of St. Ann in West Palm Beach, is a native of New York with Ital-ian roots and a strong Catholic background. As a youngster, he attended weekly Mass and studied in Catholic schools.
Educated at New York’s High School of Mu-sic and Art, the Fashion Institute of Technolo-gy, New York University and the Kulicke Stark Academy of Jewelry Art, he pursued various careers in fashion, jewelry, architectural and interior design, and marketing.
Talented and creative, he became a big success working for well-known companies including Hallmark Corporation and lived an amazing life, but he shared that he never felt as though he was living his authentic life or vocation. “I have so many portfolios,” he said. “I used to get bored.”
He came to Florida in 1996, calling Palm Beach a part-time home. He continued to travel for work twice a month. St. Edward be-came his spiritual home, where he served in the music ministry.
Five years of traveling back and forth took a toll on him. “I said what am I doing.” In 2001, he made the decision to take up permanent residence in Florida to begin a new life, stay-ing in touch with family and friends back home. Stepping off the fast pace, he settled down here. It was after returning from a sum-mer visit to New York to celebrate his birthday when he became suddenly ill.
“My back started bothering me. The doctor took some X-rays, gave me a shot of cortisone and sent me home. I had a stroke that night,” he said.
Doctors at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach said Russo had a rare virus, which brought on a coma. “I don’t remember how long I was in the coma,” he said. “I think it was three days. I do remember my out-of-body experience. I couldn’t talk or move or
hear. I was floating above and there was no light.”
While in a coma, Russo felt peace and the loving presence of God. “He changed my heart,” he said about is connection with the Creator. “He didn’t talk to me. I saw myself there. I saw the doctors and nurses. They thought I was dead. God was always with me. He touched my heart and gave me a real per-ception of someone else.”
Friends, family, associates and parishio-ners prayed for Russo’s healing. After days on his deathbed, he suddenly opened his eyes and was back to the real world. For the next three months, there was more care and stays in the hospital. Finally, after undergoing sev-en hours of heart surgery from complications caused by the virus, he was ready to go home.
“Five days after the surgery, I was healed,” he said. “I had no pain. I had no scar. God did this. The doctor said, ‘We can’t explain it.’”
That event and his days in the arms of God changed Russo and set him on a new life path totally dedicated to Church and service. To-day, 12 years later, the man with no television, computer, cellphone or fax machine, contin-ues to grow his portfolio and credits from spiritual works and volunteer jobs.
The first thing he did after getting back on his feet was visit St. Vincent de Paul Re-gional Seminary in Boynton Beach where he enrolled in theology and Christian forma-tion studies. A promoter of vocations and the seminary, Russo volunteers and has served as a member of the development council at the seminary. He also helps with the annual fundraiser.
Today, he calls St. Ann Parish his second home. He serves wherever needed, helping
with Masses, events and ministries. He also volunteers at St. John Fisher in West Palm Bach and the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens on occasion. “I love the Church,” he said.
Beyond the church doors, Russo is linked to numerous civic groups and attends a weekly men’s Bible group. He has served nu-merous charities including the Lord’s Place, Café Joshua, Humane Society, Save-a-Pet and Greyhound Pets of America. He has worked in the cause of ending human trafficking in the community, and teaches adult literacy at De Porres Place in West Palm Beach on Fridays.
His volunteer service at St. Ann’s commu-nity was the inspiration behind his current bagel ministry. Donations of bagels come from a local business, and he distributes them to poor and organizations that serve the poor.
“I think about all the jobs I have had in the past,” he said with a laugh. “Today, everyone calls me the bagel man.”
Russo humorously compares his past life and career to eating a big piece of rich, sweet chocolate cake. “It was fine. I got a stomach-ache, and I am not going to do that again. I want God in my life, and that is it. I want to do God’s work. I want to spread the good news.”
Lance is oftentimes seen with Russo espe-cially at the healing Mass on the last Thursday of the month at St. Ann. It was April 2014 when Sir Lancelot was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, a serious condition brought on by an increase in cortisone due to a benign tumor. Cushing’s can lead to an array of conditions and complications, and even death. Veteri-narians did not give Lance a chance and told Russo to put the dog down. The fourth veteri-narian Russo and Lance visited gave them a
ray of hope. The clinic treated Sir Lancelot, but the dog remained sluggish. His eyes were swollen, and his hair lacked the luster that it once had.
Russo, who helps with the monthly heal-ing Masses at St. Ann, took Sir Lancelot to Mass. The small dog sat in the front pew with a friend while Russo served at the altar. Father Robert Richardson, a retired priest from the Archdiocese of Washington who lives in the Archdiocese of Miami, usually celebrates the monthly Mass.
“He was wonderful,” said Russo. “Father held his hands over Lance and touched him. When Father Bob began chanting ‘Amazing Grace,’ Sir Lancelot started to howl. He loves that song.”
Sir Lancelot attended the healing Mass again the following month and then two more, receiving blessings and healings. “I saw a difference in three months,” said Russo. “Father kept talking about his progress. Now when people see me, the first thing they say is, ‘How is Lance?’ They don’t ask how I am.”
Father Richardson told the Florida Catholic that there was a significant change in Lance’s appearance each time he came to Mass. “I laid hands on him. There is nothing dramatic about it. There is no magic. It is the Holy Spirit working through me. That is what the Pente-cost is all about, the healing power of God. It is all about faith and the healing power of God.”
Lance had a checkup in June and received a clean bill of health and no longer requires medication. Russo is a man of deep faith and a firm believer in the power of the Lord.
“God is still working his miracles. … Lance is fine now,” Russo said. “He could live to be 20. He is an amazing dog.” n
A man of faith and his ‘miracle dog’
Raymond Russo and his best friend Sir Lancelot, fondly called Lance, visit St. Ann Parish, a second home for them. (LINDA REEVES | FC)
‘I saw a difference in three months. ... Now when people see me, the first thing they say is, “How is Lance?” They don’t ask how I am.’
— Raymond Russo
2July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY
LINDA REEVESof the Florida Catholic staff
WEST PALM BEACH | Sister Regina Maguire, Sisters of Mercy, peacefully died June 21 in Enniskil-len in northern Ireland. She was 93.
During a memorial Mass June 28 at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, a projector flashed images on a large screen of Sister Maguire living life and doing what she liked the most: performing ministry work. Then, words in large letters appeared: “Till we meet again. Well done, good and faithful servant. Thank you for your love and service. Your faith family of Holy Name of Jesus.”
Tears rolled down cheeks of people filling the pews. “Only a few days ago, we celebrated Fa-ther Seamus Murtagh, the parish’s patriarch,” said Carmelite Father Antony Pulikal, pastor, about the joyful celebration of the parish’s former leader marking 50 years of priesthood. “Today we are celebrat-ing our matriarch, Sister Regina. No matter if we are alive or dead, we are a family, a faith family.”
“She was so nice,” said Barbara O’Shea, Holy Name of Jesus office manager. “She was friendly and outgoing. She did so much here at the parish. She was an incredible woman.”
Father Murtagh, now a retired priest, who most recently served St. Ann Parish in West Palm Beach, was main celebrant for the memo-rial Mass. Also taking part in the celebration were parish clergy and clergy from various areas of the di-ocese, including former Holy Name of Jesus pastors Father Aidan Lacy, now pastor of St. Patrick in Palm Beach Gardens, and Father Alfredo Hernandez of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.
Sister Maguire was one of the five original sisters of her order who left Ireland and family in 1955 to faith-fully serve the Lord and begin mis-sion work in South Florida. In a Flor-ida Catholic interview, she recalled the cold snowy morning in January when she set sail for Florida, but also clearly remembered “the warm welcome” received once here.
In Florida, she taught third grade and music at Immaculate Concep-tion School in Hialeah and was part of the parish community teaching
religion classes and choral lessons until 1984.
Father Murtagh, who was pas-tor of Holy Name of Jesus in 1983, invited her to the parish, which he led until 2000. Sister Maguire was known for her good nature and willingness to do anything. At Holy Name of Jesus she did a little bit of everything, wearing many hats and also touching many lives. She was director of religious education involved in all aspects of religious instructions, and she assisted in parish ministries. She helped Fa-ther Murtagh with his stewardship program put in place in 1996, and was one of his “top talent spotters,” helping grow programs and more than 100 ministries.
Parishioner Beth Keller said that Sister Maguire had her own effec-tive technique of recruiting people for parish work and programs, us-ing a gentle touch and a big smile and raising confidence in people. “You could not tell her no,” she said. “She is in the DNA of this parish. She was an angel.”
Sister Maguire was involved in prison ministry. She would make sandwiches for the poor and hun-gry and distribute them. She helped develop the gift shop and an out-
reach program aimed at seniors. The children were always a priority, and she developed several new pro-grams for them, including a liturgi-cal dance program and sessions to study Scripture and the homily.
During the memorial Mass, Fa-ther Lacy read the word, but before he began, he said, “Sister Regina used to say that you don’t memorize
Role model, true servant of the Lord dies at 93
Teresa Holling, left, white and Beth Keller participate in a Mass honoring Sister Regina Maguire at Holy Name of Jesus Church. (PHOTOS BY LINDA REEVES | FC)
A photo of Sister Regina Maguire is displayed near the altar at Holy Name of Jesus Church June 28 during a memorial Mass celebrated in her honor.
StAff REpoRt
Sister Christopher Marie Burle-son of the Sisters of St. Joseph died June 25 at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent in St. Augustine. She was 90. Born in Pensacola, Sister Burleson was a fourth-generation Floridian and her roots in this
country can be traced to the early 18th century, a heritage that her family treasures. Sister Burleson completed high school studies at St. Joseph Academy in Jackson-ville. She earned degrees from St. Joseph College of Florida in Jensen Beach, La Salle University in Phil-adelphia, Jacksonville University
in Jacksonville and the Univer-sity of Florida in Gainesville. She excelled especially in the area of business, with expertise in insur-ance.
She was called to religious life September 1955. After taking final vows, she ministered throughout Florida and Puerto Rico from 1957
Sister Burleson, who ministered to immigrants, dies at 90to 2004, serving as a catechetical instructor among the Spanish-speaking migrants in the Diocese of Palm Beach, Immakolee in the Diocese of Venice and Homestead in the Archdiocese of Miami, and as a secondary school teacher. She also served as assistant general treasurer of her community from
1982 to 1991 and general treasurer from 1991 to 1999. Her response to any request was always an en-thusiastic, “Yes!” A funeral Mass was celebrated June 30 at the St. Joseph motherhouse chapel and she was buried at San Lorenzo Cemetery. n
the Gospel, you learn it.”Holy Name of Jesus Parish set up
a special tribute to Sister Maguire on Facebook and several people left comments and remarks. Timothy McAuliffe wrote, “We share in the celebration of her life. She was as close to Jesus in her kindness and love as a person could be. We know heaven is rejoicing with her arrival.
Rest in peace, faithful servant.”Father Murtagh reflected on Sis-
ter Maguire’s life and charisma. She returned back home to Ireland and joined her religious sisters when she was in her 70s, but stayed in touch. He said she was a role model and a faithful servant of God and Church.
“The best homily that I can preach here is about your presence,” he said at the Mass. “Your presence says something about Sister Re-gina. Called to do good, Regina did good. Regina was a woman of faith, a woman of love, a woman of char-ity. She never complained about anything.”
Father Murtagh said that he stopped by St. Ann the day that Sis-ter Regina died and found a letter from Ireland waiting for him. He admitted it sent chills up and down his spine.
“It was a Mass card from Regina,” he said. “She congratulated me on my anniversary. I received this card when she was struggling with life. That was Regina.
“I preach about working for God and doing God’s work,” he contin-ued. “Regina did God’s work. She was such a powerful presence in our community. She was a power-ful woman. She had ownership of the love of God and that is what we celebrate tonight. Thank you for your presence.”
Sister Maguire was buried in Ireland at the Sisters of Mercy com-munity cemetery. She is survived by nephews and nieces. All are asked to continue to pray for her soul. n
Clergy process into Holy Name of Jesus Church June 28 as a memorial Mass begins to honor Sister Regina Maguire.
YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY3 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016
LINDA REEVESof the Florida Catholic staff
WEST PALM BEACH | Father Seamus Murtagh clearly remem-bers the biggest day in his life — June 11, 1966 — as though it were yesterday.
“I remember everything about that day. I was ordained in Ire-land,” he said about receiving holy orders on that perfect day in Kil-murry, Ireland, and setting out on a priestly path.
Fast forward to 50 years later: five decades of ministry, countless Masses and prayer gatherings, baptisms, weddings, distribution of sacraments, funerals, Church assignments, lives touched, spiri-tual communities built, friend-ships made, good times, struggles, challenges.
On June 11 at St. Ann Church in West Palm Beach, Father Mur-tagh ref lected on that day when he stood before the altar about to be ordained a priest. Friends, clergy and people from various parishes celebrated with him as he marked 50 years in the priest-hood.
“He is a wonderful priest,” said Tom Blackburn, who has known Father Murtagh for the past 30 years. “He is the perfect pastor.”
The vigil Mass was beautiful, and the number of people turn-ing out for the Mass and cel-ebration represented the great respect, love and tribute that people have for this man. Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito was present at the Mass and Father Nestor Rodriguez, pastor of St. Ann, was among the many priests partici-pating at the altar.
Father Robert Gibbon, pastor of St. Paul Parish in St. Petersburg, served as homilist. To many peo-ple’s surprise, Bishop Robert N. Lynch traveled from the St. Peters-
Priest honored for 50 years of service
Above, Brian and Martha Mahoney greet Father Seamus Murtagh moments before Mass at St. Ann Church June 11. They have known Father Murtagh for more than 30 years. At right, Father Seamus Murtagh, who is celebrating 50 years as a priest, celebrates Mass at St. Ann Church June 11. (PHOTOS BY LINDA REEVES | FC)
“We give thanks, Father Seamus, to be in your presence. Thank God for you. We wish you many more years.”
Bishop Barbarito said a few words at the close of Mass. “All these years that I have known Fa-ther Murtagh, I have found him to be a great priest,” he said. “In Fa-ther Murtagh, I saw the goodness of his heart and how he brought his parish together. I saw his love for people and for the Church. I saw what was at the center of his life: Jesus Christ. Father Murtagh, on behalf of all of us, we thank you for your leadership.”
At that point, Father Murtagh, 80, addressed the crowd thinking about all those ministry years left behind and not regretting a min-ute.
“As I look at my whole life, I know I am blessed,” he said. “Your presence is a part of that blessing. Thank you for the blessing you have brought in my life.” n
Tom Whidden and his mother, Doris Whidden, parishioners of Holy Name of Jesus, shake hands with Father Seamus Murtagh June 11 moments before a Mass at St. Ann Church. Father Murtagh celebrates 50 years of priesthood this year and the Mass was followed by a dinner reception that included jubilee celebrations and recognitions.
Priests from around the Diocese of Palm Beach and beyond, and two bishops join in a Mass June 11 at St. Ann Church for jubilee celebrations marking Father Seamus Murtagh’s 50 years of service as a priest.
burg Diocese to attend the Mass, saying that he would not have missed it. Priests from St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, in-cluding Msgr. David Toups, semi-nary rector and president, were on hand.
Glancing around the church, we spotted 35 priests wearing vestments and sitting in front pews and at the altar. Other clergy and religious men and women were seated in the pews along with people from various parish-es, diocesan leaders and St. Ann parishioners. The church was packed with people. Some people stood and others worshipped from the choir loft.
Brian Mahoney and his wife, Martha, were some of the first people to arrive at St. Ann. Father Murtagh greeted them as they walked into the church giving them a hug and handshake. “We grew up at Holy Name of Jesus,” said Brian Mahoney.
Father Murtagh was pastor of
Holy Name of Jesus from 1983 to 2000, and he presided at the Ma-honey’s wedding, guided Mar-tha Mahoney as she converted to Catholicism and baptized their children. “He is all about sincer-ity,” said Brian Mahoney. “He is genuine.”
It all began when Father Mur-tagh was out of school and in his 20s working in County Roscon-non, Ireland, in clothing and gro-cery stores. The priesthood en-tered his mind off and on and so did a voice saying “yes” and then another saying “no.”
After meeting a Marist broth-er, who was just out of a novitiate and filled with the Holy Spirit and a great deal of enthusiasm, he began to think seriously about how he wanted to spend his next years.
“He was on cloud nine and very happy,” Father Murtagh told the Florida Catholic about the reli-gious brother. “I decided that if he was that way, I should look into it.”
After his studies and discern-ment, he answered the call for priests in South Florida. His ten-ure has included teaching moral theology at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary and working in parish ministry both in Bro-ward and Palm Beach counties. He served several turns between bishops as chancellor or apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Palm Beach. He served St. Ann Parish for 10 years before retir-ing in 2011, but now is continuing projects and work on things that are important to him, represent-ing the idea that once a priest al-ways a priest.
He serves at St. Ann Place mak-ing sandwiches for the hungry. He visits Lourdes McKeen Residence every Tuesday to spend time with seniors there. On Sundays, he travels to Holy Cross Church in Indiantown, where he helps with English Masses.
“This is a man totally giving to ministry,” said Father Gibbons.
4July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY
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DIOCESE OF PALM BEACH
Vol. 77, No. 17
On July 22 we celebrate the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. On the so-lemnity of the Sacred Heart this year, June 3, Pope Francis declared that the celebration of this great
saint would be inscribed in the Roman calendar with the rank of feast rather than memorial as it for merly had. Nothing really changes in re-gard to the offi-cial day on which the celebration of St. Mary Magda-lene takes place. However, there is a great difference
in regard to the celebration of the liturgy for the feast day of St. Mary Magdalene. Before we reflect upon this saint whom St. Thomas Aqui-nas designated as the “Apostle of the Apostles,” it is good to understand how the celebration of saints is des-ignated in the liturgy. We generally use the word feast to cover all levels of celebration but there are three ba-sic categories which are memorial, feast and solemnity.
A memorial is generally the most common celebration for a saint which we encounter at Mass each day. There are two types of memori-als — an optional one and an oblig-atory one. An optional memorial means that since it is the particular date to celebrate a saint, the Mass is generally celebrated for the saint but another Mass can be substituted. The Mass can be that of the particu-lar day of Ordinary Time or any of the other celebrations for particular intentions outlined by the Church. If the memorial is obligatory, then the Mass for the saint cannot be substituted by another intention or celebration.
The celebration of St. Mary Mag-dalene was, up to this year, an oblig-atory memorial; now it is a feast. A feast has more solemnity than a memorial and usually honors a mystery or title of Christ, of Mary, or celebrates a saint of particular im-portance such as an apostle, a cer-tain martyr or a saint of great histor-ical importance. A feast has its own particular readings and includes the praying of the Gloria.
A solemnity is the highest form of celebration which, outside of Ad-vent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, is celebrated at Mass even when it falls on a Sunday. A solemnity has three readings, rather than the usual two, and includes the praying of the Gloria and the proclamation of the Creed.
LIVING THE TRUTH IN
LOVE
Bishop Gerald
Barbarito
Because Pope Francis has des-ignated the celebration of St. Mary Magdalene as a feast, it points to an increased importance to her role in the life of the Church and as a mod-el for all the faithful. This decision seeks to emphasize more deeply the importance and dignity of women in the life of the Church as well as in general. It also seeks to emphasize the importance of the new evange-lization to offer the opportunity to reflect more deeply upon the mys-tery of God’s mercy. Pope Francis uses the designation of St. Thomas Aquinas, “Apostle of the Apostles,” for St. Mary Magdalene because of her being the first to see the risen Christ and of her announcement to the apostles of his message. This is what is most central to St. Mary Magdalene in the life of the Church, even though a great many traditions and legends have surrounded this great saint.
St. Mary Magdalene is prominent in all four of the Gospels. She was a follower of Christ, probably from Magdala, near Tiberias, on the west shore of Galilee. She accompanied
Christ and ministered to him as a close disciple (cf., Lk 8:2-3). Mary is identified in the Gospels as the one from whom the Lord had delivered seven demons (cf., Mk 16:9; Lk 8:2-3). Misunderstanding has arisen in re-gard to St. Mary Magdalene because of this deliverance. She was present at the crucifixion of Jesus, remain-ing at the foot of the cross (cf., Mt 27:56; Mk 15:40; Jn 19:25). She wit-nessed the placing of the Lord in the tomb (cf., Mt 27:61; Mk 15:47). Her prominence is that she is the first recorded eyewitness of the empty tomb and therefore of Christ’s res-urrection (cf., Mt 28:1-10, Mk 16:1-8, Lk 24:10, Jn 20:1).
It is significant that all four Gos-pels record this reality and also significant that it was women who were the first to go to the tomb to pay their respects to the Lord. What is extremely significant is the ac-count of St. John in which St. Mary Magdalene is the first to witness the risen Christ outside of the tomb. This moving account is one of great tenderness, so appropriate for this Year of Mercy, in which Mary does not at first recognize the Risen Lord but responds as he personally calls her name (cf., Jn 20:11-18). Also sig-nificant is the Lord’s commission to Mary, “Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I’m going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God’” (cf., Jn 20:17). It is from here that Mary Magdalene went to the apostles both as a witness to the Risen Lord and with the announce-ment of the Lord to them.
Of the many traditions which have arisen regarding Mary Magda-lene, two of them are of a scriptural basis. Mary Magdalene is identified with the sinful woman who anoint-ed Christ’s feet (cf., Lk 7:36-50). This is a very moving account of an un-named woman in the Gospel of St. Luke which was just read a few Sun-days ago. Another is the identifica-tion of Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus and Martha (cf., Lk 10:38-42; Jn 11:1-14, 12:1-9). Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, Martha and Mary were close friends of Jesus.
By the sixth century many, in-cluding Pope Gregory the Great, identified Mary Magdalene with the other Marys in Scripture. This identification inf luenced many Western ecclesiastical authors as well as Christian art and liturgi-cal texts. From the biblical point of view, while it is possible that the three Marys mentioned in the Gos-pels could be the same, there is no decisive evidence to establish this as fact. Avoiding these identifications, the Second Vatican Council clearly
referred to Mary Magdalene in the liturgical reform as the first to be at the tomb and the first to witness the Risen Lord. She was in the words of Gregory the Great, the first “witness of divine mercy” as Jesus trans-formed her tears into joy at their meeting at the tomb.
The decision of Pope Francis to raise the celebration of St. Mary Magdalene to that of a liturgical feast certainly confirms the position of the Church in regard to the posi-tion of Mary Magdalene as the first to witness the risen Christ and who was entrusted with the message of announcing his Resurrection to the apostles. The decision likewise con-firms her “witness of divine mercy” especially during this Year of Mercy and emphasizes the importance of women in the Church so essential in the ministry of the Lord himself. This importance in the ministry of Christ is evident in the witness of many women who accompanied Christ in his ministry and who were the first to be at the empty tomb.
The theology of the Second Vati-can Council in regard to the liturgi-cal emphasis of St. Mary Magdalene is well summed up in the opening prayer for the Mass in her honor: “O God, whose only begotten Son en-trusted Mary Magdalene before all others with announcing the great joy of the Resurrection, grant, we pray, that through her intercession and example we may proclaim the living Christ and come to him reign-ing in your glory.” The decision to raise the celebration of St. Mary Magdalene to that of a liturgical feast has also included the inclusion of a new preface for the Mass of her feast. This preface will be translated into English by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for inclusion in next year’s liturgical text.
Among many popes, including Pope Francis and St. John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is an-other with great devotion to St. Mary Magdalene. Of her he said: “St. Mary Magdalene was a disciple of the Lord who plays a lead role in the Gospels. … The story of Mary of Magdala re-minds us all of a fundamental truth: A disciple of Christ is one who, in the experience of human weakness, has had the humility to ask for his help, has been healed by him, and has set out following closely after him, be-coming a witness of the power of his merciful love that is stronger than sin and death.” These words truly sum up what underlies the decision of Pope Francis in regard to the feast of St. Mary Magdalene.
Happy feast of St. Mary of Magda-lene, who is truly an “Apostle of the Apostles”! n
‘Apostle of the Apostles’
St. Mary Magdalene is shown meditating on the crucifix in this painted wooden sculpture at the National Galley of Art in Washington. (NANcy Wiechec | cNS)
YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY5 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016
Chaz Muth Catholic News Service
COLUMBIA, S.C. | Father Miko-laj L. Scibior had a curious journey to the U.S. Army chaplain training school at Fort Jackson in Columbia.
The 36-year-old Polish immi-grant from Pulawy, who was or-dained in 2005 in his native coun-try, met Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services in 2013 while serving as a priest in Poland, learned about the chaplain short-age in the American armed forces and decided it was a sign from God that he help fill the void.
There would be some hoops to jump through to become a chap-lain in the U.S. military. First, Arch-bishop Broglio had to find a U.S. diocesan bishop to sponsor Father Scibior to satisfy the immigration requirements.
He also needed to serve as a priest in that diocese for a time to immerse himself in the language and culture of the U.S. Catholic Church before permission would be granted for him to join the Army.
It was an unorthodox approach to recruit a sorely needed Catholic military chaplain and a method that wasn’t necessarily the most efficient, Archbishop Broglio told Catholic News Service during a June interview.
“Yes, it’s different and I have looked to Poland from time to
time because they have had an abundance of vocations and our military is in need of a stronger Catholic chaplaincy,” he said. “If someone has other ideas with how to recruit more priests to the (mili-tary) chaplaincy corps, I’m ready to listen.”
The U.S. Department of Defense estimates there are 1.3 million ac-tive duty and 811,000 reserve men and women serving in all f ive branches of the U.S. military, about 25 percent of whom are Catholic. However, there are only 214 priests on active duty serving in the U.S. military, about 8 percent of the chaplain corps. That’s about 500 fewer priests than the armed forc-es needs, Archbishop Broglio said. There has been a steady decline in the number of Catholic military chaplains since the turn of the 21st century, from around 400 to the current 214, he said.
There is a priest shortage na-tionwide, diocesan bishops are sometimes reluctant to release clergy to serve in the military and the newly ordained tend to be older than their Protestant counterparts, sometimes making them ineligible to meet the armed forces age re-quirements, Archbishop Broglio said.
Numerous recruiting efforts have been employed to bring more priests into the military chaplain-cy corps. The Archdiocese for the Military Services began holding
biannual discernment retreats for interested eligible clergy and the number of priests who have at-tended has encouraged the arch-bishop.
Ten priests attended one of the retreats held last fall in Washing-ton. The retreat included an over-view of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, a look at life in the five branches of the U.S. armed forces through chaplains’ presen-tations and remarks by military officers, as well as visits to several military installations, including the U.S. Naval Academy in Annap-olis, Md; the Air Force’s Joint Base
Andrews, just outside Washington in Maryland; and Arlington Cem-etery, the Pentagon and the Army’s Fort Myer post, all of which are in Arlington, Va., just across the Po-tomac from Washington.
Father Ben Garrett, who was or-dained for the Washington Arch-diocese in 2006 and joined the U.S. Navy in 2009, told the retreat at-tendees that unlike a parish priest, military chaplains are with their flock 24/7.
“We live with them, we eat with them, we share the same facili-ties with them, we keep the same schedule, we run with them, we work out with them, we deploy with them, we’re with them all the time — much more than in a parish setting, and there’s something very beautiful about that.”
To help out with recruiting ef-forts, the Archdiocese for the Mili-tary Services now has a full-time vocations director. “That’s made a big difference,” Archbishop Bro-glio said. “Having that one person to devote all of his time to recruit-ing priests is starting to bear fruit.”
Active duty Catholic military chaplains make their own recruit-ing efforts while performing their regular duties. Father Michael A. Mikstay, a Navy chaplain currently serving at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, meets with a dif-ferent group of young Catholic Ma-rines each Sunday as they prepare to graduate from basic training and
routinely urges them to consider the priesthood as they deliberate on their future.
“The qualities you need to be a good Marine are similar to the qualities you need to be a good priest,” Father Mikstay told CNS during a May interview. “I want these young men to think about the priesthood. Perhaps that will moti-vate them to go to seminary and eventually come back and serve as a chaplain in the military.”
Sometimes it’s just exposure to a military chaplain that inspires a priest to give the chaplaincy corps a look. That’s what happened with Father Lukasz J. Willenberg, who now serves as a captain and second battalion chaplain of the 3rd Bri-gade in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Air-borne Division’s 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment located at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C.
When he was a parish priest in the Diocese of Providence, R.I., Father Willenberg had a chance encounter with a military chap-lain who told him how his ministry worked.
“While I was listening to him talk about how his ministry went so far beyond a church, it came to me that this is where I needed to be,” he told CNS during a March interview. “God was telling me, through this chaplain, that I was most needed in the military, for these men and women who were risking their own lives for their country.” n
Military archdiocese gets creative in recruiting Catholic chaplains
Navy Cmdr. Tracie Severson at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., tells a group of priests how military chaplains have impacted her life.
Priests interested in pursuing a tour of duty as a chaplain in the U.S. military take part in an Mass in the chapel of the Washington headquarters of the Archdiocese for the Military Services. (PHOTOS BY CHAz MUTH | CNS)
‘We live with them, we eat with them, we share the same facilities with them, we keep the same schedule, we run with them, we work out with them, we deploy with them, we’re with them all the time — much more than in a parish setting, and there’s something very beautiful about that.’
— Father Ben Garrett
6July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY
Father Michael A. Mikstay, a Navy chaplain currently serving at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, speaks to new Marines about how the Catholic Church can impact their faith, family life and careers. (ChAz Muth | CNS)
34183-0715
36176-0715
Veterans say burying dead with dignity ‘a way of giving back’Rose YbaRRa Catholic News Service
MISSION, Texas | W hen 66-year-old Army veteran Jacky Eugene Gonzalez was laid to rest at the Rio Grande Valley State Vet-erans Cemetery June 22, a group of U.S. military veterans from the Jesus Martinez American Legion Post 93 in Mission performed full military honors.
A squad of seven riflemen ren-dered the 21-gun salute, the Ameri-can flag was folded and presented to the family along with three spent shell casings representing duty, honor and country. Taps was played on an electronic bugle.
The men, who are all volun-teers, are in their 60s, 70s and 80s. They perform these solemn du-ties several times a week, usually at the veterans cemetery, but they will go wherever they are needed. Guard members have served at up to four funerals in one day, often in temperatures hovering around 100 degrees.
Regardless of the weather con-ditions, no matter what aches and pains they are experiencing, they don’t see it as a burden but rather, a great honor.
“I don’t think anyone sees this as a sacrifice,” said Army veteran Juan Angel Longoria, who also is a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Mission and a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1065. “For us, it’s no big deal.
“We are so blessed to be in this country,” Longoria told The Val-ley Catholic, newspaper of the Brownsville Diocese. “God has been good to me and this is a way of giving back to God and the com-munity.”
“The way I see it, this is veter-ans still serving veterans and our great nation,” said Post 93 Cmdr. Rudy Flores, an Air Force veteran. He also is a member of St. Paul Par-ish in Mission and a member of the Catholic War Veterans. “It’s a great honor to do this for the deceased veteran and their family.”
For Flores and the other men of faith in the honor guard, there is a personal spiritual component to what they do.
“As a Catholic, I like to do this,” he said. “It’s a good thing to honor their dignity as human beings.”
The vast majority of the time, the men have never met the veter-an they are honoring, but they still see him or her as family.
“It’s an honor for us to pay our last respects to our fellow veterans who have served our country,” said Air Force veteran Luis A. Lopez, who is the commander of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1065 and a member of St. Paul Parish in Mission. “We enjoy the freedoms that we have in America because of our veterans.”
For the men, the most difficult funerals are the ones for homeless
veterans.“At those funerals, it’s usually
only the honor guard and the fu-neral home staff in attendance,” Flores said. “After we fold the burial flag, we give it to the funeral home. They try to locate the next of kin and send the flag to them. It’s very sad.”
The honor guard from Post 93 or-ganized in 1987, has about 20 active members. About 15 guard members serve at each funeral, depending on how many are available to attend.
“We’re not getting any younger,”
American Legion Post 93 Cmdr. Rudy Flores presents the burial flag to the family of Army veteran Jacky Eugene Gonzalez during his June 22 funeral at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, texas. (RoSE YbARRA, thE VALLEY CAthoLiC | CNS)
Flores said. “We have doctor’s ap-pointments, we baby-sit grandchil-dren — whoever is free volunteers.”
Flores said the post is always looking for younger veterans to join.
“We pray that when God calls us home, someone will be here to do this for us,” he said. n
YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY7 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016
LINDA REEVESof the Florida Catholic staff
RIVIERA BEACH | Catholic Charities’ pro-life program, Birth-line/Lifeline, welcomes a new di-rector and says goodbye to retiring Mary Rodriquez, who headed up the program since February 2003 and has been a committed defend-er of the unborn for nearly 40 years.
“I’ll miss my work,” said Ro-driquez, who quietly and officially retired April 29, but will remain connected to the program as a vol-unteer and involved in the respect life movement.
Rodriquez began with the Cath-olic Charities ministry when it first launched as an outreach of con-cerned laity and was simply called Birthline. She helped start the first office 38 years ago, and was one of the first volunteer nurses to help with the ministry.
“I loved my job,” said Rodriquez who took over the director’s posi-tion upon Arlene Conklin’s retire-ment. She has carried on the min-istry over the years, expanding programs and establishing offices. She has also helped inspire people to get involved with increased vol-unteer, donor and fundraiser op-portunities.
Katherine Bowers, a Miamian and parishioner of St. Thérèse de Lisieux Parish in Wellington, will be taking over as director. “Mary has done so much,” said Bowers. “I have big shoes to fill. When you think pro-life, you think of Mary Rodriquez. She has done so much for thousands. I feel so blessed to have known her and worked with her.”
Bowers is celebrating five years of marriage with husband John. They live in Wellington and have
two girls: Amelia, 3, and Cecilia, 1. She is not a newcomer to Birthline/Lifeline. Her mother, Valerie Mier-zwa, a parishioner of St. Thérèse who is involved in the parish’s respect life ministry, introduced Bowers to the Catholic Charities program, which she has been in-volved in since 2004.
After studying politics, theol-ogy and philosophy and earning degrees at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 2006, Bowers took a year off for volunteer work. “I had applied for a couple of volunteer programs. My mom encouraged me to come back home. She said that I would love volunteering at Birthline/Lifeline.”
The summer of 2006, Bowers worked at Birthline/Lifeline help-
ing where needed, doing office work, data entry and interacting with clients. “I fell in love with Birthline/Lifeline and the clients,” she said. “I felt like God was call-ing me to work in pro-life work and that this was my vocation.”
The following year, she moved to San Antonio and enrolled at Lady of the Lake University for social work studies. She gradu-ated with a master’s degree in 2009 from the Catholic coed university and moved back home. She en-tered Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton to study management, and when a part-time job opened at Birthline/Lifeline, she applied for it and got it.
For the next year working at Birthline/Lifeline, she met wom-en and families faced with un-planned pregnancies, hardships, no support and no education. She gained experience and became more passionate about the work. “Our clients are in need,” she said. “For many, the pregnancy is a sur-
New director named for Birthline/Lifeline
prise. They have no support and don’t know where to turn to get help.
“We want all of our clients to make good choices,” she contin-ued. “They may just need to talk to someone. They may need resourc-es in the community and don’t know about them. They might need a parenting class. We use the opportunity to educate them.”
In the summer of 2010, a full-time position opened at Birthline/Lifeline. “I believe it was God’s plan,” said Bowers. “I had said, ‘God if you want me at Birthline, you have to work this out.’ I look back at how things happened and I know that God had planned it all along.”
Bowers took on the director’s position May 2, overseeing the services provided at the Boyn-ton Beach office and the work at Riviera Beach and Pahokee. Free services include ultrasounds and pregnancy testing, prenatal care referrals, pro-life education, abor-
Katherine Bowers is the new director of Catholic Charities Birthline/Lifeline. She took over from Mary Rodriguez who retired. (LINDA REEVES | FC)
tion alternative information, adop-tion referrals, parenting classes, fertility awareness education and material assistance.
We asked Bowers about any difficult aspects of her job. “It is most challenging when a woman is set on abortion, set on making bad decisions, being in a bad rela-tionship,” she said. “One has free will, and we can’t make them do something. We are planting seeds. Even though they walk out of here, and they may have an abortion, we hope God will work on them. They need to make their own deci-sions. They need to make healthy choices. I see it as a challenge, but I think we are not in charge and we are planting seeds.”
We then asked her about enjoy-able aspects of her work. “Seeing a client who has made a significant change, seeing a client do what we have told her to do. She is going to choose life. She is going to marry her boyfriend. She is going to make an adoption plan. They are going to make a self less decision and put the needs of the child ahead of theirs.”
Bowers said that Rodriquez planted the respect life ministry seed in her heart. “She is one of the reasons why I came to Birthline/Lifeline. I saw her passion and love for Birthline. She is an amazing woman. I have learned so much form her and feel blessed.”
The Florida Catholic inter-viewed Rodriquez, a parishioner of St. Mark Parish in Boynton Beach, numerous times over the years and witnessed her passion for saving babies and her unshakable faith-filled spirit. During one interview she said, “You really glorify God, being the best that you can be in whatever God has called you to do right here and right now.” n
‘Our clients are in need. For many, the pregnancy is a surprise. They have no support and don’t know where to turn to get help.’
Katherine Bowers
35696-0715
William E. BoyesJohn Farina
Peter Matwiczyk• Wills, trusts and guardianship litigation• Estate and trust planning and administration
3300 PGA Blvd., Suite 600Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
561-694-7979
35452-0715
8July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY
Sunday televised Mass airs 9 a.m. on CW34 WTVX. Produced by the diocesan Office of Communications. Questions: www.diocesepb.org/tv-Mass or 561-775-9529. To support the televised Mass or to request a free Mass missal: 561-775-9529 or Office of Communications, 9995 N. Military Trail, P.O. Box 109650, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.
TV MASSTo find more information on events, please visit www.diocesepb.org/events or www.catholiccharitiesdpb.org/events.
FYIDIOCESAN EVENTSNatural Family Planning
(NFP) Awareness Week: July 24-30, a national educational and promotional campaign of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to bring awareness of NFP methods. www.diocesepb.org/nfp, 561-629-3889, [email protected], www.usccb.org/nfp.
World Youth Day: July 26-Aug. 1, Krakow, Poland. Theme: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Interested youth groups should contact Anthony Marchica, director of diocesan Office of Catechetical Leadership, Youth and Young Adult Ministry Formation: 561-775-9500. Visit www.diocesepb.org/krakow.
Permanent deacon applications available: Men interested in applying to become a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Palm Beach are asked to speak to their pastors for permission to apply and download the application from the diocesan website, www.diocesepb.org/deacon-formation. 561-775-9540 or [email protected].
Divorce survival ministry program: Parishes in the Diocese of Palm Beach. 12-week program features 30-minute DVD segments on challenges of a broken marriage. For the recently separated and divorced and those divorced for many years. Sponsored by Office of Marriage and Family Life. Registration suggested; space limited. To register: 561-775-9557.
2016-2017 School of Christian Formation: Aug. 22, classes opening at parishes. Learn more about Catholicism and prepare for ministry work. Available in English and Spanish. Cost: $10. 561-775-9544, www.diocesepb.org/schools-of-christian-formation.
Informational evening on Church annulments: Aug. 23, 7 p.m., St. Peter Parish, 1701 Indian Creek Parkway, Jupiter. Theme: “Hope for a New Beginning.” Presenter: Father Albert Dello Russo, tribunal judge of the Diocese of Palm Beach. Clear, accurate information about annulments. Sponsored by Office of Marriage and Family Life. 561-775-9557.
Charismatic Renewal Convention: Sept. 16, 6-10 p.m.; Sept. 17, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sept. 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. Organized by diocesan Haitian Ministry. Theme: “Be merciful as your Father also is merciful.” Speakers: Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, and guests Father Luc Philogene and Father Pierre-Marie France of Haiti. Music by the Good Angels. 772-466-9617.
Catholic Charities events: For calendar of events, visit www.catholiccharitiesdpb.org/events.
• Teen’s “Style for Life” fashion programs: July 27-29, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., St. Lucie Parish, 280 S.W. Prima Vista Blvd., Port St. Lucie, 772- 878-1215; and Aug. 3-5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., St. Mary Parish, 1200 E. Main St., Pahokee, 561-924-7305. Organized by Catholic Charities Birthline/Lifeline. Workshops focus on clothing and personal style to promote self-confidence, dignity and modesty. Finale includes fashion show open to the public. Mother/guardian meeting planned the day prior to the workshop.
Registration required. Cost: $75. Scholarships available upon request. www.catholiccharitiesdpb.org/events.
• Rachel’s Vineyard healing retreat: Aug. 26-28, Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center, 1300 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach. For those touched by abortion and miscarriage. Discussions, spiritual exercises, prayer and reflection. Sacrament of reconciliation is available, memorial service honoring the child and Mass. People of all faith backgrounds invited. Registration required. Confidential. 561-602-4778, www.catholiccharitiesdpb.org/rachels-vineyard.
• Healing Mass: Aug. 19, 7 p.m., Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 9600 Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For women and men suffering from the choice of abortion. Sacrament of reconciliation available at 6 p.m. 561-602-4778 or [email protected].
• Rosary gathering: First Saturdays, 9 a.m., near Presidential Women’s Center in West Palm Beach, 100 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach. Led by Respect Life Office. 561-360-3330.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Exalt conference for high school students: July 15-17, Ave Maria University, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria. Theme: “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.” Fellowship, music by Martin Dorman and the AMU Band, presentations. Cost: $175, includes lodging, meals, conference and T-shirt. 239-348-4725 or [email protected].
Our Lady of Mount Carmel celebration and ceremony: July 16, 10:30 a.m., St. Bernadette Parish, 350 N.W. California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. Investiture and blessings of the brown scapular. To be eligible for the brown scapular promise of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and special blessings of salvation, protection and peace, investment by a priest is required. All are invited. Registration required. Seating limited. 561-622-0855 or [email protected].
Steubenville Florida youth conference: July 22-24, Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando. High-energy music, keynote talks, breakout sessions, daily Mass, sacrament of reconciliation, adoration and prayer. Led by nationally known speakers, worship team and partnered with Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. Check with a parish/youth leader to attend. www.steubenvilleflorida.com.
Cursillo weekends: Aug. 4-7 for men, and Aug. 18-21 for women, Our Lady of Florida
Spiritual Center, 1300 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach. Organized by the Cursillo movement. Prayer, liturgies, singing and discussions. Opportunity for ongoing Christian friendships and spiritual support. 561-758-9364, [email protected].
Women of Grace retreat: Aug. 5-7, 3 p.m., Ave Maria University, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria. Theme: “Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy: Our Refuge on the Battlefield of Life.” Speakers: Johnnette Benkovic, founder of Women of Grace Catholic apostolate; Father John Paul Mary Zeller, Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word; Susan Brinkmann, author and journalist; and Thomas K. Sullivan, author. Talks, Mass, adoration, healing service followed by leadership seminar. 1-800-585-5452, [email protected].
Sonshine To Encounter Christ (TEC) young adult retreat: Sept. 3-5, 10:30 a.m., Cursillos de Cristianidad, 16250 S.W. 112th Ave., Miami. Theme: “Finding God and Encountering Christ Risen and Alive.” Sponsored by retreat ministry of Archdiocese of Miami and Diocese of Palm Beach. Presentations by clergy and young adults. 305-733-3975, www.sonshinetec.com.
Ascension young adults group meeting: Mondays, 7 p.m., St. Patrick Parish, 13591 Prosperity Farms Road, Palm Beach Gardens. All young adults are invited and welcome. 561-626-8626 or [email protected].
Catholic Grandparents Association chapter meetings: Fellowship, prayer and discussions.
• Southern Deanery: First Saturdays, 10 a.m., Ascension Parish, 7250 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. 561-289-2640 or email [email protected].
• Central Deanery: No meetings June and July. Second Saturdays, 9 a.m., Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. 561-626-8027.
Prayer gathering: Fridays, 5 p.m., on the sidewalks near A Woman’s World Medical Center that offers abortion services, 503 S. 12th St., Fort Pierce. Treasure Coast rosary group leads rosary recitation for the end of abortion. 772-465-8298.
Pray the rosary for life: Saturdays, 9-10 a.m., sidewalks just north of the Wellington Regional Medical Center, 10101 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. All invited to pray for the end of abortions. 561-784-0689.
RETREATS/DAYS OF PRAYER
Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center: Retreats and programs available for clergy, religious, men, women, married couples, singles and people in recovery programs. Season theme: “Be Merciful as Your Father.” Reservations required except when stated. Location: 1300 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach. 561-626-1300 or www.
ourladyofflorida.org: • Centering prayer: Wednesdays,
4-5 p.m., main chapel.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Register to vote: In Florida,
one must register at least 29 days before an election to be able to vote. Oct. 6 is the deadline for the Nov. 6 general election. For registration information, visit http://.diocesepb.org/elections2016, http://dos.myflorida.com/elections.
Stations of the Cross for priests of the Church: Last Saturdays, after 8:30 a.m. Mass, Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. All encouraged to participate in this most important prayer for priests. Parishes interested in starting a similar prayer ministry, contact Jim Fabes, parishioner, 561-371-1658, [email protected].
“Connecting Family, Fun and Faith” family fun day: Aug. 20, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Rapids Water Park, Riviera Beach. Special event pricing includes admission and lunch. Sponsored by diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life and Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Cost: $32.99 per person, plus tax. Includes admission, luncheon buffet and $5 discount parking voucher. Deadline to purchase tickets: Aug. 17. www.diocesepb.org/rapids, 561-775-9557 or [email protected].
Jubilee of Mercy. This year’s Jubilee of Mercy is being observed through Nov. 20. The theme for the special year declared by Pope Francis is “Merciful like the Father.” All are encouraged to personally participate in the observance throughout the year by outreach to others with corporal and spiritual works of mercy and by continuing to grow in and witness faith. The Diocese of Palm Beach continues to update its website with resources, suggestions and information to assist all in observing the special year. Visit www.diocesepb.org/jubileeofmercy. View the events section, to learn of special events planned for the holy year.
Catholic radio stations are available through the radio, the Internet and application downloads: WPBV FM (98.3 FM, www.wpbvradio.com); WJPP (100.1 FM, www.wjppfm.com); and WDMC (920 AM, www.divinemercyradio.com).
Pro-life radio talk show: Mondays, 2 p.m.; and Saturdays, 11 a.m., Catholic radio station WJPP FM (Prince of Peace 100.1 FM). “CrossRoads” is a one-hour program featuring commentary, news, features and guests from the local area and from across the nation. Hosted by Anne Lotierzo and Duane Berreth, directors of the Pregnancy Care Center in Fort Pierce and Stuart. Listeners may tune in online at www.wjppfm.com.
Women of Grace ministry program is seeking volunteers to facilitate study programs for English-speakers and also for Spanish-speakers. Training sessions are held at St. Joan of Arc Parish ministry buildings, 319 S.W. Third Street, Boca Raton. Registration: Martha Nicolli, 561 212 8673 or [email protected].
Parish nurse meetings: Open to all registered nurses interested in
health ministry. For dates, time and locations, call Catholic Charities, Interfaith Health and Wellness, 561-345-2000, ext. 256; or email [email protected].
Charitable giving guidelines: The bishops of Florida have developed charitable giving guidelines of appropriate and inappropriate organizations/foundations. Please visit www.diocesepb.org, click on giving and then charitable giving guidelines.
Protection of Children and Young People: The Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach is committed to the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable adults in its care. Victims of abuse are encouraged to contact the diocesan victim assistance coordinator Theresa Fretterd, 561-801-0999, to begin necessary emotional, psychological and spiritual healing. For more information on diocesan policies and procedures for reporting abuse as well as to view the USCCB “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” visit www.diocesepb.org and click on Offices/Safe Environments.
MASSES/PRAYER SESSIONS
Prayer gathering for the unborn, babies and mothers: Saturdays, 9 a.m., 100 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach, across the street from Presidential Women’s Abortion Center. Rosary recitation and chaplet for the unborn prayer. 561-255-1534.
Charismatic praise and worship meeting: Tuesdays 7 p.m., St. Jude Parish, 21689 Toledo Road, Boca Raton. Main celebrant: Carmelite Father Richard Champigny. Healing Mass last Tuesdays. 561-392-8172.
Charismatic prayer meeting: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Parish center, 10970 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach. Mass and healing service takes the place of prayer meeting the third Thursday of each month. 561-626-1873.
Monthly Mass and spiritual talk for home-schooled students and families: Third Fridays, 10 a.m., Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center, U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach. Middle schoolers and teens also invited. Spiritual reflection, talk followed by 11:30 a.m. Mass. 561-340-9881.
Requiem Mass: Second Saturdays, 10 a.m., Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, 10941 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. Offered for those who have been laid to rest during the previous month, all the deceased at the cemetery, and all the holy souls in purgatory. 561-793-0711.
Home-Schooled on the Treasure Coast: Gatherings for Mass monthly. Parish locations varies. 772-337-1530 or [email protected].
Healing Mass: Last Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., St. Ann Parish, 310 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. 561-832-3757
Prayer meeting: Tuesdays, 7 p.m., St. Jude Parish, 21689 Toledo Road, Boca Raton. 561-392-8172. All are welcome.
FLORIDACatholicVENICE DIOCESE
www.thefloridacatholic.org | July 15-28, 2016
Judy BokorneySpecial to the Florida Catholic
VENICE | Every day vulnerable people liv-ing throughout Southwest Florida go to their local Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. office seeking relief. This assistance can come in the form of nourishment, education, shel-ter, or in the support of at-risk children, isolat-ed elderly, struggling families and homeless individuals.
This summer Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc. offers the opportunity to give directly to the causes which empower those in need through the “Summertime and the Giving Is Easy” campaign.
Donating to this campaign provides help and creates hope for those seeking to achieve self-sufficiency. By supporting this campaign generously, for example, you can help lift a child out of poverty, give nour-ishment to a senior, put a roof overhead for a homeless family, supply a home for a vet-eran, or offer stability to a victim of human trafficking.
Each year, Catholic Charities serves more than 40,000 families and individuals regard-less of race, nationality or creed. A total of 93 cents of each dollar donated to Catholic Char-ities goes directly to programs and services. “Summertime and the Giving Is Easy” is a chance to brighten the future for your neigh-bors who come to Catholic Charities for help. Any gift amount is greatly appreciated.
“One person can create a difference,” said Peter Routsis-Arroyo, CEO of Catholic Chari-ties Diocese of Venice Inc. “The ripple of sup-port from a single generous donor causes a wave of positive changes for an individual or family suffering and requiring help.”
The 2016 campaign features two ways to make a big splash with your gift, Routsis-Arroyo explained. One is for the renovation of the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center in Naples and the other is for the expansion of Our Mother’s House in Venice.
“The demand for increased services within these two programs is evident and Catholic Charities will strive to accommodate the ur-gency for growth,” Routsis-Arroyo said.
Financial support to Catholic Charities can lift people out of poverty. At St. Martha’s Early Learning Center, low-income preschoolers become kindergarten ready. The School On Wheels program teaches rural immigrant women basic English. The AFCAAM Center provides after-school tutoring and mentoring programs to disadvantaged youth. And the summer camps offer a fun and educational experience.
Donations can also go directly to give nourishment to our less-fortunate broth-ers and sisters in Christ who are in need of a meal. Catholic Charities food pantries, lo-cated around Southwest Florida, distribute thousands of pounds of food every week. The Weekend Power Pack food program for
Summertime giving opportunities abound
$10,000 • For the expansion of Our
Mother’s House in Venice.• For the renovation of the
Judy Sullivan Resource Center in Naples.
$3,000• Provides services to three
homeless families for a year.$2,000• Provides after-school tutor-
ing and mentoring programs for a child for a year.
$1,500• Assists a victim of human
trafficking for a month.
$1,000• Feeds five families from a
food pantry for a month.$500• Provides hot meals for
one day at the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen.
• Houses a mother and child for a week.
$300• Offers enrichment activities
for farmworkers for a week.$250• Helps a family with profes-
sional crisis counseling.• Covers the cost of tuition for
a preschool student for a week.• Sustains five families from a
food pantry for a week.
$150• Offers a family counseling
to prevent them from losing their home.
$100• Provides a special-needs
resident necessities for a month.• Supplies a child with food
each weekend for a year.• Maintains Veterans Housing
for a month.$75• Provides a senior with
personal care basket.$25• Sends a youth to summer
camp for a day.
SUGGESTED DONATION LEVELS
The Casa Maria Soup Kitchen at Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities in Immokalee serves many families and individuals each day. (FILE PHOTOS)
homeless school children in Collier County sustains them over the weekend throughout the year. The Casa Maria Soup Kitchen in Im-mokalee serves around 35,000 hot meals each year.
Donations to the “Summertime and the Giving Is Easy” campaign can provide shel-ter to the homeless. At Our Mother’s House, desperate mothers and their children have a safe place to live where they can work toward self-sufficiency. It is the process of undergo-ing an expansion to accommodate addition-al needy moms and their children. Casa San Jose gives those with special needs a proper residence to enhance the quality of their life. At the Catholic Charities Family Haven in North Port, families who become homeless are rapidly placed into a transitional shelter and assisted to find new housing through case management services.
Supporting the outreach efforts of Catho-lic Charities Veterans Housing program provides a veteran and his or her family an affordable residence. The foreclosure preven-tion counseling keeps many from losing their homes and the first-time homebuyer class sets new homeowners on the path to success. Casa San Juan Bosco in Arcadia is a housing community for farmworkers and their fami-lies who then receive a variety of enrichment services and activities.
Physical and mental well-being to those who are vulnerable is another crucial area where generous contributions can make a difference. Programs offer stability. The Catholic Charities human trafficking pro-gram guides victims to attain a healthy life. Professional counseling services keep fami-lies together and offer relief. Frail and iso-
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
People participate in a line dance at the Catholic Charities Senior Resource Center in Naples in 2015. (FILE PHOTO)
lated seniors receive aid to allow them to live independently. Refugees receive assistance to help them assimilate. Staff and volunteers extend compassionate services to those af-flicted with HIV/AIDS. Citizenship services provide immigrants and refugees a bright fu-ture in America.
Donations can be made to a specific pro-gram of Catholic Charities or to the general fund where the money will go where is most urgently needed. You can make your con-tribution in honor or in memory of a loved one. To donate or learn more about the many programs of Catholic Charities, visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org. n
2July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY
NADIA SMITHFlorida Catholic correspondent
NAPLES | Emil and Mar y Stuermer made a lifelong choice 60 years ago when they entered into the Sacrament of Matrimony. It has been an honored commit-ment that has included ups and downs.
On June 25, they stood at the altar once again to renew their vows. And so did their seven chil-dren and their spouses. All told, the families represented a com-bined 272 years of marriage.
“Ou r choices have conse-quences. They can open us up to God’s love or do the opposite,” said Father John Ludden, Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, where the Stuermers renewed their vows. “Emil and Mary show us what can happen when we open ourselves to God’s love. … It is beautiful.”
Father Ludden encouraged his parishioners to renew their vows in a public way at the parish Mass instead of a private ceremony be-cause “it gives a powerful witness to the Sacrament of Matrimony and how the fruits of married love can nurture the lives of people,” he said. “It was the expressed wish of the Stuermer family to renew the vows of the parents along with the seven children as an expres-sion of family love.”
From the beginning of their relationship as high school sweet-hearts to their betrothal and mar-riage, Emil and Mary made Christ the cornerstone of their lives to-gether. Emil had their wedding rings inscribed with “3 eternally” to remind them that they were en-tering into the Sacrament of Mat-rimony with each other and God.
They were married June 16, 1956, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Barrington, Ill. “The Sacrament of Matrimony is truly a blessing
from God,” Mary said. “It binds us together for life — until death do us part. We truly believe that.”
They believed it so strongly that when each of their seven children married, they were told that they were not welcomed back home unless they were physically or mentally abused.
“We knew the children after they married would have dis-agreements and I did not want them coming back home before they mutually solved their prob-lems,” Emil explained.
Daughter Kathy Jirak recalled how sober i ng h is words had been to her. Although she knew her parents would always be there for her, she also knew that “marriage was a forever deci-sion,” she said.
Emil and Mary Stuermer credit faith, fidelity and a sense of humor as the key ingredients to a lasting marriage. “Mom and Dad have demonstrated this throughout their married life,” said daughter Patricia Kenney. “And they are an awesome example of God’s endur-ing love.”
That example led all seven siblings to marry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Glenview, Ill., with the oldest
Families renew vows, witness strength of marriage
Emil and Mary Stuermer and their seven children and spouses renew their wedding vows June 25 at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, representing 272 years of marriage. (NADIA SMITH | FC)
Emil and Mary Stuermer and their seven children pose for a picture in 2006. (COURTESY PHOTOS)
married 36 years and the youngest married 23 years. In addition to their seven children, the Stuerm-ers’ have 22 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The experience of renewing their vows with their children af-ter 60 years of marriage was de-scribed with one word: epic. Mary
Stuermer stood in awe herself. “It was so beautiful and amazing at the same time that all of our chil-dren are still wed to their same spouse and that we were able to
renew our vows together,” she said.
It all happened because they made the choice to say yes to God’s love and continue to do so. n
The Stuermers are pictured at their wedding in 1956.
JuDy BokorNeySpecial to the Florida Catholic
SArASotA | There will be many women in the rural areas of Florida who will be wearing fash-ionable shoes and scarves thanks to Diana Kelly Buchanan. She do-nated $120,000 worth of items from her company to Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. to distribute in Clewiston, More Haven, LaBelle, Wauchula, Lake Placid, Arcadia, Immokalee, Nocatee and Bonita Springs.
Buchanan started the Diana E. Kelly line of shoes, scarves, bags and other accessories six years ago after she graduated from Universi-ty of Florida. Now women lacking
clothing will have access to these quality items.
“This company used to be my baby, but now I have two precious children. I love working but it is just on hold for now,” said Buchanan. She and her husband, Matt, have a 19-month-old girl and a 5-month-old boy.
“I am a bit emotional about do-ing this today,” Buchanan said as she assisted Catholic Charities in staff with loading a truck with boxes of her goods. “It is not good-bye, but just a break from running my business. I know these shoes and scarves are going to women in need and that makes me feel so good.”
Buchanan said while grow-
ing up she witnessed her parents supporting Catholic Charities and she wanted to do the same. “Catholic Charities has so much outreach and services that fill the void where there is no assistance,” she said.
Peter Routsis-Arroyo, CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of Ven-ice Inc., said donations such as Bu-chanan’s go a long way to helping people in the community in ways that are difficult to measure. He noted that a key goal of Catholic Charities is to assist the needy in ways that are more than just fi-nancial. “We work to help people improve their situations and this donation helps in a particular and lasting way.” n
Local businesswoman reaches out to other womenDiana Kelly Buchanan and Peter Routsis-Arroyo, CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, load donations on a truck. Buchanan donated fashionable scarves and shoes for the needy in rural communities. (COURTESY)
3 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY
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DIOCESE OF VENICE
Vol. 77, No. 17
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Celebrating 10 years as spiritual leader of dioceseBoB Reddyof the Florida Catholic
Venice | There are two dates in July which hold a special place in the heart of Bishop Frank J. De-wane: July 16 and July 25, which is also an important date for the Dio-cese.
July 16, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is the day on which he received the Sacrament of Holy Orders 28 years ago in 1988. However, it was 10 years ago, on July 25, 2006, when he was ordained to the Episcopate, becoming a Bishop and eventual Spiritual Leader of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. Happy Anniversary!
“I have been blessed and hum-bled to be in the Diocese of Venice in Florida for the past 10 years,” Bishop Dewane said. “The duty of a Bishop is as Shepherd of the Dio-cese and to serve the pastoral needs of the faithful. It is the people of God and serving them that defines who I am as their Bishop.”
In those 10 years, there has been unprecedented growth in the 10-county, 10,000 square miles that is the Diocese. This has neces-sitated the establishment of six new parishes, a quasi-parish, and a cha-pel for the Latin Mass, as well as the expansion of many other facilities. This growth has all been done to address the pastoral dimension for the people of God.
In response to these pastoral needs such growth could not have taken place, the Bishop points out, without the support and hard work of the priests and religious serving here.
To help fill the sacramental needs of the faithful, Bishop Dewane has presided over the ordination of 21 priests and 11 deacons. There are currently 18 active seminarians who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood, and an additional nine aspirants who are in forma-tion for the permanent diaconate. At each ordination the Bishop notes the sacred bond that priests have with their Bishop and together they serve the people.
The protection of children and vulnerable adults is a priority of Bishop Dewane, leading to the enhancement of the Safe Environ-ment program, which emphasizes the prevention and reporting of abuse. Annual Masses for Victims of Abuse in the northern and south-
ern parts of the Diocese have been established to serve as a poignant reminder for everyone to pray for the victims of abuse and to encour-age healing within the Church and be ever vigilant.
With the idea of keeping costs in check while improving safety and security, the Bishop instituted new building and construction guide-lines, which have an important greening aspect. Parish upgrades, renovations and expansion efforts are encouraged through the Dio-cese.
Participating in the blessing of these facilities is a joy for Bishop De-wane. “It is a privilege to be a part of these important moments in the life of a Parish and the Diocese. How-ever, it is seeing the people, their pride, and recognizing the contri-butions they have made to the Par-ish and the Church that add to this experience. After all, it is about the people, not the building.”
Catholic Social Teaching is a passion Bishop Dewane developed from his earlier experiences while working at the Vatican and for the Holy See at the United Nations. On a personal level, he celebrates Masses in area prisons on a regular basis. Further, he encourages the promo-tion of Catholic Social Teaching to the faithful, particularly in schools and parishes.
The most noticeable impact, in this regard, is seen with the expan-sion of the programs of Catholic Charities. Through the efforts of Bishop Dewane, Catholic Chari-ties has added three senior hous-ing complexes; affordable housing in urban minority communities; three expansions of Our Mother’s House for homeless mothers and their children; the creation of farm-worker housing in Arcadia; the opening of the North Port Family Haven shelter for homeless families in Sarasota County; the creation of a
senior service center in Naples; the expansion of Guadalupe Social Ser-vices in Immokalee; and upgrades to many other outreach programs and facilities which accommodate those in need.
“Catholic Charities programs concretize the call of Christ to help our brothers and sisters in need,” the Bishop said. “It is at the core of who we are called to be.” He went on to say that without the generos-ity of the faithful of the Diocese and their response to the call, the good work of Catholic Charities would not be possible.
Through the respect life move-ment, the Bishop stresses the need to bring “a voice to the voiceless,” and protect life from conception to natural death. A regular at area prayer vigils in front of abortion facilities, his commitment to this cause helped the Diocese of Ven-ice become one of the first to join the national 40 Days for Life prayer campaign. He was also supportive of establishing the annual Novena of Masses for Life throughout the Diocese and regularly attends the annual March for Life in Washing-ton, D.C., in January, joining a large contingent of youth from the Dio-cese. End-of-life issues have been addressed through the Bioethics and Leaven conferences, as well as talks on the topic of the death pen-alty.
The past 10 years he has encour-aged people to celebrate their faith through a series of meaningful events. This includes annual Wom-en’s and Men’s conferences which remind attendees of their call to holiness. A Eucharistic celebration commemorating marriage — for wedding anniversaries — is a liv-ing testimony to the Sacrament of Matrimony. Another celebration thanks the volunteers who serve their Parish and Diocese. To honor the military, there is a Mass on Vet-
July holds special meaning for Bishop Dewaneerans Day. Additional liturgical cel-ebrations take place throughout the year.
Citing youth as the “Church of today,” the Bishop promotes con-necting young men and women to their faith. A major event in this regard is the Diocesan Youth Rally, which draws more than 1,400 an-nually.
“This is one of the best events of the year,” Bishop Dewane ex-plained. “It generates such enthu-siasm and is an opportunity to feel the energy that young people have about their faith. To see them in the Eucharistic procession and throughout the day and the passion they have for their faith is encour-aging. They are reminded of the mantra, ‘be not afraid,’ and leave confident to go forward. They are the Church of today!”
Every three years, a group of youth participate at World Youth Day, with the Bishop often attend-ing. This global event serves as a burst of adrenaline for the youth who attend and they return with an enthusiasm which ripples through-out the Diocese.
Catholic education receives a great deal of attention from the Bishop. Where other Dioceses in the U.S. are closing schools, the Diocese of Venice is expanding and making a stronger commitment to education. This can be seen in sup-porting the expansion or upgrade of school facilities, particularly with opportunities in the area of technology. Bishop Dewane makes a point to visit each school sev-eral times a year to celebrate Mass. When asked, he noted, “It’s fun to see the joy of the Holy Spirit alive in their hearts.” These visits serve as an added opportunity to speak to the students, to hear their stories and learn about the moral and ethi-cal challenges they face.
Since Bishop Dewane was or-dained a priest within the Diocese of Green Bay, Wis., he has served in a number of different parishes, was a Holy See representative at the United Nations, and worked in two major offices of the Vatican.
He was named Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida by Pope Benedict XVI, and appoint-ed and ordained the second Bishop of the Diocese. As Bishop, he has maintained his roots as a priest.
“Each person is called forth to have a special role within the life of the Church and among the faith-ful,” the Bishop added. “I have been privileged to serve Holy Mother Church in many different ways. But it has always been through the grace of serving the people of God that I find strength and renewal.” n
Getting a “selfie” with Bishop Frank J. Dewane was a goal for many of the more than 1,500 youth who participated in the 2014 Diocesan Youth Rally at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. (FILE)
4July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY
SuSan LaieLLiSpecial to the Florida Catholic
Lakewood Ranch | Hun-dreds of Diocese of Venice faithful, clergy and religious joined Bishop Frank J. Dewane at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch June 24 and June 25 to say farewell to Father Dan Smith, 52, who died June 19 in his residence.
Father John Hoang, Parochial Vicar of the Parish, led a vigil ser-vice in the church June 24, offering parishioners an opportunity to pray and gather in sadness for the loss of their pastor.
Father Smith’s three brothers and their wives — Davis and Ann of Manhattan Beach, Calif.; Paul and Beth of Jupiter; and Peter and Susan of Summit, N.J. — stood for more than three hours greeting the line of mourners of all ages, who gathered to say goodbye to the priest many say, “gave the best homily in town.” Along with his brothers, Father Smith is survived by seven nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Lady of the Angels June 25, with Bishop Dewane as the main celebrant. He was joined by many clergy and religious from across the Diocese. As is tradition for the Funeral Mass of a priest, the casket is placed in the opposite di-rection than is done for all other fu-nerals, so that the head is toward the altar and the feet toward the people. This is symbolic of the position of the priest when celebrating the Lit-urgy, and so it is that he is positioned in the same way at his very last Mass — his own Funeral Mass. Another custom was also followed in that Fa-ther Smith was laid out in his clerics and vested in a white chausible.
Mourners learned a few inside stories about Father Smith from Fa-ther John J. Ludden, Diocesan Vicar for Priests and Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples. Father
Hundreds mourn loss of Father Dan Smith
Smith served there as Parochial Vicar before going to Our Lady of the Angels.
“He once told me and others, as he walked by St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Sarasota on his way to his accounting job, he felt an unmis-takable pull to go inside, and spend time with Our Lord,” said Father Ludden, who gave the homily. “Fa-ther Dan was a great teacher and sanctifier — a great leader who led souls into the heart of God. There
was nothing hidden. You knew what he was thinking because he was transparent.”
Father Smith was ordained to the priesthood Oct. 22, 1999, at Epipha-ny Cathedral in Venice. He served at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Moore Haven, San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte, and St. John the Evange-list Parish in Naples, before being assigned to Our Lady of the Angels in 2011.
Staff RepoRt
TigeR, ga. | A weeklong retreat in the Georgia foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains brought youth from two Diocesan Parishes closer to each other and, most important-ly, closer to the Lord.
Smiles and powerful emotions filled the dozens of teens from Epiphany Cathedral in Venice and San Pedro Parish in North Port at the conclusion of their journey to Covecrest Life Teen retreat center held the last week of June.
More than 200 youth from across the South participated in the re-treat, which included inspirational talks, hikes, swims in a lake, white-water rafting and more. One activ-
ity included carrying a large wood-en cross through a muddy obstacle course, up hills, under muddy creek bridges, across planks, and more. It taught the teens to rely on each other, using teamwork to accom-plish various goals at each station.
Mass was celebrated daily and there were opportunities for the teens to partake in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and participate in a eucharistic procession and adoration.
The evenings included “parish powwows” in which adults and teens shared their testimony and what moved their hearts about the day. The teens openly shared how the Lord had touched them in some deep way, whether at adoration,
Mass or in the talks. Several youth had transformational experiences, knowing the Lord is by their side every step of the way of their life journey.
The youth participated in trust falls, which gave each one a chance to literally fall into the arms of friends, and a zipline. On a high-and-low ropes course, the teens had to learn again to overcome physical challenges and to work together in small groups to achieve goals.
One evening the boys were separated from the girls and each group focused on what made them unique and included a greater op-portunity for sharing their experi-ences of how Jesus works in their daily lives.
During the final Mass togeth-er, it was revealed that the entire week was a review of the Mass, and each activity was geared toward a deeper understanding of the great gift of the Mass. It was a profound moment for the teens. The night
Youth retreat strengthens faith
ended with eucharistic adoration, and a procession around the lake, followed by Benediction and songs of praise to God. The teens are en-couraged to shared their faith expe-rience with others upon return, and give talks on the experience. n
Mass is celebrated for youth from Epiphany Cathedral in Venice and San Pedro Parish in North Port at a Covecrest Life Teen retreat in Georgia in late June.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane touches the casket during the Mass of Chrisitan Burial for Father Daniel P. Smith June 25 at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch as fellow priests sing the Salve Regina.
“He came in with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen; a lot of hugs for all of us,” said Anne Wheeler, head usher and sacristan at Our Lady of the Angels. “(On his first day) he let us know he was here for all of us, saying we would not be working for him, but he would be joining all of us in the work we do.”
The legacy of Father Smith will live on through the new church that is being built, for which he fought tirelessly to raise funds. The proj-ect faced frustrating delays, as an
eagle’s nest was discovered on par-ish property.
“Let’s be honest. No one could mistake Father Dan for St. Francis of Assisi,” Bishop Dewane said in his closing remarks, which aroused laughter from the mourners.
At the conclusion of the Mass of Christian Burial, all of the priests present followed the casket outside and gathered to sing Salve Regina as Bishop Dewane sprinkled the cas-ket with holy water. n
A memorial to Father Danial P. Smith, Pastor of Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch, is displayed.
5 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY
SuSan LaieLLiSpecial to the Florida Catholic
Venice | The nationally recog-nized 2016 Fortnight for Freedom kicked off June 21 with the theme “Witnesses to Freedom,” focusing on great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution, such as St. Thomas More, St. John Fisher and St. John the Baptist, to name a few.
The Diocese of Venice hosted two prayer services combined with a movie June 24 at Epiphany Ca-thedral Parish in Venice and June 27 at St. Agnes Parish in Naples.
The movie shown was “Risen,” a story of a Roman soldier who wit-nessed the execution of Jesus. He faces his own doubts as he encoun-ters the apostles and other histori-cal biblical characters, and bears witness to the legendary storied events that followed the Resurrec-tion.
“We have a Constitution, we have a Bill of Rights and religious freedom is one of them,” St. Agnes parishioner Diane Stanley said, shortly before the movie started, which brought approximately 80 people to the parish hall.
“We should all be able to prac-tice our religion as free individuals — not take anyone else’s life, not degrade anyone else’s religion,” she added. “In this country, freedom is what we have stood for, which is why everyone has come over here, and now our government wants to take some of those away from us. I’m proud to be an American, and happy to be a Catholic, and I hope that as long as I live, and my children, and grandchildren who come after me, will be able to prac-tice their religion freely.”
Fortnight offers unity, prayers for religious liberty
Like many in attendance, Nata-sha Caron of Naples, showed her support by wearing red, white and blue. She said religious freedom is a “necessity.”
“Too many of our freedoms are being limited every day,” Caron said. “Anytime you let someone take a freedom away from you, they diminish who you are as a spirit, or a person.”
Bishop Frank J. Dewane cele-brated a Mass for the closing of the Fortnight at Epiphany Cathedral Parish July 3.
“When Pope Francis visited Washington during his visit to the United States in September 2015, he reminded our political leaders in attendance on the White House lawn, along with President Obama, the importance of protecting our religious freedom,” Bishop De-wane said. “But we too have a re-sponsibility to speak up in defense
of our faith. Let us not squander the opportunity.”
More than 325 parishioners and several priests from across the Di-ocese then joined Bishop Dewane for a Fortnight for Freedom closing picnic at Epiphany Cathedral Par-ish hall.
Prompted by Pope Benedict XVI, the U.S. Conference of Cath-olic Bishops formed an Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Freedom that issued a proclamation April 12, 2012, setting out their themes for two weeks of events and ser-vices in defense of religious liberty, which they said was “under attack, both at home and abroad.”
In addition to the Diocese-spon-sored activities, parishes across the region held a variety of activities in support of the Fortnight. This in-cluded homilies related to the issue of religious freedom, special prayer intentions and adoration.
At St. William Parish in Naples, there was daily eucharistic Holy Hour of freedom, which included the exposition of the Blessed Sac-rament, Scripture reflection, ro-sary and Benediction. All of this was done in solidarity with those facing religious persecution. At St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte, there was a kick-off dinner June 18 and a Fourth of July picnic to show support for the
Fortnight. Also taking place in Port Char-
lotte was a marriage rally June 25 at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Olean Boulevard. The “One Man, One Woman” marriage rally was for those who want to stand up for traditional marriage, and has be-come an annual event.
The 2016 Fortnight for Freedom officially ended July 4, Indepen-dence Day. n
Bishop Frank J. Dewane greets the faithful following the Fortnight for Freedom closing Mass at epiphany Cathedral in Venice July 3.
People participate in a picnic July 3 at Epiphany Cathedral Parish hall that marked the conclusion of the Fortnight for Freedom. (PHOTOS BY SUSAN LAIELLI | FC)
The faithful attend a Fortnight for Freedom prayer service and movie night June 24 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.
News briefs
Mooney grad reads before pope
Terence Hebda, a 2016 graduate of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, was a reader for a Mass cel-ebrated by Pope Francis June 29, the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul, at St. Pe-ter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Hebda is the nephew of Archbishop Ber-nard Hebda of St. Paul and Minne-apolis, who concelebrated the Mass with 24 other archbishops from around the world. They were there to receive the pallium, a woolen band that symbolizes an Archbish-op’s unity with the pope, and his au-thority and responsibility to care for the flock the pope entrusted to him.
Seminarian attends leaders conference
Diocese of Venice Seminarian
Shawn Roser recently participated in the Catholic-Jewish Emerging Leaders Conference for religious di-alogue, held in Jerusalem. Themed “Religions and politics: addressing religious extremism,” the confer-ence was organized by the Vatican Commission for Religious Relations with Judaism and the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious
Consultations, which brought to-gether 50 young people: 25 Catho-lics and 25 Jews.
Catholic Chamber meeting July 26
The Florida Catholic Chamber of Commerce will hold its next meet-ing July 26 at Brookdale Senior
Living, 8351 College Parkway, Fort Myers. The guest speaker will be Amanda Stirn, marketing director for the Florida Small Business De-velopment Center at Florida Gulf Coast University College of Busi-ness. The Chamber welcomes all Catholic businesses, Church min-istries and nonprofit organizations. There is no cost to attend monthly meetings; it is about Catholic busi-nesses and ministries supporting one another. For more information, contact Angela at 239-980-0921 or [email protected].
Hiking and lending a hand
The Bishop Verot Catholic High School “Vikings Going Hiking” group spent a week in June out West exploring Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park. While there, they also spent a morning
volunteering, building buck and rail fencing in the Grand Tetons. It was hard work with a view for the Fort Myers students and outdoor enthusiasts.
Helping the homeless
During the 2016-2017 school year, the St. John Neumann Catho-lic High School Creative Arts class taught by Stephanie Sweeney will use their talents to create sleeping mats for the homeless. These mats will be created using plastic shop-ping bags. Because the project will require roughly 27,000 plastic bags, during the summer, people are asked to deliver their plastic bags to the school to help complete the project. For information, contact Emily Sumpmann in the Develop-ment Office, 3000 53rd St. SW, Na-ples; or call 239-455-3044.
Terence Hebda, a 2016 Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School graduate, reads for the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul June 29 at the Vatican.
6July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY
Staff RepoRt
North Port | Six members of the Queen of the Holy Rosary Secu-lar Order of Discalced Carmelites community in North Port recently achieved important milestones in their response to God’s call in their lives during a Mass and formal rite June 20 in the Chapel of San Pedro Parish. Four aspirants received their brown scapular and were given a copy of the Gospels and the Rule of St. Albert, while two others made their definitive (final) promise to embrace fully the demands and rewards of living the way of life in-spired by the Rule of St. Albert. Fa-ther Casey Jones, the order’s spiritu-al assistant, celebrated the Mass and was assisted by Deacon Eugene H. Willis. Family and friends were in-vited and joined in the celebration.
Diane Murphy, president of the Queen of the Holy Rosary Secular Order, congratulated those receiv-ing their scapular: Urszula Cegiel-nik of Sarasota, Veronica Garbella
Local Secular Discalced Carmelites reach milestonesand Nancy McCabe of Port Char-lotte, and Deborah Robinson of North Port. Those who made their definitive promise were Dolores Ka-zlauskas of Port Charlotte and Mary Montedonico of Venice.
The four who received their scap-ular are now formally entered into a period of formation to more fully study the Rule of St. Albert, the lives of Carmelite saints, Carmelite writ-ings, the Liturgy of the Hours and contemplative prayer. The scapular, the outward sign Carmelites wear, is a sign of special devotion to and pro-tection of Our Mother, Mary. Wear-ing the scapular is intended to be an outward reminder of what should be going on within. Gradually, the person in initial formation will inte-grate the Rule of St. Albert into their daily life as they develop the habit of prayer.
The definitive promise made by two women is a lifelong commit-ment to tend toward evangelical perfection in the spirit of the evan-gelical counsels of chastity, poverty
and obedience of the Beatitudes, ac-cording to the rule of the order.
The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites are faithful members of the Church, called to live “in al-legiance to Jesus Christ” through “friendship with the One we know loves us” and in service to the Church. Under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in the biblical tradition of the prophet Eli-jah and inspired by the teachings of St. Teresa of Jesus and St John of the Cross, they seek to deepen their Christian commitment received in Baptism. There are more than 45,000 Discalced Carmelite Secu-lars worldwide and more than 6,000 in the United States.
Secular Carmelites come from all walks of life — men and women, young and old, married and single — with each one trying to respond to God’s call to “meditate on the Lord’s law, day and night.” They try to show God’s love in their everyday lives, wherever God leads and with the people God gives. n
Father Casey Jones is pictured with Discalced Carmelites, from left, Mary Montedonico, Deborah Robinson, Rosemary Gallo, Nancy McCabe, Veronica Garbella, Urszula Cegielnik, Diane Murphy and Dolores Kazlauskas. (COURTESY)
BoB Reddyof the Florida Catholic staff
CaPe Coral | A historic event is about to take place at the end of this month in Poland, during which an estimated 2 million young peo-ple from every corner of the world will come together in peace, faith and solidarity to experience Christ and the Church.
That event is the 15th Interna-tional World Youth Day and the Diocese of Venice will be there. The 143 Diocesan pilgrims represent the largest contingent from Florida traveling to Krakow, Poland, for World Youth Day.
“It is a true blessing to be able to go to this huge spiritual gathering with young people from around the world,” said Amanda Ugarte of St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral. “I am so excited to be a part of it, representing my Parish, my Dio-cese, my country and my faith. That is super exciting.”
George L. Smith, Director of the Office of Youth and Young Adults, has coordinated the trip. The larg-est groups participating are from Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, with others from St. Katharine Drexel Parish, St. Francis Xavier Parish in Fort Myers, St. Agnes Parish in Na-ples, as well as smaller groups from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers and several Diocesan seminarians.
This World Youth Day is of par-ticular significance because it is taking place during the Year of Mercy, in honor of St. John Paul II, the former Archbishop of Krakow, and it is also the hometown of St.
Faustina Kowalska, who inspired the Divine Mercy devotion.
Christian Wood of St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres is looking forward to his pilgrimage know-ing that it will be a life-altering ex-perience. “I have family who went to previous World Youth Days, so I know what to expect. However, the opportunity to be part of this amaz-ing public show of faith with mil-lions of other youth is something I have been looking forward to for a very long time.”
Paige Hardel of St. Agnes Parish in Naples had heard about World Youth Day from past participants and the idea intrigued her. “This (will) be a great opportunity and I’m going for the experience to grow in my faith. This is going to be some-thing I will carry with me forever.”
The group is traveling together on the same flight and will arrive in Warsaw July 23, first touring the historical city that was destroyed during World War II. Then it is on to Czetochowa, the home of the Jasna Gora Monastery, the most famous Polish shrine to the Blessed Mother, with a Mass before the “Black Ma-donna.”
The mother-daughter pair of Er-ika and Alexis Odiorne of St. Kath-erine Drexel Parish believes this pil-grimage is an opportunity to grow together spiritually. Erika Odiorne went to the first World Youth Day in 1984 in Rome when she was 14 and recalled the lasting impact the experience had upon her life, strengthening her connection to the faith.
“It was such an amazing experi-ence that I’m not sure I appreciated
at the time, but this trip is a special chance to go on this spiritual jour-ney with my daughter so that we can share our faith in a unique way,” Odiorne said.
Alexis also looks for the oppor-tunity to bond with her mother and realizes that she is at a crossroads in her faith. She received the Sacra-ment of Confirmation this year and truly wants to develop her relation-ship with God. “The entire trip is go-ing to be a chance to be immersed in my faith in a way that I cannot find at home,” Alexis said.
Once in Krakow, the group will be staying in a four-star hotel, close to many of the main World Youth Day activities. Because the city of a million is expected to have an in-flux of more than 4 million visitors for the week, the pilgrims were told to expect to do a lot of walking, al-though much less than those who have to stay outside of the city.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane will be
Diocesan pilgrims excited for World Youth Day
Above, a wristband for the pilgrims of World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, Poland. At left, pilgrims display clothing and backpacks for the 2016 World Youth Day in Krakow (COURTESY WYD2016)
meeting the pilgrims in Krakow and will connect with the group during many of the major activities. “It is wonderful to be able to join the Diocesan pilgrims for World Youth Day,” Bishop Dewane said. “The highlight will be seeing them enthusiastic about the Universal Church and all the youth around them as they each grow closer to the Lord.”
The activities in which the group will participate include the opening ceremonies, daily catechesis, out-door concerts, Stations of the Cross, an overnight outdoor vigil and the
closing Mass with Pope Francis. In addition, the group will be able to tour the nearby Auschwitz-Birke-nau concentration camp, as well as sites connected to St. Faustina and St. John Paul II.
Pilgrim Gabriella Giliberti of St. Katherine Drexel Parish and Florida Gulf Coast University went to World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro in 2013, which was a wonderful experience. “I feel it really helped me become a better Catholic and set my faith on fire,” she said. “I can only imagine what going to Krakow could bring to me now.” n
7 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY
36175-0715
BoB Reddyof the Florida Catholic staff
NAPLES | For one week each summer many parishes through-out the Diocese of Venice have Va-cation Bible school for the young-est of the faithful. These camps are fun, educational and intended to teach children to love God and thank God for all the wonderful gifts in the world.
Based on the noise levels, the bright smiles and the general ex-citement each child had during these weeks, the programs are a huge success. The programs are geared toward children ages 5-12. Parish programs vary in size from 50 or so to several hundred children. At St. John the Evange-list Parish in Naples more than 300 children participated in the camp.
“Cave Quest: Following Jesus, the Light of the World” was the most common program, and the children spent a week learning about Bible stories and then sing-ing and dancing in praise of God.
Team leaders — often middle school and high school student volunteers — led the children through a variety of activities that included arts and crafts, games, re-enacting Bible adventures and just having fun. Each day in the week had a different theme and different activities to keep the children engaged and learning.
One of the highlights is to hear the children explain their “God experiences.” These are explained encounters with God’s creation — such as seeing but-terf lies or rainbows — or with good people, such as having a good friend help with a project. Each day closed with the children learning inspiring music, dancing for a while, and then taking part in a closing prayer. n
VBS brings fun, faith to summer
Above, children enjoy the Vacation Bible school at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples. Below, children at a Vacation Bible school at Resurrection Parish in Fort Myers pose for photos. (PHOTOS BY BOB REDDY | FC)
Children dance to a song at a Vacation Bible school at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City.
At left, children laugh as a pile of boxes they stacked tips over during a Vacation Bible school at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Above, Children learn about Bible stories at the Vacation Bible school at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples.
8July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY
DIOCESAN EVENTSRetreat for divorced and
separated, Sept. 16-18, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice. “At the Well Healing Retreat,” sponsored by Office of Family Life. Registration opens July 15 with limited spaces available. www.dioceseofvenice.org/atthewellretreat.
Marriage preparation instructors needed. The Office of Marriage and Family is seeking married couples who are willing to teach a one-day workshop up to three times per year. Training will be provided on basics of Theology of the Body and teachings of the Catholic Church. A stipend is given to those couples who assist. Contact Kim Elsmore, [email protected].
“Summertime and the Giving Is Easy.” Catholic Charities collection provides assistance that nourishes, educates, shelters and supports at-risk children, isolated elderly, struggling families and homeless individuals. A total of 93 cents of each dollar donated goes directly to programs and services. www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.
Project Rachel post-abortion healing retreat, upcoming dates being scheduled and shared anonymously. This Year of Mercy is the perfect time to experience a Project Rachel retreat. For confidential information, contact Fonda, 239-719-7210; [email protected].
Novena of Masses for Life. Masses will be celebrated throughout the Diocese monthly Dec. 25, for a greater respect for all human life. For complete schedule, visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife. Join in this special observance of the life of Jesus in the womb of our Blessed Mother.
Young adult opportunities. The Diocese of Venice offers many opportunities for young adults to build communities. Through programs like Theology on Tap, intramural sports teams, and Parish-organized social events, there is something available for everyone throughout the Diocese. Young adults (18-39) are encouraged to participate in these opportunities to enrich their faith and make friends:
• Naples area, Theology on Tap, returning in September, Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. First Tuesdays, St. John the Evangelist Parish; second Tuesdays, St. Agnes Parish; third Tuesdays, St. Peter the Apostle Parish; fourth Tuesdays, St. William Parish.
• Venice area, “Upper Room Coffee House,” Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Santa Maria Chapel, Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School, Venice.
• Sarasota area, St. Patrick Parish, Sarasota, has a weekly young adult kickball team. Tom Lelyo, [email protected].
Year of Mercy information. Dec. 8 marked the start of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, called by Pope Francis to spread the message of mercy throughout the world. The Year of Mercy continues until Nov. 20, the Solemnity of Christ the King. For more information: http://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-year-of-mercy/.
Visiting the Holy Doors
of Mercy. Pope Francis is encouraging everyone to make a pilgrimage to all diocesan cathedrals and other designated churches to visit a Holy Door of Mercy. In Diocese of Venice: Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, 941-484-3505, Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sunday all day; and Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 240 Park Ave., Boca Grande, 941-964-2254, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-noon. Please call ahead.
Parish Vocation Ministry Team is a new initiative of the Vocations Office to promote a culture of vocations in every parish in the Diocese. These lay teams will be dedicated to raising awareness for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, promoting prayer for vocations, and inviting young people to consider the call God has for them. To be part of this ministry, speak to your Pastor or contact Father Eric Scanlan, Vocations Director, [email protected], 941-486-4720.
Legal help available for needy. Cenacle Legal Services Inc. (CLS), a not-for-profit legal aid organization, in partnership with the Diocese of Venice, serves legal needs of its income-eligible clients in South Sarasota County without regard to creed, race, age, sex, disability, ethnicity or status in the U.S. CLS attorneys volunteer pro bono. To request an appointment: 941-244-0308, [email protected]. CLS offices are located at 237 N. Nassau St., Venice. Follow on Facebook at Cenacle Legal Services.
Television Mass for the homebound in the northern portions of the Diocese, 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network; in the southern portions of the Diocese, 10 a.m., on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). Check your local listings for channel information. Leaflet missals are available upon request by calling 941-484-9543 and asking about the TV Mass or by writing: TV Mass, Diocese of Venice, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. Gail Ardy: 941-486-4714, [email protected].
Safe Environment training.
As part of the Safe Environment Program, the Diocese of Venice requires that all employees and those volunteers who work with children and/or vulnerable adults be fingerprinted and trained in Safe Environment. For class times and locations, contact your local parish or Diocesan school or visit www.dioceseofvenice.org. Report all abuses against minors to the Florida Department of Children and Families at 1-800-962-2873. To report abuse by Diocesan personnel or volunteers, call the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator Barbara DiCocco at 941-416-6114.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
“Come and See! How shall I discover my vocation?” retreat, July 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Villa Flora Renewal Center, 234 St. George St., St. Augustine. Hosted by the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine. A day filled with peace and prayerfulness to ask questions about life as a woman religious, and take time to listen to God’s call. Contact Sister Kathleen, [email protected], 904-610-9228.
Women’s retreat, Aug. 5-7, Ave Maria University, Ave Maria. “Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy: Our Refuge in the Battlefield of Life” features Johnette Benkovic, president and founder of Women of Grace; EWTN’s Father John Paul Mary Zeller; Susan Brinkmann; and Thomas K. Sullivan. 1-800-558-5452.
Summer camp, Monday-Friday, through July 29, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, 21505 Augusta Ave., Port Charlotte. Each week has a different theme: Inventors Workshop, It’s a Bugs Life, Artful Antics, Walk Like and Egyptian, Let it Snow, Marvelous Mazes and All Ball. Cost: $25 per day or $100 per week. Early care and after-care available. 941-625-5533, [email protected].
“Full STEAM Ahead” summer camps, through Aug. 5, St.
John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. Science, technology, engineering, arts and music camps for children of all ages will take place at the parish all summer. Dates and times vary each week. 239-451-3142, www.fullsteamaheadFL.com.
Young adult outreach night, July 28, 7-9 p.m., St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers. Dinner gatherings for ages 22 to 30. Lois Kittenplan, [email protected].
Vacation Bible school at area parishes:
• Incarnation, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, July 18-22, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 941-921-6631.
• St. Joseph Parish, 3100 26th St. W., Bradenton, July 18-22, 941-756-3732.
• St. Martha, 200 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, July 25-29, 9 a.m.-
noon. Patty, 941-366-4210, ext. 3236; [email protected].
• St. Thomas More, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, Aug. 1-5, 9 a.m.-noon. 941-923-1691, www.stthomasmoresrq.org.
9th annual Youth Conference, July 15-17, Ave Maria University. All high school-age youth from incoming freshman to outgoing seniors are invited to a weekend of faith, fellowship, music. Speakers include: Franciscan Father Stan Fortuna, Michael Gormley (Gomer), Chris Padgett, and Arlene Spenceley. Closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. $175 per person, includes lodging, meals and fees. 239-348-4725, [email protected], www.avemaria.edu/news-events/conferences.
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Effective July 7:Father Antony Lukka to Parochial Vicar of St. William Parish, Naples.
Effective July 11: Father Casey Jones to Parochial Vicar of Resurrection Parish, Fort Myers, and Chaplain of Bishop Verot Catholic High School and Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, from Parochial Vicar of San Pedro Parish, North Port.Father Leszek Trojanowski to Pa-rochial Vicar of San Pedro Parish, North Port, from Parochial Vicar of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Bradenton.Father Michael Szyszka to Parochial Vicar of Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish, Bradenton, from Parochial Vicar of St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota.Father James Simko to Parochial Vicar of St. Thomas More Parish, Sara-sota, from Parochial Vicar of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples.Father Paul D’Angelo to Parochial Vicar of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples, from Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton.
Father Joseph Gates to Parochial Vicar of St. Columbkille Parish, Fort My-ers, from Parochial Vicar of Epiphany Ca-thedral, Venice.Father Zenon Kurzyna to Parochial Vicar of Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish, Bradenton, from Parochial Vicar of St. Columbkille Parish, Fort Myers.Father Grzegorz Klich to Parochial Vicar of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Fort Myers.Father Lawton Lang to Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton.Father Charles Ruoff to Parochial Vicar of Epiphany Cathedral, Venice.
Effective July 25:Father James Cogan to Administrator of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Par-rish, from Parochial Vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish, Bonita Springs.Father Jacek Mazur to Pastor of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish, Bo-keelia, from Pastor of Incarnation Parish, Sarasota.
CLERGY APPOINTMENTSBishop Frank J. Dewane, after consultation with the Priest Personnel
Board, announces the following assignments
FLORIDA NEWS9 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016
Kurt Jensen Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON | Just after 10 a.m. East Coast time June 27 in Washington, Kristan Hawkins, director of Students for Life, made an announcement to her small rally in front of the Supreme Court: “Women across America just lost!”
Her comments followed the high court issuing its 5-3 deci-sion in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt. The court struck down restrictions on Texas abor-tion clinics that required them to comply with standards of am-bulator y surgical centers and required their doctors to have admitting privileges at local hos-pitals.
The case challenged a 2013 state law, H.B. 2, placing the re-quirements on the state’s abor-tion clinics. Opponents of the law claimed the requirements were aimed at closing abortion clinics.
But the state and many pro-life advocates maintained that the law protected women’s health.
Justice Stephen G. Breyer wrote the majority opinion, joined by Justices Anthony M. Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Soto-mayor and Elena Kagan. The same five had issued an earlier ruling allowing abortion clinics in Texas to remain operational until a final decision was handed down in the case.
Rep. Jodie Laubenburg, the Tex-as lawmaker who wrote and intro-duced H.B. 2 in the Texas Legisla-ture and helped it get passed. She called it “a bad day for women and a sad day for our nation.”
“Women deser ve t he same standard of care at these abortion clinics as they would receive at a medical facility,” she said. “Obvi-ously the politics of abortion su-persedes the health and safety of women and that’s what we were fighting for in H.B. 2 — for the health and safety of women. I’m
disappointed, but we are not de-feated because we are going to keep working to protect women.”
With decision on Texas law, women in U.S. ‘just lost’
Pro-life supporters pray at the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court June 27 during protests in Washington. In a 5-3 vote that day, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down restrictions on Texas abortion clinics that required them to comply with standards of ambulatory surgical centers and required their doctors to have admitting privileges at local hospitals. (MIChael ReynoldS, ePa | CnS)
Carol Everett, founder of the Heidi Group and a former abor-tion provider, spearheaded the
inclusion of the law’s requirement that abortion clinics comply with standards of ambulatory surgical centers.
“This is an industry that will now be allowed to open substan-dard facilities all through the na-tion. Women will be preyed on and injured,” said Everett, whose nonprofit organization counsels post-abortive women and men and works with a nationwide net-work of pregnancy centers.
“Our responsibility is to help these women make good choices. Obviously we would help them choose life, but if they are going to walk to the door of an abortion clinic, we want them to have the highest standard of care avail-able,” she added. “The pro-life movement once again has been the one to stand at the front line, standing there to protect the health of women.” n
Contributing to this story was Ana Franco-Guzman.
Jean Gonzalezof the Florida Catholic staff
ORLANDO | A Supreme Court ruling on abortion, the first in sev-eral years, has had an effect not only in the state at the heart of the ruling, but also in other parts of the United States.
In the June 27 decision on Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, the nation’s highest court ruled that Texas abortion clinics do not have to comply with standards of am-bulatory surgical centers, and their doctors are not required to have ad-mitting privileges at local hospitals. (See accompanying story above.) The decision has had ripple effects. The same day as the June 27 ruling, the office of Alabama’s Attorney General dropped its appeal of a fed-eral district court judge’s 2014 rul-ing that the state’s admitting-priv-ileges law, similar to the Texas law, was unconstitutional. The day after the decision, the Supreme Court refused to review court rulings that blocked admitting-privileges re-quirements at abortion facilities in Mississippi and Wisconsin.
So would the Sunshine State also face fallout from the decision? Ingrid Delgado, associate for respect life and social concerns for the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, said despite the disappointing ruling of Hellerstedt, it would not prohibit or overturn what is in place in Florida.
“The court’s decision failed to uphold a higher standard of care for women terminating a pregnancy,” Delgado said. “While the ruling is deeply disappointing, it must be noted that Florida’s law, while simi-lar, is distinct in key ways.”
As in many cases when dealing with laws and legislation, some-thing staffers of the conference — the lobbying arm of Florida’s bish-ops — are embroiled in every day, passage of a bill could come down to its language and its foundation. In Florida, abortion clinics do have to meet same standards as ambula-tory surgical centers. Also, medical directors at state abortion facili-ties are required to have admitting privileges at a hospital 30 miles away, or the clinic itself should have a transfer agreement with a hospital 30 minutes away. This would mean in case of complications during an abortion, the clinic could call the local hospital for the patient to be transferred there. Those require-ments were in Florida’s Women’s Health and Safety Act, which was championed by the conference and put into law in 2005.
How does the language in that 11-year-old bill differ from the one in Texas? Delgado explained Texas’s law also required abortion providers to meet the same standards as am-bulatory surgical centers and clin-ics and mandated them to upgrade their building, safety, parking, and staffing to meet the standards of a hospital room. Instead of having that blanket statement, the Women’s Health and Safety Act was written in such a way that it used the rules al-ready put in place by the Agency for Healthcare Administration, which is in charge of monitoring facilities offering medical procedures.
The agency breaks down medical procedures to three levels. Level 1 is for noninvasive procedures, such as wart removal, whereas the other two levels are for more invasive pro-
cedures. The language of Women’s Health and Safety Act was written so that abortions should be judged as a Level 2 procedure, and as such should abide by the standards al-ready set by the agency. Drafters copied those standards and put them within the bill. Because of that wording, Delgado explained, the law did not place “undue bur-den” upon the abortion facilities but rather created an “equivalency standard.”
Delgado said the law has been in effect for 11 years and didn’t cause the fervor of the Texas law. Yet, in the Sunshine State the successful legislation has prompted clinics in Florida to close because they could not abide by those standards.
“You can’t get too greedy with wording of legislation, which is es-pecially true in Florida because of the privacy law,” she said. “We have to be really careful in language we champion, and that might be why we are in a much better place than in Texas.”
But that doesn’t make the defeat of Hellerstedt any less tragic. Pro-abortion advocates lauded the deci-sion as a triumph for women’s health because the restrictions mandated by the Texas law, passed in No-vember 2013, caused the closing of some 23 abortion clinics across the Lone Star State. Those same advocates said the closing of the clinics was detrimental to women’s health because some of those clinics that closed were the only source of health care (such as mammograms, pap smears and family planning) for women within a 50-, 100-, even 200-mile radius.
But the devil is in the details of
that reasoning. Only clinics that offered abortions were mandated to follow regulations, so if a clinic only provided non-abortion-related health services, it would not have to follow the ambulatory surgical cen-ter regulations.
Those against the Texas regula-tions make it seem that the only places women in Texas might find affordable, reduced and/or free health care are at facilities that also offer abortions. That might be a fal-lacy there, and it certainly is in Flor-ida. Delgado said in Florida alone there are 280 federally qualified health care centers (FQHCs) which are women’s wellness providers and do not offer abortions. In compari-son, there are 22 Planned Parent-hood clinics that offer those services and abortions.
But a wider question to pro-abortion advocates is what would be the reasoning for not wanting abortion facilities to follow safety regulations of ambulatory surgical centers? Wouldn’t that be best for women’s health? Delgado cited the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolo-gists, which published “Incidence of Emergency Department Visits and Complications After Abortion” in January 2015. Using 2009-10 data from Medicaid recipients in Califor-nia, it was reported that 54,911 abor-tion procedures were performed on California Medicaid beneficiaries. Of those patients, 1,156 (or 2.1 per-cent) reported abortion-related complications, in which 126 were major complications, defined as requiring hospital admission, addi-tional surgery or blood transfusion.
To the pro-abortion contingent, that is a small percentage. To Delga-do, one woman with complications is too much. With the transfer and/or admitting privileges, patients can be transferred immediately to an emergency room with their paper-work, such as history, blood type, reason for admission — critical in-formation available immediately that might not be available if the pa-tient or her family member admits her to the hospital themselves. That set of regulations might have helped those more than 1,000 women.
Delgado explained that pro-abortion advocates sidestep that question and justify their reasoning for denying that Texas legislation by putting blame on the pro-life sup-porters who backed the bill not to protect women’s health, but to close abortion clinics.
While Delgado agrees it is good when abortion clinics close, pro-life supporters still advocate legislation that protects women’s health and safety, even though abortion is still legal.
“It doesn’t make sense when they say, ‘This is for women’s health care,’ then say, ‘But we don’t want the physicians to have the same level of scrutiny in terms of health care given.’ You can’t believe both things,” Delgado said. “That is why the language is so critical, so impor-tant when introducing legislation. We cannot have the legislation fail and give (pro-abortion advocates) the opportunity to affirm Roe v. Wade.” n
To find out about federally qualified health centers in Florida, visit www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Does court ruling affect abortion laws in Florida?
FLORIDA NEWS 10July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic
CatholiC News serviCe
BATON ROUGE, La. | Bishop Robert W. Muench of Baton Rouge is urging the local community to be “ministers of healing to a hurt-ing world” while protests are taking place about the police shooting of a black man outside a convenience store in Baton Rouge July 5.
“This week in our community, as in our nation, and as in our world, we find ourselves facing the many emotions that accompany acts of violence. We experience sadness, anger, frustration and fear,” the bishop said in a July 7 statement.
The statement was issued two days after 37-year-old Alton Sterling was shot and killed as two white police officers wrestled him to the ground, an action posted online by a cellphone video of the shooting. The bishop urged members of the community not to let anger move them “to inflict pain on others” but instead to be “ambassadors of hope and mercy.”
“May fear not lead us into de-spair,” he said, urging the com-munity to be moved by “the grace of Christ’s suffering for us” and in turn “impart that grace to one an-other.”
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Ed-wards asked the U.S. Justice De-
partment July 6 to lead a civil rights investigation into the killing. “I have very serious concerns. The video is disturbing, to say the least,” the governor said at a news confer-ence.
According to news reports, Ster-ling was confronted by police after an anonymous caller reported be-ing threatened by someone with a gun outside the Baton Rouge con-venience store. In the video foot-age, someone yells, “He’s got a gun! Gun!” and an officer pulled a gun
from his holster. After some shout-ing, what sounds like a gunshot can be heard.
A statement from the Louisiana Interchurch Conference, which includes Christian churches from around the state, said “local reli-gious leaders and civic authorities have called for calm as the investi-gation unfolds.”
The statement also said the group joins in prayer for Sterling’s family, the Baton Rouge neighbor-hoods and “authorities as they at-
tempt to provide answers to the questions that this death raises.”
“We pray that as our communi-ties, state and nation continue to grapple with violence and tragic deaths, we may address the scourge of racism that continues to surface in so many of these events,” it con-tinued.
The group, which includes members from the Archdiocese of New Orleans and Baton Rouge and Houma-Thibodaux dioceses, said, “We call for calm as citizens assemble in response to this event, and ask for prayers for those who grieve.”
Just days after Sterling’s shoot-ing, Philando Castile was fatally shot by a police officer during a July 8 traffic stop in the Minneapolis suburb of Falcon Heights.
In response to the shooting, Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis planned to celebrate a “Mass for the Preser-vation of Peace and Justice” at the Cathedral of St. Paul July 8.
“As people of faith, we turn to the Lord in challenging times, seeking not only his consolation and heal-ing but also his wisdom and guid-ance,” he said in a July 8 statement.
The archbishop, stressing the need to come together “in the midst of anger, fear and frustration,” said the congregation would ask God to
Baton Rouge bishop urges community not to give in to anger, fear
Community members attend a July 7 vigil in memory of Alton Sterling, who was shot dead by police outside a market in Baton Rouge, La. Sterling, 37, was killed early July 5 in a shooting that was captured on cellphone video. (JeffRey DuBinSky, ReuteRS | CnS)
console the Castile family and also to “heal the divisions in our com-munity, to guide our public ser-vants in their pursuit of the com-mon good and to satisfy the long-ings of those who thirst for justice and peace.”
On Relevant Radio’s “The Redis-cover Hour” with host Jeff Cavins, Archbishop Hebda said he has been encouraging local Catholics to pray for Castile and his family and loved ones, as well as to pray for society and communities “that we might be places of peace and a place where the dignity of each human life is respected, where we come to know each other as sons and daughters of God and recog-nize that image of God in each of us.”
Reaction to both shootings sparked peaceful protests across the country, including the protest in Dallas which ended with at least one sniper opening fire and killing five Dallas law enforcement offi-cers.
Dallas Bishop Kevin J. Farrell said the city had been “swept up in the escalating cycle of violence that has now touched us intimately.”
“We cannot lose respect for each other,” he said, urging civic leaders to “work together to come to a sen-sible resolution to this escalating violence.” n
JeaN GoNzalezof the Florida Catholic staff
ORLANDO | It had been less than two weeks since the Pulse nightclub shooting when Father Miguel Gonzalez traveled with youths from his parish and sur-rounding Orlando parishes for a service work camp.
After counseling victims and families shortly after the tragedy that took 49 innocent lives, the pastor of St. John Vianney Parish looked forward to taking time to process the grief and sadness that enveloped him as he counseled. The service camp included 500 teens from the Orlando Diocese, and Father Gonzalez said organiz-ers recognized that and conveyed prayer support.
“It was a great sense of comfort for all of us as we grieved what took place in Orlando,” he said. “It was there from the very beginning, and we were so grateful for it.”
The youths worked around Charleston, S.C., which suffered from senseless violence on June 17, 2015, when nine people were gunned down during a prayer meeting at Emanuel African Meth-odist Episcopal Church. The pas-tor of the church, the Rev. Dr. Betty Deas Clark, had traveled to Orlando the day after the Pulse shooting to
speak at a community vigil and ral-ly held on the lawn of the Dr. Phil-lips Performing Arts Center.
“I am here because of the love shown to us at Mother Emanuel,” she said, and added that her church and community were able to for-give, or at least not express hate. “That is the love that brought me here. And we must pray not just for today, but for tomorrow.”
Father Gonzalez understood the tragic connection residents of Orlando had with that Charleston church community. When a free moment presented itself during the retreat, he and a group of teens went to Emanuel to say a prayer.
When they arrived, a minister of the church greeted them, then went inside the church to let the pastor know they were there. Father Gon-zalez believed she was just secur-ing permission for them to gather in front of the church for prayer.
But instead Rev. Clark and Greg-ory G. Mullen, Charleston’s chief of police, came out to greet the group. They thanked the teens for their service in beautifying and aiding the community, but also thanked them for spiritually connecting with the community. After prayer, Rev. Clark took photos with the youths and insistently asked, “Am I going to get hugs from all of you?”
“For her to connect with us, meet
the kids and offer admiration and appreciation and understanding, it will mark the lives of these young men and women,” Father Gonzalez said. “It allowed them and me to discover how love truly conquers everything.”
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Father Gonzalez has said there have been many moments of support that demonstrate God’s love and care. He has been especially thank-ful for the brotherhood of priests
who have called, checking up on him and other priests who have served as counselors. Phone con-versations with friends, Facebook posts and dinners with family who are thankfully close by have served as valuable avenues of respite.
But Father Gonzalez’s thoughts are also on the surviving victims who need so much more comfort and respite. He thinks about how small things, such as a helicopter flying overhead or a police or fire
engine siren, have such a profound effect on the victims.
“As I was watching and enjoying fireworks with my parents, I could only think of how many survivors were shivering whenever they heard those booms. It must have brought them back to that night. Thoughts like that pain me,” Father Gonzalez said. “Even as time pass-es, we must be mindful of the sur-vivors as they are trying to resume their lives. We cannot let go of them spiritually. These survivors have open wounds that need to close, if they fully do.”
Those who participated peace-fully in Dallas before five police officers were murdered might also suffer from auditory triggers. When asked what he would say to victims there, Father Gonzalez without hesitation offers words of building strength upon love, and not giv-ing in to fear and feeling hate. It is a lesson he learned from the pastor in Charleston, and it is a lesson he learned firsthand after the Pulse shooting.
“Look at the histor y of the Church; it is symbol of love. We must keep focused on God and the love the Lord extends to us and with one another,” he said. “And when things are tragic, we cannot give into fear. God offers strength in our lives.” n
in the center row are father Miguel Gonzalez, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Orlando; the Rev. Dr. Betty Deas Clark, pastor of emanuel African Methodist episcopal Church in Charleston; and Gregory Mullen, Charleston’s chief of police, as they stand with teens and chaperones from the Orlando Diocese. the group prayed in front of the historic church which had suffered from gun violence in 2015. (COuRteSy)
Priest: Pulse victims still need to be enveloped in prayer, love
QUICK READS11 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016
DaviD SeDeno Catholic News Service
DALLAS | In the week since five Dallas area police officers were gunned down, thousands have gathered in churches, parks, pla-zas, parking lots and a symphony hall to remember the fallen officers, to cry for hope and pray for peace and unity in communities across the country.
On the evening of July 7, as a march and rally protesting po-lice-related shootings in parts of the country was about to end, a lone sniper targeted police, fatally wounding five officers, and injur-ing nine other officers and two ci-vilians. After a standoff for several hours with a heavily armed, agi-tated and wounded gunman holed up in a second-story garage, police detonated an explosive device, kill-ing him.
As the night turned into day, the sunlight July 8 gave way to images of busted windows, bullet-riddled police vehicles and shattered lives; a request from the police chief for better treatment and respect for those taking the oath “to serve and to protect,” and a resolve from city and faith leaders that neither a “coward” targeting police or others bent on disrupting a city would di-vide the community.
On July 12, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and former President George W. Bush joined Mayor Mike Rawlings, Police Chief David O. Brown, the families of those officers killed and injured, hundreds of other law en-forcement officials, and elected and interfaith leaders at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center to re-member the “heroes.”
Those heroes were represented
in the audience not only by their families, but by five seats, draped in black, with a folded American flag and a policeman’s cap.
Obama, Bush, the mayor and the police chief all spoke about the courage of the five officers and their commitment to protecting lives.
As he has done over the past several days during his European trip, Obama said America was not divided but that many times some Americans do not understand the plight of others, particularly the ra-cial profiling that minorities endure disproportionately at the hands of the community and police officers.
The march through downtown Dallas July 7 was organized to show support for families of two men killed earlier in the week in officer-related shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota.
He talked about incidents that prompted the rally and shootings in Dallas. On July 5 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Alton Sterling, 37, was killed by police during an alterca-tion outside a convenience store after witnesses said that he had a gun. On July 6, in suburban St. Paul, Minn., Philando Castile was fatally shot after a traffic stop.
“If we are to sustain unity, if we are to get through these difficult times, if we are to honor these five outstanding officers who we have lost, then we need to act on the truths that we know,” he said. “And that’s not easy. It makes us uncom-fortable. We are going to have to be honest with each other and our-selves.”
He also acknowledged what Dal-las police have been saying over the past several days, that their new community policing policies and tactics have reduced complaints of excessive force by 64 percent.
“They are deserving of our re-spect and not our scorn,” he said.
He, like the others, asked for unity, but said that many times af-ter a tragedy old habits return and the commitment to change is left to chance.
But he and others said that the police department and the city should be an example of how to re-act after such a tragedy, especially how they have honored their fallen officers and how they have commit-ted to take care of their families.
The five officers killed were iden-tified as Dallas police officers Sgt. Michael J. Smith, 55; Senior Cpl. Lorne Ahrens, 48; Officer Michael Krol, 40; and Officer Patrick Zamar-ippa, 32, and Sgt. Michael J. Smith, 55. Also killed was Brent Thomp-son, 43, an officer with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit.
Smith, his wife, Heidi, and their two daughters, Victoria and Caro-line, are part of the Mary Immacu-late Catholic Church community in Farmers Branch, just north of Dal-las. Heidi is a fourth-grade teacher at Mar y Immaculate Catholic School. A funeral Mass for Smith was to be celebrated July 13 at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. A second ceremony at Watermark Community Church, where Smith worked some of his off-duty hours as a security guard, was scheduled for July 14.
At a citywide candlelight vigil at Dallas City Hall July 11, the fami-lies of the fallen officers gathered to hear others, mostly the partners of each of the officers, pay tribute to those they called heroes.
“I think those that love Mike the most that want to honor his legacy by choosing, because it is a choice, not to let our anger drag us into a darker place, but instead choose to
Crowds gather to remember Dallas officers
continue Mike’s fight for good and to not let the evil prevail,” said Of-ficer Marcie St. John, his partner.
Police identified the lone gun-man as Michael Xavier Johnson, 25, a former Army Reserve veteran who had served in Afghanistan. Au-thorities said that during tense ne-gotiations the evening of the attack, Johnson talked about wanting to kill white officers and said that “the end is coming.” Authorities have said Johnson was heavily armed when he was killed and that they found other weapons and tactical materials from a search of his home in nearby Mesquite.
Since the shooting, city officials and ecumenical leaders have made it a point to show unity in the wake of any divisive talk.
The mayor and numerous ecu-menical leaders, including Dallas
Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, were joined by several hundred people at an in-terfaith service in downtown Dal-las July 8, just a few hours after, and about a mile from, the site of the ambush. They joined hands and called for unity in the face of polar-ization and adversity.
On July 9, Bishop Farrell cel-ebrated a special Mass of hope and healing at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The Gos-pel reading at the anticipatory Mass was from Luke 10:25-37, or the par-able of the good Samaritan that speaks about love and mercy.
Bishop Farrell said the officers died doing what they do every day. “Protecting us,” he said. He also called for an end to the senseless vi-olence and said that Jesus, through the Scriptures, already had laid out a solution: prayer. n
Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service
WARSAW, Poland | Young people attending World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, Poland, may have to walk up to nine miles to and from one of its key sites, event organizers said. “They’ll have to be ready for a long foot journey of several hours, but this has always been a feature of World Youth Days,” said Anna Chmura, WYD’s communications coordinator.
“There’ll be several designated routes, mostly from Krakow, and they’ll all be used heavily. But we’re confident the logistics and security have now been carefully worked out,” she told Catholic News Ser-vice.
The event, which runs July 26-31, is expected to bring 2 million
people from 187 countries to the southern Polish city. They will be accompanied by 47 cardinals, 800 bishops and 20,000 priests.
The July 30-31 vigil and Mass, on the fourth and fifth days of Pope Francis’ visit, will require nearly all of the participants to make the nine-mile journey to Campus Mi-sericordiae, near Poland’s Wielic-zka salt mine, Chmura said. Buses will be available only for the 2,000 handicapped people registered for the event, elderly pilgrims and those with special needs, she add-ed.
“Although we don’t have a fi-nal number for the buses, there’ll certainly be dozens, but the foot pilgrimage theme is central to the W YD,” Chmura explained. “All registered groups from the vari-ous sectors will have their paths
precisely indicated, to keep people moving and avoid logjams or safety hazards.”
The closing events include an evening prayer vigil July 30 at the campus as pilgrims stay overnight at the site. World Youth Day con-cludes the morning of July 31 with Mass and recitation of the Angelus before Pope Francis departs for Rome.
Organizers said seven new bridg-es had been constructed nearby with 20 giant “eucharistic tents” as well as computer links to enable people worldwide to follow activi-ties using 32 “pilgrim avatars.”
Meanwhile, Wieliczka Mayor Ar-tur Koziol said roads and highways had been widened, and irrigation ditches and dikes strengthened fol-lowing heavy summer rainfall on the 450-acre site.
“We’re effectively building a city of 2 million here, so there must be an appropriate infrastructure,” Koziol told journalists June 29.
In a late June report, Krakow offi-cials said 275 individual locations in and around the city would be used for events and that 184 schools had been requisitioned for overnight accommodation. There also are camping facilities for 28,000 people.
KAI reported that more than 920,000 people had registered for events by the June 30 deadline, in-cluding more than 77,000 Italians, 31,000 Spaniards, 35,000 French, 27,000 Americans and 14,000 Bra-zilians. However, Father Grzegorz Suchodolski, secretary general of the World Youth Day Organizing Committee, cautioned that previ-ous celebrations suggested up to three times as many could turn up
without registering.“We must reckon with the spon-
taneity of young people. Many still haven’t even heard there’s a regis-tration system,” the priest told KAI July 1. “We’re already seeing a mi-raculous increase in numbers, and I’m convinced God will bring many, many more. As the organizational team, we’ve given our two fishes and five loaves, and God is prepar-ing baskets for all the leftovers.”
Poland’s state rail network, PKP, said June 24 it would provide 350 additional trains for visitors.
The head of the Polish Church’s Krakow-based Child Protection Center, Jesuit Father Adam Zak, said he was working with organiz-ers to ensure safety of under-age participants, particularly among the 200,000 expected to be lodged with private families. n
Organizers: WYD in Poland ‘will involve long walks’
Former first lady Laura Bush, former U.S. President George W. Bush, first lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama hold their hands on their hearts as they sing the national anthem July 12 in Dallas. (CarLO aLLeGri, reUterS | CNS)
NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL NEWS 12July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic
DaviD SeDeno Catholic News Service
DALLAS | Religious and civic leaders called for peace after five Dallas law enforcement officers were killed July 7 when a sniper opened fire in downtown Dallas.
“We have been swept up in the escalating cycle of violence that has now touched us intimately as it has others throughout our country and the world,” said Dallas Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, who has blogged in the past several months about the escalating gun violence across the country and world. “All lives mat-ter: black, white, Muslim, Christian, Hindu. We are all children of God, and all human life is precious.
“We cannot lose respect for each other, and we call upon all of our civic leaders to speak to one another and work together to come to a sen-sible resolution to this escalating violence,” he said. “Let us implore God our heavenly Father to touch the minds and hearts of all people to work together for peace and un-derstanding.“We pray for consolation and heal-ing for both the families and those killed and wounded,” he said. “We are reminded of the ever-present danger to those who are dedicated to protecting us.”
The shootings occurred as hun-dreds of demonstrators were wind-ing down a march protesting recent fatal officer-involved shootings in other parts of the country. In Baton Rouge, La., Alton Sterling, 37, was killed July 5 by police during an altercation outside a convenience store after witnesses said that he had a gun. In a suburb of St. Paul, Minn., Philando Castile was fatally shot after a traffic stop July 6.
The five officers — four from the Dallas Police Department and one from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) — were shot around 9 p.m. local time by Micah Xavier Johnson, 25, who targeted law enforcement officials from a parking garage. The five dead were among 12 officers and two civilians wounded.
The suspected sniper — an Army veteran who had held doz-ens of SWAT officers at bay for sev-eral hours by saying that there were bombs planted around the area, that “the end was coming” and that he would take down more officers — was killed overnight when police sent a robot toward him and deto-nated an explosive device attached to the robot.
The slain Dallas police officers are Senior Cpl. Lorne Ahrens, 48; Officer Michael Krol, 40; Officer Patrick Zamarripa, 32, and Sgt. Mi-chael J. Smith, 55. DART officials identified their officer as Brent Thompson, 43, who had been on the force since 2009, and said that he had gotten married only two weeks ago.
Smith, his wife Heidi and their two daughters, Victoria and Caro-line, are part of the Mary Immacu-late Parish community in Farmers Branch, just north of Dallas. Heidi Smith is a fourth-grade teacher at Mary Immaculate Catholic School.
Father Michael Forge, pastor of Mary Immaculate, sent a letter to all parishioners via email July 8, informing them of the death of Smith, a former U.S. Army Ranger who joined the Dallas police force in 1989.
“I’m asking all of us to pull to-gether in prayer and support for the Smith family, as well as the other officers’ families who were killed along with Mike,” he said. “Together with the church and school admin-istration and staff, please pray for them, allow them some privacy, and support them and all of our … families who are grieving this tragic situation.”
The attack was the worst loss in the city of Dallas’ history and for U.S. law enforcement since 9/11. “We are hurting,” said Dallas Police Chief David Brown, who has said that police don’t feel much support most days. “Our profession is hurt-ing. Dallas officers are hurting. We are heartbroken. There are no words to describe the atrocity that occurred to our city. All I know is that this must stop — this divisive-ness between our police and our citizens.”
The day after the shooting, Bishop Farrell joined other faith and civic leaders at an ecumenical gathering at Thanksgiving Square, a prayer and water garden area a few blocks from the shooting site, to offer a prayer for healing.
“Prompted by the goodness that is in each of us, we pray as the old St. Francis’ prayer teaches us, that each person in our community will become an instrument of peace,” he said. “May almighty God hear the prayer of this community on this day and may he stretch out his hands to touch the men and women who give their lives for each one of us.
“It reminds us of the words of Scripture, there is no greater love than one who gives his life for the protection of others. Our police of-ficers deserve our support and our prayers. May God stretch out to them in their pain and their suffer-ing on this day.”
Dallas police were out in force at the rally and heard the call from the police chief that officers need to feel the community’s support every day. “When you see the out-pouring support of the community, it helps in some small way to ease some of that pain that you’re going through,” Dallas police officer War-ren Mitchell said. “The community has our back in our time of need and events like this really help out when you are going through some diffi-
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WASHINGTON | The shooting of police officers July 7 near the end of a demonstration in Dallas against fatal shootings by police officers in Baton Rouge and Minneapolis earlier in the week “calls us to a moment of national reflection,” said the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “To all people of goodwill, let us beg for the strength to resist the hatred that blinds us to our common humanity,” said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., in a July 8 statement. The archbishop described
the sniper attack on the Dallas police officers “an act of unjustifiable evil.” He said the “police are not a faceless enemy” but people offering their lives to protect others. He also noted “the suspects in crimes or routine traffic stops are not just a faceless threat” but members of families in “need of assistance, protection and fairness. When compassion does not drive our response to the suffering of either, we have failed one another,” Archbishop Kurtz said.
USCCB PRESIDENT SAYS VIOLENCE CALLS FOR ‘MOMENT OF NATIONAL REFLECTION’
A protester prays near Dallas police officers July 7 after police officers were shot during a protest. Two civilians also were injured in Dallas. (RAlph lAueR, epA | CNS) Bishop Kevin J. Farrell of the Diocese of Dallas speaks during an
interfaith prayer vigil at Thanksgiving Square in Dallas July 8. The prior evening a gunman shot and killed five police officers and wounded seven during a peaceful protest in downtown Dallas. (ReBeCCA KIRSTIN pATTON, The TeXAS CAThOlIC | CNS)
A sign is displayed during an interfaith prayer vigil in Thanksgiving Square in Dallas July 8. (eRIK leSSeR, epA | CNS)
Dallas bishop calls for prayer and peace
cult times.”Bishop Farrell celebrated a Mass
for hope and healing at the Cathe-dral Shrine of the Virgin of Guada-lupe July 9 and asked for prayers for the families of the five slain Dallas police officers. The bishop said that the cycle of violence must end.
On July 11 a large crowd turned out at Marine Park in Fort Worth
for a candlelight vigil for one of the fallen Dallas police officers, Patrick Zamarripa, who had survived three tours in Iraq.
Father Stephen Jasso, pastor of All Saints Parish in Fort Worth, told those gathered at the vigil that “love is stronger than hate” and urged them to show compassion in their lives. n
NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL NEWS13 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016
Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON | With a tie vote June 23, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the Obama administra-tion’s plan to temporarily protect more than 4 million unauthorized immigrants from deportation. The court’s 4-4 vote leaves in place a lower court injunction blocking the administration’s immigration policy with the one-page opinion stating: “The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided court.”
Legal experts have called it an ambiguous and confusing politi-cal and legal decision that leaves many in a state of limbo. It also puts a lot of attention on the va-cant Supreme Court seat that may determine how the case is decided in an appeal.
Religious leaders were quick
to denounce the court’s action as a setback for immigrant families and stressed the urgency of com-prehensive immigration reform. Seattle Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio L. Elizondo, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migra-tion, said the court’s decision was a “huge disappointment” and a setback, but he said the focus now needs to be on how to fix the cur-rent immigration system.
“We must not lose hope that re-form is possible,” he said.
Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cru-ces, N.M., called the court’s deci-sion “a sad ruling” and said the president’s immigration plan had been “the result of years of pains-taking work and committed ef-forts by migrant advocates, grass-roots organizations, some legisla-tors and the faith community.”
The bishop was joined in the
statement by Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, and the Hope Border Institute, a community organization on the U.S.-Mexico border. The statement also said the court’s decision exposes how the current immigration policy in the U.S. “criminalizes and scape-goats immigrants who fight for a better life for their children and families that contribute every day to our economy and communi-ties.”
In a news briefing, President Barack Obama said the country’s immigration system is broken and the Supreme Court’s inability to reach a decision set it back even further.
House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin praised the court’s de-cision for making clear that “the president is not permitted to write laws — only Congress is,” which
he said was a “major victory in our fight to restore the separation of powers.” At issue in the United States v. Texas case are Obama’s executive actions on immigration policy that were challenged by 26 states.
The Texas Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the state’s Catholic bishops, said in a state-ment that “respect for human life and dignity demands leaders put people before politics.” Added Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, “Our legis-lators continuously refuse to ad-dress immigration policies in a comprehensive manner.”
“I am deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision … putting millions of families at risk of being ripped apart,” said
Tie vote blocks temporary plan to stop deportationsSupreme court — ImmIGrAtIoN
PatriCk t. Brown Catholic News Service
TRENTON, N.J. | “What’s the point of working so hard in school if you’re going to end up cutting grass?”
Those words stick with Jose Agui-lar two decades later. He was sitting in a New Jersey classroom, a teen-ager in the country without legal documents, and took his ex-Marine teacher’s hard-nosed advice as li-cense to, as he puts it, “give up.”
Aguilar remembers his teacher calling him an “excellent student,” but saying, “I see a lot of kids just like you who end up working as a landscaper. If I was you, I’d just quit school, and find something you’re good at.”
When he was young, Jose had been brought across the U.S.-Mex-ico border without documentation as his family pursued economic stability and a brighter future. His choices led him to instability and a brush with death.
But his journey didn’t end there. A conversion experience, becom-ing a father and making a trip to a Catholic Charities immigration of-fice helped him regain the promise his family sought when crossing the border decades ago.
In many ways, Jose’s story exem-plifies the challenges and oppor-tunities facing the roughly 700,000 young people brought to this coun-try without legal permission who have found permanent legal status in the U.S. through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals pro-gram, or DACA.
Many immigrants and immi-grant advocates were hopeful the U.S. Supreme Court would uphold President Barack Obama’s executive
Family’s journey puts human face on immigration ruling
actions expanding the DACA pro-gram and creating a new program, the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, or DAPA.
Obama’s policies were aimed at temporarily protecting more than 4 million unauthorized immigrants from deportation and allowing them to have temporary work per-mits, but 26 states challenged the president’s policies and they were put on hold last November by a Texas-based federal judge. His in-junction was upheld by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Or-leans.
On June 23, in United States v. Texas, the high court in a 4-4 de-cision upheld the circuit court’s ruling. The ruling could have a far-ranging impact on families strug-gling to stay together and gain a foothold from which to build a more stable future. Families not unlike Jose and Marina Aguilar.
Jose was 7 when his family suc-
ceeded on their fourth attempt to cross the border. “The guy that was supposed to bring us, he abandoned us in the desert, he left us there,” Jose recalled in an interview with The Monitor, newspaper of the Diocese of Trenton. Another “coyotaje” — smugglers who help migrants cross the border without authorization — came across them and helped them finish the journey.
“When I was in Mexico, they all told me the U.S. was beautiful, that I would have everything I never had over there, and at first it was like, ‘That was a lie,’” Jose said. “It was horrible at first, crying, missing Mexico, but you just get used to it.”
He learned English, “good enough that my friends thought I was born here,” and worked hard in the classroom. Then came his con-versation with his teacher, and the spiral downwards commenced.
“I’m not blaming him for what happened, because it’s my fault, but … I gave up. I gave up hope,” Jose
said. “I didn’t care about my mom’s tears, I really didn’t care about any of it. I’m not proud of it.”
He joined a gang, parties were frequent, drugs became a part of life — then more than just a part. An accidental overdose left Jose in the hospital, at death’s door. He started seeing deceased family members. Feeling his time was up, he started to pray.
“I told God, ‘Don’t do it for me,’” Jose said. “‘I deserve this. I deserve to die. I am nothing. But don’t let my mom suffer for what I’m doing. Be-cause she doesn’t deserve it.’”
He recovered, started attending church again, and swore off drugs. He found the stability his mother wanted for him in leaving Mexico, and a large part of that change occurred upon meeting his now-wife, Marina, and the birth of their daughter, Helen.
“Once she was born, we were like, ‘We have to do something about changing her life,’ because it’s not just about our life anymore, every-thing is about her now,” Marina said. “We want her to have both of her parents, always, and that’s it. It’s just the best thing that happened to us. She’s our sunshine.”
Jose and Marina, who belong to St. Anthony Claret Parish in Lake-wood, N.J., began to look into pro-grams that would help Marina be-come a permanent U.S. citizen. A friend encouraged them to attend an outreach presentation organized by Catholic Charities Community Services.
Marina’s green card meant she could apply for lawful citizenship. For over two months, she stressed over studying for the citizenship exam, finding time during breaks at work or before going to sleep. As
the date of her test approached, her car was stolen. Inside was the green card proving her legal residence.
Catholic Charities helped Marina navigate the bureaucracy and con-tinue her journey toward becom-ing a naturalized U.S. citizen. Even after she passed the citizenship test, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigra-tion Services still made her wait two months before the naturaliza-tion ceremony to investigate the lost green card.
When the day finally came for Marina to be sworn in as a U.S. citi-zen, she said, “I just couldn’t stop crying. It really means a lot to me — I met Jose here, my daughter was born here, this is now my country. I really worked hard for it, and it’s my country now.”
Regardless of the court’s June 23 ruling, having the stability of legal status in the U.S. has made the Agu-ilars’ lives less stressful in innumer-able ways.
“I used to be scared before, of him (Jose) going out (for the day) and not coming back,” Marina told The Monitor. “I used to always make sure I went with him, so in case any-thing happened, I knew he’d be OK. … We don’t need to be scared any-more.”
Marina hopes Helen will grow up learning to dream big, but added that “nobody will give you anything for free. … You have to work hard for it.”
After obtaining his GED and re-ceiving legal status through DACA, Jose already has a new goal: to be sponsored into U.S. citizenship by Marina and become a licensed con-tractor. “It’s not that I’m not happy with what I have,” Jose said, “but I want my daughter to have a better future.” n
A protester holds a placard r e a d i n g “ K e e p F a m i l i e s Together!” during a ral ly outside the Supreme Court in Washington June 23. (AndreW GomberT, ePA | CnS)
Jose Aguilar, seen with his wife and daughter, sits for an interview. He was a child when he and his family entered the United States without legal permission. (JeFF brUno, THe moniTor | CnS)
PleASe See COURT, 14
NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL NEWS 14July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic
Simon Caldwell Catholic News Service
MANCHESTER, England | Catholic bishops condemned a sharp rise in xenophobic and racist attacks following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union. Cardi-nal Vincent Nichols of Westminster said the “upsurge of racism, of ha-tred toward others is something we must not tolerate.”
“We have to say this is simply not acceptable in a humane society, and it should never be provoked or promoted,” he said.
The June 28 statement from Cardinal Nichols, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, came a day after the National Police Chiefs’ Council revealed that of 85 complaints of hate crime were received between June 23, the day of the referendum on United Kingdom membership in the EU, and June 26. The figure represented a 57 percent increase in such offenses in a similar period just a month earlier.
Xenophobic incidents included the vandalism of the buildings of a Polish social and cultural associa-tion in London and the verbal abuse of foreigners on a tram in Man-chester, a film of which was sent to Channel 4 News June 28.
Far-right nationalists at a rally in Newcastle June 25 unfurled a banner that demanded: “Stop Im-migration, Start Repatriation” and,
on June 28, a German woman who has lived in Britain since the 1970s wept as she told LBC London radio that she was too scared to leave her house three days after dog excre-ment was thrown at her windows.
She said, “My neighbors told me that they don’t want me living in this road and that they are not friends with foreigners.”
“My friend ... has a grandson who is 7 and who was beaten up because he has a foreign grandmother,” she added.
Britain has been a primary des-tination for many citizens of poorer EU countries, with annual net mi-gration reaching 330,000 people a year. Many of the migrants to the U.K. are Catholics from Central Eu-rope, Asia and Africa.
Bishop Philip Egan of Ports-mouth told CNS in a June 28 tele-phone interview that, in his diocese, there were “huge numbers of immi-grants from Poland, Kerala (India), the Philippines and Nigeria.”
“I am extremely sad to think of violence against foreign people who are living here,” he said. “There is no justification whatsoever for that. Many of these immigrants are al-ready beloved members of our com-munities. They have contributed to local life and organizations.
“Britain has always, through the centuries, been a country which has assimilated people from abroad, and they have taken on our values, and also they have made us proud
English bishops condemn the rise in xenophobic attacks after Brexit
because they have made a great success of it,” Bishop Egan said. “Both materially and spiritually, the vast majority of people who are working here and in our diocese are making a wonderful contribution. To think of violence against them is self-destructive. It is self-harm. We are harming ourselves as much as we are inflicting division and suf-fering on others.”
Bishop Declan Lang of Clifton, the diocese based in Bristol, also issued a statement telling Catholics that it was important “to work for the common good and not create barriers of division and prejudice.”
“We should have a profound respect for one another, and this
should be ref lected in the way we speak and behave,” said the statement posted on the diocesan website June 27. “We need to keep in mind the needs of all citizens, particularly those who may feel marginalized at this present mo-ment, and continue to be a tolerant society, free of racial and religious prejudice.”
Concerns over the phenomenon of mass migration, and the appar-ent inability of the U.K. to control its borders, had helped to fuel ef-forts to take Britain out of the EU in a referendum won by the “Leave” campaigners, with the public vot-ing 52-48 percent to withdraw from the bloc.
British Prime Minister David Cameron, who had fought for the U.K. to remain inside the EU, an-nounced his resignation June 24.
In the weeks before the referen-dum, national newspapers such as the Mail on Sunday had exposed how far-right nationalists, includ-ing neo-Nazis, had been actively campaigning on the Leave side. Witold Sobkow, Poland’s ambassa-dor to the U.K., expressed shock at the surge in xenophobic abuse.
Cameron told the House of Com-mons June 27 that such crimes must be stamped out. “We will not stand for hate crime or these kinds of at-tacks,” he said. n
Pro-European Union protesters gather June 28 in London’s Trafalgar Square. (PaUL HackETT, REUTERS | cNS)
Dominican Sister Bernardine Karge of Chicago, speaking for the Washington-based group Faith in Public Life.
“The stories of immigrant fami-lies are intimately woven into the tapestry of this great country, and today’s decision threatens our na-tion’s commitment to justice and compassion,” she said, adding that she hoped the presumptive presidential nominees and Con-gress makes comprehensive im-migration reform a priority.
Jeanne Atkinson, executive director of Catholic Legal Immi-gration Network, Inc. or CLINIC, similarly expressed disappoint-ment in the court’s decision and said the responsibility is more than ever on Congress to come up with comprehensive immigration reform.
She said the court’s decision will put “millions of long-term U.S. residents in fear of law enforce-
ment and at risk of mistreatment in the workplace, by landlords and from abusers due to threats of de-portation.”
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles similarly urged im-migration reform, saying it was not a matter of politics but of “de-fending human rights and pro-tecting human dignity.”
The case, argued before the court in April, involved Obama’s 2014 expansion of a 2012 program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, and creation of the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, known as DAPA.
The programs had been put on hold last November by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, upholding a Texas-based federal judge’s injunction against the executive actions. The original DACA program is not affected by the injunction.
The states suing the federal government claimed the presi-dent went too far and was not just putting a temporary block on de-
portations, but giving immigrants in the country without legal per-mission a “lawful presence” that enabled them to qualify for Social Security and Medicare benefits.
U.S. Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli Jr., who defended the government, said the “pressing human concern” was to avoid breaking up families of U.S. citi-zen children, something echoed by the U.S. Conference of Catho-lic Bishops, CLINIC, and at least three Catholic colleges, which joined in a brief with more than 75 education and children’s advo-cacy organizations.
When the case was argued be-fore the high court in mid-April, Justice Sonia Sotomayor stressed that the 4 million immigrants who might be given a temporary reprieve from deportation “are liv-ing in the shadows” and “are here whether we want them or not,” adding that the government had limited resources available for de-portations.
Thomas Saenz, a lawyer rep-resenting three mothers in the country without documentation
who have U.S. citizen children, told the court his clients live in “daily fear that they will be sepa-rated from their families and detained or removed from their homes.”
On the day the Supreme Court heard arguments in the case, the plight of families was visible with many gathered in front of the court hours before the arguments began carrying placards saying: “Fight for families,” and “Love your neighbor” while a mariachi band played alongside them.
Two months later when the court issued its opinion, a small crowd stood on the steps with placards saying: “The fight con-
tinues” and “Keep families to-gether.” One speaker emphasized that supporters of the president’s plan should not go home sad, but should be prepared to vote on the issue in November. In his June 23 statement, Archbishop Gomez specifically addressed the im-migrant community “suffering from the cruelty and uncertainty caused by this broken immigra-tion system.”
“Please know that the Catholic Church will never abandon you. You are our family,” he said. “We will continue to accompany you and support you and defend your inalienable rights and dignity as children of God.” n
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NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL NEWS15 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016
Mark ZiMMerMann Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON | The theme for the 2016 Fortnight for Freedom, “Witnesses to Freedom,” unfolded as 1,500 people spent part of their July 4 holiday in Washington at-tending the observance’s closing Mass and venerating the relics of two English saints martyred in 1535 for their Catholic faith.
The Mass and veneration took place at the Basilica of the Nation-al Shrine of the Immaculate Con-ception. After the Mass, people waited in a long line to kneel and pray before the relics of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More dis-played near the altar.
Welcoming the congregation, Msgr. Walter Rossi, the shrine’s rector, said those filling what is the largest Catholic church in North America offered “testimony that the freedom to live our lives according to our faith is funda-mental to the life of believers.”
The U.S. Catholic Church’s fifth annual Fortnight for Freedom closing Mass included the partici-pation of three of the petitioners in a recent Supreme Court case challenging the federal contra-ceptive mandate. They contended that the requirement violated their religious freedom by forcing Catholic institutions to provide employee health insurance cover-age for abortion-inducing drugs, contraceptives and sterilization procedures, which are prohibited by Church teaching.
Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, whose archdiocese
and affiliated agencies challenged the mandate, was the main cel-ebrant at the Mass. The homilist was Pittsburgh Bishop David A. Zubik, whose diocese also op-posed the Health and Human Ser-vices contraceptive coverage pro-vision of the Affordable Care Act.
The consolidated case that was before the Supreme Court, Zubik v. Burwell, is named for the bish-op and for Sylvia Burwell, who is HHS secretary. A group of Little Sisters of the Poor — whose reli-gious order also challenged the mandate — sat in a pew near the front of the congregation and re-ceived a long standing ovation at the end of the Mass.
On May 16, the Supreme Court
in a unanimous ruling sent the case back to lower courts, vacated earlier judgments against those parties opposing the mandate and encouraged the plaintiffs and the federal government to resolve their differences.
Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, was a concelebrant at the Mass. Along with Bishop Zubik, other concelebrants included Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, chairman of the U.S. Confer-ence of Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty; Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio and Auxiliary Bishop Richard B. Higgins of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services; Auxil-iary Bishop Barry C. Knestout of Washington; and Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield, the USCCB’s general secretary.
In his homily, Bishop Zubik commended the congregation for standing together and praying for religious freedom “on this 240th anniversary of our freedom in our United States,” dating back to the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776.
He noted that just as footnotes in a term paper solidify the ac-curacy and strengthen the mes-sage of a point being made, “you and I are called to be footnotes, footnotes to the truth who is Je-sus Christ himself.” Catholics are called to be witnesses to Jesus and to be a living sign of his truth, the bishop said, adding that for some, that witness takes the form of martyrdom.
Bishop Zubik said “our ances-tors in the faith” demonstrate what it means to be a footnote to Jesus’ truth, and then be wit-nesses and sometimes martyrs. He pointed to St. John the Baptist, who was beheaded when he re-
fused to give in to political power.Pittsburgh’s bishop praised the
example of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, a layman and a bish-op, respectively, as witnesses and martyrs who “would not yield su-premacy of power over faith, even to the king.”
Both men refused to accept Par-liament’s Act of Supremacy, which had declared that King Henry VIII was head of the Church of Eng-land. Both were imprisoned for treason in the Tower of London for months. They were beheaded 14 days apart in 1535; Bishop Fisher was 65, More was 57.
The relic of St. John Fisher was a ring that had belonged to him. The relics of St. Thomas More were a piece of his jawbone and one half of a tooth. The national shrine was the last stop of the tour for the rel-ics, which earlier been displayed in Miami, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Denver, Phoenix and Los Angeles.
In his homily, Bishop Zubik also highlighted the heroic example of other martyrs, including St. Maxi-milian Kolbe, the Polish Francis-can friar who gave up his life for another man in 1941 at the Aus-chwitz concentration camp, and Blessed Oscar Romero, the Salva-doran archbishop and champion of the poor who was shot in the heart while celebrating Mass in 1980. Bishop Zubik also praised the witness of the 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians beheaded by Is-lamic State militants on a beach in Libya in 2015.
Bishop Zubik noted that the Little Sisters of the Poor in their service to the elderly poor and in their stand for religious freedom “are carrying the banner that we will not back off the truth that is Jesus Christ.”
He noted that the nation’s fore-
fathers put forth religious liberty as the first freedom in the Consti-tution’s Bill of Rights, giving peo-ple the freedom “to worship our God as the source of our strength, and also to “live our faith outside our churches, synagogues and mosques.”
Opponents to the HHS man-date have charged that it offered exemptions to religious groups in houses of worship, but not to educational, healt h care and charitable ministries operated by churches, which they said are as essential to the practice of faith as prayer is.
Bishop Zubik concluded his homily by encouraging people to “pray that we may build on our an-cestors of faith and our ancestors in our country and be witnesses to religious freedom.” That witness involves praying, speaking out and acting on behalf of religious freedom, and living that freedom, he said.
The intercessions included a prayer that the president, judges and lawmakers will uphold re-ligious freedom and protect the conscience rights of all people, and that religious-sponsored edu-cational, health care and charita-ble outreach programs will be free to fulfill their mission.
Cardinal Wuerl read a prayer for government written in 1791 by Baltimore Archbishop John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop in the new United States.
In remarks after Communion, Archbishop Lori said he hoped the saints’ relics venerated that day “will spur all of us on to cher-ish, protect and use wisely the gift of freedom.” He thanked dioceses, parishes and individual Catholics for their activities during the Fort-night for Freedom, which ran from June 21 — the vigil of the feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More — to July 4. Archbishop Lori had celebrated the fortnight’s opening Mass in Baltimore at the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Archbishop Lori also encour-aged people to pray daily for re-ligious freedom and to use that freedom to spread the Gospel, especially the works of mercy, and to stand in solidarity with persecuted people around the world.
People entering the national shrine by its main doors could see a 30-by-50-foot U.S. f lag draped from the Knights’ Tower, which was provided by the Knights of Columbus. The Mass concluded on a patriotic note, with the sing-ing of “America the Beautiful.”
The fortnight’s closing Mass was telecast live by the Eternal Word Television Network and also appeared on CatholicTV. n
Faithful urged to pray, act for religious freedomCardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington greets members of the Little Sisters of the Poor July 4 after the closing Mass of the Fortnight for Freedom at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (JaCLyN LIPPeLMaNN, CathoLIC StaNDarD | CNS)
Fortnight For Freedom
QUICK READS 16July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic
NATION
House forum urges action on Conscience Protection Act
WASHINGTON | Medical ex-perts, politicians and religious leaders spoke at a Capitol Hill forum July 8, urging Congress to pass H.R. 4828, the Conscience Protection Act. The act would ensure that no government entity could penalize or discriminate against any health care provider — professionals, fa-cilities or health insurers — that refused to be involved with abor-tion. A July 7 statement from Cardi-nal Timothy M. Dolan of New York and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore cited three recent ex-amples of this type of discrimina-tion in California, New York state and Washington state. In all cases, pro-life health providers are forced to perform or insure elective abor-tions with no exceptions for consci-entious objection. Dr. Dave Weldon, former congressman and author of the Weldon Amendment, said at the morning panel that the Obama ad-ministration had ignored the plain meaning of his amendment, which denies federal funding to govern-ments or government programs that discriminate against health care entities that refuse to cover or refer for abortions. The Conscience Protection Act of 2016, panelists said, would ensure that the Weldon Amendment’s original intent was enforced.
WORLD
Attack on seminarians sparks outrage
MEXICO CITY | An attack on four high school-age seminar-ians by pro-government thugs has sparked outrage in Venezuela and underscored the tense political situation and social unrest in the South American country. It also showed the challenges of Church-state relations in a country plagued by polarized politics and violence and suffering through shortages of everything from food to medicines to Communion wine for celebrating Mass. The four minor seminary stu-dents, ages 14-16, and the younger brother of one of the seminarians were walking to English classes in the city of Merida July 1 when they passed a political protest, Father Luis Enrique Rojas Ruiz, pastor at the Merida cathedral, told Catholic News Service. The protest was inter-rupted by masked individuals, who asked the seminarians, “Are you op-position or chavistas?” according to Father Rojas. The seminarians responded, “We’re seminarians,” which provoked a physical attack and included the assailants tearing
off the young men’s clothing, rob-bing and beating them. The assail-ants also “threatened to burn one of the seminarians alive.”
Irish rejects law that would have liberalized abortion
DUBLIN | The Irish parliament has defeated legislation that would have allowed abortion of fetuses diagnosed with life-limiting condi-tions. Members of the Dail — the lower house — voted 95-45 July 7 to reject an amendment that would permit abortion in cases described as “fatal fetal abnormality.” Pro-life campaigners pointed out that chil-dren in these circumstances often live beyond birth and some go on to lead healthy lives. Ireland’s at-torney general had declared the proposed law unconstitutional. However, the government did not publish that legal advice, and three senior government ministers broke ranks and voted in favor of the law. The Irish Constitution provides for an equal right to life for mothers and their unborn children. How-ever, the Supreme Court has ruled that this permits abortion in limited circumstances. Health Minister Si-mon Harris, opposing the legisla-tive change, told the parliamentary debate: “It can never be said that a fetus with a fatal fetal abnormality will not be born to live for a short time, even if that is only to be min-utes, to draw a breath and to have a detectable heartbeat. If a fetus has the capacity to be born, it has the protection of the constitution.”
VATICAN
Pope meets parents of student
VATICAN CITY | Meeting the grieving parents of a U.S. student who was found dead in Rome, Pope Francis mourned the death of the teenager, who had been set to be-gin a study-abroad program. Beau Solomon, 19, was found dead in the Tiber River July 4 after friends reported last seeing him early July 1. The pope met with Nick and Jodi Solomon, members of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Spring Green, Wis., July 6 in a private audience. He expressed his “deepest sympa-thy and compassion” as well as his closeness to them in his prayers “for the young man who died so tragi-cally,” according to a Vatican press release. The student from the Uni-versity of Wisconsin-Madison had arrived in Rome June 30 to study at John Cabot University. However, he disappeared less than 24 hours later after spending the evening with friends at a Rome pub, accord-ing to the Associated Press. More than $1,000 had been charged to the student’s credit card after his disappearance, AP reported. Italian police were investigating the cause and circumstances of his death and
arrested a homeless man in con-nection with the case.
U.S. archbishop to be on Congregation for Bishops
VATICAN CITY | Pope Francis has named Chicago Archbishop Blase J. Cupich a member of the Congregation for Bishops, the office that advises the pope on the nomi-nation of bishops around the world. Archbishop Cupich, 67, takes the place left vacant by U.S. Cardinal William J. Levada, who turned 80 in mid-June and automatically ceded his membership. The congregation is led by Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, its prefect. Cardinal Don-ald W. Wuerl of Washington also serves as a member. In a statement from Chicago, Archbishop Cupich said: “I am humbled by the Holy Fa-ther’s trust and confidence in me. While my primary responsibility remains here in the Archdiocese of Chicago, I look forward to joining other members of the Congregation for Bishops to serve the pope and the Church in this ministry.” Nunci-os, or Vatican ambassadors, around the world conduct the initial search for priests suitable for the office of bishop and forward their names to the congregation. Congregation members review the biographies of potential candidates and com-ments and recommendations col-lected by the nuncios before mak-ing their recommendations to the pope.
New book with retired Pope Benedict coming
VATICAN CITY | Retired Pope Benedict XVI has given another interview to the journalist and au-thor Peter Seewald, and a German publisher announced it would be released worldwide Sept. 9. Titled “Letzte Gesprache,” (which trans-lates as “last conversations”), the book includes an in-depth conver-sation with the retired pope about the background of his resignation in 2013, said the German publisher, Droemer Knaur. Information about an English translation and pub-lisher was not immediately avail-able. The Italian newspaper Corri-ere della Sera, which has the rights to an Italian newsstand edition of the book, reported July 1 that Pope Benedict admits to Seewald that he knew of “the presence of a ‘gay lobby’ in the Vatican composed of four or five people and he says he was able to remove their power.” Pope Benedict also says he kept a diary during his pontificate, but he plans to destroy it, even though he knows that historians could find it valuable, Corriere reported. On its website, Droemer said Pope Bene-dict speaks about the priorities of his pontificate, the VatiLeaks scan-dal, which saw the conviction and jailing of his butler, and about Pope
Francis and the “controversial is-sues” of his papacy.
Pope accepts resignation of archbishop
SAO PAULO | Catholics in the northeastern Brazilian state of Paraiba woke July 6 to find that Archbishop Aldo di Cillo Pagotto was stepping down after having his resignation accepted by Pope Francis. The Vatican said the pope accepted his resignation in ac-cordance with Canon 401.2 of the Code of Canon Law, which cov-ers “ill health or some other grave cause.” In a letter about his resigna-tion, the archbishop said he always tried to give the best of himself and admitted he made mistakes. “I gave shelter to priests and seminarians, in order to offer them new chances in life. Among those were some who were later suspected of com-mitting serious derelictions. I made the mistake of being too trusting,” stated the letter. Some of the priests taken in by Archbishop Pagotto have been accused of pedophilia. In June, Pope Francis warned that bishops guilty of looking the other way or covering up child abuse by priests within their congregations could be removed from their duties.
‘VatiLeaks’: Vatican court acquits journalists
VATICAN CITY | A Vatican court, citing freedom of the press, acquit-ted two journalists who published confidential documents while their source, a Spanish monsignor, was sentenced to 18 months behind bars. Judge Giuseppe Della Torre, head of the tribunal of the Vatican City State, delivered his ruling July 7, declaring that the court had no le-gitimate jurisdiction over Gianluigi Nuzzi and Emiliano Fittipaldi. The court found Msgr. Lucio Vallejo
Balda, secretary of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, and Francesca Chaouqui, a member of the former Pontifical Commission for Reference on the Economic-Administrative Struc-ture of the Holy See, guilty of having roles in the leaking of confidential documents about Vatican finances. Finding the Spanish monsignor guilty of actually stealing and pass-ing on secret documents, the court sentenced him to serve jail time. The judges determined that Cha-ouqui’s role was one of encourag-ing the leak and they gave her a 10-month suspended sentence. Nicola Maio, Msgr. Vallejo Balda’s former assistant, was found not guilty and acquitted of all charges. Shortly after the court’s ruling, Je-suit Father Federico Lombardi, Vat-ican spokesman, released a state-ment saying that despite criticisms of the proceedings, the trial was “necessary” to ensure that Vatican law regarding the leaking of private documents is respected.
SSPX claims pope is encouraging error
VATICAN CITY | The superior general of the traditionalist Soci-ety of St. Pius X said Pope Francis, rather than denouncing errors in Catholic doctrine, has “encour-aged” them. “The Society of St. Pius X prays and does penance for the pope, that he might have the strength to proclaim Catholic faith and morals in their entirety,” said a statement published June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, patron saints of the Church of Rome. Bish-op Bernard Fellay, superior general of the society, issued the statement after a meeting June 25-28 of the group’s leaders. The society has been in talks with the Vatican in a search for a way to reintegrate it and its members fully into the life of the Catholic Church. Bishop Fellay met personally with Pope Francis in April, which seemed to signal that progress was being made.
Members of Poland's 6th Airborne Brigade based in Krakow, Poland, search an area with metal detectors July 1 where the main celebrations of the World Youth Days will be held near Wieliczka. Young people attending World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, will have to walk 18 miles to and from one of the key sites, event organizers said. (STANSLAW, EPA | CNS)
SAFETY FIRST AT WYD
17 Florida Catholic July 15-28, 2016SUNDAY WORD and SCRIPTURE
ScripturereadingsFriday, July 15St. Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the ChurchIs 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8; (Ps) Is 38:10-12, 16; Mt 12:1-8
Saturday, July 16Mi 2:1-5; Ps 10:1-4, 7-8, 14; Mt 12:14-21
Sunday, July 17Gn 18:1-10a; Ps 15:2-5; Col 1:24-28; Lk 10:38-42
Monday, July 18Mic 6:1-4, 6-8; Ps 50:5-6, 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mt 12:38-42
Tuesday, July 19Mic 7:14-15, 18-20; Ps 85:2-8; Mt 12:46-50
Wednesday, July 20Jer 1:1, 4-10; Ps 71:1-4a, 5-6ab, 15, 17; Mt 13:1-9
Thursday, July 21Jer 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13; Ps 36:6-7b, 8-11; Mt 13:10-17
Friday, July 22St. Mary MagdaleneJer 3:14-17; (Ps) Jer 31:10-12d, 13; Jn 20:1-2, 11-18
Saturday, July 23Jer 7:1-11; Ps 84:3-6a, 8a, 11; Mt 13:24-30
Sunday, July 24Gn 18:20-32; Ps 138:1-3, 6-8; Col 2:12-14; Lk 11:1-13
Monday, July 25St. James, Apostle2 Cor 4:7-15; Ps 126:1bc-6; Mt 20:20-28
Tuesday, July 26Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin MaryJer 14:17-22; Ps 79:8-9, 11, 13; Mt 13:36-43
Wednesday, July 27Jer 15:10, 16-21; Ps 59:2-4, 10-11, 17, 18; Mt 13:44-46
Thursday, July 28Jer 18:1-6; Ps 146:1b-6b; Mt 13:47-53
Friday, July 29St. MarthaJer 26:1-9; Ps 69:5, 8-10, 14; Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42
Saturday, July 30Jer 26:11-16, 24; Ps 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34; Mt 14:1-12
Sunday, July 31Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23; Ps 90:3-6, 12-14, 17; Col 3:1-5, 9-11; Lk 12:13-21
Sunday Word
Father Alfredo
Hernández
Sunday, July 17Gn 18:1-10a; Ps 15:2-5; Col 1:24-28; Lk 10:38-42
There have been so many situ-ations of suffering in the past few months. We look around the world and see so many places where there is war and division, in particular where Christians are being perse-cuted. Near us, we are still dealing with the shock of the terror attack in Orlando. In many families the pain is much closer and more localized, like the death of a son or daughter, parents and loved ones, a diagnosis of cancer or other serious diseases, completely unexpected accidents, the loss of homes or a divorce. But whatever the case, suffering always begs the question: “Why?”
In the second reading of this Sunday, St. Paul, writing to the Colossians, interprets suffering us-ing a phrase that is key in Catholic spirituality: “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the Church, of which I am a minister.”
At first glance, this passage
seems very difficult to accept, be-cause there can be no lack in the sufferings of Christ. Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary, died on the cross to save us all. It is for this rea-son that Mary of Bethany wanted to sit at his feet and listen, and Martha, her sister, wanted to serve him. What can I do that can add anything to what he accomplished by his death and resurrection?
It riles me when some-one tries to explain sorrow and pain, saying that it was the will of God. I think of the poor parents who have lost a child, hearing someone say that God wanted their child to die. I have seen the husband of a young mother who has died of cancer hear a well-meaning person say that it was of God’s will that their children were now motherless. Suffering is not something that God wants us to suffer, or God’s punishment on us, or something that he wills for us to experience in order to make us strong. However, suffering can
have an inestimable value, as Paul was able to grasp.
In truth, the question “Why?” will never receive an adequate re-sponse. Looking for that answer
is to knock our heads against the wall. However when we ask, “What for?” we can receive an answer, which allows us to find the true value of every moment of sorrow, united to Jesus’ suffering on the cross.
Although at first glance there is no obvious link between the second read-ing from Colossians and the first reading and Gos-pel, showing Abraham on the one hand and Mary and Martha on the other in communion with the Lord, it is precisely when
we are in communion with God — when we sit at the feet of Jesus, when we serve him in our brothers and sisters — that we can learn not only to share our joys with him, but also to be in communion with him in the midst of our sorrows.
If we are able to unite our suf-
ferings — whether they are big or small, whether caused by our own sin or by that of another, or whether simply the apparent result of the chance, whether part of a wider tragedy or simply our own private sorrow — to the cross of Jesus, then we are, like St. Paul, part of Jesus’ saving work. It is because we are members of the body of Christ, because Jesus has raised us, to the point of making known to us “the riches of the glory of this mystery,” that we are able to actually share in his cross and be co-redeemers with him. It is not that Jesus has not saved us perfectly. It is that salva-tion is so perfect that he allows us, as members of his body, to partici-pate in his work of salvation. (In-cidentally, it is worth mentioning here that this is the true meaning of Catholic teaching about the in-tercession of the Virgin Mary and the saints.)
At the feet of Jesus and serving him in our brothers and sisters, may we learn how to carry our cross with him, that we may make up for “what is lacking in the afflic-tions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the Church.” n
Sunday, July 24Gn 18:20-32; Ps 138:1-3, 6-8; Col 2:12-14; Lk 11:1-13
Most of us would prefer to read today’s Gospel and maybe the sec-ond reading and skip the first read-ing from Genesis. It is difficult to associate the God who is planning on destroying whole cities with the God who is our Father, who an-swers all our prayers and gives only good things to his children.
In truth, though, the Lord’s Prayer, whether in the shorter form Luke gives us or the longer form we know better from Matthew’s Gos-pel, is a prayer asking that God’s kingdom come. In both versions, the request for forgiveness of sins is present. In other words, when we pray to our loving Father, we are praying that the world be changed so that he may reign in and through us. We are asking for forgiveness for the ways in which we have been ob-stacles to his will.
The great sin of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah was to op-pose the will of God, to use each other as objects of pleasure and advancement. When the Church speaks against sin, whether the sexual sins we associate with So-dom or the many other sins against
human life and dignity of our day, it is acting in accord with its prayer in the Our Father. The Church is not denying the dignity of people, as it is accused of doing, but call-ing all people to live in accord with their true dignity. It is saying to the world: Hallow the Father’s name; let his kingdom come; receive the bread that will transform you; ask for forgiveness for your sins and be instruments of mercy. We can-not be afraid, even in the midst of a society where to recognize sin for what it is makes us appear insensi-tive or intolerant, to call out evil for what it is.
It is because we have been “bur-ied with” Christ in baptism that we share his identity and his mission. That mission does include the task to recognize evil and challenge it, but always remembering what God has done with sin, thanks to Jesus’ suffering and dying: “having forgiven us all our transgressions; obliterating the bond against us,
with its legal claims, which was opposed to us, he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross.” To recognize sin for what it is does not mean that we are con-demning people, but that we are acknowledging that Jesus offers us all the only way out of our sins, by freeing us from them by his death and resurrection.
My favorite part of the Rite of Baptism of Children comes almost at the end, when the parents, god-parents and other members of the faithful gathered for the celebration say the Lord’s Prayer. I like to point out that at that moment we go from praying “for” the children, as the parents have done since the mo-ment they knew they were expect-ing a child (and indeed as they will for the rest of their lives), to pray-ing “for” their children in a new way, praying now in their name. After being buried and rising with Christ in baptism, the newly bap-tized now live a new life, the life of
the sons and daughters of God, and have a right to call God “Father,” as Jesus teaches his disciples to do in today’s Gospel.
What a wonderful thing it is to be aware of the awesome gift each child is given in baptism, that each one of has been given as we have died and risen with Christ, to be able to pray to God as Father. Chil-dren are freed from original sin in baptism, but have not committed actual sin. All of us who have com-mitted sin have also in baptism been made sons and daughters of God, and are called to live a new identity. Our dignity is restored and renewed when we approach the sacrament of reconciliation. The Lord’s Prayer expresses our need for God’s help in order to live in ac-cord with the meaning of our new life. May our prayer and our lives truly reflect our new identity, that of the children of God.
With greater fervor, let us pray that God may use us to change the world, calling it away from sin. May he reign in our hearts and in the world. n
Father Hernández is academic dean and Director of Liturg y at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.
If we are able to unite our sufferings to the cross of Jesus, then we are part of his saving work
Let us pray that God may use us to change the world‘The Lord’s Prayer expresses our need for God’s help in order to live in accord with the meaning of our new life. May our prayer and our lives truly reflect our new identity, that of the children of God.’
18July 15-28, 2016 Florida Catholic CLASSIFIEDS
HELP WANTEDFOUR POSITIONS OPEN – St. Paul Catholic School in Leesburg has four positions for the 2016-2017 school year available to qualified candidates. Please submit cover letter and résu-mé to Jacquelyn Gehrsitz, principal, at [email protected]. Visit saintpaulschool.com for detailed job descriptions. The positions are: • Middle school math and algebra teach-er (F/T) – certified six-nine in math; dynamic, passionate personality; bachelor’s degree cer-tified from accredited college/university; and eligibility for current Florida teaching certificate. • Science teacher, grades four-eight (F/T) – bachelor’s degree in elementary edu-cation from accredited college or university, current Florida teaching certificate, teaching experience in Catholic school setting preferred. • Elementary/middle school guidance counselor (P/T) – approx. three days/week; requires strong, interpersonal and organiza-tional skills; master’s degree in counseling, social services or related field; counseling ex-perience working with families and students. • Bus driver (P/T) – requires high school di-ploma or GED; candidate must be at least 25 years old with valid Florida CDL with a P and no major driving violations for the past three years.
You who solve all problems, who light all roads so that I can attain my goals. You who give the divine gift to forgive and forget all the evil against me. And that in all instances of my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things and to confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you ever and in spite of all material illusion I wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. - ES
Prayer for aPPlication to the holy SPirit
This prayer must be said for three consecutive days. After three days, the favor requested will be granted. Even if it appears difficult. This prayer must be published immediately without mentioning of the favor. Only your initials should appear at the bottom.
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Thank you
You who solve all problems, who light all roads so that I can attain my goals. You who give the divine gift to forgive and forget all the evil against me. And that in all instances of my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things and to confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you ever and in spite of all material illusion I wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. - GS
Prayer for aPPlication to the holy SPirit
This prayer must be said for three consecutive days. After three days, the favor requested will be granted. Even if it appears difficult. This prayer must be published immediately without mentioning of the favor. Only your initials should appear at the bottom.
You who solve all problems, who light all roads so that I can attain my goals. You who give the divine gift to forgive and forget all the evil against me. And that in all instances of my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things and to confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you ever and in spite of all material illusion I wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. - JF
Prayer for aPPlication to the holy SPirit
This prayer must be said for three consecutive days. After three days, the favor requested will be granted. Even if it appears difficult. This prayer must be published immediately without mentioning of the favor. Only your initials should appear at the bottom.
NOTICE: The Florida Catholic and the Dioceses of Orlando, Palm Beach and Venice do not en-dorse or promote devotional ads. They are print-ed wthin guidelines at reader request. The Florida Catholic charges a reduced rate for these ads.
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