Faithful unite to urge end to death penalty Listening lends ...

Faithful unite to urge end to death penalty

“I realized that revenge is not a cure for grief,” said a single mother who offered an impromptu speech at the Cities for Life/Cities Against the Death Penalty event. She spoke about the rage and she experienced with her son’s unsolved mur-der. It wasn’t until another murder occurred that she realized how revenge had consumed her.

“I focused all my anger on the ring leader (of the crime) and ... I waited to see him get the death penalty. All of a sudden he looked like a scared kid and all I could think of was his mom — she would suffer like I am suffering for the rest of her life. Now I’m working to abolish the death penalty.”

Click on the ORLANDO DIOCESE above for more on this story.

palm beach dioceseorlando diocese Venice diocese

WWW.THEFLORIDACATHOLIC.ORG | Jan. 8-21, 2016 | Volume 77, Number 5

Two years ago, Darin Lueken suddenly lost his young son. Today, he holds tight the memory of his faith community reaching out compassion-ately to him and his wife and daughter who were suffering from the tragedy, and the shock and loss. He decided to give back to his parish com-munity, which reached out to him when his son, Mitchell Joseph Lueken, 14, a 2013 graduate of St. Vincent Ferrer School, died in an accident.

Lueken spearheaded and is facilitating a new ministry at St. Vincent Ferrer called “GriefShare” that addresses the needs of those going through grief.

Click on the PALM BEACH DIOCESE for more on this story.

Listening lends itself to healing

Grzegorz Klich and Charles G. Ruoff claim there is nothing special about them except that they have a desire to serve the Lord and are cur-rently pursuing a vocation to the priesthood, a lifelong dream for both.

The two seminarians for the Venice Diocese took a major step closer to the priesthood when they were both ordained to the transitional dia-conate Dec. 19. Bishop Frank J. Dewane presid-ing over the ordination, and challenged the med to be “a servant of all.”

Click on the VENICE DIOCESE above for more on this story.

People gather to listen to different speakers at Cities for Life/Cities Against the Death Penalty Nov. 30 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Daytona Beach. (JACQUE BRUND | FC)

Bishop Frank J. Dewane lays his hands on the head of Grzegorz Klich during his ordination to the transitional diaconate Dec. 19. (BOB REDDY | FC)

Two ordained to transitional

diaconate

National March for Life changes venues

Bishop: Murder of mayor was message from organized crime

The statue of Grief and History stands near the U.S. Capitol dome in Washington. (KEviN LAmARQUE, REUTERS | CNS)

E-EDITION EXCLUSIVE

Pope: Christ’s birth can bring peace, hope to world

www.thefloridacatholic.org | Jan. 8-21, 2016

FLORIDACatholicORLANDO DIOCESE

Laura DoDsonFlorida Catholic correspondent

Melbourne | “I realized that revenge is not a cure for grief,” said Susan, a single mother who lost her son to a violent crime 10 years ago. “Revenge is not a cure for anything.”

Susan was an impromptu speak-er at the Cities for Life/Cities Against the Death Penalty event Nov. 30 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Day-tona Beach. She spoke about her ex-perience with her son’s murder.

“No one was charged in my son’s death and I had grief and rage and nowhere to focus it,” Susan ex-plained. “Then there was a hor-rific murder a few blocks from my house. I focused all my anger on the ring leader and I wanted to see him suffer. The boy was convicted and I waited to see him get the death pen-alty. All of a sudden he looked like a scared kid and all I could think of was his mom — she would suffer like I am suffering for the rest of her life. Now I’m working to abolish the death penalty.”

Begun 14 years ago by the Com-munity of Sant’Egidio, a Church public lay association, the Cities for

Life World Day Against the Death Penalty every Nov. 30 is a global evangelization effort to bring about “a higher and more civil form of justice, able to finally renounce the death penalty.”

Led by Father Phillip Egitto, pas-tor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Daytona Beach was one of 2,031 cities in 92 countries this year com-mitted to the abolition of the death penalty. The Our Lady of Lourdes grotto shone with the f lickering of candles and multicolored spot-lights. Participants overflowed the provided chairs; many brought their own chairs, as well as blan-kets. Some sat on the grass, the side-walks or stood at the periphery.

“We have gathered here tonight in prayerful response to the many acts of violence in our society,” Fa-ther Egitto said. “We gather not just as a Catholic group, but in union with many faith groups through-out the world who are also lighting up their cities this evening. On this night, in a world filled with violence and fear, we gather to be a sign of God’s mercy and compassion.”

The program included song pro-vided by the parish contemporary

music band, the school children and a Liturgy of the Word service. Guest speakers were Dale Recinel-la, Catholic correctional chaplain for Florida’s death row and solitary confinement; Mark Elliott, execu-tive director of Floridians Against the Death Penalty; Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry; and Bishop John Noonan.

I thank Father Phil for being my light,” Bishop Noonan said, “re-minding us that we must be lights. Behind me is a statue of Mother Mary who pondered in her heart. Vengeance is not what we are about. We are the only civilized country who executes people legally. Like Mary, we need to ponder in our hearts and bring mercy and love to those in need. Until we bring God’s mercy, we are not being light.”

Florida carries out the death penalty at the Florida State Prison in Starke and a contingent of prayer warriors is present outside the fence to pray during every execution. They strike a bell whose gong can be heard in the execution chamber, offering up a prayer with every toll to comfort the victim that he is not alone in his final journey.

“It means so much to those in the execution chamber to know there are brothers and sisters praying for them,” explained Recinella who is an attorney, and since 1998 has been spiritual adviser to some of the 400-plus men on death row. He said that the first man for whom he was a spiritual adviser was innocent. Evidence — proof of his innocence — came in too late, so there was a procedural bar and the man was executed anyway.

“I watched the killing of an inno-cent man,” Recinella said, “and just a few weeks later, I was spiritual ad-viser for a botched injection.”

In studying the death penalty, Recinella discovered that in a sin-gle time period, 26 people were re-leased from death row as innocent while 90 were executed; the mental-ly ill don’t even have to know their own name to be executed; and 10 percent of the men on death row are veterans of the U.S. armed services — many with post-traumatic stress disorder — and their battle medals have been used as proof that the man is too dangerous to live.

“The bishops have been asking since 1980 to eliminate the death penalty,” Recinella said. “The bish-ops changed my heart; studying the death penalty changed my mind.”

“I want to commend each of you and Father Phil and Our Lady of Lourdes for leading the charge,” said Mayor Henry. “Thank you for being the light, for living what you believe in, for fighting against what you believe to be wrong.”

Growing up poor and a South-ern Baptist in Kentucky, Sara Truhlar believed in an eye for an eye and was for the death penalty. She became Catholic in 1986 after marrying her husband, but it was a botched execution in 2006 that changed her mind about the death penalty.

“Wow, the difference now,” Truh-lar said. “I’m against it and know why I’m against it, and it’s an awe-some place to be when you just let it go, forgive it, have mercy and move on. Pope Francis said that ‘God waits for that day of awakening and conversion and then forgives every-thing.’” n

Faithful unite to urge end to death penalty

Bishop John Noonan speaks on the importance of resisting the evil of vengeance Nov. 30 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Daytona Beach. With him is Father Phillip Egitto, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes.

People gather to listen to different speakers at Cities for Life/Cities Against the Death Penalty Nov. 30 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Daytona Beach. (PHOTOS BY JACQUE BRUND | FC)

2Jan. 8-21, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR ORLANDO COMMUNITY

Katherine Lagunaof the Florida Catholic staff

LAKELAND | In less than two weeks, 21 Santa Fe Catholic High School students, parents and chap-erones will travel to Washington, D.C., for the 2016 March for Life. They will be joined by 35 youth group members from St. Joseph Parish in Winter Haven. The mis-sion of the March for Life is to “pro-vide all Americans with a place to testify to the beauty of life and the dignity of each human person.” On the Jan. 22 anniversary of legalized abortion in the United States, hun-dreds of thousands of people travel to Washington yearly to commu-nicate the pro-life message to the nation in a way that is impactful and prayerful. This year’s theme is “Pro-Life and Pro-Woman Go Hand in Hand.”

“Bei ng pi lg r i ms a longside 400,000 people in the same place at the same time all standing up for the truth is a powerful experi-ence,” said Bethany McBride, cam-pus minister at Santa Fe Catholic High School. “The March for Life is like no other social teaching event. Being one in a swarm of hundreds of thousands of others visibly connects anyone, especially the youths, to comprehend that there are other young people their age also standing up for the truth.”

To prepare for their trip, Mc-Bride scheduled an educational trip for her students to visit Op-tions for Women Pregnancy Help Clinic in Lakeland. While at the facility, students went on a tour and learned what an appoint-ment is like for women who come in looking for assistance. Mary Rutherford, director of Options for Women, encouraged the students to take action.

“I want all of you to be complete-ly informed about what’s affecting the U.S.,” Rutherford said. “Be-come more involved in your com-munities and learn more during this trip so you all can better the future generations who will carry the torch of perhaps changing the law. Fifty-six million babies have died in the last 40 years. We need the young generation.”

McBride hopes all her students and others will continue to stand up for life, regardless of society’s norm.

“We are in a culture where we’re so against true beauty and true love, and true sacrifice; for young people to really stand up for that, it is going to give them a tangible feeling and really show them that they are not alone,” McBride said.

In the past year, Alvin, who is a junior at Santa Fe, continues to reach a better understanding of what his faith means to him and

how to embody it. He said standing in the ultrasound room reinforced exactly what he’s known his whole life.

“When you see the sonogram and hear the baby’s heartbeat, that’s someone alive inside of you,” said Alvin. “I think the fact that people are aborting babies it’s al-most something weird to say out loud.”

Alvin said many Christians

believe in the phrase, “from the womb to the tomb,” and that’s what he plans to voice when he arrives in Washington for the rally.

“It is a really powerful feeling to be in a place with a lot of people who have the same viewpoint as you, and I think a half million peo-ple gathered together supporting one cause is going to be an incred-ible and powerful feeling to experi-ence,” he said.

The March for Life 2016 rally will be Jan. 22 at noon on the grounds of the Washington Mon-ument. Following the rally, the march will begin on Constitution Avenue, which will eventually al-low time for rally attendees to visit their representatives or senators to advocate for life. Matt Birk, a former football player for the Bal-timore Ravens, will deliver the keynote address. n


LAKELAND | There are many crisis pregnancy centers that serve poor and pregnant women and are operated and supported by Catho-lics. The centers seek to show soli-darity with these women and to make known the many resources that are set aside to assist them in their time of need.

One such center is Options for Women Pregnancy Help Clinic in Lakeland, where Mary Rutherford, a parishioner of Resurrection Par-ish, serves as executive director. Since 1998, the facility has worked to serve clients with kindness, com-passion and in a caring manner re-gardless of religious affiliation. It is a nonprofit medical clinic with staff members specially trained to an-swer any questions regarding abor-tion and pregnancy. Staff members provide ultrasounds, counseling and prayer for the women they serve. Many women decide to con-tinue their pregnancy.

“When a woman is looking on-line for a place that does abortion and sees us among her options, we highly recommend she gets the

information she needs before she takes action,” Rutherford said. “It is impressive that 89 percent of our women who were at risk of choos-ing abortion, choose life for their babies.”

On staff are registered nurses, and since 2004, when the center re-ceived an $18,000 grant, the center offers sonograms using its ultra-sound equipment. Those compo-nents have increased the number of patients at the clinic.

Kathleen Sabatino, a registered nurse and a sonographer at Op-tions for Women, serves more than 30 patients a month. A member of St. John Neumann Parish, she un-derstands her career to be a beau-tiful ministry where supporting women in this crucial time period is heartwarming.

“I’ve worked at a hospital in the delivery room and here (Options for Women), so it’s a great privi-lege to be there for so many moms who are struggling,” Sabatino said. “Sometimes in the struggle you can’t see which way to go or how it’s going to turn out. I think the assur-ance we give them, the education, the prayers, and the love make all the difference in their journey.”

clothing, blankets, baby bottles, breast pumps, diapers, and even car seats and cribs when avail-able. It also provides resources to help with employment, budgeting, escaping abuse, child care assis-tance and post-abortion recovery. Also, JMJ helps connect clients with volunteer licensed mental health counselors, doctors, attor-

neys and midwives. Thanks to the donations, babies and their moth-ers are receiving the support they need when they most need it.

“Lifting Lives has four pillars and is a holistic approach to sup-porting the needs of the family. All of this is possible at JMJ Pregnancy Center through generous dona-tions,” Stewart said. n

Poor, pregnant women receive support

Registered nurse Kathleen Sabatino is a sonographer at Options for Women Pregnancy Help Clinic in Lakeland. (KatHeRine Laguna | FC.)

Students prepare for March for LifeSanta Fe Catholic High School students visit Options for Women Pregnancy Help Clinic in Lakeland. Registered nurses Kathleen Sabatino, left, and Kathy Campagnone show the students how to read an ultrasound. (KatHeRine Laguna | FC)

The joy of working for the Lord continues to reassure Rutherford’s decision in becoming the execu-tive director more than a decade ago.

“My f irst day as director, I walked into my office and I knew God was preparing me my entire life for this job and mission. This is a holy place to work. The people God sends us believe in what we are doing and they are committed to it,” she said.

A commonality among crisis pregnancy centers is that once women decide to keep their babies, they are given prenatal vitamins and referred to a doctor. JMJ Preg-nancy Center, with three locations in Orange and Osceola County, offers various support services for women who choose life for their babies.

“The Lifting Lives Program provides support to families fac-ing difficulties during and after pregnancy,” said Kellie Stewart, director of JMJ. “The program is designed to provide unconditional love and support and give families hope in the light of darkness.”

JMJ provides material support such as maternity clothing, baby

3 Florida Catholic Jan. 8-21, 2016YOUR ORLANDO COMMUNITY


Clermont | Parishioners of St. Faustina in Clermont opened the doors Dec. 19 to their new wor-ship space, a storefront located at the Glenbrook Commons Plaza in Clermont. The new location will offer more space to serve the grow-ing community. Plus it offers more parking, a new Divine Mercy devo-tional area, new sound system and office space.

“The parishioners of St. Faustina are overjoyed,” said Bishop John Noonan, who celebrated each Mass over the weekend to help introduce the new space to parishioners. “Before there were only 50 park-ing spaces for 150 people, and now there is space for 500 people. There are many volunteers at St. Faustina and this community of faith will continue to grow in their ministry.”

According to Father David Gil-lis, parochial administrator, the new space is a true blessing for the community. “It’s going to make us blossom and grow. We now have the space we need,” he said.

One added bonus to the expan-sion is dedicated space for the bronze statue of Jesus, the Divine Mercy. Father Gillis said there had previously been no space for the statue, which was donated to the parish in 2007. Blue and gold rays extend from the heart of Jesus, rep-resenting his Divine Mercy. It stands at approximately 7.5 feet tall, and is 5 feet wide. St. Faustina was the young Polish nun who received extraordi-nary revelations from Jesus about his Divine Mercy.

The parish was established in 2006 and Mass was celebrated at the Westgate Motel in a small con-ference room for a few months. The founding pastor was the late Father Steve Phillips, and he celebrated Mass at some of the clubhouses of housing developments in the area. The parish moved to a second loca-tion of a former barbecue restaurant on the east side of Highway 27. Later the parish moved to a space with seating for only 247 people. Even-tually, additional seats were added throughout the lobby area that was separated by a wall from the main seating area just to accommodate the growing attendance.

“Now we are in a wide-open wor-ship space with seating for 400 and the capacity of 446, so we can add some folding chairs as needed,” Father Gillis said. “Parking at the new place is 576 available spaces

throughout the shopping center also.”

William Murphy, a parishioner of St. Faustina, described the new loca-tion as “beautiful.”

“I have been helping to set up the new worship space for the last few days before our first Mass,” he said. “And I am not young, I am 78, but working for the Lord is wonderful and completely gratifying.”

Currently a coordinator of the hospitality ministry, he has been a parishioner of St. Faustina since the beginning and has witnessed first-hand all the growth and growing pains. He said his faith continues to flourish through this journey.

“For me it is an incredible feeling to see this community grow in the last nine years. Just like the Divine Mercy statue says, ‘I trust in you,’ we too have placed our trust in the Lord and in St. Faustina,” Murphy said. “I believe the parishioners this week-

St. Faustina Parish moves to larger worship space

end have seen a light at the end of the tunnel so we may have our per-manent church soon.”

The parish community has been working together on this building project with Father Edward Waters, dean of the Northern Deanery and pastor of St. Timothy Parish in Lady Lake, and Darryl Podunavac, senior director of design, construction and facility maintenance services for the diocese.

The new storefront location is also closer to where the parishio-ners of St. Faustina hope to build their permanent church. This build-ing project took a little more than two months to complete and cost around $300,000. The parish will be leasing the new storefront property.

“This is a step closer for the St. Faustina community in their dream of finally having a permanent home,” Podunavac said. n

Bishop John Noonan greets parishioners of St. Faustina after Mass at the new storefront location in Glenbrook Commons Plaza in Clermont. The parish is currently leasing the property. (PHOTOS BY JaCque BruNd | FC).

With double the amount of space in the new location, St. Faustina parishioners are now able to display a bronze divine Mercy statue near the entrance of the worship space. The statue was the gift of an anonymous donor in 2007.

With the image of the parish’s patron saint nearby, Father david Gillis of St. Faustina delivers the homily in the parish’s new location that seats more than 400 people.


Editor’s note: The last name of the family profiled below is withheld to protect their privacy.

Christine YoungSpecial to the Florida Catholic

MELBOURNE | On Nov. 4, Rob-ert and his family stepped through the doorway of their new home on a ranch in Melbourne.

The husband and wife and their three children had arrived in Or-lando two nights before after leav-ing Kakuma, a refugee camp in Ke-nya, where the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is pro-viding protection and assistance to refugees. Robert’s family had been living in the refugee camp for six years after fleeing their home in the Democratic Republic of Congo be-cause of violence and threats from the Rwandan military.

Before their arrival in the United States, refugees often spend sev-eral years displaced or in a refugee camp. During that time, refugees undergo Department of Homeland Security background checks as well as medical examinations, which take years to complete.

They are also screened by the U.N., and then interviewed for refugee eligibility by U.S. Citizen-ship and Immigration Services. Approved families are provided se-curity clearances and are assigned to local affiliates such as Catholic Charities of Central Florida for re-settlement. Once here, Catholic Charities staff members bestow mercy upon the refugees who have suffered unimaginable loss and suf-fering.

“We help get them started with a place to live, food, clothing, English lessons, employment services and job training,” said Carolina Toro, employment specialist with the Ref-ugee Resettlement Program, a min-istry of Catholic Charities that has been helping newly arrived refugees from across the world begin a new life in Central Florida since 1975.

In his home country, Robert was a biologist and worked on a nature

preserve. In the refugee camp, he helped maintain a garden to feed other families seeking refuge. Now he is living in a ranch in Melbourne with Sergio and Donna Salcedo, who welcomed the refugee family into their home.

“We were looking for a way to help refugees and wanted to of-fer them a place to stay where they won’t have to worry about paying rent and can focus on saving money to one day move out on their own and live independently,” said Donna

Refugees from Kenya settle into life in Central Florida

The community is invited to a prayer service for persecuted Christians on Friday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m., at St. Jude Maronite Parish, 5555 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando. Churches from the following faith traditions will participate: Maroni-te Rite, Ukranian Catholic Church,

Prayer service for persecuted Christians Jan. 22Byzantine Catholic Church, and Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter.

“Our Holy Father has encour-aged all people to pray for those who continue to be persecuted in an effort to form greater solidar-ity with our brothers and sisters

in Christ,” said Deborah Stafford Shearer, director of the diocesan Office of Advocacy and Justice. “Pope Francis asks each of us to embrace those who are persecuted with our prayers and remember their suffering during the week of Prayer for Christian Unity.”

The pope reminds all Christians that although there are differences in faith or in traditions, those dif-ferences shouldn’t outweigh the respect and patience we should have for one another. “In order to understand each other and grow in love and truth we have to stop,

welcome and listen to each other,” said Pope Francis at the closing of last year’s Week of Prayer for Chris-tian Unity. “We need each other to come together and face each other under the guidance of the Holy Spirit who harmonizes diversity and overcomes conflicts.” n

Excerpt from the message from Pope Francis on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees that will be observed Jan. 17:

“I have chosen as the theme of the 2016 World Day of Migrants and Refugees: ‘Migrants and Refu-gees Challenge Us: The Response of the Gospel of Mercy.’

“In our time, migration is growing worldwide. Refugees and people fleeing from their homes challenge individuals and communi-ties and their traditional ways of life; at times they upset the cultural and social horizons which they en-counter. Increasingly, the victims of violence and poverty, leaving their homelands, are exploited by human traffickers during their journey to-ward the dream of a better future.

“Migrants are our brothers and sisters in search of a better life, far away from poverty, hunger, exploi-tation and the unjust distribution of the planet’s resources which are meant to be equitably shared by all. Don’t we all want a better, more decent and prosperous life to share with our loved ones?”

WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND

REFUGEES

Salcedo, a retired flight attendant who has spent some time traveling the world and is familiar with Afri-can cultures.

“We want them to feel welcome and safe as they build their new life.” said Sergio Salcedo, an emergency room doctor who works with hospi-tals throughout the U.S.

Toro said newly arrived refugees are often unfamiliar with household appliances and need instruction on things the rest of us may take for granted, such as a light switch or the air-conditioning unit.

“In their first few months, newly arrived refugees struggle most with the language barrier,” said Toro, who showed Robert and his family how to safely use the stove top.

Over the next few months, Robert and his family will learn English, their third language; they currently speak French and Swahili. Toro will help Robert’s wife, Solange, 42, find a job in the community. Their youngest, Patricia, 10, will attend the local elementary school and

Donna Salcedo, right, welcomes Robert and his family to their new home in Melbourne and shows them the kitchen. She and her husband, Sergio, took in the family from Kakuma, a refugee camp in Kenya. (ChRiStine Young | FC)

receive tutoring lessons as needed. Their middle and oldest children, Marveille, 17, and Giselle, 20, will be enrolled in adult education classes to obtain their GED and advance to college.

Toro explained that the Refu-gee Resettlement Program relies on community support to furnish apartments and help set them up before a new refugee family arrives. Donations such as furniture, bi-cycles, and household and personal care items are needed to help refu-gee families begin their new life in the United States. n

To learn more about the Refugee Re-settlement Program and how you can help, visit www.cflcc.org/refugee-resettlement-program.

Patricia, 10, opens a welcoming gift donated by one of Donna Salcedo’s friends. (ChRiStine Young | FC)

www.cflcc.org/refugee-resettlement-program


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FloridaCatholic

Bishop John

Noonan

‘And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved

Son; with you I am well pleased”’ — (Lk 3:22).

Students from St. Brendan Catholic School in Ormond Beach take part in a prayer service Dec. 8, the first day of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy as declared by Pope Francis. The seventh-graders were asked to think about times when they were unmerciful to others, then listed these acknowledgements on paper. The notes were collected in a box, which was sealed and buried in the school’s prayer garden as the class recited the pope’s special prayer for the Year of Mercy. (COurTESY PhOTO).

year of mercy

Our Lady of Fatima in Orlando, the haitian Catholic mission, hosted its annual holiday gala fundraising event Dec. 26 at the rosen Center hotel in Orlando. The mission, a refuge for healing, joining the Catholic faith, the haitian culture and haitian-American reality, branches out in a variety of ways to bestow care to the young, elderly, and poor in addition to providing spiritual help to those in need. (COurTESY PhOTO)

fundraiser for haitians

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Are you “Faith Fit”? At the start of the new year, many people pro-claim resolutions that they will seek to become trimmer, fitter, better.

As Catholics, we may ref lect upon and renew our baptismal covenant with God in which we promised to be Faith Fit, to be holy. Holiness is about being wholly integrated — body, mind and soul. We care for our whole person. Our faith should not be an object or a cultural event; rather, our faith, our call to holiness, is the living expe-rience of God in all things.

Jesus is the example of holiness for us. God is the center of Jesus’ life. Jesus tells the good news to everyone. He is not afraid to do so. We are in the Christmas season and delight in proclaiming that Jesus is the good news! We are also enjoined through our Baptism to be the good news. Jesus shows us how to be merciful like the Father, as he ful-fills the words of Isaiah: “I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to

open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness” (Is 42:6-7).

As Jesus is our example for being Faith Fit, so we are an example to

each other. Showing our faith by participating in the celebration of Mass to receive the Holy Eucharist is the most profound ex-ample we can offer each other and by our partici-pation, we are being fed the Bread of Life to keep us Faith Fit. Availing our-selves to the Sacrament of Penance refreshes our spirit as we receive divine mercy for our sins against

God and neighbor. Other examples fill the pages of

this issue of the Florida Catholic. You will read about students of San-ta Fe High School who are travel-ling to Washington, D.C., to march for life, trying to open the eyes of the blind about the precious gift of life from conception through natu-ral death. Parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes in Daytona Beach learn about respecting the life of those in prison, so that we might bring them

from confinement. We will gather to pray on Jan. 22 for persecuted Christians during Christian Unity Week to bring out those who live in darkness.

Through Catholic Charities of Central Florida, parishioners in Brevard County are a light for the nations as they help a refugee fam-ily from Kenya resettle in our coun-try. Soon, we will launch an Internet English radio station called Faith Fit as another resource to help us stay focused on God. Seventh-grade students from St. Brendan Catholic School in Ormond Beach began the Jubilee of Mercy reflecting on times when they were unmerciful to oth-ers and how God’s mercy leads us “out of the dungeon” when we are truly sorry and allows us to live life anew.

Pope Francis said in Lumen Fi-dei, “Faith, received from God as a supernatural gift, becomes a light for our way, guiding our journey through time. On the one hand, it is a light coming from the past, the light of the foundational memory of the life of Jesus which revealed his perfectly trustworthy love, a love capable of triumphing over death. Yet since Christ has risen and draws

us beyond death, faith is also a light coming from the future and open-ing before us vast horizons which guide us beyond our isolated selves towards the breadth of commu-nion. We come to see that faith does not dwell in shadow and gloom; it is a light for our darkness.”

How are you an example of being Faith Fit?

As Jesus was being baptized, our heavenly Father, gave him the ultimate stamp of approval when a voice came from heaven saying, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Lk 3:22). Would our heavenly Father say the same for each one of us? Let us make be-ing Faith Fit in this Jubilee of Mercy our resolution. n

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend John NoonanBishop of Orlando

Jesus is our example for being Faith Fit

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6Jan. 8-21, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR ORLANDO COMMUNITY34929-0108

Text of Bishop John Noonan’s Christmas homily, delivered during midnight Mass at St. James Cathedral, Orlando.

Christmas is a time of wonder-ment and mystery. We celebrate it in ways like no other time during the year. The world offers count-less blessings and pleasures in life. Christmas can be a time to reflect and contemplate on the deeper meaning of life. David Gregory, TV newscaster and former White House correspondent, wrote a book recently — “How’s Your Faith: An Unlikely Spiritual Journey.” Mr. Gregory considered himself non-religious and culturally Jewish. When he lost his job, he began to search for answers to the ques-tions about life. He studied Scrip-ture and sought the best religious minds for advice, from rabbis to cardinals.

He discovered that this search could not become another project. He realized he was seeking an-swers to the frustrations and faults in his life. Slowly he began to open himself up to a new gift of humility; an opening of his heart to deal with his faults and failings in a way that he never experienced before. This spiritual awakening led him to re-alize, truth, goodness and love are beautiful gifts of life. He became more conscious of his relationship with his wife, his children, his par-ents and others. He found a new purpose and meaning. “I became humble; my life took on a new meaning and purpose,” he said.

Christmastime can cause us to reflect on the simplicity and mys-tery of the birth of Christ and what meaning it brings into our lives. We sing joyful hymns of praise. We listen to the Scripture readings telling the story of this event. Isa-iah, the prophet, tells us the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. St. Luke tells us a Sav-ior has been born for us. We hear that the heavenly angels sing glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to people of good will for to-day a Savior has been born for you. What does all this mean? How can we understand this great mystery and meaning of life?

Scott Hahn is a convert to Ca-tholicism, professor of religion and married father with children. He wrote a book called “Joy to the World” about his experience of visiting the Holy Land with his family one Christmas. On visiting the site in Bethlehem where Jesus was born, his heart was filled with emotions just reflecting on what happened there on that very site

more than 2,000 years ago. He became lost in his thoughts

and emotions until his daughter interrupted him — “Can we go now?” All the reflection and de-votion of an older generation was alien to her. Yet his daughter knew the Bible stories, but not in the way in which he was intrigued by them. The ultimate challenge for her would be to understand and make sense of this one day.

Their next stop was at a nearby orphanage for children run by re-ligious sisters. His daughter had no idea why there was an orphan-age, but was excited at the sight of all the children. A nun welcomed them and invited his daughter to hold one of the babies. His daugh-ter smiled and was delighted to hold a baby in her arms. The rest of the family moved about and visited with the rest of the children. They returned about 10 or 15 minutes later and there was their daughter still holding the baby and not the least bit bored.

Scott Hahn realized at that mo-ment that his teenage daughter was about the same age as another teenage girl. She too had come to this town from far away. Her jour-ney of 80 miles, however, took lon-ger than their flight from New York. It was here in these primitive con-ditions in the little town of Bethle-hem that the baby in Mary’s arms brought fulfillment to her and all who saw this scene. We have re-membered this scene and the radi-ance of mother and child. Even to this day, this scene is celebrated in our midst.

Scott Hahn summarized his visit to Bethlehem with his family with these words, “In Bethlehem I know I saw the joy of Christmas — not exactly at the spot of the Na-tivity but in a nearby orphanage. Christ is the Word made flesh. The joy and the love that I witnessed between a young woman and the child placed in her arms were more powerful and meaningful than all my seminary and doctoral pur-suits.”

This great mystery of the Christ Child is a lifelong journey of faith, but it only takes a moment to ex-perience his presence. Christmas is not a powerful offer or proposal, but a simple invitation to welcome the Christ Child into your heart, so that this Christ Child may teach you about peace, hope and love. When all seems impossible, lost and forgotten, there is still peace, hope and love because God made it possible for us to believe by becom-ing a little Child for you and me. n

bishop noonan’s Christmas homily

‘When all seems impossible, lost and forgotten there is still peace, hope and love’

Father Jose Bautista, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Kissimmee, kneels in front of the Nativity scene on Christmas Day. (KatheriNe LaguNa | FC)



ST. CLOUD | Life and the dig-nity of the human person is a fun-damental teaching for Catholics who advocate for the protection of human life at all stages, regardless of an individual’s challenges.

That vision is lived out in the growing community of Bishop Grady Villas in St. Cloud, which since 2004 has supported persons with disabilities to use their God-given gifts to achieve greater inde-pendence, physical and emotional well-being, and spiritual growth.

Inside the villas, adults with in-tellectual disabilities are taught to live as members of their communi-ty, each according to their abilities. The assisted living facility provides a safe space for adults who benefit from a group atmosphere and indi-vidual support from staff and vol-unteers. Executive director Kevin Johnson is hopeful that Bishop Grady Villas will continue to be recognized as an excellent model for serving adults with disabilities.

“Bishop Grady Villas is very in-dividualized,” Johnson said. “In our setting, the individual is re-spected. We focus on their gifts and their special talents, and give them the opportunity to share their gifts with the community.”

Eden, a resident of Bishop Grady Villas since 2008, is one of those in-dividuals who has flourished. She currently works at Sea World in the food and beverage department, is a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in St. Cloud, and volunteers as an usher every Sunday at the 8:30 a.m. Mass.

“Eden enjoys pottery and is taking her third class at Osceola Center for the Arts,” said David Schumacher, assistant residential programs manager/volunteer co-ordinator. “She is active in Special

Olympics in Osceola County where she competes in track and field, golf and swimming events.”

Eden is also an ambassador for the Special Olympics, speaking to groups about it. Bishop Grady Vil-las has assisted Eden with her job skills and taught her how to use Lynx for transportation to and from work.

However, recent changes in fed-eral rules for Medicaid and Medi-care could impact Bishop Grady Villas in the future. In 2014, a rule was issued by the Centers for Medi-care and Medicaid that relates to funding for home and community-based services. The rule imposes new standards on group settings for adults with disabilities. The intent is to help individuals to be as integrated into the community as possible. There is currently a five-year implementation period for states to meet the new stan-dards, ending in 2019. According to Johnson, there are some concerns that Bishop Grady Villas could be viewed as an institutional setting, simply because it has a vehicular security gate that is closed over-night for the safety of residents. There are pedestrian gates that are

open at all times. Johnson agrees with the federal

government’s initiative to promote community settings for adults with disabilities, but he believes that an “array of options” is necessary to address the needs of this special group of individuals.

“It is important to have a wide range of options for individuals with disabilities so they can find a place where they may flourish,” said Johnson.

By operating Bishop Grady Vil-las, the Catholic Church is seeking to support families who made the decision to raise their children, and choose the villas as the best setting for their loved ones as they become adults.

For example, Barbara — whose last name is not being used for privacy — is legal guardian of her cousin Karen, who is blind. Bar-bara promised her aunt and uncle years ago that in the event of their

A community of respect for the dignity of the human person

Eden, a resident of Bishop Grady Villas since 2008, wears her Sea World uniform proudly. She currently works at the theme park as a team member of the food and beverage department. (CourtESy PhotoS).


ORLANDO | On Jan. 19, students and chaperones from throughout Florida are scheduled to attend the “Rally in Tally” event in Tallahas-see. Students, parents and school administrators will represent more than 35 Catholic schools from Flor-ida, five of which are from the Dio-cese of Orlando.

The event seeks to raise aware-

ness of the value of scholarships for low-income families. The schol-arships are subject to a pending lawsuit (McCall v. Scott) against the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. The rally is organized by Florida Voices for Choices, which is seeking to maintain the scholar-ship program that serves 78,000 economically disadvantaged chil-dren. Organizers have set a goal of 10,000 students, which would make the event among the largest school

choice rallies in the nation’s his-tory. The event will feature keynote speaker Martin Luther King III — son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King — and parents and families who benefit from the scholarship program.

The lawsuit argues the scholar-ship program violates two sections of the Florida Constitution, such as Article I Section 3, which states “no revenue of the state or any politi-cal subdivisions or agency thereof

shall ever be taken from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious de-nomination or in aid of any sectar-ian institution.”

However, the scholarship has helped thousands of students to at-tend the school of their choosing. In the 2015-2016 school year, it pro-vided $447.3 million in scholarships, which is close to 78,000 low-income children in more than 1,500 private schools. Within Florida’s Catholic

Thousands of students will gather for ‘Rally in Tally’

‘Bishop Grady Villas is very individualized. In our setting, the individual is respected. We focus on their gifts and their special talents, and give them the opportunity to share their gifts with the community.’

Kevin Johnson

schools, 13,369 students benefit from the program, including 3,156 students in the Diocese of Orlando.

Participants at the rally will march a couple of blocks from the Civic Center to the Capitol, which is located across the street from the Supreme Court building.

“We are fighting for our kids to get the education they deserve,” said Catherine Durkin Robinson, executive director of Florida Voices for Choices. n

Laura, right, a Bishop Grady Villas resident takes pride in her work at Chick-fil-a.

residents of Bishop Grady Villas tour a local Publix Supermarket.

death she would be there to sup-port Karen. While seeking a good living arrangement for Karen, Bar-bara discovered Bishop Grady Vil-las. Karen became a resident of the villas in November of 2008 and has blossomed ever since.

“She attends adult day training every day where she is re-develop-ing her Braille skills, has learned to clean her own room, do her laun-

dry, and most of all be a part of a wonderful household of women,” said Barbara. “She has developed the independence she has never had before.”

“The state of Florida is very sup-portive of our setting and knows that our program is designed to support people to live indepen-dently as possible and to be inte-grated as possible,” said Johnson. n


Christian Unity celebration/prayer service: Friday, Jan. 22, 7-9 p.m., St. Jude Maronite Church, 5555 Dr. Philips Blvd., Orlando. Prayer service for persecuted Christians. Participating faith traditions include: Maronite Rite, Ukranian Catholic Church, Byzantine Catholic Church, Per-sonal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter. Held in observance of Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Jan. 18-25. Office of Advocacy and Justice, 407-658-1818 [email protected].

Mass for World Day of Conse-crated Life: Saturday, Jan. 30, 11 a.m. Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary,

Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando. Bishop John Noonan invites all to show gratitude for the women and men who have consecrated their lives to Jesus.

Diocesan Mass for Marriage: Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m., St. James Cathedral, 215 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. Bishop John Noonan will celebrate multilingual Mass for all Catholic married couples and families, and bless couples who will also renew their wedding vows. Secretariat of Evangelization and Family Life, 407-246-4882.

DIOCESAN EVENTS WITH BISHOP JOHN NOONAN

DIOCESAN EVENTSPrison Ministry training:

Saturday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Joseph Parish, 210 W. Lemon St., Lakeland. Training sessions for new and current ministers will include: ministering in a prison or jail, re-entry support for former prisoners, ministering to families of the incarcerated and more. Christine Shields, [email protected].

End-of-life presentation: Saturday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-noon. St. Anthony Parish, 820 Marcum Road, Lakeland. Learn about a Catholic declaration on life and death, also known as an advance directive. Office of Advocacy and Justice, 863-858-8047.

March for Life in St. Augustine: Saturday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Buses are available from various churches around the diocese. Cost: $25, adults; $15, youths; free for children under 12. Office of Advocacy and Justice, 407-658-1818, ext. 2086; [email protected].

Greater Orlando eighth annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day: Saturday, Jan. 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St., Orlando. The diocesan Human Trafficking Task Force will have a booth to help Catholics become aware of this horrific reality and to educate the public on how to prevent it. Deacon Fred Molina, [email protected].

Rituals of the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday workshops: Presented for those who are responsible for the preparation and celebration of particular liturgies and rites of the Church, such as pastoral musicians, sacramental preparation catechists, priest presiders and deacons. Free. Office of Music and Liturgy, 407-246-4860.

• Saturday, Feb. 6, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Most Precious Blood, 113 Lockwood Blvd., Ovideo.

• Saturday, Feb. 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Our Saviour Parish, 5301 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach.

Young adult retreat: Saturday, Feb. 6, 8 a.m., St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, 10701 S. Military Trail, Boynton Beach. Opportunity for reflection, fellowship and testimonials by priests, seminarians, religious sisters, lay evangelists and faculty. Mass and adoration of Blessed Sacrament, reconciliation opportunities, praise and worship. Fee: $20. To register: www.20somethingretreat.wordpress.com. Office of Vocations, 407-246-4875.

Focus on vocations: Saturday, Feb. 27, 5-9:30 p.m., Holy Family Parish, 5125 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. An opportunity for all high school youths in the diocese to learn about religious life, married life, and what God is calling them to do. Students view exhibits from various religious communities and orders, and interact with priests, religious sisters, brothers and seminarians, and married couples. Optional Mass at 5, registration 6:15. Keynote speaker: Father Richard Pagano, Diocese of St. Augustine. Darcey Dinh, [email protected].

Prison ministry training:

Saturday, March. 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Paul Parish, 1330 Sunshine Ave., Leesburg. Training sessions for new and current ministers will include ministering in a prison or jail, re-entry support for former prisoners, ministering to families of the incarcerated and more. Christine Shields, [email protected].

RETREATS/DAYS OF REFLECTION

San Pedro Center retreats: 2400 Dike Road, Winter Park. For more information or to register: www.sanpedrocenter.org/retreats-programs, 407-671-6322.

• Senior day retreat: Thursday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. “Sacraments: Larger than life signs — Larger than life gestures,” facilitated by Father Ben Berinti, Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood. Cost: $15.

• Senior day retreat: Thursday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. “Mercy and healing of Our Lady of Lourdes,” facilitated by Franciscan Father Anthony Aarons. Cost: $15.

• Lenten weekend retreat: Friday, Feb. 26-Monday, Feb. 28. “Walking to the font,” facilitated by Franciscan Father Giles Schinelli. Cost: $100, commuters.

• Senior day retreat: Thursday, March 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. “Praying the Psalms,” facilitated by Franciscan Father Giles Schinelli. Please bring a Bible. Cost: $15.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

“A Night to Glorify” with Bob Rice: Saturday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m., Titusville High School Performing Arts, 150 S. Terrier Trail, Titusville. Night of fellowship and music with award-winning songwriter, who is the featured

worship leader at Franciscan University of Steubenville summer conferences. Tickets: $5, or $15 for a family up to six. To order: www.holyspiritmims.com/events or 321-698-3972.

“Mardi Gras Our Way”: Friday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Divine Mercy Parish, 1940 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island. Hosted by parish Council of Catholic Women. Includes luncheon, fashion show, bingo, auctions and fun time for all. Tickets: $20. 321-453-4180.

“Dead Man Walking” with Sister Helen Prejean: Friday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1014 N. Halifax Ave., Daytona Beach. Discussion about life, death and social justice. Sister Prejean of the Congregation of St. Joseph is an advocate against the death penalty and author of “Dead Man Walking.” 386-255-0433.

Annual rummage sale: Friday, Jan. 15, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Saturday, Jan. 16, 8 a.m.-noon, Holy Spirit Parish, 644 S. Ninth St., Lake Wales. Sponsored by parish Council of Catholic Women. Items for sale include glassware, decorations, toys, jewelry, furniture, clothing, baked goods.

CONCERT“Requiem for the

Innocents” concert: Friday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Parish, 5900 Oleander Drive, Orlando. Features choir from the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, with the work of E. Louis Canter, composer and narrator. Music was composed to reflect on the effects of abortion and the hope of reconciliation and forgiveness for transgressions against life. Free, but donations greatly appreciated. 407-277-3939, [email protected].

MASSES/PRAYER SESSIONS

Helper’s Mass and rosary: Saturday, Feb. 6, 9-noon, St. Augustine Parish, Casselberry. Mass to pray for the unborn, healing for the mothers and fathers and conversion of staff and doctors. Office of Advocacy and Justice, 407-658-1818, ext. 2086; [email protected].

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Catholic Charities of Central Florida seeks volunteers for the following programs:

• Semoran food pantry in Orlando volunteers help sort, pack, stock and distribute food to those in need. Must be 16 or older. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon, and 1-3:30 p.m. [email protected]; 407-658-1818, ext. 2335.

• 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. [email protected]; 407-658-1818, ext. 1305.

• 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. [email protected] or 407-658-1818, ext. 1026.

• Receptionist with Family Empowerment Program in Winter Haven to answer phones, greet guests, schedule appointments, operate copy and fax machine. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. [email protected]; 863-288-7983, ext. 104.

• Tax preparers for Family Empowerment Program in Lakeland and Winter Haven to prepare federal tax returns for low-/moderate-income people from January to April 15, 2016. Free 32-40 hour training provided in October, November and December. [email protected]; 863-288-7983, ext. 104.

• 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. [email protected]; 407-658-1818, ext. 1061.

• 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. [email protected]; or 407-658-1818, ext. 1061.

• 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.

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, 8:45 a.m., St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Mother Teresa Room, 861 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs. 407-463-5780 or email [email protected].

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.

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FLORIDACatholicPALM BEACH DIOCESE

LINDA REEVESof the Florida Catholic staff

DELRAY BEACH | Two years ago, Darin Lueken suddenly lost his young son. Today, he holds tight the memory of his faith community reaching out compassionately to him and his wife and daughter who were suffering from the tragedy, and the shock and loss.

“On the anniversary of my son’s death, I found that I wanted to com-mit myself to St. Vincent Ferrer,” said Lueken, about his decision to give back to his parish community, which reached out to him when his son, Mitchell Joseph Lueken, 14, a 2013 graduate of St. Vincent Ferrer School, died in an accident.

Lueken spearheaded and is fa-cilitating a new ministry at St. Vin-cent Ferrer called “GriefShare” that addresses the needs of those going through grief. The next GriefShare session begins just after the holi-days as the new year begins, a tough time for many dealing with the loss of a loved one. The next GriefShare is scheduled for Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-noon, at St. Vincent Ferrer, and ses-sions will be held each week for 13 weeks. The sessions include presen-tations, discussions and reflection.

“It is OK to grieve,” said Lueken, who certainly knows firsthand the pain that results from the death of a loved one can be excruciating. He said that the grieving process is natural and so are memories, flash-backs and tears that may come along with loss.

“It is normal. Christ even wept over his friend Lazarus,” he ex-plained about the Lord mourning and grieving over the death of the brother of Mary and Martha.

The GriefShare program is de-signed by Church Initiative, a nondenominational, nonprofit ministry headquartered in North Carolina that publishes faith-based programs. The two-hour programs each week are aimed at helping people meet challenges and move on toward rebuilding a life devas-tated by loss.

After his son’s death, Lueken searched for support and sat in on a hospice grief group program, but felt the need for something more. He found a GriefShare program at a Boca Raton Protestant church. He liked the program, and felt called to bring it to St. Vincent Ferrer.

“St. Vincent Ferrer has been great about opening up to the pro-gram,” said Lueken. “Everyone always prays at the end and gives

thanks for what the program has given to them. It is very rewarding to me.”

The sessions are for all ages. “We have had an older couple who lost their son who was in his 50s. We have had widows. We had people who have lost siblings,” said Lu-eken.

Participants can sit in on as many or as few programs as they need or want. Some of those par-ticipating in the ministry have re-cently lost a loved one, and others continue to grieve after the loss of a loved one many years ago. “One key thing is that we don’t measure grief,” said Lueken. “Grief is unique. We provide a safe environment. You are with people who know the pain.”

A new year with hope and goals often brings on sadness, struggles and heartache for those reflecting on the past. Lueken said coping is difficult, but take one day at a time. “I know it is tough. Don’t plan any-thing that you can’t handle.”

Sally Moore, a parishioner of St. Mark in Boynton Beach, also pre-sented a program at her parish in November to help the grieving pre-pare for the holiday season. “The more you have someone to listen to your story, the better you will heal,” she said about seeking group sup-port and good listeners.

Moore said the pain from the loss of a loved one can be both physi-cally and emotionally wearing, and the pain of grief grips everyone differently. She explained that grief work is an ongoing process and is never fully or finally accomplished. The pain does lessen and it comes less frequently over time.

“I lost my mother and my hus-band 20 years ago,” said Moore, a former hospice worker. “Grief nev-er goes away. You just have to learn to live with it. We can go on. Learn with others. That is how I healed.”

She is now forming a support group at St. Mark Parish. All are in-vited to join the group.

Franciscan Sister Joan Millecan began bereavement ministry at St. Mark Parish 13 years ago. She is a highly respected pioneer and leader in the field and has pro-vided guidance to other ministers at parishes, helping them set up ministries. “Grieving is unique,” she said about people having their own grieving process. “Coping is unique. Grieving takes many shapes and forms. Coping takes on many shapes and forms. Some want to be alone. Keeping quiet can be a way to cope. You go with your emotions.”

In grief support, listening lends itself to healing

There are groups in the Diocese of Palm Beach that address the needs of those going through grief. The first step is to check with your parish. Here are a few examples of programs held in various areas.

• St. Mark Parish in Boynton Beach is forming a new support group. If you are interested in joining the new group, call Sally Moore, 561-215-8732.

• GriefShare, Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-noon, St. Vincent Ferrer, 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. A 13-week group session with video presentation, discussions and reflection. Join in on sessions at any time. 561-289-2542 or [email protected].

• Grief and loss support group: Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Cathedral of St.

Ignatius Loyola, Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. For those who have lost a loved one and want to talk about the loss or its effects. 561-622-2565.

• Bereavement support group, Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m., St. Lucie Parish, 280 S.W. Prima Vista Blvd., Port St. Lucie. Group meets in the parish center library. All those who want to talk and share feelings in a safe place where confidentiality is important are welcome and encouraged to attend. 772-878-1215.

• Bereavement support group, Tuesday, 7 p.m., St. Peter Parish, 1701 Indian Creek Parkway, Jupiter. Two-hour, structured sessions. Small-group setting with meetings over 10 weeks. 561-575-0837.

SUPPORT GROUPS IN THE DIOCESE OF PALM BEACH

Gloria Stevenson heads up a grief and loss support group on Tuesday mornings at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens. The sessions are open to Catholics and people of all faiths who want to join in for fellowship, conversation, listening, sharing and coffee. Those who attend ses-sions have experienced loss and continue to experience grief.

Stevenson experiences the pain associated with the loss of her son many years ago. She said the holi-days and the beginning of a new year can be very hard times. “Per-sonally, feeling the loss of family is most painful. To cope, I try to find substitute family.” She also sug-gested attending a group session to share and be with and listen to others.

The statue of Grief and History stands near the U.S. Capitol dome in Washington. (Kevin LamarqUe, reUTerS | CnS)

‘I lost my mother and my husband 20 years ago. Grief never goes away. You just have to learn to live with it. We can go on. Learn with others. That is how I healed.’

Sally Moore

Members of the St. Ignatius Loyola support group shared their thoughts and ideas about coping and going through the grief:

• Take care of yourself physi-cally, emotionally and spiritually. Don’t set your needs aside to please others.

• Talk about how you are feel-ing rather than hiding your feel-ings. Choose wisely with whom to share your feelings.

• Make plans, but if needed, keep the plans tentative.

• Travel to family if possible. Be with family.

• Pray, and God sends a plan.• Build a new tradition for

yourself/family.• Acknowledge the loss. Raise

a glass to toast your loved one. n


2Jan. 8-21, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY

Sts. Cyril and Methodius Byzan-tine Catholic Church in Fort Pierce celebrated its 25th anniversary. The parish family of the Ruthenian-Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic, N.J., gathered in celebration of the an-niversary Nov. 29. Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Eparchy of Passaic attended and celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Byzantine Catholics are in full communion with Pope Francis in Rome, but follow a Byzantine li-turgical, spiritual and canonical tra-dition that stems to the churches of the East. For the past year, Sts. Cyril and Methodius has been without a resident priest, and during this time

sacramental ministry has been pro-vided by Right Rev. Archimandrite Glen Pothier, adjutant judicial vicar of the Diocese of Palm Beach, who has bi-ritual faculties to celebrate in the Ruthenian-Byzantine rite. During the anniversary celebration Bishop Burnette appointed Father Scott Boghossian as parochial ad-ministrator of Sts. Cyril and Metho-dius. Father Boghossian was also named pastor of St. Basil the Great Parish in North Miami. The Epar-chy of Passaic covers much of the East Coast of the United States and consists of 93 parishes in 11 states. n

Parish celebrates anniversary

LINDA REEVESof the Florida Catholic staff

LAKE WORTH | The ladies were decked out in red and green, and Father Clemens Hammerschmitt, pastor of St. Matthew Parish, wore a tall chef’s hat and white apron as festivities began.

“This is our annual event to show our appreciation to the religious sisters,” said Laurie Ulseth, chair-woman of the diocesan Council of Catholic Women’s “Take a Sister to Lunch” event. This year, the lun-cheon was held at host St. Matthew Parish in Lake Worth, and the af-ternoon get-together, which pays tribute to the religious women min-istering throughout the Diocese of Palm Beach, had a good turnout despite the heavy rain in South Florida.

Women from the councils of vari-ous parishes in the diocese attend-ed the midday event with umbrellas in hand. Father Hammerschmitt, spiritual adviser for the council, vol-unteered to cook. Father Hammer-schmitt is known for his fine cook-ing skills and delicious dishes. This was the fifth year he has cooked for the event. Before his generous of-fer of time and culinary talents, the council women organized events at local restaurants.

Father Hammerschmitt ap-peared to be a natural in the par-ish’s large kitchen, tending to the food when we arrived. He told the Florida Catholic that he enjoys cooking and trying new dishes and is self-taught over the years. He spent hours in the kitchen prepar-ing dishes with his own personal touches for the council women. Volunteers from the parish also helped organize the tables, chairs and decorations in the parish hall.

“We have been here setting up since yesterday,” said volunteer and

council woman Rita Gleason. “I feel like there is not enough done for the religious sisters.” The day featured good food, fellowship and fun, and the council women appeared to enjoy the afternoon, sitting around

Religious sisters honored during luncheon

Bishop Kurt Burnette, center, of the Eparchy of Passaic, N.J., presided at a Mass and 25th anniversary celebration Nov. 29 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Church in Fort Pierce. Also pictured are Right Rev. Archimandrite Glen Pothier, left, adjuant judical vicar of the Diocese of Palm Beach, and Father Scott Boghossian, right, new parochial administrator of Sts. Cyril and Methodius. (COURTESY PHOTO)

large tables sharing the meal and conversations with religious women. “The religious educate the council women about their different ministries,” said Jean Waddington about time well spent.

The religious women we spoke to said the day is also a good experi-ence for them. They get to spend the day with other Catholic women and learn about them.

“We come to meet the council

Father Clemens Hammerschmitt, pastor of St. Matthew Parish and spiritual adviser for the diocesan Council of Catholic Women, works in his parish kitchen putting final personal touches on dishes prepared for the “Take A Sister to Lunch” event Dec. 5 organized by the diocesan council. (PHOTOS BY LINDA REEVES |FC)

Sister Dorothy Mary Mangan, left, a member of the Sisters of Charity who serves at St. Matthew Parish in Lake Worth, is greeted by council women Betty McManus, right, and Rita Gleason, center, as she arrived at the “Take A Sister to Lunch” event Dec. 5.

women of the parishes,” said Sister Maria Teresa Pacheco-Sosa of the Guadalupana Missionaries of the Holy Spirit who serves at St. Peter Parish in Jupiter. “We come to share in Jesus’ love.” n

Council woman Josie Randazzo, a parishioner of St. Paul of the Cross in North Palm Beach, chats with Sister Beatrice Cortes of the Guadalupana Missionaires of Holy Spirit, who serves St. Peter Parish in Jupiter.

Sister Maria Teresa Pacheco-Sosa, a member of the Guadalupana Missionaries of the Holy Spirit, speaks to council woman Mary Brocato of St. Peter Parish in Jupiter. Sister Pacheco-Sosa serves at St. Peter and works with the large Hispanic community there.

3 Florida Catholic Jan. 8-21, 2016YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY

33891-0108

Ouida Williams and linda Reeves of the Florida Catholic staff

PORT ST. LUCIE | Ben Inserra, 75, a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Port St. Lucie, never figured he would get close to a pope. But over his lifetime, he has crossed paths with five leaders of the Catho-lic Church, two of whom were re-cently named as saints.

Since 1963, Inserra, a retired civil engineer, has experienced com-ing close to Pope John XXIII, now a saint, Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, now a saint, Pope Benedict and Pope Francis. During each of the five close encounters, he received a papal blessing.

“Why did I get a shot at five popes? That’s pretty unusual,” Inserra said.

His first encounter was with Pope John XXIII in 1963. He was a 23-year-old lieutenant visiting St. Peter’s Basilica.

“Suddenly everyone stood up, and I heard singing from a group of nuns. (The pope) was brought in on St. Peter’s chair. The people started cheering and shouting. I never dreamed I’d see such a hierarchy in the Church.

“He passed about 10 feet from where I stood and blessed me. I was in awe. I cried,” said Inserra.

The encounter happened shortly before John XXIII died June 3, 1963. He was canonized in 2014.

Two years later, Inserra en-countered his next blessing from a pope, Paul VI, who led the Catholic Church starting June 21, 1963, until his death in 1978. Inserra was mar-ried and living in New York City in 1965.

“I heard (the pope) was coming (into the city). I went to see if I could

get a glimpse of him. There wasn’t a lot of security then,” he said. “I got there just as the motorcade pulled up, and he started blessing people. He blessed me and (my son) Paul.”

Inserra’s next golden moment came during one of Pope John Paul II’s trips to America. The Holy Father stopped over in New York and vis-ited several sites, including Yankee Stadium.

“Among millions of Catholics in New York, I got another chance,” Inserra said. “I was in the Knights of Columbus at the time. They were giving away a few passes. I luckily got one of them. I was sitting in the stands when the pope passed by. He reached out his hands and blessed me. It was very emotional.”

The pope’s visit to America came just before an attempt was made on his life. On May 13, 1981, Mehmet Ali Agca attempted to assassinate the Holy Father. The pope was shot

four times, and suffered severe blood loss. Agca was apprehended immediately, and later sentenced to life in prison by an Italian court. The pope later forgave him and he was pardoned at the pope’s request and was deported to Turkey in June 2000.

“I loved Pope John Paul II,” Inser-ra said. “He came off as a priest who cared about his flock. When I heard he went to the prison to forgive the man who tried to assassinate him, that affected me. He really modeled the image of Christ.”

Inserra’s next pope encounter was in 2008. “Pope Benedict XVI was coming to New York, but I was living in Florida and lost all con-nections back home,” Inserra said. “Surprisingly, my next-door neigh-bor in Florida just happened to have a ticket (to the papal event) and gen-erously gave it to me. There I saw Pope Benedict and received another blessing.”

Inserra’s most recent encounter was this year. “At my ripe old age, I got the chance to see Pope Fran-cis in Philadelphia this past Sep-tember. I was there visiting with a friend when he came to town,” he said about the Holy Father’s visit to America. “I walked miles to catch a sight of him. Suddenly he wheeled by in an open jeep. He passed

Close encounters of the pope kind

Ben Inserra, a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton in Port St. Lucie, shares his story about encountering five popes during his lifetime and receiving blessings along the way. (OUIDA D. WILLIAMS | FC)

through the crowd and blessed me. I had a list of prayers in my hand and I cried.”

Over the years, Inserra said, he has thought about the great inci-dents with the good popes and the spiritual doses of blessings he re-ceived from the successors of Peter. He believes that the blessings have helped him in some way along life’s journey and through troubled times in his life, including the death of two sons.

“It was three days after 9/11 and the fall of the towers,” he said about the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York. More than 3,000 people died in New York City. “I was in New York and got a call. I assumed it was about

my elderly mother, but it wasn’t. My oldest son Paul sounded very upset. ‘Peter is dead,’ he said.” Inserra’s middle son had suddenly died of a heart attack in his sleep at only 35 years of age. Most recently, he lost his youngest son, Mark, to cancer.

A papal blessing is special. In-serra believes that the five he has received are very special and gifts from God. He is now grieving his youngest son’s death and turning to God for strength.

“I am sad, but I can deal with it,” he said. He said he continues to give God thanks for his long life and for his son, Paul, who was with him in New York when he saw Pope Paul VI, and who blessed both of them. n

Pope John XXIII is pictured in the Vatican Gardens in this undated photo. Ben Inserra saw him in 1963 at St. Peter’s Basilica. (CAthOLIC PrESS PhOtO | CNS)

Pope John Paul II waves to the crowd in Yankee Stadium in New York where Ben Inserra saw him. (ChrIS ShErIDAN, CAthOLIC NEW YOrk | CNS)

Clergymen assist Pope Benedict XVI as he lights a candle at ground zero in 2008. Ben Inserra saw him in 2008 in New York City. (ALESSIA GIULIANI, CAthOLIC PrESS PhOtO | CNS)

Pope Francis delivers his homily during the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia Sept. 27. Ben Inserra saw him during his visit. (LISA JOhNStON, St. LouiS Review | CNS)

Pope Paul VI greets the crowd as he visits New York City in 1965. Ben Inserra saw him during that trip. (FC ArChIVES)


FloridaCatholic




9995 North Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

561-775-9500 • Fax 561-630-2698

PUBLISHER Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONSDianne Laubert

[email protected]

DIOCESAN EDITORLinda Reeves

[email protected]










DIOCESE OF PALM BEACH

Vol. 77, No. 5

Jan. 8 — Closing of retreat of bishops of U.S. Regions IV and XIV, Lutz.

Jan. 9 — 5 p.m., Mass/instal-lation of Father John Horan as pastor of St. Jude Parish, Boca Raton.

Jan. 10 — 11:30 a.m., Mass/installation of Father Stephen Leake as pastor of St. Philip Benizi Parish, Belle Glade.

Jan. 12 — 11 a.m., Meeting, Southern Deanery priests, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Boca Raton; 7 p.m., RCIA presentation, “The Eucha-rist,” Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, Palm Beach Gardens.

Jan. 13 — 6:30 p.m., Dinner, 2016 Diocesan Services Appeal, Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Jan. 15 — noon, Luncheon with Diocesan Services Appeal donors, Mizner Country Club, Boca Raton.

Jan. 16 — 1 p.m., Confirma-tion, Holy Family Parish, Port St. Lucie.

Jan. 17 — 10:30 a.m., Red Mass/breakfast, Catholic Lawyers Guild, Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Jan. 19 — 10 a.m., Meeting, Presbyteral Council, Pastoral Cen-ter, Palm Beach Gardens; 1 p.m., Meeting, College of Consultors, Pastoral Center.

Jan. 20 — noon, Luncheon with Diocesan Services Appeal donors, Floridian Golf Club, Palm City.

Jan. 21 — noon, Luncheon with Diocesan Services Appeal donors, Lost Tree Club, North Palm Beach.

Jan. 22 — 11 a.m., Prayer vigil for Roe v. Wade decision, Palm Beach County Courthouse, West Palm Beach.

Jan. 23 — 4:30 p.m., Mass/reception in honor of married love and the gift of life, Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Jan. 24 — 2:30 p.m., Con-firmation, St. Helen Parish, Vero Beach.

BISHOP’S SCHEDULE

LIVING THE TRUTH IN

LOVE

Gerald Barbarito

A new year has begun and many things will be before us. One of them will be the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta as a saint of the Church. Truly the announce-ment of her canonization, due to the affirmation of another miracle performed through her, is very wel-come news. Mother Teresa stands as a great woman who made a tre-mendous difference in our times. She was a great proponent for the poor and needy in an extraordinary fashion, which caught the attention of many in the world and in government leadership. She was also a tremendous proponent for the unborn and proclaimed the sanc-tity of life on behalf of the unborn as well as that of every person at every stage of life.

As we continue to re-f lect upon God’s infi-nite mercy during this Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Mother Teresa stands as a profound example of a woman of mercy. She was a woman of great joy and her joy flowed from her giving of herself to others, especially the needy and the poor. St. John Paul II, who was a great advocate of Mother Teresa, formally announced her beatifica-tion shortly after her death. She was a great influence in his pontificate and he eagerly promoted her mis-sion in the world.

While Mother Teresa was a woman who exuded great joy and a loving smile to all she encountered, she was no stranger to suffering and pain in her life. Naturally, part of her suffering was due to the life of extreme poverty that she so eagerly lived. However, this suffering was not one that brought her distress or discomfort. It was surprisingly one that brought her great peace.

However, another suffering she faced was one encountered by many of the great saints of the Church, which was a feeling of dis-tance from God. After her death, her writings on this suffering were published. It is surprising to read how this joyful woman faced the pain of feeling an absence from God that caused her the greatest suffer-ing in her life. Such great saints as St. John of the Cross, St. Paul of the Cross and St. Teresa of Lisieux were but some of the saints who faced this emptiness which was similar to what Our Lord experienced on the cross. This experience is often referred to as the “dark night of the soul.” It is comforting for us to know that Mother Teresa and the saints experienced this emptiness

that we too sometimes experience in our lives to a lesser degree. How-ever, this cross became a source of grace for them as they realized that the cross of the Lord was present to them in this experience.

Mother Teresa was fond of say-ing, “God does not demand that I be successful. God demands that I be faithful. When facing God, results are non-important. Faithfulness is

what is important.” What wonderful words to reflect upon as we begin a new year and as we continue to journey during this Ju-bilee of Mercy. God is not interested in our success-es but in our being faithful to him. Our faithfulness to the Lord is the indica-tion of our willingness to enter into a real relation-ship with him in which we realize our faults and limitations, but are not discouraged by them. Our

faithfulness enables us to know the deep love of God for us by experi-encing his mercy and forgiveness. Mother Teresa experienced this faithfulness especially in her suffer-ings of the dark night of the soul that she experienced which may, at face value, seem a lack of success.

As we begin a new year, espe-cially during this Jubilee of Mercy, Mother Teresa’s words stand before us as a wonderful reminder of what the road to holiness is all about. In a world so caught up in success, it is reassuring to know that success and achievement are not what life is all about. Many of us have undertaken New Year’s resolutions to change certain aspects of our lives for the coming year. This is a wonderful practice but usually we find we are not often faithful to these resolu-tions. Many of us may already be experiencing that we have not been successful in what we intended to carry out. These failures at our reso-lutions are a good example of realiz-ing our limitations in our humanity. They are also a good opportunity to realize that God always goes be-yond our limitations. We just cel-ebrated that he became one of us in our human nature and raises us to his divinity through his love and mercy. Again, it is our faithfulness and willingness to persevere that are important and not our success-es, especially in the eyes of God.

Every year for the New Year the pope puts forth a message of peace. This year the message of Pope Francis emphasizes that it is only by overcoming indifference that we are able to achieve peace. He begins his message by saying, “God is not

indifferent! God cares about man-kind! God does not abandon us! At the beginning of the New Year, I would like to share not only this profound conviction but also my cordial good wishes for prosper-ity, peace and the fulfillment of the hopes of every man and every wom-an, every family, people and nation throughout the world, including the heads of state and government and all religious leaders.” Truly, it is only by recognizing that God is not indif-ferent but that he cares for us that enables us to recognize the value of our lives not in terms of success, but in terms of faithfulness.

Mother Teresa never expected to be the example and spiritual leader that she was to the world. However, her faithfulness to the plan of God for her is what made her who she was and enabled her to accomplish the good that she did. Her found-ing of the Missionaries of Charity is a great blessing for the world. This congregation carries out in a con-crete manner the concern and mer-cy that Mother Teresa gave to the poor, the needy, the abandoned, the elderly and the unborn. All of these would certainly seem to have not experienced success in their lives. Nevertheless they were successful as Mother Teresa helped them to realize God’s faithfulness to them and encouraged their faithfulness to God.

It was a great joy to learn of the upcoming canonization of Mother Teresa during this year. Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity are present and active in the Arch-diocese of Miami immediately next door to us. I was very privileged to know the Missionaries of Charity as they had several homes in Brook-lyn, N.Y., where I was privileged to visit them and to celebrate Mass for them. I was also privileged to meet Mother Teresa who exuded a great peace to me as she did to everyone she met.

One of the most humorous but profound stories I know about the Missionaries of Charity occurred in one of their homes in Brooklyn where a generous priest brought them a brand-new statue of Our Lady for their monastery. The sis-ters, very much taken with the beauty of the statue, would not ac-cept it because they said it was too new and perfect. They preferred a statue that was imperfect as that was in more keeping with Mother Teresa’s way of life. The wise priest agreed and took the statue outside where he hit it against a tree to bring some damage to it. He then brought it back to the sisters and proclaimed that they could now accept the

statue since it was no longer per-fect. The sisters accepted it and the moral of the story for me is that God truly does not expect us to be per-fect, but to be faithful in striving for perfection even in our brokenness.

May this New Year be a time for all to know more deeply the love of God in our lives and in our imper-fections. A blessed New Year to all! n

Mother Teresa in the New Year











COVINGTON CAMPBELL ANd LINdA REEVES of the Florida Catholic staff

JUPITER | The construction of a large mosaic at St. Peter Parish involving pa-rishioners and staff and hours upon hours over the months is about more than the bonding of small stained-glass pieces and stone.

“Small groups have the capacity to form relationships which are so important,” said Susan Bridgforth, director of parish stewardship. She is leading volunteers who are working side by side in an effort to create the St. Peter mosaic. At the same time, they are also sharing in fellowship and building up the community spirit of the parish.

“We help one another build bridges and to bear crosses,” she said about friend-ships made as part of parishioner partici-pation.

Nearly 25 volunteers have spent time on the 5-foot-by-40-foot mosaic titled “Living Waters in the River of Life.” It will grace the floor in the front of the church near the baptismal font and new stained-glass window. A generous parishioner is fund-ing the project.

The mosaic is being created in a Jupiter studio near the parish grounds, and half-inch-by-half-inch pieces of stained glass and stone are being used to create the piece which illustrates waves and swirls of blues, greens and natural tones moving together and transporting fish that ride the currents up and down in the depths of the water. The art is a wonderful represen-tation of the river of life or the journeys of men and women on life paths.

Bridgforth, a muralist for the past 25 years, designed the piece and she is teach-ing volunteers the art of glass cutting and mosaic design. Large tiles are scored, cut and shaped, and sharp glass edges are filed to a smooth finish.

Tens of thousands of tiny tiles will be glued together to finish the mosaic art piece. It will be a centerpiece for the church where families come together as a community for the important moment of the sacrament of baptism, and where the parish family enters the church into com-munion with others to pray and worship in faith.

“When I have gone to work on it, it is redundant work, but you are sitting there knowing you are working on this beauti-ful project that will grace the church,” said longtime parishioner Giovanna Christian, who is part of the St. Peter staff. She volun-teers time to help with the project. “Your mind becomes reflective, meditative and calmed. The work becomes a gift to God, to the parish. It is an unusual way for our parishioners to become involved, and it is wonderful that so many have added their time and energy (to help create the piece).”

Bridgforth hopes the mosaic will be completed sometime in January. The painstaking work is a monumental project. She said that the help of volunteers over the months who are dedicated to giving back to the Church is a blessing. “Stewardship is about giving back in praise and worship of Our Lord for the many gifts he has given us. To those who have been given much, much will be asked of them,” she said. n

Parishioners create mosiac for their church

Left and above, Susan Bridgforth, director of stewardship at St. Peter Parish in Jupiter, is leading the work on a mosaic project at her parish. The piece is expected to be completed and installed in the church this month. (PHOTOS BY COVINGTON CAMPBELL | FC)

Small pieces of stained glass are filed and glued to form shapes as part of a project at St. Peter Parish involving parishioners and staff.

Above, a mosaic comes together piece by piece following designs created by Susan Bridgforth. Left, in a studio, stained glass and stone in shades of blue fill containers to be used on a mosaic project initiated by St. Peter Parish.


Pope John Paul II High School graduates process in caps and gowns moments before commencement ceremonies May 16 at Lynn University. The three high schools of the Diocese of Palm Beach graduated a combined 324 students in 2015. All events were something to remember with happy graduates about to venture off on new life paths, witnessed by school staff, friends and family members. (LINDA REEVES | FC)

St. Edward Church shines with new renovations that were completed to repair structural damages. Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito was main celebrant for a special Mass with dedication, consecration and blessing ceremonies Jan. 25. (LINDA REEVES | FC)

Salesian Brother Salvatore Sammarco, left, and day laborer Hector Rojas, an immigrant from Mexico, assemble a chair Aug. 6 that was constructed in Port Chester, N.Y., for use by Pope Francis. Brother Sammarco, who serves St. Philip Benizi Parish in Belle Glade, was selected to lead construction of the chair Pope Francis used when he celebrated Mass at Madison Square Garden in New York Sept. 25. (GREGoRY A. SHEMITz | CNS)

Deacon Wayne Topper, left, of St. Clare Parish in North Palm Beach congratulates new Deacon Jose Guardiario moments after he was ordained. Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito ordained four men to the permanent diaconate Sept. 12. (LINDA REEVES | FC)

2015: New beginnings, exciting milestones, memorable momentsFrom Pope Francis’ historic trip to the United

States to the launch of the Jubilee Year of Mer-cy, Catholics of the Diocese of Palm Beach cel-ebrated memorable moments of faith. During the Year of the Consecrated Life, the diocese celebrated the works of dedicated religious sis-ters, brothers and priests. This past summer,

the first American chapter of the Grandpar-ents Association was launched. Conferences fed women, men and youths with inspiring moments while the diocese celebrated events that continued to faithfully build up the city of God. Here are just a few moments captured in photos of life on Florida’s Gold Coast.

Father Michael o’Flaherty, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Boca Raton, leads a mortgage- burning ceremony oct. 25 during the 11 a.m. Mass. He burned a copy of the mortgage as the parish marked a five-year anniversary since the church was dedicated. (LINDA REEVES | FC)


34189-0108

Ouida WilliamsFlorida Catholic correspondent

WEST PALM BEACH | Catholic Men for Jesus, a ministry aimed at helping men grow in faith, will pres-ent a fresh, new conference next month.

The Feb. 20 event in downtown West Palm Beach is called “Family Fully Alive in Christ,” and accord-ing to organizers seeks to do just what the title says — inspire, moti-vate, and encourage family life ac-cording to God’s purpose.

Jim Manhardt, founder of Catho-lic Men for Jesus which has present-ed spiritual conferences for men in the diocese over the past decade, said the new event for families is in-spired by Pope Francis, who spoke

Conference aimed to inspire families “Family Fully Alive in Christ”:

Feb. 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Tickets: $10 per person or $25 per family. Christian concert begins 7 p.m. Tickets: $25. Hispanic celebra-tion, led by Juan Alberto Echeverry, begins 7 p.m. Tickets: $10. To buy tickets, visit www.catholicmenforje-suschristofflorida.org. For informa-tion, email [email protected].

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the University of Notre Dame and a master’s in theological studies from the University of Dallas. The dea-con is an author and sought-after speaker and host of a weekly broad-cast, “From the Rooftops,” on Radio Maria. He is host of several popular series on Eternal Word Television Network, including “Behold the Man: Spirituality for Men.” He is married with four children.

For the young people, world-class juggler Paul Ponce, who has performed on “America’s Got Tal-ent,” will take the stage for his danc-ing and never-before-seen juggling and talents. He is sure to leave the children awestruck.

“It’s a great idea,” said Fred Topor of the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola about the family event, a first of its kind here in the Diocese of Palm Beach. “I have children and grandchildren myself. The idea of

the entire family getting together for this event is a nice idea.”

The daytime event will close with Mass with Bishop Gerald M. Bar-barito serving as main celebrant. Two separate nighttime events are planned: a Christian concert and a Hispanic celebration. Author and speaker Juan Alberto Echeverry hosts the Hispanic event. Tickets for nighttime activities must be purchased separately.

“We hope that through the event, more and more families will be-come closer to Christ,” Manhardt said. “It will be a celebration of Catholic life. We will gather in large numbers under one roof, celebrat-ing that we Catholics, as a giant family, are fully alive in Christ.” n

‘We hope that through the event, more and more families will become closer to Christ. It will be a celebration of Catholic life. We will gather in large numbers under one roof, celebrating that we Catholics, as a giant family, are fully alive in Christ.'

— Jim Manhardt

in Philadelphia this past September at the World Meeting of Families Congress.

“He addressed the United States saying families are a factory of hope,” Manhardt said. “We think the event will be a powerful day; the largest gathering in our diocese.”

The all-day event will feature a variety of activities and present-ers for parents, teens and younger children. The conference will take place at the Palm Beach Conven-tion Center in West Palm Beach. The program will be broken down for various age groups. In the morn-ing, the adults will gather in a loca-tion that holds 6,000 people. The young people will meet in a sepa-rate area that is designed to hold

2,000 individuals. At the same time, the smaller children will convene in an area where they will take part in activities tailored for their ages spe-cifically.

Lila Rose, president of Live Ac-tion, a nonprofit dedicated to end-ing abortion and building a culture of life, is a featured speaker for the conference. She will speak to both adults and youths.

A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, the 27-year-old has been a pro-life advocate since she was a young teen. She is a regular guest on national television and radio programs, and her work has been featured in many national publications.

The conference’s lineup also in-cludes a presentation by Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, known by many as the “Dynamic Deacon.” He earned a bachelor’s degree from



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FYISunday 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 MASSDIOCESAN EVENTS 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. 561-632-2689 or 561-818-4728. For program information and locations, 561-775-9557.

2015-2016 School of Christian Formation classes: Classes and programs offered in English and Spanish. New classes begin the week of Jan. 11. To learn more about locations and schedules, visit www.diocesepb.org/schools-of-christian-formation or call 561-775-9544.

Church annulment informational night: Jan. 19, 7:15 p.m., Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. Led by Father Albert Dello Russo, judge in the diocesan Tribunal Office. Clear and accurate information provided. 561-775-9557.

Diocesan Mass to honor married love and the gift of life: Jan. 23, 4:30 p.m., Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. Vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, includes blessing of babies in the womb. Sponsored by the diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life. Light reception follows. 561-775-9557 or [email protected].

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. Deadline for next year’s class is Jan. 31. 561-775-9540 or [email protected].

Workshops for extraordinary ministers of holy Communion: For both new and experienced ministers. Call parish office to make reservations with the diocesan Liturgy Office.

• Jan. 23, St. Martin de Porres Parish, 2555 N.E. Savanna Road, Jensen Beach.

• Feb. 20, St. Patrick Parish, 13591 Prosperity Farms Road, Palm Beach Gardens.

Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Masses: Feb. 13, 10:30 a.m., Holy Spirit Parish, 1000 W. Lantana Road, Lantana; and Feb. 27, 10:30, St. Lucie Parish, 280 S.W. Prima Vista Blvd., Port St. Lucie. Anniversary Masses celebrate marriage and honor married couples celebrating 25, 40, 50 and more years. Main celebrant: Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito. Reception with cake follows. Contact your parish or the diocesan Office of Family Life and Marriage: 561-775-9557, [email protected].

Catholic Charities: For calendar of events visit

www.catholiccharitiesdpb.org/events.

• 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.

• Caritas Dei Bishop’s Gala: Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m., The Breakers Hotel, 1 S. County Road, Palm Beach. Black-tie gala to benefit the programs and ministries of Catholic Charities that provide services to the poor and vulnerable. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities: 561-775-9560, [email protected].

• Rosary prayer gathering: Jan. 22, 11 a.m., 1916 County Courthouse, 300 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. Prayer led by Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito for the protection of the unborn on the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. Sponsored by Respect Life Office. Free bus transportation from various locations. Riders are encouraged to bring lunch and drink. For details, map and parking instructions: 561-360-3330, www.catholiccharitiesdpb.org/events.

• Catholic Days at the Capitol: Feb. 16-18, State Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee. Gathering of Catholics from around the state and Florida’s bishops to advocate for laws that protect and defend human life and dignity. Transportation available, but space is limited. Deadline: Feb. 2. 561-775-9598, 772-342-0837, or [email protected] or 561-360-3330 or [email protected]. Learn more at www.flaccb.org/catholic-days-at-the-capitol.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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].

Ongoing clergy formation: Jan. 18-22, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, 10701 S. Military Trail, Boynton Beach. Priest Winter Institute with presenters Dr. Tim Gray and Dr. Edward Sri. Topics: Gospel of Luke, new evangelization and the Year of Mercy. Open to all priests. 561-732-4424.

Benefit dinner and concert: Jan. 22, 6-9 p.m., Ascension Parish, 7250 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. St. Mark Parish choir will perform “Les Miserables.” Cost: $40 per person. 561- 244-7627, 561-752-2988.

St. Vincent Ferrer jubilee gala: Jan. 23, 6:30 p.m., Delray Beach Marriott, 101 N. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. Celebration of 60th anniversary of St. Vincent Ferrer School and 75th anniversary of the parish. 561-276-6892.

“Sensational 60s” dinner dance: Jan. 23, 6 p.m., American Polish Club, 4725 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres. Hosted by St. Thérèse de Lisieux Council of Catholic Women. Tickets: $35 per person, includes dinner, dancing and raffles. 561-352-9991, [email protected].

Academic evening: Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, 10701 S. Military Trail, Boynton Beach. Guest speaker: Cardinal Sean O’Malley. Open to the public. 561-732-4424.

Stations of the Cross to pray for priests of the diocese: Jan. 30, 8:30 a.m., Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. 561-622-2565.

Pro-life ministry benefit: Feb. 8, PGA Country Club and Resort, Palm Beach Gardens. Guest speaker: Jim Sedlak, founder of Stop Planned Parenthood International (STOPP). Proceeds benefit God’s Resources, a pro-life ministry dedicated to providing free pregnancy tests, counseling and ultrasounds by trained nurses working from mobile facilities at various locations. 772-919-2555.

Ladies Guild trip, March 8-10, Emmanuel Parish, 15700 S. Military Trail, Delray Beach. Transportation to Orlando Holy Land exhibit with visits to Morse Museum in Winter Park that features an extensive collection of Tiffany pieces, and stop at Bok Tower Gardens. Cost: $265, includes transportation, double-occupancy hotel accommodations, meals and entrance fees to sites. 561-496-2213.

Prayer gathering: Fridays, 9:45 a.m., and Tuesdays, 3 p.m., 8177 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Pray with others for the end of abortion. 561-347-1636.

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.

• Day of reflection: Jan. 6, 10 a.m. “God’s Chosen Ones.” Presenter: Passionist Father Damian Towey. Cost: $30. Reservations required.

• Centering prayer silent weekend retreat: Jan. 8-10. Cost: TBA. Registration: 407-869-0781 or [email protected].

• Day of reflection: Feb. 3, 10 a.m. “Removing the plank from our eyes.” Presenter: Deacon Bob Rodriguez. Cost: $30. Reservations required.

ANNOUNCEMENTSCatholic Days at the Capitol:

Feb. 16-18, Tallahassee. Florida Catholics are invited to meet state legislators to promote legislation that supports teachings of the Church. Highlight: Red Mass concelebrated by the Florida bishops. Cost: $170 per person, includes transportation and hotel. Deadline: Feb. 2. 772-342-0837, [email protected], 561-360-3330, [email protected].

Family conference: Feb. 20, Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. “Family Fully Alive in Christ,” presented by Catholic Men for Jesus Christ of Florida. Guest speakers: Lila Rose and Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers. Performances by juggling entertainer Paul Ponce. Ike Ndolo and his band will perform for youths. Conference ends shortly before 4 p.m. with Mass celebrated by Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito. Cost: $10 per person; $25 per family. www.catholicmenforjesuschristofflorida.org/.

Women’s spiritual conference: March 19, 8 a.m., Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. Mass with main celebrant Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, sacrament of reconciliation, rosary, adoration and talks. Guest speaker: ValLimar Jansen, singer and storyteller. Early registration: $30, includes continental breakfast and lunch. Patti Amann, 561-662-4780; Vivian Rogers, 561-799-1975.

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.

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.

2016 Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to ItalyHosted by Father Brian Campbell and Nawas International Travel

Contact: Father Campbell @ 561-798-5661Email for brochure: [email protected]

November 9-19, 2016Rome • Assisi • Florence • Pompeii

• Amalfi Coast • Monte Cassino

35050-0108


www.catholiccharitiesdpb.org/events



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www.flaccb.org/catholic-days-at-the-capitol

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FLORIDACatholicVENICE DIOCESE

posed his hands on them and proclaimed a prayer of consecration, to confer the Holy Spirit to guide their ministries.

The deacons then received a stole and dal-matic (the exterior garb of a deacon), signify-ing the office of diaconate and the deacon’s role in the celebration of the Eucharist. Father Anthony Hewitt, Administrator of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Fort Myers, helped Deacon Klich vest, while Father Richard York, Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City, as-sisted Deacon Ruoff.

Next, the newly ordained deacons knelt before the Bishop who presented them with the Book of the Gospels as a symbol of their new ministry of proclaiming the Gospel and preaching. The Rite of Ordination concluded with the kiss of peace before they were minis-ters of the Eucharist for the first time as dea-cons.

Deacon Klich, 33, is from Harklowa, Po-land, and has completed his studies at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Mich. He is currently on pastoral as-signment at St. Francis Xavier Parish. He pre-viously served as a seminarian at St. William Parish in Naples, and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice.

Deacon Ruoff, 58, was born in Philadelphia and grew up on the New Jersey Shore. He is in his final year at St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass. His seminarian

assignments have included St. Andrew Par-ish in Cape Coral, Resurrection Parish in Fort Myers, St. Agnes Parish in Naples and St. Mi-chael the Archangel Parish in Sarasota.

Ordained for the service of charity and Proclamation of the Word, Transitional Deacons continue the ministry of Christ the Servant. As part of their formation for priest-hood, all candidates must first be ordained to the Diaconate. Deacon Klich will remain at St. Francis Xavier while Deacon Ruoff will return to the seminary to complete his studies. n

Two ordained to the transitional diaconate

Top left, Bishop Frank J. Dewane lays his hands on the head of Grzegorz Klich during his ordination to the transitional diaconate Dec. 19 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Top right, Charles G. Ruoff is presented the Book of Gopels by Bishop Dewane. Bottom right, Deacons Klich and Ruoff lay prostrate during the Litany of Saints. (PHOTOS BY BOB REDDY | FC)

Newly ordained Transitional Deacons Grzegorz Klich, left, and Charles G. Ruoff, right, stand with Bishop Frank J. Dewane following their ordination Dec. 19.

BoB Reddyof the Florida Catholic staff

VENICE | Grzegorz Klich and Charles G. Ruoff claim there is nothing special about them except that they have a desire to serve the Lord and are currently pursuing a voca-tion to the priesthood, a lifelong dream for both.

The two seminarians for the Diocese of Venice took a major step closer in that pur-suit when they were both ordained to the Transitional Diaconate Dec. 19 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Bishop Frank J. De-wane presiding over the ordination, in-formed both men that ordination makes them ministers of the Word, Altar and Charity. “Be a servant of all. … You come here freely and you have worked hard to put yourself in this particular place, making a commitment to be of service to the Lord and those around you.”

Deacons Klich and Ruoff have chosen to live their life in a particular way, Bishop De-wane continued. “Live this life you have cho-sen to the fullest. … Take comfort in prayer which should become the center of your daily life.”

Following the ordination Deacon Klich explained that he was having trouble putting into words the powerful emotions he was feel-ing. “This is such an important moment that I have been praying about for a long time,” he said. “To be one step closer toward a priestly ordination is so special. I will take this time to prepare for that next important step.”

Deacon Ruoff expressed a feeling of being blessed at being considered worthy of ordina-tion by Bishop Dewane and to have family and friends present to show their support at that important moment.

“How wonderful a transformation, how mysterious a design, how inconceivable a blessing,” the new Transitional Deacon add-ed. “Today is a privileged gift from Our Lord as we near Christmas; His gift of kindness, His gift of grace.”

The first of three ranks of ordained min-istry in the Church, deacons perform many services in the Church in conjunction with the ministries of priests and of the bishop. In parish life, deacons may preside at baptisms, weddings and rites of Christian burial, assist the priest at Mass, proclaim the Gospel and deliver homilies.

Deacons are called to be flexible, adaptable and creative in their service, learning new languages and cultures, and going to places — from a prison to a hospital to a food pantry to a bus station — that others might shun.

Following the homily, Deacons Klich and Ruoff approached Bishop Dewane individu-ally, knelt before him and promised respect and obedience to the Bishop and his succes-sors. To signify humble submission before God, the men then lay prostrate in the sanc-tuary while the assembly sang the Litany of Saints.

The ordinations were complete after each man again approached the Bishop who im-

‘How wonderful a transformation, how mysterious a design, how inconceivable a blessing. Today is a privileged gift from Our Lord as we near Christmas; His gift of kindness, His gift of grace.’

— Deacon Charles Ruoff

2Jan. 8-21, 2016 Florida Catholic YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY


BR A DE N TON | A pa r ish community recently held a cel-ebration for the installation of its new Pastor, a pivotal moment in the life and history of any Parish.

The installation Mass of Fa-ther Tomasz Zalewski of St. Jo-seph Parish in Bradenton was celebrated Dec. 20 and presided over by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

A pastor is someone who serves as a “wise teacher” so as to lead the faithful to Christ, Bishop Dewane said. Without the support of the faithful a pas-tor cannot succeed. It is the task of a pastor to call on people to be true disciples, evangelizers and messengers of their Faith.

“You are all true witnesses of the Faith. Your presence here

in support of your new pastor shows a level of support he will need to succeed,” Bishop De-wane said. An installation of a pastor is a punctuation mark in the life of a parish, and in this case an exclamation point, he explained. “Let this moment be that for the people of St. Joseph. Move forward with Father Za-lewski as he guides you in your faith journey.”

St. Joseph Parish was estab-lished in 1927 for the growing Catholic population in Manatee Count y. It was relocated to its current location in 1954 where a new church and school were built. The current church was renovated in 1993. The parish cu r rent ly has approx i mately 2,500 families. Father Zalewski had previously served as Admin-istrator of the Parish.

As part of the installation pro-cess, Bishop Dewane first intro-duces the priest as pastor to the parishioners. The priest later re-cites a profession of faith for all to hear, including an additional part solely for him. The new pas-tor then recites an Oath of Fidel-ity and promises to “adhere to the teachings, which either the Roman Pontiff or the college of bishops enunciate when they ex-ercise authentic magisterium.” The installation also includes prayers to provide the new pas-tor the w isdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to lead the parish.

The ceremony concludes with the signing of documents by the Bishop, the new pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish community, who serve as wit-nesses for all of the parishioners. n

Father Zalewski installed as pastor of Bradenton Parish


PUNTA GORDA | Got plans for Tuesday nights? Consider a new pro-life television show which began airing Jan. 5, 8:30 p.m., on CTN-10 (Family Television Net-work), a local cable channel.

The show is paid for by Action For Life, a nonprofit, nonsectar-ian volunteer organization dedi-cated to protecting and fostering the most basic value of our society — human life itself. The Naples-based group devised a plan to air a series, in a talk-show format, to help better educate the public about the ongoing efforts to pro-mote, uphold, and support respect for human life without regard to age, race, creed, color, whether born or unborn.

The show is hosted by Father Michael Orsi, Parochial Vicar of St. Agnes Parish and Chaplain at St. John Neumann Catholic High School, both in Naples. Taped in front of a live studio audience, guests appear to discuss various issues related to the pro-life move-ment. Upcoming airings will in-clude the Jewish perspective on life and one dedicated solely to the 40 Days for Life Campaign which begins on Ash Wednesday.

With timely and relevant top-ics and interesting guests, this television show will expose a new audience to this important issue, said John Garafalo, Action For Life treasurer. “We needed a new way to get the word out that abortions are taking place and babies are

New pro-life TV show begins airing locally

dying each day right in our own communities,” he said. “We sup-port a peaceful end to abortion in the United States and that end will only happen when more people are educated about this grave issue.”

Jeanne Berdeaux, Diocese of Venice Respect Life Director, said the television show is a great idea in spreading the word. Berdeaux was a guest on the taping about 40 Days for Life, as she is the regional coordinator for that prayer vigil.

“This is an opportunity to get this message out to a broader audi-ence,” she explained.

Shows are taped in advance at the CTN-10 studios in south Char-lotte County. Father Orsi hosts the show and asks guests questions.

“My goal is to keep the topics en-gaging and informative for every-one, no matter what faith they may have,” Father Orsi said. “We are here to share an important mes-sage that can be found in the Bible

— that all life is precious and sa-cred because it is a gift from God.”

Paul Lodato, the station’s gen-eral manager, said that when he was approached about the idea of airing the Action For Life series, he was all for it. An ordained minster, Lodato said the entire network is geared toward supporting core Christian values, with life being the most important one.

“It’s truly an honor that we were asked to be the host station for this

important mission,” he said. “The show will air at a set time, but will also live stream and air at other times throughout the week, just to make sure people see this show.” n

For information about where to f ind CTN-10, visit www.ctn10.com, or on YouTube at action-forlife.net. For more information about Action For Life, visit www. actionforlife.net or call 239-262-5433.

Above, Father Tomasz Zalewski is congratulated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and the faithful following his installation as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Brandeton Dec. 20. Below, following the rite, Father Zalewski and two witnesses sign forms with Bishop Dewane. (PHOTOS BY BOB REDDY | FC)

Jeanne Berdeaux, center, Diocesan Respect Life Director, guests on a new pro-life show, “Action for Life,” that airs Tuesdays, 8:30 p.m., on CTN-10. The host is Father Michael Orsi, right, chaplain at St. John Neumann High School. At left is general manager Paul Lodato. (COURTESY)

3 Florida Catholic Jan. 8-21, 2016YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY

FloridaCatholic




1000 Pinebrook RoadVenice, FL 34285

941-484-9543 • Fax 941-483-1121

PUBLISHER Bishop Frank Dewane

DIOCESAN EDITORBob Reddy

[email protected]










DIOCESE OF VENICE

Vol. 77, No. 5

Staff RepoRt

VENICE | Now is the time of year that people are planning their busy seasonal social schedule with lots of interesting activities to choose for evenings of elegance or just ca-sual fun.

While choosing among the many opportunities Southwest Florida has to offer can be difficult, consid-er these events as a chance to give back to the community, which will go to directly help our needy broth-ers and sisters in Christ through the many programs of Catholic Chari-ties, Diocese of Venice Inc.

In most cases, the Catholic Charities galas are elegant black-tie affairs, but no matter what the attire, all of the proceeds will go directly to help those in the com-munity where the event is held. This means by buying a ticket, one could literally help feed fami-lies, teach children to read or even prevent someone from becoming homeless. From late January to early April there are seven chances to support Catholic Charities in an entertaining way.

“These Catholic Charities ga-las and events are of critical im-portance as it brings like-minded and faith-filled people together for a good cause,” explained Peter Routsis-Arroyo, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc. CEO. “Each gathering serves to help educate people about a critical need in the area, while at the same time offer-ing everyone a chance to have fun.

The upcoming events will be centered on various themes and most will include a cocktail hour, auction, dining and dancing.

First on the calendar is the an-nual Catholic Charities Ball on Jan. 30, which benefits the programs and services of Catholic Charities in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Proceeds will support programs including Our Mother’s House, St. Martha’s Early Learning Center, Bethesda House, Catholic Charities Family Haven, housing counsel-ing and foreclosure prevention, fi-nancial assistance, senior services, professional counseling, refugee services, and immigration services.

A fun-filled evening on Mardi Gras, Feb. 9, goes directly to help Bethesda House, a program of Catholic Charities which provides professional and compassionate support services for individuals suf-fering with HIV/AIDS.

The Boots and Bandannas Din-

Evenings dedicated to charity

• Catholic Charities Ball, Jan. 30, 6 p.m., Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. $300 per person. Contact Marisa Pufta at 941-355-4680, ext. 305; or email [email protected].• Mardi Gras Madness, Feb. 9, 6 p.m., Michael’s on East, Sarasota. $150 per person. Contact Marisa Pufta at 941-355-4680, ext. 305; or email [email protected]. • Boots and Bandannas Dinner Dance, Feb. 20, 6 p.m., Kingsway Country Club, Port Charlotte. $75 per person. Contact Andy Herigodt at 863-494-1068 or email [email protected].• Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting, Auction and Dinner Dance, Feb. 25, 5:30 p.m., Plantation Golf and Country Club, Venice. $80

per person. Contact Kathy Isbell at 941-485-6264 or [email protected].• Venetian Charity Ball, March 12, 6 p.m., Hyatt Coconut Point, Bonita Springs. $225 per person. Call 239-334-4007 or email [email protected].• Emerald Ball, March 19, 6 p.m., Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort, Naples. $300 per person. Call 239-455-2655 or email mary shaughnessy@ catholiccharitiescc.org.• Veterans Gala, April 7, 6 p.m., Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice. Visit www.veniceperformingartscenter.com for tickets.For more information about any of the events, visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

SCHEDULED EVENTS

ner Dance on Feb. 20 is for those in-terested in something more casual. As the name of the event states, boots and bandannas are encour-aged and the evening will include live country music. Programs in DeSoto County benefit, including immigration and family reunifica-tion services, prevention and sup-port services, after-school tutoring program, and farmworker housing enrichment and educational ser-vices.

The Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting, Auction and Dinner Dance on Feb. 25 helps mothers and their babies avoid being homeless. This comprehensive outreach is com-mitted to helping mothers and their children achieve self-sufficiency through a 24-month residency pro-gram.

While many of the early sea-son events are concentrated in the northern sections of the Diocese, the people of Lee, Hendry and Hardee counties will not be over-looked when they will have the opportunity to go to the Venetian Charity Ball on March 12. Catholic Charities outreach there includes human trafficking victims’ assis-

tance, senior services, food pantries and food programs, immigration services, youth tutoring and men-toring, adult education, youth edu-cation and summer programs, case management, financial assistance, and infant/toddler assistance.

Consider wearing something green and going to the Emerald Ball on March 19. Proceeds benefit pro-grams in Collier County including financial assistance, professional counseling, food pantries and pro-grams, refugee services, senior ser-vices, immigration and legal servic-es, soup kitchen, clothing room and shower program, English classes

for mothers. In addition, there are special projects such as Undy Sun-day, the weekend power pack food program for children, as well as holiday gift and food distributions.

The final event of the season, but certainly not the least important, is the annual Venice Veterans Gala on April 7. This is the third year for this event and it serves as a salute to all United States military veterans. This year will include a special trib-ute to soldiers who served during the Vietnam War. Proceeds benefit programs and services of Catholic Charities throughout the Diocese that assist veterans. n

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, center, Father Vincente Clemente, left, Pastor of St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, as well as representatives of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, the DeSoto County government, Catholic Charities and others participate Oct. 5 in a groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of the Casa San Juan Bosco farmworker housing of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. (BOB REDDY | FC)










www.catholiccharitiesdov.org

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Staff RepoRt

WASHINGTON | Maria Puerta de Misericordia (Mary Door of Mercy) and Mary Crown of Purity were admitted to the novitiate of the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará religious order. They were two of 15 women who received their white veil as they enter a new stage of growing in the religious vocation.

Maria Puerta de Misericordia is the religious name of Maribel De-loera of Wauchula, and Mary Crown of Purity is the religious name of Christina Wood from Lehigh Acres. They finished their postulancy and were admitted to the novitiate, re-ceiving the habit shortly after.

The investiture took place Dec. 7 in Washington, D.C., during a vigil Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washing-ton, presiding.

Sister Gema Maria de Jesus Ruiz of the order, Director of Religious Education at St. Michael Parish in

Wauchula, was present for the Mass, representing the parish as a witness. She also brought a group from the Parish to witness the ceremony.

“It was a beautiful ceremony,” Sister Gema explained. “We are so proud to have these two wonderful women, who we know so well, take this important step.”

Maria Puerta de Misericordia learned about the religious order when Sister Gema and an addi-tional sister were assigned to her home parish several years ago. Mary Crown of Purity, whose family are members of St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres, was seeking to enter religious life. After several visits to St. Michael Parish and Washington, D.C., she made her commitment to the order as well.

Novices of the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará re-ceive the white veil as a sign of their new stage of growing in their reli-gious vocation. During this period they continue to learn more about religious life in the order, to know and be known, and to deepen their lives of prayer during their canoni-cal novitiate year.

The women will spend at least one year in the novitiate, and if ev-erything goes well, they will be ad-mitted to the first vows next year by November, Sister Gema explained.

Within the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, each stage in religious life has a critical role in the development and growth of a sister as a spouse of Christ, the or-ders website explains. The vocation is not a career requiring a “train-ing period”; it is an entire life spent continually choosing to love and serve God above all other things. It is in formation where a sister first learns to conquer herself and her attachments to the world; for, only by (more deeply knowing) herself is she able to give herself entirely to her Beloved.

Stages include postulancy, no-vitiate, then following first profes-sion the women begin a new period of formation, Juniorate House of Studies, which includes advanced theological and philosophical stud-ies. After six years of temporary profession, the religious requests to make her perpetual profession of vows. The previous stages of forma-

Two Diocesan women become novices for religious order


SARASOTA | One of the most fundamental evils in society is that of abortion. All Catholics are called by Christ to be witnesses of our Faith and to stand up against all evil, but in particular abortion.

The Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office is co-sponsoring several events in the coming weeks to mark the 43rd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision which opened the door for abortion in the United States. Since that deci-sion on Jan. 22, 1973, more than 55 million babies have been aborted. There will be several local walks to commemorate the tragic anniver-sary of the Roe v. Wade decision, as well as opportunities to unite in prayer for life with people around the country.

The local walks are opportuni-ties to actively participate in the im-portant cause of saving the lives of the unborn. Each walk will include time for respectful prayer outside of a facility that conducts abortions. There are always opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration and prayer in the churches for people who are not able to participate in the actual vigil.

Jeanne Berdeaux, Diocese of Venice Respect Life Director, said

Prayer Walks for Life set for Sarasota, Port CharlotteDiocesan group heads to D.C. for March for Life

people should not be turned off by the recent shooting at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado. As tragic as that event was, the pro-life move-ment is a peaceful effort, Berdeaux explained. “We gather to pray peacefully. This idea is to pray for the babies who are never born, for the mothers who have had an abortion, for the abortion industry workers that they stop. This is not about conflict; it is about changing minds.”

These prayer vigils have a long history of success locally. For ex-ample, more than 110 babies are known to have been saved in front of the Sarasota Planned Parenthood Regional Headquarters during the past several years alone. With suc-cesses like this, there has been sub-stantial growth in the number of those who support seeking an end to abortion in the U.S. in recent years, witnessed by the large crowds that attend prayer vigils in the Diocese of Venice and elsewhere, Berdeaux explained.

“Prayer walks have become ef-fective tools in getting the word out that the faithful are seeking a peace-ful end to the scourge on society that is abortion,” she added.

The first opportunity to stand up and be recognized as being pro-life is at the annual Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life on Jan. 15. The day will begin with 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Martha Parish, 200 N. Orange Ave., celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. Following the Mass, a peaceful prayer walk will take place in front of the Planned Parenthood

Regional Headquarters at 736 Cen-tral Ave. Shuttle buses will run from St. Martha Parish following Mass until 2 p.m.

Next on the schedule is an op-portunity for all Catholics to join for a national novena of prayer for life, called “9 Days for Life.” This is an opportunity for the faithful across the Diocese and the coun-try to recite various prayers each day from Jan. 16 to Jan. 24, includ-ing on the anniversary of the Roe v Wade decision. There are different ways to participate in the novena, which begins on the eve of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. First, get the “9 Days for Life” app via the App Store or Google Play; text 9DAYS to 55000, sign up to receive a daily email; or download the novena at www.9daysforlife.com. All of the prayers are also available in Span-ish.

While the “9 Days for Life” is taking place, a group of nearly 200, mostly young people, from the Dio-cese of Venice will travel with Bish-op Dewane to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National March for Life Jan. 22 on the National Mall. The youth will participate in the Vigil Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. The morning of the March for Life, the entire Diocese of Venice contin-gency will participate in morning Mass at St. Peter’s on Capitol Hill before going to a rally at the Verizon Center.

While all prayer vigils pray for women who have had an abortion,

there will be a Project Rachel retreat for hope and healing after abortion on Jan. 24, at a confidential location within the Diocese. Registration is now open for the one-day retreat, which is designed to help women hurting from past abortions. The retreat includes an opportunity to share Scriptural stories of Christ’s healing love, spend quiet time in prayer and receive Sacramental Reconciliation and Eucharist. The retreat is limited to 10 participants, but this should not discourage anyone from inquiring as future retreats are in the planning stages. Preregistration is required. For in-formation, please contact Fonda Luersman at 239-719-7210 or [email protected].

On Jan. 26 there is a Prayer Walk for Life in Port Charlotte. Bishop De-wane will celebrate 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 2500 Easy St., Port Charlotte. The Mass will be followed by a peace-ful prayer walk to a nearby abortion facility.

Berdeaux encourages everyone to participate in one or more of the activities in January, including the 9 Days for Life novena and if possible, one of the two prayer walks. “Par-ticipating in a Prayer Walk for Life is a powerful show of unity that has a real impact. No matter what, please pray for an end to abortion. Thank-fully, many women have chosen life by the mere fact that they see some-one is praying for them to protect their unborn child.”

While the anniversary of Roe v. Wade on Jan. 22 is a logical time

to keep the ongoing efforts to end abortion in the United States at the forefront of the nation’s conscience, the novena and Prayer Walks for Life are not the only opportunities to be a witness against evil in 2016. Each Friday throughout the year, the day most abortions are done, there are people who stand prayer-ful vigil in Sarasota. The faithful are always welcome to spend time in prayer from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Port Charlotte, the vigil days are Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. In Naples, there is a prayer vigil in front of the Planned Parenthood on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In Fort Myers, the vigils are on Monday and Thursday mornings in front of the Planned Parenthood.

Furthermore, on Ash Wednes-day, Feb. 10, the annual 40 Days for Life prayer vigil will begin in front of the Planned Parenthood facility in Naples. This constant vigil through-out Lent is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Bishop De-wane will help kick off the 40 Days for Life there at the 8 a.m. Mass at St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive. The prayer vigil takes places outside Planned Parenthood at Goodlette-Frank and Creech Roads. n

For more details about respect life activities throughout the Dio-cese of Venice, please visit www. dioceseofvenice.org or contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-441-1101 or [email protected].

tion and the six years of temporary vows are all ordained to the perpet-ual vows, so that by the time a sister

reaches this point, she may be ready and able to commit her entire self to Jesus Christ forever. n

Maribel Deloera from Wauchula, left, now Maria Puerta de Misericordia (Mary Door of Mercy), and Christina Wood from Lehigh Acres, right, now Mary Crown of Purity, are among those admitted to the novitiate with the Sister Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará order. (COURTESY)

www.9daysforlife.com




Lord Jesus Christ,you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father,and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him.Show us your face and we will be saved.Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money;the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things;made Peter weep after his betrayal,and assured Paradise to the repen-tant thief.Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman:“If you knew the gift of God!” You are the visible face of the invisible Father,of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy:let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified.You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weaknessin order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error:Let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing,so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord,and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor,proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed,and restore sight to the blind.


VENICE | When Susan Fa-hey entered Epiphany Cathedral through the Holy Door of Mercy re-cently, she started to cry. Such was the power of the pilgrimage for Fa-hey, who only physically travelled a few miles from San Pedro Parish in North Port, but spiritually went much farther than she was expect-ing.

Fahey is one of many who have taken the call of Pope Francis to make a pilgrimage during this Ex-traordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. “This was something that couldn’t wait,” Fahey explained. “I regularly struggle with my faith and look to Christ for guidance. Going through that door has done that for me.”

During this Jubilee Year, which started Dec. 8 and continues until Nov. 20, 2016, it was the request of Pope Francis that there be a Holy Door of Mercy in every Diocese in the world, specifically at all dioce-san cathedrals and other designat-ed churches. These doors are avail-able locally in order to allow the faithful in every part of the world a better opportunity to experience the Mercy of the Father in its full-ness. Within the Diocese of Venice, there are two Holy Doors — one at Epiphany Cathedral and the second at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Boca Grande.

As part of the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis also extended a plenary in-dulgence for those who go through a Holy Door. While certain condi-tions must be met to receive the indulgence, Pope Francis said that when going through the Holy Door, he wants everyone to open their heart and seek the mercy of the Lord. “Let this be your way to sal-vation. … We are all in need of this as we are all sinners; we all need to hear the word of the Lord.”

Fahey agrees. “I am a sinner. It is our great flaw as human beings. We must work to overcome this sin by growing closer to the Lord. I pray that I am one step closer today, hav-ing gone through this Holy Door,” she said.

The Holy Father also asks that the faithful share God’s Mercy “and draw close to those who suffer, those who are discarded by society: There we find Jesus.” This can be achieved through performing one of the Spiritual or Corporal Works of Mercy, which can also bring a plenary indulgence during this Ju-bilee Year.

The indulgence removes all the temporal punishment due to sin for those who meet the conditions of receiving the said indulgence. To obtain the Jubilee Indulgence, the following conditions must also be met: receive the Holy Eucharist, go to Sacramental Confession, pray

Corporal Works of MercyThe Corporal Works of Mercy are these kind acts by which we help our neighbors with their material and physical needs. • To feed the hungry.• To give drink to the thirsty.• To clothe the naked.• To harbor the harborless.• To visit the sick.• To ransom the captive.• To bury the dead.

Spiritual Works of MercyThe Spiritual Works of Mercy are acts of compassion, as listed below, by which our neighbors are helped with their emotional and spiritual needs.• To instruct the ignorant.• To counsel the doubtful.• To admonish sinners.• To bear wrongs patiently.• To forgive offenses willingly.• To comfort the afflicted.• To pray for the living and the dead.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:2447. “The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bear-ing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity; it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.2448. “In its various forms — material deprivation, unjust oppression, physi-cal and psychological illness and death — human misery is the obvious sign of the inherited condition of frailty and need for salvation in which man finds himself as a consequence of original sin. This misery elicited the compassion of Christ the Savior, who willingly took it upon himself and identified himself with the least of his brethren. Hence, those who are oppressed by poverty are the object of a preferential love on the part of the Church which, since her origin and in spite of the failings of many of her members, has not ceased to work for their relief, defense, and liberation through numerous works of char-ity which remain indispensable always and everywhere.”

Holy Doors of Mercy open for all

Prayer for Jubilee year of Mercy

for the Holy Father’s intentions, and have the intention to be completely detached from sin.

While it is ideal to meet these conditions on the day of the indul-genced act, they can also be met within a week before or after the act. In addition, a plenary indul-gence during the Jubilee Year can be received multiple times, but a maximum of once a day.

Those considering making a pilgrimage are encouraged to call ahead of time for hours, Mass times, and times for Confession. For Epiphany Cathedral, call 941-484-3505; for Our Lady of Mercy, call 941-964-2254. To learn more about the Year of Mercy, the Holy Door or about plenary indulgences, visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-year-of-mercy/. n

The Holy Door of Mercy at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice is located by the south (Post Office) entrance. (PHOTOS BY BOB REDDY | FC)

The Holy Door of Mercy at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Boca Grande.

WOrKS OF Mercy

The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy are actions that can be performed to extend God’s compassion and mercy to those in need.

www.dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-year-of-mercy


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BONITA SPRINGS | While peo-ple were celebrating the New Year, a dedicated Catholic community gathered for a combined celebra-tion of the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, and the 212th anniversary of the establishment of the first independent republic in the Caribbean — Haiti.

This annual gathering brings together some 1,000 Haitian Cath-olics from throughout the Diocese of Venice on New Yea r’s Day to St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs. Bishop Frank J. Dewane hosted the celebration, which in-cluded Mass and a reception.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Quesnel A lphonse, a Montfort Missionary of the Dio-cese of Fort-Liberte, Haiti. Bishop Dewane concelebrated the Mass along with the Diocesan Haitian priests, and priests from St. Leo the Great Parish. Bishop Alphonse thanked Bishop Dewane for the invitation to come to Florida.

During the homily, Bishop Al-phonse spoke about the celebra-tion of the independence of Haiti and how it importantly falls on a major celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He said Haitians in Southwest Florida must make an effort to keep a connection to their homeland, as well as with their faith. This will serve them well in whatever obstacles they may face in the future, he told the faithful.

Bishop Dewane thanked Bish-

Mass celebrated for Haitian community

op Alphonse for being a guest of the Diocese and sharing his time w ith the Hait ian communit y. Bishop Dewane then recognized the Haitian priests for their con-tinued dedication and passion for caring for the faithful, in par-ticular those in the Haitian com-munity.

“It is always an honor and privi-lege to participate in such an im-portant cultural and religious celebration for the growing Hai-tian community in the Diocese,” Bishop Dewane said.

There are currently Masses celebrated in Creole at parishes in Bradenton, Fort Myers, Immo-kalee, Naples, Port Charlotte and Wauchula, and the New Year’s Day celebration is one of the few times the entire community can gather in one place. Following the Mass, Bishop Alphonse encour-

aged everyone to sing the national anthem of Haiti.

For the Haitian community, Jan. 1 is both a spiritual day and an emotional day. It was Jan. 1, 1803, that the Haitians defeated the largest and most powerful army at the time, the army of Na-poleon, in Cap-Haitien. On Jan. 1, 1804, Haiti became the second country in the Americas to de-clare its independence.

When the French were in con-trol, they enacted a law that said the French were the only ones who could eat soup because they were in the upper class. When Haiti proclaimed its independence, all Haitians started to eat soup as a way to demonstrate that everyone was equal. Thus began the cus-tom of cooking and eating soup on New Year’s Day as a way to cel-ebrate. n

Epiphany athletes compete in NFL contest

Six Epiphany Cathedral Catho-lic School students competed in the National Football League’s Play 60 Punt, Pass and Kick dis-tr ict compet it ion on Dec. 13 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Qualifying Epiphany stu-dents were Jake Papantonakis, Daniel Staas, Julia Bettley, Bailey Traub, Stephen Reopell and Claire Woody.

The students were able to run through the tunnel with the Tam-pa Bay Buccaneers, and while the team was warming up the students competed in punting, passing and kicking. Following the competi-tion the students were invited to stand on the sidelines with the Buccaneers for the first quarter of the game prior to returning to their families in the stands.

Results calculated from district competitions throughout Florida will determine which athletes will compete at the national level to be

held at the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, Calif., Feb. 7. Qualifying stu-dents will win an all-expense-paid trip to the Super Bowl.

NFL Play 60 is the National Foot-ball League’s campaign to encour-age kids to be active for 60 minutes a day. Epiphany Cathedral Catho-lic School’s athletic program in-

Six Epiphany Cathedral students qualified for the district NFL Play 60 competition. In the back row, from left, are Jake Papantonakis, Daniel Staas, Coach Karen Gaba, Julia Bettley and Bailey Traub. In front, from left, are Stephen Reopell and Claire Woody. (COURTESY)

News brief

corporates the campaign into the curriculum, created in partner-ship with the American Heart As-sociation. This demonstrates the goal of the Diocese Education De-partment which is to work toward the integral spiritual, physical and intellectual development of each student.

At far left, Bishop Quesnel Alphonse of Fort-Liberte, Haiti, deliv-ers a hom-ily Jan. 1 at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs as Bishop Frank J. Dewane looks. At left, Bishop Dewane stands with Bishop Alphonse be-fore the Mass which gathers the Haitian community in celebration of Haitian in-dependence. (PHOTOS BY BOB REDDY | FC)

www.jointimplant.com



SARASOTA | When the angels appeared before the shep-herds to herald the birth of the Christ Child all of us were called to celebrate this moment when the “Word was made Flesh.”

Throughout the Diocese of Venice this celebration took on many forms, from helping the needy with presents, food or even blankets, to sending a kind note of Christmas cheer to a stranger. All of these activities were a true reflection of the love of God that arrived on that Holy Night in Bethlehem so long ago. Below are just a few examples of this Diocesewide effort.

Pope Francis spoke of Christmas by reminding the faithful that “Jesus did not simply appear on earth, He did not dedicate a bit of His time to us, but He came to share our life, to receive our desires, because He wanted, and still wants to live here, together with us and for us. He has our world at heart, which at Christmas became His world. The crib reminds us of this: God, because of His great mercy, came down to us to remain stably with us.”

The crib also tells us that God never imposes Himself by force, but in fact makes Himself small, the Holy Father continued. “He makes Himself a child, to attract us with love, to touch our hearts with His humble kindness; to shake, with His poverty, all those who are intent on accumulating the false treasures of this world. … Above all, however, He wants to move our hearts.”

The celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord, the birth of Our Savior, began at Masses celebrated on Christmas Eve. It is at that time that the little baby is present in the manger for the first time.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the midnight Mass at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, carrying the figurine of the Baby Jesus forward before placing it in the crèche. Bishop Dewane said that no matter what age we are, the light of Christ must be present in our life. “Let that presence of Christ within us be a light for oth-ers to follow. Further, see that Light in others. … Let the Light that is Christ grow within you and magnify it throughout the world for all to see by the life you live.”

In the context of the Year of Mercy as called by Pope Francis, Bishop Dewane added that all should be conscious of how they are merciful toward others, particularly during the Christmas Season.

Spreading the Light of Christ to others included people mak-ing Christmas cards for those in the military who are serving overseas. Involved in the effort were students from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers and also the Golden Gate Se-nior Resource Center of Catholic Charities in Naples. The cam-paign, coordinated by a Fort Myers radio station and organized by the Military Support Program at Lee Memorial Hospital, was expected to ship upwards of 20,000 cards. This is an example of the partnership the Diocese has with many organizations throughout the 10-county area.

Epiphany Cathedral held its annual Christmas Day dinner. This tradition is for those who are homeless or may be alone for Christmas, and is supported by a huge number of volunteers of all ages from the parish. Bishop Dewane assisted on the serving line.

Diocesan Catholic schools celebrated the Christmas Season in a variety of ways. In addition to Christmas concerts, pageants and Nativity plays, schools like St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples went the extra mile. The creative arts class worked together to make homemade blankets that were woven and bound from Monk’s cloth and presented to the Sunlight Home, a residential Christian maternity home that provides a safe, loving, family atmosphere serving pregnant women.

The second- and third-graders from St. Francis Xavier Catho-lic School in Fort Myers and St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral visited Bishop Verot Catholic High School to decorate cook-ies and gingerbread houses. The high school band and choir per-formed Christmas songs for the younger students.

Bringing the Light of Christ to the less fortunate was made possible through the generosity of the faithful at parishes across the Diocese who donated gifts for children by taking “orna-ments” off Jesse Trees. The trees were decorated with paper or-naments which describe the type of gift a child might need, and a short time later piles of gifts were returned and later distributed throughout the community. Bringing that Light of Christ to the lives of those less fortunate, Bishop Dewane taped a Christmas Mass for the homebound which was broadcast on Christmas Day throughout the Diocese. n

Celebrating the birth of Christ in the Diocese

The St. Ann Catholic School Christmas pageant includes music and a retelling of the Nativity story Dec. 11 in Naples. (COURTESY)

At the Golden Gate Senior Services Center run by Catholic Charities some of the seniors help make Christmas cards for the military serving overseas as part of a regional campaign.

Students in the creative arts class at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples weaved Monk’s cloth blankets for Sunlight Home, a residential Christian maternity home that provides a safe atmosphere for pregnant women and teens. (COURTESY)

Sixth-graders portray the Three Kings in the Christmas pageant at St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral. (COURTESY)

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrates the Christmas Mass taping at St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota Dec. 17 to be televised for the homebound on Christmas Day.

Young students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton gather after a perfor-mance of the Nativity story. (COURTESY)


DIOCESAN EVENTS14th annual Catholic

Charities Christmas Appeal is underway through January. This year’s goal is to raise $550,000. The Appeal is the largest annual fundraiser and critical to operating the social service organization. Gifts provide funding for the many Catholic Charities programs and services available throughout Southwest Florida. To donate, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org or mail a donation to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc., 5824 Bee Ridge Road, PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065.

ICSF Course 101 Catechetics (FUS prerequisite), Thursdays, beginning Jan. 14, through April, except Holy Week. The Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation’s first prerequisite course for new master’s program at Franciscan University of Steubenville. “Catechetics” is an undergraduate 36-hour course all students must take upon acceptance into the FUS graduate program. Course is also open to anyone, with or without a degree or for non-credit. Will be video-conferenced from the Catholic Center to at least one parish in each deanery. 941-766-7334.

Mass to celebrate volunteers, Jan. 16, 10 a.m., St. Leo Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. Celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane in appreciation of the volunteers of the Diocese. Lunch in the Parish hall follows. All are welcome, but registration is required: dioceseofvenice.org/events.

Retired priests retreat, Jan. 18-22, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice. Information, registration: Nancy Gazo, 941-486-0233, gazo@ olph-retreat.org.

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 around the world where there is a Holy Door of Mercy. Both Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, 941-484-3505; and Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 240 Park Ave., Boca Grande, 941-964-2254, will have extended hours for pilgrims. Please call ahead.

Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life, Jan. 15, 8:30 a.m., St. Martha Parish, 200 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate Mass at St. Martha Parish before the walk in front of the Planned Parenthood abortion facility at 736 Central Ave. Commemorates 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade decision. Shuttle buses will run from Parish following Mass until 2 p.m. Jeanne Berdeaux, 941-441-1101, [email protected].

“9 Days for Life — A Digital Pilgrimage for Life,” Jan. 16-24. Join the U.S. bishops’ annual pro-life novena via Facebook, email,

text message or app. Sign up at www.9daysforlife.com.

Marriage enrichment retreat, Jan. 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice. Chance to renew and strengthen marriage in the Catholic Faith. Cost: $25 per couple, includes lunch. Registration: www.dioceseofvenice.org/marraige-enrichment or Kim Elsmore, 941-484-9543, [email protected].

Project Rachel retreat for hope and healing after abortion, Jan. 24, at confidential location within the Diocese. Registration open for one-day retreat designed to help women hurting from past abortions. Chance to share Scriptural stories of Christ’s healing love, spend quiet time in prayer and receive Sacramental Reconciliation and Eucharist. Limited to 10 participants. Preregistration required. Contact Fonda, 239-719-7210 or [email protected].

National March for Life planning. Those planning to participate in the National March for Life, Jan. 22, in Washington, D.C., please visit www.marchforlife.org. All are welcome to join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for morning Mass at St. Peter’s on Capitol Hill prior to the March. Jeanne Berdeaux, 941-441-1101 or [email protected].

Sugar Bowl “Knight of Rock,” Jan. 23, 4 p.m., Mixon Fruit Farm, Bradenton. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Council 5604. Sugar Bowl Fund is partnership between Knights and Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc., assisting local families that suffer an economic hardship because of an emergency expense. Sponsorship opportunities available. Tickets: $10. Richard Audette, 941-773-1061, [email protected].

“When you fast” retreat, Jan. 26, 5 p.m.- Jan. 28, 1:30 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Includes full-day bread and water fast with inspirational talks, confession, adoration and Holy Mass. Opportunity to learn how to integrate fasting into one’s life beyond Lent. Inclusive rates: private room, $240; shared room, $186; commuter, $90. www.olph-retreat.org, 941-486-0233.

Port Charlotte Prayer Walk for Life, Jan. 26, 8:30 a.m., St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 2500 Easy St., Port Charlotte. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate Mass, followed by walk in front of nearby abortion facility. Commemorates 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade decision. Jeanne Berdeaux, 941-441-1101, [email protected].

Sarasota Catholic Charities Ball, Jan. 30, 6 p.m., Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Proceeds benefit the programs and services of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Cocktail hour, auctions, dinner and dancing. Tickets: $300 per person. 941-355-4680, ext. 311; www.catholiccharitiesdov.org; [email protected].

Diocese of Venice Men’s Conference 2016, Feb. 6, 9 a.m., Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Fort Myers. Opportunity for men of faith to grow closer to the Lord during this Year of Mercy. Speakers

include Matthew Leonard, Bear Woznick and Terry Barber. To register: www.dioceseofvenice.org, or Office of Evangelization, 941-484-9543.

Mardi Gras Madness, Feb. 9, 6 p.m., Michael’s on East, Sarasota. Proceeds benefit Bethesda House, a program of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc., which provides professional and compassionate support services for those with HIV/AIDS. Cocktail hour, auctions, Mardi Gras festivities, dinner and dancing. Tickets: $150 per person. 941-355-4680, ext. 311; www.catholiccharitiesdov.org; [email protected].

40 Days for Life Naples Mass and Prayer Walk for Life, Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10, 8 a.m., St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate Mass, followed by walk outside Planned Parenthood at Goodlette-Frank and Creech Roads. Marks the beginning of the spring 40 Days for Life Campaign. 239-227-5192.

Anniversary Masses 2016 for couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more years of marriage. Bishop Frank J. Dewane, main celebrant. Feb. 13, 11 a.m., Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; March 12, 10 a.m., St. Leo Parish, Bonita Springs. Registration is through individual parishes.

Catholic Days at the Capitol. Registration open for annual three-day bus trip to Tallahassee Feb. 16-18. Register and reserve hotel room by submitting form at www.flaccb.org. Jeanne Berdeaux, 941-441-1101 or [email protected].

Leaven Conference, Feb. 20, 9 a.m., St. Francis Xavier Parish, 2157 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Theme: “Integral Ecology: A Life of Mercy.” Workshops will address Pope Francis’ encyclical in the context of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Cost: $10; $5 for students, includes lunch. Office of Peace and Justice, 941-484-9543, [email protected].

Boots and Bandannas Dinner Dance, Feb. 20, 6 p.m., Kingsway Country Club, Port Charlotte. Benefits programs of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. in DeSoto County. Includes cocktail hour, auctions, dinner, live country music, and line dancing. Tickets: $75 per person. Andy Herigodt, 863-494-1068, [email protected]; or visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Silent Ignatian retreat, Feb. 21-24, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice. Includes conferences each day, Mass, and opportunities to meet with retreat director. Topics center around Ignatian spirituality, prayer, and discernment. Cost: $395. All rooms are single occupancy with full-size bed and private bathroom. 941-486-0233, [email protected].

Our Mother’s House wine tasting, auction and dinner dance, Feb. 25, 5:30 p.m., Plantation Golf and Country Club, Venice. Benefits programs of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc., committed to helping homeless mothers and their children achieve self-sufficiency. Tickets: $80 per person. Kathy Isbell, 941-485-6264, [email protected], or www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Diocese of Venice Women’s Conference 2016, Feb. 27, 9

a.m., Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Fort Myers. Speakers include Scott Hahn, Emily Stimpson and Gina Loehr. Day offers participants opportunity to learn more about the Lord’s Mercy and grow in faith. All women encouraged to attend. Registration must be made in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door. To register: Office of Evangelization, 941-484-9543; or www.dioceseofvenice.org.

Venetian Charity Ball, March 12, 6 p.m., Hyatt Coconut Point, Bonita Springs. Proceeds benefit programs and services of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties. Includes cocktail hour, auctions, car raffle, dinner and dancing. Tickets: $225 per person. 239-334-4007, [email protected], www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Emerald Ball, March 19, 6 p.m., Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort, Naples. Proceeds benefit programs and services of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc. in Collier County. Includes cocktail hour, auctions, dinner and dancing. Tickets: $300 per person. 239-455-2655, [email protected], www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Venice Veterans Gala, April 7, 6 p.m., Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice. Sponsored by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc. Salute to U.S. military veterans with special tribute to soldiers of the Vietnam War. Proceeds benefit programs and services of Catholic Charities that assist veterans. www.veniceperformingartscenter.com.

Wednesday morning adult faith formation video-conferencing sessions have recommenced. The free sessions are available simultaneously through the Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation centrally located video-conferencing sites. Sessions begin 9 a.m. and last about 90 minutes. Attendees can go to any location and need not participate in each session. For video sites, details about topics and to view early sessions, visit https://institute.dov.org.

Theology on Tap. This exciting program for young adults (18-39) allows them to learn about the faith while building community. This year Theology on Tap will be held at various parishes throughout the Diocese. Each location will host a series of weekly talks and discussions on relevant topics in a relaxed atmosphere. Free baby-sitting, icebreakers, trivia, and food and drinks are provided. BYOB. Upcoming dates:

• Naples area, Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. First Tuesdays, St. John the Evangelist; second Tuesdays, St. Agnes; third Tuesdays, St. Peter the Apostle; fourth Tuesdays, St. William.

Eucharistic Adoration, first Thursdays, 3 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice. 941-486-0233, [email protected].

Day of prayer, second Wednesdays through April 2016, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice. Includes continental breakfast, lunch, two conferences and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Mass. Cost: $25 per person, preregistered; $30 at the door.

941-486-0233, [email protected].

First-time home buyers classes, various dates, Catholic Charities Office, 1219 16th St. W., Bradenton. Classes in both Spanish and English. Participants will be eligible for assistance for down payment and closing costs. Space is limited; preregistration required. 941-714-7829.

World Youth Day pilgrimage: Limited spots left. Diocese has already received registration from 120 individuals to join Bishop Frank J. Dewane at World Youth Day Krakow July 23 to Aug. 2, 2016. Opportunity to see Pope Francis amongst millions of Catholic youth from around the world in the birth country of St. John Paul II, founder of World Youth Day. Contact George Smith, [email protected].

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. The diocese requires all employees and those volunteers who work with children and/or vulnerable adults be fingerprinted and trained in safe environment. For classes, 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

“Catholics Welcome Home,” Tuesdays, through Feb. 16, 7 p.m., St. William Parish, 750 Seagate Drive, Naples. All are invited to renew their relationship with the Catholic Church regardless of length of time away. Free program will address questions and try to help people feel at home again. Kristi Neumayer Jenkins, 239-261-5831.

Ask a theologian, Jan. 11, 7 p.m., Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. Everyone welcome to an evening featuring Eric Sammons, Diocese of Venice Director of Evangelization, speak on “The Catholic Church Teaches That?” Sue Ellen Nolan, 239-267-7088, ext. 245.

CCW meeting, Jan. 13, following 8:30 a.m. Mass, St. Raphael Parish, 770 Kilbourne Ave, Englewood. Features guest speakers from Englewood Helping Hands, which provides food and supplies to the needy in the area, and Our Mother’s House, a part of Catholic Charities which provides shelter and guidance for single mothers and their children. All are welcome. 941-475-8382, 630-319-9497.

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www.9daysforlife.com

NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL NEWS9 Florida Catholic Jan. 8-21, 2016

Bronwen Dachs Catholic News Service

YAMBIO, South Sudan | An at-tack on religious sisters at a teacher training college in South Sudan has shaken and saddened the church, a church leader said, while urg-ing people of faith to demand the implementation of the latest peace accord to end the civil war.

Violence and fear-mongering seem “rampant in both church and society” in the northeast African country, said Bishop Edward Hii-boro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio.

Five armed men, believed to be allied to South Sudan’s main rebel group, assaulted and threatened religious sisters at the Solidarity Teacher Training College in Yam-bio, the capital of the country’s Western Equatoria state, Dec. 28.

After climbing the fence sur-rounding the college, the men con-fronted the nuns, who were locking up the building for the night, and demanded guns, cash, phones and computers, De La Salle Brother Bill Firman, director of Solidarity with South Sudan, said in a statement.

“The sisters had no guns, but handed over the other items” and the men drove away in two cars, Brother Firman said. “It was clearly a planned attack, but the assailants were not familiar with the com-pound,” he said, noting that it was “a very traumatic incident, but there were no casualties.”

More than 100 people have been killed since May in Western Equato-ria, which until then had been rela-tively peaceful in war-torn South Sudan. In early December, violent battles erupted between armed groups in Yambio.

Solidarity with South Sudan is a Catholic missionary group imple-menting teacher and health train-ing, agriculture, trauma healing and pastoral programs in many parts of South Sudan, under the auspices of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

According to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur website, the Soli-darity community in Yambio in-cludes religious from different congregations around the world, including Montana and California as well as Ecuador, Ireland and New Zealand.

Fifty students graduated from the college mid-November and were to teach in primary schools around South Sudan.

Despite being offered the option of “withdrawing from this area that has experienced a rapid decline in law and order,” most Solidarity members have chosen to stay “as the college is one of the few signs of hope and providers of opportunity for the people of this disturbed na-tion,” Brother Firman said.

While classes are set to resume Jan. 11, Brother Firman said he ex-pects the number of students to be lower than before.

“The insecurity and tribal divi-sions are making people unwilling to travel far” from home, he said, noting that “a return to unity and normal levels of security are essen-tial” for people to be able to use the educational opportunities offered by Solidarity.

Two years ago, fighting broke out in Juba, capital of South Sudan, between ethnic Dinka and Nuer in the presidential guard. This was months after President Salva Kiir, who is Dinka, fired his vice presi-dent, Riek Machar, who is Nuer.

The conflict soon turned into an all-out war in which thousands of South Sudanese have been killed and about 2 million people have been forced to flee their homes.

Bishop Kussala called on people of faith to “demand that our political representatives find ways to imple-ment” an August peace agreement signed by Kiir, Machar and other stakeholders and to work toward ending the “senseless violence.”

Noting that “our communities are disrupted and lives are frac-tured by such violence,” the bishop said he prays that people “will reach out to one another with the love of God and with a voice that inspires justice, courage and peace.”

“Not a day seems to go by with-out a news story that sends shivers down my spine,” Bishop Kussala said in a statement that he was dev-astated at recent attacks, including that on the religious sisters.

Bishop urges peace, says attack on nuns shakes churchVIOLENCE IN SOUTH SUDAN

DaviD agren Catholic News Service

MEXICO CITY | The assas-sination of a Mexican mayor the day after she assumed office was a message from organized crime and evidence of its influence in the area around the city of Cuernavaca, said the bishop who celebrated her fu-neral Mass.

“How is it possible that all of a region of the state is in the hands of organized crime, that people are paying protection money,” said Bishop Ramon Castro Castro of Cu-ernavaca, in comments published by the newspaper Reforma.

“This is evidence of our reality,” Bishop Castro said Jan. 3 outside the home of slain Mayor Gisela Mota in Temixco, about 50 miles south of Mexico City in Morelos state. “I’ve been saying it for some time and pleading, and no one has been able to do anything.”

He said Mota’s murder sends the message, “If you don’t cooperate with organized crime, look at what’s

going to happen to you.” “This crime is a signature act

that characterizes the failed pub-lic security system in the state,” he said at the funeral. “I hope and pray to God that Gisela’s death helps to make us all more conscious.”

Authorities said Mota was murdered after as-sailants burst into her home Jan. 2, one day after she took the oath of of-fice. Two of the suspects were subsequently killed in a shootout with police, while three more were arrested. The exact motive remains unclear, though Mota promised to clean up Temixco, a suburb of Cuernavaca.

Morelos Gov. Graco Ramirez said the suspects belonged to a drug cartel known as Los Rojos. The mayor’s Party of the Democratic Revolution said at least 100 mayors in Mexico had been attacked over the past 10 years as criminal groups attempt to infiltrate and corrupt lo-cal governments.

Drug cartels have been fighting over territory in Morelos for much of the past decade, causing crime to escalate and damaging the tourism economy of Cuernavaca, a city once

popular with expatriates and weekenders from Mexico City and known previously for its local pastor, now-deceased Bishop Sergio Mendez Arceo, nicknamed the “Red Bishop.”

Former Mexican soc-cer star Cuauhtemoc Blanco -- controversial

for his on- and off-field behavior and a novice to politics -- assumed office as mayor of Cuernavaca in late December, sparking a dispute with the state government over po-licing.

Ramirez took to Twitter to blast Blanco for backing out of a scheme for putting all police in the state un-der a single commander, a concept promoted as an attempt to prevent police corruption. Blanco, who won the last mayoral race with less

than 30 percent of the vote, said the scheme was not working.

Bishop Castro has stayed out of politics and has promoted peace in the Diocese of Cuernavaca since arriving in 2013, although his work has not been without controversy.

Before the June election, he orga-nized a Walk for Peace that resulted in attempts at a boycott and buses from one parish being prevented from leaving. n

F o l l o w A g r e n o n Tw i t t e r : @el_reportero.

Bishop: Murder was message from organized crimeMExICAN MAyOr SHOT DOwN

Sister Sandra Amado, a Comboni sister from Brazil, teaches a class in 2012 at a teacher training institute in Yambio, South Sudan. A late-December attack on religious sisters at the training institute in South Sudan. (PAUL JEFFREY | CNS)

A deep sense of tragedy “hangs in the air and, in addition to praying for the perpetrators, those killed, in-jured, harmed and all of their fami-lies, I find myself lamenting the lack of progress” in ending the attacks, he said.

Noting religious leaders’ efforts to bring about gun control, Bishop Kussala said that “our awareness of the massiveness of the task should not lead us to give up in despair but encourage us to do what we can, where we are, with what we have.”

“We are called more than ever to be witnesses of hope,” he said.

After attending prayer services at St. Teresa Cathedral in Juba Dec. 27, Kiir called for peace and reconcilia-

tion in the country, according to the Sudan Tribune.

In a message broadcast on state-run television, the president said he had assured the rebels of the government’s commitment “to do whatever we can do to implement this peace agreement in order for us to return the country back to nor-mal.”

While saying that Kiir’s creation of 28 new states without consulta-tion was an obstacle to the accord’s implementation, Machar noted that 78 members of the rebel group ar-rived in Juba in late December and met with Kiir and other government leaders in preparation for further negotiations. n

Gisela Mota

The coffin of Gisela Mota, former mayor of Temixco, Mexico, is carried out of her home Jan. 3. (MARGARiTo PEREz, REUTERS | CNS)

NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL NEWS 10Jan. 8-21, 2016 Florida Catholic

Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY | Pope Francis has approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Te-resa of Kolkata, thus paving the way for her canonization. He signed the decree for Blessed Teresa’s cause and advanced three other saint-hood causes Dec. 17, the Vatican announced.

Although the date for the canon-ization ceremony will be officially announced during the next consis-tory of cardinals in February, Arch-bishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Vatican office organizing the Holy Year of Mercy events, had said it would be Sept. 4. That date cel-ebrates the Jubilee of workers and volunteers of mercy and comes the day before the 19th anniversary of her death, Sept. 5, 1997.

The postulator for her sainthood cause, Father Brian Kolodiejchuk of the Missionaries of Charity, said the second miracle that was ap-

Pope recognizes miracle to declare saintproved involved the healing of a now 42-year-old mechanical engi-neer in Santos, Brazil.

Doctors diagnosed the man with a viral brain infection that resulted in multiple brain abscesses, the priest said in a statement published Dec. 18 by AsiaNews, the Rome-based missionary news agency. Treatments given were ineffective and the man went into a coma, the postulator wrote.

The then-newly married man’s wife had spent months praying to Blessed Teresa and her prayers were joined by those of her relatives and friends when her dying husband was taken to the operating room Dec. 9, 2008.

When the surgeon entered the operating room, he reported that he found the patient awake, free of pain and asking, “What am I doing here?” Doctors reported the man showed no more symptoms and a Vatican medical commission voted unanimously in September 2015 that the healing was inexplicable.

St. John Paul II had made an ex-ception to the usual canonization process in Mother Teresa’s case by allowing her sainthood cause to be opened without waiting the usual five years after a candidate’s death. He beatified her in 2003. The order she started — the Missionaries of Charity — continues its outreach to the “poorest of the poor.”

Among the other decrees ap-proved Dec. 17, the pope recog-nized the heroic virtues of Com-boni Father Giuseppe Ambrosoli, an Italian surgeon, priest and missionary who dedicated his life to caring for people in Uganda, where he also founded a hospital and midwifery school before his death in 1987. His father ran the highly successful Ambrosoli honey company.

The pope also recognized the heroic virtues of De La Salle Broth-er Leonardo Lanzuela Martinez of Spain (1894-1976) and Heinrich Hahn, a German surgeon.

Born in 1800, the lay Catholic

Mother Teresa accompanies Pope John Paul II as he visits people at the Home For the Dying in Kolkata, India, in 1986. Caregiver to the poor and sick, Blessed Mother Teresa, who died in 1997, was beatified by the Polish pontiff in 2003. (ArTuro MArI, L’osservATore roMAno | Cns)

doctor was the father of 10 children and dedicated much of his activ-ity to providing medical care to the poor. He was also involved in pub-lic service, even serving in the Ger-

man parliament. He founded the St. Francis Xavier Mission Society in Germany and the “Giuseppino” Institute for those suffering from in-curable illnesses. He died in 1882. n

Kurt Jensen Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON | The annual March for Life, set for Jan. 22, will convene in a new location in the nation’s capital for the traditional midday rally. Because of the ongo-ing refurbishment of the National Mall and strict new regulations that require temporary flooring to protect the grass, the rally has been moved from the West Front of the Capitol to the Washington Monu-ment grounds.

“We were lucky to get that. It’s going to cost us $70,000, and it’s not something we budgeted for,” said Jeanne Monahan-Mancini, presi-dent of March for Life. “It’s the most economical wide-open space we could afford.”

Other than the venue, the event, which draws busloads of Catholic parishioners and parochial school students, is expected to remain much the same. Held since 1974, the march marks the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which legalized abortion. “Pro-Life is Pro-Woman” is this year’s theme.

“We know that abortion takes the life of one and wounds the life of another, so we always try to em-

National March for Life changes venuesphasize … that there’s always hope and healing for anyone who’s made that sad decision, and it’s very im-portant in terms of our messaging,” Monahan-Mancini told Catholic News Service.

It’s also intended as a way to blunt critics, “because of the (presiden-tial) election and a lot of the rheto-ric about the false ‘war on women,’” Monahan-Mancini added.

Retired Baltimore Ravens foot-ball player Matt Birk is the head-line speaker at the rally and that evening’s Rose Dinner. Monahan-Mancini said she expected at least a couple of Republican presidential candidates to speak at the rally as well, but that any announcement would come just before the event.

The day before the march, Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, will lead a prayer rally at the Planned Parenthood of-fices in Washington. A youth rally at the Renaissance Hotel follows.

Other march-related activi-ties include a Mass opening the overnight National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Concep-tion Jan. 21 and a Mass the next morning at the Basilica; a Mass and interdenominational prayer service at Constitution Hall prior to the march; and two similar events, youth rally and Mass for Life, spon-sored by the Archdiocese of Wash-ington at the Verizon Center and the D.C. Armory.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback will be honored at the Constitution Hall

event for being the first governor to sign the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act. The legislation is under review in a state appeals court.

Two recent events loom over this year’s march. Last summer, an anti-abortion organization in California, the Center for Medi-cal Progress, released a series of secretly recorded videos that it claimed show representatives from Planned Parenthood clinics discussing the use of aborted in-fant parts for profit. In November, a gunman opened fire at a Colo-rado Springs Planned Parenthood clinic, killing three and wounding nine. The suspect, Robert Dear, was reported as telling police, “No more baby parts,” in an apparent reference to the videos.

The videos are the subject of liti-gation in U.S. District Court, North-ern District of California, where a judge will decide whether the vid-eos should be permanently sup-pressed because they violate Cali-fornia laws about secret recordings and also contributed to clinic ar-sons. Excerpts of the videos remain available on YouTube.

Even in truncated form, the vid-eos have had an effect, said Michael Ciccocioppo, executive director of Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, a march participant.

“I haven’t seen every single video from start to finish, but I’ve seen parts of all the videos,” he said. “When you listen to these doctors sitting around eating their lunch,

But strengthens its message of ending abortion

eating their salad, drinking their wine and talking so callously about what they do and how much they can get for these body parts, I mean it really has exposed to the nation how horrendous these things are that are going on.”

Monahan-Mancini agreed that the videos are “very hard to watch.” However, she finds them helpful to the pro-life effort.

“The thing with abortion is, it’s very much in the dark. It’s a violent kind of thing,” she said. “The great gift, regardless if you agree with the (recording) approach, is bringing into the light what happens behind closed doors. It was just so clear that there was a lack of respect for these little babies. They were just objects, objects for material gain.”

As for the Colorado shooter, “That’s their responsibility when people like that act in that way,” Ciccocioppo said. “It’s not the re-sponsibility of the (anti-abortion) movement. This man has nothing to do with us.”

“The truth is going to come out one way or the other,” Father Pa-vone said. “The safest way to pro-ceed for the vast majority of those involved in the march is through the peaceful, prayerful activities and legitimate avenues of govern-ment.”

Nationally, support for legalized abortion remains strong. An Asso-ciated Press poll taken shortly after the Colorado incident showed sup-port at its highest level in two years.

The poll found that 58 percent of

the respondents thought abortion should be legal in most or all cases. That’s an increase from 51 percent who said so at the beginning of 2015. The poll showed equal sup-port among both Democrats and Republicans.

“I don’t think that poll is fair,” Monahan-Mancini said. “And I don’t think it’s reflective of the aver-age American and what they think.”

Reversing the landmark Su-preme Court decision remains the long-term goal of the march. But organizers told CNS they prefer to focus on changing the nationwide conversation.

“I think we have a much loftier goal, and that’s to change the hearts and minds of Americans. That no woman, in her right mind, would ever choose abortion. Because we really have a deprived culture when any woman thinks that’s an em-powering act,” Monahan-Mancini said.

Ciccocioppo said the challenge to the pro-life movement in its quest to overturn Roe v. Wade is “that the court is still stacked against us.”“But we’re in this for the long haul. This is going to be going on for as long as it takes,” he said. “Another focus of the march is obviously to help get the truth out there about how abortion harms women physically, emotionally and mentally, and kills living human beings, so we can get the hearts and minds of the culture to really accept the fact that this is killing of little human beings, citi-zens of our country.” n

BLESSED TERESA OF KOLKATTA

VATICAN NEWS11 Florida Catholic Jan. 8-21, 2016

Junno Arocho EstEvEs Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY | Christmas is a reminder that through the birth of Christ, hope and peace are possible and that only through his grace can humanity find peaceful solutions to the world’s most difficult problems, Pope Francis said.

“Only God’s mercy can free hu-manity from the many forms of evil, at times monstrous evil, which selfishness spawns in our midst,” the pope said Dec. 25. “Where God is born, hope is born. Where God is born, peace is born. And where peace is born, there is no longer room for hatred and for war.”

Heightened security around St. Peter’s Square did little to dampen the spirits of an estimated 50,000 people attending the pope’s solemn Christmas blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world). Many in the crowd dressed festively and ap-plauded the music of the Vatican’s marching band.

However, police and anti-terror-ism task forces were a visible sign of a world shaken by violence and extremism; conflicts that have not even spared the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The pope prayed that Israe-lis and Palestinians would reach a peaceful agreement that would end the “conflict which has long set them at odds, with grave repercus-sions for the entire region.”

The pope also prayed that re-

Pope: Christ’s birth can bring peace, hope to world

cently approved agreements would bring a quick end to the wars afflict-ing Syria and Libya, two countries ravaged by war for several years. He also prayed that the interna-tional community would find ways to end atrocities in Iraq, Yemen, Congo, Burundi, South Sudan and Ukraine.

Victims of terrorism were also in the pope’s thoughts and prayers as he remembered the victims of the Russian airliner bombed in Egyp-tian airspace and terrorist attacks in Beirut and Paris; Bamako, Mali; and Tunis, Tunisia.

Christians persecuted for their faith were remembered as the pope prayed that “the Child Jesus grant

consolation and strength” to those suffering.

Recalling the thousands of refu-gees and migrants fleeing poverty and war, Pope Francis compared the lack of respect for their dignity to the situation of Christ who was born into the world suffering “cold, poverty and rejection.”

“May our closeness today be felt by those who are most vulnerable, especially child soldiers, women who suffer violence, and the victims of human trafficking and the drug trade,” he said.

As the Church celebrates the Holy Year of Mercy, the pope said mercy is the “most precious gift which God gives us” and that Chris-

Pope Francis kisses a figurine of the baby Jesus as he arrives to celebrate Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 24. (Paul Haring | CnS)

tians “are called to discover that tender love of our heavenly Father for each of us.”

The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica pealed at midday, just as they did late Dec. 24 when thousands packed the church for Christmas Mass. Hundreds of people who could not find room in the basilica braved the cold weather and watched on giant screens from St. Peter’s Square.

With his voice noticeably hoarse from a bout of flu, the pope said in his homily that the prophetic words of Isaiah are those of a fulfilled promise of joy and gladness that are “a sure sign that the message contained in the mystery of this night is truly from God.” Doubt and indifference, he stressed, should be left to skeptics who “by looking to reason alone, never find the truth.”

“There is no room for the indif-ference which reigns in the hearts of those unable to love for fear of losing something,” he said. “All sadness has been banished, for the Child Jesus brings true comfort to every heart.”

The birth of Jesus, he continued, is a call for all Christians to “put away all fear and dread” and to follow the path that leads to Christ “who has been ‘born to us,’ he was ‘given to us’ as the prophet Isaiah proclaims.”

The coming of Christ into the world, the pope said, shows what is truly essential in life. Despite his birth into the “nothingness” of pov-

erty, Jesus shows men and women who are simple of heart the true path of “authentic liberation and perennial redemption,” while giv-ing them strength to reject “godless ways and the richness of the world.”

“In a society so often intoxicated by consumerism and hedonism, wealth and extravagance, appear-ances and narcissism, this Child calls us to act soberly, in other words, in a way that is simple, bal-anced, consistent, capable of seeing and doing what is a essential,” he said.

Christians, the pope said, are called to cultivate a sense of justice, discernment and doing God’s will in a world that is often “merciless to the sinner and lenient to the sin.”

As a choral rendition of “Silent Night” echoed through the basilica during the distribution of Com-munion, many attending the Mass were visibly moved. A nun looking reverently toward the main altar shed a single tear while smiling; gazing with the eyes that Pope Francis said in his homily all Chris-tians are called to look upon the Baby Jesus.

“Like the shepherds of Bethle-hem, may we too, with eyes full of amazement and wonder, gaze upon the Child Jesus, the Son of God. And in his presence may our hearts burst forth in prayer: ‘Show us, Lord, your mercy, and grant us your salvation,’” the pope said. n

cArol GlAtz And Junno Arocho EstEvEs Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY | God’s ability to forgive “knows no limits” as his mercy frees people from bitterness and despair, Pope Francis said.

“The Church’s forgiveness must be every bit as broad as that offered by Jesus on the cross and by Mary at his feet. There is no other way,” he said after opening the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Mary Major Jan. 1, the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and the World Day of Prayer for Peace.

On the first day of the new year, Pope Francis opened the last holy door in Rome as part of the extraor-dinary Holy Year of Mercy. “The door we have opened is, in fact, a Door of Mercy,” he said in his hom-ily, referring to the Roman basili-ca’s large bronze doors depicting Mary presenting her resurrected son, Jesus.

“Those who cross its threshold are called to enter into the merci-ful love of the Father with complete trust and freedom from fear; they can leave this basilica knowing with certainty that Mary is ever at

their side,” especially during times of trouble and sorrow, he said.

At the church dedicated to Mary and on her feast day as Mother of God, the pope explained how Mary is the mother of mercy because she bore “the very face of divine mer-cy,” the son of God “made incar-nate for our salvation.”

“Mary is an icon of how the Church must offer forgiveness to those who seek it. The mother of forgiveness teaches the Church that the forgiveness granted on Golgotha knows no limits. Nei-ther the law with its quibbles, nor the wisdom of this world with its distinctions, can hold it back,” he said.

Mary offers the world Jesus, who in turn, offers that forgive-ness which “renews life, enables us once more to do God’s will and fills us with true happiness,” the pope said. “The power of forgive-ness is the true antidote to the sad-ness caused by resentment and vengeance,” which do nothing but “trouble the mind and wound the heart, robbing it of rest and peace.”

After the Mass, the pope sym-bolically opened another door, this time the large iron gates in front of

a smaller chapel housing a Marian icon he is particularly devoted to — the “Salus Populi Romani” (health of the Roman people).

A deacon told the congregation to pray together with the Holy Fa-ther and ask Mary “to take us by the hand and lead us to the Lord Jesus.” After the pope pushed open the gates, he brought up a small floral arrangement of white lilies to the altar and prayed in silence before the icon.

Earlier in the day, the pope further marked the World Day of Peace in his noon Angelus address, when he said peace must not only be cultivated, but also conquered in a spiritual fight being waged by war and indifference.

Christians are called at the be-ginning of the new year to open their hearts and “reawaken the at-tention to one’s neighbor, to those who are closest,” he said.

“War is not the only enemy of peace, but also indifference, which makes us think only of ourselves and creates barriers, suspicions, fears and closures. These are the enemies of peace,” the pope said.

Recalling the Church’s cel-ebration of the solemnity of Mary,

Mother of God, the pope asked for her intercession so that the faithful may imitate her in guarding and meditating on all that happens in their hearts. Mary “preserves the joys and loosens the knots of our lives, taking them to the Lord,” he said.

The pope also celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the morn-ing to mark the Marian feast day. God is present in human history, he said, despite signs and events that “tend to make us think instead that he is absent.”

“Sometimes we ask ourselves how it is possible that human injus-tice persists unabated, and that the arrogance of the powerful contin-ues to demean the weak, relegat-ing them to the most squalid out-skirts of our world,” he said. “How can the fullness of time have come when we are witnessing hordes of men, women and children f lee-ing war, hunger and persecution, ready to risk their lives simply to encounter respect for their funda-mental rights?”

Pope Francis went on to say that notwithstanding those events, the “swollen torrent” of misery is pow-erless “before the ocean of mercy

which floods our world.” The grace of Christ “brings our hope of sal-vation to fulfillment” and gives Christians the strength to build a more “just and fraternal world.”

“Where philosophical reason and political negotiation cannot arrive, there the power of faith, which brings the grace of Christ’s Gospel, can arrive, opening ever new pathways to reason and to ne-gotiation,” he said.

In an Angelus address Jan. 3, the pope reminded visitors in St. Pe-ter’s Square to keep a small book of the Gospels with them at all times and read at least one verse each day “in order to know Jesus better, to open our heart up wide to Jesus” and share him with others.

The pope warned against “the mystery of evil which threatens our lives, too, and demands our vigilance and attention so it not prevail.”

“Woe to us if we let in” sin which always lies in wait “at the door,” he said.

He also asked people take on the title of his World Day of Peace mes-sage, “Overcome Indifference and Win Peace,” like a New Year’s reso-lution to “put into practice” with God’s help. n

God’s mercy knows ‘no limits,’ frees people from despair

QUICK READS 12Jan. 8-21, 2016 Florida Catholic

FLORIDA

Bishop Lessard dies at age 85

A longtime member of the faculty of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Sem-inary has died. Bishop Raymond Lessard, bishop emeritus of Savan-nah, Ga., died Jan. 3. He was 85, and served the Boynton Beach seminary for 20 years.

Bishop Les-sard was born Dec. 21, 1930, in Grafton, N.D. He attended the St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota before studying theology at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He was ordained a priest Dec. 16, 1956, and remained in Rome serving in multiple capaci-ties.

In 1973, he was ordained as bish-op of Savannah, where he shepherd-ed until his retirement in 1995. He went to St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary where he served as a spiri-tual director and professor of eccle-siology. In a release from the semi-nary, Bishop Lessard was regarded as the “spiritual father on campus” for both seminarians and the faculty alike. “Bishop Lessard will be re-membered for his quick mind, good counsel, and keen sense of humor. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him,” the release stated.

A memorial Mass is scheduled at the seminary Jan. 9 at noon, with a wake beginning an hour prior at 11 a.m. Bishop Gregory Hartmayer of Savannah will celebrate. The semi-nary is located at 10701 S. Military Trail in Boynton Beach. A funeral liturgy and burial will be celebrated Jan. 12 at noon at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bishop Lessard’s mem-ory to St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. For information, call 561-732-4424.

nAtIOn

Msgr. Lynn’s conviction overturned

PHILADELPHIA | The landmark trial of Msgr. William Lynn, the first high-ranking American Catholic churchman convicted of a crime in connection with the clergy sexual abuse scandal, will play out again as Pennsylvania Superior Court threw out his July 2012 conviction and ordered a new trial. The three-judge panel said in its 43-page split opinion Dec. 22 that Common Pleas Judge Teresa Sarmina, who presided over the original trial, erred by ad-mitting evidence of sexual abuse of minors by priests of the Phila-

delphia Archdiocese in the years before Msgr. Lynn served as secre-tary for archdiocesan clergy from 1992 to 2004. In that role, he over-saw priests assigned by Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua to ministry in archdiocesan parishes, schools and institutions. Evidence pre-sented during the three-month trial documented the abuse of minors by some of those priests over the course of many years. Prosecutors presented evidence to argue that Msgr. Lynn endangered the welfare of a boy by failing to supervise his at-tacker, former priest Edward Avery. Msgr. Lynn was convicted during the trial under the state’s child en-dangerment statute and sentenced to three to six years in prison. In its opinion, the Superior Court said the common pleas court under Judge Sarmina “abused its discretion by admitting a high volume of unfairly prejudicial other-acts evidence.”

Judge: Catholic school discriminated against man

MILTON, Mass. | A Massachu-setts judge ruled that a Catholic high school discriminated against a man because of his sexual orientation after the school officials rescinded a job offer upon learning he was in a same-sex marriage. Norfolk County Superior Court Judge Douglas H. Wilkins said in a Dec. 16 ruling that Fontbonne Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school in Milton, had violated the rights of Matthew Bar-rett in July 2013 when it rescinded its job offer for him to become food service director because the posi-tion does not include “formally pre-senting the Gospel values or the … teachings of the Catholic Church.” Barrett’s lawsuit said the offer was withdrawn days after he had accept-ed the position and completed an employee new hire form on which he listed his husband, Ed Suplee, as his emergency contact. Barrett originally filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination in January 2014, al-leging discrimination by the school, which was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston. The case was moved to Massachusetts Superior Court in May 2014. An attorney with Gay and Lesbian Advocates and De-fenders, or GLAD, represented Bar-rett. Fontbonne Academy defended its action, arguing that as a Catholic institution it has control of its mis-sion and message, and Barrett’s same-sex marriage was inconsistent with that message. The school also said that Barrett was aware that all employees at the school are asked to further the Catholic message.

Congress OKs funding of adult stem-cell research

WASHINGTON | With bipartisan support in the House and Senate,

the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Re-search Reauthorization Act passed Dec. 16 and has been sent to Presi-dent Barack Obama’s desk for his signature. In the House the sponsor of H.R. 2820 was Rep. Chris Smith, N.J., with Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif., as the lead co-sponsor. Reps. David Jolly, R-Fla., and Chaka Fat-tah, D-Pa., also helped shepherd the bill through the House. In the Sen-ate, lead sponsors were Republican Sens. Orrin Hatch of Utah, Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Richard Burr or North Carolina and Democratic Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota. “It is incredibly timely to reauthorize this life-giving program during this gift-giving time of year,” Smith said in a statement. “Americans willing to give the gift of life to others are at the heart of the success of this program. In reauthorizing it we are grateful for the adult donors willing to pro-vide bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells, as well as mothers who donate their child’s cord blood through public cord-blood banks.” Smith also was the author of the 2005 measure. The 2015 bill reau-thorizes funding from fiscal year 2016 through fiscal year 2020, with $23 million a year for the National Cord Blood Inventory and $30 mil-lion a year for C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation program.

Ruling said to leave unanswered questions

NEW YORK | There are still un-answered questions about the le-gal implications of June’s Supreme Court same-sex marriage ruling, but analysts agree religious insti-tutions face big challenges in the months and years to come. The landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges won’t just ensure that states cannot deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples, said John Breen, a law professor at Loyola University Chicago. It could also have a ripple effect on the tax-exempt statuses of religious organizations; the rights of business owners to deny services based on religious beliefs; the abil-ity of religious colleges to deny mar-ried student housing benefits; the right of religious organizations to hire for mission; the participation of ministers in civil marriages; the right of religious adoption agencies to decline to place children with same-sex couples; and much more. “It’s not the end; it’s the beginning,” Breen told Catholic News Service. “It will be pushed further. I have no doubt that all of these challenges are coming.”

WORLD

Maronite patriarch urges coexistence

BEIRUT | Lebanese Cardinal Bechara Rai urged Christians and Muslims to work to preserve peace-ful coexistence, and he called for

more help for refugees. “We extend our wishes today to Muslims and Christians, knowing that this year the celebrations of Christmas and the birth of the Prophet coincide,” said Cardinal Rai, patriarch of Ma-ronite Catholics. Muhammad’s birthday, using the lunar calendar, was celebrated Dec. 23. In his Dec. 24 address from Bkerke, north of Beirut, Cardinal Rai also extended “our best wishes to those who suffer from conflicts in Syria, Iraq and the Holy Land. We are determined to perform our duty to confront fanati-cism, divisions ... and we are keen to preserve coexistence,” he said. He reiterated his calls for Lebanon’s political blocs to elect a president “as soon as possible” to move the coun-try “from despair and anxiety to hope and peace.” Lebanon has been without a president since the term of President Michel Sleiman ended in May 2014. Under Lebanon’s power-sharing system, the post is held by a Maronite Catholic.

Patriarch says mercy must include more than kin

JERUSALEM | Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal said in the Jubilee Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis that mercy must include every person — both kin and foe. “In these days and time, we suffer from the absence of compassion in our hearts, as if the coming of Jesus Christ and the mes-sage of Christmas were in vain,” he said in his homily at midnight Mass at the Church of St. Catherine, adja-cent to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank.

“It is easy to show mercy to those with whom we are related by blood, kinship, religion and race. However, it is difficult to extend the relation-ship to include the poor and mar-ginalized, prisoners and the victims of violence and terrorism in Pales-tine and in our neighboring coun-tries,” he said. “Our hearts go out to the millions of refugees living in camps and shanties, suffering from the biting cold; people fleeing from areas of conflict, many are drifting on vast waters aboard fragile boats, and the sea becoming a collective graveyard. Mercy, compassion and benevolence still exist throughout the world. Fortunately, not all peo-ple have lost their humanity.”

He added mercy is not limited to just individual actions and rela-tions, but is all-encompassing. Pa-triarch Twal celebrated midnight Mass after leading the traditional procession into Bethlehem and into the Church of the Nativity. Dur-ing Patriarch Twal’s traditional exit from Bethlehem on Christmas Day, his car was hit with stones thrown by Palestinians who were demon-strating against Israeli soldiers near Rachel’s Tomb, where the convoy passed by, said Jerusalem Auxiliary Bishop William Shomali. He said he did not believe the stones were thrown intentionally, and there was no damage to the cars.

VAtICAn

Pope announces appointments

VATICAN CITY | Pope Francis appointed a U.S. media adviser as the vice director of the Vatican press office and an Irish prelate known for revolutionizing the Vatican’s approach to social communication as bishop and adjunct secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture. Greg Burke, senior communica-tions adviser to the Vatican Secre-tariat of State, was appointed by the pope Dec. 12 as the Vatican’s No. 2 spokesman. Burke will replace Passionist Father Ciro Benedettini, who served as the press office as-sistant director since 1995. Shortly after the announcement, Father Benedettini was greeted with ap-plause by journalists, who thanked him for his years of service. Burke, a native of St. Louis and member of Opus Dei, previously worked as the Rome correspondent for Fox News before his appointment in 2012 as the Vatican senior communica-tions adviser. The pope also named Msgr. Paul Tighe, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Com-munications, as bishop and adjunct secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture. Bishop-designate Tighe told Catholic News Service his reac-tion to the appointments was “sur-prise” and “enthusiasm.” “It certain-ly was unexpected,” he said. “It’s an honor but also a responsibility; it’s moving onto sacred territory that I’m still now absorbing.”

Pope prays for Cuban migrants, peace in Mindanao

VATICAN CITY | Pope Francis asked for prayers and action con-cerning the plight of Cuban mi-grants, a rebel attack in the Philip-pines, and a deadly gas explosion in Nigeria. After praying the Sunday Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square Dec. 27, the pope recalled the many Cuban migrants “who find themselves in difficulty in Central America,” many of whom, he added, “are victims of human trafficking.” Thousands of Cubans are stuck in Costa Rica after Nica-ragua began preventing them from crossing its border in mid-Novem-ber. Costa Rica also recently stopped giving Cubans travel visas. The number of Cuban nationals seeking to immigrate to the United States has risen dramatically since the two countries announced last year the start of normalizing relations. In his appeal, Pope Francis invited the region to “generously renew all nec-essary efforts in order to find a rapid solution to this dramatic humani-tarian disaster.” In a telegram sent the same day, the pope expressed his sadness after hearing about the “senseless killing of innocent people in Mindanao,” the second-largest is-land in the Philippines.

Bishop Lessard

NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL NEWS13 Florida Catholic Jan. 8-21, 2016

Scripture readingsFriday, Jan. 81 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Lk 5:12-16

Saturday, Jan. 91 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6a, 9b; Jn 3:22-30

Sunday, Jan. 10The Baptism of the LordIs 42:1-4, 6-7; Ps 29:1-4, 9-10; Acts 10:34-38; Lk 3:15-16, 21-22

Monday, Jan. 111 Sm 1:1-8; Ps 116:12-19; Mk 1:14-20

Tuesday, Jan. 121 Sm 1:9-20; (Ps) 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8; Mk 1:21-28

Wednesday, Jan. 131 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20; Ps 40:2, 5, 7-10; Mk 1:29-39

Thursday, Jan. 141 Sm 4:1-11; Ps 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25; Mk 1:40-45

Friday, Jan. 151 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a; Ps 89:16-19; Mk 2:1-12

Saturday, Jan. 161 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a; Ps 21:2-7; Mk 2:13-17

Sunday, Jan. 17Is 62:1-5; Ps 96:1-3, 7-10; 1 Cor 12:4-11; Jn 2:1-11

Monday, Jan. 181 Sm 15:16-23; Ps 50:8-9, 16b-17, 21, 23; Mk 2:18-22

Tuesday, Jan. 191 Sm 16:1-13; Ps 89:20-22, 27-28; Mk 2:23-28

Wednesday, Jan. 201 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; Ps 144:1b, 2, 9-10; Mk 3:1-6

Thursday, Jan. 21St. Agnes, virgin and martyr1 Sm 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Ps 56:2-3, 9-13; Mk 3:7-12

Friday, Jan. 22Day of Prayer for the Legal Protec-tion of Unborn Children1 Sm 24:3-21; Ps 57:2-4, 6, 11; Mk 3:13-19

Saturday, Jan. 232 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; Ps 80:2-3, 5-7; Mk 3:20-21

Sunday, Jan. 24Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10; Ps 19:8-10, 15; 1 Cor 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27; Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Sunday, Jan. 10The Baptism of the LordIs 42:1-4, 6-7; Ps 29:1-4, 9-10; Acts 10:34-38; Lk 3:15-16, 21-22

“I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” These words combined with the pour-ing of water upon us begins our journey as Christian disciples of Jesus Christ. In order to appreciate the meaning of our own per-sonal baptism, today we celebrate and reflect upon the Baptism of Our Lord Je-sus in the Jordan River.

Nearly 700 years before the birth of Christ, a Jewish prophet named Isaiah predicted something of important meaning to the He-brew people. The people of Israel were living in difficult times. Their political world, a kingdom dynasty, began with the son of Jesse — Da-vid the great ruler. But by the time of Isaiah, the family dynasty was collapsing due to sin and division within Israel, and by powerful en-emies outside of Israel. Before its complete collapse, Isaiah proph-

esies (Is 11:1-2) that in the future a new branch will come forth from the tree of Jesse, meaning that God

will restore the kingdom of David in a different and mysterious way. Whoever this new king/man will be, he will inaugurate a new kingdom for a new Israel by being anointed with the Holy Spirit of God. Who will this Spirit-anointed Davidic king be?

All four Gospels give us the resounding answer: Jesus of Nazareth. He has come down from heaven and come to earth, born of Mary, truly becoming human like us. Before Je-

sus begins his public ministry of teaching and healing, he submits himself to the baptism of his cous-in, John the Baptist.

John is an intriguing character, fiery in his preaching of repentance from sin. John’s message is clear: If we are to receive the One whom God will send to be the Spirit-anointed king, we must first admit our sins and turn away from them. The people who believed in John’s message made a commitment to

change their lives to love God and humanity — a commitment sym-bolized by John’s water baptism. John was preparing people’s hearts and lives to receive the One whom his baptism could only symbolize.

Now the time of prophesy has come to be fulfilled. John has a new visitor inside his group of listeners along the Jordan River. He knows the visitor well; it’s his cousin, Je-sus. As Jesus begins to walk for-ward to receive John’s baptism, John is surprised and humbled. He says to Jesus, “Do not come to me. It is I who need to be baptized by you” (Mt 3:14). John knows that the One standing in front of him is more than a family member; it is the king/man whom the prophets had spoken of, who knows not sin.

Jesus insists on John’s baptism of repentance, even though he had nothing to repent of. For, by plac-ing his divine, sin-free, human foot in the Jordan River, the Creator of the rivers, seas, springs and lakes has blessed the waters of the cos-mic universe to actualize, not just symbolize, the forgiveness of sins. When Jesus arose from the waters of the Jordan, baptized by John, a powerful moment occurred that

is written in all four Gospels. The clouds open and the Holy Spirit of God descends upon him. God, his Father, was heard: “This is my be-loved Son in whom I take delight.”

The Spirit has come to anoint Jesus to be more than a politi-cal human ruler, but the Messiah (anointed one). He will inaugurate the heavenly kingdom of God, a kingdom community of people from every race, land and language — it is universal. The Greek word for “universal” is “katholikos,” — in English, “catholic.”

What John’s baptism could only symbolize, Jesus’ baptism will ac-tualize because of the firepower of the Holy Spirit that he alone can give. When you and I received holy baptism, we became a part of the kingdom community, a member of the Catholic (universal) Church of Jesus Christ — people journeying toward heaven. Each time you and I bless ourselves with holy water, let us remember this irreplaceable and unrepeatable gift of our baptism.

On this feast day of the baptism of our Spirit-anointed king, may God rekindle in our hearts the fire-power of Christian baptism, the gift that keeps on giving. n

You are my beloved; in you I am well pleased

Sunday, Jan. 17Is 62:1-5; Ps 96:1-3, 7-10; 1 Cor 12:4-11; Jn 2:1-11

Last week we reflected upon the Baptism of the Lord. All four Gos-pels make it clear that the Lord’s baptism is the point that demar-cates Christ’s first 30 years of life growing up in Nazareth from the beginning of his public ministry that will comprise his last three years of life. Immediately following his baptism in the Jordan River, the Gospel of St. John, which we hear from today, uniquely and specifi-cally begins Jesus’ first miracle at a wedding party. The party takes place in a small town called Cana, not too far away from Jesus’ home-town of Nazareth.

Here’s what happened. A young Jewish couple got married and their family hosted a party for them that was common at the time. Imagine a block party with dancing, music, free food and wine. That would be a pretty pop-ular block party, eh? The custom was to serve the best food and wine first. Then afterward, they would

serve lighter foods and cheaper wine. Why? Because after every-one had drunk the good wine, the odds are high that they won’t re-member the quality of the cheaper wine. But something embarrassing happened for our newly minted husband and wife. Early on they ran out of wine. Ugh, what a party pooper.

John places Jesus, his newly selected Twelve Apostles and his mother, Mary, at the scene. Who would have thought of them as the party type? And what a party it will soon be! St. John paints a deeply theological message here to show us how Jesus reveals himself for a ministry that will bring new life to the world.

The Bible is filled with wedding/marriage imagery. God often de-scribes his people as a bride. When God’s people sin against God, God speaks to them as a bride that has abandoned her husband. The hus-band and wife in Cana represent you and me. The wine has run out — a symbol that humanity on its own has failed to be faithful to God. Guess who intercedes for

you and me who have run out of the goods? Mary does. By saying yes to being the mother of Jesus, Mary births God the Son into our world. Now she intercedes with her beloved son at the party of earthly life to bring salvation to those who have run dry.

Jesus calls his mother by the name that God creates the first perfect female and by the name of the mysterious future female in Genesis 3:15, who with her child will be the enemy of Satan. He calls her “woman.” Interestingly in John’s Gospel, Jesus calls her “woman” at the beginning of his public ministry and at the end of his ministry upon the cross. Call-ing a female “woman” today may have a negative connotation, but back then it was similar to calling a female a “lady.”

“What does this have to do with me?” he asks her, knowing that the final revealing of himself will take place at the cross and Resurrec-tion. “My hour has not yet come.” But Mary knew that it was to be the beginning of his journey to the cross and Resurrection. She tells

the waiters, “Do whatever he tells you.” Jesus will go on to bless large jars of water, which were used for Jewish rites of purification. Inter-esting, eh?

As the waiters pour out the water from the jars, it turns suddenly into wine; in fact, the best wine they had all night. The party has been saved and goes on without a glitch. Jesus begins his public ministry with a symbolic miracle — that through the waters of baptism, which he just received, he will pro-vide a baptism that changes our hearts and lives to something new, for a groom and bride whose mar-riage party never comes to an end.

The mother of the king is queen. In today’s Gospel, we encounter a miracle that is a symbol of the marriage of Christ to his bride, the Church. Like the young husband and wife in Cana, we ought to look a little more closely to behold the real king and queen of our hearts. n

Father Campbell is a priest of the Diocese of Palm Beach and paro-chial vicar at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles in Royal Palm Beach.

The king and queen of hearts

Sunday Word

Father Brian

Campbell

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The program is presented by Bianca Moreiras, a parishioner and former Emmaus Lead. She has brought similar retreats to the parish. This retreat is open to all especially those seeker’s of God’s loving forgiveness and mercy. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy what a better way to seek God’s love than through His healing.

Saint BonaventureCatholic Church

Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016

Meeting rooms 1 and 2 at the school campus from 1-5:15 p.m.(5:30 p.m. Mass to follow your family may join you at mass)

Please join us for this engaging, spirit-filled and revealing retreat. Timely prepared prior to the beginning of Lent to invite those who are questioning their faith, have left their faith or no longer visit God’s house. You will be encouraged through prayer, testimonials, community, readings and meditation.

Please visit www.biancamoreiras.com to make your reservation and if you miss this retreat join us on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Mary Help of

Christians in Parkland, Florida. OR If your parish is interested in hosting this retreat, please contact Bianca Moreiras at [email protected]

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ADVERTISEMENT15 Florida Catholic Jan. 8-21, 201635023-0108

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ADVERTISEMENT 16Jan. 8-21, 2016 Florida Catholic34996-0108

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s we begin this new year of 2016, it is important to take a moment to reflect upon the many gifts and blessings

that we received in the year just passed. We are certainly mindful of God’s many blessings that have

been bestowed on our faith family in this Diocese of Palm Beach. A concrete measure of this assessment rests with our annual examination of the financial results of the administrative offices of the Diocese of Palm Beach for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015. The financial statement information contained herein is sourced from the “Report on Audits of Financial Statements,” which was again prepared by the independent accounting firm of Templeton & Company, LLP. The actual audit report was thoroughly reviewed by our audit committee and accepted by the diocesan finance council at its recent December meeting.

The financial presentation and information contained in this publication is not in the same format as the actual auditors’ report. For our purposes here, a numerical and graphical summary is used to present our financial information, which, over the years, has proved to be a clear, meaningful and informative method to communicate this important news. I trust you will find it so once again. We regularly report our financial results in a supplement to the Palm Beach edition of the Florida Catholic and this year, we are including both this version as well as a copy of the actual auditors’ report on our website (www.diocesepb.org).

I am pleased to report that the fiscal year results of the diocese have been quite positive. Of course, the principle source of funds continues to be the Diocesan Services Appeal (DSA). Our theme this past year was “A Family of Faith in Service to Others,” which was a

timely recognition of the importance of family in the mission and ministry of the Church. We were indeed blessed by the September visit of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for the World Meeting of Families. It has been the extraordinary generosity of our faith families that has enabled our diocese to continue its strong support of Catholic Charities, make a significant investment in the growth of our local seminary, and direct new resources into our family ministries. We are all one family, experiencing the grace of God and sharing our gifts.

Again this year, in addition to the actual financial results, we are presenting some supplemental information on the current status of the 2015 DSA campaign by parish, with approximate percentages of DSA goal achieved. In addition, we also present an accounting of the various monthly national collections that are targeted to specific needs identified across the globe. Should you have any questions or comments regarding this, or any other information contained in this report, I ask that you contact our diocesan finance office directly for additional information. We remain committed to

full accountability and transparency as part of our mission.

I remain deeply grateful for the sacrificial support of our Diocese of Palm Beach. Let us continue to follow the model of our Holy Family, so that together we share the hope and salvation of Christ.

With every prayerful wish, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Rev. Gerald M. BarbaritoBishop of Palm Beach

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A

Diocese of Palm BeachFinancial Statement

FloridaCatholicWWW.THEFLORIDACATHOLIC.ORG | Jan. 8-21, 2016

January 2016

Palm Beach Financial statement

PLB B3

Jan. 8-21, 2016 The Florida Catholic B2

Operating Fund

Plant Fund

Self-Insurance Fund

Eliminating Entries Summary

AssetsCash and cash equivalents $ 9,103,658 $ — $ 9,655,246 $ — $ 18,758,904 23%

Portfolio investments $ 32,698,765 $ — $ — $ — $ 32,698,765 39%

Receivables from diocesan entities, net $ 1,960,699 $ — $ 125,800 $ — $ 2,086,499 3%

Pledge receivable $ 1,989,088 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,989,088 2%

Other receivables $ 17,052 $ 107,211 $ — $ — $ 124,263 1%

Other current assets $ 90,274 $ — $ 1,712,963 $ — $ 1,803,237 2%

Property and equipment, net $ — $ 25,140,322 $ — $ — $ 25,140,322 30%

Due from funds $ 4,881,745 $ — $ — $ (4,881,745) $ — —

Totals $ 50,741,281 $ 25,247,533 $ 11,494,009 $ (4,881,745) $ 82,601,078 100%

Liabilities and Net AssetsAccounts payable and accrued expenses $ 1,873,080 $ 17,520 $ 35,414 $ — $ 1,926,014 2%

Self-insurance reserves $ — $ — $ 639,421 $ — $ 639,421 1%

Annuities payable $ 100,984 $ — $ — $ — $ 100,984 1%

Deferred revenue $ 43,013 $ — $ — $ — $ 43,013 1%

Post-employment benefit obligation $ 2,577,279 $ — $ — $ — $ 2,577,279 3%

Guarantee of indebtedness reserve $ 4,163,666 $ — $ — $ — $ 4,163,666 5%

Net assets $ 41,983,259 $ 20,348,268 $ 10,819,174 $ — $ 73,150,701 87%

Due to funds $ — $ 4,881,745 $ — $ (4,881,745) $ — —

Totals $ 50,741,281 $ 25,247,533 $ 11,494,009 $ (4,881,745) $ 82,601,078 100%

Statement of Activities, by fund, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015

Statement of Financial Position, by fund, at June 30, 2015

Operating Fund

Plant Fund

Self-Insurance Fund

Eliminating Entries Summary

RevenuesDiocesan Services Appeal $ 8,735,851 $ — $ — $ — $ 8,735,851 41%

Insurance program $ — $ — $ 5,582,686 $ (208,963) $ 5,373,723 25%

Contributions and bequests $ 3,282,918 $ — $ — $ — $ 3,282,918 15%

Programs and services $ 1,711,352 $ — $ — $ (446,250) $ 1,265,102 6%

Net investment return $ 1,325,090 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,325,090 6%

Interest and dividends $ 475,795 $ — $ 111,318 $ — $ 587,113 3%

Special events, net $ 277,827 $ — $ — $ — $ 277,827 1%

Rental income $ 204,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 204,000 1%

Cemetery care deposits $ 170,635 $ — $ — $ — $ 170,635 1%

Other income, net $ 9,190 $ 28,359 $ 10,031 $ — $ 47,580 1%

Totals $ 16,192,658 $ 28,359 $ 5,704,035 $ (655,213) $ 21,269,839 100%

ExpensesProgram services

Social services $ 2,908,740 $ — $ — $ (10,107) $ 2,898,633 14%

Diocesan and clergy leadership $ 1,338,470 $ — $ — $ (20,596) $ 1,317,874 6%

Education $ 2,655,326 $ — $ — $ (7,403) $ 2,647,923 12%

Seminarians, deacons and women religious $ 978,729 $ — $ — $ (11,202) $ 967,527 5%

Outreach and mission support $ 1,909,719 $ — $ — $ (84,036) $ 1,825,683 9%

Supporting servicesSelf-insurance program $ — $ — $ 3,833,415 $ (446,250) $ 3,387,165 16%

Plant and facilities $ 803,493 $ 954,560 $ — $ (52,901) $ 1,705,152 8%

Chancery administration $ 2,749,999 $ — $ — $ (22,718) $ 2,727,281 13%

Guarantee of indebtedness $ (963,491) $ — $ — $ — $ (963,491) -5%

Change in post-employment benefit obligation $ (26,223) $ — $ — $ — $ (26,223) 0%

Change in net assets $ 3,837,896 $ (926,201) $ 1,870,620 $ — $ 4,782,315 22%

Totals $ 16,192,658 $ 28,359 $ 5,704,035 $ (655,213) $ 21,269,839 100%

Palm Beach Financial Statement Jan. 8-21, 2016 Florida CatholicFlorida Catholic Jan. 8-21, 2016 Palm Beach Financial Statement B4B3

Cash and cash equivalents

Portfolio investments

Receivables from diocesan entities, net

Pledge receivable

Other receivables

Other current assets

Property and equipment, net

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Self-insurance reserves

Annuities payable

Deferred revenue

Post-employment benefit obligation

Guarantee of indebtedness reserve

Net assets

Month collected

Collection title

Funds collected

July 2014

Catholic Relief Services

$ 112,443

August 2014

Church in Latin America/Church in Africa

$ 98,209

September 2014

Respect Life / Migrants

$ 102,346

September 2014

Middle East Collection

74,779

October 2014

World Mission Sunday

$ 112,102

November 2014

Campaign for Human Development

$ 119,807

December 2014

Retirement Fund for Religious

$ 191,212

January 2015

Catholic Education Support

$ 148,294

March 2015

Education of seminarians and priestly formation

$ 171,972

April 2015

Holy Land (Good Friday)

$ 136,290

April 2015

Peter’s Pence $ 153,915

May 2015

Nepal Earthquake

114,253

May 2015

Catholic Communication/Catholic University

$ 103,858

June 2015

Black and Indian missions/ Home missions

$ 107,334

Diocesan collections July 2014 to June 2015

Assets

Liabilities and Net Assets

Diocesan Services Appeal

Insurance program

Contributions and bequests

Programs and services

Net investment return

Interest and dividends

Special events, net

Rental income

Cemetery care deposits

Other income, net

Social services

Diocesan and clergy leadership

Education

Seminarians, deacons and women religious

Outreach and mission support

Self-insurance program

Plant and facilities

Chancery administration

Change in net assets

Revenues

Expenses

It has been the extraordinary generosity of our faith families that has enabled our diocese to continue its strong support of Catholic Charities, make a significant investment in the growth of our local seminary, and direct new resources into our family ministries. We are all one family, experiencing the grace of God and sharing our gifts.

— Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito

AssetsCash and cash equivalents $ 18,758,904 23%

Portfolio investments $ 32,698,765 39%Receivables from diocesan entities, net $ 2,086,499 3%

Pledge receivable $ 1,989,088 2%

Other receivables $ 124,263 1%

Other current assets $ 1,803,237 2%

Property and equipment, net $ 25,140,322 30%

Dues from funds $ — —

Totals $ 82,601,078 100%

Liabilities and Net AssetsAccounts payable and accrued expenses $ 1,926,014 2%

Self-insurance reserves $ 639,421 1%

Annuities payable $ 100,984 1%

Deferred revenue $ 43,013 1%Post-employment benefit obligation $ 2,577,279 3%

Guarantee of indebtedness reserve $ 4,163,666 5%

Net assets $ 73,150,701 87%

Dues to funds $ — —

Totals $ 82,601,078 100%

statement of financial Position at June 30, 2015

statement of activities, for the fiscal year enDeD June 30, 2015

Parish/mission name and city (as of Dec. 4, 2015)

2015 DSA Goal percentage collected

Ascension, Boca Raton 100 +Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, Palm Beach Gardens 100 +Emmanuel, Delray Beach 92 +Holy Cross, Indiantown 96 +Holy Cross, Vero Beach 100 +Holy Family, Port St. Lucie 88 +Holy Name of Jesus, West Palm Beach 30 +Holy Redeemer, Palm City 100 +Holy Spirit, Lantana 100 +Mary Immaculate, West Palm Beach 100 +Notre Dame Mission, Fort Pierce 100 +Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, Fellsmere 99 +Our Lady of Lourdes, Boca Raton 85 +Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission, Delray Beach 52 +Our Lady Queen of Peace, Delray Beach 79 +Our Lady Queen of the Apostles, Royal Palm Beach 77 +Sacred Heart, Lake Worth 60 +Sacred Heart, Okeechobee 81 +St. Anastasia, Fort Pierce 92 +St. Andrew, Stuart 100 +St. Ann, West Palm Beach 100 +St. Bernadette, Port St. Lucie 92 +St. Christopher, Hobe Sound 100 +St. Clare, North Palm Beach 100 +St. Edward, Palm Beach 100 +St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Port St. Lucie 79 +St. Francis of Assisi, Riviera Beach 100 +St. Helen, Vero Beach 97 +St. Joan of Arc, Boca Raton 89 +St. John Fisher, West Palm Beach 83 +St. John of the Cross, Vero Beach 99 +St. John the Evangelist, Boca Raton 95 +St. Joseph, Stuart 100 +St. Jude, Boca Raton 86 +St. Jude, Tequesta 100 +St. Juliana, West Palm Beach 88 +St. Lucie, Port St. Lucie 99 +St. Lucy, Highland Beach 100 +St. Luke, Palm Springs 80 +St. Mark, Boynton Beach 93 +St. Mark the Evangelist, Fort Pierce 100 +St. Martin de Porres, Jensen Beach 67 +St. Mary, Pahokee 100 +St. Matthew, Lantana 89 +St. Patrick, Palm Beach Gardens 88 +St. Paul of the Cross, North Palm Beach 100 +St. Peter, Jupiter 100 +St. Philip Benizi, Belle Glade 100 +St. Rita, Wellington 90 +St. Sebastian, Sebastian 69 +St. Therese de Lisieux, Wellington 72 +St. Thomas More, Boynton Beach 100 +St. Vincent Ferrer, Delray Beach 80 +

ExpensesProgram services: Social services $ 2,898,633 14%

Diocesan and clergy leadership $ 1,317,874 6%

Education $ 2,647,923 12% Seminarians, deacons and women

religious $ 967,527 5%

Outreach and mission support $ 1,825,683 9%

Supporting services: Self-insurance program $ 3,387,165 16%

Plant and facilities $ 1,705,152 8%

Chancery administration $ 2,727,281 13%

Guarantee of indebtedness $ (963,491) -5%

Change in post-employment benefit obligation $ (26,223) 0%

Change in net assets $ 4,782,315 22%

Totals $ 21,269,839 100%

RevenuesDiocesan Services Appeal $ 8,735,851 41%

Insurance program $ 5,373,723 25%

Contributions and bequests $ 3,282,918 15%

Programs and services $ 1,265,102 6%

Net investment return $ 1,325,090 6%

Interest and dividends $ 587,113 3%

Special events, net $ 277,827 1%

Rental income $ 204,000 1%

Cemetery care deposits $ 170,635 1%

Other income, net $ 47,580 1%

Totals $ 21,269,839 100%

Parochial resPonse to 2015 DsaThe following reflects the goal percentage collected from parishes/missions for

the annual Diocesan Services Appeal.

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