UN fact-finders: Prosecute Myanmar military leaders for genocide

WWW.THEFLORIDACATHOLIC.ORG | Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018 | Volume 79, Number 20

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UN fact-finders: Prosecute Myanmar military leaders for genocideCATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

MANDALAY, Myanmar | A U.N. fact-finding mission said senior military officials in Myanmar must be prosecuted for genocide and war crimes against Rohingya Muslims and other ethnic minorities.

The mission, established by the U.N. Human Rights Council in March 2017, found patterns of gross human rights violations and abus-es committed in the states of Ra-khine, Kachin and Shan, reported ucanews.com.

“Military necessity would never justify killing indiscriminately, gang-raping women, assaulting children, and burning entire vil-lages,” the U.N. said in its Aug. 27 report.

“The Tatmadaw’s tactics are con-sistently and grossly disproportion-ate to the actual security threats, especially in Rakhine state, but also in northern Myanmar,” it said us-ing the official name of the armed forces of Myanmar.

Ucanews.com reported the In-ternational Criminal Court is also deliberating whether it has the mandate to prosecute Myanmar officials responsible for more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing from Rakhine state to Muslim-ma-

jority Bangladesh since an August 2017 military crackdown in re-sponse to attacks on security posts by suspected Rohingya insurgents.

The United Nations has dubbed the crackdown a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

“The crimes in Rakhine State, and the manner in which they were perpetrated, are similar in nature, gravity and scope to those that have allowed genocidal intent to be es-tablished in other contexts,” the report said.

The U.N. also warned Myanmar it has sufficient information “to warrant the investigation and pros-ecution” of senior officials in the Tatmadaw’s chain of command.

The report singled out Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military chief, and five key generals it said should face justice.

During a visit to Myanmar late last year, Pope Francis had a “cour-tesy visit” with Min Aung Hlaing and other military leaders. Greg Burke, director of the Vatican press office, told reporters the 15-min-ute meeting included discussions about “the great responsibility au-thorities in the country have at this moment of transition.”

The U.N. report also found that the government co-run by State

Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi has allowed hate speech and failed to protect ethnic minorities in the country.

“Through their acts and omis-sions, the civilian authorities have contributed to the commission of atrocities and crimes,” it said.

“Suu Kyi has not used her de facto position as head of government, nor her moral authority, to stem or pre-vent the unfolding events in Rakh-ine State,” the report added.

The U.N. mission, which has not been granted access to Myanmar, interviewed 875 victims and wit-nesses of alleged crimes by Myan-mar’s military, by speaking to refu-gees living in camps in Bangladesh

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar military commander-in-chief. (LYNN BO BO, EPA | CNS)

A group of Rohingya refugee women participate in an Aug. 25 protest to mark Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day at a camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. (MONIRUL ALAM, EPA | CNS)

At far left, mud and debris litter a backyard Aug. 26 as a result of flooding caused by Hurricane Lane in Hilo, Hawaii. At left, a woman pushes her bicycle through floodwaters in Hilo following the hurricane. The powerhouse storm, the first to threaten a hit on the islands in 26 years, unleashed more than 46 inches of rain in some areas. (TERRAY SYLVESTER, REUTERS | CNS)

and those in other countries. It also analyzed documents, photos, videos and satellite images. A full report will be published and pre-sented to the U.N. Human Rights Council Sept. 18.

Amnesty International said the U.N. report brought more damning evidence of the Myanmar security forces’ atrocity crimes against the Rohingya and against ethnic mi-norities in northern Myanmar.

“This report, which adds to a

mountain of evidence of crimes under international law commit-ted by the military, shows the ur-gent need for independent criminal investigation and is clear that the Myanmar authorities are incapable of bringing to justice those respon-sible,” said Tirana Hassan, director of crisis response at Amnesty Inter-national.

Myanmar’s government and military leaders did not immedi-ately respond to the report. n

HAWAII AFTER HURRICANE LANE

WWW.THEFLORIDACATHOLIC.ORG | Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018

FLORIDACatholicORLANDO DIOCESE

a lot of stuff to get rid of, but not really as much as people would expect. Every house that I’ve lived in has gotten progressively smaller. We know we love each other and that’s what mat-ters most.”

David Boehm’s wife, Mickie, agreed. “I think that, as a society and people, we get re-ally bogged down with material possessions. For me, it just weighs me down.” She works from home and thrives in a tidy space. “When I’m in a more clutter-free environment, it helps me be more present, more focused, more spiritual as a whole.”

The soon-to-be empty-nesters look for-

ward to having more time to volunteer and help the community. “That’s a big thing we felt was appealing about the whole process,” added David Boehm. “A lot of time you get stuck behind all that clutter and weighed down by all that stuff. It gives you a place to go and hide from whatever’s going on in the world and in your life.”

The family continues streamlining their lives, while David Boehm remains dedicated to coaching girls basketball at Bishop Moore. He believes living in this more economical fashion has put them more in line with nature and the rhythms of life. “You’re more aware

of the way you’re using the resources around you and that other people may have needs you weren’t aware of,” he explained.

The family is committed to lessening their footprint and much like Luke 9:3, the Boehms “take nothing for the journey.” They embark on this small adventure with open hearts for what lies ahead. “We tell the kids all the time, nothing is undoable,” said Mickie Boehm. “It’s something we wanted to try and we did. So far, so good.” n

The family will be featured on “Tiny House Nation” in September on A&E.

Family has tiny house and big priorities

Mickie and David Boehm stand, at left, and sit, at right, with their daughter, Reilly, in their 250-square-foot tiny home. The desk Mickie is leaning on at right folds up against the wall. David is leaning on one of two collapsible tables that are stored beneath the jackknife sleeper sofa. Behind them is the master bedroom, a murphy bed that serves as a computer station when closed. (PHOTOS BY GLENDA MEEKINS | FC)

GLENDA MEEKINSof the Florida Catholic staff

COLLEGE PARK | In a world where many people race for bigger homes and more pos-sessions, one Bishop Moore Catholic High School coach and his family work to down-size.

David Boehm and his family moved to College Park nine years ago and immediately downsized their home. A second move made them re-evaluate even more. They chopped their living space by more than half from 2,400 square feet to 1,000 square feet. When they noticed rooms filling with storage after their two eldest children left home, the timing to go tiny seemed ripe.

Today t he Boehms l ive in a new 250-square-foot home and say cutting back wasn’t that hard. “I’ve always felt things are made to be used. When you amass a lot of stuff, stuff sits around a lot,” Boehm said. His tool collection, for example, once used for building things began collecting dust. “They weren’t fulfilling their purpose (anymore). I know it seems silly, but you can extrapolate that to the way you live. There’s only a certain amount of things you need and use on a daily basis. If more people got into that mindset, there would be a lot less waste and excesses that go around.” He donated all but the basics to the drama department at Bishop Moore.

Although daughter Reilly is also headed off to college soon and will spend little time in her new loft, she embraced the change. “It’s always been about family. Family comes first. It goes the same for my brothers,” she said. “We know that we have each other, so mate-rial possessions don’t matter as much. We had

Editor’s note: Names have been changed to protect privacy.


MELBOURNE | On the day Kathy Cohen is coming to visit, her 95-year-old care receiver gets up with a vigor in her step and gets ready with anticipation. When Cohen, a Stephen Ministry caregiver, walks in, Maggie smiles broadly and reaches out her arms for a hug.

“She doesn’t want to let go,” said Cohen. “I think it’s a little thing that I’m doing. I think I’m helping her, but she’s also helping me.”

Maggie’s life was full and active until she fell two years ago. Her daughter-in-law, De-nise, took her in, but Maggie’s condition was deteriorating. Now, already legally blind, hard of hearing and with debilitating back pain, she became depressed and despondent. That’s when her daughter-in-law called the Stephen Ministry, named after the saint who was one of the first deacons of the Church and

the first martyr.Stephen Ministry began at Immaculate

Conception Parish in Melbourne in 2016, just as Cohen was retiring from nursing. “I’m used to listening to people, so I thought what better way to keep on taking care of people?” Cohen said. The Christ-centered care matches “care-givers” with “care receivers.” Cohen was the caregiver selected for Maggie and both their lives have been blessed by the friendship.

But first, Cohen went through Stephen Ministry’s thorough training: 50 hours of instruction over six months. Leaders teach volunteers how to handle difficult situa-tions, determine if a mental health coun-selor is needed, and how to spiritually ac-company “care receivers.”

Father Ben Berinti, Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood, is pastor of Immaculate Conception. “The most beautiful thing about the ministry is that it puts our Stephen minis-ters in direct relationship with people who are hurting in so many ways,” he said. “And they are able to walk with them one on one. This

ministry is focused on walking with one per-son through their grief, their suffering, their sorrows, and that is a beautiful thing.”

Cohen said most of the people helped are suffering from loneliness — the homebound or widowed. She notes, “We’re the ‘after’ people,” the ones who step in after a crisis has occurred.

Ministers are especially trained in a Christ-centered approach. They spend at least one hour a week praying with those they care for, while listening to their needs and wants. Co-hen brings Maggie Communion, as she miss-es going to daily Mass. Cohen also listens to Maggie’s stories and helps her write letters to family.

Father Berinti said he also loves that the ministry is ecumenical. “We do it as a par-ish, but the whole ministry puts us in rela-tionship with other churches doing the same thing.” When the parish volunteers cannot meet a need, they can rely on other Christian churches to fill in the gap, working as one body.

“Kathy has been an emotional support to Maggie and to me,” said Denise. “It has lift-ed her spirits. It’s a connection for her and is someone she can really talk to. It’s better than an antidepressant.”

As Cohen prepares to leave, she and Mag-gie say a prayer written by another Stephen minister, Susan Hillman. An excerpt offers insight as to the mission of the ministry: “I wish you streams of grace in the deserts you encounter, the calm of parted seas as God guides you on your journey, whispering winds of inspiration in the storms that come your way, the glow of a loving light in your darkness.”

For Maggie it sums up why she is still here, reminding her that God is with her. n

Stephen ministers are interviewed, finger-printed and references are checked due to the sensitivity of their work and proximity to vul-nerable populations. Immaculate Conception Parish will begin training in October. Call 321-725-0552 for more information.

Ministry offers accompaniment through crisis

2Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018 Florida Catholic YOUR ORLANDO COMMUNITY


OR L A NDO | W hen t hree Ugandan Sisters of the Immacu-late Heart of Mary Reparatrix first came to Blessed Trinity Parish in Ocala in 2000, Father Pat Sheedy never imagined establishing a mission in Uganda.

It was a photograph of what he described as a “stick mud” rudi-mentary church that moved him, his parish, the school and oth-ers to help build a solid house of worship in the Diocese of Hoima, Uganda. T-shirts were sold and the first trip was made in 2004. Father Sheedy remembered they were like tourists. By the time he left, he had committed to build-ing a church for 800 people and the rest is histor y. Seeing the need and seizing the moment, the bishop of Hoima created a new parish region of 17 villages. Today it has grown to include 30 villages and, to date, 26 churches have been built.

Fifteen years later, the sister parish now has a rectory, a grade school with 18 classrooms, four dorms for boarders and a high school which is half built. “Even if the students live locally, there they get three meals a day and study hall,” said Father Sheedy, explaining why 95 percent of the students board.

Each year he goes to each vil-lage to get a report and identify needs and assess their commit-ments. “We are always welcomed with a huge ceremony,” he said. “They might meet us a half a mile up the road with a parade of motor bikes and branches, pa-parazzi stuff,” he chuckled. After every trip, he writes back to each church, outlining his parish’s commitment.

He recalled when most of his Masses were “in the open air.”

Father Sheedy blesses two new churches per year, often in vari-ous stages of construction. “They use the church when it has walls and a roof, even though it might not have windows or a f loor,” he noted. Churches are built in stag-es and have no plumbing or elec-tricity, so the cost is significantly less than it would be in the United States. Many are fully sponsored by American families, including some of Father Sheedy’s own sib-lings.

Every village has a sponsored 180-foot-deep water well with a pump and tank. Solar lamps have replaced dangerous kerosene ones, lighting homes in the eve-ning so students can do home-work and families can eat their meals.

The parish of 30 villages now has approximately 32,000 Catho-lics and this explosion of faith is thriving. Most recently, Blessed Trinity helped refurbish a ma-ternity ward and has taken on updat i ng t he or pha nage. To celebrate, families with young children were invited to help dedicate the clinic to Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of babies and mothers. More than 120 chil-dren received new clothes sent from benefactors from abroad.

Gloria Powers and her 20-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, helped prepare the “baby shower.” The duo from St. Mary of the Lakes Parish in Eustis visited Uganda in 2017. Afterward, they raised more than $4,000, and gathered suitcases full of clothing and blankets from people in their parish and St. Patrick Parish in Mount Dora. They wanted to raise enough money to help the maternity ward purchase an ul-trasound machine and an oxygen concentrator.

Elizabeth Powers said her trip was humbling and changed the

way she lives her life. “What im-pacted me the most was seeing them in Adoration,” she said. “Ever yone was so much more connected to their faith because they had no distractions — no cellphones, television, internet. They can just sit there (in Eucha-ristic Adoration) and be. They have no sadness and don’t feel bad for themselves, because they are happy that they are doing ev-ery little thing for God.”

A nd Eucharist ic Adorat ion is something the communities cherish. Ever y summer, Sister Juliet Ateenyi, Sisters of the Im-maculate Heart of Mary Repara-trix, leads a Bible camp with an estimated 1,000 children. The communit y chose Eucharistic Adoration as this year’s theme, ti-tling the camp, “Adoremus.” Cat-echists and children wrote songs of adoration and learned about the Eucharist, spending time in God’s presence.

Born in Nalweyo, where that “stick mud” church once stood, Sister Ateenyi never dreamed that a photograph taken on the sad occasion of her mother’s fu-neral could lead to such a joyous outcome. She appreciates the love shown to her Ugandan sis-ters and brothers.

“I know that God can do any-thing,” she said, recalling her early embarrassment at what the Blessed Trinit y children were referring to as “Sister Juliet’s church.” But, she said, “Let it be if it is God’s will. It’s God’s work.

“For me, like Mary, it is the Magnificat,” she added, “giving glory to God, glorifying the Lord all the time for every good thing t hat has been done, because God looked on the lowly servant, Mary, and glorified her. Now they can see that God looks on the lowly people and the poor, and helps them.” n

Ugandan mission changes lives on two continents

An orphanage in Uganda which houses 51 children was recently updated thanks to support from Blessed Trinity Parish in Ocala and other patrons. (COURTESY)

During a maternity ward blessing, Sister Juliet Ateenyi, left, offers clothes donated by parishioners of St. Mary of the Lakes, Eustis, and St. Patrick, Mount Dora. (COURTESY)

POLK COUNTY

School celebrates 25 years

St. Anthony Catholic School in Lakeland began as the dream of 220 families in a small mission church. When the mission became a parish in 1980, that dream be-came reality. Today, St. Anthony Catholic School celebrates its 25th jubilee. The school started with a simple Pre-K and kindergarten

program in 1993. Each year, another class was added and now 240 students attend the campus of faith through eighth grade.

To celebrate this land-ma rk moment, t he school has prepared t h ree celebrat ions. Embracing the school’s motto, “We are more than a school; we are family,” teachers and staff are inviting surrounding communi-ties to share in their jubilation. The first is a concert by well-known

Filipino priests of the diocese, Paring Pinoy Orlando, in-

cluding Father Val DeVera, St. Anthony’s own paro-chial administrator, set

for Sept. 14. A 5K race around Lake Holling-sworth is planned for Oct. 13 and a “Boots

and BBQ” dinner is set for Jan. 25, 2019, under the new school pa-vilion. “This celebration is for ev-eryone who continuously supports our school and has seen it grow,” said Principal Janet Peddecord.

She is committed to continued ac-ademic growth, cutting-edge tools for students and the development of dedicated teachers.

“That our school has grown, at a time when the national trend sees some Catholic schools closing, is a testament to the dedication and leadership of our principal, our faculty and staff, and the families we have served over the years,” said Father DeVera. “We look for-ward to taking our school forward into its next quarter century guid-ed by the same Gospel principles

NEWS FROM around the diocese

we have followed for the last 25 years: helping our students grow intellectually, morally, and above all to have a deeper knowledge and love of God.”

program in 1993. Each year, another class was added and now 240 students attend the campus of faith through

To celebrate this land-ma rk moment, t he school has prepared t h ree celebrat ions.

Filipino priests of the diocese, Paring Pinoy

cluding Father Val DeVera, St. Anthony’s own parochial administrator, set

for Sept. 14. A 5K race around Lake Holling

3 Florida Catholic Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018YOUR ORLANDO COMMUNITY


ORLANDO | When the Mis-sion Office staff of the Diocese of Orlando first went to the Do-minican Republic more than 35 years ago, the goal was always to grow God’s kingdom by spread-ing the good news and making disciples.

They did not expect to directly take part in diaconate formation, but the journey has been reward-

ing. On Sept. 22, Bishop José Grullón Estrella of Orlando’s sis-ter Diocese of San Juan de la Ma-guana will ordain two men from Las Lomas as deacons: Jesus “Nil-son” Delgado and Manuel “Yadil” Díaz Santo. Father Fred Ruse and Deacon Carlos Solá assisted in their formation and members of Ascension Parish in Melbourne sponsored the f inancial com-mitment of courses and supplies needed in the process. Both men will be ordained together with

Sister diocese to celebrate ordination of two deacons

Pictured, from left, are Denia and Yadil Díaz Santo, and Nilson and Baleria Delgado. The two men will be ordained to the order of deacon Sept. 22 in the Dominican Republic. (COURTESY)

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five others in their cohort at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in the Diocese of San Juan de la Ma-guana.

Deacon Solá has served as a mentor, “aff irming what they have learned and helping them apply it to daily living.” He prays t h is has fostered a com mon dream and future vision, beyond the daily liturgy and pastoral ef-forts. He noted the vast differenc-es between the two men.

“When I see Nilson, I see some-one who does not waste words,” said Deacon Solá about Delgado. “He says nothing that he has not thought about. He is humble, re-f lective, and takes time to act. Once he acts, it is always discreet. He goes from house to house, cre-ating a consciousness among the people.”

He described Díaz Santo as “t he vocal person. He speaks immediately. He’s the communi-cator,” Deacon Solá stated. “Per-haps he has not thought about t he process, but understands he needs to begin inspiring en-thusiasm and he does it well. He has the vision to identify leaders he can send out to help deliver a message. In a meeting, he is sure to speak and certainly will be the first one.”

Together, the two complement one another, assuring the suc-cessful evangelization of the faith in Las Lomas.

Born in La Cucarita, Delgado has four children. His wife, Joce-lin, and daughter, Minerva, teach in schools established by the mis-sion. “I discovered my vocation in speaking to Father Fred (Ruse) about the diaconate,” he said. “I look forward to serving in various spiritual dimensions — socially, economically and more.” Delga-do, a contractor, has helped build homes for neighbors at no charge. His love of neighbor is palpable. He recognizes “there are com-munities that need me as a dea-con, as there is no priest to serve them. A deacon is a servant and I look forward to serving the only Church established by Christ.”

Born in Los Montacitos, Díaz Santo has three children and is married to Denia. “I discovered my vocation when I was youth coordinator in Los Montacitos in 1999,” he said. “Encouraged by Father Fred and Deacon Car-los, I began formation. I want to serve in a more integral way, tak-ing part more frequently in Las Lomas community celebrations, celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism and marriage.” Díaz Santo also shared he awaits ordi-nation with great anticipation. n

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POLK COUNTY SERVICES FOR SENIORS• Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fridays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Lakeland Activity Center, 1510 Commercial Park Drive. 863-687-2988.

MOBILE SERVICES FOR SENIORS • Mondays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Holy Spirit Parish, 644 S. 9th. St., Lake Wales. Lunch provided by parish.• Mondays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Bartow Meetinghouse, 1400 Old Bartow Eagle Lake Road, Bartow.

• Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Polk City Activity Center, 203 Lakeshore Drive, Polk City.• Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Lake Wales Care Center, 29696 US 27, Dundee.• Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Frostproof Care Center, 17 S. Scenic Highway, Frostproof.

UPCOMING SITES• St. John Neumann Parish, 501 E. Carter Road, Lakeland, Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Opens Sept. 6.) • Clubhouse at Lions Park, Lake Alfred, day/time TBA. (Opens fall.)

SENIOR SERVICES

Seniors participate in chair exercises at the new mobile senior services center at Holy Spirit Parish in Lake Wales. (GLENDA MEEKINS | FC)

Opening Prayer and WelcomeBishop John Noonan, Diocese of Orlando

The GiftBishop William Wack, CSC, Diocese of Pensacola-TallahasseeWhat is Real Presence? How is the Eucharist our Gift? What is our relationship to this source of ultimate love?

The SacredSister Maria Teresa Acosta, SCTJM, Pastoral Assistant at Annunciation Catholic Church, Altamonte SpringsHow does our participation in the Eucharist create a celestial kingdom on earth? What is our self-offering?

Encountering the MysteryBishop Robert Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston and President/CEO of iCatholic Media, Inc.How is Christ active in and through the offering of the Eucharistic sacrifice? What is the relationship of Eucharistic worship with living a Christian life? Can we really encounter Mystery in a world where it seems mystery is minimized?

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LAKELAND | As the needs of se-niors grow in Polk County, Catholic Charities of Central Florida is ris-ing to the challenge with two new mobile services for seniors centers. Earlier this month, a center opened at Holy Spirit Parish in Lake Wales. On Sept. 6, St. John Neumann Par-ish in Lakeland will welcome se-niors to its new center.

“As a leader and shepherd, I am aware of many situations affecting our older adults,” said Father Da-vid Vargas, Holy Spirit pastor. “It’s our responsibility as a Church to bring meaningful activities in which they may obtain or keep the basic principles ruling their lives: autonomy, social and spiritual connectedness, altruism as they desire to give something back to the world, personal growth as they desire to continue develop-ing as human beings and revital-ization.” The Holy Spirit Parish center opened Aug. 6 and offers free lunch, exercise, brain games, activities and crafts along with nutritional seminars and health checks.

“Seniors struggle with isola-tion which can lead to deteriorat-ing mental health,” said Gary Tes-ter, executive director of Catholic

Charities. “They’re also vulnerable to nutrition and health issues, espe-cially slips and falls. So we promote socialization, good nutrition, and health and wellness through a vari-ety of activities that are designed to stress flexibility and muscle devel-opment.”

Holy Spirit parishioner Julia Flowers appreciates that under-standing. The 80-year-old, first-time participant from Frostproof came seeking more exercise. She said “knowing each other” is an added bonus. Since joining the group, she has made new friends, including Carol First, a 75-year-old who lives alone in Avon Park.

“I have no public contact, so this gets me out of the house,” First said. “And I love games immensely — the more cerebral, the better. So this is my socialization for the week.”

Although Catholic Charities op-erates a permanent location out of the Lakeland Activity Center for Seniors, many find transportation there difficult. The idea of partner-ing with parishes came to life.

“It’s designed to help their stage of life be as productive as possible,” Tester said, adding the effort coin-cides with Bishop John Noonan’s priority of harmonizing ministries. “Many of our parishes have large, senior populations that they simply don’t know how to serve. We have

a model that works well and they have the space and population. It’s a natural way to go.”

Being at a parish also enables the added spiritual element. At Holy Spirit Parish, Bethany Mc-Bride leads a group of nine men and women, who opened their day with prayer. When McBride asked the group what they do for self-care, several people acknowledged the role faith development has in their lives.

“It’s a great way to meet them where they are — in more rural ar-eas of the county, especially reach-ing out to the faith community,” McBride said.

A Polk County Community De-velopment Block Grant provides funds for up to 10 new facilities. Catholic Charities of Central Flori-da is partnering to provide services at Mid Florida Community Servic-es’ centers operating Polk County Fellowship Dining sites in Mulber-ry, Fort Meade, Bartow and north and south Lakeland, scheduled to start in September.

To attend a senior center activ-ity group, one must be at least 55, although recently a 107-year-old gentleman signed up. Father Var-gas said it stresses the importance of “finding the goodness of having one mind, one soul and one heart in God, no matter the age we are.” n

Parish-based senior centers open to care for elderly

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DIOCESE OF ORLANDO

Vol. 79, No. 20

The Florida Catholic (ISSN 0746-4584) publishes semi-monthly for the Dioceses of Or-lando, Palm Beach and Venice for $26 per year in Florida, $32 per year in the U.S., and $95 per year foreign, by The Florida Catholic Inc., 50 E. Robinson St., Suite G, Orlando, FL 32801-1619. Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertisements contrary to pa-

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in all media. Political advertising not accepted. Periodicals postage paid at Orlando, FL 32862 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Florida Catholic, P.O. Box 4993, Orlando, FL 32802-4993. Member, Catholic Press As-sociation; subscriber to Catholic News Service (CNS).

LAKE COUNTY

Food drop a success

More than 100 volunteers mo-bilized to fill the trunks of needy families with food — vegetables, staples and canned goods — Aug. 10 at Santo Toribio Romo Mission in Mascotte. Almost 26,000 pounds of food were distributed to over 300 migrant families thanks to volun-teers, Catholic Charities of Central Florida (CCCF) and Second Harvest Food Bank.

“We’re trying to look at food-desert areas,” explained Julie Yetter, CCCF senior director of operations. “There aren’t many services out in Groveland and into Mascotte, so it made sense.” Father Robert Webster, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Cler-mont, which oversees the mission, agreed. “I felt that our mission would be the most appropriate place for our community to share

in this ministry. … After all, as St. Teresa of Kolkata said, ‘It’s hard to preach the Gospel of the kingdom when bodily hunger is speaking loudly.’”

Yetter noted that the size of the families that came through was unique to this drop. Usually there are two families per car with maybe eight members. Here they had up to 18 family members, confirming the need. The mission is also a distribu-tion site for hurricane emergencies. “This acts as a platform and serves as a great exercise when we mo-bilize in the response to any post- storm event,” explained CCCF food manager John Bonfiglio.

Santo Toribio Romo Mission was established in 2008 specifically to serve the migrant Mexican com-munity in Mascotte, Groveland and the surrounding area. Father Webster oversaw its construction and provides additional assistance through the parish’s Outward Sign ministry. CCCF is working on a quarterly schedule with the mis-sion.

More than 100 volunteers load food into 150 cars at a mobile food drop at Santo Toribio Romo Mission. (ANNMARIE BENIGNO)

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ:I have spoken often with you

about the gift of our life from God and our desire to be in relationship with God, who seeks us al-ways to be in communion with him. It is our commu-nion with God that bears first fruits; Jesus is the first fruit of a new creation and we become the first fruits of his abundant harvest through the Sacrament of Baptism.

The abundant harvest continues to thrive only if we live by the word of truth. The Church is holy because of the goodness of so many, laity, religious and clergy, who seek daily to live by the word of truth. St. James reminds us that the Father of lights grants us all good giving and every perfect gift, and in him there is no alteration or shadow.

During these past few weeks, my heart is pained with sadness and I,

like you, am overwhelmed at the shadow cast by the information about sexual misconduct within the Church. It is horrifying and dif-

ficult to understand how these consecrated men left the word of truth so many years ago.

Some of you have asked for assurances that we are vigilant in keeping our families safe from harm. It is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard those around us. In 1995, the Diocese of Orlando created a dioc-esan lay review board to provide oversight to policy

creation, and review situations in-volving allegations of sexual mis-conduct. Our policies are reviewed annually and updated when ap-propriate as we manage technology and changes. In 1997, the Diocese of Orlando began a Safe Environment training and fingerprint program for clergy, religious, lay staff and

soon after expanded it to include volunteers who serve vulnerable populations. There is comprehen-sive screening of seminarians. Our policy dictates that when we are informed of an allegation of abuse, we report the information to law en-forcement and we have published the abuse hotline number to our staff, volunteers and parishioners. When a priest is removed from min-istry, public notification is made to our parishes and schools. The dioc-esan victim assistance coordinator seeks to assist the victim in heal-ing. We ask those who have been harmed to take courage and come forward because we will listen. Our children in our Catholic schools and faith formation programs learn about what it means to be a child of God and the dignity offered to each one because of their holy essence. The Diocese of Orlando participates willingly in an annual audit of Safe Environment practices and has received audit approval each year

since the audits have been offered. This list exemplifies how we tend

to the brokenhearted and nurture the children of God. It cannot artic-ulate the profound care offered by so many through the years to create the opportunity for a safe environ-ment. I am grateful to each one of you for being a part of the commu-nity of faith enfolding our vulner-able people with the tenderness of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Since I came to serve you as bishop, with your help, we are doing our best to safeguard this community of faith within the nine counties of the Dio-cese of Orlando.

Jesus said, “From within peo-ple, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, li-centiousness, envy, blasphemy, ar-rogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.” Pray with me that we humbly welcome the word that has been planted in us and is able to save our souls. n

It is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard those around us

e willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of first fruits of his creatures’ — James 1:18.‘H

Bishop John

Noonan



Opening Prayer and WelcomeBishop John Noonan, Diocese of Orlando

The GiftBishop William Wack, CSC, Diocese of Pensacola-TallahasseeWhat is Real Presence? How is the Eucharist our Gift? What is our relationship to this source of ultimate love?

The SacredSister Maria Teresa Acosta, SCTJM, Pastoral Assistant at Annunciation Catholic Church, Altamonte SpringsHow does our participation in the Eucharist create a celestial kingdom on earth?What is our self-offering?

Encountering the MysteryBishop Robert Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston and President/CEO of iCatholic Media, Inc.How is Christ active in and through the offering of the Eucharistic sacrifice? What is the relationship of Eucharistic worship with living a Christian life? Can we really encounter Mystery in a world where it seems mystery is minimized?

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ORANGE COUNTY

Parish spiritually adopts unborn

Parishioners at Holy Cross in Orlando will spend the next nine months praying for children they don’t know and will probably never meet. In a program that began in July, members of the community have an opportunity to “spiritually adopt” an unborn child, give him or her a name, and pray for the child and mother until their birth in April 2019.

“People participate year after year,” said Harvy García who assists the pro-life ministry with founder, Ingrid Pedraza. “We’re trying to help teens or single mothers who have babies at risk of abortion.”

Last year, 360 parishioners com-

mitted to pray for a spiritually ad-opted baby. Throughout the nine months, bilingual posters are dis-played in the narthex of the church showing the babies’ development. In the spring, a baby shower is held at the parish to benefit a mother in need, with the excess going to the JMJ Pregnancy Center. People generously donate diapers, wipes, clothing, and even larger items such as strollers and car seats. “Al-though the spiritual adoption is a virtual event, the shower at the end of the year helps to make it real for people,” García said.

In addition to organizing the parishwide spiritual adoption each year, the ministry also hosts edu-cational presentations on pro-life topics, participates in the March for Life in St. Augustine, prays outside the state prison during executions, and participates in the 40 Days for

Life campaign by a prayerful pres-ence outside local abortion clinics. García said that each activity the ministry does is like a “drop that breaks the stone. We bring rosaries and signs. We have had a couple of pregnancies that have been con-tinued because of our presence. It could even be a baby that one of our parishioners spiritually adopted.”


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DIOCESAN EVENTSFaith Fit enrichment course,

Spiritual Formation Level 1: Saturday, Sept. 15, 8 a.m.-noon, Holy Cross Parish, Building rooms 213-214, 12600 Marsfield Ave., Orlando. Instructors: Lydia Britton and Father Esau García. Live version of course as part of the diocese’s new catechist enrichment program. Register: FaithFitEnrichment.org.

Mission trips: Consider joining a surgery mission: Nov. 3-10 or 10-17 to Orlando’s sister Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana. Caroline Genovesi, [email protected], 407-246-4890.

Wills and estate planning seminar: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 12:15-3:15 p.m., St. Mary Parish, 75 Barton Ave., Rockledge. Learn about important documents needed to help make plans for end-of-life issues and hospice care. Presented by professionals in the field. Free. 321-636-6834.

Harvest Ball: Saturday, Oct. 13, 6-11 p.m., Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando. Bishop Grady Villas’ annual gala to benefit the scholarship fund. 407-892-6078, ext. 202; [email protected].

Catholic end-of-life medical care, funeral rites and funeral planning: Tuesday, Oct. 23, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Our Lady of the Lakes, 1310 Maximillian St., Deltona. Learn about Catholic end-of-life medical care and receive guidance on planning a Catholic funeral. Presented by professionals in the field. Free. 386-574-2131.

MASSES/PRAYER SESSIONS

Interpreted Mass for the deaf: Sundays, 11 a.m. Mass, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1014 N. Halifax Ave., Daytona Beach. An American Sign Language interpreter will be provided to sign. Meet in the café, 10:15 a.m., for a “deaf coffee chat” with pastries. 386-255-0433.

RETREATS/DAYS OF REFLECTION

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

• Senior day, “Buddhism and Islam: A Catholic Perspective”: Thursday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., St. John the Apostle (Building 300). $15, includes lunch. Presented by Isabel Fernandez. Mass ends the day.

• Spirituality series, “May He Make of Us an Eternal Offering” with Father George Nursey: Tuesday, Sept. 18, 7:30-9 p.m., St. Francis Hall. Free.

• Ignatian book study: Tuesdays, Sept. 25-Nov. 6, 7 p.m. Study of “Praying With Ignatius of Loyola” by Jacqueline Bergen and Sister Marie Schwan, Sisters of St. Joseph. $25, includes materials.

• “Art and Soul”: Wednesday, Sept. 26, 7-9 p.m., Main Hall art room. Bring friends and your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy

step-by-step instruction from local artist Tony Deal. Those under 21 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. $25.

• First responder mission, response, renewal: Thursdays, Sept. 27-Nov. 1, 7 p.m. Six-week series helps first responders learn to recognize signs of compassion fatigue and how to respond.

• Women’s Emmaus weekend: Friday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.-Sunday, Sept. 30, noon. Cost: $160; scholarships available. Deadline: Aug. 28. Sharon Branch, 407 432-8504, [email protected]

• Transitus Franciscan celebration: Wednesday, Oct. 3, 7-9 p.m., Mary Mother of God Chapel. Relive the final hours of St. Francis of Assisi’s death through prayer, storytelling and thanksgiving. Reception in Building 300 follows. Free.

• Blessing of the animals: Sunday, Oct. 7, 3 p.m. Bring your pet for a special blessing in the Franciscan tradition. Free.

• Priests’ retreats, open to religious and diocesan priests serving within the diocese: Monday, Oct. 1-Friday, Oct. 5, Spanish retreat featuring Father Cecilio de la Cruz; Monday, Oct. 8-Friday, Oct. 12, featuring Father Ray Chase of Baltimore; Monday, Oct. 15-Friday, Oct. 19, featuring Father Patrick Hannon; Monday, Oct. 22-Friday, Oct. 26, featuring Redemptorist Father Kevin McDonald.

• Senior day, topic to be announced: Thursday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., St. Francis Hall. $15, includes lunch. Mass ends the day.

• “Art and Soul”: Wednesday, Oct. 24, 7-9 p.m., Main Hall art room. Bring friends and your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy step-by-step instruction from local artist Tony Deal. Those under 21 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. $25.

• Franciscan retreat: Friday, Oct. 26, 4 p.m.-Sunday, Oct. 28, Administration Building. Facilitated by Franciscan Father Vianney Cunningham. Several lectures accompanied by discussions and resolutions on how to live the gifts of Francis.

“Joyful Again!” retreat for widows and widowers: Saturday, Sept. 15, 8 a.m.-Sunday, Sept. 16, 3 p.m., San Pedro Spiritual Development Center, 2400 Dike Road, Winter Park. Retreat will help resolve grief after the death of a spouse. Emphasis on self-help, personal growth skills, and personal spiritual practices for healing journey. Meals, accommodations

and Sacrament of Reconciliation included. Register by Sept. 2: Sharon, 386-717-4452.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

“After Divorce” with Rose Sweet: Friday, Sept. 7-Saturday, Sept. 8, St. Margaret Mary Parish, Sacred Heart Hall, 526 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. “Adventure into the interior life” features national speaker and author Rose Sweet and Franciscan Father Anthony Aarons, Ambassador of Mercy. Workshop and group exercises will help you rebuild and learn what the Church teaches. $30. Register: Stmargaretmary.org/after-divorce, 407-645-0284.

Two days of equipping: Friday, Sept. 7, 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 8, 4 p.m., St. Augustine Parish, 375 N. Sunset Drive, Casselberry. Presented by Bart Schuchts. Designed to equip and prepare God’s people to do the works Jesus did throughout his ministry. Scholarships available. Sponsored by John Paul II Center for Healing. JPIIHealingCenter.org.

Irish tenor Mark Forrest concert: Saturday, Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m., Annunciation Parish, 1020 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs. Forrest has sung for Pope John Paul II and Mother Theresa, and in concert halls and cathedrals worldwide. Free.

Paring Pinoy of Orlando concert: Friday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m. St. Anthony Parish, 820 Marcum Road, Lakeland. Features group of Filipino priests who sing and dance. Celebrates St. Anthony Catholic School’s 25th jubilee. $20. 863-858-0671, [email protected].

Caregiving With Faith conference: Thursday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mission Inn Resort, 10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills. Learn about caregiver education program; how to start/maintain caregiver support group or respite ministry; develop resource directory of caregiver support programs; and start adult day program. Sponsored by Share the Care and Catholic Charities of Central Florida. 407-423-5311.

11th annual Friends of the Poor walk: Saturday, Sept. 29, 8-11 a.m., Fort Mellon Park, First Street and Carlos Avenue, Sanford. Includes walk along Sanford’s Riverwalk, light breakfast by Panera, live music, exercise with Helen, T-shirts and goodie bags. Benefits local Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Judy Wilhelm, 407-375-6580;

fopwalk.org, click on All Souls SVdP Fop Walk.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter: Friday, Oct. 5-Sunday, Oct. 7. Treat your marriage to a Marriage Encounter weekend in Orlando. Bob/Sheila Baker, 407-647-4289; WWME.org.

Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Orlando Conference: Friday, Oct. 5-Sunday, Oct. 7, Caribe Royale Orlando, 8101 World Center Drive, Orlando. Speakers: Jim Murphy, Dr. Carol Razza, Dr. Mark Nimo, and Valli Leone. Music by Eleva. Cost: $30. Orlandocharismatic.net.

“Catholics Returning Home”: St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 5323 E. County Road 462, Wildwood. Informal sessions offered for non-practicing Catholics who are seeking answers to questions about returning to the faith. Deacon Dan Pallo, [email protected], 352-391-9338.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Catholic Charities Agape

Mission Markets need donations. Please consider donating personal care items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, hand soap, body wash, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, feminine care products, toilet paper, diapers and baby wipes. Agape Mission Market at 1771 N. Semoran Blvd., Orlando: Donations accepted Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; 407-658-1818, ext. 2335. Agape Mission Market at 644 S. 9th St., Lake Wales: Donations accepted Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. and 12-4 p.m., and Fridays, 5-7 p.m.; 863-676-1556.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Notre Dame AmeriCorps job openings: Notre Dame AmeriCorps, based at Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, seeks people to serve in low-income communities of immigrants, people of color and working poor. Volunteers gain job skills, earn a stipend of $13,732 (about $900/month) for 11 months of service, receive an education award of $5,920, health insurance and child care subsidy, if income eligible. Education and social justice-related positions. Bilingual Spanish/English helpful, but not necessary. Service term begins September 2018 and runs through July 2019. Requires 35-40 hours a week. Accepting applications now. Laura Firtel, 407-484-7736, [email protected]; Hope CommUnity Center, 407-880-4673, ext. 23. Learn more and/or apply: ndmva.org.

Catholic Volunteers in Florida is accepting applications for a year of full-time service beginning August. Applicants should have college degree or equivalent life experience, and a heart for serving marginalized communities in Florida or the Dominican Republic. Volunteers serve in teaching, community development, special education, social work, youth programs, immigration and legal services,

and more. Benefits include housing, health insurance, monthly living stipend, quarterly retreats, leadership training, and AmeriCorps Education Award for qualifying positions. Apply now at cvif.org.

St. Vincent de Paul Orlando provides volunteer opportunities through its stores and food pantries for students needing volunteer hours. Apply at svdporlando.org.

Sign language volunteers: Parishes throughout the diocese need volunteer American Sign Language interpreters to help deaf or hearing-impaired individuals fully participate in the celebration of Mass each week. Position requires yearlong commitment to serving one Saturday or Sunday Mass per week, and a diocesan background screening. Must be 18 and older. cflcc.org/volunteer.

Catholic Charities of Central Florida seeks volunteers for the following programs. Visit cflcc.org /volunteer or contact [email protected] or 407-658-1818, ext. 1026.

• Volunteers needed to help sort, pack, stock and distribute food to those in need at Agape Mission Market, 1771 N. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., and 1-4:30 p.m.; and at 644 S. 9th St., Lake Wales, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. and 12-4 p.m., and Fridays, 5-7 p.m.

• Clerical/administrative volunteers needed to assist with data entry, copying, filing and organization for Family Stability Program in Orlando, 1819 N. Semoran Blvd., Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 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, 441 Maitland Ave., 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.

SECULAR COMMUNITIES

Lay Carmelites, first Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Annunciation Parish, 1020 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs. Lay Carmelite order of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an association of mainly laypersons who commit themselves “to live in the following of Jesus Christ” according to the charism, traditions and spirit of Carmelite order. Terri West, [email protected], 407-925-6274,

Ordination to the priesthood, Thursday, Sept. 6, 10:30 a.m., Corpus Christi Parish, 1050 Celebration Ave., Celebration. Bishop John Noonan will ordain Deacon Edwin Cardona. 407-246-4875.

“The Gift of Sacred Mystery”: Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando. First-ever diocesan convocation on the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Speakers include Bishop John Noonan; Bishop William Wack, Congregation of Holy Cross, of

Pensacola-Tallahassee; Sister Maria Teresa Acosta; and Bishop Robert Reed of Boston. Free. Register: giftofsacred-mystery.eventbrite.com.

17th annual Blue Mass: Friday, Sept. 28, 12:10 p.m., St. James Ca-thedral, 215 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. Mass on the feast of St. Michael the Archangel is celebrated for the safety of dedicated first responders who put their lives in harm’s way for others. Limited parking at northwest corner of Orange Avenue and Robinson Street. Please arrive early.

EVENTS WITH BISHOP NOONAN


JENNIFER DROWSpecial to the Florida Catholic

ORLANDO | Canvassing a neighborhood known for violent crime in sweltering 90-degree heat is not something most people would sign up for. But then again the staff of Catholic Charities of Central Florida (CCCF) is not like most people.

CCCF employees Anita Ca-petillo and Robin Layton were just two of many self less volunteers who showed up across from Evans High School in Pine Hills Aug. 6 for the “Walking One Stop” project. Representatives from several dif-ferent government agencies, non-profit organizations and outreach groups were paired with Orlando police officers and Orange County deputies. Those teams then spread out over two large apartment com-plexes to educate families on avail-able resources meant to improve lives — services like food stamp assistance, legal aid and career placement.

It’s all part of a bigger plan to reduce crime in and around Pine Hills. Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings announced the initia-

tive last December. When Lajuana Raines, Orange County community engagement liaison, saw the results “Walking One Stop” provided in Mi-ami, she decided to bring the pro-gram to troubled Orlando neigh-borhoods. “The goal is to try and provide resources for those families in hopes of meeting their needs and maybe cutting back some of the vio-lence,” Raines said.

The volunteers went door to door with law enforcement by their sides, each with a bag full of information explaining ways to dig out from dif-ficult living situations. Capetillo, a case manager for Catholic Chari-ties, said it immediately reminded her of her Catholic faith. “We were reaching out to the stranger and providing resources they need. It was just good to be there and present.” Every personal struggle shared during those encounters will remain confidential.

Layton, a CCCF rapid rehous-ing navigator, also remembered the day fondly. She walked away “feeling connected to other people” and proud of what the team accom-plished. “It’s about letting them know people care about the com-munity. Now they have the knowl-

Initiative to help families in troubled Orlando neighborhoods

Third of a three-part series


ORLANDO | “When someone goes to jail, most people don’t tell anybody. They don’t really talk about it,” said Gina Brockmeyer, program coordinator of Women’s Ministries at Kairos Prison Ministry International Inc. in DeBary. Laura Roll was one of those people. She worked in law enforcement when her son was first incarcerated and there was no one to talk to about what she experienced. It was lonely and stressful.

When Roll registered at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Winter Park, she checked the box for more informa-tion about “Prison Ministry.” The next thing she knew, she was in-vited to a Kairos Outside weekend. “I was trying to figure out if I really wanted to do this,” she recalled. Af-ter driving to check out the location, she drove around, trying to put off actually attending. Although ner-vous, she finally parked and went inside.

“It was the best decision I made,” Roll said, looking back at that day more than 15 years ago. “They showed me that it was nothing that I did. I didn’t put my son in jail or in prison. It was his choices.” Roll’s story is similar to thousands of Kai-

ros Outside “guests,” women with incarcerated loved ones who at-tend retreats designed to help them find peace, mend relationships and support loved ones on the inside. The retreat weekends are different than those for Kairos Inside (incar-cerated men and women) or Torch (incarcerated youths) because they meet outside of the prison setting, in hotels, camps and retreat cen-ters. Former female inmates are also welcome.

“Kairos Outside teams really have to work to get guests; they don’t have the ‘captive’ audience that Kairos Inside and Kairos Torch have,” said Brockmeyer. “Once guests are recruited, they don’t al-ways come. There is a 50 percent attrition rate because the women have so much going on in their lives. Many of these women have isolated themselves and don’t trust many people.”

Amber Davidson can relate. She served three years behind bars and, up to that point, her life experience did not inspire trust. “It was a little intimidating and scary,” Davidson remembered about her arrival at the retreat. She learned about Kai-ros through her fiancé who partici-pated in a Kairos Inside weekend and was eager to share the experi-ence. The couple met before either of them had done any time. David-son grew up in foster homes after she and her sister were removed

from their mother’s care.“We both (she and fiancé) just

lived lifestyles that were not very good. I was raised basically in the streets, fell into drugs and doing things like that,” she admitted. “I was never really taught anything different. My mom didn’t even send us to school. I was a product of my environment. I didn’t know how to go into society.”

She had learned to fend for her-self and become fiercely indepen-dent. Now, she was welcomed in an unfamiliar fashion. “It’s difficult to have a bunch of women want to carry your bags, make your bed and tend to you. I was a little standoff-ish,” said Davidson. She almost left.

“One thing led to another and God allowed the situation to bloom,” she added. “Then I met some really great women who I kept in contact with, stay in fellowship with and we travel together now. We’re even doing other services for God together, so it was a blessing.”

The turning point was a witness of love and humility. “It changed my mindset to see these women be humble enough to ask for forgive-ness and advice,” Davidson said. “To see leaders stand up and do that, that was a sign.”

Since then, Davidson happily re-ported, “(God) cleaned up my whole family. We all started doing the right things together. We had to work out those inner demons, those old char-

acter flaws … and then God brought us back together as a whole.”

She said “reunions” and SWAP (Share Witness Accountability and Prayer) groups are a great help. “(Kairos) helps me find kingdom purpose,” she explained. “I work 50 hours a week and go to two college courses in order to give my daughter what I never had. There are things we have to do to live a good life. Kai-ros has given me a place where I can learn my gifts of ministry and work those things out.”

It also helps Davidson continue to support her fiancé, whose life sentence was recently reduced. She believes prayer and Kairos made the difference and now works in

various prison ministries. Davidson will also be part of the October re-treat team in Ocala with Laura Roll.

For Roll, now a parishioner at St. Hubert of the Forest Mission in As-tor, Kairos Outside continues to be a font of hope and strength. “Kairos has given me so much joy in helping other women find their way back to God. We cross all ecumenical bor-ders. … We all believe it is God’s weekend to bring these women to a place of peace in their lives, amidst all this chaos.” n

For more information on the Kairos Outside October retreat in Ocala, contact Brockmeyer at 407-629-4948 or [email protected].

Retreat brings peace outside prison walls

edge and will be able to ask for help if they need it.”

The push to stomp out crime and uplift families will continue over the next few months in Pine Hills. Raines explained people were skeptical at first, but perceptions changed quickly. “In the beginning, some of them were a little thrown off by deputies and officers walking

with us, but after a while when they learned what we were there for, they were more open and engaging.”

In fact, after speaking with CCCF volunteers, many potential clients immediately asked for more infor-mation on how to receive much-needed food and rental assistance. The hope is they also walked away with strengthened faith.

“It was wonderful because in that community, church is something you were raised on,” said Raines. “Those families were raised in the church, that’s their background. To see people walking the streets on a hot, humid day to provide resourc-es to strangers not even from their own congregations, it just shows everyone is willing to give back.” n

CCCF employees Robin Layton, second from left, and Anita Capetillo, far right, work with “Walking One Stop”, a collaborative partnership with community leaders, law enforcement, and social service agencies to help families in high-crime neighborhoods. (COURTESY)

Prayer chains like this one are made up of links containing Scripture verses or prayer messages from throughout the world. (COURTESY)



FLORIDACatholicPALM BEACH DIOCESE

LINDA REEVESof the Florida Catholic Staff

PAHOKEE | Catholics annually make religious journeys to various holy places where apparitions and other miracles have taken place or where a saint lived or died. But pilgrims are also visiting a special place here in the diocese to pray and go to Mass, with lovely, peaceful grounds where faithful say miracles continue to take place and where a large celebration is planned next week for the woman behind it all.

“We will celebrate Mother Mary’s birth-day,” said Father Raul Cardenas, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Pahokee. A Sept. 8 eve-ning Mass is planned to celebrate the feast day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the parish patroness, who many be-lieve is responsible for the parish’s contin-ued blessings and e x i s t enc e. T he feast marks the day the Blessed Virgin Mary was born to St. Anne and St. Joachim, and it was on the feast day in 2012 that the new St. Mary Church was opened and dedi-cated.

Father Carde-n a s s a id t here will be a special g u e s t : F a t h e r Joh n Mer ic a n-t a n t e , f o r m e r pastor of the par-i s h f r om 19 9 3 t o N o v e m b e r 2013, who spear-headed the new 9,000-square-foot California mission-style sanctuary, a gem of the Diocese of Palm Beach located in one of the poorest par-ishes in an agricultural community on the edge of Lake Okeechobee with struggling households and migrant workers.

The church is truly a magnificent house of worship and a beacon of Catholicism in western Palm Beach County, an area that is developing over the years and with an ethnic mix of families. The original St. Mary Church was designed to seat 140 people and was opened and dedicated in 1934. Today the tiny sanctuary is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. It remains open on the grounds for pilgrims to visit.

Joh n La mb, a Pa rk la nd a rch itect, worked with Deacon Marty Serraes, a Lake Worth contractor who serves St. Juliana Parish in West Palm Beach and as dioc-esan episcopal delegate of the permanent

Small parish is a miracle of Mary

Marnelli Torrefiel of Oakland Park prays at St. Mary Church. She had heard about the old icon displayed there and made a pilgrimage to the parish from Broward County where she lives. (PHOTOS BY LINDA REEVES | FC)

Father Raul Cardenas, pastor of St. Mary in Pahokee, delivers his homily during Mass Aug. 12. He is planning a special Mass and celebration honoring the Blessed Mother Sept. 8, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The light from candles shine on the Our Lady of Bethlehem icon displayed at St. Mary Church. PLEASE SEE MARY, 2

The church is truly a magnificent house of worship and a beacon of Catholicism in western Palm Beach County, an area that is developing over the years and with an ethnic mix of families.

People write testimonies, notes and intentions in a book at St. Mary Church near the Our Lady of Bethlehem icon.

2Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018 Florida Catholic YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY

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Peter Matwiczyk• Wills, trusts and guardianship litigation• Estate and trust planning and administration

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diaconate, to design and con-struct the new church filled with statues, paintings and interesting religious symbols and features. The church holds images paying honor to Mary in every nook and cranny, but the most famous one is displayed in a special corner of the church, where pilgrims f lock to pray, reflect and spend time.

The Florida Catholic visited St. Mary Aug. 12 to attend Mass and see the beautiful Our Lady of Bethlehem icon which has at-tracted so many over the years. The icon was painted by a monk in the 1500s and represents Mary with Baby Jesus. W hen we ar-rived, people were gathered near the icon. Some were kneeling in prayer. Others were standing in reflection.

“I have goose bumps,” said Marnelli Torrefiel as she gazed upon the image. A recent trans-plant from the Philippines who lives in the Archdiocese of Mi-ami, she explained that she came with a friend. “This is my first time to Pahokee. I am praying for my family’s health and safety.”

Edward and Adele Kahn, of House of Kahn estate jewelers in Palm Beach, donated the 16th-century silver-gilded icon of Mary and Baby Jesus to the poor parish in 2000. It is encrusted with dia-monds, pearls, emeralds and ru-bies. Back then, it was valued at more than $250,000, but parish-ioners of St. Mary say that a price tag cannot be put on this lovely devotional that was specifically designed for Russian royalty and is now in the safekeeping of the

faithful.In 2000, we spoke to Adele

Kahn. The Kahns purchased the icon in 1963 and said that even though they are Jew ish, they have cherished the Christ ian icon since the day they bought it. They donated the rare icon to St. Mary’s Parish and Father Meri-cantante as a Christmas present. “The people in Pahokee have had a hard time lately with the lay-offs at U.S. Sugar Corporation. I thought the icon could lift their spirits during this holiday sea-son,” Adele Kahn told the Florida Catholic.

In 2000, Father Mericantante said that he believed that the icon had found its perfect home, and the parish has kept it safe for the past 18 years. “Hopefully what the icon will do is to bring pilgrims,” he said.

The icon has indeed brought pilgrims, but also produced beau-tiful stories of hope and faith. John Burnette is a longtime pa-rishioner, since 1971. He has wit-nessed the many visitors to the parish over the years. He believes that Mary’s presence is strong in Pahokee and on the grounds of St. Mary Parish. “It is a very spe-cial place,” he said. “I trust that Mary has done miracles. When I have a heavy heart, I visit her and I feel better.”

Lena Ghaffari of Wellington came to St. Mary years ago, felt somet h i ng specia l, a nd now she calls the parish home. She is the past president of the par-ish’s Council of Catholic Women, which she founded, and she cur-rently ser ves on the diocesan Council of Catholic Women lead-ership development team. Ghaf-fari is a parish volunteer, staffing the gift shop on weekends, and

MARYFROM 1

St. Mary Church in Pahokee is celebrating Mary and the anniversary of the opening and dedication of its mission-style church which has an array of Mary statues and a very old icon on display for parishioners and visitors.

she leads tours at the church. “We have a lot of visitors,” she

said. “They come from as far as New York and Miami. Many peo-ple come here because they are ill. I have heard so many miracle stories.”

Father Cardenas is now the guardian of the icon and shep-herd of the Pahokee f lock. The parish has grown over the years. In the beginning, the congrega-tion had 30 faithful; today 350 registered parishioners call St. Mary their spiritual home, but many nonregistered residents and visitors attend Masses.

When asked if he had experi-enced any miracles of his own while at the parish, Father Carde-nas did not hesitate to answer. “My miracle is that we have good donors,” he said about generous people from various areas and parishioners who support the parish and make ministry pos-sible to continue to grow the city of God in one of the poorest areas of the state. n

All are invited to attend the Sept. 8 celebration of the feast of the Na-tivity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 7 p.m., at St. Mary Church, 1200 E. Main St., Pahokee. A reception follows the Mass. For information and directions, call 561-924-7305.

Sunday: 9:30 a.m. in English, 11:30 a.m. in Spanish. Weekdays: Tuesday, 6 p.m. in Spanish; Wednes-day, 8 a.m. in English, 8:30 a.m. in Spanish; Thursday, 6 p.m. in Spanish; Friday, 8 a.m. in English, 8:30 a.m. in Spanish. St. Mary Church, is located at 1200 E. Main St., Pahokee.

MASS SCHEDULE

A couple prays in front of the Our Lady of Bethlehem icon displayed at St. Mary Church. The icon was made by a monk in the 1500s and the piece is rare and special to the Pahokee parish. (PHOTOS BY LINDA REEVES | FC)

‘It is a very special place. I trust that Mary has done miracles. When I have a heavy heart, I visit her and I feel better.’

— John Burnette of Pahokee

‘I have goose bumps. This is my first time to Pahokee. I am praying for my family’s health and safety.’

— Marnelli Torrefiel of Oakland Park

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3 Florida Catholic Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY




FLORIDACatholic

9995 North Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

561-775-9500 • Fax 561-630-2698

PUBLISHER Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING

and SOCIAL MEDIAJennifer Trefelner

[email protected] 561-775-9529

DIOCESAN EDITORLinda Reeves

[email protected]










DIOCESE OF PALM BEACH

Vol. 79, No. 20

From the very beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis has fre-quently spoken of God as the “God of surprises.” In his words on Eas-ter Sunday this year, he referred to God’s inter-vention in history, which culminated in the resur-rection of Christ, as all acts of the “God of surprises.” Most recently, on the so-lemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist, the pope asked the question of his audience in Rome, “Is our faith open to surprises from God? Because God is the God of surprises!” Pope Francis has made it abundantly clear that many times we judge God in terms of what we expect and are surprised when he acts in a different way outside of our bound-aries.

In this context, it is not so surpris-ing that Pope Francis has shown himself to be a “pope of surprises.” This has been obvious on many different occasions in which the pope seems to delight in surpris-ing people and acting in a manner

not expected of the pope. Not liv-ing in the papal apartments, carry-ing his own briefcase, riding about in a small car, having a celebration

with pizza and children for his birthday and in so many other ways, many significant, has the pope demonstrated his being a “pope of surprises.” This certainly demonstrates his joy in being open to God’s presence in his life as the “God of surprises” and his willingness to follow the Lord wherever he leads.

The pope has shown his inclination to surprise in regard to celebrating the sacrament of marriage. On Jan. 23 of this year, he took many by surprise when he

married a couple on a flight from Chile back to Rome. This was the first time a marriage was performed in the air and certainly the first for the pope. His surprise caused a great deal of wonder and discussion, but he made clear his intention was to demonstrate the sacredness of mar-riage and the importance it holds as a representation of God’s life. More

recently, on July 7, the pope per-formed another surprise marriage. This one was not on a plane but in the Church of St. Stephen of the Ab-yssinians in Vatican City. A Swiss Guard and his Brazilian wife-to-be were quite surprised to see the pope appear unannounced before them to celebrate their marriage. Father Renato dos Santos, who was sched-uled to marry the couple, was also quite surprised to have the pope unexpectedly appear in the sacristy and request to do the wedding. The priest remarked, “I saw him as a true parish priest who takes care of his own sheep in the parish. He’s always done it this way.” Father dos Santos also emphasized that “the pope has great love for this sacrament, which helps start a family and which wants to put God at the center.”

In the homily for the wedding, Pope Francis emphasized three verbs which he explained are need-ed to be able to live a marriage in its fullness. These verbs are, “to begin, to stop, to resume the journey.” It is not surprising that the pope empha-sized three words in the homily as he gave advice to the young couple. Pope Francis frequently uses three

The pope of surprises — start, stop, continue

LIVING THE TRUTH IN

LOVE

Bishop Gerald

Barbarito

Sept. 3 — Pastoral Center closed in observance of Labor Day.Sept. 6 — 10:25 a.m., Mass, Cardinal Newman High School, West Palm Beach.Sept. 7 — 6 p.m., Rehearsal/vespers, permanent diaconate ordination, Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, Palm Beach Gardens.Sept. 8 — 11 a.m., Ordination of permanent deacons, Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola; 7 p.m., Mass, Our Lady of Charity, St. Juliana Parish, West Palm Beach.Sept. 11 — 10 a.m., Mass, St. John Paul II Academy, Boca Raton; 11 a.m., Meeting/lunch, Southern Deanery priests, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Boca Raton; 2 p.m., Meeting, finance council, Pastoral Center.Sept. 13 — 10:45 a.m., Mass for opening of school, John Carroll High School, Fort Pierce.Sept. 16 — noon, Mass, 25th anniver-sary of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Port St. Lucie.

BISHOP’S SCHEDULE

words to emphasize his point as a practical and down-to-earth teach-ing device to assist those who hear his message in remembering it. He has done this in other marriage homilies, emphasizing the impor-

Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord,

Most recently we have again been shocked, distressed and disheart-ened about the matter of clerical sexual abuse of mi-nors. The situation which led to the resignation of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the growing revelations of sexual abuse in other parts of the world, and the distressing release of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury clerical sexual abuse report have almost simultaneously made evident the very sinful side of the Church through those who have failed a life of service to the Gospel by an abuse of office, authority and trust. The matter has raised many questions which need to be an-swered. It has also caused intense pain and justified anger like that of the Lord who overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple and cast them out. However, anger which fuels itself on anything less than a true passion for conversion only further destroys.

Many of us in the Diocese of Palm Beach feel the pain, mistrust and anger at this time especially in view

of our own difficult history. Howev-er, I wish to assure the faithful of our diocese that we ardently continue our commitment to the protection

of our young and vulner-able members as a priority of priorities. We have been in full compliance with the Charter for the Protec-tion of Children and Young People since its promulga-tion by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002. Every ef-

fort, vigilance and expense will con-tinue to be utilized in every parish, school and level of our diocesan life in this regard. We continue to urge anyone who has experienced abuse by clergy or any Church personnel to report this to us and to the police no matter how long ago it may have occurred. We are concerned about protecting the vulnerable and not ourselves. Even the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report indicated that, despite the manner in which cases of clerical sexual abuse were han-dled previously, since the imple-mentation of the Charter, almost no cases have been found. That does not excuse past sins, but it certainly gives us hope for the future and a

perspective in dealing with anger and pain which aims at conversion.

As we face this troubling real-ity, we do so at that time of the year when we have just celebrated the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is a good one for us to tum to as she is a source of com-fort as well as the model of what the Church is meant to be. Mary is the person who, through the special grace of God, lived a life without sin and she graces the sinful Church with a sinless existence that gives us hope for continued purification, growth and striving for perfection. Mary also reveals that it is holiness, not corporate success, which is the priority for the Church. St. John Paul II was fond of referring to the teach-ing expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church that the Marian role precedes the Petrine role. Mary comes before Peter and the apostles. It was Mary who shared with the wayward and distracted apostles what she treasured in her heart. As the hierarchy struggles to continue to right the wrongs of the past and to continue to protect young people in the future, we especially need to look to Mary with prayer as the cen-ter of our ministries.

As a bishop of the Church, I of-fer my profound apologies to those so deeply affected by clerical sexual abuse. I assure all of my continued efforts to protect young and vul-nerable persons in accord with the Charter for the Protection of Chil-dren and Young People. I also wish to thank our dedicated and com-petent staff, as well as our priests, deacons and faithful for their com-mitment and assistance in protect-ing our young people. I realize that words are not enough, and I commit my continued efforts in working with the Conference of Bishops for ongoing reform.

Let us pray for healing, for con-tinued conversion and for an open heart to the Lord like that of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, the patron-ess of our diocese.

With every prayerful wish, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop Gerald Barbarito

Bishop Barbarito’s official statement on grand jury reportPLEASE SEE COLUMN, 4

4Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018 Florida Catholic YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY11138-0831

LINDA REEVESof the Florida Catholic staff

PALM BEACH GARDENS | The School of Christian Formation for the Diocese of Palm Beach is kick-ing off its new year of classes for Catholics interested in growing in faith, and developing a greater understanding and love for the Church.

“Knowing our scriptural, his-torical and t heological foun-dations is fundamental for all Catholics,” said Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, in a statement on the diocese’s website. He goes on to highly recommend the program, under the umbrella of the Office of Hispanic Ministry and director Father Duvan Bermudez.

The diocese has a variety of class-es and programs available for peo-ple at host parishes throughout the five-county diocese. Classroom ses-sions are facilitated by both Span-ish-speaking and English-speaking instructors, who have earned de-grees in theology or have expertise in the course they are leading.

The 12-hour courses are taught at various times including days, nights and weekends, and at the heart of the various sessions is ev-erything one might want to know about the Church, Catholicism, Je-sus and the Bible. Nourishing, chal-lenging and equipping students to pass the knowledge forward are also at the heart and soul of the program.

Flavia Margarito, 23, is a parish-ioner of St. Mark in Boynton Beach, and she has taken half a dozen for-

Religious formation classes are beginning

mation classes so far. We spoke to her in an interview as last year’s sessions were coming to an end. The young woman appeared “fired up” in faith and is now taking on ministry roles at her parish.

“I want to learn more about my

religion,” said the young woman in college, who over the year has worked classes around school, studies and activities. “We can learn how to better teach people.” She is now teaching religion classes to youngsters.

Flavia Margarito, 23, works with children of various ages during religion class held at St. Mark Parish in Boynton Beach. She has participated in the diocesan School of Christian Formation over the years, growing in faith and now wanting to pass it along to others and serve the Church. (LINDA REEVES | FC)

tance of the words “please, thank you and sorry.” He gave very de-tailed examples of how to live these words as he gave his homilies. He emphasized three words in his Ash Wednesday homily this year as a means of advice for the Lenten season as well as for life. The words were, “pause, see and return.” He likewise gave very detailed expla-nations of the use of these words in his homily. However, in his hom-ily to the young couple he recently married, no further explanation of the three words was reported.

Without the pope’s explanation, I began to reflect upon the ways in which the three verbs are appli-cable to marriage. Certainly there are many. In trying to research if there were more reports available on the surprise marriage which may have given more details about the homily, I could not find any. However, I was surprised to learn that these words are also those of

COLUMNFROM 3

a program in the corporate and business world to help companies work together in teams and in fol-lowing through on projects for the most successful outcome of a pro-gram or corporation. Tutorial ses-sions are actually given in regard to “start, stop and continue,” in a professional manner to optimize the outcome. As I read through the processes, I realized that the Holy Father’s advice to the young couple was excellent not only for a marriage, but for any aspect of life. Once again, the pope was most successful at surprising and in ap-parently using a corporate allusion for his marriage advice.

Basically, we need to be com-mitted “to start” something be-cause it is worth the start and it is something that we need to follow through on. This certainly applies to a marriage, but also many other aspects of our lives such as school, work, recreation and other rela-tionships. As we start a project, we need to also realize what we need “to stop” whatever in the project which is not of benefit. Certainly, many things in a marriage need to

be stopped when they are directly related to jeopardizing the mar-riage. We need in all aspects of our lives to stop what is harming us and not causing us growth and prog-ress, especially in our spiritual lives. Many times this takes a concerted and honest effort. Finally, we need “to continue” what is working well and bringing fruition to our lives. This certainly is obvious in the life of a marriage as well as it would be in other aspects of our lives.

The “pope of surprises” not only surprised the couple when he unex-pectedly married them, but he also surprised us with his words which are found in good business prac-tice. A further reflection on these words would certainly relate well to the message of Christ as he calls us to “start, stop and continue.” I can think of no better ones than those at the beginning of his public ministry, “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mk 1:15).

Thank you, Holy Father, for being a “pope of surprises” and always pointing us to the “God of surprises!” n

After sessions this year there is an end-of-the-year retreat for the class of 2019 on April 27 at Mary Immaculate Parish in West Palm Beach. A graduation ceremony is planned May 14 at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens for those who successfully complete courses.

The fee is $10 per class plus the cost of the textbook. In many cases, parish support is provided

to those active in ministry in their faith community. As a rule, no one is turned away due to not having class tuition.

The complete three-year course is also offered online. For more information, call 561-775-9544 or email [email protected] or visit https://www.diocesepb.org/school-of-christian-formation. For online courses visit w w w. searchlightvs.com. n


www.diocesepb.org/school-of-christian-formation

www.searchlighttvs.com



PALM SPRINGS | Catholic schools are in full swing for the new school year that began Aug. 13. But before the books were opened and the computers powered up, schools set the tone of the upcom-ing semesters by arranging prayer sessions and Masses, two major priorities school leaders believe are keys to success and make Catholic schools distinct in the education landscape of modern times.

“I believe that our school’s Catholic identity is why our enroll-ment is up,” said Diann Bacchus, principal of St. Luke School in Palm Springs, celebrating its 56th anniversary Sept. 4.

Bacchus spoke to the Florida Catholic while offering a school tour at the conclusion of St. Luke’s back-to-school Mass Aug. 15. She said the enrollment has increased from 200 students to 268. Father Edgar Mazariegos, St. Luke paro-chial vicar, celebrated the school Mass marking the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The stu-dents participate in weekly school Masses and many of the parents at-tend, joining in the faith-strength-ening experience along with their children.

Father Mazariegos and Father Andrew Brierley, St. Luke pastor, who typically celebrate the Mass-es, are a strong presence on the parish and school grounds, and take part in other school activities.

“It is wonderful to start the new school year on this feast of the Blessed Mother Mary,” said Fa-ther Mazariegos as he began the celebration that included a bless-ing of the children, faculty and school leaders. He presented a homily with lessons about Mary, so loved all over the world and by people of all cultures. He encour-aged the students to live holy lives as Mary did. “The solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary reminds us of her impor-tance,” he said. “We are reminded to live the faith as she did.”

Bacchus is beginning her sec-ond year in leadership at St. Luke School, a Notre Dame ACE Acad-emy. The school has worked in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame for several years now and is part of the university’s academic outreach program estab-lished to help strengthen and sus-tain existing parish and diocesan Catholic elementary schools.

St. Luke School is an example of the fine schools in the diocese and stands out as pioneering STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education here for others to follow. St. Luke initia-

tives continue to grow. Over the summer, leaders hosted a week-long robotics camp that was well attended, and educators are al-ready planning the next one. The school’s science curriculum with innovative project-based, hands-on learning is also expanding this year.

“Our goals are college and heav-en, and our core values are seek, persist, excel, love and serve,” said Bacchus, who praised Notre Dame and the university’s support for helping to carry out St. Luke’s mis-sion of bringing quality Catholic education with all its goals and values to children here, especially those in underserved areas. This summer, the entire St. Luke School administrative team spent a week at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana “refining school goals and preparing for the coming year,” said Bacchus.

She said she has a great school team going forward into the new year and the continuous backing of the pastor, who is there and a con-

stant reinforcement and spiritual presence. “We are blessed to have the active support of our pastor, Father Andrew Brierley, contribut-ing to a well-rounded faith-filled school,” she said.

As far as other summer ac-tivities, Bacchus spearheaded a new facelift for the aging St. Luke School. The principal and a group of volunteers rolled up sleeves and with paint brushes in hand trans-formed the entire old, blemished school with a fresh, bright coat of paint. It now sports the school col-ors of yellow and navy.

With a whole new look and sev-eral other improvements — in-cluding the addition of a public ad-dress system, beefed-up security features and more technology to enhance instruction and learn-ing — the school is off to a good start. “St. Luke is a thriving school with strong Catholic identity,” said Bacchus, who is excited about the new school year and her mission of education to ensure students are well-rooted in their Catholic faith

Catholic schools integrate academic quality, faith development

Diann Bacchus, principal of St. Luke School in Palm Springs, helps distribute holy Communion during a back-to-school Mass at St. Luke Church Aug. 15. (PHOTOS BY LINDA REEVES | FC)

Students line the pews of St. Luke Church in Palm Springs during a back-to-school Mass Aug. 15.

and academically equipped as they continue on their journeys to become future leaders.

Over the summer months, the Florida Catholic spoke with many of the leaders from the schools, and conversations steered toward their own school communities, school missions, and dreams and goals to help meet the spiritual and edu-cational needs of the children they serve. We hope to bring you some of these interviews throughout the year and any new developments at the school communities.

As far as what is coming up next in the schools, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito is scheduled to stop by three schools in September. Car-dinal Newman High School is wel-coming Bishop Barbarito Sept. 10 for a back-to-school Mass. He will also visit St. John Paul II Academy in Boca Raton Sept. 11 and John Carroll High School Sept. 13 to cel-ebrate Mass at both educational fa-cilities, enforcing the spiritual tone at each high school as the school year moves along. n

STAFF REPORT

The 2018 Florida Respect Life Conference hosted by the Diocese of Venice will take place Sept. 28-29, at the Char-lotte Harbor and Conference Center in Punta Gorda.

Registration is now extend-ed to Sept. 10 for those who have not yet made arrange-ments.

Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, a member of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activ it ies, is keynote speaker. Bishop Frank J. De-wane of Venice will also be on hand.

The two-day event agenda includes talks by national and international speakers, ques-t ion-and-answer sessions, prayer, Mass at Sacred Heart Church, and banquet with awards ceremony.

Speakers will talk on an array of important pro-life issues including bioethics and medical-ethical issues, sexual abstinence, religious liberty, end-of-life issues and the death penalty.

A separate conference is planned for teens on the last day of the gathering.

Conference costs vary de-pending on the number of days and activities attended. Preregistration is required for both conferences.

Reg ist rat ion and infor-mat ion on a l l t he spea k-ers are available at w w w. dioceseofvenice.org/RLC2018 or call 941-374-1068.

To reach the local Respect Life Office, contact Deanna Herbst, program administra-tor and volunteer coordina-tor, at 561-360-3330, ext. 287; or [email protected]. n

Registration deadline nearing for Respect Life Conference

Students walk from St. Luke School to the church to attend the first Mass of the new school year.

www.dioceseofvenice.org/rlc2018




PALM BEACH GARDENS | Jen-nifer Melville Trefelner joined the Diocese of Palm Beach July 30 in the newly created role of director of communications, marketing and social media to help support the diocese’s new vision to en-hance and broaden communica-tions moving forward.

Trefelner, a native of Miami and 36-year resident of St. Lucie Coun-ty, was director of institutional advancement at John Carroll High School in Fort Pierce for the past 15 years. She is a 1999 graduate of John Carroll and a graduate of Au-burn University in Alabama. She is married to Joey Trefelner, who also graduated from John Carroll and works as director of technology at the school.

In her new position, Trefelner serves as the designated spokes-person for the diocese. She is responsible for planning and executing internal and external communications, and handling

all media inquires and public relations matters. Her position also includes helping the diocese implement a more efficient mar-keting and communications strat-egy through a cohesive plan using various means including social media and printed materials. She is director of the weekly televised Mass production and Palm Beach edition of the Florida Catholic, and coordinates diocesan digital and printed materials and informa-tion disseminated on the diocesan website and social media sites.

“I a m look i ng for wa rd to launching comprehensive strate-gic initiatives to reach and grow our audiences through digital and printed materials,” said Trefelner, adding that she is also focused on building relationships with dioc-esan departments and ministry leaders to “coordinate commu-nications, marketing and social media efforts,” and reach out into the parishes and the wider com-munity with new initiatives.

“I hope to bring data-driven strategies to reach all of our audi-

ences and effectively communi-cate with each generation in our diocese and beyond,” she said. “In addition, I would like to build con-sensus within the departments to support one another and promote the great work occurring through-out the five counties.”

Trefelner brings a wealth of ex-perience to her new position. At John Carroll, she worked in areas of fundraising, public relations,

New communications director appointed


HIGHLAND BEACH | The pews at St. Lucy Church were filled with priests, seminarians, deacons, reli-gious and laypeople, and two bish-ops — Bishop Gerald Barbarito, and Bishop John Noonan of Orlando — who stood at the altar concel-ebrating the funeral Mass of Father Gerald Grace, a priest both bishops admired, loved and praised.

“We all knew and loved Father Grace in many ways,” said Bishop Barbarito, main celebrant for the funeral Mass Aug. 14 in honor of Father Grace, pastor emeritus of St. Lucy, who died Aug. 10. He would have turned 79 on Sept. 19.

“He was a very special priest,” Bishop Barbarito said. “He gave himself totally to the priesthood. He loved the priesthood. He loved priests, each and every one. He knew us. He knew our faults. He was a man of grace. He loved to teach. It was something that came from his heart. He was a great example to priests, to seminarians. We know he is still with us. He is a priest forever.”

Bishop Noonan, a friend of Father Grace, was the homilist and shared his personal ref lections. Father Grace was born in County Limerick, Ireland. He had an older brother, Edmond, who is still living, and twin, Michael, who died a couple of years ago.

Father Grace was ordained June 13, 1965, at St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, County Tipperary. He stud-

Father Gerald Grace: a ‘man of grace … priest forever’ied at Manhattan College in New York and Pontifical University of St. Thomas in Rome, receiving degrees with distinctions. He also received a doctorate in sacred theology from Pontifical University in 1975.

As a young priest, his ministry began in South Florida, and he continued to minster here all of his life. He was incardinated into the then-Diocese of Miami in 1965 and later became a priest of the newly established Diocese of Palm Beach (formed in 1984).

He started his ministry at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish in Fort Lauderdale, serving two years before coming to serve as associate pastor and assistant director of reli-gious education at St. Coleman Par-ish and School in Pompano Beach. He served St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Delray Beach as assistant pas-tor from 1969 to 1972. In July 1976, he was appointed to the teaching staff of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach where he continued to serve until 1993.

When the Diocese of Palm Beach was formed, Father Grace was tapped for several diocesan posi-tions, even as he continued to serve at the seminary, where he taught, mentored and touched the hearts and souls of hundreds of young men discerning God’s call to the priest-hood. Many of the seminarians he ministered to and helped are now priests in the diocese, Florida and around the world.

In the newly created Diocese of Palm Beach, he served as diocesan

director of ecumenical ministry, vicar for continuing education of clergy and assessor of the diocesan Tribunal from 1985 to 1993. He served as vicar for priests’ clergy personnel from 1986 to 1993. Over the years, he was on numerous boards and various committees and councils, playing a vital role in the life and continued growth of the diocese

He was appointed parochial vicar of St. Vincent Ferrer in 1994 until his appointment as pastor of St. Lucy Parish in September 1996. He re-tired in April 2017.

“Born in Ireland in 1939, he an-swered the call of St. Patrick to go and evangelize God’s holy people,” said Father D. Brian Horgan, pas-tor of St. Lucy Parish. “His com-mitment to teaching never ended, and (he) was perhaps one of the most emerging theologians of his time, influencing the many priests, throughout the state of Florida, while he taught at St. Vincent de

Paul Regional Seminary. Having worked with him since 2013, I wit-nessed a man who remained faith-ful to his calling as a priest of Jesus Christ: a man who could laugh at himself, one who could make oth-ers laugh and, perhaps most im-portantly, he was a man of principle and loyalty. What has struck me the most about him, as I have reflected since his death, was the fact that he was quick to forgive, generous to so many people (some of whom took advantage of his kindness), and was always ready to go, day or night, to help people. He will be missed from the Church of South Florida, but will always be remembered as an archi-tect of its success.”

In 2015, St. Lucy Parish held a golden anniversary celebration for

Father Grace, and the parish pre-sented him with a plaque in thanks-giving for his “guidance, leadership and pastoral care” over the years. The plaque remains at St. Lucy on a building wall, a small presence of the man who touched the hearts of many at the parish he served over two decades.

“He was a man who brought oth-ers to Christ, and now he is with Christ,” said Father Horgan.

Father Grace is survived by his brother Edmond Grace, sister-in-law Anne, and two nephews, Phil and Mícheál and their families. At the time of this writing, burial was planned to take place in Limerick. All are asked to continue to pray for Father Grace and his family. n

Jennifer Trefelner is newly appointed diocesan director of communications, marketing and social media. (LINDA REEVES | FC)

media relations, marketing, adver-tising, electronic communications and website development, alumni cultivation, institutional planning and parent relations. A certified public relations counselor, Trefel-ner holds accreditations from the Florida Public Relations Associa-tion, an organization dedicated to those in the field and professional growth. Over the years, she has re-ceived several association recog-nitions including “Member of the Year” and “Communicator of the Year” awards.

She is an experienced writer and has published stories in vari-ous publications and on social media. An advocate of Catholic education, she worked as an on-line communications consultant for the diocesan Office of Catho-lic Schools, helping support ini-tiatives and promote activities and achievements of the schools here for the past years. She has also served as a member of the advisory council of the National Catholic Educational Associa-tion.

Trefelner and her husband are parishioners of St. Anastasia in Fort Pierce, and are the proud par-ents of Olivia, who is in sixth grade at St. Anastasia School, and the guardians of Edwin, who gradu-ated from Chowan University (in North Carolina) in May and is now studying at a law enforcement academy with aims on pursuing a career as a public servant.

Trefelner is settled into her new office at the Pastoral Center in Palm Beach Gardens, working on agendas and goals, and taking time to meet with people. All are encouraged to welcome her to her new post.

“I am overwhelmed by the sup-port of the diocese and honored to serve as the director of communi-cations, marketing and social me-dia,” she said. “The staff has been encouraging and I look forward to working with such a talented team.” n

Trefelner can be reached at [email protected] or 561-775-9529.

OBITUARY

Father Gerald Grace is surrounded by members of the clergy during a Mass in his honor April 2015, when he celebrated 50 years of priesthood. (PHOTOS BY LINDA REEVES | FC)

A sign in front of St. Lucy Church is posted Aug. 14 for the funeral Mass of Father Gerald Grace.



JIM DAVIS Florida Catholic correspondent

PALM BEACH GARDENS | Dea-con Louie Romero, an expert in the field of marriage and family life, has joined the team of ministers in the Office of Marriage and Family Life here in the Diocese of Palm Beach.

“We are delighted to have him join our staff,” said Cathy Loh, office director, in an announcement in July. “We are excited about the ex-tensive experience in ministering to couples in troubled marriages and families that Deacon Louie brings from his former affiliation with a Christian, faith-based, residential recovery program.”

Deacon Romero’s previous job was counseling couples in mar-riages that were already in trouble, and he and his wife, Leona, are already active in multiple minis-tries in the Office of Marriage and Family Life. In his new position, he will be in charge of developing programs to help engaged couples prepare for everlasting marriage and their life together as married couples.

“I love being on this side,” said Deacon Romero, who began his new job July 16. “I’ve dealt with the bad side of marriage. Now I can work to help prevent marriages from going bad. A lot of the couples coming in are so in love. We prepare them for what could happen.”

Arguments can be expected. But incidents could be serious and include arguments, smolder-ing anger, unforgiveness, gam-

Deacon dedicated to marriage, family life ministry

bling, adultery and pornography, or even physical abuse and aban-donment.

“I believe (couples) have a good grasp of what they’re looking for,” said the deacon, who was ordained September 2017 and serves at St. Andrew Parish in Stuart. “But we want to show them the threats of marriage. Something that can get between them.”

Besides his job with the recovery program in rural Martin County, Deacon Romero has worked previ-ously with the diocese as a mentor for Fully Engaged, a four-session program, and with the healing

prayer ministry known as Un-bound.

In his new post, Deacon Romero and his wife plan to continue those ministries, and coordinate one-day marriage preparation classes as well. Topics will include how to talk with each other, even to pray for each other.

He even has them pray eye to eye, he said. “That makes it hard to hide their emotions and brings them closer together. And it invites the Lord into their marriage.”

In one of his standard talks, he asks couples to unpack the implica-tions of the marital vows — things

like “I do” and “till death do us part.”

“It means that you say you’ll grow old together,” he said. “On the way, you’ll have children, house pay-ments, sick children, weddings of the children and grandchildren. Then you end up still together. It’s the journey,” said Deacon Romero, who has been married for 25 years and has three children, ages 15, 16 and 19.

Here is where the sacramen-tal, “covenantal” side of marriage stands large in Deacon Romero’s approach. He said it shows how the Catholic view differs from the secular notion of marriage as a kind of contract. “A contract says that if you give me this, I give you that,” he said. “A covenant says that I love and honor and cherish you, whether you do or not. It’s a covenant with you and God. I can’t break that.”

Some of these lessons he learned in his own marriage, he confessed. He and Leona attended Mass every week with their three children on their best behavior. But behind the façade, the relationship was shaky, he openly shared. “We were the per-fect couple sitting in the pews. We looked good, dressed good, we had a house and a car and everything,” Deacon Romero said. “But our fam-ily life was nonexistent.”

From that rough spot 12 years ago, the Romeros climbed up with the help of counseling and God. “It took a lot of faith, and healing and hard work. And if we can do it, any-one can.”

Deacon Louie Romero has a new role in the Office of Marriage and Family Life. (LINDA REEVES | FC)

He believes parish pews are filled with people in similar situations: looking good on the outside, mask-ing troubled marriages. He intends to prevent more such tragedies.

When he sees troubled relation-ships, part of his job is to get people just to like each other again. “I try to help them accept each other for who they are. Recognize their own faults. Forgive and accept. See who they fell in love with when they married.”

Another tool he offers to couples: “When things heat up, I tell them to go to their prayer closet, pray and listen for Jesus’ voice. Hear what he has to say.”

Asked his biggest joy in the job, Deacon Romero doesn’t hesitate with an answer. “I believe it’s been God’s plan to get me here. If I keep even one marriage from breaking up, I’ve done my job,” he said. “And I tell people that if they have a prob-lem, give me a call. I’ve been there. And I’ll be there for them.” n


WEST PALM BEACH | The Council of Catholic Women is kick-ing off a new year with an array of activities, programs and initia-tives. At the top of the agenda is a two-day leadership symposium next month, and the organizers are excited.

“We had a great turnout last year, and it is my hope and prayer that we double our numbers this year, as this is such an important train-ing for our ladies,” said Tammy Farr, diocesan Council of Catholic Women president. “Our wonderful Palm Beach diocesan symposium is open to all Catholic women.”

The event will be held Sept. 15 and 16 at the Doubletree by Hil-ton Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens. Themed “Lead With Passion With the Light of Christ,” the agenda for the two days is full, beginning with an 8:30 a.m. registration the first day and closing that day out with a

barbecue in the evening, giving the women time to socialize and have some fun.

During the day there will be speakers, breakout sessions and a 4:30 p.m. Mass. Sept. 16 is equally full of activities. There will be more

talks, rosary, breakout sessions and fellowship. The symposium closes at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

“Our participants will take home self-improvement, a better understanding of the jobs within council,” said Farr. “They will leave

Council kicks off new year in the light of Christmore confident and willing to say yes when asked to take on an im-portant position in their councils. It is also my personal hope that they will feel a true bonding of sis-terhood with their other sisters in council. After all we are family.”

Guest speakers are Linda Clark and Jean Bazley. Clark is lead train-er for the National Council of Cath-olic Women. “She has served and held all rings of council,” said Farr. “She has received many humani-tarian awards and she is a true as-set to our symposium.

“Our second guest trainer is Jean Bazley, the Florida Council of Catholic Women province direc-tor,” Farr continued. “Jean has also served on many levels of council and has a wonderful presentation on getting the women to move up and say yes.”

Also taking part in the week-end is the leadership team of the Diocese of Palm Beach Council of Catholic Women, who call them-selves the Palm Beach Leadership

Trainers. The team with 13 strong leaders was formed two years ago as a new initiative to help women grow and develop skills and, in turn, give them more confidence to play a greater part in their parish council.

The idea of the symposium blos-somed from the leadership team two years ago, and it has taken off with success. “This year we have opened it up to the other diocesan councils within the state,” said Farr.

“I know that each and every lady that attends will take home to their council something fantastic that she has learned,” Farr continued. “We come together as sisters in council with our love for one an-other. We share a bond of our love for council. We are family. Our mission is to empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. We need to respond with Gospel values. We are the hands and feet of Jesus and our Blessed Mother Mary.” n

The mission statement of the National Council of Catholic Women is displayed at the 2017 leadership symposium of the diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

‘I’ve dealt with the bad side of marriage. Now I can work to help prevent marriages from going bad. A lot of the couples coming in are so in love. We prepare them for what could happen.’

— Deacon Louie Romero


DIOCESAN EVENTS Permanent diaconate

ordination: Sept. 8, 11 a.m., Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito will ordain David Zano and Martin Sandigo as deacons. 561-775-9540.

Workshops for extraordinary ministers of holy Communion: For both new and experienced ministers at various locations. Call your parish office to make reservations with the diocesan Liturgy Office. Sessions in English and Spanish.

Monthly Mind Mass to remember departed souls: Sept. 8, 10 a.m., Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, 10941 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. 561-793-0711, [email protected].

Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Leadership Symposium: Sept. 15-16, 8:30 a.m., Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 4431 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens. Speakers: Linda Clark, National Council of Catholic Women lead trainer; and Jean Bazley, Florida Council of Catholic Women president and province director. Registration: $160, includes four meals and one night accomodations, double occupancy. pbdccw.org or contact [email protected].

Haitian Charismatic Renewal Convention: Sept. 21, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Sept. 22, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sept. 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Vincent Ferrer, 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. Theme: “For you can do nothing without me” (En dehors de moi vous ne pouvez rien faire). Speakers: Father Jules Campion and Father Wislet Defrand from Haiti, and Father Quesnel Delvard, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Lake Worth. Guests: Sister Claire Gagné, Gilbert Dabady, Jean Robert Themistocle and Bijou Jean. Organizer: Father Yves Geffrard, coordinator of diocesan Haitian Ministry. 772-971-9080, 772-466-9617.

School of Christian Formation resumes classes around the diocese the fourth week of August. Classes are designed for adult Catholics who want to better know the Catholic faith and share it with others through ministry. English and Spanish classes. Cost: $10. Schedules: www.diocesepb.org/school-of-christian-formation. 561-775-9544, [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. 561-775-9540, [email protected].

Workshops for Mass lectors: Please contact a parish pastor or parish ministry coordinator for reservations. Names of parish participants are required two days before workshop date.

Unbound healing prayer: First and third Mondays by confidential appointment. Diocese of Palm Beach Office of Marriage and Family Life. Proven prayer model designed to help those who try but struggle with the same sins time and again and feel hopeless

in search for freedom. Unbound ministry helps in the discovery of freedom from sin. 561-775-9524, [email protected].

Protection of Children and Young People: The Diocese of Palm Beach is committed to the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable adults in its care. Victims of abuse by Church personnel are encouraged to contact the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Lorraine Sabatella, at 561-801-0999 to begin necessary emotional, psychological and spiritual healing. Office of Safe Environments provides safety resources, guidance and education and training to employees, all Church personnel and volunteers. Parents and other caregivers are encouraged to attend training designed to emphasize prevention. For information on reporting abuse, safety education programs and resources, and to view the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People: www.diocesepb.org and click on Offices/Safe Environments or www.diocesepb.org/safe-environments.

Catholic Charities events• Match grant program: Services

available for qualifying individuals legally admitted into the United States under specific statuses. Program is designed to facilitate client’s self-sufficiency through employment. Refugees, asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and victims of trafficking can call for information and appointments. 561-345-2000.

• Mental health awareness 5K Glow Run/Walk: Sept. 8, 7 p.m., Mirasol Park, 12385 Jog Road, Palm Beach Gardens. Theme: “Shining a Light on Mental Health and Wellness.” Families encouraged to participate. Sponsorships available. Registration: 5kglowrun.pbrace.com. Nicole, [email protected].

• Catholic Charities Respect Life Ministry seeks volunteers to take on roles as respect life parish representatives, who are essential to help build culture of life and spread pro-life message. If you are passionate about saving unborn babies and other pro-life work and are interested in filling this role within your parish, contact Deanna Herbst, 561-360-3330, [email protected].

• Project Rachel support: First Tuesdays through Sept. 4, 3 p.m., Catholic Charities St. Francis Center, 100 W. 20th St., Riviera Beach. Gather with others who are struggling in the aftermath of abortion. Meetings designed to give hope and provide healing. 561-360-3325

• Holy Hour: First Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Cathedral of St. Ignatius

Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. Prayer and adoration for those suffering after abortion and miscarriage.

• Respite services to St. Lucie County caregivers: Short-term or temporary care of a few hours a week. 561-360-3321.

• Rosary gathering: First Saturdays, 9 a.m., near Presidential Women’s Center in West Palm Beach, 100 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach. Led by Respect Life Office. 561-360-3330.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Young adult retreat: Sept. 1-3, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Cursillos de Cristianidad, 16250 S.W. 112th Ave., Miami. “To Encounter Christ” (Sonshine TEC) Catholic retreat ministry. Presentations by clergy and young adults, sharing, reflection and fellowship. 954-707-9790. [email protected].

Magnificat Catholic women’s program: Sept. 15, 10 a.m., Hilton Palm Beach Airport, 150 Australian Ave., West Palm Beach. Lunch and talk. Cost: $25. 561-797-2647.

Opioid crisis symposium: Sept. 26, 7-9 p.m., St. Joan of Arc Parish, Mercy Center, 370 S.W. Third St., Boca Raton. Features experts from federal, state and local governments, religious leaders and medical and educational authorities. All are welcome. 561-952-2852.

Quarter auction: Sept. 28, 6 p.m., Holy Family Parish, 2330 Mariposa Ave., Port St. Lucie. Hosted by Council of Catholic Women. 772-335-9833.

Women’s spiritual retreat: Sept. 29, 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m., St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. “Mary’s Heart/Martha’s Hands” is focused on integrating spiritual life into daily life. Cost: $20 until Sept. 21; $25 after. Lunch included. www.stvincentferrer.com/womensretreat, 561-665-8566, [email protected].

Holiday fair: Nov. 3, 9 a.m.; Nov. 4, 8 a.m., Holy Family Parish, 2330 Mariposa Avenue, Port St. Lucie. Hosted by Council of Catholic Women. 772-335-9833.

Craft and tag sale: Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Matthew Parish, 6090 Hypoluxo Road, Lake Worth. Accepting vendors. 561-434-5606, [email protected].

LIFT contemporary worship: second Thursdays, (through September) 7 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Parish, 10970 Jack Nicklaus Drive (State Road A1A), North Palm Beach. Praise and worship, speaker and adoration. All are invited. 561-626-1873, [email protected].

Catholic Grandparents Association chapters meetings: Monthly gatherings are held at various parishes. All grandparents are welcome to join and discuss grandparenting issues and share tips and tactics for passing along the faith to the younger generations. Kit Johansen, 561-626-8027, [email protected] or Pat Piccoli, 561-339-8439, [email protected]. (No August meetings.)

Stations of the Cross for priests: Fourth Saturday of the month, following 8:30 a.m. Mass, Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. 561-371-1658.

Monthly Holy Hour of prayer and adoration: Last Thursday of the month, 7 p.m., Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. Sacrament of reconciliation available. Evening of simple praise and worship of Jesus present in the Eucharist. Social follows. 561-622-2565

Widow, widowers support program: Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon, Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. Led by Gloria Stevenson, former Catholic Charities counselor and social worker. Designed for those coping with life without their spouse. Fellowship and conversation. 561-622-6420, [email protected].

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: “By His Wounds You Are Healed” (1 Pt 2:24). Reservations required except when stated. Location: 1300 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach. 561-626-1300 or www.ourladyofflorida.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Singers needed for Schola

Cantorum, St. Luke Parish, 2892 S. Congress Ave., Palm Springs. People interested in traditional choral music, Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony are invited to audition. Several important presentations will be sung throughout the year. Kevin

Faulkner, music director: [email protected].

St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary is offering program for master’s degree in theological studies. Designed for clergy, religious, ministers of religious education, religion teachers and other ministers. Curriculum is focused on fundamentals of sacred Scripture, sacraments and contemporary issues. 561-732-4424, ext. 151.

Charismatic group invites visitors: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Parish center, 10970 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach. Mass and healing service takes the place of prayer meeting the third Thursday of each month. 561-626-1873.

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).

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.

MASSES/PRAYER SESSIONS

Perpetual adoration: St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-276-6892.

Perpetual adoration: St. Anastasia Parish, 407 S. 33rd St., Fort Pierce. 772-461-2233.

Perpetual adoration: St. Joseph Parish, 1200 East 10th St., Stuart, Fl. 772-287-2727.

Adoration: Fridays, following the 8:30 a.m. Mass, concluding with solemn benediction at 5 p.m., Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. 561-622-2565 or www.stignatiuspb.com.

Adoration: First Fridays, after 8 a.m. Mass concluding at 7 p.m., St. Mark Parish, 643 N.E. Fourth Ave., Boynton Beach. 561-734-9330.

Adoration: Mondays, 8:30 a.m., 24 hours a day through Saturday, 7a.m., St. Bernadette Parish, Msgr. Cosmo G. Saporito Chapel, 350 N.W. California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. 772-336-9956.

Adoration: First Fridays, after 8 am Mass, , ending with 7 p.m. Benediction, St. Peter Parish, 1701 Indian Creek Parkway, Jupiter. 561-575-0837.

Televised Mass: Sundays, 10:30-11 a.m. 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.

To find more information on events, please visit www.diocesepb.org/events or www.catholiccharitiesdpb.org/events.

TV MASSThose proficient in technology can

find several ways to be informed with the latest news in the diocese and spot familiar faces of the Catholic community. Feel free to tag, share and comment on the postings on Facebook pages: Diocese of Palm Beach; Diocese of Palm Beach, Office of Catholic Schools; Palm Beach Vocation; Diocese of Palm Beach Youth Ministry; Diocese of Palm Beach Inclusion Ministry, Catholic Young Adults of Palm Beach, Diocese of Palm Beach Family Life; Catholic Charities Palm-Beach; and Florida Catholic. Twitter pages: Office of Catholic Schools: DOPBCatholicSch; Youth Ministry: DpbYouth, Catholic Young Adults: CYADPB and Diocese of Palm Beach: DiocesePB. Instagram pages: Youth Ministry: dpbyouth.

FYI

www.catholiccharitiesdpb.org/events

www.diocesepb.org/events


FLORIDACatholicVENICE DIOCESE

BOB REDDYof the Florida Catholic staff

NAPLES | On the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it was appropriate that rosaries to be distributed across the Dio-cese were blessed by Bishop Frank J. Dewane in Naples following two Catholic school Masses.

Approximately 20,000 rosaries will be blessed and distributed to each Catholic school and reli-gious education student within the Diocese of Venice. Bishop Dewane kicked off the initiative in July with the blessing of the initial rosaries. Going forward, the Bishop opted to bless rosaries at each of the Catho-lic school Masses he will celebrate during the first month of the new academic year.

The first of these Masses was at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples Aug. 15. Being the Feast of the Assumption, the Bishop told the students that each needed to develop a special con-nection with the Blessed Virgin in their lives. The rosaries blessed at that Mass were distributed to Par-ishes throughout Collier County.

“Mary is the person who knows the Lord the best. She is our channel to the Lord in heaven as this feast day tells us,” Bishop Dewane said. “Praying the rosary needs to be more than a rote recitation. It is about a deep contemplation. The rosary is a tool that helps each of us grow closer to the Lord through the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Lady brings us closer to Jesus through the meditation of the mysteries of Christ’s life, which is our life, be-cause through this act, we walk with the Lord.”

Later the same day, Bishop Dewane celebrated Mass for the students at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish

in Naples and again blessed rosaries for the students there.

“These rosaries are a gift from me to you students and students like you across the Diocese,” Bishop Dewane said. “They are something to treasure and

care for. Some of the younger ones may not know how to pray the ro-sary, but I ask the teachers to help each of you learn to do so through-out the course of the year.”

Along with each rosar y, the young people received a card “How to Pray the Rosary.” This is so they can carry it with them and learn the prayers properly. The Bishop encouraged the students to bring their rosary home, so they can share this important prayer with their family.

As part of the blessing, the Bish-op says: “For those who pray the ro-sary through their lips and hearts, it is to give honor to the Mother of Your Son. Grant that they may be filled with an enduring devotion and at the end of their days be led into Your presence by the Virgin Mary.”

Rosaries were also blessed at school Masses in Sarasota and Venice on Aug. 16 and 17, with rosa-ries distributed to parishes across

much of Sarasota County and parts of Charlotte County for students in Parish religious education programs.

A project of the Diocese of Venice, it is an outreach to the young people in the Diocese and follows the December 2017 Consecration of the Diocese to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Through the Act of Consecration by Bishop Dewane, the faithful confide the Diocese, and all its good works, to Our Lady to fulfill more readily the will of her Di-vine Son for His Church. n

First of 20,000 blessed rosaries distributed

Above, a student of Incarnation School in Sarasota displays the rosary he received from Bishop Frank J. Dewane, seen below presenting the blessed rosaries Aug. 16 to fellow students. (PHOTOS BY BOB REDDY | FC)

‘These rosaries are a gift from me to you students and students like you across the Diocese. They are something to treasure and care for. Some of the younger ones may not know how to pray the rosary, but I ask the teachers to help each of you learn to do so throughout the course of the year.’

— Bishop Frank J. Dewane

Bishop Frank J. Dewane presents rosaries to teachers at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples Aug. 15. (BOB REDDY | FC)Bishop Frank J. Dewane blesses rosaries surrounded by students from several Catholic schools.

2Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018 Florida Catholic YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY


SARASOTA | As people of God we need to strive to live a good life. What one does each day has to be about their faith.

“The Lord calls us to do good things,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane said during a Mass for students at Incarnation Catholic School Aug. 16. “When we see someone in need or hear someone in distress, we need to act. Jesus said we must act in our lives. It is about helping our brothers and sisters in Christ along the way, as we must think about them and not ourselves.

This responsibility increases with age, Bishop Dewane explained. As one gets older, they begin to set the example for those who are younger.

“We all have to be considerate and nice to everyone, not just your friends,” the Bishop continued. “I know you can, because that is what the Lord calls us to do — reach out to help and be the light of Christ.”

During a Mass for students at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, the Bishop took the challenge further with the stu-dents, reminding them that they are old enough and responsible enough for their actions and how they develop their relationship with the Lord. By letting Christ into their lives, they will avoid the growing trend of young people who don’t identify with any religion — called the “nones.”

“I don’t want students at Neu-mann to be ‘nones,’” Bishop De-wane added. “The Diocese, the fac-ulty and the staff here all work hard to provide you with an education and spirituality. Don’t let us down in that you become a ‘none.’ You are old enough to get to Mass. You know how to get yourself to other events you wish to attend. Doing so will change your life. It must! I want you to be changed by your encoun-ters with the Lord here at Neumann, during the Mass and in your neigh-borhood. Each one of you have been give the grace to live out the virtues and love of Jesus Christ. I know you can, because that is what the Lord

calls us to do.”The Mass at St. John Neumann

and nearby St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples took place Aug. 15, the Feast of the Assump-tion of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A fourth Mass was celebrated Aug. 17 for Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice.

Following each Mass at the schools, the Bishop blessed rosa-ries that were distributed to each student and also delivered to the religious education students in programs of surrounding Parishes. This initiative will ultimately in-clude the blessing and distributing of approximately 20,000 rosaries. The goal is to encourage young peo-ple of all ages to get into the habit of praying the rosary as often as pos-sible. To facilitate this, each student

Catholic school students return to classroom, go to Mass

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also received a “How to Pray the Ro-sary” card.

At the Masses for the elementary schools, the Bishop made a point to meet with the eighth-graders. He of-fered them motivation to be the true leaders of their respective schools and encouraged them to attend the nearest Catholic high school next year.

The eighth-graders were given the opportunity to ask the Bishop any question they chose. Most of these questions focused on his back-ground and the best parts of being a Bishop. The Bishop in turn stressed the importance of being strong stu-dents in all areas of study, including language arts and in learning a for-eign language. The skills they will learn from these courses will benefit them far into the future. n

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrates Mass Aug. 16 for the students of Incarnation Catholic School in Sarasota.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrates Mass for students at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples Aug 15. (PHOTOS BY BOB REDDY | FC)

Bishop Frank J. Dewane greets students following Mass for Epiphany Cathedral School in Venice Aug.17.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrates Mass at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples Aug. 15, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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3 Florida Catholic Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY

FLORIDACatholic

1000 Pinebrook RoadVenice, FL 34285

941-484-9543 • Fax 941-483-1121

PUBLISHER Bishop Frank Dewane

DIOCESAN EDITORBob Reddy

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DIOCESE OF VENICE

Vol. 79, No. 20




Note: The following letter, by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, was distributed to Parishes of the Diocese of Venice on Aug. 17 and read at all Masses that same weekend.

Aug. 17, 2018

Dear Brother and Sisters, Faith-ful of the Diocese of Venice,

Bishops and Priests are entrust-ed with the spiritual care and pro-tection of their flock, particularly of minors and vulnerable adults. As Pastors, they act in the name of Christ and His Church, and so must always heed the Good Shepherd’s warning: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea” (Mark 9:42).

As your Bishop, I understand the grave moral responsibility with which I have been entrusted and that it is my duty to protect the faith-ful from harm. Recent revelations of profound evil cause me deep

distress. The sexual abuse inflicted on so many sons and daughters of the Church is sinful and criminal. Some Church Hierarchy failed to do as they were obligated to do. While we are all sinners, the heinous his-tory of abuse and coverup, such as that detailed by the Grand Jury in Pennsylvania, is utterly appalling and deeply disturbing.

The new disclosures of abuse leave me sorrowful. It is painful that Church Officials contributed to a culture that too easily excused predatory behavior. No words can adequately express my contrition for the horrible sins committed. I wish to offer victims and their fam-ilies my sincere apology for what was done to them by ministers of the Church. It is my commitment to do personal penance in repara-tion for these grave sins and to en-courage the clergy and faithful of the Diocese to join with me in this penance.

Recent revelations are indeed troubling, yet I feel indebted to the victims who courageously shed

the light of truth on the horrific misdeeds and the indifference to the outcry of those abused. It is im-portant to express abiding esteem to those who survived the sinful and criminal conduct of Priests and Bishops. Violating the sacred trust of their ministry, clergy took advantage of the innocent and the vulnerable who sought out and had a right to spiritual care. It is the time for these failures to be admitted and remedied.

On the diocesan website (www.dioceseofvenice.org) there is post-ed a statement informing the pub-lic about those priests named in the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Re-port who have had some ties to the Diocese of Venice. It is hoped this transparency will demonstrate my conviction that Church leadership must be vigilant in protecting mi-nors and prevent the same failures from being repeated. In this matter, there is no room for institutional interests. As your Shepherd, it is my pledge to recommit our Diocese to the vigorous efforts to eradicate

sexual abuse and further foster a culture of safety. Bishops must demonstrate a willingness to wel-come victims of sexual abuse with compassion, hear their allegations with openness and deal effectively with those — regardless of rank or position — who committed abuse of any kind.

My prayer is that recent revela-tions will shed the light of truth on these troubling matters and show Church leaders the steps that need to be taken to regain the trust of the faithful.

Mary, Mother of the Church, re-form the hearts of those who lead your Church. Make us more atten-tive to the cries of those who suffer abuse and help us show true con-trition for our failures. Bring the comfort of your maternal care to all who have been impacted by sexual abuse.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,+Frank J. Dewane

Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida

Statement from Bishop Frank J. Dewane

St. Joseph Catholic School Student Council candidates make speeches to explain why they should be chosen for leadership during the Aug. 31 election in Bradenton. (COURTESY)

St. Ann Catholic School fifth graders create barometers to measure atmospheric pressure to forecast changes in the weather as part of the Naples school’s ongoing Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM) program. (COURTESY)

SCHOOL ELECTIONS ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE


REGIONAL SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING• St. Ann Parish, Naples: Sept. 6, 6 p.m.; and Sept. 8, 9:30 a.m.• St. Michael Parish, Wauchula: Sept. 8, 9:30 a.m. (in English and Spanish).• San Pedro Parish, North Port: Sept. 13, 6 p.m.; and Sept. 15, 9:30 a.m.• St. Martha Parish, Sarasota: Sept. 20, 6 p.m.; and Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m.• Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, LaBelle: Sept. 20, 6 p.m. (in English and Spanish); and Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m. (in English and Spanish).• Resurrection Parish, Fort Myers: Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m. • Our Lady of Light Parish, Fort Myers: Sept. 27, 6 p.m.; and Sept. 29, 9:30 a.m. • San Antonio Parish, Port Char-lotte: Oct. 4, 6 p.m.; and Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m. • St. Raphael Parish, Lehigh Acres: Oct. 4, 6 p.m.; and Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m. • St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples: Oct. 11, 6 p.m.; and Oct. 13, 9:30 a.m. • Our Lady of Grace Parish, Avon Park: Oct. 11, 6 p.m. (in English and Spanish); and Oct. 13, 9:30 a.m. (in English and Spanish).• St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota: Oct. 11, 6 p.m.; and Oct. 13, 9:30 a.m.• Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch: Oct. 18, 6 p.m.; and Oct. 20, 9:30 a.m.• St. Columbkille Parish, Fort My-ers: Oct. 18, 6 p.m.; and Oct. 20, 9:30 a.m.

FYIENGLISH, SPANISH PRAYERS OF HEALING

PRAYER FOR HEALING VICTIMS OF ABUSE God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just:You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the cross.Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth.Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform broken-ness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

— Courtesy of the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection of the USCCB

UNA ORACIÓN DE SANACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DE ABUSODios del amor infinito, Siempre presente, siempre justo;Tú nos cuidas y nos proteges Y nos diste a tu único Hijo Para salvar-nos con su sangre en la cruz.Jesús manso, pastor de la paz, Dígnate unir a tu propio sufrimientoEl dolor de todos los que han sido heridos De cuerpo, mente y es-pírituPor parte de aquellos que traicionaron la confianza puesta en ellos.Escucha el clamor de nuestros hermanos y hermanas Que han sido lastimados gravemente, Así como el clamor de aquellos que los aman. Dales la esperanza que mitigue el desosiego de sus corazones, Dales la fe que calme sus espíritus perturbados. Concédeles justicia para su causa, Ilumínalos con tu verdad.Espíritu Santo, consolador de corazones, Cura las heridas de tus hijos e hijasY devuelve la integridad a lo que ha sido quebrantado. Concédenos el valor y la sabiduría, La humildad y la gracia, para actuar con justi-cia. Sopla tu sabiduría en nuestras oraciones y empeños. Que todos los que han sido heridos por el abuso encuentren paz y justicia.

Te lo pedimos por Cristo, nuestro Señor. Amén..

ASHLEY FOXSpecial to the Florida Catholic

VENICE | Recent events contin-ue to underscore the importance of protecting children, young people and adults from sexual abuse and supporting victims/survivors as they bravely come forward with their reports. All forms of sexual abuse are intrinsically evil, espe-cially those that occur within the Catholic Church. It is the commit-ment of the Diocese to provide an environment which is safe and nur-turing.

The mission of the Safe Environ-ment Program is:

• To provide required educa-tion for all employees (clergy, reli-gious and laity), those volunteers and others regularly involved with minors, and parents, as to the issue of abuse of children, including the detection, prevention and reporting of child abuse.

• To provide required training programs for children and young people in our Catholic schools and religious education programs. This includes age-appropriate materials pertaining to personal safety, and information about improper touch-ing and relationships. Children are not expected to be fully knowledge-able about child abuse or of the laws governing care of children, but they need to know when they should seek assistance from a trusted adult.

• To thoroughly screen and evaluate the background of all em-ployees at the parishes, Catholic schools, and other diocesan enti-ties — clergy, religious and laity — and those volunteers who work with children, young people, and vulnerable adults. • To hold those who minister in the Diocese of Venice — all employ-ees (clergy, religious and laity) at the parishes, Catholic schools, and other diocesan entities and those volunteers who work with chil-dren, young people, and vulnerable adults — to Christ-centered and professional codes of conduct.

Since 2002, the Diocese has en-gaged a professional company to conduct background screening through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with results available to the Diocesan Safe En-vironment Coordinator within 24 to 48 hours. There have been over 35,541 background screenings and 33,700 persons trained in Safe Envi-ronment. In the last five years alone, 13,494 were background screened and 11,257 trained in Safe Environ-ment.

There are 48 Safe Environment lay men and women trainers cur-rently active. These trainers teach the Safe Environment training ses-sions held in the parishes, Catholic

schools and other diocesan loca-tions. The trainings are offered throughout the year and the list can be found on the Diocesan Safe Environment website https:// d ioceseof ven ice.org /of f ices/ programs/safeenvironment/ under “Training Schedule,” accessible at www.dioceseofvenice.org. Since January of this year alone, 141 train-ings were offered in multiple loca-tions around the Diocese.

Employees (clergy, religious and laity) and volunteers become certified in Safe Environment af-ter completing a training session. During the sessions, attendees are trained: in the detection of groom-ing techniques by a potential sex offender; in the detection and pre-vention of abuse on a child or vul-nerable adult; and in the detection of labor and sex trafficking. Addi-tional training includes learning about National Hotline contacts for child, elder, labor or sex trafficking abuse, anti-cyberbullying and anti-sexting resources, and procedures for reporting grooming techniques and abuse. The training also pro-vides location-specific sex offender registries within a 2-mile radius of each Catholic school in the Diocese.

Attendees are also trained in Di-ocesan Procedures, especially the Code of Pastoral Conduct, the Code of Conduct for Volunteers Working with Minors, the Policy and Proce-dural Guidelines for the Diocese of Venice in Florida relating to the Pro-tection of Children and Vulnerable Adults, and electronic fingerprint-ing procedures. These codes, poli-cies and procedures are accessible to the public on the Diocesan Safe Environment Website.

It is the duty of all persons to re-port abuse. The following are the mandatory steps regarding report-ing:

• An allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by anyone should be reported immediately to the Flor-ida Department of Children and Families Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-96ABUSE, and/or any law enforcement agency.

• An allegation of elder abuse by anyone should be reported im-mediately to the Elder Abuse Ho-tline, 1-800-96ELDER, and/or any law enforcement agency.

• An allegation of labor or sex trafficking abuse by anyone should be reported immediately to the Na-tional Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 and/or any law en-forcement agency.

If the alleged abuser is a Dioce-san employee or volunteer, includ-ing clergy, also notify the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 941-416-6114.

Once a report is made to the Vic-tim Assistance Coordinator, the Diocesan Review Board, primar-ily compromised of non-Diocesan-

employed lay professionals, is noti-fied. The board meets promptly to review the allegation, investigate the case, and make recommenda-tions to the Bishop.

As part of the Safe Environ-ment Program in each Parish and Catholic school, there are 105 Safe Environment Coordinators who coordinate the compliance that persons employed or volunteer-ing with children, young people, and/or v ulnerable adults are background screened and Safe Environment trained prior to their employment or volunteer-ing. Every five years, employees and volunteers are background rescreened and employees are recertified in Safe Environment. The Diocese is informed by the state of Florida within 24 hours of the arrest of any of its employees, including clergy.

Every priest or deacon must be background screened at two levels — the state of Florida and the Fed-eral Bureau of Investigation — and become certified in Safe Environ-ment in order to minister in the Dio-cese of Venice. These requirements are in addition to a reference check and a letter of good standing from their bishop or provincial superior for religious order priests.

In the 2017-2018 academic year, 14,865 children and youth in parish religious education programs and Catholic schools were Safe Envi-ronment trained. Each Parish and Catholic school is yearly audited on its Safe Environment training for children and youth by the Diocese,

and the information in the Dioc-esan Safe Environment Program is subject to national audits.

Parishes and Catholic schools are also required to publish infor-mation on proper reporting to the Department of Children and Fami-lies by posters and other forms of communication. The Diocese of Venice works hard to maintain safe environments and to bring aware-ness about abuse and how to prop-erly report.

The Diocese is committed to providing a comprehensive Safe Environment Program in an ef-fort to protect the most vulnerable from all types of abuse. An impor-tant part of this program is prayer. Each year, Bishop Dewane invites all faithful to join him in prayer for the victims/survivors at two special Masses held in April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

We must always endeavor to im-prove and move forward. An orga-nizational change involves creating

a vigilant culture of protection and healing. Anyone interested can be-come certified in Safe Environment and aid in maintaining safe envi-ronments in every parish, Catholic school, and diocesan entity. For more detailed information about what the Diocese of Venice does to prevent abuse or to register for the nearest training, please visit the Diocesan Safe Environment web-site, https://dioceseofvenice.org/ of f ices/programs/safeenv iron ment/ or contact the Office of Safe Environment Awareness and Certi-fication at 941-484-9543. n

Fox is Diocese Director of Safe Envi-ronment Awareness and Certifica-tion, as well as Director of Religious Education. She can be reached at [email protected] or at 941-484-9543.

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Diocese works to create a Safe Environment





PUNTA GORDA | Do you un-derstand why the Catholic Church supports all life from conception to natural death? Are you interested in being a witness for Christ so you can help quell the tide of abortion? Are you concerned why the death penalty is still being used? Do you need help in talking to teens about the benefits of abstinence? Do you want to learn about pro-life activi-ties within your Diocese, the state and the nation?

The answers to these questions, and many more, will be provided during the 32nd annual Florida Re-spect Life Conference, which will be held Sept. 28-29 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Cen-ter in Punta Gorda. Conference reg-istration has been extended to Sept. 10 for this rare opportunity to hear

some of the best national and inter-national pro-life speakers so close to home. To register, visit www. dioceseofvenice.org/RLC2018.

The conference is being hosted in the Diocese of Venice for the first time in seven years. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will serve as host for the event and celebrate the Mass for the Conference. Other speakers in-clude: keynoter Bishop Mark J. Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso, Texas, and member of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities; Stephanie Gray; Terry Beatley; Pam Stenzel; Cath-erine Davis; Marietta Jaeger Lane; Dr. F. Michael Gloth III; and Deacon Al Mauriello, M.D.

There will be a pre-conference session on end-of-life issues Sept. 28, 2-5 p.m., with one of the talks focusing on the effects of dementia. The main Conference is 7-9 p.m., and then resumes Sept. 29 at 9 a.m.

with a continental breakfast.To encourage high school-aged

students to learn more about the pro-life movement, there will be a simultaneous Respect Life Youth Conference, Saturday, Sept. 29, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. The speakers for the Youth Conference will include Bishop Seitz, Stephanie Gray and Pam Stenzel. This session will take place in a separate room that is part of the main conference center. The gathering will also include praise and worship, the chaplet of Divine Mercy and participation at Mass with Bishop Dewane. The cost for the youth-only Conference is $10 and includes lunch and dinner. Pre-registration is required by Sept. 10 through Parish youth leaders (including parental consent forms). For more details, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/RLC2018. Par-ents are encouraged to attend the simultaneous statewide Confer-

ence.In addition, there will be a par-

allel Spanish-language workshop which will take place Sept. 29, 2-5:30 p.m. The speakers will be: Bishop Seitz; Bishop Felipe J. Estevez of St. Augustine, the Respect Life Mod-erator for the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops; Ingrid Delgado, Associate for Social Concerns/Respect Life; and Sylvia Jimenez, Diocese of Venice Project Rachel Coordinator. There is no cost for those attending the Spanish-lan-guage workshop only, as no meals are included. However, if you would like to attend the full Conference, the cost is $50. The fee for those attending the Saturday banquet is an additional $25. For more details and to register, please visit www. dioceseof venice.org/RLC2018 or contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068.

Respect Life Conference registration extended to Sept. 10

SUSAN LAIELLISpecial to the Florida Catholic

VENICE | The idea of bringing the local pro-life community to-gether for lunch to listen to speak-ers once each month was the brainchild of two friends, Janine Marrone and Kathie Majerchin, who were energized by the Holy Spirit.

“Everything that has happened since I met Kathie and started Luncheons 4 Life has been an ac-tion of the Holy Spirit,” said Mar-rone, who co-founded Luncheons 4 Life, and is assisted by many good people in the tri-county ar-eas of Sarasota, Lee and Collier counties within the Diocese of the Venice. The luncheons are also held in Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and Alton, Illinois, bringing like-minded supporters of life togeth-er, without politics and with no cost or “ask” at the end.

Majerchin, who died of cancer in 2016 immediately following an out-loud reading of the Litany of Saints for Souls in Purgatory in her hospital room by Mar-rone, worked at SOLVE Maternity Homes in Sarasota, and had a pas-sion for life.

The pair met in 2012 and be-came fast friends who appeared to be on a mission from God: to gath-er the pro-life community for a fel-lowship meal on the surface, but the intent started changing hearts and minds with respect to life and is fully funded by the generosity of Marrone and her husband, Steve.

The Marrones, who worked in business in Delaware before re-tiring to the Venice area in 2006, were fallen-away Catholics who found themselves at Our Lady of

Jeanne Berdeaux, Diocese of Venice Respect Life Director, said Luncheons 4 Life reinvigorated the pro-life movement in the Dio-cese. “Getting like-minded people together on a regular basis for fel-lowship and networking creates a contagious enthusiasm that is visible and audible,” Berdeaux explained. “At the end of the lun-cheon is time for sharing; there is a whirlwind of activity as people talk with others who are there, sharing ideas and planning for the future. It’s been a wonderful bless-ing to have it in our Diocese for the

past five years, and now that it’s being offered in Fort Myers and Naples, we are triply blessed.”

It is hoped that Luncheons 4 Life will encourage other like-minded philanthropists to ab-sorb the same Holy Spirit energy and unite to create similar events across the country.

“I’m so excited because it’s like Christmas Day — not know-ing what to expect yet expecting something good,” Marrone said. “God just wants us to cooperate with Him, and He will not disap-point.”

Not believ ing in accidents, Marrone has faith that following Majerchin’s death she is interced-ing to foster the growth of Lun-cheons 4 Life, saying the events are busier than ever.

“Our faith grew so much to-gether when she was alive, espe-cially during the pope’s Holy Year of Mercy. We took pilgrimages to many Holy Doors at various Ca-thedrals, but she died before the closing of the year. It’s not a coin-cidence that her memorial service was held on the very last day of the Year of Mercy,” Marrone said. n

‘Luncheons 4 Life’ energizing pro-life faithful in Lee, Collier

Lourdes Parish in Venice listen-ing to a missionary talk about faith. They happened to pick up “The Word Among Us” following the event, which is where Janine Marrone read an article about Luncheons 4 Life thriving in New Orleans.

“I forgot about the article for a while, but when I met Kathie, I knew there was more that needed to be done,” Marrone said.

Luncheons 4 Life is currently held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice, month-ly, drawing 100-plus people at its peak. Marrone said the recent expansion into Lee and Collier counties is paying off, especially after an employee of the lunch venue overheard the discussion and wanted to talk about obtain-ing healing following an abortion.

“We do not know who is lis-tening at these lunches, but it’s working. People are energized. They are reminded that healing is available for them through Project Rachel, a post-abortive healing program through the Diocese of Venice, and they are supporting a culture of life, without politics,” Marrone said.

FYI

Luncheons 4 Life take place in the following locations:• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice, first Wednes-days.• Airport Holiday Inn, Fort Myers, second Tuesdays. • Hilton Hotel, Naples, fourth Wednesdays.Contact Jeanine at [email protected].

If you are interested in learning more about all pro-life activities from conception to natural death, don’t miss the Sept. 28-29 Florida Respect Life Conference at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Confer-ence Center in Punta Gorda. n

Star Parker addresses the Aug. 1 gathering of Luncheons 4 Life at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. (BOB REDDY | FC)






VENICE | Parish business man-agers and bookkeepers took part in a meeting which focused on review-ing past ventures, updating current projects, and looking forward to new initiatives.

Ellen Stine, Diocese Human Resource Director, led the meet-ing Aug. 23 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice, which provided updates on a variety of Diocesan policies.

“We have these meetings several times a year so that we can go into detail about any changes or up-dates,” Stine explained. “This allows questions to be asked and everyone to hear the same thing. This helps avoid confusion in the future and allows everyone to be a part of this process.”

The biggest change discussed was the processing of new employ-ees — called onboarding — which will become operational by the end of September. The most noticeable change for the business managers is that the numerous forms a new hire must fill out, including W-4,

I-9 and Diocese Policies and Pro-cedures, will now be done online. This process will standardize how the forms and procedures are prop-erly reviewed and documented, and will be identical across the Diocese. It has the added benefit of reducing the use of paper.

This onboarding procedure is the latest in a series of changes that have taken place within the Diocese, Stine said. During the past several years, payroll and benefits for the Diocese and its 83 separate entities have been brought under one um-brella, creating uniform policy and procedures, which treat fairly each employee.

Other topics covered during the meeting included updates on ben-efit enrollment procedures and policies, payroll updates, billing and much more.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was able to attend part of the meeting and offered words of encourage-ment and support for the business managers and bookkeepers for the hard work they do in support of the priests by keeping the parishes run-ning smoothly “from the business aspect.” n

Parish business managers, bookkeepers receive policy updates


VENICE | Representatives from the Mexican Mobile Consulate from Orlando, an official branch of the Mexican government that op-erates offices in the United States, offered their services Aug. 18-19 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

Approximately 250 people re-ceived a variety of services, in-cluding updating passports, filling out paperwork for a path to dual citizenship in the United States,

as well as updates for visas. There was also information available on access to health services and legal advice.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane vis-ited the Mobile Consulate and was impressed by the good work that was being done. Throughout the weekend, the Epiphany Spanish-language community served as a welcoming committee by offering hospitality, food and beverages, as well as a place for the children to play.

The Mobile Consulate repre-

sentatives had all the equipment necessary to accommodate nearly every request their Orlando offices can provide, including generating new passports or other vital docu-ments. The Consulate representa-tives complimented Bishop De-wane and Epiphany Cathedral for having the proper facilities to get their important work done.

Bishop Dewane also suggested the Mobile Consulate go to other parts of the Diocese as a direct outreach to the community, some-thing that is in the early planning

stages.The Mexican Consulate focuses

on helping Mexican citizens living or traveling in the United States who need assistance from their home government when dealing with U.S. laws and legal system is-sues. The Consulate issues Mexi-can identification cards, which are used by people who are not eli-gible for a state identification card. Among other services, the Con-sulate officially stamps and nota-rizes legal documents to be used in Mexico, as well as obtains vital

records and facilitating searches for missing relatives.

Juan Tavarez, who lives in Sara-sota, was at the Mobile Consulate to renew his passport and made sure his entire family had its pa-perwork in order.

“What a blessing that this was held here in Venice,” Tavarez said. “This was so convenient because my wife and I both work and going to Orlando would have taken all day. Instead, we had an appoint-ment, got everything taken care of and we are all good.” n

Mexican Consulate offers mobile services in Venice

Above, a member of the Mexican Consulate of Orlando is seen with Bishop Frank J. Dewane during a mobile outreach Aug. 18 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. At right, another Consulate member assists a client during the mobile outreach. (PHOTOS BY BOB REDDY | FC)

Diocese Human Resource Director Ellen Stine speaks to parish business managers, bookkeepers and principals during a training session Aug. 23 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice. (BOB REDDY | FC)



VENICE | Throughout the Dio-cese of Venice there are more than 1,200 faith-filled catechists who have answered the call to pass on the good news of Jesus Christ to the children and adults who seek reli-gious education in the Parishes.

As many of the catechists look to the Parish for greater formation to become ever more comfort-able teaching the faith in religious education classrooms, the Diocese Office of Religious Education has adopted a plan to help catechists become better trained on meth-odology. During the coming year, catechists will complete their Basic Certification in Catechesis offered through the Institute of Catholic Studies and Formation’s new Cer-tification Program in cooperation with Franciscan University of Steu-benville, Ohio.

This initiative is part of a larger national emphasis on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bish-ops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis to address the fact that roughly 23 percent of the U.S. adult population self-identify as atheist or agnostic. Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron of Los Angeles, Com-mittee Chairman, calls this group the “nones.” These “nones” cross all demographics — genders, gen-erations, racial and ethnic groups — and the numbers are staggering. To help stem the tide of Catholics turning away from the faith in their teen or young adult years, the new certification program will help pro-

vide the tools to catechists so as to be heard over the noise of modern society.

Ashley Fox, Diocese of Venice Di-rector of Religious Education, told a gathering of parish religious educa-tion leaders that the catechists on the front lines need more support because often volunteers have little formal religious training, and some of their education may be years or decades old.

The reason, as Fox explained, is that the primary goal of religious education should be focused on the sharing the good news of the Lord. “We are in the business of God,” she continued. “We are in the business of making saints, not outputting the Sacraments and moving on. There has to be more or we will just be creating more ‘nones’ — those who were taught in the faith and sadly choose to walk away.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane ad-dressed the leadership meeting and praised their work as they are the face of the Diocese in the Parishes for those who seek religious edu-cation. That work includes being a mentor for the lay catechists and a conduit to encourage entire families to grow in their faith, something the Bishop noted required a dedication that he recognizes with gratitude.

“This certification program is something we knew we needed because most people today are not strong on methodology,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is not about just giving the catechists some materi-als; it is about their learning how to present this important informa-tion.”

The program is presented in lev-els with more advanced certificates offered. The current lay catechists have until May of 2019 to complete the introductory catechetical certif-icate. The class is completed online at the convenience of the catechist and includes instructional videos and questions to consider, which require the submission of respons-es for the work assigned. This pro-cess allows the religious education leadership at the Parish to follow the progress of each catechist. This will provide a level of confidence for the leadership knowing that the cat-echists in their parish are learning and better prepared to spread the good news of the Lord.

One of the leaders who opted to take the introductory certification described the program as far supe-rior to anything she’s ever done. As someone with an advanced degree in theology, she explained that she found the program enjoyable and refreshing.

Fox urged the religious education leadership to examine the online certification, and serve as mentors and guides to the catechists as they go through the certification pro-cess. “Be welcoming and aid them because they will be learning a lot, some of it for the first time. Disciple them along the way, like Jesus on the road to Emmaus. He opened the Scriptures gently and helped light their hearts aflame.

“This program imitates Christ’s discipleship where you are Christ to your catechists,” Fox continued. “The mentor getting to know them, walking with them, being with

them. The reason is, how well do you know the spiritual lives of your catechists? This opens wide the gates to that because you are seeing their personal responses. They are trusting you with their faith life.”

Following the guidance of the USCCB and Bishop Barron, the emphasis for religious education within the Diocese transition is to to help enable the faithful to claim their true roles as witnesses to Jesus Christ. This includes teaching how to assist people in exploring the rea-sonableness of the faith, having an “encounter” with Jesus, sharing in a deeper faith experience, and draw-ing out the meaning of those experi-ences for their lives.

The timing of this new program comes as the Diocese of Venice will join other Arch/Dioceses around the nation to celebrate Catechetical Sunday on Sept. 16. The 2018 theme will be “Enlisting Witnesses for Je-sus Christ.”

Catechetical Sunday is so those who the Parish community has des-ignated to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. It is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mis-sion as a community of faith. n

Catechesis Certification Program launches

Bishop Frank J. Dewane addresses a gathering of parish religious education directors and coordinators Aug. 23 at the Epiphany Cathedral Parish Hall in Venice. (BOB REDDY | FC)


SARASOTA | The Cougars of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota and the Vikings of Bishop Verot Catholic High School have a long-standing rival-ry as foes in many sports, but they are united in their faith.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane cel-ebrated a pre-game Mass for the two football teams just prior to their annual clash Aug. 24 — the first game of the season for both teams. While a game-day Mass for the football team is a tradition at both Catholic high schools, the joint Mass began in 2014 as the game alternates between the two schools each year. The winner gets bragging rights until the next con-test.

Reminding the young men of their common faith and respect they must have for each other as brothers in Christ, Bishop Dewane said he prays that the healthy ri-

valry does not get in the way of who they all are: men of God.

Bishop Dewane prayed for the safety of each player during the game and season, and said he knew they would accord them-selves well on the field in the best tradition of Catholic schools.

The young men were told by the Bishop, who played high school football as well, that they are blessed to have certain athletic gifts. Having those gifts lifts them

up to a certain status at their re-spective schools. But with this rank comes great responsibility — the duty to evangelize.

“You do it out on the football field by sharing and using the gifts you have been given in front of oth-ers,” Bishop Dewane continued. “But you must also evangelize in the gym, in the halls of your school, or at any social event. You do it by the example you give in honor of Jesus Christ, Our Lord.”

The actual game between the Mooney Cougars and Verot Vikings was delayed by lightning. Bishop Dewane and Dr. Ben Moore, Dio-cese Superintendent of Catholic Education, both attended the game rooting for both teams with equal passion. Moore even changed shirts and sidelines at halftime to avoid any perception of bias.

The game became a nail-biter with a thrilling finish as Cardinal Mooney earned the bragging rights in football for the year as they de-feated Bishop Verot 28-25. n

Football rivals gather for Mass before big game‘You must also evangelize in the gym, in the halls of your school, or at any social event. You do it by the example you give in honor of Jesus Christ, Our Lord.’

— Bishop Frank Dewane

Bishop Frank J. Dewane distributes Holy Communion during a pre-game Mass in Sarasota Aug. 24 for the football players of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota and Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. (BOB REDDY | FC)


DIOCESAN EVENTSFall online series for adults,

starting Sept. 4. Institute for Catholic Studies is offering a fall series as part of its Deeper Water Program. “What We Believe: The Creed” is eight weeks long and is presented straight to computer or smart device utilizing user-friendly reading materials. Cost: $40, includes access to weekly lectures, assigned readings, live Q and A’s, and more. Kathryn DeNinno, [email protected]. Register: https://institute-dov.org/programs/deeper-waters/what-we-believe-the-creed/.

Statewide Respect Life Conference Registration now open. Information and online registration for the Sept. 28-29 Florida Respect Life Conference is available at www.dioceseofvenice.org/RLC2018. Deadline: Sept. 7. Conference brochure can be downloaded at this site, with additional information about location, hotels, speakers, schedule and more. Discounts for groups of 10 from a parish, organization or family. Jeanne, [email protected], 941-374-1068.

Catholic Scouting religious emblems counselor training, Sept. 8, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Sacred Heart Parish, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda. For interested adults or current counselors trained more than three years ago. Bring letter of approval from your Pastor to the training session. Deadline: Aug. 31. James Fetterman, 941-377-4127; [email protected]; Janet Thorne, [email protected].

Natural family planning for married and engaged couples, three-part series begins Sept. 9, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 12905 E. State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch. Taught by certified couples. Baby-sitting available. Andrea, 941-348-3258; [email protected]. Register: http://register.ccli.org/.

Come to the Water day of prayer, second Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. All are welcome. Cost: $35, includes continental breakfast, lunch, two conferences and opportunities for Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation and prayer. www.olph-retreat.org/1-day-retreats, 941-486-0233.

Matt Talbot men’s spiritual retreat, Sept. 14-16, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Opportunity for recovering alcoholics to enhance their spirituality and sober way of life. Private and confidential. Retreats are intended to foster and enhance spiritual recovery as suggested by AA. Register: www.olph-retreat.org/matttalbot, 941-486-0233.

Feast of the Archangels clambake, Sept. 30, 3 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Enjoy a traditional clambake and meet Father Mark Yavorona, Oblates of the Virgin Mary, who will join the Retreat Center in September. Space is limited. Cost: $29.95. Register: www.olph-retreat.org/feast-of-the-archangels-clambake, 941-486-0233.

11th step retreat for women in recovery, Oct. 26-28, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center,

3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Talks, discussion, time for reflection and rest. Register: www.olph-retreat.org/11th-step-retreat-for-women-in-recovery, 941-486-0233.

“Summertime and the Giving is Easy.” Be a superhero and empower your neighbors in need by donating to the Catholic Charities appeal to provide support, shelter, food and education to families and individuals in the community. A total of 92 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to clients. To donate: www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Novena of Masses for Life. Masses continue at various parishes throughout the Diocese on the 25th of each month through Christmas. Jeanne Berdeaux, 941-441-1101, [email protected]; www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.

Bereavement support workshops, Nov. 15, 1:30 p.m., Incarnation Parish, 2929 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and 6:30 p.m., Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. Topic: “Surviving the Holidays.” Led by Deacon Henry deMena, who has a degree in counseling with extensive training and experience in bereavement. Free, meal included. Registration required: www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar. Information: Kim Elsmore, [email protected].

World Youth Day 2019. Diocese is planning a group trip to World Youth Day 2019 in Panama, Jan. 19-28, 2019. Includes four-star hotel accommodations, nonstop flights and other perks. Registration is now open. Contact your Parish youth director, DRE, or Joshua Mazrin, Diocesan Evangelization Director, [email protected], 941-484-9543.

Project Rachel. Do you often think about an abortion you or a loved one had years ago? Project Rachel offers hope and healing after abortion for women and men. Sylvia, 941-412-5860 (English, Español, Deutsch). All calls are confidential. Retreat in planning stages. Video testimonials: www.dioceseofvenice.org/offices/respect-life/post-abortion-help.

“Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane,” last Fridays, 8:30 a.m., on 1660 AM in Naples, and 1410 AM and 106.7 FM in Fort Myers. Listen anywhere online at RelevantRadio.com. Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for his monthly talks. You can also find them at http://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/bishop-frank-j-dewane/.

Young adult opportunities. The Diocese of Venice offers many opportunities for young adults to build communities. Through programs like Theology on Tap, intramural sports teams, and Parish-organized social events, there is something available for everyone throughout the Diocese. Young adults (18-39) are encouraged to participate in these opportunities to enrich their faith and make friends:

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

• Lehigh Acres area, LOFT, third Mondays, 6 p.m., St. Raphael Parish, 2514 Lee Blvd. 239-369-1831.

• Fort Myers area, “Rooted at

St. John XXIII,” first Thursdays, 7:15 p.m. Kelly Evers, 239-561-3022.

Save the Dates. The 2019 Diocesan Men’s Conference will be Feb. 2, 2019, and the Diocesan Women’s Conference will be Feb. 16, 2019. Both will take place at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. Specific details and registration information available soon.

Anniversary Masses. All couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more than 50 years of marriage are invited by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an Anniversary Mass in their honor to be celebrated in two locations: March 2, 2019, 11 a.m., Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; and March 16, 2019, 10 a.m., St. Leo the Great Parish, Bonita Springs. Registration is through the local parish.

Create a Catholic legacy to support seminarian education. A gift to the Timothy Endowment Fund will help provide income to train a record number of new seminarians who will be future priests for years to come. 941-441-1124, [email protected].

Legal help available for needy. Cenacle Legal Services Inc. (CLS), a not-for-profit legal aid organization, in partnership with the Diocese of Venice, serves legal needs of its income-eligible clients in South Sarasota County without regard to creed, race, age, sex, disability, ethnicity or status in the U.S. CLS attorneys volunteer pro bono. To request an appointment: 941-244-0308, [email protected]. CLS offices are located at 237 N. Nassau St., Venice. Follow on Facebook at Cenacle Legal Services.

Television Mass for the homebound in the northern portions of the Diocese, 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network; in the southern portions of the Diocese, 10:30 a.m., on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). Check your local listings for channel information. Leaflet missals are available upon request by calling 941-484-9543 and asking about the TV Mass or by writing: TV Mass, Diocese of Venice, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. Gail Ardy: 941-486-4714, [email protected].

Safe Environment training. As part of the Safe Environment Program, the Diocese of Venice requires that all employees and those volunteers who work with children and/or vulnerable adults be fingerprinted and trained in Safe Environment. For class times and locations, contact your local parish or Diocesan school or visit www.dioceseofvenice.org. Report all abuses against minors to the Florida Department of Children and Families at 1-800-962-2873. To report abuse by Diocesan personnel or volunteers, call the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator Barbara DiCocco at 941-416-6114.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Information session, Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Parish social hall, 13031 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers. Preview of Walking with Purpose Women’s Bible study program which begins in October. Patty Fernandez, [email protected], 239-738-9254; Maria Brenneman, [email protected], 301-318-9152.

National Day of

Remembrance for unborn children, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. (8 a.m. optional Mass), St. Raphael Parish, 2514 Lee Blvd., Lehigh Acres. Featured speakers: Father Dennis J. Cooney; Sylvia Jimenez, Project Rachel; Sara Kohlhauff, Lee County School District. Paul, [email protected].

8th annual Blue Mass, Sept. 9, 10 a.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Honors all active, retired and deceased first responders. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate. Hosted by Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Lourdes Council 9924.

9/11 Memorial Mass, Sept. 11, 8 a.m., St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples. Honors victims of the terror attacks on the United States. Parish has 9/11 cross, cut from the steel wreckage of the World Trade Center’s buildings, which was donated by the New York City Fire Department and is always on display in the Our Lady of the Americas Chapel.

Sept. 11 remembrance concert, Sept. 11, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Parish hall, 3100 26th St. W., Bradenton. Tickets: $20. Benefits St. Joseph Catholic School. 941-755-2611.

“Lord, Teach Me To Pray” series, Sept. 13, location to be announced. Based on Ignatian Spirituality for women who are longing for a deeper relationship with Jesus. Part I of three-part series is being offered for 12 weeks. Veronica, [email protected].

Catholic Chamber of Commerce networking lunch, Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m., Resurrection Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. For Catholic businesses and ministries. Free, no membership required. R.S.V.P.: 239-980-0921, [email protected].

Blue Mass, Sept. 22, 9 a.m., St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. Mass honors those who have died in the line of duty and those currently serving as first responders, and is an opportunity for the community to show gratitude to first responders and their families. All are welcome.

Evangelization training workshop, Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Led by St. Paul Evangelization Institute; sponsored by Legion of Mary Manasota Curia. Focuses on basic methods for evangelization that anyone can use. Cost: $10

per person, includes lunch and materials. Register: [email protected], 657-777-2963, stpaulse.com/venice.

San Gennaro festival, Sept. 23, noon-5:30 p.m., St. Joseph Parish and Catholic School, 3100 26th St. W., Bradenton. Mass and procession. Traditional Italian dishes, sauce contest, bocce, bingo and children’s games. Free parking and entry. 941-755-2611.

Laps for Life 5K walk/run, Oct. 6, 8:30 a.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota. Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Victory Council 3358 is helping to raise money for an ultrasound for My Choice Pregnancy Center, Sarasota. Cost: $35. https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sarasota/SarasotaLapsforLife.

Faith and Wine Lee County, Oct. 25, 6 p.m., St. Columbkille Parish, Fort Myers. Speaker: Jess Echervery, “Wounded and Redeemed Like Jesus.” Tickets: $10 or $40 for season. www.faithandwineleecounty.com.

“Called and Gifted” workshop, Oct. 27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Presentation by Mary Sharon Moore and Charlie Hoover of Catherine of Siena Institute, Colorado Springs. Theme: “Discover God’s Call for Your Life,” on the nature of charisms, call and vocation, and discernment. Cost: $30 per person, includes all materials, a light breakfast and lunch; $25 until Sept. 1. www.stagnesnaples.org. Some materials available in Spanish. Ivy O’Malley, 239-592-1949, [email protected].

80th annual Kristallnacht Commemoration, Nov. 4, 2:30 p.m., Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. Presented by Catholic Jewish Dialogue of Collier County. Recounts events of Nov. 9-10, 1938, in Germany when mobs attacked Jewish society. Free and open to the public. [email protected].

Craft sale, Nov. 16, 3-6 p.m.; Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Elk’s Lodge, 401 Indiana Ave., Englewood. Hosted by St. Raphael Parish Council of Catholic Women. Marianne Riley, 607-922-1418; Judie Bull, 941-374-5690.

Scholarships available. For Catholic lay men and women pursuing graduate degrees for professional positions in Parish and Diocesan ministry. Deadline: Sept. 15. Barbara Cheaney, 210-828-9921, 1-800-292-2548.

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NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL NEWS9 Florida Catholic Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018

JULIE ASHER Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON | The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Aug. 16 announced three key goals and a comprehensive plan to address the “moral catastrophe” of the new abuse scandal hitting the U.S. Church.

The plan “will involve the laity, lay experts, the clergy and the Vati-can,” Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston said. This plan will be presented to the full body of bishops at their general assembly meeting in Baltimore in November.

He said the “substantial involve-ment of the laity” from law enforce-ment, psychology and other disci-plines will be essential to this pro-cess. He also said that right now, it is clear that “one root cause” of this catastrophe “is the failure of episco-pal leadership.”

In a lengthy letter addressed to all Catholics, Cardinal DiNardo laid out three goals just established by the bishops’ Executive Commit-tee in a series of meetings held early the week of Aug. 13.

The first is a “full investigation” into “the questions surrounding” Archbishop Theodore E. McCar-rick, a former cardinal and retired archbishop of Washington. He said the Executive Committee will ask the Vatican to conduct an apostolic visitation into these questions “in concert with” a group of laypeople identified for their expertise by the USCCB’s lay-run National Review Board who will be “empowered to act.”

With a credible allegation that Archbishop McCarrick abused a minor nearly 47 years ago and ac-cusations of his sexual misconduct with seminarians, many have been asking how the prelate could have risen up the ranks of the Church as an auxiliary bishop, bishop, arch-bishop and finally cardinal.

Cardinal DiNardo described the second and third goals, respec-tively, as an opening of new and confidential channels for reporting complaints against bishops, and advocacy for more effective resolu-tion of future complaints.

The three goals “will be pursued according to three criteria: proper independence, sufficient authority and substantial leadership by laity,” he said.

“Two weeks ago, I shared with you my sadness, anger and shame over the recent revelations concern-ing Archbishop Theodore McCar-rick,” the cardinal said. “Those sen-timents continue and are deepened in view of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report.

“We are faced with a spiri-tual crisis that requires not only spiritual conversion, but practi-

cal changes to avoid repeating the sins and failures of the past that are so evident in the recent report,” he added.

Cardinal DiNardo said the mem-bers of the Executive Committee “have already begun to develop a concrete plan for accomplishing these goals, relying upon consulta-tion with experts, laity and clergy, as well as the Vatican.”

In addition to this being present-ed to the full body of bishops at their Baltimore assembly, the cardinal said he will go to Rome to present these goals and criteria to the Holy See, and to urge further concrete steps based on them.

“The overarching goal in all of this is stronger protections against predators in the Church and any-one who would conceal them, pro-tections that will hold bishops to the highest standards of transpar-ency and accountability,” Cardinal DiNardo explained.

He elaborated on each of the goals he described, starting with the “full investigation” of the Arch-bishop McCarrick case and ques-tions surrounding it.

“These answers are necessary to prevent a recurrence,” he said, and “so help to protect minors, seminar-ians and others who are vulnerable in the future.”

The bishops will “invite the Vati-can to conduct an apostolic visita-tion to address these questions, in concert with a group of predomi-nantly laypeople identified for their expertise by members of the Na-tional Review Board and empow-ered to act,” he said.

He said the second goal “is to make reporting of abuse and mis-conduct by bishops easier.”

“Our 2002 ‘Statement of Episco-pal Commitment’ does not make clear what avenue victims them-selves should follow in reporting abuse or other sexual misconduct by bishops,” he explained. The statement is in the bishops’ “Char-ter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” approved in

Dallas in 2002, and revised in 2005, 2011 and 2018. “We need to update this (commitment) document,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “We also need to develop and widely pro-mote reliable third-party reporting mechanisms. Such tools already exist in many dioceses and in the public sector and we are already ex-amining specific options.”

The third goal has to do with advocating for “better procedures to resolve complaints against bish-ops,” he said.

“For example, the canonical pro-cedures that follow a complaint will be studied with an eye toward con-crete proposals to make them more prompt, fair and transparent, and to specify what constraints may be imposed on bishops at each stage of that process,” he said.

He also laid out the three criteria for pursing these goals: “genuine independence,” authority and “sub-stantial involvement by the laity.”

“Any mechanism for address-ing any complaint against a bishop must be free from bias or undue in-fluence by a bishop,” he said. “Our structures must preclude bishops from deterring complaints against them, from hampering their inves-tigation, or from skewing their reso-lution.”

Regarding authorit y in the Church, he said, “Because only the pope has authority to discipline or remove bishops, we will assure that our measures will both respect that authority and protect the vul-nerable from the abuse of ecclesial power.”

About the “substantial involve-ment of the laity,” he said: “Laypeo-ple bring expertise in areas of inves-tigation, law enforcement, psychol-ogy, and other relevant disciplines, and their presence reinforces our commitment to the first criterion of independence.”

Cardinal DiNardo said the goals and plans outlined in his letter are “only the beginning.”

He asked U.S. Catholics “to hold us to all of these resolutions.” n

USCCB explains plan to address ‘moral catastrophe’ of abuse

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, applauds June 13 at the opening of the bishops’ annual spring assembly. (BOB ROLLER | CNS)

Artwork by Marilyn Hamann. Used with permission from www.Popesprayerusa.net

Love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12

2018 STATEWIDEFLORIDA RESPECT LIFE CONFERENCECharlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center Punta Gorda, FL

Hosted by the Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office

September 28-29

Punta Gorda

Includes: Youth Conference for high school teens Taller para jóvenes (en inglés) el sábado, de 11:00 a.m. a 8:30 p.m. Taller en español el sábado, de 2:00 p.m. a 5:30 p.m

Details: www.dioceseofvenice.org/RLC2018 Contact: [email protected] or 941-374-1068 (English), 941-412-5860 (en español)

Deadline: September 10

12336-0831

WASHINGTON | The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said he was “eager for an audience” with Pope Francis to gain his support for the bishops’ plan to respond to the clergy sexual abuse crisis.

In an Aug. 27 statement, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston also said that the questions raised by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, former nuncio to the United States, in a letter published by two Catholic media outlets “deserve answers that are conclusive and based on evidence.”

“Without those answers, innocent men may be tainted by false accusations and the guilty may be left to repeat the sins of the past,” the cardinal said.

In his 11-page letter, published Aug. 26, Archbishop Vigano accused Church officials, including Pope Francis, of fail-ing to act on accusations of abuse of conscience and power by now-Archbish-op Theodore E. McCarrick. Archbishop Vigano claimed he told Pope Francis

about Cardinal McCarrick in 2013. See story, this page.

In his statement, Cardinal DiNardo re-iterated an Aug. 16 call for an apostolic visitation, working with a national lay commission granted independent au-thority, to investigate the “many ques-tions surround Archbishop McCarrick.”

He also said he convened members of the USCCB Executive Committee Aug. 26 and that they “reaffirmed the call for a prompt and thorough examination into how the grave moral failings of a brother bishop could have been toler-ated for so long and proven no impedi-ment to his advancement.”

The plan earlier outlined by Cardinal DiNardo also called for detailed propos-als to make reporting of abuse and mis-conduct by bishops easier, and improve procedures for resolving complaints against bishops.

Cardinal DiNardo again apologized to abuse survivors and their families. “You are no longer alone,” he said.

CARDINAL SEEKS PAPAL AUDIENCE



NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL NEWS 10Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018 Florida Catholic

Former nuncio alleges cover-up of McCarrick’s misdeedsJUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY | A former ap-ostolic nuncio to the United States accused Church officials, includ-ing Pope Francis, of failing to act on accusations of abuse of conscience and power by now-Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick.

In an open letter first published by Lifesite News and National Cath-olic Register Aug. 26, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, who served as nuncio to the U.S. from 2011 to 2016, wrote he was compelled to write his knowledge of Archbishop McCar-rick’s misdeeds because “corrup-tion has reached the very top of the Church’s hierarchy.”

Throughout the 11-page testi-mony, which was translated by a Lifesite News correspondent, the former nuncio made several claims and accusations against prominent Church officials, alleging they be-long to “a homosexual current” that subverted Church teaching on ho-mosexuality.

Citing the rights of the faithful to “know who knew and who covered up (Archbishop McCarrick’s) grave misdeeds,” Archbishop Vigano named nearly a dozen former and current Vatican officials who he claimed were aware of the accusa-tions.

Archbishop Vigano criticized Pope Francis for not taking action against Cardinal McCarrick after he claimed he told the pope of the allegations in 2013. However, he did not make any criticism of St. John Paul II, who appointed Archbishop McCarrick to lead the Archdiocese of Washington and made him a car-dinal in 2001.

According to the former nun-cio’s testimony, the Vatican was informed in 2000 of allegations that Archbishop McCarrick “shared his bed with seminarians” by two for-

mer U.S. nuncios — Archbishop Ga-briel Montalvo and Archbishop Pi-etro Sambi. This corresponds to re-marks by Father Boniface Ramsey, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church Yor-kville in New York City, who told Catholic News Service earlier in August he had written a letter “and it didn’t seem to go anywhere.”

Archbishop Vigano said that in 2006, as the official in the Secretari-at of State that coordinated relations with nunciatures around the world, he sent two memos recommending that the Holy See “intervene as soon as possible by removing the cardi-nal’s hat from Cardinal McCarrick and that he should be subjected to the sanctions established by the Code of Canon Law.”

“I was greatly dismayed at my superiors for the inconceivable ab-sence of any measure against the cardinal, and for the continuing lack of any communication with me since my first memo in December 2006,” he said.

The former nuncio claimed that Pope Benedict XVI later “imposed on Cardinal McCarrick sanctions similar to those now imposed on him by Pope Francis.”

“I do not know when Pope Bene-dict took these measures against McCarrick, whether in 2009 or 2010, because in the meantime I had been transferred to the Governorate of Vatican City State, just as I do not know who was responsible for this incredible delay,” he said.

Then-Cardinal McCarrick, he said, “was to leave the seminary where he was living” which, at the time, was the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Archbishop McCarrick, he add-ed, was also “forbidden to celebrate Mass in public, to participate in public meetings, to give lectures, to travel, with the obligation of dedi-cating himself to a life of prayer and penance.”

However, no such sanctions, which normally are made public, were announced by the Vatican at the time.

The alleged sanctions, he said, continued to be in effect when Archbishop Vigano became apos-tolic nuncio to the United States in 2011 and were relayed to then-Cardinal McCarrick. “I repeated them to Cardinal McCarrick at my first meeting with him at the nun-ciature. The cardinal, muttering in a barely comprehensible way, ad-mitted that he had perhaps made the mistake of sleeping in the same bed with some seminarians at his beach house, but he said this as if it had no importance,” Archbishop Vigano wrote.

Archbishop Vigano also said Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Wash-ington, D.C., was the first prelate in-formed of the sanctions against Mc-Carrick. He spoke directly to him on several occasions and that Cardinal Wuerl “failed to acknowledge re-ceipt of my two letters, contrary to what he customarily did.”

Contacted by Catholic News Ser-vice, Edward McFadden, secretary for communications for the Archdi-ocese of Washington, said: “In spite of what Archbishop Vigano’s memo indicates, Cardinal Wuerl did not receive any documentation or in-formation during his time in Wash-ington, regarding any actions taken against Archbishop McCarrick.”

Archbishop Vigano also alleged that several U.S. prelates were aware or should have known about then-Cardinal McCarrick’s behav-ior, including retired Bishop Paul Bootkoski of Metuchen, New Jersey; retired Archbishop John J. Myers of Newark, New Jersey; Cardinal Kev-in J. Farrell, head of the Vatican of-fice for laity and family and former auxiliary bishop of Washington, D.C.; and Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, president of the Pontifi-

Pope Francis said Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano’s long document calling on him to resign is written in a way that people should be able to draw their own conclusions. “I read the statement this morning and, sincerely, I must say this to you and anyone interested: Read that statement attentively and make your own judg-ment,” he told reporters Aug. 26. “I think the statement speaks for itself, and you have a sufficient journalistic ability to make a conclusion.” Speaking to reporters traveling back to Rome

with him from Dublin, the pope said his lack of comment was “an act of faith” in people reading the document. “Maybe when a bit of time has passed, I’ll talk about it.” Asked directly when he first learned of the former Cardinal McCarrick’s sexual abuse, Pope Francis said the question was related directly to Archbishop Vigano’s report and he would not comment now. Archbishop Vigano, the former nuncio to the United States, claimed he told Pope Francis about Cardinal McCarrick in 2013.

POPE SAYS HE TRUSTS PEOPLE TO JUDGE ARCHBISHOP’S CLAIMS ABOUT HIM

cal Commission for the Protection of Minors.

In a June 20 statement, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark said: “In the past, there have been alle-gations that he engaged in sexual behavior with adults. This Archdio-cese and the Diocese of Metuchen received three allegations of sexual misconduct with adults decades ago; two of these allegations result-ed in settlements.”

Cardinal O’Malley has apolo-gized for what he described as an administrative communication failure in which his secretary did not relay to him a 2015 letter from Father Ramsey about allegations against Archbishop McCarrick. Archbishop Vigano himself has been accused of suppressing an in-vestigation into alleged homosex-ual activity committed by retired Archbishop John Nienstedt of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

In a 2014 memo to St. Paul-Min-neapolis Auxiliary Bishop Lee A. Piche, Father Dan Griffith, a former delegate for Safe Environment for the archdiocese, said the former nuncio’s call to end the investiga-tion against Archbishop Nienstedt and to destroy a piece of evidence

amounted to “a good old-fashioned cover-up to preserve power and avoid scandal.”

Archbishop Nienstedt and Bish-op Piche resigned in 2015 after the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office filed criminal and civil charges against the archdiocese in its han-dling of sexual abuse perpetrated by former priest Curtis Wehmeyer in 2008-2011.

This is not the first time that Archbishop Vigano has been open-ly critical of Pope Francis.

In January, nearly two years after the release of Pope Francis’ apos-tolic exhortation on marriage and family life, “Amoris Laetitia,” the former nuncio was among several prelates who signed a document criticizing ministry to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics and the possibility that, under some condi-tions, some of those Catholics could return to the sacraments.

The document claimed the pope’s exhortation caused “ever increasing confusion among the faithful” and stated that the admis-sion of divorced and civilly remar-ried Catholics is “a discipline alien to the entire tradition of the Catho-lic and apostolic faith.” n

MARK PATTISON Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON | More commit-tees are not the answer to stop the abuse of children and vulnerable adults by clergy, said an Aug. 28 statement by the National Review Board, which is charged with ad-dressing clerical sexual misconduct in the Catholic Church.

“What needs to happen is a genu-ine change in the church’s culture, specifically among the bishops themselves,” the board said. “This evil has resulted from a loss of mor-al leadership and an abuse of power that led to a culture of silence that enabled these incidents to occur.

“Intimidation, fear, and the mis-use of authority created an environ-ment that was taken advantage of

by clerics, including bishops, caus-ing harm to minors, seminarians, and those most vulnerable,” the NRB said. “The culture of silence enabled the abuse to go on virtually unchecked. Trust was betrayed for the victims/survivors of the abuse; the entire body of Christ was be-trayed in turn by these crimes and the failure to act.”

The purpose of the NRB, estab-lished in 2002 as part of the Char-ter for the Protection of Children and Young People, is to work col-laboratively with the U.S. bishops’ Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People in pre-venting the sexual abuse of minors in the United States by persons in the service of the church. But even the charter that created the NRB is wanting, the board said.

“The members of the NRB have on numerous occasions pointed out the weaknesses in the charter given its deliberate ambiguity and its lack of inclusion of bishops. During the most recent revision process of the charter, many of the recommenda-tions made by the NRB to strength-en the charter were not incorporat-ed for a variety of reasons,” the NRB said. “The National Review Board has for several years expressed its concern that bishops not become complacent in their response to sexual abuse by the clergy. The re-cent revelations make it clear that the problem is much deeper.”

The statement said, “The episco-pacy needs to be held accountable for these past actions, and in the future, for being complicit, either directly or indirectly, in the sexual

abuse of the vulnerable. Holding bishops accountable will require an independent review into the ac-tions of the bishop when an allega-tion comes to light.”

“In particular, the notion of ‘fra-ternal correction’ must outline con-crete steps that will be taken when a bishop is alleged to have com-mitted sexual abuse or has failed to respond immediately and without hesitation when a cleric is accused of sexual abuse,” it said.

“To ensure that bishops under-take their obligation to act deci-sively when they have knowledge of incidences of sexual abuse com-mitted by the clergy or their brother bishops, there must be substan-tive formation of newly appointed bishops on their responsibility as moral leaders within the church,

especially in responding to sexual abuse, something which is current-ly lacking.

The NRB offered itself as the body with which to entrust an in-dependent review of allegations against bishops, as outlined by Car-dinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galves-ton-Houston, president of the U.S. bishops.

“The NRB, composed exclu-sively of lay members, would be the logical group to be involved in this task,” it said. “An anonymous whistleblower policy,... that would be independent of the hierarchy with participation by the laity, per-haps the NRB, who would report allegations to the local bishop, local law enforcement, the nuncio and Rome, needs to be established im-mediately.” n

NRB: Change in church’s culture, including bishops, needed to end abuse

QUICK READS11 Florida Catholic Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018

NATION

Catholic Online founder sentenced for tax evasion

FRESNO, Calif. | U.S. Dis-trict Judge Dale A. Drozd on Aug. 13 sentenced Michael Galloway, owner and operator of the Catho-lic Online website, to 21 months in prison for tax evasion, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott. Galloway, 63, of Bakersfield, was ordered to sur-render to serve his sentence begin-ning Nov. 14. On March 21, a jury in Fresno returned a guilty verdict, convicting Galloway on four counts of tax evasion. According to court documents, the Catholic media entrepreneur generated revenue by selling advertising and hosting to faith-based businesses.

Galloway’s 26-year-old media enterprise Catholic Online carries international, national and local news, finance, health, family, arts and entertainment features, col-umns, features on saints, an assort-ment of videos on faith and other topics, Scripture readings, as well as Catholic Church news from Catho-lic News Agency/EWTN and other sources. I

t includes a portal called Catho-lic Online Singles. It also carries advertising and promotes pilgrim-ages and other Catholic tours. The site says it has “unique users” num-bering 150,000 daily and 4 million monthly and has 2.5 million follow-ers on Facebook.

Priest attacked in church; citing abuse scandal

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. | A Byz-antine Catholic priest was attacked Aug. 20 in the altar servers’ sacristy of his church in Merrillville, near Gary in the northwestern part of the state. The priest, Father Basil Hutsko, suffered a concussion in the attack at St. Michael Church, and was scheduled to undergo further tests to determine the extent of his injuries. The attacker, who was still at large, jumped Father Hutsko from behind, according to Father Thom-as Loya, director of the Respect Life Office for the Byzantine Ruthenian Catholic Eparchy of Parma, Ohio, and a member of the eparchy’s pres-byteral council.

In a Facebook posting after the attack, Father Loya said, “The at-tacker choked him and slammed his head to the ground. Father Ba-sil lost consciousness. Before going unconscious, Father Basil heard the attacker say, ‘This is for all the kids!’” — a reference to clergy sex abuse scandals that have resurfaced in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Fa-ther Hutsko, who is in his 60s, is not suspected of any abuse, Father Loya told Catholic News Service in an Aug. 21 telephone interview.

WORLD

Franciscan brother goes on hunger strike in Brazil

SAO PAULO | Since the end of July, six Brazilians, including Franciscan Brother Sergio Gorgen, have been on a hunger strike to denounce the deteriorating condi-tions of many Brazilians due to in-creased violence, unemployment and hunger. “From the neck up, I’m great,” Brother Gorgen told Catholic News. “From the neck down, I’m a bit debilitated,” added the 62-year-old religious, who entered the 18th day of the hunger strike Aug. 17. The hunger strikers are denouncing the social policies adopted by the cur-rent administration and the coun-try’s court system, which they say is not obeying the Brazilian Constitu-tion.

“The STF (Federal Supreme Court) has a duty to apply the con-stitution; it has the responsibility of making sure that the constitution is observed and, right now, in certain cases, it is not,” said Brother Gorgen. “It is an extreme action because we today are facing an extreme situ-ation,” he added. The group met with Carmen Lucia Rocha, Brazil’s Supreme Court chief justice, in mid-August and asked her to free former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and allow him to run in the October presidential race.

Extremism cannot be fought with extreme intolerance

VATICAN CITY | Catholic leg-islators must defend religious free-dom around the globe, but they must take care to ensure they do not fall into the trap of showing disrespect toward or intolerance of other religions while doing so, Pope Francis said.

The pope met Aug. 22 with par-ticipants in the annual meeting of the International Catholic Leg-islators Network and the group’s “freedom summit.” According to the group’s website, the network began in 2010 “as an independent and nonpartisan international ini-tiative to bring together practicing Catholics and other Christians in elected office on a regular basis for faith formation, education and fel-lowship.” P

ope Francis told participants that the Christian politician is called “to try, with humility and courage, to be a witness” to Christian values and to propose and support legisla-tion in line with a Christian vision of society and of the human per-son. The situation of Christians and other religious minorities in some parts of the world has “tragically worsened” due to “intolerant, ag-gressive and violent positions” even in countries that claim to recognize the freedom of religion, he said.

Venezuelan refugees say they had no food

BOGOTA, Colombia | Asiangelis Guevara sat at the dining room ta-ble at a shelter for migrants, sipping hot chocolate, holding her year-old son and encouraging him to eat a piece of bread. He gripped the food, but just stared back at her while her two daughters, ages 3 and 5, sat at a child-size table nearby, devouring their snacks and giggling at a visi-tor. Tiny, curly haired Ruben Dario is the reason Guevara, 21, and her husband, Ruben Dario Cazar, 28, left their home in Venezuela, with three children and only the bags they could carry, in hopes of start-ing over in Colombia. “The situation was terrible,” Cazar said. “The chil-dren were malnourished. We didn’t have food.” That was a common refrain among the steady stream of Venezuelans who arrived at a shel-ter run by Scalabrinian sisters July 23, the same day as Cazar and his family. Most had been traveling for several days on foot, in trucks and by bus, sometimes sleeping under bridges. At the Bogota bus terminal, the migrant ministry staffs a small office that offers assistance and sometimes referrals to the shelter, where people can stay for a few days while they look for housing or make arrangements to continue traveling to another city or country. All are fleeing a situation that is growing increasingly desperate, said Scal-abrinian Sister Teresinha Monteiro, who welcomes new arrivals at the shelter with basics such as towels and soap. Venezuela’s spiraling economic and political crisis has

Sister’s first pitch wows crowd

CHICAGO | Not only is Do-minican Sister Mary Jo Sobieck a nun, she’s also an internet sensa-tion. The ceremonial first pitch she tossed prior to a Chicago White Sox-Kansas City Royals game in Chicago Aug. 18 — a curveball with what baseball insiders call “12-to-6” action — was a perfect strike. It

also didn’t hurt that Sister Sobieck bounced the ball off her bicep be-fore making the memorable pitch. One 24-second clip of Sister So-bieck throwing the pitch had gar-nered 2.73 million internet views by midday Aug. 21. Even the Chisox’s own Twitter account called it “one of the most impressive first pitches of all time.” White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito, who crouched at home plate to catch the nun’s toss, remarked to

mlb.com after the game, “That was awesome. She had a whole routine. She had it planned out. I was just lucky to be back there. She threw a perfect pitch.” Sister Sobieck, a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois, is a theol-ogy teacher at Marian Catholic High School in suburban Chicago Heights. She is an alumna of Cathe-dral High School in St. Cloud, Min-nesota.

left shelves bare in stores, includ-ing supermarkets and pharmacies. Sister Monteiro has heard stories about fistfights over food scraps in garbage piles in Venezuelan cities.

Religious groups to fight violence against kids

LIMA, Peru | Catholic and other Christian and non-Christian re-ligious groups launched an effort Aug. 16 to combat violence, espe-cially sexual violence, against chil-dren in Peru. They join interfaith groups in 12 other Latin American and Caribbean countries as part of the Global Network of Religions for Children, working to reduce violence through education in val-ues, prayer and efforts to reduce poverty. “Every day there is news in the media” about cases of physi-cal and sexual abuse of children, “and there are still unheard stories that have not been addressed,” said Maryknoll Sister Esperanza Prin-cipio, a native of the Philippines who now works in Villa El Salvador, a sprawling, low-income district on the south side of Peru’s capital city.

Sister Principio participated in the global network in Panama, where she worked from 2005 to 2012. When she moved to Villa El Salvador last year, she realized that many women, including mothers and grandmothers, were still trau-matized by sexual abuse they had suffered as children, often at the hands of relatives. “They carry it with them all their lives,” she told Catholic News Service.

Slovak teen to be beatified as martyr to purity

OXFORD, England | A 16-year-old peasant girl will be beatified as a martyr in Slovakia, seven decades after she was shot in front of her family for resisting rape by a drunk-en Soviet soldier. Anna Kolaserova “embodies the faithful layperson living in their family, regularly re-ceiving sacraments, praying the ro-sary and approaching God through good works. Her heroic testimony, drawn from a sincere spiritual life, is something every Catholic and believer can aspire to,” Archbishop Bernard Bober of Kosice, Slova-kia, said Aug. 21. He said honoring Kolaserova, whose “reputation for holiness” had inspired young Slo-vaks, would give the local Church a unique chance for spiritual growth. “The story of 16-year-old Anna Kolesarova offers a strong message, of course, for the younger genera-tion,” he said.

“Celebrating the divine grace which was present in her life will enable us to gather the faithful, but also to reach the wider civil society,” Archbishop Bober said. “Her story provides a spiritual re-sponse to today’s nostalgia for pu-rity. It’s a message not confined to the younger generation, but one to move all faithful people. Servants of God who gave their lives for Christ in modern Slovak history were the victims of a totalitarian communist regime which suppressed religious freedom, and this will be the first layperson declared blessed.”

Dominican Sister Mary Jo Sobieck, a theology teacher at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago, throws out the ceremonial first pitch — a curveball — during the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals game Aug. 18 in Chicago. (COURTESY MELISSA FERRARA, IRON + HONEY PHOTOGRAPHY | CNS)

NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL NEWS 12Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018 Florida Catholic

CINDY WOODEN Catholic News Service

DUBLIN | Before celebrating Mass in a Dublin park, Pope Fran-cis solemnly asked forgiveness for the thousands of cases of sexual and physical abuse perpetrated by Catholics in Ireland.

“We ask forgiveness for the abuse in Ireland, abuse of power and of conscience, sexual abuse” by clergy and religious, he said Aug. 26. “In a special way, we ask forgiveness for all the abuse committed in the dif-ferent institutions run by religious men and religious women and oth-er members of the Church.”

In a litany of recognition and prayers for the Lord’s mercy, Pope Francis formally asked forgive-ness for the forced labor that even children were forced to perform in Church institutions.And, responding to a request made by two survivors he had met Aug. 25, the pope asked forgiveness for all the babies taken from their un-wed mothers and put up for adop-tion without their mothers’ consent.

The mothers were told later it would be a “mortal sin” for them to try to find the children, but the pope said explicitly: “It is not a mortal sin. It is the Fourth Commandment,” which states, “Honor your father

and your mother.”“We apologize for some mem-

bers of the hierarchy who did not own up to these painful situations and remained silent,” he said. “We ask for forgiveness.”

The pope’s penitential plea fol-lowed the introductory remarks of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin, who told the pope, “The Church in Ireland has gone through challenging times. People have been wounded in the depth of their being by Church people; people’s faith has been challenged and the Church of Jesus Christ has been wounded.”

“Faith in Ireland is strong,” he said, and “faith in Ireland is frag-ile,” but that is not necessarily a surprise. “There is an intrinsic fra-gility in faith can steer us away from arrogance and self-centeredness.”

The Mass was the official closing of the World Meeting of Families, and Pope Francis used his homily to urge families from around the world to harness their joy and use it to transform the world into a place where all people feel loved, wel-comed and supported in their com-mitments to each other.

“The Church as a whole is called to ‘go forth’ to bring the words of eternal life to all the peripheries of our world,” the pope told tens of

thousands of people gathered in a slightly sodden Phoenix Park.

A view of the crowd from the altar was that of a mosaic of brightly col-ored rain gear flapping in the wind. But even close to the altar platform there were large open spaces set aside for people who never arrived.

At the end of his homily, Pope Francis urged each person present — “parents and grandparents, chil-

dren and young people, men and women, religious brothers and sis-ters, contemplatives and missionar-ies, deacons and priests” — to share “the Gospel of the family as joy for the world!”

The Catholic teaching on mar-riage and family life is often chal-lenging and not universally ac-cepted, he said, but Jesus himself promised that his words “are spirit and life.”

In fact, he said, it is the Holy Spirit who “constantly breathes new life into our world, into our hearts, into our families, into our homes and parishes. Each new day in the life of our families, and each new gen-eration, brings the promise of a new Pentecost, a domestic Pentecost, a fresh outpouring of the Spirit, the paraclete, whom Jesus sends as our advocate, our consoler and indeed our encourager.”

The world needs such encour-agement, the pope said, and lay-people in families are the best ones to give it. St. Paul, in his Letter to the Ephesians, describes marriage as “a sharing in the mystery of Christ’s undying fidelity to his bride, the Church,” he said. “Yet this teach-ing, as magnificent as it is, can ap-pear to some as a ‘hard saying.’ Be-cause living in love, even as Christ loved us, entails imitating his own

self-sacrifice, dying to ourselves in order to be reborn to a greater and more enduring love.”

That self-giving love, he said, is the only thing that “can save our world from its bondage to sin, self-ishness, greed and indifference to the needs of the less fortunate.”

Self-giving love is what Chris-tians learn from Jesus. Self-giving love “became incarnate in our world through a family,” he said, and “through the witness of Chris-tian families in every age it has the power to break down every barrier in order to reconcile the world to God and to make us what we were always meant to be: a single human family dwelling together in justice, holiness and peace.”

Pope Francis said participants, filled with enthusiasm after the World Meeting of Families, also need to “humbly acknowledge that, if we are honest with ourselves, we, too, can find the teachings of Jesus hard.”

“(H)ow difficult it is always to for-give those who hurt us; how chal-lenging always to welcome the mi-grant and the stranger; how painful joyfully to bear disappointment, rejection or betrayal...”

But that is when Catholics must affirm that they believe and will fol-low the Lord. n

CINDY WOODENCatholic News Service

DUBLIN | In a stadium of Catho-lic families from around the world, Pope Francis told the laypeople they are the vast majority of Church members and that, without them, the Church would be cold, a collec-tion of statues.

“God wants every family to be a beacon of joy of his love to our world,” the pope said Aug. 25, cel-ebrating the Festival of Families in Dublin’s Croke Park Stadium.

The Irish dance troupe River-dance thrilled the crowd and brought a big smile to Pope Francis’ face. “The Priests,” a classical Irish trio of priests, performed, as did Na-than Carter, an Irish country singer, and tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Families from India, Canada, Iraq, Ireland and Burkina Faso stood on stage near the pope while pre-recorded video versions of their testimonies played.

The Canadian couple, Marissa and Aldo d’Andrea of Toronto, spoke about their 54 years of mar-riage, their four children and 13 grandchildren — and one on the way. The Iraqi couple, Enass and Sarmaad Mekhael, are refugees living in Australia. Enass’ brother was Father Ragheed Aziz Ganni,

Families called to share joy, life with the world WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES

a 35-year-old Chaldean Catholic priest murdered in 2007 at a parish in Mosul, Iraq.

The families, who have faced joys and heartache and have held on to each other and to their faith, are models of how each Catholic fam-ily is called to give a witness in the world to the love of God, the pope said.

“That is what holiness is all about,” he said. “I like to speak of the saints next door, all those ordi-nary people who reflect God’s pres-ence in the life and history of the world.”

Pope Francis insisted, “The vo-cation to love and to holiness is not something reserved for a privileged few,” but is a call that comes with baptism.

One key aspect of God’s love is

God’s willingness to forgive, and that is an essential part of family life, too, the pope said. Every fam-ily experiences tensions and argu-ments, the pope said, but “some-times you are angry and tempted to sleep in another room — alone and apart — but just knock on the door and say: ‘Please, can I come in?’ All it takes is a look, a kiss, a sweet word and everything returns to normal.”

Pope Francis said the stories shared by the couples clearly show the strength and power that come from faith and from the grace of sacramental marriage.

“The love of Christ that renews all things is what makes pos-sible marriage and a conjugal love marked by fidelity, indissolubility, unity and openness to life,” he said. “God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit

DUBLIN | Pope Francis spent 90 minutes meeting privately with eight survivors of sexual, physical and emo-tional abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy or in Catholic-run schools and institutions. The meeting took place at the Vatican nunciature in Dublin Aug. 25, the first day of Pope Francis’ two-day visit to Ireland, the Vatican press office announced. Afterward, two of the survivors published a statement describing the meeting. They said, “Pope Francis condemned corruption and cover-up within the Church as ‘caca’ — literally filth as one sees in a toilet, his translator clarified.” The Vatican named seven of the survivors who met with the pope and said the

eighth asked to remain anonymous. Those named were: Marie Collins, a former member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors; Father Patrick McCafferty, who was abused in a seminary; Father Joe McDonald; Damian O’Farrell; Paul Jude Redmond; Clodagh Malone; and Bernadette Fahy. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin told reporters Aug. 22 that the number of children physi-cally, sexually and emotionally abused by Catholic clergy and in Church-run institutions in Ireland was “immense.” It included victims in Church-run industrial schools, the Magdalene laundries, mother and baby homes and parishes.

POPE MEETS WITH SURVIVORS OF ABUSE

— created mankind in his image to share in his love, to be a family of families and to enjoy the peace that he alone can give.”

Many seats in the stadium re-mained empty. Years of revelations of the extent of decades of physi-cal, sexual and emotional abuse by Church officials and their long-delayed response to the problem have devastated Irish Catholics, sent church attendance plummet-ing and contributed strongly to the waning influence of the Irish hier-archy in public discourse.

Earlier in the day, Pope Francis spent 90 minutes meeting privately with eight survivors of the abuse. One survivor, Father Patrick Mc-Cafferty, tweeted that it was “an excellent meeting in every respect.”

Paul Doherty, 53, a security guard from County Meath, told Catholic News Service, “The Church in Ire-land needs new life, new thinking. We need to let the people speak — about divorce, marriage, abortion, same-sex marriage. The people of Ireland have a voice. And they’re using their voice.” n

Pope Francis meets with a family that gave testimony during the Festival of Families in Croke Park Stadium in Dublin Aug. 25. (PAUL HARING | CNS)

Pope Francis arrives to celebrate Mass at Phoenix Park in Dublin Aug. 26. (PAUL HARING | CNS)

Pope Francis begins Dublin Mass by asking for forgiveness

NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL NEWS13 Florida Catholic Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018

JONATHAN LUXMOORE Catholic News Service

OXFORD, England | Christians in Chad are being intimidated and forced from public life, under new rules prioritizing Islam in violation of the North African country’s sec-ular foundations, according to the Catholic Church.

A senior church source, who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution, called the situation “critical, as the great powers show complicity by turning a blind eye to violations of basic human rights un-der cover of resisting radical Islam.”

The source also said Catholic leaders fear for their lives after criti-cizing constitutional changes.

The comments were sent Aug. 27 to Catholic News Service, as the government of President Idriss Deby enforced a revised constitu-tion, extending presidential powers

in the predominantly Muslim state and requiring office-holders to take a religious oath.

“The new religious oath is ex-clusive and reductive in its vision of the state and appears to be an-other way of excluding Christians from public responsibilities,” the church source said. “What will now become of the many Chad-ians who are neither Muslims nor Christians, and what will be the purpose of our institutions of jus-tice and regulation?”

The revised constitution, in force since May 4, abolishes the office of prime minister and extends the powers of Deby, in office since 1990, allowing him to seek a sixth and seventh term, running till 2033.

In April, the Catholic bishops’ conference criticized the religious oath and use of Diya — blood mon-ey or ransom. The bishops urged a referendum on the revised con-

stitution and warned its adoption otherwise risked igniting “inter-communal bitterness” and “gravely perverting democratic rules.”

“Our country is traversing a so-cial crisis — in this difficult context, a project for reforming the institu-tions has been set in motion which does not have the support of the body of citizens,” said the bishops. “As a church, we have reflected on our engagement in the service of charity and development ... but we must stress that poverty is now growing as grave violations of fun-damental human rights become the norm.”

Radio France International re-ported Aug. 13 priority had since been given to officials taking the religious oath “in the name of Al-lah the all-powerful,” adding that several top Christian officials had been dismissed for refusing it.

The church source told CNS

Catholic leaders believed the re-ligious oath would “do nothing to solve the real problems of Chad,” while the practice of Diya was “very specific to Muslim communities” and would “sow hatred” if imposed on Christians.

However, the source added that the government had “reacted vio-lently against the Catholic Church” after it listed its objections and said bishops had been threatened and intimidated.

“The bishops’ (April) declaration and the virulent response from gov-ernment media outlets merely show the truth of what it denounced,” the church source told CNS.

“The bishops’ conference has opened a Pandora’s box in a climate of economic and social crisis, where no one has the courage to say any-thing, and the men of power are driven to attack when any voice is raised against what they think.”

“Many senior Christians are alarmed by what is happening,” the source told CNS.

“Through their social catechesis, public positions and messages to the Catholic faithful and people of goodwill, Chad’s bishops are help-ing build a society of coexistence — and they are doing this work by giving enlightened advice.”

Speaking in Arabic Aug. 22 dur-ing the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, Deby said the religious oath was needed to fight corruption and reflected “the will of the people,” adding that his priority was nation-al security and reconciliation.

“I once again ask those of our fellow citizens who still hesitate to overcome their doubts and contrib-ute to building our new citadel,” RFI reported Deby as saying.

The Catholic Church accounts for just 7 percent of Chad’s 3.7 mil-lion inhabitants. n

Source: Catholics face fear as Chad prioritizes Islam

BARB ARLAND-FYE Catholic News Service

BROOKLYN, Iowa | A mural of a grizzly bear breaking through a brick wall calls attention to visitors in the BGM High School gym.

It seemed a fitting metaphor for the unstoppable spirit of Mollie Tibbetts, whose life was celebrated during a memorial Mass Aug. 26 in the gym.

The 20-year-old college stu-dent, described as a bright light in this farming community of 1,500 people, was abducted and killed in July while jogging just outside of Brooklyn. Her disappearance led to a monthlong search that drew national attention and hundreds of volunteers determined to bring the young college student home.

Farm worker Christhian Rivera, 24, has been charged with first-de-gree murder. He entered the U.S. illegally seven years ago, a fact that further fueled the immigration de-bate dividing the nation. What’s more, Rivera was an “employee in good standing” at Yarrabee Farms, which is owned by the family of former Iowa official Craig Lang.

Lang is the former president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and a 2018 Republican candidate for state secretary of agriculture, according to the Des Moines Reg-ister.

But it was Tibbetts’ ability to bring out the best in others that brought 1,500 people to the memo-rial Mass, with Bishop Thomas R. Zinkula of Davenport, Iowa, presid-ing and five priests concelebrating. Adults and youths, Catholics, and non-Catholics, sang in the choir. A section of seats was reserved for the Class of 2017, Mollie’s class. Hugs were exchanged generously

in that section and elsewhere in the packed gym.

It’s hard to know what to say when a family loses a loved one in such a way, Bishop Zinkula said as Mass began, noting that it is more important to be present to the fam-ily. God also is present with all who mourn Tibbetts’ death and shares their pain and sorrow, he said, and the dying and rising of Jesus of-fers the faithful the passage way into eternal life. “Let’s pray Mollie home.”

Tibbetts was raised in San Fran-cisco and in her mother Laura Calderwood’s hometown of Brook-lyn. It was in the small town where Tibbetts loved attending Mass at St. Patrick Church with her grand-mother, Judy Calderwood.

Tibbetts grew stronger in her faith during high school, Angie Gritsch, the parish’s director of religious education, said, adding that she loved kids and wanted to be a child psychologist. “Her peers looked up to her; she was a mom to everybody. She always had a smile on her face; she always had some-thing good to say about somebody,” Gritsch said.

Father Corey Close, St. Patrick’s pastor, led a prayer service after Mollie’s body was found and gave the homily at her memorial Mass. He said he saw Mollie “as a bright, shining light” and himself as “a dim bulb” who will benefit from hav-ing gotten to know more about the young woman preparing to enter her sophomore year at the Univer-sity of Iowa.

In speaking with Mollie’s par-ents, Father Close said the topic of the mustard seed came up. His heart was drawn to that passage, which he proclaimed in the Gospel at the memorial Mass.

Memorial Mass celebrates life of woman found dead in Iowa

“I began to see Mollie not as a mustard seed, but as a full-grown bush, full of lush greenery, and, more importantly, full of many, many seeds,” the priest said. “These seeds are the stories we carry with us today, all of your stories of who she was, and how she touched your life, or the life of one whom you loved.”

He said he saw a parallel between Tibbetts and St. Therese of Lisieux, a Carmelite nun of extraordinary joy and energy who died at age 24, but left a lasting legacy of faith and inspiration.

“Who can say what good will come of what Mollie has already given the world? ... I have already seen how her passing has touched lives, has changed lives. Look at the

good God is working among us here today,” Father Close said.

Giving eulogies after Mass were J.R. Glenn, one of Tibbetts’ high school teachers; her cousin, Mor-gan Collum; her brother, Jake; and her father, Rob.

Collum urged the gathering to do right by Tibbetts, to share what they are best at with others — kindness, patience, humor or faith, for exam-ple. “Don’t be mad at God for tak-ing Mollie from us,” Morgan said, choking up. “Praise God for giving us Mollie in the first place.”

“Mollie’s my hero,” said Rob Tib-betts. He encouraged the gathering to turn to celebrating wonderful things: the football team and the wedding the day before of a couple in the assembly who he asked to

stand up as everyone applauded. “That’s what Mollie would want,” he said.

The elder Tibbetts also expressed gratitude for the community sup-port the family received during the intense search for his daughter and paid tribute to family members and other for their roles in Mollie’s life. He also made a point of affirming Hispanics in the community, say-ing they are Iowans too, with the same values.

“Mollie turned a mirror on us. She wanted us to see what we liked about ourselves,” Rob Tibbetts said. “Mollie is a composite of all of us.” n

Arland-Fye is editor of The Cath-olic Messenger, newspaper of the Diocese of Davenport.

A photo of Mollie Tibbetts is seen during a memorial Mass for her Aug. 26 at BGM High School in Brooklyn, Iowa. The 20-year-old Catholic college student was described as a bright light in the farming community of Brooklyn, Iowa. (BARB ARLAND-FYE, THE CATHOLIC MESSENGER | CNS)

14Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018 Florida Catholic SUNDAY WORD and SCRIPTURE

Friday, Aug. 311 Cor 1:17-25; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11; Mt 25:1-13

Saturday, Sept. 11 Cor 1:26-31; Ps 33:12-13, 18-21; Mt 25:14-30

Sunday, Sept. 2Dt 4:1-2, 6-8; Ps 15:2-5; Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27; Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Monday, Sept. 3St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church1 Cor 2:1-5; Ps 119:97-102; Lk 4:16-30

Tuesday, Sept. 41 Cor 2:10b-16; Ps 145:8-14; Lk 4:31-37

Wednesday, Sept. 51 Cor 3:1-9; Ps 33:12-15, 20-21; Lk 4:38-44

Thursday, Sept. 61 Cor 3:18-23; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 5:1-11

Friday, Sept. 71 Cor 4:1-5; Ps 37:3-6, 27-28, 39-40; Lk 5:33-39

Saturday, Sept. 8Nativity of the Blessed Virgin MaryMi 5:1-4a or Rom 8:28-30; Ps 13:6; Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 or 1:18-23

Sunday, Sept. 9Is 35:4-7a; Ps 146:7-10; Jas 2:1-5; Mk 7:31-37

Monday, Sept. 101 Cor 5:1-8; Ps 5:5-6, 7, 12; Lk 6:6-11

Tuesday, Sept. 111 Cor 6:1-11; Ps 149:1-6, 9; Lk 6:12-19

Wednesday, Sept. 121 Cor 7:25-31; Ps 45:11-12, 14-17; Lk 6:20-26

Thursday, Sept. 131 Cor 8:1b-7, 11-13; Ps 139:1b-3, 13,14b, 23-24; Lk 6:27-38

Friday, Sept. 14Exaltation of the Holy CrossNm 21:4b-9; Ps 78:1-2, 34-38; Phil 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17

Saturday, Sept. 15Our Lady of Sorrows1 Cor 10:14-22; Ps 116:12-13, 17-18; Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35

Sunday, Sept. 16Is 50:5-9a; Ps 116:1-6, 8-9; Jas 2:14-18; Mk 8:27-35

SCRIPTURE readings

Sunday, Sept. 2Dt 4:1-2, 6-8; Ps 15:2-5; Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27; Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

My dad spent most of his life as a metal lithographer — a press-man printing large metal plates that eventually were turned into cans. Amongst many consequenc-es from this career came a set of rough and gnarled hands: weath-ered, worn, deeply lined, scaling, and with fingernails that rarely ever gave up the ink stains embed-ded in them. These were the hands of a working man who labored long and hard for those whom he loved.

Hands, in particular “dirty ones,” are clearly a major stum-bling block for the religious au-thorities in Mark’s Gospel account. As is often the case, the Pharisees and scribes are outraged with the lack of ritual purity on the part of Jesus’ disciples, to which, as usual, Jesus responds with his own out-rage at their pettiness and restric-tive, minimalist vision.

When we set this Gospel repar-tee between Jesus and the religious leaders in the context of our other Scriptures for this day, I believe Jesus is indeed, like his accus-ers, very much concerned about “hands,” but in a more profound way than they display with their feigned indignation.

It is clear from our Sunday word, the condition of a disciple’s hands is incredibly important for the spread of the kingdom, far more than lips, it would appear. But rit-ual cleanliness is not what makes a disciple able to, as Deuteronomy would instruct, “give evidence of God’s wisdom and intelligence to the nations,” but rather hands made dirty by the grit and grime of engaging the world in Gospel living.

As the psalmist proclaims, to walk blamelessly, to do justice, to avoid slander, to not reproach one’s neighbor, to not accept bribes, or as the Letter of James invites, “to care for orphans and widows (the scriptural “code phrase” for the most needy amongst us) in their affliction” — all will require heart-ful hands that take up the work of

the Gospel in the trenches of life: stooping down along Samaritan-strewn roadsides; touching those deemed unclean; giving up places and titles of honor; entering into out-of-bounds territory to meet people cast to the margins of soci-ety. All in all, “pure and undefiled religion” is anything but pure, clean and ritually spiffed up. It is far more than mouth-ing creeds, prayers and intercessions, or quoting doctrines and catechisms. It is all about getting one’s hands dirty for the sake of the kingdom.

The word indeed has been planted in us and, therefore, we can be no less than “doers of the word.” For to be mere “hearers of the word” is to be caught up in the same limiting, caging, and controlling at-titudes and behaviors of the hypocritical Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ day.

With his sandpapery and splin-tered-skin hands, my dad clearly never would have been able to moonlight as an advertiser’s “hand model,” yet I always had deep re-spect for those hands because they demonstrated to me someone who never took the easy way in life, never shied from hard work, and never gave any mind to mere cos-metic appeal.

This, I believe, is the mission to which the Lord calls us, as wit-nessed in this Sunday’s Scriptures. So, absolutely, our hands matter, but not because they need to be soft and creamy; but rather be-cause they need to get dirty, bear-ing the grime of real engagement with this world.

In the words of “Gaudium et Spes,” our hands must make the “joy and hope, the grief and an-guish of the men and women of our time, especially of those who are poor or afflicted in any way, the joy and hope and grief and anguish of the followers of Christ.” Otherwise, I fear we will bear the scourge of the name “hypocrite” and offer no evidence of the good news of the kingdom. n

Dirty handsSunday, Sept. 9Is 35:4-7a; Ps 146:7-10; Jas 2:1-5; Mk 7:31-37

It was my first day walking the August-steamy streets of Kings-ton, Jamaica. This was no casual sauntering around an all-inclusive island resort, but rather baby steps on a weeklong pilgrimage with fel-

low parishioners, invited to experience the missionary work of Food for the Poor.

As we made our way to a ramshackle, abandoned building in complete dis-repair — a broken-cement structure that had morphed into a kind of open-air “nurs-ing home,” no less overflow-ing with suffering people than the Gospel pool at Bethsaida (alas, here no pool in sight) — we were stopped in our tracks first by the odor emanating from the struc-ture, but then by the words painted on the exterior wall

leading to the entryway. The paint was blood red, and the bottoms of each letter were dripping down the façade.

Like a slap in the face, we read the words: “Tell the story!” This was to become my personal motto, not merely for the duration of the pilgrimage, but for all the days fol-lowing my return to our parish. But first, before any of us could “tell the story,” we needed to hear the story.

In the evangelist Mark’s rendi-tion of the healing of the deaf-mute, there is a revelatory structure, a pro-gression to Jesus’ visceral and tactile action that, I believe, is no accident. Ears are opened, then tongue is loosened, and finally words are spo-ken. Jesus groans, “Be opened,” But before the man’s tongue is set free, before he becomes a plain-speaker, he must first become a listener.

The prophecy of Isaiah proclaims a God who is coming to us with ex-ceedingly astonishing wonders: the lame learning new dance steps; streams bursting forth from arid landscapes; burning sands trans-formed into crystal-clear pools; blind eyes sparkling with new vi-sion.

And as if Isaiah is not exuberant enough with God’s promises, the psalmist this Sunday sings loudly in praise of God who “raises the bowed down, protects strangers, sustains widows and orphans, feeds the hungry, and delivers justice to the oppressed.”

But before any of these things make their way into the lives of real people, before they can be transfig-ured from dreamy words on a page of the Bible, the stories of those who are yet awaiting these promises of God must have their stories heard, listened to and compassionately embraced.

For us to engage in the Gospel life, to partner with the Lord, to be co-workers in the vineyard, we too must have our ears opened and lis-ten to the cries of the poor and suf-fering long before we start opening our mouths about those in need. For we surely live in a culture that is all too quick to pontificate about im-migrants, those mired in violence and poverty, those who lack access to adequate health care, those who go days without food or drink, those who live on the streets or in their cars, those who are locked behind barbed-wall prisons. At times we are anxious to open our mouths before we have taken the time to listen, to open our ears to the stories of those we easily analyze, evaluate and of-ten condemn. Perhaps through the proclamation of this Sunday’s word, Jesus intends a miracle for us — that our ears might be opened; that we will have the capacity, in the words of St. Benedict, to “listen with the ears of our hearts” to the stories of the ones whom the Lord comes to save. After all, as St. James’ uncom-fortable reminder queries: “Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?”

Indeed, in order to “tell the story,” we’ll need to listen to the story, and for this, Lord, we beg you, stick your finger in our ears and declare: “Be opened.” n

Father Berinti, Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood, is pastor of Im-maculate Conception Parish in Mel-bourne Beach.

Listen first

SUNDAY WORD

Father Ben

Berinti

WORLD YOUTH DAY CROSS WASHINGTON PROCESSION

Young people carry the official World Youth Day cross in a procession across the National Mall in Washington Aug. 25. The cross and a Marian icon toured the U.S. Aug. 19-27. (JACLYN LIPPELMANN, CATHOLIC STANDARD | CNS)

15 Florida Catholic Aug. 31-Sept. 13, 2018CLASSIFIEDS

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You who solve all problems, who light all roads so that I can attain my goals. You who give the divine gift to forgive and forget all the evil against me. And that in all instances of my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things and to confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you ever and in spite of all material illusion I wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. - MEC

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UN fact-finders: Prosecute Myanmar military leaders for genocide

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