Florida Catholic Conference offers statements to lead off

new year

Haitians celebrate their own mission

On the day Haitians annually celebrate their Thanksgiving, Jan. 2, Catholic Haitians in the Di-ocese of Orlando had a big reason to be thankful — the establishment of their first mission church.

Our Lady of Fatima Mission, set on a five-acre site in northwest Orlando, was blessed by Bishop John Noonan during an outdoor Mass Jan. 2. He was joined by Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Mi-ami, priests, and more than 400 members of the Haitian community.

Read about the mission located at 7401 Mott Ave., in Orlando, in this electronic edition of the Florida Catholic.

PALM BEACH DIOCESEORLANDO DIOCESE VENICE DIOCESE

A year of change and development

Upon reflecting on 2011, the Diocese of Palm Beach witnessed a year of enormous change and development. The year’s events demonstate how the local Catholic Church is growing, strengthen-ing and merging at this time of economic strug-gles and hardships when many are turning to the Church for hope. Read more about 2011 highlights in this electronic edition of the Florida Catholic.

More than 600 people gathered to celebrate the 208th anniversary of Haiti’s independence with their local shepherd and a bishop from the Carib-bean nation, which was established Jan. 1, 1804.

The Diocese of Venice in conjunction with the Haitian Catholic community celebrated a Mass at Epiphany Cathedral Jan. 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrat-ed the Mass with Archbishop Louis Kébreau of the Diocese of Cap-Haitian, Haiti.

Read more about it in this electronic edition of the Florida Catholic.

How to celebrate a the Year of Faith

WWW.THEFLORIDACATHOLIC.ORG | Jan. 13-26, 2012 | Volume 73, Number 5

Priests who completed the “Good Leaders, Good Shepherds” program hold their certificates during graduation ceremonies July 28 at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center. (LINDA REEVES | FC)

At top, members of the Haitian community sing during Mass Jan. 2, which was celebrated by Bishop John Noonan of Orlando, above left, and Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami at Our Lady of Fatima Mission in northwestern Orlando. (MICHAEL HARKER | FC) Community

celebrates independence

Bishop Frank J. Dewane and the priests who serve the Haitian community in the diocese are joined by Archbishop Louis Kébreau at Mass. (BOB REDDY | FC)

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FLORIDACatholicYOUR FAITH. YOUR LIFE. YOUR COMMUNITY. OF ORLANDO

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MICHAEL HARKERof the Florida Catholic staff

ORLANDO | On the day Haitians an-nually celebrate their Thanksgiving, Jan. 2, Catholic Haitians in the Diocese of Orlando had a big reason to be thankful — the establishment of their first mission church.

Our Lady of Fatima Mission, set on a five-acre site in northwest Orlando, was blessed by Bishop John Noonan during an outdoor Mass Jan. 2. He was joined by Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, priests, and more than 400 members of the Haitian community.

The mission, located at 7401 Mott Ave., was originally a home in need of ma-jor repairs. The repairs were made with funds raised over several years by the Haitian community. Those funds went toward a number of renovations, new f loors, structural repairs, doors, locks, bathrooms and window frames, as well as the additional new paint and a new air-conditioning unit.

“This is the answer to our prayers, but we’re not just going to sit here and be happy that we have a place to worship,” said Marie Delius, a native of Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, who has long waited for this new mission. “We know this is only the beginning. We know that God has an-swered our prayer. … We’ve had 40 days of prayer; we’ve had novenas. We are so glad God gave us the privilege, the bless-ing to answer the call and serve him.”

Bishop Noonan said the mission is a “great gift” for a “beautiful people,” who have endured much heartache, including

Our Lady of Fatima Haitian Mission established in Orlando

Bishop John Noonan, left, of Orlando and Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami prepare to celebrate Mass and bless the grounds at the new Haitian mission Jan. 2.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, Bishop John Noonan, priests of the Diocese of Orlando, and altar servers prepare for the celebration of an outdoor Mass Jan. 2 at Our Lady of Fatima Mission, a new mission established for the Haitian community. (PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HARKER | FC)

Marriage resolutions for 2012MICHAEL HARKERof the Florida Catholic staff

ORLANDO | If you haven’t made a New Year’s resolution yet, it’s not too late to do so, especially if you wish to strengthen or im-prove your marriage.

Heidi Peckham, a licensed mental health counselor and secretary of the Pastoral Min-istries Secretariat for the Diocese of Orlando, said it is important that couples find time to strengthen their marriage, no matter how long they have been together.

“When you get married, you take three vows — fidelity, permanence and openness to life — and those are very powerful,” Peck-ham said. “People who maintain healthy marriages live longer, and they’re more satisfied. All of our Catholic faith traditions are now proving, through research, to be healthy.”

The diocesan Office of Family Life and Pastoral Care is hosting a number of activi-

ties, workshops and celebrations to help cou-ples strengthen their marriage in 2012. The annual Wedding Anniversary Mass Feb. 4 at St. James Cathedral in Orlando is for couples married for any length of time, with special recognition for those celebrating their 25th and 50th anniversaries.

The Marriage SPA (Spiritual, Practical, Affirming) is a program providing Catholic faith-based marriage enrichment for couples married for any length of time. Several par-ishes in the Diocese of Orlando host these programs throughout the year, with an em-phasis on building intimacy, resolving con-flict, celebrating differences and renewing vows.

The Central Florida Worldwide Marriage Encounter is an enrichment program for couples married for three or more years, designed to give them an opportunity to examine their lives together and share feelings and emotions in an open, hon-est, face-to-face environment. For more

information, visit w w w.centralf lorida wwme.org.

Renovacion Conyugal is a weekend mar-riage enrichment retreat in Spanish, de-signed to help couples strengthen their mar-riage while sharing their values with other couples.

For troubled marriages, where separa-tion or divorce is a possibility or has already occurred, couples can attend Retrouvaille, a weekend retreat with a series of presenta-tions given by a priest and team couples. Couples are taught skills to help put the past behind them and begin rediscovering each other. The next Retrouvaille program is scheduled for Jan. 27; visit www.retrouvaille.org to register.

Additionally, the Diocese of Orlando is promoting a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website, www.foryourmarriage.org, which provides advice, videos and articles.

PLEASE SEE RESOLUTION, A3

Members of the Haitian community sing during Mass Jan. 2 following the establishment of Our Lady of Fatima Mission in northwestern Orlando.

the earthquake that devastated the coun-try nearly two years ago.

“I have personally worked with the Haitian people when I was in Miami and now here, and they are a beautiful peo-ple,” Bishop Noonan said. “They deserve to have a home of their own. It marked a joyful day for us in Orlando, that we can share something with the people of Haiti. They now have their home to worship. It is a great gift, and I hope that they are happy here.”

The Mass featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony following the homily, and Archbishop Wenski and Bishop Noonan blessed the church building and the grounds. Father Jean Gaeten Boursiquot, director of Haitian Ministry, later cel-ebrated the first Mass inside the mission church Jan. 3.

Haitians have long had a strong pres-ence in the Diocese of Orlando, with large communities historically at St. James Ca-thedral and St. Andrew Parish in Orlan-do, St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Apopka, and Resurrection Parish in Winter Gar-den. Currently, there are 11 parishes in the Diocese that celebrate Mass in French and/or Haitian Creole, both official lan-guages of Haiti.

The new church building holds ap-proximately 130 people, and two Masses are expected each Sunday. Delius said she expects more people will be attend-ing those Masses, however.

“Maybe we’ll have people at Mass out-side, looking in,” Delius said. “We nor-mally have close to 200 people at church. But it’s not a problem. It’s better to have somewhere to start.” �

Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 20122 YOUR OR�NDO COMMUNITY

Our Catholic Appeal surpasses 2011 goal; looks toward futureROBYN KURTH Special to the Florida Catholic

OR L A N DO | Cat hol ic s throughout the Diocese of Orlando recognize their blessings are from God and have shared their gifts with others through Our Catho-lic Appeal where pledges recently surpassed the 2011 goal of $12.25 million.

As of Dec. 31, a tota l of $12,377,066 has been raised in cash and pledges, marking an increase of more than $755,000 over the previous year. More than half of all parishes met or exceeded their goal, and 74 parishes have raised at least 90 percent of their goal.

“This is a remarkable achieve-ment that only faith could make possible,” noted Bishop John Noonan. “Through their generous commitments, our families have

shown that Our Catholic Appeal is worthy of support, and that our diocesan ministries have a direct and lasting influence on countless lives.”

James Edwards, president of the Catholic Foundation of Central Florida, is grateful to the more than 44,000 families who participated in Our Catholic Appeal. “We certain-ly recognize the difficult economy that has affected so many,” he said. “The need was great before the

economic downturn and is even that much greater now. The sacri-ficial generosity of so many fami-lies is a powerful reminder that our diocesan ministries do make a difference, and that God’s work is a priority in people’s hearts.”

Edwards also credited the lead-ership of the pastors and priests who helped make Our Catholic Appeal so successful in 2011. “Our families have given so generously because they see in their priests an example of loving service,” he said.

Gifts to Our Catholic Appeal provide annual operating support for a wide variety of diocesan min-istries that serve people, parishes and Catholic schools throughout Central Florida. With funds from Our Catholic Appeal, the diocese is able to nurture vocations, promote lifelong faith formation, and care for the hungry and homeless.

Last year 18.1 percent of the Our Catholic Appeal gifts went to ser-vices for clergy, religious and sem-inarians, and 14.9 percent went to schools and religious education.

“Every aspect of our life as Catholics is touched by gifts to Our Catholic Appeal — from the educa-tion of our young people in Catho-lic schools to the lifelong faith for-mation provided by our parishes,” said Edwards. “Gifts to Our Catho-lic Appeal enable our diocese to serve the people of God so that they will have the resources they need to minister to one another.”

Parishes across the diocese are al-ready preparing for Our Catholic Appeal 2012, with Feb. 11-12 des-ignated as Our Catholic Appeal Weekend. To make a gift to Our Catholic Appeal, please visit http://www.cfocf.org/OCA. �

Prayer services focus on peace, unity

Two prayer services to be held later this month will focus on peace and unity. The interfaith prayer ser-vice for peace will be held Jan. 19, 7 p.m., at the Congregation of Reform Judaism in Orlando. Bishop John Noonan will represent the Diocese of Orlando, and will join other reli-gious leaders to pray for a common goal of peace.

An interdenominational prayer service for Christian unity is sched-uled for Jan. 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Trin-ity Lutheran Church in Orlando. The service is part of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Bishop Noonan, Father Scott Circe of Most Precious Blood Parish in Oviedo, and Father Andrej Jurkie-wicz of St. Joseph Parish in Orlando will join other Christian leaders.

Members of the community are invited to attend both prayer ser-vices.

“For me personally, growing up in Ireland, there was animosity even between Christians,” Bishop Noonan said. “It was not until we came to a greater awareness and dialogue together that we truly be-gan to respect and understand one another. For all of our religions, it is very important to respect each oth-er, and that comes from dialogue between each other and praying together.”

Sisters of St. Joseph to lead retreat

Sister of St. Joseph Kathleen Power, Diocese of Orlando assistant director of vocations, will lead a retreat for young women (18-35 years of age) from Feb. 3 at 4:30 p.m. to Feb. 4 at 4:30 p.m. at the Villa Flora-Brown Hall Renewal Center in St. Augustine, located across from the Sisters of St. Joseph motherhouse.

The mission of the renewal center is to extend an invitation to dwell in the house of the Lord through prayer, ref lection and renewal in order to deepen a lived Catholic spirituality in daily life.

Sister Power will lead the retreat themed, “‘Live in the Hand of God: Live Purely and Love Purely’ — St. Edith Stein’s Advice to Young Women,” which will include prayer, reflection, Mass and sharing. St. Edith (1891-1942) lived as a German Jew who converted to Catholicism, served as a Red Cross nurse in World War I, and was a philosopher and feminist writer who was dedicated to the formation of the young women whom she taught in both high school and college.

Cost of the retreat is $50, and includes light dinner and lunch. Participants may register by phone at 904-824-17520; online at www.ssjfl.org; or by mail: Sisters of St. Joseph Villa Flora-Brown Hall, P.O. Box 3506, St. Augustine, FL 32085.

NEWSbriefs

‘Our families have given so generously because they see in their priests an example of loving service.’

— James Edwards

All Souls, Sanford

Annunciation, Altamonte Springs

Ascension, Melbourne

Basilica of St. Paul, Daytona Beach

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, Orlando

Blessed Sacrament, Clermont

Blessed Sacrament, Cocoa

Blessed Trinity, Ocala

Blessed Trinity, Orlando

Centro Guadalupano, Wahneta

Christ the King, Citra

Church of the Epiphany, Port Orange

Church of the Resurrection, Lakeland

Corpus Christi, Celebration

Divine Mercy, Merritt Island

Good Shepherd, Orlando

Holy Cross, Orlando

Holy Family, Orlando

Holy Name of Jesus, Indialantic

Holy Redeemer, Kissimmee

Holy Spirit, Lake Wales

Holy Spirit, Mims

Immaculate Conception,Melbourne Beach

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Ocala

Most Precious Blood, Oviedo

Nativity, Longwood

Our Lady of Grace, Palm Bay

Our Lady of Hope, Port Orange

Our Lady of Lourdes, Daytona Beach

Our Lady of Lourdes, Melbourne

Our Lady of the Lakes, Deltona

Our Lady of the Springs, Ocala

Our Lady Star of the Sea, New Smyrna Beach

Our Saviour, Cocoa Beach

Prince of Peace, Ormond Beach

Queen of Peace, Ocala

Resurrection, Winter Garden

Sacred Heart, New Smyrna Beach

San Jose, Pierson

San Pedro de Jesus Maldonado, Wildwood

St. Andrew, Orlando

St. Ann, DeBary

St. Ann, Haines City

St. Anthony, Lakeland

St. Augustine, Casselberry

St. Brendan, Ormond Beach

St. Catherine of Siena, Kissimmee

St. Charles Borromeo, Orlando

St. Clare, Deltona

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Fort Meade

St. Faustina, Clermont

St. Francis of Assisi, Apopka

St. Gerard, Edgewater

St. Hubert of the Forest, Astor

St. Ignatius Kim, Orlando

St. Isaac Jogues, Orlando

St. James Cathedral, Orlando

St. John Neumann, Lakeland

St. John the Baptist, Dunnellon

St. John the Evangelist, Viera

St. John Vianney, Orlando

St. Joseph, Lakeland

St. Joseph, Orlando

St. Joseph, Palm Bay

St. Joseph, Winter Haven

St. Joseph of the Forest, Silver Springs

St. Jude, Ocala

St. Lawrence, Bushnell

St. Leo the Great, Lake Wales

St. Luke, Barefoot Bay

St. Margaret Mary, Winter Park

St. Mark the Evangelist, ���������

St. Mary, Rockledge

St. Mary Magdalen, Altamonte Springs

St. Mary of the Lakes, Eustis

St. Matthew, Winter Haven

St. Maximilian Kolbe, Orlando

St. Patrick, Mt. Dora

St. Paul, Leesburg

St. Peter, Deland

St. Philip Phan Van Minh, Orlando

St. Rose of Lima, Poinciana

St. Stephen, Winter Springs

St. Teresa, Titusville

St. Theresa, Belleview

St. Thomas Aquinas, Bartow

St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Cloud

St. Timothy, Lady Lake

St. Vincent de Paul, Wildwood

Sts. Peter & Paul, Winter Park

Scan here to make a gift for 2012

In 2011, more than 44,000 families participated in Our Catholic Appeal, generously pledging more than $12.3 million – the largest total amount in the history of our diocese!

Thank you for changing lives for Christ.

Our Catholic Appeal 2011 Goal: $12,250,000 Raised to Date: $12,377,066

YOUR OR�NDO COMMUNITY 3Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic

Most Precious Blood Parish in Oviedo presents a DVD series called “Ten Great Dates,” which gives couples ideas on how to spend quality time together. The parish also has a marriage renew-al workshop scheduled for Feb. 24-25.

Chris and Nicole Fernandez, members of Most Precious Blood Parish, were married in July 2010. Chris Fernandez said that partici-pating in parish activities, as well as sharing quiet moments of rest and praying together daily help strengthen their marriage.

“The parish even presented a series on the Theology of the Body, which has impacted my wife and shows what God intends love to be — taking marriage and showing the world how to love each other and others,” he said.

Regardless of the path taken to

strengthen your marriage, Peck-ham said it is important to re-member the little things.

“It’s the little things that make marriages bigger and stronger,” Peckham said. “It’s paying atten-tion to the thank yous, the date nights, the 10-second kiss. You look at things you do every day and turn it into a prayer, be Christ to each other.” �

FROM 1

RESOLUTION: Strengthen marriage

“Christ the Lord raised mar-riage between the baptized to the dignity of a Sacrament” (Cat-echism of the Catholic Church, No. 1660). As a Catholic community, we celebrate the nuptial union that is intended to “perfect the couple’s love and strengthen their indissoluble unity” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1641).

MARRIAGE IS A SACRAMENT

Married couples to be blessed during Mass

Each year on or near World Marriage Day (Feb. 12), the Dio-cese of Orlando hosts a Mass to commemorate significant wed-ding anniversaries for married couples. This year’s Mass will be Feb. 4, 11 a.m., at St. James Cathe-dral in Orlando.

A reception will follow the Mass, which will be celebrated by Bishop John Noonan and is orga-nized by the Diocese of Orlando’s Office of Family Life and Pastoral Care. All married couples within

the diocese are encouraged to at-tend and no preregistration is re-quired.

“The diocesan Anniversary Mass is a witness to the impor-tance of the sacrament of matri-mony and the vocation of family life, which God calls some of us into as the domestic Church,” said Gigi Santiago, co-manager of the Office of Family Life and Pastoral Care. “As the domestic Church, we learn our faith, through the every-day spirituality of loving and for-giving in a familial way. We learn from each other that God calls us into relationship with each other and him.”

For more information, contact Judy Mading at 407-246-4865 or jmading@orlandodiocese.org.

NEWSbrief

LAURA DODSONFlorida Catholic correspondent

TITUSVILLE | Reasons for joy and hope abounded everywhere, Bishop John Noonan said Dec. 30, at the 50th anniversary celebration of St. Teresa School in Titusville.

“As I thought about this celebra-tion, I reflected that St. Teresa of Avila is the patron saint of the par-ish,” Bishop Noonan said. “Her life was difficult, but she never gave up. The parish has experienced ups and downs, but the faith life of the parishioners has allowed them to persevere. ”

The bishop thanked Father Chris Bugno, pastor, who concelebrated the Mass along with Father Aland Jean, associate pastor, and former pastors — Father John Murray, pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, New Smyrna Beach; Father Michael Farrell, pastor of Divine Mercy Parish, Merritt Island; and Father Michael Giglio, retired.

Bishop Noonan acknowledged alumni who are now clergy and religious, including Father Richard Voor, associate pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Altamonte Springs, a 1988 graduate; Deacon Mark LiBrizzi, class of 1989 who will be ordained a priest in May; and Apostolic Society Sons of the Divine Will Brother Tim James, class of 1984.

Joking that “these are the sisters who called your parents,” he intro-duced the many religious sisters. Sisters of Mercy Philomena Noone and Marcella O’Brien had taught at St. Teresa and returned from Ire-land especially for the event. Sisters of Mercy from Melbourne and the local community, and Sisters of

Catholic school celebrates 50 years

MICHAEL HARKERof the Florida Catholic staff

BAREFOOT BAY | St. Luke Par-ish commemorated its silver anni-versary Dec. 18 during a Mass con-celebrated by Bishop John Noonan. The only three pastors to serve the parish — Father Anthony Bluett, Fa-ther Pat O’Carroll and current pas-tor Father Yvon Hache, appointed in 2010 — were all in attendance, as were more than 400 churchgo-ers. About half that number also attended a luncheon with Bishop Noonan after Mass.

Prior to the church’s construc-tion in 1986, area Catholics cel-ebrated Mass in a community center in Barefoot Bay. The parish serves a number of local retirees as well as seniors from around the U.S. who spend winters in Florida. Father Hache said the parish also has a music ensemble that includes a number of teenagers who play in-struments in a more contemporary style of music.

Each month, parishioners are re-

St. Luke Parish celebrates 25 years

quested to donate $1 to provide tu-ition assistance to a student attend-ing Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Melbourne. Father Hache said the parish began contribut-ing to this scholarship program in August and hopes to raise about $5,000 before the end of the 2011-2012 school year. Members of the parish also donate food weekly for those in need.

“We have accepted the chal-lenges. The people here like that,” Father Hache said.

St. Luke, the only parish in the

Diocese of Orlando that celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2011, will continue to celebrate in 2012 with karaoke events and potluck meals. Bishop Noonan said it was the de-termination of many people that led to the formation of the parish.

“This parish was built through the generosity of the people of Bare-foot Bay, people who really wanted a church, and not only a church but a parish,” Bishop Noonan said. “Out of that respect, I truly want to thank everyone for what they have done — building a community of faith.”

Dorothy Pike has been a member of St. Luke Parish since 1990, and previously served as an extraordi-nary minister of holy Communion and volunteer at the parish thrift store. She now assists as a parish secretary and is a member of the ladies guild. She said she enjoys St. Luke Parish because she enjoys talking to fellow parishioners and spending time with them.

“I’ve met a lot of people there, many who have helped me,” Pike said. “They are all very pleasant.” �

Notre Dame proudly stood at the bishop’s invitation.

“It was the dawn of the Space Age and it was so exciting to bring the Gospel message to the chil-dren,” said Sister of Mercy Kath-leen O’Brien who was 20 when she boarded a plane in Ireland in Au-gust 1962 to teach kindergarten. She has taught every grade and still teaches religion. “The parents were very enthusiastic and wanted a well-rounded education. They didn’t want God to be left out.”

St. Teresa Cat holic School opened in 1961 with 50 children in grades one through three. The new school building was dedicated Oct. 12, 1962, and enrollment reached 760 students in 1968.

“Lifelong skills are what we give our students,” explained Principal Jacqueline Zackel, who is also an alumna. “We want them to reach their fullest potential and bring out their gifts, their strengths and their talents. Our whole life revolves around our church. It’s who we are — a shared vision, shared values.

It’s family.”Graduates from each decade and

current students were also called to stand as members of the faith fam-ily.

“Catholic education is built on the foundation of the family,” Bishop Noonan said in his homily, “not just in knowledge, but to truly learn to be a complete human be-ing. In the family, a person learns to love by being loved and learns that each person has been gifted by be-ing made in the image and likeness of God.”

A dinner reception complete with memorabilia and streaming video followed. Event coordinator Hillary Horner Arena, class of 1972, shared, “I realize now the sacrifice my parents made for six children to go to Catholic school. Faith comes in when people pull together — helping those unemployed find jobs, we support one another cook-ing a meal or writing a résumé or with tuition payments. We share with our faith community — our faith family.” �

Nicole and Chris Fernandez celebrate the sacrament of marriage in 2010 at St. Stephen Parish in Winter Springs. (COURTESY PHOTO)

T h e H o r n e r f a m i l y presents the gifts to Bishop John Noonan d u r i n g t h e 5 0 t h anniversary Mass at St. Teresa Parish in Titusville Dec. 30. Matt Horner, left, is facilities director for the parish and a St. Teresa Catholic School graduate (1977). Sons Matthew Jr. , second from left , and Alex also graduates of St. Teresa, stand next to their mother, Mary Anne. (PAMELA STIMPSON | FC)

Bishop John Noonan greets altar server Jonathan Conklin after celebrating Mass at St. Luke Parish in Barefoot Bay Dec. 18, 2011. (PAMELA STIMPSON | FC)

Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 20124 YOUR OR�NDO COMMUNITY

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Nativity renovates parish hall with Alive in Christ fundsROBYN KURTHSpecial to the Florida Catholic

LONGWOOD | Bishop John Noonan celebrated Mass Dec. 17 at Nativity Parish in Longwood and then led parishioners in a proces-sion to the newly renovated parish hall.

Nativity raised more than $850,000 in the Alive in Christ campaign with the goal of updat-ing the hall and kitchen to create a welcoming and functional space for fellowship and the enhance-ment of parish life.

“I hope you can look around to see how beautiful the hall is, so we’ll ask the Lord’s blessing upon this hall and thank the Lord for the gift of this hall,” said Bishop Noonan about the space that used to serve as Nativity’s church for the first 25 years of its history. “After much work and prayer by so many dedicated members of the parish of Nativity, we now gather to bless and dedicate this new parish hall. It will be the center of your parish activities in a place where you may come to know one another and give witness to your faith in Jesus Christ.”

Father Tom Barrett was Na-tivity’s pastor when the parish launched the Alive in Christ Cam-paign, and he returned to his for-mer parish for the blessing and to give his stamp of approval on the final project.

“The church is the seat of spiri-tual (life). As a family they gather at the altar, and then they gather over (in the parish center) for fel-lowship,” Father Barrett said.

Father Ralph DuWell, Nativity’s current parochial administrator, described the newly remodeled parish center as a place of “warmth and community” for the parishio-ners of Nativity. “The parishioners love the parish center,” he said. “Our Men’s Club does pancake and egg breakfasts there on (first Sundays), and everyone who has used the facility to date loves it,

with the colors and the brightness, and it really has been a wonderful remodeling job and it’s exciting to have this.”

Lillian Accardi’s late husband used to serve pancakes and eggs for the club breakfasts and she cur-rently prepares meals for the par-ish’s bereavement ministry in the upgraded kitchen, which now has a commercial-grade dishwasher, an additional commercial-grade refrigerator and freezer, convec-tion ovens and more organized area for storage.

“This church is behind every-thing we do,” she said. “I’m blessed to have a great kitchen to work out of now. It is so well organized. It’s a pleasure to work in there.”

“This is really an extension of the church because when we’re done celebrating the liturgy, we come right here,” said Bill Kramer, a 26-year parishioner and retired architect who oversaw the reno-vation of Nativity’s parish center. “That’s extremely important for the whole hospitality ministry of the parish because that’s what this parish is known for.”

“This (project) just shows the commitment that the people here have in support of the vision of the bishop for the diocese,” Father Du-Well said. “They’ve always been supportive of both Alive in Christ and Our Catholic Appeal.” �

Nativity Parish is participating in the Alive in Christ Capital and Endowment Campaign to fund the urgent needs of parishes and to fulfill the vision of the Diocese of Orlando that was identified during the synod. The majority of Alive in Christ proceeds remain with the parishes, helping to make long-held dreams a reality at the local level.

Effective Jan. 3: Father Sebastian Hanks, Order

of St. Paul the First Hermit, as pastor of St. Mark Parish in Sum-merfield.

OFFICIAL APPOINTMENT

The Diocese of Orlando is offering “Why Catholics Read the Bible,” a two-hour workshop in English and Spanish at diocesan parishes and missions. The faithful are encouraged to attend this free event that will equip them with a greater knowledge of the Scriptures and lead to a deeper faith.

The adult faith enrichment workshop is part of the series Why

Catholic? by RENEW International and will focus on the Catholic understanding of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ, sacred Scripture and sacred tradition. “Why Catholics Read the Bible” is open to everyone, including those not currently participating in Why Catholic?

Dates, times and locations for the English workshops are listed below. Please register by Jan. 27 via email to

whycatholic@orlandodiocese.org with your name and the workshop you wish to attend.

Blessed Trinity Parish, Ocala.

Patrick Parish, Mount Dora.

Blessed Trinity Parish, Orlando;

Parish, St. Cloud.

Francis of Assisi Parish, Apopka.

Margaret Mary Parish, Winter Park.

Ascension Parish, Melbourne.

Peter Parish, DeLand.

Basilica of St. Paul Parish, Daytona Beach.

Why Catholic? workshops to focus on Bible

The following is a letter from Bishop John Noonan to the people of Orlando.

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

A Child is born to us; a Son is given us. We have just concluded our Christmas season and the good news of the angels heralded to the shepherds is still ring-ing in our ears. This pre-cious gift of life, human in flesh, divine in nature, is given to us so that we might have everlasting life. Not one of us would deny the coming of Jesus or advocate for any law that might prevent his coming.

So, we find ourselves in Janu-ary, a month where the number 22 seems to stand out as a red flag

-niversary of Roe v. Wade, the land-mark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, which legally allowed abor-

advocated for the death of the un-born. The lives of these children of God would be spared because of economic difficulty, despair, suf-fering, self-pride or greed. I won-der how we have come to this and I think about it in the context of the birth of Jesus. What would we have missed if Mary had chosen against the pregnancy of the pre-cious Child for which we just cel-ebrated his birth and have done so for 2011 years?

Some of you may say, “Well, that was different.” How so? The life of a child is God-given. Each child born is a gift to us and a blessing in whatever way he/she develops and brings forth the power of God. I grieve over even one untimely death of one of God’s creations, a unique and irreplaceable human being.

There are people, both men and women, who suffer from guilt and separation from the Church because of participation in an abortion. Healing and God’s love, mercy and compassion are there for those who seek reconciliation

for what one may feel is an “un-forgiveable sin.” Our diocesan Office of Advocacy and Justice of-fers Project Rachel and Rachel’s Vineyard, a confidential process for healing and reconciliation

through nationally rec-ognized post-abortion programs approved by the Catholic Church.

Pope Bened ict X V I said, “The fundamental human right, the presup-position of every other right, is the right to life itself. This is true of life from the moment of con-ception until its natural end. Abortion, conse-

quently, cannot be a human right — it is the very opposite.”

I ask that you pray for each of us as we lead others to advocate for life in all stages. I hope that your schedules will allow you to join others from the Diocese of Or-

travel to St. Augustine to mark the

The march begins at the Mis-sion Nombre de Dios — the Great Cross — and concludes in the public plaza with talks by nation-ally recognized pro-life speakers.

For information on Project Ra-chel, Rachel’s Vineyard or the March for Life, call the Office of Ad-

My sisters and brothers, dur-ing this new year, may we remain joyous as God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend John NoonanBishop of Orlando

Remain joyous all year

YOUR OR�NDO COMMUNITY 5Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic

NATIONAL VOCATION AWARENESS WEEK (JAN. 9-14)

MICHAEL HARKERof the Florida Catholic staff

PORT ORANGE | When Father Chris Hoffman attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, he never realized where that education and experience would take him.

Father Hoffman, a Milwaukee native, graduated from Marquette — one of the premier Catholic uni-versities in the U.S. — with a bach-elor’s degree in accounting in 1982. But, instead of pursuing a career in business, he answered a calling to the priesthood.

He applied to the Diocese of Or-lando and was accepted as a semi-narian, and attended St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana for a year be-fore entering St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore. This was not far from Norfolk, Va., where a college friend was stationed after completing Marquette’s ROTC program.

After several visits to Norfolk and learning about what chaplains experienced in the military, Father

Priest profile: Father Chris HoffmanPastor combines priestly service with military service

Father Chris Hoffman, who currently serves as pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Port Orange, is shown in 2008 as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, unpacking supplies at an Air Force base in Qatar. Father Hoffman retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2009. (COURTESY PHOTO)

MICHAEL HARKERof the Florida Catholic staff

INDIALANTIC | David Mullen, 39, has held a number of jobs since graduating from Franciscan Uni-versity of Steubenville in Ohio with a degree in psychology. From driv-ing a truck and trailer to working as a technician at the Catholic televi-sion network EWTN in Irondale, Ala., Mullen has searched for that perfect career.

“But nothing was completely ful-filling. There was a restlessness,” Mullen said. “I’ve done everything and tried everything. This is what I was called to do.”

“This” refers to the priesthood. For Mullen, joining the seminary offers fulfillment. Now in his pasto-ral year and serving at the Basilica of St. Paul in Daytona Beach, Mul-len is among five seminarians in the Diocese of Orlando who origi-nally hails from Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Indialantic. When Mul-len was baptized at Holy Name of Jesus Parish as a baby, the priest whispered to his mother he would pray Mullen would become a priest. Mullen told his mother at a young age he thought about becoming a priest, but didn’t discern seriously until he began frequently attend-ing adoration.

“Nobody is going to call priests more than Jesus himself,” Mullen said. “That is when my vocation be-came reactivated and awakened.”

The other seminarians from the

Hoffman was granted permission in 1985 to join the U.S. Air Force Reserve and serve as a chaplain candidate. Father Hoffman was ordained a priest Dec. 5, 1987, and entered the military as a second lieutenant.

“They talked about how chap-lains there help them get settled and get involved in things, and I thought I could do that,” Father

Hoffman said. “I didn’t have any intention initially about going ac-tive duty. I just wanted to see what I could contribute, as a reserve, to those who were in the military.”

For two years, Father Hoffman experienced life on a military base. He spent time at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kan., and Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas before his first assignment in the

Diocese of Orlando as associate pastor at Epiphany Parish in Port Orange. Two years later, he went to Holy Redeemer Parish in Kissim-mee as associate pastor.

While at Holy Redeemer, he was called into active duty in support of Desert Storm in 1989, and assigned to Elgin Air Force Base in Fort Wal-ton Beach. He returned to his di-ocesan duties in 1991, and served in various capacities — including high school pastor at Bishop Moore in Orlando and Father Lopez in Daytona Beach, campus minister at Stetson University in DeLand, and in 1995 was assigned as pastor of St. Clare Parish in Deltona.

After various assignments over the next 13 years, he was called back to active duty in 2008, when he was deployed to Qatar in the Middle East, while serving as pas-tor at Holy Redeemer. While in Qatar, Father Hoffman visited dif-ferent medical centers and helped with the blood bank. Additionally, he saw firsthand how deployments

work, and the mission of Central Command and the chaplaincy in a deployed environment.

He also traveled between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, celebrating Mass at U.S. Air Force bases with military personnel and U.S. embassies with Catholics from around the world. Because many Middle Eastern countries forbid the celebration of Mass, churchgoers — many of them Saudis or from India — were forced to keep their attendance a secret.

“Legally, they’re not supposed to celebrate Mass there,” said Father Hoffman, who not only celebrated Mass, but also administered bap-tisms and other sacraments as well. “They always called Mass a meet-ing. I thought that was pretty neat. It felt like the early Church, where you had to quietly and secretively celebrate Mass.”

In 2009, Father Hoffman retired from the military as a lieutenant colonel. He was installed as pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Port Orange in August 2011. �

One parish nurtures many on path to priesthood

Indialantic parish include Benja-min Lenhertz, 26; Chris Dorsey, 25; Jonathan Richardson, 23; and Mark LaBelle, 23, who joined the semi-nary last April.

Holy Name of Jesus has been in-strumental in helping young men and women through the discern-ment process and finding their vo-cation. Through perpetual adora-tion, introduced by former pastor Msgr. David Page, and a vibrant youth group, the parish provides an openness that gives young people an interest in their faith and reli-gious life.

“I could have a real conversa-tion with Jesus,” said Lenhertz, who served at the Basilica of St. Paul last year and is a year away from being ordained a transitional deacon. “I could talk to him, and he could talk to me. That’s life-changing. The fruits of that have been all kinds of

vocations.”Richardson said he felt the call-

ing as a youth, and joined the semi-nary out of high school. Lenhertz, Dorsey and LaBelle felt the calling around high school when they at-tended youth groups, but graduated from universities first before enter-ing the seminary. Like Mullen, they credited eucharistic adoration and youth group experiences as reasons that helped them choose priest-hood.

“A lot of it has to do with the spirit of the parish also,” Richardson said. “More than anything, I think the spirit of prayer and the fact that we have so many dedicated individu-als, those are the key moments of grace that have produced so many vocations. Msgr. Page’s encourage-ment of prayer and priestly example greatly influenced the men of the parish.”

Dorsey, who will eventually serve the Archdiocese for Military Services as a priest, said he spent a lot of time talking to priests and peers during his discernment pro-cess. In addition to adoration and youth group, he said his entire fam-ily had an influence on his decision.

“I did keep my discernment to myself so they wouldn’t feel pres-sured toward me either way,” said Dorsey, whose mother, Mary, is the parish’s director of elementary re-ligious education. “They are very supportive.”

The vocations from Holy Name of Jesus Parish do not end with this group of five, however. Two other young men — Mark Cusick, 27, and Briggs Hurley, 22 — attend Mount St. Mary Seminary, and are associ-ated with the Archdiocese of Wash-ington, D.C., and Diocese of St. Au-gustine, respectively.

Holy Name of Jesus has also been instrumental in the discern-ment process for women. Sisters of Life Bethany Madonna, serving in the Bronx, N.Y., and Sister of Sacred Heart Patricia Taranto, serving in Nashville, Tenn., were members of Holy Name of Jesus Parish.

Father Jorge Torres, diocesan di-rector of vocations, said having this many seminarians from one parish is unique, not just to this diocese but also in general. With that in mind, he hopes it becomes a com-mon occurrence.

“We pray that it will continue to multiply,” Father Torres said. “May there be many parishes that pro-duce these vocations, not just in numbers, but also in quality, and foster that culture of vocations, al-lowing young men and women the opportunity to explore where the Lord may be calling them.”

Father Tony Welle, current pas-tor of Holy Name of Jesus, said the quality and quantity of vocations are rooted in the parish’s hospital-ity, family values, adoration, youth group and retreats.

“The simple fact is these are fer-tile grounds — that this place has been known for its hospitality and stability, which has helped,” Father Welle said. “There are many fami-lies who have good Catholic identi-ties (and) have sent their children to school here. The youth group is centered on the sacraments and faith formation. All of these have played a role.” �

Christopher Dorsey

Mark LaBelle

Benjamin Lenhertz

David Mullen

Jonathan Richardson

AROUND YOUR COMMUNITY Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 20126

The Florida Catholic welcomes calendar items of coming events for your parish, school, diocesan entity or Association of the Faithful. To submit a calendar item for consideration, please visit www.orlandodiocese.org/en/communications-home and click on the “Around Your Community Submission Form.” Deadline is at least four weeks prior to event date. Unfortunately not all submissions can be printed due to space limitations. If you have any questions, call 407-246-4924.

OR�NDO DIOCESE COMMUNITY PAGE SUBMISSION DEADLINES

The Society of St. Vincent de PaulHelping those in need

We helped a single mom by getting her car repaired so she could get to her job. Plus, we delivered a bed so her 2-year old would have a place to sleep.

We help people just like this family every day, providing necessities such as:

THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL NEEDS YOUR HELP.

To volunteer, please call: 407-880-3126

To donate items to our Thrift Stores in Apopkaand Clermont, please call: 877-439-7837

To make a financial contribution online, please go to: www.svdporlando.org

Or, contact us at: 770 S. Orange Blossom Trail Apopka, FL 32703The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a registered 501©3 and all donations are tax deductible.

25625-0113

DIOCESAN EVENTSInterfaith prayer service for

peace: Thursday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m., Congregation of Reform Judaism, 928 Malone Drive, Orlando. Bishop John Noonan and other leaders from various faith traditions in Central Florida gather together to pray for the common goal of peace. Contact Elizabeth Clayton, 407-246-4819, eclayton@orlandodiocese.org.

Adoption information session: Saturday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-noon, Catholic Charities of Central Florida Western Region Office, 1801 E. Memorial Blvd., Lakeland. Catholic Charities will host an orientation/informational session on domestic infant adoption, which will provide general information on infant adoption, along with information specifically on adoption services through Catholic Charities. Free. For more information or to preregister, contact Leesa Elliott, pregnancy and adoption counselor, 863-686-7153, ext. 3018; or leesa.elliott@cflcc.org.

Prayer service for Christian unity: Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10:30 a.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 123 E. Livingston St., Orlando. Bishop John Noonan, other priests from the Diocese of Orlando and leaders from various Christian denominations in Central Florida gather during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Contact Elizabeth Clayton, 407-246-4819, eclayton@orlandodiocese.org.

Diocesan “Celebrate Life Day”: Saturday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Holy Family Parish, 5125 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Sponsored by diocesan Office of Advocacy and Justice. Includes workshops, keynote speakers, information fair, blood drive, entertainment, and food and health vendors. Mass at 5 p.m. For more information, contact Elizabeth Clayton, 407-246-4819, eclayton@orlandodiocese.org.

Catholic Schools Week Jan. 29-Feb. 3. Theme this year is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service.” Check local schools for listing of activities and open house events.

Helper’s Mass, rosary procession: Saturday, Feb. 4, 8:30 a.m., Holy Family Parish, 5125 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Pray for the unborn, healing for mothers and fathers, and the conversion of staff and doctors. Mass begins at 8 a.m., followed by rosary procession to a nearby abortion clinic. For more information, contact Liz Clayton, 407-246-4819, eclayton@orlandodiocese.org.

Wedding Anniversary Mass: Saturday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m., St. James Cathedral, 215 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. Married couples living within the Diocese of Orlando are welcome to celebrate their wedding anniversaries with a Mass celebrated by Bishop John Noonan. No registration is required, and a reception will follow. For more information, contact Judy Mading, 407-246-4865, jmading@orlandodiocese.org.

Catholic Days at the Capitol: Tuesday-Wednesday, Feb. 7-8, Tallahassee. Join Catholics from across Florida. Program includes a legislative briefing on issues affecting human life and dignity followed by prescheduled meetings with elected officials. Participants are also invited to attend the annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit concelebrated by the bishops of Florida on the second day. Preregistration to attend the event is required. For more information, contact Elizabeth Clayton, 407-246-4819, eclayton@orlandodiocese.org.

Youth ministry formation day: Thursday, Feb. 16, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., San Pedro Retreat Center, 2400 Dike Road, Winter Park. Join youth ministry leaders and teams in examining research on the faith of youths and implications for ministry and families; explore how parishes and families can draw youth and families closer to God and Church; and take away models and methods for interacting with, engaging and empowering youths, parents and families to living discipleship. All clergy and parish ministers are welcome. Cost: $20 per participant; registration is preferred by Feb. 10. To register or for more information, contact Michelle Fischer, 407-246-4867, off@orlandodiocese.org.

“Take Up Your Cross” young adult retreat: Feb. 17-19, FFA Retreat Center, Haines City. A time to relax and rejuvenate before entering into the desert of Lent. Along with the Spirit-filled speakers, there will be a bonfire one night, Mass, adoration, optional reconciliation and/or spiritual direction, silent reflection and some free time. Cost: $120, includes two nights of lodging, five meals, and printed materials. For information and registration, contact alivermore@orlandodiocese.org.

White Mass: Saturday, Feb. 18, 4 p.m., St. James Cathedral, 215 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. Bishop John Noonan invites doctors, surgeons, health care workers, parish volunteers involved in health care ministry and the community to attend the Mass celebrated to pray for those who serve in hospitals, medical facilities and research centers. White not only symbolizes the color the workers wear, but is also a symbol of the Church of hope and comfort.

Hispanic ministry gala: Saturday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m., Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, 5300 Old Howell Branch Road, Winter Park. The diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry will announces its awards to those in assistant liturgy ministry, pastoral and evangelical positions. Buena Nueva FM will also give out special awards in Catholic music and programming. Tickets: $20 per person; available at the door or by contacting Yvette Hernandez, 407-246-4930, yhernandez@orlandodiocese.org.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Night of praise, adoration: Friday, Jan. 20, 7-9 p.m., St. Mary Magdalen Parish, 861 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs. An evening of praise and worship, inspirational talks, adoration and fellowship through the program XLT. For more information, contact Larann Wilson, 407-831-1212, LarannW@StMaryMagdalen.org.

Navigating your finances: Saturday, Jan. 21, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., St. James Cathedral, Orlando. Introduction on how to navigate finances in God’s way, eliminate debt, save money and budget to experience contentment. Seminar is free. Cost for materials: $25 per person; $35 per couple. For more information, contact Peggy Smith, 407-422-2005, psmith@stjcc.net.

Cantor Intensive Florida: Saturday, Jan. 21, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Blessed Sacrament Parish, 720 12th St., Clermont. The National Association of Pastoral Musicians will host a one-day intensive for cantors and psalmists to explore important areas of ministry and receive coaching and feedback. Topics include the liturgical role of the cantor or psalmist, and practicum for preregistered attendees or those who register on-site. For more information, contact Kathleen Haley, 240-247-3002, haley@npm.org.

“Your Family and Cyberspace: Raising Saints in the Digital Age”: Monday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m., St. Mary Magdalen Parish, 861 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs. Brandon Vogt, author of “The Church and New Media: Blogging Converts, Online Activists, and Bishops Who Tweet,” will speak on how to raise young people in a world of digital communications. For more information, contact Brandon Vogt, 407-443-2191, bvogt1@gmail.com.

Lunch and fashion show: Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Holy Spirit Parish, 644 S. Ninth St., Lake Wales. Hosted by Council of Catholic Women. Fashions from Beall’s. Includes door prizes and raffles. Tickets: $10 each. For individual tickets, contact Marillyn, 863-676-1162; for reserved tables

of six or eight, contact Peg, 863-696-0055.

Valentine’s dance: Saturday, Jan. 28, 8-11 p.m., Church of Our Saviour Parish, 5301 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Hosted by the Single, Separated, Widowed and Divorced Group; all singles and couples are welcome. Live music by the Visions. Tickets: $8 each; available at parish office or at the door. For more information, contact Iraida Rickling, 321-783-4152, yayirickling@juno.com.

Lasagna dinner: Friday-Saturday, Feb. 3-4, 7 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 834 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka. Attend dinner and a series of skits, featuring entertainment and door prizes, to honor longtime parish pianist Jack Ryan. Tickets: $15 for adults; $7 for children under 11; available only at parish office or by calling Sandy Bove, 407-788-8258. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Valentine square dance, dinner: Saturday, Feb. 18, 6-10 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 834 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka. Tickets: $15 for adults; $7 for children under 11; available after Masses Jan. 14-15 and Jan. 21-22, or contact Greg Fox, 407-886-3070. Proceeds will benefit a variety of church charities and functions.

ANNOUNCEMENTSEucharistic Congress in

Dublin, five-day tour of Ireland: June 12-21. Bishop John Noonan invites you to the 50th Eucharistic Congress celebration and five-day tour of Ireland. Cost: $3,099 per person, includes airfare, accommodations, transportation and breakfast and dinner; limited to the first 46 people who sign up. Eucharist Congress tickets are an additional $85. For the full tour itinerary, visit www.toursgalore.net. For the Eucharist Congress schedule, visit www.iec2012.ie. For more information, contact Mary or John Nolan, 321-212-8182 or 321-212-8093, wexford17@bellsouth.net. Deposit of $250 per person is due March 1 (optional trip insurance is an additional $179); final payment is due by April 1.

SUPPORT MINISTRIES/PEER GROUPS

Youth and young adult prayer group: Mondays, 7 p.m., Holy Redeemer Parish, Kissimmee. Call Adriana, 617-386-3785; or Shallamar, 765-543-1847.

Oviedo young adult men’s, women’s groups: Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m., Most Precious Blood, Oviedo. As an option, men’s group meets to play basketball at 5 p.m. Ages 18-39. Contact Hannah, catholicya@gmail.com.

YOUR OR�NDO COMMUNITY 7Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic

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ORLANDO | When Essilevy Colón and Carlos Gandia moved to Orlando from Puerto Rico with their two children they were hopeful. They made their move in an effort to place their 6-year-old daughter, who has autism, in the educational setting she needed to thrive.

But what was ahead was quite the bumpy road. Since their move, Essilevy’s mother died and her own health has been up and down. With tears in her eyes, she spoke about her mother. “I miss her so much. Every time I had a problem, she was the one I called.”

Now, the couple finds them-selves unemployed and searching for work. Although they attended interview after interview, they were unable to secure work, and without financial means, they had no choice but to leave their apart-ment and move in with a family member.

“We have bunk beds for the kids in the living room and we sleep on the floor on a mattress,” said Carlos.

The couple made their way to Catholic Charities late last year and say it’s a blessing to have been chosen as a receiving family for the Christmas “Sponsor a Family” program that has been in place for the past 15 years. 

“If not for this, we wouldn’t be able to give the kids gifts,” Essilevy said.

Parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Winter Park, Es-silevy said their faith helps them believe that there are better days to come. The children attend school, where they participate in free meal programs and have help with obtaining materials for class.

“At least I have a roof over my kids’ heads,” Essilevy said. “The teachers are amazing. They help us. … I’m really blessed for every-thing little.”

Julie Yetter, Catholic Chari-ties Central Region director, said that the best part of the Christmas program is seeing all of the smil-ing faces.

“Knowing that the families have undergone such struggles throughout the year, it’s nice to see them truly happy and appre-ciative of what they’ve received,” she said. “The worst part about the program is that we always wish we could do more.”

Nicole McDonald said she cried when she received a call from Catholic Charities inform-ing her that she and her sister were chosen for the program. The struggling single mother of a 3-year-old said this opportunity has made the season a joyful one for her child and for her nieces as well.

“I’ve had to take out advanced loans just to be able to pay bills and put food on the table,” said McDonald. As for her goals for the New Year, “I want to see my fi-nances stabilize. I want to be able to go to school.” �

Catholic Charities delivers joy to families at Christmas

Essilevy Colón and Carlos Gandia are ready to take home Christmas gifts provided by Catholic Charities of Central Florida on Dec. 21 at the Orlando food pantry and emergency family services location. The couple has two children and without Catholic Charities, they would not have been able to give them gifts on Christmas. (ELIZABETH ARENAS | FC)

Office offers new approach to lifelong faith formation MICHAEL HARKERof the Florida Catholic staff

ORLANDO | The new senior director of faith formation at the Diocese of Orlando said there are changes on the horizon both at the diocesan and parish levels, but one goal remains the same — inspiring lifelong learning.

“Bishop Noonan has set this vi-sion since his arrival, and this is consistent with the Vatican and the U.S. bishops,” said Dennis Johnson Jr., who joined the Dio-cese of Orlando last September. “In that, we must engage our-selves in formation of the faith for each of our particular age and ma-turity levels.”

The Office of Faith Formation was previously known as the Of-fice of Religious Education and the name change represents an intentional focus and commit-ment to the priority of lifelong faith formation.

What was the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry has been integrated into the Office of Faith Formation, as has the Com-missioned Lay Ecclesial Ministry (CLEM) program and campus ministry. The idea is to have min-istries with similar collaborative goals be united within one office.

“This is so we can be fully com-mitted to adult ministry, young adult ministry, youth ministry and various other ministries,” Johnson said. “These other ele-ments that live within the Office of Faith Formation, we will still do the work that we’ve always done. All of the places where we are pro-viding resources and support can be housed in the same arena. That will facilitate greater teamwork and allow us to be more efficient and collaborative.”

The Office of Faith Formation is focused in three core areas: animating leadership, fostering mature discipleship and promot-ing vibrant communities of faith. In animating leadership, there is a focus on working with parish catechetical and youth and young adult leaders to ensure they are well formed, and so parishes have the best people and programs in place. Fostering mature disciple-ship, Johnson said, is a critical factor. As baptized Catholics, Johnson said we are called to be disciples for our entire lives.

“But it’s not just creating these frameworks or using resources, it’s also about engaging people, and the relationship with Jesus Christ that is lived as a commu-nity,” Johnson said.

In promoting vibrant commu-nities of faith, there is an effort

to engage people in parish life. Communities then become bea-cons of hope, and parishes will be places where people can be transformed and share the good news of Christ with family mem-bers and friends.

By working with each parish, the Office of Faith Formation is laying out its specific visions and priorities. It is Johnson’s hope that parishes would set up similar structures that would best serve their ministries, for a truly uni-versal approach.

“We want to build program-ming structures that are broad and permeable, that can include everyone, but recognize that peo-ple may need to plug in and plug out,” Johnson said. “That takes a certain amount of creativity, plan-ning and strategic thinking. We’re working to help parishes bring that about.” �

‘(W)e must engage ourselves in formation of the faith for each of our particular age and maturity levels.’

— Dennis Johnson Jr.

YOUR OR�NDO COMMUNITY Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 2012825350-0113

MIDNIGHT MASS

During midnight Mass Dec. 24 at St. James Cathedral in Orlando, Bishop John Noonan blesses a manger scene with Ryan and Ashley Knight dressed as Joseph and Mary, and their son, Finn, portraying Baby Jesus. (JACQUE BRUND | FC)

Bishop John Noonan receives the gifts of bread and wine from inmates at Lake Correctional Institute in Clermont during a Mass he celebrated there Dec. 20. (MICHAEL HARKER | FC)

FIRST CHRISTMAS IN THE USA

Refugees from Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, Nepal, Iraq and other countries attend a party Dec. 16 at St. John Vianney Parish to commemorate their first Christmas in the United States. The event was hosted by Catholic Charities of Central Florida Refugee Resettlement and Integration Assistance Program for the families assisted by Catholic Charities during the past year. During the party, each child received a present from Santa. (JACQUE BRUND | FC)

MASS FOR INMATES

EPIPHANY CELEBRATIONVisiting Bishop Gregory Mansour, left, of the Eparchy of St. Maron in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Father Bassam Saade, pastor of St. Jude Maronite Catholic Church in Orlando, celebrate the solemnity of the Epiphany Jan. 8. (JACQUE BRUND | FC)

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FLORIDACatholicYOUR FAITH. YOUR LIFE. YOUR COMMUNITY. OF PALM BEACH

WWW.THEFLORIDACATHOLIC.ORG | Jan. 13-26, 2012 | $1.00

LINDA REEVESof the Florida Catholic staff

PALM BEACH | Upon reflecting on 2011, the Diocese of Palm Beach witnessed a year of enormous change and development.

The year’s events demonstate how the lo-cal Catholic Church is growing, strengthening and merging at this time of economic struggles and hardships when many are turning to the Church for hope.

NEW MASS TRANSLATIONDuring the first part of 2011, the Office of

Liturgy coordinated sessions to prepare priests for the new English translation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal, which is now official for the English-speaking world. Ses-sions were also held for lay ministry leaders, and faith communities gradually introduced changes, responses, songs and music.

On Nov. 27, the first Sunday of Advent, the new translation began, and by all accounts, de-spite a few people reverting back to the old re-sponses, it went off without a hitch in parishes.

“I welcome the changes and so do the kids,” Dee Aitken, youth minister of the Cathedral of St. Ignatius in Palm Beach Gardens, told the Florida Catholic. “To them, (the new transla-tion) is just enhancing their worship. They feel it really is a heart-to-heart relationship with the Lord at the Mass. We see them making the connection and it is beautiful.”

STRONGER SHEPHERDSThroughout the year, a fraternity of 24

priests of the diocese participated in a unique

A year of change and development

PLEASE SEE 2011, 5

Clockwise from top left, Father Peter Truong, left, parochial vicar of St. Thomas More in Boynton Beach, shares joy with newly ordained Father Dominic Toan Thien Thanh Tran May 7 at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola; the Orita Dancers, the Starlets of St. Ann and the Sacred Heart Haitian Dancers perform a liturgical dance during the Black Cultural Awareness Mass Feb. 13; Father Tomasz Bocknak kneels before Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito during ordination ceremonies May 7 at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola; students from four different school celebrate Mass at the chapel of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary as part of a Vocation Awareness Day March 28; Father David Carr, president of Cardinal Newman High School, presents Dominican Sister Anne Richard Baker, who has been part of the Cardinal Newman family since it began 50 years ago, with flowers Oct. 23; priests who completed the “Good Leaders, Good Shepherds” program hold their certificates during graduation ceremonies July 28 at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center. Alek Urrutia, a fifth-grader at St. Anastsia, completes a bullying assessment survey in his class Nov. 14; in May, children attending Holy Cross Catholic Preschool and Center programs in West Palm Beach display signs of thanks after receiving an 2011 Operation Rice Bowl grant. (PHOTOS BY LINDA REEVES, MARK BUONO AND GINA BARCA)

Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 2012YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY2

Catholics recall Mexican roots at feast day celebrations

Faithful gather at San Juan DiegoLINDA REEVES of the Florida Catholic staff

FORT PIERCE | Catholics came together last month in different gatherings to celebrate the feast of St. Juan Diego, the Aztec Indian the Virgin Mary appeared to in 1531.

Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito joined nearly 1,000 worshippers of the Hispanic community during a large gathering at the San Juan Di-ego Pastoral Center in Fort Pierce Dec. 9, the saint’s feast day. The celebration took place under a large tent erected on the grounds to ac-commodate the large crowd in at-tendance.

“It’s very nice; a very emotional ceremony,” said Ania Perez at the Mass with her 1-year-old daughter, Claudia.

The feast day celebration takes on a great significance to people with Mexican heritage since Juan Diego was walking in the hill coun-try of north Mexico City when the Virgin Mary appeared to him. Mary directed the poor man to go to the local bishop and tell him that she wanted a church built in her honor. The bishop told Juan Diego that he needed a sign to show that the re-quest to build a church was God’s will. Mary instructed Juan Diego to pick roses, which should not have been in season in December, and bring them to the bishop. When Juan opened his cloak (tilma), an image of Mary appeared on it.

To this day, science can’t explain how the image got onto the tilma. It remains on display in the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, where Pope John Paul II canonized Juan Diego in 2002. The basilica is one of the most visited Catholic shrines in the world. Thousands of native people, who did not know of Jesus, joined the Catholic Church after the miracle of Mary, the messenger of hope for people. People continue to convert because of her appearance to Juan Diego.

FELLSMERE | The commu-nity of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Fellsmere gathered Dec. 12 to commemorate the feast day of Our Lady of Guada-lupe.

More than 1,000 people of all ages — from teens to seniors, ba-bies to adults — filled the pews, aisles and entrance of the mis-sion for an evening Mass. The gat hering joined locals w it h people around the world united in prayer and celebration to hon-or the Blessed Mother.

Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego, an Aztec Indian, in 1531, leaving her image on his cloak. Today, that image is displayed at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, where millions make pilgrimages annually.

A replica of the image — Our Lady clot hed w it h t he su n, wearing a crown of 12 stars and standing with the moon under her feet and with child — was displayed pract ica l ly ever y-where during Fellsmere cel-ebrations. This same image is mentioned in Revelation 12:1-12 and seen at special celebrations held on feast days and in church-es and chapels. The mission church displays a large image of Our Lady in front of the church named for her.

During the Fellsmere gath-ering, groups of young danc-ers and musicians offered their talents to the Blessed Mother and people in the pews showed enormous devotion to her. Bish-op Gerald M. Barbarito, who spoke in Spanish, celebrated the Mass and blessed the children in attendance. Concelebrating the Mass with the bishop were

Fellsmere expresses great devotion for Our Lady

At Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Fellsmere Dec. 12, young people dress in costumes and dance in commemoration of the miraculous apparition of Our Lady to Juan Diego. (PHOTOS BY MARK STOCKER | FC)

Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito greets worshippers as he processes out of the church after Mass.

Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito blesses a statue of St. Juan Diego during ceremonies Dec. 9 at the Juan Diego Pastoral Center in Fort Pierce. The ceremonies were part of feast day celebrations honoring the saint. (PHOTOS BY EMILIO VAZQUEZ JR. | FC)

Ania Perez and her daughter, Claudia, 1, are dressed in colorful outfits as part of feast day celebrations Dec. 9.

“I am so happy to celebrate with all these wonderful people,” said Elizabeth Trachtman. The Mass also included the blessing of a large statue of St. Juan Diego that was un-veiled, becoming part of the pasto-ral center that is marking 10 years.

The center, founded by Father Gerard Don Bosco Redden in 2001, was established to help people come into the faith and be closer to Christ, and minister to both the reli-gious and secular needs of Hispan-ics. Father Redden died in May 2011 after helping bring Catholic teach-ings and ministry to thousands in the Hispanic community.

“Nearly 90 percent of our people are from Mexico,” said Father Jaime Dorado, new center administrator. “Father Redden did a wonderful job serving the Hispanic community.”

In the last few years, the San Juan Diego Center congregation has grown by leaps and bounds, and Masses and services have in-creased. At the present time, there are four Hispanic Masses on Sun-day. More than 600 are enrolled in religion classes. �

Father John Morrissey, pastor of St. Sebastian Parish in Sebas-tian, Father Ducasse François, mission priest-in-charge, Father

Brian King, episcopal secretary, and Father Juan Batista, a visit-ing priest from the Dominican Republic.��

Young people dress in costumes and dance during feast day celebrations at Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Fellsmere.

YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY 3Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic

DEANNA THURLOWFlorida Catholic correspondent

PORT ST. LUCIE | The history of St. Lucie Parish is a story about the people and priests of the commu-nity strong in faith and in Christ’s love. Marking 50 years, the faith-ful continue to be at the center of today’s vibrant St. Lucie, the first of four Catholic parishes to form in the area.

“St. Lucie is a wonderful Catholic community. … The parish has been a beacon of faith and hope,” said Franciscan Father Mark Szanyi, pastor. “We are a community that cares for the Lord and one another, and for those who are less fortu-nate in the city that surrounds us. We are so grateful to God for all the blessings he has bestowed on us as a parish, and pray for more to come in the years ahead.”

St. Lucie held anniversary events and gatherings throughout 2011, culminating with a Dec. 11 Mass with Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito as main celebrant. Parish priests of past and present, who helped lead, build and spiritually guide the community over the past 50 years, joined in the celebration. Special guests included former pastor Fa-ther Peter Dolan, who served from 1982 to 1996, and Msgr. James L. Burke, pastor from 1998 to 2003.

“I congratulate you on 50 years,” Bishop Barbarito said. “May God bless this parish with 50 times 50

more years of faith, hope and love.”St. Lucie was established in 1961

as the first Catholic church in Port St. Lucie, four months after the city was incorporated. In the begin-ning, Catholics met in a private home then relocated to a nearby marina for Mass. Groundbreaking for the new church was held Feb. 26, 1964.

From humble beginnings, St. Lu-cie has evolved into a vibrant par-ish, with 17 Masses each week for its nearly 9,000 parishioners. The present-day congregation is diverse and includes people of many dif-ferent cultures, along with seniors, young adults and families. The par-ish’s religious education program currently has more than 400 chil-dren registered.

Parishioner Joan Panayiotou, a mother of five children who were all home-schooled, said St. Lucie does a wonderful job of serving the young people by providing them with a solid spiritual base to help them walk with Christ.

Although her children are now grown, when they were younger they were involved with the parish’s various family activities and minis-tries, including being altar servers. She credits the priests and pastors of St. Lucie for her childrens’ won-derful experiences.

“Our whole family grew to love all of the priests,” she said. “Each one has brought something awe-some to the church.”

50 years of service to and for the communityST. LUCIE PARISH

The parish’s effort to provide for the needs of the Hispanic congre-gation is just one of the reasons why Alma Lacayo chose St. Lucie eight years ago. Franciscan Father Vin-cent Rubino, parochial vicar, not only learned the Spanish language in order to celebrate Masses in Spanish, but he also studied Span-ish culture, traditions and celebra-tions in order to better serve the people.

“We are so grateful to Father Vincent and the priests for their effort to learn about the Spanish culture,” Lacayo said. “I believe in what they do. I’m saying it with my heart.”

For its Hispanic parishioners, St. Lucie also hosts parenting and Eng-lish classes, and offers continued education classes. The parish fea-tures more than 25 ministries serv-ing the entire community, and a

thriving “soup kitchen” which feeds some 270 people on Thursdays.

“I think people are very proud of the church and are deep-rooted,” said parishioner Annette De Luca, who serves as parish office man-ager. “Members new and old are happy to be part of the church fam-ily. We give back to the community and our fellow brothers and sisters. It’s hands-on ministry, right before our eyes.”��

At left, Franciscan Father James McCurry, minister provincial of St. Anthony Province of the Conventual Fransican Friars, followed by Franciscan Father Mark Szanyi, St. Lucie pastor, and Father Peter Dolan, former St. Lucie pastor from 1982 to 1996, join in a celebration of the parish’s 50th anniversary. At right, Father Dolan, center, speaks with Shirley and Jack Lowman, parishioners of St. Lucie for the past 27 years. (PHOTOS BY DEANNA THURLOW | FC)

LINDA REEVES of the Florida Catholic staff

WEST PALM BEACH | The people of the Philippines have earned the distinc-tion of celebrating the world’s longest Christmas season. Filipinos here in the diocese are known for keeping tradi-tions alive, beginning Christmas events early and ending them on the Epiphany, celebrated Jan. 8 this year in the United States.

Members of the local Filipino com-munity began celebrations Dec. 17 with Simbang Gabi at St. John Fisher in West Palm Beach. The celebration sends a message of the approaching birth of the Son of God and traditionally includes nine days of Masses, joining people in prayer and reflection.

“It’s beautiful, ver y mov ing,” said Mary Pengelley attending the St. John

Fisher celebration. “It’s what I needed today.”

Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito was the main celebrant at the Mass. During his homily, he spoke about John the Baptist and talked about how John pointed to Je-sus as the messiah and supported Christ. He also spoke about Mary and her tre-mendous faith and love of her son.

“It was awesome,” said Rachel Alipit shortly after the Mass. “It brought back the tradition from home. It feels like home.” �

Simbang Gabi: Celebrating from Christmas to the Epiphany

‘It was awesome. It brought back the tradition from home. It feels like home.’

— Rachel Alipit

Above, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito blesses Claret Grace Medina, 2 months old, playing the part of Jesus during a Mass and Simbang Gabi celebration Dec. 17 at St. John Fisher in West Palm Beach. Joshua Lipman and his sister, Alexia Lipman, play the roles of Joseph and Mary. At right, Ligaya Nerona prays during a Simbang Gabi Mass. (PHOTOS BY EMILIO VAZQUEZ JR.| FC)

Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 2012YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY4

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Jan. 14 — 1 p.m., Confirmation, Holy Family Parish, Port St Lucie.

Jan. 15 — 11 a.m., Dedication of new altar, Sacred Heart Parish, Lake Worth; and 6:30 p.m., Catholic Chari-ties Caritas Dei Gala, The Breakers, Palm Beach.

Jan. 16 — 7 p.m., Dr. Martin Luther King Day ecumenical and inter-faith prayer service, Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, Palm Beach Gardens.

Jan. 17 — 10 a.m., Meeting, pres-byteral council, Pastoral Center, Palm Beach Gardens; and 1 p.m., meeting, college of consultors, Pastoral Center.

Jan. 18 — 10 a.m., Taping of the TV Mass, Parallax Studios, West Palm Beach.

Jan. 19 — 3 p.m., Meeting with seminarians followed by dinner, St. John Vianney College Seminary, Miami.

Jan. 21 — 10 a.m., Confirmation, Holy Cross Parish, Vero Beach.

Jan. 22 — 2 p.m., Confirmation, St. Helen Parish, Vero Beach.

Jan. 23 — 11 a.m., Rosary prayer on Roe v. Wade anniversary, Palm Beach County Courthouse, West Palm Beach.

Jan. 27 — 7 p.m., Confirmation, Ascension Parish, Boca Raton.

Jan. 28 — 9 a.m., Men’s Rally, Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, Palm Beach Gardens.

BISHOP BARBARITO’S SCHEDULE

LIVING THE TRUTH IN

LOVE

Bishop Gerald

Barbarito

We are already two weeks into the New Year. A new year gives us the opportunity to look ahead with resolve and great hope. However, it is very difficult to look ahead without the gift of faith. It is faith that tells us that what we have just celebrated at Christmas is the foun-dation of our lives. This is the reality that God is with us and walks with us. By becoming one of us in the flesh, Christ has experienced all that we do and has transformed everything through his saving grace. His words in the Book of Revelation are good ones to keep before us at the beginning of a new year as they remind us that in him time moves forward and does so in his presence. He tells us, “Behold, I make all things new. ... I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end” (Rv 21:5, 6).

Each year the pope gives us a message for Jan. 1, which is the World Day of Peace. The pope’s message this year is extremely poi-gnant as it reminds us of the hope that we should have as we face a new year. He tells us, “It seems as if a shadow has fallen over our time, preventing us from clearly seeing the light of day.” However, he in-vites us to look to 2012 with an at-titude of confident trust which is well expressed in Psalm 130. Here, the pope tells us, “the psalmist says that people of faith wait for the Lord ‘more than those who watch for the morning’ (Ps 130:6); they wait for him with firm hope because they know that he will bring light, mer-cy and salvation. This waiting was

born of the experience of the Cho-sen People, who realized that God taught them to look at the world in its truth and not to be overwhelmed by tribulation.”

In his message, the Holy Father especially points to our young peo-ple as reasons for us to be hopeful

for the future. They dem-onstrate a desire to look to the future with solid hope. However, they are experiencing apprehen-sion about many things, which include the diffi-culty of forming a family today as well as finding stable employment. They wonder if they can really contribute to the political, cultural and economic life of our society in a way that makes a difference. The pope points out that young people are look-ing for an education that

prepares them more fully to deal with the real world and the prob-lems that are before it. This educa-tion includes preparing them to be people of justice, peace, truth and freedom, while always raising their eyes to God.

The pope’s message gives us all an opportunity at the beginning of the new year to reflect upon what is essential in our lives and what is the most important thing we can give to our young people. While certainly all of the opportunities and good things of this world are important for them, the most im-portant thing that we give them is faith and values. The value of the human person and of human dig-nity are greatly threatened today by the notion that utility, profit and material possessions are the most

important aspects of life. Because of this, the family itself is fragile and needs to be strengthened.

A good thing for us to do in the year ahead is spend more time with our young people as a family. By doing so, we help to build up our families and to strengthen our young people’s appreciation of the dignity of marriage and family life.

I am very impressed with the strength of families that I experi-ence in our Diocese of Palm Beach. As diverse as our cultural back-ground is here in southern Florida, it is inspiring to see the apprecia-tion of family life among all of our cultures. However, as within all of society today, we too are experienc-ing the breakup of the family and of family values which our society places before us. We need to real-ize that the family is the primary cell of society and the first school in which our young people are pre-pared. The Holy Family certainly is a model of this reality. It stands before us at the beginning of a new year as the epitome of the quality of family life we need to strive for if so-ciety is to be a better place and we are to hand on to our young people what is most important.

In his message for the New Year, the pope also stresses the impor-tance of educating our young peo-ple in truth and freedom. Unfor-tunately today, truth has become utilitarian and subject to much

relativistic interpretation. Truth is found ultimately in God and that truth is what our lives are based upon. Our young people need to know the truth and we must give them every opportunity to appre-ciate the truth.

Freedom is also another gift from God which is greatly misun-derstood. Freedom is not the ability to do whatever we want to do, but the ability to choose the good. We need to give our young people the right understanding of freedom so they may live their lives in a man-ner that makes a real difference. As Jesus tells us, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my dis-ciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:31-32).

As we begin a new year, it is truly Christ who makes all things new. He is the beginning and the end. We look to the future with hope. Our young people are our treasure and hope. They will make a tre-mendous difference in the future of our society in which we see so many troubling signs today. How-ever, we must give them what they need to make that difference, and that is a faith in God and a true understanding of justice, peace, truth and freedom. Above all, the centrality of the family from which all values flow must be the root and foundation of their lives.

A Blessed New Year to all! �

All things new

Pope Benedict XVI blesses children participating in the offertory procession during Mass on the feast of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 1. (PAUL HARING | CNS)

YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY 5Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic

national development program, and in July the men ended their nearly two-year journey of study and training, graduating from the program.

“Everything we learned at this program is to be practiced more at the parish level,” said Father Son Linh Hoang, parochial vicar of St. Bernadette Parish in Port St. Lu-cie. “Two years seems to be long, but it was not long enough. All the tools we learned here make a lot of sense.”

The “Good Leaders, Good Shep-herds” program was created by Catholic Leadership Institute head-quartered in Pennsylvania, and sessions are designed to provide priests with lasting and essential leadership skills and practices to help them better cope with state of affairs at parishes, and work more efficiently with individuals and groups.

During ceremonies July 28 at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Cen-ter, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito praised and thanked the gradu-ates for their involvement in the program, and their dedication and aims to be even stronger leaders. “I am very grateful to you for your par-ticipation in the program and for the example you have given to me by your participation. I thank you for being committed to the priest-hood, being committed to Christ and giving of yourself. I thank you for your wonderful priestly exam-ple. Congratulations and keep up the wonderful, wonderful work.”

CATHOLIC CHARITIES Sheila Gomez was appointed

executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach this year. She served Catho-lic Charities of Arkansas, based in Little Rock, for more than 12 years.

Gomez joins Catholic Charities at a time of “transition and renew-al,” said Denis Hamel, diocesan chief financial administrator, who

2011: Catholic church of Palm Beach Diocese sees a year of growth and development

Bishop’s Gala to be held Jan. 15 at The Breakers in Palm Beach. In this new phase, several diocesan pro-grams are now under the Catholic Charities family of social service programs and in total the organiza-tion now offers 16 programs serving children, families, homeless and older people.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS In 2011, schools here had much

to brag about and to announce. The big news was that Sister Joan Daw-son, superintendent of schools for 20 years, retired. She told the Flor-ida Catholic that she will remain in the area and serve her Franciscan Sisters of Allegany community.

Gary Gelo, former director and superintendent of schools in the Di-ocese of Charleston, S.C., and Dio-cese of Shreveport, La., is new lead-er of Catholic schools. His top pri-ority is to ensure that schools here continue to be the most effective means available to help students in meeting their spiritual, intellectual and physical potential. “I look for-ward to working with our pastors, school administrators, faculties, parents and students to ensure that each of our schools is continuously working to improve.”

This year saw many develop-ments and celebrations at schools, as well as farewells to some of the religious sisters serving here, who are leaving ministry work to return to religious communities to take on new assignments.

St. Joseph in Stuart and Cardi-nal Newman High School in West Palm Beach marked golden anni-versaries. As part of the celebration, Cardinal Newman students buried a time capsule with keepsakes for future generations. After more than 60 years of teaching and minister-ing at St. Juliana Parish, the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine left to return to their community. Adrian Dominican Sister Eileen Sullivan also announced that she will be leaving Pope John Paul II High School at the end of this school year and taking on assignments from

her congregation. Several schools celebrated in-

creased enrollment in a time when Catholic schools closed in other areas of the United States. St. Ann is happy over increased numbers of students and gives credit to the school’s International Baccalaure-ate Programmes. The school was the first Catholic school in the na-tion to offer programs for both pri-mary and middle school students. “St. Ann School is growing,” said Dr. Patrice A. Scheffler, principal. Pope John Paul II had high numbers as well and welcomed its largest fresh-man class since 2006. Figures indi-cate it was the first increase in stu-dent enrollment since 2003.

A major Catholic school step came late in the year, when schools launched a unique survey to iden-tify if bullying is an issue. Catholic schools currently have anti-bully-ing initiatives in place, zero toler-ance policies and formal complaint procedures, but the survey will help analysts determine if bullying is an issue in order to address any prob-lems and if any additional security features are needed for prevention.

“Bullying has become my focus,” said Kit Johansen, coordinator of the diocesan Office of Serving Chil-dren/Safe Environments, who has kept a finger on the pulse of this behavior since her appointment in 2005.

An expert from Florida Atlantic University will study data and if re-ports indicate there are any bully-ing issues, measures will be taken.

VOCATIONS CAMPAIGN A diocesewide campaign was

launched in February, inviting par-ishes to promote vocations to mar-riage, single life, the priesthood and religious life through prayer, educa-tion and programs. The idea behind the program is to help individuals become aware of true talents and abilities and discover the true plan God has in store for them.

“I believe this approach will in-crease the awareness of the need to encourage vocations discernment

on the local level,” Bishop Barbarito said. “I am deeply grateful to all who are participating in it, and I have no doubt it will bear much fruit.”

The campaign, “Called by Name,” kicked off with a retreat Feb. 26 at St. Vincent de Paul Re-gional Seminary. Since then, repre-sentatives and ministry heads from parishes are working with mem-bers of the newly formed diocesan vocations committee, and parishes have held programs and launched unique vocation initiatives.

“I believe that the more we con-tinue to bring forward in people’s minds and hearts that each of us has a vocation, we will begin to see the ‘culture of vocations’ develop in the diocese,” said Father Thomas Lafreniere, diocesan vocations di-rector.

NEW CLERGY CELEBRATED; PRIESTS REMEMBERED

Bishop Barbarito ordained semi-narian Leonard Onyeukwu Dim a transitional deacon in June. He will become the first African priest ordained for the Diocese of Palm Beach.

This year, the diocese ordained two priests for the diocese. In May, Father Dominic Toan Thien Thanh Tran and Father Tomasz Bochnak joined the priesthood. Father Tran, assigned to St. Juliana Parish in West Palm Beach, is from Vietnam and Father Bochnak, assigned to St. Joan of Arc in Boca Raton, is a native of Poland.

During ordination ceremonies, Bishop Barbarito said the men “rep-resent well the dynamic richness of ethnic diversity that is a unique as-pect of the Diocese of Palm Beach. They also represent well that same diversity which is present in our presbyterate that makes it such a vi-brant one and a fitting representa-tion of the Universal Church.”

Seven permanent deacons were ordained in 2011, a year that marked the diocesan diaconate program’s 10-year anniversary. The first class to complete the challenging five-year formation and discernment process here and commit to voca-tions consisted of 12 men back in 2006. The permanent diaconate is the third rank of clerical state, af-ter bishops and priests. There are nearly 100 permanent deacons liv-ing and assisting in the Diocese of Palm Beach.

Last year’s ordination was held Sept. 17 at the Cathedral of St. Igna-tius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens. Added to the clergy were Deacons James Parrilli, Jose Mares, Keith Skinner, Charles Weir, Lester Loh, Gerald Palermo and Wayne Creel-man.

And as the old year ends, Catho-lics here also remember the priests of the diocese who died. They in-clude Father Francis X. Fenech, Father Francis Lechiara, Father Gerard Donald Redden and Father Francis (Ed) Maloney. �

FROM 1

served as interim administrator for almost a year. “The bishop’s social service agency approaches the new year with a greater focus and finan-cial stability, continuing to deliver under existing programs and prior-itizing for the future under its new strategic plan. Mrs. Gomez’s deep sense of Catholicism and pastoral ministry will provide an important roadmap for achieving the mis-sion.”

A major announcement came in May: Catholic Charities reported that it is getting a new facility. The diocese is undertaking an estimat-ed $2 million renovation project, transforming a former building purchased from St. Francis of As-sisi in Rivera Beach. The diocese is donating the 11,000-square-foot fa-cility to Catholic Charities to house programs now at various locations.

Hamel said that Catholic Chari-ties has greater financial stability at this time to continue to deliver and eventually grow programs, and in 2012 there will be several new steps in that direction.

With the new theme “Provide Help and Create Hope,” the or-ganization organized a new ma-jor fundraiser called Caritas Dei

Teacher Annemarie Pontillo and Sister Maria Liber of the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception welcome kindergarten students to St. Vincent Ferrer School in Delray Beach at the start of the 2011-2012 school year in August. (LINDA REEVES | FC)

Deacon Dennis Demes, left, director of the diocesan permanent deacon program, congratulates newly ordained permanent Deacon Charles Weir. Seven men were ordained permanent deacons Sept. 17 at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola. (LINDA REEVES | FC)

AROUND YOUR COMMUNITY Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 20126

Submissions for the Around Your Community page must include the day, date, time, contact information and any additional information pertinent to the event. Submissions must be received a minimum of three weeks prior to publication date and can be sent via email to thefloridacatholic@diocesepb.org. For additional information, call 561-775-9528.

PALM BEACH DIOCESE COMMUNITY PAGE SUBMISSION DEADLINES Weekly Televised Mass: The tele-

vised Catholic Mass airs each Sun-day at 9:30 a.m. on Ion Television Networks (check your local listing), featuring priests of the five-county diocese and Bishop Gerald M. Bar-barito. To support the Catholic Mass, please contact the Diocese of Palm Beach Office of Communications at 561-775-9529.

TV MASSDIOCESAN EVENTS Catholic Charities events:

Palm Beach Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Inspiration 2012:

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Music at St. Patrick:

Events during Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Jan. 18-25.

Parish fundraiser:

Ecumenical stand for life:

Young adults retreat:

Catholic men’s rally:

St. Luke School open house:

Benefit and raffle:

Magnificat ministry program:

Catholic Women of Faith, Women of Action Conference:

Prayer gathering:

Prayer gathering:

Men’s Scripture study and discussion:

SUPPORT MINISTRIES/PEER GROUPS

Substance addiction support groups.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Birthline/Lifeline:

Parish nurse meeting:

Protecting God’s children:

Prayer vigil:

Permanent diaconate applications:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital:

Catholic Charities Diocese of Palm Beach:

Seminary volunteers needed:

RETREATS/DAYS OF PRAYER

Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center:

Cenacle, spiritual direction and programs:

MASSES/PRAYER SESSIONS

Prayer meeting:

Live Mass broadcast:

Live Mass broadcast:

Youth Mass:

Spanish Mass:

Youth Mass:

Healing Mass:

Tridentine Latin Mass:

Latin Mass:

Polish Mass:

Mass and novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

Mass and novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help:

Mass and novena to the Santo Niño:

Charismatic Mass, Holy Hour and healing prayer:

Rosary recitation:

Rosary recitation:

YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY 7Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic

PAT LANGFORDFlorida Catholic correspondent

PALM BEACH GARDENS | Catholic Men for Jesus ministry will hold its annual spiritual rally Jan. 28 at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, and organizers are bring-ing in some powerful speakers to spiritually recharge men and make a memorable event.

Allen Hunt, a talk show host from Atlanta, will be the keynote speaker. Hunt said he looks for-ward to visiting Florida and speak-ing to men, especially those “who take their faith seriously. In the Catholic world, it is a special treat to be invited to address and inspire a group of men about their faith,” he said.

Hunt, a former pastor of a large Methodist church in Atlanta, con-verted to the Catholic faith four years ago on the feast of the Epipha-ny. He will give testimony and share experiences of his journey and con-version to Catholicism.

“It can only help you to be a bet-ter man,” he said about walking

Rally hopes to help men grow in faith

Catholic men’s rally: Jan. 28, 2012, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens.

Talks, praise and worship, fel-lowship, with Mass celebrated by Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito at 11:30 a.m.

Featured speaker: Allen Hunt, author and radio talk show host.

Breakfast and lunch included. Organized by Catholic Men for

Jesus, a ministry dedicated to help men grow in faith.

Free admission. 772-321-3886.

MEN’S RALLY

with Christ. “Faith is for men. I hope I will help men use their treasures to grow forward in our faith, in their families, in their workplace.

Nearly 1,200 are expected to at-tend this year’s event. Jim Man-hardt, the event’s organizer, said fa-thers are encouraged to attend with sons, who he called “the future of the Church.”

“There’s so much going on in

today’s world to draw all of us away from Christian life. I support anything that we can do to foster Christian life, and to foster fathers and sons doing good activities to-gether,” Manhardt said. “The pur-pose is very simply to have men get closer to Christ and more engaged in Christian life.”

There is no charge for the rally. The day includes breakfast and lunch.

Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito is main celebrant for a late-morning Mass, and the sacrament of recon-ciliation is available with priests from around the diocese.

Bob Heinlein, a parishioner of St. Joan of Arc in Boca Raton, would not miss the rally for anything. He took his son, Eric, last year.

“It’s inspiring to see so many men, both young and old, gather to celebrate their Catholic faith,” Heilein said. “Eric enjoyed it, and he wants to come back this year.” Heinlein said spending a day with his son and sharing faith is an awe-some experience. “It’s exciting to me,” he said. �

During the 2011 men’s rally, participants stand in praise and worship. Men of all ages are invited to the 2012 spiritual rally to be held Jan. 28, which includes talks, prayer, worship, fellowship, and hope and inspiration. (FILE PHOTO BY LINDA REEVES | FC)

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SEATTLE | Elsa and Donny Finkbonner of St. Joseph Parish in Ferndale had no doubt that their young son’s recovery from a dead-ly flesh-eating bacteria almost six years ago was a miracle.

On Dec. 19, Pope Benedict XVI confirmed that when he signed a decree acknowledging a miracle attributed to the intervention of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha in the recovery of Jake Finkbonner from the rare and potentially fatal dis-ease, necrotizing fascilitis.

In February 2006, just before his sixth birthday, the boy was playing basketball when he suf-fered a cut on his lip that enabled the bacteria to invade his blood-stream. Days later, he was near death at Children’s Orthopedic Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle.

Because the family is part Na-tive American, Father Tim Sauer, then-St. Joseph pastor, suggested they pray to God through Blessed Kateri (1656-1680), a Mohawk woman who devoted her short life to her Catholic faith and to caring for the sick and elderly. Known as the Lily of the Mohawks, she was

beatified in 1980, the first Native North American to be so honored. Her feast day is July 14.

Jake beat the odds and recov-ered, and with the approval of then-Archbishop Alex J. Brunett of Seattle, the case of Blessed Kateri’s intercession was investigated as the possible one remaining mir-acle needed for her canonization.

The Finkbonners were elated upon receiving the news — and of their son’s part in it.

“It’s so overwhelmingly excit-ing, and just an honorable process to be a part of,” Elsa Finkbonner said Dec. 20.

She said Jake, now a sixth-grad-er at Assumption School in Bell-ingham, is “pretty excited about it,” too.

“It’s been five years in the mak-ing, so he’s pretty excited that ev-erything is all coming to light and that it’s all happening,” she told The Catholic Northwest Progress, Seattle archdiocesan newspaper.

Finkbonner said Jake also is looking forward to meeting the pope when the canonization takes place.

“There’s no doubt in mine and Donny’s mind that Jake’s survival is in fact a miracle,” she said. “And we did everything that Father

Tim had asked us to do in praying for her intercession. And others prayed for him. So I’m happy that the Vatican has honored Jake to be the last miracle in (Blessed) Kateri becoming a saint.”

Father Sauer said he thought it was appropriate that the news of Blessed Kateri’s upcoming canon-ization should come during Ad-vent. Just as God chose ordinary people in Mary and Joseph to be the “instruments of that miracle” of the birth of Jesus, “God con-tinues to do miracles today to strengthen people’s faith and to use ordinary people like (Blessed) Kateri and Jake Finkbonner,” he said.

He said Jake’s recovery was a “great testament” to the faith of the Finkbonners, the Native American Catholics on the Lummi Reserva-tion and people all over the world who were praying for the boy.

He said Blessed Kateri’s canon-ization will be a boost to Native American Catholics across the country.

“I think this is a real affirma-tion and encouragement to Native American Catholics who continue to live their Catholic faith, often-times in the face of a lot of criti-cism and opposition,” he said. �

Boy’s recovery judged a Kateri miracle

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Collection for schools set for Jan. 21-22A special collection at Masses

across the diocese Jan. 21 and 22 will be used to assist Catholic schools. The collection also kicks off the annual national Catholic Schools Week observance Jan. 29 to Feb. 5. Catholic Schools Week 2012 is themed “Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service.” The theme focuses on the three priorities that make Catholic schools stand out from other educational institu-tions. “Our Catholic schools have more than 6,000 students enrolled across the Diocese of Palm Beach,” said Gary Gelo, superintendent of schools. “Our students are instruct-ed in the faith on a daily basis, have exceptional academic programs and serve our communities in many ways. Our diocese is blessed to have 21 wonderful, faith-filled schools, including two preschool centers and three high schools.

Your generous gift in the second collection will assist our schools as they continue to help young people grow in their faith, excel academi-cally and serve humbly. Last year each school received more than $6,000 thanks to your generosity. Thank you for your support.”

During Catholic Schools Week, schools organize a variety of activi-ties and invite families, parishio-ners and the community at large on campus to participate. The week is a time for schools to brag about their accomplishments and fine stu-dents. Students in Catholic schools are taught faith — not just the ba-sics, but how to have a relationship with God. Academics are held to very high standards and help stu-dents reach potentials. Serving oth-ers is encouraged and taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship.

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YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY 9Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic

Sister Keller leaves diocese

Sister Margaret Jeanne Keller, Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, s a i d f a r e -wells before C h r i s t m a s and stepped dow n f rom her diocesan posit ion as e p i s c o p a l delegate for rel ig ious to re spond to the needs of her order.

“ I t h a s been a blessing to work with Bishop Gerald Barbarito, a bishop who pas-tors his people,” she said. “He has always shown much care and com-passion toward the religious, which has been a good working relation-ship between the Office of Religious and the bishop.”

Sister Keller, who served the Dio-cese of Palm Beach eight years, is being reassigned to St. Augustine “to meet the requests of many seek-ing a companion to accompany them on their spiritual journey,” she told the Florida Catholic.

A native of Miami, Sister Keller has served as a religious sister for 57 years. In her position with the Dio-cese of Palm Beach she shared the appointment of episcopal delegate for religious with Salesians of Don Bosco Father Joseph Santa-Bibiana, pastor of St. Phillip Benizi in Belle Glade.

Sister Keller told the family of di-ocesan staff at the Pastoral Center that she will keep everyone in her prayers, and that she was grateful for the “blessings received” during her years here.

“The dedication of the men and women religious would make any-one proud to be a part of the many creative ministries that religious have engineered to reach out to the poor and needy in the Diocese of Palm Beach,” she said.

Council seeks award candidates

The Palm Beach Diocesan Coun-cil of Catholic Women will present three scholarship awards to three young women entering Catholic colleges. Applications may be ob-tained from parish offices or by contacting officers of the Council of Catholic Women, school guid-ance counselors, or by visiting the council’s website, pbdccw.catholic-web.com. Applications must be fully completed and the deadline is March 31. Scholarships are annual-ly awarded at the Palm Beach Dioc-esan Council of Catholic Women’s Convention in May. For more infor-mation, please call Marie Lawrence at 772-335-4069 or email dml4170@yahoo.com.

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t is customary at this time of

year that we report to you on

the financial results of the Di-

ocesan Administrative Offices

for the fiscal year ended June 30.

Unfortunately, what has also become

customary is that we make this report

at a time of continuing economic chal-

lenges in our country and

specifically in our Diocese

here in South Florida. A

day does not go by without

stark examples of the seri-

ous financial needs which

surround us.

We publish our finan-

cial results in this special

four-page supplement to

the Palm Beach edition of

the Florida Catholic. The

“Report on Audits of Financial State-

ments,” from which this information

is sourced, was prepared by the inde-

pendent accounting firm of Templeton

& Co. LLP. Their report was thoroughly

reviewed by our Audit Committee and

accepted by the Diocesan Finance

Council. However, rather than provide

the specific report, we have once again

modified the format to be more clear,

meaningful and informative. I trust

that you find it so once again.

In reviewing the report details, it is

obvious that the Diocesan Services Ap-

peal represents the critical cornerstone

of our annual revenues. The theme for

the 2011 campaign was “One, Holy,

Catholic and Apostolic.” These four

marks of the Church have particular

meaning to us as we are called to em-

brace all of the people of God. As we

January 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I

Diocese of Palm Beach

Financial Statement

FLORIDACatholicWWW.THEFLORIDACATHOLIC.ORG | Jan. 13-26, 2012

can see, the faithful of our Diocese an-

swered the call and blessed us with gen-

erous gifts. A new feature in this report

is a summary of how well each parish

succeeded in achieving its respective

Appeal goal. We are indeed heartened

by the wonderful results.

The Appeal revenues, together with

generous contributions and bequests,

program fees and improved invest-

ment returns all served to provide the

support necessary to carry out our mis-

sions and ministries. In

light of the greater human

need, we have increased

our financial support of

Catholic Charities and

commenced a renovation

project of the former St.

Francis of Assisi School to

provide Catholic Charities

with a new social service

program center. Riviera

Beach and the surround-

ing communities will surely benefit by

this important initiative.

Any specific questions or comments

you may have concerning this financial

report are best directed to our Dioc-

esan Finance Office. We are, of course,

pleased to provide a transparent look

at the finances of the Diocese of Palm

Beach.

I once again thank you for your con-

tinued prayers and support as we go

about the important work of the Church

for the benefit of all God’s People.

With every prayerful wish, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito

Bishop of Palm Beach

Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 2012B2 PALM BEACH FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Operating Fund

Plant Fund

Self-Insurance Fund

Eliminating Entries Summary

AssetsCash and cash equivalents $ 11,320,609 $ 388,266 $ 3,749,308 — $ 15,458,183 25%

Portfolio investments $ 15,138,488 — — — $ 15,138,488 24%

Receivables from diocesan entities, net $ 1,864,594 — — — $ 1,864,594 3%

Other receivables $ 30,466 $ 399,516 $ 682,572 $ (964) $ 1,111,590 2%

Other current assets $ 34,537 — $ 1,777,327 — $ 1,811,864 3%

Property and equipment, net — $ 26,824,800 — — $ 26,824,800 43%

Due from funds $ 6,382,988 — — $ (6,382,988) —

Totals $ 34,771,682 $ 27,612,582 $ 6,209,207 $ (6,383,952) $ 62,209,519 100%

Liabilities and Net Assets Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses $ 1,330,872 $ 78,874 $ 53,864 $ (964) $ 1,462,646 2%

Self-insurance reserves — — $ 616,912 — $ 616,912 1%

Annuities payable $ 139,276 — — — $ 139,276 1%

Post-employment benefit obligation $ 2,635,610 — — — $ 2,635,610 4%

Guarantee of indebtedness reserve $ 5,906,770 — — — $ 5,906,770 9%

Due to funds — $ 6,382,988 — $ (6,382,988) —

Net assets $ 24,759,154 $ 21,150,720 $ 5,538,431 — $ 51,448,305 83%

Totals $ 34,771,682 $ 27,612,582 $ 6,209,207 $ (6,383,952) $ 62,209,519 100%

Statement of Activities, by fund, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011

Statement of Financial Position, by fund, at June 30, 2011

Operating Fund

Plant Fund

Self-Insurance Fund

Eliminating Entries Summary

RevenuesDiocesan Services Appeal $ 7,598,985 — — — $ 7,598,985 36%

Insurance program — — $ 5,649,332 $ (106,465) $ 5,542,867 27%

Contributions and Bequests $ 3,194,331 — — — $ 3,194,331 15%

Programs and services $ 1,487,113 — — $ (487,461) $ 999,652 5%

Net Investment Return $ 2,277,163 — — — $ 2,277,163 11%

Interest $ 87,188 14,892 55,525 — $ 157,605 1%

Special Events, net $ 122,693 $ — $ — — $ 122,693 1%

Cemetery care deposits $ 97,334 — — $ 97,334 1%

Other income, net $ 15,099 $ 663,291 $ 1,527 — $ 679,917 3%

Totals $ 14,879,906 $ 678,183 $ 5,706,384 $ (593,926) $ 20,670,547 100%

ExpensesProgram services

Social services $ 2,412,684 — — $ (9,533) $ 2,403,131 12%

Diocesan and clergy leadership $ 1,387,507 — — $ (3,613) $ 1,383,894 7%

Education $ 1,302,973 — — $ (6,987) $ 1,295,986 6%

Seminarians, deacons and women religious $ 1,193,863 — — $ (16,530) $ 1,177,333 6%

Outreach and mission support $ 1,045,042 — — $ (24,783) $ 1,020,259 5%

Supporting servicesSelf-insurance program — — $ 4,576,326 $ (487,461) $ 4,088,865 20%

Plant and facilities $ 627,069 $ 861,008 — $ (27,250) $ 1,460,827 7%

Chancery administration $ 1,861,324 — — $ (17,749) $ 1,843,575 9%

Guarantee of indebtedness $ 209,000 — — — $ 209,000 1%

Change in post-employment benefit obligation $ (144,384) — — — $ (144,384) -1%

Change in net assets (decrease) $ 4,984,828 $ (182,825) $ 1,130,058 — $ 5,932,061 28%

Totals $ 14,879,906 $ 678,183 $ 5,706,384 $ (593,926) $ 20,670,547 100%

B3 Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 2012 Palm Beach Financial Statement

AssetsCash and cash equivalents $ 15,458,183 25%Portfolio investments $ 15,138,488 24%Receivables from diocesan entities, net $ 1,864,594 3%

Other receivables $ 1,111,590 2%Other current assets $ 1,811,864 3%Property and equipment, net $ 26,824,800 43%

Totals $ 62,209,519 100%

Liabilities and Net AssetsAccounts Payable and Accrued Expenses $ 1,462,646 2%

Self-insurance reserves $ 616,912 1%Annuities payable $ 139,276 1%

Post-employment benefit obligation $ 2,635,610 4%

Guarantee of indebtedness reserve $ 5,906,770 9%

Net assets $ 51,448,305 83%

Totals $ 62,209,519 100%

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AT JUNE 30, 2011

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2011

Institution name and city 2011 DSA Goal percentile collected

Ascension, Boca Raton 100 +Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, Palm Beach Gardens 100 +Emmanuel, Delray Beach 90 +Holy Cross, Vero Beach 100 +Holy Cross, Indiantown 100 +Holy Family, Port St. Lucie 90 +Holy Name of Jesus, West Palm Beach 25 +Holy Redeemer, Palm City 100 +Holy Spirit, Lantana 90 +Mary Immaculate, West Palm Beach 100 +Notre Dame Mission, Fort Pierce 90 +Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, Fellsmere 100 +Our Lady of Lourdes, Boca Raton 85 +Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission, Delray Beach 75 +Our Lady Queen of Peace, Delray Beach 75 +Our Lady Queen of the Apostles, Royal Palm Beach 65 +Sacred Heart, Lake Worth 80 +Sacred Heart, Okeechobee 45 +St. Anastasia, Fort Pierce 95 +St. Andrew, Stuart 100 +St. Ann, West Palm Beach 100 +St. Bernadette, St. Lucie West 55 +St. Christopher, Hobe Sound 100 +St. Clare, North Palm Beach 100 +St. Edward, Palm Beach 100 +St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Port St. Lucie 75 +St. Francis of Assisi, Riviera Beach 100 +St. Helen, Vero Beach 100 +St. Joan of Arc, Boca Raton 100 +St. John Fisher, West Palm Beach 65 +St. John of the Cross, Vero Beach 60 +St. John the Evangelist, Boca Raton 85 +St. Joseph, Stuart 100 +St. Jude, Boca Raton 85 +St. Jude, Tequesta 100 +St. Juliana, West Palm Beach 100 +St. Lucie, Port St. Lucie 100 +St. Lucy, Highland Beach 100 +St. Luke, Palm Springs 100 +St. Mark, Boynton Beach 85 +St. Mark the Evangelist, Fort Pierce 100 +St. Martin de Porres, Jensen Beach 80 +St. Mary, Pahokee 100 +St. Matthew, Lantana 95 +St. Patrick, Palm Beach Gardens 80 +St. Paul of the Cross, North Palm Beach 100 +St. Peter, Jupiter 95 +St. Philip Benizi, Belle Glade 100 +St. Rita, Wellington 80 +St. Sebastian, Sebastian 100 +St. Therese de Lisieux, Wellington 100 +St. Thomas More, Boynton Beach 85 +St. Vincent Ferrer, Delray Beach 100 +

ExpensesProgram services: Social services $ 2,403,131 12% Diocesan and clergy leadership $ 1,383,894 7% Education $ 1,295,986 6% Seminarians, deacons and

women religious $ 1,177,333 6%

Outreach and mission support $ 1,020,259 5%Supporting services: Self-insurance program $ 4,088,865 20% Plant and facilities $ 1,460,827 7% Chancery administration $ 1,843,575 9% Guarantee of indebtedness $ 209,000 1%

Change in post-employment benefit obligation $ (144,384) -1%

Change in net assets $ 5,932,061 28%

Totals $ 20,670,547 100%

RevenuesDiocesan Services Appeal $ 7,598,985 36%

Insurance program $ 5,542,867 27%

Contributions and bequests $ 3,194,331 15%

Programs and services $ 999,652 5%

Net investment return $ 2,277,163 11%

Interest $ 157,605 1%

Special events, net $ 122,693 1%

Cemetery care deposits $ 97,334 1%

Other income, net $ 679,917 3%

Totals $ 20,670,547 100%

PAROCHIAL RESPONSE TO 2011 DSAThe following reflects the percentile goal collected from parishes/missions for

the annual Diocesan Services Appeal.

Asse

Liabiland NAsset

Reve

Expen

B4Palm Beach Financial Statement Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic

Cash and cash equivalents

Portfolio investments

Receivables from diocesan entities, net

Other receivables

Other current assets

Property and equipment, net

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Self-insurance reserves

Annuities payable

Post-employment benefit obligation

Guarantee of indebtedness reserve

Net assets

Month collected

Collection title

Funds collected

July 2010Catholic Relief Services

$ 94,042

August 2010

Church in Latin America/Church in Africa

$ 84,693

September 2010

Respect Life / Migrants

$ 92,011

October 2010

Propagation of the Faith (World Mission Sunday)

$ 98,040

November 2010

Campaign for Human Development

$ 105,554

December 2010

Retired Religious $ 180,697

January 2011

Catholic schools support

$ 126,410

March 2011

Education of seminarians and priestly formation

$ 141,148

April 2011 Peter’s Pence $ 144,733

April 2011Haiti Rebuild St. Michael the Archangel

$ 133,526

April 2011 Japan Earthquake $ 45,754

April 2011Holy Land (Good Friday)

$ 114,858

May 2011 Tornado Recovery

$ 86,130

May 2011

Catholic Communication/Catholic University

$ 89,152

June 2011Black and Indian missions/ Home missions

$ 87,417

DIOCESAN COLLECTIONS JULY 2010 TO JUNE 2011

ets

lities Net ts

Diocesan Services Appeal

Insurance program

Contributions and bequests

Programs and services

Net investment return

Interest

Special events, net

Cemetery care deposits

Other income, net

Social services

Diocesan and clergy leadership

Education

Seminarians, deacons and women religious

Outreach and mission support

Self-insurance program

Plant and facilities

Chancery administration

Guarantee of indebtedness

Change in net assets

enues

nses

The Appeal revenues, together with generous contributions and bequests, program fees and improved investment returns all served to provide the support necessary to carry out our missions and ministries.

— Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito

FLORIDACatholicYOUR FAITH. YOUR LIFE. YOUR COMMUNITY. OF VENICE

WWW.THEFLORIDACATHOLIC.ORG | Jan. 13-26, 2012 | $1.00

Bishop’s Column: No spiritual down time 4

Senior Housing: Site blessed, construction begins 8

Looking back, moving forward

Clockwise from top left, participants in the 25th annual Florida Respect Life Conference and related youth conference participate in prayer in front of the Planned Parenthood regional headquarters in downtown Sarasota Oct. 15; more than 900 participants at the 2011 Diocese of Venice Youth Rally rock to the music of the Ike Ndolo band Nov. 5 at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers; St. John Neumann High School graduates toss their caps following the commencement ceremony May 18 in Naples; Diocese of Venice pilgrims are seen together outside their hotel during World Youth Day in Madrid in August; Bishop Frank J. Dewane lays his hands upon the head of Rafal Ligenza during his ordination to the priesthood May 21 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

Exciting year concludesBOB REDDYof the Florida Catholic staff

VENICE | As 2012 gets started, the Diocese of Venice is involved in a number of initiatives to support the faithful in their pursuit of achieving the ultimate goal of joining Our Lord in heaven.

Initiatives planned for 2012 are going to build upon the success of programs and events from 2011 which impacted the faithful on many lev-els.

One of the largest efforts undertaken by the Diocese of Venice in 2011 was the welcoming “Catholics Come Home” campaign during Lent. More than 5,000 television and radio ad-vertisements were aired, and served to reinvig-orate Catholics with a sense of pride. The goal was to call Catholics who are less active in the Church to “Come Home” and the effect in the parishes was contagious.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the momentum is continuing. “We are building on what started with this campaign and continue to remember those who have been away for a while and invite them back,” he said.

Building on that momentum, the Diocese is starting a new initiative in Lent called “The Light is On.” This campaign will encourage the faithful to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a crucial sacrament that helps us in our journey through life by re-establish-ing our relationship with God when sin has

PLEASE SEE REVIEW, 3

Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 20122 YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY

BOB REDDYof the Florida Catholic staff

VENICE | More than 600 people gathered to celebrate the 208th an-niversary of Haiti’s independence with their local shepherd and a bishop from the Caribbean na-tion, which was established Jan. 1, 1804.

The Diocese of Venice in con-junction with the Haitian Catho-lic community celebrated a Mass at Epiphany Cathedral Jan. 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Mass with Archbishop Louis Kébreau of the Diocese of Cap-Haitian, Haiti, and nine priests of

the Diocese of Venice. Also pres-ent was Deacon Max Severe of St. Catherine Parish in Sebring.

Although the Mass was cel-ebrated in English, readings and music were in Creole. Archbishop Kébreau delivered the homily, and said he was impressed at how welcome the Haitian community was in the Diocese of Venice, and thanked Bishop Dewane for his support in this regard.

“It really means so much to all of us,” Archbishop Kébreau said. “We are a proud people who serve God the best way we can.”

He told the gathered faithful that they must examine their heart to gain the courage and confidence

to live a life of freedom. He remind-ed them that many of the people in Haiti remain marginalized, and it is the responsibility of everyone to follow in the footsteps of Jesus by giving back to the nation they hold so dear in their hearts.

Deacon Severe noted after Mass that it is impossible to explain how important Jan. 1 is for Haitians, adding that it is a spiritual day and it is also an emotional day which commemorates such an impor-tant day in their homeland. It was in 1803 that Haitians defeated the army of Napoleon — the largest and most powerful army at the time — in Cap-Haitien, the epis-copal see of Archbishop Kébreau.

208th anniversary of Haiti’s independence celebrated

Haiti became the second country in the Americas to declare its inde-pendence.

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

Soup was offered at the recep-tion that followed the Mass at Epiphany Cathedral.

Bishop Dewane said he was

honored and privileged to partici-pate in such an important cultural celebration. He took note to thank the Haitian priests who were in attendance for their dedication in caring for their parishioners.

“You are an important part of the Diocese of Venice,” he said. “It is an honor for the Diocese to have this event each year. We are blessed to have such a strong Hai-tian community and the priests who serve you each day.”

Parishes with large Haitian communities arranged buses for people to attend the Mass. Many of the people who attended the Mass were dressed in the colors of the Haitian flag. �

Above, Archbishop Louis Kébreau of the Diocese of Cap-Haitian, Haiti, speaks during the annual New Year’s Day Mass at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice for the Haitian community. The Mass coincides with the anniversary of Haitian Independence and was celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and the priests who serve the community in the Diocese. Right, Bishop Dewane and the priests who serve the Haitian community in the Diocese are joined by Archbishop Kébreau at Mass. (PHOTOS BY BOB REDDY)

The choir performs during the annual New Year’s Day Mass at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice for the Haitian community.

Priests who serve the Haitian community in the Diocese participate in the annual New Year’s Day Mass at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY 3Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic

ruptured the relationship. Each parish and mission will expand the availability of this sacrament to the faithful during Lent.

One of the most important mo-ments in the Catholic Church in this area is the ordination of men to the priesthood. Two men were ordained at Epiphany Cathedral in 2011 and two more men are prepar-ing for ordination in 2012. Two other seminarians are preparing for ordi-nation to the transitional diacon-ate. Three men were also ordained to the permanent diaconate in 2011.

There are currently 17 active seminarians in the Diocese. A new vocations discussion group began in November and continues into 2012 with gatherings in Venice, Fort Myers and Naples.

During Holy Week, the priests of the Diocese gathered for the an-nual Chrism Mass, a powerful sign of unity with more than 100 priests at the altar with Bishop Dewane. Further, religious men and women participate in the annual Mass for Religious where six jubilarians were recognized for their more than 50 years of service to the Church.

Nearly 100 pilgrims journeyed to World Youth Day in Madrid with Bishop Dewane to see Pope Bene-dict XVI. The group participated in a spiritual journey of discovery that many say they will never for-get. Planning is already under way for the next World Youth Day in 2013 in Rio de Janeiro. A different group of young people took part in a mis-sion trip to St. Lucia to work with the needy of that poor Caribbean nation while learning the power of getting involved and helping others. A similar trip is planned for 2012. In another effort to support the youth of the Diocese, the annual Youth Rally continued to grow with more than 900 youth from more than 40 parishes throughout the Diocese participating in 2011. Having twice outgrown the venues before, if an

even greater interest is shown in 2012, a new venue might be neces-sary.

During October, the Month of the Rosary, the Diocese of Venice took the opportunity to distribute thousands of rosaries and prayer cards to each parish, encouraging people to participate in this sacred prayer on a regular basis. This ini-tiative is expected to continue for years to come.

The Diocese of Venice served as host for the 25th annual Florida Respect Life Conference. The event included speakers such as Arch-bishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kan-sas City, Kan., a member of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities; and Abby Johnson, a former Texas Planned Parenthood director who is now pro-life, converting to Ca-tholicism, and author of the book “UnPlanned.” As part of the state conference there was a youth con-ference which had more than 225 in attendance.

Along the same note, a record number of people participated in prayer vigils at abortion facilities throughout the Diocese of Venice in 2011, seeking an end to this evil. The 40 Days for Life campaign is active during Lent in Naples and in October in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples. Other prayer walks are held in January to mark the anniversary of the pivotal Roe v. Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which legalized abortion.

To honor the Sacrament of Mar-riage, Bishop Dewane celebrated two Masses for couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries, some as many as 72 years. These couples gather each year to serve as shining examples of this important sacrament. The Masses in 2012 will be Feb. 11 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice and March 3 at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples.

The Diocese of Venice has a strong interfaith relationship with the area Jewish communities. Each

year there are two events, Kristall-nacht in Naples, and Yom Hasho-ah in Venice, which celebrate the shared history of the two faiths and commemorate the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Always conscious of our call to peace and justice, the annual Leav-en Conference was another huge success with the keynote speaker Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, past chairman of the U.S. Con-ference of Catholic Bishops’ Com-mittee on Migration and Refugees, calling on the participants to be-come more active and knowledge-able about peace and justice issues. The 2012 Leaven Conference on March 24 at San Pedro Parish in North Port is expected to be even more inspirational.

The Diocese once again spon-sored Women’s and Men’s Con-ferences. These events drew more

REVIEW: New diocese website to be unveiled in 2012FROM 1

Bishop Frank J. Dewane pauses before the graves at Sarasota National Cemetery following the second annual Veterans Day Mass Nov. 11. (PHOROS BY BOB REDDY)

women and men than ever be-fore as internationally renowned speakers served to inspire and evangelize the attendees. The 2012 conferences, Feb. 25 for the men and March 10 for the women, are expected to be bigger and better than ever.

Honoring our veterans in thanks-giving for the sacrifice and the free-doms that many have fought to en-sure, Bishop Dewane celebrated the second annual Veterans Day Mass at Sarasota National Cemetery. This tradition is expected to grow in 2012 as words spreads about this impor-tant and emotional event.

The Office of Youth and Young Adult Outreach began a lecture series called “Theology on Tap” in Sarasota and Naples to encourage young adults to become more active in their faith. This monthly event is expected to continue strong into 2012.

The final initiative, which will have even longer-lasting impacts within the Church, was the tran-

sition to the Third Edition of the Roman Missal at the start of Ad-vent. Dozens of classes were held for parish staff and for the faithful to help them learn about the spe-cific changes and understand why they took place. With aides to help those who did not have the changes memorized, the transition has been smooth.

Upcoming shortly in 2012 will be the Volunteer Appreciation Mass Feb. 5 at Epiphany Cathedral, which recognizes people who have had a lasting impact at their parish. A new design of the Diocese website will be unveiled later in January with more user-friendly features for easy navigation.

While these events only reflect a fraction of what happened through-out the Diocese of Venice in 2011, the story does not end with the New Year, as 2012 promises to bring even more exciting events and new ini-tiatives which are sure to continue to have a lasting impact on the faithful of Southwest Florida. �

A large group of women participate in the Diocese of Venice Women’s Conference Feb. 26 at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane blesses the buildings that make up St. Dominic Manor in Sarasota during a ceremony Nov. 21. He is followed by Catholic Charities CEO Peter Routsis-Arroyo.

Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 20124 YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY

The Florida Catholic (ISSN 0746-4584) publishes semi-monthly for the Dioceses of Orlando, Palm Beach and Venice for $24 per year in Florida, $30 per year in the U.S., and $95 per year foreign, by The Florida Catholic Inc., 50 E. Robinson St., Suite G, Orlando, FL 32801-1619. Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertisements contrary to paper’s

policy and standards in Catholic Press Association. The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of businesses, services and products. Complaints regarding advertising should be made directly to the advertiser or to your local Better Business Bureau. Readers must exercise prudence in responding to advertising 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 Association; subscriber to Catholic News Service (CNS).

DIOCESE OF VENICE

FLORIDACatholic

Vol. 73, No. 5

1000 Pinebrook Road Venice, FL 34285

941-484-9543 Fax 941-484-1121

PUBLISHER Bishop Frank J. Dewane

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Billy Atwell atwell@dioceseofvenice.org

941-484-9543

DIOCESAN EDITOR Bob Reddy

reddy@dioceseofvenice.org 941-484-9543

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Liturgical Calendar provides opportunity for reflection

A Savior is born for us on Christ-mas Day! This unparalleled gift from God is one for which we should be grateful and apprecia-tive, well beyond Christmas Day!

To s ome it may seem that t h is t i me be-t ween Chr ist-mas and Lent is almost a “down t i me” for t he Chu rch — as if we are sim-ply in a spiri-t ua l “w a it i ng period.” Some might feel that there is noth-ing particularly

important to celebrate or to fixate upon during this “Ordinary Time.” This is far from true.

The rhythm of the liturgical seasons is reflected in our annual rhythm of life — with its celebra-tions of anniversaries and its sea-sons of quiet growth, maturing and change. “For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Eccl 3:1). The annual period of Ordinary Time which marks the last portion

of the Liturgical Year is not really “ordinary” at all. This blessed Sea-son which follows Christmas pro-vides us the opportunity to track our spiritual progress and patient-ly move toward the goal of closer communion with Christ and His Church.

If we are to grow in the spiri-tual life and increase in faith, we must all build on the “spiritual momentum” of Christmas and the many graces of the “Holy Season.” Sunday after Sunday, the Church moves toward the final “Lord’s Day,” that “Sunday” which knows no end. The expectation of Christ’s coming is present in the mystery

of the Church and is evidenced at ever y Holy Sacrif ice of the Mass. Each day is thus made holy through the liturgical celebrations of the people of God, especially through the Eucharistic sacrifice and the prayers of the Church.

Ordinary Time, meaning or-dered or numbered time, is cel-ebrated in two segments: from the Monday following the Baptism of Our Lord up to Ash Wednesday; and from Pentecost Monday to the First Sunday of Advent. This makes it the largest season of the Liturgical Year, counting 33 or 34 Sundays. Through the “first pe-riod” of Ordinary Time following

Ordinary Time is NOT a spiritual ‘down time’

FROM THE BISHOP

Frank J. Dewane

Christmas, the Church invites us to meditate upon the mystery of Christ — His life, miracles and teachings — in the light of His Birth — particularly during this present period of preparation for the upcoming Lenten Season. The Season’s vestments are appropri-ately green, the color of hope and growth.

Continuing to live Christmas in our hearts throughout the year, and eagerly anticipating the Res-urrection and Ascension of Je-sus Christ, our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI reminds all to “turn our gaze anew to the grotto of Bethlehem. The Child whom we contemplate is our salvation! He has brought to the world a univer-sal message of reconciliation and peace. Let us open our hearts to Him; let us receive Him into our lives.”

It is our responsibility to live the teachings of the Church dur-ing the Christmas Season, Ordi-nary Time, into Lent, past Easter, and throughout the Liturgical Calendar of the Catholic Church. These special times of the year should be an opportunity to re-f lect upon the teachings of the Church, the grace of our Lord, all that He has done on our behalf, and how we might grow in greater love of Him.

May the blessing of God be with all as we transition from Christ-mas into a new year, and prepare for the coming Lenten Season.

The manger scene on display at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice for Christmas 2011. (COURTESY | DIOCESE OF VENICE)

STAFF REPORT

VENICE | In the coming days and weeks, the Diocese of Venice will sponsor four Prayer Walks for Life which will serve as opportu-nities for people to actively par-ticipate in their faith by stand-ing witness in prayer for life and against abortion.

The first of these walks, Jan. 17 in Port Charlotte and Jan. 21 in Sarasota, will mark the anniver-sary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision which legal-ized abortion. The second set of walks will take place in Naples and Fort Myers during Lent in conjunction with 40 Days for Life campaign.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate Mass prior to each walk and participate in the prayer vig-ils planned at various abortion facilities.

Prayer Walks for Life have become effective tools in get-ting the word out that the faith-ful are seeking a peaceful end to the scourge on society that is abortion, said Diocese of Ven-ice Respect Life Director Jeanne Berdeaux. “I encourage everyone to participate in one of the walks. They are a powerful show of unity that has a real impact,” she said.

The Jan. 17 gathering at St Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte begins with an open-ing Mass at 8:30 a.m. Participants

Diocesan Prayer Walks for Life coming soonwill then walk approximately a half mile to pray at a local abor-tion site. There, students from St. Charles Borromeo School will lead a recitation of the rosary.

The prayer walk on Jan. 21 will begin at St. Martha Parish in downtown Sarasota with an opening Mass at 8:30 a.m. A shut-tle bus will be provided from St. Martha to the Planned Parent-hood facility about a mile away.

Each walk is an opportunity for respectful prayer outside fa-cilities that conduct abortions. There will be an opportunity for eucharistic adoration and prayer in the churches for people who are not able to participate in the actual vigils at the abortion clin-

ics. Lent begins Feb. 22, with a

Mass at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples at 8 a.m. Shuttle vans will bring participants to the nearby Planned Parenthood facility.

The day and location for the For t Myers Mass a nd cor re-sponding prayer walk will be an-nounced at a later date.

The Diocese of Venice is also sponsoring youth to participate in the National March for Life on Jan. 23 in Washington, D.C. The group of 90 will be accompanied by Bishop Dewane.

Contact the Respect Life De-partment for more details at 941-941-484-9543. �

ADVERTISEMENT 5Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic25394-0113

Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 2012YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY6

“The Rice School... shaping heartsand minds for service in the Church”

Spring SessionThe Blessed Edmund Rice School for Pastoral Ministry

“Attending the Rice School has been a wonderful opportunity for me. I am a cradle Catholic. All my life I have listened to the Gospel and lector readings at Mass. By attending these classes, these readings have been opened for me. It is as if in Mass we are only reading the synopsis on the cover of a book. There is

so much more information about scripture that has helped me to live a more faithful Christian life. Mass is more meaningful because of my deeper understanding of what is happening. Blessed Edmund Rice School

for Pastoral Ministry is the bridge that connects Christian theology to reality for me. I love it!”

Denise Ring, serves as a lector at St. John the Evangelist, Naples.

“Always in search of knowledge, I found in the Rice School for Pastoral Ministry a perfect match with a life-long aspiration, a way to deepening and understanding my God-given faith. From the moment of my first course in moral theology, I knew I was at the right place; a place where, irrespective of age, a friendly environment and a supportive staff will encourage you to constantly surpass yourself. I never regretted my

decision to sign-up. It’s been a blessing ever since.”

Claude Laterreur, serves as part of the R.C.I.A. team at San Pedro Parish, North Port.

“The classes (four) that I have taken with the Rice School have helped me with a new awakening of understanding for scripture and for the teachings of the Church. The faculty presents each class with

professional, spiritual, and joy-filled teachings. Their knowledge is astounding. I am so glad that Sr. Pam and Dr. Conroy encouraged me to go forward as a diploma student. I don’t know where my diploma will take me,

but I do know that I can’t wait for the next class to begin to learn more. Holy Spirit, I am in your hands.”

Elsie Howe, St. James Catholic Church, Lake Placid.

“The Rice School is about living, loving and learning. We refer to ourselves as the Rice School Family. Here we share the hopes, joy, tears and successes that are common to all families. As family we learn to love one another as Christ loves us. We have a wonderful and experienced faculty that empowers us to go beyond the Rice School and be living witnesses for Christ as to what it means to be a disciple and

evangelist in our daily lives.”

Leroy Jackson, serves as a member of the Pastoral Council at San Antonio Parish, Port Charlotte,and is a leader in the Couples for Christ movement.

“In Cuba, I was persecuted and fired from my first employment as a teacher because of my Catholic Faith. Being free and able to fulfill my dreams is possible thanks to the Rice School. I have so much to say and I am so thankful to the Diocese of Venice, the Rice School and everyone involved in making all this possible. If I mention

everyone I will run out of ink and I am in tears as I try to express my gratitude. I encourage and suggest to anyone to take on this challenge and I assure you your life and your faith will be changed forever.”

Yuri Perez Alvarez, is a parishioner at St. Katherine Drexel, Fort Myersand is preparing to serve the diocese as a candidate for the diaconate.

“‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matt. 11:28). This wonderful passage is what attracted me to the Blessed Edmund Rice School courses…. My commendation to Dr.

Molinari, President, Father Jerry Austin and Dr. Jack Conroy who have inspired and assisted me in realizing that God truly loves me unconditionally. Please come and see.”

Sylvia Nuñez Mendoza, serves as extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, catechist, and lector at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church; Immokalee.

“It is difficult to see just how valuable something is if you look at it from the outside. That is why Jesus invited people to ‘Come and see.’ The Rice School experience is definitely something you have to see for

yourself. I wanted a way to, not only to deepen my faith and knowledge of our faith, but also to give me the tools to help me live the Gospel, teach, and evangelize. Everyone I know who has embarked on this journey

will tell you that it has exceeded their expectations.”

Leslie Hutchison, serves as Pastoral Associate at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Port Charlotte.

25507-0113

STAFF REPORT

VENICE | One of the most com-mon laments heard in Catholic circles today is one of pain and frus-tration when a loved one has left the practice of the Catholic faith.

Seeing any loved one — a child, grandchild, friend or relative — who no longer follows the life-giving teachings of the Catholic Church is heartbreaking. Frustration ac-companies the pain, for we ask ourselves: What can I do? How can I help this person to return to their baptismal faith? Often it seems like nothing can be done, and we are simply left in our pain and frustra-tion.

The Office of Evangelization for the Diocese of Venice is here to help. On Tuesday, Feb. 7, there will be an all-day Apologetics Conference to help equip Catholics to better ex-plain and defend their faith. The theme of this conference is “Bring-ing Home the Lost Sheep,” empha-sizing the effort to help Jesus, the Good Shepherd, bring back those who have left the Catholic Church.

The conference will include

‘Bringing home the lost sheep’First-ever Apologetics Conference coming Feb. 7

talks by Jennifer Fulwiler, a former atheist who is now Catholic; Eric Sammons, the Director of Evange-lization for the Diocese of Venice; Father Dennis Cooney, Pastor of St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres and the Respect Life coordinator for the Diocese; and Dr. Andrea Molinari, President of the Blessed Edmund Rice School. Their presentations will focus on practical ways to help and encourage others to reconsider a decision to leave the Church, and how to respond when a loved one challenges our Catholic beliefs.

The conference will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice and will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will in-clude Mass, as well as a continental breakfast and lunch. The cost is $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. You can register at www.dioceseofven-ice.org, or mail your check (made out to “Diocese of Venice”) to: Dio-cese of Venice, Office of Evange-lization, P.O. Box 2006, Venice, FL 34284. For more information, con-tact the Office of Evangelization at 941-486-4740 or evangelization@dioceseofvenice.org. �

BOB REDDYof the Florida Catholic staff

VENICE | The Catholic Com-munity Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc., which is part of the Diocese of Venice, is sponsoring a number of free parish-based in-formational seminars designed to help the faithful get critical, objec-tive information about health, le-gal and financial planning in their later years.

Titled “From Here to Eternity: How to Plan Your Senior Years,” the seminars are presented by at-torney volunteers with expertise in the area of elder law or estate plan-ning. The seminar is 75 minutes in length.

Joseph Citro, Executive Director of the Foundation, said the start of

‘From Here to Eternity’: How to plan for your senior years

the new year is an excellent time to secure your future by making needed decisions about your life.

“As individuals face the final phases of life they can become overwhelmed by what they need to do to ensure that their wishes are followed in the legal, health and fi-nancial areas, and all of their plans are in accord with the Church’s teachings,” Citro said. “The semi-nar will offer key information to help individuals make these deci-sions easier.”

Legal professionals will explain the essential documents that are needed, their purposes, and the costs and advantages and disad-vantages of different legal, health and financial options. Among the

PLEASE SEE PLANNING, 7

AROUND YOUR COMMUNITY 7Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic

The deadline for submissions to the Around Your Community page is no later than the Friday two weeks prior to the publication date. Submissions may be emailed to reddy@dioceseofvenice.org or faxed to 941-484-1121.

Please include the date, time, location, brief description of the event, cost, if any, contact person and a phone number with area code for information.

VENICE DIOCESE COMMUNITY PAGE SUBMISSION DEADLINES

DIOCESAN EVENTSMass for Bishop Emeritus

John J. Nevins, Jan. 19, 11:30 a.m., Epiphany Cathedral, Venice. A Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and priests of the Diocese of Venice will be held to honor on the 80th birthday of Bishop Nevins. All are welcome.

Marriage Tribunal information evening, Jan. 17, 7 p.m., St. Paul Parish, Arcadia. The evening is for those, or their family and friends, who have experienced a civil divorce/dissolution and wish to consider re-establishing their freedom for a new marriage in the Catholic Church. Consists of a short presentation along with an opportunity for questions and answers by participants with Tribunal personnel. Spanish-speakers will be available at both sessions. No reservation required, all are welcome. For information, Betty Karsokas, 941-484-9543.

Annual Prayer Walk for Life with Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Jan. 17, following 8:30 a.m. Mass, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Port Charlotte. Participants are invited to process a half mile to the abortion center on Olean Boulevard to pray the rosary for an end to abortion. Call Dan, 941-627-5502; or Jeanne, 941-441-1101. See the flier at www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.

14th annual Prayer Walk for Life with Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Jan. 21, following 8:30 a.m. Mass, St. Martha Parish, Sarasota. A free shuttle bus will run 9 a.m.-2 p.m. to take participants to Planned Parenthood to circle the block in prayer for an end to abortion. Eucharistic adoration and the rosary will continue in the church until 2 p.m. Call 941-441-1101. See the flier at www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.

Marriage preparation program, Jan. 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Fort Myers. Recommended for all couples contemplating the sacrament of marriage in the Catholic Church. Registration: $75 per couple, includes a continental breakfast, lunch and materials. Fee is nonrefundable. For reservations, call Betty Karsokas, 941-484-9543.

“Quo Vadis” discernment group, North, last Fridays, 7-8:15 p.m., Epiphany Cathedral Parish, Santa Maria Chapel, 310 Sarasota St., Venice. Father Cory Mayer, Director of Vocations, will host a special group meeting for men who may be discerning a vocation to the priesthood. The meeting will include spending time before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament as well as discussion with other men who are discerning God’s will in their life. Food and drinks will be provided. For additional information, call Father Mayer, 941-484-9543.

“Quo Vadis” discernment group, Central, last Thursdays, 7-8:15 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Parish, 2157 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Father Cory Mayer, Director of Vocations, will host a special group meeting for men who may be discerning a vocation to the priesthood. The meeting will include spending time before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament as well as discussion with other men who are discerning God’s

will in their life. Food and drinks will be provided. For additional information, call Father Mayer, 941-484-9543.

Sarasota Charities Ball, Jan 28, Ritz Carlton, Sarasota. Benefits Sarasota and Manatee counties. For more information about the charity ball or how to purchase the raffle tickets in advance, contact Jeanette Wozniak, 941-355-4680, ext. 311; or jwozniak@ccdis1.org.

Natural family planning series, Feb. 4, and March 3, 2-5 p.m., St Raphael Parish, Lehigh Acres. Series will help couples strengthen relationship with spouse and find a more loving relationship with spouse and God. A morally acceptable and 99 percent effective way to space children; can also help with infertility issues. Scholarships are available. For more information or to register, visit ccli.org or call instructors Jeff and Lisa Stalnaker, 239-303-9257.

Diocesan Volunteer Appreciation Mass, Feb. 4, 10:30 a.m., Epiphany Cathedral, Venice. All priests, deacons and the faithful are invited to participate in a celebration of the active stewardship of our faithful laity.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend, Feb. 10-12, Fort Myers. Offers couples an opportunity to enrich their marriage by looking into their relationship with each other and with God. To register or for more information, email swflwwme@yahoo.com, call 239-495-1803 or visit wwwme.org.

Wedding Anniversary Masses. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate two Masses for married couples celebrating milestone anniversaries (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 50-plus years). First Mass, Saturday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m., Epiphany Cathedral, Venice. Second Mass, Saturday, March 3, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples. A reception will follow both Masses. Please contact your local parish for registration information.

Bethesda House Mardi Gras, Feb. 18, Sarasota Yacht Club, Sarasota. Bethesda House in Sarasota is a program to help people with HIV/AIDS. For more information, contact Jeanette Wozniak, 941-355-4680, ext. 311; or jwozniak@ccdis1.org.

Our Mother’s House wine tasting and dinner auction, Feb. 23, Plantation Golf and Country Club, Venice. Our Mother’s House in Venice is a transitional residential program for homeless mothers and infants, assisting the women with education, job pursuits, child care and parenting skills. For more information, contact Our Mother’s House, 941-485-6264 or omhsrqdir@comcast.net.

To Trust Again, Feb. 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, Sarasota. Marriage preparation program is designed to assist couples who have experienced a previous marriage. Registration: $75 per couple, includes breakfast and lunch. Fee is nonrefundable. For reservations or information, call Betty Karsokas, 941-484-9543.

Fourth annual Diocese of Venice Men’s Conference, Feb. 25, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Bishop Verot High School, Fort Myers. Speakers

include former Major League Baseball manager Jack McKeon. Opportunities for confession, adoration and Mass. Register online at www.dioceseofvenice.org or send a check to: Diocese of Venice, Attn: Men’s Conference, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. Tickets: $20 or $5 for students in advance; $25 or $10 for students at the door. Call 941-483-9543 for details.

Venetian Charity Ball, March 3, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, Fort Myers. Benefits Catholic Charities of Lee County. For more information, contact Cheryl Roman, 239-823-7928; or email venetianball2012@aol.com.

Boots and Bandannas Dinner Dance, March 10, Kingsway Country Club, Lake Suzy. Event benefits the many programs of Catholic Charities of DeSoto County. For more information, contact 863-494-1068 or charity2@embarqmail.com.

Fourth annual Diocese of Venice Women’s Conference, March 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bishop Verot High School, Fort Myers. Speakers include Father Leo Patalinghug and Johnette Benkovic. Opportunities for confession, adoration and Mass. Register online at www.dioceseofvenice.org or send a check to: Diocese of Venice, Attn: Women’s Conference, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. Tickets: $20 or $5 for students in advance; $25 or $10 for students at the door. Call 941-483-9543 for details.

Emerald Ball, March 17, Ritz Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, Naples. Benefits Catholic Charities of Collier County. For more information, contact 239-455-2655 or email michelle@catholiccharitiescc.org.

18th annual Leaven Conference, March 24, San Pedro Parish, North Port. Theme: “Care for God’s Creation: A Principle of Catholic Social Teaching.” Matthew Ryan McWhorter, Ph.D., who teaches moral theology at Ave Maria University and at the Blessed Edmund Rice School, will explore the moral imperatives associated with caring for and protecting creation. For more information, contact the Peace and Justice Office, peace&justice@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543.

Television Mass for the homebound in northern portions of the diocese, 10 a.m. on ION Television Network (check your local listings for channel information), and 10 a.m. on SNN (Comcast Cable Channel 6); in the southern portions of the diocese, 10 a.m. on WFTX-TV (FOX-4 in Cape Coral). 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTSLuncheon and card party,

Jan. 18, St. Raphael Parish, Englewood. Sponsored by the Council of Catholic Women. Tickets: $7. All are welcome; reservations required. Call 941-460-0124.

“Second time around” sale, Jan. 21, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., St Peter the Apostle Parish,

5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples. Sponsored by the Council of Catholic Women. Sale features clothing, furniture, toys, books, paintings, etc. For more information, call Betty, 239-793-7161.

Magnificat breakfast, Jan. 28, 9:30 a.m., Holiday Inn Airport at Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers. Speaker: Jane Hanzel. Advanced registration required by mail. Send $20, payable to Magnificat Fort Myers, to: Joanne Tarantino, 16550 Heron Coach Way, No. 206, Fort Myers, FL 33908. Must be postmarked by Jan. 21. Call 239-481-6967 for details.

“Sophisticated Lady” fashion show, Feb. 1, 11 a.m., Windstar, 1700 Windstar Blvd., Naples. Sponsored by St. Peter the Apostle Parish Council of Catholic Women. Fashions by Kari’s Kreations. Tickets: $40, in advance only. Call 239-417-9597.

Catholic/Jewish Dialogue “Differences in Religious Practices,” Feb. 5, St. William Parish ministry center, Naples. Presenters: Rabbi Edward Maline and Father Robert Kantor. 2012 program will feature sessions addressing how Catholics and Jews practice their faiths. For further information or to R.S.V.P., please call St. Agnes Parish, Naples, 239-592-4205.

“Marchin’ in With St. Jude” gala, Feb. 17, Michael’s on East Ballroom, Sarasota. Cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner, dancing and auctions. Entertainment with a Brazilian, New Orleans and Caribbean beat. Cost: $125 per person. All proceeds will be used for the programs and services of St. Jude Parish. For further information, please call Kathy Schersten, 941-377-5965, or email stigre7@verizon.net.

Faith and Wine, third Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., St. John the Evangelist Parish life center, Naples. Faith and Wine is a diverse group of women seeking fellowship with each other and a greater understanding of their Catholic faith. Cost: $10 per person pre-registered; $15 at the door. All are welcome. Visit www.faithandwine.com or contact Martha Oram, 407-615-9017 or mjr.oram@gmail.com.

Faith and Ale Naples, third Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., St. John the Evangelist Parish, ballroom. Faith and Ale offers exciting speakers on the third Wednesday of each month and strives to encourage, exhort and equip men to be spiritual leaders in their homes, workplaces and parishes. Contact Michael Timmis, 239-821-1009 or info@faithandale.com.

Faith and Ale Fort Myers, third Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Fort Myers. Faith and Ale offers exciting speakers on the third Thursday of each month and strives to encourage,

exhort and equip men to be spiritual leaders in their homes, workplaces and parishes. Contact Mike Lancellot, 239-940-7580 or faithandaleftmyers@gmail.com.

Eucharistic adoration, first Thursdays, 1-4 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Adoration concludes with Benediction followed by Mass. All are invited to come and spend time in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Call 941-486-0233 or email olphinfo@olph-retreat.org.

Come to the Water day of prayer, second Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Schedule includes continental breakfast, lunch, two conferences and opportunity for sacrament of reconciliation. Retreat concludes with Mass in St. Joseph Chapel. Cost: $25 per person. For reservations and additional information, call 941-486-0233 or email olphinfo@olph-retreat.org.

topics covered are the creation of a will or trust; the pros and cons of establishing residency in Florida; the establishment of a health sur-rogate and a living will in line with the Catholic Declaration on Life and Death; the determination of a durable power of attorney; and the avoidance of guardianship and the probate process.

“Our knowledgeable attorney volunteers provide critical infor-mation that is covered in detail, and are also available for questions during the presentation and after-ward,” Citro explained. “The goal is to allow people to make a clear and informed decision on these crucial life issues.”

The seminars are a free gift from the parishes and Catholic Commu-nity Foundation and the Diocese to the faithful elderly parishioners and their families. All are invited.

Mercy Parish, Boca Grande.

Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch.

Parish, Palmetto.-

thedral, Venice.

Parish, Fort Myers.Additional locations will be an-

nounced soon. For information, �

PLANNINGFROM 6

Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 2012YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY825313-0119

BOB REDDYof the Florida Catholic staff

FORT MYERS | The faithful of Blessed Pope John XXIII Parish came out in force to celebrate the construction of an apartment fa-cility which will serve low-income elderly of all faiths.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Blessed John XXIII Pastor Father Robert Tabbert presided over the groundbreaking ceremony Dec. 19, and parishioners, local offi-cials and construction managers looked on in appreciation. The project, dubbed Blessed John XXIII Villas, was made possible through a $9.7 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is part of a continuing initiative by the Diocese of Venice to provide affordable housing for low-income elderly.

“This is an important project for the Diocese of Venice as we continue our commitment to serve the elderly,” Bishop Dewane said. “Many elderly are in need of quality affordable housing, but are unable to afford it. The Dio-cese appreciates the opportunity to partner with HUD to provide these apartments for elderly in need, a part of the community which is often overlooked.”

Father Tabbert said he was thrilled when he first learned of the HUD grant and feels blessed to be able to help an underserved portion of the Fort Myers popu-lation. “Everyone is very excited about the opportunities everyone will have as we provide outreach for the residents. I for one cannot wait until this is open.”

The Blessed Pope John XXIII Villas design features 68 one-bedroom units. The building will include a community room for social activities and a common laundry area. It will be in close proximity to medical services, shopping and banking. Residents will receive a wide variety of sup-portive services from a network of providers located in the com-munity. The project is intended to allow the residents to live as independently as possible while having access to a wide variety of services. Construction is expected to take about a year.

People who are 62 or older and whose incomes are no more than 50 percent of the area’s median income can apply to live in the apartments and receive rent sub-sidies. Qualified residents will pay no more than 30 percent of their adjusted income for rent, and HUD will subsidize the remain-ing cost.

HUD awarded $550 million to 169 low-income housing projects in 46 states during the latest round of grants announced July 12, 2010. The Blessed Pope John XXIII Vil-las was one of only two such proj-ects in Florida.

This new project will be the ninth low-income elderly hous-ing project sponsored by the Dio-cese of Venice under the HUD 202 program; the others are located in Sarasota, Palmetto, Bradenton, Venice and Fort Myers. �

Diocese breaks ground on housing project for seniors

Pictured is a conceptual drawing of Blessed Pope John XXIII Villas in Fort Myers.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Father Robert Tabbert, pastor of Blessed Pope John XXIII Parish, are shown Jan 16 following the groundbreaking ceremony for the Blessed Pope John XXIII Villas in Fort Myers. The villas will serve as apartments for low-income elderly residents. (BOB REDDY | FC)

YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY 9Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic

STAFF REPORT

VENICE | A number of events each year in the Diocese of Venice are intended to raise awareness and money for critical Catholic Charities programs. The annual charity events come at a time when the need and the demand for ser-vices from Catholic Charities are higher than ever before.

“These events are an impor-tant component of supporting the many programs that help more and more people each year,” said Peter Routsis-Arroyo, CEO of Cath-olic Charities. “Without the gener-

ous support of those who attend these events, we would not be able to help as many people as we do.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane will be the host at each event. The mix of events will include an array of fes-tivities from elegant dining and dancing, to Mardi Gras and coun-try-and-western-themed events. Each will have music along with live and silent auctions.

Catholic Charities is a not-for-profit social service agency that provides services in the 10-county Diocese. In 2010, the agency helped more than 40,000 people through 38 programs, assisting individuals

and families in need with a small but committed staff and dedicated volunteers.

The following is a complete list-ing of the Catholic Charities events in the coming months:

--

ties. Raffle tickets available for one year of free tuition at a Diocese of Venice school. Contact Jeanette Wozniak, 941-355-4680, ext. 311; or jwozniak@ccdis1.org.

-

941-355-4680, ext. 311; or jwoz-niak@ccdis1.org.

tasting and dinner auction, Feb. 23, Plantation Golf and Country

in Venice is a transitional residen-tial program for homeless mothers and infants, assisting the women with education, job pursuits, child care and parenting skills. Contact 941-485-6264 or omhsrqdir@com-cast.net.

Fort Myers. Benefits Catholic Charities of Lee County. Contact Cheryl Roman, 239-823-7928; or email venetianball2012@aol.com.

Dance, March 10, Kingsway Coun-

the many programs of Catholic -

tact 863-494-1068 or charity2@embarqmail.com.

Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, Na-ples. Benefits Catholic Charities of Collier County. Contact 239-455-2655 or email michelle@catholic charitiescc.org. �

Charity events offer opportunity to give back, have fun

BOB REDDYof the Florida Catholic staff

SARASOTA | Each year the cir-cus and traveling show workers of

continued blessings. The parish is known as the “National Circus Par-ish.”

From Jan. 6-8, the gathering in-cludes meetings and time to reflect on the past year and look forward to a safe and blessed coming year. Two Masses are celebrated each year in conjunction with the gathering.

The first on Jan. 7 was a memorial Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and concelebrated by priests who offer spiritual and pas-toral support to circus and travel-ling show workers as they journey throughout the country. The second Mass celebrated Jan. 8 serves as the kickoff and blessing for the coming

show year.During the memorial Mass Bish-

op Dewane said that remembering those who have gone before should

not be a time of sadness, but a cel-ebration of the promise of eternal life. “We should also take the time to look at our own life to see if we

have been examples of Jesus Christ to those we meet,” he added.

The annual event is hosted by the Diocese of Venice with the support

--

toral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers, of which Bishop Dewane is the episcopal adviser. Mission-

Myrna Tordillo, who serves as assis-

subcommittee, was on hand for the Masses and said the gathering and the Masses are important to the cir-cus and show performer communi-ties.

“These are very devoted people who live a life where being members

Myrna said.The subcommittee works to have

a priest (or other spiritual support) traveling with the circus or to have someone available for perform-

Mass celebrated for circus and traveling show workers

BOB REDDYof the Florida Catholic staff

BRADENTON | We are each given gifts from God and are chal-lenged to be the beacon that others will follow.

Thanks to the faithful who come -

ter and Paul the Apostles Parish has been a beacon of light in the community for 25 years. The par-ish kicked off its 25th anniversary

and ceremony led by Bishop Frank J. Dewane Jan. 8. Pastor Father

and former priests who served at the parish, also concelebrated the Mass.

The celebration Mass fell on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, which tells the story of the three Magi who followed a beacon of light to the Baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Bishop Dewane said the parish

community of today is the culmi-nation of the gifts and talents from God that have been given back by the faithful throughout the years.

“There is a no greater gift than coming together with Christ within each of us,” Bishop Dewane added. “We all need to the see the light in each other, a light that has shown

Apostles Parish since its founding in 1987.”

The parish was founded by Msgr. Edward D. Moretti, who died in 2010. To honor him, the celebration included a presentation of a lifelike painting of the Monsignor, and the renaming of the parish center in his name.

-ter and Paul the Apostles Parish is about its people. Without their sup-port and love of Christ, the parish would not be able to reach out to so many in the community.

“This is a wonderful parish that

-berger said. “I know we are all shin-ing the light for others to follow.”

The Mass also included a presen-tation of a new chalice and paten which were blessed by Bishop De-wane and used during the Mass for the first time.

A reception in the newly named Msgr. Edward D. Moretti Parish Center followed the Mass. A plaque in honor of Msgr. Moretti was un-veiled, followed by a luncheon served by the youth of the parish.

anniversary theme of “Remember

— Rejoice — Renew” is the pharse the parish will live by throughout the entire year.

“We are blessed to have the year to celebrate this important moment in the life of the parish and the peole who make it what it is,” he said. �

Bradenton church celebrates 25 years

year. This helps them grow in their faith and remain connected to the Church, she added.

long tradition of pastoral concern for newcomers, migrants, refugees and those whose lifestyle and work necessitate frequent travel. These “strangers among us” come from diverse ethnic, cultural, educational and social backgrounds.

-

it was an honor to continue to serve as the host of the annual gathering. “This is where it all started. The sup-port of the circus people is a big part

-come.”

Parish was founded in 1927 that its long association with the circus be-

quarters for the Ringling Brothers Circus. �

Bishop Frank J. Dewane stands outside St. Martha Parish in Sarasota with some of the priests who serve the pastoral needs of circus and travel show workers throughout the country. (BOB REDDY | FC)

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrates Mass Jan. 8 to kick off Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish’s 25th anniversary celebrations in Bradenton. (BOB REDDY | FC)

Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 201210 QUICK READS

26038-0113

NATIONEvents mark 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade

WASHINGTON | One thing that always stands out in the annual marches and rallies in Washing-ton and across the country mark-ing the anniversary of the U.S. Su-preme Court’s decision legalizing abortion is the crowd. “People are always surprised by the number of pro-lifers who show up in Washing-ton and in their own state capitals,” said Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life Committee. “The crowds are getting bigger and bigger each year and have more young people, which is encourag-ing for the pro-life movement and a shock for those who think abor-tion should remain legal,” she told Catholic News Service Jan. 4. And based on expected turnouts, this year will be no exception. Tens of thousands of people from across the United States are expected to gather in the nation’s capital Jan. 23 for this year’s March for Life in Washington with the theme: “Unite on the life principles to overturn

Roe v. Wade and with love protect mothers and preborn children — no exception, no compromise.” The event falls on a Monday, the day af-ter the 39th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, to allow partici-pants to visit their representatives on Capitol Hill after a noon rally on the National Mall and a march along Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court. Next year’s march and rally in Washington is slated for Friday Jan. 25 because the Jan. 22 anniversary will fall on a Tuesday, the day after public ceremonies for the presidential inauguration, and organizers said they were not able to secure an adequate number of hotel rooms. The night before this year’s rally, March for Life organiz-ers are planning a mini-rally in La-fayette Park across from the White House. They are also sponsoring a youth rally that night at a Washing-ton hotel. A capacity crowd of about 20,000 pilgrims is expected to fill the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the annual National Prayer Vigil for Life, which begins with a Jan. 22 vigil Mass. Cardinal Daniel N. Di-Nardo of Galveston-Houston, chair-man of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of

Catholic Bishops, will be the princi-pal celebrant and homilist.

Ten years after abuse scandal, Cardinal reflects on its impact

BOSTON | “Our Church will never forget the clergy sexual abuse crisis,” said Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston in a document marking the 10th anniversary of the abuse scandal that first rocked the archdiocese in January 2002, the reverberations of which continue to be felt. “The traumatic and painful days we experienced 10 years ago rightfully forced us to address the issue honestly and implement many necessary changes,” said Cardinal O’Malley in the 2,500-word docu-ment, “Ten Years Later — Reflec-tions on the Sexual Abuse Crisis,” released Jan. 4. Cardinal O’Malley said that since his appointment in July 2003, “our highest priority has been to provide outreach and care for all the survivors of clergy sexual abuse and to do everything pos-sible to make sure this abuse never happens again.” The cardinal said the archdiocese has met with more than 1,000 survivors and family members. “As one measure of our commitment, during the past seven years, the archdiocese has spent more than $7 million to provide counseling, medicines and other services for survivors and their fam-ilies,” he added. “At any given time, we are providing assistance for approximately 300 people.” Since 2003, the Archdiocese of Boston has settled approximately 800 claims of clergy sexual abuse, Cardinal O’Malley said, although no figure was offered on the total archdioce-san payout in those cases. He added that about 300,000 children have received safe environment train-ing through their parish schools or religious education programs. The cardinal said about 175,000 adults — clergy, religious and laity, both paid staff and volunteers — have been trained to identify and report suspected abuse.

Philadelphia archbishop’s 1882 residence to be sold

PHILADELPHIA | The home of Philadelphia’s Catholic archbishops since the 1930s will soon be sold, archdiocesan officials confirmed Dec. 31. The 10,000-square-foot mansion located on more than eight acres at 5700 City Ave. next to St. Jo-seph’s University in Philadelphia was purchased by Cardinal Dennis Dougherty in 1935. It has been used as the home of every archbishop of Philadelphia ever since, including Cardinals John O’Hara, John Krol, Anthony Bevilacqua and Justin Ri-gali. Prominent visitors of the arch-bishops’ residence over the years have included Pope John Paul II in 1979 and President and Mrs. Ronald

Reagan. While Philadelphia Arch-bishop Charles J. Chaput did not comment on the impending sale of the house, archdiocesan officials indicated that proceeds from the sale would go to help struggling in-ner-city parishes in the archdiocese and that the archbishop may reside in the cathedral rectory, which had been built originally as the resi-dence of the archbishop. According to a 1982 Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission report, Philadelphia real estate records and contemporary news accounts, the stone house was built in 1882 in the Victorian Gothic style by one of Philadelphia’s leading architects, a Quaker, Addison Hutton, for the prominent Scull family. They lived in the home and named it Egerton House, along with a home on an ad-joining property, which is now the convent of the contemplative Sisters of the Visitation.

WORLD Pope names 22 new cardinals, including three North Americans

VATICAN CITY | Pope Bene-dict XVI named 22 new cardinals, including two from the United States, and announced a consis-tory for their formal induction into the College of Cardinals Feb. 18. Among those named were Arch-bishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York; Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien, pro-grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Je-rusalem who still is administering the Archdiocese of Baltimore; and Archbishop Thomas C. Collins of Toronto. The pope announced the nominations to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square at noon Jan. 6, be-fore praying the Angelus. Cardinal-designate O’Brien, who was in St. Peter’s Square when his name was announced, said his priestly life has been “a surprise at every step. I thought being appointed arch-bishop of Baltimore would be the last surprise, but I was wrong.” He told Catholic News Service that the ministries he had been appointed to, and now his elevation to cardi-nal, were not things he could “an-ticipate, navigate or engineer. It’s just a matter of being open and in the right place at the right time and good things happen.”

Filipinos warned to leave after landslide devastates community

MANILA, Philippines | Resi-dents of a small mining community in the southern Philippines contin-ued mining for gold Jan. 5 despite a landslide that swept through their village and government warnings to evacuate, a Catholic priest said. Fa-ther Reynaldo Biliran of the Tagum Diocese told the Asian Church news

agency UCA News that the govern-ment feared the land had become unstable after the predawn land-slide claimed at least 25 lives, but villagers refused to budge. “The Church has not been remiss in re-minding them of the danger of min-ing, but you can’t really blame these poor people for staying there. It’s their livelihood,” he said. More than 100 people were missing after the landslide, the government reported. Benito Ramos, head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Man-agement Council, said heavy rain or a predawn quake were possible causes of the landslide in Pantukan village in Compostela Valley prov-ince. “The quake, although rela-tively weak, intensity 3, may have affected the ground already satu-rated by rain,” Ramos said. “A mili-tary unit is in the area, but they are basically digging with their hands,” he added.

Nigerian bishops urge government to get control after church bombings

LAGOS, Nigeria | Catholic lead-ers condemned the spate of bomb blasts in Nigeria and urged the gov-ernment to get control of security. Lagos Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie criticized the government for its failure to protect citizens. Speaking at the dedication of St. Peter Church in Awka, the cardinal said the spate of bombings in a four-day period makes people wonder “what the government is doing with our money. If they cannot protect the lives of its citizens, then why do we have a government?” He said it seemed that “anybody can just do anything they like and go scot free. People have identified themselves as members of Boko Haram, taking credit for bombings; still, nothing is done to them. That means the kill-ings should continue,” he said. “I do not believe violence can cure vio-lence, but we must try to halt it there. This is what you get when people are not ready to rule, but are just there to embezzle the money. You cannot keep playing with people’s lives,” he warned. In Abuja, Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan said the quick arrest of those responsible for the deaths would renew people’s confidence in the government and its ability to guarantee their secu-rity. He urged Nigerian Muslim leaders to assist security agents in exposing those responsible, “as they are giving Islam a bad name.’’ He also told Nigerians not to be afraid to expose those responsible, so as to bring them to justice before they kill more people. He also called for intense prayers for God’s interven-tion to end “this national tragedy.’’ More than 40 people died in Christ-mas bombings of Christian church-es, including St. Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, just outside of Abuja. The Islamic militant group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for those attacks.

FLORIDA NEWS 11Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic

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STAFF REPORT

ORLANDO | Even before the ball dropped to introduce 2012, the Florida Catholic Conference has had its eye on a year full of legisla-tive concerns, including a presiden-tial election.

For months, the conference — the lobbying arm of the Catholic bishops of Florida — has planned for its Catholic Days at the Capitol, to be held Feb. 7-8 in Tallahassee. The date of the gathering is earlier than usual because the legislative session starts early due to redis-tricting.

During the two-day event, Cath-olics from across the state are asked to converge at the state capital to offer legislators a Catholic voice concerning state laws. The pro-gram includes a legislative briefing on issues affecting human life and dignity, followed by prescheduled meetings with elected officials. Participants will also attend a lun-cheon with Florida bishops and leg-islators, and are invited to the Red Mass, celebrated by Florida’s bish-ops to pray for those working in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government.

Participants travel to Tallahas-see with members and directors from their respective dioceses. Pre-registration is required, and is done through individual dioceses. Reg-istration cutoffs include: Jan. 20 for the Palm Beach Diocese; Jan. 23 for the Miami Archdiocese; and Jan. 25 for the Orlando Diocese. (For regis-tration information for all Florida’s dioceses, visit http://www.flacath-conf.org/CDAC/index.php.)

Although the presidential elec-tion is not until November, Florida will hold its Republican primary Jan. 31, in which registered Re-publican voters will cast ballots for the person they wish to secure the nomination for the Republican presidential candidate. To help vot-ers discern their decisions, the Flor-ida Catholic Conference developed a “Presidential Preference Primary Election” guide.

While the conference and the Catholic Church do not tell people for whom to vote or how to vote, all Catholics are called to participate in faithful citizenship and asked to consider Catholic social teachings when discerning any vote.

“The right to vote carries with it a responsibility to study and know the candidates. As citizens of faith, we are led to question, according to our foundational beliefs, how each candidate, if elected, will ad-

dress our nation’s issues,” the guide states. “There are moral and ethical dimensions to every public policy. However, issues carry different moral weight and urgency. Some involve matters of intrinsic evil that can never be supported, such as the direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life. Others in-volve an obligation to seek the com-mon good.”

The guide offers questions that are meant to “assist in discerning where the presidential primary candidates stand on issues con-cerning the protection of human life and the promotion of a just so-ciety.” The questions cover topics of protecting the unborn, addressing social needs, euthanasia, combat-ing crime, marriage, immigration reform, education, health care, pov-erty and the use of military force.

Unfortunately, January 2012 will include the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court deci-sion which made abortion legal at any time before birth. The Florida Catholic Conference offered a state-ment by Florida’s Catholic bishops marking that anniversary on Jan.

22. In it, the bishops said they are encouraged by the actions of the 2011 Florida Legislature that passed a record number of bills regulating abortion practices, and how abor-tions have declined in Florida for the fourth year in a row. The bish-ops credited both pro-life legisla-tors and the faithful who help wom-en chose life rather than abortion.

“Many crisis pregnancy centers now have ultrasound machines which reveal to a woman the truth and beauty of the unique individu-al created in her womb, a gift from God,” the bishops wrote. “As the woman in 2 Maccabees 7:1, 22-23 eloquently speaks: ‘It was not I who gave you the breath of life, nor was it I who set in order the elements of which each of you is composed. … It is the Creator of the universe who shapes each man’s beginning, as he brings about the origin of every-thing.’”

In their statement, the bishops also spoke about the importance of supporting pregnant women and adoption programs, and post-abor-tion ministry, including Project Ra-chel and Rachel’s Vineyard.

“May we never rest until laws violating the right to life are over-turned or set aside and we ask peo-ple of good will to join us in prayer for the protection of all life from conception to natural death,” the statement concludes.��

The “Presidential Preference Pri-mary Election” guide is available in a pdf format at the Florida Catholic Conference website, http://www. flacathconf.org/electionactivities/ 2012PresidentialPrimary.pdf. It is also available at http://www.the floridacatholic.org. Look for the link under “Top stories” for both the guide and to view the Florida bishops’ statement on the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

For post-abortion counseling infor-mation, call toll free 1-888-456-4673 or visit http://hopeafterabortion.org.

Florida Catholic Conference offers statement to lead off new yearCatholic Days at the Capitol slated for Feb. 7-8 in Tallahassee

Virginia Lee Hunt of Naples holds a Miraculous Medal plaque and a handmade cross during the March for Life rally on the National Mall in 2011. (LESLIE E. KOSSOFF | CNS)

The regular session of the Florida Legislature is held Jan. 10-March 9. During that 60 day-legislative session, the Florida Catholic Conference pro-vides reports and updates on issues that pertain to the protection of the right to life, respect for human dignity and promotion of the common good through the FCC Advocacy Network.

The conference’s legislative report identifies and describes filed bills that are being advocated for or against, or closely followed, by conference staff on behalf of the bishops of Florida. As priority bills move through the legisla-

tive process, action alerts will be sent that request network members to con-tact their legislators to urge support or opposition to proposed legislation.

On Fridays, the FCC Advocacy Net-work sends summaries of significant legislative action on issues of concern to the Church and reports on activities of interest at the Capitol.

For more information, visit http://www.flacathconf.org and click on the Advocacy box. Or find a direct link in “Top stories” at http:///www. thefloridacatholic.org.

FCC ADVOCACY NETWORK

Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 201212 VATICAN NEWS

CAROL GLATZ Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY | In an effort to help Catholics have a better and correct understanding of their faith and become authentic witnesses to Christ, the Vatican issued a list of pastoral recom-mendations for celebrating the upcoming Year of Faith.

T he Cong regat ion for t he Doctrine of the Faith released a “note” Jan. 7 outlining the aims of t he special year and ways bishops, dioceses, parishes and communities can promote “the truth of the faith,” the congrega-tion said.

It also announced that within the Pontifical Council for Pro-moting New Evangelization, a secretariat would be set up to suggest and coordinate different initiatives. The new department will be responsible for launch-ing a special website for sharing useful information on the Year of Faith.

Pope Benedict XVI wanted the Year of Faith, which runs from Oct. 11, 2012, to Nov. 24, 2013, to help the Church focus its at-tention on “Jesus Christ and the beauty of having faith in him,” it

Vatican issues recommendations for celebrating Year of Faith

said. “The Church is well aware of the problems facing the faith” and recognizes that without a revitalization of faith rooted in a personal encounter with Jesus, “then all other reforms will re-main ineffective,” it said citing the pope’s Dec. 22 address to the Roman Curia.

The year is meant to “contrib-ute to a renewed conversion to the Lord Jesus and to the redis-covery of faith, so that the mem-bers of the Church will be cred-ible and joy-filled witnesses to the risen Lord, capable of lead-ing those many people who are seeking it to the door of faith,” the note said. Critical to renew-ing one’s faith and being a cred-ible witness is having a firm and correct understanding of Church teaching, it said.

documents, the catechism and its Compendium to be repub-lished in more affordable edi-tions and to distribute the texts digitally and via other “modern technologies.”

The congregation said it want-ed to promote the recommenda-tions because the office’s “spe-cific functions include not only safeg uarding sound doct rine and correcting errors but also, and foremost, promot ing t he truth of the faith.”

T he c on g r e g a t ion’s not e , drafted on the orders of Pope Benedict, was written in consul-

tation with other Vatican offices and with the help of the Year of Faith preparator y committee. The committee, which operates under the auspices of the doctri-nal congregation, includes U.S. Cardinals Wil l iam J. Levada, congregation prefect; Francis E. George of Chicago; and Ca-nadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. �

The text of the doctrinal con-gregation’s note in English is posted online at http://tinyurl.com/7b3dywy.

The Year of Faith, which runs from Oct. 11, 2012, to Nov. 24, 2013, is to help the Church focus its attention on“Jesus Christ and the beauty of having faith in him,” said a Jan. 5 statement from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Photo shows a crucifix in St. Albert’s Chapel at the Dominican Sisters’ motherhouse in Amityville, N.Y. (GREGORY A. SHEMITZ | CNS)

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Because the year’s start, Oct. 11, coincides with the anniversa-ries of the opening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962 and the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 1992, it would be an auspicious occasion to make the work of the council and the catechism “more widely and deeply known,” it said.

T he cong regat ion sa id t he pope “has worked decisively for a correct understanding of the council, rejecting as erroneous the so-called ‘hermeneutics of discontinuity and rupture’ and promoting what he himself has termed the ‘hermeneutic of re-form,’ of renewal in continuity” with the Church and tradition.

The catechism “is an integral part of that ‘renewal in conti-nuit y’” by embracing t he old and traditional while express-ing it “in a new way, in order to respond to the questions of our times,” it said. The note of-fers pastoral recommendations aimed at aiding “both the en-counter with Christ through au-thentic witnesses to faith, and the ever-greater understanding of its contents,” it said.

Among the initiatives will be various ecumenical events at the Vatican aimed at restoring unity among all Christians, in-cluding “a solemn ecumenical celebration in which all of the baptized will reaffirm their faith in Christ,” it said. There will be special Masses at the Vatican to mark the opening and closing of the Year of Faith, it added.

Some recommendations for bishops, dioceses and parishes include ensuring there be bet-ter qualit y catechetical mate-rials t hat conform to Church teaching; promoting Catholic principles and the significance of Vatican II in the mass media; hosting events that bring artists, academics and others together to renew dialogue between faith and reason; offering penitential celebrations; and putting a focus on liturgy, especially the Eucha-rist, it said.

It also called for Vatican II

The year is meant to “contribute to a renewed conversion to the Lord Jesus and to the rediscovery of faith, so that the members of the Church will be credible and joy-filled witnesses to the risen Lord, capable of leading those many people who are seeking it to the door of faith.”

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SCRIPTURE & SUNDAY WORD 15Jan. 13-26, 2012 Florida Catholic

Friday, Jan. 131 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a; Ps 89:16-19; Mk 2:1-12

Saturday, Jan. 141 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mk 2:13-17

Sunday, Jan. 151 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Ps 40:2, 4, 7-10; 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42

Monday, Jan. 161 Sm 15:16-23; Ps 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23; Mk 2:18-22

Tuesday, Jan. 17St. Anthony, abbott 1 Sm 16:1-13; Ps 89:20-22, 27-28; Mk 2:23-28

Wednesday, Jan. 181 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; Ps 144:1-2, 9-10; Mk 3:1-6

Thursday, Jan. 191 Sm 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Ps 56:2-3, 9-14; Mk 3:7-12

Friday, Jan. 201 Sm 24:3-21; Ps 57:2-4, 6, 11; Mk 3:13-19

Saturday, Jan. 21St. Agnes, virgin and martyr2 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; Ps 80:2-3, 5-7; Mk 3:20-21

Sunday, Jan. 22Jon 3:1-5, 10; Ps 25:4-9; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20

Monday, Jan. 232 Sm 5:1-7, 10; Ps 89:20-22, 25-26; Mk 3:22-30

Tuesday, Jan. 24St. Francis de Sales, bishop2 Sm 6:12b-15, 17-19; Ps 24:7-10; Mk 3:31-35

Wednesday, Jan. 25Conversion of St. PaulActs 22:3-16 or 9:1-22; Ps 117:1-2; Mk 16:15-18

Thursday, Jan. 26Sts. Timothy and Titus, bishops 2 Tm 1:1-8 or Ti 1:1-5; Ps 96:1-3, 7-8a, 10; Mk 4:21-25

Friday, Jan.272 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17; Ps 51:3-7, 10-11; Mk 4:26-34

Saturday, Jan. 28St. Thomas Aquinas, priest2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17; Ps 51:12-17; Mk 4:35-41

Sunday, Jan. 29Dt 18:15-20; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; 1 Cor 7:32-35; Mk 1:21-28

SCRIPTURE readings

ANSWERS

Msgr. M. Francis

Mannion

Sunday, Jan. 15Second Sunday in Ordinary Time1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Ps 40:2, 4, 7-10; 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42

As I think back to my child-hood, with all the good memo-ries I have of my parent’s love and care for me, I never cease to be amazed about one of their great-est concerns as I was growing up — my ears! I don’t know; maybe it’s one of those things they teach people in “parent school”?

My folks were always looking into my ears for “carrots or potatoes”; they always wanted to know if I washed behind them; they seemed to think my ears generally functioned their best at the wrong times, i.e., when I wasn’t supposed to hear something, but failed miserably when I was supposed to hear something!

You know as well as I do, how-ever, that these problems with hearing and listening are not limited to childhood — they fol-low us right where we are today. Our ability to hear and listen is not merely a physical ability, but a mental and spiritual one as well. There are more ways to hear and listen than with one’s

ears.Hungry and thirsty voices

rise up throughout our world, but at times we act as if we can-not hear them. The faint voices of peace are drowned out by war and vengeance. The hurts with-

in our own lives try to gain voice, but we push them down deeper into ourselves in the hopes of burying them.

Today’s word of God for our lives has much to do with hearing and listening. I’m encour-aged by the reminder in these passages that God does, in fact, still speak to people and that we are still invited to respond. Yet, our first reading, psalm response and Gospel make it all seem so

easy, don’t they?The young boy Samuel is

roused from his sleep by the voice calling in the night, and with only three short tries, Sam-uel is able to recognize it is the Lord of Hosts reaching out to him!

It’s even easier in our Gospel. John the Baptist simply points out the “Lamb of God,” and his two disciples immediately follow Jesus home for the day!

“Here I am, Lord,” sounds

so beautiful and, when put to music, f lows from our lips so smoothly, it’s almost like a trance leading us off to do God’s will!

I don’t know about you, but my response time seems a whole lot slower than it was for Samuel, or Eli, or the psalmist or the Baptist and his two disciples. But despite our slowness to hear or listen, we are engaged in good news. Even if it takes us a long time to recog-nize the often subtle voice of God — hours, months, or perhaps years — God does not cease at-tempting to communicate with us.

Like the boy Samuel, we may find God’s voice barely percepti-ble, coming to us in our “sleepy” condition. We may need our own Eli or John the Baptist to help lead us to or to help point out to us who it is that is speaking to us, calling our name. How is the voice of God in sacred Scripture speaking to you today? What are you “looking for; what are you lis-tening for?”

None of us can predict the time of God speaking; none of us can predict the ways of God speaking. But all this doesn’t re-ally matter — we take heart in the truth that God does not stop addressing us with the simple message: “I love you; I want you to be at home with me; I want to abide in you!”��

Sunday, Jan. 22Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Jon 3:1-5, 10; Ps 25:4-9; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20

In order to get somewhere, in order to move from one place to another, we eventually have to let go! We never learn to swim if we keep holding on to the side of the pool. We never make friends at school if we don’t let go of our dad’s leg every morning. The wonder and joy of gliding on ice, spinning and circling, will never happen if we can’t let go of the skating rink sideboards. We never experience the real thrill of a roller coaster until we are brave enough to let go of the crossbar and lift our arms. Grief will continue to eat away at us, if we never let go. Memories of past hurts and disappointments will continue to serve up their poison on a platter if we feverishly cling to them and refuse to let go.

When we allow our hands and our hears to be free, no longer clutching and holding with vise-like grip — when we are able to let go — our lives can change and we can grow.

The prophet Jonah would nev-er have saved people from de-

struction, from being consumed by their evil ways unless he first left the comfort and safety of his own home and “set out for the great city of Nineveh.” The peo-ple of Nineveh avoid God’s pun-ishing wrath only because they changed, let go of their old ways of living, and turned their hearts toward the God of Israel.

The Corinthians, to whom St. Paul writes his letter, would not have grown in their relationship with God if not for their willing-ness to abandon their old as-sumptions and attitudes for a new way of seeing life and people — the old ways had to be left be-hind. Simon and Andrew, James and John would never have had the experience of becoming Je-sus’ most intimate companions if they had refused to leave their nets the day Jesus called them.

In order to get somewhere, in order to move from one place to another, we eventually will need to let go! I think most of us are prevented from having a bet-ter quality of life and living up to our personal and baptismal potential not because we lack desire, but because we hang on to so much from our past. We

become anchored by our habits and mired in our comforts.

Letting go, however, is not al-ways welcome or easy. But the letting go that we are called to do is made easier when we rec-ognize the One who is urging us, prodding us to let go; if we recog-nize the voice, the embrace, the gentle guiding touch of our God and the Lord Jesus.

What do you need to put be-hind you? What grudge or worry or bad habit or broken relation-ship needs to be relegated to history? Is there something you need to give up, to let go, which is holding you back from growing and embracing life more fully?

Jesus let go of every ounce of his being, offered his very life on the cross, so that we might re-ceive and share today his body and blood. Listen to the One who is calling you to let go. Trust in God’s immense love and com-passion. Feel the gently guiding touch of the God who, in the midst of our letting go, never lets go of us! �

Father Berinti, Society of the Pre-cious Blood, is on staff at the San Pedro Center in Winter Park.

One calls individuals to account; the other will pronounce God’s final word over all of history

Q: I know that when we die there is an im-mediate judgment, but when Jesus comes again he calls us all to another judgment. But for what purpose? We were judged once after death. Could you please explain why we must be judged twice? I am confused.

— Name withheld, Des Plaines, Ill.A: What you are asking about is the relation-

ship between the Particular Judgment when we die and the General or Last Judgment at the end of time. At the risk of oversimplification, we may say that the Particular Judgment refers to the fate of the individual person after having passed through death, while the General Judgment re-

fers to God’s verdict on all his-tory and creation at the end of time.

The Particular Judgment refers to the fact that each person is called to give an ac-count of his or her whole life before God. The result of that judgment is not God’s doing, but our doing — worked out through the whole course of our lives. After that judgment we go to purgatory, heaven or hell. (I have expressed my hope before in this column that there is nobody in hell, but there is always the pos-

sibility that we have so ruined and squandered our lives that we could ultimately reject God’s love and end up there.)

The General Judgment at the end of time is not a repetition of the Particular Judgment. So you are correct in saying that each person is not personally judged twice. Rather, at the General Judgment, God’s reign will extend over all cre-ation and all that is evil in history will be over-come. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states this matter as follows: “The Last Judg-ment will come when Christ returns in glory. ... Then through his Son Jesus Christ (God) will pronounce the final word on all history. We shall know the ultimate meaning of the whole work of creation and the entire economy of salvation and understand the marvelous ways by which his providence led everything towards its final end. The Last Judgment will reveal that God’s justice triumphs over all the injustices committed by his creatures and that God’s love is stronger than death” (CCC, No. 1040).

So, we may say that at the Particular Judg-ment, God’s verdict on each individual will be pronounced, while at the General Judgment God’s verdict on all reality will be pronounced. There can seem to be a certain coldness in the use of this legal language, but we must never forget that God is infinitely more merciful, wise, and loving than we can ever imagine �.

Msgr. Mannion is a priest and theologian of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. Send your questions to Pastoral Answers, Our Sunday Visitor, 200 Noll Plaza, Huntington, IN 46750 or to mfmannion@osv.com. Letters must be signed, but anonymity may be requested.

Why two judgments?

All ears?

SUNDAY WORD

Father Ben

Berinti

Time to let go

Florida Catholic Jan. 13-26, 201216 NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS

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46 56 66

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ACROSS1 She appeared in “Where the Boys Are” before becoming a nun5 Catholic Surrealist painter9 Aquinas’ opus, for short14 Topping in a tub15 Writer Wiesel16 Head of a monastery17 The Wise Men followed it18 Containers19 Religion of the Muslims20 Headset22 Sacred vessels23 Movable cupboard24 “___ Holy Queen”25 Cell “messenger”26 “Christian” first used here (Acts 11:26)30 First word of Mr. Roger’s refrain33 Teaching of the Buddha36 “In the ___ of the Father…”37 First prime minister of India39 United States farmer’s org.40 Jeopardy41 Loyal42 St. Therese of Lisieux is a patron of this country44 Little drink45 The Archdiocese of Toronto is here47 Church ___49 Waterfall50 Our Mother of ___54 Biblical occupation57 John Paul II’s encyclical, “___ De Eucharistia”58 In Mt 12:25, Jesus said this divided could not stand59 What the flesh is sometimes60 Org.61 Friendship62 Femme’s pronoun63 Bound64 The house of a parson65 Colored66 Possessive pronounDOWN1 One of the prophets

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2 Focal place of the Mass3 Equip again4 Apathy5 Judge of Israel6 Type of dress7 Geometry basic8 Plural suffix9 Unlike 59A, this is willing10 Member of an order of St. Angela Merici11 “Should anyone press you into service for one ___…” (Mt 5:41)12 Castle’s defense13 Weapons21 Major religion in India22 Catholic family conference24 Chief minister of the Persian king in the Book of Esther27 Rowing implements28 902, to Nero29 “Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our ___ and shield” (Ps 33:20)30 “And lead us not ___…”31 Web-footed aquatic bird32 Close34 Builder of the golden calf35 Dietary data38 They view things as they actually are40 Parable of the ___ of great price42 Of high grade43 Timed46 Butcher’s cut48 Advent foliage50 Fish covering51 Actor Davis52 Smarter53 Vegas Casino54 Fraud55 Prolonged unconsciousness56 Those who want to be rich have many “foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ___” (1 Tim 6:9)57 Fishy59 Receive a sacrament

PATRICIA ZAPOR Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON | With election-year politics pretty much guaran-teed to clog up the process of pass-ing legislation this year even more than partisan posturing did in 2011, Washington wish lists for policy and legislation are brief and heavy on defensive thinking.

Retaining funding for crucial international aid programs; pre-venting drastic cuts to the domestic poverty safety net, extending the availability of unemployment in-surance and fostering a measured approach to international hot spots including Iran, Syria and North Ko-rea are as ambitious as it gets for the legislative and policy agenda of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and some other advocacy organiza-tions.

For example, high on the list is fighting for the continuation of un-employment insurance. Congress included a two-month extension just before Christmas in a bill that also temporarily extended the pay-roll tax cut.

While the bill didn’t expand the number of weeks one may claim unemployment insurance benefits beyond the current 99-week maxi-mum, it did head off a return to a 26-week maximum that existed before Congress approved a series of extensions. Keeping those extra weeks available will be considered crucial to easing the plight of the unemployed while the economy continues to recover.

Kathy Saile, director of domestic social development for the USCCB, said her staff will be working to pro-tect that unemployment extension and watching out for other efforts to cut funding to other safety net pro-grams and those that help poor and vulnerable people.

The farm bill comes up for re-newal in September, and Saile said that while final votes may be put off until after November’s elections, the months leading up to that will likely include hearings and com-mittee meetings about how to treat the components of the farm bill, which include: food stamps, subsi-dies to farmers, international food aid, agriculture preservation and conservation.

Virginia Farris, foreign policy ad-viser in the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development of the USCCB, said she will be watch-ing out for poverty-focused human-itarian emergency assistance, par-ticularly as Congress eyes places to cut budgets. And she’ll also be mon-

itoring religious freedom issues. The U.S. Commission on Inter-

national Freedom was reauthorized just before Christmas, beating back an effort to let the rights-monitoring organization fade away. Despite early attempts by some in Congress to reduce the number of commis-sioners of the organization, it will continue to have nine members. But they now will be limited to two two-year terms, meaning six of the current members will have to step down. Congress and the White House can appoint new people to get the commission back to nine members.

Their work is likely to be cur-tailed somewhat by a $1.2 million budget cut, however. The commis-sioners are unpaid, so the budget reduction from $4.2 million to $3 million will mean staff will have to be reduced and travel likely will be cut back, meaning commissioners will be able to visit fewer countries to study their situations.

Richard Coll, another foreign policy adviser at the USCCB, fo-cused on Latin America, said he’ll be eyeing possible legislation re-lated to free trade agreements, how they are implemented and how well participating countries — notably Colombia — are upholding their end of agreements to protect labor and human rights, for instance.

He also said he’d be watching developments related to Cuba. Sev-eral members of Congress attempt-ed to amend year-end legislation to roll back Obama administra-tion changes that made it easier for Americans to visit or send money to relatives in Cuba. The U.S. and Cuban bishops have opposed roll-backs; in fact they have advocated for further easing of the economic embargo the United States has had against Cuba for more than 50 years.

And a third policy adviser for the USCCB, Steve Hilbert, who moni-tors Africa policy, said maintaining the level of foreign assistance is one of his priorities.

“So far we’ve survived with a lot less damage than we expected” from budget cutting, he said. And

U.S. policy in troubled areas, par-ticularly Iran and Syria, will be high on his watch list.

Managing possible transitions of power in those countries and other hot spots, peacefully and with as little instability as possible, is the approach he’ll encourage in repre-senting the USCCB’s views to con-gressional and administrative staff.

But while expectations are low for much to happen in Congress, lots of attention will be focused during the first half of the year on the Supreme Court. The court will spend a highly unusual three days in March reviewing legal questions related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Three Florida challenges raise questions about different aspects of the national health care program signed into law in March 2010. The court set aside five and a half hours for oral arguments March 26-28. The court will consider the con-stitutionality of the law’s mandate that every American buy health insurance by 2014; whether the law “must fail” if the mandate is struck down; and the constitutionality of expanding the Medicaid program for the poor and disabled.

In April, the court will take up Arizona’s immigration law, which is also likely to have far-reaching implications.

Kevin Appleby, director of mi-gration policy and public affairs for the USCCB, told CNS that the court’s decision on Arizona’s law, known as S.B. 1070, “could really change the dynamics of the immi-gration issue in this country. If the court were to uphold the Arizona law, then all the state laws which have been passed ... which are in some cases even harsher, will be given new life and will go forward.” He cited Alabama and Georgia as two states where the laws as passed are even more restrictive than that of Arizona. Key provisions of both of those laws have also been blocked by the courts.

Rulings in the health care and immigration cases are expected by the court’s usual adjournment date in June. �

Avoiding damage for poor likely to be 2012 focus of Washington advocates

‘The court’s decision on Arizona’s law, known as S.B. 1070, could really change the dynamics of the immigration issue in this country. If the court were to uphold the Arizona law, then all the state laws which have been passed ... which are in some cases even harsher, will be given new life and will go forward.’

Kevin Appleby