October, 2004 Issue - PDF download, around
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October, 2004 Issue - PDF download, around
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER VOL. 20, NO. 10 OCTOBER 2004 EXCLUSIVE NEWS INSIDE *Deacon Candidates Sought *Columban Hall Set to Open *OLMC Sets Dedication Date *Celebrating St. Francis *Catechists Prepare to Teach *Convocation Implementation *News from the Vatican A PUBLICATION OF THE DIOCESE OF ST. THOMAS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS STUDENTS AND TEACHERS RECEIVE BLESSING AT BACK TO SCHOOL MASS The message was that “education is the key to success” when students and administrators from all school systems on St. Thomas were invited to Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s annual Back to School Mass, held on September 12. Dr. Noreen Michael. Commissioner of Schools, and William Frett, Superintendent, were in attendance. Students and school administrators posed with Fr. Neil Scantlebury, Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, after the back to School Mass on September 12. STUDENTS TO MARCH AGAINST DRUGS St. Mary School on St. Croix will hold a Drug-Free March through the streets of Christiansted on Tuesday, October 26, at 9:00 a.m. The march is an annual outreach by the students to the community, encouraging their neighbors to stay away from narcotic drugs. To prepare for the event, the students will create posters, participate in an essay contest and write slogans to be chanted. Participating in a national drug prevention effort called Red Ribbon Week, students will wear red and march from the school to Fort Christian and back. In past years, bystanders applauded the youth as they marched. THE ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL IS READY TO SERVE The St. Joseph High School 2004-2005 Student Council has sixteen members, four from each class. The representatives are led by their President, Gianna Schjang and their Vice President, Karen Henry. Pictured left to right, they are Gianna Schjang, Karen Henry, Denis Lynch, Sylvia C-Navarro, Zina Dore, Lisa O’Neill, Amberkey Lynch, Laurene McIntosh, Kenya Troutman, Dominique James, Victoria Sylvester, Cristina Clement, Sydney Paul, Beverly Francis, Ganisia Milligan, and Zuri Baker. Notes from the Bishop’s Desk The Most Reverend George V. Murry, SJ Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands CHANCERY REORGANIZATION CHILD PROTECTION Bishop Murry has appointed Mary Elizabeth Arceneaux, JD, Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese, effective September 21. Ms. Arceneaux will be report to the bishop and be responsible for the supervision of Building and Grounds, Catholic Charities, Catholic Education, Child Protection, Convocation Implementation, Diocesan Archives, Finances and Lay Personnel. Msgr. Jerome Feudjio continues as Chancellor and Administrator of St. Ann Chapel on St. Thomas. Msgr. Feudjio reports directly to the bishop and now will be responsible for supervision of the following ministries, each of which has its own director: Evangelization and Retreats, Liturgy, Pro-Life Ministries, and Vocations. Ms. Arceneaux holds a doctoral degree in law and has worked as a Senior Associate Attorney at Tom Bolt & Associates on St. Thomas since 2001. Previous to her arrival in the Virgin Islands, Ms. Arceneaux served as Staff Attorney to the Louisiana State Senate (19992001) and as Assistant Attorney General for the Louisiana Department of Treasury (1996-1999). From 1987-1996, she was General Counsel to the Louisiana Bankers Association. In accordance with the requirements of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in June 2001, all those engaging in parish or diocesan ministries who are in regular contact with children must undergo background checks and be fingerprinted. During the month of October, arrangements will be made through the parishes and schools to complete this process. DEACON CANDIDATES SOUGHT Men on St. Thomas and St. John are invited to discern a vocation of service to the Catholic Church as a deacon. Applicants must discuss the matter with their pastor, receive the pastor’s approval and then write a letter to Bishop Murry. The letters must include a description of the man’s background, an explanation of why he wants to become a deacon and a statement of the pastor’s approval of the man’s application. Please send letters to: Bishop George V. Murry, SJ Catholic Chancery PO Box 301825 St. Thomas, VI 00803 Information nights and discernment retreats will be held this fall. Classes will begin in January, 2005. BISHOP MURRY’S ITINERARY FOR OCTOBER 2004 October 2 October 3 October 9 October 10 October 12 October 13 October 16 October 17 October 30 October 31 10:00 a.m. Liturgy Workshop 6:00 p.m. Mass 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. Mass 6:00 p.m. Mass 7:00 p.m. St. Patrick Alumni Dinner 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. Mass 5:00 p.m. Dedication 10:00 a.m. Presbyteral Council/Consulters 10:00 a.m. Diocesan Finance Committee 6:00 p.m. Mass 7:00 a.m. Mass 9:30 a.m. WIF 20 th Anniversary Mass 6:00 p.m. Mass 9:00 a.m. Mass Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral St. Patrick Church St. Gerard Hall St. Joseph Church Columban Hall Cathedral Rectory Chancery Holy Cross Church St. Ann Church St. Ann Church Holy Family Church Sacred Heart Chapel THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 2 St. John St. Thomas St. Thomas St. Croix St. Croix St. Croix St. Thomas St. Thomas St. Thomas St. Croix St. Croix St. Croix St. Thomas St. Croix CONVOCATION IMPLEMENTATION BEGINS PHASE TWO COLUMBAN HALL SET FOR LONG-AWAITED RE-OPENING Holy Family Church on St. Thomas will celebrate the dedication of its new Columban Hall on Sunday, October 10, at 4:00 p.m., nine years after Hurricane Marilyn destroyed the original parish hall. The dedication program will include performances by six choirs, including the Children Choir from St. Joseph Church on St. Croix, and the Prayers, Hymns and Praise Steel Orchestra. Fr. Thomas Normanly, SSC, who was the parish’s first pastor, will attend, representing the Columban Fathers. A reception will follow. The hall is named after the Columban Fathers, who served the parish from 1970 to 1986. In addition, Holy Family Church will host a Parish Appreciation Fun Day on Monday, October 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The parish youth group will be preparing games and the parish social committee will be selling food. Catholic leaders in the U.S. Virgin Islands this month will be receiving an extensive analysis of the suggestions made by the priests, religious and lay persons who participated in the Diocesan Convocation on St. Croix on May 13-15. Rita King, a member of the Convocation Implementation Committee, spent September categorizing all the recommendations identified by the eighty delegates at the Convocation and grouped these suggestions into seven reports. These seven reports reflect the seven broad areas of concentration where the delegates asked the diocese to focus. These areas are Education, Evangelization, Finances, Parish Unity and Family Life, Social Outreach, Vocations, and Youth. As Phase Two of the implementation begins, the twenty-one members of the Convocation Implementation Committee will study the new reports. Ad hoc committees will identify clear goals, determine a plan of action and set a realistic time line for accomplishing the recommended improvements or Construction has begun on a fine arts building at St. changes in each category. They hope by year’s end to submit to Bishop George Murry, SJ, a detailed draft of a Mary School on St. Croix. The structure will house a five-year pastoral plan for future action by the diocese. music room and an art room. A music teacher is being Based on these priorities, Bishop Murry will publish a sought to develop a music program. “We are hoping the community will not only help us pastoral plan for the diocese. to build the building but also to help enhance and enrich Led by Fr. Charles Crespo on St. Thomas/St. John a fine arts program for our students,” Administrator and Sr. Patricia Alexander, WIF, on St. Croix, these Elizabeth Hering told The Catholic Islander. leaders include Pierre Cuffy, Deacon Emith Fludd, Alphonso Franklin, Deacon Denis Griffith, Louise Hanson, Deacon Joseph Mark, and Sr. Marina Picardal, Teachers from all four Catholic schools on St. ICM, of St. Croix, and Wilfredo Acosta, Marlene Thomas and St. Croix attended a four-day retreat Adams, Faye Boschulte, Susanna Brin, Noreen Bryan, entitled “Called and Gifted” at St. Joseph’s Dwelling Helena Enrique, Gloria Etienne, Lucretia Greaux, Rita Place in Ludlow, Vermont, on September 20-24. The teachers will now form teams that will facilitate King, Deacon Austin Medina, Eubald Rene, and Alma retreats to their colleagues. Wells of St. Thomas. ================================================================================= The Catholic Islander is published monthly by the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. The Catholic Islander is written, edited and printed solely in the U.S. Virgin Islands. P.O. Box 301825, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, 00803-1825 http://www.catholicislander.com Telephone: (340) 776-6339 Fax: (340) 693-7685 E-mail: [email protected] Publisher The Most Reverend George V. Murry, SJ Editor-in-Chief Fr. Charles Crespo Contributing Editor Bernetia Akin Copy Editor Madeleine Anduze Staff Photographers Faye Abdullah-Boschulte Webmaster Br. James Petrait, OSFS Circulation Deacon Emith Fludd SCHOOL’S FINE ARTS EDUCATIONAL CENTER IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION TEACHERS ON RETREAT THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 3 CHURCH SETS TENTATIVE DEDICATION DATE FORMER PASTOR VISITS ST. JOSEPH CHURCH Most Rev. George Murry, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, is set to dedicate the new Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John on December 8, the 150th anniversary of the promulgation of the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, according to the parish’s pastor, Fr. Charles Crespo. “We had to take a year off from construction in order to pay our debts and storehouse funds for the interior of the building, but construction has resumed and we are praying for a presentable new church by December 8,” Fr. Crespo told The Catholic Islander. “Our parishioners have agreed that no matter what shape the church is in, we will move in that day and not turn back. We are a Marian church and it is fitting that we open on a Marian Feast Day.” A construction schedule has been drafted to meet the deadline. If the construction is delayed, the church still will reopen on the date but be dedicated later. “Tourists and snowbirds double our population in the winter months,” explained Fr. Crespo. “From January to June, we were forced to hold Mass in the new church even without doors, windows or electricity. The population diminished after July 4, so we moved Mass back into the social hall. When this population returns, we pray they will see a tremendous improvement. We are striving to hang windows and doors, install air conditioning, set up the electrical outlets and the lighting, build a sanctuary, and lay down flooring and a ceiling in time for our opening.” Pews, statues and a speaker system will be installed later, when additional funds become available. Fr. Arnold De Porter, Pastor of St. Joseph Church from 1980 to 1985, celebrated Mass at his old parish over the Labor Day weekend. This was his first visit to St. Croix since his pastorship. Fr. De Porter arrived on St. Croix on September 3 which was also his birthday. He was well received by the many parishioners who were there while Fr. De Porter was pastor. Later he explained that the reason for his coming to St. Croix was to thank everyone for all of their prayers during the last ten years while he had heart bypass and cancer operations. Br. James Petrait, OSFS, a resident of St. Joseph Parish, said, “I met Fr. De Porter for the first time and he was observed to be in good health and humor despite all of the terrible suffering he had been through. He certainly is an inspirational person.” Fr. De Porter is a priest of the Washington, D.C. Archdiocese and was on loan to our diocese while he was pastor here. He is the pastor of St. Bernardine of Siena Church in Suitland, Maryland. Fr. Arnold De Porter was greeted by parishioners Eva Sampson and Zenia Raymond at the St. Joseph Church rectory on September 3. P. DE PORTER REGRESA A SU PARROQUIA EN STA. CRUZ Fr. Charles Crespo, Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John, posted design ideas in order to solicit feedback from the parishioners. P. Arnold De Porter, quien fue párroco de la Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz desde el 1980 hasta e1 1985, estuvo de visita en la isla por la primera vez desde que se fue. Celebró su cumpleaños con los feligreses el 3 de septiembre y entonces celebró las tres misas del fin de semana, 4 y 5 de septiembre. El padre ha luchado con su salud pero se ve igual que cuando se fue. Todos estaban muy contentos de volver a verlo.. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 4 OCTOBER CATHOLIC RADIO ¡BUENAS NOTICIAS! The Bishop’s Office of Evangelization presents ninety minutes of Catholic radio on weekends. Contact In conjunction with the Sacred Heart Program in St. Louis, Missouri, Contact broadcasts on WIUJ 102.9 FM on Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. Tu Compañero Católico Tu Compañero Católico follows Contact on WIUJ 102.9 FM on Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. Tu Compañero Católico, an awardwinning half-hour Spanish-language program, is produced by the Redemptorist Hispanic Radio Ministry. The October broadcasts are listed below. Oct. 2 “The Difference Between a Cross and a Crucifix” Oct. 9 “Padre Pio and the Stigmata: What Does it Mean?” Oct. 16 “The Role of Godparents in Baptism” Oct. 23 “What are Altar Servers Called Today?” Oct. 30 “Should We Stand or Kneel During the Eucharistic Prayer?” The Catholic Voice The Catholic Voice airs halfhour programs on WSTA 1340 AM on Sundays at 8:30 p.m. The programs are courtesy of EWTN TV & AM/FM Radio. The October broadcasts listed below are hosted by Fr. John Perricone. Oct. 3 “Holy Communion” Oct. 10 “Architecture and the Mass” Oct. 17 “To Know and To Love (Part 1)” Oct. 24 (Spanish) Tu Compañero Católico: “What are Altar Servers Called Today?” Oct. 31 Contact Los catequistas de la Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz tuvieron unos talleres el 21 y 28 de agosto en el salón social. Celebrando Sta. Rosa Marina Salem, originalmente de Perú y ahora de Sto. Tomás, ayudó a la comunidad hispana de Nuestra Señora del Carmen en St. John a celebrar la fiesta de Sta. Rosa de Lima el 29 de agosto, un día antes de su propia fiesta. Usando cartón, piedras y matas, ella fabricó un pozo. Ella explicó que en Perú, visitantes a la casa de Sta. Rosa escriben peticiónes para dejarlos en el pozo con la esperanza de que Sta. Rosa en el cielo interceda por estas peticiones. Durante la Santa Misa en St. John, el párroco, el P. Charles Crespo, invitó a todos que escriban sus peticiones para dejarlos en el “pozo,” pidiendo la intercesión de Sta. Rosa. El P. Crespo está tratando de celebrar con la comunidad hispana todos los patrones y patronas de los países latinas. Feligresa Marina Salem preparó un escenario para celebrar la fiesta de Sta. Rosa de Lima en St. John el 29 de agosto. RADIO CATÓLICO La Oficina de Evangelización del Obispo presenta Tu Compañero Católico, un programa radial Católico premiado, semanal, de media hora, en el idioma español, cada fín de semana. En forma de revista, Tu Compañero Católico incluye segmentos de entrevista de invitados especiales, catecismo, consejos espirituales, música y más. Tu Compañero Católico es un iniciativo de evangelización por el personal del Ministerio Hispano de los Redentoristas de la Provincia de Denver. Tu Compañero Católico se oye en WIUJ 102.9 FM los sábados a las 3:30 p.m. Normalmente, el último programa del mes se repite el día siguiente (domingo) a las 8:30 p.m. en WSTA 1340 AM. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 5 REV. DR. GEORGE FRANKLIN IS INDUCTED INTO THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS The Knights of Columbus on St. Thomas boasts four new members. In the past month, Elmo Adams, Rev. Dr. George Franklin, Sen. Louis Hill, and Alrid Lockhart all accomplished the first and second of degree of membership. The highest order is the fourth degree. TROPICAL STORM JEANNE FLOODS V.I. ALL SOULS DINNER All Souls Day falls on November 2 each year, and this year Holy Cross Church on St. Croix is extending the celebration to a special Mass of Remembrance and dinner on Saturday, November 6, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Booklets will be prepared remembering parishioners’ deceased family members. Advertisements can be purchased by calling the parish office. After Mass, a dinner will follow at McAlpin Hall. ALPHA COMES TO STX Rev. Dr. George Franklin, Diocesan Director of Evangelization, will introduce the ALPHA evangelization program to St. Croix with workshops at Holy Cross Church on Friday, October 1, at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A leadership team will then launch the first ten-week cycle of meetings later in the fall. Register by calling the parish. Alpha offers parishioners the opportunity to learn the truths of their Catholic Christian faith while building a deeper fellowship with other members of the parish. HOLY CROSS FEAST DAY Fr. Michael Houston, CSsR, Parochial Vicar at Holy Cross Church, submitted this photograph after Tropical Storm Jeanne soaked St. Croix. Robert Nose, parishioner at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John, borrowed a small pump to suck the water out of the crawl space under the parish’s social hall. Holy Cross Church on St. Croix celebrated its patronal feast day with a special liturgy and a family fun day on September 12. The official feast day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is September 14, but the parish celebrated it on the closest weekend. Congregants were invited to bring to Mass their family crucifix for a blessing. The Sunday 9:00 a.m. Mass, celebrated by Bishop George Murry, SJ, was a multilingual liturgy highlighting the parish’s English, Spanish and Philippine cultures. The festivities continued during the afternoon and early evening hours at St. Mary School with music, food, games for children and bingo for adults. The Knights of Columbus Council 6482 served refreshments from two locations. Fr. Pat Lynch, Pastor, told The Catholic Islander that the success of this first patronal festival has inspired him to make this an annual event. Children especially enjoyed Holy Cross Church’s Family Fun Day on September 12. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 6 TRANSITUS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI Secular Order Franciscans invite all to a greater understanding of the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi by attending special commemorations honoring his October 4 feast day. The Our Lady of the Angels Fraternity on St. Croix will commemorate the Transitus of St. Francis at the Franciciscan House on Sunday, October 3, at 3:00 p.m. The Lady Clare of Assisi Fraternity on St. Thomas will mark the Transitus of St. Francis with a prayer service at Holy Family Church on Monday, October 4, at 6:30 p.m. “Transitus” is a Latin word meaning “to pass through,” but the service will be as much a celebration of the saint’s life as a commemoration of his death. It will include a procession, veneration, scripture readings, hymns, and readings from Celano’s Second Life of St. Francis of Assisi. MAGNIFICAT HOSTS MINISTRY AND MEALS FOR CATHOLIC WOMEN Members of the St. Thomas/St. John chapter of Magnificat Ministries prayed over guest speaker Cylma Howe at the Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral Hospitality Lounge on September 11. CELEBRATING ST. FRANCIS WITH THE BLESSING OF ANIMALS The feast day of St. Francis of Assisi is October 4, and in honor of his renowned love for animals, two local parishes and two schools have announced a Blessing of Animals. On St. John, pets and wildlife will be blessed at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Saturday, October 2 at 8:30 a.m. On St. Croix, all creatures great and small may be brought to St. Mary School on Saturday, October 2, at 10:00 a.m. The day will also include donkey rides, games, food and music. A new feature this year will be the opportunity for participants to have their photographs taken with their pets and imprinted on t-shirts. Also on St. Croix, animals will be blessed at St. Joseph Church on Monday, October 4, at 7:00 p.m. On St. Thomas, animals will be blessed at Ss. Peter and Paul School on Monday, October 4, at 8:30 a.m. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER is online at www.catholicislander.com CANCER SUPPORT GROUP OFFERS CARE AND PRAYER “Having cancer or other diseases should not be considered the end of your life, for God is in control of everything.” said James Matthews during a cancer support group meeting at St. Ann Church on St. Croix. James and Centelia Matthews, Ruth Martin, Joan Rogers, Veronica Pascal, Kato Pascal and Fr. Louis Kemayou, Parochial Vicar of St. Ann Church meet on the third Wednesday of each month. Members encourage one another with prayer, love and advice. A cancer support group meets the third Wednesday of every month at St. Ann Church on St. Croix. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 7 YOUTH ESSAY CONTEST The Regional Catholic Youth Conference (RCYC) is sponsoring an essay contest for students in elementary, junior and high schools. The subject of the essay is “Proud to be Catholic.” The first prize is $300.00, the second prize is $150.00, and the third prize is $50.00. The essay should be 2500 words or less, typed in double space, and submitted by December 1 to RCYC, P.O. Box 223611, Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, 00822-3611. The essays will be judged by a panel of priests, religious and lay persons. PARENTS, CATECHISTS AND COORDINATORS SHARE THE FAITH WITH CHILDREN YOUTH CONFERENCE Catholic youth and youth ministers can register for the Regional Catholic Youth Conference (RCYC) to be held at Holy Family Church’s Columban Hall on St. Thomas January 21-23, 2005. The Most Rev. Vincent Darius, Bishop of St. George (Grenada), and Corinne Francis, Vice President for Missions at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, New York, will be the guest speakers. The conference’s theme will be “Proud to be Catholic — Uncovering the Pearl of Great Price.” Religious Education catechists and coordinators at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix started the school year with a one-day retreat in the parish chapel on September 4. STEEL ORCHESTRA POSTPONES PILGRIMAGE The Prayers, Hymns and Praise Steel Orchestra postponed its pilgrimage to the Vatican for this month. The members had hoped to perform for Pope John II and in the plazas of Rome. Wendy Rouse, Director, thanked the community and churches for supporting the group and said it still plans to make the trip, but a new date has not been set yet. YOUTH GROUP PAINTS CATHEDRAL CHAPEL Kai Callwood and Jalauni Harrigan were among the members of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral Youth Group who scraped and painted the walls of the rectory chapel. Diana Parker, Director of Religious Education at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, spoke with the parents after the children started their first day of classes on September 12. Fr. John Mark, Parochial Vicar at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, blessed catechists and coordinators at Sunday Mass. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 8 ST. ANN CATECHISTS ON RETREAT Fr. Louis Kemayou, Parochial Vicar of St. Ann Church on St. Croix, and Deacon Joseph Mark led a retreat for Religious Education catechists and coordinators at the parish on September 4. The retreat started with Mass, during which Fr. Kemayou invited the teachers and coordinators “to be instruments in the hands of God and to teach the children the love of the Holy Eucharist that is the ultimate expression of God’s love for us.” The retreat focused on two themes: “The Creative Ways of Teaching Religious Education” and “The Eucharist.” After Deacon Mark’s presentation, the teachers and coordinators formed two groups to reflect on how to make the lessons more interesting to our students so they could see and come to know the beauty and the truth of the Catholic faith. They concluded with five principles. 1. Catechists must explain the sacred scripture so that children will understand and apply it to their lives. Children must see the catechists practice and be convinced of what they preach. Catechists must hold to the sacred scripture through diligent sacred reading and careful study. 2. Catechists are to use the lives of the saints as models of how all can live a holy life today. 3. Catechists must love their students unconditionally. Times are difficult, and peer pressure and the constantly changing world make it imperative for catechists to guide, listen to and love their students. 4. Catechists must encourage children to ask questions through the use of bible quizzes and other activities. To make them more interesting, the students should be able to act out the lessons in the form of a play or concert. 5. Knowing the truth about the faith in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the love for the Blessed Virgin Mary are the ultimate goal of all lessons. At the end of their school year, students should have grown in their love for the Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the Eucharist. Religious Education catechists and coordinators at St. Ann Church on St. Croix started the school year with a one-day retreat on September 4. HOLY FAMILY INTRODUCES A NEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROCESS The Religious Education program at Holy Family Church on St. Thomas will begin late this year so that catechists can take an intensive teacher preparation course. Catechist training courses begin on Saturday, October 16, and continue weekly until December 4. The course will be comparable to a college-level course. “Teaching religious education is a vocation, a calling from God to the ministry of evangelization,” explained Rev. Dr. George Franklin, Pastor. “In order for the evangelizer to be effective, that evangelizer must first be evangelized. One cannot give what one does not have. “To be evangelized means to have come to know Christ intimately. It means to have borne a relationship with Christ such that when we speak it is not of ourselves but of the love of Christ. We speak of the lover whom we know personally and intimately. We speak of Christ not just from knowledge but from first hand experience. It makes a big difference when we know of someone personally.” Registration for children will begin in December. Classes will begin in January. When classes begin, students will not be grouped by grade levels. Instead, children and catechists will be grouped into family “cells,” where all are learning the same lesson together. “Mixed-age groups of children will learn from within family groups,” explained Fr. Franklin. “An emphasis will be on developing family networks through a religious education experience.” THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 9 YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST The Year of the Eucharist begins with the World Eucharist Congress, from October 10 to 17, 2004, in Guadalajara, Mexico, and will end with the next ordinary assembly of the Synod of Bishops, from October 2 to 29, 2005, at the Vatican, according to Pope John Paul II. Dioceses and local parishes and ministries may initiate events to commemorate the Year of the Eucharist in the same manner in which many generated activities to celebrate the Year of the Rosary, which ends this month. STUDENTS HEAR MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER Students at St. Joseph High School were treated to a motivational assembly in the St. Joseph Church Hospitality Lounge and Learning Center on September 7. Eugene Papp is a neighbor of Deacon James Verhoff of St. Joseph Church. Deacon Verhoff was so impressed by his neighbor that he arranged for him to speak at the school assembly. Mr. Papp is 85 years old and has lived and worked in many places in the world. He is or has been a veterinarian, a university professor, an artist, a Columbian farmer, real estate developer, airplane pilot, and an interpreter for many languages. He was born and grew up in Russia and lived in Germany during World War II. He had many contacts with important events, including being an interpreter for General Patton towards the end of World War II. One of the interesting experiences he spoke about took place while he was a professor at the University of Georgia. The indoor arena was being constructed at the time and the side walls were not up yet. Mr. Papp flew his airplane through the arena to the amazement of everyone. Br. James Petrait, OSFS, science teacher, attended the University of Georgia after the arena was built and was aware of how difficult it would have been to fly an airplane through that building. Mr. Papp continues to live and learn while being involved with his numerous projects. Above, Student Council President Gianna Schjang posed with Mr. Papp. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER is online at www.catholicislander.com VELAR PARA QUE SE CUIDE LA CELEBRACIÒN DE LOS SACRAMENTOS Y CULTO CIUDAD DEL VATICANO, 17 SEP 2004 (VIS).-El Papa recibió esta mañana en Castelgandolfo a 130 obispos nombrados recientemente que han participado en el encuentro promovido en Roma por las Congregaciones para los Obispos y para las Iglesias Orientales. Dirigiéndose a los obispos representantes de las dos grandes tradiciones de la Iglesia universal, la occidental y la oriental, el Santo Padre dijo que “con la consagración, el obispo se convierte plenamente en maestro, sacerdote y guía de la comunidad cristiana. Por eso, en el centro de su ministerio debe estar siempre Cristo, el Maestro divino, presente tanto mediante la palabra de la Escritura como en el sacramento de la Eucaristía”. “Deseo vivamente -continuó- que el Año de la Eucaristía, que iniciará el 10 de octubre con la apertura del Congreso Eucarístico Internacional (Guadalajara, México), constituya una ocasión providencial para profundizar mejor en la importancia central del Sacramento eucarístico en la vida y en la actividad de cada iglesia particular. Alrededor del altar se refuerzan los vínculos de la caridad fraterna y se reaviva en todos los creyentes la conciencia de pertenecer al único pueblo de Dios, del que los obispos son pastores”. Juan Pablo II subrayó que como obispos tenían el deber de “velar para que se cuide la celebración de los sacramentos y el culto en general, y que se respete el deseo de los fieles de participar en una celebración digna en la que no se improvise nada”. “Sois conscientes -concluyó- de que el ministerio de santificación requiere el testimonio de una vida santa. El Espíritu de Dios, que os ha santificado a través de la consagración episcopal, espera vuestra generosa respuesta cotidiana. (...) Para confirmar lo que enseñamos es necesario el testimonio de nuestra vida”. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 10 MENSAJES DEL VATICANO EL AVANCE DEL TERRORISMO EL RECURSO A LA VIOLENCIA ES CONTRARIO A CUALQUIER RELIGION CIUDAD DEL VATICANO, 19 SEP 2004 (VIS).-Hoy al mediodía, en el patio del palacio apostólico de Castelgandolfo, antes de rezar el Àngelus con los miles de fieles allí reunidos, el Santo Padre habló de la presencia del mal en el mundo. “Frente al mal, que se manifiesta de varias formas en el mundo -dijo el Papa- el ser humano, afligido y desconcertado, se pregunta: ¿Por qué? En este alba del tercer milenio, bendecida por el Gran Jubileo y rica de tantas potencialidades, la humanidad se ve marcada por el perturbador avance del terrorismo. La sucesión de atentados atroces contra la vida humana turba e inquieta las conciencias y suscita en los creyentes la dolorosa pregunta que recurre en los salmos: ¿Por qué, Señor? ¿Hasta cuando?”. “Dios ha respondido a este angustioso interrogante que brota del escándalo del mal, no con una explicación de principio, casi queriendo justificarse, sino con el sacrificio de su propio Hijo en la Cruz. En la muerte de Jesús se encuentran el aparente triunfo del mal y la victoria definitiva del bien; el momento más oscuro de la historia y la revelación de la gloria divina; el punto de ruptura y el centro de atracción y de recomposición del universo. ‘Yo dijo Jesús-, cuando sea levantado de la tierra, atraeré a todos hacia mi’”. “La Cruz de Cristo -concluyóes un icono de esperanza para los creyentes porque en ella se cumplió el plan salvífico del amor de Dios. Por eso la liturgia hace algunos días nos invitó a celebrar la exaltación de la Santa Cruz, una fiesta de la que el creyente obtiene consuelo y valor”. CIUDAD DEL VATICANO, 18 SEP 2004 (VIS).-La creación de una cultura de la paz, el papel de las religiones en este ámbito y el diálogo interreligioso fueron los temas centrales del discurso que Juan Pablo II dirigió a la nueva embajadora de Egipto ante la Santa Sede, Nevine Simaika Halim Abdalla, que presentó esta mañana sus cartas credenciales. “Como la Santa Sede no deja de repetir en esta época turbulenta -dijo el Papa- las relaciones internacionales no se pacificarán de forma estable a menos que la voluntad de diálogo no prevalezca sobre la lógica del enfrentamiento. Tanto en Irak, donde el regreso a la paz civil parece tan difícil de instaurar, como en Tierra Santa, desfigurada por un conflicto interminable que se nutre de odios y de deseos recíprocos de venganza, o en otros países martirizados por el terrorismo, (...) en todos los lugares la violencia revela sus horrores y su incapacidad para resolver los conflictos. (...) Llamo de nuevo a sus responsabilidades a la comunidad internacional para que favorezca el regreso al razonamiento y a la negociación, única salida posible de los conflictos entre los seres humanos”. El Santo Padre habló después del “lugar particular en las relaciones entre las naciones” que ocupa Egipto gracias a su cultura, su tradición política y su estratégica posición geográfica. Citando el discurso de la nueva embajadora sobre las responsabilidades del Estado con sus ciudadanos, el Papa recordó que una de ellas era “garantizar la igualdad de todos ante la ley, como Usted misma ha dicho, refiriéndose al lugar de las mujeres en la sociedad egipcia, y favorecer el respeto mutuo y el buen entendimiento entre los diversos componentes de la Nación”. En la construcción de la paz, prosiguió el Papa, “las religiones juegan un papel fundamental”. “Difunden -subrayó- una enseñanza que honra la vida como un don sagrado de Dios que el ser humano debe respetar y cuidar. (...) Por esta razón, están llamadas a denunciar y rechazar todo recurso a la violencia como contrario a su finalidad, que es la de reconciliar a los seres humanos entre ellos y con Dios. (...) Ya que a menudo les compete también la educación de niños y jóvenes, las religiones tienen una importante responsabilidad que asumir en los contenidos de su enseñanza para que se combata y rechace cualquier enfoque sectario y se fomente, en cambio, todo lo que permita el descubrimiento más profundo y el respeto de los otros”. Juan Pablo II recordó también que la presencia en Egipto de la Universidad Al-Azhar, “que juega un papel esencial en el mundo musulmán, es una oportunidad para el proseguimiento y la intensificación del diálogo interreligioso, sobre todo entre cristianos y musulmanes”. En este sentido, el Papa afirmó que aparte de los encuentros entre los responsables religiosos era también conveniente “suscitar el respeto y el deseo de conocimiento mutuo en el ámbito personal y de las comunidades de creyentes en las ciudades y pueblos”. Por último, el Santo Padre quiso saludar en su discurso a “los pastores y fieles de diferentes ritos que componen la comunidad católica de Egipto”. “Deseo que los fieles -recalcó- se preocupen siempre por desarrollar entre ellos relaciones fraternales y constructivas, poniendo en común sus riquezas específicas y rindiendo así homenaje a la unidad católica”. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 11 STX TEACHER FEATURED IN WHO’S WHO A biography of Br. James Petrait, OSFS, science teacher at St. Joseph High School on St. Croix, will appear in the 2005 edition of Marquis Who’s Who in the World. This is the seventh time that his biography has appeared in this publication. Excerpts from the letter: Dear Br. James Petrait, “Because of the reference value of your outstanding achievements, Marquis Who’s Who has selected your biographical profile for inclusion in the forthcoming 22nd (2005) Edition of Who’s Who in the World. “This exciting, new edition will feature biographies of 50,000 of the most accomplished men and women from around the globe and across all fields of endeavor. It is a testament to your hard work and dedication to success that you have earned a place in Who’s Who in the World. You should be proud of your achievements. On behalf of the entire Marquis Who’s Who staff, I’d like to wish you continued success and I am pleased to have you join us in this very special edition of Who’s Who in the World.” - Karen Chassie, Managing Editor. Br. Petrait’s biography is also appearing for the first time in the 2004-2005 Edition of Marquis Who’s Who in American Education. His biography has been in the Marquis Who’s Who in Science and Engineering since 1996 and Marquis Who’s Who in America since 1997. The Marquis Who’s Who publications originated with Who’s Who in America in 1899. It is one of the foremost “Who’s Who” publications in the World. Selection of biographies to appear in the Marquis publications is by invitation only and no book purchases are required. It appears in many libraries throughout the world. Br. Petrait has received five national science education awards including the 1995 Presidential Award for Excellence in Secondary Science Education. He has also has published articles in many journals, including the U.S. Congressional Record. He has also given workshops on science education throughout the U.S. and at the Australian National University. ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN BUSINESSES! Advertise your business in THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER and help support Catholic communications! Call Fr. Charles Crespo at (340) 776-6339 for our fabulous new rates! SITE OF SCHOOL MASSACRE IN RUSSIA COULD HOST A NEW CHURCH Orthodox Bishop Theophane of Stavropol and Vladikavkaz has proposed erecting a church in place of the Beslan School in Russia where terrorists killed and wounded hundreds of school children and adults. According to a report in AsiaNews, the bishop proposed a church be erected in memory of the victims after local authorities announced that Middle School No. 1 would have to be demolished because it was so badly damaged in the attack. He made the proposal at a liturgy celebrated in memory of the Beslan victims. He suggested that the names of the victims be written on commemorative plaques, placed inside the church. The bishop also met with the victims’ families and prayed in the city’s cemetery, decrying the “killing of the innocents.” Officials said that at least 330 died in the attack, half of them children. Another 727 were wounded. ST. LUCIAN RECEIVES PAPAL KNIGHTHOOD Angelo Cardinal Sodano, Secretary of State for the Vatican, bestowed the Papal Knighthood of the Grand Cross Pian Order on Sen. Julian Hunte of St. Lucia in recognition of his services as President of the 58th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 19. The Vatican honored Senator Hunte in appreciation of the manner in which he conducted his presidency of the General Assembly. At the United Nations, he upheld values espoused by the Holy See, especially as regards the fight against HIV/AIDS. He also introduced a resolution, which was subsequently passed, upgrading the status of the Holy See at the United Nations, in the face of objections from powerful groups and nations. The Vatican grants honors to men and women of different faiths for outstanding service or contribution in various fields of concern to the Holy See. Senator Hunte is an Anglican. “We know of the Holy See’s deep commitment to addressing the myriad challenges facing the United Nations and the people of the world,” Sen. Hunte said in his acceptance speech. “I do believe that the deliberations of the United Nations General Assembly on the critical issues of our times will gain from the experience and expertise of the Holy See’s more active participation. Now, as the General Assembly assesses where it stands, and looks ahead to where it must go, the Holy See will be better enabled to play its essential part.” THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 12 VATICAN SPEAKS OUT AGAINST RELIGIOUS REPRESSION IN CHINA As the campaign against Catholicism and other religions continues in China, the Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls issued the following statement: “The Holy See has learned that in August some Catholic priests and faithful were arrested in China. “During the first week of August, Fr. Paul Huo Junlong, vicar general of the diocese of Baoding, province of Hebei, was arrested by the police, along with seven other priests and two seminarians. Frs. Paul An Jianzhao and John the Baptist Zhang Zhenquan were sentenced to a period of rehabilitation through forced labor. The others are still being held in Quyang, Baoding, with the exception of three who do not belong to the same diocese. According to information which arrived on September 6, twenty-three members of the clergy of the diocese of Baoding have been detained or denied their freedom. Among them were Bishop James Su Zhimin and Auxiliary Bishop Francis An Shuxin, who disappeared, respectively, in September of 1997 and March of 1996 and are being held without trial in a secret place. “The diocesan administrator of the archdiocese of Fuzhou was subsequently arrested along with two other priests and one seminarian. There are no indications that they have been freed. “The Holy See does not know the motives for such repressive measures. If this news is true, it would once again be a grave violation of freedom of religion which is a fundamental right of man. The Holy See calls for this right to be respected, a right that is ratified by the universal Human Rights Declaration, and it trusts that the above-mentioned people will be freed as soon as possible, in accord with justice, freedom and their pastoral commitment in the service of their respective communities. “In addition, we received news that at the end of August, Bishop John Gao Kexian of Yantai, province of Shandong, died in prison at age 76. The prelate’s body was handed over by the police to his family members. Bishop Gao had been in prison since the late 1990’s and there had been no news about him for some time.” POPE WARNS OF GROWING SECULARISM Pope John II has called on the faithful to “share in your witness” especially “through joyful participation in worship.” At the same time he spoke out against an “eclipse of the sense of God” by worldly distractions. “When Sunday becomes subordinate to a popular concept of ‘weekend’ and is unduly dominated by entertainment and sport, rather than being truly sanctified and revitalized, people remain trapped in a relentless and often meaningless pursuit of novelty and fail to experience the freshness of Christ’s ‘living water,’” he said. The message was prompted by a recent audience with bishops of New Zealand who had expressed profound concern about growing secularism. The Pope urged them to “be men of hope, preaching and teaching with passion the splendor of Christ’s truth which dispels the darkness and illuminates the true path of life” and to allow the internal aspects of parish life to distract them from the command to actively evangelize others. ST. CROIX BUSINESSES! Advertise your business in THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER and help support Catholic communications! Call Fr. Charles Crespo at (340) 776-6339 for our fabulous new rates! THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 13 — The First in the USVI — Great Quality and Fast Service and on 1-4 four color printing Our Blessed Mother’s Message from Medjugorie August 25, 2004 Tel 778-8690 • Fax 773-6898 “Dear children! I call you all to conversion of heart. Decide, as in the first days of my coming here, for a complete change of your life. In this way, little children, you will have the strength to kneel and to open your hearts before God. God will hear your prayers and answer them. Before God, I intercede for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.” Serving St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix since 1984 Courtesy of Claire & John Foster See our Website for Information & Prices www.islandimages.vi Island Images, Inc. Hess Road St. Croix Tel (340) 778-9775 Fax (340) 778-8696 ÿ ÿContinuum Care, Inc. Infants’ & Children’s Wear White veils Tuxedo suits Christening wear School Uniforms Nylon hair ribbons Clothes by Buster Brown Danskins leotards & tights Baby clothing & gift items Special occasion white dresses Sunny Isle Shopping Center St. Croix Tel/FAX: (340) 778-5538 IS SOMEONE YOU LOVE NEARING END OF LIFE? Hospice is a special kind of caring. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach, including expert medical care, pain management and emotional and spiritual support, expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. Hospice services are available to those who can no longer benefit from curative treatment or to those who decide not to pursue or continue treatment. THE HOSPICE TEAM · Skilled Nursing: RNs & LPNs · Medical Care: Physician services · Spiritual/Emotional Care: Counseling services · Personal Care: Certified home health aides & homemakers · Nutritional Care: Registered dieticians · Community Services: Medical social workers · Volunteers: Errands and respite · Grief/Loss Support: Initial and ongoing counseling 5027 Anchor Way, 2nd Floor, Christiansted, VI 00824 Phone 772-CARE (2273) 310-2A Altona, Suite 105, St. Thomas, VI 00802 Phone 714-CARE (2273) Medicare certified. Most private insurance accepted.ment/volunteer opportunities available. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 14 ST. CROIX calendar HOLY HOURS Holy Cross Church will have a Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction on October 1 and all First Fridays at 9:00 a.m. St. Joseph Church will have a bilingual Holy Hour on October 1 and all First Fridays at 7:00 p.m. St. Patrick Church has a Holy Hour on Fridays after the 8:00 a.m. Mass. St. Ann Church has a Holy Hour on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. HEALING MASS St. Patrick Church will host a healing Mass on October 1 and all First Fridays at 7:00 p.m. BLESSING OF ANIMALS In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, animals will be blessed at St. Mary School on Saturday, October 2, at 10:00 a.m. The day will also include donkey rides, games, food, music and t-shirts. Animals will be blessed at St. Joseph Church on Monday, October 4, at 7:00 p.m. SANTO NIÑO DEVOTION/RECONCILIATION Devotions to El Santo Niño at St. Joseph Church are on October 2 and all First Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated at the same time. A Vigil Mass follows. SECULAR FRANCISCANS The Our Lady of the Angels Fraternity will commemorate the Transitus of St. Francis on Sunday, October 3, at the Franciscan House at 3:00 p.m. SACRED HEART MASS A Mass in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church on October 7 and on the first Thursday of each month. ARTS AND CRAFTS The first Franciscan Arts and Crafts Exhibit will be on held at the Franciscan House on Sunday, October 10, at 3:00 p.m. The Secular Franciscans will display and sell their paintings, woodwork, and embroidery. WEST INDIAN FRANCISCANS ANNIVERSARY The West Indian Franciscans will celebrate their 20th anniversary at Sunday Mass at St. Ann Church on October 17. Bishop George Murry, SJ, will celebrate the Mass. A reception at the Franciscan House begins at 3:00 p.m. PRAYER MEETINGS St. Patrick Church will hold an evening of charismatic prayer on October 15 and the third Friday of each month. St. Ann Church holds charismatic prayer meetings on Tuesdays, Holy Cross Church on Thursdays, and St. Joseph Church on Fridays. All meetings begin gathering at 7:00 p.m. CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Jim and Centelia Matthews lead a cancer support group at St. Ann Church on October 20 and the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. MAGNIFICAT FOR CATHOLIC WOMEN Magnificat Ministries on St. Croix will host a meal at Gertrude’s Restaurant on Sunday, October 24, at noon. Mary Baptiste of the Zion Community in Trinidad will be the guest speaker. Tickets are $30. SECULAR ORDER DISCALCED CARMELITES Secular Order Discalced Carmelites meet October 24 and every fourth Sunday at St. Ann Church at 1:00 p.m. CHARISMATIC MASS A charismatic Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann Church on October 26 and every last Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. LEGION OF MARY Praesidium Our Lady of Grace meets at the Holy Cross Church rectory on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. CURSILLO ULTREYA MEETINGS Cursillo members meet at St. Joseph Church on Mondays after the 7:00 p.m. Mass and at Sacred Heart Chapel on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are in Spanish. NEO-CATECHUMENAL WAY The Neo-Catechumenal Way has catechesis in Spanish at St. Joseph Church’s Youth Center on Mondays and Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. Catechesis is in English at Holy Cross Church on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7:00 p.m. BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA The Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima meets in the chapel at Holy Cross Church on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. Entry is by the gate to the rectory. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Holy Cross Council 6482 meets at the McAlpin Hall of Holy Cross Church on first and third Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 15 St. Thomas Calendar OUR LADY OF FATIMA DEVOTION The Children of Mary lead a devotion to Our Lady of Fatima at Holy Family Church on October 2 and all First Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. PRAYER MEETINGS Charismatic prayer meetings are held at Holy Family Church on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. BLESSING OF ANIMALS In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, animals will be blessed at Ss. Peter and Paul School on Monday, October 4, at 8:30 a.m. LITURGY WORKSHOP Bishop George Murry, SJ, will lead a workshop entitled "The Role of the Clergy and the Role of the Lay Ministers in the Liturgy" at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Saturday, October 2, at 10:00 a.m. SECULAR FRANCISCANS The Lady Clare of Assisi Fraternity will mark the Transitus of St. Francis with a prayer service at Holy Family Church on Monday, October 4, at 6:30 p.m. BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA The Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima meets at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. DEDICATION OF COLUMBAN HALL Bishop George Murry, SJ, will dedicate the new Columban Hall at Holy Family Church on Sunday, October 10, at 4:00 p.m. The program includes performances by six choirs and the Prayers, Hymns and Praise Steel Orchestra. A reception will follow. HOLY HOURS Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral presents a Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Holy Family Church presents a Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church presents a Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at 6:30 p.m., followed by Mass at 7:30 p.m. PARISH APPRECIATION FUN DAY Holy Family Church will host a Parish Appreciation Fun Day with food and games on Monday, October 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. SECULAR FRANCISCANS The Lady Clare of Assisi Fraternity meets at Holy Family Church on October 16 and all third Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. St. John Calendar BREAKFAST WITH THE PASTOR A pot luck breakfast will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on October 1 and all First Fridays after the 7:00 a.m. Mass. CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA Court 2049 meets October 18 and every third Saturday at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge at 2:00 p.m. FIRST FRIDAY MASS AND HOLY HOUR A Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church follows the 7:00 p.m. Mass on October 1 and all First Fridays. The sacrament of Reconciliation is offered during the Holy Hour. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Council 6187 meets at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge every first and third Sunday at 10:00 a.m. BLESSING OF ANIMALS In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, pets and wildlife will be blessed at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Saturday, October 2 at 8:30 a.m. LEGION OF MARY Junior Praesidium Mary, Queen of Archangels meets at the St. Anne Chapel Hall on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Praesidium Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces meets at the St. Anne Chapel Hall on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Praesidium Mary, Mystical Rose meets at Holy Family Church on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. CHARISMATIC PRAYER MEETINGS Charismatic prayer meetings are held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. LEGION OF MARY Praesidium Mary, Queen of Angels meets at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * OCTOBER 2004 * 16