June 2012 Issue

Catholic Spirituality: The Most Holy Trinity

Cathedral Restoration Enters Phase 3

Mothers' Day at the Parishes

First Communion and Confirmation Photographs

U.S. Bishops Challenge President Obama the Catholic The Newsletter of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands notes from the bishop’s desk Most Reverend Herbert A. Bevard PUBLISHER Father Charles Crespo EDITOR U.S. Bishops’ Bernetia Akin, Valerie Douté Msgr. Michael Kosak PROOFREADERS Spring 2012 Meeting Br. James Petrait, OSFS WEB MASTER is Excellency, Bishop Herbert The Most Reverend Herbert A. Bevard, Bishop Deacon Emith Fludd Bevard, will be among those CIRCULATION attending the annual spring of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Sarah Jane von Haack general assembly of the U.S. WRITER/ASSISTANT EDITOR H Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in • Discussion of a proposal for a special Frank Iacovella Atlanta, Georgia, on June 13-15. message on Catholic Reflections on Work, GRAPHIC DESIGNER The bishops will have a two-hour floor Poverty and a Broken Economy; June 2012 • Vol. 28 : Issue 6 discussion on domestic and international • A report from chairmen of committees The Catholic Islander is published religious freedom. They also will hear an monthly by the Diocese of St. Thomas in collaborating for the Year of Faith; the Virgin Islands. P.O. Box 301825, address by Carolyn Woo, Ph.D., the new • A report by Bishop Salvatore Cordileone St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services of Oakland, California, chairman of 00803-1825 www.catholicislander.com Telephone: (340) 774-3166 ext. 211, (CRS), the official international humanitarian the USCCB Subcommittee on the Fax: (340) 774-5816 agency of the Catholic Church in the United Promotion and Defense of Marriage, on E-mail: [email protected] © FAITH Catholic™. States. the subcommittee’s work; Other items on the agenda include: • A report by Bishop John Wester of Salt Please submit news, • A 10-year progress report by the National Lake City, chairman of the USCCB digital photography and Review Board on the Charter for the Protection Committee on Communications, on the advertising for the July 2012 issue of of Children and Young People; Task Force for Communications; The Catholic Islander by • Recommendations by the National Review • An update by Bishop George Murry, June 5, 2012. Board from the study, Causes and Context of SJ, of Youngstown, Ohio, secretary of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests in the USCCB, on the development of the the United States, 1950-2010; 2013-2016 strategic plan.

Our Lady of Fatima 95th Anniversary Procession Bishop Herbert Bevard blessed rosaries at St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas as 200 faithful gathered for a procession 12 honoring the 95th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of On the cover: Workers install a new cross atop of Fatima in Portugal. Participants Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral marched to Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, where Bishop Bevard celebrated Mass. 4 Local News 8 Catholic Charities 9 ¡Buenas noticias! 10 Catholic Education June 16-17, Mission Appeal, Immaculate Conception bishop’s calendar Church, LaGrange, Kentucky 11 Spotlight on Youth 14 The Church in the World Friday, June 22, 6 p.m., Diocesan Finance Council June 3, 100th Anniversary Mass and Mission Appeal, meeting, Catholic Chancery, St. Thomas 16 Saint of the Month St. Anastasia Church, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 18 Catholic Spirituality Sunday, June 24, 8 a.m., Mass, St. Anne Chapel, June 9-10, Mission Appeal, St. John the Evangelist St. Thomas. 20 Journey of Faith Church, Severna Park, Maryland 22-26 Parish Calendars Saturday, June 30, 6 p.m., Mass, Ss. Peter and Paul June 13-15, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Cathedral, St. Thomas. 22-26 Pride of the Parish general meeting, Atlanta, Georgia

2 The Catholic Islander / June 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Liturgical calendar: St. Justin, martyr June 1 | Ss. Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs June 2 | Most Holy Trinity June 3 | St. Boniface, bishop and martyr June 5 | St. Norbert, bishop June 6 | St. Ephrem, deacon and doctor of the Church June 9 | Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ June 10 | Confirmation Fourteen new confirmands posed with their pastor, Bishop Herbert Bevard, Father John Mark and Deacon Neville Father Neil Scantlebury, Bishop Herbert Bevard and visiting Charles posed with the newly confirmed at the end of the Mass at priest Father Trevor Nathasingh of Trinidad at Holy Family St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on May 19. Church on St. Thomas on May 5.

The new confirmands posed with Bishop Herbert Bevard after Mass outside Parish Mission St. Patrick Church on St. Croix on May 13. Bishop Herbert Bevard led a parish mission at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Delray Beach, Florida, on April 23-24.

Pro-Life March and Rally Several Catholic priests participated in the St. Croix Right-to-Life Committee’s ecumenical pro-life march and rally in Christiansted on May 12. His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard was the keynote speaker at the rally. Pictured right, left to right, are Father John Juszczak, CSsR, Father Patrick Lynch, CSsR, Father Louis Kemayou and Father John Mark.

Reader Survey Results A random survey was conducted among Catholic Divine Mercy Mission parishioners in the Virgin Islands in late April and early May to study the impact of the Catholic Islander publication Father Dan Cambra and Brother Michael Baker of the in our community. Pastors were given a total of 400 surveys Marians of the Immaculate Conception, based at the Divine and were asked to distribute them among a variety of Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, led a three- parishioners. Forty-one responses were recorded, an 11% night mission at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. return, which is the approximate return in general surveys. Thomas on April 11-13. Twenty-seven responses (66%) of the total responses came from St. Thomas, and 14 responses (34%) were recorded from St. Croix; St. John parishioners provided no responses. In general, nearly every question regarding the publication’s circulation, attractiveness, and effectiveness received very high or high approval. Nearly all the individual sections of the publication also scored very high. The questions that received largely negative responses were those that asked if the survey participants had ever visited the Catholic Islander website or the Catholic Islander blog or listened to the Catholic Islander Radio Hour on radio or online. These low numbers paralleled a recent Father Dan Cambra, MIC, celebrated a Mass at Ss. survey conducted by CARA, which calculated that only Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on Divine Mercy 2% of adults with access to the Internet visited religious or Sunday, April 15, and then invited parishioners to venerate spiritual websites or blogs. a relic of St. Faustina.

Catholic Daughters Luncheon The Catholic Daughters of America, Court 2049, will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a luncheon at Columban Hall on St. Thomas on Sunday, June 3. Original charter members Patricia Jones, Corinne Lockhart, Valerie Moorhead, Carmen Sibilly and Elise Vialet will be honored. The event will also include a priests’ appreciation ceremony. Tickets are available at parish offices for $40.

Second Collection Peter’s Pence will be a second collection at Masses at all parishes on June 23-24. This offering allows Catholic faithful to support the Holy Father’s philanthropy by giving him the means to provide emergency assistance to those in need because of natural disaster, war, oppression and disease.

4 The Catholic Islander / June 2012 / www.catholicislander.com St. Barnabas, apostle June 11 | St. Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church June 13 | Most Sacred Heart of Jesus June 15 | Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary June 16 | St. Romuald, abbot June 19 | St. Aloysius Gonzaga, religious June 21 | Flea Market Knights of Malta in Lourdes The fundraising committee of St. Joseph Church on St. Croix Some 300 members of the Knights and Dames of the Sovereign held a flea market on the parish grounds on April 21 to help Military Order of Malta made their annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, defray the expenses of maintaining the parish. Donated items France, in May, bringing with them 55 “malades,” the French included clothing, electronics, furniture, dishes and books. word for “sick.” Dr. Lina Batenga and Leslie Highfield Carter Drinks and snacks were sold. from Holy Cross Church on St. Croix, and Jerry and Christine Woodhouse from Our Lady of Perpetual Help on St. Thomas deposited written prayers from the faithful in the Virgin Islands in the Grotto of Massabielle where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Pictured below, Jerry and Christine Woodhouse cared for Peggy Higgins from New Jersey, a mother of four with aggressive breast cancer who had just finished chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Patronal Mass Elegant Tea Party Father John Mark celebrated the patronal Mass of St. Joseph The Alumni Association of St. Patrick School on St. Croix held the Worker at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on May 1. A an Elegant Tea Party at St. Gerard Hall on May 6 as a fundraiser statue of St. Joseph was placed in front of the altar. for the school.

Prayer Group Mass Father Kevin McDonald, CSsR, celebrated the annual Mass of Thanksgiving for the Our Mother of Perpetual Help prayer group in the residence of member Inez Walker on St. Croix on April 20. Redemptorist Visit Father Kevin Moley, CSsR, provincial superior of the Redemptorists, visited the Redemptorist communities on St. Croix on April 18-21. Pictured below, he also visited the Missionaries of Charity on April 19.

Honeymoon with Heart Mothers’ Day Zach and Jordan Raus of Marietta, Georgia, honeymooned Father John Mark and Deacon Guillermo Huertas gave on St. John, and helped feed the needy at Our Lady of blessed items to the mothers who attended the Spanish Mt. Carmel Church’s Kallaloo Kitchen in the Guadalupe Hall Mass at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on Mothers’ Day, on May 4. May 13.

Members of the youth group at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on St. John distributed carnations at the end of Mass on Mothers’ Day.

Altar servers from Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas visited the homebound on May 12, the day before Mothers’ Day. They The men at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on gave each mother a potted plant. They are pictured with St. John prepared and served brunch and the youth group Beatrice Greaux. members waited on tables on Mothers’ Day.

6 The Catholic Islander / June 2012 / www.catholicislander.com St. Thomas More, martyr June 22 | Nativity of St. John the Baptist June 24 | St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop and doctor of the Church June 27 | St. Irenaeus, bishop and martyr June 28 | Ss. Peter and Paul, apostles June 29 | First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church June 30 Magnificat Luncheon Bible Study Carol Winston-Victorine of Holy Family Church on Peggy Meyer leads a Bible study at Holy Cross Church’s St. Thomas gave her moving testimony during the McAlpin Hall on St. Croix on Wednesdays and Saturdays Magnificat Luncheon at Gertrude’s Restaurant on St. Croix at 9 a.m. on May 6.

Home Rosary Members of the Hispanic community at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas gathers in the homes of different parishioners each night in May to pray the rosary.

St. Thomas More, martyr June 22 | Nativity of St. John the Baptist June 24 | St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop and doctor of the Church June 27 | St. Irenaeus, bishop and martyr June 28 | Ss. Peter and Paul, apostles June 29 | First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church June 30 7 news from catholic charities Catholic Charities Supports Camp Shriver Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands (CCVI) Kids Learn Summer Enrichment Camp is organizing registration, volunteers and financial Registration is open for Kids Learn Summer Enrichment, contributions for this summer’s Camp Shriver. This free which will be held at Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. sports camp for youth with developmental disabilities, Thomas on June 18-July 27. The camp is a learning ages 8 to 15, will be held at Addilita Cancryn Junior High experience for children, ages 3 to 13, from low-income School on St. Thomas on July 9-27. families. The camp offers an educational program in the During the three-week period, campers learn sports morning and in the afternoon offers recreation, with an skills, participate in individual and team sports, build emphasis on cultural activities. The camp also allows the friendships and have fun. Campers are partnered with participants to explore their interest in music. young volunteers without disabilities, and the teammates This year the theme for the camp will be “Around the participate jointly in daily activities, thereby developing Caribbean in Six Weeks.” Students will explore six countries camaraderie, teamwork and sportsmanship. of the Caribbean, focusing on traditional customs, arts and Camp Shriver will mark its sixth year in the U.S. Virgin crafts, foods, dances, geography and history. The students Islands. The camp was introduced to the territory in will present a Caribbean fair showcasing the products of 2007 by First Lady Cecile de Jongh and Deborah Delone, their research and demonstrating how these countries former executive director of CCVI. Camp Shriver was celebrate special events. founded in 1962 by the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

Building a Medical Exam Room Donations for the Needy Workers from My Brother’s Workshop put the finishing Members of Lions Club donated food and supplies to touches on the medical exam room at Bethlehem House Bethlehem House Shelter for the Homeless on St. Thomas on Shelter for the Homeless on St. Thomas on May 10. The April 14. room will be used by volunteer physicians in a pilot project to bring medical care to the homeless and underserved. The project was initiated by First Lady Cecile deJongh and supported by volunteer medical professionals from the private and public sector. Catholic Charities board members Odile de Lyrot and Alfred Heath have been involved in the planning process.

Student Fundraiser Students at Antilles School on St. Thomas learned about hunger and homelessness and responded by raising $300 for Catholic Charities’ Bethlehem House Shelter for the Homeless. The sixth Catholic Charities’ June Food Drive graders ended their Please collect the following items at your study dramatically with an “Empty Bowl” church, school or workplace: luncheon on May 9, • Canned beef stew where they were served • Boxed macaroni and cheese only a small bowl of soup, a piece of bread • Canned mixed vegetables and a glass of water.

8 The Catholic Islander / June 2012 / www.catholicislander.com ¡buenas noticias!

Campamento de verano Colecta especial de Cristiandad llevan la imagen de la El Campamento de Enriquecimiento La segunda colecta del 25-26 de Virgen María, hacen una meditación de Apredizaje de verano se ofrecerá en junio será para Peter’s Pence. Este es un y rezan el rosario en casas privadas el la Escuela San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. fondo que utiliza el Papa para ayudar 11 de junio y el segundo lunes de cada Tomás del 18 de junio al 27 de julio. La filantrópicamente en los casos de mes a las 7 p.m. Llamen a la Iglesia matrícula ya está abierta. Este campamento desastres naturales, guerras, opresión y San José para asistir. es una experiencia de aprendizaje para enfermedad. • Miembros del Movimiento de Cursillos niños entre las edades de 3 a 13 años de de Cristiandad dirigen un círculo de familias de bajos recursos económicos. Educación para adultos oración en la Capilla San Miguel de El campamento ofrece un programa La Iglesia Holy Cross en Sta. Cruz, la Iglesia San José el 25 de junio y el educacional en la mañana y recreación con la colaboración de las Hermanas último lunes de cada mes a las 7 p.m. en las tardes, enfatizado con actividades del Buen Pastor, ofrece lecciones de • Feligreses rezan el rosario y comparten culturales, entre ellas permite que los alfabetización en español, inglés como las lecturas del próximo domingo en la participantes exploren su interés en la segunda idioma y cursos de computación Iglesia Holy Cross los martes a las 7 p.m. música. El tema este año será ”Alrededor del (Windows, Word, Excel e internet) en • Miembros del Movimiento de Cursillos Caribe en seis semanas” en el cual los niños el Centro Buen Pastor. Este servicio va de Cristiandad se reúnen para la ultreya se enfocarán en seis países caribeños, sus dirigido prioritariamente a la población en su oficina de la Iglesia San José los costumbres, arte, comidas, bailes, geografía inmigrante de idioma española. jueves después de la Misa de las 7 p.m. e historia así como artes manuales. Al final, • Feligr eses rezan un rosario pro-vida demostrarán sus descubrimientos de cómo Reuniones mensuales de bilingüe en la Iglesia San José los se celebran ciertos eventos especiales. espiritualidad y oración viernes a las 6 p.m. Sto. Tomás Las Caridades Católicas apoyan • El Presidio María, Arca de la Alianza, Protección de niños el Campamento Shriver de la Legión de María se reúne en el La Diócesis de Sto. Tomás en las Islas Caridades Católicas está organizando Salón de Hospitalidad de la Catedral Vírgenes está comprometida a proteger la matrícula, los voluntarios y las San Pedro y San Pablo los domingos a a los niños de todo daño. Si Ud. tiene contribuciones financieras para ofrecer las 2 p.m. conocimiento de algún sacerdote, diácono el Campamento Shriver en Sto. Tomás • Un círculo de oración se reúne en el o empleado de la iglesia que haya abusado este verano. Este campamento gratuito se Salón de Hospitalidad de la Catedral de algún menor, favor de comunicarse ofrece en la Escuela Addelita Cancryn del San Pedro y San Pablo los lunes a las 6 inmediatamente con la Coordinadora 9 al 27 de julio y está diseñado para los p.m. Diocesana de la Protección de los Niños, niños y jóvenes de entre 8 y 15 años que Sta. Cruz Callista Julien, al (340) 774-3166 o (340) tengan discapacidades mentales. • Miembros del Movimiento de Cursillos 719-4020.

Mayo es el mes de María Celebrando mayo como el mes de María, un imagen de la Virgen Madre fue coronado al comienzo de la Misa en español en la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. Tomás el 6 de mayo. Miembros de la comunidad hispana de la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. Tomás fueron a las casas de familias hispanas cada noche para orar el rosario.

99 catholic education May Crowning St. Mary School on St. Croix celebrated the coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on May 10. Pictured below, Graduations and Promotions Bianca Rames crowns the statue, assisted by Zara Bengoa. St. Patrick School, St. Croix • Eighth grade graduation is at St. Patrick Church on Friday, June 1, at 4:30 p.m.

St. Mary School, St. Croix • Eighth grade Mass and graduation is at Holy Cross Church on Saturday, June 2, at 11 a.m.

St. Joseph High School, St. Croix • Graduation is at St. Joseph Church on Sunday, June 3, at 3 p.m.

Ss. Peter and Paul School, St. Thomas • Eighth grade promotion is at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on Thursday, June 7, at 4 p.m. Professional Development for Teachers Teachers from St. Patrick School on St. Croix learned Founders Day new teaching techniques in Barcelonetta, Puerto Rico, on April 27. They were introduced to the Waterford St. Patrick School on St. Croix celebrated Founders Day with program, designed to help students remain on task while “A Taste of the Caribbean,” an international food fair, at St. Gerard improving academically. Upon approval for purchase, Hall on May 1, in celebration of the school’s 146th anniversary. St. Patrick will be the first private school in the Virgin The food was prepared by students, parents and faculty. Father Islands to use the Waterford program. Patrick Lynch, CSsR, led the opening prayer, and the students sang the school song, “Hail to St. Patrick School.” Pictured below, Elizabeth John Baptiste, principal, addressed the students, faculty and guests.

History, Economy and Tourism Representatives from the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism spoke to students at St. Mary School on St. Croix on May 11 on the importance of tourism to the local economy and the role that local history and culture can play Reading Carnival in attracting tourists. A question and answer session was Students from St. held to strengthen the students’ knowledge of native foods, Joseph High School music and historical sites. on St. Croix led a reading carnival in the classrooms and on the campus on April 28. The high school students read to elementary school students. Lunch was provided, the school’s steel pan band played, and the children enjoyed a slide and a jump room.

10 The Catholic Islander / June 2012 / www.catholicislander.com First Communion spotlight on Youth Msgr. Jerome Feudjio administered First Communion to 25 children during Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on May 6. First Holy Communion Virgin Islands parishes will continue offering the sacrament of First Eucharist to their religious education students at weekend Masses in June. • St. Ann Church on St. Croix will have First Eucharist on Sunday, June 3, at 9:30 a.m. • Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John will have First Eucharist on Sunday, June 10, 9:30 a.m.

Youth Rally and Retreat The Diocesan Youth Ministry, St. Thomas/St. John, will hold a rally for youth, ages 13-25, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John on Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kyle Dardaine of the Companions of the Transfigured Christ Father Anthony Abraham and members of the staff at Ss. Peter community in Trinidad is the guest speaker. The presentations and Paul School on St. Thomas showcased those who received and workshops will focus on the challenges facing youth. their Baptism and/or First Communion the previous weekend The Diocesan Youth Ministry, St. Croix, is hosting a retreat during the school Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on May for youth, ages 14-19, at St. Gerard Hall on June 29-July 1. The 11. The students wore the clothes they wore at their reception of presentations and workshops will focus on self-identity, sex, the sacraments at their church. understanding the Mass, forgiveness and the Blessed Mother. The weekend includes praise and worship, dancing, games and a talent show. Registration forms are available at parish offices. A $25 registration fee includes meals for the weekend.

Youth Lead Mass The youth group at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John ministered at Mass on April 22.

Father John Juszczak, CSsR, gave First Communion to Zugeily Reyes (pictured below) and 30 other children during Sunday Mass at Holy Cross Church on St. Cross on April 29. May Crowning St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas had its annual May Procession through Frenchtown with the image of Mary on May 6. Once the procession arrived at the chapel, Ana Pia Brunt crowned the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

11 Cathedral Restoration Launches Phase 3 By His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard

Msgr. Jerome Feudjio, rector of the cathedral, and Bishop Bevard posed before a spiral staircase to the choir loft and a confessional. The renovations call for the construction of new stairs and confessionals. 12 The Catholic Islander / June 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Cover Story

y dear people, 1. The installation of stained glass windows in the choir loft. With great joy and gratitude to Almighty 2. The repair of the choir loft and the construction of a suitable God, I am happy to announce that Phase II staircase to that area. M of the Renovation Project for Ss. Peter and 3. The removal of the choir from in front of the St. Joseph side Paul Cathedral has been successfully completed! Phase I altar. of this project consisted in developing architectural plans 4. The upgrading of the air conditioning system. for the restoration and repair of the cathedral and the 5. The installation of new sound and video systems. adjoining rectories. Phase II started over a year and a half 6. Electrical rewiring of the entire building. ago and consisted of the following efforts: 7. The installation of new and improved lighting. 8. The rendering of the walls for future repair and painting. 1. The repair of the foundation of the building and the construction of catchment areas for rainwater from I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported this Frenchman’s Hill. This allows for the evacuation huge effort in the past. Because of your interest and generosity, of water away from the foundation of the so much has been accomplished. We have cathedral. been able to finish Phase II without borrowing 2. The repair and strengthening of columns within money from the bank. I am also happy to tell the cathedral which support the roof. The I am deeply you that even though Phase II cost over $1 columns now are designed to be earthquake million, the vast majority of that money has resistant. grateful to been paid. 3. The strengthening and repair of the beams in everyone who Our cathedral is a work of art and is worthy the attic of the cathedral. These beams support has supported of any sacrifice we have to make to save it. the roof. They now are completely renewed, As we look forward to the commencement repaired and will be much more supportive in this huge effort of Phase III, I ask you to renew your interest, the event of a hurricane. your prayer and your spirit of generosity. 4. The replacement of the roof and rain gutters. In particular, I would like to offer you the 5. The complete repair of the cupola and the cross opportunity to dedicate one of the stained on the small tower rising from the façade. glass windows in memory of a loved one (or loved ones). More 6. The purchase of an electronic bell system. information about this can be obtained by calling me at my 7. The installation of stained glass windows in the nave of office in the Catholic Chancery (340-774-3166). the cathedral. May God bless you and Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Having completed Phase II, I will soon hold a news conference in which I will officially announce the Sincerely yours in Christ, beginning of Phase III, which will consist of the following Most Reverend Herbert A. Bevard efforts: Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands

Workers installed a new cross high above the façade of Ss. Peter and Msgr. Feudjio and Bishop Bevard Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on posed before one of the cathedral's April 9. 10 new stained glass windows 13 the Church in the world North Carolina is the 30th state to pass a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and U.S. Bishops Challenge one woman. President Obama on Marriage The statement of Bishop Burbidge is available online at The decision by the voters of North Carolina to define www.dioceseofraleigh.org/news/view.aspx?id=1486. marriage in a constitutional amendment as the union of one man and one woman “affirms the authentic and timeless Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of meaning of marriage,” said Bishop Salvatore Cordileone of the Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued the following statement on Diocese of Oakland, California. Bishop Cordileone, chairman May 9. of the Subcommittee on the Promotion and Defense of “President Obama’s comments today in support of the Marriage of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), redefinition of marriage are deeply saddening. As I stated applauded the May 8 decision. in my public letter to the president on September 20, 2011, “The success of this amendment demonstrates people’s the Catholic bishops stand ready to affirm every positive awareness of the essential role that marriage, as the union of a measure taken by the President and the administration to man and a woman, plays for the common good,” said Bishop strengthen marriage and the family. However, we cannot be Cordileone on May 10. “Despite his comments yesterday, silent in the face of words or actions that would undermine I would hope that President Obama would recognize this the institution of marriage, the very cornerstone of our society. essential role as well. This is not a partisan issue, but a matter The people of this country, especially our children, deserve of justice, fairness and equality for the law to uphold every better. Unfortunately, President Obama’s words today are not child’s basic right to be welcomed and raised by his or her surprising since they follow upon various actions already mother and father together.” taken by his administration that erode or ignore the unique He added, “I extend my gratitude to all of the people meaning of marriage. I pray for the president every day, and in North Carolina who worked tirelessly to make this a will continue to pray that he and his administration act justly reality. The people of North Carolina join millions of other to uphold and protect marriage as the union of one man and Americans in affirming the importance of marriage in our one woman. May we all work to promote and protect marriage society.” and by so doing serve the true good of all persons.”

14 The Catholic Islander / June 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Golden Jubilarian Pro-Life Vigil Father Carlyle Blake, CSsR, who served at Ss. Peter and Paul John Fewel (at the far right), a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Cathedral on St. Thomas and St. Patrick Church on St. Croix, Thomas in the Virgin Islands, and fellow seminarians from Blessed celebrates 50 years as a priest on June 17. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, prayed Father Blake was born on St. Thomas on the rosary for life in the freezing rain outside Planned Parenthood in August 3, 1935, and first professed vows Brighton, Massachusetts, on March 1. as a Redemptorist on August 2, 1957. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 17, 1962. He served in the Virgin Islands as rector of the cathedral in 1972-78 and then as pastor of St. Patrick Church until 1982. Father Blake has been living in semi- retirement in New York City since 2007, occasionally preaching missions and serving as chaplain on cruise ships.

Bishop Joins Protest provides impunity for several suspects, pro-democracy activists. Interestingly, in Suriname including Suriname’s president and two of the suspects, former army officers Bishop Wilhelmus de Bekker of the current Caribbean Community Edgar Ritfeld and Ruben Rozendaal, Diocese of Paramaribo, Suriname, joined (CARICOM) chairman Desi Bouterse, for participated in the march. They told fellow religious leaders and those from the extra-judicial killing of 15 opponents reporters that they do not want amnesty, civil society in a 5,000-strong silent of Bouterse’s then military government on and insisted that the trial continue protest march on April 10 to demonstrate December 8, 1982 in the Fort Zeelandia without any hindrance from the political against the amnesty legislation that was military headquarters” reported the authorities. passed by Suriname’s National Assembly Caribbean News Now website. Suriname’s Christian Council and Inter- on April 4. Among the protesters were children Religious Organization helped organize “The controversial amnesty law and surviving relatives of the 15 slain the march.

Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call (340) 774-3166 for rates. 15 saint of the month are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:17-18). Ss. Peter About 10 years after the Ascension of Christ, Peter went to Rome, the center of the Roman Empire. He lived and preached in Rome for 25 years before he and Paul was crucified by order of Nero. He was buried on Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul: Vatican Hill where St. Peter Basilica now stands. June 29 St. Paul The feast of Ss. Peter and Paul on June 29 St. Paul was originally called Saul of Tarsus. He was born of commemorates the martyrdom of both of these great Jewish parents and studied in Jerusalem. While still a young man, Apostles. Tradition holds that both Peter and Paul were Paul became a soldier and persecuted the Christians. He oversaw martyred on this day in the year 67 – Peter was crucified the stoning of the first Christian martyr, Stephen. “They threw him upside down and Paul was slain by a sword. [Stephen] out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul” (Acts St. Peter 7:58). St. Peter had been a fisherman in Galilee when Jesus Soon after that, Paul was heading towards the city of Damascus called him to be one of his Twelve Apostles. Peter was poor where he planned to persecute the Christians living there. “On his and uneducated, but he was also candid and loving. When journey…a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell Jesus asked his apostles who they thought he was, Peter to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are responded, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” you persecuting me? ... I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Matthew 16:16). This confession set Peter apart and Jesus (Acts 9:3-6). This was the moment of Saul’s conversion. His name named him to be the head of the Church. “Blessed are you, was changed to Paul and he became one of the greatest leaders Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed of the early Church and the “Apostle to the Gentiles” bringing the this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you Word of God to the non-Jewish peoples.

Missionaries Lessons in Life from Blessed Mother of Charity Teresa of Calcutta Jesus called the children to “Little things are indeed little, himself and said, “Let the but to be faithful in little things is children come to me and a great thing.” do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to Courtesy of Alfredo’s Landscaping, such as these.”(Luke 18:16) St. John The Missionaries of Charity, St. Croix

Timeless Wisdom Our Blessed Mother’s from the Saints Message from Medjugorje April 25, 2012 “Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and “Dear children! Also today I am calling you to prayer, and may they are restless until they rest in you.” your heart, little children, open towards God as a flower opens – St. Augustine of Hippo towards the warmth of the sun. I am with you and I intercede for Courtesy of Dr. Stephen and Maribel Okiye all of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.” Courtesy of the Order of Malta | John and Claire Foster

16 The Catholic Islander / June 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Continuum Care, Inc. Hospice of St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John We provide care to the terminally ill. Individualized Medical and Nursing Support, Spiritual, Emotional, Nutritional Counseling, and Personal Care. St. Croix St. Thomas/St. John 4040 La Grande Princesse, #2 50 Estate Thomas, Suite 211 Christiansted, VI 00820 St. Thomas, VI 00802 718-LOVE (5683) 714-CARE (2273) www.ccivi.com | fax 340-718-7632 Medicare Certified. Most Insurance Accepted. EEOC. Se Habla Español

Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call (340) 774-3166 for rates. 17 Catholic spirituality The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity he Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, which is celebrated this year on June 3, has been traced back Mystery to St. Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, Of all the mysteries of our faith, the Trinity is the deepest and T in 12th century England. Historians say that the the richest. The mystery of the Trinity is the central mystery of the celebration of this day began when Thomas celebrated a liturgy in Christian faith. honor of the Trinity in his cathedral. In the 14th century, Trinity We never would have come to know this mystery if it had not been Sunday came to be observed by the entire Church. revealed to us. St. Augustine attempts to explain this mystery in the Since the earliest beginnings of Christianity, our Church fourth century. St. Augustine’s conception of the Trinity is that God is doctrine has professed that though God is the only god, God love. The Father is the lover, the Son is the loved one, and the Holy exists in three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, Spirit is the love they send forth. In order to love, there must be an and God the Holy Spirit. Christians believe God is one, in three object of love. The subject must love something or someone. If there persons, sharing one nature. was not God the Son, then God the Father would have had no one to The word “trinity” combines two other words: “tri” meaning love prior to creation, so he could not have been love. If God was not three, and “une” meaning one. The word “trinity” then means love from the beginning, then he would have had to change, and God “three in one.” does not change. He is always perfect. God had to have an object of his Do not be fooled. Any person or group, i.e., the Jehovah’s love. The object of God’s love is God the Son. The Son always existed Witnesses, that does not believe that God the Father is God, that from all eternity with God the Father, sharing love. The Son only took Jesus his Son is God, and that the Holy Spirit is God, is neither a on the name of Jesus when he came onto earth, when he took on Christian nor a Christian group. human existence. The bond of that love, or the energy of that love, is what we call the Holy Spirit. The energy of love between the Father and History the Son is the third person of the Trinity. The belief in the Trinity goes back to the New Testament. Scripture has no single term for the three Divine Persons as one. Teaching Children The terms trinity and triune do not appear in Scripture, but Jesus These analogies are far from perfect, but they can help stimulate a pointed to the concept, and the concept was mentioned about 40 young mind to understand that three can be one and one can be three. times in the New Testament. Christ was speaking not only of the • Younger Children: A triangle has three sides, yet it is one shape. Each external relations of God but of the very inner life of the triune side of the triangle is necessary for its existence, each meets the other at God. the angles, and no sides are distinguishable. The Trinity was affirmed as an article of faith by the Nicene (325 • Y oung Children: Multiplication of 1. 1 x 1 x 1 = 1 is not the same as AD) and Athanasian (circa 500 AD) creeds. These creeds were 1+1+1 = 3. formulated and ratified by the Church in reaction to heterodox • Older Children: Love involves the love of the lover, the love of the theologies, some involving the nature of the Trinity, and Christ’s loved, and the love they share. All three “loves” must be present to position in it. These creeds have been retained in some form by function. most Protestant denominations. In the sixth century, Pope Vigilius I noted that Christians are Protection of children: The Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, not Islands is committed to protecting children from all harm. If you in their names. The use of the singular, “name,” and not the have knowledge that any priest, deacon or church worker may plural, demonstrates the belief that these three Persons are one have abused a minor, please contact the diocesan child protection omnipotent God. coordinator, Callista Julien, at (340) 774-3166 or (340) 719-4020.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mystical Rose, you are the ever Virgin Mary and Mother of the true God; pray for us to your most holy Son. Amen.

Courtesy of Dr. Norma Carrillo and family

18 The Catholic Islander / June 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call (340) 774-3166 for rates. 19 journey of faith Carmen Huertas Faith Overcomes the Challenge of Blindness

n the Gospels, Jesus encountered – I was a religious education catechist, a lector at Mass, and helped people who were suffering and used create a youth group.” his power to heal them – the sick, One day would change all of that for Carmen. She underwent a the lame and the blind. To undergo severe medical issue. Ia severe loss, like the loss of sight, is a “I think I went to heaven and they kicked me out,” she said, life changing event that could challenge recalling what she remembers about that day. “I saw some of my former family members, and one of them said, ‘Ah, finally, here and stretch even the most faithful person’s comes the one that we were missing.’ The other one said, ‘Nope! It is belief in God’s love and his plan. This same not her time.’ I woke up. I got up, I showered, I put on some make challenge was one that Carmen Huertas, a up, fixed myself, and I [suddenly] went blind.” parishioner of St. Joseph Church on St. Croix, A series of hemorrhages in her eyes caused detached retinas and found herself facing in the winter of 1993. permanently removed her vision. She was confused, scared and in Her life would be forever changed when she pain. “Some of my thoughts were, ‘I cannot believe this. This cannot suddenly, and unexpectedly, became blind. happen to me. Why is this happening to me? What did I do wrong? “I was born in Puerto Rico, where I grew up and attended What is going on?’” school,” Carmen said. “I received my Bachelor of Arts degree Carmen had to adjust to her new life, and after spending time in in elementary education, and graduated in 1987. After that, I the U.S. learning how to do things for herself again, she returned to worked as a substitute teacher. I moved around for a few years St. Croix. and then I came back to St. Croix, to be closer to my family. “Since then I have been living day by day, asking God for guidance, When I came back I went back to being involved in the parish praying to the Blessed Mother, and saying, ‘Hey, I need a hand.’”

20 The Catholic Islander / June 2012 / www.catholicislander.com She became active in a group that took a case to the federal court to help make places accessible to the disabled. She went back to school to get a Master’s Degree in school administration. “I went to a convention in Atlanta in July 1999 with the National Federation for the Blind,” Carmen said. “I said to myself, ‘Okay, I am not alone in this,’ and I came back with batteries recharged. When there was an opening at the junior high school, I was able to get the job and I have been teaching for the past 14 years.” Though she has experienced many successes, her life has been anything but easy. In addition to losing her sight, Carmen’s two daughters have had serious health problems, one losing her legs to diabetes and the other diagnosed with cancer. Yet still she goes on – praying for guidance and for the strength to continue despite the difficulties she has faced. “I am praying every day and taking one day at a time. In the morning, I say one of my little prayers of the day, ‘Here I go, guide my path, watch my path, whatever you give to me, it is your will.” To someone faced with a challenge like this, Carmen’s advice is to accept what is difficult and build up personal strength. “It is not easy, but you need to have a lot of strength and confidence. Pray, ask for guidance from God and the blessed Mother, and believe in yourself, because if you do not believe in yourself, you will not have any faith in God.”

Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call (340) 774-3166 for rates. 21 parish calendars St. Thomas Calendar

Rosary Walk Legion of Mary Charismatic Prayer Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral hosts • Presidium María, Arca de la Alianza, • Pray in Spanish at Ss. Peter and Paul a rosary walk on June 2 and the first holds meetings in Spanish at Ss. Peter Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on Saturday of every month at 7 a.m., and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Mondays at 6 p.m. followed by Mass at 7:30 a.m. Lounge on Sundays at 2 p.m. • Holy Family Church holds evenings • Presidium Mary, Mystical Rose, meets of charismatic prayer on Mondays at Magnificat in Holy Family Church’s classroom on 7 p.m. Magnificat, an international ministry Sundays at 3 p.m. to Catholic women, meets at Ss. Peter • Presidium Mary, Mediatrix of All Men’s Prayer Group and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Graces, meets at the St. Anne Chapel The Sons of Joseph and Mary meet at Lounge on June 2 and the first hall on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Saturday of every month at 8 a.m. on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Holy Hours / Our Lady of Fatima Devotion Eucharistic Adoration Our Mother of The Children of Mary lead a devotion • St. Therese Chapel-Divine Mercy Perpetual Help Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima at Holy Family Shrine has Exposition of the Blessed Devotions to Our Mother of Perpetual Church on June 2 and the first Sacrament on Mondays to Fridays from Help are prayed before Mass on Saturday of every month at 4 p.m. 8 a.m. until Benediction at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Ss. Peter and Paul (Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.) and on Saturdays Cathedral at 6:45 a.m. and noon, at St. Joseph Workers from 8 a.m. until Benediction at 1 p.m. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church The St. Joseph Workers meet at Holy • Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 6:15 p.m., at Holy Family Church Family Church’s Columban Hall on has Exposition on Tuesdays from 7:30 at 6:50 p.m. and at St. Anne Chapel June 10 and the second Sunday of a.m. until Benediction at 6 p.m. and on at 7 p.m. every month at 9:30 a.m. Fridays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Holy Family Church and Pro-Life Rosary Catholic Daughters of America St. Anne Chapel have Holy Hours with Pray a pro-life rosary at Our Lady Court 2049 meets at Ss. Peter and Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at of Perpetual Help Church on Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge 6 p.m., followed by Mass at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. on June 16 and the third Saturday of every month at 3 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet Intercessory Prayer Group • Altar servers from Ss. Peter and Paul A team is prepared to pray for the St. Vincent de Paul Society Cathedral and Our Lady of Perpetual needs of all who ask at Holy Family The Young Vincentians meet on Help Church lead the Divine Mercy Church on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. June 17 and the third Sunday of chaplet at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral every month at 11:30 a.m. The adult on Mondays at 3 p.m. World Apostolate of Fatima members meet on June 23 and the • The chaplet is prayed at Our Lady of The World Apostolate of Fatima fourth Saturday of every month at 3:30 Perpetual Help Church on Tuesdays at meets at Our Lady of Perpetual Help p.m. Both groups meet in Holy Family 3 p.m. Church on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Church’s classroom. All-Night Prayer Vigil Pride of the Parish Holy Family Church will have an The Cultural all-night prayer vigil with Exposition Dancers from Holy of the Blessed Sacrament beginning on Family Church on Friday, June 29, after the 7 p.m. Mass St. Thomas and ending with Benediction and Mass performed at Cultural the next morning at 6 a.m. Night at Lionel Knights of Columbus Roberts Stadium on April 18. Council 6187 meets at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on the first and third Sunday of every month at 10 a.m.

22 The Catholic Islander / June 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call (340) 774-3166 for rates. 23 parish calendars St. Croix Calendar Holy Hours/Eucharistic Adoration House on June 24 and the fourth Sunday Our Mother of Perpetual • Holy Cross Church has Exposition of of each month at 2 p.m. Help Devotions the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction on Devotions to Our Mother of Perpetual June 1 and the first Friday of every month Divine Mercy Chaplet Help are prayed at St. Patrick Church on from 9 a.m. to noon. St. Joseph Church hosts Divine Mercy Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., at • St. Patrick Church has a Holy Hour with devotions on June 24 and the fourth Holy Cross Church on Wednesdays and Exposition and Benediction on Fridays Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. The hour- Saturdays at 8:45 a.m., and at St. Joseph after the 8 a.m. Mass. long program includes the chaplet, prayers, Church on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. • St. Ann Church has a Holy Hour with adoration and teachings of the Divine Exposition and Benediction in St. Ann Mercy by Father John Mark. Intercessory Prayer Chapel on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. Deacon Hyacinthe George is available for • St. Joseph Church has a Holy Hour with Cursillo Prayer Group prayer and counseling at St. Ann Chapel Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at The Cursillo Movement hosts a Spanish on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. 6:30 p.m. prayer meeting in the St. Michael Chapel until 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church on June 25 and the Santo Niño last Monday of every month at 7 p.m. Bible Study St. Joseph Church hosts devotions to the Holy Cross Church hosts Bible studies Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus) on June Adult Education in the parish’s McAlpin Hall on 2 and the first Saturday of every month at • The Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9 a.m., 4:30 p.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation Heart of Mary (ICM Sisters) offer classes following morning Mass. is offered during this time. in Pre-GED, GED, Computer Literacy, Intermediate Computer and English as Spiritual Direction Pro-Life Prayer Vigil a Second Language at the St. Patrick Sister Patricia Alexander, WIF, is available The St. Croix Right to Life Committee will Learning Center on Monday through for spiritual direction at Franciscan House hold a prayer vigil against abortion across Thursday mornings. on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Call from Dr. Marc Jerome’s office at Island • The Religious of the Good Shepherd offer (340) 778-5773 for an appointment. Center, on Tuesday, June 12, at 5 p.m. adult education classes in Spanish at the Good Shepherd Center from Mondays Shepherds of Christ Associates Charismatic Prayer to Fridays. These courses include Spanish The Shepherds of Christ Associates meet • St. Patrick Church has charismatic prayer writing, English as a Second Language for prayer in the St. Michael Chapel of in the chapel on June 15 and the third and computer courses in Windows, Word, St. Joseph Church on Wednesdays at 7:30 Friday of each month at 6 p.m. Excel and internet. p.m. and on the second and fourth Sunday • St. Ann Church has charismatic prayer in of every month at 5 p.m. Marian Hall on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Neo-Catechumenal Way • The Cenacle of Our Lady of the Rosary The Neo-Catechumenal Way leads Knights of Columbus Intercessory Prayer Group meets at a Celebration of the Word at St. Joseph Holy Cross Council #6482 meets at Franciscan House on Wednesdays Church on Mondays and Thursdays Holy Cross Church’s McAlpin Hall on at 10 a.m. at 7 p.m. the first and third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Magnificat Devotions to St. Gerard Majella Magnificat, an international ministry to Pray a devotion to St. Gerard Majella at Cursillo Ultreya Catholic women, meets at Franciscan Holy Cross Church on Tuesdays Cursillo members meet for the “Ultreya” in House on June 17 and the third Sunday of at 8:45 a.m. the Cursillo office atSt. Joseph Church on each month at 3 p.m. Thursdays after the 7 p.m. Mass. Meetings World Apostolate of Fatima are in Spanish. Carmelite Spirituality The World Apostolate of Fatima meets The Our Lady Star of the Sea Community in the chapel at Holy Cross Church on Rosary for the Unborn shares Carmelite spirituality in the Tuesdays at 5 p.m. St. Joseph Church hosts a bilingual St. Joseph Church Hospitality Lounge English/Spanish rosary for the unborn on and Learning Center on June 24 and the Spanish Prayer and Reflection Fridays at 6 p.m. fourth Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. Pray the rosary and share reflections on the readings of the coming Sunday Mass at Legion of Mary Franciscan Spirituality Holy Cross Church on alternate Tuesdays Presidium Mary, Our Lady of Grace, meets The Our Lady of the Angels fraternity at 7 p.m. Meetings are in Spanish. in the Holy Cross Church rectory on of the Third Order of St. Francis shares Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. Franciscan spirituality at Franciscan

24 The Catholic Islander / June 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Pride of the Parish At the request of Bishop Herbert Bevard, Msgr. Michael Kosak, vicar general, installed six deacon candidates to the ministry of lector at St. Ann Church on St. Croix on April 26. The new lectors posed afterwards with Msgr. Kosak and Deacon Joseph Mark, dean of the formation program. Left to right, front row, they are Reynold Modeste, Alvin Bedneau, Hector Arroyo, Tony Murray and Benjamin Parrilla; Deacon Mark and Marlon Braithwaite are in the middle row; Msgr. Kosak stands in the back row.

Prayer for Protection from Hurricanes

God, our Father, Creator of the Universe, You have set the earth on its foundation and all the elements of nature obey Your command. We humbly beseech You to keep us safe from all dangers and calm the storms which may threaten us. May we be secure in Your loving protection and serve You always with grateful hearts. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Courtesy of Ed Foerstel and family

Buying, Selling, or Renting? Call the Experts! Providing efficient, friendly and professional service for over 18 years. Toll free: (800)773-8788 E-mail: [email protected] St. Croix Web-site: www.sunrealty.vi #2 Hospital Street, Christiansted Call today: (340)773-8790

Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call (340) 774-3166 for rates. 25 parish calendars St. John Calendar

Legion of Mary Free Meals Eucharistic Adoration Charismatic Prayer Presidium Mary, Queen Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Our Lady of Mt. Carmel of Angels, meets in the Church’s Kallaloo Kitchen: Food Church has Exposition of Church hosts an hour Guadalupe Hall of Our Lady for the Soul feeds the needy in the Blessed Sacrament and of charismatic prayer on of Mt. Carmel Church on the parish’s Guadalupe Hall on Benediction on Thursdays from Thursdays at 7 p.m. Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays at noon. 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Volunteers are welcomed.

Pride of the Parish Visit the website of the Left to right, Michael Sorzano, Steven Burkholder and Ed August usually Diocese of St. Thomas in play instruments at different Masses at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John, but on April 29 they all played at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. the Virgin Islands at www.catholicvi.com

The latest diocesan news and photographs catholicislander.blogspot.com updated twice weekly!

Read The Catholic Islander online at www.catholicislander.com

26 The Catholic Islander / June 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call (340) 774-3166 for rates. 27 Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call (340) 774-3166 for rates.