Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands 42 Barren Spot - P.O. Box 1160 Kings Hill U.S. Virgin Islands 00851 Tel. (340) 778-0484 Fax. (340) 779-3151 Website: www.catholicvi.com/stann/ E-mail: [email protected] Twenty-first Sunday In O. T. —Year B Fr. Louis Kemayou, Pastor August 25-26, 2018 Most Rev. Herbert A. Bevard

Jesus said: “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered: “Master to whom shall we go?”

SANCTUARY DEVOTIONAL LIGHT ALTAR FLOWERS Would you like to donate the sanctuary candle in Would you like the altar flowers to be offered in memory of someone or in celebration of a special memory of someone or in celebration of a special occasion, please call the office and schedule a occasion, Please call the office and schedule a date. A free-will donation is welcome. date. A free-will donation is welcome.

ST. ANN’S BOOKSTORE & GIFTS SHOP CCN / EWTN Channel 7 Tuesdays to Fridays: 9:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. Sundays Mass (Live) Channel 7 Sundays: Open after Masses Internet: www.livestream.com/ caribbeancatholicnetwork7 “TOGETHER BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” Directory PRIESTS DEACONS Rev. Fr. Louis K. Kemayou, Pastor Rev. Mr. Joseph T. Mark, OCDS Rev. Msgr. Michael F. Kosak, (Retired) In Residence Rev. Mr. Hyacinthe George, Rev. Mr. Denis Griffith, SECRETARY Mrs. Linda O’Neale Rev. Mr. Edward Cave, Rev. Mr. Norbert Xavier, Bookstore: Office Staff Rev. Mr. Eugene Thompson, ( Retired ) RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Mrs. Patricia Browne, Coordinator Rev. Mr. Arnold Helenese, OCDS– ( Retired )

MAINTENANCE: Mr. Aldon Rogers & Mr. Michael Matthews SACRISTAN: Mr. Aldon Rogers, Assistant Sacristans: Mrs. Patricia Browne, Mrs. Patricia Griffith, Ms. Theodosia Christopher

MASS SCHEDULE AND INTENTION MASSES & DEVOTIONS Weekend Saturday, August 25, 2018 Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. B’day Gordon Woodbury rb Gaston Family Sundays: 7:00 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. August, Sunday 26, 2018 Weekday 7:00 a.m. Thanksgiving for Tamara Rodgers Tuesdays & Thursdays: 12:15 p.m. 9:30 a.m. Spl. Int. Pamela Toussaint rb Her Mother Wednesdays & Fridays 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 28, 2018 Fridays: 5:30 p.m.—Holy Hour 12:15 p.m. Thanksgiving for Theodosia Christopher SACRAMENTS Wednesday, August 29, 2018 BAPTISM: Call for Appointment CONFESSION: Saturdays: 3:30 p.m. or 6:30 a.m. Thanksgiving/B’day for Keisha York rb Family by Appointment Thursday, August 30, 2018 MARRIAGE: Call 4 months in advance 12:15 p.m. Spl. Int. Eluetha St. Rose rb Bridget Inglis ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Call anytime Friday, August 31, 2018 6:30 a.m. For the Sick among us including those in Bulletin FUNERAL: Tuesdays through Fridays Please call prior to final arrangements

27—Monday 31— Friday 2 Thes 1:1-5, 11-12; Ps Daily 1 Cor 1:17-25; Ps 33:1-2, 96:1-5; Mt 23:13-22 4-5, 10-11; Mt 25:1-13

28– Tuesday Readings 2 Thes 2:1-3a, 14-17; Ps 01 - Saturday 96:10-13; Mt 23:23-26 1 Cor :1-26-31; Ps 33:12- 13, 18-21; Mt 25:14-30 29— Wednesday

2 Thes 3:6-10, 16-18; Ps 02—Sunday (Green) 128:1-2, 4-5; Mk 6:17-29 DT 4:1-2, 6-8; Ps 15:2-5; 30— Thursday Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27; 1 Cor 1:1-9; Ps 145:2-7; Mt 7::1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Mt 24:42-51

This week’s sanctuary candle St. Ann Chapel : B’day Blessing Keisha York Adorémus in ætérnum St. Joachim Church: +Victor Castro Shrine of Our Lady: Thanksgiving Cathie Sanctíssimum Sacraméntum Burton

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT This week’s Altar Flower EVERY FRIDAY AT 5:30 P.M Healing For The sick FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time B

In today's first reading, the Israelites had just entered the Promised Land, and it was filled with pagans who worshipped many gods. So Joshua told them, "Decide today whom you will serve." The God who brought you from Egypt to this fertile land or the gods of the Amorites in whose territory you now dwell? The choice is up to you. And while still ponder- ing the decision they must make, he added the now-famous statement, "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Fortunately for themselves and their children, they re- sponded, "We also will serve the one Lord God."

In today's Gospel, Jesus does the same thing. He puts the choice to His apostles of following Him or of leaving Him. Many of the Lord's followers had left Him because of His teaching that He Himself is the Bread of Life. If they were willing to eat of His flesh and drink of His blood, they would live forever. Otherwise, they would die. Many were shocked and of- fended. Others thought the message was too good to be true. So they "walked with him no longer."

Jesus turns to the Twelve and says, "Do you also want to leave?" It's as though He had added, "It's your decision. I'm not going to make your minds up for you!" Fortunately for them and for the future Church, they have enough faith to reply, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. For we have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."

There are many “former Catholics” who find the message of the Church "too much for them." Some have left because of Church doctrine, others because of the stand of the Church on abortion or contraception. What does Jesus say to them?

Prayer For The Work Of The Spirit CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP: What are the rewards of Stewardship? We Dear Lord, as we rise to meet each new day, seek no “rewards” for our stewardship; we do it please fill us with Your spirit. Wherever we with the joy of serving God. Stewardship is the responsibility of the Christian life, making our go, let us spread love, joy, peace, goodness, prayers, worship, study of scriptures, Christian and faithfulness. Let us desire to become more action truly sincere. like You and to worship You in all we do and Our whole life is a partnership with God. say. Help us desire these things so much more We cannot “give” anything to God, but we can ful- than the sin that entices us as we strive to love fill God by using our gifts wisely and sharing with our neighbors, and or enemies, so that your others. Your giving is the key to the success of name is glorified above all others. Thank you church plans and programs. To help us meet our for always going before us to make our paths obligations, please pray about TITHING and be- straight. In Jesus’ name we pray., Amen! coming GOOD STEWARDS. MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES God of all goodness, look on those who wait for the safe RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM return of their loved ones who serve in the Armed Forces 2018—2019 of their country. In faith and hope we turn to you for com- fort. Grant that we may trust in your mercy and send an angel to sustain us as we await their safe return. We ask Sat., Sept 1 - REGISTRATION** this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Sat., Sept 8 - Teachers Workshop SERVING OUR COUNTRY 8:30 a.m.— 12:00 p.m.

Fr. Alejandro Sanchez, Fr. Jose Herrera, Fr. Cecil Sat., Sept 15 - CLASSES BEGIN: All Levels Corneille, Sanil-Dale Tison, Darryl D’Souza, Brian Krauser, Gemma Emmanuel, Levi Denios, Natasha & to participate in the Ivone Alcala, Linus Felix, Camillus Thomas, Erica A. Tous- VIRTUS Program saint, Patrick Rivers, Denecia Weekes, Marcus Maximin, 9:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Miguel Navarro, Jr., Mariel Chinouyaz, Audin Benjamin, Jane William, Verin Nesbitt Wescott, Michael Moore- Sun., Sept 16 - Commissioning of head, Brian Halloway, John Noel, Dwayne Thomas, Xan- Teachers/Aides drio Tank Yuk, Robinson Ferdinand, Kimberly Ferdinand, 9:30 a.m. Mass Mario Mason, Jr., Aaron Thomas, Valence Modeste Kelly, Lulani Greenidge, David Best, Wayne J. Baker, Reginald Sat., Sept. 22 - Mass Resumes at 8:30 a.m. Antoine, Marvin Delsol, Ismenio Lampe, Brian Peterson, ++Please bring the following when registering Elsworth Stevenson, Patricia Charles, Terrance Ritter, your child(ren): The original copy of the child/ Lawrence Ritter, Shana Antoine, James Frymyre, Em- (ren)’s birth and baptismal certificates. manuel Maldonado, Denis Duparl, Louis Encarnacion, Pedro Reyes, Patrick Vernon, James Gaston, Fabian St. Ann’s Stewards of Christ Claxton, Collin Joseph, Nyasia Reed, Jason Jaggernauth, Martin Alexis, Joel Gilbert, Jeffry Centeno, Anthony Those who would like to make a difference in the Camacho, Aubrey Camacho, Austin Carino, Kernatha life of the children of the parish, can make either a finan- Auguste, Masline Noel, Darwin Richards, Jeremiah L. cial or material school supply contribution via the annual Charler, Akeem Greenidge, Ganisia Lashan, Alex Hector, John & Felicita Martinez-Gines, Henisha Williams, Jere- scholarship provided to them by the St. Ann’s Stewards of mye Morgan, Comeron Childres, Jainea Louis, Tyquavias Christ. The first round of this Annual Scholarship distribu- & Jemel Dawson, Enja Gumbs, Rodney Fabio III, Kareem tion already took place. The second round is scheduled for Pedro, Rashid A. Richards, Naim Muhammad, George September 1-2, 2018. If you are late in donating, please be on O’Neal Davis III, Herman Bardouille, Jr., Vinetra Gilbert, time for the second round. May God bless you through our be- Meriano Jacobs loved children.

Please call the Office, to add or remove names from this list. BOOKSTORE HALO Saints are great intercessors. For your home al- Abundant blessings and thanks to our Altar tars, we have various sizes of Saint statues: An- Society Group “D” that cleaned and prepared thony, Francis, Joseph, Jude, Michael; Ann & Our the various areas for church services this past Blessed Mother, Divine Mercy, Infant of Prague Saturday. Group “E” is scheduled for cleaning and the Sacred Heart. Saturday, September 1, 2018 starting at 6:00 A.M. Please think and pray about giving just one hour each month to prepare the Lord’s Come see! Come browse! house for worship. HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS We feel shame when we realize that our style of life has Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis denied, and continues to deny, the words we recite. To the People of God – August 20, 2018 With shame and repentance, we acknowledge as an ecclesial community that we were not where we should - Sexual Scandal in Pennsylvania have been, that we did not act in a timely manner, real- izing the magnitude and the gravity of the damage done “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it” (1 to so many lives. We showed no care for the little ones; Cor 12:26). These words of Saint Paul forcefully echo we abandoned them. I make my own the words of the in my heart as I acknowledge once more the suffering then Cardinal Ratzinger when, during the Way of the endured by many minors due to sexual abuse, the Cross composed for Good Friday 2005, he identified abuse of power and the abuse of conscience perpe- with the cry of pain of so many victims and exclaimed: trated by a significant number of clerics and conse- “How much filth there is in the Church, and even among crated persons. Crimes that inflict deep wounds of those who, in the priesthood, ought to belong entirely to pain and powerlessness, primarily among the victims, [Christ]! How much pride, how much self- but also in their family members and in the larger com- complacency! Christ’s betrayal by his disciples, their munity of believers and nonbelievers alike. Looking unworthy reception of his body and blood, is certainly back to the past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek the greatest suffering endured by the Redeemer; it to repair the harm done will ever be sufficient. Looking pierces his heart. We can only call to him from the ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create depths of our hearts: Kyrie eleison – Lord, save us! a culture able to prevent such situations from happen- (cf. Mt 8:25)” (Ninth Station). ing, but also to prevent the possibility of their being covered up and perpetuated. The pain of the victims and their families is also our pain, and so it is urgent The extent and the gravity of all that has happened re- that we once more reaffirm our commitment to ensure quires coming to grips with this reality in a comprehen- sive and communal way. While it is important and nec- the protection of minors and of vulnerable adults. essary on every journey of conversion to acknowledge In recent days, a report was made public which de- the truth of what has happened, in itself this is not tailed the experiences of at least a thousand survivors, enough. Today we are challenged as the People of God victims of sexual abuse, the abuse of power and of to take on the pain of our brothers and sisters wounded conscience at the hands of priests over a period of ap- in their flesh and in their spirit. If, in the past, the re- proximately seventy years. Even though it can be said sponse was one of omission, today we want solidarity, that most of these cases belong to the past, nonethe- in the deepest and most challenging sense, to become less as time goes on we have come to know the pain of our way of forging present and future history. And this many of the victims. We have realized that these in an environment where conflicts, tensions and above wounds never disappear and that they require us all the victims of every type of abuse can encounter an forcefully to condemn these atrocities and join forces outstretched hand to protect them and rescue them in uprooting this culture of death; these wounds never from their pain (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 228). Such soli- go away. The heart-wrenching pain of these victims, darity demands that we in turn condemn whatever en- which cries out to heaven, was long ignored, kept quiet dangers the integrity of any person. A solidarity that or silenced. But their outcry was more powerful than summons us to fight all forms of corruption, especially all the measures meant to silence it, or sought even to spiritual corruption. The latter is “a comfortable and resolve it by decisions that increased its gravity by fal- self-satisfied form of blindness. Everything then ap- ling into complicity. The Lord heard that cry and once pears acceptable: deception, slander, egotism and again showed us on which side he stands. Mary’s other subtle forms of self-centeredness, for ‘even Satan song is not mistaken and continues quietly to echo disguises himself as an angel of light’ (2 throughout history. For the Lord remembers the prom- Cor 11:14)” (Gaudete et Exsultate, 165). Saint Paul’s ise he made to our fathers: “he has scattered the exhortation to suffer with those who suffer is the best proud in their conceit; he has cast down the mighty antidote against all our attempts to repeat the words of from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled Cain: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:9). the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty” (Lk 1:51-53). PART II Continues next week OUR SICK: Please keep in the charity of your prayers the sick PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS amongst us. Our Parish announcements are as follows: Magdeline James, Alberta Hendrickson, Lucinda Pemberton, Mary Denis, Catherine Decembre, Doreen Pemberton, Elden Serrant, Stanislaus Prescott, Marv E. Jon, Steve Keith, Cath- This week’s sanctuary candle: erine Samuel, Larry Cook, Omar Dubois, Mary Bishop, Maria Hall, Olive LeCointe, Derick James, Clementina Tuitt, Kay ST. ANN’S CHAPEL: B’day Blessing Keisha York Colon, Troy Jones, Maurille Philemon, Ann Marie Marius, Ve- ST. JOACHM CHURCH: +Victor Castro ronica Fleming, Stephen Williams, Yvonne Monroe, Anna Lindo, Desmond Etienne, Charles Gilbert III, Linda White, Kina SHRINE OF OUR LADY: Thanksgiving Cathie Burton Ireland, Wilberto Bennet, Claudelle Mathurin, Phillip Joseph, ALTAR FLOWERS: Healing for the Sick among us Brenda Plaskett, Clytie James, Fr. John Molyneuz, Eduarda Francis, Gerald Douglas, Evarice Xavier, Lynette Carrabon, Marlon & Stephanie Jordan, Wilhelimina Cooke, Gerard Hall, Second Collection: This weekend second collection is Marie Urgent, Conrad Edwin, Arkuright Johnson, Ishvelle Christopher, Agnes Dominique, Lisa Obeius, Vera Irwin, Er- for Renovation & Building Fund. ville Pemberton, John O’Neal, Veronica Rawlins, Maria Leon, Alexander Jean Marie, Gina Weissinger, Mayco Santiago, 2nd Sunday of Each Month: The 2nd Sunday of each Mabel Richardson, Gladys Charriez, Shalmar Bine, Iris Cae- sar, Nicholas Miller, Catherine Hughes, Melanie Krigger, month Prayer Meeting from 3:00p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Laura Christopher, Peter Nestor, Novena Charles, Nkosi Den- Chapel. All are invited. nie, Justin Garcia, Lisa Griffith, Lisa Monero, Carlos Nelson, Claude C. Steele, Ramona Pierre, Pablo Belardo, Caroline Richburg, Enid Vialet, Felix L. Llanos, Sharon R. Anderson, The Sick: Please pray for the sick among us including Bernadine Daley, Todd Cox, Edris Smith, Engracia Garcia, those listed in the bulletin. Andre Lake, Roy Alexander Rodgers, Dorival Jno Jules, Grace Julien, Avlyn White, Ilise Andrews-Scot, Doreen Henry, Bookstore: Now open on Tuesdays to Fridays from Eugenie Samuel, Julius Francis, Leonard Lockhart, Bevon Nicholas, Margaret Euristhe, Jennifer Derima, Kelvin & Ellen 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Sundays after each Mass. Howard, George Bridgewater, Josephine Browne, Anthony Ramdhanie, Eva Felix, Nellarine Benjamin, Vincent Phillip, Meetings: The following: Winston F. Quammie, Joy Sherwood, Rita Marcano, Gaye Chastanet, Daniel Frederick, Avante Saunders, Francisca Fleming, Hector Peguero, Sr, Dorothy Bedeau, Marlon Hector, No meeting of The Franciscans this Sunday, 8/26/18. Alexis Corbitt, Mary Martin, Mary Vincent, Cyrillia Louesta Charles, Carla D. Beharry, Jose Rivera, Pauline Claxton, Clau- dette Thomas, Larry Miller Jr., Angela Laudat, Reginald An- The Sts. Joachim & Ann Youth Group is scheduled to toine, Sr., Annelle Sylvestre, Vincent & Augustina Gachette, meet on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sylvia Marcus, Emanuel Sweeny, Neal Dennie, Beverly Philip, Marian Hall. Elvis George, Gladys JnBaptiste Knights of Columbus will be meeting on Thursday, Sep- tember 6, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. in the Marian Hall.

Stewards of Christ will be meeting on Friday, August 31, HURRICANE SEASON PRAYER 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in the Marian Hall.

God our Father, all the elements of Religious Education: Registration for the 2018 - nature obey your command. Keep us 2019 Religious Ed Classes continues through Septem- ber 1 & 2, 2018. Classes begin on September 22, 2018 safe from the dangers of hurricanes, at the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Looking forward to seeing all floods, earthquakes, natural disasters participants. and all acts of terrorism. May we be se- cure in your protection and always feel PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL the presence of your love, as you turn St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our fear into praise of your goodness. our protection against the wickedness and snares Bless our families, and bring peace to of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, all nations. We ask this through our Lord and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever of souls. Amen. and ever. Amen. “MEMBERSHIP IN THE AIM NUTRI- TION COMPANIES gives you the oppor- tunity to use the product/s to maintain and/ or improve your health. Then recommend the product/s to your friends/neighbors as the start to your home business with our help. Call 340 277 8822 for our Living

Well Coach. Do it today! ” Sponsored by St. Ann’s Stewards of Christ, St. Ann’s Church distributed School Items to her children.

Please patronize these sponsors. It is through their generous support that this Church Bulletin is provided to our Parish Family. Let us express our gratitude by making them our first choice.