EXCLUSIVE NEWS INSIDE *Burglary at STX Soup Kitchen THE CATHOLIC *New Initiatives for Vocations *New College of Evangelization *V.I. Priests in Kuwait and Rome *Thanksgiving Blessings ISLANDER *Nuestra Señora De Providencia *Advent & Christmas Programs VOL. 20, NO. 12 DECEMBER 2004 *Listings of Coming Events A PUBLICATION OF THE DIOCESE OF ST. THOMAS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS MSGR. CAMPBELL IS 91 YEARS OLD 150 YEARS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION This December 8 marks the 150th anniversary of the proclamaion of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary by Blessed Pope Pius IX. A truth revealed by God to the Church, the dogma states that by God’s grace Mary was preserved free from original sin from the first moment of her existence. In this way God prepared her to be the mother of his Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. For Roman Catholics, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Msgr. Bernard Campbell celebrated his 91st birthday at St. Ann holy day of obligation, meaning that Church on St. Croix on October 29. all must attend Mass that day. Pictured above sitting in a chair, he is surrounded by Fr. Louis Many Virgin Islands parishes Kemayou (left), Fr. Simon Peter Opira (right) and the parishioners around have added a second Mass for that them after the Friday morning Mass. day. PROCESSION USHERS IN THE YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury, Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, led his congregation through the streets of Savan in a candlelight procession on October 30. The procession was to call attention to the end of the year of the rosary and to usher in the year of the Eucharist, both in October. The procession marched from the Cathedral to the Romeo Malone Savan Community Center and back. The Year of the Eucharist began with the World Eucharist Congress in Guadalajara, on October 10. Notes from the Bishop’s Desk
The Most Reverend George V. Murry, SJ Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR “On behalf of the priests, the deacons and their wives, and the chancery staff, I wish you and your families a blessed Christmas and a peaceful new year.” -Bishop George Murry BISHOP TO BLESS CATHEDRAL RESTORATION PRIEST’S RESIDENCE CAMPAIGN RE-LAUNCHED Bishop George Murry, SJ, will bless the newly- completed rectory at St. Anne’s Chapel on Saturday, December 4, at 4:45 p.m. Built over the chapel’s Club House, the new rectory will be the living quarters of its administrator. At present, the chapel’s administrator is Msgr. Jerome Feudjio.
The building to the right of the chapel is the new home for Bishop George Murry, SJ, helped re-launch the Ss. Peter the administrator of St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas. and Paul Cathedral restoration campaign by speaking with interested parties on October 17 and 24. BISHOP MURRY’S ITINERARY FOR DECEMBER 2004 December 4 4:45 p.m. Blessing of Rectory St. Anne Chapel St. Thomas 6:00 p.m. Mass Holy Family Church St. Thomas December 5 9:00 a.m. Mass Sacred Heart Chapel St. Croix December 7 10:00 a.m. St. Croix Deanery St. Patrick Church St. Croix December 11 5:00 p.m. Mass St. Joseph Church St. Croix December 12 7:00 & 10:00 a.m. Mass St. Patrick Church St. Croix December 12 2:00 p.m. School Christmas Pageant Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral St. Thomas December 14 10:00 a.m. St. Thomas/St. John Deanery Columban Hall St. Thomas December 17 10:00 a.m. Chancery Christmas Luncheon Bishop’s Residence St. Thomas December 18 6:30 p.m. Mass Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church St. Thomas December 19 7:30 & 9:30 a.m. Mass Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church St. John December 21 10:00 a.m. Presbyteral Council Bishop’s Residence St. Thomas 1:00 p.m. Presbyteral Christmas Luncheon Bishop’s Residence St. Thomas December 24 Midnight Mass Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral St. Thomas December 25 10:00 a.m. Mass Water Island December 26 7:30 & 10:00 a.m. Patronal Mass Holy Family Church St. Thomas December 31 11:00 p.m. Mass Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral St. Thomas
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 2 WOMEN’S CONFERENCE BARBADOS ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES SUPPORT GROUP HONORS FR. SCANTLEBURY The St. Patrick Church Prayer Group on St. Croix The Barbados Association of St. Thomas and St. had its fourth annual Women’s Conference at the Light John will honor Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury, Rector of of Christ Retreat Center on October 15-17. The theme Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, at its annual was “Woman Be Made Whole by Living the Fruit of the dinner dance at the Palms Court Harbour View Hotel on Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace.” Saturday, February 19, beginning with cocktails at 7:00 Francine de Lande spoke on women’s brokenness p.m. and the need to touch “the hem of the Lord’s garment.” The Barbados Association will also honor Neil Carty, Vice President of Betterroads Asphalt Company, Presenters Gertrude Lecointe, Sr. Emma Paloma, ICM, and Gloria Husbands, a member of the Barbados Verty Daniel, Anna Doward, Iris Richards and Mary Association. Baptiste proposed ways to wholeness by living the fruits The “Independence Ball” celebrates the 38th of the Spirit: love, peace and joy. anniversary of the independence of Barbados. The conference launched a monthly inter-parish Honorable Liz Thompson, Minister of Housing and women’s support group at Light of Christ to help deepen Lands in Barbados, will be the keynote speaker. Milo’s the participants’ relationship with God, to further Kings will provide the music. Tickets are $55. interparish unity including music ministry, and to discuss women’s issues. RE-ELECTED SENATOR SECOND BURGLARY AT THE SEEKS BLESSING ST. CROIX SOUP KITCHEN While CCVI and other community agencies focused their effort on raising awareness of homelessness and hunger in the territory, others focused on vandalizing the St. Croix Food Emergency Program (FEP)/Soup Kitchen, a place that many of the local homeless and hungry go to for help. Clients could not be served on November 12 as staff spent the day cleaning and repairing damages to the kitchen, pantry, and serving areas. Vandals were able to get in by cutting the line to the security system, which was put in this January after last December’s break-in. Although no cash is available in the building, thieves took pots, pans, food, and a VCR. Senator Shawn Michael Malone attended Mass at The FEP/Soup Kitchen offers lunch, showers and Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas to give clothing five days a week to thirty to forty needy and thanks for being re-elected on Election Day, homeless of Christiansted. November 2. To make donations towards replacing items taken “With the Lord’s help,” he said, “I will continue from the soup kitchen, call Catholic Charities at 773- to work hard and effectively on behalf of all the 0132 on St. Croix or 777-8518 on St. Thomas. people of our beloved Virgin Islands.” ======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 THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 3 YOUTH GROUP PREPARES THE BLESSING OF PRE-THANKSGIVING DINNER THANKSGIVING MEALS
The Catholic Youth in Action youth group at Ss. Fr. Charles Crespo, Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas organized a pre- Carmel Church on St. John, blessed the meals that Thanksgiving dinner for their parents in the Hospitality Magdalene Charles, Bonnie Blair and Lea Hippolyte Lounge on November 21. They are pictured above brought to Thanksgiving Mass on November 25. praying together an Iroquois Prayer of Thanksgiving. NATIONAL HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK For the second year, Catholic Charities of the A yearly effort, activities were planned and held Virgin Islands (CCVI) and the V.I. Alliance Against one week before Thanksgiving. The National Coalition Homelessness/Continuum Care took part in National for the Homeless and National Student Campaign Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Against Hunger and Homelessness were co-sponsors promoting awareness of the homeless of the Virgin for this special week. This year’s theme was “Bringing Islands on November 14-20. America Home.” PARISH HOLDS COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON Continuing a tradition of five years, some parishioners of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John cooked, others served and still others went out into the streets to invite everyone who happened to be downtown at midday to an all-out fabulous Thanksgiving luncheon at the Nazareth Lutheran Church’s fellowship hall. The community meal straddled social structures and brought together at table a combination of parishioners, tourists, homeless people and those who had recently moved on island who might not yet have had a social network. Intended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church’s annual Thanksgiving community meal was held more as a community gathering than at the Nazareth Lutheran Church’s fellowship hall. Next year, when St. John’s a soup kitchen, it was the best Catholic community moves into its new church, the luncheon will move back restaurant on island, but without a around the corner to the parish’s social hall. cash register.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 4 A DAY OF VINCENTIAN ADVENT MISSIONS On St. Croix, Los Hermanos Cheos lead Spanish SPIRITUALITY Missions at Holy Cross Church on November 30 to The St. Vincent de Paul Society will present a day December 3, and at St. Joseph Church on December 7 to of Vincentian Spirituality on Saturday, December 11, 9. All events begin at 7:00 p.m. from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Columban Hall on St. On St John, Fr. Reginald Jean-Mary, Pastor of Notre Thomas. Rev. Dr. George Franklin, Pastor of Holy Dame d’Haiti in Miami, will lead an English Mission at Family Church, will facilitate the retreat-style program. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Thursday and Friday, December 9 and 10, at 7:00 p.m., and continue Call 715-8222 during the day or 775-7685 after 6:00 the mission into the weekend Masses December 11 and p.m. to reserve a space. 12. Members of the Cursillo Movement will lead a In addition, members of the St. Vincent de Paul Spanish Mission at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Society and its youth component, the Young beginning with a Guadalupe Mass on Sunday, Vincentians, will sing Christmas carols to residents of December 12, at 5:00 p.m. and continuing December 13 the Bethlehem House homeless shelter on St. Thomas and 14 at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 4, at 4:00 p.m. The St. Vincent de Paul Society serves the needy. TWO ADVENT TRADITIONS: Monthly meetings are on the second Tuesday of each AGUINALDOS AND POSADAS month at Holy Family Church at 6:30 p.m. Hispanics in the Virgin Islands will celebrate CHRISTMAS FAMILY DANCE Aguinaldo Masses and Posadas in preparation for Christmas. The Social Committee of Our Lady of Perpetual Aguinaldo Masses, a traditional Latin American Help Church presents an “Old Time Christmas Family novena, will be celebrated in Spanish at four Virgin Dance” in the Clubhouse on Saturday, December 4, at Island churches December 16-24. For nine days, 8:00 p.m. Sea Breeze will provide the music. Tickets are communities will come together before sunrise for $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Eucharistic celebrations accompanied by festive singing REGIONAL CATHOLIC and refreshments. The aguinaldo tradition is known in other English YOUTH CONFERENCE and French-speaking Caribbean countries, and is especially popular with Filipino communities Catholic youth and youth ministers thirteen to internationally, where it is known as simbang gabi. The thirty-five years old may register for the Regional liturgy was traditionally celebrated as early as 4:00 a.m. Catholic Youth Conference (RCYC) to be held at Holy to accommodate the farm workers setting off early for Family Church’s Columban Hall on St. Thomas on the fields and came to be called Misa de Gallo (Mass of January 21-23, 2005. the Rooster) or Misa de Aguinaldo (Mass of the Gift). The Most Rev. Vincent Darius, Bishop of St. Posadas are a Mexican tradition in which a George (Grenada), and Corinne Francis, Vice President procession of pilgrims knock on the doors of several for Missions at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, homes seeking shelter for Joseph and Mary in time for New York, will be the guest speakers. The conference’s the birth of the baby Jesus. The pilgrims are rejected theme will be “Proud to be Catholic — Uncovering the several times before they finally find a household that Pearl of Great Price.” will allow them entrance. There, festive holiday songs The registration fee is $50. are sung and food is served. All aguinaldo Masses will be celebrated December OLMC CHURCH DEDICATION 16-24 in Spanish, followed by a light breakfast. On St. Thomas, the Masses will be at Ss. Peter and DELAYED UNTIL 2005 Paul Cathedral at 6:00 a.m. (Sunday at 12:30 p.m.). The Parish Council of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel On St. Croix, the Masses will be at St. Joseph Church on St. John decided at an emergency meeting on Church at 5:45 a.m. (Saturday at 7:30 a.m., Sunday at November 22 not to have Bishop George Murry 10:00 a.m.) and at Holy Cross Church at 6:30 a.m. dedicate the new church on December 8 due to delays in (Sunday at 7:15 a.m.). the labor and shipping of crucial items like doors, On St. John, the Masses will be celebrated at Our windows and lights. Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 5:45 a.m. (Sunday at Construction will continue throughout the winter 5:00 p.m.). On Friday, December 24, a bilingual months, and a new dedication date will be announced Christmas Vigil Mass will begin with a posada at 7:30 p.m. early in 2005. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 5 MINISTRY WORKSHOP REIMAGING MISSIONARY LIFE Sr. Louis Marie Bryan, SC, participated in a mission reflection seminar entitled “Re-imaging Community Life,” based on a book entitled Religious Life in America by Sean Sammon, SMS. The seminar was at the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth’s General House in Convent Station, New Jersey, on October 20. All Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth meet in mission groups twice a year. Sr. Bryan teaches the Catholic faith to inquiring adults at Our Lady Rev. Dr. George Franklin, Pastor of Holy Family Church on St. of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John Thomas, led a workshop for all ministry leaders at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. Once an Church on St. John on October 19. Fr. Franklin emphasized that Catholics RCIA class for those interested in must be passionate and endure hardship in one’s service unto the Lord. receiving the sacraments, the classes The workshop was televised a week later on CTN-Channel 16. now have a broader focus. WORKSHOPS FOR EXTRAORDINARY WORKSHOP ON MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION PRAYER In light of the new general Mary Baptiste of the Zion instructions on Eucharistic liturgy Community in Trinidad led a published by the United States workshop on prayer in the Conference of Catholic Bishops, Hospitality Lounge of Ss. Peter and father and son clergy offered Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on October 18-22. workshops for Extraordinary Earlier in the month, she spoke Ministers of Holy Communion at at a charismatic prayer meeting at two parishes in the Virgin Islands. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Left, Deacon Joseph Mark of St. Ann St. John and at the Women’s Church on St. Croix led a workshop in the Hospitality Lounge of Ss. Peter and Conference at St. Patrick Church on Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on St. Croix. October 30.
Mary Baptiste of the Zion Community Fr. John Mark, Parochial Vicar of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, in Trinidad at the workshop on St. led a workshop at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John on November 27. Thomas
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 6 NEWLY-FORMED NEO-CATECHUMENAL WAY RETREAT VOCATIONS TEAM SETS GOALS As a response to the Diocesan Convocation in May, three priests and two religious serving the diocese met three times over the fall to discuss how they could bolster vocations. The committee, consisting of Fr. John Mark, Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. Cecil Corneille, Fr. John McLoughlin, CSsR, Sr. Marina Picardal, ICM, and Sr. Claudia Fr. Michael Houston, Parochial Vicar at Holy Cross Church on St. Croix, Palacios, RGS, lists three goals. celebrated Mass and two missionaries from Miami led a retreat for the members 1. To raise consciousness and of the Neo-Catechumenal Way in the McAlpin Hall on November 6 and 7. awareness of the varied ministries of diocesan priests and the religious VOCATIONS RETREAT FOR TEENS orders and congregations in the The diocesan vocations team is sponsoring a vocations discernment diocese. retreat for teen-agers at the Light of Christ Retreat House on St. Croix on 2. To create programs and December 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. activities that would foster vocations to religious life and V.I. CHURCH SEEKS MEN TO BECOME priesthood. DEACON CANDIDATES 3. To encourage active lay While five to seven deacons serve each parish on St. Croix, each church participation in vocation ministry. on St. Thomas and St. John is being served presently by only one deacon. In November, a bilingual prayer Half of these deacons are approaching retirement. Hence, Bishop George book was distributed to parishes to Murry, SJ, and Very Rev. Kenneth Gaddy, CSsR, Director of Diaconate encourage prayers for an increase of Formation, invite men on St. Thomas and St. John to discern a vocation of vocations. service to the Catholic Church as a deacon. Deacons are men 35 years of age and older who are called by God and ordained by a bishop to serve the diocese and the local parish in many ways. For instance, deacons may baptize, marry couples and preach at Mass. Preparation for this ministry includes classes on Sacred Scripture and the doctrines of the Church, pastoral assignments and annual retreats. The wives of the candidates are invited to participate fully in all levels of formation. “Expressing an interest in this vocation and participating in the free classes affords Catholic men and their wives a tremendous opportunity for learning the faith and for personal spiritual growth,” Bishop Murry told The Catholic Islander. “Our hope is that many men from St. Thomas and St. John will respond to our current need and become deacons, but even if they begin to take the classes and do not complete the program, they and their wives will be greatly blessed. Please encourage the men of your parish to consider serving the church in this manner.” Three men are studying for a vocation with the Redemptorists at the Blessed This month, speakers will inform parish communities on St. Thomas Peter Donders Residence on St. Croix. and St. John of this critical need at Sunday Masses and information nights They are (left to right) Shane McEwen will be announced. Classes begin in January 2005. from Grenada, Simon Andrew from Interested men must discuss the matter with their pastor, receive the Grenada and Kimiele Darroux from pastor’s approval, and then contact Very Rev. Kenneth Gaddy, CSsR, Dominica. Director of Deaconate Formation.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 7 HONORING LONGTIME SCHOOL STAFF Four staff members of Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas were given tribute for their thirty-plus years of service at an honors dinner at Victor’s New Hideout on November 5. Pictured left to right are Amy Williams (31 years of service), Barbara Kenny (32 years), Jane Gonzales (34 years) and Sylvia Winkler (35 years).
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR LOCAL KNIGHTS The Knights of Columbus’ international headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut, formally recognized “the high standard of excellence” achieved by Holy Cross Council 6482 on St. Croix. District Deputy Edward Cave (pictured left) presented the engraved plaque award to Grand Knight Arnold Golden, leader of the Knights on St. Croix, at a ceremony at St. Joseph Church’s Hospitality Lounge and Learning Center on October 8. The Knights of Columbus Holy Cross Council 6482 meets at the McAlpin Hall of Holy Cross Church on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 6:00 p.m. PRIEST GRADUATES FIRST LEVEL SIGN LANGUAGE CLASS Fr. Charles Crespo, Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John, hopes to be able to communicate with people who will never hear his preaching. He graduated from a first level class in American Sign Language at the Dept. of Human Services on St. Thomas on October 22 and is preparing to enter second level classes in February. “This was the fourth time I have taken an American Sign Language course,” Fr. Crespo told The Catholic Islander. “Because I seldom use it, I forget it.” Fr. Crespo posed with his instructor, Lucina Bartlett.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 8 AN APPRECIATED PRINCIPAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OPENS EDUCATIONAL CENTER The St. Patrick School Alumni Association opened the Ione M. Armstrong Educational Center at Market and Prince Streets in Frederiksted, St. Croix, on November 20. Sponsored by a grant from the Law Enforcement Planning Commission (LEPC), programs include character building, creative jewelry making, academic enrichment, china painting, antique chair caning, steel pan and computer education, at no cost to the public. St. Patrick School on St. Croix celebrated Principal’s Day Adult classes run from 8:00 a.m. to noon, and on November 22. The students and faculty presented gifts children’s programs are from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and flowers and sang songs to Sr. Claina Letang, ICM. MT. CARMEL COLLEGE OF EVANGELIZATION OFFERS COURSES IN CATHOLIC FAITH In preparation for the Diocesan Convocation in May “These courses are geared to the Catholic or non- 2004, parishes were called to develop pastoral plans Catholic that genuinely wants to grow in faith,” Fr. based on needs and goals. Parishioners of Our Lady of Crespo told The Catholic Islander. “Those who are Mt. Carmel Church on St. John said they wanted Bible considering a vocation to the deaconate would classes and doctrinal instruction on the Catholic faith. In especially benefit, as these classes will be credited response to that desire, a formal course of studies has toward their formation requirements.” been developed for 2005. The syllabus for the first scripture course is listed The Mt. Carmel College of Evangelization will below. For those seeking a grade, a take-home exam offer three courses in Sacred Scripture on Mondays at will be due back by March 28. 7:00 p.m. and three courses in doctrine on Tuesdays at January 10 Creation (Genesis 1-4) 7:00 p.m. over three trimesters beginning January 3. January 17 Adam to Noah (Genesis 5-11) Each course will be accredited at twenty hours (ten two- January 24 Covenant (Genesis 12-17) hour sessions). All classes will be taught by Fr. Charles January 31 Journeys (Genesis 18-20) Crespo, Pastor, and other clergy. February 7 Isaac & Ishmael (Genesis 21-26) The first trimester runs from January 10 to March February 14 Jacob & Laban (Genesis 27-31) 15. Old Testament Scripture 1: The Book of Genesis February 21 Jacob & Esau (Genesis 32-36) will be taught on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. and Catholic February 28 Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 37-41) Apologetics will be taught on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. March 7 Joseph & His Brothers (Genesis 42-46) The spring trimester runs from April 4 to June 7. March 14 Migration & Settlement (Genesis 47-50) New Testament Scripture 1: The Book of Acts will be The syllabus for the first doctrinal course is listed taught on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. and the Catechism of below. For those seeking a grade, a take-home exam the Catholic Church will be taught on Tuesdays at 7:00 will be due back by March 29. p.m. January 11 The Sabbath The fall trimester will run from September 12 to January 18 Call No Man Father November 15. Old Testament Scripture 2: The Book of January 25 Mary Exodus will be taught on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. and the February 1 The Pope and Apostolic Succession Sacraments will be taught on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. February 8 Confession Registration has begun for the first semester February 15 Communion of Saints courses. An orientation “Introduction to the Bible” will February 23 Purgatory be offered on Monday, January 3, at 7:00 p.m. Call 776- March 1 The Eucharist 6339 for more information. March 8 The Baptism of Infants March 15 The Trinity
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 9 OUR LADY OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE DIVINE PROVIDENCE, LA DIVINA PROVIDENCIA, PATRONESS OF PUERTO RICO PATRONA DE PUERTO RICO Virgin Islanders turned out for three celebrations of Varios hispanos en las islas vírgenes asistieron a las Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia (Our Lady of celebraciones de Nuestra Señora de la Divina Divine Providence), patroness of Puerto Rico, whose Providencia, patrona de Puerto Rico, cuya fiesta es el 19 feast day is November 19. de noviembre. At St. Joseph Church on St. Croix, Fr. Cecil En la Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz, el P. Cecil Corneille, Pastor, celebrated the Patronal Mass on the Corneille, Párroco, celebró la Misa el 19 de noviembre. actual date. At Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. P. Charles Crespo celebró las Misas el domingo Thomas and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. siguiente, 21 de noviembre en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora John, Fr. Charles Crespo celebrated the Mass on the del Carmen en St. John y el Catedral San Pedro y San nearest Sunday, November 21. Each Mass was followed Pablo en Sto. Tomás. En las tres parroquias, después de by receptions with traditional Puerto Rican dishes. las Misas hubo recepciones con comidas típicas de Our Lady of Divine Providence, one of many titles Puerto Rico. of Mary, the mother of Jesus, has been considered the Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia, una de las patroness of Puerto Rico for about 150 years. Pope Paul muchas advocaciones de María, la madre de Jesús, ha VI officially declared Our Lady of Divine Providence sido considerada patrona de Puerto Rico por los pasados the principal patroness of Puerto Rico by a decree 150 años. El Papa Pablo VI oficialmente la declaró la signed on November 19, 1969, the anniversary of the patrona principal de Puerto Rico el 19 de noviembre de day that the island was discovered. The intention was to 1969, el aniversario del descubrimiento de la isla. La join together the two great loves of the Puerto Ricans: intención era ligar dos gran amores de los love of their gorgeous island and love for the Mother of puertorriqueños, amor para su isla y amor para la Madre God. de Dios.
At left, after the Mass celebrating Our Lady of A la izquierda, después de la Misa celebrando Divine Providence, Raul and Irma García lead the Nuestra Señora de Divina Providencia, Raul e Irma procession to the Hospitality Lounge and Learning García comenzaron la procesión al salón social de la Center at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on November Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz el 19 de noviembre. 19. A la derecha, el P. Charles Crespo, Párroco de la At right, Fr. Charles Crespo, Pastor of Our Lady of Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen en St. John, celebró Mt. Carmel Church on St. John, celebrated the Mass of Christ the King at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. la Misa de Cristo Rey en español en el Catedral de San Thomas on November 21. At the end of Mass, Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. Tomás el 21 de noviembre. Al parishioners presented flowers to an image of Our Lady fin de la Misa, feligreses presentaron flores a la imagen of Divine Providence. de Nuestra Señora de Divina Providencia.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 10 ¡BUENAS NOTICIAS! EL AÑO DE LA EUCARISTÍA Celebrando el año de la Eucaristía proclamado por el Papa Juan Pablo II, el P. John Mark del Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. Tomás está preparando un horario de Horas Santas en las casas de feligreses el primer y tercer viernes de cada mes hasta el octubre de 2005.
INMACULADA CONCEPCIÓN La iglesia católica obliga a sus fieles a asistir a misa el día de la fiesta de la Inmaculada Concepción de María, el miércoles, 8 de diciembre.
RETIRO DE ADVIENTO La comunidad hispana de Sto. La comunidad hispana de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen en St. John subió Tomás tendrá su retiro de Adviento a la casa parroquial el 17 de octubre para celebrar con tres feligreses que <
The Catholic Voice Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury, Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on The Catholic Voice airs half- St. Thomas, installed the officers of the Catholic Daughters of America hour programs on WSTA 1340 AM Court 2049 after Sunday Mass on November 21. on Sundays at 8:30 p.m. The From its inception in 1903, the national association of Catholic programs are courtesy of EWTN TV Daughters of the Americas has developed into the largest organization of & AM/FM Radio. The December Catholic women in the Americas. Under the patronage of the Blessed broadcasts listed below. Mother, its members are united by their faith in Jesus Christ, and in their Dec. 5 “A Thousand Ounces of devotion to the church and the Holy See. Regional courts participate in God I” the religious, charitable and educational apostolate of the local church. Dec. 12 “A Thousand Ounces of Pictured above, front row left to right, outside the Cathedral are God II” Marlene Adams, Regent; Ariel Farrington, Vice-Regent; Lydia Boschulte, Dec. 19 “Life Given, Life Recording Secretary; Mary John, Financial Secretary; and Delita Received” DeLargarde, treasurer. Fr. Scantlebury and other members comprise the Dec. 26 “Waiting for Life” back row.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 12 BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY BREAKFAST Dr. Maxine Nunez, Chair of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Bereavement Ministry invited family members of the recently deceased to a Mass on November 13 in memory of their loved ones. The names of the deceased were read at the Mass during the prayers of the faithful. A light breakfast followed in the Fr. John Mark, pictured far left, and Dr. Maxine Nunez, pictured far right, Hospitality Lounge after Mass. lend an ear to those who have recently lost a loved one. AN OLD TRADITION FOR ALL SAINTS DAY AND A NEW TRADITION FOR ALL SOULS DAY Each year, Catholics are called to recalls the faith and legacy left by those who have gone to their eternal reward in heaven on All Saints Day, November 1. On All Souls Day, November 2, Catholics pray for those still in purgatory. On All Saints Day, parishioners at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas honored those who have gone before them by cleaning the headstones in the graveyard below the church. By nightfall, the candles placed on all the graves was a further reminder After the lighting of the candles, Fr. Troy de Chabert Schuster, Pastor, of the legacy of the deceased and led the recitation of the Rosary and the singing of the Ave Maria. Mass the love of the living. followed in the church. On St. John, congregants at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church were invited to bring cut flowers to Mass on All Souls Day to remember their dearly departed. During the prayers of intercession, congregants were invited to place the flowers in vases in front of the altar and call out the name of their deceased loved ones. Fr. Charles Crespo, Pastor, began doing this when he was at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix and brought the new tradition to St. John in 2003. On St. Croix, Holy Cross Church extended the All Souls Day Ina Lee was among the parishioners who brought cut flowers to celebration to a Mass of remember deceased members of her family at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Remembrance on November 6. Church on St. John on All Souls Day. Dinner followed in McAlpin Hall.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 13 V.I. PRIEST ON A STUDY SABBATICAL IN ROME
Msgr. Michael Kosak, Pastor of St. Ann Church on St. Msgr. Kosak (right) and Fr. Jaime Guerrero of the Croix, is in Rome on a study sabbatical. He is shown Diocese of Lubbock, Texas, prepared to concelebrate above celebrating Mass at the Shrine of the Madonna of Mass at the Tomb of St. Peter. Divine Love (Mater Divini Amoris) in Rome. V.I. PRIEST SPEAKS AT A PRAYER MEETING IN TRINIDAD Fr. Charles Crespo, Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John, spoke at a People of Praise prayer meeting at St. Rose Church in Arima, Trinidad, on November 19. Fr. Crespo told The Catholic Islander that he sang them a song he wrote earlier that week while on retreat and it was received so well that they sang it repeatedly throughout the evening. Winston Garcia and the People of Praise have led many concerts Fr. Charles Crespo made his annual visit to the People of Praise community at and praise rallies in the U.S. Virgin St. Rose Church in Arima, Trinidad, on November 19. Islands. TWO V.I. CLERGY ATTEND FRATERNITY OF PRIESTS RETREAT
A Fraternity of Priests retreat in Point Fortin, Trinidad, on November 15-19 included two V.I. members, Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury of St. Thomas and Fr. Charles Crespo of St. John (both pictured above on the far right, front row).
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 14 V.I. PRIEST WRITES FROM THE MIDDLE EAST Greetings to my brothers and sisters in the Virgin Islands! During the early summer I was called to military active duty as a chaplain to an Army National Guard brigade from Louisiana. I was in training exercises in Texas beginning in August, and from there I was sent to Kuwait in October for yet more training and preparation for what will be my home for the next year: Iraq. In Kuwait, I was rudely received by two elements: sand and heat. While Kuwait is a prosperous country due to its vast oil reserves, about ninety percent of the tiny country is sand, rock, and the occasional half-dead bush. The only sizeable city is Kuwait itself, in which I have spent very little time while on short trips from my Fr. Sanchez, an avid photographer, took this photograph of base. a Kuwaiti sunset over his military base. In my first few days, we experienced 120-degree Fahrenheit temperatures, which was far cooler than the summer’s 150 degrees. Now it is late fall, and the weather is much more pleasant and even chilly at night. For the last three weeks I have been stationed near Baghdad, Iraq. It is a combat zone. Even as I stay mostly in my base, occasional explosions can be heard inside my room from the city. We all have to wear bullet-proof vests and other equipment designed to protect us as much as possible, even when we are at the dining facility. Since I as chaplain am a non-combatant, I do not expect to be near a combat line, but there sure is not any boredom here. Almost every day I celebrate Holy Mass in one of the base’s chapels. I have heard many sacramental confessions and may join in teaching a catechetical program prepared for the soldiers by the Catholic chaplains who were here before I arrived. Between staff meetings and exercising a ministry of presence among the personnel, God is keeping me pretty busy. One thing truly bothers me, though: I have not been able to capture any of the local snakes or lizards. Those of you who know me well can imagine how frustrating that can be for me. There is the saying that goes: “Nobody knows what he has until he loses it.” On these days I frequently find myself thinking fondly not only about Puerto Rico, but Fr. Alejandro Sanchez, former Administrator of St. Anne also about my other home, the Virgin Islands. I do miss Chapel on St. Thomas, from Kuwait: “I keep serving the the natural beauty and the people, all of you who once Lord in my soldiers, both fellow officers and enlisted. I welcomed me so lovingly, and who are always present have the affection and gratitude of most, and the respect in my prayers. To all of you I want to say thank you. and reverence of all. I know I am entitled to nothing more. I After this year is over, I fully intend to once more visit can say with joy that, by the grace of God, I have already you, and once again spend time in my second home. touched many hearts here, brought many back to a May our Lord Jesus Christ and Our Lady of relationship with a loving Heavenly Father, enticed others Perpetual Help bless you and protect you always. Please to their first sacramental confession in many decades, and keep us in your prayers. joined hands with many in prayer seeking peace and Fr. Alejandro Sanchez November 19, 2004 healing.” THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 15 SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH CONFIRMATION STUDENTS STUDENTS ATTEND OFFER COMMUNITY SERVICE DANCE THEATER CLINIC Thirty-one St. Joseph High School students attended the Olive Dance Theater Clinic at the Educational Complex on St. Croix on November 18. The Olive Dance Theater is a “hip hop dance group,” comprising six dancers, two percussionists and a disc jockey.
Jeff and Mary Jane Provost led confirmation students from St. Joseph Church on St. Croix in community service hours. They are shown picking up leaves and trash outside the church’s new perimeter fence. SCIENCE AWARENESS SATURDAY ACADEMY St. Joseph High School students awaited the bus to attend the Olive Dance Theater Clinic. The Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (VICA) provided the one-hour program at no cost and included free transportation to and from the school.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Eight St. Joseph High School students will attend the Science Awareness Saturday Academy at the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix during the 2004-05 school year. The National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jones-Bryan-Halloway Foundation will fund the program. Photographed left to right are Karen Henry, Julio Encarnacion, Gianna Schjang, Kevin Troutman, Giselle Four children received First Holy Communion from Narinsingh, Camille Paul, Dominique James and Kenya Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury, Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Troutman. Cathedral on St. Thomas, on October 17.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 16 VI TEACHER IS APPOINTED OSFS REGIONAL COORDINATOR Fr. David Whalen, OSFS, Provincial of the Toledo-Detroit Province of the Oblates of St Francis de Sales (OSFS), and his council recently appointed Br. James Petrait, OSFS, to be the first and founding Coordinator of the Brisson Regional Community. The Toledo-Detroit OSFS province is organized into regions. Normally the members of a region are close to each other in distance and can meet at various times. However, some priest and brother members of the province perform SAYING “NO” TO DRUGS their ministries in distant parts of the Joining schools throughout the territory and the nation in the world. commemoration of a national drug prevention effort, St. Patrick School on Br. Petrait suggested that a St. Croix celebrated Red Ribbon Week October 22-29 with several events. regional community could be based This year’s theme, “I have the Power to be Drug Free!” was the focus on the exchange of ideas and of drug prevention activities to emphasize no use of illegal drugs and no information by the use of electronics misuse of legal drugs. Students and teachers wore red ribbons to communication (mainly the demonstrate a visible and unified commitment toward the creation of a internet) rather than actual meetings drug-free America. because of geographic distances. Throughout the week, students participated in classroom decoration, This may be the first time that a poster making, and creative writing (short story, essay and poetry writing) regional community has been contests based on the theme. A speaker from the Virgin Islands Air National organized in this way. Br. Petrait is Guard conducted workshops with the students about the debilitating effects based out of St. Joseph High School of drug use on October 27. Under the direction of Tina Thompson, music on St. Croix. The four other teacher, the student body staged an all-school musical, Forever Free: members of his community are in Helping Kids Say “No” to Drugs and Alcohol, on October 28. Utah, Maryland, Florida and in the Red Ribbon Week events culminated in a parade on October 29 through military. the streets of Frederiksted to demonstrate a visible, unified resolve toward The name Brisson Regional the creation of a drug-free territory. The march is an annual outreach by the Community honors the founder of students to the community, encouraging their neighbors to stay away from the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, narcotic drugs. Teachers and students wearing red t-shirts and red ribbons Fr. Louis Brisson, OSFS, who was paraded through the town of Frederiksted shouting chants that called for a noted for his many innovative ideas drug-free community. St. Patrick’s marchers were joined by delegations during his lifetime in nineteenth from Alexander Henderson Elementary School and Arthur Richards Junior century France. High School. Students and onlookers participated by singing, cheering, Br. Petrait has been a member of chanting and shouting slogans proclaiming their power to be drug free! the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Red Ribbon Week is the most far-reaching and well-known drug for forty-eight years and has been prevention event in America. The National Family Partnership, which teaching high school for forty-one coordinates Red Ribbon activities nationally, estimates that over 80 million years. He has taught at St. Joseph Americans participate in Red Ribbon events. High School for seventeen years.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 17 The Pride of our Parishes
Francis Callwood plays organ while Marguerite Rene and Mirna Miclis rehearse songs for a Creole Mass at Holy Family Church on St. Thomas.
Zephaniah Jean-Jacques has served as sacristan of Holy Family Church on St. Thomas for the past five years. Here he replaces the candles by the altar.
The Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral Choir on St. Thomas holds frequent Saturday morning sidewalk food sales to raise money for their programs.
Hughette Jacques steadies the ladder as Deacon Bill Summer replaces a The Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral altar servers and their parents held their lightbulb outside of Our Lady of annual food sale in the schoolyard on November 21. Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 18 BISHOPS’ OFFICIAL U.S. BISHOPS ELECT REACTS TO NEW LEADERS WASHINGTON (November 15, 2004) — The ANOTHER U.S. WOMAN’S nation’s Catholic bishops today elected Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane to a three-year term as President of DEATH FROM RU-486 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops WASHINGTON (November 15, 2004) — A (USCCB). Cardinal Francis George of Chicago was spokeswoman for the Pro-Life Secretariat of the United elected to a three-year term as Vice President. States Conference of Catholic Bishops reacted to the Bishop Skylstad succeeds Bishop Wilton Gregory announcement today by the Food and Drug as President. Administration (FDA) that another U.S. woman has died from the abortion drug RU-486. The FDA also CONGRESS PASSES PRO-LIFE announced changes to RU-486’s label, stating that the “CONSCIENCE PROTECTION” new label will include information on “the risk of WASHINGTON (November 22, 2004) – A federal serious bacterial infections, sepsis, and bleeding and spending bill passed by Congress on Saturday includes death that may occur following any termination of protection against discrimination for hospitals and pregnancy, including use of Mifeprex.” Mifeprex is the health care providers who decline to provide, pay for, or brand name for RU-486. No details about the woman’s refer for abortions. The provision, known as the “Hyde- death were given. Weldon Conscience Protection Amendment,” is named after its House sponsors, Reps. Henry Hyde (R-Illinois) “RU-486 doesn’t need a better label, it needs to be and Dave Weldon (R-Florida). shelved,” said Cathy Cleaver Ruse, Esq. “Young women “We applaud Congress’ recognition that hospitals depend upon the safety of FDA-approved drugs. How and other health care providers should have a right to many have to die before this killer drug is taken off the choose not to be involved in destroying life,” said Cathy market?” Cleaver Ruse, Esq., Director of Planning and The drug was reportedly under investigation by the Information for the USCCB Secretariat for Pro-Life FDA since the death last year of teenager Holly Activities. “Over a million abortions are done every Patterson who had obtained the drug from a Planned year by willing abortion providers in this country. It is Parenthood clinic in California. According to an outrageous to suggest that Catholic health care Alameda County coroner’s report, Holly died from providers and others with moral objections should be septic shock caused by the drug-induced abortion. forced into the practice of abortion.” Holly’s father told reporters: “There’s no quick fix for “The threat of discrimination is not theoretical, it is real,” said Ruse. “Already, hospitals in Alaska, New pregnancy, no magic pill…They told her it was safe, and Jersey, and New Mexico have been discriminated it killed her.” (Brewer, “Family Blames RU-486 in against because of their pro-life policies.” Woman’s Death,” Contra Costa Times, September 20, Current federal law already protects “health care 2003.) The drug has also been implicated in the death of entities” from having to perform or provide for another American woman, Brenda Vise. abortions. The Hyde-Weldon Conscience Protection RU-486 drug trials in Canada were suspended in Amendment was needed because current law had been 2001 following the death of a woman from septic shock. misinterpreted to protect only individual physicians and (S. Schmidt, “Woman’s Death Sparks Abortion Pill training programs, leaving hospitals, health plans, Debate,” National Post, September 17, 2001.) nurses, and other health care participants without According to the FDA, trials in the U.S. excluded protection. women under the age of 18 due to possible health risks. “This Amendment simply clarifies what should be Last year U.S. Representative Jim DeMint (R-South obvious,” Ruse said. “Legal protection for ‘health care entities’ should include the full range of participants Carolina) and Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) who provide health care – no one who provides health introduced “Holly’s Law” to suspend approval of RU- care should be forced to participate in abortion.” 486 pending an investigation of its safety. Holly’s Law “The opposition of abortion activists to this has not been voted on, and the FDA has not suspended Amendment is telling,” said Ruse. “The champions of approval of the drug during its investigation. ‘choice’ worked to deny the choice of health care “RU-486 was the new ‘magic pill’ to make babies providers to choose not to perform abortion. Here’s disappear, and young women are now its latest victims,” more evidence that ‘pro-choice’ really does mean ‘pro- Ruse said. “RU-486 must be stopped.” abortion.’” All articles on this page are courtesy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ web page, www.usccb.org THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 19 PROTECTION OF CHILDREN PROTECCIÓN DE NIÑOS The Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands is La Diócesis de St. Thomas en las Islas Vírgenes, committed to protecting children from all harm. If you está comprometida a proteger a los niños de todo have knowledge that any priest, deacon or church daño. Si tienes conocimiento de algún sacerdote, worker may have abused a minor, please immediately diácono o empleado de la iglesia que haya abusado a contact the Vicar General of the Diocese, Very Rev. algún menor, favor de comunicarte inmediatamente Kenneth Gaddy, CSsR, at (340) 772-0138 or Bishop con el Vicario General de la Diócesis, el P. Kenneth George Murry, SJ, at (340) 774-3166. Gaddy, CSsR, al 340-772-0138 o al Obispo George Murry, SJ, al 340-774-3166.
Our Blessed Mother’s Message from Medjugorie St. John Calendar October 25, 2004 BREAKFAST WITH THE PASTOR “Dear children! This is a time of grace for the family A pot luck breakfast will be held at Our Lady of Mt. and, therefore, I call you to renew prayer. May Jesus be in Carmel Church on December 3 and all First Fridays the heart of your family. In prayer, learn to love everything after the 7:00 a.m. Mass. that is holy. Imitate the lives of saints so that they may be an incentive and teachers on the way of holiness. May FIRST FRIDAY MASS AND HOLY HOUR every family become a witness of love in this world without prayer and peace. Thank you for having responded An Advent Penance Service including Holy Hour with to my call.” Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church follows the 7:00 p.m. Merry Christmas from Claire & John Foster Mass on December 3. The sacrament of Reconciliation will be available.
FOOD SALE AND BAZAAR Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church’s Fundraising Committee hosts a food sale and bazaar in Cruz Bay Park on Saturday, December 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ADVENT MISSIONS Fr. Reginald Jean-Mary will begin an English Mission at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on December 8-10 at 7 p.m., and conclude December 11 at the 6:00 p.m Mass and December 12 at the 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. Masses. The Cursillo Movement will begin a Spanish Mission on December 12 with a Guadalupe Mass at 5:00 p.m., and continue December 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.
AGUINALDO MASSES A novena of traditional sunrise Masses will be offered in Spanish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church December 16-23 (except Sunday). A light breakfast will follow.
EVENINGS OF CHARISMATIC PRAYER Charismatic prayer meetings are held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
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THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 21 ST. CROIX calendar ADVENT MISSION CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Los Hermanos Cheos lead Spanish Missions at Holy Jim and Centelia Matthews lead a cancer support group Cross Church on November 30 to December 3, and at at St. Ann Church on December 15 and the third St. Joseph Church December 7 to 9. All events begin at Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. SECULAR ORDER DISCALCED CARMELITES HOLY HOURS Secular Order Discalced Carmelites meet December 26 Holy Cross Church will have a Holy Hour with and every fourth Sunday at St. Ann Church at 1:00 p.m. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction on December 3 and all First Fridays at 9:00 a.m. CHARISMATIC MASS St. Joseph Church will have a bilingual Holy Hour on A charismatic Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann Church December 3 and all First Fridays at 7:00 p.m. on December 28 and every last Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. St. Patrick Church has a Holy Hour on Fridays after the 8:00 a.m. Mass. PREPARATION FOR SACRAMENTS St. Ann Church has a Holy Hour on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. Preparation for those wishing to receive sacraments will be offered in Spanish at Holy Cross Church on Tuesdays HEALING MASS at 7:30 p.m. from January 11 to March 22. St. Patrick Church will host a healing Mass on December 3 and all First Fridays at 7:00 p.m. LEGION OF MARY Praesidium Our Lady of Grace meets at the Holy Cross SANTO NIÑO DEVOTION/RECONCILIATION Church rectory on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Devotions to El Santo Niño at St. Joseph Church are on December 4 and all First Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. The CURSILLO ULTREYA MEETINGS Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated at the same Cursillo members meet at St. Joseph Church on time. A Vigil Mass follows. Mondays after the 7:00 p.m. Meetings are in Spanish. YOUTH RETREAT FOR VOCATIONS A vocations discernment retreat for teen-agers will take NEO-CATECHUMENAL WAY place at Light of Christ Retreat Center on Saturday, The Neo-Catechumenal Way has catechesis in Spanish December 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Church’s Youth Center on Mondays and Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. Catechesis is in English at Holy SECULAR FRANCISCANS Cross Church on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. The Our Lady of the Angels Fraternity meets at the Franciscan House on December 12 and the second BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA Sunday of each month at 3:00 p.m. The Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima meets in the chapel at Holy Cross Church on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. AGUINALDO MASSES Entry is by the gate to the rectory. A novena of Spanish sunrise Masses will be celebrated December 16 to 24 at St. Joseph Church at 5:45 a.m. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS (Saturday at 7:30 a.m., Sunday at 10:00 a.m.) and at Holy Cross Council 6482 meets at the McAlpin Hall of Holy Cross Church at 6:30 a.m. (Sunday at 7:15 a.m.), Holy Cross Church on first and third Thursdays at 6:00 followed by a light breakfast. p.m.
EVENINGS OF CHARISMATIC PRAYER St. Patrick Church will hold an evening of charismatic DO YOU HAVE A prayer on December 17 and the third Friday of each NEWS ARTICLE OR A PHOTOGRAPH month. FOR St. Ann Church holds charismatic prayer meetings on THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER? Tuesdays, Holy Cross Church on Thursdays, and St. Call Fr. Crespo at (340) 776-6339! Joseph Church on Fridays. All meetings begin gathering at 7:00 p.m.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 22 St. Thomas Calendar OUR LADY OF FATIMA DEVOTION ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE The Children of Mary lead a devotion to Our Lady of St. Anne Chapel will host an Advent Penance Service on Fatima at Holy Family Church on December 4 and the Wednesday, December 22, at 6:00 p.m. first Saturday of each month at 4:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION CHRISTMAS FAMILY DANCE St. Anne Chapel will host a family celebration with The Social Committee of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church presents an “Old Time Christmas Family raffle drawing on Sunday, December 26, at 3:30 p.m. Dance” in the Clubhouse on Saturday, December 4, at 8:00 p.m. Sea Breeze will provide the music. Tickets are KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Council 6187 meets at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on the first and third Sunday of each VINCENTIAN SPIRITUALITY month at 10:00 a.m. The St. Vincent de Paul Society will present a day of Vincentian Spirituality on Saturday, December 11, from LEGION OF MARY 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Columban Hall. Rev. Dr. Junior Praesidium Mary, Queen of Archangels meets at George Franklin will lead the retreat-style program. the St. Anne Chapel Hall on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. ADVENT DAY OF RECOLLECTION Praesidium Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces meets at the “The Eucharist: Center of the Christian Life”will be the St. Anne Chapel Hall on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. theme of a Spanish-language retreat-style day at Ss. Praesidium Mary, Mystical Rose meets at Holy Family Peter and Paul School on Saturday, December 11, Church on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending with Mass at the Cathedral at 3:00 p.m. BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA The Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima meets at Our SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Thursdays at 10:00 Ss. Peter and Paul School will present “The Living a.m. Christmas Card” at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on Sunday, December 12, at 2:00 p.m. Afterwards, a social in the school will feature steel band music, Santa Claus EVENINGS OF CHARISMATIC PRAYER and the drawing of the 50/50 raffle. Charismatic prayer meetings are held at Holy Family Church on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY The Holy Family Chapter meet at Holy Family Church EUCHARISTIC ADORATION/HOLY HOURS on December 14 and the second Tuesday of each month Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church presents a Holy at 6:30 p.m. Hour with Exposition and Benediction on Fridays, December 3, 10 and 17 at 6:30 p.m., followed by Mass SECULAR FRANCISCANS at 7:30 p.m.; in addition, Eucharistic Adoration with The Lady Clare of Assisi Fraternity meets at Holy Family Church on December 18 and the third Saturday Benediction and Reconciliation is offered on Sunday, of each month at 1:00 p.m. December 19 from Noon until 5:00 p.m. Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral presents a Holy Hour with CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA Exposition and Benediction on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.; Court 2049 meets at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s during Advent, Eucharistic Adoration will also be on Hospitality Lounge on December 18 and the third Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday of each month at 2:00 p.m. St. Anne Chapel has a Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on all Fridays of Advent at 6:00 p.m. COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CAROLS Holy Family Church presents a Holy Hour with Praesidium Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces will sing Exposition and Benediction on Fridays, December 3, 10 Christmas Carols through Frenchtown on Sunday, December 19, beginning at 3:00 p.m. and 17 at 6:30 p.m.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * DECEMBER 2004 * 23 PARISH SCHEDULES FOR CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY OLD YEAR’S NIGHT NEW YEAR’S DAY/SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD ST. THOMAS Our Lady of Perpetual Help St. Ann Church Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral Christmas Eve Christmas Eve Christmas Eve 6:30 p.m. Vigil Mass 6:00 p.m. Vigil Mass 6:00 p.m. Carols 11:30 a.m. Carols 11:30 p.m. Carols 6:30 p.m. Family Mass Midnight Mass Midnight Mass 11:00 p.m. Carols Christmas Day Christmas Day Midnight Mass 9:00 a.m. Mass 10:00 a.m. Mass Christmas Day Old Year’s Night Old Year’s Night 8:30 a.m. Mass (Spanish) 7:00 p.m. Mass 6:00 p.m. Vigil Mass 10:30 a.m. Mass New Year’s Day 11:00 p.m. Holy Hour Old Year’s Night 9:00 a.m. Mass Midnight Mass 10:00 p.m. Holy Hour New Year’s Day 11:00 p.m. Mass ST. JOHN 10:00 a.m. Mass New Year’s Day Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 8:30 a.m. Mass (Spanish) Christmas Eve St. Joseph Church 10:30 a.m. Mass 7:30 p.m. Mass (multilingual) Christmas Eve 9:00 p.m. Carols 5:00 p.m. Mass & Pageant St. Anne Chapel 10:00 p.m. Mass 11:30 p.m. Carols Christmas Eve Christmas Day Midnight Mass 8:30 a.m. Mass 11:30 p.m. Carols Christmas Day Old Year’s Night Midnight Mass 10:00 a.m. Mass (bilingual) 9:00 p.m. Holy Hour Christmas Day Old Year’s Night 10:00 p.m. Mass (multilingual) 8:00 a.m. Mass 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass New Year’s Day Old Year’s Night 11:00 p.m. Holy Hour 8:30 a.m. Mass 7:30 p.m. Mass Midnight Mass New Year’s Day ST. CROIX New Year’s Day 8:00 a.m. Mass Holy Cross Church 10:00 a.m. Mass (bilingual) Christmas Eve Holy Family Church 6:00 p.m. Pageant St. Patrick Church Christmas Eve Midnight Mass Christmas Eve Midnight Mass Christmas Day 6:00 p.m. Vigil Mass Christmas Day 7:15 a.m. Mass (Spanish) 11:00 p.m. Carols 10:00 a.m. Mass 9:00 a.m. Mass Midnight Mass Old Year’s Night 11:00 a.m. Mass Christmas Day Midnight Mass Old Year’s Night 10:00 a.m. Mass New Year’s Day 11:00 p.m. Holy Hour Old Year’s Night 10:00 a.m. Mass Midnight Mass 11:00 p.m. Holy Hour New Year’s Day Midnight Mass 7:15 a.m. Mass (Spanish) New Year’s Day 9:00 a.m. Mass 10:00 a.m. Mass
Sacred Heart Chapel Merry Christmas from Happy New Year! Christmas Day THE CATHOLIC THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER 9:00 a.m. Mass ISLANDER
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