EXCLUSIVE NEWS INSIDE *Catholics Aid Tsunami Victims THE CATHOLIC *Msgr. Feudjio Studies for MS *Two Priests to be Honored *Msgr. Campbell’s Heart Attack *Catholic Schools Week ISLANDER *Six VI Priests Teach Doctrine *Nuestra Señora de Altagracia VOL. 21, NO. 1 JANUARY 2005 *Listings of Coming Events

A PUBLICATION OF THE DIOCESE OF ST. THOMAS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS “GO TELL IT ON A MOUNTAIN” HUNDREDS GATHER TO WITNESS CHILDREN TELL THE CHRISTMAS STORY

Children enacted the Christmas story at Holy Religious Education students enacted the Cross Church on St. Croix during the early Mass on Christmas story at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix Christmas Eve. during the early Mass on Christmas Eve.

St. Patrick School’s Second Grade class played and All grades performed at Ss. Peter and Paul sang “The Little Drummer Boy” at the annual all- School’s Christmas program at Ss. Peter and Paul school Christmas Pageant at St. Patrick Church on St. Cathedral on St. Thomas on December 12. This year’s Croix. As usual, the church was packed with spectators. program was entitled “The Living Christmas Card.” Notes from the Bishop’s Desk

The Most Reverend George V. Murry, SJ Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands

VI HELPS TSUNAMI VICTIMS BISHOP MURRY TO SERVE Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has committed $25 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY million in private emergency funding for immediate and Bishop George Murry, SJ, has been elected to the long-term efforts to help save lives and rebuild areas hit Board of Trustees of Fairfield University in Fairfield, by the tsunami on December 26. Connecticut. A second collection was taken up at all parishes on Founded in 1942, Fairfield University has more January 1 and 2 for CRS. While celebrating Mass at St. than 5,000 students enrolled in six distinct schools. It is Ann Church on St. Croix on January 2, Bishop George one of twenty-eight colleges and universities founded Murry, SJ, thanked the entire diocese for its generosity. and operated by the (Jesuits). “Because of your gifts, those who have survived will receive food, clothing, shelter and medicine,” said MSGR. FEUDJIO Bishop Murry, who is a member of CRS’ Board of Directors. “All gifts will be sent to CRS, which has ASSIGNED TO STUDIES pledged the largest amount among all the churches. We With the return of Msgr. Michael Kosak from can be very proud of how we as Catholic have studies in Rome, Bishop George Murry, SJ, has responded to this crisis.” appointed Msgr. Jerome Feudjio to study at South Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, effective CHAPEL RECTORY BLESSED immediately. Msgr. Feudjio will study for a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Administration Programs and Services. This degree will equip him to evaluate our social service programs offered through Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands (CCVI) and enable him to design new programs to meet the social and psychological needs of CCVI clients. He begins his spring semester in late January and hopes to complete his program by the end of the summer. Vice-Chancellor Mary Beth Arceneaux will assume the responsibilities of the chancellor. Fr. Louis Kemayou and Bishop Elliott Thomas will Bishop George Murry, SJ, blessed the new rectory at serve at St. Anne Chapel until the end of January, when St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas on December 4. Bishop Murry will appoint a new administrator. BISHOP MURRY’S ITINERARY FOR JANUARY 2005 Jan. 8 6:00 p.m. Mass Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral St. Thomas Jan. 9 10:30 a.m. Mass Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral St. Thomas Jan. 10 11:00 a.m. Invocation Legislature St. Thomas Jan. 12 6:30 p.m. Ecumenical Dialogue Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral St. Thomas Jan. 17 Installation of Archbishop Wilton Gregory Atlanta Jan. 18-23 Annual Retreat Jan. 25 6:30 p.m. Mass Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church St. John 7:00 p.m. Lecture: Mary, Mother of Jesus Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church St. John Jan. 26 9:00 a.m. Diocesan Finance Meeting Catholic Chancery St. Thomas

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JANUARY 2005 * 2 FORMER HOLY FAMILY MSGR. FEUDJIO HONORED PRIEST DIES BY AFRICAN ASSOCIATION Msgr. Prosper Askew, who ministered at Holy Msgr. Jerome Feudjio, Chancellor of the Diocese of Family Church on St. Thomas from 1997 to 1998, died St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands and Administrator of of complications following a massive stroke suffered in St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas, will be among the Italy in August 2004. The stroke left him totally honorees by the African Association of St. Thomas-St. paralyzed. He was flown back to his home in Victoria, John at its first-ever Humanitarian Awards Gala at Canada, where he died in October. He was 79. Frenchman’s Reef Hotel on St. Thomas on Saturday, February 19. PRAYERS REQUESTED FOR H.E. Edith Grace Ssempala (Ugandan Ambassador MOTHER OF V.I. PRIEST to the United States), Dr. Edidet Iniama, Dr. Solomon Kabuka and James Nelson, MD, also will be recognized Prayers are being solicited for the mother of Msgr. for addressing the problems of Africa, advancing Jerome Feudjio, Administrator of St. Anne Chapel on St. African heritage and championing the successes of Thomas. She was rushed to the hospital in Dschang, Africans at home and in the diaspora. Cameroon, in early December. The dinner is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 ($35 for children). MSGR. CAMPBELL RECOVERS FR. SCANTLEBURY HONORED FROM HEART ATTACK BY BARBADOS ASSOCIATION The Barbados Association of St. Thomas and St. John will honor Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury, Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, at its annual dinner dance at the Palms Court Harbour View Hotel on Saturday, February 19, beginning with cocktails at 7:00 p.m. The Barbados Association will also honor Neil Carty, Vice President of Betterroads Asphalt Company, and the late Gloria Husbands, a former member of the Barbados Association. The “Independence Ball” celebrates the 38th anniversary of the independence of Barbados. Honorable Liz Thompson, Minister of Housing and Lands in Barbados, will be the keynote speaker. Milo’s Msgr. Bernard Campbell (right) is recuperating at Kings will provide the music. Tickets are $55. St. Ann Church on St. Croix after suffering a heart DO YOU HAVE A NEWS ARTICLE attack on December 5 during Mass. He returned home OR A PHOTOGRAPH FOR after a week in the hospital. He is shown relaxing with THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER? Msgr. Michael Kosak and his dog, JoJo. Call Fr. Crespo at (340) 776-6339! ======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 * JANUARY 2005 * 3 PARISHIONERS CELEBRATE UNITED WAY AWARDS GRANT THEIR PASTOR’S BIRTHDAY TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOR MOBILE OUTREACH United Way of St. Thomas-St. John announced November 23 that its board of directors approved a venture grant to Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands. The $5,000 grant will expand a Mobile Street Outreach program which provides food, clothing, basic living supplies, on-site health services and crisis intervention directly to homeless/street persons. PUBLIC AWARENESS SEMINARS ON CHILD ABUSE The Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands is Parishioners at Our Lady of Perpetual Help sponsoring two public awareness sessions to teach Church on St. Thomas showed their support for their adults the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and pastor, Fr. Troy Schuster, by celebrating his birthday means by which offenders commit abuse, and five easy with him. steps one can take to prevent child sexual abuse. Bishop George Murry, SJ, celebrated Mass at the VIRTUS’ Protecting God’s Children Program for parish on November 24, after which all were invited to Adults will be conducted on St. Thomas on Sunday, the Club House for the birthday celebration. January 23, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. and on St. Croix on Saturday, January 29, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Locations SALUTE TO CATHOLIC will be announced at the parishes. SCHOOLS WEEK STUDENTS TO RECEIVE “Faith in Every Student: Catholic Schools” is the theme of the national Catholic Schools Week 2005. The MARTIN LUTHER KING week runs from January 30 to February 5. AWARD Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas will Arturo Watlington III, a parishioner of Ss. Peter and celebrate with opening Masses at various parishes, a Paul Cathedral, will be among the recipients of the walk-a-thon, quiz bowl, Spirit Day, Teacher Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas’ Dr. Martin Luther Appreciation Day, and Student Leadership Day. A King Awards at the Hebrew Synagogue on Friday, Junior Miss Catholic School competition will be held on January 14, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, February 4. A Community Day on Saturday, For the past fifteen years, the Hebrew Congregation February 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., will consist of has recognized the one student from each of the seven a school clean-up, barbeque, and a closing Mass. high schools on St. Thomas whom the school faculty St. Joseph High School on St. Croix will start the has named as best exemplifying the biblical mandate of week with a Ms. St. Joseph Competition at St. Gerard “Justice, justice shall you pursue” (Deuteronomy Hall on Sunday, January 30. 16:20). The awards are given during a traditional St. Mary School on St. Croix will celebrate Catholic Sabbath service in English and Hebrew. Schools Week beginning with Sunday Mass at Holy The seven students to be honored are: Clytie Brown, Cross Church. Tuesday will feature “Muffins for Moms Charlotte Amalie High School; Chantel Greene, and Grandmoms” in the morning and a Quiz Bowl Wesleyan Academy; Cassadie Peterson, Antilles competition in the evening. On Wednesday, the teachers School; Alejandro Quetel, Seventh-Day Adventist will be on retreat with Bishop George Murry. Thursday School; Monica Scott, All Saints Cathedral School; morning there will be “Doughnuts for Dads and Arturo Watlington III, Ss. Peter and Paul School; and Granddads” as well as the eighth grade’s Leadership Derecia Wilson, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School. Day. Friday will be a Field Day. In addition to the recognition, the students will St. Patrick School on St. Croix joins with St. Mary receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond and a book, Shared School for Field Day, held in Christiansted this year. St. Dreams: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Jewish Joseph High School students will help run the events. Community.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JANUARY 2005 * 4 JANUARY ONE BISHOP AND FIVE PRIESTS CATHOLIC RADIO TO TEACH COURSE IN CATHOLIC FAITH The Bishop’s Office of One bishop and five priests will teach the doctrines of the Catholic faith Evangelization presents ninety to adults in the new Mt. Carmel College of Evangelization at Our Lady of minutes of Catholic radio on Mt. Carmel Church on St. John. weekends. Most Rev. George V. Murry, SJ, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, will teach three classes. Other classes will be taught Contact by Fr. Charles Crespo, Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. In conjunction with the Sacred John, Rev. Dr. George Franklin, Pastor of Holy Family Church on St. Heart Program in St. Louis, Thomas, Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury, Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral Missouri, Contact broadcasts on on St. Thomas, Fr. John Mark, Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral, and Fr. WIUJ 102.9 FM on Saturdays at Dwight Merrick, who will be coming in from Trinidad. 3:00 p.m. The January broadcasts “The leaders of my parish said they wanted to learn the Bible and the are listed below. doctrines of the faith, so I approached the Parish Council about putting Jan. 1 “A Darker Shade of Blue I” together a formal program and opening it up to the general public of St. Jan. 8 “A Darker Shade of Blue II” Thomas and St. John,” said Fr. Crespo. Jan. 15 To be announced The Bible series starts with a ten-Monday study on the book of Genesis Jan. 22 To be announced beginning January 10, taught by Fr. Crespo. The doctrines will be taught on Jan. 29 To be announced ten Tuesdays by a variety of Catholic clergy beginning January 11. All classes begin at 7:00 p.m. Classes are free of charge and refreshments will be served. Tu Compañero Católico Tu Compañero Católico follows Ten Mondays Old Testament Scripture I: The Book of Genesis Contact on WIUJ 102.9 FM on January 10 Creation Genesis 1-4 Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. Tu January 17 Generations: Adam to Noah Genesis 5-11 Compañero Católico, an award- January 24 Covenant Genesis 12-17 winning half-hour Spanish-language January 31 Journeys Genesis 18-20 program, is produced by the February 7 Isaac & Ishmael Genesis 21-26 Redemptorist Hispanic Radio February 14 Jacob & Laban Genesis 27-31 Ministry. The January broadcasts February 21 Jacob & Esau Genesis 32-36 are listed below. February 28 Joseph in Egypt Genesis 37-41 Jan. 1 “The Drama of Our Lady of March 7 Joseph & His Brothers Genesis 42-46 Guadalupe” March 14 Migration & Settlement Genesis 47-50 Jan. 8 “Las Posadas” Ten Tuesdays Catholic Apologetics: How to Defend the Catholic Faith Jan. 15 “Tres Reyes” January 11 “Which Day is the Sabbath?” Fr. Charles Crespo Jan. 22 “¿Que Símbolos January 18 “Call No Man ‘Father’”Rev. Dr. George Franklin Representan los Evangelios?” January 25 “Mary” Bishop George Murry, SJ Jan. 29 To be announced February 1 “The and Apostolic Succession”Fr. Charles Crespo February 8 “Confession” Rev. Dr. George Franklin The Catholic Voice February 15 “Communion of Saints” Bishop George Murry, SJ The Catholic Voice airs half- February 23 “Purgatory” Fr. Dwight Merrick hour programs on WSTA 1340 AM March 1 “The Eucharist” Fr. John Mark on Sundays at 8:30 p.m. The March 8 “The Baptism of Infants” Fr. Neil Scantlebury programs are courtesy of EWTN TV March 15 “The Trinity” Bishop George Murry, SJ & AM/FM Radio. The January broadcasts listed below. Spring Trimester April 4 to June 7 Mondays New Testament Scripture 1: The Book of Acts Jan. 2 “A New Leash on Life” Tuesdays The Catechism of the Jan. 9 “A Freedom of Choice” Jan. 16 “Peaceful Flight” Fall Trimester September 12 to November 15 Jan. 23 “Mending with Music” Mondays Old Testament Scripture 2: The Book of Exodus Jan. 30 “Land of Refuge” Tuesdays Understanding the Seven Sacraments

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JANUARY 2005 * 5 REGIONAL CATHOLIC MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY YOUTH CONFERENCE CELEBRATIONS Catholic youth and youth ministers thirteen to Catholic parishes are preparing to celebrate Martin thirty-five years old are invited to attend the Regional Luther King Day on Monday, January 17. Catholic Youth Conference (RCYC) at Holy Family On St. Croix, St. Ann Church will have its annual Church’s Columban Hall on St. Thomas on January 21- Fun Day with Mass at 9:00 a.m., followed by food sales, 23. table games, karaoke, sports and donkey rides until 3:00 p.m. The Most Rev. Vincent Darius, Bishop of St. On St. John, a coalition of faith leaders, including George-in-, and Corinne Francis, Vice Fr. Charles Crespo, Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel President for Missions at St. James Mercy Hospital in Church, will honor Rev. Dr. King with public recitations Hornell, New York, will be the guest speakers. of his speeches, student exhibitions and a motorcade. The conference’s theme will be “Proud to be The first presentation will be at Coral Bay at 9:00 a.m., Catholic: Uncovering the Pearl of Great Price.” followed by a 10:00 a.m. motorcade to Cruz Bay, where AUCTION WILL RAISE FUNDS a second presentation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Fr. Crespo will be Masters of Ceremony in Cruz Bay. A FOR ST. MARY SCHOOL reception will follow the Cruz Bay presentation. St. Mary School on St. Croix will hold its annual fundraising auction at the Divi Carina Bay Ballroom on SANTO NIÑO CELEBRATION Saturday, February 5. Cocktails will be served at 6:00 The annual celebration honoring the “Santo Niño” p.m., dinner at 7:00 p.m. (baby Jesus) at Holy Cross Church on St. Croix on Furniture, jewelry, art, small appliances, home Sunday, January 16, will highlight the faith, music and decorations and more will be available for silent and culture of the Philippine Islands. live bidding. Credit cards will be accepted. As in previous years, Msgr. George Tomachik of The theme this year is oriental: “It’s Chop Suey.” Philadelphia will be flown in by the Philippino Dinner tickets are available at Holy Cross Church and community on St. Croix to celebrate the Mass. Msgr. St. Mary School. Tomachik ministers to Philippino communities around the world. INTERFAITH DIALOGUE A choir comprised of Philippinos from the various SEEKS COMMON GROUND parishes of St. Croix will sing hymns in English and Tagalo, the principal dialect of the Philippines. Bishop George Murry, SJ, will be among the The 11:00 a.m. Mass will be followed by a luncheon participants in a three-part public forum led by at the McAlpin Hall hosted by the Philippino representatives from the Christian, Jewish and Moslem community. faiths on St. Thomas. The series begins with “The God We Worship” at OUR LADY OF ALTAGRACIA, Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on Wednesday, January 12, at 6:30 p.m. That panel consists of Bishop Murry, Rabbi PATRONESS OF THE Arthur Starr, and Imam Monsour Thunebat. A second DOMINICAN REPUBLIC interfaith panel will lead “The Feasts and Fasts of Our The Hispanic community in the Virgin Islands will Faith” at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Wednesday, celebrate the feast day of Nuestra Señora de Altagracia January 19, at 6:30 p.m. A third panel will lead “My (Our Lady of High Graces), patroness of the Dominican Faith in Daily Life” at All Saints Episcopal Cathedral on Republic, with Spanish Masses and receptions featuring Wednesday, January 26, at 6:30 p.m. Dominican cuisine. “These events are a prelude for a second series of On St. Croix, St. Joseph Church will honor Nuestra talks in February,” Rabbi Starr, organizer of the event, Señora de Altagracia on her actual feast day, January told The Catholic Islander. Imam Yahya Hendi, Moslem 21, at 7:00 p.m. chaplain at Georgetown University and a leading On St. Thomas and St. John, the celebration will be spokesman for Islamic community in the United States, transferred to the nearest Sunday, January 23. On St. will participate in interfaith dialogues February 4-7 at Thomas, Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral will celebrate the the Islamic Center, Hebrew Congregation, St. Thomas patronal Mass at 12:30 p.m. On St. John, Mass will be Reformed Church and Emmanuel Lutheran Church. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 5:00 p.m.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JANUARY 2005 * 6 ¡BUENAS NOTICIAS! NUESTRA SEÑORA DE ALTAGRACIA MISIÓN DE ADVIENTO CON EL MOVIMIENTO DE CURSILLOS DE CRISTIANDAD Dominicanos celebrarán su fiesta patronal de Nuestra Señora de Altagracia con Misas y recepciones con comidas típicas en tres parroquias. En Sta. Cruz, se celebrará la fiesta patronal en su propia fecha con Misa en la Iglesia San José el viernes, 21 de enero, a las 7:00 p.m. En Sto. Tómas, se celebrará la Misa en la Catedral de San Pedro y San Pablo el siguente domingo, 23 de enero, a las 12:30 p.m. En St. John, se celebrará la Misa en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora En St. John, miembros del Movimiento Cursillos de Cristiandad de del Carmen el domingo, 23 de dieron una Misión de Adviento en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen enero, a las 5:00 p.m. el 12 a 14 de diciembre.

PREPARACIÓN PARA LOS SACRAMENTOS RADIO CATÓLICO Adultos que desean recibir los La Oficina de Evangelización del Obispo presenta Tu Compañero sacramentos de bautizo, primera Católico, un programa radial Católico premiado, semanal, de media hora, comunión o confirmación pueden en el idioma español, cada fín de semana. En forma de revista, Tu tomar clases en español en la Iglesia Compañero Católico incluye segmentos de entrevista de invitados Holy Cross en Sta. Cruz los martes a especiales, catecismo, consejos espirituales, música y más. Tu Compañero las 7:30 p.m. desde el 11 de enero Católico es un iniciativo de evangelización por el personal del Ministerio hasta el 22 de marzo. Hispano de los Redentoristas de la Provincia de Denver. Tu Compañero Católico se oye en WIUJ 102.9 FM los sábados a las LA GRABACIÓN DE PROGRAMAS 3:30 p.m. Normalmente, el último programa del mes se repite el día Se invita a los jóvenes católicos siguiente (domingo) a las 8:30 p.m. en WSTA 1340 AM. para que se unan al grupo existente 1 de enero “El Drama de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe” para la grabación de programas de 8 de enero “Las Posadas” radio y televisión en español. 15 de enero “Tres Reyes” Hablen con el P. John Mark. 22 de enero “¿Que Símbolos Representan los Evangelios?”

MISIÓN DE ADVIENTO CON LOS HERMANOS CHEOS

En Sta. Cruz, Hilda Rivera y Angel Ruiz, misioneros de los Hermanos Cheos en Puerto Rico, dieron la Misión de adviento en la Iglesia Holy Cross (arriba) el 30 de noviembre a 3 de diciembre y en la Iglesia San José (a la derecha) el 7 a 9 de diciembre.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JANUARY 2005 * 7 CATHOLIC BOOK STORE THE OLD FASHIONED READIES FOR CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS SOCIAL

Eleanor Edney (above) helped manager Lucy Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury, Rector of Ss. Peter and Bough dress up the book store at St. Ann Church on St. Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, invited parishioners to an Croix. “Old Fashioned Christmas Social” on the rectory The book store stocked holiday cards and gifts, balcony on December 5. along with its usual line of books and religious goods. “There were so many people that I am surprised we Check in for post-holiday sales! all fit,” joked Fr. John Mark, Parochial Vicar. SIX NEW MINISTERS KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS INSTALLED TO SERVE LIGHT UP THE NIGHT HOLY COMMUNION

Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury, Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, installed six parishioners The Knights of Columbus Holy Cross Council as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion on 6482 kicked off the Christmas season by illuminating December 19. a Christmas tree on the front yard of Holy Cross Faye Abdullah-Boschulte, Cecilia Rivera-Hill, Ruth Church on St. Croix. Ems, Jomari Heyliger, Lauren Thomas and Kenneth Knights of Columbus councils throughout the Thomas will help distribute Holy Communion at Mass Order, parishioners and the public at large were and carry it to shut-ins after Mass. invited to the “Light Up for Christ” lighting ceremony on December 7. Francisco Constantino, THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER past Grand Knight, led the celebration. is online at “Light Up for Christ” services are traditionally www.catholicislander.com held each year on the first Tuesday in December.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JANUARY 2005 * 8 ALTAR SERVERS CAROL FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s altar servers know every year that when Advent comes, their leader, Steven Olive, will take them to visit the nursing homes on St. Thomas. This year, the altar servers sang and brought Christmas gifts to the residents of Lucinda Millin Home for the Aged and Sea View Nursing Fr. John Mark, Parochial Vicar at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, Home on December 18. accompanied the altar servers on guitar at the Sea View Nursing Home on December 18. THE PRAYERS, HYMNS AND PRAISE BAND PERFORMS OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

Holy Family Church’s Prayer, Hymns, and Praise Steel Orchestra accepted invitations to perform Christmas concerts at two St. Thomas locations, Lockhart Garden (above) on December 11 and Sea View Nursing Home (right) on December 13.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JANUARY 2005 * 9 ADVENT: A TIME OF PREPARING THE WAY OF THE LORD

Scenes of Advent around the diocese, clockwise from above left: Jovanna Laurencin lights the first candle of the Advent wreath at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John; the lighting of the Advent wreath at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas; Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury with baptisms at the Cathedral on November 28; Fr. Reginald Jean-Mary of Miami led an Advent Mission at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church; and the “Gifting Tree” at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas, where parishioners donated gifts for the less fortunate children of the Virgin Islands.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JANUARY 2005 * 10 BISHOP MURRY INVITES HIS PARISH PRIESTS TO A CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

Pictured left to right at Bishop Murry’s residence on December23 are: Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury; Fr. Pat Lynch, CSsR; Bishop George Murry, SJ; Fr. Simon Peter Opira; Bishop Elliott Thomas; Msgr. Jerome Feudjio; Very Rev. Kenneth Gaddy, CSsR; Fr. John Mark; Fr. Troy Schuster; Fr. Charles Crespo; Msgr. Michael Kosak; Fr. Cecil Corneille; Fr. Louis Kemayou; and Rev. Dr. George Franklin. Fr. Michael Houston, CSsR, and Fr. John McLoughlin, CSsR, were unable to attend. BRINGING THE CHRISTMAS STORY TO LIFE FOR THE HOLY DAY CELEBRATIONS

EOn Christmas Eve, “Joseph” and “Mary” asked passersby The Three Kings positioned themselves outside the creche at outside Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John if they St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on the Feast of the Epiphany. knew a place where they could spend the night.

Children assisted in the homily for the feast of the Holy The first of the Three Kings is seen entering Our Lady of Mt. Family at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John. Carmel Church on St. John during an Epiphany Mass.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JANUARY 2005 * 11 BIOLOGY STUDENTS ATTEND EIGHT SJHS SENIORS ENTER OCEAN CONFERENCE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Christina Clement and Kenya Troutman, students in After a Mass celebrated by Fr. William Br. James Petrait’s biology class at St. Joseph High Montgomery, Principal of St. Joseph High School on St. School on St. Croix, were selected to attend the Coastal Croix, Vice Principal Jocelyn Hodgson led a ceremony Zone Management Student Ocean Conference at which inducted eight seniors into the National Honor Gertrude’s Restaurant on St. Croix on December 9. Society on December 8. The conference was sponsored by the Department The National Honor Society is the nation’s premier of Planning and Natural Resources Division of the organization, established to recognize outstanding high Coastal Zone Management of the Government of the school students. More than just an honor roll, the society Virgin Islands of the United States. serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

Kenya Troutman (left) and Christina Clement of St. Joseph Pictured left to right are Kevin Troutman, Rosetta Romain. High School participated in a conference on Coastal Zone Shawan Reyes, Jamaris Carrasco, Joel Brumant, Sylvia management. Navarro, Elson Carty, Jana James PHYSICS STUDENTS VISIT RADIO TELESCOPE Physics students at St. Joseph High School added a field experience to their syllabus with a visit to the St. Croix component of the VLBA (Very Long Baseline Array) Radio Telescope on December 16. The facility, which is operated by the National Astronomy Radio Observatory (NRAO), is part of the array of ten radio telescopes that stretch from St. Croix to Hawaii. The data gathered from each telescope is sent to Socorro, New Mexico, where it is correlated. The combined data makes the entire VLBA have an effective size equivalent to the distance from St. Croix to Hawaii. Using the natural radio emissions, the VLBA is able to see extremely distant stars and galaxies, even during the daytime, and that ranks it as one of the top astronomical research facilities in the world. Pictured left to right at the radio telescope are St. Joseph The students were given a thorough tour of the High School students Kevin Troutman, Garvin Powell, facility by the two engineers in charge. The tour Sylvia Navarro, Elson Carty, Jamaris Carrasco, Rosetta included climbing up to the top and walking out onto the Romain, Jana James, and their physics teacher, horizontally-positioned bowl of the radio telescope. Br. James Petrait, OSFS.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JANUARY 2005 * 12 Ss. Peter and Paul School extends sincere thanks to the generous supporters of Teacher Appreciation Night:

Cape Air * Mr. Paul Gimenez Seaborne Airlines * Mrs. Christine Joseph Buccaneer Hotel * Alexander’s Bella Blu Caravelle Hotel * Craig and Sally’s Divi Carina Bay Resort * Hervé Restaurant & Wine Bar Marriott Frenchman’s Reef * Randy’s Bistro Ritz Carlton Hotel * Robert’s American Grille A.H. Riise Store * Caribbean Gifts & Things Reichold Center for the Arts * Forever Flowers Victor’s New Hideout

Special thanks to the Starlites for their wonderful music!

WHAT WOULD THE HOLIDAYS Our Blessed Mother’s Message from Medjugorie BE WITHOUT FOOD SALES? November 25, 2004 “Dear children! At this time, I call you all to pray for my intentions. Especially, little children, pray for those who have not yet come to know the love of God and do not seek God the Savior. You, little children, be my extended hands and by your example draw them closer to my Heart and the Heart of my Son. God will reward you with graces and every blessing. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

Happy New Year from Claire & John Foster

Parishioners of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John held their annual Saturday in the Park food and plant sale at Franklin A. Powell, Sr. Park on December 4. Pictured above are Ina Lee and Mary Joseph.

The Knights of Columbus on St. Thomas held a “Man Pot” Soup Sale at the Fort Christian parking lot on December 4. Their specialties included Engine Soup and a seafood soup. Pictured above are Elmo Adams, Hazeline Sanchez and John James, Jr.

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NEW LOCATION Basin Triangle, St. Croix Next to the police station. Great parking!

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ÿ WHY JOIN THE ÿContinuum Care, Inc. IS SOMEONE YOU LOVE NEARING END OF LIFE? KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS? Hospice is a special kind of caring. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach, in- Imagine being part of an organization that fills your cluding expert medical care, pain management and heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others emotional and spiritual support, expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. and the feeling that comes with making a difference. Hospice services are available to those who can no longer benefit from curative treatment or to those who Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and decide not to pursue or continue treatment. older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while enhancing their THE HOSPICE TEAM · Skilled Nursing: RNs & LPNs own faith, and protecting and enhancing their · Medical Care: Physician services family life. · Spiritual/Emotional Care: Counseling services · Personal Care: Certified home health aides & homemakers The Knights of Columbus also sponsor · Nutritional Care: Registered dieticians the Columbian Squires, · Community Services: Medical social workers · Volunteers: Errands and respite a service and leadership training organization · Grief/Loss Support: Initial and ongoing counseling for Catholic young men 10 to 18 years old. 5027 Anchor Way, 2nd Floor, Christiansted, VI 00824 Interested in becoming a Knight? Phone 772-CARE (2273) Call Grand Knight, Anthony Francis 775-3537 310-2A Altona, Suite 105, St. Thomas, VI 00802 Phone 714-CARE (2273) (STT), Grand Knight, Arnold Golden 778-8380 Medicare certified. Most private insurance accepted. (STX) or District Deputy, Edward Cave 772- Employment/volunteer opportunities available. 3747/778-2386.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JANUARY 2005 * 14 ST. CROIX calendar PREPARATION FOR SACRAMENTS HOLY HOURS Preparation for those wishing to receive sacraments will Holy Cross Church will have a Holy Hour with be offered in Spanish at Holy Cross Church on Tuesdays Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction at 7:30 p.m. from January 11 to March 22. on February 3 and all First Fridays at 9:00 a.m. St. Joseph Church will have a bilingual Holy Hour on EL SANTO NINO DE CEBU February 3 and all First Fridays at 7:00 p.m. Msgr. George Tomachik will celebrate Mass honoring St. Patrick Church has a Holy Hour on Fridays after the the “Santo Niño” (baby Jesus) at Holy Cross Church on 8:00 a.m. Mass. Sunday, January 16, at 11:00 a.m. St. Ann Church has a Holy Hour on Fridays at 5:30 p.m.

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY HEALING MASS St. Ann Church will have its annual Fun Day on St. Patrick Church will host a healing Mass on February Monday, January 17, following Mass at 9:00 a.m. until 3 and all First Fridays at 7:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP SANTO NIÑO DEVOTION/RECONCILIATION Jim and Centelia Matthews lead a cancer support group Devotions to El Santo Niño at St. Joseph Church are on at St. Ann Church on January 19 and the third February 4 and all First Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. The Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated at the same time. A Vigil Mass follows. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC’S PATRONAL MASS St. Joseph Church will honor Nuestra Señora de SECULAR FRANCISCANS Altagracia, Patroness of the Dominican Republic, with The Our Lady of the Angels Fraternity meets at the a Spanish Mass on Friday, January 21, at 7:00 p.m. A Franciscan House on February 12 and the second reception follows. Sunday of each month at 3:00 p.m.

EVENINGS OF CHARISMATIC PRAYER LEGION OF MARY St. Patrick Church will hold an evening of charismatic Praesidium Our Lady of Grace meets at the Holy Cross prayer on January 21 and the third Friday of each Church rectory on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. month. St. Ann Church holds charismatic prayer meetings on CURSILLO ULTREYA MEETINGS Tuesdays, Holy Cross Church on Thursdays, and St. Cursillo members meet at St. Joseph Church on Joseph Church on Fridays. All meetings begin gathering Mondays after the 7:00 p.m. Meetings are in Spanish. at 7:00 p.m. NEO-CATECHUMENAL WAY SECULAR ORDER DISCALCED CARMELITES Secular Order Discalced Carmelites meet January 23 The Neo-Catechumenal Way has catechesis in Spanish and every fourth Sunday at St. Ann Church at 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Church’s Youth Center on Mondays and Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. Catechesis is in English at Holy CHILD ABUSE SEMINAR Cross Church on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Protecting God’s Children will be conducted on Saturday, January 29, from 8:00 a.m. - noon. The BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA location will be announced at the parishes. The Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima meets in the chapel at Holy Cross Church on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. CHARISMATIC MASS Entry is by the gate to the rectory. A charismatic Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann Church on January 31 and every last Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS DO YOU HAVE A Holy Cross Council 6482 meets at the McAlpin Hall of NEWS ARTICLE OR A PHOTOGRAPH FOR Holy Cross Church on first and third Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER? Call Fr. Crespo at (340) 776-6339!

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JANUARY 2005 * 15 St. Thomas Calendar SECULAR FRANCISCANS EUCHARISTIC ADORATION/HOLY HOURS The Lady Clare of Assisi Fraternity meets at Holy Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral presents a Holy Hour with Family Church on January 15 and the third Saturday of Exposition and Benediction on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. each month at 1:00 p.m. Holy Family Church presents a Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church presents a Holy Court 2049 meets at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hour with Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at Hospitality Lounge on January 15 and the third 6:30 p.m., followed by Mass at 7:30 p.m. Saturday of each month at 2:00 p.m. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC’S PATRONAL MASS St. John Calendar Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral will honor Nuestra Señora BIBLE CLASSES de Altagracia, Patroness of the Dominican Republic, on The Mt. Carmel College of Evangelization offers ten Sunday, January 23, with a Spanish Mass at 12:30 p.m. classes on the book of Genesis at Our Lady of Mt. A reception follows. Carmel Church on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. beginning CHILD ABUSE SEMINAR January 10. “Protecting God’s Children” will be conducted on Sunday, January 23, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. The location CATHOLIC APOLOGETICS will be announced at the parishes. Learn skills to defend your faith at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Fr. Charles OUR LADY OF FATIMA DEVOTION Crespo teaches on “Which Day is the Sabbath?” on The Children of Mary lead a devotion to Our Lady of January 11. Rev. Dr. George Franklin teaches on “Call Fatima at Holy Family Church on February 4 and the No Man ‘Father’”on January 18. Bishop George Murry, first Saturday of each month at 4:00 p.m. SJ, teaches on “Mary, Mother of Jesus” on January 25.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY DOMINICAN REPUBLIC’S PATRONAL MASS The Holy Family Chapter meet at Holy Family Church Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church will honor Nuestra on February 14 and the second Tuesday of each month Señora de Altagracia, Patroness of the Dominican at 6:30 p.m. Republic, with a Spanish Mass on Sunday, January 23, at 5:00 p.m. A reception follows. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Council 6187 meets at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s BREAKFAST WITH THE PASTOR Hospitality Lounge on the first and third Sunday of each A pot luck breakfast will be held at Our Lady of Mt. month at 10:00 a.m. Carmel Church on February 3 and all First Fridays after the 7:00 a.m. Mass. LEGION OF MARY Junior Praesidium Mary, Queen of Archangels meets at FIRST FRIDAY MASS AND HOLY HOUR the St. Anne Chapel Hall on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Praesidium Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces meets at the and Benediction follows the 7:00 p.m. Mass at Our St. Anne Chapel Hall on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on February 3 and all First Praesidium Mary, Mystical Rose meets at Holy Family Church on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Fridays. The sacrament of Reconciliation will be available. BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA The Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima meets at Our EVENINGS OF CHARISMATIC PRAYER Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Thursdays at 10:00 Charismatic prayer meetings are held at Our Lady of a.m. Mt. Carmel Church on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.

EVENINGS OF CHARISMATIC PRAYER LEGION OF MARY Charismatic prayer meetings are held at Holy Family Praesidium Mary, Queen of Angels meets at Our Lady Church on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. of Mt. Carmel Church on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JANUARY 2005 * 16