Christ the King C O U R I E R Volume 4, Issue 3 Christ the King Catholic Church November, 2001 Our New Bishop

Victor Benito Galeone Ordained August 21, 2001

Story page 5 Page 2 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 From the Editor Visiting with our Pastor

by Mickey Kenny we missed the opportunity to express our gratitude to Father The events of September 11 Robert J. McDermott for his efforts dominate the minds and hearts of in the renovation of the school and everyone, highlighting again how the building of the library and our lives are for each of us a media center. We were able to send journey of faith. How do we each of them our prayers at the approach the concept of such an Mass of Thanksgiving and amazing attack upon the City of Dedication. New York and the Pentagon? How We were grateful to have do we respond to daily reports of Bishop Snyder, and our former disease? Faith is our answer. pastors, Bishop Baker, Monsignor We mourn for those who have Lenihan, and Monsignor Danaher been lost; we pray for the present. We were also honored by protection of those we love and for the presence of our new bishop, ourselves; we reach out in love and Victor Galeone, who celebrated the understanding to those with whom Mass with us on this special Christ the King Courier we share this common space and, occasion. therefore, a common fate. And in The Mass of Thanksgiving and 742 N. Arlington Road reaching out we find new respect Dedication was an impressive Jacksonville, FL 32211 for others, new friendships, and expression of our gratitude to God Phone: (904) 724-0080 Fax: 721-2326 new hope. and to those who worked so hard We experience again the during this past year to make this Publisher: Father Thanh Thai Nguyen paschal mystery of joy and sorrow. day a reality. The music, the beauty Managing Editor: Judy Koziolek of the church, the school and It requires humility on our part Advertising/Layout Design: Tony Trotti, (904) 744-6648 grounds, the efforts of the Knights where we acknowledge that we are Newspaper Staff: of Columbus who cooked and not in control of all and perhaps a Donna Baker Kathy Daniels Dottie McMillan served all became expressions of reordering of our priorities is Frank Bauman Bill Dougherty Jane Middleton gratitude. Phyllis Bauman Michele Easterling Kathy Nichols needed. For the many parishioners who Frank Becht Lisa Gable Eileen Porter With this reordering of Ward Berkey Lucille Guzzone Patti Sloan came to rejoice with us, it certainly priorities we become aware of so was apparent that Christ the King Dolores Bianco Mickey Kenny Mary Ann Sullivan many gifts God has given us, many Carol Ann Black Wanda Klima Cynthia Surles Church is somehow profoundly of which we may not even have aware of our relationships with Lee Callahan Claretta Lamusga Josephine Thomas noticed and now experience with Yolanda Cerqueira Ron Lynch Ray Walker God and with each other. James Claxton Linda McCreary such gratitude. We now ask Gratitude and thanksgiving are ourselves, “How could we have the heart of our stewardship The mission of CHRIST THE KING COURIER is to provide our Christ The King missed all this?” And this gratitude Family with information and news regarding our faith and parish ministries. The program. We have nothing that is goal is to share information, happenings, and stories that abound within the itself is a gift of God which leads to not a gift of God. Even those ministries of our parish in the hope that people can use this information to bring you our hope for the future and fills us things “we earn” are, at heart, the closer to God and our parish church family. Wisdom and enlightenment are two of again with joy derived from so working of those talents and many of God's gifts, and through CHRIST THE KING COURIER, parishioners can many of the things around us. abilities which God has given us. share in the joy, love, and fellowship of Christ the King Parish. Our desire is to Gratitude for and pride in our As we celebrate the time and serve our God, share his message of love and hope with all, and to encourage others children is a prime example of the talent portion of our stewardship to spread the message of the Gospel of Christ the King. gifts we have been given by God. program we again remind As the official publication of our parish family, Christ the King Courier sees the The dedication of the Sister ourselves of the joy and love we reading from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians as exemplifying the content and Therese Horan Library and Media experience when we lend ourselves character of this publication. Center was a genuine outpouring of to helping others. In helping others gratitude for so many gifts. First, we find ourselves and our God. "As the chosen of God, then, the holy people whom He loves, you are to be clothed the time and efforts of Sister Mother Teresa lived a beautiful life in heartfelt compassion, in generosity and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear Therese, who is constantly in with one another; forgive each other if one of you has a complaint against another. serving God by finding Christ in The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, put motion, serving God through each of His people, particularly on love, the perfect bond. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because serving others. Next we thank those in greatest need. it is for this that you were called together in one body." Colossians 3:12-15. Bishop Larkin who provided the As Advent and Lent prepare us faith and belief in God and the for a deeper and more meaningful The Christ the King Courier is a quarterly newspaper published by Christ the King future of Christ the King Parish all Catholic Church. Publisher reserves the right to refuse articles, poetry, Christmas and Easter, the timing of advertisements, etc. contrary to paper's policy and standards. The appearance of those years ago when he came to our rededication to our stewardship advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of businesses, services and this location and saw his program through the pledging our products. Readers must exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. opportunity to shape the future. We time, talent, and treasure can be our Political advertising not accepted. Publisher reserves the right to edit all materials missed his presence at the preparation for a holy and happy submitted for publication. dedication ceremonies. Likewise Thanksgiving. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 3 TIME AND TALENT FAIR What’s Happening

OUR CHURCH WELCOMES

Welcome: We woud like to welcome the following individuals and families to Christ the King Community

Welcome The Alex Noriega Family The Jayson Perez Family Cathy Bursch The Guadalupe Ramos Family The Joise Cruger Family The Kenneth Reehl Family Kathleen Evans Nova Ritchey Bernardino Alarcon Hernandez The Paul Smith Family The Ben Kostecki Family The Kimberly Smith Family The Charles Leopold Family The Patrick Sullivan Family The Scott Logan Family

Baptisms: We Would like to announce the following people who were recently baptized into the Catholic Church

Quynh-Thu Cecila Bui Aug. 12 Christopher John Shami Oct. 14 Jacob Daniel Wheeler Aug. 12 Erica Kelsey Laborde Oct. 14 Zachary Thomas Wheeler Aug. 12 Ryan Michael Laborde Oct. 14 Samantha Marie Cruger Aug. 11 Quan Hoang Pham Oct. 21 Allen Philips Tapley Aug. 14 Jackie Vinh Dinh Oct. 21 Caroline Marie McMenamy Aug. 26 Cody Bin Oct. 21 Jesu Rex Laxina Valencia Sept. 2 Alissa Tuvi Nguyen Oct. 21 Tina Le Vo Sept. 9 Sebastian Rowan Logan Oct. 21 Sheridan Khanh An Keisling Sept. 29 Matthew Alexander Frenette Oct. 21 Hoang Brandy Tran Sept. 29 Caitlin Nicole Tan Oct. 21 Hannah Jayne Underkofler Sept. 23 Alfred John Scoones IV Oct. 21 Andrew C. Choe Sept. 30 Marriages: We would like to acknowledge the following parishioners who were recently united into the Sacrament of Marriage. by Eileen Porter through an issue from the Tho-Pham Hoang and Uyen-Van Duc Nguyen on September 1. beginning to the final product. The The annual Time and Talent entire Courier staff is grateful for Fair, an important part of Christ the this recognition. The following people are recently deceased members of Second prize was awarded to Deaths: King’s Stewardship program was our parish for whom we offer our special prayers. held on October 28th. This is an Habijax, which also had an opportunity for the various outstanding display. It was set up ministries to showcase their by ministry leader Bill Damato and Glayds E. Cardiff July 26 Juan Antonnio Herrera Oct. 5 programs, so that parishioners will his wife Helen. Charles P. Schaefer Aug. 1 be able to learn more about the Ethel Terry Sholar Oct. 21 Third prize went to the Music Ernest Diamon Aug. 7 Roger Stanish responsibilities and rewards of Ministry — they too had an Allen Phillips Tapley Aug. 15 each ministry. In this way people impressive booth featuring brightly are able to decide which program colored balloons. Jan and Sam Stephanie Stec Sept. 4 reflects their interest and talents. Harry Arnold This year the ministries outdid Clements and Floyd Townsend themselves, the booths were better prepared this exhibit. than ever. Judging was very All the ministries are to be difficult because all the booths congratulated on their entries. God has blessed each of us with were worthy of a prize. The Legion talents — some of which we may of Mary booth was beautiful as be unaware. If any parishioner usual, but because they had won missed the Time and Talent Fair, first prize for the past several years we still invite you to join one of the they removed themselves from ministries. The inside cover of our judging. Sunday bulletin contains a list of Christ the King Courier was ministries with the leader’s names awarded first prize. Frank Becht, and phone numbers. We invite Cynthia Surles and Tony Trotti everyone to become an active planned and set up the booth. The member of our Faith Community. display followed the Courier Page 4 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 Ordination Reflections by Mary Louise Criswell As we stood the acolytes entered solemnly carrying the cross There was an air of excitement which heralds the beginning of the in St. Augustine on August 21st in ceremony. A parade of clergy began the year of Our Lord 2001 as a new to process down the aisles. As they bishop of this Catholic Diocese was passed by one could hear to be ordained and I was privileged comments as the faithful to be among the guests for this recognized their parish priest, each extraordinary event. individual waiting for that sign of Those attending were told to recognition. assemble at the Ponce de Leon Following the local clergy were Hotel before 1:00 p.m. where buses the hierarchies and again the guests were waiting to take us to the craned their necks to see the Cathedral. Everyone was dressed in princes of the church dressed in their finest and there was a hum of their finest robes make their way to happy anticipation as we boarded the altar. In attendance were four the bus to take the ten minute ride archbishops, nineteen bishops, to our destination. Those on my bus seven auxiliary bishops and the were from parishes from all parts of Papal Nuncio who is the Pope’s Jacksonville but in mind and personal representative in the purpose the only thing that United States. mattered was to be a part of this grand occasion. Upon arriving at the Cathedral The Diocese of St. there were pockets of people Augustine has a new milling around outside watching this pageant unfold. We all quickly bishop; Let us rejoice placed our tickets in hand for without that precious numbered and be glad! card, entrance into the Cathedral would be prohibited. Once inside the door each guest was given a Soft cheers and much applause handsome commemorative greeted our beloved former bishop, program whose parchment-like John J. Snyder, as he made his way cover was a deep forest green with to the altar. The love and high the new bishop’s coat of arms esteem for this gentle shepherd embossed in gold on the cover. resounded throughout the The next step was to find just Cathedral. the perfect seat to take in all the Shortly after came the man for pomp and circumstance of the whom we were all in attendance for afternoon. Unfortunately, my idea that day - Victor B. Galeone. And again there was great applause as of the perfect seat and the one that an affirmation of approval for our was pointed out to me were not one soon to be new bishop. and the same. But that was a minor We were all quickly drawn into detail compared to what was about this outstanding liturgical chosen by Pope John Paul II to be bursting with joy as we received to take place. celebration with the music and the new shepherd for this diocese. our spiritual nourishment and There was quiet chatter choir leading us into each section There was an examination of the prayerfully sang Pan de Vida throughout the Cathedral as people of the ordination. Everything was candidate after which the faithful (Bread of Life). hurried to find their seats or done with such reverence that present prayed and sang the Litany After Communion, it is the comment on what was to come. In could only come out of a faith full of the Saints. The soon to be new tradition for the new bishop to the background musical sounds of history and tradition. bishop lay prostrate at the altar. process throughout the church to mixed with the din of people’s A highlight of the ordination During this period of time the three bless the whole assembly. This, our voices grew into a crescendo until was the presentation of the bishop- consecrating bishops, then all the new shepherd did with an air of the moment when the organ elect in which a papal mandate is bishops present, laid hands over delight on his smiling countenance sounded the opening note and an read by the Papal Nuncio stating him. He was then anointed with as the faithful sang Hymn of instant hush fell upon us all. that Victor B. Galeone has been chrism and presented with the signs Thanksgiving. of his office: the miter, the pastoral The last part of the ceremony staff, and the bishop’s ring. Lastly, before dismissal was Bishop he was led to the Cathedral, which Galeone’s first address as the new Bishop’s Reception is the bishop’s chair. Bishop of the Diocese of St. On a personal note I would Augustine and gave verification as make mention that when the to why he was chosen to be our new by Lucille Guzzone shaking the hand of the prelate. consecrating bishops were laying shepherd. His warmth of heart was After about two hours of standing, hands on the candidate, the choir readily apparent as he gave thanks The Ponce de Leon Radisson in embracing, and grasping hands, the with the faithful joining in the to the many people in his life that St. Augustine was replete with tired bishop finally began to relax. refrain, sang an African American he thought were instrumental in his refreshments from “fruits to nuts.” All dining rooms on the first Spiritual entitled I Know the Lord being at the pulpit that moment. He Beverages and pastries were served floor were open to the guests, Has Laid Hands on Me. The words spoke not only in English but in as parishioners and priests of the giving them an opportunity to so simple, yet so deep in their fluent Spanish which can only Diocese of St. Augustine gathered meander from place to place. They purity of faith, seemed to move us bring people closer together. His in a social atmosphere to celebrate renewed acquaintances and spoke all further into the majesty of this desire is to be a good shepherd to the ordination of the new Bishop, to clergy and laity from around the occasion. his flock and his personal motto of Victor Galeone. It was an Diocese. Former Bishop Snyder As we entered into the Liturgy love, joy, and peace was an opportunity for the new bishop to displayed his familiar and friendly of the Eucharist our new bishop indication that he will do so. meet the people first hand, and, smile as people waited patiently to was the main celebrant as we gave indeed, he did. As soon as he wish him good luck, as well. The thanks for our new shepherd and The Diocese of St. Augustine entered the room, the well wishers event served as a backdrop to the for all the blessings that God has a new bishop; Let us rejoice formed a long line anticipating end of a spiritual, yet joyous, day. bestows on us. Our hearts were and be glad! November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 5 A New Bishop is ordained for the Diocese of St. Augustine

Bishop Galeone preparing for the Liturgy of the Eucharist

Father Tom Willis, Bishop elect Victor B. Galeone, and Father James Moss outside the Cathedral Basilica on the even of ordiation

At the reception, Bishop Galeone with nuns from St. Agnes in Baltimore Bishop elect Victor Galeone with Father Terrence Morgan during Examination of the Candidate of Ordination by Carol Elliott of Baltimore, were Co- Pope Pius XII and Blessed John that each one of us is called to Consecrators. XXIII at the same time his holiness in our particular state in The Roman Catholic Church As is tradition, on the evening colleague and good friend life. has kept many of her early before the ordination of a new Archbishop Favalora was also there Prior to coming to St. traditions. Some of those traditions bishop, the former bishop, in this as a student. During John XXIII’s Augustine, a Diocese with 51 were visible at the recent ordination case Bishop Snyder, waited for the pontificate, the Second Vatican parishes and 8 missions, Bishop of Bishop Victor Benito Galeone. Bishop elect Galeone, to knock on Ecumenical Council convened, “an Galeone was the pastor of St. On August 21st, Bishop Galeone the Cathedral door before he event destined to have an enormous Agnes in Baltimore for the past five entered the Church. Once inside, impact on Victor’s priesthood and became the ninth bishop of the years. He also served as a Bishop Snyder and his assistant on the Church,” said Cardinal Diocese of St. Augustine. Father Terrence Morgan greeted Keeler. missionary in Peru. Bishop The ordination took place at a him. Then they made their way to On the evening before his Galeone is the third of four children High Mass between the Liturgy of the altar where Evening Prayers, ordination in a Cathedral filled to born to Angelo and Rita Galeone. the Word and the Liturgy of the which has been a way of Christian capacity the quick wit of Bishop The family lived in Philadelphia Eucharist with music by the life since apostolic times, were Galeone revealed itself as he raised and when Victor was five years old Cathedral Basilica Choir. During said. the questions his parishioners they moved to Baltimore. the Eucharist, the crux of the Mass, Cardinal William Keeler, might be asking themselves “Is he a Among those attending the the new bishop pronounced those Archbishop of Baltimore, gave the people person?” and “Is he long ordination were Sister Humiliata, same words Jesus spoke, “This is homily at the ordination comparing winded?” His background as both a his teacher at St. Elizabeth’s in My Body, This is My Blood.” Bishop Galeone to Jeremiah in the pastor and as a missionary tell us Baltimore, brother Frank, and Bishop Galeone’s Principal Old Testament, “Just as Jeremiah that he is a man accessible to the sisters Rose Marie Sterner and Consecrator, Most Reverend John was ordained to be a prophet, so too people. In his sermon, Bishop elect Elisa Lemonds. His three siblings Favalora, Archbishop of Miami is our new Bishop.” He also Galeone delivered God’s message participated in the presentation of said, “Jesus Himself renews to the commented on the Gospel of St. in a soft spoken manner with words the ring, miter, and crosier, which Father His offering of Himself, as Mark, where we are told that Jesus that were deliberate and very are the signs of episcopal office. He brings us with Him into the did not come to be served but to meaningful. Thirty bishops and two cardinals mystery of the suffering and dying serve and that Bishop Galeone has “Love, joy, and peace,” taken were also present at the two and a Christ, as He merges those who also been called to be an apostle from Galatians 5:22 are some of the half hour celebration along with share our faith and are spiritually with the invitation to imitate Jesus. virtues St. Paul said would flow many deacons and laity. Besides prepared with His living self in “If we do God’s will we will from the work of the Holy Spirit in Cardinal Keeler, Cardinal James community.” experience love, joy and peace.” our lives. These virtues are Bishop Francis Stafford, President of the These words emphasize how This was the message the newly Galeone’s personal motto and why Pontifical Council for the Laity, ordained Bishop Galeone gave to he says, “To do God’s will by important it is to the Church that was also present. some 900 people present in the keeping His commandments can the priests continue to say Mass. In Cardinal Keeler wished former Cathedral Basilica. The new only make us smile.” Bishop John Snyder a happy fact, nuns who attended the shepherd of the Diocese of St. Bishop Galeone has a serene celebration from St. Agnes Parish retirement and thanked him for his Augustine told the congregation look on his face, which makes one work in “shepherding, with love in Catonsville, near Baltimore, that love, joy and peace are among assume that he is living the words and effectiveness., God’s people in where Bishop Galeone was pastor, the fruits of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul he preaches. If that is the case, we commented they would miss not mentions them in a letter to the may have a very holy man in our the Diocese of St. Augustine.” A being able to attend Mass said by Hebrews in the New Testament. midst. However, if we ask Bishop reception followed at the Radisson him implying he was very devout. Bishop Galeone added that we Galeone about his holiness, he Ponce Resort. The Cathedral Bishop John Snyder, former must “do God’s will with a smile.” would probably respond the same Basilica is located on Cathedral Bishop of St. Augustine, and W. Bishop Galeone studied in way Mother Teresa did when Place across from the Downtown Francis Malooly, Auxiliary Bishop Rome during the pontificate of questioned on the same subject, Plaza in St. Augustine. Page 6 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 IN GOD’S HANDS By Ray Walker friends who have said and are saying prayers for her. This is the “You have just been diagnosed key to her blessed condition. with a rare liver cancer. If you get Donnell herself has said many chemotherapy, you have about six rosaries, not for healing but for months to live–without it–three wisdom and God’s guidance in months.” doing His will. Here you are, 52 years old, with After the doctor’s diagnosis she an adoring husband and family and didn’t consider treatment for even a everything to live for. What would moment. Not because it would have you do; how would you feel if your decreased her quality of life doctor had just given you this drastically while only extending it diagnosis? Realistically, unless we for three short months, but because have been faced with this situation, she honestly felt she was in God’s there is no way any of us could be hands and that He would take care sure how we would react. of her. Nor was this a conviction Christ the King parishioner, that suddenly came upon her at the Donnell Baer has faced this moment of this crisis. She has held traumatic ordeal but did not react in this belief for many years. any of the ways one would She just went on living, one day ordinarily expect. While others at a time as though nothing had might have been devastated by this happened. The fated three months news, Donnell and her family came and went; the equally remained confident and calm prophetic six months lapsed into knowing that God was in charge. history, then, a year, two years, and THAT WAS THREE AND ONE- finally, the third. The cancer is still HALF YEARS AGO. there. Donnell states, “It is like God The Mayo Clinic Liver has placed His hand upon my Transplant team performed surgery tumors and stopped their growth . . October 1, 1998 on Donnell to . they are neither larger nor Donnell Baer remove two large tumors in her smaller.” liver. Upon examination of her She has gained some weight If this is not enough for afflicted and everything is still liver, Dr. Jeff Steers, Head of the and finds that she tires easily and someone who should have okay. I also believe, deep down in Transplant Team, advised her cannot work like she used to. It also succumbed to a fatal illness three my heart that the cancer will not family that the cancer was too became necessary for her to rest in years ago, Donnell continues to kill me, unless and until God wants advanced and they were unable to the afternoon. But, other than some coordinate things for the Christ the it to.” help her - and they had to close her relatively minor inconvenience, life King crew who, along with the I was amazed at this marvelous up with this dire prognosis. went on as usual. She continues to same from St. Pius V Church, serve expression of faith; in my entire life Donnell and Charles decided pray and read Scriptures, dinner at the I.M. Sulzbacher I have never encountered anything they would rather have quality of continuing to derive great Center downtown, on the third like it before. Donnell was life, rather than quantity and she satisfaction and consolation from Tuesday of each month. This was grievously afflicted, supposed to be would not undergo chemotherapy. both activities. begun five years ago. dying and here she was . . . fully at They both felt her life was in God’s About six months after the I asked her if her cancer was in peace. What would any of us give hands. Donnell said, “God brought diagnosis, Donnell began a most remission, something we hear to feel as she does; to believe as she me in and He’ll take me out when laudable Prayer Network at Christ about every once in a while and she does? He’s ready.” Job 14:5 says, “You the King Church. Donnell states said, “No, if it was in remission, it In a way, I was reminded of the know the number of months, you that she acts as a “pencil” recording would have either gone away or be story in the Book of Daniel, where have fixed the limit of time which whose name is to be added to the reduced in size and it has not done the three young Jews, Shadrack, we cannot pass.” Ecclesiates 3:2 list of people being prayed for and either.” Meshack and Abednego refused to says, “There is a time to be born the reason. Disseminating this Several months ago, Warren worship the golden statue which and a time to die.” information on a regular monthly and Jo Ann Powers, through the King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon God granted Donnell, Charles basis is also one of her related Knights of Malta, took her to the ordered everyone to adore on and their sons, Ken and Mike chores. Shrine in Lourdes, France. “Did penalty of death. They were bound peace and the acceptance of God’s This ministry has grown so you receive a miraculous healing?” and thrown, fully clothed, into a will. Donnell credits the peace she much that she now works with I asked. “No,” she responded. “I white-hot furnace. and her family have experienced three other people, Peggy Mills, did not,” continuing, she added, “I They certainly were sorely with their deep religious belief, her Blanche Iglesias and Lee Callahan. believe and even the doctors afflicted and most assuredly about eight years of Bible study, learning Peggy and Blanche make use of the believe (it’s noted on my medical to die, yet, they were at peace. They and claiming the promises of God computer and e-mail several people chart) that I am a miracle but I was praised God, like Donnell Baer, and and the generous prayers many who in turn phone others. Lee helps not healed at Lourdes.” their torment did not bother them; it people have said for her. by editing the Prayer Network “What do you mean, ‘I am a did not go away–God just took care Donnell truly believes in the Newsletter that is updated bi- miracle,’ I pressed her. She of it. They emerged alive and well, power of prayer. She believes that weekly and placed in the church responded instantly with not even their clothes were singed. God touched the hearts of many and chapel. The four of them work conviction. “The cancer should For the moment, Donnell too, is Christ The King parishioners and very well together. have killed me three years ago. It is alive and well. still there; it has not gone away. I I don’t know the answer to all believe God has me here for a of this and I certainly cannot purpose. I don’t really know what it foretell the outcome, but there is but I do believe that I am more of surely seems to be a clear lesson a service to God with this affliction, here for any one who wants to learn than if I was physically healed.” it. In the words of Donnell Baer, “I She paused, then said “Maybe it is am okay. God is in charge.” to be a witness to people.” “In what way?” I asked. Editor’s Note: Charles and Donnell She replied, “Possibly to show are currently building a home in St. people that if they would put their Augustine Beach in Ocean Palms. entire life in God’s hands, He She will be able to step out her back would take care of them no matter door and step onto St. Anastasia what might afflict them and property. We will all miss her and everything would be okay. I am her family when they move in May. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 7 Chalice Presented The Perfect Heart

Nettie Connor and family with Father Tom McCarthy

Unknown Author mine; mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears.” One day a young man was “Yes,” said the old man, “yours standing in the middle of town is perfect looking, but I would proclaiming that he had the most never trade with you. You see, beautiful heart in the whole valley. every scar represents a person to A large crowd gathered and all whom I have given my love - I tear admired his heart for it was perfect. out a piece of my heart and give it There was not a mark or a flaw in to them, and often they give me a it. Yes, they all agreed it truly was piece of their heart which fits into the most beautiful heart they had the empty place in my heart. ever seen. The young man was very Because the pieces aren’t exact, I proud and boasted more loudly have some rough edges, which I about his beautiful heart. cherish. They remind me of the love we shared. Sometimes I have given pieces A large crowd of my heart away, and others didn’t give me a piece of their heart. gathered... all These are the empty gouges . . . giving love is taking a chance. admired his heart, Although these gouges are painful, for it was perfect. they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for them. I hope someday they may return and fill Suddenly, an old man appeared the space I have waiting. So now at the front of the crowd and said, do you see what true beauty is?” “Why your heart is not nearly as The young man stood silently beautiful as mine.” The crowd and with tears running down his the young man looked at the old cheeks. He walked up to the old man’s heart. It was beating man, reached into his perfect young strongly, but it was full of scars. It and beautiful heart, and ripped a had places where pieces had been piece out. He offered it to the old removed and other pieces put in, man with trembling hands. but they didn’t fit quite right so The old man took his offering, there were several jagged edges. In placed it in his heart and then took fact, in some places there were a piece from his old scarred heart deep gouges where whole pieces and placed it the young man’s heart. It fit, but not perfectly, as were missing. The people stared – Joan and Nettie Connor there were some jagged edges. The how can he say his heart is more young man looked at his heart, not beautiful, they thought? perfect anymore but more beautiful The young man looked at the than ever, since love from the old old man’s heart and saw its state Information submitted by King. A chalice was presented in man’s heart flowed into his. They and laughed. “You must be joking,” his name by the Knights. His embraced and walked away side by Nettie Conner he said. “Compare your heart with side. widow, Nettie Conner, accepted the Knights of Columbus Ponce de chalice and in turn presented it to Leon Assembly honored Sir Knight Father Thomas McCarthy. Herschel C. Conner on August 11 When he saw his name at the 5:00 p.m. Mass at Christ the engraved on the bottom of the chalice he said, “Now I have my Roses Are Red very own chalice.” He told everyone how his first chalice had by Father Carr been taken away years ago while he was in South Africa during a time of tribal fighting and turmoil. He Roses are red, used the chalice during the Violets are purple, celebration of Mass and said that Honey is sweet, Sir Knight Conner and all the And so’s maple syrple. Knights would be remembered in future Masses whenever he used the chalice. Page 8 Christ the King Courier November, 2001

Father Terry Morgan 25th Ordination Celebration

Parishioners at celebration by Frank Becht anniversary ordination to the priesthood of the Pastor, Father On September 23, 2001, at David Terrence Morgan. 11:00 a.m., the Cathedral-Basilica Concelebrants to the Mass were held a gala celebration of the 25th Bishop Victor Galeone, retired Father Terry’s Thoughts on the Bishop’s Ordination & Father Terry Morgan other happenings at the Cathedral

Bishop Galeone and Father Terry Morgan by Father Terry Morgan If you added up the number of hands that worked on the sanctuary, Dear Friends, cleaning, painting, and all the other Whew, what a week! What little things it took to get our basilica gleaming, plus the extraordinary, spirit-filled Lone Piper ceremonies we had last Monday hospitality for all our visitors, the night (Vespers at the Cathedral) number gets well over a hundred. Bishops John J. Snyder and W. Bishop Larkin cited several and then Tuesday afternoon, the Again, not many dioceses could Thomas Larkin and the associate interesting incidents, but most ordination and installation of our shake together that many generous pastors of the parish. noteworthy was after Father Terry’s Bishop – and quickly becoming our souls. Even the other parishioners The Cathedral was filled with ordination, when it seemed that the friend – Victor B. Galeone. How from around the diocese were parishioners, family members and Pastors of the parishes had two wonderful – almost family-like – panting with amazement! friends from throughout the great concerns: The first, being th were our celebrations-after-the- The week of Tuesday, August 28 , Diocese of St. Augustine. Christ informed they had cancer; the celebrations; the feeding of the we had our own celebration. The the King was well represented at second, being informed that Father multitude in our side yard Monday feast of our patron Saint Augustine this tremendous outpouring of Terry was being assigned to their night, the feeding of the even larger of Hippo. The week prior Father Terry’s friends from around parish as an assistant. Bishop multitude at the Ponce last Tuesday Baltimoreans and diocesans came the Diocese of St. Augustine. Larkin went on to describe the evening. Even the hug-fests on the to welcome and greet our bishop. Bishop Thomas Larkin, first tremendous challenge of the sidewalks after each ceremony had During the first week of September, Pastor of Christ the King and priesthood and Father Terry’s we welcomed him to our Cathedral our visitors from Baltimore former Bishop of St. Petersburg, successful meeting of that Basilica parish family and we challenge. gasping with amazement. delivered a stirring homily to a How proud I was of our Cathedral didn’t have to wilt in the heat or Following the ceremony at the jam-packed Cathedral. He first Basilica parishioners! Very few have a ticket to be part of the Cathedral, everyone was invited to dioceses could shake together a shindig like we did on August 27th gave an interesting resume of a family style picnic at the Bishop musical program such as the one and 28th. Father Terry’s early years in Christ Baker Parish Center nearby. There our parish did for the ceremonies Father Terry Morgan’s weekly the King School and Bishop Kenny Father Terry, with Bishop Galeone, (and this in mid-summer, when so column is on-line! Go to High School where he became so greeted parishioners and friends in many people are off on vacation!). www.thefirstparish.org well known. attendance. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 9 Homily on the Occasion of the Bombing of New York and at the Pentagon

Altar servers with Father Guy Noonan

Editor’s Note: At Christ the King we Christ the King Adult Choir are very privileged to have three wonderful homilists, one of which is Father Guy Noonan. On Wednesday, September 12, a few short hours after the tragedy of September 11, 2001, he gave this homily. by Father Guy Noonan his own country. He came by boat to escape the conflict of lack of We are gathered here in the freedom and true ‘killing fields’ name and the memory of the Lord where people died not for a purpose Jesus. Our message is simple: He but often simply because they had was a man like us in all things but to be killed because of another’s sin. He suffered. He died. He was design. buried. And yet the Father saw fit We know of war. Some of your to raise him from the dead. grandpas (students) or parents He suffered. He died. He was (parents and adults) died either in buried. Today, many suffered. Vietnam or in World War II, and Many died. Many, particularly some in World War I. Jews who prefer burial before We know of war. I lived in sundown on the same day as death, France for two years and remember Father Thanh and Father Guy have already been buried. well the concrete bunkers strung cannot greet each other with a it. Just take a look at the globe and We gather in the name and the like a bead of rosaries over 2500 brotherly or sisterly embrace. see what there is to see. While memory of Jesus. We do not gather miles long, all along the coast: An Enough. What else do we much good has happened – and to pray that one side – the USA – attempt to keep an enemy out. An know...? Tell us of peace! even some progress – it still will win, and another side – attempt to keep hope in. We know that on our own we remains true that the last century Terrorist cowards – will lose. ‘God We know of war. I remember cannot save ourselves. No one goes has been the bloodiest in the history shows no favorites’ says the first seeing tiny little towns with very to battle, not even a terrorist, of the race: reading from Deuteronomy. The long lists of very shortened families simply to suffer. All go to battle to South Africa – torn apart by political, military and diplomatic whose sons and daughters no get something that they perceive as whites and blacks for many years. processes will take care of who will longer dot the earth with their own ‘good.’ But so often the good is Central Africa – for years a colony prevail. families or friends, but rather with distorted – a good that takes no one of others and reprisals against We gather in the name of the their names dotted on rosters on else into consideration. others as great as those originally one who suffered at the hands of church walls and their bodies Whatever the terrorists wanted committed against themselves. injustice, and we say before that buried in graves in spotted fields yesterday – and we do not as yet, Vietnam, Cambodia and other parts injustice that we cannot explain it, from coast to coast. know what that was or who they of Asia – torn apart by conquest but that we will ask that the We know war: I saw it in a bar were (though we think we have and civil strife for over a thousand Presence of God be our God as we of soap that used to be human some very good clues) – it did not years. navigate a now very rocky path. beings until they were turned into arise out of the common good. It South America – dictatorship Our streets are humbled and strewn Human soap. I saw it in the greasy arose out of the narrow after dictatorship with military with rocks where once stood human soot that still lines the walls understanding of the ME – I want coups one after another. Central proudly arching towers. of the ovens in Auschwitz today. st for my narrow ME and no one else America – a poverty and drug zone We have started the 21 We know war. It comes in many makes a difference. sometimes tolerated and sometimes century – a great deal of faces: Drugs on a street and the Not even adolescence. Pure even funded by those supposedly champagne was spilled on New high-stakes money that feeds it in childhood. The “terrible twos” of against the very drug they sold. Years’ Eve as we celebrated many rich and poor nations alike. Poverty those who never spiritually grew Mexico – a poverty in some of its resolutions for peace and and not enough to eat, or very low up. But even more dangerous than crowded cities that would crush the prosperity. wages that make a neighborhood the infant’s tantrum because strongest spirit. But we knew also that blood only a ghetto of people struggling missiles and crash-planes thrown The United States – would be spilled again. just to survive, often times at war against filled buildings are their neighborhoods divided by color, Unfortunately, it would be spilled because of gangs within itself. projectiles, rather than a more and sometimes those abused by the not too long after that New Year’s We know war: It comes in innocent dish of oatmeal thrown very ones who were sworn to Eve if history were to tell the truth many faces: Like Brother and because it did not please. protect. Canadian – Indians that it has told before .... What we Sister Tribes in Africa who destroy My brothers and sisters. We struggling to claim basic rights. did not know was that it would be one another for supremacy. cannot save ourselves. We have Western Europe – torn by two this close. We know of war. It comes on tried over and over again. On our majorwars in this century alone, We already know war. Father the face of the Irish where Catholic own we will always make a mess of Thanh experienced it first hand in and Protestant to this day still continue on page 10 Page 10 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 A Close Moment With God Parish Children Return quite loud, “Oh! You’re the one I love. Is that O.K.?” He put his arms To Religous Instruction around her in a hug as he tried to stewardship program, and Father silence her. He straightened up and Thanh welcomed the families and turned to the congregation. “This blessed the gathering before they woman is in the Alzheimer’s unit,” exited the hall with their respective he said. “She’s my sister.” teachers to visit the classrooms. Several times during the Mass, Both priests and the Porters she would make a comment or start emphasized the opportunity for the counting.... “1...2...3...4” and adults to use this time set aside for Father Tom would look down from their children’s religious by Ray Walker the altar with a raised finger enhancement to broaden their own pressed to his lips and she would immersion in the Faith. Neil and Recently I had the opportunity quiet down once more. He had Eileen invited them to use their to attend a Mass in the chapel of St. brought some children from his time and talent by joining one of Catherine Laboure Manor (a Church to sing at various times the many ministries in the parish. nursing home next to St. Vincent’s during the Mass and each time they Father Guy asked the adults what Hospital). It has few chairs and finished, his sister would applaud they felt their needs were in extra wide aisles to readily them loudly. All through the by Lucille Guzzone becoming more spiritual and accommodate the preponderance of service with the many interruptions knowledgeable in their faith. attendees who come in their wheel she caused, he was always so kind Well over 100 children and their Father Thanh invited them to chairs, a number of whom are and solicitous of her. parents gathered in the parish hall attend the Marion Mass which brought in by attendants. Father Tom blessed us all at the on the evening of August 29, at takes place during their children’s When I came in and sat down, a end of the Mass and proceeded 7:00 p.m., for the annual class time. woman on the other side of the from the altar to the back of the orientation of the religious The program for children not room was talking. I looked over chapel. With a voice filled with education program for the parish attending Christ the King School or and saw that she was in a wheel pride and love his sister cried children. The occasion was an any other Catholic school was chair, all alone, acting rather loudly, “That’s MY brother....that’s enthusiastic one as the youngsters referred to as CCD for many years strangely. She continued talking to MY brother.” It was such a reacquainted themselves with and is now being called Religious herself, loud enough to be heard beautiful moment. As I looked classmates from last year. Parents Education. It boasts an experienced throughout the chapel. around there was hardly a dry eye registered their children at a special and devoted staff, innovative A few minutes later, Father in the whole room, myself table set up for those who were materials emphasizing liturgy, Tom Sullivan, the pastor of St. included. unable to register at the previously Bible and catechism, and periodic Paul’s Church in Jacksonville in At that moment I couldn’t help specified times. newsletters. There will be Riverside, walked down the center but feel that Jesus was especially Father Guy Noonan, the program’s Christmas and Easter presentations aisle, fully vested for Mass. When close to us. So much love and spiritual director, said the opening performed by the children and he came to the row of chairs where pathos too, shared by all. It was, prayer and offered a few words of open to the entire parish. We even the woman was, he turned and indeed, a very close moment with encouragement. Neil and Eileen boast ane-mail address walked over to her. She exclaimed, God. Porter spoke about our successful ([email protected]). Continued from page 9 Homily and by an increase in marginal Minister of Japan, The Queen and But if we wish to be consoled, He it was who showed what classes now within each country. Prime Minister of England, the then we are called to be nourished humanity is meant to be about – Eastern Europe - overrun with President of the Soviet Union, the by words of life, not death. Our God. No one has their life except communism and now freed, but Pope – all have sent their letters of response to this atrocity cannot be from God and He knew this: struggling for integration into the support and the Pope has added to it vengeance. It can be justice. It can “Everything I have is from the his pleas for peace. seek to find, punish, imprison those Father.” He knew this so well that European Union as brothers and We are comforted by others in every pore of His humanity was who did this wrong. All of that is sisters with others on the Continent. who see that we have become alien shown the full divinity, and then in our own land – downtown New fair and does nothing to harm life and only then, then life, not death seek Justice York looks like a war zone. Some even more. was the result. Things did not say in fact it is a war zone – a zone But we can go no further, and in become worse, but better ... Better ...We remember John Paul wherein war was first declared the name of Jesus Christ we need to beyond their or our wildest himself ... shot in the chest ... against us. The President used remember this. We must remember imaginations. those words just today. that when we do it on our own: Let us close. We are here not for forgiving the one who shot Without being poor in spirit, him ... visiting him in prison But we go beyond that and we violence, but for peace. Not for our reach out to these aliens. We pray without hungering for holiness, will, but for God’s, and we believe ... did not ask that the man for those alienated from their without showing mercy . . . we that God’s will is very much for be set free ... just refused to homes and their families. We pray only make the world a worse place. that which preserves the dignity of for those alienated from their loved Yes, we might get the taste of raise a violent hand against each and every person. ones forever – they have died. We revenge and it might taste sweet for These acts against us had no him... pray for ourselves – we are a moment, but the sweetness cannot alienated from free travel (our dignity. We pray that we can admit last. that and deal with it, but not airports are closed, our trains do not What lasts is God, and Jesus Not revenge go North,) and from free commerce escalate it. And so we remember shows that. When we forget that John Paul himself – shot in the (our financial brokerage God addresses the very core of our Look at the globe my brothers institutions are closed). chest, lying half dead before his being in every moment, we do own home in Saint Peter’s square, and sisters. We have made some But most of all we are alienated horrible things. That’s how they progress, but there is no doubt that from peace. And that is indeed our but forgiving the one who shot him, could kill Jesus: They forgot the even visiting him in prison. He did we need to go beyond ourselves. very basic need – PEACE. One call of the One God to all of And this is why you are here: cannot live a quality life without it. not ask that the man be set free themselves. But when they from prison either. He just refused We are here to state that, in The Gospel (Matthew 5:4) remembered God they were less good and in bad times, God in Jesus promises us that we will be to raise a violent hand against him. inclined to sin. And so let us go now to the altar is the yardstick of our life – the consoled and that we will be fulfilled. These are not empty And when they remembered of Jesus. Let us re-member measure of how we will do things. words. They were written after God by conversion of their hearts ourselves to the Lord of Peace like We are here to state that right Jesus suffered. After Jesus died. they also saw that Jesus was the one a surgeon re-members a cut-off now we feel like aliens in our own After he was buried. They were who remembered God the best. He member severed from the body. land, as the first reading described. written because beyond their was truly human, like us in all Too much blood, our own And so we are grateful that others wildest imaginations, this one who things but sin. But He was unlike us reactions, but in his blood we can have reached out to our nation: The lost and was abused was raised up in that He was the most fully be redeemed. Presidents and Prime Ministers of once again to life. The evil against Thanks be to God! France and Germany, the Prime Him did not win. human. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 11 Dedication of New L’Arche Building We shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that we can do or any kindness that we can show to any human being, let us do it now; let us not deter or neglect it; for we shall not pass this way again. by Dolores Bianco In quoting the Charter, Mr. Mayhew shared that “In a divided These words, inscribed on a world, L’Arche wants to be a sign plaque dedicated to Leonard and of hope. Its communities, founded Eleanor Blanchart which now on covenant relationships between hangs in the foyer of the new people of different intellectual L’Arche Harbor House building, capacity, social origin, religion and the Blanchart Community culture, seek to be a sign of unity, Center, reflect the personal creed faithfullness and reconciliation.” of this couple who are special In welcoming both Bishop benefactors and friends of the Galeone and retired Bishop John community of Harbor House. Snyder, Mr. Mayhew thanked them The Blanchart Community for their support and that of the Center was dedicated by Most Diocese symbolized by a stained Reverend Victor Galeone on the glass heart with a cross in the evening of October 4, 2001. This center. This cross is the symbol of special blessing was the Faith and Sharing, a Diocesan culmination of a two year project retreat from which Harbor House initiated by Captain and Mrs. was born in 1982. He then spoke of Blanchart. The Blancharts, this symbol and another, an ark Blanchart Center Entrance parishioners of Christ the King with three candles, that were parish, often saw members of the displayed on the altar space. These Harbor House community together two symbols represent the at Sunday Mass and were heart- signature of L’Arche Harbor warmed to see the care and loving House. concern that the members had for While having an ecumenical one another. They were touched to mission, Harbor House was see that, in spite of obvious founded under the Diocese with a disabilities and hardships, these Catholic tradition, and Mr. men and women expressed a joy Mayhew stressed the importance of and delight in life that revealed remaining close to the Diocese and God’s love, and thus was maintaining a strong relationship contagious. The Blancharts decided with its roots–thus the heart with they wanted to be involved in some the cross. At the same time, he way that would benefit these explained the symbol of L’Arche, L to R: Retired Bishop John Snyder, Eleanor Blanchart, individuals, while growing the ark with three persons in Bishop Victor Galeone, Captain Leonard Blanchart, themselves in individual it–represented on the altar by three L’Arche Harbor House Community leader Pat Mayhew relationships with the community candles. The three persons or members. candles represent respectively the Meeting with members of core members who are the center of Harbor House, they discovered two the community, the assistants who major concerns: (1) that this little share their lives with the core faith community had outgrown its members, and friends and all living room space for the number people of God. Thus, Mr. Mayhew of friends and visitors who explained, the building serves an regularly attend monthly prayer additional purpose by giving the services, meetings and socials. And community the means and (2) that in the last twelve years, the opportunity to share its treasure administrative offices had moved with others outside of Harbor six times! And so there was a need House as expressed in its mandate: for permanent office space. With “With renewed hope and for a Blanchart Communtiy Center nestled in the natural faith, compassion and energy, the greater presence of God’s beauty of God’s “Holy Grounds” Blancharts put their creed into unconditional love for all people, Gay Mechanical Corporation; Mike strengthened by this witness, the practice by generously, through L’Arche Harbor House invites Klima of Davis Fannin Co.; Don Bishop led the congregation in a funding, time and talent, offering to others to come and see where the Fitzpatrick and the Notre Dame rousing round of applause. build a center that would meet heart of God is found and known in Alumni Club; and Christ the King The dedication ceremony these two needs. Thus a dream was our L’Arche homes and community Parish. Captain Blanchart concluded with the song, “Holy born! Not only did they fund the life.” Mr. Mayhew extended an emphasized that this gift is given to Ground”–fitting not only because project, but the Captain became the invitation to all to “Come and See.” core members for the life that they the building overlooks the building project supervisor and Captain Blanchart thanked the give others. community’s grotto of the Blessed Mrs. Blanchart became the interior many people who helped make this After blessing the building Mother, but because it was evident designer. What a tremendous way dream become a reality, beginning room by room, Bishop Galeone that the “Lord is present and where to get involved! by honoring retired Bishop John spoke directly to the Blancharts God is, is Holy.” At the dedication ceremony, Snyder who made the building expressing his gratitude to them Following the ceremony, guests Community Leader of L’Arche possible through his support and and the deep awe he felt for their were treated to an Italian dinner Harbor House, Pat Mayhew, blessing Harbor House with a long generosity. He stated that through donated by Mary Malone of thanked the Blancharts for the good term lease with the Diocese. Others their commitment of sharing their European Street Café. Auxiliary, that they have accomplished saying who donated goods and services volunteer, family members, and lives in such a way, they are true that their kindness allows men and that helped make this dream a friends assisted in making the women of Harbor House to be reality include architect Kevin witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus dedication a very special welcome faithful to the Charter of L’Arche. Gray; Engineer Andy Zarka; W.W. Christ. Sincerely touched and for all who attended. Page 12 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 ALMOST IN JERUSALEM

A Group of travelers Jo Thomas, Ann Seravo, Levite Priest, LeRoss Hulcher adn Yolanda Cerqueira

Daisy McDonald, Jo Thomas, A tired group of travelers Ann Seravo adn LeRoss Hulcher by Rachael Ben-Joseph conclusion when a solitary white people. Great billows of smoke The last event that we were dove flew out of the cave and into exude from the tent as the music privileged to see was a model of the Nearly fifty smiling faces the air. rises to a crescendo and the Jerusalem in the year 66 A.D. It is boarded a bus one day in mid Walking along the path to the audience becomes part of this the largest indoor model of October for a day trip to Orlando. next presentation were a variety of sacred ritual. Jerusalem in the world. Now if one We were on our way to the Holy trees and plants that are indigenous After this, we are ready for were only to view the model in Land Experience Park. Many of us to the Holy Land. Many of the lunch and it should be no surprise itself it certainly would be had heard such good things about palms had plaques with scripture to hear that the restaurant was interesting; however, that was not this place so there was an air of reference to the New Testament. It called the Palm Oasis Café. to be the case. happy anticipation that swelled was obvious that everything was Naturally it too followed the Mid- A gentleman lecturer gives a about the bus. done with great care to ensure the Eastern motif with a cascading very detailed history of the city As we approached our authenticity of each event. waterfall and Bedouin tapestries from its inception to the time of destination we could see the tops of One of the most interesting and hanging from the wall. The food destruction of the Temple in 70 the buildings which immediately informative presentations was the was tasty and the prices reasonable. A.D. We were shown where the told us that we would be entering Wilderness Tabernacle. Here we With our appetites satisfied we city originated and how it grew. It were given an historical is interesting to note that the an area far different than our meandered over to the next event at perspective of the Old Testament wealthy, of course, lived on top of modern day structures. the Plaza of Nations to see the ritual of worship. After God sends the hill while the lesser folk lived Upon entering the gate we Temple of the Great King. This Moses to deliver the Israelites from below. found ourselves in the midst of a temple is a sight to behold in that it slavery, He carefully gives detailed We saw precisely how the Jews is over six stories high surrounded colorful Mid-Eastern market where and precise instructions to Moses to would enter the Temple and how by thirty Roman columns and wares were brightly displayed in build a tabernacle so that God may they would disperse once inside. front of the shops. The people were journey with his people in the sixteen hanging oil lamps. This was There was a Court for the Women dressed in garments that typified desert. This is the Ark of the the Temple built by Herod and and a place for the Gentiles who the times of when Jesus lived. I do Covenant. God forgets not a thing God’s home on earth to the Jews. were confined to their own Court. believe that all of us for a few hours We were treated to a wonderful st even down to the clothing that is to There was a Court for the Priests dispensed any thoughts of the 21 be worn by the priests. All of this show that depicted the different and another for the male century and programmed ourselves can be found in the Book of festivals that the Israelites worshipers. Golgotha was pointed back in time 2,000 years. Exodus. celebrated. The enthusiasm and the out as the place where Jesus died Our first stop was at the tomb of The highlight of this realism of the performers as well as for our sins. Jesus where a Roman soldier stood presentation is being taken into the the music swiftly took us back to The lecture was so interesting guard. The burial stone that sealed text of the Holy Place. Here we see the time when the priests would and informative that is was the tomb was moved to one side the golden lampstand, the table of gather and sing Psalms of Ascent to impossible to take it all in on one thus allowing us to enter the site showbread and the altar of incense. the Lord. The costumes and the hearing. Suffice it to say that the itself. The only article that Once a year the high priest enters props used added to the Holy Land Experience is well remained in the tomb was the white into the Holy of Holies where God authenticity of the show. By the end worth your time and money. You burial cloth. A proclamation of his dwells to offer a sacrifice in which of the presentation many of us will truly be enriched in spirit not to Resurrection was sung acapella by the blood of an animal is sprinkled could be seen clapping or tapping mention the insight you gain of the the most beautiful voices, only to on the Ark of the Covenant in our foot to the beat of the ancient past. Go see it for yourself! be further highlighted at the reparation for the sins of the music. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 13 It’s a Privilege to Read YOUNG VINCENTIANS

by Rebecca Militante laughing together. Songs ranged from the traditional “Amazing “For God loves a cheerful Grace,” to patriotic and giver,” 2 Corinthians 9:7. Our contemporary Christian music. blessed Lord calls us to give to The teens taught the adults motions others, and to give cheerfully. The to “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” Young Vincentians strive to do just and “Awesome God,” while the that. Monthly service projects adults taught the teens a few new allow Life Teen members to give moves! generously of their gifts and talents When the visit came to an end, to the surrounding community. A the residents expressed thanks to team of high school students, led the group and invited them back by President Suzanne Willis, anytime. The teens and core coordinates Young Vincentians members left even more joyful than they had come. Suzanne Willis had (YV). The team selects the service this to say about their experience, projects, plans and implements “Visiting the nursing home was so them. All high school students are much fun! As soon as we walked in welcome to serve with YV on any the door, I couldn’t keep a smile off project. my face. It’s always great meeting YV’s most recent service new people, especially older adults, project was a visit to the residents because they have so much history of the Florida Christian Health and experience.” Center located on Stockton Street. The Young Vincentians will Eleven teens and core members, continue to offer great service equipped with smiles and music, projects throughout the year. arrived at the nursing home on a The next opportunity to join Saturday afternoon. They were led them in service will be the to a large gathering room with a afternoon of Friday, November beautiful view of the river. The 30th. YV will be visiting residents were excited to have such Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital to by Cynthia Surles class period each week and may youthful visitors and offered the help decorate for Christmas. So check out books for a week at a Young Vincentians a warm please mark your calendars to time. In addition to books, the If you missed the dedication of welcome. come with YV and be of good library will also have five the Sister Therese Horan Library During the next hour, the two cheer, “for God loves a cheerful computers with printers and and Media Center on Saturday, groups had a great time singing and giver!” October 6th, and haven’t seen the internet access. There is also a inside of the building yet, it’s worth media work area with a laminator, making a special trip. The result of art waxer, letter cut out and videos. removing the former corridor walls The library is available for students is a wide spacious area where on school days from 7:15 a.m. to students can move around easily. 4:00 p.m. The large windows on both sides Adjacent to the library in a allow in a large amount of natural separate partially glass enclosed light as well as give a beautiful area is the computer lab. Here Mrs. view of the outdoors. The light- Linda Wrubluski teaches the For Thanksgiving and Christmas colored wood adds to the history of computers, how to cheerfulness of the room. It’s the research the internet, typing, word kind of setting that encourages you processing and introductory St. Vincent de Paul is accepting donations to curl up with a good book even on spreadsheet and database. The lab a sunny day. currently has 25 computer work Mrs. Patty Aguilar, the stations with privacy partitions but librarian, advised that the new more are planned so that each Food donations accepted in the Gathering Area library will carry fiction, non- student in a larger class will be able Cash donations accepted in the Poor Box fiction, biography, accelerated to work independently, without readers, junior non-fiction, and having to share a terminal. Checks accepted in collection basket marked easy readers. A special reading area We can certainly be proud of for St. Vincent de Paul has been setup for the younger the up-to-date learning students - a ‘u’-shaped bench environment that our tithing has complete with bookshelves. made possible for the students of Thank you for your generosity Students come to the library for one Christ the King School. Page 14 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 LET US PRAY Strong and Perfect LET US SING Christians of Christ

by Victoria de La Paz Bishop is 89 years old and to get around, he needs the assistance of Would you be willing to travel two people to support him at all ten, twenty, or even thirty miles to times. At his age he should have the attend Mass on Sunday? Well, this privilege of a dignified retirement, is exactly what the Catholics in but that is out of the question for Vietnam gladly do on a weekly him. If he should elect to retire, the basis. Now, they do not drive that Communists have made it clear distance in an air conditioned that there will be no bishop automobile but instead trudge by succeeding him, so he stays on foot, or if they are really fortunate, regardless of his present health. ride a bike to be able to participate The Communists have closed in Holy Mass. Many times they all the Catholic schools and the will start the night before in order Major and Minor seminaries. Many to get there when the liturgy of the churches do not have Mass on Sunday as there are no priests to by Harriet Hughes understandably be heavy as we begins. That is Faith! say the Masses. Father said that cannot help but recall loved ones, Surely the Holy Spirit must be guiding the priests and people of Catholics are considered to be There certainly is no one today all heroes, who were lost forever on Vietnam to be able to bear the second-class citizens in his country. who was not somehow affected by September 11, 2001 and in the suffering and the hardships of If you are a Catholic in Vietnam, the tremendous loss of lives in New subsequent war which inevitably being a Catholic in that country. We the government hates you. A York, the Pentagon and followed. Also, Thanksgiving Day learned of these tribulations from Catholic is not to be trusted and Pennsylvania on September 11, and Christmas will find many Father Joseph Hein, a priest from needs permission to go anywhere. 2001. On the afternoon of loved ones in far away lands Vietnam who was here speaking on He said, “It is difficult for you to September 11th, churches of all engaging in a battle against evil. behalf of the Propagation of the understand because you are a free denominations were filled with However, we can be thankful Faith in late September. people and we live under a mourners - people were turning out even in the strife because the Lord Father informed us that there totalitarian government. Every by the thousands to mourn the loss is with those loved ones in such far are seventy-five million people week I had to make a report as to of lives - and to pray for guidance. away places. The choir sings living in Vietnam today and that what I would say at Mass. We have Congregants sought comfort “Yahweh, I know You are near, only a small percentage of the to keep our mouths shut if we wish and solace in the quiet and began standing always at my side. You citizens are Catholic. The Church to practice the Faith.” In spite of reconciling themselves to the fact guard me from the foe.” Ultimately has only been there for about two these hardships, the Vietnamese that their lives would be forever He will be victorious. The choir hundred years. Missionaries who Catholics are fervent in their faith. changed. However, the mourners will also assist us to recall that “No came from Italy, France and Spain Father Hein implored us to pray were not satisfied - they were storm can shake my inmost calm, initiated the Faith in that country. for the Church. “We hope it will feeling tremendous voids as wide While to that Rock I’m clinging.” As the season of Christmas As it began to grow and gain improve but we do not know,” he as the Grand Canyon. said. Furthermore, the Bishop and The Christ the King Adult draws nigh, the choir will sing “Joy acceptance among the people, the Choir led the congregation in to the World” and “Silent Night, King had over 150,000 Catholics the priests of the country cannot singing “America the Beautiful” Holy Night.” We pray that this will put to death. This did not stop the count on the people for financial and the church vibrated as one and be so more this year than in the Church as it is said that the seed of support because they are so poor. all joined in singing “America, past. Never before has our own Christianity is in the blood of There are repairs to be made on the America, God shed His grace on peace been so threatened. martyrs. In 1978 the Pope at the churches. In order to do so the thee!” Soloist Nichole Hale However, we are called to time, who was John Paul II, church needs to have the funds to favored the congregation with her recognize that there are going to be canonized 117 of these Vietnamese buy the materials. Father asked us rendition of “God Bless America” extremely trying times in the days people who were considered all to give what we could so that which rivaled even Kate Smith’s ahead. We need therefore to be these projects become a reality. forever mindful that Christ is with martyrs for the Faith. version of years gone by. “God The Catholic Church in Sometimes we complain Bless America, land that I love” us. He promised long ago “I will Vietnam is a suffering church. It is because we have no shoes until we was the plea. “Stand beside her and meet a man who has no feet. guide her.” not desert you or forsake you.” The suffering more than ever under Knowing the generosity of the The stress of uncertainty of choir relates that “Surely the Communism. There are 180,000 people of Christ the King, I am sure what will come remains ingrained presence of the Lord is in this Catholics and only six priests to that Father Hein left with a good in us but what is certain is that our place; I can feel His mighty power minister to the people. That means and His grace.” As each Mass start on getting those repairs focus must remain directed toward there is one priest for every 30,000 begins, the priest stands with Catholics. At the present time the completed. our Heavenly Father who loves us outstretched arms as he repeats the and has not deserted us. The choir words of Christ “Peace be with led the congregation in a prayer you.” Never before have those ALL PARISHIONERS which was a song of peace “for words meant so much or perhaps are invited to attend and enjoy lands afar and mine; for their land we are hearing them for the first and for mine.” The sung prayer time. More than just lives were lost the Second Annual Christmas Gala continued, “This is my home, the on September 11, 2001. presented by the Children’s Religious Education School country where my heart is; Here are Gone is the sense of peace my hopes, my dreams, my holy which has for so long been taken December 19, 2001 shrine; But other hearts in other for granted. The choir sings “Let lands are beating with hopes and there be peace on earth and let it in the Parish Hall begin with me.” In the words of the from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm dreams as true and high as mine.” prayer of St. Francis, “Make me a As our focus indeed must channel of your peace. Where there remain on the Father, the prayer is hatred, let me bring you love.” Grades 1, 2, 3 and 4 will proudly ended with this plea “ Let Christ be Note the operative word is “me.” lifted up till all shall serve Him, Perhaps we all need to be Present a classic play and a And hearts united learn to live as reminded that one candle Modern rendition of the Christmas Story. one. O hear my prayer, thou God of eliminates darkness, one step all the nations; Myself I give thee, begins each journey, one word let thy will be done.” must start each prayer and one song As Thanksgiving approaches, it can spark a moment. Let us pray - Warm up your voices and take part in a sing-a-long at the is inevitable that hearts will let us sing! Dona Nobis Pacem. end of the program. Give us peace, God. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 15 The Christ the King Vietnamese Cultural Center

Members who have assisted with information for this article:

Yen Brekke is a newly appointed assistant to Father Thanh to help handle the many details and Father Thanh Thai Nguyen is well functions of the Vietnamese community. Yen is Peter Dang, known as Can Dang, is the known and well respected in the entire married to Robert Brekke, Vice President of Chairman of the Catholic Vietnamese Christ the King community where he has Arnold Transportation Service. Yen has been in the Community. He came to the United States as served for the past six years. Several United States for thirty years and met her husband an engineering student in 1974 to Iowa State articles have been written about Father in Tampa ten years ago and has been in University. Although his parents are Thanh in previous issues of the Courier so Jacksonville for four years. She has one daughter Chinese, he was born in Vietnam, his father we will not duplicate. The entire who is still living in Tampa. Yen is of great being a Chemical Engineer. It was in Iowa community of Christ the King has been assistance to Father Thanh and the rectory that he met his wife Mary who came to the very pleased and overjoyed with his operation for she has a good command of the United States shortly after the war in appointment as Pastor of Christ the King. English language. She is the assistant treasurer of Vietnam as a result of a church in Iowa the Vietnamese community. sponsoring an airlift of Vietnamese people. by Frank Becht early 1980’s gathering at various The Catholic Vietnamese Dung Bui, who will be the first locations until in 1991 when Community still faces many Vietnamese to be ordained for the In the August/September 2001 Monsignor Mortimer Danaher, the problems in their effort to establish community in the Diocese of St. issue of the St. Augustine Diocese Pastor of Christ the King, invited their own identity. The cultural Augustine in 2002. It is felt that he Catholic Magazine, an them to Christ the King. For the factor is a major obstacle for the will greatly assist Father Thanh in announcement was made of the next four years, the Catholic older generation to overcome. Even serving the Vietnamese Catholic Vietnamese Center. The Vietnamese Community developed the 2 p.m. Mass which limits and Community. Center will be established on four into a cohesive group under the restricts activities on Sunday, a The Christ the King acres of land set aside at Christ the leadership of Father Paul Tram who family day, is not an overwhelming Vietnamese Center will provide a King Church. The Center, was forced to resign this position hardship for the younger permanent home for the Catholic designated as Trung Tam Lac Viet, and return to Vietnam where he generation. As the younger element Vietnamese Community and will be situated on Arlington Road died of cancer in 1995. of the Community become provide an opportunity for them to established in local parishes, the south of Harbor House in the area Father Thanh Nguyen, who reach out through their Outreach Group is expected to diminish. now being used as a ball park. previously served in Atlanta, ministry programs to Catholics and Even now, according to Can Dang, It is anticipated that the total Georgia parishes for six years, was non-Catholics and become an the Community has 150 - 160 assigned to Christ the King by impetus for the preservation of cost of the Center will cost registered families which may be a former Bishop Snyder to lead the their cultural heritage. The Center approximately $700,000 when sign of the integration of the finished. Thus far, about $200,000 Catholic Vietnamese community. Vietnamese into the local will provide much needed meeting has been raised through a capital Under Father Thanh the communities. space for religious and cultural fund raising campaign by the community has grown from a small Since the Vietnam war, our programs not now available. Vietnamese community. The group to approximately 300 Vietnamese friends have been The entire community of Christ project, now in a planning stage, is families consisting of struggling with establishing their the King welcomes the being conducted by the Core Group approximately 1500 members. This own identity. The lack of ability of development of the Vietnamese made up of Bich-Thi Huygh, Peter growing community is spread the older people to express Center and Vietnamese Catholic Hoa Nguyen, Mai Keisling and through out the Jacksonville area - themselves in English has made community in the Diocese of St. Peter Can Dang. The Goal is to from Orange Park, North their transition into our community Augustine. We admire the great raise $350,000 within three years Jacksonville, Mandarin and the more difficult even though they are sacrifice and effort on their part in before starting construction which Beaches. Some travel long a people of great ability and making Christ the King their home. will be done in phases. distances to Christ the King to be determination. We see the Center as evidence of The Vietnamese community able to attend Mass and services in There is great anticipation of the spirit and determination of the has been in Jacksonville since the their native language. the coming ordination of Deacon Vietnamese Catholic community. Page 16 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 The Faith as a Journey of Interpretation of Life: Some Considerations this up; the see-in-reflection that examples of surprise, though it is ghost’. Two interpretations, and there is a ‘plus’ in life. perhaps less dramatic: For back and forth they go, with They have seen, first of all, that example, Moses’ surprise that there proponents on every side. And yet they are often or even always was more to the bush than just a the movement grew and grows. asking the question ‘Is this all there burning trunk, and the Jews’s At the basis of the movement is?’ Or, ‘Why is this all there is?’ surprise that there was more to are a few simple, but simply Or, ‘What is this all about?’ Their running away from Pharaoh than profound things: First, there is mind and heart are not settled; they just escape. This ‘exodus’ was more to life than meets the eye. are restless and seek that thing or salvation. Or then again, Samuel’s Even in the struggle of life wherein person in whom their heart can rest. (and Eli’s) surprise that there was life is threatened, there is yet the In fact, everything we do is in some more in the dozing of Samuel than desire for life and the hoped-for way or another a quest for meaning just a dream; God was speaking in conquest of life over all struggle and for more fullness in life. (See his heart. Or David and Saul – they including death itself. Even in Saint Augustine’s Confessions, slowly came to realize that there hopelessness, there is a Spirit of which is his own autobiographical was more to their kingship than met vigor and life, of new beginning. statement of his conversion.) the eye. Or Simeon and Anna – Voila - the resurrection! Many people have the they came to realize that they were Such was the early Christian experience that, just when they not to be barren despite their old interpretation. They could not have Father Guy Noonan – Church of thought that they were heading in age. Or Mary and Joseph – they simply ‘cooked this up’ out of Christ the King one direction, something moved slowly came to realize that there desire; they were too disappointed, August 30, 2001 them to head in another. Or, just was more to Jesus than just a afraid and scared to death to have when they thought they had ‘religious kid’. done that. They also came to a new INTRODUCTION: ‘arrived’ at where they wanted to be In addition to personal surprise, courage which took them out of in their career or life’s plans, they the person of faith is one who sees their fear. Remember, they were The RCIA (Rite of Christian found that they still desired more. that it is not just they themselves hidden in the upper room for fear of Initiation for Adults) is offered to ‘Is this all there is?’ these latter who QUEST for God (the ‘desire’ I the jews, and they started to interested persons as a way to asked. mentioned above). They also have proclaim more and more strongly deepen their understanding of the To ask the question ‘Is this all the sense of God’s coming toward that ‘life had conquered death’ and Christian, Catholic faith and to seek there is?’ is not yet a sign that God them in love, in these moments that God had vindicated Jesus. entry into that church. It is an is there; most non believers ask the when they least expected it. This What reasonable person would inquiry, a ‘faith seeking same question. These same non speaks of an initiative from believe this? It was unreal! understanding’, which needs the believers will also remind us that elsewhere, beyond our control. We are not sure exactly what accompaniment of others. ‘to want Santa Claus does not mean When one responds to this in faith, happened. We call it the Every person who comes to the that Santa is really there!. every act of faith and the whole resurrection – the saving and RCIA is different. Each comes Nonetheless, this question is process of faith becomes a gift (a raising up of the real person of from a different family, different certainly a sign that the human grace). Jesus – and yet none have been able ethnic and cultural background, person is open to something or to clearly describe or ‘define’ what different faith tradition, different Someone beyond himself/herself. THE SURPRISE OF GOD IN this resurrection and resurrected path of education and professional That is all we have said up to this JESUS: body is. But the early followers formation, different interests. In all point. were not so much concerned about this variety, however, there is a But then again, often these Certainly Jesus is, for us, the how this happened; they were more constant: All are seeking to deepen same believing people have an Master teacher of relating to this surprised and elated that it their appreciation of life by experience of what we could call depth dimension of life and the happened. It was not the how, but interpreting that life as a journey in the beginnings of grace; (‘grace’ initiative of God within it. He is the the what – the fact (as far as they and toward God in the name of quite simply here means the One – like us in all things but sin, were concerned) that Jesus lived. presence of God offering itself). Jesus Christ. and therefore fully human – who Instead of seeing their lives as lived his life with such openness to MANY IMAGES OF THIS simply a closed book of fate with GOD WITHIN OUR this initiating grace dimension that no explanation, these people look at in fact he was filled with this grace SURPRISING GOD-IN-JESUS: INTERPRETATION OF LIFE: their experience and see moments itself. He would come to say — in wherein they were ‘surprised’. his preaching and through his God is so full, and Jesus’ The foundational thing to They were surprised, just to use an ministry (which took time to experience and revelation of God is remember here is that this is a example, because just when they mature and which he probably so full, that there is simply an journey into and about God. We are thought they were at the end of could not have said as a child): ‘All ‘overplus’ of meaning here. And so, not speaking here of some ‘thing’ their ropes, they found more that I have is from God’. In fact, he even from the beginning there is strength. They then have a choice: would go further. He would say not simply one image of God or of which can be easily defined and fit Jesus. The Scriptures show us snugly into our concepts. We are Either to interpret this surprise to ‘All that I have is not simply from make some sense of it, or else facets of God: Creator; Savior; speaking of the Absolute depth and God – some abstract ‘being’— but simply to stand there, mouth agape, rather from God who is Father, loving, chastising and jealous breadth of the Universe, that one and remained baffled! who is not only life but also love.’ spouse; warrior and vindicator. No who causes all things to be, who is There is a giant surprise in and one word can summarize the vast the Beginning (Alpha) and the end THE SURPRISING GOD: about Jesus, one that his followers mystery of God. Nor can they summarize the vast experience of (Omega) of all existence. and others certainly did not ‘cook To say this is already to put Faith is often built on this the Jewish and Christian people up’. He was at the end of his ropes. wherein these people interpret that forth an interpretation of life. dimension of surprise. Surprise! His ‘movement’ looked like it was There are others who will not Just when I was thinking (or at least they find God. And so, slowly dead. His band of followers was surprise turns toward real-ization: believe that there is an ultimate acting) as if the day-to-day very few and filled with fear. He Source and foundation of life. They humdrum was all there is, I come to God is present, really present, even was executed at the hands of the vastly present in ways I never first will indeed say that to believe such realize – in reflection – that there is a deeper dimension to this day to Governor by crucifixion. We tend understood or imagined. things is unfounded, based on a to forget that this was a form of But then again, no one word human need to believe-in-the-face- day. I come to realize that it is not I who hold all this in being: I did not capital punishment in his day – can summarize the vast mystery of of-the-threat-of extinction because death row. Imagine the crowds at yourself and your experience either. of the ‘ending’ which is death. cause my life. I do not continue my life in being except in some small prisons today, some picketing Imagine one simple sentence which Believers do not tell these way by watching out for and doing against his death penalty and others would summarize you. Impossible! others that their fatalistic opinion is what is good for my health. I do not cheering on the lethal injection. If that is true for us, how much absurd. No believer can prove these cause the moment for the end of my That was the death of Jesus in his more so when we speak of the persons wrong. What they can and life (save for those extreme cases of day. depth dimension of us and of Jesus, do, is state that their experience of suicide). They are ‘surprised’ to and of the dimension of God life, and their consequent find again and again that they are In this failure came the great revealed in every part and parcel of understanding, is different. They creature. But that also forces one to ask: ‘Who is the Creator?’ surprise, unless you consider Jesus’ life — and of our life too say this because they have reflected execution and death to be a sign of says the believer. on life and they have seen This surprise is not all that different from certain Scriptural success! ‘He is risen!’, they said. something new. They do not make ‘No. It can’t be!’, others said; it’s a continued on page 17 November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 17 AGA SANS by Ron Lynch

If you had to guess which of the people who work at Christ the King spent five years working in Afghanistan, who would it be? You’re right!!! Dr. Bernie Sans is the answer. After graduating from St. Mary’s University at 22, Bernie had a desire to serve his country in a positive way. His idol was his father’s oldest nephew, Bob, who was one of the first Peace Corps volunteers. Bob joined the Peace Corp right after it was established and went to Africa, in what is now called Tanzania. Bernie followed his cousin into the Peace Corps. His decision was made easier by the full support of his father, a decorated World War II veteran. He went into training at Fort Caravan Lupton (about 25 miles north of Denver) in Colorado on July 5th, 1:1000000 Scale 1968. He and his fellow students were mostly taught by Afghani instructors who also taught at the University of Colorado and the University of Arizona. They had interviews with psychologists and psychiatrists who would determine if they were ready for this mission. The students lived in a migrant labor camp while they were instructed in cross cultural studies, activities, and language. Bernie learned Farsi, which is Persian. They studied language six days a week, eight hours a day until their graduation day on September 30, 1968. During their instruction they were given a $100.00 clothing allowance by the Peace Corps, taken into Denver on a school bus for a day to buy clothes and returned to their luxury accommodations at Fort Lupton. They were instructed to dress in an American way and not wear native parents’ house outside of Afghanistan and India. They flew spicy food they had eaten on the dress when in country at their jobs. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for a few to Heathrow airport in London on a plane. Their jobs were professional days to pack and prepare for his chartered Air India flight. It was the Next stop was to be Tehran, Iran, (doctors, teachers, nurses) and they journey. He was supposed to be in best flight he has ever taken. The but because of excessive fuel were expected to dress the part. Afghanistan on October 4th. There attendants fed them exquisite food, consumption they were forced to Afghanistan was not his first choice were ninety volunteers going over gave them smoking jackets and land in Beirut, Lebanon, to refuel. to serve the Peace Corps. It was with him to be part of the two slippers for their feet. The only He still recalls how beautiful the actually his last. His two-year tour hundred fifty in Afghanistan. downside was having to drink all in the Peace Corps was beginning. A plane took him to New York to the milk at Heathrow once they continue on page 19 Bernie returned home to his meet with the volunteers going to landed to neutralize all the rich, continued from page 16 Faith And so there are many images So it is with the New Testament Jewish needs. He underlines the Jewish community and many did not only of God, but also of Jesus, images of Jesus; there is a variety. fact that Jesus is the Messiah for not even speak the language at all. especially in the scriptures. Each Just to give three examples: whom the Jews were waiting; he Many of them were marginalized. one of these is an interpretation — Marc is written early after even shows how Jesus’ lineage The stories about both the based on the real person of Jesus the death of Jesus, and for a goes back to the chosen King, desire for God in our life and the that the early followers knew, and community that is suffering David. Thus, Jesus is not only realization of God in Jesus’ life are they share many aspects in persecution under the Roman “Jesus” (first name) but also “The part and parcel of your process in common. But these interpretations Emperor. He speaks a great deal of Christ” (which is not his last name, the RCIA. What has been described are also intermingled with, their the suffering and the plot against but another word for ‘Messiah’ or here cannot simply be some past own lives as a field of reference Jesus. This helped the followers of ‘anointed one’. [Marc, by the way story. You already have inklings in which is different one from another Jesus associated with Marc mentions nothing of Jesus’ Jewish your present story that there is field of reference. (That may understand how their own lineage; it is not his concern]. surprise and grace (Presence) in surprise you, but think abut it: sufferings and Jesus’ could be — Luke deals with the more your life. On our journey we come What do you know that is not in related. human aspects of Jesus’ ministry, to realize this in as many widely some way, shape or form, tinted — Matthew, for an example of especially among the poor. varying ways as there are persons with your own interpretation? different concerns, speaks to a Members of his community were on the way. Everyone’s story is Nothing!) Jewish community and out of not mainly associated with the unique. Page 18 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 Christ the King Morning Star School Renovated

A special place by Wanda Klima Everything is clean and new. Our thanks go to the wonderful parents for special children Christ the King School that selflessly gave so we could the school year. We will collect Principal, Janet Morton, planned to enjoy our new rooms this year.” submitted by Jo Thomas recruit volunteers to renovate the Susan Cooney, teacher: “I canned goods to donate to Catholic Middle School “one room at a constantly remind myself where I Morning Star has started the Charities, prepare food baskets for time” beginning in the summer of am! It is so beautiful and such a 2001-02 school year with families at Thanksgiving, and 2001. Mrs. Morton approached wonderful surprise. All math excitement and anticipation. Our collect toys for area children at Mike Klima and asked if he would students are also proud of the new classrooms are full to capacity, and Christmas. Additional service put together a production schedule renovations and I find the students’ our waiting list is overflowing! projects will be announced during outlining the time it would take for reactions are: school pride, We are looking forward to the year. the volunteers to complete the increased academic focus and beginning renovations to our Our students greatly appreciate renovation. Mr. Klima is a Christ motivation, and overall happiness existing building and breaking the help from the Christ the King the King parishioner who is in the in being at school. Thanks to all ground for the construction of an community with our efforts to construction business and was at who helped.” collect used inkjet and laser the time in the process of building entire new wing to our school. The cartridges for recycling. Please Harbor House’s Blanchart Thanks Volunteers! new wing will include four Community Center, additional classrooms, a continue to save your cartridges. Mrs. Morton’s idea was to multimedia center, a science You may call our office to arrange demolish and renovate the Middle Rhoda Barry laboratory, a computer laboratory, a pickup of the cartridges. This School room by room. Mike and Gus Carlson & son and additional restrooms. effort at recycling connects and the volunteers had other plans. Michael Conrad These renovations will also benefits community, environment, Once they began the demolition William Damato include new lighting for the and education. Thank you for your process, they just couldn’t stop The DeLoach Family hallways, a “time-out” room, an help! themselves and within a few days it expanded teachers’ lounge, was clear that the entire Middle Kevin Dodds Stephen Henry renovated restrooms, additional Linguists Needed School would have to be completed storerooms, and a dressing before the start of the 2001-2002 Mike Klima room/locker room addition to the school year. Ron Lynch Thanks to the hard work, long gymnasium. The building that Russell Matzen presently serves as classrooms for to assist with hours, and dedication of the The Charles Medlock Family volunteers, the renovation of the our junior high students will be + Doctors Arthur Muenier Middle School was finished for the remodeled to become a chapel. return of the students in August, Danny Muenier We are very excited about the Appointments 2001. The original bid from a George Nagle changes taking place in our school, + Teachers contractor to renovate the Middle Hien Nguyen and are looking forward to being School was $1.5 million. The Chuck Parliment able to serve more children with Conferences volunteers did the job for a cost of Mark Plotz special educational needs. During the summer, our approximately $300,000.00. Robert Pollett teachers received special training Returning students and teachers Scott Shaw Call are thrilled with their “new in the Lindamood-Bell reading Lance Simons program. The program has been St. Vincent de Paul Society school.” Jason Sloan Elsje Maassen, teacher: “The instituted into our reading at 807-7233 ext.1 clean building encourages a Troupe Turner curriculum, and are excited about cleaner, brighter atmosphere for the Tom Wildes the results. While we recognize that students. It also makes me feel Tim Yocum not all of our students will benefit + If you need help safer and healthier and I’m happier And a special thank you to all the from this specialized technique, + If you can help to be at school.” students who moved and cleaned there are many who will. Our student council has Diane Koch, teacher: “How the desks. wonderful to come to school! planned several service projects for November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 19

Continued from page 17 AGA SANS city was from the air and the fact they had to circle the airport thirteen times because the landing gear would not function correctly. The problem was finally corrected and they landed. Their schedule had been delayed so much that they had to stay overnight in a beautiful hotel on the Mediterranean. Yes, Peace Corps work was tough. The next day they left for Kabul, Afghanistan. It was the first time a Boeing 707 had landed at the airport that was surrounded by mountains. Upon landing the wheels touched down halfway down the runway and the plane Bernie and Aaron (Son) finally came to a stop in a tiny, in backyard - Kabul grassy swamp off the runway. All were safe and the plane was able to get back on the runway toward the terminal. With communications being what they were in those days, neither Peace Corps United States or Peace Corps Kabul knew where they were because of the delay. They had been missing for twenty-four hours and the Kabul officials were relieved to see them. The volunteers were in Kabul for a few days and had to arrange their own transportation to their destinations. Once at their assigned destinations, they had to arrange for their living arrangements. This was an important reason why they needed to be fluent in the local language. There were two major languages there, Farsi (Dari), the official language, and Pushtu, which is spoken by many tribal groups in the country and is entirely different from Farsi. It should be noted here that Gulbadin, by houseman American International School - Kabul Afghanistan in not an Arab country, it is Persian and has been occupied Sabbath. This school was the only houses were built beside the streets deserts and mountains and their coeducational (boys and girls) high in a modern style just like houses in cultural adjustments were much over the centuries by Genghis more difficult. Lashkar Gah turned Khan, Alexander the Great, the school in the entire country. Girls Jacksonville; only they were made were educated in the rest of of mud, not brick or wood but in a out to be a comfortable life once British, and the Russians. It has one learned how to shop at the been a place of many traveling Afghanistan but not in the same modern style. schools as boys. This universal The volunteers had been taught bazaar, what was where, and what tribes from all over Asia, southern what to wear for the climate. It was was available. Dr. Sans said he China, and Russia, Persia and educational policy changed with would have been a Peace Corps the advent of the Taliban. not much different from what they Uzbekistan that have settled and wore in the United States; volunteer for life if it had been brought their own languages with Lashkar Gah was a new city built in possible. the “Desert of Death” after World lightweight with an eye to cool them. In the 1960’s, there were desert nights. The biggest The Afghani society was vastly thirty-five to forty tribes that called War II near the ruins of the ancient difference existed for the women. different from what is now themselves Afghanis with their city of Bost. “Lashkar Gah” means They needed to dress modestly in portrayed on our nightly news. It own language and customs and all “the place of the soldiers” and was Lashkar Gah, with long sleeves. was Islamic but administered under of them felt very strongly about called this because Genghis Khan There was a large foreign presence a constitutional monarchy, based on who they were. maintained his winter palace and with the American USAID, Bureau Islamic law, by a king, Zahir Khan, Six of the volunteers (including headquarters here. The city was a of Reclamation, British and known as a moderate peacekeeper Bernie) rode a bus fourteen hours, project built by an American American embassies, Indian and who followed in his father’s and development company along the Filipino employees of both grandsire’s footsteps. His method along with the goats, down the only embassies. It was a modern city but paved road to Kandahar and stayed same concept as the Imperial Valley was necessary to keep peace among in California. A river was dammed still an Islamic one and their overnight. The next day they rented religious beliefs had to be all the multicultural issues a truck and driver for the two-hour, and created an irrigation system stemming from the many tribes and hydroelectric power for respected. eighty-mile trip west over a graded, The culture shock was not as severe who inhabited Afghanistan. unpaved road to their final southern Afghanistan. The people were the most The power in Lashkar Gah was on for the volunteers as one might destination, Lashkar Gah. think. Peace Corps instructors had hospitable Bernie had ever met. Bernie went to teach English as a about ninety-five percent of the th They worked hard, loved fun and a time, highly unusual for a third schooled them in the 16 century foreign language at a middle/high culture and activities. A beautiful good party, loved their own art and school with grades seven through world country. The city had the to meet new people and encounter only clean water system in the land and people made the twelve. He was known as Sahib or experience easier to adjust to. They new cultures. There were some, a Aga (Mr.) Sans. His five day work country and, with its modern sewer small minority, who didn’t want system, was unique in Afghanistan. were lucky enough to live in a place week consisted of Monday through that knew foreigners and their foreigners in their country, Thursday and Saturday. His Fridays Lashgar Gah had wide boulevards, especially unbelievers, and were beautiful trees with a wonderful different ways of doing things. were off for the Islamic holy day Some of the other volunteers were and his Sundays for the Christian bazaar and shopping district. The assigned to tiny villages in the continued on page 20 Page 20 Christ the King Courier November, 2001

Continued from page 19 The Peace Corps sent him AGA SANS home and he packed more things to bring back. While he was gone the superintendent’s wife died. The principal of the school took the past superintendent’s position and Bernie, the brand-new assistant principal, became the new principal of the American International School at Kabul at the age of 24. He proceeded to hire a new assistant principal and settled into his new position. The school was about 75% American dependent students, 20% third country national dependents, and 5% Afghanis. The faculty was multinational, including Afghani teachers. Sahib Sans had a car in Kabul Home - Lashkar Gah - 1971 Afghanistan Market Place and drove locally. The Peace Corps did not allow its volunteers to drive because, should someone kill or injure an Afghani while driving, their life would be in jeopardy. Bernie rode a bicycle around Lashkar Gah and took buses when traveling further afield. While living in Kabul, he would hire drivers with vehicles if he had to leave the city. It was in Kabul that he met and partied with the king and his sons. He became very close to the king’s second oldest son and family. Since Bernie had a leadership position in the American community in Kabul, he was invited to many international events and actually entertained dignitaries in his own home. His faith was strengthened by his experiences in Afghanistan even though there was no regular Afgha women rug-makers - Hazara Tribe Mass schedule. There was only one priest in the country, Father Angelo very honest about it. However, it nationals from Saudi Arabia, Filipino nationals from Kabul. Panigotti, at the Italian embassy in didn’t make them less a friend to Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and other They belonged to the school board Kabul. When he was in town Father someone they had befriended. more fundamental Islamic nations. of the American International Panigotti said Mass at the Italian The native people knew from Circumstances were better for School in Kabul. A branch of this embassy in their chapel, the only school in Lashkar Gah because of newspapers and films how their the people in 1968. They struggled Christian edifice in Afghanistan. daily in their jobs to put food on the all the foreign national children in way of life compared to the western He would also make the rounds table but food was more available the region. throughout the country and say world and longed to have what they then. Lately there has been a four- Beside attending the party they Mass in the homes of the faithful. didn’t have. They didn’t understand year drought that has destroyed were there to attend a local school Since there was no why the modern world was passing farmland. The Taliban government board meeting. Uppermost on their proselytizing allowed, there were them by. To this day, there isn’t a has encouraged the cultivation of minds was the need for an assistant no Christian churches anywhere. railroad in the country. The nation poppies on much of the remaining principal and teacher at the school When there were no Masses on jumped from the camel and donkey arable land as a cash crop to in Kabul. They thought a Peace Sunday, Bernie and his friends of right to the jet age. In those days generate revenue. The common Core volunteer would be perfect. all denominations would meet in a there was only one main road in the people were grateful for what they Bernie, having indulged in a friend’s home for prayers as they country. had. Money was scarce and wages number of adult beverages at the could not pray in public. The acceptance of strangers low. Bernie’s houseboy made more party, said, “I’ll throw my name in Aga Sans never felt any fear began to end in 1973 when the king money at thirty dollars a month the hat!” The folks from Kabul while he was in the country. The than the provincial governor. soon left for their meeting. was deposed by his cousin, Daoud violence that is common there now Aga Sans was no stranger to Returning to the party after the is not normal for the Afghani Khan, the prime minister. Daoud royalty, either. Some of the royal meeting they asked Aga Sans if he people. Unfortunately, there are was later assassinated by Babrak family lived across the street from had been serious with his statement Kamal and the struggle for power him and were involved in the because they had told the few Afghanis who remember the in Afghanistan began in earnest. provincial government in Lashkar superintendent about him. Bernie peace of the 1960’s. This power struggle resulted in the Gah. He eventually met the king was speechless. He maintained his health pretty Soviet Union invading Afghanistan and other members of the royal The next day, having stayed in well; having had the normal colds in 1979. Radical students, the family. Lashkar Gah overnight, the livened up with bouts of malaria mujaheddin, eventually fought Bernie spent a wonderful, superintendent of the American and dysentery. against the Communists and their fulfilling two years in Lashkar Gah International School of Kabul Bernie returned to the United puppet government in Kabul. The as a Peace Corps sponsored teacher. waited until Bernie finished States for good in June of 1973. Soviet Union eventually withdrew At the end of his two-year stint, teaching his classes. He asked him His memories of Afghanistan its troops in 1989. some of the foreign community if he had truly been serious. Bernie reflect the gentleness and sincerity The mujaheddin was then there gave a party for Bernie and said, “ yes” and the interview of the people, their interest in infiltrated by elements of the the other volunteers who were began. Aga Sans thought this was a learning, and the desire they had to Taliban. Unfortunately, the Taliban leaving. The party, of course, took really interesting opportunity. be a part of the world around them. is controlled mostly by foreign place on Sunday. Some of the guest Unable to reach folks for their He misses what once was and included American, British, and advice he accepted the position. surely there are those that miss him. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 21

Library and Media Center Outdoor Reception Page 22 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 Dedication of Sister Therese by Mickey Kenny

On Saturday, October 6, 2001, the parishioners of Christ the King gathered in rejoicing to dedicate the new Library and Media Center for Christ the King School. It is named in honor of Sister Therese who has given years of service and love to the school and hundreds of students. It is now known as the Sister Therese Horan Library & Media Center. First of all, the weather was gorgeous – the kind of a day that isn’t too hot or too cold, and the humidity is under control. You could just feel in the air that this was to be a special celebration. The Knights of Columbus Honor Guard are always impressive and they were this day as well. And the altar hosted our new Bishop, Victor Galeone, our just retired Bishop, John J. Snyder, and Bishop Robert J. Baker, former pastor and now Bishop of Charleston, S.C. We were honored to have Monsignors Lenihan, Danaher, Lamonde, and Mennis in attendance as well as our Pastor, Father Thanh Thai Nguyen. Along with them was former associate, and now pastor of St. Anastasia, Seamus O’Flynn, our new parochial vicars; Father Guy Noonan and Father Neil Carr, S.J. Deacon Dave MacNamara and Subdeacon Elias Shami also helped lead our celebration. As impressive as all this was we also had the privilege of hearing our Adult Choir, the Christ the King Children’s Choir, and the Christ the King Teen Angels Handbell Choir before and during Mass. It was a most auspicious occasion. Sister Therese must have felt truly honored and we all hope this will help her to realize how much we appreciate her constant efforts for the students and everyone else here at Christ the King. Our Pastor, Father Thanh, welcomed everyone to Christ the King and thanked everyone who had made the building possible. He graciously thanked Father Robert McDermott, who oversaw the building, and added our prayers for him in his sabbatical year. After the celebration of the Mass the procession led to the Library and Media Center where the Bishop gave the formal dedication. We were entertained by Rocky DiGeorgio’s Suzuki Strings and everyone was able to tour the library and media center and visit the newly renovated school buildings. The Cooking Knights of Columbus gave us a wonderful cookout with hotdogs, hamburgers, and all the trimmings. The desserts were particularly wonderful. We have so much to be grateful for here at Christ the King, beginning with God and our pastoral team. It is this gratitude which made it possible to remodel and renew the parish school and dedicate this lasting memorial to Sr. Therese Horan, SM. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 23 Horan Library and Media Center Page 24 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 MINISTRIES Coordinator of PRAYER MINISTRIES Queens and Kings LIFE TEEN - Core Team MEDICAL SERVICES Volunteer Services Our lively senior citizens socialize Over 18, have a love for teens and are If you would like to volunteer your Daily Adoration on the second Sunday of each month not currently a parent of a teen. Call Time, Talent, & Treasure but are not We need people who are willing to from 1:30-4 p.m., September through Nancy Powers, 398-1961, for more Blood Drive sure what you would like to do or sign up for one hour a week so that June. Do come to enjoy! Call Jane information on meeting times. Twice a year Christ the King Church, maybe you’re in a ministry but it’s someone is praying all during the Podein, 632-9758. along with the Florida Georgia Blood not the one you want, call Al Martin, day. Adoration is in the sacred Heart Parents for LIFE TEEN Teen Alliance, holds a blood drive, call 744-4302. Chapel, Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. Respect Life Adults or parents interested in Karlene Simmons, 642-8319. - 5:30 p.m. Call Claretta Lamusga, We are a ministry wishing to make a supporting the LIFE TEEN program. 743-9998 or Betty Wheeler, 724- difference in people’s lives by Membership is open to all adults 9662. supporting the Saint Gerard House, regardless of whether or not you are Christ the King Clinic LITURGY Project Rachel, Respect Life a parent. Activities are creative, fun, Staffed by doctors, registered nurses, Pilgrimage, and the Diocesan exciting, and diverse, call Mollie and ancillary support people. They Altar Server Ministry Nocturnal Adoration Respect Life Program. Sign up at the O’Neil, 997-6871. donate their services the fourth Interested youth 5th grade or older Held on the first Friday of each Time and Talent Fair, or contact Saturday of each month 9 a.m. - 1 and who have received First Holy month from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. There are Mike Maroney, 743-9227. Teen Stewardship p.m., call Willie Blaquiere, 744- Communion. Once trained, they are eight groups who rotate their hour Teens share their Time, Talent, and 5447. entered into a rotating schedule for each month. If you would like to join Single and Single Again Treasure with their parish, call Gus & the Masses. Contact Page Peeler, us in this prayer ministry, call Paul Alone? Join us! We’re the Single and Jackie Carlson, 465-6957. 724-4849. Ghiotto, 727-5040. Single Again Support Group, Parish Nurse Ministry meeting new friends and enjoying Teen Stewardship Adult Nurses who belong to Christ the Eucharistic Ministers social activities. We meet Tuesdays, Volunteers King Parish willing to volunteer their Assisting the clergy in the Prayer Network 7:30 p.m. in the Shirley David Hall. Meet twice a year to coordinate time and talent to support the distribution of Holy Communion One of our most rewarding ministries Call Katie, 745-1287 or David, 384- service hours and pledges of teens, ministry of health within the parish, either during Mass or by bringing the - praying for others in need - 2449, or read your parish bulletin to call Jackie and Gus Carlson, 465- call Barbara, 724-1776. Eucharist to the homebound or spiritual, health related, and other. get the latest calendar of events. 6957. hospitalized. Candidates are chosen Call Donnell Baer, 743-6174. by the Pastor as recommended by the Sponsor Couples CHILD CARE priests and staff members of the Married couples needed to help OFFICE/RECTORY parish. Kathy and Richard Daniels, ORGANIZATIONS engaged couples discern if marriage Child Care Center coordinators, 743-9441. is for them. Jim/Mary Ann Adults wanting to share their talents Rectory Office Volunteers Christ the King Council of Middleton, 743-3953, for further in three different subcommittees: Adults willing to volunteer a Gift Bearers Catholic Women (CKCCW) information. educational, plant facilities, and fund morning/afternoon/all day Monday Families, Individuals or Parish Our board meets monthly, raising, contact Theresa Little, 724- thru Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Different Ministries who want to bring the gifts September-June, to guide our seven 7239. positions available: receptionist, to the altar during Mass, call Kathy circles who meet at various times ST. VINCENT dePAUL clerical, computer operator. Call the Weedon, 221-5468. during the month. Our General PROGRAMS CHRIST THE KING Rectory at 724-0080 for more meeting is the last Thursday of each SCHOOL information. Lector Ministry month at 7 p.m. We welcome new St. Vincent de Paul A Lector does the readings and the members. Daisy McDonald, 646- Emergency Assistance Christ the King Catholic School Prayer of the Faithful at Mass. If you 0902. We need volunteers to work in the St. Grades Pre-K thru 8th grade. The would like to be a reader, call Lucille Vincent de Paul office in the rectory, principal is Janet Morton. The school AFFILIATED Guzzone, 724-9617. providing referrals, and assisting has many needs for volunteers on a ORGANIZATIONS Christ the King Courier people who need immediate help. daily, weekly, and monthly basis. The Music Ministry Interested in publishing a Hours are from 10 a.m. - noon, school seeks assistance in the office, Any individual who has a talent with newspaper? We need proofreaders, Monday through Friday. Call 724- cafeteria, library, and clinic. Christ the King music or can play an instrument or reporters, photographers, etc. We 8442. Volunteers are needed as board Athletic Association (CKAA) just interested in the Singing Choir, meet Wednesdays in the rectory at 7 members and business partners, Serves children (ages 5-12, boys; 5- Handbell Choir, Funeral Choir, or a.m. Judy, 724-0080. St. Vincent de Paul Society room mothers, and speakers. Help 15, girls) who believe that youth being a Cantor for Mass, call Bernie, We were founded by people who care with the yearly golf tournaments is athletics provide valuable lessons in 724-0080. about the problems of those around also needed, call 724-2954. citizenship/teamwork. Also, if you Widows/Widowers Support them. We care and would like you to would like to contribute toward the Sacristans For those who have lost loved ones. share the care with us. For cost associated with registering a We help prepare for the celebration Contact Isabelle Fusco, 724-5186 information on how to become a SCOUTING PROGRAMS child for a C.K.A.A. sport, call Lance of Mass. For more information on for information or read your bulletin Vincentian, call 807-7233, ext #1, Simons, 745-4881. how you can be a Sacristan, call Nick for the next meeting date, place, and and leave a message. Boy Scouts Debs, 744-8749. time. Troop 5 sponsored by Christ the Young Vincentians King Church. Boys 6-12th grade. Clown Ministry Hispanic Ministry Newly formed group for teens who Meet Tuesdays, 7 p.m. in the Scout Is there a child somewhere inside We wish to develop a parish ministry want to make a difference. For Hut, call Rob, 744-5902. you? Interested in sharing your HOSPITALITY to worship and meet the spiritual and information on meeting times, call religion with others while having social needs of the growing Hispanic Robert at 398-1961. Catholic Scouting Committee fun? The Clown Ministry is planning Mass Greeters population at Christ the King. We Adult individuals interested in fun nights for the whole family, call Welcome all who come to Mass. This meet every Monday at 7 p.m. for providing youth ministry through the Janyce Jendryn, 346-5501. team may offer the only contact Bible study in The House of Prayer. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION scouting program. Meets four times a many parishioners have in our faith If interested call Rosa Townsend, ADULTS year; organizes and implements community. Great opportunity for 744-9231. “Catholic Camporee” for all Scouts Cursillo adults and families. Contact the chief Faith Sharing Small Groups once a year; attend spring awards A Renewal movement of individuals usher at the Mass you are attending Small groups of people meeting in ceremony. Training provided, call in the Church who want to deepen for more information. Landings private homes to discuss the Sunday Donna, 641-0698. their faith and enhance their walk Works with Catholics who have been readings and sharing how these with Christ, call Carl Ludwig, 724- Ushers away from the Church for a period of readings relate to our daily lives. Cub Scouts 8485. Men and women who commit to time and wish to return. Contact Contact Alick Hardie, 721-9188. Pack 5 sponsored by Christ the King attend the same Mass every week. Larry McKay, 220-5843 or Judy Church. Boys in 1st-5th grade. Dens They are requested to wear a navy Meade, 220-2244. R.C.I.A. meet weekly in the Scout Hut, call K’ Cees blue jacket and to assist the celebrant Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Mike Klima, 726-5502, or Donna Organization of Catholic Women an as needed. Howard Sell, 744-5937. The Legion of Mary Preparing people to enter the Baker, 641-0698. auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus Men and women who offer their Catholic Church through an inquiry Council 4727. They help/support the services to their pastor, to aid him in and catechetical process. Call James Girl Scouts Knights. Meetings are in the Rectory performing spiritual works in the Scott, 722-3309. Girls of different age levels that meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month SPECIAL SERVICES parish. Members may be active or weekly or bi-weekly in the Shirley at 8 p.m. Call Wanda Martin, 744- auxiliary (praying). Weekly meetings David Hall after school or in the 4302 for information. Altar Society are held every Monday at 7 p.m. in RELIGIOUS EDUCATION evenings, call Nancy D’Antoni, 745- Individuals who care for the vessels, the rectory. Michael Mackin, 744- YOUTH 9652. vestments and linens used in the 6659. Knights of Columbus Liturgies. Debbie Scobie, 723-3977. C.C.D. Organization of Catholic men and M.O.M.S. Ministry Opportunity for students grades 1-8 SPECIAL ASSISTANCE their families dedicated to promoting Beautification Committee Ministry of Mothers Sharing, is to learn/experience the Catholic faith concepts of charity, unity, fraternity Individuals and families who want to designed to encourage prayer, with others in their age group. Advent Tree and patriotism. If you are a practicing beautify the church grounds. Meet discussions, and friendships between Sessions held September-May in the A program that puts smiles on faces Catholic man, at least 18 yrs. old, and the third Saturday of every month, 9 women of all ages. Carol Ann Black, school on Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. of people at Christmas. Those who interested in fellowship with people a.m. - noon, in the church parking lot 221-2642. Sunday Mass attendance required. share time and talent in this ministry who share the same beliefs, call by the fountain. Come join us in Certified teachers are always help put up the Advent Tree with George Coseo, 724-9585. beautifying His yard. Terry Riggs, Parish Council welcome to apply, and volunteers are special paper ornaments. 762-0703. The Parish Council is a consultative needed on a regular basis. Call Parishioners choose ornaments to body that the pastor can pray and Director Lucille Guzzone, 724-9617, take home, purchase the gift, and L’Arche Harbor House Religious Articles Gift Shop reflect with, and ask for assistance to or chaplain Subdeacon Eli Shami, return the ornament with the gift Mutual ministry with members and Volunteers staff the gift shop before guide in the overall care/ministry of 714-6404. attached to it. Volunteers are needed assistants, building community and after Sunday Masses and the the Parish and the enhancement of its to help distribute the gifts to nursing support and awareness to the needs Wednesday Marian Mass. Maureen mission. Meeting are the first Vacation Bible School homes, orphanages, etc., call Trudy and gifts of the disabled members of McCook, 642-2725. Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. A week long summer program Cameron, 724-0511. the L’Arche Harbor House family, in the Rectory. Call Mike Mackin, (usually in Ausust) for children ages call 744-4435 for information. Seasonal Church Decorating 744-6659. It is made up of 4-11 years to help deepen their faith Habijax - Habitat for Humanity Decorating the church and Gathering representatives (President, and involvement in the Christian Forms partnerships between those in Area, during different seasons of the Chairperson or Facilitator) from each community. Fun for everyone, call need and those who are willing to put Marriage Encounter Church. Contact Terri Vogelsang, ministry in the Parish, as well as Diana Mattox, 928-9224, for their faith into action by donating A program designed to teach married 744-6310, for information on how representatives from the Finance information. their time, talent, and treasure to couples how to better communicate, you can help. Council, Christ the King School, construct new homes, call Bill to strengthen and support Christian Christ the King Daycare, Athletic Damato, 642-8920. marriage. Contact Emilo and Theresa Sunday Childcare Association, Scouts, Knights of TEEN PROGRAM Gonzalez-Chavez, 721-0012 foro For 8:30 & 10:00 Masses Columbus, Marriage Encounter, I. M. Sulzbacher more information. Christ the King Childcare for your 1- Sponsor Couples, and Wedding LIFE TEEN Individuals who give two hours of 4 year-old child in the Child Care Coordinator. Elections are held every Youth ministry program with a their time to 400-500 men, women Center. Free of charge. Call Marsha two years to elect a President, vice- strong focus on the Eucharist. Meet and children the third Tuesday of Pre Cana/Engaged Encounter Williams, 221-4459, or Donna president, secretary-recording, and Sunday for Mass (usually 5 p.m.) and each month by saying grace, serving For information on upcoming Iglesias, 725-0680, to help or for secretary-clerical from the body of LIFE Night (fellowship) afterwards. dinner, and cleaning up the kitchen, workshops and weekends, call 308- more information. representatives. Call Nancy, 398-1961. call Donnell 743-6174. 7474. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 25

Knights of Columbus Installation

Steve Bell, George Coseo, Lance Simons, Father Thanh, Mike Yarborough

Newly installed officers: Steve Bell, Chancellor; Mike Yarborough, Deputy Grand Knight; George Coseo, Grand Knight; Lance Simons, Warden; with Monsignor Mortimer Danaher, Chaplain by Eileen Porter jewels were presented by Mike Capezzi. Knights of Columbus chaplain, A delicious steak dinner was Monsignor Mortimer Danaher, served and then Carol Coseo, celebrated the 5:00 p.m. Mass on recognizing that the wives of the August 25th with our Pastor, Father council contribute so much to help Thanh as concelebrant. their husbands fulfill their duties, District Deputy Tom Bagby installs Mike Yarborough Following Mass the Knights presented each of them with an and their Ladies went to the parish arrangement of flowers. A very hall for the installation of officers welcome announcement was that and dinner. Incoming Grand our long time Chaplain, Monsignor New Knights of Columbus Officers Knight George Coseo and wife Danaher would resume First Friday Carol with outgoing Past Grand Masses beginning on September 9 Knight, Pat Bianco and wife in the Shirley David Hall. The Grand Knight...... George Coseo Dolores had planned the event with Knights all recognize the Deputy Grand Knight ...... Mike Yarborough great care. The table decorations outstanding contribution Chancellor...... Steve Bell and a cake reflected the colors of Monsignor Danaher has made to Warden...... Lance Simons Council 4727 for more than 20 the Knights emblem and it was a Financial Secretary...... Donald Thompson memorable evening. More than years. Treasurer...... Charles Strauss 150 were in attendance. It was a very enjoyable affair A fellowship period was and the Knights are ready for Recorder...... Tam Bennett enjoyed after which the clergy were another year of prayer and service Guards...... Gregory Bell introduced and the new officers to the church and to the Bob Knutsen were installed by Tom Bagby and community. John Morrissey

“... Why Have You Forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:34) Jesus always answers our prayers!

Sometimes the answer is “yes,” sometimes the answer is “no,” sometimes the answer is “not now” or “maybe later.”

Jesus asks us to pray always. (Luke 18:1) Our prayer must always include “... thy will be done.” (Mt. 6:10)

When God’s answer to our prayer is “YES” we are pleased. When Mary Yarborough, Pat Zurn, Marge Yarborough, God’s answer is “NO” we are challenged...challenged to pray for Dorothy Schlatel something else.

When God’s answer is “not now” or “maybe later” we must be patient.

When Jesus, God Himself, asks us to pray always, He knows in advance how He will answer our prayer. As a human being, Jesus, God Himself, showed us that He knew how frustrated we could become. As He was dying on the cross He cried to the Heavenly Father, “why have You forsaken Me?”

If you feel that God is not hearing your prayer, it is all right to cry out “...why have you forsaken me?”

But always continue to pray! Try to hear Him saying, “I have a better way!” Helen, Maggie, Joe and Bill Damato Page 26 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 K-Cees Membership and Installation Tea

Inge Morgan, left, installed new officers Helen Prescott, Treas.; Wanda Martin, Pres.; Laura Morris, Vice Pres.; Betty Wheeler, Sec. Mary Yarborough, Audry Dodd, George Coseo, Maggie Damato, and Eileen Gleason

Helen Prescott, Wanda Martin, Laura Morris, Betty Wheeler, Ceil Kulas and Audrey Robinson

Carol Coseo, Doris Faustini, Dolly Casterlin and Eileen Porter by Eileen Porter Coseo spoke briefly and thanked the ladies for all their support. The annual K-Cee’s New members were introduced Membership Tea and installation of and warmly welcomed. New officers was held on Sunday members present were Mary afternoon, August 26th. Dolores Yarborough, Audrey Dodd, and Bianco was our gracious hostess. Darlene O’Neal. Inga Morgan, our retiring president New member, Donna Simons, was the installing officer. The new was unable to attend. officers are: Our newly installed President, Wanda Martin, presented Past President: Wanda Martin President Inga Morgan with a gift New members Darlene O’Neal, Mary Yarborough, Audry Dodd Vice President: Laura Morris from the group in appreciation of Treasurer: Helen Prescott her valuable leadership during the Secretary: Betty Wheeler past two years. Our hostess, Dolores Bianco, The purpose of the K-Cee’s served delicious refreshments to organization is to support the the ladies. We offer our sincere Knights and to assist them when thanks to Dolores for a lovely needed. Grand Knight George afternoon.

Inge Morgan, Maggie Damato, Eileen Gleason, Sissy Keegan

Front: Dolly Casterlin, Nancy Guggisburg, Elvira Guggisburg Rear: Rugh Gunther, Rosa Townsend November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 27 Knights of Columbus ~ Heroes Fund submitted by Al Martin the establishment of a $1 million “Knights of Columbus Heroes In Aftermath of New York, Fund” for families of full-time Pentagon Attacks New Haven, professional law-enforcement, Connecticut – firefighters and emergency medical The Knights of Columbus has personnel who have lost their lives established a $1 million “Knights or may yet lose their lives in the of Columbus Heroes Fund” for rescue and recovery efforts under families of all full-time way at the World Trade Center and professional law enforcement, Pentagon. firefighters and emergency medical “Families of those brave men personnel who have lost their lives and women will each receive or may yet lose their lives in the $3,000 from the Knights of rescue and recovery efforts under Columbus in recognition of the way at the World Trade Center and ultimate sacrifice made by their Pentagon. The fund was announced loved ones. This gift is being by Supreme Knight Carl A. offered along with our prayers. It is Anderson in a news conference our hope that this money will help Thursday, Sept. 13. those families with immediate was president of the New Haven members have qualified for this Affected families will each needs at this time. Fire Commission in he 1880s. scholarship since its creation. receive $3,000 from the Knights of “The gift is being made on Columbus in recognition of the “Through several existing “Finally, in a special appeal behalf of the 1.6 million members ultimate sacrifice made by their programs, the Knights of sent to each of our 70 state and of the Knights of Columbus and loved ones. Families who qualify Columbus will also help (in a territorial deputies on Wednesday, I their families throughout the should call the Knights of special way) members of our asked them to activate immediately Columbus at 1-800-380-9995. United States, Canada, the their telephone/communication Philippines and Mexico, and in the organization who may have been The Supreme Knight was affected by the attacks. Through trees to urge our members and their joined by telephone with the spirit of our priest-founder, Father families to volunteer as blood Michael J. McGivney, who our Educational Trust Fund, organization’s national chaplain, children of Knights who were in donors, for our local units to established the Knights of coordinate with local Red Cross Bishop Thomas V. Daily of the military, full-time law Brooklyn, N.Y. Bishop Daily Columbus here in New Haven in chapters to sponsor blood drives enforcement officers, or full-time offered his prayers for the victims 1882 to protect, preserve and and volunteer their facilities to host of the bombing and read from the promote families, especially those firemen killed, or permanently such drives. statement Pope John Paul II affected by the death of a disabled in New York, or In 2000, nearly 400,000 of our released in the aftermath of the breadwinner. Washington as a result of this members reported donating blood. attacks. “The Knights of Columbus has criminal action will be given full “Our hearts go out to those who The full text of Supreme Knight long felt a special association with scholarships to any Catholic have lost loved ones. We know that Anderson’s statement follows: the members of the law college or university. Established in every American would like to reach “Today in the midst of this time of enforcement and firefighting 1944, this fund has financed the out to these families. This is our national mourning on behalf of the fraternities. In fact, James T. college educations of 263 children way of offering a helping hand Knights of Columbus I announce Mullen, our first supreme knight, of Knights; nearly 800 children of now.” I AM THE FLAG OF THE UNITED My Country Weeps STATES OF AMERICA I am the flag of the United States of The people of Korea, Vietnam and America. Kuwait know me as a banner of freedom. My Name is Old Glory. I was there. I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings. I led my troops, by Ellen Brookfield I stand watch in America’s halls of I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, justice. but my soldiers cheered me I fly majestically over institutions of And I was proud. From out of the blue they came learning. I have been burned, torn and trampled on Flying bombs take deliberate aim I stand guard with power in the world. the streets of countries I have helped set Sending destruction but not despair Look up and see me. free. Molten steel snuffs out signs of life It does not hurt, for I am invincible. Buildings heaving human debris I stand for peace, honor, truth, and justice. I have slipped the bonds of Earth and Numbed citizens standing forlorn I stand for freedom. stood watch over the uncharted frontiers Weeping for those who live no more I am confident. of space from my vantage point on the Strands of lives forever snatched away I am arrogant. moon. Families severed by an enemy’s cause I am proud. I have borne silent witness to all of Warped in sin; wrapped with harm America’s finest hours. When I am flown with my fellow But my finest hours are yet to come. Fomented in evil to deliver such decay banners, My country weeps for her people gone. my head is a little higher, When I am torn into strips and used as my colors a little truer. bandages for my wounded comrades on Men of valor rush to the twisted site the battlefield, Searching for victims buried beneath I bow to no one! When I am flown at half-mast to honor I am recognized all over the world. my countryman, when I lie in the Their only wish is to find signs of life I am worshiped - I am saluted. trembling arms of a grieving parent at the Chaos and courage, misery and strength I am loved - I am revered. grave of their fallen son or daughter, or in Who can make sense of this nightmare scene I am respected - and I am feared. the arms of a child or spouse who will A nation ruptured by a madman’s delight have to go on without one who gave their Mother, father, son and daughter forever gone I have fought in every battle of every war life in a national disaster to save the life for more than 200 years. of another, as so many did at the Still families search on a hopeless quest I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Pentagon or the World Trade Center Hope never dies in the human breast. Shiloh and Appomattox. Towers or on a lonely Pennsylvania We may be bloodied but we are not bowed I was there at San Juan Hill, countryside on 9/11/01. From out of the ashes the nation will rise the trenches of France, With glory and honor, victory will be won. in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and MY NAME IS OLD GLORY the beaches of Normandy, Guam, LONG MAY I WAVE. Okinawa. Page 28 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 Small Faith Sharing Groups

Jan and Sam Clements, Margaret Bekkedal Alick Hardie, Helen Ramos, Dolores Bianco

Jim and Pat Setser and Bernie Voor Willie Blaquiere, Father Thanh; standing: Betty Becht Apologetics: The theological After the parish announcements everyone to participate in this vital sharing groups for this Fall Session, discipline concerned with the by Father Thanh at the 5 p.m. Mass ministry. ~ by Frank Becht there was considerable defense of the Christian Faith. The on September 8, he introduced apprehension amongst the groups As Small Group members from principal functions of apologetics Alick Hardie who made the Faith as to the acceptability of the topic. the program’s inception and as are defense against those who Sharing presentation to the The first session was on the congregation. Alick gave a very facilitators for most of that time my Eucharist which is the very center challenge the reason-ability of the good explanation of Faith Sharing husband Neil and I were especially of our faith. Faith and persuasion of those who and the need for interaction with interested in Alick Hardie’s Alick Hardie and the Faith are potential converts to the Faith. others in our lives. He described presentation the weekend of Sharing Committee have done a th th Although apologetics works from Apologetics, the topic for the Fall September 8 and 9 at all the wonderful job of organizing the general principles, it is most session, as something we could use Christ the King Masses. The various groups. Many hours were effective when it is developed with in our daily contact with our non- subject of the series “Apologetics” spent getting the ‘Apologetics’ reference to specific objections or Catholic friends. This was is one that was unfamiliar to me. materials ready, and in making sure difficulties. reinforced by Father Thanh in his However Alick’s explanation that it that all the groups who were homily when he encouraged is to learn to defend our Christian interested in this particular study Faith made the study sound both got copies. interesting and challenging. I am Beatitudes for Friends of the Aged looking forward to it. ~ by Eileen The Frank/Betty Becht group Porter met on October 7th for their first meeting of the session; Father Blessed are they who know that my ears today Alick Hardie spoke at the 12 Thanh was in attendance and a Must strain to catch the things they say. Noon Mass on Sunday, September th lively discussion of the Eucharist 9 regarding the Small Faith and the Catholic doctrine of Blessed are they who seem to know Sharing Ministry. He said that Transubstantiation ensued. that my eyes are dim and my wits are slow joining these small groups would Everyone in the group seemed to help us to have a deeper come to a better understanding of understanding of our faith and a the very heart of our faith. Other Blessed are they who looked away better sense of our community when coffee spilled at table today groups have had a similar within Christ the King. He invited experience. all of us to join a Faith Sharing Blessed are they who with a cheery smile Group by registering at the Not all the groups decided to do stopped to chat for a little while Gathering Room in the front of the this study. Some chose to do the Church. Advent scripture readings, some Blessed are they who never say It will be an experience you will never forget. ~ by Jo Thomas are studying the Bible from cover- “You’ve told that story twice today” to-cover. Alick also made sure that The Renew Group that meets they received materials needed. Blessed are they who know the ways every month on the 2nd Monday at to bring back memories of yesterdays 10:30 a.m. would welcome anyone It was announced that the Faith who would like to join us. We have Sharing committee has set aside Blessed are they who know I’m at a loss been meeting for eighteen years. November 15th at Christ the King to find the strength to carry the cross For information please call: for a Covered Dish Dinner for all Eileen Gleason 744-5682 members of Faith Sharing groups. Blessed are they who ease the days or Dixie Dando 725-2889 They hope that all the groups will come and join them in fellowship. on my journey home in loving ways Program ~ Sneak Preview Anyone wishing to join a group With the selection of may do so; please call Alick Hardie Esther Mary Walker Apologetics as the topic for faith at 721-9188. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 29 Family and School RCIA TEAM MEMBER Association

Tony Zeaiter and Father Carey by Tony Zeaiter their journey towards the Catholic Church. Being a team member is Being a RCIA team member is challenging and rewarding at the a great, rewarding experience. I same time. I am proud to say that by Patti Sloan delicious food. The desserts were have been a RCIA team member the Christ the King team is always the handiwork of our parents, since 1998, and I have been a full of people wishing to help, and The Family and School orchestrated by a very special sponsor and team member for the full of welcome to anyone who Association would like to thank the mom. past four years. My wife, Judy, and visits. many who attended the Mass of We thank the adult and I have been married since 1981, We enjoy a great bond together Thanksgiving and Dedication of children’s choirs for the beautiful and have two children - Kristin, 20, under the leadership of James the Sister Therese Horan Library music. We thank the school’s and Joey, 17. Both attended Christ Scott. Knowing the Catholic faith faculty and administrative staff for the King School and Bishop Kenny and Apologetics (defending the and Media Center. It was a very faith) are important in our role. As special day, in honor of a very their dedication to our children and High School. a team member my personal special lady, our beloved Sister various school programs. After Judy came through the responsibility on the team is to Therese. The Lord smiled upon us, To our dear priests and parish RCIA in 1997, I felt that I needed provide sponsors for our for not only did He provide us with staff, your devotion to our Lord and to give back to the Church. So I candidates, and assist in anything perfect weather, He placed in our love for Him inspire the rest of us became involved in what is else that is needed. We meet from midst men and women of true faith to provide our children a school of officially called the Rite of 7:00-8:00 p.m., and we are proud to Christian Initiation for Adults and great love, to bestow His refuge and love. announce that the 2001 class is our (RCIA), and it has been a great biggest so far. blessing on a parish of true faith, To the children of our parish, experience. great love, and limitless energy. your love for and faith in Jesus is In closing, I am grateful to be I’ll never forget that Monsignor part of the RCIA team, and see It is this energy that makes exactly what Sister Therese set out Danaher always said; “When we go every event at Christ the King to accomplish. candidates come home every year before the Lord, He’s not going to to the Catholic Church, which Church successful, no matter how ask us how many cars we had, how Job well done, Sister. Thank Jesus left behind for us to build. We big or how small. We thank the big was our home, or what job or are called to holiness, and all of us Knights of Columbus for the you. position we had. He’s going to ask can play a part. The RCIA is my ‘Who did you bring with you?’” small part. HSA News It is such a blessing to see our If you know of someone The Family and School Association would like to candidates and their sponsors go interested in joining the Catholic Church, please contact a team remind parents to check their children’s backpacks through the classes, held every Tuesday night in the school library. member or call James Scott at 722- for information on upcoming events. Many 3309. There, we get to see them grow in activities are in the planning process and your input and talents are needed. Coming events include: The Grandparents Mass, the Christmas Boutique Maintenance Supervisor and Christmas class-parties. We look forward to your participation and support in these activities. You are needed!

Christ the King Courier

needs staff people with the following talents: Wanda, Kevin, Andy adn Mike Klima Writers By Wanda Klima experience makes him a good Proof Readers choice for the Maintenance Computer Typists On August 27, 2001, Mike Klima Supervisor position. Mike and his Layout Designers was hired as Maintenance family are Christ the King Supervisor for the church and parishioners and his two children Photographers school. attend Christ the King School. Mike moved to Florida from his Mike has a strong commitment to the church and school to help make Four easy ways to join the team: hometown in Omaha, Nebraska over 20 years ago. He found work them a better place for the as a temporary laborer “hammering parishioners and students. Mike is Sign-up at our booth at the Time and Talent Fair nails” on a commercial also leading a new ministry at construction site. The site’s Christ the King called the Sign-up on Time & Talent Sign-up Sunday superintendent took an interest in Maintenance Ministry. Anyone Call our editor, Judy Koziolek at 724-0080 Mike’s abilities and offered him a interested in joining this ministry to help keep our church and school Check out the events of the week in the bulletin and permanent position. Mike attended superintendent school and worked looking good and running come to a meeting his way from laborer to assistant smoothly can contact Mike through superintendent to superintendent. the Church Rectory for more Mike’s 20 years of construction information. Page 30 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 CKCCW

Jane Mead, (seated) Shannon Ishee, Pat Setser, Claretta Lamusga by Claretta Lamusga work so hard. The raffle will be held on the 9th at 2:00 p.m. The ladies of the Christ the The South Street Grille will be King Council of Catholic Women the site for our January general (CKCCW) organization held their meeting. It will be at 11:30 a.m. on first meeting of the new season on January 24th. September 29th. It was a fun In February we will have our evening with members of the board annual card party, luncheon, and “acting out” the plans for the year’s fashion show, date to be activities. Olga Bertozzi was our announced. We are striving to make guest speaker. it a great success. Following are many of the Members and their families are exciting events planned through invited to the 8:30 a.m. Mass and May, 2002. Communion breakfast on February Each first Saturday we attend 24th. the 8:15 a.m. Mass and pray the The Spring Deanery meeting, Rosary after Mass. Mass and dinner will be held at On October 13th we had a day Blessed Trinity Catholic Church on of reflection at Marywood with Beach Blvd. on March 7, 2002. Father Guy Noonan, our The CCW Convention will be inspirational speaker. held the weekend of April 13 - 15. The last 2 weeks of October We’ll be giving more details as we receive them. were scheduled to collect school th clothing for elementary school On May 19 , 2002 we will aged children from Woodland have a members “tea,” to welcome new members and enjoy fellowship Acres School. Pat Humbard Betty Keuhl with one another. The fall Deanery meeting, The object of the Council of Mass and dinner was held on Catholic Women here at Christ the October 25th at Assumption Parish. th King is to develop spiritual and Today, November 11 we will social life among the parishioners hold an outdoor pizza party after and community. We participate in the noon Mass. th community activities, and with On November 17 we will money raised during the year we help with the anniversary Mass at pay for some of the projects/repairs St. Catherine’s Church in Orange around our church and grounds the Park. This is to honor couples who Council feels are needed. have been married 25 years or Recently lights were installed more. th in Shepherd Square by funds raised On December 6 we will have by our Council of Women. As we the “Living Rosary”. This is a all know that has been a very beautiful spiritual program to see “dark” area for anyone coming out us through the hustle and bustle of of the Parish Hall and Shirley the Holiday season and will be held David Hall after dark. in the Shirley David Hall. Any woman interested in the Our bake sale will be held on th th ministry of the CKCCW is December 8 and 9 . We are welcome to become a member. You selling raffle tickets for a 25 inch could join one of our eight circles T.V. Come and buy your Christmas or join as a member-at-large. We’d Willie Blaquiere, Dolly Casterlin, Marge Burke, Trudy Cameron goodies and you won’t have to love to have you with us. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 31 CHRISTMAS STORY submitted by Jeanette Ghioto could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every It's just a small, white envelope, weight class. And as each of their stuck among the branches of our boys got up from the mat, he Christmas tree. No name, no swaggered around in his tatters identification, no inscription. It has with false bravado, a kind of street peeked through the branches of our pride that couldn't acknowledge tree for the past ten years or so. It defeat. Mike, seated beside me, all began because my husband shook his head sadly, "I wish just Mike hated Christmas. Oh, not the one of them could have won," he true meaning of Christmas, but the said. "They have a lot of potential, commercial aspects of it-- but losing like this could take the overspending, the frantic running heart right out of them." around at the last minute to get a tie Mike loved kids- all kids- and for Uncle Harry and the dusting he knew them, having coached powder for Grandma, the gifts little league football, baseball and given in desperation because you lacrosse. That's when the idea for couldn't think of anything else. his present came. That afternoon, I Knowing he felt this way, I went to a local sporting goods store decided one year to bypass the and bought an assortment of usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so wrestling headgear and shoes and forth. I reached for something sent them anonymously to the inner special just for Mike. The city church. On Christmas Eve, I inspiration came in an unusual way. placed the envelope on the tree, the Our son Kevin, who was 12 that note inside telling Mike what I had year, was wrestling at the junior done and that this was his gift from level at the school he attended, and me. His smile was the brightest lifted the envelope from the tree to placed an envelope on the tree for shortly before Christmas, there was thing about Christmas that year and reveal its contents. As the children their dad. The tradition has grown a non league match against a team in succeeding years. grew, the toys gave way to more and someday will expand even sponsored by an inner city church. For each Christmas, I followed practical presents, but the envelope further with our grandchildren These youngsters, dressed in the tradition one year sending a never lost its allure. standing around the tree with wide sneakers so ragged that shoestrings group of mentally handicapped The story doesn't end there. You eyed anticipation watching as their seemed to be the only thing holding youngsters to a hockey game, see, we lost Mike last year due to fathers take down the envelope. them together, presented a sharp another year a check to a pair of dreaded cancer. When Christmas Mike's spirit, like the Christmas contrast to our boys in their spiffy elderly brothers whose home had blue and gold uniforms and burned to the ground the week rolled around, I was still so spirit, will always be with us. sparkling new wrestling shoes. before Christmas, and on and on. wrapped in grief that I barely got May we all remember Christ, As the match began, I was The envelope became the highlight the tree up. But Christmas Eve who is the reason for the season, alarmed to see that the other team of our Christmas. It was always the found me placing an envelope on the true Christmas spirit this year was wrestling without headgear, a last thing opened on Christmas the tree, and in the morning, it was and always. God bless pass this kind of light helmet designed to morning and our children, ignoring joined by three more. along to your friends and loved protect a wrestler's ears. It was a their new toys, would stand with Each of our children, ones. luxury the ragtag team obviously wide eyed anticipation as their dad unbeknownst to the others, had Page 32 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 Joseph’s Journeys The Ultimate Sacrifice

Easterner bounced against the stand them before those … those … those and knocked over a stack of people,” Bubba said with an angry newspapers. He started to get his glance at Ashim, “did what they balance, but the other three men, did? Why did God let that happen?” shorter and stouter, began to shove “Why me?” him. “Exactly.” “Is he one of them?” Bubba “God does not do evil, men do. yelled and felt a fire race from his We have free will. We have a toes to his brain. choice. We can serve or be served. “Oh yeah,” said the tall one. What do you chose?” “He’s one.” “I choose to leave, that’s what I The tall guy, his face full of choose,” Bubba said and stormed acne and dark eyes full of hate, off. grabbed the Middle Easterner by “Peace be with you, Steven, son the arms and faced him toward of Timothy,” Joseph said, but “It could happen.” EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is Bubba. Bubba didn’t hear him. Bubba laughed. He wove another tale in a series of fictional “Pop him one. Don’t hold Ashim took a step back. effortlessly through the midtown stories of Saint Joseph, husband of nothing back.” “Peace be with you, Ashim, son traffic and still found time to eye our Most Blessed Virgin Mary, and Bubba didn’t think, just let his of Adar.” stepfather to our Lord, Jesus his fare via his rearview mirror. fist form and pulled his right arm Ashim started to run, stopped, Christ. Saint Joseph has returned “You got heart, kid. I’ll say that back. It started forward but came to turned, then fell forward and to walk the earth, to aid those in for you. I’ll remember you. I a sudden halt when someone collapsed to his knees. He leaned need, to spread the Good News, always remember the good ones. against Joseph, sobbing on a leg. … grabbed his wrist. A pain jabbed and proclaim that God is with us And if I ever come into some into his shoulder. He turned and Joseph gently stroked his hair. always. money, I’ll look you up.” this man was similar to the one he “Hate is an evil thing. To rid the Bubba pulled to the curb and … world of hate will take sacrifice … “Greater love hath no man than was about to pummel except for Walden got out and looked up. the clothes … and the eyes. They great sacrifice.” this, that a man lay down his life “Beautiful, aren’t they.” for his friend.’ . . . ‘I have called were brown, but they weren’t ***** “I used to build those things,” afraid. They were … peaceful. you friends.” (John 15:13, 15) Bubba said. “Let he who is without sin cast Bubba paced in his apartment. “Steelworker?” the first stone,” Joseph said. By Bill Dougherty “Yeah. The view looking down He couldn’t drive his downtown The other four ran off not route. The police blocked every got old. I figured driving a cab was wanting to mess with the likes of a Burly Steve “Bubba” Howard safer.” road going in, searched every pulled his yellow cab to the curb man who with one hand stopped vehicle, and wanted a picture ID “Not by much,” Walden said the burly Bubba. after “the suit” signaled. The guy and laughed. He passed Bubba and a reason for being there. opened the passenger side back “You’re one of them,” Bubba He turned on the television. It enough cash for twice the fare. snarled, baring white teeth. door and hopped in. A beefy hand “Keep it. I’ll see you around, was on all the channels. The hate. pulled the lever on the meter and “Why?” The death. The speculation. He Bubba.” “Look at your clothes. Nobody the digital red numbers appeared “Count on it.” rambled through station after starting the fare at $2 with forty dresses like that,” he said and station, finally stopping when he Bubba waved and pulled out waved his hand at Joseph’s white cents for every quarter mile that into traffic. He never saw Walden saw a group of firefighters. A followed. tunic that went from his neck to his reporter interviewed them. They enter the World Trade Center for ankles. His feet were in leather The guy was young. They all the last time. were heroes … real heroes. All were. Hot shots fresh from big sandals. those high-priced sports stars universities, swooping toward ***** “Not in this time,” Joseph said. finally figured it out - and about downtown Manhattan, hustling for “Not in any time.” time Bubba thought - when they the big score. They had million- Bubba looked out his apartment “Why did you want to strike got a dose of reality. There was a dollar smiles and billion-dollar window and tried to convince Ashim?” big difference between making a dreams. The fare checked his himself he was dreaming. It wasn’t “You know him?” game-saving tackle on the football brown hair in the rearview mirror possible. No World Trade Center. Ashim shook his head “no” and field and rescuing someone from then looked at the license stuck to Two buildings. Both 110-stories his eyes were wide looking at under a million tons of rubble. The the dash. tall. Gone in just over an hour. He Joseph as if he was seeing a specter. firefighters were remembering the “Bubba?” the guy said. fumed. Never had he felt such rage. “I know many things. So why men the station lost. Bubba “You got a problem with that?” Both hands opened and closed, the did you want to strike him?” suddenly recognized the pictures “No. Just don’t get too many blood rushed out and back, but it “His people killed Americans.” that appeared on the television. Bubbas in New York.” wasn’t enough to vent his anger. “Islam?” “Oh, God. My friends. Not “I’m an original, like you.” He left the apartment, going “Yes,” Bubba said. “Like you.” them.” “How do you know that,” said down the steps because that was the “Because we all look alike.” One of the firemen, a tough the fare. smart thing to do. He prayed that Bubba fidgeted. looking blond with a scraggly “You got the accent.” Andy Walden took the steps and “I’m Hebrew,” Joseph said. beard and tears streaming from his “No hiding that, is there?” got out. What floor was he on when “Like Jesus?” eyes, explained to the reporter why “Let me guess, World Trade the airplane hit, he wondered? Was “We are all like Jesus, we only his fellow fireman went into the Center?” he okay? Not knowing only added need to see it in ourselves.” World Trade Center. “That’s right. You know what to his rage. “What are you, one of those “God asked for our best … we today is?” Walking the street he wandered, religious wackos?” sent them to him,” he said. Joseph ignored Bubba’s slur. “September 11th,” Bubba said. not sure where he was going. As he Tears welled in Bubba’s eyes. “No, it’s the day I break the “Ashim is a peaceful man. He prays Soon he was blubbering. Nothing approached a newsstand, there daily. Do you pray?” bank. Can you step on it, I have a were loud voices. Four men in made sense. big meeting at 8:30 before the stock “I’ve been praying for all those God doesn’t do evil, men do. jeans and T-shirts surrounded a people over there,” Bubba said and exchange opens.” Middle Eastern looking man. Joseph’s words didn’t give him “Got a name, hot shot?” nodded in the direction where the comfort. It only added to his He had dark skin, curly hair, Twin Towers used to be. The fare grinned. “Andy and his wide brown eyes looked frustration. He had to do Walden. Investment broker. You “God is with them.” something. He couldn’t stay everywhere for help. The tall guy “How can you say that? And if looking to make some money?” shoved him and the Middle cooped up in his apartment. He was “Driving a cab?” that’s true, why wasn’t he with a doer … not a sitter. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 33 Joseph’s Journeys

“I can’t stop evil,” he yelled told himself and realized that was my cab, and I see the difference. The Middle Eastern man in a toward the ceiling. the understatement of the He had it. He really had it.” gray suit stepped forward and Bubba wiped tears from his millennium. She smiled again. extended his hand. Bubba looked at eyes and sniffed. With his vision Six hours later he was told to “Did you see him go in the it and hesitated. cleared, he glanced at the television take a break. He wanted to keep building?” “I’m from Jordan and I’m not a and saw men in hard hats sifting going, but another team arrived, so Bubba’s head dropped to his terrorist; please believe me.” chest. “No.” through the rubble ¼ crawling over Bubba relented. At the support “I want to, but I lost my good “It’s okay,” Susan said and friend Andy to that attack.” steel beams. Steel! center, a makeshift place of police lifted his chin. “You’ve helped me “Andy?” Anwar said. “Andy He knew what he had to do. barricades in a parking lot, he ran more than you know.” Walden?” ***** into a young woman with a picture. “He offered to make some “Yes. Did you see him?” The medium-sized brunette looked investments for me, but I told him I His jeans were snug but they “I’m Bobby Taylor. Anwar and sleep deprived, eyes baggy and didn’t have the money. But I said if I worked with Andy. We’re alive felt good. And the white hard hat bloodshot, and her face drawn I did come into some cash, he was because of him.” made it clear that he understood the from a broken heart. He took the the first person I’d see. He told me “Really.” dangers of working at what was a computer printout from her frail, he’d help me.” “Yes,” Anwar said. “When we “destruction” instead of shaky hands and scanned the photo. “That’s my Andy. As much as felt the building shake and then saw “construction” zone. He was in a It looked like Andy but it wasn’t he liked to do the big deals, he’s smoke, Andy made us all leave. He line of men, looking through the him. He shook his head and always liked helping other people kept telling us to remain calm and make their money work. The only bright light illuminating the site frowned. She tried to pass a smile take the stairs. He wouldn’t leave thing he asked them in return was until everyone was out of our and watching the smoke rise up, the of thanks for at least trying, but remnants still smoldering nearly a to give some back to help others. offices. He was the last one.” couldn’t. Ash covered her head. And look at you. Andy didn’t get a “How do you know?” week later. Bubba wondered how many hours The football-sized foreman had chance to help you, but you’re out “Because our office is already she spent searching for her fiancée. here looking for him.” a clipboard and was checking back to work in a new location and He walked off, but stopped Bubba fidgeted. He wasn’t in it we figured out who made it and names at an entrance set up with suddenly when he saw a wall of for the glory. He just wanted to find who didn’t. Nearly everyone made yellow police barricades. Concrete printouts - the faces of the missing, his friend. Bright sunlight rose over it out. We were very lucky and if dust covered his work clothes. the faces of the forever loved. From the skyscrapers and the sky was a not for Andy, it would have been Bubba heard there might be picture to picture his eyes trailed, brilliant blue. much worse,” Anwar said. asbestos, but he didn’t believe it looking, praying, wanting to know “God is smiling on us,” Susan The group of men separated because he built some of these that his connection with Andy was said. and Susan walked through. The “Maybe he is,” Bubba said and buildings. Regardless, he was here real, this he wasn’t just another fare place was so quiet that even the looked from side to side but didn’t construction equipment seemed to to help ¼ no matter what. on another day in a busy city. That “I don’t know you. You’re see Joseph. stop for her. it meant something. That Andy’s “Did you see that Hebrew “They found his body.” new.” offer of help was fact and that “Bubba Howard,” he said and looking fella?” “I’m so sorry,” Bubba said and Bubba’s assurance they’d see each “No.” showed his driver’s license and tears began to fall. other wasn’t just something he said. “He’s the one that pointed at “I don’t even know your name. expired steelworkers’ union card. He felt a hand, turned and faced Andy’s picture.” “Bubba,” he said. “This card ain’t no good,” the Joseph who also wore work “Did he know Andy?” She smiled. “That’s a good foreman said. clothes. “I don’t know for sure. He name. I can see why Andy took to A hand came over the “You.” seems to know a lot of things.” you. He gave his life to save foreman’s shoulder and squeezed. “From the street. Yes.” Bubba looked out into the others.” “Let him through. He’s okay.” “Who are you?” smoldering ruins and realized how “Greater love hath no man than Bubba’s eyes widened with “I am Joseph, son of David; just true that was. this, that a man lay down his life for recognition. The foreman turned, as you are Steven, son of Timothy.” “Are you going back in?” nodded, and said, “Okay. Check in his friend.” Taylor said quoting “How do you know me?” Susan asked. scripture. for orientation and safety brief. And “I know you because you are “Yes. I have required sack time “So you don’t have to look for Bubba?” looking for someone?” of at least four hours, then I’m “Yes, sir.” Bubba’s forehead furled with allowed back.” him anymore,” Susan said. “But “This ain’t your normal confusion. He followed Joseph’s “That doesn’t seem long thank you so much for trying.” She construction site.” eyes toward the large board with all enough.” gave Bubba her version of a bear Bubba looked at the mountain the pictures. “It’s a big job. Besides, we hug. of steel, concrete and papers that “There,” Joseph said and When they broke, they were used to be the Twin Towers and might get lucky.” sharing tears. pointed. “I’ll pray for you ¼ and Andy,” said, “I understand.” “Yes,” Bubba said excitedly. “But there is something I gotta He started to walk away and “Andy.” Susan said. do,” Bubba said. “You guys then looked back for the man who Another hand grabbed Bubba’s Bubba gave the little blonde a ready?” he asked his team. They burly hug. She smiled again. As helped get him through, the guy shoulder, a small one. nodded. who he was sure was wearing a Bubba left her, he looked over his “You saw Andy?” she said. shoulder and saw that she As they headed for the site, long tunic yesterday but traded it in Barely five feet tall, the little Susan, Bobby Taylor, and Anwar for work clothes today. Nothing. continued to look toward the blonde wore a dirty blue dress, her remains of the Twin Towers, began to clap. The others in the He couldn’t look for him or he face filthy from the ash. Tears large group joined them. Soon it might miss his opportunity to help holding on to hope, but preparing began to streak along her cheeks. herself for the truth. was a raucous applause and then ¼ and to look for Andy. Bubba pulled out a handkerchief, someone started in with a chorus of Two hours later, wearing a but it too was grimy from use ***** “God Bless America.” Bubba and white filtering mask, he headed during his shift. She didn’t care, his team joined in, singing as they with a team of six men into the site. Bubba was in the support area, taking it and wiping her face. towards the outside, eating a sub walked toward a mountain that was Fortunately, his union card was less “I saw him,” Bubba said. the place were death came to call, than a year expired and he was still sandwich and washing it down with She smiled and his heart lit up. iced tea from a plastic jug. While but where Andy Walden gave his within the twelve-month window Oh, it felt so good to do that. life for his friends. for his occupational safety training sitting with other members of his “I’m Susan Walden, his wife. team, he noticed men in suits ***** so he didn’t have to spend forty Where did you see him?” hours in class that he’d rather spend standing behind police barricades. “I gave him a ride in my cab There was a guy who looked a little It was dark and near the end of removing steel and possibly that morning and dropped him off. rescuing somebody. like Andy, the same brown hair and his shift when Bubba watched as I’m sorry, I wish I had kept going eyes, but much taller. He struggled They came across two bodies. Hassan Ali, a short guy with the and didn’t let him get out. I really to stand, a little sore since he was strength of men twice his size, That was the hard part. A medical liked him.” out of practice at serious manual hefted a large piece of cement and team arrived with body bags to take Bubba couldn’t contain the labor. It took only a few steps to tossed it off the girder they were them away. Bubba, a supposed tears. So much for being a big burly reach the man. getting ready to cut. tough guy, had to look away. When man, he thought. “Thank you,” he said. the ambulance left, they resumed “You couldn’t have stopped “Not necessary,” Bubba “Be careful,” Bubba chastised. their grisly task of cutting away him. Andy was a dreamer ¼ and he replied. “It ain’t heavy. Just a pebble.” mangled steel with torches. In all dreamed big.” “Oh, it is. It’s dangerous in The two laughed. Wow, he was his years he never saw girders “I could tell he was going there. I was lucky to make it out. twisted like this. What a mess, he places. I see ‘em come and go in Me and Anwar.” continued on page 34 Page 34 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 Inside the Parish Council by Katie Knowsit needed. If you are interested in becoming a part of this exciting Your Parish Council is back in ministry contact Bill Damato at session and is operating in fifth 642-8920. The first house is set to gear. So much has happened since begin in October so by the time you the last issue that Katie will try to read this, it will have probably been get you up to speed and maybe a built. Congratulations to this little beyond. wonderful organization. First of all I’m sure that you all Another very active ministry that know that Father Thanh Thai might be of interest to you is the Nguyen has been appointed pastor Single and Single Again Ministry. as of September 14th by our new This is one of the most active bishop, Victor Galeone. We are ministries in the parish and certain to have a lively celebration provides a chance for singles to when Father Thanh is formally come together to share each other’s installed as pastor, so be looking in company and grow in the Faith. A busy sign-up Sunday with Habijax the Bulletin for that announcement. This group meets every Tuesday Father is very happy to be our new evening and the agenda for each shepherd. He commented that he meeting is quite varied. has wonderful priests eager to minister to the people of the parish You have nothing to lose ... and a great staff working with him everything to gain ... to make our church community the very best. step out in faith ... There is a wonderful spirit of join in fellowship camaraderie among the ministries when they gather at a monthly meeting to coordinate and report on For example, in the month of their activities. Each ministry has October they had a Pot Luck the opportunity to report anything Dinner, a Sundae and Joke Nite, a that is pertinent to the parish as a Discussion Night with a well- whole or to voice a concern over a known psychologist, and one matter that would affect the parish. evening was for Dance Lessons. Line Dancing with Single and Single Again Since there is neither time nor There were also three Saturday community wherever it might be Daisy at 646-0902. space to report on all the ministries, night dances, one of which of needed. Their first meeting was Well, Katie could go on and on Katie will highlight in each issue course was a Halloween Dance. held in late September and from all writing about all the wonderful two or three ministries that might Now this is just the start. reports it was a great success with happenings and people at this be of interest to you. Habijax is one At a recent garage sale they raised Father Thanh as the guest speaker. parish. Each of us as individuals ministry that is really on the move $658.00 and the group voted to This ministry is starting right off has something to contribute to the this year. They are planning on give $200.00 of that money to the with two very worthwhile projects. parish through the various building four houses and helping Saint Vincent de Paul Society. This The first is the collecting of ministries and associations. with two others. On the last Sunday group is always looking for new clothing for children in the By the time you read this column in September there was a sign-up members so if you are so inclined, Woodland Acres area. The second the Time and Talent Fair will have for anyone in the parish who was give Katie at 745-1287 or Mary project is the collecting of socks for been presented and you will be interested in becoming involved Ann at 731-5118 a call. the homeless. Boxes have been ready to sign up for a Ministry on with Habijax. Fifty people took The last ministry that Katie will placed in the Gathering Area for the the 18th of November. Choose one advantage of that opportunity report on for this issue is the Christ parishioners to deposit clothing or several that interest you and dive which was really outstanding. the King Council of Catholic and/or socks in the designated in. You have nothing to lose and One does not need to be skilled in Women whose president this year is boxes. If you are interested in everything to gain when you step building to be part of this program, Daisy McDonald. This is an becoming a part of one of the oldest out in faith to join in fellowship as all types of volunteers from outstanding group of women whose and most effective ministries at with your parish brothers and clean-up to lunch preparers are goal is to be of service to the Christ the King please contact sisters.

continued from page 33 Joseph’s Journeys laughing with one of them. Maybe Hassan looked down and then back Bubba slipped and felt his body ready to give up his life to help a they weren’t all alike, just as to Bubba. going over the edge when a strong friend and said, “We don’t all look Joseph said. “I won’t let go,” Bubba said. hand grabbed Hassan’s arm. Bubba alike, do we.” The lights powered by “You can’t hold on forever. It’s looked left and into the calm eyes “That’s true,” Joseph said and generators came on and they were okay.” of Joseph and grinned. Joseph smiled. bright. It was that in between time - “No. Nobody else dies here.” smiled. The two lifted Hassan up “It’s not about religion, it’s about giving and loving.” twilight - when the light seemed “You don’t have to.” on to the beam and they carefully more a hindrance than an aid. “And neither do you, so shut up “And sacrifice,” Joseph added. walked to the bottom. Everyone Something shifted below Hassan and hang on,” Bubba growled. Bubba looked again at the was still working. No one heard and he slipped. Bubba felt the man’s weight mountain of rubble remaining. them. It happened too fast. “Hey!” Bubba screamed and began to drag him over and he “Gonna take a whole lot of carefully scampered up the beam. tightened his grip, but the sharp Hassan hugged Bubba and Bubba hugged him back. sacrifice to make that go away.” When he got to where Hassan steel cut through his glove and into “And Jesus said, ‘Destroy this was, he saw him holding on by his his hand. Pain ripped through his “I owe you my life.” “Then I tell you what my friend temple, I will rebuild it in three fingers on the edge of the beam. wrist and up his arm. days.’ It’s not about buildings.” Bubba lay on his stomach and hung “Please. Do not sacrifice Andy would tell you ¼ take your good fortune and give it to others.” “No, I guess not.” his feet over one side of the girder yourself.” “God is with you, Steven, son and then reached down with his “You die, I die.” “I will,” Hassan said and hugged him again. of Timothy ¼ always. Peace be right hand and grabbed the man’s “You will sacrifice yourself for with you.” wrist. Hassan fell and it pulled me?” After Hassan left, Joseph said, “Peace be with you, Steven, son of Bubba was looking at the girder Bubba forward, but his left hand “I will. You didn’t kill these again while Joseph spoke and when caught the edge of the girder and people. And God didn’t let them Timothy.” “Peace be with you, Joseph, son he turned to respond Joseph wasn’t held firm. die. God doesn’t do evil, men do. there. A peace swept through him. The beam was high over a Now hang on.” of David.” Bubba looked at the girder where they had rescued “Peace be with you, Joseph,” he chasm created by the cave in and “Peace is with you,” Hassan said and went back to work. the drop was over seventy feet. said. Hassan, the place where he was November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 35

ON MONDAY & TUESDAY

All Heroes’ Day

- Nov. 1, 2001

Unknown Author On Tuesday they were lining up to give blood for the dying. On Monday there were people On Monday politicians argued fighting against praying in schools. about budget surpluses. Taken from Our Sunday Visitor, admire this bravery but aspire to it. On Tuesday you would have On Tuesday grief stricken they October 28, 2001 Editorial They understand that these heroes been hard pressed to find a school sang ‘God Bless America’. aren’t just stories in a newspaper. where someone was not praying. On Monday we worried about Firefighter and police officer They are models of behavior. On Monday there were people the traffic and getting to work late. costumes are big sellers this Halloween is the eve of All trying to separate each other by On Tuesday we worried about a Halloween season, according to Saints’ Day, and this is an race, sex, color and creed. plane crashing into our homes or news reports. It’s no wonder. appropriate time to remind On Tuesday they were all places of business. During a time of national shock and ourselves of the heroes we have holding hands. On Monday we were irritated mourning, we are desperate for always had in our midst. On Monday we thought that we that our rebate checks had not heroes, and we have found them in These heroes are found in the were secure. arrived. the brave men and women who Communion of Saints and On Tuesday we learned better. On Tuesday they were being rushed to the World Trade Center identified as such by the Church. On Monday we were talking donated to disaster relief funds. on the morning of September 11. They, too, were people of discipline about heroes as being athletes. On Monday some children had We’ve all heard the stories: and courage. They offered up their On Tuesday we relearned what solid families. men and women who knew the lives for others. They loved God hero meant. On Tuesday they were orphans. risks and still entered that towering more than money, power or fame. On Monday people went to On Monday the President was inferno to search for trapped and And they are also models for us going to Florida to read to children. frightened people. A firefighter today. work at the World Trade Center as usual. On Tuesday he returned to killed by a falling body. An off- Saints, unfortunately, have Washington to protect our children. duty police officer who rushed to gotten a bad rap. Many Catholics On Tuesday they died. On Monday people were On Monday we e-mailed jokes. the scene as soon as he heard the have internalized this mocking On Tuesday we did not. fighting the 10 commandments on news, only to be fatally injured by image of saints as goody-goodies, It is sadly ironic how it takes debris. The hundreds of police and religious over-achievers who led government property. horrific events to place things into fire personnel who never made it boring lives and gave up all the On Tuesday the same people all perspective, but it has. The lessons out of the buildings alive after their really fun stuff. Saints aren’t said ‘God help us all.’ while learned, the things we have taken collapse. anything like us, a niggling internal thinking ‘Thou shall not kill.’ for granted, the things that have It is natural and normal that we voice tells us. On Monday people argued with been forgotten or overlooked, look for heroes amid such horror. But the Church tells us that we their kids about picking up their hopefully never will be again. We cannot bear the fact that 6,000 are all called to be saints. This rooms. Monday - pray and be thankful. innocent lives were snuffed out so would not be possible if saints were On Tuesday the same people Tuesday - pray and be thankful. remorselessly. We want to be left not flesh-and-blood human beings could not get home fast enough to Wednesday - pray and be with more than a meditation on the who loved and laughed, who hug their kids. thankful. evil in men’s heart and the fleeting sacrificed much and savored much. On Monday people picked up Thursday - pray and be nature of life. It is true that the saints loved McDonalds for dinner. thankful. Heroes are people of discipline God more than life, but that love On Tuesday they stayed home. Friday - pray and be thankful. and courage. Heroes go where they would mean nothing, and there On Monday people were upset Saturday - pray and be are needed. Heroes rush into would be no sacrifice, if they didn’t that their dry cleaning was not thankful. burning buildings. Heroes lay appreciate how wonderful God’s ready on time. Sunday - pray and be thankful. down their lives for others. Heroes creation was as well. do the right thing, even when it Saints are heroes, and we are looks like there is no hope. asked to emulate these heroes. The We need heroes at times like Church identifies these heroes so Food Baskets For the Needy this. We need heroes to remind us we can not only pray for their that, no matter what victory evil intercession on our behalf but also may temporarily claim, the human model ourselves after them. capacity for goodness and courage This All Saints’ Day, we should will not be bowed. use the occasion to remind our When little boys and little girls children, and ourselves, of the put on the costumes of public heroes in heaven as well as the servants, they do so because in heroes in Manhattan. some instinctive way they not only

St. Vincent de Paul workers at Thanksgiving by Frank Bauman need your assistance. Our baskets are filled with the traditional turkey Once again St. Vincent de Paul is and all the trimmings. The cost of a sponsoring Food Baskets for basket is $50 but any portion of that Thanksgiving and Christmas. amount would be greatly Seventy baskets were distributed appreciated. on each holiday last year because We thank you in advance for all of your generosity. that you do and may God continue The time is again at hand when we to bless you and your families. Page 36 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 Third Decade at Christ

Stained glass windows

Gathering section of Kingdome by Frank Bauman function that the parish holds But now let’s look ahead at the use this building for sports but we (business or pleasure) for she is third decade of life at Christ the use it for dances and other parish When thoughts don’t come as easily there to make sure that everything King. They were very busy and functions. This truly was a great As once they did to me is A-OK. She is now in charge of productive years. addition to our complex. To think that I am getting old Stewardship and still working to Lets talk about the Monstrance Then came the beautiful and is pure absurdity make sure that everything goes that is used for adoration. complex organ and when the organ It’s true there is snow upon my roof right. Monsignor did not think that the was installed we needed someone my steps a bit confused 2) Eleanor Conlin - She started one we had was sufficient, so, he who could play it. Fortunately But I’m not getting old, you see as a volunteer office worker in the asked the parishioners to donate all Monsignor found and hired Dr. I’m just a little bit used rectory for Father Larkin. Her their old and unused gold. I really Bernie Sans (you can call him dedication was tremendous. She don’t know whether he collected Bernie). Bernie plays the organ Once again I must look back worked in the office with great love enough gold (one of my rings is in and see some of the things that I and served with Father Larkin, it) but now we have a beautiful with great professionalism and he forgot to write about. I feel that Monsignors Lenihan and Danaher. Monstrance. loves to sing. He is our Music they are of importance and After all the years she finally He then thought that the church Director and has our small choir although they tell me to never look retired from volunteer work and needed sprucing up so he asked the almost sounding like the First back, I do look back but only on the Monsignor Danaher gave his parishioners to buy a stained glass Baptist Church (downtown). He good things that have happened. congratulations at the Mass window. He wanted the real kind of has done a wonderful job at Christ We lost the nuns when honoring her retirement. stained glass and although they the King. Monsignor Lenihan was pastor. 3) Mary Ward - Was hired as were expensive all windows were St. Vincent de Paul was housed Sometime during the 70’s. It was principal. She was approved by sold (some bought whole windows in several portable buildings and then that Monsignor Lenihan hired Monsignor Lenihan. She was one and some gathered together to buy had very little space to store food Mary Ward as principal. Monsignor of the first teachers in the school. a window). But now the church and other donations they looks great especially when the sun Danaher called on Sisters Therese She was very instrumental in distributed to the needy. Thanks to and Enda to assist in the school forming the library and it was is shining through the windows. Monsignor and Mr. Warren Powers when he became pastor. through her efforts that the library What a great difference this all Christ the King has had many doubled in size. made. an addition was built on to the outstanding people in the church. I You will notice that I Seeing them in my church Kingdome and a warehouse rose up wish I could write about all of them mentioned only women. Well, they reminded me of the churches in for St. Vincent de Paul. Another but space prohibits this. I do think were very important in getting our New York City and other cities, I room was sorely needed for our that the few that I mention were parish together. But I will mention am sure, but NYC is where we are ministries to meet and so the St. outstanding. I hope that you agree. some of the men who were also from and so I know about that city. Mary’s Room was added. This was 1) Pat Thomas - She came to involved and of importance. They We thought the church was greatly appreciated by the St. Christ the King when Monsignor were Tom O’Brien, Rufus Hardy, complete but I should have known Vincent de Paul Society for now Danaher was pastor. There is an old Jerry Shea, George Callahan, and better. they had a place to store things and adage “Behind every great man Dr. Frank Broome. I can go on and It was also decided that the the distribution of food became there is a great woman” and that on but I am afraid that I might school needed a place to play ball much easier. and do other things so a was Pat. She always made sure that forget someone. So let’s say In 1991 Monsignor Danaher everything ran smoothly in the honorable mention for all those gymnasium was built. What a began the Stewardship Program rectory. You will see Pat at every men who have served faithfully. wonderful building. Not only do we November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 37 Spotlight on our oldest the King Parishioner... Born 1896 “May God Bless You...” Emily Kourdy

Father Thanh Bernie Sans

Emily Kourdy

by Jo Thomas After his death she continued working to support herself and her In 1896 there were no cars, no daughter. When her daughter, planes, and the radio had not even Rosemary, married in 1961 she been invented when Emily Allawos came to live with her and her opened her eyes to the world in husband, Antoine (Tony) Shami. Aleppo, Syria. She was the She helped them raise their five youngest of 24 children. children and was always an integral Miss Emily came to the United States in 1920 to live with her part of family life. Mrs. Kourdy brother until she was introduced to always attended five o’clock Mass Fred Kourdy by his sister in 1934. with the family and usually had a Monstrance They were married a year later and youngster at her side. one of the blessings of this Mrs. Kourdy is now 105 years with Pat Thomas as Director of the much and hope that all others feel marriage was the birth of their of age and is still aware of her program. A stewardship committee as I do for we are a great Parish. I daughter, Rosemary. Mrs. Kourdy faithful visitors. On Sundays and was formed. With this program all feel sure those who have been worked and studied very hard to the first Friday of each month she members were asked to tithe. involved (clergy and parishioners) become a citizen of her adopted perks up for Father Thanh and Jean Those parishioners with children in will tell you so. country, and within five years Sell with a smile and a “God Bless We were once considered the mastered the English language and You.” Monsignor Danaher is also a school would be exempt from largest parish in the city but now tuition as long as they honestly received her citizenship papers. frequent visitor who brings her that honor belongs to St. Joseph’s. Holy Communion. He never tithed. This also includes tuition to Her marriage to Fred was a We still hold the record for the happy one, but her husband caught forgets his old friends. Bishop Kenny and Morning Star most active ministries in the city. a cold which escalated into To our oldest parishioner “May School. This really has been a And to think that soon we will God Bless you and keep you ever th pneumonia and he passed away in blessing for the families. be celebrating our 50 anniversary 1946. close to His heart.” One of the nicest things that is mind boggling. When I think of happened to Christ the King was the years we have been the coming of Father Thanh Thai parishioners it just amazes me. Nguyen. What a loving man and he What a wonderful day this should Bishop Kenny High School certainly fit into our parish with be for all and I am so happy that the great ease. He always has his mind younger parishioners are taking Christ the King First Quarter Honor Roll open to new phrases and jokes. He over the volunteer work that we gives the most inspiring homilies have been doing for so long. My that I have heard in a long time. We hat’s off to you for keeping the Emi Arnold Kimberly Oquindo liked him immediately and hoped spirit alive. Danielle Boutte Stephanie Preeschl that he would be with us for a long As an added thought, I would Adam Burnett Ryan Ricafort time. like to see how many of the “original” members are still Molly Crisp Anna Salud WE ARE FAMILY around. When I talk about Kristina Francisco Erin Thurlow “original”, I am saying all those Cameron Frye Nicole Tucker Every time I think of Christ the who came to the church in 1954. It Mandy Kehrt Victoria Ventrone King and its parishioners, the song would be nice to see how many of James Kersch Peter Vergenz “We Are Family” comes into my us are left. Maybe we could get Tracia Lagdaan Jenna Warren mind and I start singing it because together and talk about the “old Elizabeth Ludwig Gregory Weedon we are family. We share each times”. When I say “old times”, I Victoria Matzen Emily Wheeler other’s good times and also the bad also mean good times. I would like Marla McGill Shaina Williams and sorrowful times. We (the to know if you feel this way, too. If parishioners) are always there at all interested please call us at Blair Mitchelson Adel Yazji when someone is in need and we 724-0587 and we can see if this can Michael Nguyen are a hugging and friendly bunch. be arranged. That’s why I like my church so Page 38 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 Characteristics of a Christian Steward

Remaining calm without complaint Patience is also needed when through all of life’s daily relating to family members or annoyances, during times of great fellow parishioners who may not be trial, and when confronted by the as ready to accept stewardship as a faults of others, requires a continual way of life. To bear with others dying to the self through patience. patiently in their journey toward Patience flows from the cardinal stewardship is to take on the heart virtue of fortitude, or courage. It takes great courage to endure the and mind of Jesus, who so patiently pressure cooker of aggravations, bears with out own repeated frustrations, and heartaches that failures. build within us; to hold in with a smile what our senses cry out to A Patient Saint release. St. John Vianney, 1786-1859 The motivation to courageously Known as the Cure (pastor) of remain patient comes from love. Ars, St. John Vianney practiced St. Paul reminds us that first of all, patience in many ways. As a youth “love is patient.” (1 Cor. 13:4) and young man, he badly wanted to Patience is a marvelous way to become a priest in order to gain demonstrate our love for God and souls for God. However, he others by setting ourselves aside. struggled with academics, even As with everything else, though, being dismissed from a seminary by Eileen Porter The scribes and the Pharisees we cannot exercise patience on our before he was finally ordained. led a woman forward who had been own. The truly patient person is When assigned to the parish of Ars, The following is an article on the caught in adultery. They made her not someone who has never felt France, he patiently undertook characteristic of Patience. It is the stand there in front of everyone. loss of patience. Rather, it is the severe penances to intercede for the fourth of ten articles on Christian “Teacher,” they said to Him, “This person who struggles mightily with conversion of his parishioners, Stewardship and was provided by woman has been caught in the act patience within themselves, and whose faith was weak. As his of adultery. In the law, Moses turns constantly to our Lord, holiness and humility began to the Diocese of Wichita, Kansas and ordered such women to be stoned. is printed with their permission. begging for His grace to touch the people of Ars, St. John What do You have to say about the courageously and self aside and spent more and more of his time The Diocese of Wichita was in the case?” (They were posing this forefront of the total stewardship remain patient. hearing confessions. Soon he was question to trap Him, so that they spending from 12 to 16 hours per program in the Catholic Church in could have something to accuse day in a confessional, patiently the United States and has become Him of.) Jesus bent down and Patience and Stewardship Christian stewards have many hearing confessions of pilgrims the prototype for stewardship started tracing on the ground with from all over France. programs. Before Christ the King His finger. When they persisted in opportunities to practice patience. First and most important is their As St. John Vianney became initiated this program our their questioning, He straightened more successful in his great desire chairman, Pat Thomas, went to up and said to them, “Let the man patience with God. As they give among you who has no sin be the more and more of themselves back to save souls, the devil began to Wichita to gather information on attack him physically, and for years the program. We at Christ the King first to cast a stone at her.” A to Him, knowing that He will not second time He bent down and be outdone in generosity, stewards created loud disturbances that are indebted to this Diocese for wrote on the ground. the audience deprived St. John of sleep their advice on beginning the sometimes expect God to make His drifted away one by one, beginning generosity evident sooner, or in throughout the night. Even so, this program and for their continuing with the elders. This left Him alone saint continued to hear confessions, guidance. ways other than He wills. with the woman, who continued to At these times we grow provide counsel, and visit the sick, stand there before Him. Jesus impatient, wanting what we want maintaining his patience despite finally straightened up and said to long hours and little sleep. Patience her, “Woman, where did they all from God instead of waiting “When a person strikes you on disappear to? Has no one patiently on Him. Patience is the right cheek, turn and offer him remaining at peace with His will, In the next issue of the Courier condemned you?” “No one, sir, she we will address the characteristic the other. If anyone wants to go to answered.” Jesus said, “Nor do I confident that He always provides law over your shirt, hand him your of Responsibility in a Christ condemn you. You may go. But what is best for us. steward. coat as well. Should anyone press from now on, avoid this sin.” (John you into service for one mile, go 8:3-11) with him two miles. Give to the man who begs from you. Do not The Characteristic of Patience turn your back on the borrower.” Perhaps the most challenging of ADVENT TREES (Matthew 5:39-42) all virtues is that of patience. This is our annual Christmas project giving presents to the Christmas & New Year’s Schedule needy. Your participation is valued and has given joy to so many Sacrament of Penance people every year. In many cases Advent Reconciliation Service the present from you is the only gift Monday, December 17 at 7:00 PM that person gets. Our presents go the following places: Masses Mental Health Association Christmas Eve~Vigil, Monday, December 24 Harbor House 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 PM & Midnight Oakwood Villas - needy children Boys Home Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25 Silvercreek Apartments 7:00, & 10:00 AM All Saints Nursing Home First Coast Rehab & Health New Year’s Eve~Vigil, Monday, December 31 Foreign Seafarers 5:30 PM Department of Children & Families Catholic Charities New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1, 2002 by Trudy Cameron St. Gerard House 8:15 AM, & 10:00 AM Our Lady of Hope Farm Christmas is coming! That On Christmas Day there will be no Adoration of the Blessed means one of our most popular We hope you will support us projects will be starting very soon. again this holiday season. If you Sacrament. On New Year’s Eve Day Adoration will start after the The Advent Trees will be put up in want to help with the Advent Trees, 8:15 AM Mass and will end with the Benediction at 5 PM. the sanctuary on November 17th. call Trudy at 724-0511. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 39 The Unconventional Convention

Father Thanh, Eileen adn Neil Porter, Doris Faustini, Helen and Bill Damato, Father Thanh, Olin and Jane Middleton Eileen and Neil Porter, Doris Faustini

Doris Faustini, Eileen and Neil Porter, John Faustini, Eileen and Neil Porter, Jane and Olin Middleton Doris Faustini, Olin and Jane Middleton by Eileen Porter and she was greeted with a big We finally went aboard for the sermon, a tribute to the spirit of round of applause. Spirits were last leg of our flight to San Diego America and her citizens. No one will ever forget the high as we boarded the plane and and when we finally arrived the The group decided to avail terrible events of September the took off for Birmingham. This was weather was beautiful and we went themselves of the opportunity to 11th. If the monstrous perpetrators supposed to be a short stop to board happily to claim our luggage and tour San Diego by way of the “Old of this terrorist act thought they new passengers, but once again — go to the hotel. Our happiness was Town Trolley.” It was a narrative would bring America to its knees things didn’t proceed according to not to last as our luggage had gone tour with the opportunity of getting — they were wrong. This was the plan. One of the flight crew had to to some other destination, and we off and on along the way and feeling of the Stewardship leave here and again we waited for all had to fill out “Lost Luggage continue with a later trolley. We Committee when they decided to a replacement. Finally, after several Forms,” which was very time didn’t get off until we reached “Old go ahead with their plans to go to hours, a replacement arrived and consuming. Town.” San Diego for the convention the she was also greeted by a round of So some 15 hours after arriving Old Town proved to be a lot of following Saturday, September the applause. at the Jacksonville Airport we got fun. Due to its proximity to the 15th. We checked numerous times Off to Phoenix. Everyone was into cabs and went to the truly Mexican border, there was a strong with the International Stewardship excited and in good spirits. That beautiful Marriott Marina Hotel. Mexican influence in the entire Committee as late as Friday night continued as we flew westward and Tired, but feeling like triumphant area. We wandered down the streets and were assured that the arrived in Phoenix. Because of the survivors, we went in to claim our savoring the local flavor and Convention would proceed as prior delay, we missed our reservations. When we arrived at stopped at a restaurant with a large planned. connecting flight to San Diego and the desk, we were informed that the outdoor courtyard. The wait staff Members of the Stewardship again we waited. We inquired about International Stewardship wore colorful Mexican costumes Committee have always been our luggage being transferred and Conference had been canceled. We and the menu heavily favored salsa responsible for all expenses were assured it would be on our were not a happy group. and tortilla dishes, which we incurred on these trips. This has plane. This time, while waiting, we We were tired, disappointed enjoyed. been the policy since the beginning browsed the airport shops and and without luggage, but still After returning to the hotel we of the Stewardship Committee and commiserated with fellow travelers survivors. Our rooms looked out on made a final decision to return to we consider it a part of being a with everyone still in good spirits. the marina and the hotel gardens, Jacksonville on Monday. The good Christian Steward. which were beautiful, and we airline cooperated and allowed us Our Pastor, Father Thanh, walked out on the boardwalk and to change our reservations without Stewardship Chairman, Pat Members of the Stewardship admired the yachts and sailboats a penalty. The trip home was Thomas and nine members of the and our spirits picked up. We had uneventful, planes were on time committee were to leave Committee are responsible dinner in one of the more casual and our luggage arrived when we Jacksonville at 7:20 a.m. on for all of their own expenses. dining rooms in the hotel. Later that did. Saturday (two other members had This includes transportation, night our luggage was delivered to Before we left San Diego, reservations for later in the day). our rooms. Father Thanh and the 10 members We went to the airport three hotel, food and miscellaneous Sunday morning, refreshed and of the Stewardship Committee hours in advance of our flight time expenses. ready for the day, we met for stood at the front entrance of the as instructed by the airlines and brunch in the hotel and to decide Marriott and with cabs waiting. although it was crowded, we went whether we should stay in San Father Thanh said “Let’s say a through the check-in process quite All the people we met were Diego or try to get a flight back to prayer.” We gathered in a circle, quickly, and went on to our gate. At experiencing the same problems Jacksonville. After breakfast we bowed our heads, held hands and this gate the flight was listed as and there was a camaraderie not went to St. John’s Cathedral where Father offered a prayer for all of us leaving on time (7:20 a.m.), easily explained under such trying we were privileged to attend Mass, and for our country and then however this changed shortly and circumstances. I am sure that much celebrated by the Auxiliary Bishop together we recited the Lords we were told that not all the flight of this was due to the tragedies in of San Diego, The Most Reverend Prayer. God is good, He will take crew were present. Two hours later New York, Pennsylvania and the Gilbert E. Chavez. Bishop Chavez care of all of us. the third flight attendant appeared Pentagon. delivered a wonderful uplifting Page 40 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 Christ the King Childcare

by Theresa Little

Well, the new school year has begun and with our full house we are preparing for an exciting year. We had our first field trip for the year in October. We visited a Pumpkin Patch. This has always been a great way to begin our year. We will also be preparing for our Christmas Program in December. We had a great summer with lots of water days and picnics. For the Fourth of July we sang for all who were around. At the rectory, we were well received when little ones performed. Everyone seemed to enjoy the Best buddies Children at play ‘musical break’ in their day. We left them with smiles on their faces and requests that we come back again. Lots of activities are planned for the upcoming year, and we are looking forward to having lots of fun learning and playing.

Celebrating our nation’s birthday

Hail, hail, the gang’s all here

THE CHOICE IS LIFE Some say that life begins at birth; others say conception; Still others say we should allow our own interpretation.

Summer fun at Christ the King Some say that science should make the call or say it’s a personal choice; Still others say it’s a religious sphere; but the baby has no voice.

From the moment of conception, there must be life, you know; How else to explain the embryo’s ability to grow?

It takes nine months from start to end a human child to form; At day seventeen, its heart starts to beat; alive, but still unborn.

The chromosomes and genes are there; a genuine entity; Not actually part of the mother’s body; a cocoon of humanity.

Abortion is willful killing of life, as one can plainly see; And deliberate slaughter of human life Smile - say cheese! is murder in the first degree. Kathleen L. Purtle November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 41 LIFE TEEN Forgiveness LIFE TEEN wants to give you a glimpse inside a LIFE TEEN retreat. The following real life testimony from our Fall Retreat is one of forgiveness. Where one teen, through the intercession of his sister, was able to forgive. by Nick O’Donoughue Jane, Erica’s friend, had a habit of speeding down Racetrack Road. Then Peter came up and asked Erica confided to my mom that she Him, “Lord, when my brother had repeatedly asked Jane to slow wrongs me, how often must I down, but with no success. The forgive him? Seven times?” preceding Friday Jane had passed a “No,” Jesus replied, “not seven school bus with its red lights times; I say, seventy times seven flashing, so Erica spoke to my times.” (Matthew 18:21-22) parents about it. There you have it, in God’s own They decided that night that words. We are to forgive each other. Erica would no longer ride to That is something that a lot of school with Jane. When Erica told people I know, including myself, Jane, she asked Erica to continue have trouble with. But there was riding with her and promised not to one person that I know who didn’t speed anymore. My parents have much trouble forgiving again decided that they would let Erica and again and again. ride with her for one more day to My family has three brothers figure out another way for Erica to I am noticing a difference in myself showed everyone and I am still and one sister. Being the only girl, get to school. (how I feel) and how others act disgusted with the way in which I Erica was picked on a lot. She had That Monday morning, Erica’s towards me. It is my opinion that repaid it. And I meant it, too. I no older sister to hide behind. We last day riding with Jane, she sped people are drawn towards someone didn’t like my sister, at least not on were merciless in our poking fun. on the way to school like she did who is always kind and happy, so the outside. But when she died, I It was only innocent fun, really, every morning. Jane took her I’m doing my best. When someone realized how much I had loved her but I know now that it must’ve hurt chances like she did every morning. does something to me (even my and to this day I long for the day her very badly. But, one thing that She passed someone illegally while brothers) I try to bite my tongue when I can say to her “I’m sorry.” Erica never hesitated to do was approaching a turn. She got back and be compassionate. It makes me Forgiving myself was a very hard smile through our insults and into her lane safely, they were feel so at peace inside. step. forgive us all. Patrick, Jason, my going about 70 miles per hour. It’s often difficult, but in the I was a Young Apostle at the father, even me. She must’ve had to Then for some reason the car went long run it’s worth it. Not only do I Atlanta Steubenville Conference in do that a dozen times daily. off the road with all four wheels. want to live my life for the Lord, 2000, and we had adoration and Every morning as I left for She over-corrected to get back onto but I want to be a witness of confession one night to prepare for school, Erica would run out of her the road and rolled the car onto its Christ’s love for everyone else. The the weekend. That night, I went to confession with Father Jose, and I room and give me a hug goodbye. side, right into the path of an best way is by turning the other We went to the same school, but oncoming construction truck. Jane had a long talk with him about all cheek and in Christ’s words, ‘Love my emotions. In that confessional, she got a ride with a friend, we’ll was in critical condition after the your neighbor as yourself.’ Father Jose helped me to realize call her Jane, whereas I rode the accident, but made a full recovery. I want you to feel this way too. that I am only human, and I will bus. I remember not liking to say She made bad decisions, and Erica One of the first things I’m trying to make mistakes. He showed me that goodbye to her every morning; I had to pay for them. My family had do is forgive people for the hurt God didn’t come to save the did it just to humor her. None of it to pay for them. they’ve caused me. Not just say it, sinless, but the sinners. Everyone ever fazed her though; she loved us When I got home, I saw my dad but mean it. I find that bitterness is needs forgiveness, and God hands just the same. crying for the first, and only, time not becoming in the eyes of the it out readily. If, therefore, God, the The big difference between ever. He had to bite back the tears Lord . . . ” all-knowing creator of the universe, Erica and me was that she was very as he told me, “Son, your sister died It took a while, but after a year wants to forgive me, what reason religious. I didn’t buy into all that, this morning.” I had to call my or so, with the help of that letter, I do I have not to forgive myself? I made mistakes, but I can’t hold but she never gave up. One Sunday brother in Iowa, because no one managed to forgive Jane. I realized night, October 11, 1998, Erica else could. I had to tell him what onto my guilt. It’s just like anger. If that although she made conscious I cling to my emotions of guilt, then brought me with her to youth group happened, that his little sister, his at San Juan Del Rio. It was my first decisions, it was God’s plan for I’m holding something back from youth group and I had more fun only sister was gone. No goodbyes, Erica to lose her life and touch so God. than I expected to. Afterwards, she just gone. many more. It still hurts to hear When I came out of that went around the house and Erica’s example and love are Jane’s name, or see her walking confessional and sat in front of the convinced us to pray a Rosary the only reason that I’m standing around just fine, but I realized that Blessed Sacrament I was ready to together because she had learned at here right now talking to you. It she deserves God’s love and forgive myself. I sat there, in the LIFE TEEN that night that October was Erica’s loving sacrifice that forgiveness as much as I do. And if presence of God, and came to terms was the month of the Rosary. That showed me God’s love for us, and I don’t forgive her, God won’t with all the things I had done to my was the first step on my road back the desire to see her again and say forgive me. For if we keep our sister. I accepted all the teasing and to God. goodbye to her is my inspiration to forgiveness from someone, then we mistreatment as actions that can’t The next morning, October 12, get to Heaven. But, there are two be undone. I put them in the past, keep God’s forgiveness from and forgave myself for doing them, Erica was running a little late, so very difficult things I had to do ourselves. Forgiving Jane was like she didn’t give me a hug goodbye knowing that Erica had already first. I had to forgive two different removing a brick from the wall forgiven me, and that I will one day when I left. “Good,” I thought, “I people. I had to forgive Jane for between God and myself. I was got away this morning.” be with her in Heaven. I’ve finally taking my only sister from me, and always bitter with Jane after what forgiven myself, and that was one Not many people have a chance I had to forgive myself for ignoring happened and that kept me from huge load off my shoulders. to say goodbye to someone. I did, my chance to say goodbye and tell giving everything I had to God; I Erica has found her ways of but I refused to take it. What I Erica how much I really love her. was holding something back. But speaking to me: in the stars, in wouldn’t give right now to go back I’m going to read to you a bit when I let go of that anger and nature, and in everyday and say goodbye to Erica that from a letter that Erica wrote to one resentment, it felt like an immense coincidences that only I might see. morning. You see, when I was in of her friends in New York after we load had been lifted from my In all these things, Erica has shown first block, they called me into moved here: shoulders. I could almost me that she forgives me, and that guidance to tell me that Erica had “. . . I am trying to love physically feel the difference, but I she’s doing well in Heaven. With been in an accident on the way to everyone, even when they make it wasn’t done yet. the peace and freedom that I now school. They wouldn’t say much, almost impossible. I want to live in Forgiving Jane, as hard as it feel having forgiven myself, I find but what they didn’t say said Christ’s image. To love the Lord is was, was easier than forgiving the strength to forgive everyone everything. to love all that He created. Already myself. I saw the love that Erica else for what they do. Page 42 Christ the King Courier November, 2001 LIVING ON THE EDGE Fall Retreat 2001

by Nick O’Donoughue of going swimming in the lake, playing basketball, playing board “Turn it Over,” now what could games, praying a rosary, or playing that mean? That’s a question that football. The break was cut short, 72 teens were asking themselves however, by more rain. prior to the Aug. 31-Sept. 2 After the break there were more weekend. “Turn it Over” was the sessions followed by the sacrament name of the fall LIFE TEEN retreat of Reconciliation. Reconciliation that I attended. In total there were was a success; as I am told that 72 teens on the weekend, plus the most of the teens received the Core Team, Music for LIFE, and sacrament on this retreat. That is a Parents for LIFE who provided testament to the Core Team, the various services and talents for the examples they set for all of us to weekend. With the input from all of follow, and the impact they had on the adults helping, this retreat was us teens. destined for success. I know for a Later that evening Father fact it had a positive impact on me. Thanh led us in Adoration. While by Nancy Powers long history of youth ministry and On Friday we all arrived at Adoration was only 45 minutes, is very excited about The Edge. In Christ the King only to be greeted God still found a way to make an You’ve all been asking for it, a recent telephone interview John by rain. There would be much more impact on us for the weekend. you’ve been wanting it, you’ve said jokingly, “This ain’t your of that to follow. We socialized in a When we finally went to bed been praying for it and now it’s momma’s youth ministry!” But meeting hall at Christ the King Saturday night, I was falling asleep here. The Edge - a Catholic middle then seriously added, “No really! where pizza and drinks were on the way to my cabin. school youth ministry program I’m excited about the Edge format. provided. It was a nice way to start Sunday morning, again came designed to lead 6th, 7th and 8th I think it’s one of the best programs the weekend. too early. We got up, and were grade students closer to Christ is I’ve seen because, like LIFE Then we all piled into two greeted by another outstanding here. Developed by LIFE TEEN, TEEN, it hits the youth on so many buses for the trip to Camp Cherry meal prepared by our Parents for The Edge touches youth through levels and it’s just a lot of fun!” Lake, while two U-Hauls carried LIFE. After another session, an education, issue and social topics, John also added that, “One of all our luggage and the various activity, and a round of thanks discussions, and events. Here at the keys to this ministry being props needed for the weekend. We given to the Music for LIFE, Christ the King, The Edge will successful will be the involvement arrived at Camp Cherry Lake after Parents for LIFE, and Core Team, meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of of parents and other volunteers. dark. I was ready to go to bed…but we went to lunch. every month from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. We’ll need help with snacks, arriving was just the start of the After lunch, each small group Then, if they desire, they can go to chaperoning of campus events, and evening! had their opportunity to thank the LIFE TEEN Mass that begins at prayer support. We’re also looking The theme for the weekend was Parents for LIFE. The group who 5:00. “the Beatitudes.” There was one was deemed to have the best thank The Edge kicked off in October for a select group of parents, Moms and Dads, who are willing to session on Friday night after Mass, you for the Parents for LIFE had with 39 young people who “Came the honor of getting their t-shirts To The Edge.” Check out the commit to this ministry by being which was celebrated by Father Thanh. Afterwards, we all went to first. Then the camp was cleaned, pictures! It was a great time and Ministry Mentors. That means and people gathered under the there will be lots more. They’re you’ll help plan, implement, and bed for some much needed sleep. pavilion to cherish the last two planning on dances, lock-ins, attend Edge Nights (3:00 - 4:30 Saturday morning came much hours of our weekend together. bowling, and movies...getting deep p.m.). You’ll be helping in small too early, but breakfast was All too soon we had to pile into on pressure, friends, and other groups and yes...being a Fool For exquisite. Saturday was filled with two buses and came back to Christ topics that interest them....and Christ. I promise you’ll have a more than I thought could be done The King. There we were greeted in a day. We had several more learning cool stuff about being great time. So don’t sit back. by our parents and we all went into Catholic. sessions, along with a three-hour Mass together. What a great There’s something for everyone. break in the middle of the day. John Klinkenberg, who will be Get Into It - Come To the Edge.” weekend, it is definitely something coordinating Edge Events, has a During the break we had the option I’d like to do again. November, 2001 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 43 LIFE TEEN Retreat

By Diana Cruz getting down and personal with final screw-ups. Then we thanked with his or her name on it. We had Father Thanh. After dinner we our Music for LIFE, Parents for Mass and finally got home. God This was my first retreat ever... prepared for Christ himself to enter LIFE and our own very special core change me in three days... with It was incredible! There are not the hall. Adoration that night members. We had a rainy drive some help from LIFE TEEN. I enough words to describe the changed many teens including me. back, and a wonderful welcome encourage all teens to go to the next feeling of getting so close to God in On the last day we had our final from the teen’s parents, family and upcoming retreat! only three days. group sessions and our “experts” friends. Everyone got a balloon I felt like it was a Mass and party combined. On the first day we got on the bus and rode for about three and half hours. Once we got to Cherry Lake Camp, we were assigned cabins and groups. That night we learned about the first two Beatitudes adn talked about some deep questions. What was awesome was that our group leader actually took our opinions like it mattered. We had our special “expert,” David, who knew every single Beatitude by heart...NOT! We didn’t go to sleep that night until 2:00 in the morning and we had to get up at 7:00 the next day. The food was “excellent.” It kicked major booty. After breakfast we met in the hall and different core members and a couple of teens shared certain experiences and their opinions on the Beatitudes and how it changed their life to discover God. We had a rainy free time and most of the teens went swimming. Others played football and basketball. There were even some board games. After lunch we had confession. I know mine was very meaningful. We were totally Page 44 Christ the King Courier November, 2001

Kudos To Bishop Snyder

by Ron Lynch decorated with yellow flower front of the hall with Bishop tears and encouragement to see the centerpieces in pots covered in red Galeone, Monsignor Danaher, and churches finished. He felt Bishop Bishop John J. Snyder was born and gold foil. Adhering to true others congratulating Bishop Snyder should dedicate them. The in New York City on October 25, Catholic party tradition, there were Snyder on his years of service to next day after an evening’s 1925. Archbishop Thomas E. three open bars against the walls the diocese. reflection, Bishop Snyder told him Molloy ordained him to the that served assorted beverages. Monsignor Lenihan gave a that he appreciated the offer but priesthood on June 9, 1951. Bishop Punch was available from tables prayer of thanks for the benefits the must refuse. He said Bishop Mugavero ordained him as bishop among the nicely appointed four diocese received through the Galeone must dedicate the on February 2, 1973 in Brooklyn. buffet lines. Partygoers were ministry of Bishop Snyder. churches because if Bishop Snyder He resigned on his 75th birthday on treated to fruit, assorted cheeses, Mayor John Delaney was the did as suggested, then the October 25, 2000. His friends and fresh vegetables, mixed nuts, next speaker and said that upon his impression would be given that associates said a warm goodbye to potato chips with dip, meatballs in arrival he noticed Bishop Snyder Bishop Galeone was only a him at his retirement party on gravy, fried chicken strips, and kissing babies and shaking hands. figurehead and Bishop Snyder was October 28, 2001. It was a festive cake. He remarked that the city was still THE Bishop. He told Bishop three-hour (4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.) Decorative trees by the walls going to need a new mayor in a few Galeone that he would give him no affair held at the Prime Osborn were illuminated with tiny white years and the bishop now had a lot help for a year, even in Convention Center. Some of the lights. A large video screen was set of extra time on his hands. Mayor confirmations, because it must be arriving partygoers must have been against curtains in the front of the Delaney also said the bishop was a clear from day one that Bishop a little disconcerted by men leaving hall. Soft background music was great citizen of the community and Galeone is in fact the Bishop of St. the center carrying rifles and provided by a man at the front of of the world. He related a story Augustine. Bishop Galeone was shotguns. It happened that the last the hall using keyboard and about the confirmation of his son in touched with the consideration day of a gun show was just ending synthesizer to set the mood. St. Augustine and how it was a hot, shown by this gesture. as they were arriving to celebrate Christ the King was represented sultry day. After the ceremony, Then Bishop Snyder took the the Bishop’s retirement. by some of our parishioners in Bishop Snyder selflessly remained podium and talked about his tenure Outside the hall NJROTC attendance. A few of them were: with the parents and newly here. He spoke of his love for the students were passing out the Monsignor Mortimer Danaher, confirmed students in the hot room diocese and its people and his hope brochures recognizing Bishop Karen Mathis, folks from Harbor shaking hands, giving hugs, and for our future. He also reminded us Snyder’s life and career. There was House, Tony and George Balsamo, interacting with the people there. that he is just down the road at a table attended by young ladies Bob and Mitzi and Gina Vergenz, Bishop Galeone then spoke Marywood and for us not to forget upon which were guest books for Neil and Eileen Porter, Pat Thomas, about the big shoes he was going to him. signatures and home cities. Also and Bill and Helen Damato. have to step into. He told of the The evening started to wind outside the hall was the gracious When it came time for the time he arrived here and Bishop down after Bishop Snyder spoke. Bishop Snyder speaking with well- festivities to begin the Knights of Snyder told him to be ready for a As people were beginning to leave, wishers, shaking hands and giving Columbus, in full regalia, escorted lot of work since there were to be it was obvious there was plenty of hugs. Quite a crowd had gathered Bishop Snyder, Bishop Galeone, three new, large churches to love for our retiring bishop. A line around him before the event began. Mayor John Delaney, and dedicate. He told Bishop Snyder to greet him and shake his hand Inside the hall was an Monsignor Lenihan to their table at that it wasn’t fair, having just stretched across the hall. We have impressive display. One hundred the front of the hall. A film was arrived, and hadn’t put in the truly been fortunate to have his tables, each seating eight, were presented on the large screen at the planning and the blood, sweat and service to us for all those years.