Where to Go for Holy Week Services

Easter Resurrection Welcome, Father Kusek Lenten Missions Updates on the HHS Mandate the Catholic The Newsletter of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands notes from the bishop’s desk Most Reverend Herbert A. Bevard PUBLISHER Father Charles Crespo EDITOR Bernetia Akin, Valerie Douté Msgr. Michael Kosak Chrism Mass PROOFREADERS Br. James Petrait, OSFS WEB MASTER The Most Reverend is Excellency, Bishop Herbert parishes of the Herbert A. Bevard, Bishop Deacon Emith Fludd CIRCULATION Bevard, will celebrate this year’s diocese for of the Diocese of St. Thomas Chrism Mass at St. Joseph sacramental in the Virgin Islands. Sarah Jane von Haack WRITER/ASSISTANT EDITOR H Church on St. Croix on Tuesday, April 3, at purposes. Also at that celebration, all priests

Frank Iacovella noon. At that Holy Week celebration, Bishop serving in the diocese will renew their vows GRAPHIC DESIGNER Bevard will consecrate the three holy oils of celibacy, obedience to the bishop and April 2012 • Vol. 28 : Issue 4 that will be bottled and distributed to all the ministerial commitment to the diocese. The Catholic Islander is published monthly by the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. P.O. Box 301825, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bishop’s Appeal 2012 the four Catholic schools in the territory, and 00803-1825 www.catholicislander.com The Bishop’s Appeal 2012, which was evangelization projects throughout the diocese. Telephone: (340) 774-3166 ext. 211, Fax: (340) 774-5816 launched on the first weekend of Lent, This year’s campaign focuses on the theme E-mail: [email protected] February 25-26, will continue beyond Lent “Working Together for the Kingdom of God.” © FAITH Catholic™. for those parishes which have not yet achieved Please submit news, their financial goal. Brochures are available at Keys & Sword Award Benefit digital photography and all parishes. The third annual Keys & Sword Award Benefit advertising for the The Bishop’s Appeal is an annual fundraising on February 11 raised more than $87,000 May 2012 issue of campaign designed to meet major needs towards the restoration fund for Ss. Peter and The Catholic Islander by within the diocese. Through this campaign, Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas. Additional April 9, 2012. the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands donations are anticipated. The dinner dance at generates vital financial support for the needy the Frenchman’s Reef Beach Resort honored the served by Catholic Charities of the Virgin Dowling Family Foundation, Louis de Lyrot and Islands, the hundreds of children who attend the late Gerard Nicholson.

bishop’s calendar

Sunday, April 1, 10 a.m., Palm Sunday Mass, Ss. 18 Peter and Paul Cathedral, St. Thomas Saturday, April 7, 7 p.m., Easter Vigil Mass, On the cover: Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, St. Thomas. Resurrection of Christ Sunday, April 1, 5 p.m., Palm Sunday concert, (by Carl Bloch) Holy Family Church, St. Thomas. Sunday, April 8, 10 a.m., Easter Sunday Mass, 3 Local News Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, St. Thomas. Tuesday, April 3, 10 a.m., Presbyteral Council 7 Catholic Charities meeting, St. Joseph Church Hospitality Lounge, Sunday, April 15, 9 a.m., Mass, Holy Cross 8 Save the Date St. Croix. Church, St. Croix. 9 ¡Buenas noticias! Tuesday, April 3, noon, Chrism Mass, St. Joseph Sunday, April 15, 3 p.m., Divine Mercy Mass, 10 Catholic Education Church, St. Croix. Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, St. Thomas. 11 Spotlight on Youth Thursday, April 5, 12:30 p.m., The Seven Last April 17-19, 40th Anniversary Class Reunion, 12 Holy Week Calendar Words of Christ, Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Louisville, Kentucky. 14 The Church in the World St. Thomas. 16 Saint of the Month April 21-22, Mission Appeal, St. Vincent Ferrer Thursday, April 5, 7 p.m., Holy Thursday Evening Church, West Palm Beach, Florida. 20 Journey of Faith Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Ss. Peter and Paul 22-26 Parish Calendars Cathedral, St. Thomas. April 23-24, Parish Mission, St. Vincent Ferrer Church, West Palm Beach, Florida. 22-26 Pride of the Parish Friday, April 6, 3 p.m., Good Friday Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, Ss. Peter and Paul Sunday, April 29, 7:30 a.m., Mass, Holy Family Cathedral, St. Thomas. Church, St. Thomas.

2 The Catholic Islander / April 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Liturgical Calendar: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord April 1 | St. Isidore, bishop and doctor of the Church April 4 | Holy Thursday April 5 | Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord April 6 | Holy Saturday April 7 | Deacons on Lenten Retreat Mass on a Cruise Bishop Herbert Bevard led a Lenten reflection for the Bishop Herbert Bevard celebrated daily Mass aboard the St. Croix deacons and deacon candidates and their wives Caribbean Princess on February 12-19. Fifty-two people at Light of Christ Retreat Center on March 17. At the participated on the diocesan cruise, which generated $10,644 conclusion, he announced that he would ordain Hector for the four Catholic schools in the Virgin Islands. Arroyo of St. Joseph Church and Benjamin Parilla of Holy Cross Church to the diaconate at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on Saturday, July 7, at 11 a.m. Pictured left to right are Msgr. Michael Kosak, vicar of the diaconate, Bishop Bevard, Mr. Arroyo and Mr. Parilla.

Mass at St. Joseph Church Bishop Herbert Bevard celebrated Mass at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on March 17. He is pictured with Father John Mark, pastor (left), and Deacon Neville Charles (right).

Ash Wednesday Bishop Herbert Bevard and Deacon Clement Danet imposed ashes at the midday Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on Ash Wednesday, February 22.

Rest in Peace local news Patricia Herrera, mother of Father Jose Herrera, former pastor of St. Joseph Church on St. Croix, died peacefully, Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength surrounded by her family, on March 7. Father Herrera according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial on March 12 at is prohibited. Also, fast and abstinence are encouraged for Holy St. Anne Church in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Saturday, April 7. Father Herrera is serving as a U.S. Army chaplain in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Good Friday Holy Land Collection All parishes in the United States, including the Virgin Islands, Good Friday Regulations will participate in a pontifical collection for the works of the Catholics 14 years and older must abstain from eating Catholic Church in the Holy Land during Good Friday services meat on Good Friday, April 6. In addition, fasting is to be on April 6. The funds support pastoral, charitable, educational observed by all Catholics who are 18 years of age, but not and social works in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, and, in yet 59. Those bound by this may take only one full meal. particular, Israel and the Palestinian regions.

Liturgical Calendar: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord April 1 | St. Isidore, bishop and doctor of the Church April 4 | Holy Thursday April 5 | Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord April 6 | Holy Saturday April 7 | 3 local news Ash Wednesday Cathedral Restoration Project Pictured below, Msgr. Jerome Feudjio imposed ashes Workers are repairing the dormitories at Ss. Peter and on Samuel Belmar, principal, at the Mass for students and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas. The walls and ceilings of staff of Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas on Ash several rooms had been damaged seriously over the years Wednesday, February 22. The Mass was celebrated at by seepage. Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral.

Caregivers Workshop Father Eduardo Ortiz Santiago and Deacon Bernard Gibs imposed ashes at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Twenty-eight people attended a caregiver’s workshop at Church on St. Thomas. St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas on February 20. Tracy Sanders, a nurse who is a parishioner at Holy Cross Church on St. Croix and the founder of Continuum Care, facilitated the seminar.

Father John Mark and Deacon Guillermo Huertas Catholic Home Missions imposed ashes at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix. All parishes in the Virgin Islands will have a second collection for the Catholic Home Missions Appeal on April 21-22. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops established the Catholic Home Missions Appeal in 1998 to support the missions in America. Catholic Home Missions primarily supports those unable to oer their people the basic pastoral ministries of word, worship and service without outside help. It also gives grants to organizations and religious communities engaged in missionary work. The pastoral services include evangelization, religious education, ministry training and support for poor parishes. The Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands has received hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years from Catholic Home Missions.

4 The Catholic Islander / April 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Easter Sunday and the Resurrection of the Lord April 8 | Divine Mercy Sunday April 15| St. Anselm, bishop and doctor of the Church April 21| St. George, martyr and St. Adalbert, bishop and martyr April 23| St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest and martyr April 24| Lenten Missions Father Trevor Nathasingh of the Archdiocese of Father Cornelius Phillip, FMI, who serves in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain in Trinidad led a mission at Our Lady Port of Spain in Trinidad, led a mission at Holy Family Church on of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John on March 5-8. St. Thomas on February 27-March 1.

Peggy Meyer guided a retreat at Holy Cross Church’s McAlpin Hall on St. Croix on March 10.

Bible Course Father Charles Crespo taught from the Book of Genesis in the clubhouse of St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas on Mondays and Thursdays of Lent. Pictured right, those who arrived early watched a movie based on the book of Genesis before the class began.

Easter Sunday and the Resurrection of the Lord April 8 | Divine Mercy Sunday April 15| St. Anselm, bishop and doctor of the Church April 21| St. George, martyr and St. Adalbert, bishop and martyr April 23| St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest and martyr April 24| 5 local news

Welcome, Father Kusek Holy Cross Church on St. Croix formally welcomed its new associate pastor, Father Wojciech Kusek, CSsR, with receptions after all the Masses on February 26.

The congregation at Sacred Heart Chapel on St. Croix hosted a welcome reception for Father Kusek after Sunday Mass on February 19.

New Legionaire Military Promotion Denise Sibilly made her promises as a new member of Father Alejandro Sanchez, a priest of the Diocese of the Legion of Mary to Father Charles Crespo at St. Anne St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands serving in the military, was Chapel on St. Thomas on February 15. promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel on February 1. He is a full-time chaplain to the National Guard in Puerto Rico. Presently he is on assignment in Kosovo.

6 The Catholic Islander / April 2012 / www.catholicislander.com St. Mark, evangelist April 25| St. Peter Chanel, priest and martyr April 28| St. Pius V, pope April 20 news from catholic charities Raising Awareness Odile de Lyrot, a member of the Catholic Charities board of directors, met with Second Lady Cheryl Francis, wife of Food Fest to Help the Hungry Lt. Governor Gregory Francis, on St. Thomas on February 13 to Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands develop proposals for raising the awareness of Catholic Charities (CCVI) will host the Virgin Islands’ first programs among the public. International Festival of Food at St. Croix’s Agricultural Fairgrounds on Sunday, August 12. Participants will have an opportunity to sample the authentic cuisine and enjoy traditional music and customs of many cultures in one afternoon without leaving St. Croix. The family-friendly festival also will feature dance, children’s games, souvenirs, and arts and crafts from many countries. There will be raffles, storytelling, poetry readings, cooking classes, grab bags, door prizes, flea markets and a fashion show. CCVI seeks cooks, food lovers, food venders and restaurateurs to participate in this celebration of cultural diversity. Churches, non-profit associations and social organizations may raise funds by purchasing space to market the traditional foods, crafts and souvenirs of the country they wish to represent. CCVI also New Shelter seeks volunteers to assist with the planning and Manager execution of the festival. For more information, Laurine Parrilla please call CCVI at 773-0132. is the new manager Generated funds will help CCVI assist the of Bethlehem House poor and homeless on St. Croix. for the Homeless on St. Croix, eective February 5. Catholic Charities’ April Food Drive Ms. Parrilla held several positions at Please collect the following items at your the shelter since 2003. church, school or workplace: As manager she is • Canned salmon responsible for the day-to-day operations • Instant mashed potatoes of the shelter. • Canned corn

Read more about Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands at catholic charities usvi.org

7 Divine Mercy Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas will save the date! host a Divine Mercy novena at all Masses and services for nine days beginning on Good Friday, April 6. The Marians of the Ecumenical Palm Sunday Procession Immaculate Conception from Stockbridge, Massachusetts, will Parishioners of St. Patrick Church on St. Croix will preach a Divine Mercy mission there on April 11-13 at 6 p.m. meet with congregants of other denominations for an to prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday. ecumenical procession through the streets of Frederiksted Priests will be available for the sacrament of reconciliation on Palm Sunday, April 1, at 10:30 a.m. at a penance service at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on Sunday, April 15, at 2 p.m., followed by Mass at 3 p.m. Palm Sunday Concert St. Ann Church on St. Croix will host a prayer service on The St. Joseph Workers are celebrating the 65th Sunday, April 15, at 3 p.m. The program consists of the Divine anniversary of the Cassi Hill pilgrimages with a concert Mercy chaplet, a teaching, adoration and Benediction. at Holy Family Church on St. Thomas on Palm Sunday, Father John Mark will lead an hour-long Divine Mercy April 1, at 5 p.m. Lorna Freeman-Davis, Brittany devotion at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on Sunday, April Thompson, Jennifer Xavier-Callwood, Melita Etienne, 15, at 3 p.m. The program includes the chaplet, prayers, Howard Jones, Detra Davis, Allan Harrigan, Gylchris adoration and a teaching on the Divine Mercy. Sprauve and the Diocesan Choir will perform. Tickets are available at the church for a donation of $25. Diocesan Choir The Diocesan Choir, based out of St. Thomas, will travel to Penance Service St. Croix for the first time to minister at Mass at Holy Cross Catholics who have reached the age of discretion are Church on Sunday, April 15, at 9 a.m. His Excellency, Bishop bound faithfully to confess their grave sins at least once Herbert Bevard, will celebrate the Mass. a year. Priests will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St. Ann Church on St. Croix on Tuesday, Bible Course April 3, at 7 p.m. Father Charles Crespo will teach a five-week course on the New Testament book of the Acts of the Apostles at the The Seven Last Words of Christ clubhouse of St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas beginning April The Diocesan Choir will present The Seven Last Words of 16. The classes meet on Mondays and Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. Christ by Theodore Dubois at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral and last 90 minutes. on St. Thomas on Thursday, April 5, at 12:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Good Friday Stations by the Sea Father Eduardo Ortiz Santiago, administrator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas, will lead the Stations of the Cross at Magens Bay on Good Friday, April 6, at 5:30 a.m.

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

Protection of children

The Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands is committed to protecting children from all harm. If you have knowledge that any priest, deacon or church worker may have abused a minor, please contact the diocesan child protection coordinator, Callista Julien, at (340) 774-3166 or (340) 719-4020.

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

Descanse en paz Reuniones mensuales de espiritualidad y oración Patricia Herrera, la madre del Padre José Herrera, falleció Sto. Tomás el 7 de marzo. Padre Herrera, quien fue párroco de la • El Presidio María, Arca de la Alianza, de la Legión de María se reúne Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz, celebró la Misa funeral en la en el Salón de Hospitalidad de la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo los Iglesia Sta. Ana en Santa Fe, New México, el 12 de marzo. domingos a las 2 p.m. El Padre Herrera está sirviendo de capellán del ejército • Un círculo de oración se reúne en el Salón de Hospitalidad de la americano en Redstone Arsenal en Alabama. Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo los lunes a las 6 p.m. Sta. Cruz La Súplica del Obispo 2012 • Miembros del Movimiento de Cursillos de Cristiandad llevan la imagen La Súplica del Obispo 2012, que comenzó el Miércoles de la Virgen María, hacen una meditación y rezan el rosario en casas de Ceniza, 22 de febrero, continuará hasta que las privadas el 9 de abril y el segundo lunes de cada mes a las 7 p.m. parroquias logran sus metas. La Súplica del Obispo es una Llamen a la Iglesia San José para asistir. campaña anual para las necesidades mayores de la Diócesis • Miembros del Movimiento de Cursillos de Cristiandad dirigen un de Sto. Tomás en las Islas Vírgenes. La súplica da apoyo círculo de oración en la Capilla San Miguel de la Iglesia San José el 30 económico a Caridades Católicas de las Islas Vírgenes, las de abril y el último lunes de cada mes a las 7 p.m. cuatro escuelas católicas y los esfuerzos de evangelización. • Feligreses rezan el rosario y comparten las lecturas del próximo Las parroquias y escuelas tienen volantes para distribuir. La domingo en la Iglesia Holy Cross los martes a las 7 p.m. meta para las parroquias en 2012 es $291,000. • Miembros del Movimiento de Cursillos de Cristiandad se reúnen para la ultreya en su oficina de la Iglesia San José los jueves después de la Misa Crismal Misa de las 7 p.m. La Misa Crismal será celebrada este año en la Iglesia • Feligreses rezan un rosario pro-vida bilingüe en la Iglesia San José los San José en Sta. Cruz el martes 3 de abril a mediodía. viernes a las 6 p.m. En esa celebración de Semana Santa, su Exma. Obispo Herbert Bevard consagrará los óleos que serán Educación para adultos embotellados y distribuidos a las parroquias para La Iglesia Holy Cross en Sta. Cruz, con la colaboración de las propósitos sacramentales. También los sacerdotes de la Hermanas del Buen Pastor, ofrece lecciones de alfabetización en diócesis renovarán sus votos de ser célibes, obediente al español, inglés como segunda idioma y cursos de computación obispo y servir la diócesis. (Windows, Word, Excel e internet) en el Centro Buen Pastor. Este servicio va dirigido prioritariamente a la población inmigrante de Reglas del Viernes Santo idioma española. El Viernes Santo, que este año es el 6 de abril, es día de abstinencia y ayuno. Abstinencia significa que no podemos Protección de niños comer carne en esos días si tenemos 14 años en adelante. La Diócesis de Sto. Tomás en las Islas Vírgenes está comprometida a Ayuno significa que nos limitamos a una comida completa proteger a los niños de todo daño. Si Ud. tiene conocimiento de algún al día si estamos entre las edades de 18 y 59 años. sacerdote, diácono o empleado de la iglesia que haya abusado de algún menor, favor de comunicarse inmediatamente con la Coordinadora Colecta de Viernes Santo Diocesana de la Protección de los Niños, Callista Julien, al (340) 774- para la Tierra Santa 3166 o (340) 719-4020. Todas las parroquias de los Estados Unidos, incluyendo las Islas Vírgenes, pedirán a sus parroquianos que La Via Crucis participen en una colecta pontifical para ayudar en las La comunidad hispana de de la Iglesia San José obras de la Iglesia Católica en la Tierra Santa el Viernes en Sta. Cruz oró la Via Crucis al aire libre los viernes Santo, el 6 de abril. Los fondos apoyarán a las metas de cuaresma. pastorales de caridad, educacionales y de trabajo social en el Líbano, Siria, Irak, Jordania, Egipto y en particular en Israel y en las regiones de Palestina.

Misiones Católicas Todas las parroquias de la Diócesis de Sto. Tomás en las Islas Vírgenes harán una segunda colecta para las misiones el 21-22 de abril. La Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos estableció este pedido en 1998 para apoyar a las misiones católicas dentro del territorio americano. Nuestra diócesis recibe miles de dólares cada año por parte de esta agencia.

9 catholic education Underwater Class Ziggy Livnat, a professional photographer, conservationist and educator, gave an hour-long Stations of the Cross presentation to the students of St. Joseph High School on Teachers Margarite Rene and Boniface-Blanchard Twaibu led the St. Croix on February 28 in the school library. His videos students at Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas in the Stations featured underwater films made on St. Croix. of the Cross during morning assembly on Wednesdays of Lent.

Student Retreat Students from Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas participated in a Lenten day of recollection at St. Anne Chapel on March 8.

Black History Month As part of a Black History celebration, St. Patrick School on St. Croix celebrated an African American Family Day of Prayer on February 29.

Pasta Making Class Chef Corey Magras, Class of 1994, returned to Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas on February 7 to teach sixth and seventh grade students how to prepare pasta and ravioli dishes from scratch.

Spelling Champion Aaron Harris, a sixth grader at St. Patrick School, outlasted 23 other spellers to win the St. Croix District’s Spelling Bee Championship on February 17. He continued to the territorial competition on St. Thomas on March 9, where he came in third place.

10 The Catholic Islander / April 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Youth Retreat spotlight on youth The Diocesan Youth Ministry, St. Croix chapter, is hosting an “Encourage, Energize and Encounter Christ” retreat for youth 14-19 years of age at St. Gerard Hall on June 29-July 1. The weekend includes praise and worship, dancing, games and a Televised Masses talent show. The presentations and workshops for the weekend The camera team from Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on will focus on self-identity, sex, understanding the Mass, St. Thomas includes the head of operations, Jose Cossio, with his forgiveness and the Blessed Mother. Registration forms are teenage helpers, Luis Chevalier, Jose Chevalier, Christopher Brooks available at parish oces. A $25 registration includes meals for and Timothy Olive. the weekend. The deadline for submitting the form is May 27.

Altar Servers Commissioned Father Eduardo Ortiz Santiago, administrator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas, commissioned Ryan Querrard and Jessica Gibs as altar servers during Sunday Mass on March 4.

Parish Youth Fun Day Young parishioners of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas enjoyed a Fun Day at Lindbergh Bay Park on Presidents Day, February 20.

Msgr. Jerome Feudjio commissioned altar servers during Sunday Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on February 19. Confirmation Rite of Choice Candidates for Confirmation at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas participated in a Rite of Choice at Sunday Mass on March 11.

11 Holy Week Calendar St Croix March 31 - April 8 Celebration of the Lord’s Passion will begin at noon. Confessions will be heard from noon to 2 p.m.

Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil Mass will be at 7 p.m.

Easter Sunday: The Sunrise Mass will be at 5:30 a.m. and the Entry of the Christ in Jerusalem by Jean-Léon Gérôme Solemn Mass will be at 9:30 a.m. Holy Cross Church Palm Sunday: Celebrations will begin with a Saturday St. Joseph Church Vigil Mass at 6 p.m. On Sunday, Masses are at 7:15 a.m. in Palm Sunday: Celebrations will begin on Saturday with a Spanish and at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. in English. procession at 4:30 p.m., followed by a Vigil Mass at 5 p.m. On Sunday, a procession at 6:30 a.m. will be followed by an English Holy Thursday: The first of three Tenebrae prayer services Mass at 7 a.m. and a procession at 9:30 a.m. will be followed by will be on Thursday at 8:15 a.m. The Evening Mass of the Spanish Mass at 10 a.m. Lord’s Supper will be bilingual at 7 p.m. Adoration will follow. Tuesday, April 3: His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard, will celebrate the Chrism Mass at noon. Good Friday: Tenebrae will be at 8:15 a.m. A bilingual Stations of the Cross procession will begin from Sacred Holy Thursday: The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will Heart Chapel to Holy Cross Church at 1 p.m. The Seven Last be bilingual at 7 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will Words will be prayed bilingually at 2:15 p.m., and a bilingual continue until midnight. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion will be at 3 p.m. Good Friday: A bilingual Stations of the Cross will be prayed at 2 Holy Saturday: Tenebrae will be at 8:15 a.m. The Easter p.m. A bilingual Celebration of the Lord’s Passion will begin in the Vigil Mass will be at 7 p.m. church at 3 p.m., followed by the chaplet of the Divine Mercy.

Easter Sunday: An Encuentro procession and Mass in Holy Saturday: The bilingual Easter Vigil Mass will be at 7 p.m. Spanish will be at 7 a.m., and Masses in English will be at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Easter Sunday: Mass in English will be at 7 a.m. and Mass in Spanish will be at 10 a.m. Sacred Heart Chapel Palm Sunday: Mass will be at 9 a.m. St. Patrick Church Palm Sunday: Celebrations will begin on Saturday with a Easter Sunday: Mass will be at 9 a.m. procession before the Saturday Vigil Mass at 6 p.m. On Sunday, Masses will be at 7 and 9 a.m. Parishioners will meet with St. Ann Church congregants of other denominations for an ecumenical procession Palm Sunday: Celebrations will begin with a Saturday Vigil through the streets of Frederiksted at 10:30 a.m. Mass at 6 p.m. On Sunday, Masses will be at 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. A procession will precede the 9:30 a.m. Holy Thursday: The first of three Tenebrae prayer services will be Mass. on Thursday at 8 a.m. The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be at 7 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue until Tuesday, April 3: Priests will be available to hear 10 p.m. confessions at 7 p.m. Good Friday: Tenebrae will be at 8 a.m. The Seven Last Words Wednesday, April 4: A Holy Hour with Eucharistic will be prayed at noon, the chaplet of the Divine Mercy will Adoration and Benediction will begin at 5:30 p.m. be prayed at 1 p.m., the Stations of the Cross at 2 p.m. and the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion will be at 3 p.m. Holy Thursday: The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be at 7 p.m. Adoration will follow. Holy Saturday: Tenebrae will be at 8 a.m. The Easter Vigil Mass will be at 7 p.m. Good Friday: A three-hour service that includes the chaplet of Divine Mercy, the Stations of the Cross and the Easter Sunday: Masses will be at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

12 The Catholic Islander / April 2012 / www.catholicislander.com St Thomas/St John March 31 - April 8 Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Palm Sunday: Celebrations will begin with a Saturday Vigil Palm Sunday: Celebrations will begin with a Saturday Vigil Mass at Mass at 5:30 p.m. On Sunday, Masses will be at 6 a.m., 8 a.m. 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, Masses will be at 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. in English and noon in Spanish. Processions from Ss. Peter and Paul School will be at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Holy Thursday: The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be at 6:30 p.m, followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Holy Thursday: The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be at 7 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue Good Friday: The Stations of the Cross will be prayed at Magens until midnight. Bay at 5:30 a.m. Stations of the Cross will be prayed again at the church at 2 p.m., followed by a musical presentation at 2:45 p.m. The Good Friday: The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion for Celebration of the Lord’s Passion will be at 3 p.m. children will be at noon. The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion for adults in English will be at 3 p.m. The Living Stations of Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil Mass will be at 7:30 p.m. the Cross in Spanish will begin from Davis Funeral Home at 4 p.m. and end at the church for the Celebration of the Lord’s Easter Sunday: Sunrise Mass will be at 5:30 a.m. A second Mass Passion in Spanish at 5 p.m. will be at 9 a.m.

Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil Mass will be at 7 p.m. St. Anne Chapel Palm Sunday: Celebrations will begin with a Saturday Vigil Mass at Easter Sunday: Masses in English will be a Sunrise Mass at 5 p.m. Mass on Sunday will be at 8 a.m. 6 a.m., a Children’s Mass at 8 a.m., and a Solemn Mass at 10 a.m. A Spanish Mass will be at noon. Holy Thursday: The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be at 7 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will follow. Holy Family Church Palm Sunday: Celebrations will begin with a Saturday Good Friday: The Stations of the Cross will be prayed indoors and Vigil Mass at 6 p.m. On Sunday, the first Mass will be at 7:30 outdoors. A one-hour outdoor procession begins from the concession a.m. A procession will begin from the Our Lady of Cassi Hill stand at Joseph Aubain Field at 1:30 p.m. and ends in the chapel. The Shrine at 10 a.m., followed by a second Mass in the church. alternative indoor Stations of the Cross will be in the chapel at 2 p.m. They are followed by meditations on the Seven Last Words at 2:30 Holy Thursday: The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will p.m. and the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3 p.m. be at 7 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue until midnight. Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil Mass will be at 7 p.m.

Good Friday: Stations of the Cross will be prayed outdoors Easter Sunday: Mass will be at 8 a.m. at 2 p.m., followed by the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3 p.m. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Palm Sunday: Celebrations will begin with a Saturday Vigil Mass at Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil Mass will be at 7 p.m. 6 p.m. On Sunday, the first Mass will be at 7:30 a.m. A second Mass will begin at 9:30 a.m. All Masses will begin with the benediction of Easter Sunday: Sunrise Mass will be in the Our Lady of palms inside the church. Cassi Hill Shrine at 5:30 a.m., followed by Masses in the church at 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Holy Thursday: The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be at . 7:30 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue until midnight.

Good Friday: The Stations of the Cross will be at 2 p.m. followed by a Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3 p.m.

Holy Saturday: Confessions will be heard from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Easter Vigil Mass will be at 7:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday: Masses will be at 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Father Charles Crespo and members of St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas met in the chapel hall on March 13 to plan the Holy Week celebrations. 13 the Church in the world New Bishop Ordained in Antigua In a short speech during the ordination of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Richards Bishop Kenneth Richards was ordained Mass, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Nicola would be able to carry on his pastoral for the Diocese of St. John’s-Basseterre by Girasoli challenged Bishop Richards to ministry “with faith, hope and joy.” The Archbishop Emeritus Donald Reece at Holy “imitate and follow your predecessor,” nuncio then presented the bishop’s mother Family Cathedral at St. John’s, Antigua, on Archbishop Emeritus Donald Reece. The with a silver rosary blessed by Pope Benedict February 8. nuncio prayed that, through the intercession XVI, so that she could pray for her son.

Bishops Continue to Oppose HHS Mandate design the plans they sell based on their own religious tenets.’ That Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic doesn’t bode well for their getting a truly acceptable 'accommodation.'" Bishops (USCCB) wrote a public letter to the White House voicing Cardinal Dolan also described a recent meeting at the White House dismay in the handling of the Church by President Barak Obama’s between the stas of the White House and USCCB. He wrote that administration. The controversy surrounds the introduction of a mandate “our sta members asked directly whether the broader concerns of from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requiring religious freedom—that is, revisiting the straight-jacketing mandates, that all employers, including religious ones, pay for contraceptives – or broadening the maligned exemption—are all o the table. They including abortifacients – and sterilization for employees despite church were informed that they are. So much for ‘working out the wrinkles.’ teaching against them. Cardinal Dolan and all the U.S. bishops contend Instead, they advised the bishops’ conference that we should listen to that this is a violation of constitutional religious freedoms. the ‘enlightened’ voices of accommodation, such as the recent, hardly Cardinal Dolan wrote, “the President invited us to ‘work out the surprising yet terribly unfortunate editorial in America. The White wrinkles.’ We have accepted that invitation. Unfortunately, this seems to House seems to think we bishops simply do not know or understand be stalled: the White House Press Secretary, for instance, informed the Catholic teaching and so, taking a cue from its own definition of nation that the mandates are a fait accompli (and, embarrassingly for him, religious freedom, now has nominated its own handpicked ocial commented that we bishops have always opposed health care anyway, a Catholic teachers.” charge that is scurrilous and insulting, not to mention flat out wrong.)” Cardinal Dolan promised to provide educational materials to Cardinal Dolan wrote that “The White House already notified parishes and to pursue legislative and judicial eorts to restore respect Congress that the dreaded mandates are now published in the Federal for religious freedom in the nation. His letter is posted online at http:// Registry ‘without change.’” He added that “The Secretary of HHS is www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/upload/Dolan-to- widely quoted as saying, ‘Religious insurance companies don’t really all-bishops-HHS.pdf.

14 The Catholic Islander / April 2012 / www.catholicislander.com EWTN CEO Challenges HHS Mandate News Briefs The New York Times published the opinion of Michael Warsaw, president Vatican: Appeal for Syrian talks of EWTN Global Catholic Network on February 21. Mr. Warsaw explained Archbishop El-Sayeh of Lebanon, Pope why the Catholic television and radio network objects to the President Obama Benedict XVI and Father Pizzaballa, custos of administration’s recent mandate, which requires most employers to oer the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, have contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs in their health plans. voiced concern for the escalating violence in “The administration’s supporters say that by opposing the rule, religious Syria. The Church leaders appealed for an end employers like EWTN are guilty of trying to coerce our employees and impose our to the bloodshed and for political leaders to values on them. But we are simply choosing not to participate in the use of these initiate dialogue in order to prevent a Syrian drugs. It is the government – which does not accept EWTN’s religious choice civil war. and can punish that choice by imposing fines – that is coercing us. But under the Vatican: First Native American saint Constitution and federal religious liberties law, we cannot be forced to give up our Pope Benedict XVI has formally recognized a beliefs as the price of participation in the public square.” miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed He also explained that while religious liberty is the most important Kateri Tekakwitha and approved her for constitutional right being trampled upon by the mandate, it is not the only thing sainthood. She will be canonized in October. at risk. Nigeria: Catholics flee violence “The mandate also threatens the financial viability of any organization Hundreds of Catholics fled as Islamic — religious or secular, charitable or for-profit — that disagrees with the extremist destroyed their churches in administration’s politics,” Warsaw wrote. “They could be forced to stop oering Maidiguri, Borno and the city of Bauchi in health insurance and be saddled with fines, which are immense competitive northern Nigeria. Extremist stated their goal disadvantages. They’ll have to take money away from their core missions to pay was to make the north free of Christians. fines. They’ll lose employees who can’t aord to work for employers who oer U.S.: A majority wants abortion restrictions no health insurance. They’ll lose donors who are scared o by the penalties. According to a poll taken for the The end result: organizations that agree with the administration or are willing to Knights of Columbus and Marist College compromise their beliefs will thrive. Organizations that don’t will shrink or die.” in Poughkeepsie, New York, 51 percent of Mr. Warsaw contended that it is not only religious employers like EWTN who Americans would allow abortion only in cases will suer. “Small businesses owned by men and women of faith, which have been of rape, incest or to save the mother's life – or given no protection whatsoever in the administration’s accommodation, will also not at all. take a hit.” The entire letter is posted online at http://nyti.ms/AmdrAx.

Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call (340) 774-3166 for rates. 15 saint of the month and relinquished his duties to de Luna four years later to become a missionary. He spent the next 20 years preaching throughout Europe about sin, death, God’s judgments and eternity. Vincent’s St. Vincent Ferrer sermons were so powerful that many people returned to their Feast Day: April 5 Catholic faith. Canonized: 1455 Patron saint: brick makers, builders, construction Why he is a saint: Vincent lay dying when he saw a vision of workers, plumbers and tile makers. Christ, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Dominic. As a result of this vision, he was miraculously cured. He began St. Vincent Ferrer was born in preaching about the last judgment and the need Valencia, Spain, in 1350. His parents for penance. Because of this, Vincent came to were distinguished by their virtue be known as the “angel of judgment.” Though and deeds. They made it their rule Vincent spoke only his native Spanish, people to distribute alms whenever they of all languages were able to understand what could. At age 18, Vincent entered the he said. His biographers believe he had the Dominican Order during the time ability to speak in tongues to communicate the of the Great Schism – the Church’s word of God. division under multiple popes. He received his doctorate at Catalonia, Best quote: Vincent’s favorite saying was, followed by five years of preaching at “Whatever you do, think not of yourselves, but the Cathedral at Valencia. of God. In 1394, Cardinal Pedro de Luna set up a papal court in Avignon and named himself Benedict XIII. He oered How he died: Vincent Ferrer died at the age of 69 from a Vincent many Church positions – even that of cardinal, fever. He asked for the Passion of Christ to be read from all four which he refused. He only took the role of de Luna’s Gospels at his funeral because it was the Wednesday before Palm confessor. Vincent campaigned fruitlessly to end the schism Sunday, April 5, 1419.

Missionaries Lessons in Life from Blessed Mother of Charity Teresa of Calcutta Jesus called the children to “When a poor person dies of hunger, himself and said, “Let the it has not happened because God children come to me and did not take care of him or her. It has do not prevent them; for the happened because neither you nor I kingdom of God belongs to wanted to give that person what he or such as these.”(Luke 18:16) she needed” The Missionaries Courtesy of Alfredo’s Landscaping, of Charity, St. Croix St. John

Our Blessed Mother’s Timeless Wisdom Message from Medjugorje from the Saints February 25, 2012 “Dear children! At this time, in a special way I call you: pray with “Pray as though everything depended on the heart. Little children, you speak much and pray little. Read God. Work as though everything depended and meditate on Sacred Scripture, and may the words written on you.” in it be life for you. I encourage and love you, so that in God you – St. Augustine may find your peace and the joy of living. Thank you for having responded to my call.” Courtesy of Dr. Stephen and Maribel Okiye Courtesy of the Order of Malta | John and Claire Foster

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

Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call (340) 774-3166 for rates. 17 Catholic spirituality Easter Resurrection The Resurrection of the Christ Easter Vigil consists of four parts: the Service of Light; the Liturgy Jesus died upon the cross on the day that would later be of the Word; Christian Initiation and the Renewal of Baptismal called Good Friday. The disciples witnessed it and knew that Vows, and Holy Eucharist. he was dead. Hope seemed lost. Many of the disciples hid The Service of Light begins with the procession of the paschal themselves, hoping that the authorities would not come after candle into the darkened church and the chanting of the them now that their leader was dead. “Exsultet,” an ancient hymn of praise to the light. As the candle Jesus died just before the Sabbath celebration, so his proceeds through the church, all present light candles from friends and relatives could not properly prepare his body. the paschal candle. As this symbolic “Light of Christ” spreads Mary of Magdala and other grieving women were eager to throughout those gathered, the darkness is decreased. do something for the man they loved but the Jewish Sabbath The Liturgy of the Word consists of Old Testament readings began shortly after Jesus died. Since Jewish rules forbade that recount the history of our salvation. Following the Liturgy handling dead bodies during the Sabbath, the women rested, of the Word, the water of the baptismal font is blessed and any as the law commanded. The Sabbath was over about 6 p.m. catechumens and candidates for full communion are initiated into on Saturday evening. the Church by baptism and/or confirmation. The congregation Early Sunday, the morning after the Sabbath, Mary then renews its baptismal vows and receives the sprinkling of Magdala and other women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ baptismal water. The Liturgy of the Eucharist continues as usual. body. Embalming was not practiced by the Jews; spices were For Catholics, Easter commemorates our journey from spiritual brought as an act of devotion and love. As they visited the darkness to the light of his Truth and celebrates the fulfillment grave of Jesus that first Easter morning, the women found of our faith as Christians. The Easter candle used at the Easter the greatest surprise of their lives. Setting the large stone in Vigil – the largest and most beautiful in the church – will be used place was a relatively easy task, but once it had slipped into throughout the season of Easter, reminding all that Christ is light the groove cut in bedrock in front of the entrance it was very and life. dicult to remove. That massive boulder had been rolled from the tomb’s mouth. Reflection They went to get the disciples of Jesus. The apostles Peter The resurrection calls for faith. It is the core of the Gospel. and John found that the tomb was empty. The wrappings We cannot bypass the commitment it calls for and still consider were on the ground, laying in their folds. It was as if the ourselves Catholics or Christians. Here in this month of the Easter body had evaporated! The only explanation was that he had celebration, let us ask ourselves a few questions: risen from the dead. Otherwise, the wrappings would show 1. Do I believe that Jesus rose from the dead? wrinkles, or would show that someone had snatched the 2. Do I believe that Jesus conquered death so that our death body away. He had indeed risen! would not be eternal, but a passage from this life to the next Mary and the women, Peter and John and the other — to eternal glory in union with the Father, Son and Holy disciples came to realize that the Master had risen. They had Spirit — to union with the very Source of all truth, beauty and not seen the resurrection; no one had. They recalled what goodness? Jesus had predicted and they believed. 3. Do I really believe that Jesus paid the price for my sin with his life and made it possible for me to inherit the kingdom of The Easter Celebration heaven — if only I live obedient to God’s law? The Easter Vigil, which is held on the evening of Holy 4. Do I know, really know, that when I fail and sin, God’s mercy Saturday, is the first ocial celebration of the resurrection will restore me to the inheritance that is mine, if I but repent, it of Jesus. Traditionally, it is held in the hours of darkness is because of his great love? between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Day; This is the great season of the resurrection. There is grace for us many churches still celebrate the Mass at midnight. The to increase our faith or to receive the grace to begin again.

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

Courtesy of Dr. Norma Carrillo and family

18 The Catholic Islander / April 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call (340) 774-3166 for rates. 19 journey of faith Yasmine Haynes Keeping Faith in a Family Crisis

n January of 2011, Yasmine Haynes received the phone call that every I parent dreads. When she first saw the caller ID, and it was her son Nyim’s number, she assumed it was something routine. When she answered, a lady whose voice she did not recognize was on the other end.

“I said, ‘What happened, did Nyim leave his cell phone in church?’ I thought he left the phone and someone was calling me,” recalled Yasmine. “The lady said, ‘No, your son had an accident; can you come?’” Seventeen-year-old Nyim was found lying unconscious on a hill near his St. Thomas home. After leaving Confirmation class, he had gone skateboarding and suered an accident. Perhaps it was a fall, or perhaps a car had hit him. Nobody was sure of what caused the injury. All they knew was that he was in trouble. Yasmine, who was running errands, At that point I thought, whatever it is, I am going to put my dropped everything and rushed to be with her son. faith in God.” “The lady told me where he was and I immediately turned Her faith would be strained as she soon learned the extent around. I was driving and I pulled over to the side. I started of her son’s injuries. He was bleeding from the ears and not screaming because no one could tell me what was going on. responsive. She received another call, this one telling her that

20 The Catholic Islander / April 2012 / www.catholicislander.com an ambulance had come and to meet her son at the hospital. a prayer for the acceptance of God’s will. That helped me. Once the ambulance arrived at the hospital, it was clear that “Nyim was unconscious for a little over a week,” Yasmine Nyim would have to be airlifted o of the island. The hospital continued. “Out of the blue one day, he woke up. He was sta called an air ambulance and quickly made arrangements to very thirsty. He was trying to grab juice or water or whatever get Nyim to Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. was around to wet his throat. He started to progress each Meanwhile, Nyim’s condition was growing worse. Time was not day. He had to learn things: he did not know how to on their side. swallow, he had to learn how to walk, and every day there “At the hospital I was very scared, because I did not know was something else to learn.” what was going on but I remained very calm,” Yasmine recalled. Nyim’s healing impressed even his doctors. Within two “I truly trust in God, and I felt that whatever the outcome weeks he was discharged to a rehabilitation hospital. He was going to be, I knew that God would be there for me, and suered no lasting eects from the accident. Being a senior whatever I had to go through, that was what I had to hold on to. in high school, he was even able to finish his classes and I also knew that I was going to be in a position to make some graduate with his classmates. Today, he is filling out college very serious decisions to save my child’s life, so I could not be applications and is a typical 18-year-old. crying, unaware of what was going on, because that would not During this ordeal, Yasmine had her faith to fall back help him.” on and the prayers and strength of her family, friends Yasmine and Nyim arrived at Georgetown and the pediatric and members of Holy Family Church and Ss. Peter and intensive care unit was waiting for them. Nyim needed surgery, Paul Cathedral. They communicated with her continually and quickly, to remove two sections of his skull to allow his and supported Nyim and their family with prayers and brain to swell. Even with the surgery, there was no telling how intentions. much damage he had sustained. They watched, waited and “When you are faced with the need to put your beliefs prayed. into action, stand firm in your faith,” she said as her final “I walked with my Catholic book of prayers,” said Yasmine, message to all who are facing challenging times today. a parishioner at Holy Family Church. “At times I would start to “These things happen to bring you closer to God. I am question, ‘Why, why, why?’ I read particular prayers. One was a extremely grateful to God that Nyim is well, and that he prayer for God’s protection and Christ’s presence. The other was survived this ordeal.”

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

Magnificat Legion of Mary Charismatic Prayer Magnificat, an international ministry • Presidium María, Arca de la Alianza, • Pray in Spanish at Ss. Peter and to Catholic women, meets at Ss. Peter holds meetings in Spanish at Ss. Peter Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality on Mondays at 6 p.m. Lounge on April 7 and the first Lounge on Sundays at 2 p.m. • Holy Family Church holds evenings Saturday of every month at 8 a.m. • Presidium Mary, Mystical Rose, meets of charismatic prayer on Mondays at in Holy Family Church’s classroom on 7 p.m. St. Joseph Workers Sundays at 3 p.m. The St. Joseph Workers meet at Holy • Presidium Mary, Mediatrix of All Men’s Prayer Group Family Church’s Columban Hall on Graces, meets at the St. Anne Chapel The Sons of Joseph and Mary meet at April 11 and the second Sunday of hall on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church every month at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Holy Hours / Catholic Daughters of America Eucharistic Adoration Our Mother of Court 2049 meets at Ss. Peter and • St. Therese Chapel-Divine Mercy Perpetual Help Devotions Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge Shrine has Exposition of the Blessed Devotions to Our Mother of Perpetual on April 21 and the third Saturday of Sacrament on Mondays to Fridays from Help are prayed before Mass on every month at 3 p.m. 8 a.m. until Benediction at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Ss. Peter and Paul (Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.) and on Saturdays Cathedral at 6:45 a.m. and noon, at St. Vincent de Paul Society from 8 a.m. until Benediction at 1 p.m. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church The Young Vincentians meet on • Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 6:15 p.m., at Holy Family Church April 15 and the third Sunday of has Exposition on Tuesdays from 7:30 at 6:50 p.m. and at St. Anne Chapel every month at 11:30 a.m. The adult a.m. until Benediction at 6 p.m. and on at 7 p.m. members meet on April 22 and the Fridays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. fourth Saturday of every month at 3:30 • Holy Family Church and Pro-Life Rosary p.m. Both groups meet in Holy Family St. Anne Chapel have Holy Hours with Pray a pro-life rosary at Our Lady Church’s classroom. Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at of Perpetual Help Church on 6 p.m., followed by Mass at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. All-Night Prayer Vigil Holy Family Church will have an Divine Mercy Chaplet Intercessory Prayer Group all-night prayer vigil with Exposition • Altar servers from Ss. Peter and Paul A team is prepared to pray for the of the Blessed Sacrament beginning on Cathedral and Our Lady of Perpetual needs of all who ask at Holy Family Friday, April 27, after the 7 p.m. Mass Help Church lead the Divine Mercy Church on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and ending with Benediction and Mass chaplet at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral the next morning at 6 a.m. on Mondays at 3 p.m. World Apostolate of Fatima • The chaplet is prayed at Our Lady of The World Apostolate of Fatima Knights of Columbus Perpetual Help Church on Tuesdays at meets at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Council 6187 meets at Ss. Peter and 3 p.m. Church on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on the first and third Sunday of every Pride of month at 10 a.m. the Parish Stations of the Cross were prayed at every parish on This publication is made Fridays of Lent. available free of charge Pictured left, Timothy Olive, Deacon to our parish community Bernard Gibs and thanks to the generosity Joshua Gibs assisted of our advertisers. in leading the prayers at Our Lady Please support their of Perpetual Help businesses. Church on St. Thomas.

22 The Catholic Islander / April 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call (340) 774-3166 for rates. 23 parish calendars St. Croix Calendar Holy Hours/Eucharistic Adoration Adult Education Intercessory Prayer • St. Patrick Church has a Holy Hour with • The Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Deacon Hyacinthe George is available for Exposition and Benediction on Fridays Heart of Mary (ICM Sisters) oer classes prayer and counseling at St. Ann Chapel after the 8 a.m. Mass. in Pre-GED, GED, Computer Literacy, on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. • St. Ann Church has a Holy Hour with Intermediate Computer and English as until 11:30 a.m. Exposition and Benediction in St. Ann a Second Language at the St. Patrick Chapel on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Learning Center on Monday through Bible Study • St. Joseph Church has a Holy Hour with Thursday mornings. Holy Cross Church hosts Bible studies Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at • The Religious of the Good Shepherd oer in the parish’s McAlpin Hall on 6:30 p.m. adult education classes in Spanish at the Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9 a.m., Good Shepherd Center from Mondays following morning Mass. Pro-Life Prayer Vigil to Fridays. These courses include Spanish The St. Croix Right to Life Committee writing, English as a Second Language Spiritual Direction will hold a prayer vigil against abortion and computer courses in Windows, Word, Sister Patricia Alexander, WIF, is available across from Dr. Daniel Johnston’s o ce Excel and internet. for spiritual direction at Franciscan House at Beeston Hill on Tuesday, April 10, at on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Call 10 a.m. Neo-Catechumenal Way (340) 778-5773 for an appointment. The Neo-Catechumenal Way leads Charismatic Prayer a Celebration of the Word at St. Joseph Shepherds of Christ Associates • St. Patrick Church has charismatic Church on Mondays and Thursdays The Shepherds of Christ Associates meet prayer in the chapel on April 20 and the at 7 p.m. for prayer in the St. Michael Chapel of third Friday of each month at 6 p.m. St. Joseph Church on Wednesdays at 7:30 • St. Ann Church has charismatic prayer Devotions to St. Gerard Majella p.m. and on the second and fourth Sunday in Marian Hall on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Pray a devotion to St. Gerard Majella at of every month at 5 p.m. • The Cenacle of Our Lady of the Rosary Holy Cross Church on Tuesdays Intercessory Prayer Group meets at at 8:45 a.m. Knights of Columbus Franciscan House on Wednesdays Holy Cross Council #6482 meets at at 10 a.m. World Apostolate of Fatima Holy Cross Church’s McAlpin Hall on The World Apostolate of Fatima meets the first and third Thursday of every month Magnificat in the chapel at Holy Cross Church on at 6 p.m. Magnificat, an international ministry to Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Catholic women, meets at Franciscan Cursillo Ultreya House on April 15 and the third Sunday of Spanish Prayer and Reflection Cursillo members meet for the “Ultreya” in each month at 3 p.m. Pray the rosary and share reflections on the Cursillo oce at St. Joseph Church on the readings of the coming Sunday Mass at Thursdays after the 7 p.m. Mass. Meetings Carmelite Spirituality Holy Cross Church on alternate Tuesdays are in Spanish. The Our Lady Star of the Sea Community at 7 p.m. Meetings are in Spanish. shares Carmelite spirituality in the Rosary for the Unborn St. Joseph Church Hospitality Lounge Our Mother of Perpetual St. Joseph Church hosts a bilingual and Learning Center on April 22 and the Help Devotions English/Spanish rosary for the unborn on fourth Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. Devotions to Our Mother of Perpetual Fridays at 6 p.m. Help are prayed at St. Patrick Church on Franciscan Spirituality Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., at Legion of Mary The Our Lady of the Angels fraternity Holy Cross Church on Wednesdays and Presidium Mary, Our Lady of Grace, meets of the Third Order of St. Francis shares Saturdays at 8:45 a.m., and at St. Joseph in the Holy Cross Church rectory on Franciscan spirituality at Franciscan Church on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. House on April 22 and the fourth Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Cursillo Prayer Group The Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands The Cursillo Movement hosts a Spanish prayer meeting in the St. Michael Chapel is now on Facebook! at St. Joseph Church on April 30 and the www.facebook.com/dioceseofstthomas last Monday of every month at 7 p.m.

24 The Catholic Islander / April 2012 / www.catholicislander.com Pride of the Parish Parishioner Agnes Verhoff led the choir at a Mass celebrating the 33rd anniversary of independence of St. Lucia at St. Ann Church on St. Croix on February 19. The choir sang in Creole and English.

Prayer for Protection from Hurricanes

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

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

Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call (340) 774-3166 for rates. 25 parish calendars St. John Calendar Legion of Mary Eucharistic Adoration Charismatic Prayer Presidium Mary, Queen of Angels, meets in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church has Exposition Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church the Guadalupe Hall of Our Lady of Mt. of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction on hosts an hour of charismatic prayer Carmel Church on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Pride of the Parish Visit the website of the Digna Doway Diocese of St. Thomas in served as a praise and worship leader the Virgin Islands at during the Lenten www.catholicvi.com Mission at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John on March 5-8. Read The Catholic Islander online at www.catholicislander.com

Take your digital camera to church! E-mail your photographs of parish or school events to [email protected].

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