Vol. 43, No. 1 May 2018

The St. Philip

Be-News-Zi

Join us for

St. Philip Benizi’s Parish Festival

Saturday, May 5, 2018 11AM – 4PM

We have something for everyone!

All of your old favorites will be here, in addition to new and exciting activities!

 Dunk Tank

 HUGE Swing Ride

 5 Award-winning Food Trucks

 Laudato Si-inspired demonstrations

 Stilt Walker ▪ Flame Eaters

 Face Painting, and MORE!

COST: Please bring cash for the Food Trucks and the Dunk Tank. Admission is Free.

To volunteer to help, please sign up in the Gathering Area of the church.

SEE YOU THERE!! Calendar of Events 2018 EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS May 2018 June 1-2

5/4-5: EUCHARISTIC ADORATION begins the First Friday of every month in the Chapel, after the 8:30AM Mass and concludes

with Benediction at 7:45AM Saturday morning.

5/4: PRAISE & WORSHIP ADORATION-7PM

This Service takes place during the monthly First Friday, 24-hour Adoration and includes Contemporary Music, Gospel Reading, a Homily, Period of Silence, Benediction, Sending Song, and Reposition. ALL are welcome! The “Let us welcome the Lord into our hearts. Blessed Sacrament will be brought from the Chapel into the church during this period of adoration. Let us allow Him to transform us so we can become His hands and feet, to go out into the world 5/5: SPB PARISH FESTIVAL (11AM-4PM) to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ.” (See details on Front Page.) http://congress.archatl.com/

5/5-6: 6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER/ All are invited to attend the 2018 Archdiocesan PROCESSION & CROWNING OF MARY Eucharistic Congress, held at the Georgia International The Crowning of Mary will take place during the 4PM Convention Center (GICC) in College Park, GA. The event begins on Friday, June 1st and continues through Saturday Mass. nd Saturday, June 2 . Many activities, sessions and speak- 5/9: SENIOR BREAKFAST (9:15AM) ers are scheduled for adults and children alike during the 2 -day Congress. Listed below is a brief summary of events. SPB Seniors (55+) are invited to enjoy a delicious break- For more detailed information, a list of this year’s dynamic fast in Founders’ Hall (prepared by the Knights of Colum- speakers and their backgrounds, and “Tracks” in various bus). Cost is $4.00. Join us for food, fun and fellowship! languages, please visit: http://congress.archatl.com/. 5/13: THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD/ MOTHER’S DAY Friday (June 1) Schedule of Events  Doors Open at 4:30PM 5/13: CONFIRMATION  Opening Mass: (6:30PM—7:45PM) Sacrament of Reconciliation: (8:00PM—9:30PM) Confirmation will take place during the 5PM Sunday Mass  Healing Service: (7:30PM—10:30PM) with Joel Konzen presiding and adminis-  Revive Track: (7:30PM—10:30PM) tering the Sacrament.  “B HAPPY” (Eucharistic Reflection & Prayer)  5/18: 23rd ANNUAL SPB GOLF TOURNAMENT (7:00PM—8:30PM)  Francophone Track: (8:00PM—10:30PM) (See details in this issue.)  Exhibitors Hall Open: (4:30PM—9:30PM)

5/19: ARMED FORCES DAY Saturday (June 2) Schedule of Events 5/19-20: PENTECOST SUNDAY  Doors Open at 7:30AM Morning Eucharistic Procession:  5/26-27: THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (8:30AM—9:30AM)  Exposition, Adoration & Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament: (9:30AM—10:30AM) 5/28: MEMORIAL DAY – Mass at 10AM  Exhibitors Hall Open: (8:00AM—4:30PM)

(Parish Offices Closed)  Children’s Track: (11:00AM—3:00PM)

 Middle School Track: (11:00AM—2:00PM)

 English Track: (11:00AM—4:00PM)

 Spanish Track: (11:00AM—4:00PM)

 Vietnamese Track: (11:00AM—4:00PM)

 American Sign Language Track: (11:15AM—4:30PM)

 Sacrament of Reconciliation: (12:00PM—3:30PM)

 Rosary: (4:30PM—5:00PM)

 Closing Mass: (5:00PM—6:30PM) (Celebrant: Wilton D. Gregory) May 2018

Dear Parishioners,

On the weekend of May 5-6, 2018, I will speak at all seven Masses in order to introduce our new Pastoral Plan. At that time, I will ask each family to receive a copy of the Plan. It is my ardent desire that each family has and reads the Pastoral Plan, and discerns what role they will have in its implementation. I want to encourage each of you to be an integral part in fulfilling the goals of the Plan and, by doing so, help us become an even more Amazing Parish – “Walking United, Serving God’s People.”

Recently, I received the following letter from Archbishop Wilton Gregory regarding our Pastoral Plan. PENTECOST SUNDAY May 20, 2018 Sincerely, Fr. John On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews,

Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.

Thursday, April 5, 2018 The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” The Reverend John Koziol, OFM Conv. St. Philip Benizi And when he had said this, he breathed on them 591 Flint River Road and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Jonesboro, Georgia 30238 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” Dear John, (Jn 20:19-23) Please permit me to share my sincere gratitude for your leadership in discerning and publishing the Pastoral Plan A Prayer to the Holy Spirit 2018-2022 for St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church!

The thought, hard work, and consultation that went in to Come, Holy Spirit, the preparation of your Parish Plan are evident throughout, replace the tension within me from the carefully chosen excerpts of the Holy Father’s Joy with a holy relaxation. of the Gospel to the focus areas that parallel our archdioc- Replace the turbulence within me esan plan. The action steps are timely and accessible, and I am confident your parish community will grow in faith with a sacred calm. and number as a result. Replace the anxiety within me with a quiet confidence. John, the people of God of St. Philip Benizi are blessed to Replace the fear within me have you and your confreres in pastoral service to them. I think you already know how blessed you are to have a with a strong faith. faith community so willing to take Christ into the world! Replace the bitterness within me with the sweetness of grace. Be assured of my prayers for you and your wonderful par- Replace the darkness within me ish family as you recommit to Walking United, Serving God’s People! with a gentle light. Replace the coldness within me Fraternally yours in Christ, with a loving warmth.

╬Wilton D. Gregory Replace the night within me with your light. Archbishop of Atlanta Let me see myself as You see me. Amen. Nick’s Notes The call to holiness impels us, not to shut ourselves up, shielded from the cares and needs of the world, but to go By Nick Dragone, Director of Music & Liturgy out, to stand among those most in need. Pope Francis emphasizes the point that we MUST recognize the funda- Pope Francis very recently published a new Apostolic Ex- mental sacredness of every and all life, without exception. hortation (a pastoral message addressed to the Catholic faithful) entitled, “Gaudete et Exultate” or “Rejoice and Be “We cannot uphold an ideal of holiness that would ignore Glad”. Pope Francis describes the aim of this document injustice in a world where some revel, spend with aban- thus: don, and live only for the latest consumer goods, even as others look on from afar, living their entire lives in abject “My modest goal is to re-propose the call to holiness in a poverty.” [101] practical way for our own time, with all its risks, challenges and opportunities.” GE,1. The journey to holiness demands community, Pope Fran- cis says. Our “sharing the Word and celebrating the The universal call to holiness is not at all a “new” idea. We Eucharist together fosters fraternity and makes us a holy are called to holiness by virtue of our baptism where we and missionary community.” [142] die to sin, and rise to new life in Christ, and where we are anointed priest, prophet, and king. This universal call to Pope Francis exhorts that “we never regard prayerful si- holiness was the overarching theme of the Dogmatic Con- lence as a form of escape and rejection of the world stitution on the Church: Lumen Gentium, the second of around us…Such prayer [does] not separate [us] from four dogmatic constitutions approved by the Second Vati- what [is] happening all around [us].” [152] can Council. Pope Francis spends much time on prayer and contempla- Pope Francis’ exhortation is indeed an accessible, fresh, tion. My article next month will focus specifically on how pastoral, and practical teaching on holiness. Pope Francis Pope Francis speaks about prayer and the interior life. speaks of an interior life that is indelibly connected to an exterior life; that is to say that, how we pray and worship To be continued… MUST match how we live. Of course, this is the entire point of the church’s liturgy; not that we gather to make ourselves feel good, but that we are transformed, and go out to proclaim the Gospel and live out our baptismal call. Ministries Helping One Another Pope Francis says that “the best way to discern if our prayer is authentic is to judge to what extent our life is be- Many thanks go to the St. Philip Benizi ing transformed in the light of mercy.” GE,105. AIDS Ministry who has donated $400.00 to St. Philip Benizi Parish’s St. Vincent de He also says that “we cannot forget that the ultimate crite- Paul Food Pantry, in part for the generous rion on which our lives will be judged is what we have support they have provided to the AIDS done for others…our worship becomes pleasing to God Ministry over the years. Additionally, a do- when we devote ourselves to living generously, and allow nation of $600 was donated to the Mis- God’s gift, granted in prayer, to be shown in our concern sionaries of Charity Gift of Grace House, for our brothers and sisters.” GE,4. a home for indigent women, suffering from Pope Francis’ exhortation continually returns to synergy of AIDS. It is run by the Sisters of the Missionaries of knowledge, skills, and dispositions: how we think, how we Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation, estab- feel, and how we act. He constantly returns to the fact that lished in 1950 by Saint Teresa of Calcutta, or Mother the Gospel mandate and our personal relationship with Teresa. Jesus are intimately connected. If, in our own lives, we are to model our lives after Jesus, encounter Him in the In June 1995, Mother Teresa Word, share together the memorial meal where we eat visited Atlanta for the dedica- tion of the Gift of Grace House, and drink His Body and Blood, how could we not come to which opened in 1994. On June live like Him? 12th, she attended Mass at The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of “When we receive Him in Holy Communion, we renew our Jesus in downtown Atlanta. covenant with Him and allow Him to carry out ever more Archbishop John F. Donoghue fully His work of transforming our lives.” [157] was the principal celebrant. After the Mass, Mother Teresa Pope Francis says that “[Jesus’] compassion made Him go addressed the congregation. An estimated 1,500 people out actively to preach and to send others on a mission of came to see her and hear her healing and liberation.” GE,131. speak. Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997 and was Pope Francis cautions against being “paralyzed by fear canonized on September 4, and excessive caution...keeping within safe bounds.” [133] 2016 by Pope Francis. Good Friday–Pastor’s Charity SPANISH COUPLE’S RETREAT

Our parish extends beyond our buildings and includes “Así que ya no son más dos, sino uno.” those who may not be Catholic. St. Philip Benizi Parish (Marcos 10:8) is Walking United, Serving God’s People by supporting organizations in the Clayton County area. We have do- Les invitamos a participar del retiro para parejas que se nated furniture to Hope House Women’s Shelter for bat- llevará a cabo los días 22, 23 y 24 de junio del 2018. El tered women, and have provided food and furniture to retiro será conducido por el señor Evan Lemoine, quien es our local Fire Station, Number 7. un conferenciante reconocido internacionalmente. Él fue uno de los presentadores durante el congreso Eucarístico On Good Friday, we collected $3,373.80. Our pastor, Fr. del año pasado. Si están casados civilmente, por la igle- John Koziol, OFM Conv., decided that we should donate sia, están conviviendo o están comprometidos este retiro the funds to Calvary Refuge Center where our parish es para ustedes. Vengan a descubrir el maravilloso plan currently provides food and volunteer services. The que tiene Dios para ustedes. ¡Atrévete amar al máximo! Secular visit the shelter and cook regularly. Our Business Office and St. Vincent de Paul Society Las registraciones comenzarán el domingo continuously refer families to the Center. 22 de abril del 2018. (~Vilma Rodríguez)

The Calvary Refuge Center is located in Forest Park, Georgia. It is a non-profit organization that provides transitional housing and food for the homeless and fami- lies in need. It has been in service for almost 30 years, and received the Pillar of the Community Award from The Good Shepherd Clinic in 2016. The shelter was featured in the Clayton News Daily when it announced plans to renovate the old Fort Gillem property in 2008 to house 44 families. (Fort Gillem was a U.S. Army Post, also located in Forest Park.) This property is unique be- cause it does not separate families, and it also provides “So they are no longer two but one flesh.” housing for single fathers. Most shelters in the area only (Mark 10:8) provide support for single mothers. We invite you to participate in a Spanish Couple’s Retreat If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, that will take place on June 22, 23 and 24, 2018. The re- please contact the following: treat will be led by Mr. Evan Lemoine, who is an interna- tionally recognized speaker. He was one of the presenters

 Calvary Refuge Center (404-361-5309) during the Eucharistic Congress last year. If you are civilly

 Hope Shelter (for Battered Women) married, married by the church, are living together, or are   (678-884-6600) engaged, this retreat is for you. Come and discover the

 Domestic Violence 24-hour Crisis Line wonderful plan that God has for you. Dare to love to the (770-460-1604) fullest! Caminar Latino: Violencia Doméstica  Registration will begin on Sunday, April 22, 2018. (Se Habla Español) (404-413-6348) (Submitted by Vilma Rodríguez)

God Bless,

Helena Frazier Recently, Business Manager St. Philip Benizi Parish won an “Lord, award from when did we see you hungry and feed you, Clayton County or thirsty and give you drink? Emergency When did we see you a stranger Services for our and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? commitment to When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?” serving our And the king will say to them in reply, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did firefighters and for one of these least brothers of mine, emergency service personnel. Thank you to you did for me.” CC Emergency Services for this great honor! (Mt 25:37-40) Pictured from SPB Parish are Melissa Langlois (L) and Peter Swan (R). A Mother’s Day Prayer

Loving God, on this Mother’s Day, we give you thanks for all women who share in the gift of motherhood. Through their special vocation, they enrich our lives and reveal to us Your maternal love.

We ask you to bless them and to reward them for their love, dedication and commitment. May we always honor them and may they be graced with your peace and protection. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Benizi Babies Celebrate Easter

Dulcie Armstrong, the Director of St. Philip Benizi’s Pre-school, administers a faith- based learning program and truly enriches the lives of the children and parents. The Pre-school opened its doors to the community in 1988 and moved to the new Education Building in the Fall of 2006. The Pre-school admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin.

“The Mission of the St. Philip Benizi Pre-School is to provide children with quality edu- cation in a safe, Christian, loving environment while enriching their lives through crea- tive play, exploration and hands-on learning activities.” Children at the Pre-School dis- cover that learning is fun! Center-based classrooms provide a well-rounded curriculum through creative activities and group interaction. The Pre-school’s goal is to help the child develop self-esteem, an eagerness for learning, social growth, and the ability to think and work independently.

Throughout the school year, Dulcie coordinates several holiday programs for the pre-school children, Jesus and the Children — including Easter. These are great opportunities for Sculpture displayed in the children to share their learning adventures with St. Philip’s Hartmayer their parents. If you or anyone you know is interested Education Building in enrolling a child in a loving and caring learning en- vironment, then St. Philip Benizi’s Pre-school is for you and your child. For more information and to register, please contact Dulcie Armstrong at (770-478-0178, Ext 115).

The pre-school children enjoyed an Easter Egg Hunt on the parish grounds. rd 23 ANNUAL ST. PHILIP BENIZI

GOLF TOURNAMENT!

The 23rd Annual St. Philip Benizi Golf Tournament will be held at the Lake th Spivey Golf Course on May 18 in Jonesboro, GA with Tee-Time at 8:30AM. Registration will take place from 8:00- 8:30AM; come early for coffee and free range balls.

Registration Forms can be picked up in the Gathering Area of the church or in the Parish Office. The Entry Fee is $45.00 per person which includes a cart, green fees, lunch, and drinks. Mulligans will be available for purchase at a cost of (2 for $5). Many Door Prizes will also to be awarded! The attitude of the detainees, in most instances was hopeful. Some have been at the facility for several Please make checks payable to St. Philip Benizi Catholic months, others for 2-3 years, awaiting a decision on their Church and turn in payment and form to Don Gibbs, or immigration status. They were extremely happy and ap- bring them to the Parish Office. For questions or more preciative of our visit. One detainee stated that to speak information, please call Don Gibbs: (404-202-8822/ Cell) with and have a connection with an outside human be- or (770-471-7741/ Home). ing, albeit a stranger, was encouraging. They were pleased that strangers cared. Although they are incar- Golfers—Come and Enjoy the Fun! cerated, they are generally worried about how their chil- dren, spouses, and parents are faring.

During our visit, we were able to converse with families A St. Philip Benizi Humanitarian Visit who were waiting to visit with their loved ones. Some Submitted by Ramona De Leon were devastated; the young children with them scared, some crying. One of the women from our group was a Ten parishioners from St. Philip Benizi Parish and our political refugee who lived in various refugee camps prior pastor, Fr. John Koziol, left early Saturday, March 3rd to to coming to the U.S. and was an undocumented immi- visit El Refugio and the Stewart Detention Center. El grant at one time. During the visit, she relived and un- Refugio is a volunteer hospitality ministry that provides derstood the fear, loneliness, and desperation of being in free room and board for the family and friends of immi- a foreign country, not speaking the language and with no grant detainees at a small house in Lumpkin, Georgia. family with her. They also try to obtain legal services for the detainees. The detainees are held at the Stewart Immigration De- What can be done to help alleviate the situation our tention Center, an ICE facility owned and operated by brothers in Christ are experiencing at the Stewart Deten- the private Corrections Corporation of America in Lump- tion Center? Pray for them and their families, become kin, Georgia. The Social Justice Committee Chairper- better informed about the plight of immigrants/detainees, son, Lois Wolfe, arranged the visit. and keep up with legislative policy. Go online to the El Refugio Facebook page or contact them at: Detainees at Stewart are from many countries; the ma- www.elrefugiostewart.org to find out how you can help. jority from Latin America. We were paired into sets of two to visit with one detainee and communicated with them over the phone with a glass window separating us. We visited immigrants from Sudan, Ghana, Bangladesh, Somalia, and Honduras. The detainees were male, mostly young, in their twenties. They spend their days in idleness. There is nothing to do. They are allowed to go outdoors, weather and circumstances permitting, in an enclosed yard for one hour daily.

Families and friends may not know where they are lo- cated. Some never receive visitors, others sporadically. Immigration lawyers are difficult to obtain. Most family or friends live hundreds of miles away, making it difficult to afford travel to this out-of-the-way facility in rural, south- ern Georgia. The Concert of the Parable of the Lost Son

Three years ago, Elmer Cortez (parishioner and Music Director of the Filipino Choir) composed a song upon the request of a friend whose calling is to visit inmates in prison. The song is entitled, “Is Your Heart”. Elmer’s friend wanted to leave some- thing after his visits to the prison that would inspire and give hope to prisoners and their families; he thought that music with a positive message would be a good thing. This first song inspired Elmer to create more songs about forgiveness, which led him to think about the Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15: 11-32). This became the main theme of the many other songs that he would create. The Parable’s concept gave rise to ten more original compositions, retelling the story of a father’s love for his two sons.

A few years ago, Nick Dragone (Director of Music at St. Philip Benizi Parish) organized and directed a concert, which combined all the different choirs of the parish. Elmer presented the original songs of the Parable of the Lost Son to Nick as possible material for the Filipino Choir to sing during the parish-wide concert. However, Nick suggested that the material should be presented in a separate concert. This idea has been brought up every year since then. Finally, after several weeks of late-night practices, the concert materialized this year, during a very appropriate time in the Church’s Liturgical Calendar, and was presented to our parish as a Lenten Offering.

For two consecutive days (March 23-24), approximately 20 members of the Filipino Choir presented the Concert of the Par- able of the Lost Son. Elmer Cortez sang the parts of the two sons and David Kosikowski sang the part of the father. Nine year-old Elizabeth Cruz sang “Is Your Heart” with Elmer. Elmer, his wife Lolita, and Melody Kiser sang and played guitars. The drummer and lead guitarist was Charles Cortez, son of Elmer and Lolita. Fr. Paul Miskiewicz was the narrator of the story, played guitar, and also led the congregation in singing the finale, “Live It and Share It – Let’s Go!”, which shares the message of the concert – “To let the parable live in our homes and in our hearts.” (Photos by Yone Daly)

Left: Some members of the Filipino Choir

Right: Elizabeth Cruz and Fr. Paul

Far Right: Charles Cortez

Above (L-R): David Kosikowski, Elmer Cortez, Elizabeth Cruz and Lolita Cortez

We thank Elmer Cortez for using his musical talent to bring this inspiring and uplifting Lenten Concert to our parish- ioners. Many thanks also go to all who participated in this very special event! SPB Annual Easter Egg Hunt Catholic Social Teaching of Call to Family, Community, and Participation

The 6th Annual Parish Egg Hunt that is sponsored by the Social Justice Committee was held on Saturday, March 24. The day was beautiful with temperatures in the high 70s! Previous days had been chilly and the following day, Palm Sunday, was cold and rainy. God blessed us with a wonderful day as children arrived from the parish, St. Vincent de Paul, Hope Shelter, Clayton Village Mobile Park, and Riverwood Townhouses communities.

Members of St. Philip’s Youth Group and the Social Justice Committee greeted families as they came to Founders’ Hall. Lois Wolfe introduced the story of the Passion through a “Resurrection Eggs” activity. As 12 children opened simple, plastic eggs that held symbols of the Easter story, illustrations were projected on a large screen and the meaning was explained. Little ones could be heard expressing their sorrow when the part was read about Jesus being whipped.

During the Egg Hunt, children in various age groups collected 2,000+ eggs. Those who found “golden” eggs chose prizes to take home and many took photos with the Easter Bunny – our very own, Jan Pitts. The event was special, and the excitement of the children was seen on their faces – grins from ear to ear! Gratitude is extended to our SPB volunteers, the parishion- ers who donated candy-filled eggs and prizes, and the parish teens. (Submitted by Lois Wolfe/ Photos by Susan Douglas)

Lois Wolfe (R), other members of the Social Justice Com- mittee, and members of the Youth Group helped make this a very enjoy- able event for many children!

Besides a visit from the Easter Bunny, the children enjoyed an Egg Hunt, the Resurrection Story, coloring, and many prizes!! PALM SUNDAY—3/25/18 (A Pictorial Review)

We were very happy to see our Friars’ Minister Provin- cial of Our Lady of the Angels Province, Fr. James McCurry. He celebrated the 10:45AM Palm Sunday Mass and delivered an excellent homily, always full of insight, inspiration, challenge, and humor.

(Photos by Yone Daly & Susan Douglas) THE LIVING STATIONS OF THE CROSS (Presented on Good Friday by St. Philip’s Hispanic Community—3/30/18)

These Living Sta- tions of the Cross seem to improve every year. With each “actor” taking their role very seri- ously, the audience is deeply moved, sometimes to tears, recalling the suffer- ing that Jesus endured for us. May we never forget His great sacrifice and the debt He paid for our sins.

We thank St. Philip Benizi’s Hispanic Com- munity and all who participated and helped to bring the Stations of the Cross to life on Good Friday. May God bless you for this beautiful and moving presentation. (Photos by Susan Douglas)

Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy go out to the family of:

 Grace Parker, mother of Janine Brown  Primitiva Bayaca, mother of Teresita Saethang, Bernadette Pascual and Brigilda Rea  Richard Voghel, son of Lillian Voghel  Jesse Cunningham, brother of Monique Thomas

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. In Memory of +Donald LeRoy Varville May the souls of the faithful departed,

Don, my husband of nearly 53 years, passed away on through the mercy of God, Wednesday, March 14, 2018. He was a father to our 6 rest in peace. Amen.” children and grandfather to 13 grandchildren (+1 on the way this June). He was a son and a brother. He is loved and will be missed by many.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Fr. John for visiting Don in the rehab facility and giving him Last Rites. We thank Fr. Peter Tymko for visiting while Don was in the hospital and The Saint Philip administering the Anointing of the Sick, and also thank him for meeting with me and my children to plan the Fu- Be-News-Zi neral Mass.

Special thanks go to Nick Dragone who complied with my Monthly Newsletter of wishes and provided the beautiful, soft music and medita- St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church tion during the Mass. Thank you to Peter Swan and Greg Pecore for assisting during the Mass and to 591 Flint River Road Ron Finch for serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Jonesboro, GA 30238 Communion. (770) 478-0178 We thank my grandchildren, Philip and Baylie Carroll, who were Altar Servers, and my two oldest granddaughters, Isabella Rodriguez and Kylie Carroll for the Scripture Fr. John A. Koziol, OFM Conv. readings. Our thanks go to Melissa Langlois for setting Pastor/Publisher up the photo slideshow of Don. As usual, the Funeral Ministry did a FANTASTIC job with everything for the Yone Daly, Editor luncheon which followed the Funeral Mass (Thank You).

We appreciated hearing from our church family, the offer- Parish Website: ings of Masses for Don, receiving sympathy cards and www.stphilipbenizi.org phone calls, the prayers and well wishes, as well as the hugs and tears shed with us during this very difficult time. Deadline: All articles submitted for publication in We did not realize the impact Don had on his family, the Be-News-Zi must be received in writing friends, fellow parishioners and former band members. (preferably typed) or via e-mail, by the 5th of each He surprised many with all his accomplishments. His bi- ography was researched from several resumés and sub- month for publication in the following month’s edi- mitted by his daughter to Ford-Stewart Funeral Home tion. Each article submitted for consideration will be where it can be read on their website. published as approved by the Pastor and on a space -available basis. Many hugs and thanks to my children and their spouses for helping me through this. Any questions, comments, suggestions, or articles concerning the newsletter may be addressed to the Thank you all – God Bless, Editor through the Parish Office, or by e-mail: Helen Varville & Family

(Thursday, April 5, 2018) [email protected]