EXCLUSIVE NEWS INSIDE *Priest’s Brother Passes On THE CATHOLIC *Deacon Recovers from Stroke *Bishop Murry in Brazil *Our Lady of Cassi Hill *St. Ann’s Patronal Feast ISLANDER *St. Joseph Church Concert * Speaks at Lourdes VOL. 20, NO. 9 SEPTEMBER 2004 *Listings of Coming Events A PUBLICATION OF THE DIOCESE OF ST. THOMAS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AUTUMN MEANS BACK TO THE CLASSROOM: CATHOLIC SCHOOLS REOPENED AUGUST 23 The Virgin Islands’ four Catholic schools are Dr. Susan Diverio has been well received as new looking stronger this academic year, with two new prinicpal at Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas principals, new teachers and several new or expanded and Fr. William Montgomery has stimulated renewed programs. interest in St. Joseph School on St. Croix.

Teachers Constancia Hodge (Spanish), Merancienne New principal Fr. William Montgomery and registering Randolph (4th Grade) and Aretha Marshall (Computer) students reviewed the student handbook in the computer welcomed students back to St. Patrick School on room of St. Joseph High School on St. Croix. Classes were to St. Croix. begin a week later.

Kindergarten students were all smiles as they began their New principal Dr. Susan Diverio met with students in their first day of school at St. Mary School on St. Croix. classrooms at Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas. Notes from the Bishop’s Desk

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

TWO ST. CROIX PRIESTS LITURGY WORKSHOPS TO ASSIGNED TO STUDIES REVIEW VATICAN DOCUMENT Bishop Murry has assigned two priests to advanced In a series of workshops in September and October, studies. Bishop Murry will review with Virgin Islands priests, Msgr. Michael Kosak, Pastor of St. Ann Church on deacons and laity the instruction issued by the Vatican’s St. Croix, will study Spirituality at the Angelicum Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of University in Rome, Italy, beginning in October 2004. the Sacrament entitled Redemptionis Sacramentum: On During Msgr. Kosak’s studies, Fr. Louis Kemayou will Certain Matters to Be Observed or to Be Avoided administrate St. Ann Church. Upon completion of his Regarding the Most Holy Eucharist. studies in May 2005, Msgr. Kosak will return to St. Ann. The instruction created a stir when it was released in Fr. Cecil Corneille, Pastor of St. Joseph Church, April because it addressed abuses in the celebration of also on St. Croix, will study Leadership and Policy the Eucharist. Writing in an online program. During his studies, Fr. All priests working in the diocese will review and Corneille will remain at St. Joseph Church. discuss the document with Bishop Murry in conjunction with a Presbyteral Meeting in October. Deacons on St. Thomas and St. John will discuss the document with DIRECTOR OF Bishop Murry on September 11 at Ss. Peter and Paul DEVELOPMENT APPOINTED Cathedral on St. Thomas, while deacons on St. Croix will receive this instruction on September 25 at St. Bishop Murry has appointed Charles Shain as Joseph Church on St. Croix. Diocesan Director of Development and Marketing, Ministry leaders on St. John are asked to attend a effective September 1. similar meeting with Bishop Murry at Our Lady of Mt. Mr. Shain, formerly a consultant with the Cuneen Carmel Church on October 2. Meetings for ministers on fundraising company, worked as a consultant for the Ss. St. Thomas and St. Croix will be announced shortly. Peter and Paul Cathedral Restoration Project on St. Thomas until June 2004. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER Mr. Shain will work at the Catholic Chancery on St. is online at Thomas under Bishop Murry to build financial www.catholicislander.com resources for the diocese. BISHOP MURRY’S ITINERARY FOR AUGUST 2004 September 10 10:00 a.m. Diocesan Finance Council Catholic Chancery St. Thomas September 11 10:00 a.m. Liturgy Workshop for Deacons Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral St. Thomas September 11 5:00 p.m. Mass Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church St. John September 12 7:15 & 9:00 a.m. Mass Holy Cross Church St. Croix September 14-16 USCCB Administrative Board Washington, D.C. September 17-19 Knights of Malta Retreat St. Joseph Seminary Yonkers, NY September 21 10:00 a.m. St. Thomas/St. John Deanery Catholic Chancery St. Thomas September 22 10:00 a.m. St. Croix Deanery St. Joseph High School St. Croix September 25 10:00 a.m. Liturgy Workshop for Deacons St. Joseph Church St. Croix

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 2 PRIEST’S BROTHER PASSES NEW PRINCIPAL Prayers are being solicited for the repose of the soul of a brother of Fr. Simon Obeng who died in an WELCOMED TO STX Bishop George Murry, SJ, the St. Joseph High automobile accident in Ghana in August. School Board of Directors, and parents held a reception Fr. Obeng is a priest of the Diocese of St. Thomas in for new principal Fr. William Montgomery on August the Virgin Islands. He is serving in the military in Iraq. 18. “I never saw so many parents come to a school DEACON RECOVERING meeting,” said Br. James Petrait, OSFS, science teacher. “Fr. Montgomery was very well received. He had a FROM A STROKE question and answer session with all the parents Deacon Hyacinthe George of St. Ann Church on St. gathered around him in the school office. Words of Croix is recuperating after suffering a stroke while at praise were given about Fr. Montgomery and the overall home on August 13. He was rushed to Juan Luis meeting was very upbeat.” Hospital, where he was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit. He has suffered paralysis, but the doctors believe CONVOCATION that with therapy he will fully recover. The doctors sent IMPLEMENTATION TEAM him home on August 21. “He will bounce back 100 percent and be a TO SET GOALS wonderful testimony to the glory of God,” Msgr. Kosak, Twenty Catholic leaders will begin meeting in com- Pastor of St. Ann Church, told The Catholic Islander. mittees this fall to implement the decisions reached at the Diocesan Convocation in May. NEW PRINCIPAL FOR Led by Fr. Charles Crespo on St. Thomas and Sr. Patricia Alexander, WIF, on St. Croix, these leaders STT CATHOLIC SCHOOL include Pierre Cuffy, Deacon Emith Fludd, Deacon Bishop George Murry, SJ, has appointed Dr. Susan Denis Griffith, Louise Hanson, Deacon Joseph Mark, Diverio as interim principal at Ss. Peter and Paul School and Sr. Marina Picardal, ICM, of St. Croix, and on St. Thomas, in addition to her work as Special Wilfredo Acosta, Marlene Adams, Faye Boschulte, Assistant to the Bishop for Catholic Education. Susanna Brin, Noreen Bryan, Helena Enrique, Gloria Meanwhile, a search committee continues to seek Etienne, Lucretia Greaux, Rita King, Deacon Austin out a permanent principal. Medina, Eubald Rene, and Alma Wells of St. Thomas. “I am profoundly grateful to Dr. Diverio for her “When we met at the Diocesan Convocation in generosity,” Bishop George Murry stated in an internal May, eighty parish and school leaders were divided into announcement. “Please give her your prayers and ten small working groups and each group developed support.” agendae for the diocese,” Bishop George Murry, SJ, told The Catholic Islander. “At the convocation’s closing conference, the agendae of the ten working groups were DO YOU HAVE A summarized and prioritized into seven broad categories. NEWS ARTICLE OR A PHOTOGRAPH FOR Seven ad hoc committees will identify clear goals, THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER? determine a plan of action and set a realistic time line Call Fr. Crespo at for accomplishing the recommended improvements or (340) 776-6339! changes in each category.

======The Catholic Islander is published monthly by the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. The Catholic Islander is written, edited and printed solely in the U.S. Virgin Islands. P.O. Box 301825, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, 00803-1825 http://www.catholicislander.com Telephone: (340) 776-6339 Fax: (340) 693-7685 E-mail: [email protected] Publisher The Most Reverend George V. Murry, SJ Editor-in-Chief Fr. Charles Crespo Contributing Editor Bernetia Akin Copy Editor Madeleine Anduze Staff Photographers Faye Abdullah-Boschulte Webmaster Br. James Petrait, OSFS Circulation Deacon Emith Fludd THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 3 PRIESTS BID BON VOYAGE YOUTH CONFERENCE Catholic youth and youth ministers can register for TO MSGR. KOSAK the Regional Catholic Youth Conference (RCYC) to be held at Holy Family Church’s Columban Hall on St. Thomas January 21-23, 2005. Most Rev. Vincent Darius, Bishop of St. George (), and Corinne Francis, Vice President for Missions at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, New York, will be the guest speakers. The conference’s theme will be “Proud to be Catholic — Uncovering the Pearl of Great Price.” CATHOLIC MEN’S RETREAT Warren Mitchell, a St. Croix native working in Priests on St. Croix bid bon voyage to Msgr. Michael youth and family counseling in Baltimore, Maryland, Kosak, Pastor of St. Ann Church, before he left for a one- year study sabbatical in Rome. Pictured left to right are Fr. will lead a Catholic Men’s Retreat at Holy Family Michael Houston, CSsR, Msgr. Bernard Campbell, Msgr. Church on St. Thomas September 24-25. The theme will Kosak, Fr. Pat Lynch, CSsR, and Fr. Simon Peter Opira. be “Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve.” Topics to be developed will include: the difficulties men face in trying to serve as the spiritual leader of the SEPTEMBER family; the false gods we serve and lead our family to serve; how husbands are to love their wives. CATHOLIC RADIO Register through Rev. Dr. George Franklin at 775- The Bishop’s Office of Evangelization presents 1650. ninety minutes of Catholic radio on weekends. Contact ALPHA EXPLORES THE In conjunction with the Sacred Heart Program in St. Louis, Missouri, Contact broadcasts on WIUJ 102.9 FM CHRISTIAN FAITH on Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. Alpha returns to St. Thomas for ten Sundays beginning September 19 at 5:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church’s Clubhouse. Tu Compañero Católico Alpha provides adults with an opportunity to Tu Compañero Católico follows Contact on WIUJ explore the validity and relevance of Christianity in an 102.9 FM on Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. Tu Compañero informal setting. The basics of the faith are explored Católico, an award-winning half-hour Spanish- with opportunities for discussion in small groups. The language program, is produced by the Redemptorist evenings begin with a fellowship supper, followed by a Hispanic Radio Ministry. The September broadcasts are talk delivered by video, small group discussion and listed below. prayer. Sept. 4 “The Role of the Ascension in the Paschal Registration is free by calling Rev. Dr. George Mystery” Franklin at 775-1650. Sept. 11 “The Sacraments of Initiation at Later Ages” Sept. 18 “Sta. Teresita del Niño, Patron of the Missions” Sept. 25 “Looking at God as a God of Love”

The Catholic Voice The Catholic Voice airs half-hour programs on WSTA 1340 AM on Sundays at 8:30 p.m. The programs are courtesy of EWTN TV & AM/FM Radio. The September broadcasts are listed below. Sept. 5 “The Penitential Rite” Sept. 12 “The Offertory” Sept. 19 “The Canon/” Sept. 26 (Spanish) Tu Compañero Católico: “Looking The Leaders of Alpha Team #4 met with their director, Rev. at God as a God of Love” Dr. George Franklin, at Holy Family Church on August 7. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 4 HONORS DINNER Our Lady of Perpetual Help ¡BUENAS NOTICIAS! Church on St. Thomas will honor the Hon. Lorraine Berry, Dr. Sylvester McDonald and Dr. John Moorehead with a dinner at the Palms Court Harbor View Hotel on Saturday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m. Shuttle service will be available from Emile Griffith Park beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $60.00 ST. FRANCIS DAY The Lady Clare of Assisi CONCIERTO DE MÚSICA CRISTIANA Fraternity of the Secular El Coro Hispano de la Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz se llevó a cabo un Franciscans will mark the Transitus Concierto de Música Cristiana en el Salón de Hospitalidad de la parroquia of St. Francis with a prayer service el 8 de agosto. at Holy Family Church on St. La asamblea cantó también, sobre todo en la canción “Levanto Mis Thomas on Monday, October 4, at Manos,” donde todos se levantaron y, levantando sus manos, cantaron 6:30 p.m. juntos con el coro. Fue un momento muy emocionante, en el cual se sintió “Transitus” is a Latin word la presencia del Señor. meaning “to pass through,” but the Otro momento muy especial fue cuando el Diácono Guillermo Huertas service will be as much a celebration of the saint’s life as a llevó el Santísimo. Se guardó mucho respeto y devoción y, en acto de commemoration of his death. It will adoración, muchos se arrodillaron para recibir la bendición y se quedaron include a procession, veneration, postrados hasta que salió. scripture readings, hymns, and readings from Celano’s Second Life of St. Francis of Assisi. PATRONAL FEAST Holy Cross Church on St. Croix will celebrate its patronal feast day on the weekend of September 11-12 with a special liturgy and a family fun day. Congregants to all four Masses are invited to bring to Mass their family crucifix for a blessing. The 9:00 a.m. Mass will be a multicultural liturgy highlighting the parish’s English, Spanish and RADIO CATÓLICO EN SEPTIEMBRE Philippine cultures. From 4:00 to La Oficina de Evangelización del Obispo presenta Tu Compañero 8:00 p.m., the festivities will move Católico, un programa radial Católico premiado, semanal, de media hora, across the street to St. Mary School, where there will be music, food, en el idioma español, cada fín de semana. En forma de revista, Tu games for children and bingo for Compañero Católico incluye segmentos de entrevista de invitados adults. The parish history book will especiales, catecismo, consejos espirituales, música y más. Tu Compañero be on sale as well. Católico es un iniciativo de evangelización por el personal del Ministerio The official feast day of the Hispano de los Redentoristas de la Provincia de Denver. Exaltation of the Holy Cross is Tu Compañero Católico se oye en WIUJ 102.9 FM los sábados a las September 14, but the parish will 3:30 p.m. Normalmente, el último programa del mes se repite el día celebrate it on the closest weekend. siguiente (domingo) a las 8:30 p.m. en WSTA 1340 AM.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 5 OUR LADY OF CASSI HILL ANNUAL PROCESSION AND MASS DRAWS CROWDS Top: Rev. Dr. George Franklin, pastor of Holy Family Church on St. Thomas, anointed participants during a Marian triduum August 11-13.

Middle: The annual procession in honor of Our Lady of Cassi Hill began up the hill from the shrine and marched in candlelight to Mass in the church.

Bottom: Mass was concelebrated by, left to right, Fr. Hubert Etienne Momo, a visiting priest from Cameroon, Fr. Neil Scantlebury, Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Fr. Franklin, and Fr. Charles Crespo, Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 6 CHILDREN RAISE FUNDS ST. ANN’S PATRONAL FEAST FOR TRIP TO ST. THOMAS The feast day of Ss. Joachim and Ann, traditionally The Children Choir of St. Joseph Church on St. known as the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was Croix spent August raising funds for their trip to St. celebrated at St. Ann Church on St. Croix and St. Anne Thomas in October. The choir prepared breakfast on Chapel on St. Thomas. Sundays immediately after the parish’s 7:00 a.m. Mass. On St. Croix, Msgr. William John-Lewis of On August 14, the choir hosted a yard sale and cake Dominica led a three-day parish retreat on July 20-22. raffle. Once Religious Education classes begin in Bishop George Murry, SJ, celebrated the Patronal Mass September, choir members will sell pizza and juices on July 25 in St. Ann Church’s Joachim Center, then immediately following classes. blessed the Marian Hall, formerly known as the On St. Thomas, the choir will participate in the Pavilion, where a parish reception was held. dedication ceremonies for the new parish hall at Holy On St. Thomas, Bishop Murry blessed boats at the Family Church and sing at the 10:00 a.m. Mass on bayside in Frenchtown followed by Mass at St. Anne October 10. Chapel on July 24. CHILDREN’S RAFFLE Holy Family Church on St. Thomas is sponsoring a children’s raffle. The first prize is a game cube, the second prize is an X Box and the third prize is a CD player. Tickets are $3.00. Winners will be drawn on September 26. YOUTH ESSAY CONTEST The Regional Catholic Youth Conference (RCYC) From left to right, seminarian Anthony Abraham, Msgr. is sponsoring an essay contest for students in William John-Lewis, Msgr. Michael Kosak and Sr. Patricia, elementary, junior and high school. The subject of the WIF, prepared for the triduum on St. Croix. essay is “Proud to be Catholic.” The first prize is $300.00, the second prize is $150.00, and the third prize is $50.00. The essay should be 2500 words or less, typed in double space, and submitted by December 1 to RCYC, P.O. Box 223611, Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, 00822-3611. The essays will be judged by a panel of priests, religious and lay persons. VISITING STUDENTS ASSIST CATHOLIC CHARITIES Twenty students from Mercyhurst Preparatory The procession on St. Thomas had Msgr. Jerome Feudjio in School in Erie, Pennsylvania, put into practice what front and Bishop Murry in back. they learned throughout the year by participating in an outreach trip to St. Thomas July 12-22. The mission team conducted the campus-based ministry, which promoted service learning, prayer, Christian community, and a personal relationship with Jesus. Despite not being used to the warm weather, students spent most of their time outdoors participating in various clean-up and ministry activities around Catholic Charities’ soup kitchen and Bethlehem House Shelter for the Homeless on St. Thomas. After Bishop Murry blessed the Marian Hall, a reception began.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 7 BISHOP MURRY AND CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES: A MISSION TO RECIFE, BRAZIL Bishop George Murry, SJ, representing the Board of Directors of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), visited CRS sites in Recife, Brazil, on July 15-22. Bishop Murry was elected to the CRS Board of Directors in 2002. Board members are responsible for overseeing the efforts of CRS in reaching out to the world’s poor and needy. Annually, board members must visit a CRS field office in one of more than eighty countries and make a report to the full board. In 2003, Bishop Murry visited CRS sites in Nigeria. CRS was founded in 1943 by the American Bishops to assist the poor and disadvantaged outside the country. CRS provides direct aid to the needy and involves people in their own development, helping them to realize their potential. “CRS does amazing work around the world,” Bishop Murry told The Catholic Islander. “This is our Church at its best.”

Top: Bishop Murry visited participants in a CRS-sponsored sewing class.

Middle: Salesian Sisters showed Bishop Murry the clothing bank at their convent in a poor Recife neighborhood.

Bottom: Children performed a traditional Brazilian dance for the CRS visitors.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 8 On the Road to Jerusalem The Most Reverend George V. Murry, SJ Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands BRAZIL I spent July 15-22 in Recife, Brazil, representing Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the overseas social development arm of the American bishops. Brazil is a beautiful country with many modern cities, dramatic vistas and lush tropical forests. (The country also prides itself on its beaches, but they are not as beautiful as ours.) But along with the beauty that is Brazil, there is also widespread poverty. CRS has its headquarters in the northeastern city of Recife. There, I visited a neighborhood where people lived in shacks and used trash-car liners for roofs and seashells for floors. An open sewer ran through the neighborhood with the result that many children were visibly sick. In the middle of this neighborhood, was the Mar Mare Project run by six Salesian Sisters. Aided by donations from CRS, the Sisters staff a school for neighborhood children and provide sewing and Bishop Murry with three members of the CRS staff in Recife; computer class for adults. These dedicated Sisters are Luis Claudio, Carlos Sanchez, and Meabh Cormacain. among the only signs of hope is this neighborhood. Without them, the despair of poverty and disease would have free reign. Later in the week, after visits to other poor neighborhoods and discussions with Brazilian leaders about what measures were being enacted to close the enormous gap between the rich and the poor, I was taken on a three-hour car trip into the interior of the country, which is know as the semi-arid region. Here, there are long stretches of drought and residents must at times walk twenty miles for clean drinking water. CRS is working with the Brazilian government in the semi- arid region to build one million cisterns next to people’s homes. There are many more stories I could tell you about the great need for shelter, medicine and education among the poor in Brazil. I want to find a way that we as a diocese might help the Salesian Sisters advance their ministry in Recife, whether it be through a pen-pal relationship between students in their school and ours or a week-long missionary journey of parishioners from the Virgin Islands to Recife to help build houses. In the meantime, however, we as Catholics can be proud of the work CRS is doing. Through its staff and programs in eighty-one countries around the globe, CRS builds the Fr. Robert Singelyn, an American missionary in Brazil, Body of Christ and to the extend that we likewise offer showed the visitors a CRS-sponsored retaining wall which a hand to the poor, we welcome them and they walk prevents mud from flowing into a nursery school. with us On the Road to Jerusalem. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 9 THE ALTERNATIVES TO VIOLENCE PROJECT The Alternatives to Violence Project, co-sponsored by the St. Croix Interfaith Coalition, has begun organizing anti-violence seminars to try to address the recent wave of violence in the Virgin Islands. Churches of all denominations on St. Thomas were invited to participate in a day-long workshop Pictured left to right, Gloria Etienne of Holy Family Church on St. Thomas and at the Palms Court Harbor View Fr. Charles Crespo of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John spoke with Hotel on August 16. conference facilitators Carolyn Keys and Sheila Scullion. SCHOOL BOARD SETS PLANTING DAY FOR CAMPUS

Sonia Dow, St. Joseph High School Board President, and Francis Romain, the father of a student, were among those who planted some of the many plants donated by area businesses for the campus. August 20 was designated as Planting Day.

FUNERAL MASS FOR DEACON’S WIFE

Msgr. Michael Kosak celebrated concelebrated the Mass, and many Priests pictured left to right the funeral Mass for Roslyn Charles, deacons and their wives were in around the altar are Fr. Charles wife of Deacon Neville Charles, at attendance. Crespo, Fr. Kenneth Gaddy, CSsR, St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on Ms. Charles passed away in a Msgr. Kosak, and Rev. Dr. George July 23. Seattle hospital on July 13 after a Franklin. Priests from three islands lengthy struggle with sickness. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 10 LOCAL CONGREGATIONS PARISH SEEKS BUILD FOR THE FUTURE PASTORAL ASSOCIATE Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John is seeking to hire a pastoral associate while the pastor, Fr. Charles Crespo, increasingly turns his attention to the construction of the new church. “In the year that I have served as pastor here, I have noticed that when I spend more energy on the pastoral work, the construction does not move quickly enough, and when I turn my eyes to the construction, the pastoral work is diminished,” Fr. Crespo told The Catholic Islander. “I have to recognize my limitations and admit that I need help if the Msgr. Jerome Feudjio, Administrator of St. Ann Chapel on St. Thomas, stands in church is to open in time for the his future residence, presently being built over the chapel’s clubhouse. bigger crowds that come around Christmas.” The Parish Council is looking at December 8, the 150th anniversary of the document proclaiming the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, as the date of dedication for the new church. Between now and then, windows and doors must be hung, air conditioning units and ducts must be installed, a sanctuary must be built, lights must be hung, the ceiling must be set, and additional funds must be Workmen are building a new perimeter around the parking lot at Holy Family raised. Church on St. Thomas. In the backgroud is the church and the new Columban Hall. The Pastoral Associate position will start off as a part-time six- month position. As time goes on, it will become clear whether the position needs to become full time or needs to be extended beyond Easter, explained Fr. Crespo, who will form a parish-based search committee to help interview applicants. “The Pastoral Associate will be asked to make sure that all the parish ministries are meeting regularly and thriving,” said Fr. Crespo. “These will be busy months, and it is important that we do not get so busy Workmen are completing the tile work on the second floor of Holy Family building a church that we forget to Church’s Columban Hall, which is scheduled to open October 10. be church.”

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 11 AREA PRIESTS STUDY COMMUNICATIONS IN TRINIDAD Msgr. Jerome Feudjio and Fr. Charles Crespo, members of the Diocesan Communications Committee, attended the Caribbean School of Catholic Communication (CSCC) in Arima, Trinidad, August 9-14, with the hopes of bringing new concepts and new skills into the Catholic television studios on St. Thomas and St. Croix. At CSCC, Msgr. Feudjio worked on a fundraising video for Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas and Fr. Crespo worked on a fund-raising video for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John. Msgr. Feudjio completed his three-year course of study. Fr. Crespo completed his second year.

Students from many Caribbean islands attended the general sessions, which taught on “Communication and the Religious Imagination.” Fr. Crespo is in the first row, second from the right.

In the afternoon and evening working sessions, instructor Gitlin Aleong worked with Msgr. Feudjio on editing the footage he brought from St. Thomas.

After the CSCC week, Msgr. Feudjio stayed in Trinidad to attend the two- day SIGNIS international conference for Catholic television professionals. Msgr. Feudjio is third from the right.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 12 U.S. BISHOPS: CALL TO RESPOND TO THE CRISIS IN SUDAN Calling the situation in Sudan “horrible,” the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) urged Catholics to pray and to contribute to relief efforts for “our brothers and sisters (who) have experienced tremendous suffering because of war and hatred.” Bishop Wilton Gregory said, “the lives of hundreds of thousands of people hang in the balance.” Catholic Relief Services is working with the Church in Sudan and with other Catholic agencies around the world, but they need help to deal with the massive crisis. The chairman of the USCCB’s International Policy Committee, Bishop John Richard, SSJ, visited the region this summer and reported appalling conditions in the wake of a sweeping genocide against Black Africans in the Darfur region of Sudan. An estimated 30,000 people have been killed in the last seventeen months and millions more driven from their homes. People face starvation in refugee camps where their numbers are overwhelming. U.S. BISHOPS SPEAK OUT ON POPE SPEAKS AT LOURDES Pope John Paul II delivered these words at the start IMMIGRANT DEPORTATIONS of the torch procession at the Grotto of the Apparitions The recent decision by the U.S. government to by the basilica of Lourdes, France, on August 16. expand its policy of “expedited removal” of Dear Brothers and Sisters! undocumented immigrants was highly criticized by the 1. When the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette in United States Conference of Catholic Bishops the Grotto at Massabielle, she began a dialogue between (USCCB). Heaven and earth which has lasted through time and The program allows Border Patrol agents to remove continues to this day. Speaking to the young girl, Mary immigrants without giving them an opportunity to asked that people should come here in procession, as if present a claim for asylum to an immigration judge. The to signify that this dialogue cannot be limited to words, bishops have consistently opposed the policy as a but must become a journey at her side along the pilgrim violation of human rights and international law. It has way of faith, hope and love. been in place for points of entry since 1996, but in Here in Lourdes, for more than a century the August the Department of Homeland Security Border Christian people have faithfully responded to that and Transportation announced its expansion to include maternal summons, walking each day behind Christ in more points along the U.S. border. the Blessed Sacrament and processing each night amid In a statement issued on behalf of the Catholic songs and prayers in honor of the Lord’s Mother. Bishop’s Committee on Migration, its chairman, This year the Pope joins you in this act of devotion Coadjutor Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando, said the and love for the Most Holy Virgin, the glorious woman expansion of the policy “could lead to the return of more of the Book of Revelation, crowned with twelve stars bona fide asylum-seekers to their persecutors, resulting (cf. Revelation 12:1). Holding in our hands the lighted in further harm to them and possibly their death. While torch, we recall and profess our faith in the Risen Christ. the new policy acknowledges the possibility of referring From Him the whole of our life receives light and hope. refugees or those fleeing persecution to an immigration 2. To you, dear brothers and sisters, I entrust a judge, we fear that Border Patrol agents, who are trained particular intention for our prayer this evening: join me to apprehend and detain undocumented migrants, are in imploring the Virgin Mary to obtain for our world the not experts in asylum law and are not prepared to make longed-for gift of peace. life and death decisions in this area.” May forgiveness and brotherly love take root in The bishops asked the Homeland Security officers human hearts. May every weapon be laid down, and all to reconsider the policy. hatred and violence put aside. “The use and expansion of expedited removal within the United States further erodes the cherished May everyone see in his neighbor not an enemy to tradition of our nation as a place of safe haven for the be fought, but a brother to be accepted and loved, so that world’s persecuted and undermines our nation’s moral we may join in building a better world. credibility throughout the world,” the statement 3. Together let us invoke the Queen of Peace and concluded. renew our commitment to the service of reconciliation, dialogue and solidarity. In this way we shall merit the THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER happiness which the Lord has promised to the is online at peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). www.catholicislander.com I accompany you with my prayer and my blessing.

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THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 14 St. Thomas Calendar OUR LADY OF FATIMA DEVOTION HOLY HOURS The Children of Mary lead a devotion to Our Lady of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral presents a Holy Hour with Fatima at Holy Family Church on September 4 and all Exposition and Benediction on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. First Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. Holy Family Church presents a Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. HONORS DINNER Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church presents a Holy Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church will honor the Hour with Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at Honorable Lorraine Berry, Dr. Sylvester McDonald and 6:30 p.m., followed by Mass at 7:30 p.m. Dr. John Moorehead with a dinner at the Palms Court Harbor View Hotel on Saturday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $60. Our Blessed Mother’s Message from Medjugorie July 25, 2004 SECULAR FRANCISCANS The Lady Clare of Assisi Fraternity meets at Holy “Dear Children, I call you anew: be open to my Family Church on September 18 and all third Saturdays messages. I desire, little children, to draw you all at 1:00 p.m. closer to my Son Jesus; therefore, you pray and fast. Especially I call you to pray for my intentions, so that CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA I can present you to my Son Jesus; for Him to Court 2049 meets September 18 and every third transform and open your hearts to love. When you Saturday at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality will have love in the heart, peace will rule in you. Lounge at 2:00 p.m. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

ALPHA EVANGELIZATION COURSE Courtesy of Claire & John Foster Alpha meets for ten Sundays beginning September 19 at 5:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church’s Clubhouse.

CATHOLIC MEN’S RETREAT Warren Mitchell will lead a Catholic Men’s Retreat at Holy Family Church on September 24-25.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Council 6187 meets at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge every first and third Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

LEGION OF MARY Junior Praesidium Mary, Queen of Archangels meets at the St. Anne Chapel Hall on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Praesidium Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces meets at the St. Anne Chapel Hall on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Praesidium Mary, Mystical Rose meets at Holy Family Church on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

PRAYER MEETINGS Charismatic prayer meetings are held at Holy Family Church on Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA The Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima meets at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 15 ST. CROIX calendar SACRED HEART MASS SECULAR ORDER DISCALCED CARMELITES A Mass in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus will be Secular Order Discalced Carmelites meet September 26 celebrated at Holy Cross Church on September 2 and on and every fourth Sunday at St. Ann Church at 1:00 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. LEGION OF MARY HOLY HOURS Praesidium Our Lady of Grace meets at the Holy Cross St. Joseph Church has a bilingual Holy Hour with Church rectory on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction on September 3 and all First Fridays at 7:00 p.m. CURSILLO ULTREYA MEETINGS St. Patrick Church has a Holy Hour on Fridays after the Cursillo members meet at St. Joseph Church on 8:00 a.m. Mass. Mondays after the 7:00 p.m. Mass and at Sacred Heart St. Ann Church has a Holy Hour on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. Chapel on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are in Spanish. HEALING MASS St. Patrick Church will host a healing Mass on NEO-CATECHUMENAL WAY The Neo-Catechumenal Way has catechesis in Spanish September 3 and all First Fridays at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Church’s Youth Center on Mondays and Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. Catechesis is in English at Holy SANTO NIÑO DEVOTION/RECONCILIATION Cross Church on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7:00 p.m. Devotions to El Santo Niño at St. Joseph Church are on September 4 and all First Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. The BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated at the same The Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima meets in the time. A Vigil Mass follows. chapel at Holy Cross Church on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. Entry is by the gate to the rectory. PATRONAL FEAST LITURGY AND FUN DAY Holy Cross Church will celebrate its patronal feast day KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS September 12 with a multicultural liturgy at 9:00 a.m. Holy Cross Council 6482 meets at the McAlpin Hall of and a family fun day at St. Mary School at 4:00 p.m. Holy Cross Church on first and third Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. SECULAR FRANCISCANS The Our Lady of the Angels Fraternity meets September 12 and all second Sundays at the Franciscan House at St. John Calendar 3:00 p.m. BREAKFAST WITH THE PASTOR A pot luck breakfast will be held at Our Lady of Mt. CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Carmel Church on September 3 and all First Fridays Jim Matthews and Centelia Matthews lead a cancer after the 7:00 a.m. Mass. support group at St. Ann Church on September 15 and the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. FIRST FRIDAY MASS AND HOLY HOUR A Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament PRAYER MEETINGS and Benediction at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church St. Patrick Church will hold an evening of charismatic follows the 7:00 p.m. Mass on September 3 and all First prayer on September 17 and the third Friday of each Fridays. The sacrament of Reconciliation is offered month. during the Holy Hour. St. Ann Church holds charismatic prayer meetings on Tuesdays, Holy Cross Church on Thursdays, and St. CHARISMATIC PRAYER MEETINGS Joseph Church on Fridays. All meetings begin gathering Charismatic prayer meetings are held at Our Lady of at 7:00 p.m. Mt. Carmel Church on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

CHARISMATIC MASS LEGION OF MARY A charismatic Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann Church Praesidium Mary, Queen of Angels meets at Our Lady on September 28 and every last Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. of Mt. Carmel Church on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * SEPTEMBER 2004 * 16