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Volume 8, Issue 1 Christ the King Catholic Church May, 2005 Vocations GOD IS CALLING YOU! by Frank Becht Her parents, Lee and Lindel Payton lived in Nashville, Tennessee, where she was born and attended public schools. She attended a We are taught and believe that God is calling all of us to spread our Presbyterian College, Agnes Scott College, in Atlanta, Georgia. She was faith through our example to all whom we encounter. God has some spe- raised as a Pentecostal but the family was not active in their church. She cific needs that He encourages upon certain people. An example is His has two sisters, one older and one younger and a baby brother. During col- call for religious vocations. There is a great need for nuns and sisters to lege she met several Catholic students and became good friends. They serve in our communities as teachers, nurses, counselors, volunteers to influenced her to become Catholic; she was received into the Church in work amongst the poor and needy, and many other ways to serve our April, 2001. It was here that she began to wonder what God had in mind humanity. for her. Luckily her immediate family had no serious objections to her “I’m not worthy,” you say. God says, “I’ll help you become more wor- becoming Catholic. thy; yes, you are a sinner. You are human and I can help you.” You say, “I She had a good job in Atlanta as a computer programmer and she liked don’t feel ‘nunny’,”or you procrastinate and ignore that feeling of need to date, but she felt unfulfilled. It was here that she made a deal with God for satisfaction in your life. Or you say, “nobody else is doing it.” “Give to give her a year to consider His deal. A short time later the desire for me time to think about it,” or “I don’t think my family would approve.” adventure caused her to seek a job in Switzerland with Swiss Air; she was “Ok, I’ll be back” God says as you cringe and feel like running away. accepted. Before the job could materialize, September 11 happened. Joy, How do I know God is calling me? “Simple,” God says, “Do you feel in her frustration and anger at the unfulfilled? Do you crave a greater opportunity? Have you let life pass world and terrorists, “caved in” “A vocation is you by? Is marriage and family not for you?” God says, “Listen to Me; I to God’s wishes. He had can make you whole and give you a fulfilling life.” harassed her for months. She a mystery of divine election” joined the Handmaids of the Pope John Paul II - Gift and Mystery Sacred Heart of Jesus, whom she THE NEED had known for some time in The need is enormous for sisters and nuns in all our Catholic commu- Atlanta. She entered their con- nities across our nation, particularly in education. In 1965, there were vent in Miami, Florida. approximately 180,000 nuns in the United States; today there are less than Can you imagine what a 70,000. Every Diocese is suffering from the loss of nuns; schools are scary ride God gave Joy until she being closed down due to shrinking Diocesan and parish resources. In acquiesced and became Sister 2003 over 120 schools closed down. There are over 100,000 fewer Joy? Now she is feeling more Catholic students today than three years ago. fulfilled in her new life as a Prior to the 60’s, sisters, brothers and priests staffed most schools. Novice located in Haverford, Today, 95 percent of Catholic schoolteachers are laity who have various Pennsylvania. She continues to backgrounds in the Catholic faith or often are members of other faiths. We struggle to live God’s way and have lost our ability to pro- leave behind her old lifestyle. vide affordable religious edu- After Joy’s story, do you still cation to our students at all feel that you are unworthy and levels. that God would not consider Many other factors also you? Try Him. greatly impact the ability of Listen to what God may be our Catholic communities to saying to you, and pray. “God provide quality Catholic edu- help me to eliminate the confu- “There is a pressing need to imple- cation to its membership. In sion in my life.” ment an extensive plan of vocational addition to the increase in If you would like to find out promotion, based on personal con- tuition to maintain our more about Sister Joy and her tact and involving parishes, schools, schools, the demographic journey in the religious life, con- and families in the effort to foster a shift in population in many tact her at www.be-a-nun.org. more attentive reflection on the parishes creates a tremendous Sister would love to hear from essential values of life. These values you and answer any of your burden on the parish to con- reach their fulfillment in the tinue providing quality edu- inquiries. response which each person is invit- cation. An increase in sisters to teach in our schools is a ed to give to God’s call, particularly dire need for the salvation of An article written by Jamie when the call implies the total gift of Catholic education. Malernee of Knight-Tribune News oneself and of one’s energies for the Service first appeared in the Florida sake of the Kingdom” (Novo millen- Times Union on January 14, 2005. GOD IS CALLING Contact with Sister Joy Payton of the nio ineunte, 46) Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Sister Joy caring for a child in El Salvador Let me give you an exam- Jesus resulted in her assistance in the Message of ple of how serious God is. above article and photographs. Sr. Joy His Holiness Pope John Paul II for the nd God recently called a most unsuspecting and improbable candidate to can be reached through website 42 World Day of Prayer for Vocations serve Him as a nun. Her name is Sister Joy Payton, a 27 year old who had –www.be-a-nun.org, or by emailing her a good job and was not really interested in a new life style. at [email protected] Elsewhere in this issue: Sister Joy’s Story ...... page 5 Dennis Stoddard ...... page 18 Deacon Dave MacNamara ...... page 7 Elmer Aponte ...... page 20 Father Alan Bowers ...... page 32 Father Thanh’s Story ...... page 14 Page 2 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 Father Thanh’s Message “Then Jesus took the loaves, gave problems during his papacy and school was initially accredited thanks and distributed them to forgiving his would-be assassin. He before she became our principal, those who were reclining and also trusted God enough to say and act under her leadership it has as much of the fish as they wanted” and “be not afraid” wherever he maintained its accreditation status -John 6:11 went. His life did make a difference throughout the years. While she has in our lives and in the world. “Deo been principal, she has The above quote is part of gratias.” accomplished a lot not only in our chapter six of the Gospel of John school but for Catholic schools regarding the Eucharist. A boy gave Look around you. There are throughout the diocese. May she Jesus the little food he had and with many people who share their lives find joy and peace with her family, it Jesus fed the multitude. I wonder with others for the love of God. friends and church community in if the boy felt a sense of loss when Deacon David MacNamara is a retirement. he gave away his food to Jesus, a husband and a father. He celebrated sense that soon must have turned to his 25th anniversary as a deacon last In my pastoral experience I joyous awe as he witnessed what April 23 at the 5:00 p.m. Mass. He have seen many men and women followed. has dedicated himself to serving who gave selflessly to their family. It took many years for the early God and his community. Some have stayed single in order to Church to realize that its life was to be there for their parents or other share in the life of the Trinity. God Over the years he has left his family members, taking care of shares his life with us. Our life imprint on the Diocese of them when they were ill. Their reflects divine life to the extent that Tallahassee-Pensacola where he dedication to family is we share what we have with others. helped Bishop Gracida develop a commendable. families are just ordinary people Some of us have much to share; Diaconate Program - the first in who through God’s influence have others have far less. How different Florida. Then he went to St. As for married couples, I pray made a difference. I want you to our world would be if we trusted Petersburg where he served as that you continue to share selflessly know that your sacrifice does make God enough to share what we do Diocesan Administrator to Bishop and to love each other with respect a difference. have. Larkin, our founding pastor. and honor according to the vows you exchanged on your wedding Finally, I thank God for the Pope John Paul II made a He came back to Jacksonville day. As parents, you share your life gift of the Eucharist where Jesus difference in our church and world to Christ the King and at to nourish your children. At your gave His life for our salvation. I ask as our pope for more than 26 years. Monsignor Danaher’s request he children’s baptisms, you promised you to continue to pray for our new He shared his life for many diverse became the chaplain of our school to “bring them up in the practice of pope, Benedict XVI, as he leads the attributes - defense of life, fierce and teaches the children religion. the faith.” It is a reminder that you Church into a new era. I pray that opposition to communism, fervent He also runs our Baptism Class for are the first teacher of your God, through the breaking of the devotion to Mary and love of the parents who want to have their children. Your dedication to raising bread, gives you the strength to outdoors, but he always kept his babies baptized. Happy your children is fulfilling your share your life in your own discipleship to Jesus Christ and his Anniversary, Deacon Dave. May obligation as Christian parents. vocation. May you always care of the Church at the forefront. God bless you with many more. Your example and guidance make a remember the sacrifice God made He left us an example by which to difference in the lives of your by sending His Son. May the Holy live, with prayer as a cornerstone. Janet Morton is a wife and a children and in your community. Spirit nourish and strengthen our His life belonged to God. Through mother. She has a great love of faith so we become the Bread of his life’s trials - losing his mother God. She attends Mass faithfully All of these people, the many Life for others, for our family, for as a child, standing up to the Nazis every day. For 25 years she has pastors, priests and nuns who have our church community and for our in his youth, having courage to served students as their principal. walked through the doors of Christ world. follow his vocation in the face of Her dedication to Christ the King the King, and lay people who communism, facing health School is outstanding. Although the dedicated themselves to their

Christ the King Courier Pray for Vocations

742 N. Arlington Road Jacksonville, FL 32211 Phone: (904) 724-0080 Fax: 721-2326 Email: [email protected]

Publisher: Father Thanh Thai Nguyen Managing Editor: Judy Koziolek Associate Editor: Mary Ann Sullivan

The mission of Christ the King Courier is to provide our Christ The King Family with information and news regarding our faith and parish ministries. The goal is to share information, happenings, and stories that abound within the ministries of our parish in the hope that people can use this information to bring you closer to God and our parish church family. Wisdom and enlightenment are two of many of God's gifts, and through Christ the King Courier parishioners can share in the joy, love, and fellowship of Christ the King Parish. Our desire is to serve our God, share his message of love and hope with all, and to encourage others to spread the message of the Gospel of Christ the King.

As the official publication of our parish family, Christ the King Courier sees the reading from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians as exemplifying the content and character of this publication.

"As the chosen of God, then, the holy people whom He loves, you are to be clothed in heartfelt compassion, in generosity and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other if one of you has a complaint against another. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, put on love, the perfect bond. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together in one body." Colossians 3:12-15.

The Christ the King Courier is a quarterly newspaper published by Christ the King Catholic Church. Publisher reserves the right to refuse articles, poetry, advertisements, etc. contrary to paper's policy and standards. The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of businesses, services and products. Readers must exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. Political advertising not accepted. Publisher reserves the right to edit all materials submitted for publication. May, 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 3 Letters What’s Happening February, 15, 2005 Dear Father Thanh:

Recently our ministry received a very generous donation of food, clothing and diapers from a collection that was held in your parish on Sunday, January 16, 2005. On behalf of the many farm workers’ families that will be receiving the goods, THANK YOU! Our ministry is blessed to have the support of parish- ioners like the ones at Christ the King. Daisy MacDonald is We woud like to welcome the following individuals and families to our a great example of the work and dedication that our Lord Jesus asked Christ the King Community. from each and everyone of us. As you may know, our ministry is opening an annex in Green Cove Springs and the supplies more than filled our new pantry with all the Ms. Shannon Boyette Ms. Noelle Winiewicz needs to outreach such a poor community. Mr. and Mrs. Jason Davis Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Pangan I must tell you a touching story that happened when I, along with two Mr. and Mrs. Ron Nichols Tam Nguyen volunteers, were sorting and distributing the food in CEBTRO ANA. I had commented that we needed a crucifix to place in our modest little Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Trull Mr. and Mrs. David Crawford house before opening date on Tuesday, February 1st. Just as I was finish- Mr. and Mrs. Alfonso Zarco Ms. Vivile Rodin ing unloading my minivan, I noticed a white box that had fallen from a Mr. and Mrs. William Folsom Ms. Stacy Cecil grocery bag and it was laying inside my van. I opened it and there was a Mr. and Mrs. Victor Simon Mr. Stephen Townend beautiful brand-new crucifix that someone from your parish placed inside The James Black Family Ms. Alene Dixon a bag. I don’t know who gave us that gift, but it made our day and warmed Mr. and Mrs. Phillip LeClaire Ms. Debora Maclay our hearts. Now when you walk into our facility you see the crucifix and Mrs. Anne Etheridge Mrs. Rosemarie Sudhoff right below it is the prayer for immigrants, refugees and migrants. Mr. and Mrs. Renato Alcantara Mr. and Mrs. John Reep Thank you, Father Thanh, for all your support and please thank the Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Gauvreau Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Bradley unknown parishioner who without knowing, gave us such a wonderful Mr. and Mrs. Alejandro Moreno Mr. and Mrs. Brian Phillips and special gift. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Coylombe Ms. Alyandrina O’Neal Julia M. Castro Mr. and Mrs. David Spade Director Diocese of Saint Augustine Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. Farm Workers Ministry Marriages:

We would like to acknowledge the following parishioners who were February, 10, 2005 recently united in the Sacrament of Marriage. Dear Friends, Loc Hoa Duong and Phuong Thi Tran Now that the Super bowl is over in our town, the visitors are leaving, Chuong Due Huynh and Hien thu Bach the street banners have been taken down, the venues are disassembled, the Ngoc Vu and Thi Hao Phung music is quieted and the streets are open for normal traffic. What has the big fame left for the city of Jacksonville? Many hearts are filled with Ngoc Vuong Tran and T. Ngoe Quyen Nguyen memories of hard work and good times. Many are making an assessment Joseph Foisy Brich and Patricia Lynn Yarborough of the events of the past weeks and find that a great job was done by all. Neil Kelleter and Suzanne Sollee For food banks and service providers, the results have been tremen- dous. Here at Arlington Community Services, it has been a win-win situ- ation. The response from loving people donating goods has been wonder- Baptisms: ful, and the Souper Bowl offerings are beginning to arrive. We wish at this time to applaud everyone who remembered the needy. The effects of your generosity will live long after the excitement of this event and will make We would like to announce the following people who this a more wonderful community for everyone. were recently baptized into the Catholic Church. Thank you for all you have done to ensure that the families facing hard times will have a helping hand in their own neighborhood. The food and funds placed at our center will be shared in the spirit of God’s love.

Yours in Christian Service, Sabrina L. Doering Patricia Yarborough Kathy Womack, Executive Director Leif D. Olsen Fallon Mary Hicks Arlington Community Services, Inc. Marcie R. Bradley Sofia Marie Lopez John P. Coffey Vincent Thang Do Dear Parishioners of Christ the King Catholic Church, Jennifer Glaser Anna Nguyen Hoang Alene Dixon Ayla Maricl Bunag I would be remiss if I did not thank you for the wonderful years of Kevin L. Wolfe support you provided me and Christ the King School while I have been Principal. You recognized that the future of our Catholic Church is through our young people. As a result, you were always present to sup- Deaths: port our school by giving of your time and your treasure. Whether I need- ed volunteers to knock down walls to renovate the school, serve on com- The following people are recently deceased members of our parish for mittees, paint classrooms or work at the carnivals, you never said no. whom we offer our special prayers. Through your blessings I have been many times blest. I have stored my memories which will last me a lifetime and I will draw upon them fond- ly when I think of my twenty-five years as Principal. Elizabeth E. Murphy Judith Ann Geissman I am leaving a better person than when I arrived and I have all of you Lorraine Geilen Juana Q. Angeles to thank for who I am today. Aileen Smith Ann Mitchell Raymond Prat Francis J. Redmond Jr. God Bless, Lourdes Dira Rosemary Dwyer Hoa Hoang Norman Hill Janet Morton Abreu Sotero Jr. Principal Page 4 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 Those who met Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for the first time

Nathaniel Acedo J. R. Callanta Rachael Gilbertson Mathew Lynch Bayley Perez Esteban Vargas Gabby Alequeza Yasmeen Chan Ryan Gilbertson Donna Mahfouz Rebecca Pierce Dylan Vestal Gabriel Alvarez Cloie Chiong Zachary Grant Antonio McCall Paola Ramos Hellen Vu John Ashley Madison Clower Ashlinne Hickox Cody McElveen Adam Resch Tyra Weldon George Assi Andrew Considine Rachel House John McMenamy Camille Rodriguez Haley Wimmer Stephen Azar Jeff Dela Cruz Alex Irizarry Drew Mikell Danny Sanford David Wilke Colin Boyd Tyler Doering Joshua Johnson Corbin Melton Megan Schroder Emily Wolfe Ricky Boyette Julia Eason Nicholas Keisling Lauren Mokwa Hannah Shami Kelly Wolfe Caitlin Bradley Jennifer Essick Chris Kelley Mark Morales Martha Simons John Connor Jaselyn Flores Cassidy Lewis Larissa Ogin Erica Stanfill Broekman Maurice Flores Andrew Locke Janel Palomo Michael Urbizi Ronnie Burke Charlene Garcia David Longenecker Zachary Parker Emilio Vargas Statement of the Florida Bishops

April 14, 2005 nature. The gift, meaning and truth nation. This is especially important of marriage come from creation as popular culture, media and Statement of the Florida Bishops and are not ours to change. entertainment often undermine or Marriage Is Between One Man Marriage and family life are ignore the essential role of and One Woman fundamental to the moral well marriage and promote equivalence being of society. Research and between marriage and homosexual history support the traditional relationships. 1. We, the Catholic Bishops of family as the best context for 6. We urge Catholics, and all Florida, join together in support of promoting stability and nurturing people of good will who are a state constitutional amendment children. As Pope John Paul II has registered to vote, to sign a petition that defines marriage as the legal often said, “As the family goes, so in favor of allowing this union of one man and one woman goes the nation!” (Cf. Homily, St. amendment to be voted on in the as husband and wife. We support Louis, January 27, 1999) next general election. Your support Pope the proposed constitutional 4. Our support for this proposed will help preserve the integrity of amendment in fidelity to our constitutional amendment is not marriage and family life. Benedict Catholic faith and our commitment motivated by discrimination or to the common good. The specific animosity toward any group. The Archbishop John C. Favalora - language of the amendment is, Church’’s teaching about the Archdiocese of Miami XVI ““Inasmuch as marriage is the legal dignity of homosexual persons is Bishop John J. Nevins - “My dear friends – at this union of only one man and one clear. ““They must be accepted woman as husband and wife, no Diocese of Venice moment I can only say: pray with respect, compassion and Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ - other legal union that is treated as sensitivity. Every sign of unjust for me, that I may learn to love Diocese of Pensacola/Tallahassee marriage or the substantial discrimination in their regard the Lord more and more. Pray equivalent thereof shall be valid or should be avoided.”” (Cf. Bishop Robert N. Lynch - for me, that I may learn to love recognized.”” Catechism of the Catholic Church, Diocese of St. Petersburg his flock more and more – in 2. The witness of sacred No. 2358) To uphold God’’s intent Bishop Victor Galeone - other words, you, the holy scripture and the Catholic tradition for marriage in which sexual Diocese of St. Augustine teach that marriage, as instituted by Church, each one of you and all relations have their proper and Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, JCL of you together. Pray for me, God, is between one man and one exclusive place is not to offend the woman. It is within this covenant of - Diocese of Palm Beach that I may not flee for fear of dignity of persons with same sex Bishop Thomas G. Wenski - nuptial love that man and woman attraction. Christians must give the wolves. Let us pray for one become one and the gift of children Diocese of Orlando another, that the Lord will carry witness to the whole moral truth Auxiliary Bishop Felipe J. is best received and nurtured. and proclaim as immoral all sexual us and that we will learn to Although Florida law already activity outside of true marriage, as Estéévez - Archdiocese of Miami carry one another.” defines marriage properly, we well as any unjust actions and believe that an amendment to the taken from The Florida Catholic hateful attitudes toward Homily of His Holiness state constitution is necessary in homosexual persons. Conference web site P.O. Box 1677 * Tallahassee, FL * 32302-1677 Phone Benedict XVI order to prevent judicial 5. The protection of the invalidation of the law. (850) 222-3803 * Fax (850) 681-9548 St. Peter’s Square institution of marriage is essential Sunday, 24 April 2005 3. The teaching of the Catholic to the health and well being of our Church is not unique; it is rooted in May, 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 5 THE MASS Sister Joy Payton (continued from last issue) conclusion. I was was clear. In any event, the nuts. Yes, I, Joy Eucharist, still a fellowship-meal, Payton, paragon has come down to us through the of psychiatric centuries, first celebrated in home- well-being, churches, now celebrated needed a mental throughout the world in humble health break. mission churches and grand Why would God cathedrals alike. pick somebody Many years back when Mass like me? After was said in Latin (still the official all, I drove too language of the Church), the fast. I was not consecrated host was referred to as very quiet or the esca viatorum, the food of obedient. I pilgrims, of people on a journey. by Sister Joy Payton laughed at jokes I The Mass today speaks of us as shouldn’t, if you know what I “the pilgrim Church on earth,” and I always knew I was called to mean. I even TOLD jokes I by Father Neil Carr so we are. Our destination is family life. I imagined myself as shouldn’t! heaven, our “Promised Land.” The one of a pair of parental bookends, How did I go from disbelief to The last issue of The Courier Jews, on their pilgrimage to their keeping a veritable flock of good excitement and joy in my vocation contained a brilliant piece on the Promised Land, needed food from Catholic kids prayerful during as a Sister? What led me to go from Mass as a sacrifice, and explained God to sustain them on their forty- Mass. Mom, row of 8 kids, Dad. In “who, me?” to “woo-hoo! Me!!!”? brilliantly that a sacrifice is year trek. In exactly the same way, my imagination, my kids were all I talked my feelings over with composed of three elements: 1) we need the Eucharist as our food different colors, most of them if not someone who was experienced something precious, 2) something to sustain us as we trudge this earth all adopted. We weren’t rich, of with the ways of God, especially destroyed, 3) as an act of worship. on our uphill journey. course, with such a large family, with the way God calls people to Let us now view it briefly as a As we know, the twelve except in love and companionship. their life vocation. This person, a meal. apostles composed Our Lord’s Hubby and I would glance over at spiritual director, helped me sort “team;” the disciples were the each other with amusement at through the confusing mess of As we all know, the Mass is the people who tried never to miss a dinnertime, shaking our heads at dreams, thoughts, fears, hopes, re-enactment of the Last Supper game. At one point in his public the clamor of our children…a little habits, and so forth. God’s dream when Jesus took bread and wine life, a large crowd of these frazzled, perhaps, but joyful for me started becoming more and gave them to his apostles as disciples had been in Jesus’ nonetheless. Yep, even years ago, I clear, and the more I said “yes” to His body and blood. He also company for several days and away always knew I was called to family God in small things, the better able commanded them to repeat this from home. Jesus realized that life. I was to discern what God was meal down through the ages “in some of them might faint, or even The other day I looked around asking me to do when it came to the commemoration of me.” die, on their return journey unless the table at my family. We take up big things… like work, relationships, and of course my For a while, the early Christians they were given food. From just most of our home’s dining room. It vocation. felt themselves still bound by the five loaves and two fish he fed takes at least two tables to seat all It’s been almost two years since law of Moses, and so they thousands, the shepherd feeding his of us, and sometimes three! At my I entered the convent, and I am continued to attend the temple flock. Surely they needed that food table, there were six of us, and each happier than I have ever been. It’s services, but, after the services, just as much as the Jews had in the of us was from a different country. not always easy – I miss exercising they would gather in the home of desert, just as much as we need to Susana, from Paraguay, Pilar, from my credit card-swiping hand at the one of them, one large enough to receive Holy Communion, the Spain, Theresa, from Vietnam, mall, for example. But I feel like accommodate them - or to several “Bread of Life,” if we are to reach Alice, from Colombia, Irene from my dream for God and God’s homes as their number grew - for our Promised Land. Argentina, and me, from the USA. dream for me is starting to come “the fellowship-meal” to reproduce In his Gospel, St. John says, Different colors, different accents, through. When I gaze at my that last supper ritual. Their being “Truly, I say to you, unless you eat different challenges. God had beloved, I don’t see a husband’s weaned from the temple services the flesh of the Son of Man and indeed delivered what I knew all face, as I had imagined years ago. and the domination of the Mosaic drink His blood, you have no life in along was God’s dream for me… a What I see instead is the Lord of Law over their lives was very you.” (6:53) Unless we do this, he multicolor, multicultural family. all, come to be with me! With little gradual, but finally the break was says, we will wither and die like a But God’s dream was better than I ole me! And when I make my made. When it came down to branch cut from the vine. “I am the had first imagined. My family life adoration, and look with awe on the “Jesus or the Law,” their choice vine; you are the branches.” (15:5) was richer than I thought possible! humble presence of Christ in the Because of the five other women at Eucharist, I can’t believe my good the table, four of them were my fortune. Sisters. I am a novice Handmaid of In this year of the Eucharist, I the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and my challenge you to come with me family is made up of 1400 women before the Lord. What is God’s What Do You Want God in 24 countries. dream for you? It’s better than your Growing up, I never thought dream, I guarantee. Take a risk. to Say to You? that I would be a nun. In fact, I Step out in faith. Talk to someone went to college and started my who can help you figure out God’s career with great success and call. If you are a single Catholic without thinking about a religious by George Olin Middleton woman who loves Christ present in vocation. I made good money, had the Eucharist, and if you think you a boyfriend, and most importantly, I sometimes watch a television show - “Inside the might be called to bring healing to wasn’t even Catholic, at least at Actor’s Studio” - on which the emcee interviews Hollywood actors and humanity as a Sister, drop me a first! I thought God only called actresses. At the end of the program he asks his guests a standard list of line. Tell me your dream for God… really pious people or those who questions. One of its questions: “If Heaven really does exist, what and God’s dream for you. were hard-core volunteer types. I would you like God to say to you when you reach the Pearly Gates?” mean, sure, I did Habitat for I have thought about this often. There are so many things He might Sister Joy Payton, n.acj, can be Humanity occasionally and did try say. reached at [email protected]. She not to miss Mass, but I was no “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” invites readers to visit the website of Mother Teresa! Me, a nun? Ha! “Come you blessed of my Father. Possess the Kingdom prepared for her congregation at http://www.be-a- But I kept getting these nudges you from the foundation of the world.” nun.org and read her online journal, from God: the desire to give more, “Depart from me you cursed into everlasting fire.” entitled “The Convent Files.” to be more, to give a dramatic What I most want God to say to me is “Please come in. Your mother “yes” to God. These feelings is here with me. We have been waiting for you.” finally led me to the inevitable Page 6 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 Symbols by Staff Writer After which five grains of incense symbolizing the five wounds of Christ are placed in the candle while the priest is saying . . . The Easter Candle is symbolism itself. I am the light of the world. The By His holy / and glorious wounds / may Christ our Lord / guard us / and Easter Vigil begins after dark with the service of light. A fire is lit outside keep us. Amen. the totally darkened church and the candle is blessed by the priest with words including And as the priest lights the candle from the new fire he says . . . Father, we share in the light of your glory through your May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts Son, the light of the word. Make this new fire holy, and and minds. inflame us with new hope. Purify our minds by this Easter celebration and bring us one day to the feast of eternal From the Easter candle the gathered people light their individual light. candle and process into the dark church in which the first portion of the The candle is prepared by the priest in the Easter Vigil is continued with only the light from the assembled candles following manner. You see on the candle the signifying Jesus as the light of the world. various symbols which the priest traces while The Easter Candle pictured in this article also saying... has two other symbols on it. The top symbol is that of the dove a symbol of Christ yesterday and today the Holy Spirit taken from the story of Jesus’ (as he traces the vertical arm of the cross) baptism, where the Spirit descended on him in the the beginning and the end form of a dove. Matthew 3:16 As soon as Jesus was (tracing the horizontal arm of the cross) baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment Alpha heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God (tracing the alpha above the cross) descending like a dove and lighting on him. (NIV) and Omega The next is that of the lamb: John 1:29 The next (tracing the omega beneath the cross) day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, all time belongs to Him “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of (the first numeral in the year 2005 in the upper the world! and again Revelation. 5:11-12 Then I left corner of the cross) looked and heard the voice of many angels, and all ages numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten (the second numeral in the upper right corner) thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the to Him be glory and power throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a (the third numeral in the lower left corner) loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was through every age for ever. Amen. slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor (the last numeral in the lower right corner) and glory and praise!” BuonaBuona PasquaPasqua frfromom SicilySicily submitted by Dolores Bianco fireworks associated faces to hide their sorrow, for they with it.) have not yet learned of Jesus’ We have just witnessed two Easter is celebrated Resurrection. The marching band historic episodes in Vatican City, in an equally dramatic joins in and the whole town follows Rome: the peaceful passing of our way. This service was along to the town square. Everyone beloved Pope John Paul II held in an even bigger, waits for Mary to appear. She is complete with the mourning more beautiful church carried in from a side street and is process, and the conclave of (interesting to note that completely covered in black cloth. cardinals climaxing with the joyful all are within walking She is carried around the square but announcement, “Habemus distance of each other). doesn’t see Jesus (the other statue). Papam.” (The former Cardinal An hour or so before Then, in dramatic fashion, she turns Joseph Ratzinger, now called Mass, everyone gathers to face Him. Church bells ring, the Benedict XVI, is our new Holy with friends for coffee, band plays, fireworks are launched, Father.) During these two hand-shakes and wishes and her black cloth is whisked occurrences, St. Peter’s Square and of “Buona Pasqua, away to reveal her happiness at surrounding vias or streets were Buona Pasqua” (Happy realizing Jesus is alive. All the awash with a sea of humanity. Easter, Happy Easter). other hoods come off and then the Throngs gathered to share the Mass was beautiful. two statues race toward each other sadness mixed with joy. There was very little at top speed and then back again In another part of Italy, on the the Liturgy and service, everyone music, except for the marching three times. After the third time island of Sicily, a very small and stayed to watch a re-enactment of band which paraded through town everyone shouts, “Viva Jesu, viva very old city (Mineo) played host the Passion. There were Roman during the service and stopped at Jesu!” to the following observance of soldiers, Pilate, a giant wooden the huge open doors of the church Every town in Sicily has some Holy Week which was another cross, mournful women, and, of to play an impromptu concert form of this event. One uses occasion of sadness followed by course, Jesus. After Jesus was (during the Homily no less!) puppets, with Jesus in the town joy! This was experienced by a crucified, they wrapped him in Incidentally, Confessions are heard square with many spectators, and friend whose husband’s military cloth and placed his body (a real during Easter service at a side altar St. Peter racing through the town duty brought the family to the man acting as Jesus) in a giant glass (no booth or curtain, just a kneeler looking for Mary to tell her Jesus island. She writes that the little and gold coffin. This was carried on and a chair). Young couples, teens, has risen. Some people wait with town of Mineo has seven Catholic peoples’ shoulders through the senior citizens, every kind of the puppet of Mary while some churches, three of which are still town. Everyone else held tall white person took time to go to follow the Peter puppet. They all operating. During Holy Week, candles and either followed behind Confession as naturally as going to end up in the town square for the however, the churches take turns it, or stood lining the route to the Communion. meeting and, of course, fireworks! hosting the whole town for the center of the town. Behind the After Mass everyone waits Another town has giant floats main Masses and, indeed, the entire procession was a brass band outside the church to see the men depicting the Stations of the Cross town is there. playing funeral music. It was both carry a giant 600 year old statue of which process through the candlelit On Good Friday the main Mass solemn and beautiful. The coffin Jesus into the street. town after church services on Good was held in a magnificent church was taken to the town square where Representatives from the other Friday. My friend concludes with filled with marble and adorned with many stayed to pray well into the Catholic churches in town join in the assessment that it would take huge paintings and artwork of night, and then surprisingly enough the procession carrying their many, many Easters to see all the every kind. For this night, only .....fireworks! (Every religious church flags and wearing mourning different ways of commemorating candlelight was used. Following event here, happy or sad, has robes and hoods. They cover their this area’s Holy Week. May, 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 7

Mother had financial security that she had not had for many years. She wanted to do something to express her thanks to her Lord for all His blessings. My Mother So Mother paid for Stations of the Cross plaques that were placed on trees along a wooded trail where by George O. Middleton the church now stands. When the trees were cleared to make way for the Is God Mother had a very hard life raising five children church construction the plaques were placed in through the depression years without any help from storage. They came to light when Bishop Baker was her husband. our pastor. They are now placed across the outside of calling you?? When Daddy died, Mother received a modest sum the church. from his estate. Because they had never been divorced, It gives me great pleasure and an immense feeling she received a check from his social security account of pride when I see them to know that they were the every month for the rest of her life. gift of a most remarkable woman - my mother. DEACON DAVE MACNAMARA by Frank Becht Dave to come as the Diocesan diocese. Previously no deacons had Administrator where Deacon Dave been utilized in Florida; he wanted Deacon Dave was born of served for 10 years until Bishop to establish a training program for Gerald and Elizabeth Mac Namara Larkin retired, whereupon Dave the diaconate and invited Dave in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. and Mary returned to Jacksonville. MacNamara to be a candidate in Gerald is the immigrating ancestor In 1991, Monsignor Danaher, the first class and to help him set up who was “conceived in Ireland but Pastor of Christ the King, asked the program. Dave started the born in Philadelphia.” Dave Dave to come to Christ the King program in 1976 and completed it attended local Catholic schools and where he currently serves as Christ in 1980. Upon his completion, he at the age of 16 graduated from the King School Chaplain. Deacon was invited to join the St. Roman Catholic High School Dave has served as deacon to all the Augustine Diocese by Bishop John which was the “first free Catholic Pastors of Christ the King; first Snyder, and of course, the school in America.” At age 18, he Father Thomas Larkin, now retired Pensacola –Tallahassee Diocese, as joined the United States Marine Bishop of St. Petersburg; well as the Diocese of St Corps where he served 4 years Monsignor John Lenihan; Petersburg. Dave accepted Bishop active service and 4 years reserve. Catholic schools; all are married Monsignor Mortimer Danaher; Larkin’s call and was ordained in In 1949 he graduated from St. and practice their faith. Dave and Father Robert Baker, now Bishop May 1980 by Bishop Thomas Joseph’s University in Philadelphia Mary are proud grandparents of of Charleston, South Carolina; Larkin in Clearwater, Florida. where he feels he received a good twenty-two grandchildren and two Father Robert Mc Dermont and Surely, this was God calling foundation in his faith in receiving great-grandchildren. our current Pastor Father Thanh Dave when Bishop Gracida asked 4 years religious education and 3 Mary’s vocation was the care of Thai Nguyen. him to join the diaconate program; years of philosophy. During this their seven active children. She was In addition to his duties as he accepted God’s call. It’s hard to time he had met Mary Schott who very involved in the school and school chaplain, Dave has been believe that his close association was born and grew up in the same church with the many activities that very active working with people of and friendship with Father Larkin neighborhood. In September 1949 seven active children create. She special spiritual needs. He has been was not God’s work, which Dave he and Mary were married. was also very involved in various very active in marriage counseling answered later. Even Dave’s many moves in the business world could Dave’s early goal of being a ladies parish organizations. Need and teaching those who wish to well have been God’s way of Dave teacher and coach for football and more be said? become Catholic but unable to basketball was realized in his first During those early years at seeking greater fulfillment. Dave attend RCIA classes. He runs the job at Melrose Catholic Academy; Christ the King, Dave and Father and Mary’s family life is evidence he later transferred to Landsdale Larkin got to know each other well. monthly Baptism classes at Christ of Dave’s ability to serve God and Catholic High School. In 1954, as They were “two of a kind.” They the King. He is currently serving as man. He recalls one other time luck would have it, he took a job at had breakfast together at least once a chaplain for All Saints Catholic when he was a 16 year old graduate a week. He was a member Home for the Aging, visiting with at Roman Catholic High School in of all the parish ministries and counseling the sick. Philadelphia when he and other including the Arlington He founded and for several classmates were interviewed for Knights of Columbus. years promoted the Annual Mary entrance to the seminary; he was Dave assisted and Singleton Breakfast and not accepted but this may have advised Father Larkin in Educational Foundation, honoring been God’s first call. many projects in the Mary Singleton for her many For 25 years as Deacon, Dave fastest growing parish of contributions to the Jacksonville has served and proven his the time. Community. Over the years, he has dedication to the Church, his wife Dave on the other served on many committees of the and family and to community and hand was a bundle of Duval County School Board and business. activity of another nature. continues to do so. One State Farm Insurance Companies in He worked in his assigned capacity of his long- standing Philadelphia where he worked for 1 for several years at State Farm. He activities in Jacksonville year after which he was transferred became anxious for greater respon- has been hosting a cable to the Home office in Bloomington, sibility so he took a job with a small television show covering Illinois. He spent only 1 year in local insurance company, Insurance a wide variety of topics Illinois when he was again Company of the South, as Vice- from community to transferred to the State Farm president of marketing. By 1968 he religion and politics. Regional office in Jacksonville, had become the first employee of Currently he continues to Florida as the Director of Training the Consolidated Government of host the First of the Southeast. In August 1960, the City of Jacksonville; there he Amendment Program on he and Mary moved into the served for 7 years. In 1975, he cable channel 29. Seabrook Manor of Arlington became the Assistant Secretary of During Dave’s tenure as On April 23, 2005, Bishop where the Christ the King Church State of Florida; this being a 4- year Assistant Secretary of State from Thomas Larkin celebrated the and School were under term, Dave and Mary moved to 1975-1979, he had an opportunity 5p.m. Mass at Christ the King development. Tallahassee. In 1979, it was back to to meet the new Bishop of the honoring Deacon Dave Deacon Dave and Mary have a Jacksonville as the Director of Diocese of Pensacola- Tallahassee. MacNamara for 25 years of faithful beautiful family of 7 children; Public Safety. Bishop Rene Gracida had a total of service to the Church as Deacon. Mary Lynn, Margaret, Stephen, In December 1979, Bishop 32 priests to cover his far-flung Family and many friends in the Sharon, Leslie, Lee Ann and Larkin who had become the Bishop diocese and was looking for ways parish attended this special Claudia. All were educated in of St. Petersburg, Florida called to better serve the people of his occasion. Page 8 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 RCIA Feedback . . .

The following are comments from some of our new family members of Christ the King parish.

As I was baptized and raised Catholic, I did not expect RCIA to have made as great an impact as it has. The experience has been more challenging and rewarding than I’d anticipated. To really appreciate and continue my conversion in the Catholic faith meant taking the time to be open and receptive, listening and sharing ideas and experiences with others. Everyone has traveled a unique path and has stories to tell and ideas to share of their personal Vivile Rodin journey. You won’t know if something in your experience strikes a chord with someone, or if something in another’s experience will touch your own heart, unless you share yourself in words or deeds with others. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you, Father Perko, the RCIA To James and the RCIA leaders: team members, my sponsor, Roz Balsam, and my new Catholic brothers I would like to Thank You all for your and sisters, for sharing your time, thoughts and experiences with me. participation and your leadership. I’ve learned so much. It’s been a long journey and I feel like I found myself in the end. After a long hard divorce and all the battles I’ve been through this was the saving grace that I needed. I feel at home My experience in the RCIA was wonderful. I now. I’ve enjoyed all the stories of others and struggled, learned, and grew all at the same time. heard how they came through their hard times with My teachers were patient and helpful and the the church behind them. That gives me hope for my dedication they gave will never be forgotten. future. Sabrina Doering I think every Catholic should attend these Things make more sense as well. There were classes at least once. Even my sponsor, a cradle things in the past that I did out of habit and now they have meaning. Even Catholic, learned a thing or two. prayers have changed for me. They go much deeper than ever before. Thank you for guiding me through this When I pray for myself and others, sometimes it goes so deep that I start wonderful journey and helping me find my way crying. Not because I’m sad, it’s just a deep spiritual feeling I have inside. home! Jennifer Glaser Hopefully, with saints, family and prayer on my side, I can get through my future battles. I feel lighter now since my baptism, like a new sense of purity. Everything I’m facing today is not as heavy as it was before. I know that I will always have people I can turn to and I am never alone. I will always have God on my side and pray for the ones who don’t. My experience as an RCIA candidate was very educational. Many myths about the Catholic faith have been cleared. The closeness and caring that What has RCIA meant to me? was demonstrated made me feel like this is Well, this could be a long story or a short story where I belonged. To learn the different saints and for those of you who know me, I tend to be a and why Catholics pray to them is beneficial. I, little long winded. too, can now call upon a saint to help me in my The RCIA experience has been an daily living. experience I will always remember. I have I have obstacles I must move out of my way in learned so much spiritually and about the order to be the Christian God wants me to be but, church. Alene Dixon where at least now, I’m sure I not only have the saints I cannot say enough about you James Scott. but I have a Christian family that will remember me You truly are a great person and I can honestly say when they pray to help me overcome these obstacles. that I do call you a friend. Father Richard, you, too, are I feel a step closer to Jesus than I did before. What we read and heard Kevin Wolfe very special to me; thank you for all of your support about the Catholic faith, I get to live it now as a Catholic. I shared my and encouragement. knowledge that I received from the class with my fiance’ who is a cradle The RCIA team members, Mary Rouse, John Anderson, Louie Catholic and he wants me to teach and read with him from the material I O’Neal, Darlene O’Neal, Tony Zeaiter, Roz Balsam, Berry Landers, have, starting with the Prayer of the Rosary. Norma Landers and Micah Etheridge, thank you so much for your time The RCIA program is one that even Baptists and Pentecostals can and passion for Christ. I will always be indebted to each of you. learn from. Thank you to all the RCIA team for all that was shared and Finally, to my sponsor, Mitch Gable, you truly are a very special taught to me. person. I would like to thank you for sharing your experiences and your knowledge with me.

planning.The couple by name and presented them with a Love and Marriage “engineering” certificate commemorating their specific was incredible. anniversary and each “bride” was presented by George Olin Middleton As each couple entered the register they with a yellow rose. were assigned numbers. Chairs were set up in After the beautiful ceremony a great On November 20, 2004, more than 150 the parish hall, each chair numbered. Couples reception was provided by the Diocesan Center married couples from all over the St. Augustine sat in chairs corresponding to the numbers for Family Life. Diocese gathered at St. Luke’s Catholic Church assigned to them. The procession from the My wife and I attended the celebration five in Middleburg. They were there to celebrate 25, parish hall to the church lined up by the assigned years ago on the occasion of our 50th 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 or more years of marriage numbers. It was truly amazing that in the parade th and to renew their vows. from parish hall to church no one was was out of anniversary. We came away from our 55 This is an annual event hosted by the line, and the certificates were integrated in such anniversary celebration feeling very “married” Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, the a way that none of them were out of proper and very blessed. Diocesan Marriage Renewal Community, and sequence. “Engineering” at its very best. Christ the King was well represented at this the Ministry of Mothers Sharing. From the very During the liturgy vows were renewed. affair with eight couples in attendance. It was a beginning of the event it was easy to see that it After Mass Bishop Victor Galeone called each memorable occasion to be cherished for a was preceded by a great deal of thought and lifetime. May, 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 9 Marywood Retreat Giving at its Best June 11 Introduction to Christian Meditation:Sincerity in Prayer Leader:Mr. Gene Bebeau Time: Saturday, 10 am – 3 p.m. Cost: $27(Includes lunch).

June 17-24 Six – Day Guided Retreat: “Starting Afresh With Christ” Leader:Fr. John Madigan, OMI Time: Friday at 6 pm with dinner (registration beginning 4:30 pm) - Friday at 11:00 am. Cost: $425(Priv) / $375 (Dbl). Residence is required for this retreat.

July 22-24 The Transforming Power of the Eucharist Leader:Fr. John Tetlow Photo courtesy of FGBA Time: Friday at 7:30 pm (registration begins at 6:30 pm) – closing with (L to R) Deacon Dave MacNamara, Dick Hulcher and Sal Bartolotta, regulars at Christ the King 7:00 a.m. Sunday Mass at the Florida Georgia Blood Alliance Mass at 10 am on Sunday. Cost: $167(Priv) $137(Dbl) / $77 (Com). luncheon for donors of ten or more gallons of blood. Deacon Dave – one of the most prolific donors in the city – has given 63 gallons and July 28 Helping Disabled Children Grow in Faith Sal is in a select group who have given over 50 gallons. These two donate platelets Leader:Ms. Judy Bennett every two weeks. Dick, who is a member of FGBA Precious Pints Club, donates special blood for newborns needing surgery which can be drawn every two months. Time: Thursday, 7 – 9 pm. Cost: $10. He has donated 15 gallons.

August 10 Day of Reflection: Faith Is The Answer To Every Question! Leader:Fr. Tony Palazzolo AA MMaann aanndd HHiiss TTrreeee Time: Wednesday, 9:30 am – closing with 2:30 pm Mass. Cost: $27 (Includes lunch). by Virginia Hickersbee

August 16 Healing a Child’s Hurt: Helping Children to Grieve If you drive by the corner of Leader:Ms. Carol Ginzl Arlington and Larkin Roads it is Time: Tuesday, 7 – 9 pm. Cost: $10 hard to miss the beautiful blooming tree that stands so majestically in all its splendor. This lovely tree was a gift to the parish by Father Neil Carr in 1994. He gave the tree as a The Work of God remembrance because at that time he was leaving the area and did not know when or if he would return. by Ray Walker Father is very proud of this tree and tenderly cares for it In the August, 1999, issue of the himself. He is always delighted Courier there was an article entitled, when it comes into bloom with its “Opus Dei.” It was about an idea begun lovely lavender blossoms. By the and promulgated by Monsignor time this article is in print your Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer who died imagination must be in high gear, in 1975 and was beatified in 1992. The as the Courier has not arrived at term “Opus Dei,” which is Latin, of the point of being able to print course, means “the work of God.” pictures in color. In December, 2001, I wrote a letter to Sister Georganne Brown (who It would not surprise this writer to know that as you are driving by was the head of pastoral care in St. Vincent’s Hospital) suggesting that she Larkin Road, it crosses your mind what kind of a tree this might be. And, consider using Eucharistic Ministers to distribute Holy Communion to the if you are a tree and/or flower person and make it a habit to visit the Catholic patients, thus helping the priests there concentrate on activities garden stores around town, it has also occurred to you that this is not a such as the Last Rites which only they can do. local tree. You are absolutely right! That tree standing so proudly on Sister Georganne replied that St. Vincent’s was thinking about doing Larkin Road is a Sapphire Dragon tree. just that. As a result, before long the program became a reality. Some 30 Father Carr saw a picture of this tree in a newspaper. He read the men and women, including myself, were certified as Pastoral Care information given and decided that this was exactly the tree that he Volunteers to give the Blessed Sacrament to the patients. It has indeed wished to leave as a remembrance. At the time of purchase the price was been a blessing in my life. $30.00. Two volunteers work each day and, as a rule, only one day every other The tree, of course, arrives as a baby and is only about a foot and half week is necessary for each of us, so it is hardly burdensome. Next to the tall but, as Father Carr says, “ Plant this tree and stand back as it grows at ordained priesthood and the diaconate, this has to be a “work of God” of least eight feet a year! It doesn’t stop until it reaches its full height of the highest order. about 30 feet!” What is unusual about the Sapphire Dragon, according to Many of the people we minister to are overjoyed to see us; and when Father, is the size of the leaves. They are very large, almost like elephant we realize we are performing a valuable work our hearts are also filled leaves. He also said it needs constant watering particularly when first with great happiness. The priests there are so courteous, too. They will planted. go into a room and give the Blessing of the Sick but not give the person Unfortunately, when the tree was planted Father Carr had already left Communion, telling them that one of us will be in to do that. It really Christ the King and so the location was not exactly the place he had in makes you feel needed. mind. His vision was to have the tree planted in the median of the Over my many years of volunteering I have learned that those who entrance to our church so that when the parishioners would enter and give most certainly do get back more than they give. It is like love, the leave the tree would be in full view. more you give away the more you have to give. If anyone finds that With deference to Father would it be fair to say that “God had other his/her life has become a real drag, the solution lies in the simple act of plans for that tree.” reaching out to help someone else. In no time you will find that you have Before closing this article the writer must alert its readers not to be a new and pleasant transformation. alarmed if they should see a man late at night – anytime between 9:00 The different ways of volunteering are almost without number. For p.m. and 3:00 a.m. in the morning – dressed entirely in black near the tree. my part I prefer pastoral care work either in the Church or some other It is just our own Father Carr watering and caring for his Sapphire Dragon institution. But, when you serve and minister to others as the Eucharistic thus assuring the parishioners they will again have the chance next year Ministers are doing in St. Vincent’s Hospital, it brings Josemaria’s “Opus to see the tree in bloom! Dei” to a whole new level. Page 10 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 Ministry of Mothers Sharing ~ MOMS ~ by Carol-Ann Black

The Celebration Dinner for the winter session of the MOMS program was held on March 17, in the Shirley David Hall. We welcomed eight new members this session and look forward to lots more again in the autumn. As usual the covered dish dinner provided by our membership, was not only food for the body but food for the soul. It is no mean feat for our members to attend the Celebrations on a regular basis, and share their cooking skills and creativity as well. The highlight of the evening was the presence of Father Thanh for the entire celebration—start to finish. He came early and left late, and in between provided us with an inspiring talk about the Eucharist, and how important it is in our lives and in the lives of our families. His talk was wonderful, but his “talking” with the member moms was equally important and empowering for us all. MOMS will offer sessions again in the autumn, and we encourage the parish mothers of all ages to participate. The aim for doing the entire program is to help you to find and nourish the spiritual side of your life and that of your family . Being Catholic is not a requirement for participation in MOMS, and we have facilitated conversion in several of our non-Catholic friends. The same is to be said if a spouse is not Catholic or even not religious. A mother becoming more spiritually whole brings joy and peace and direction to the entire family. Those mothers who already participate in the activities of the ministry, consider becoming a facilitator. The training session will be on a Saturday at one of the local parishes. To facilitate a MOMS session is to enhance your own spirit and encourage that of the new moms. There will be announcements in the bulletin and in the Courier for all the relevant dates.

Beyond Sunday Presents Exploring the Eucharist

August 11th - September 29th, 2005

Presenters are: Lucille Guzzone, Judy Koziolek, Bill Coppedge, Marshall Henrique, Father Neil Carr, James Scott, and Betty Wheeler

Moderator is Lucille Guzzone May, 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 11 Lenten Concert The Don Thompson Chorale! by Carol-Ann Black The location was Christ the retirement in 2003. Michael Dell, King Church. The date was March who served for several years as the 5. The event was the Concert of DTC accompanist, has become the Lenten Relfections, perfomed by director of the Chorale. And Mr. The Don Thompson Chorale. The Rodney Cleveland served as guest program ranged from the familiar accompanist. hymn, Panis Angelicus, to ener- Master of Ceremonies for the getic spirituals, Elijah Rock and evening was Mr. Bernie Sans. And Sing Me to Heaven, to a musical of course it is he whom we must conversation between Moses and thank for this evening of beautiful God. and prayerful music. The Don Thompson Chorale Solos were sung by tenor Ray was formed in l995 by former Garner and bass Gary Miller in the members of the FCCJ Chorale, who had been directed by Don piece entitled Moses, which pre- Thompson. Mr. Thompson was sented a conversation between God reluctant for several years to organ- and Moses. Not only was it an ize this group, depite the urgings of entertaining piece, but it challenged these enthusiastic alumni. But a us all to consider what it is that successful Reunion Concert in God is asking of each of us every 1994 provided the catalyst for the single day. formation of a new, more broad- Again, the evening was not based choir, and Mr. Thompson only musically pleasing, but inspi- assumed the directorship. He rational as we progressed through remained in this position until Lent. Opinion The DaVinci Code by Carol-Ann Black truth. The Last Supper painting by da Vinci is such a code, as is Did you read it? Did you enjoy Disney’s Daffy Duck (a symbol of Dan Brown’s smash hit Mary Magdalen).” novel/thriller? Did it leave you As Father Rolheiser says essen- feeling contentedly Catholic? Or tially—so what’s wrong with did it leave you unsettled—even Brown’s story? It’s a STORY!!! heretical? Or do you even know But apparently, many folks who what the book’s impact may have have read this book have become been on you? One last question— really enmeshed in this story line did you read it because it sounded and there have sprung up numerous above: like a cool thriller or did you read it groups and societies that are out to to see what all the fuss was about? really crack the Code. (Obviously, Chorale Singers I read it because this article was I’m not nearly suspicious enough, my assignment, and it became and, besides, the minute I’m intro- Required Reading. It’s just not my duced to a character whose whole kind of read. But I did get sucked existence is wrapped up in his own left: into the mystery, and was able to physical self-abuse, Brown lost finish. So why all the fuss about the me.) Fact is that none of this is fact. Rodney Cleveland relationship between the DaVinci Dan Brown’s disclaimer in the Guest Accompanist Code and Catholic thought? Quite beginning of the book does not say simply, the story presents some that this is a product of his imagina- perspectives of Catholic beliefs tion, purely and simply. He dis- that are ambiguous or erroneous or avows fact, but does not emphasize deliberately stated untruths. Let the total imaginative fiction of the below: me quote Father Ron Rolheiser in book. Christ the King The Florida Catholic back on To my mind the real problem in Audience September 30, when his article The the DaVinci Code is the element of Fiction of the DaVinci Code said: gnosticism that pervades the entire Here’s the storyline: “Looking thing. Gnosticism goes back to the at Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of Second Century when certain the Last Supper, Brown proposes Christian leaders developed and that the figure on Jesus’ right the circulated a religious literature that ‘beloved disciple,’ is Mary of claimed an understanding of reality Magdala, who married Jesus, bore superior to that of the traditional him a child, and was Jesus’ real writers of the time. According to choice to succeed him as leader. the gnostic thinking there is a dual- Moreover, what she represents (the ism in reality that elevates the spir- goddess, the eternal feminine, sex- it and demeans the body. Their uality) is the ‘Holy Grail’ the real conclusions would deem that this quest of every heart. material world came about through But the official church, from its the machinations of a lesser spirit beginning to this very day, has sup- or god. The gnostics believed that pressed this, often violently, burn- they alone held the key to the cor- ing to death more than five million rect understanding of Christ and his women in the process. Indeed, teachings. They became an elite according to Brown, it’s almost as unto themselves. Only the select if the real reason for the institution- few really knew and understood al church exists at all is to suppress Christianity, and the institutional this truth. Fortunately, a few great Church has spent the past 2000 men (da Vinci, Galileo, curators at years suppressing the real truths. the Louvre, Walt Disney, and a This elitism is everywhere through- Harvard professor) have, through out DaVinci Code. It is to my read- secret codes, preserved the real ing the basis for the entire story. Page 12 Christ the King Courier May, 2005

Motors had no top man to run it? So the Church “Letter of Love” needs a “top man”. The pope is that man, and he acts Help Wanted as a father over his family of more than one billion by (Rev.) Cornelius Carr, S.J., Associate Pastor Catholics. 2) Statues. We do not adore statues. They are not !!!Adorers needed!!! Rectory mail often contains queries about the “idols”, but merely figurines of people who lived Church. A recent letter asked questions which lives as God wants us to live ours. They are models seem typically to be on the minds of non- and we believe that they are now with God, still Monday through Friday Catholics. For your information, part of our reply interested in our needs, and so are in position to to a recent letter is printed herewith. It may be of intercede for us in the heavenly court. 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. some help to you in answering questions posed by 3) “Do you worship God or the pope?” We Call 743-9998 your non-Catholic friends. worship God alone. In no way do we worship the pope or “think of [him] as a god”. Dear Patti-Lou, 4) “I don’t understand the kissing of the pope’s ring”. Do you understand the curtsy made by You seem to think, Patti-Lou, that Thank you for your “Letter of Love” which I Catholics don’t study the Bible, that women when they greet Queen Elizabeth, or the bow received only today. The concerns you express we perhaps if we did, our beliefs would be Catholics have heard before, and are based on made by the Japanese when they greet a person of different. The Catholic Church has been in misconceptions. rank? Kissing the pope’s ring is that kind of gesture, existence for over two thousand years and 1) “Your pope is ruler of the Catholic a sign of respect. its faith is based solidly on the Bible, Old churches. How can that be when there is only 5) “How can the pope bless you?” He doesn’t. Testament as well as New. I can only one ruler over the earth? God.” Jesus gave He is merely asking God to bless you, passing along believe that you have been blindly Peter the authority to rule over His church. that blessing by the sign of the cross, the symbol of listening to some of many critics who Though divinely instituted, He put us humans in our redemption. speak about our Church out of ignorance charge of spreading the Gospel throughout the 6) Mary is neither worshiped nor adored by or envy. We have endured such attacks earth. That requires organization. Organized Catholics. She was the mother of our Savior and throughout the centuries. And we are still pursuits need man in charge. Suppose General only as such do we honor her. Nothing more. here. Naturalization Ceremony

Honorable The Gjokhilajs The Zenelis Timothy J. Corrigan

Father Thanh’s Address Swearing In Father Thanh & Judge Corrigan Presenting the Flags

Final Receiving Line Final Receiving Line 2 Marsha Williams & Father Thanh by Bill Coppedge States. A detailed interview Judge Corrigan mentioned that enjoy freedom and privileges covering Father’s story is written in he is of Irish heritage and he went without fear of persecution. What a On February 24th, I had the an article in this issue of the on to say that he believes that the great day this was for these people! pleasure of accompanying Father Courier. United States gets its greatness What a privilege to be able to Thanh to the Naturalization Paul Perez, United States from the diversity of immigrants witness their great fortune! Ceremony at the Federal Attorney, spoke and mentioned the living here since its inception. Our freedom is a concept that immigration of his family from The new citizens were sworn many of us take for granted. Courthouse, in downtown Cuba when he was just five years in. We all stood, made our pledge Freedom to choose and practice Jacksonville. At this event, forty- old, in the 1960’s. What really of allegiance, and then a US flag religion without fear of seven people from twenty-eight caught my attention and gave was presented to the oldest and persecution, freedom to choose our different countries became United meaning to this occasion is that youngest new citizens. They leaders in the political process (or States Citizens. both of these men had fled from received a copy of the Bill of not), freedom to live almost Father Thanh was invited to oppressive governments to come Rights and the ceremony then came anywhere we choose, to be speak at the invocation and to be here, through peril They had to to an end. productive citizens, be workers, or the principal speaker. As principal learn our language, and are now After witnessing this great even business owners. This speaker, Father Thanh told us a welcoming a very diverse crowd to event, it made me realize that these freedom is something that these brief account regarding his enjoy their newfound freedom here immigrants, through determination new citizens will always deeply eventual entry into the United in this great country. and God’s grace, are now able to appreciate. May. 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 13 Here’s To the Fathers . . . THE SEDER MEAL Poem taken from the Internet Here’s to the fathers, who always begin, on the outside of children, but looking in. Such curious men snapping cameras like mad, recording the moment, they turn into “Dad”.

Here’s to the fathers, who put in their time, who don’t say to mothers, “that’s your job, not mine”. Who wipe chins and noses and never say, “won’t”, who do with the diapers, what some fathers don’t.

Here’s to the fathers who manage to stay when so many fathers are turn- ing away. When so many run, leaving families to rot; here, then, a cheer for those who do not.

Here’s to the fathers, whose ‘big money’ dreams die in the corner while their baby screams. And yet without anger, dread or regrets, they com- fort the child, hold it close to their chests. Faith shairng member experienced a very unusal meal -- the Sedar And as the child grows, they grow with it too, learning a depth that they never knew. And soon they’re older, their hair slightly gone, chasing Meal -- born of tradition that dates back to hte time of Moses and the two children around the front lawn. Or carpooling teams to Little Israelites flght from Egypt. Care was taken to recreat the meal that League games, buying them hamburgers after it rains. Jesus shared with his disciples at the Last Super. and some who attend- ed ths meal for the first time found it to be most enlightening. They mend broken dolls and fix broken wheels, they cringe when their daughters try their first pair of heels. They reach in their pockets, but by Durwood Dando never keep count; they pay dear for parenthood, awful amounts. They postpone their plans to sail across seas; instead they sing “Barney” and On March 21, 2005, Alick and Egypt did not have time to put bandage skinned knees. Dell Hardie put on the annual Seder yeast in their bread. The meal con- Meal for members of The Faith sisted of a series of traditional Here’s to the fathers who miss on promotions, who forego the bonus for Sharing Small Groups. Nearly 100 prayers and songs highlighting the birthday commissions. Who come home from work and a boss they members of small groups attended Jewish foods. don’t like, pull in the drive...and run over a bike. the affair in the Shirley David Hall. Father Thanh and Father Carr were Here’s to the fathers who get off the phone, to hear their sons practice Faith Sharing Small Groups their new saxaphone. Who leave work to see their daughter’s recital, in attendance and participated in goes back to its origin over 20 here’s to the heroes who work without title. the program. years ago with the Renew Program. Dixie and I have been members For this is a world now full of neglect, with everyday stories of lives The Seder is an important since the beginning of Renew and Jewish tradition celebrating the that are wrecked. Of fatherless children who take up with guns to kill have made many friends and had a other children of fatherless sons. Divorce shattered families, childhoods fleeing of the Jews from Egypt derailed, mothers still waiting for checks still unmailed. through the Red Sea. This meal marvelous time learning about the recalls the hardship of their jour- Bible. You wonder what wrongs these souls ever did to make a grown man ney to the promised land and shows turn away from his kids. God’s favors to His people. We are very grateful to Alick and Dell Hardie for taking over the So here’s to the fathers who won’t compromise, who see a light shining The Seder consisted of the tra- coordination of Small Groups and in their children’s eyes and feel a rare glow as if from a gem and know the hard work they do. that once someone saw this glow in them. For all the good boys they ditional annual Jewish Seder Meal, have raised in the world, for all the examples they set for their girls; for which is made up of unleavened all the loved children whose stories they’ll tell, bread, lamb, bitter herbs and wine. We invite you to join us in this The reason for the unleavened program! Just call Alick at 745- Here’s to the fathers that taught them so well. bread is that Jewish people fleeing 5971. The Stations of The Cross by Mallory F. 7a Jesus was forced to carry His cross, the same cross He would soon be nailed upon on The Stations of the Cross are not just things Calvary. The weight of the cross was so unbe- we read about every Friday of Lent, but they are lievable that Jesus fell three times. No matter remembrances of the agony of Jesus. The how much it hurt, He kept His faith that His Stations of the Cross take us along with Jesus reward was near and He got up and continued on His march to Calvary. Every step Jesus took what He started. The times Jesus fell remind me was more painful than the last but He did it to of the times when I fall. If Jesus can keep prove He was Christ, to make us believe, and to going, then I can too. I will finish what I start- save our souls from evil. ed just as Jesus did. Jesus was not completely alone during His Jesus made it to Calvary. He was now march. There were still people in the crowd halfway through with His sufferings. He was who cared for Him and felt His pain. His moth- nailed to His cross along with two other crimi- er was one. She watched her own son prepare nals, one on each side. Even when He was for His death, but she knew that Jesus was already nailed to the cross, people from the doing this for His Father and that it was the crowds still played a trick on Him to make Him biggest sacrifice ever made. Jesus also passed suffer even more. If only they knew that this women crying and weeping because they was really Christ. Maybe they wouldn’t have believed and knew He was the Son of God. gambled for His clothes. Maybe they would Another caring woman named Veronica was at have treated Him better, but everything that Jesus’ side. She wiped the sweat and blood happened was part of God’s plan. from His face. From the kindness of His heart, After His death, He was taken gently off the He left an imprint of His face so that she will cross. His suffering was finally over; His life on keep her faith and remember His sacrifice. earth had ended but His life with His Father had Jesus also came across a man who helped Him. just begun. Jesus set an example for us through He ended up carrying Jesus’ cross because the the Stations of the Cross. No one can undergo men sending Him to Calvary didn’t think He more pain and suffering than Jesus did. He gave would make it there alive. Simon did not come us hope that there is life after death. If it wasn’t to help Jesus, but there He was, helping to take for Jesus, where would we be? a little bit of the pain away. Page 14 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 Father Thanh’s Story celebration by the family. Each the La Salette Vocation Director, year, August 3rd is a special day of who introduced him to a program prayer and thanksgiving. All the of writing his autobiography, disappointment of not being multiple interviews, psychological discovered by numerous passing testing, and completion of ships and planes over that 18 day application forms for the period was forgotten. priesthood or brotherhood. The next 10 months were spent When he filled out the in a refugee camp in the application form, he checked that Philippines. I suspect Father Thanh he wished to be a “brother.” Father and his family wondered why they Thanh was experiencing doubts ever left Vietnam for it was like about his role in the religious life. living in a slum. The difference was He liked to teach and he thought the hope “to come to a third that he could do this best as a country- whether European brother. When the vocation director countries, Canada, Australia or the reviewed it, he called Father Thanh United States.” The family was in and told him that he wanted him able to come to the United States to reconsider, making application because his father had been in the for “priest” since he had done so Army and an aunt lived in well in his studies, that he should Beaumont, Texas. be a priest. In 1984, he began study of by Frank Becht, PGK They were forced to do manual New Life in The States Philosophy at Merrimack College. labor for whatever need arose. After two years of intensive study On February 22, 2005, The In June 1980, the family flew he graduated with a Cum Laude Arlington Knights of Columbus Boat Trip to Philippines from Manila to Beaumont, Texas achievement that he refers to as had a special meeting to honor the where they were reunited with “Amazing Grace.” He immediately Pastor of Christ the King for his On July 16, 1979 Father Thanh Father Thanh’s aunt. Upon arriving began his novitiate year in appointment as the Council’s new and his family of 26 people, in the United States, the seed of Washington, D.C. in 1987 and took co-Chaplain and to get to know him including aunts and uncles, were vocation came alive again and his first vow with the La Salette better. The evening was a night of able to slip out of Cam Ranh Bay in details heard for the first time by a small motor boat about 28 feet many about our Pastor who has long and 6 feet wide. The next day been with us for nine years. they experienced strong winds; by the 3rd day they knew it was a Early Childhood tropical storm. The boat shipped water badly and they worked really The program was a full 45 hard to keep it afloat. Father minutes of interesting details of a Thanh’s father was the navigator kid born of a strong Catholic family and kept the boat “going with the in Vietnam. His father served 27 wind.” years in the Vietnamese Army. His By the 4th day, the storm mother was a typical Vietnamese subsided and the sea became calm, housewife and mother of 11 but their troubles did not end. The children who was loaded down boat motor cracked down; they with bringing up a large family at a rigged a small sail to keep the boat time when the country was at war. moving. Father Thanh was the second By the 8th day, they ran out of oldest of eight boys and three girls. food and water causing them to All are alive; two remain in experience thirst and hunger the Vietnam, four are in Texas, 4 in next ten days. Father Thanh says, Connecticut and Father Thanh here “We experienced helplessness. We in Jacksonville. He spent most of experienced hopelessness. We his elementary education in survived with prayers and God’s Father Thanh was interested in Order. He graduated from the Catholic schools; in 1966, he gift from heaven. We prayed continuing his religious vocation. Weston School of Theology in May entered St. Joseph Seminary, a morning and evening- rosary is part He had an acquaintance from his 1990 and was ordained as Deacon small diocesan institute. His goal at of it. Three times, it rained. Each order in Vietnam who worked for in June 1990. this early stage of life was to be a time one cup of rain water for Catholic Charites in Hartford, mathematics teacher and play each.” Connecticut. After a two day Atlanta Experience soccer with his students. Greyhound bus ride, he arrived to He found seminary life “I dedicate begin his new life transition; he As Deacon he was assigned to difficult, early rising, long days and the rest of my life for spoke little English, working at serve at St. Thomas the Apostle “profound” silence. In 1974, he Catholic Charities in various Church at Smyrna, Georgia where took his first vows of poverty, Your intention” menial jobs such as washing dishes, he served the Vietnamese chastity and obedience. In 1975 cleaning floors and the like for his community. One year later, he was when the communists took over the By the 17th day everyone was keep. He spent many hours learning ordained as a priest in Hartford, country, seminary life was totally exhausted when someone English; being a good student and a Connecticut. He was again disrupted to the point that they had saw a mountain in the distance. fast learner he was able to get a part assigned to St. Thomas the Apostle to work the rice farms in order to be They rowed with renewed vigor; all time job as a bilingual teacher at a as Parochial Vicar, continuing to allowed to continue as seminarians. fatigue had been lost. On the 18th Hartford public school in the spring serve the Vietnamese community. By December 1978, this limited day they landed on the shores of the of 1981. In the fall of 1981, he took In 1994, he was assigned as lifestyle was interrupted and this Philippines. All 26 were alive and a full time job as a bilingual teacher Parochial Vicar at St. Ann in small group of 2 priests and 11 well. in a Hartford public school and Marietta, Georgia. brothers were put under house Father Thanh prayed, “Lord, I became a night student of arrest and forced to go back to their thank you for rescuing me and my electronics at the Hartford Life in Jacksonville families. They were closely family through this ordeal. This Technical College. watched wherever they went and new life of mine is your gift and Life was busy the next few Over the years, Northeast required to get passports whenever blessing. I dedicate the rest of my years, but he had not forgotten his Florida, particularly Jacksonville, they went outside their village. life for your intention.” August 3rd vow. He visited his pastor at Our has become home to a sizeable was declared an annual day of Lady of Sorrows Church where he Vietnamese community. Many did was welcomed and introduced to not speak English and felt isolated May, 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 15 Father Thanh’s Story

in the various Catholic to serve the Vietnamese community. We are lucky to have God’s Will communities; they sought a community. such a dedicated spiritual leader as Catholic community in which they In 1999, as a result of Father our Pastor. Father Thanh tested God’s will could continue to celebrate their Robert Baker, our Pastor, becoming It might seem as though Father many times but God did not give up faith in their own language. Bishop Bob of Charleston, South Thanh is all work and no play; not on him. First, he was good at In 1991, Monsignor Mortimer Carolina, Father Thanh was so! He plays tennis on a regular mathematics and technology and Danaher, then Pastor of Christ the appointed as Administrator of basis and sometimes with the envisioned himself as a teacher; he King, invited Father Thanh to Christ the King. Upon the Bishop. He refers to himself as the liked to teach. Then, he tried to opt Christ the King. In the next four appointment of Father Bob “Buffalo Boy.” He plays and sings out of the priesthood by becoming years, they developed a cohesive McDermot as Pastor, Father Thanh with his guitar. At many of the a brother but God challenged him. community under the leadership of returned to his role as Parochial parish functions such as the Next, as a result of being assigned Father Paul Tram. Father Tram was Vicar serving the Vietnamese Vietnamese New Year, Epiphany to small communities in Georgia, forced to resign his position with community. On September 14, and the Ministry Dinner, he is he looks upon himself as a “Simple the community as a result of 2001, Father Thanh became the known to sing some of his favorite Country Priest.” developing cancer. He returned to Pastor of Christ the King as result cowboy songs. He has become Would you consider Christ the Vietnam where he died in 1995. of the transfer of Father Bob known as “The Singing Vietnamese King a “ Simple Country Parish?” As a result of the efforts of McDermot. Cowboy.” You should see his “get Even though he has submitted former Bishop John Snyder, Father Father Thanh has served Christ up.” totally to God’s will, he still aspires Thanh Nguyen was assigned to the King well and he continues to to being a “Simple Country Priest.” Christ the King as Parochial Vicar do likewise for the Vietnamese The Song of Gathering: What is it, really?

by David Haas faithful who come together as one that precedes our gathering, and celebration and season or truly establish communion and dispose everything else that invades our articulate the intent of this powerful We come to themselves to listen properly to consciousness. With this song we ritual moment. share our God’s word and to celebrate the stand in solidarity with Jesus and When we gather in the name of story,we Eucharist worthily” (46). with all that the Gospel announces; Christ, we gather like no other What happens at the beginning good news for the poor, sight for time, and we gather in a mind set come to of any liturgical service is the same the blind, and justice for those who unique in relationship to other break our dynamic that takes place at any ache for hope and meaning. With gatherings. The saving message of bread,we gathering of people — we gather this song, we do not travel into Christ and the flaws of our lives come to and focus. While the GIRM does historical nostalgia but rather embrace each other, and as a result, know our recognize the music as embrace the season that breaks we are transformed to create a new rising from accompanying the procession of forth into our midst now into our family, a new way of living, the dead. ministers, it would be difficult for history. With this song, we truly praying, dying, and rising with one (“Song of the Body of Christ,” David even the most conservative reader sing ourselves into a common another. Haas, GIA Publications, Inc., 1989”) to interpret that the primary role of identity, regardless of the many As it should be. Amen. song here is not to “greet the other situations and categories that David Haas is director of The Emmaus It might be hard to believe, but celebrant” but rather to gather and so often enslave us. With this song, Center for Music, Prayer and Ministry in many parishes the cantor still focus the community, to greet the we provoke ourselves to make a and campus music minister and artist begins the liturgy by saying Lord and each other. The priest is decision for Christ and for one something like: “Let us please not the primary minister of the another. in residence at Benilde-St. Margaret’s stand and greet our celebrant as we worship experience; rather, it is the In terms of musical forms and High School in St. Louis Park, sing....” The song of gathering, the baptized assembly. This coming repertoire, the best music is the Minnesota. David is the composer of entrance song, the opening together is the primary intent of the strophic hymn form or other song many of the songs we sing at Christ the processional hymn (or whatever opening song, to “foster the unity genre in which the community King: i.e. “I Am the Living Bread” else we want to call it) still of those who have gathered.” literally sings “it all.” This is not a #822, “To Be Your Bread” # 816, “We experiences an identity crisis in another way to see the gathering time for the choir to show off its Will Rise Again” #714, “Jesus, Come many parish communities. Even song is to name and experience it as stuff. Sing the entire hymn or song; to Us” # 694, “He Is the Lord” # 606, the former General Instruction of the opening faith statement of the do not end it when the priest and “Where There Is Love” #569, and the Roman Missal made it clear community. With this song, we ministers arrive, for this practice “Blest Are They” Supplement #3, “You what it was not but not quite clear claim why we are here. With this will only enforce a false Are Mine” Supplement #10, “We Walk what it is. song, we announce our relationship understanding that the solitary By Faith” Supplement # 20, and “We So, what does the new General to Christ and to the church, the purpose for the song is to serve as Are Called” Supplement #23. Instruction say about all of this? “Body of Christ”. With this song, “traveling music.” The text should “Their purpose is to ensure that the we surrender our lives, the week either reflect the spirit of the Page 16 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 Meditations on RCIA The Seven Last Words by Debbie Scobie On Good Friday Christ the King joined with six neighboring THE EASTER VIGIL churches to do a meditation on the Seven Last Words. As a parishioner, I was looking forward to the special service as did the attending congregation evidenced by the many people in attendance. Father Neil Carr prepared the assembly by stating that this would be the greatest story ever told — “written, directed and acted by God.” The First Word was heard from Reverend Bruce Havens of Arlington Congregational Church, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Reverend Havens brought those words up to the present saying that violence only devalues life but out of violence to Jesus came the hope of our redemption. Allen Havens, his son, then closed the first segment playing Reverend Doctor “Amazing Grace” on the sax. Bruce Havens The Second Word, was presented by our by Darlene O’Neal moving. The Baptismal water was Father Thanh Nguyen, “Amen I say to thee, this blessed and the catechumens, Leif day thou shalt be with me in paradise.” This After months of preparation, Olsen and Sabrina Doering, were brings to mind the image of Jesus, the innocent the RCIA class of 2004-2005 asked to renounce sin and make a one hanging on the cross and the two thieves on reached its goal — to become profession of faith. They were then either side. The good thief represented sinners members of the Catholic Church. baptized and given a candle to called to salvation. The bad thief represented the They had fulfilled their keep, along with a white baptismal dark side with his taunting words to Jesus. “If requirements of attending weekly garment. All were invited to renew you are truly God, save us and yourself by sessions of instruction, special their baptismal promises, and the coming down from the cross.” This beautiful Masses for Scrutinies, an intense priests walked throughout the meditation was closed with Mr. Bernie Kunka day of discernment, and a visit to church, blessing and sprinkling Reverend Thanh Nguyen singing “In the Garden”. meet Bishop Galeone in St. holy water on the faithful. Augustine. The candidates, Marcie Reverend David Imhoff from St. Mathews The final step in the RCIA Bradley, John Coffey, Alene Dixon, Lutheran Church offered the Third Word, process was the Easter Vigil, which is the most important liturgy of the Jennifer Glaser, Kevin Wolfe, “Woman, behold thy son…Son behold thy Patricia Yarborough and the Mother,” This reminded us that this very day year. St. Augustine said that on this night “the Church keeps watch for Catholic candidates, Jonathan (March 25) is the date of the Annunciation, nine Guzman, Stacey Hewey and Vivile months before the birth of Christ. Reverend the Lord, and the Lord keeps watch Imhoff reflected that many people are without over the Church.” Rodin were then called to the altar family ties and even in families where there are The elect and their sponsors, for full reception into the Church children there is no one to care for an elderly along with RCIA team members, and for Confirmation. Receiving parent. Jesus enlarged the family to include priests, and the rest of the the Eucharist for the first time was, Reverend Doctor everyone — even those who did not believe, so congregation gathered outside for most of the class, very David Imhoff now the church is our family to lean on. The where a fire pit had been prepared. emotional. For them, this was the meditation was closed with a lovely hymn “Via The Paschal candle was lit after culmination of the Easter Vigil. della Rosa” sung very movingly by Will Father Thanh blessed the fire. This Before the congregation was Kennedy. is known as the Fire Rite or The dismissed, each of the RCIA class Service of Light. The Paschal was presented with a personalized The Reverend Gary Blaylock from candle leads us out of darkness and Bible. This Easter Vigil celebration Resurrection Episcopal Church expounded upon into the celebration of the Easter was one of the most beautiful, the Fourth Word, “Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani” Vigil. This candle will be used thanks to our three wonderful (My God, My God, why have You forsaken me). throughout the year at baptisms and priests, Father Thanh, Father Neil Reverend Blaylock drew us into Christ’s funerals. and Father Richard. suffering with his 39 enumerations of our sins The crowd was a little anxious Many thanks to Dr. Bernie Sans representing the 39 lashes Christ received. Our as rain began to fall, but Reverend Gary Blaylock for his dedication to selecting and music director, Dr. Bernie Sans, resounded our fortunately, it held off until perfecting the music, and to the feelings by playing “Ave Verum Corpus.” everyone had entered the church. Each person was given a lighted adult choir members for all their many hours of hard work. It Reflections on the Fifth Word, “I thirst,” were candle to carry as they processed given to us by Reverend Milt Willford of into the darkened church. showed, the music was heavenly! Arlington Christian Church. He took us back to a The choir led the congregation The members who decorated the time in 1953 when he was in the Marine Corps in in singing “Christ Be Our Light” as church also did an outstanding job. Virginia taking basic training which involved 20 the RCIA class filed into the pews. The ALLELUIA covering over the mile marches. Reverend Willford remembered The church remained dark except anniversary quilt was very that only a canteen of water was allowed. Reflect for a few necessary lights in the appropriate as well as beautiful. on Jesus hanging on the cross thirsting for our choir loft. The celebration continued in sins. This meditation was closed when Nicole The liturgy of the Word began the parish hall where a reception Reverend Milt Willford Hale sang, “How Beautiful” which was very with a reading from Genesis, “God awaited the whole congregation, touching. created the world and saw how with the new Catholics as the good it was.” The reading from guests of honor. The focal point The Sixth Word, “Father, into your hands I Exodus told how the Israelites was a large cross covered in white commend my spirit,” reiterated by Reverend passed through the Red Sea, free in the center of the room. There David Lee-Andrews from Highlands from harm while the Egyptians were flowers and balloons Presbyterian Church, reminded us that Jesus, were thrown into the sea. Ezekiel everywhere and lots of food! This while on the cross, recalled his past life. The told how the Lord will pour clean was billed as a covered dish King’s Choir brought this meditation to a close water over the people, and give reception and thanks go out to all with the moving hymn, “The Lamb.” them a new heart; that they will be who brought food. His people and He will be their Several of the RCIA team The Seventh Word, given by Father Neil God. The last reading from Reverend members had met earlier that Carr, “It is consummated,” clearly indicated that Romans claimed, “We are dead to morning to clean and decorate for David Lee-Andrews Jesus acknowledged His hour had finally come sin and living for God in Christ.” and that the Lamb of God died for us and thus These readings revealed God’s plan the celebration. It was worth all the proved the Love of God. The King’s Choir closed for salvation throughout history. effort just to see the faces of our the service by singing “Who is Jesus”. The lights came on as the people new family members here at Christ rose in singing “Hallelujah.” It was the King parish. Between each reading, Lector Lucille a most beautiful setting for what This year’s RCIA team includes Guzzone prepared the congregation by leading was to become the celebration of James Scott as director. Team them through prayer and an introduction of each our faith. members are John Anderson, Roz pastor or associate pastor presenting the Seven After the gospel of Matthew, Balsam, Norma Landers, Berry Last Words. the candidates for Baptism were Landers, Mitch Gable, Mary called forward. The Litany of the Rouse, Tony Zeaiter, Micah All who attended this beautiful service were Saints was sung by Nicole Hale and Ethridge, Louie O’Neal and Reverend Neil Carr, S.J. blessed in Word, Music and Prayer. the adult choir. It was very Darlene O’Neal. May, 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 17 The Mass of Holy Chrism by Bobby Y., Altar Server On March 23, 2005, the Wednesday of Holy Week, many priests and altar servers from all over the diocese gathered in the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine for the Mass of Holy Chrism. Bishop Victor B. Galeone celebrated the Mass. After the homily three vessels of oil were brought up and placed on the altar. First, Bishop Galeone blessed the Oil of the Sick. Then he blessed the Oil of the Catechumens, which would be used on Easter Vigil for the new Catholics’ Sacraments. Finally, he consecrated the sacred Holy Chrism. These holy oils will be used in all of the parishes in the diocese throughout the year.

The Triduum by Kaylee B., 7a from their sins. Many people have suggested that this was a symbolic The Triduum. I bet you are reference to Baptism. On this day wondering what that means. Well, Jesus also went to the garden to pray the Triduum is three important days to God the Father. before the day Jesus rose from the The day of Jesus’ death was, I’m dead on Easter morning. Even sure, the most painful. The people though these days are not as were so cruel to Him, and He didn’t recognized as Easter, they are just as deserve it. They placed a crown of important. Right now I’m going to thorns on His head, stripped Him of take you through the days, so you His clothes, and beat Him half to will know the importance and death. He fell many times and they meaning of each day. didn’t think He would make it to His Every year on the Sunday before cross, but He did. They finally made Easter families gather at the church it to His cross and nailed Him to it. for Palm Sunday. On this day Jesus By doing this, He saved our souls so rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. that we could go to Heaven. People who worshiped Him in the town laid palms all around Him to On Easter morning, Mary show they cared. On Palm Sunday Magdalene and a few other women we receive palms to show our love were at Jesus’ tomb. The rock over and respect for Jesus like the people the tomb was rolled away and the in the town. tomb was empty. They looked in and In my opinion, Holy Thursday is saw that Jesus had risen from the one of the most important days of dead. He told His followers that the church. This is the day Jesus three days after His death He would turned bread and wine into His body rise, and here He was doing what He and blood at the Last Supper. It was said He would. Jesus dying for us the night before His death and He was the biggest sacrifice anyone has spent it with His twelve disciples. ever done. This is why the Triduum He washed their feet to cleanse them is so important to us as Catholics. Page 18 Christ the King Catholic Courier May, 2005 A Gentle Nudge Parish Vocations Coordinator from the Diocesan Planned Giving Office as a physical education Supreme Board of the Most of us can use a chore is done. You will teacher upon retiring from Knights of Columbus. nudge now and then to do have peace of mind about the Jacksonville Sheriff’s He was most recently something we know we your final affairs ... and you Office after 27 years. named a member of The should do - like writing or will be thankful for the As a member of the Equestrian Order of The updating a will. We find it nudge. Marine Corps Dennis Holy Sepulcher. easier to procrastinate than One way to assist you is served in combat duty in Dennis and his wife, to accomplish the task and to make things as easy as Vietnam. He earned a Linda, were married in a good nudge can get us possible. The Office of degree in Criminology and 1969 and are the parents of moving in the right Planned Giving offers a Education and taught a high two children, Dennis II and direction. If this describes complimentary Will school course in Criminal Kimberly. Dennis Stoddard you, consider this little Information Kit designed to Justice. is a man of many accom- article a nudge. do just that. It contains Dennis has held many plishments and is an asset The reason to obtain or basic information that helps titles in the Knights of to Christ the King parish. update your will is because you think through the Columbus, including: of the difficulties that arise various issues and prepares Knight of the Year, Grand when a person dies intestate you for your visit with an by Darlene O’Neal Knight, State Warden, State (without a will). Also, estate-planning attorney. (If Advocate, State Treasurer, many people who intend to you don’t have a good Dennis Stoddard has State Deputy and earned the include their parish, parish attorney, the Planned been assigned by Father “Star Council Award.” He school or favorite ministry Giving Office can help you Thanh as the vocations co- was instrumental in incor- in their will fail to get their locate one.) ordinator for Christ the porating the Knights wish unless the bequest has The main thing is to King parish. His role will program for Vocations, the been clearly stated in a complete this extremely be to promote vocations Handicapped and KC valid will. important matter while you within our parish. Charities into one tax- Another reason to are able to thoughtfully Dennis has been a exempt corporation. He gently prod you is because consider the options and dedicated parishioner for 34 was called upon to become you will be glad when the make sound decisions. years, serving as a the Supreme Director and To receive your free Will Information Kit please call or Eucharistic minister, a was honored at a special write to: Nancy Geary, Planned Giving Office, 11625 Old member of the Parish reception in his honor in St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258, (904) 262- Council, and treasurer of 2002. He continues today 3200, ext. 166. 1 (800) 775-4659, ext. 166. And finally, the School Advisory Board. as a member of the one more nudge - please do it today! He joined the school staff CHRIST THE KING MINISTRIES

LITURGY Masses. Great way to meet PRAYER MINISTRIES month at 7 p.m. We welcome new Ministry of Hope newcomers and parishioners. members. Patrice Pruitt, 645-6132 If you have lost a loved one you Altar Servers Daily Eucharistic Adoration know the anguish and suffering that Interested youth 5th grade or older Mass Greeters We need people who are willing to sign up Christ the King Clinic goes with that loss. Others have been and who have received First Holy Welcome all who come to Mass. This for one hour a week so that someone is Staffed by doctors, registered nurses, through this same trauma. The Communion. Once trained, they are team may offer the only contact praying all during the day. Adoration is in and ancillary support people. They Ministry of Hope brings those who entered into a rotating schedule for many parishioners have in our faith the Sacred Heart Chapel, Monday-Friday, donate their services the fourth have suffered and those who are the Masses. Contact Diane community. Great opportunity for from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call Claretta Saturday of each month, 9:00 a.m.- suffering together. Call Sue, 221- Longenecker, 642-5168. adults and families. Contact the chief Lamusga, 743-9998. 1:00 p.m., call Willie Blaquiere, 744- 7143. usher at the Mass you are attending 6792. “Extraordinary” for more information. Nocturnal Eucharistic Adoration Christ the King Courier M.O.M.S. Eucharistic Ministers Held on the first Friday of each month Interested in publishing a Ministry of Mothers Sharing, is As an “Extraordinary” minister of Ushers from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. There are eight newspaper? We need desktop designed to encourage prayer, dis- the Eucharist during the Mass you Men and women who commit to attend groups who rotate their hour each month. publishers, typists, proof-readers, cussions, and friendships among would be asked to join the priest at the same Mass every week. They are If you would like to join us in this prayer reporters, photographers, etc. We women of all ages. Beth Ethridge, the altar, partake in communion and requested to wear a navy blue jacket and ministry, call Paul Ghiotto, 727-5040. meet on Wednesdays in the rectory 696-9726. help the priest distribute communion to assist the celebrant as needed. Howard at 7 p.m. Judy, 724-0080. to the congregation. Candidates are Sell, 642-5079. Prayer Network Parish Council chosen by the Pastor as rec- One of our most rewarding ministries - Elizabeth Ministry The Parish Council is a consultative ommended by the priests and staff SPECIAL SERVICES praying for others in need - spiritual, health This ministry deals with the joys, body that the pastor can pray and members of the parish.. Nancy related, and other. Call Peggy Mills, 646- sorrows and challenges of life during reflect with, and ask for assistance to Chapman, coordinator, 731-5724. Altar Society 9417. the childbearing years and beyond. It guide in the overall care/ministry of Individuals who care for the vessels, includes pregnancy/pregnancy com- the Parish and the enhancement of Gift Bearers vestments and linens used in the Liturgies. GENERAL plications, birth, infant/child crisis, its mission. Meetings are the first Families, Individuals or Parish Ministries Debbie Scobie, 723-3977. special needs, miscarriage, stillbirth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. who want to bring the gifts to the altar ACT and infant or child death. Call Wendi, in the Rectory. Call John during Mass. Call Judy Zeaiter, 992-9591. Art & Environment Planning (Arlington Churches Together) 724-5579. Klinkenberg, 724-5579. It is made Committee This new ministry is out to clean-up up of representatives (President, Music Ministry Decorating the church and Gathering Arlington. Call Dick & LeRoss Fil-Am Chairperson or Facilitator) from Any individual who has a talent with Area, during different seasons of the Hulcher at 721-3286. Call Imogene Praxedes at 737-4034 each ministry in the Parish, as well music or can play an instrument or Church. Contact Terri Vogelsang, 744- to find out more about this ministry. as representatives from the Finance just interested in the Singing Choir, 6310, on how you can help. Advent Tree Council, Christ the King School, Handbell Choir, Funeral Choir, or A program that puts smiles on faces Finance Committee Christ the King Daycare, Athletic being a Cantor for Mass, call Bernie, Beautification Grounds Committee of people at Christmas. Those who Committee members selected by the Association, Scouts, Knights of 724-0080. Individuals and families who want to share time and talent in this ministry pastor. Their work on the council Columbus, Marriage Encounter, beautify the church grounds. Meet the help put up the Advent Tree with should be considered a ministry with Sponsor Couples, and Wedding Readers third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.- special paper ornaments. a commitment to stewardship. Coordinator. Elections are held A Lector does the readings and the noon, in the church parking lot by the Parishioners choose ornaments to Contact Father Thanh Thai Nguyen. every two years to elect a President, Prayer of the Faithful at Mass. If you fountain. Come join us in beautifying His take home, purchase the gift, and vice-president, secretary-recording, would like to be a reader, call Lucille yard. Robin Allison , 641-2318. return the ornament with the gift Habijax - Habitat for Humanity and secretary- clerical from the body Guzzone, 724-9617. attached to it. Volunteers are needed Forms partnerships between those in of representatives. Religious Articles Gift Shop to help distribute the gifts to nursing need and those who are willing to put Sacristans Volunteers staff the gift shop before and homes, orphanages, etc, call Trudy their faith into action by donating Parish Nurse We help prepare for the celebration after Sunday Masses. Maureen McCook, Cameron, 724-0511. their time, talent, and treasure to Nurses who belong to Christ the of Mass. For more information on 642-2725. construct new homes, call Bill King Parish willing to volunteer how you can be a Sacristan, call Nick Blood Drive Damato, 998-1417. their time and talent to support the Debs, 744-8749. Sunday Childcare Twice a year Christ the King Church, ministry of health within the parish, For 9:00 a.m. Mass along with the Florida Georgia Blood Legion of Mary call Barbara, 724-1776. Visitation of the Sick Christ the King Childcare for your 1-4- Alliance, holds a blood drive, call Men and women who offer their “Extraordinary” ministers bring the year-old child in the Child Care Center. Karlene Simmons, 642-8319. services to their pastor, to aid him in Queens and Kings (age 50+) Eucharist to the homebound or hos- Free of charge. Care is provided by performing spiritual works in the Our lively senior citizens socialize on the pitalized. John Porter, 721-0489. parents and those students (13+) who wish Christ the King Council of parish. Members may be active or second Sunday of each month from 1:30- to obtain service hours. Must be willing to Catholic Women (CKCCW) auxiliary (praying).Weekly meetings 4 p.m., September through June. Do HOSPITALITY be fingerprinted. Call Deborah Ethridge, Our board meets monthly, are held every Monday at 7 p.m. in come to enjoy! Call William Campbell, 696-9726 to help. September-June, to guide our eight the rectory. James Scott, 642-0059. 724-3777. Coffee & Donuts circles who meet at various times Call Al Martin at 744-4302 to help during the month. Our general greet and serve after 7 and 9 AM meeting is the last Thursday of each May, 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 19 STEWARDSHIP by Eileen Porter The second element of Stewardship is that each of us has The word “Stewardship” some special skills that could be evokes different images in each of used to help others. There is a need us. To me it is the true expression in our parish or community to of Christian love and fellowship. It match any talent one may have as a is the sharing of what God has so good steward shares his or her tal- generously given me with others. ent. We are people of many talents. We Then there is the third part of may be unaware of some of them the stewardship way of life - the because they have not yet been treasure. The point is proven. The tried. Time is probably the most more we share the more we have. difficult thing to give, but one of As we give we receive and there is the most important. What could be always enough. This is a motto of more fulfilling than to help bring Christian Stewardship. God says Christ into someone else’s life? “trust Me and see if I will not open Certainly we have every opportuni- the windows of heaven.” Those ty to do this at Christ the King. We that have risked it have affirmed have dozens of important min- that it is so....abundantly so. Not istries from which to choose. the least of the gifts is the joy that Time is one of God’s greatest comes with making a difference.... gifts. We need to spend it wisely. for others as well as for ourselves. How much time do we waste aim- As we grow with God’s grace lessly watching television or surf- in a stewardship way of life the ing the Internet? A good way to desire to freely give of ourselves start living as a Christian Steward and of our treasures grows in us as is to give some of that time back to well. Each time we give what may God. An hour spent in Adoration in be a small sacrifice for us whether the Chapel or at home in quiet it is time, talent or treasure, we take prayer, or an hour spent visiting the one step further to freedom, to per- sick is a fulfilling way to give of fection, to eternal life. our time. CHRIST THE KING MINISTRIES

Rectory Office Volunteers Widow/Widowers Support Catholic Scouting Committee Knights of Columbus LIFE TEEN - CORE TEAM & Adults willing to volunteer a morn- For those who have lost loved ones. Adult individuals interested in pro- Organization of Catholic men and LIFE GOES ON ing/afternoon/all day Monday thru For information contact Isabelle viding youth ministry through the their families dedicated to promoting Over 18, have a love for teens, and Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.. Different Fusco, 724-5186 or read your bul- scouting program. Meets four times concepts of charity, unity, fraternity are not currently a parent of a teen? positions available: receptionist, cler- letin for the next meeting date, place, a year; organizes and implements and patriotism. If you are a practicing Call Christina, 425-4215, for more ical, computer operator. Call the and time. “Catholic Camporee” for all Scouts Catholic man, at least 18 yrs. old, information on meeting times. Rectory at 724-0080. once a year; attend spring awards and interested in fellowship with RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ceremony. Training provided, call people who share the same beliefs, LIFE Support Respect Life Donna, 641-0698/John 744-6573. call Al Martin,744-4302 Any adults, parents, relatives, neigh- We are a ministry wishing to make a Adult Education Committee bors, etc. interested in supporting the difference in people’s lives by sup- Committee to develop and imple- Christ the King L ’ Arche Harbor House LIFE TEEN program. Membership is porting the Saint Gerard House, ment an Adult Education program for Athletic Association (CKAA) Mutual ministry with members and open to all. Activities are creative, Project Rachel, Respect Life the parish. Program sessions are held Serves children (ages 5-12, boys; 5- assistants, building community sup- fun, exciting, and diverse, call Pilgrimage and the Diocesan Respect twice a year before Faith Sharing 15, girls) who believe that youth ath- port and awareness the needs and Stephanie Henry, 642-5754 Life Program. Sign up at the Time Small Groups begin and are meant to letics provide valuable lessons in cit- gifts of the disabled members of the and Talent Fair in November, or con- enhance faith sharing. Call Betty izenship/teamwork. Also, if you L’ Arche Harbor House family, call Music for LIFE tact Jim Middleton, 743-3953. Wheeler, 724-9662. would like to contribute toward the Patrick Mayhew, 721-5992. Any adult with advanced musical cost associated with registering a skills who is willing to help put St Vincent de Paul Emmaus - Young Adults child for a CKAA sport, call Tim CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL teens’ faith, feeling and thoughts Emergency Assistance Young adults (18-39) coming togeth- Johnson, 727-7487. about God into words through song We need volunteers to work in the St. er in fellowship and to learn more Child Care Center and praise. Call Phil, 398-1961. Vincent de Paul office in the rectory, about their faith. Call Jennifer Cub Scouts Adults wanting to share their talents providing referrals, and assisting Webster, 564-2378. Pack 5 sponsored by Christ the King in three different subcommittees: MARRIAGE PREPARATION people who need immediate help. Church. Boys in grades 1 - 5. Dens educational, plant facilities, and fund Hours are from 10 a.m.- noon, Faith Sharing Small Groups meet weekly in the Scout Hut, call raising, contact Theresa Little, 724- Marriage Renewal Monday through Friday, call 724- Small groups of people meeting in Dan Sanford, 696-7646 7239. A program designed to teach married 8442. private homes to discuss the Sunday couples how to better communicate, readings, Scripture and current Cursillo Christ the King Catholic School to strengthen and support Christian Sponsor Couples events that affect our Catholic faith A Renewal movement of individuals Grades Pre-K thru 8th grade. The marriage. Contact Emilo and Married couples needed to help contact Alick Hardie, 745-5971. in the Church who want to deepen principal is Janet Morton. The school Theresa Gonzalez-Chavez, 721-0012 engaged couples discern if marriage their faith and enhance their walk has many needs for volunteers on a is for them. Jim and Mary Ann R.C.I.A. with Christ, call Carl, 724 -8485. daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Pre Cana/ Engaged Encounter Middleton, 743-3953. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The school seeks assistance in the For information on upcoming work- Preparing people to enter the Girl Scouts office, cafeteria, library, and clinic. shops and weekends, call 308-7474 Catholic Church through an inquiry Girls of different age levels that meet Volunteers are needed as board mem- Stewardship Committee and catechetical process. Call James bers and business partners, room Wedding Coordinator A committee appointed by the pastor, weekly or bi-weekly in one of the Scott, 642-0059. church halls after school or in the mothers, and speakers. Help with the Terri is the one to call to answer oversees the Time, Talent and yearly golf tournament is also need- questions regarding decorating the evenings, call Becky Schroeder, 805- Treasure (TTT) program. Call Peter Religious Education for Students ed, call 724-2954. church for your wedding. She also House at 725-1097. Opportunity for students grades 1-8 0204. assists the priests in wedding to learn/experience the Catholic faith TEEN PROGRAM rehearsals. Please call Terri with others in their age group. I. M. Sulzbacher Vogelsang, 744-6310 as soon as you Vacation Bible School Sessions held August -May in the Individuals who give two hours of LIFE TEEN PROGRAMS, set up your priest-approved date. A week long summer program (usu- school on Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. their time to 400-500 men, women 425-4215 ally in July) for children ages 4-11 Sunday Mass attendance required. and children the third Tuesday of Director: Christina Davis years to help deepen their faith and Certified teachers are always wel- each month by saying grace, serving involvement in the Christian commu- come to apply, and volunteers are dinner, and cleaning up the kitchen, THE EDGE - Pre-Teen nity. Fun for everyone. Call Jennifer needed on a regular basis. Call call Ann and Steve Franklin, 745- This youth program is designed to McAnally, 220-9832. Lucille Guzzone, 724-9617. 0627. minister to boys and girls 6-8 grades of all faiths from uniquely Catholic Vincentians AFFILIATED K’ Cees base. Call Christina, 425-4215. We were founded by people who care ORGANIZATIONS Organization of Catholic Women, an Share your about the problems of those around auxiliary of the Knights of LIFE TEEN them. We care and would like you to Boy Scouts Columbus Council 4727. They Youth ministry program with a help/support the Knights. Meetings Time & Talent share the care with us. For informa- Troop 5 sponsored by Christ the King strong focus on the Eucharist. Meet are in the Knights of Columbus Hall tion on how to become a Vincentian, Church. Boys 6-12th grade. Meet Sunday for 5:00 p.m.Mass. LIFE ~ Volunteer ~ on the fourth Tuesday of each month Night (fellowship) afterwards. Call call 807-7233, ext #1, and leave a Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m., in the Scout Hut, call at 8:00 p.m. Call Laura, 220-7671. message. Fred Gardner, 720-0297 Christina, 425-4215. Page 20 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 The Continuing Saga of Holiday Programs of the Religious Education Classes!!!!

By Lucille Guzzone resource which was the children themselves. The legend goes back to the road to Calvary and These students had much to offer. So the teach- involves Simon of Cyrene. The younger chil- This time it was supposed to be the Lenten ers of grades 5-8 notified their classes that they dren were enthralled by the myth. The 5th program held in the Blessed Mother Kingdome. themselves were to make up a 10-minute lesson graders told of their experiences of actually The music CD for the big show was ordered and in keeping with the season of Lent to present to making their own Rosary beads in their class paid for. It was the accompaniment for The the younger children. The students went to work and proudly showed the little ones their finished Stations of the Cross which was to be the Easter and, with the help of their teachers, came up products. They explained the mysteries of the program presented by the older grades. In years with four mini lessons.. It was truly ready-set-go past because of the lack of practice time, teach- creativity in action. ers found that having one full three hour Grade 8 shared their experiences about the rehearsal in the Kingdome the Saturday before Sacrament of Confirmation which they had the program produced the best results. So per- recently received. Each child passed a candle as mission letters were sent out to parents about the they spoke of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The weekend rehearsal, the lunches were decided little ones were full of questions and were truly upon, the props were packed, and it looked like animated as they spoke of the Holy Spirit in it was a sure thing. Oh, no! The date. That par- their lives. Grade 7 brought props to present one ticular Saturday the church was to have the at a time. Inside was a special word pertaining show, “Late Night Catechism.” The Kingdome to Easter. For example, when a little first grader was off limits for the whole day! Oh dear, what read “palm” the 7th grader Rosary while emphasizing the sorrowful ones to do? holding a palm spoke of the since they depict the Crucifixion which is so This was a big blunder significance of Palm Sunday much a part of the Holy Season. because the play had been and its origin. Other words At the end of the presentation all the chil- advertised for weeks, and the and the corresponding props dren were treated to chocolate eggs before date in common was not were a stuffed lamb, a crown departing for their Easter break. Reflecting on realized until too late. Our of thorns, the letters “INRI”, the evening the teachers and staff agreed that the program was not to be can- and other significant symbols. last minute Easter program turned out to be a celed, however! The staff put The 6th grade told the story of wonderful event – educational, enlightening, their heads together and the first colored Easter eggs. spiritual, and even fun!!! decided to use their best IS GOD CALLING Above and Beyond YOU?? by Mavis Louise Murray from Winn Dixie to Elmer does Eventually his dad’s energy and Albertson’s always not ever rec- health began to be sapped away by Honor Thy Father and Mother looking for the best ollect that his time and years. When his dad lost is one commandment Elmer prices. mother ever his teeth, he again pureed all the Aponte can rest easy on as he not Cecilia Aponte frowned. food that his dad loved, especially only honored but cared for his loved to cook and When his beef stew and lentil soup. aging parents with unfailing love she passed that skill mother could On Christmas Eve in the year and a willing spirit. on to Elmer who no longer get 2003 Elmer’s father said he was not Medical technology has made it would soon assume out of bed he feeling well and retired early. The possible for many of us to live way those kitchen duties. took full next morning he had a fever of 105 His father, too, charge of her beyond the biblical fourscore and degrees. Elmer called 911 and he enjoyed the kitchen. care save for ten; therefore, it is safe to say that was taken to the hospital where he some of us will end our days either He also found pleas- the time when ure in accompanying Home Health soon revived. He told Elmer with a in a retirement or nursing home. smile that he was going home That was not the case, however, for Elmer while he Care would fished as this was a come in to tomorrow. Raymond Aponte did go the parents of Elmer Aponte who home that next day but not to Grove not only had their four score and way that they could assist him. As spend time together. Cecilia Park Boulevard but to the home of ten but lived to the ripe old ages of As time went on became weak- his Heavenly Father. 97 and 99 respectively. the health of both Cecilia and er Elmer became more attuned to Listen to these beautiful words Elmer began caring for his par- Raymond began to decline and her needs. He said there came a of Elmer Aponte as he lived out the ents, Cecilia and Raymond Aponte, their doctor appointments began to time that from his room at night he commandment of honoring his in 1985 when the couple moved mount. Elmer knew it was time to could even detect a change in her father and mother. “I wouldn’t down here from New York. This leave his work and devote his ener- breathing. When she was unable to trade the care of my parents for privilege, and that is what Elmer gies to the care of his parents. He eat regular food it would go into a anything in the world. I wouldn’t calls it, befell him as both of his was 57 years of age. blender and then he would lovingly change a thing. These have been older siblings were still in active Because of his mother’s careful feed her with a syringe. Cecilia the most gratifying years of my life. pursuit of supporting their families. training Elmer became more than Aponte passed away in 1997 at the Elmer was single. I’m glad I was able to do it and live an adequate cook and many a meal age of 97. with that satisfaction now. God In 1987 Elmer was gainfully would bring a smile to the lips of After his mother’s death Elmer employed as a design engineer gave me the will and the strength to Cecilia Aponte. Elmer says a smile and his dad had their bachelor pad. do it.” devising electrical/electronic cir- came very easily to his mother He said his dad was a great guy and “They brought me into this cuit systems for Cleveland about whatever he did or said, “It they had some very good times world, took care of me, and made Hydraulics here in Jacksonville. It was always wonderful!” He together. Raymond Aponte loved to was work he truly loved because it expressed the thought that his go for rides and he and Elmer sacrifices for me and my brother allowed him to make full use of his mother had a way of always mak- would just take off and ride the and sister. Now it was time for pay- creative and engineering skills. ing him feel good about himself. countryside. His dad also enjoyed back. I wanted to do for them what Elmer paints a very colorful He chuckled with good humor Elmer’s hobby of flying model air- they did for me. It’s that simple. I picture of his parents. He said that when he said, “My parents used to planes and they spent many pleas- have a houseful of good memo- his mother loved to grocery shop think I was a genius.” ant afternoons together in pursuit of ries.” and kept a very sharp eye on both Even when Cecilia Aponte was this hobby. His father, like his “My parents got their wings the cost and the quality of the food. in pain – and towards the end that mother, always filled him with and went straight up. What better Many a Saturday Elmer would find was more the case than not – she praise, lifting him up with compli- protection could I have?” himself accompanying his mother always had a big smile on her face. ments on whatever he did. None, Elmer you had the best! May. 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 21

Teaching St. Vincent de Paul

by Mickey Kenny

How do you teach 5th graders in the year 2005 about poverty and being truly poor? When they look at TV the characters always have every- thing they need for the plot! Rich or poor, happy or sad, everything nec- essary for the plot is supplied by the script. At home some children may learn something about the subject. However, if the family is truly in need the parents usually try to accent what the family has rather than what they need. And sometimes parents talk to each other in front of their children in words which may make the children feel they are “poor” when they are only being taught to be “careful”.

A confusing picture for children in our day and time. But they truly can and do understand when taught in an educational setting. Betty Wheeler visited the 5th grades dressed as a homeless woman, penniless, and in need. She described her life and answered questions concerning her life of poverty. However, she also showed the students that we all have someone to turn to: the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Christ the King or other Societies in other parishes, states, and nations.

It is always easier to give than to receive. Vincentians are particular- ly aware of how painful and humbling it can be to have to ask for neces- sities. It was a valuable lesson for the students – and they truly appreciat- ed it. Just read what some of them had to say in their beautiful notes of thanks that they wrote to Mrs. Wheeler. Page. 22 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 Boy Scout Canoe Trip by Carolina Gardner Saturday morning was back. Hunger, fatigue, and the cold were 6 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2005 still there but the satisfaction of Meet @ the scout hut. their success outweighed any other feelings. The sun hadn’t peeked over the The ride out there was horizon yet, but seven boys ages something wonderful to have been 12-16 were wide-eyed and eager. It a part of, but I’m so thankful that I was cold and there was a moist nip got to take part in the ride home in the air, but you couldn’t tell by because that’s when the stories looking at these guys. They had an started to be told. At first hearing aura to them, an excitement that some of the “events” that had taken you couldn’t help but catch. Even place on the trip I kind of rolled my the five adult leaders and eyes and thought to myself that chaperones were bouncing around some of these stories were a little with so much energy, excitement “too good to be true” but then as the and enthusiasm. storytellers’ enthusiasm grew and This was the beginning of a fun another would jump in and pick up filled adventurous weekend that the and continue on with the story I just boys had planned for months. If all couldn’t help but be amazed at goes well, by the end of this As the last of the canoes were that night and not worry too much everything that had happened in weekend they would have being launched, I could not help but about them sleeping out in the cold. three short days along the St. successfully mastered their 50-mile stand there and say a “please watch Monday morning time seemed Mary’s River. canoe patch. over and guide them” prayer to crawl by so slowly and concern Here is just a little of what I We were already off to a late watching them float out of sight. was building again. Finally it was managed to hear and somewhat start. The past hurricane season had The drive back home was a bit of a time to meet with the other parents comprehend as so many people robbed them of one of their days on mental struggle. I had been to the to go and gather up our group of were telling me their version of the the river. The original plan had “nothingness” of a launch site. Cell adventure seekers. Even leaving an same story. called for them to leave on Friday phones may or may not work. hour later then the original pick up Due to the severity of this past hurricane season, the St. Mary’s the 14th, but due to the “make up” Everything they thought that they time, we tried to keep an upbeat days that plan was out. The boys were going to need was somehow attitude when we arrived to the pre- River was an obstacle course; were faced with a tough decision to tied or crammed into a canoe. determined pick up site and there Fallen tree limbs and sometimes cancel the trip and try to reschedule Maybe that is why I stayed to see was no sign of canoes or scouts. whole trees with an occasional or go ahead minus one day. One of all the canoes launched, to make Helpless to do anything but sit and dead animal. Not even five minutes the great things about teenagers is sure they were going to float with wait, we did just that. As the sun into the trip and a dead pig had their “I can do it” attitude. all that stuff tied to them. I could began to set our concerns began to managed to get snagged on some Shortening the trip was already not help but ask myself if some of grow until a boater passed by and downed tree limbs. Amazing how I starting to look good to the boys; the other moms had just been at the informed us that all was well and find the discovery of a dead animal less food to carry, a day less of launch site, would they have let our canoe crew were still about five within the first few minutes of the clothing to pack. On the other hand, their child go on this trip? There miles up the river. The sun was in trip gross and disgusting, but the leaders knew that fewer days must be something wrong with me, the final stages of setting when the somehow it managed to fuel their meant that more work and more not only did I send one of my sons first canoe became visible. Steven enthusiasm. It became a game who miles had to be accomplished each down the river but I sent my and Phillip were determined to could spot what, and since the river day. husband, too. It is the middle of reach the “imaginary finish line” had swollen with the recent January, the temperature is almost and stand on dry ground again. hurricanes it suddenly became 7a.m.-fully loaded and on the road. freezing and I just sent them off to “play” on the river for three days. I On the road it was a pretty tried to take comfort in knowing typical road trip, car games and there were at least three other like- jokes, but you could still feel the minded people with me at the enthusiasm radiating from launch site. They had helped everyone which was a good thing deliver everyone and the equipment because I wasn’t going on the to the launch site. Somehow I actual canoe trip; I was still couldn’t help but think of them as questioning being out of bed this accomplices. early in the morning on my day off. The Boy Scouts are very active and usually spend at least one 9a.m.-launch site weekend a month camping or doing something away from home. But Much to my surprise this this trip was constantly on my coveted “launch site” that had been mind. My husband, Fred, did his talked about was nothing more than best to keep in contact when cell dirt and sand under an overpass off phones permitted and that just some lightly traveled state road. made me more concerned. From Looking around I had concerns, but the broken conversations, I knew the boys immediately went to work that a canoe had flipped, some of Then one by one they started to roll almost normal to see tires and other unloading the trucks and getting the the food was now fish food and in Warren and James, Fred and T.J., items captured and mangled in tree canoes off the trailer. Each boy had with no time to spare they were Chris and Matt, Ryan and Daniel branches. The grand prize was the chosen a “teammate” and the teams behind schedule. S., Paul and Ben. Everyone was water heater that had gotten stuck were hard at work, knowing and By Sunday evening I was a ball present and accounted for. When up in the branches. Just from doing exactly everything necessary of nerves, what else had happened, the first team landed exhaustion hearing the boys describe it, it must to begin this journey. As the Scout was everyone really all right? was visible, and with the last canoe have really been a silly sight to see. Master’s wife, you could say it was Another broken up cell phone being hauled ashore and the last of At lunch the boys realized that my duty to help but as a mom all I conversation informed me to leave their gear being packed away into this trip was going to be a little could do was stand back and be an hour later than the original pick-up trucks, the realization hit more involved then they had impressed with these young men pickup time. That managed to offer the boys that they had just mentally planned. No one could who were working as a team to an enormous amount of comfort. successfully completed 56 miles on have known just how Nature had achieve their goal. They were only an hour behind the St. Mary’s River in less than littered their path and so 50 miles in 3 days schedule. Things were going well, I three days. The excitement and maneuvering and steering now actually managed to get some sleep enthusiasm they had had on became somewhat of a challenge if May, 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 23

team mate in the back of the canoe camp for the night they discovered to wonder if his teammate was an empty hunting camp. A fire pit Boy Scout Canoe Trip “freaking out.” No one suffered any with wood ready and waiting, and spider bites but several did tell of an outhouse that wasn’t pretty but how they didn’t realize that spiders was a gentle reminder of the were in their canoe with them until comforts that they had been they looked down and noticed that missing for the past 36 hours. Once the spiders had begun to spin a web again it was an early night, with between their legs attempting to hopes of an early morning. connect their legs to the canoe. In the canoes again, and the Thus causing a since of urgency to feeling of “same stuff, different remove the spiders from the canoe day” was setting in. More spider and left the uninformed teammate hitchhikers, more tree obstacle in the back to think they were courses, and even more spiders. loosing their mind. Emergency Preparedness is needed HALFWAY BRIDGE…the once again; this time it’s a quick bridge that had been deemed the kayak repair a la “Redneck Style” half-way point was now in sight a.k.a duct tape. and renewed enthusiasm. Twenty- After lunch the fatigue factor five miles down and only twenty- was enormous. Up to this point the five to go, so far things had not adults were hopeful for only a 2 to the team didn’t work as a team and adults had planned on eating for gone exactly as planned but by 2½ hour delay due to the recent watch for every little thing. Just dinner on the second night. their best guessing estimation they unscheduled events and detours. like in a scary movie, a tree branch Paul and Daniel S. did their best figured they were only about an Conversation with a local on the managed to reach out and struck to dry out and warm up around the hour behind their tentative riverbank gave them confirmation Paul in the chest. Paul and Daniel fire while their canoe was re- schedule. of lost time and delivered an almost S. were plunged into the icy river. packed and the losses were A pressing deadline and an devastating blow to the morale. He Thankfully all the Scouts have their assessed. There was about an hour enthusiasm for the unknown informed them that they still had First Aid Merit badge and most where the boys had a chance to sit provoked them to ignore the approximately eight hours of have completed their Emergency down by the fire, warm up and soak “Caution” tape that had been strung paddle time left. All the excitement Preparedness Merit Badge too. This up the memories of a job well done. on some trees along the shoreline. and enthusiasm that had once was now an emergency situation. Indulging their adventurous spirit oozed from every fiber of their they pressed on. The limbo was no being was now nothing more then a longer a game but a necessity to distant memory. Fingers were wet maneuver. Even the most talented and frozen, muscles were weak, limbo artist wasn’t successful at parts of their bodies hurt that they avoiding getting stuck. No one weren’t even aware they had, and successfully managed to not get their poor bottoms were so numb stuck at least once and some were they had no idea if they had talented enough to spend almost as actually frozen to the canoe seat or much time trying to get unstuck as not. Their only option was to they did actually paddling down the paddle and press on. Paddling river. Despite the even more became an involuntary action, stick challenging obstacle course of the paddle into the water, stroke, do downed trees and a slowing it again. Then the “Imaginary current, it wasn’t until they found Finish Line” appeared and

The five remaining teams had to act Saturday night they made camp immediately and cautiously. One at what the boys dubbed “Snow foolish mistake and they too could Beach” because it was so cold out be in the icy river as well. The St. and the white sand looked like Mary’s River naturally travels at newly fallen snow. Where can you approximately 3mph. Now that find seven teenage boys sound may not seem that fast to you and I asleep by 7:30p.m, on a Saturday when we are in our car or standing night? on the riverbank. Watch your food and personal necessities go floating Half way down the St. Mary’s by at that speed and you’d think it River. was a lot faster. The teams had to divide and conquer the unfortunate Sunday morning was a rough blow that Mother Nature had start; it was cold and especially hard to get motivated to get back on delivered. Immediately everyone themselves in a swampy puddle suddenly the excitement and the water. No one was looking fell into action; two teams focused that it occurred to them that the enthusiasm was rekindled. forward to having to sit his “tushie” on the two people in the water, “caution” tape could have been an Saturday morning I questioned on that cold metal canoe seat first another team “righted” the canoe, attempt at a warning so that they and wondered, but being there thing in the morning. Somewhere and the two remaining teams were may avoid a wrong turn. Monday when they arrived, there between the morning launch and suddenly thrown into an old style Unlike traveling on the was no doubt. YES, it was lunch time, uninvited guests started video game. Speed past items highways, there are no “exit” signs definitely worth it. As a mom I was appearing in the front of the canoes. floating down the river, try to snag giving any kind of riverside so proud to see these young men The team members in the back of the items without flipping over assistance. It’s just too bad that successfully complete a task that the canoes were suddenly faced your canoe and gather as many someone’s generosity at putting up didn’t go exactly as planned with an awkward situation. The items as possible while managing the “caution” tape warning them especially when they could have person in the front of each canoe to maneuver your canoe to avoid went ignored. With the “mini opted to stay home and play video was suddenly having some kind of any other “dangers” that may be detour” corrected, and things games all weekend instead. As the battle with what appeared to be an lurking in the waters. Fast thinking appearing to begin to flow Scout Master’s wife I’m honored to invisible being. Some were using and even quicker responses smoothly again. Another hour had watch the transformation that is their paddle to beat the water, managed to save about 90% of the managed to trickle away from their happening in these young lives. others were wrestling something, ejected items. Sadly enough the schedule. With each new endeavor they take while others attempted to stomp the remaining 10 % is somewhere at Dinner came a little later then on it will help shape and develop unknown being. Apparently the bottom of the river as fish food they had planned since they were them into men, the leaders of Spiders had dropped out of the or a newly donated artificial reef. noticeably behind schedule but a tomorrow. trees and had managed to land at The new artificial reef consists small blessing was about to happen. the front of the canoes, leaving the mainly of canned goods that the While looking for someplace to Page 24 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 ColleenColleen DohertyDoherty by Frank Becht occasions Colleen served as cantor the school chorus, which just com- and often sang as a soloist. pleted a musical show, “How to You probably don’t know her At Christ the King, Colleen par- Succeed In Business Without name but if you have gone to the ticipated in the Spring musicals. In Really Trying.” She was in the cho- 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, the 5th grade she played Annie in rus. In addition, she runs Track- the you know her voice. She is the “Annie;” 6th grade, she played 1600 and 3200 meters and the 3 young lady who has been cantoring Cathy in “The Castaways;” 7th mile Cross-Country. and soloing for several years. grade, she was narrator of “Joseph Colleen doesn’t yet know what She is the daughter of Martin and the Technicolor Dream Coat;” the future holds for her but we look and Eluanie Doherty who met in 8th grade, in the Disney Review, she for great things from her. She said the Phillipines while he was in the sang “Part of Your World” from the she expects to sing at Christ the Navy. Colleen was born in movie “Little Mermaid.” King for a long time. That is good Jacksonville, Florida and has She graduated from Christ the news because many people have attended Christ the King School King as an A-B honor student in commented about her beautiful from the 3rd through 8th grade. She 2004; she was awarded the singing. Christ the King can be has one younger brother, Sean. “Excellence Award for Music.” proud that she is one of us. Colleen, She was a member of the Christ Colleen now attends Stanton we are happy for your successes the King School Choir beginning in College Prep where she is enrolled and wish you many more. You are a the 3rd grade. In 2003, the chil- in the International Baccalaureate tribute to your family, church and dren’s choir was assigned to sing at Program for advanced classes. She school! the 8:30 a.m. Mass. On numerous is a member of the Drama Club and Life as a Cub Scout by Jan Dela Cruz Scouts is a lot like at the other. Then my Den Leader Age 11 working on the called each of us who were cross- USS Doyle and in ing over to step forward. He then Joining Cub Scouts is a great some ways very took off all the symbols of our Cub adventure. It builds character in a different. My Scout uniforms .. the neckerchief, young boy and it’s fun too! You do favorite part was slide, and the blue epaulettes on our things from camping outdoors, to eating lunch with shoulders that represents us being having a tour of a Navy frigate. the sailors. Webelos 2. Then, we are called Pack 5 even Anyone can join from first grade to over the bridge to join the Troop. helped fifth grade. After that you’re in for The Troop Leader then adds the the ride of your life … Boy Scouts! Jacksonville get ready for the new symbols of Boy Scouts to our But enough about that, are you uniforms … the red neckerchief, ready for a story of my life as a Cub Super Bowl. All slide and new red epaulettes. Then Scout? of the Scouts in Hi! I’m Jan Dela Cruz of Cub the North Florida we get to know the other Boy Scout Pack 5 in the North Florida Council took part Scouts and BAM! We’re men! (ok, not quite yet…..) I remember hear- Council of the Boy Scouts of on the practice field the night in cleaning up ing my name … “Jan Dela Cruz!” America. Pack 5 is the chartered before the game. But, there’s more! Jacksonville in preparation for the big game. We picked up trash Cub Scout pack at Christ the King The scout who sold the most tickets “Oh Boy! I’m a Boy Scout!!!” I around Landmark Middle School. Parish. I’m a Webelos 2 and a sen- got a signed football or jersey from was then placed in the Flaming It was hard work, but it was our ior scout in our Pack. I’ve been the Jaguar player of their choice Arrows group where I’ll be until chance to do a good turn for our through all of the stages of a Cub AND the top 5 sellers got to be on I’m fifteen. community. The city also gave us Scout, and now I’m crossing over the field during the pregame show After only one hour of being an to Troop 5 of the Boy Scouts here at great uniform pins for our help that official Boy Scout, I remember AND they got to meet the players! day! Christ the King. But enough about I sold seventeen. We had an awe- missing the Cub Scouts. I was hav- me, let’s get to the adventures! Recently, I took part in a very ing a hard time making new friends some time! We got a free dinner happy tradition. I moved on to the I went to this thing called a with these guys, but, I’ve come to and we got to watch a movie on the next step in scouting … Boy Webelos-Akela Weekend with my Jumbotron!! But here’s the best know a few well. There’s Ryan, my Den leader (he’s my Dad, Hector!). Scouts! Our Cub Scout Pack and part … After that, Glen Fisher of Boy Scout Troop all camped out at Patrol Leader, Steven, my Senior It’s when the Webelos meet up with the Jaguars announced who were Patrol Leader, and my other new the Boy Scouts and we get a head Fort Clinch in March. I was so the top sellers. I (nervous, fingers friends Warren, Patrick Daniel, start on being a Boy Scout. It’s kind excited to take part in this serious crossed, eyes closed, and did I of like a mini preview of your event. It is called the cross-over Daniel (there’s two of them!), mention nervous??????) listened future as a scout. We had lots of ceremony. It is very important that James, Ben, and the others. closely. There was a winner at 21 fun! We learned how to build a it be done correctly or it takes away I’ve had lots of fun in the campfire, how to cook, safety in the tickets sold and there were 6 more from the formality and honor of the Scouts and I’m not planning on outdoors, how to tie knots, and scouts tied at seventeen. But my occasion. We all met early one stopping for a long time. I’m trying much, much more. The best part name wasn’t called! It turns out that Saturday morning at the old wood- my best to become an Eagle Scout! was interacting with the Boy our pack registration was received en bridge that leads to the Fort, the I suggest all of you kids out there Scouts. We went with them every- late and my numbers weren’t Cubs at one end and the Boy Scouts join. You won’t regret it! where! They taught us everything turned in. But after my Den Leader they knew. That was a great learn- (dear ol’ Dad!) spoke with Mr. ing experience. Fisher, I got in! I was so excited!! I also had activities with my The next day I was out there and Pack. We went camping in my BOY the players are HUGE!!!! Big school’s baseball field. We had a John Henderson is about 50 times flag retiring ceremony. I was carry- bigger than I am! The Jags lost, but ing the pack flag. We retired about I didn’t care. I still had a great time! 15 flags, and after that we had a lot My Cub Scout Pack even got to of fun doing skits and telling sto- go on a tour of the USS Doyle! The ries. Oh yea … don’t forget the Doyle is a frigate stationed at S’mores! We all had a great time! Mayport. The commanding officer, We also had activities as a CDR. Joe Vobiril, gave us a per- whole district. We tried to sell sonal invitation to visit his ship and Jaguar tickets to the Tennessee crew. We saw everything from the Titans game. If you sold a total of at Captain’s quarters to the firearms least four tickets, you got to camp and torpedoes! We learned that Cub May, 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 25 Janet Morton by Polly Lotze In our own community Janet students to stretch their minds and has guided Christ the King School improve within their God-given Everyone knows our beloved from a self-contained learning abilities. Each year she has been principal of twenty-five years is environment to a shared class doing the same consistent and retiring. Janet Morton’s academic concept bringing the individual important vocation of bringing the foundation began with a B.A. from talents of many teachers to more little ones of CTKS to the Lord. Of the University of Connecticut and students. Technology in the form of course, multiply that by twenty- continued with a Masters of standardized classroom televisions five years. Education from Miami University and computers in the impressive When asked, Janet has noted of Ohio. If you’ve been a Christ the CTKS computer lab was a that she’s found her role as King parishioner for some time, particular goal of Janet’s. principal to be gratifying. Her you will have noted the academic Expansion of the school library to passion for service to others and and physical plant progress that its current status as the Sr. Therese resolution of problems of those in occurred during her years as Horan Resource Center was a very need drives the engine in her soul. principal of Christ the King School. special project close to her heart Speaking of her faculty, Janet Perhaps you have seen her at and proportionate to her admiration avers, “We are close, know each many of the students’ sporting and respect for its namesake. other’s habits, and cry and laugh through important passages of a events held both at CTKS and at Additional special class teachers to together.” With those words you shared faith development. For locations far and near. When a broaden the educational know the Janet Morton whose every school Mass in all grade parent drives back and forth for a experiences of all CTKS students husband, daughter, mother, cousin, levels, for every new student reader session of games in any given became a fait accompli along with and friends have loved for all her to take the microphone, Janet has sport, she feels every win and loss academic and spiritual life. At Christ the King School we prayed with him or her. Of course, with every fiber of her being for her development of all her faculty and have been privileged to have had multiply that number of children by child. When you’re Janet Morton, staff. Of course, multiply the twenty-five of Janet’s very best twenty-five years. you multiply that times all of the forward progression by twenty-five years. In the larger academic arena, children at all of the venues and by years. Janet shares pride of leadership in as many sports as CTKS sponsors. Janet Morton has provided a “Sing praise to the Lord with all inaugurating the diocesan gifted Of course, multiply by twenty-five solid foundation in the basics of your hearts. Give thanks to God the program for which she has served years. education, namely, spiritual, social, Father always and for everything as head principal, representing her For every sacramental year in emotional, and academic. The in the name of our Lord Jesus diocesan colleagues. Of course, second and eighth grades, Janet’s children of CTKS have been Christ.” multiply those students and personal and profound sense of nourished under her guidance. She EPH. 4:20 teachers by almost twenty years. faith has helped foster the students has the special ability to encourage Color poem - Red by Kelly Worthington Parish Picnic Red is a dragon as it takes flight, Red is the fire it breathes with all its might. July 2nd, after 5 pm Mass It is an apple as it sits in a bowl, Food & Games for all ages: The same in paint is his goal. Sack Races, Egg Toss, Bocci Ball, Water Balloon Toss Red is the melting wax of a candle, Horseshoes and Softball Challenge Red is a tea pot and its handle. Fireworks!! Fun for All!!! Red is a car zooming by, To see the red fireworks in the sky. Call John Klinkenberg Red is a sunset on a clear night, 726-5446(wk) 465-5428(cell) Like a ruby put in a ring just right. MMaarrkkeettiinngg MMaatthh by Stephanie Chinault standardized testing take the SAT, a college level exam for early identification of ability by Middle school can be a difficult time. Duke University. Throughout the years many Students carry a heavy load between students have scored high enough to be eligible schoolwork, extra curricular activities and for state recognition, national recognition and changing hormones. Nevertheless, Christ the for summer college course work at Duke King’s middle school has been blessed for 16 University. Lastly, Mrs. Cooney involves her years by the sunny disposition of their teacher, students in Math Counts, an annual engineering Susie Cooney. Her presence has had a positive competition. 1999 was a particularly gratifying influence on generations of students. year for Mrs. Cooney because three of the four Mrs. Cooney’s motto is: “Yesterday is former CTKS competitors were working as history, tomorrow a mystery, and today, with my engineers. These brief examples show the students, a gift. That is why we call it the positive influence Mrs. Cooney has had on our present.” This insistence on the “now” is students and their math abilities. reflected in Mrs. Cooney’s teaching. With a More than just academic excellence, Mrs. smile and a song, she has encouraged her Cooney encourages her students to live Catholic students to tackle the difficult subjects of ideals such as helping the less fortunate. She has Algebra, Integrated Math and General Math. done this by conducting the CTKS St. Jude Yearly, she has organized her top Math-A-Thon. Year to date, CTKS students Our school community has been blessed mathematicians to compete against other have raised over $70,000. This money goes to with the presence of Mrs. Cooney. She has led scholars at the Duval County Math Field Day. pay the medical bills of children stricken with CTKS middle school, led the CTKS math Here, CTKS students have achieved top cancer. In small ways as well, Mrs. Cooney lives program and brightened the lives of all our recognition for their performance. In addition, the Christian ethic. For instance, when a student students. Thank goodness she will be here for roughly fifty percent of seventh graders who loses a book, Mrs. Cooney leads a quick prayer years to come. have scored in the top five percent of ITBS to St. Anthony to find it. He usually does! Page 26 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 Christ the King Child Care News

by T. Little On March 8, 2005, the dental van came to visit and examined and On April 5, we were blessed with a visit from Bishop Galeone. We cleaned the children’s teeth. The children enjoyed the dentist and his took him around to all the classes so the children could meet him and he wonderful assistants. The van was a sight to see with two real dentist would be able to see them, too. Again it was quite interesting to hear the chairs and a TV that the children were able to watch while waiting. After children tell their parents that “God came to see us at school today,” and they got their teeth cleaned, the children were given a brand new it was most heartwarming to see the sparkle of joy in their eyes. toothbrush, and a report of how their exam went was given to mom and As you may have noticed our building has been repainted thanks to dad. A Big Thanks to the Duval County Health Department and the two wonderful angels that were sent to us. THANK YOU BOB RHODEN Jacksonville Children’s Commission for making this possible. AND LOUIE O’NEAL!!! Our Easter Egg Hunt was held on March 24, 2005. The Easter Bunny As the school year winds down, we are thankful for the many blessing came for his annual visit. The children enjoyed seeing the bunny and most we have received this year. We thank you, the parishioners of Christ the of all finding those eggs. Another Big Thanks to all the parents who King, for your prayers, so that we may continue to minister to God’s most volunteered to make it such a success. precious children. The Big Race by Sandra Sue Wellsboro Clay Ludwig is one very With a slight smile Clay also lay people call it the Hart Bridge. determined young man whose admitted to having some French This separates the men from the persistence made it possible for fries later, which, “kinda, sorta” boys because when you come down count toward fulfilling the carb him not only to participate in the off it you know the end is not long requirement! River Run but also to finish with a Clay’s dad had picked up their off. very respectable time. The River packets earlier so the day of the Of course his family was there Run, as most of you know, is an race all they needed to do was waiting on Atlantic Blvd near important event in Jacksonville present themselves at the starting Beach Road Chicken Dinner and with world-class runners coming point. After checking in each when they saw them a big cheer from all over the globe. Clay entrant is given a chip which one Ludwig had decided that he was went up as Clay and Kevin whizzed ties on his shoelace and this chip by! going to be part of this event even records the runner’s time from start Knowing he had made it though he is only 12 years. Clay is to finish. a student at Christ the King and is The race was scheduled to successfully across the Green in the 6th grade. begin at 8:30 a.m. Clay said the Monster, Clay begins to think, Clay has been dreaming about runners were stretching out, getting “When is this going to end?” Kevin doing the 15K River Run for psyched up for the start of the race. looked at him and spurred him on several years but his family felt he In Clay’s own words he said, with some encouraging words. was not quite ready to do the entire “There were thousands of people 15K. As preparation last year he “Come on Clay, we’re just about there. Kevin and I were in the two football fields away from the ran only 5K. For those of you who middle of this. In the beginning it do not know what K stands for, who is perfectly fine now. Kevin is is so compacted because everyone finish line.” With this news and which includes the writer, it stands an experienced runner having is running together. We had to seeing it with my own eyes, “I put for kilometers. This year Clay was competed for Bishop Kenny and weave in, out, and through people on my after-burners and sprinted determined to run the entire race. Valdosta State. Clay said that until we were able to find an across the finish line!” Clay and his dad, Carl began Kevin gave him a lot of pointers on opening which did not happen until Clay did make those 9.3 miles serious training toward the end of how to handle himself while the 4th or 5th mile.” in grand style completing the race January. They would practice training. “There were bands playing in 81 minutes and 11 seconds or during the week but on Saturday The Saturday before the big along the way and it would pump better said, 1 hour, 21 minutes, 11 they would do their “big run.” The race Kevin and Clay ran over the me up so I would spurt ahead. My course they followed would take Hart Bridge so they would have the cousin, Kevin, would say, ‘Slow seconds. Hooray for you! them down Atlantic Boulevard as feel of the bridge. It was getting down, Clay, we have a long way to After the race there were lots of far as Episcopal High School and very exciting and Clay was in high go.’” Both of them had their own festivities with everybody then back to their house. spirits as the time drew near. Part of stopwatches, so they were able to congratulating each other while Sometimes they would run even their strategy was to actually drive pace themselves. Clay said, drinking a long slow drink of water. more but all this came to an abrupt the race in Kevin’s car so they “Throughout the whole race we This very persistent young man halt when Clay’s dad had to have would know every inch and cranny were never much behind our own said he is now determined to run surgery. of it. schedule and then only a matter of Things have a way of working Clay said that the night before seconds.” this race every year and his goal out though because his cousin, the race runners are supposed to eat Before they knew it they were next year is to beat his time of 81 Kevin Wrubluski, who lived nearby a lot of carbohydrates but he had approaching what is affectionately minutes. Is there any doubt that he was able to take over for Clay’s dad roast beef, potatoes, and veggies. called the Green Monster or as we will do just that? May, 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 27 Inside the Parish Council by Katie Knowsit Catholics and new longer attend Mass on a regular programs are in the basis.” Katie might say that the Parish works. The Bishop concurred saying, Council reached its zenith for the When Mike “If Mom and Dad sleep in on year with the appearance of Bishop Mackin asked what Sunday morning ––what would you Galeone as its special guest. might be the best way expect of the kids?” The Bishop Needless to say, the members were to evangelize our then gave us some interesting there en masse for this very special faith, the Bishop statistics. He said the highest per occasion. John Klinkenberg, the responded by saying, capita income was earned by Council President, had the privilege “The best way to Presbyterians followed by of introducing the Bishop with a evangelize is face-to- Catholics but those who gave the very warm welcome. Anticipating a face contact, one-on most to their churches were large turnout for this event the one and should always Fundamentalists many of whom are Council had the foresight to move be done in a non- blue-collar workers. the meeting to the Parish Hall, The Bishop is a very warm, threatening manner.” The Bishop also said he has which easily accommodated the personable man who told the crowd Dan Sanford from Cub Scouts seen far too many Catholics come overflow crowd. The meeting was present that this was his put in a plug for open to everyone and for those who opportunity to get to know the scouting and said it were not in attendance all Katie can people of the parish and for should be thought of say is that you missed a spectacular parishioners to ask questions of the as an extension of evening with a chance to query the Bishop that they would not school and church. bishop on matters that concern our normally have an opportunity to do. Unfortunately, in the parish or diocese. But not to The Bishop said he gladly last few years worry—-read on! welcomes letters from parishioners participation has been as that is a way of knowing decreasing. He the minds and hearts of his informed the flock. He also said that he audience that one responds to all signed letters. could be 18 and still “If I have said or done join the Scouts. anything in error, I will “Where do I sign apologize and, if they (the up?” quipped the writers) are mistaken on any bishop. On a more issue, I will enlighten them. I serious note he said it cannot, however, change is a proven fact that those to Mass late, get Communion, and church policy.” youngsters committed to their then leave. “They drop a dollar in With that being said church and their activities go into the collection basket. What does Bishop Galeone said it was his Bishop Galeone threw the floor adulthood carrying their faith with that say about their faith? Surely, intention to visit 1/3 of the parishes open for parishioners to speak their them. there is no love relationship with each year and that it takes three The Bishop himself posed the the Lord.” years to complete one cycle. If all question of how our poor boxes Bishop Galeone said that in his goes as planned, he will visit Christ were used. Ernie Waller of the St. pastoral letter he tried to emphasize the King one more time before he Vincent de Paul Society explained a stewardship of love. We must retires. This, of course, excludes his that all the money that is placed so look inside ourselves and ask if we yearly Confirmation visit. He generously in the Christ the King spend more money beautifying makes these visitations so that he poor boxes by our parishioners ourselves and satisfying our will have first hand knowledge of goes directly to each particular parish and the help those in problems that they may be facing. need. On the first day of his visit Ernie asked Bishop Galeone met with our the Bishop if he priests and the rectory staff. That could nudge very evening – which you are now mind on a variety of issues and that other parishes to reading about – is when he met they did. form St. Vincent Katie will try to give you a de Paul smattering of the subjects covered Conferences as and the Bishop’s response to what the need is ever was asked. The concerns ran the expanding due gamut from finding ways to make to the changing the JEA “neighbor to neighbor times. policy” more familiar to the people The Bishop stated he could not appetites than we put in the of Jacksonville to looking for the order any parish to form a collection basket.” answers to keep our youth conference but he certainly would “Remember,” the Bishop said, interested in the Catholic faith as encourage it! Lucille Guzzone of “the good that we do, we do for they entered high school and Religious Education spoke up and Jesus.” beyond. said we need to stop blaming the It was very evident that Bishop In response to JEA “neighbor to church for the poor attendance of Galeone cares much about his flock neighbor policy,” which was posed the youth. “It’s not the Church; it’s in Jacksonville. The manner in by Tom Thomas, Bishop Galeone the families. Many families no which he received the myriad of Bishop Galeone dropped in said he was unfamiliar with this questions, his to visit at The Atrium program but had every intention of graciousness to the with the Parish Council and any looking into the matter. For those audience, and his parishioner who wished to attend who may not be aware of this assurance that he would the meeting. The following day was program, the idea is for the JEA personally look into the set aside for Mass with the school customer to specify a certain dollar concerns of the children after which the Bishop amount to be added to their bill parishioners only spent the remainder of the day each month for the purpose of reaffirmed this belief. meeting with the children in the assisting the poor. And for all you classrooms and talking with the As to keeping the youth parishioners who missed school administration and staff. He involved, our new youth director, this meeting, you still even found time to visit the Christina Davis, said she have time to get in on the children in our Christ the King personally has visited the kids at second cycle, Katie Childcare. Bishop Kenny and Terry Parker to Knowsit! get input on the needs of young Page 28 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 Where There’s a Window, There’s a Way by Barbara Hanuscin from Christ’s life and symbols of there along with his friend Tillitson, on a trip down the Indian River our faith. who would be at our disposal for with Olivia. We ventured out on our Have you ever found yourself We knew we were doing the transportation several of the days. own and climbed a mountain and somewhere and marveling at how windows but our next hurdle was to My friend, Mamah Alexis, would also went snorkeling. Word had you came to be there, but you knew transport them. Many negative be our hostess for the stay and traveled about the three white you were there to accomplish a people would tell me it wasn’t greeted us with open arms as she women who were working on the special mission? Such is the possible to do so without breakage. always has. windows. I renewed friendships adventure of the Stained Glass We wouldn’t give in to the The first night we experienced and met with those I had met only Windows for Saint Anne’s Church negativity. Fortunately, many torrential rains washing through in Coulibistrie, Commonwealth of people began brainstorming and and devastating parts of Dominica in the West Indies. lending prayerful support. Small Coulibistrie. The people’s My friend, Father Elveau financial contributions came in acceptance of the hardship made Augustine, pastors Saint Theresa’s from several members of the it easy for me when my daughter Church in Salisbury and Saint Queens and Kings and even from a phoned to tell me a tree had Anne’s Church community in Seventh Day Adventist Church in fallen on my house. I was able to Coulibistrie. Both churches are in Georgia. Message Thread friends just give it to God and not worry need of repair. submitted over it. I knew He would take Saint Anne’s scriptures, care of it as He always does. cornerstone from poetry and The next day our faith was the original prayers for rewarded, as the only breakage building dates back brochures for was a small chip in a spare piece to the 1700’s. the occasion. of glass! We set up our workshop My mother had Pat Setser, of in the courtyard adjacent to Saint through the Message Thread. Some a strong devotion Christ the King, Anne’s, beneath the shade of a huge lived on the island and others came to Saint Anne and offered her mango tree complete with a mango to visit from other countries while I made many graphics hanging precariously above our was there. pilgrimages to the expertise. She worktable! Thankfully the mango Just a few days before our time shrine in Canada. I and her held tight to its branch! We laid out would be up, Earl completed the thought it would be husband, Jim, the glass for the crescents at the changes to the shutters. We enlisted a fitting memorial to her and would printed and folded all 600 foot of the altar. There was a sense the strength of several of the youth help St. Anne’s church if I could brochures, absorbing the expense. of significance and ceremony and literally played musical have a special window made in her A job transition provided back seeing the glass offering. Villagers windows fitting the shutters, each memory. My sister, Betsy, is a vacation pay that was enough to came to observe and to offer with small variances, into the stained glass artisan. Her studio, cover the airfares for my sister, my refreshments. One young man proper frames. To my amazement Grafe Stained Glass is in Georgia. niece and myself. A pre- doing the cement work on the choir there was a window that had not With the help of a young man from employment condition of a new job loft showed a special interest. We been figured in the designs of the Salisbury, whom I met on the allowed me the travel time. would teach Andy how to do the architect. It was to the left of the Dominican Message Thread, the My sister spied six molded altar and Father wanted something plans designed by a German cases at a garage sale and very special for it. architect several years before, were measured them. Sure enough We were given beautiful hand secured. When my sister saw the the windows would fit carved plaques in appreciation at plans, she felt we could do all of the perfectly! We would take the Novena one evening. I told the windows! That really ignited minimal other items and a case parishioners that only God could excitement! of windows as our carry on have designed the windows. I say There would be eight sets of baggage. When it came time to this because my sister and I were louvered shuttered windows, which change to a smaller plane in not raised together and did not would have 14 x 16 inch windows Puerto Rico, the officer was meet until I was 28 years old. Only in the tops of each shutter. Above going to take the carry-on God would know that in another each pair would be larger crescent baggage and stow it in cargo! I 28 years we would be together windows. At my sister’s prodding, I gripped the handle tighter and putting windows in a tiny church contacted the folks at Creative Art said a prayer. The officer on a far away island called Glass. They would not discount the circled around us and kept looking glass and instruct him in the Dominica! $1,000 worth of medallions that at our cases. To our relief we installation and possible repairs if We weren’t able to see the would be the center of the boarded the plane with our precious later needed. There was one hitch! windows completely installed but I windows. Instead they donated all windows in hand! The woodsman did not use the received word recently that they are the medallions for free! Father was We arrived at the airport to a same dimensions that we were in and photos are on the way. Also actually speechless, which has wonderful “homecoming”. Olivia given. This called for extra work on the German architect has learned of some humor as his spirit-filled Douglas, the director of CALLS, his part and our work was at a stand their installation. I have some met us with lovely tropical flowers. still. homilies can last for several hours German ancestry, I wonder if there at a time! He and I carefully chose You may recall seeing photos of the We spent the next several days is another connection, but only God the medallions depicting scenes CALLS students, in past issues of touring with Tillitson. David, a The Courier. Father Elveau was former student of CALLS, took us in His infinite wisdom knows!

Dear God: Doc Broome’s Benefit Ball Returns We read Thomas Edison by Butch Ferrizzi fellow knights in 4727 together for a yearly social function and then to raise funds from Dr. Frank Broome had a dream. As one made light. But in Sunday the Ball to help in support of the charitable of the founding Fathers of the Arlington endeavors of the council.. Doc would be school they said You did it. Knights of Columbus Council 4727, “Doc” as proud today of what his dream has he was affectionately known to all, was the Soooo...... I bet he stole accomplished. knight of all knights. An optometrist by trade, Your idea. On April 30 after a three year lapse the Doc tirelessly gave of himself to his council Doc Broome Benefit Ball returned, and and his many patients. Behind the scenes returned it did. With a stunning performance Doc’s charitable works and generosity was by Prince Pele’s Polynesian Review and just a way of life for him but touched so many. Band, the Kingdome was packed again. Just The Benefit Ball as we know it was mention Doc Broome and they will come! started by Doc over 50 years ago, with a dual Doc, you would be proud as your purpose in mind. One was to bring all of his legacy and desires live on. May, 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 29

Knights of Columbus Council #4727

2005 Free- Throw Contest IN SERVICE by Staff Writer Jacksonville. Beginning with our Prizes were awarded at each level council it was held at Christ the for first, second and third place. At TO ONE The annual Free-Throw Contest King Catholic School then on to St. the state level all received a tee- begins in January, and is open to Augustine for the regionals. Next shirt for their participation. If you IN SERVICE any child between the ages of 9 and came state finals in Kissimmee, like basketball, boys and girls, bet- 14. This year’s participation was a Florida. I must say the boys and ter practice your free throws, ‘cause bit disappointing because last year girls were very competitive and we’d love to see you at next year’s TO ALL we had a larger group of kids from enjoyed the contests at their level. contest.

EMERGENCY PREGNANCY SERVICES

by Frank Becht, PGK same clinic. She told me how unprofessional didn’t want to disappoint him. Now, she feels the doctor was (she added “...if she was even a comfortable enough to tell him and no longer On April 19, 2005, Arlington Council #4727 doctor.”) and how something just didn’t feel feels the need to ‘get rid’ of the problem. had a special guest speaker at an open meeting right about the abortion clinic. She also shared We spoke at length about what a miracle this for its members and spouses at the Council Hall. that she had had another abortion a couple of is and that her baby is a fighter. She agreed that The special guest was Tracie Cox, Executive years ago, at 16, and didn’t seem openly upset her baby has a special purpose and is meant to Director of Emergency Pregnancy Services. about it. be here. Her baby was able to survive an abor- Tracie is not a stranger to the Council for in the I asked a few questions to try and better tion… he has a mission in this world. We might past year when EPS had to move to new quar- understand what might have happened during not know what it is right now, but God has a ters, several knights and their spouses assisted the abortion. She explained that it was a surgi- very special plan for him. The whole time we in renovating the new facilities located at 1637 cal abortion and that she did bleed heavily after- talked she kept looking over the pictures of her King Street, Jacksonville, Florida. wards. Alyse said, “It was just like my first baby. She said “I did not know it was a As a result of funding changes, EPS lost its abortion and I didn’t have a reason to think any- baby…There is no way that I could try to abort facility to perform sonograms for a limited time thing went wrong.” I began to believe this must my baby again, not after seeing this.” until able to purchase ultrasound equipment and be a new pregnancy. I knew that the only thing We hugged, we cried and Alyse chose life hire a sonographer. In Jacksonville, only two that would tell us for sure was the ultrasound. As for her son. soon as I placed the transducer on her belly, I An angel wrapped herself around this tiny agencies have the ability to perform such criti- knew it was the same baby. The baby measured life on that fateful day in January. He was pro- cally important tests. a little over 15 weeks and I knew at that moment tected and held in the most special way. Only Tracie Cox presented a touching story of life that I was looking at a miracle. Alyse and I God knows how his life is planned to make a and some interesting facts about EPS’ 30 year watched her baby roll around, scratch its head, difference. Maybe it starts with you hearing his history and the importance of having the ability try to put its thumb in its mouth, kick and wave story. to perform sonograms. its hands for almost 45 minutes. We didn’t dis- Alyse returned to EPS on Wednesday of the Here is the story that she shared: cuss the abortion and we didn’t discuss what she next week for a follow up scan. She brought her Alyse* called her best friend’s mother, was going to do… we just watched, laughed and sister in to see the baby also. We verified that Lora*, for help. Lora was a nurse and Alyse felt joy for the active life that was growing this miracle is indeed a boy and she told us “if thought she could help her with her medical inside her. She began to guide me and ask me to you all wouldn’t have been here, this baby problem. Lora listened to her story and know- print pictures of certain things. I knew right would not be alive today.” She shared that if she ing about Emergency Pregnancy Services, then that she was bonding and falling in love had gone to the ER or back to a clinic she called and asked if we could help. We encour- with her baby. Neither of us spoke of the possi- wouldn’t have seen her son and wouldn’t have aged her to come see us. The following story bility of the abortion taking any of the baby’s made a choice for life. She was happy that we unfolded during Holy Week at our center. It is a limbs, but we were both thinking it. I would would be sharing her story and wants to thank story that everyone should hear. (As told by our freeze the screen so that she could see each and all of the people that made this available to her sonographer) every limb and she joyfully counted fingers and by their donations. She kept saying “I can’t Alyse came into the center and explained identified parts of her baby’s body. We are both believe this is all free.” that she had an abortion two months ago. She pretty sure that it’s a boy, but she plans to come wasn’t feeling right recently and had fainted at back in a few weeks to confirm the gender. *(name changed) work a few nights before. She decided to take a After Alyse’s ultrasound we began to talk. home pregnancy test – it came back positive. I She is a fulltime college student and expressed Should you wish further information, please inquired if this could be a new pregnancy, but fears that she would not be able to finish school. she insisted that it couldn’t. When I asked what contact Tracie Cox at (904) 308-7510 or write to She lives with her father and feels confident that her at 1637 King St. Jacksonville, Florida, her plans were, she explained that she would he will be supportive. I believe that the only 32204. probably have another abortion, but not at the reason she had not told him yet was because she Page 30 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 Christ the King School Honor Roll Second Quarter, 2004-2005 4A Christian Chan Ashlea McCrone Robert Yarborough** Darian Azar 8B Austin Boyd Darby Clower Emily Mikell** 6B Melissa Mitchell** Lina Bahri Jordan Clapp Peter House Victoria Salud** Alex DeLoach Alina Musharbash Gis D’Orazio Caitlyn Considine** Angela Hyse Sterling Tomlinson Justin Essick Grazielle Ramirez Gabrielle Fares** Stephanie Grochmal Kyle Kadlub 5B Sarah Koch Madeline Sciullo** Kirsten Greene Nicholas Johnson Jackie Lewis** Johnarmon Antolin** Clayton Ludwig** Hannah Smith Taylor Howard Kevin Klima Sunshine Ramirez Brooke Asher Danielle Wheeler Kelsey Taylor Andy Klima Denielle Lim Noelle Solis** Adam De Vera Tyler Williamson 8A Florence Kuo** Huy Mai Aleeza Tecson** Zachary Favre 7A Britnie Banks Dustin Layland Tori Nolen John Luke Vega Kelsey Hayes Kaylee Burke Samuel Ekkawi Michael Mayotte Jack Ogin Mark Wnuk Devin Rhoden Crystal Claxton Christine Grochmal** Megan McClellan Lauren Reynolds 5A Emily Shaw Patrick Considine** Taylor Hull Jimmy Mollenhour Gabrielle Stoddard Ashley Anderson 6A Christina Diaz** Kyle Longenecker Jeannette Saliba Katie Tackett Brandon Chin Parker Flye Mallory Frye** Brian Orcullo Hillary Turner Maria Tran Maverick Claxton Joseph Francis Anastasia Mann** Rachel Scott Josh Urbizu Jan Dela Cruz** Jason Infante** Tyler Wildes** Michael Smith ** denotes all A’s 4B Nicole Fares** Laura Jones Dena Yazji Jacob Stromatt Austin Asher Paul Longenecker Amanda Niesen 7B Amy Wallace Brianna Brugnolotti Yara Mahfouz Shelly Sciullo Joshua Alvarez Kelly Worthington** Third Quarter, 2004-2005 4A 4B Brandon Chin Amanda Niesen Melissa Mitchell** Kelly Worthington Austin Boyd Austin Asher Maverick Claxton Robert Yarborough** Grazielle Ramirez 8B Jordan Clapp Brianna Brugnolotti Jan Dela Cruz** 6B Madeline Sciullo** Lina Bahri Caitlyn Considine** Christian Chan** Nicole Fares** Alex DeLoach** Sawson Shami Gus D’Orazio Palmer Frye Darby Clower Kayla Klinkenberg Victoria Harris Hannah Smith Gabrielle Fares** Stephanie Grochmal Tony Crocco Paul Longenecker Clayton Ludwig** Kelsey Taylor Kirsten Greene Niocholas Johnson Peter House Yara Mahfouz Tyler Williamson 8A Florence Kuo** Joseph Kersch Kyle Kadlub Ashlea McCrone Emily Wolfe Britnie Banks** Dustin Layland** Kevin Klima Jackie Lewis** Emily Mikell 7A Samuiel Ekkawi Michael Mayotte** Denielle Lim Tyler Medeiros Victoria Salud** Kaylee Burke Christine Grochmal** Megan McClellan Huy Mai** Megan Messer 5B Patrick Considine Kyle Longenecker Jimmy Mollenhour** Tori Nolen Sean Patti Johnarmon Antolin Christina Diaz** Matthew Niesen Jeannette Saliba Jack Ogin Sunshine Ramirez Adam De Vera Mallory Frye** Brian Orcullo Hillary Turner** Lauren Reynolds Noelle Solis** Zaachary Favre Steven Gardner Mary K.Register James Scanlan Aleeza Tecson** Emily Shaw Anastasia Mann** Tacoma Robinson ** denotes all A’s Gabrielle Stoddard John Luke Vega 6A Tyler Wildes** Max Schanze Katie Tackett Madison Vestal Parker Flye Dena Yazji Rachel Scott Maria Tran Mark Wnuk Megan Garman 7B Michael Smith Josh Urbizu 5A Jason Infante** Darian Azar Jacob Stromatt Ashley Anderson Mackenzie Nichols Jordan Kierce Amy Wallace Christ the King Carnival was a huge success Congratulations There were fun times, great food and happy faces to all! Thank you for all your support

Congratulations to the following Christ the King Parishioners who were inducted into the Bishop Kenny High School Chapter of the National Honor Society:

William Blanchard Brian Burnes Christopher Infante Victoria Lynch Lauren McGill Paul Nguyen Lauren Petit Jacob Plotz Andrea Toledo Steven Vergenz.

We Salute you!!!! National Honor Society at BK May, 2005 Christ the King Catholic Church Page 31 Q: What do you enjoy most about Christ the King’s LIFE TEEN Meet the Ministry? A: There is so much I enjoy about New Youth Director LIFE TEEN! The time to socialize and get to know by Starr Bishop teens, the in-depth topics about our Catholic Q: What is your full name? teachings, the annual A: Christina Lyn Davis Steubenville Q: How long have you been a youth director? Conference. It is hard A: I have been at Christ the King for three months now. Prior to that I was to say that I like one at San Juan Del Rio for nearly five years as the youth director. I have better then the other. also been involved in youth ministry and religious education as It is just awesome to teacher on and off since I was in high school. be around people who Q: Why did you want to be a youth director? want to know more A: I have always felt a calling from God to work with youth, but in a about our faith! different way. It took me quite a bit of time to figure it out though. Q: Are you married? How First I thought it was teaching, then counseling but those weren’t it. long? Do you have any Finally, I handed my life completely to God and said okay you tell me children? what to do- you have one year! Sure enough through a lot of prayer A: Jason, my husband, and I have and through my efforts volunteering in youth ministry the answer been married for six years and one came. month! We have one special little guy in our lives Owen who just Q: What were you before becoming a youth director? turned eight months old. A: I worked at AT&T Universal Card/Citi Bank in various positions. Q: What does your husband do? Q: Have you always been Catholic? A: Jason is a Chef at a private club in Ponte Vedra. A: Yes, I was baptized when I was four weeks old. My mother is Catholic Q: Have you always lived in Jacksonville? and my father isn’t, but my mom made sure we went to Mass each A: No, I moved here from California when I was a junior in high school. Sunday, attended Catholic school when it was possible and were It was a tough move but I am growing to like Jacksonville more and involved not just on Sunday. more. Jason Evert Catholic Youth Rally by Bradley Saad

Jason Evert visited Assumption in April and spoke to the middle and high school grades about living a pure life. Sixteen teens from our church went in addition to the classes in the middle school religious education program and Christ the King School. Jason’s talk was very energetic and he was able to reach out and touch the hearts of students. Jason also let you really know what Christ did for us and how to love and respect Him more with ourselves. Jason has written several books and also has a web site, www.pureloveclub.com, he encouraged us to check it out. His books are available at local Catholic bookstores or are available from the Youth Office along with a video of the presentation that took place in April.

by Bradley Saad

On April 9th, 2005, fifty-four youths from Christ the King, Blessed Trinity, and Mayport went to Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando for a Catholic Youth Rally. During the two-hour bus ride the church’s youth groups got to know each other and make new friends. Not only were these three churches going to the rally but Catholic churches from all over the state of Florida. During the rides and festivities there was an atmosphere of great joy for the peace and joy that the Lord gives. There were many small things that made this day at an amusement park different from the rest. At 5:30 there was a worship ceremony that took place at the pavilion. Matthew Klinkenburg was able to get reservations at Margaritaville for a sit-down dinner. Everyone enjoyed it thoroughly and there were people on large stilts that made balloon figures and danced for us. Though the ride was late it wasn’t dull and the conversation and fellowship continued. Page 32 Christ the King Courier May, 2005 Diocesan Vocation Director Visits Parish by Paul Ghiotto commissioned the following year (Nov. 1976). Father Alan served Father Alan Bower, Diocesan aboard her for 40 months as the Vocation Director and pastor of Supply Officer. A highlight was Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in meeting President Jimmy Carter Jacksonville, visited the parish on who visited the “boat” and told him April 16 and 17. Father Alan was that he, too, was an ensign and making a “homecoming” of sorts supply officer aboard the Navy’s since Christ the King was his first first nuclear sub, the Nautilus. parish assignment as a newly While on shore duty at Cecil ordained priest back in 1989. Field NAS in the summer of 1979 Father Bower gave the homily he got more involved in his at each of the weekend Masses. The Catholic faith. He was asked by the principal messages delivered were: base’s Catholic chaplain, Father “God has a plan for each of us; God Roch Laurenzano, if he would is always speaking to us; in order to teach the Fifth Grade CCD class. discern God’s plan we must be He did and realized the following willing to listen to God; in order to summer that there was more to it listen to God we need to prepare than just having enjoyed the and open our hearts; our experience. He began to ask the willingness to listen is the real question, “God, is there something challenge.” You want me to do other than what “In order to hear God’s voice I’m doing?” today we need certain points of While still on active duty, he reference. The Gospels come to us definitely needs more priests it dropping him off, told him, “Alan, concluded during the summer of from the Apostles. In them Jesus always has needed a dedicated you do what you feel you have to 1982 he “must” enter the seminary tells us that when the Church laity. His role as vocations director do, not what you think I want you to find out if he’s being called to the speaks in His name in matters of includes helping each of the to do.” He joined a fraternity, priesthood. The following summer faith and morals that we should diocese’s hundred or so changed his major three times in he resigned his naval commission, listen and follow His teachings. parishes/schools develop a the first year(!) and eventually entered the Naval Reserve, and Jesus established His Church “vocations culture” to address this majored in Economics. enrolled in a pre-Theology program primarily for those who are sinners need. The plan is for each parish to Before entering Purdue, he at St. Meinrad, a Benedictine and sick spiritually and that the appoint a vocations coordinator and thought he’d become a pilot in monastery in southern Indiana. He Church will endure until He comes a standing committee for vocations either the Navy or Air Force but later studied at St. Vincent de Paul again.” in each parish. this plan was derailed by the strict seminary in Boynton Beach, FL “When we pray the Lord’s To help vocations directors do a mandatory eyesight requirements and was ordained by Bishop Prayer we should do so as the Lord better job membership is Snyder on May 20, 1989 in St. intended. We should especially “. . . keep in mind the maintained in two organizations – Augustine. keep in mind the meaning of the the National Coalition for Church meaning of the phrase, The day of Father Alan’s phrase, “Thy will be done.” Those Vocations and the National “Thy will be done.” ordination he transferred from the who do so surely will discover Conference of Diocesan Vocational Supply Corps to the Chaplains great joy and fulfillment in their Those who do so surely will Directors. The latter met last year Corps and spent the summer of life on earth and a heavenly reward in Anchorage, AK and this fall will discover great joy and 1989 in Newport, RI for the Navy’s thereafter.” meet in Tampa, FL. fulfillment in their life on earth Basic Chaplain School course. Prior to his visit to Christ the Currently there are ten Upon completion he began his first King, Father Bower met with me in and a heavenly reward seminarians studying for the priestly assignment here at Christ his “nautically-appointed office” in thereafter.” diocese who are below the deacon the King on September 1, 1989. the rectory at Blessed Trinity. We level. Father Alan meets with of the period. While in college, he The following June he was had been “shipmates” in a Naval seminarians and seminary met the love of his life and was assigned to Epiphany Parish in Reserve Supply unit at NAS JAX leadership on a regular basis. This being groomed for the family Lake City. for about a year just prior to his way he keeps up with what’s going business. As it turned out, she He retired from the Reserves on ordination. Decorating the walls on in their lives and concerns on changed her mind, but Father Alan January 1, 2003. Prior to that, he were an assortment of Navy both sides of the aisle. still ended up working for her was recalled to active duty in 1991 plaques and memorabilia noting In addition to placing newly- father with Lincoln National Life in for Desert Shield/Storm for 8 ½ assignments aboard numerous ordained priests in parishes that St. Petersburg, FL. months. He also returned to active ships and stations during a Navy will be a good fit, Bishop Galeone Two years later a college buddy duty in September, 1997 as base career that included 14 years of began a program for priests who had become a hotshot F-14 chaplain at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba active duty and 14 plus in the ordained five years or less to meet Navy pilot told him that the until March 1999 and Command Drilling Reserves. together for support the first eyesight requirements had been Chaplain of the USS WASP (LHD- Prior to his appointment to Tuesday of each month at the relaxed and he ought to look at 1) until September, 2000 before Blessed Trinity, he was asked by Catholic Center on St. Augustine getting in. Though he aced the returning to the diocese. Bishop Victor Galeone in May Road in Jacksonville. “Navigation” part of the USAF Father Bower said that his dad 2004 if he would be interested in Father Alan graciously shared exam, the physical exam closed wasn’t too happy with his career taking Father John Tetlow’s place with me the events leading to his that opportunity due to visual change since, among other reasons, as vocation director. Father Tetlow call to the priesthood. He was born acuity. Fortunately, a sharp Navy he was his only son and had big had done an outstanding job in the in Dayton, Ohio on December 28, recruiter pointed out that his best plans for him in carrying on the role for 12 plus years and was due 1950 to Arlie & Ruth Ann Bower. chance for entering the military family name, etc. When asked by for relief. After consulting his He has a younger sister, Linda, who would be via the Supply Corps his son if he remembered what he religious director, who said, “Do lives in Arizona. He graduated from since he was a natural for it by had told him years ago in the fall of it!” he called the bishop back and North Central High School in virtue of his extensive business 1968, dad wasn’t too happy when said, “OK.” Father Bower said that Indianapolis. While in high school background. told! In closing his homily he since his belief is that he is here to he decided that his life plan would After OCS (March 1975), reminded the congregation: serve the Church and to discover involve getting married, having Supply Corps School (Sept. 1975), “While children are gifts from God what God’s work is for him, then children and serving his country. and Submarine School (Nov. 1975) they aren’t owned by their becoming vocation director was a He even had selected names for his he was assigned to the LOS parents!” good fit. kids and had drawn up plans for his ANGELES (SSN-688) Father Bower has had many Father Bower stated that home – just needed to find a mate PRECOMMUNIT. This lead ship interesting career assignments but, approximately one in 500 youth to make it so! of the nuclear-powered LOS without a doubt, he has found his will receive a call to religious life Nevertheless, he entered ANGELES Class fast-attack vocation for life. May the rest of us as either a priest, brother, nun, or Purdue University as a freshman in submarine series was be so fortunate! Are we listening? deacon, etc. While the Church the fall of 1968. His dad, upon