Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral Rosary Walk U.S

Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral Rosary Walk U.S. Bishops Cathedral Restoration September 11 Assembly Fundraiser Commemoration 2

the Catholic The Magazine of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands Most Reverend Herbert A. Bevard Welcome New Ministers PUBLISHER Father Charles Crespo EDITOR The Most Reverend Herbert A. Bevard, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands November 2009 • Vol. 25 : Issue 6 Deacon Ernesto Rodriguez SPANISH EDITOR iaconate Ordinations Bernetia Akin, Valerie Douté His Excellency Bishop PROOFREADERS Herbert Bevard ordained Br. James Petrait, OSFS WEB MASTER Clement Danet and Bernard Gibs of St. Anne Chapel Deacon Emith Fludd CIRCULATION Dto the permanent diaconate at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on September The Catholic Islander is published 26. Deacon Danet has been assigned to monthly by the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. P.O. Box the cathedral, and Deacon Gibs has been 301825, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin assigned to the chapel. With ordination, their Islands, 00803-1825 http://www. catholicislander.com Telephone: (340) service at liturgies and in the community has 774-3166, Fax: (340) 774-5816 expanded. They also will begin officiating at New Acolytes E-mail: [email protected] baptisms, weddings and funerals. Presently, His Excellency Bishop Herbert Bevard © FAITH Catholic™. they are studying homiletics in preparation conferred the ministry of acolyte on three Please submit news, for the faculties to preach. men at St. Patrick Church on St. Croix digital photography when he celebrated Mass on September and advertising for the 27. Carlos Pena, Juan Soto and Pierre December 2009 issue of Tepie were appointed to assist the priests The Catholic Islander by and deacons in liturgical celebrations, November 9, 2009.

bishop’s desk the bishop’s notes from especially in the celebration of Mass. Pictured above, left to right: Mr. Pena, Mr. Tepie, Bishop Bevard, and Mr. Soto. what you’ll get in this issue Sunday, November 1, 8:30 a.m., All Saints November 21–22, Mission Appeal, St. Peter Day Mass, Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Church, Newcastle, Delaware. St. Thomas. Tuesday, November 24, 9 a.m., All-School Monday, November 2, 5:30 p.m. Procession Pre-Thanksgiving Mass, St. Ann Church, and 6 p.m. All Souls Day Mass, Our Lady of St. Croix. Perpetual Help Church, St. Thomas. Tuesday, November 24, 1:30 p.m., Ss. Wednesday, November 4, 12:15 p.m., Peter and Paul School Pre-Thanksgiving Mass, Mass, Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, St. Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, St. Thomas. Thomas. Thursday, November 26, 9 a.m., Sunday, November 8, 7:30 a.m. Mass and Thanksgiving Mass, Ss. Peter and Paul cover story 8 11 a.m. Dominica Independence Day Mass, Cathedral, St. Thomas. The Month of the Rosary Holy Family Church, St. Thomas. Friday, November 27, 6 p.m. Holy Hour 4 Catholic Education Friday, November 13, Knights of Malta and 7 p.m. Mass, Our Lady of Perpetual Help 4 Local News bishop’s calendar bishop’s meeting, New York. Church, St. Thomas. 7 Spotlight on Youth 9 ¡Buenas noticias! November 14–15, Mission Appeal, Saturday, November 28, 5:30 p.m. Pennsylvania. Confessions and 6:30 p.m. Mass, Our Lady of 10 Theology 101 Perpetual Help Church, St. Thomas. 12 Parish Calendars November 16–19, United States Conference 13 Saint of the Month of Catholic Bishops Fall General Assembly, Sunday, November 29, 6:30 a.m. Mass, 8 14 Year for Priests Baltimore, Maryland. a.m. Confessions, 9 a.m. Mass, Our Lady of 15 Priest of the Month Perpetual Help Church, St. Thomas.

The Catholic Catholic The St. Patrick Church on St. Croix. St. on Church Patrick St. for tabernacle new a crafted McBean Andre - St. Thomas at Mass on October 17. October on Mass at Thomas St. St. Thomas at Mass on October 18. October on Mass at Thomas St. and will continue establishing a diocesan-wide Haitian Haitian diocesan-wide a establishing continue will and Neil Scantlebury as Pastor of Holy Family Church on on Church Family Holy of Pastor as Scantlebury Neil His Excellency Bishop Herbert Bevard installed Msgr. Msgr. installed Bevard Herbert Bishop Excellency His His Excellency Bishop Herbert Bevard installed Very Rev. Rev. Very installed Bevard Herbert Bishop Excellency His Jerome Feudjio as Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on on Cathedral Paul and Peter Ss. of Rector as Feudjio Jerome for Human Development (CCHD) on November 21–22. CCHD is is CCHD 21–22. November on (CCHD) United the of Development program Human for justice social and anti-poverty domestic the Bishops. Catholic of Conference States Herbert Bevard blessed the the blessed Bevard Herbert Patrick St. at tabernacle new when Croix St. on Church Sep on Mass celebrated he Custom-made 27. tember St. of McBean Andre by local is tabernacle the Croix, the of much like mahogany, emblem The new The interior. omega. and church alpha the is tabernacle the altar. of the doors the behind on directly wall the on placed was tabernacle effective Thomas, St. on Chapel Anne St. of Administrator of as editor Crespo managing as continue will He 1. November Islander outreach. Parishes will have a second collection for the Catholic Campaign Campaign Catholic the for collection second a have will Parishes Pastors Installed Two New Tabernacle New Bishop Excellency His Charles Father appointed Appointment has Bevard Herbert Bishop Excellency His Second Collection .com catholicislander 2009 November / Islander Catholic The / www. Nov. 12 | 11 | St. Josaphat, and martyr Nov. bishop bishop Nov. 10 | St. Martin of Tours, Nov. 9 | St. Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the church Nov. At the assembly, the bishops will hear an address address an hear will bishops the assembly, the At following: the on votes include items action Other Plan” Divine the in Love and Missal Roman New the Life of Sections • “Marriage: letter, Pastoral • “Life-giving technologies, reproductive on Document • Religious and “Ethical in 58 no. directive of Revision • preliminary The meeting agenda also will include a generosity of all those who have made contributions generosity Appeal. As the end or pledges to the 2009 Bishop’s to those who this is a reminder of 2009 approaches, donation made pledges and have not made a recent payments as soon as to please send in your overdue possible. Those with questions about their balance due Douté at the Catholic encouraged to contact Valerie are Chancery at (340) 774-3166. pre-Thanksgiving Masses for Catholic School students on pre-Thanksgiving St. Patrick November 24. Students of St. Mary, Tuesday, will be bussed to the and St. Joseph Schools on St. Croix at 9 a.m. Students of Ss. Peter Mass at St. Ann Church and Paul School on St. Thomas will attend the Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral at 1:30 p.m. Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference Conference States United the of Assembly General Fall on Maryland, Baltimore, in (USCCB) Bishops Catholic of 16–19. November Francis Cardinal USCCB, the of president the by chairs-elect USCCB the elect and Chicago, of George and Life Consecrated Clergy, on Committees the of Human and Justice Domestic Worship; Divine Vocations; and Youth; and Life Family Marriage, Laity, Development; Migration. Technology” of Age an in Love Services” Care Health Catholic for Directives sexual on the Causes and Context Study on clergy report Jay College of abuse of minors conducted by the John by the National Religious Criminal Justice and a report study of religious on a recent Conference Vocation vocations. First Annual Keys and Sword Award Benefit. He asked asked He Benefit. Award Sword and Keys Annual First 6, February Saturday, of Date” the “Save everyone that His recipient, first the honoring in him join and 2010, event The Thomas. Elliott Emeritus Bishop Excellency Beach Reef Frenchman’s Marriott the at place take will silent and raffles dancing, dinner, include will and Resort Cathedral the support and calendars your Mark auction. Bobbi contact information, For Project. Restoration 213. ext. 774-3166, (340) at Reynolds Bishop’s Appeal Bishop’s the appreciates sincerely His Excellency Bishop Bevard Pre-Thanksgiving School Masses Pre-Thanksgiving will celebrate two His Excellency Bishop Herbert Bevard U.S. Bishops Assembly Bishops U.S. the attend will Bevard Herbert Bishop Excellency His His Excellency Bishop Herbert Bevard has announced the the announced has Bevard Herbert Bishop Excellency His Keys and Sword Gala and Sword Keys Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica 4 | Feast 3 | St. Charles Borromeo, bishop Nov. Nov. religious 2 | St. Martin de Porres, 1 | All Souls Day Nov. Liturgical Solemnity All Saints Nov. Calendar: 4 dance in front of the senior class head local news Senior Evanya Schuster performed a catholic education table during the Introductory Night. Senior ClassIntroductory Night consecutive yearofVirgin Islands November 15–21.Thisistheseventh and HomelessnessAwareness Week, will participateinNationalHunger Council andtheContinuumofCare and othermembersoftheInteragency Catholic CharitiesoftheVirgin Islands Awareness Week Hunger and Homelessness of 9/11. 11 incommemoration Lounge onSeptember Church Hospitality the St.JosephCatholic to theentireschool at dancing andavideo singing, readings,skits, presented prayers, Joseph HighSchool The SeniorClassofSt. Commemoration September 11 Sister Marinais surroundedbyherpastor, Father LouisKemayou, St. Frances XavierCabrini, virgin Nov. 13|St.Gertrude, virgin Nov. 16|St.Elizabeth of Hungary, religiousNov. 17|St.Rose Philippine Duchesne, virgin Nov. 18 and Religious Education teachers andstudents. Duvante Vegas is shown doing colleges. importance of choosing good gave an uplifting talk on the graduates of the school. She Marise is the mother of three Introductory Night. Major the keynote speaker at the on St. Croix on October 3. Night at the Innovation Building and faculty during Introductory spoke of their goals to parents introduced themselves and High School on St. Croix The Class of 2010 of St. Joseph Senior Class President, Major Marise James was a reading. services onSaturday,services November14, poor andhomelessintheirchurch are askedtoincludeprayersforthe homeless. Pastorsonallthree islands with adayofprayerforthepoorand during theweekbefore Thanksgiving. problems ofhungerandhomelessness to bringpublicawareness tothe participation inthenationaleffort The week’s activitieswillbegin

Rock, andJeneeSantos. Julissa Cerni, Moolenaar, Ajani winners were DanielGarriga- of thesixrecognitions; the Writing Contestandwonfour schools Fire Prevention Essay also participatedintheall- Canegata BallPark.Students and attendedtheJamboree at visited thelocalfire station at theschool,andstudents Firefighters gavepresentations Week onOctober5-9. SchoolonSt.CroixSt. Mary participatedinFire Prevention St. MarySchoolFire Prevention Week September 23. Paul School on at Ss. Peter and new leadership Education, to the of Catholic Superintendent Lynch, CSsR, Father Patrick introduced Herbert Bevard Bishop His Excellency Meeting the Superintendent Mass onSeptember 27. atSunday farewell toSister MarinaPicardal,ICM, Caribbean. St.JosephChurch onSt.Croix bid inthe 10 yearsattheparishand35 yearstotal asDirectorofReligiousEducationfor She served St. JosephChurch onSt.CroixSeptember 30. position asCoordinatorofReligious Educationat retiredfromher Sister MarinaPicardal,ICM, Years 35 After Retires Sister

address theproblem. people andtheneedforactionto the growing populationofhomeless letters totheirsenatorsconcerning individuals andgroups towrite The agenciesalsowillencourage soup kitchensandoutreach centers. food drivestoassisthomelessshelters, and Sunday, November 15. Bevard, Dr. Gwen Moolenaar, Head of School, The sponsoringagencieswilllead Pictured left to right are Father Lynch, Bishop and Richard Pukenas, Principal. Presentation of the Blessed Virgin |Presentation Mary Nov. 21|Solemnity orOur LordJesus Christ theKing Nov. 22|Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, priestand martyr Nov. 23| 5 Bazaar

St. Patrick Church on St. Croix will have a Fun Day and Fundraising Bazaar on Sunday, November 1, beginning at 1 p.m. The program includes food and games, including bingo.

Marriage Encounter

Couples are invited to participate in a Marriage Encounter weekend at Light of Christ Retreat Center on St. Croix on Blessing of Pets November 6–8. Marriage Encounter weekends are designed to deepen and enrich the joys a couple shares together. The retreat enables The feast day of St. Francis of Assisi is October 4, and, married couples to discover God’s vision of marriage, family life in honor of his renowned love for animals, two schools and spiritual diversity, thereby leading them to a clearer under- celebrated with a blessing of pets. standing of their relationship with each other and with God. Pictured above, Father Charles Crespo, Parochial Vicar at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, blessed dogs, Welcome to America cats, birds, fish, turtles, hamsters, guinea pigs and chickens local in the center courtyard of Ss. Peter and Paul School on Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands (CCVI), in October 2. Students from the lower grades read original collaboration with the United States Citizenship and poems and sang songs at the prayer service. Immigration Services, has launched an initiative to news Father Kenneth Gaddy, CSsR, and Father Andrzej Szorc, encourage Virgin Islands residents holding green cards CSsR, of Holy Cross Church on St. Croix blessed pets at to pursue American citizenship. Caseworkers at CCVI a block party between Holy Cross Church and St. Mary will provide assistance to those seeking naturalization in School on October 3. Students and parents donated navigating their way through the process. About 40 people food, the St. Mary School Choir performed, and everyone attended the CCVI-sponsored presentation at Holy Family received a certificate honoring St. Francis of Assisi. Activities Church’s Columban Hall on St. Thomas on September 19. included pet contests, donkey rides, Adopt-a-Pet activities/ giveaways, face painting, and tasty treats. The festivities were New Sisters to Serve the Virgin Islands featured on the front cover of the St. Croix Avis.

All Saints Day/All Souls Day

All Saints Day, on November 1, recalls the saints in heaven. As it falls on a Sunday this year, all parishes will celebrate All Saints Day as their Sunday Masses. All Souls Day is November 2. On that day, Catholics traditionally are invited to pray for those souls still in purgatory. His Excellency Bishop Herbert Bevard will lead a candlelight vigil and the blessing of graves at the cemetery Pictured left, Sister Margaret Confoy, SC, (left) has wel- adjoining Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. comed Sister Evelyn Lebiedz, SC, to the Sisters of Charity Thomas at 5:30 p.m., followed by Mass in the church at 6 p.m. of St. Elizabeth community on St. Thomas. Dominica Independence Day Masses

Dominica will celebrate 31 years of independence on November 3. Catholics in the Virgin Islands will remember the occasion with two festive bilingual English/French Creole Masses on Sunday, November 8. Two priests will come from Dominica to celebrate the Masses in the Virgin Islands. Father Charles Martin will celebrate Mass at St. Ann Church on St. Croix at 9:30 a.m. Two new Missionaries of Charity have come to serve on Father Cornelius Phillip will celebrate Mass at Holy Family St. Croix. Pictured above/below, left to right, Sister M. Church on St. Thomas at 11 a.m. at which His Excellency Willima and Sister M. Jeevitha have joined Sister Marie Bishop Herbert Bevard will preside. Stephania and Sister M. Jean Avila.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin Nov. 13 | St. Gertrude, virgin Nov. 16 | St. Elizabeth of Hungary, religious Nov. 17 | St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, virgin Nov. 18 | Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Nov. 21 | Solemnity or Our Lord Jesus Christ the King Nov. 22 | Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, priest and martyr Nov. 23 | 6 Thanksgiving Meals VI Priest in Trinidad for the Needy Msgr. Michael Kosak, Director of On Thanksgiving Day, November Communications, attended the 15th 26, several parishes in the diocese will anniversary of the Caribbean School for have a blessing of bread and other Catholic Communications in Arima, Trinidad, in foods at morning Masses and then August. He was invited to celebrate Mass and prepare meals for the needy. address the community due to his involvement Les Enfants de Ste. Anne, the youth with Caribbean Catholic Communications since group at St. Anne Chapel on St. the mid-1980s. While in Trinidad, he renewed Thomas, will distribute food baskets his relationship with several friends and their to the needy of their community families at a Pizza Hut party. on Thanksgiving morning. Non- perishable food donations can be brought to the chapel before Mass. Thanksgiving Raffle Patronal Mass of The Missionaries of Charity and Puerto Rico volunteers at Holy Cross Church on St. Patrick Church on St. Croix launched St. Croix will prepare and distribute its annual Thanksgiving raffle in Two parishes will celebrate the as many as 700 meals for the poor. September. The grand prize is $7,000, Feast of Nuestra Señora de la Some will eat at the St. Mary School second prize is $3,500, third prize is Divina Providencia (Our Lady of cafeteria, but most will have home $1,000 and fourth prize is $500. Tickets Divine Providence), patroness of deliveries. are available at the church office for $5 Puerto Rico, with Spanish Masses. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church each or $50 for a book of 12 tickets. St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on St. John will have its annual The drawing will take place at the will celebrate on the actual feast Thanksgiving community meal in the Thanksgiving Quadrille at St. Gerard Hall day, Thursday, November 19, at 7 Guadalupe Hall beginning at noon. on Friday, November 27. p.m. Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parishioners, tourists, area employees on St. Thomas will celebrate and the homeless will sit at table Alumni Week the Mass on the nearest Sunday, together for the banquet. November 22, at 12:30 p.m. news Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas Both Masses will be followed by a Thanksgiving Quadrille will gather alumni and friends for the reception with traditional Puerto annual Alumni Reconnect. Alumni are Rican dishes in their respective local local The Men’s Fellowship of St. Patrick invited to visit the school and speak to the Hospitality Lounges. Church on St. Croix will present its students during Alumni Week, November Our Lady of Divine Providence annual Thanksgiving Quadrille at St. 16–20. The week ends with Mass at Ss. is one of many titles of Mary, Gerard Hall on Friday, November 27, Peter and Paul Cathedral on Sunday, the mother of Jesus. She has at 10 p.m. Curtis Williams is the caller. November 22, at 8:30 a.m., followed been considered the patroness Tickets are available at the church by brunch. Tickets for the brunch are of Puerto Rico for approximately office for $10. available at the school for $45. 150 years.

Charismatic Conference to be enlightened in the Word of God in order to experience God’s Approximately 60 people power. Sister Bailey emphasized participated in the annual Men’s the need for Christians to become and Women’s Conference at totally transparent before God Light of Christ Retreat Center on and remove the “masks” of fear, St. Croix on October 9–10. This negativity, and pride so that the year’s theme was “Step Out and Holy Spirit can strengthen one’s Find Out the Hidden Power of the faith journey. Spirit of God.” The conference was hosted Father Anthony Abraham, by the St. Patrick Church Prayer Director of Charismatic Renewal Group. The Core Team of Services, and Sister Florine Bailey, Vertilee B. Daniel, Julia Pankey, ICM, were the main speakers. Claudia Brown, Iris Richards, and Father Abraham stressed the need Anastasia Doward led the praise for Christians to submit to the Holy and worship. The conference Spirit and for Christians to ask concluded with a Mass.

St. Andrew Dung-Lac, priest and martyr, and his companions, martyrs Nov. 24 | St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr Nov. 25 | Feast of St. Andrew, apostle Nov. 30 | 7 Two Priests Celebrate Birthdays

Msgr. Jerome Feudjio, Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, was feted on his birthday, September 30, by members of his present and past parishes.

Serving the Community

Members of Catholic Youth in Action, the youth group Concelebrants gave Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury, a birthday blessing at the end of Mass at Holy Family Church at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, on St. Thomas on October 1. volunteered at Catholic Charities’ Bethlehem House

Shelter on September 26. spotlight on Establishing a Television Studio Youth Rally Children Choir Father Louis Kemayou, pastor of Anniversary St. Joseph Church on St. Croix, is Father Anthony Abraham, Director establishing a small television studio of Youth Ministries, will lead a The Children Choir of at the parish in order to record and youth rally at St. Ann Church’s St. Joseph Church on youth air Masses from the church. Father Marian Hall on St. Croix on St. Croix celebrates its Kemayou recently had to break Sunday, November 29, at 3 p.m. 14th anniversary by ground to insert pipes that would “The short term goal is to bring ministering in song on carry the cables. Pictured above, he the youth of the various parishes Sunday, November 15, mixed cement to repair a sidewalk under one umbrella,” said Father at the parish’s 7 a.m. between the rectory and Hospitality Abraham. “The long term goal is to Mass. Lounge. enthuse the youth to get involved in ministry at their parish.”

Magnificat Meal

The St. Thomas/St. John chapter of Magnificat hosted a luncheon at Victor’s Hideout on October 4. Lisa Hassell-Forde returned as guest speaker. Christmas Concert

Youth Ministry Visits BVI The Prayers, Hymns and Praise Blessing of Flag Steel Orchestra of Holy Family Father Neil Scantlebury will lead a day Church on St. Thomas will Msgr. Jerome Feudjio, Administrator of trip to the BVI on Saturday, November headline “A Pre-Christmas St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas, blessed 21. Catholic Youth in Action, the youth Extravaganza” at Columban Hall the flag presented to the chapel by the group at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on Sunday, November 29, at 5 youth group, Les Enfants de Ste. Anne, on St. Thomas, raised funds for the p.m. The evening will include at the end of Mass on October 10. This trip to the British Virgin Islands with a line dancing – electric slide, cha- past July, the youth made a pilgrimage bake sale between Sunday Masses on cha slide, country western, and to St. Barthelemy, the land of their an- September 20. The program consists quadrille. Attire is black tie and cestry, where Vice President Yves Greaux of visits to Jost Van Dyke, Norman jeans. Tickets are available at the presented them with the flag as a gift. Island, and the Baths in Virgin Gorda. parish office for $25. 8 Rosary Walk 9

The Month Rosary at Home of the Rosary

ctober is the month of the rosary, so this traditional prayer was prayed before all daily Masses at most O parishes. Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. The team led the households in the Thomas hosted rosary walks through the recitation of the rosary. Afterwards, neighborhood every Saturday in October participants were invited to share in a at 7 a.m. Normally, parishioners pray in Bible-based catechetical teaching and a procession through the streets only on offer intercessory prayers. The evening cover story cover the first Saturday of each month. concluded with a priest blessing the An outreach team on St. Thomas homes. traveled from home to home nightly In additiona, the Curia Immaculate throughout the month to lead evenings Conception of the Legion of Mary on St. of praise and prayer in Spanish. Thomas participated in the nationwide Those who offered their dwellings 2009 Public Square Rosary Crusade at Rosary Crusade were asked to invite their neighbors. Emancipation Garden on October 10. 9 9 ¡Buenas Noticias!

Día de Todos Los Santos El P. Charles Crespo Día de Todos Los Difuntos recibió a Ivelisse Mota El Día de Todos los Santos es el domingo 1 de noviembre. como miembro de la En la Misa, pedimos ayuda de los que ya están con Dios en Legión de María y le el cielo. Este año, como cae domingo, el horario de misas presentó su libro durante será como de costumbre los domingos. la reunión en el Salón El lunes 2 de noviembre, Día de Todos los Difuntos, Social de la Catedral ofrecemos oraciones por todos aquellos que están todavía San Pedro y San Pablo en el purgatorio. La Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. en Sto. Tomás el 20 de Tomás tendrá Misa en español a las 7 p.m. septiembre.

Legión de María Nuestra Señora de Providencia El Presidium María, Arca de la Alianza, se reúne en el Salón Dos parroquias celebrarán la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de la ¡buenas noticias! de Hospitalidad de la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. Divina Providencia, patrona de Puerto Rico, con Misas en Tomás el primer y tercer domingo de cada mes a las 2 p.m. español y recepciones. La Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz la celebrará el jueves, 19 de noviembre, a las 7 p.m. La Catedral Ministerio de los Enfermos San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. Tomás la celebrará el domingo Hay un servicio de comunión bilingüe en la capilla del más cercano, el 22 de noviembre, a las 12.30 p.m. Ambas Centro Médico Schneider en Sto. Tomás los lunes a las 5 p.m. Misas serán seguidas por recepciones en sus salones sociales.

Protección de Niños Cursillo Ultreya La Diócesis de Sto. Tomás en las Islas Vírgenes está Miembros del Movimiento de Cursillos de Cristiandad se comprometida a proteger a los niños de todo daño. Si tienes reúnen para la ultreya en su oficina de la Iglesia San José en Rosary at Home conocimiento de algún sacerdote, diácono o empleado Sta. Cruz los jueves después de la Misa de las 7 p.m. de la iglesia que haya abusado de algún menor, favor de comunicarte inmediatamente con la Coordinadora Diocesana de la Protección de los Niños, Callista Julien, al (340) 774-3166.

Día de Acción de Gracias En el Día de Acción de Gracias, el 26 de noviembre, las Misionarias de Caridad y voluntarios de la Iglesia Holy Cross en Sta. Cruz prepararán y repartirán cerca de 700 comidas para los pobres. Algunos comerán en la cafetería de la Escuela Sta. María, pero los voluntarios mandarán la mayoridad de las comidas a las casas. En St. John, feligreses, turistas, empleados de negocios cercanos y los desamparados se sentaran juntos a comer en El P. Janvier Sidjeu bendijo los participantes de la primera reunión el Salón Guadalupe de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen de hombres hispanos en la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. comenzando a mediodía. Tomás el 24 de septiembre.

Oración y Reflexión El grupo de oración del Movimiento de Cursillos de Cristiandad se reúne en la Capilla San Miguel de la Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz el 30 de noviembre y el último lunes de cada mes a las 7.00 pm. Un grupo reza el rosario y comparte las lecturas del próximo domingo en la Iglesia Holy Cross en Sta. Cruz los La Presidia Maria, Arca de la Alianza, celebró su tercer martes a las 7.00 pm. aniversario durante la reunión en el Salón Social de la Hay una hora santa bilingüe con exposición del santísimo Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. Tomás el 20 de y bendición en la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. septiembre. Tomás los martes a las 5.30 pm. 10 What can we learn from the universal church?

Cardinal Justin Rigali is the archbishop of Philadelphia. He serves on many committees at the Vati- can, and attended the Second Vatican Council. The Catholic Islander asked this eminent Catholic churchman and scholar some questions about the Catholic Church in the new millennium.

The American church is sometimes said to see its Q own issues as universal. What can we learn from looking at the way the church functions in other countries?

First of all, we should not use the term “American church.” A Pope John Paul II mentioned that there is no such thing as a white church or a black church or an American church or a European church. It is all the Catholic Church. It is better to speak of the church in the United States or the church in Europe. But, having said that, another beautiful thing Pope John Paul said when he came to the United States was that the church in the United States is, by its very nature and composition, Catholic. Because catholic means universal. More than in any nation on earth, the components of those who make up the church in the United States come from all these backgrounds, ethnic groups and nationalities. It’s like the Book of Revelation says, “From every tribe and nation and tongue on earth …” So this is a beautiful advantage to begin with. We are a people who are naturally Church of the month catholic, naturally universal. The power and vitality of the The Basilica of the National historic landmark. Christian faith have long inspired Shrine of the Immaculate The basilica does not have its tremendous works of art on the Conception is located in own parish community, but it part of believers. One has only to Washington, D.C., and honors serves the adjacent university, consider the beauty of many of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the United States Conference our principal churches to realize Our Lady of the Immaculate of Catholic Bishops (located the transcendent beauty of our Conception, the patroness down the street) and hosts faith. For example, consider: of the United States. It is the numerous Masses for organiza- largest Catholic church in tions of the church from across Basilica of the America and one of the larg- the United States. It houses National Shrine of est religious structures in the dozens of chapels honoring the Immaculate world. Millions of pilgrims Mary and reflecting the origins Conception visit the basilica each year. of the Catholic immigrants and It is designated as a national religious orders whose generos- The Catholic Islander / November 2009 / www.catholicislander.com Are you a heretic? 11

A theology profes- religion and morality, the second woman ity movement. sor once remarked introduces hard, scientific data that further According to that there were no raises red flags over the decision. Finally, this doctrine, the new heresies, just the first woman shakes off the objections intensity of feeling old ones repackaged. of the second woman declaring, “I don’t alone determines the To test the truth of this care what you or anyone else says about truth, regardless of facts and statement, consider this it, I feel very strongly that this is the best evidence to the contrary. The recent real-life scenario thing for me so I believe it is.” problem is that feelings change and inten- and see if you can name sity fades. This view, in essence, leads to the error involved: What is at stake? The reasonableness the irrelevance of the God of Christianity. of Christianity is declared irrelevant in With no ultimate criteria to frame our I decide what’s best for me! decision-making; and subjectivism and decision-making, fragmentation, division relativism gain prominence over objec- and even tyranny by so-called reformers A woman is defending her decision to tive truth. become possible. Such a subjective and begin co-habitating with her boyfriend. relative approach to decision-making elim- Her friend advises against the decision on What is the truth? This position is very inates from consideration the rationality religious and moral grounds. Sensing the common in today’s culture and has its and objectivity of not only common sense first woman is unmoved by her appeal to roots in the 1960s and the authentic- and experience, but of the common good.

But this is also a challenge to us, a people of this country for all they had Just as the church in the United States challenge when we think of immigration done, so generously, from the beginning has certain characteristics, when you and of generosity in admitting people to until now. go to other countries, you will see how our shores. We have come from every So that is part of the reality. And they actuate their Christianity in some nation on earth and other people would sometimes we need to be challenged particular way. There is something like to come in and be part of this. By more. Sometimes, in our generosity, special about each people. When you our nature here, we are challenged to we forget the full dimension of the go to Bolivia, Croatia, Japan or China, theology 101 generosity and understanding of other needs of the world. The whole world, there is something special and unique people’s plights. for many years now, has been forgetting about each of those peoples. In the past, the church in the United the needs of the people of the Sudan The church in the United States has States has shown extraordinary sense and Darfur. Those are just a couple of a great deal to offer and a great deal of generosity. The immigrants came to examples. to learn. these shores and built beautiful churches and schools. They did so much and they also helped the countries they had left. What is Advent? So the Catholics of the United States, after the world wars, contributed to Advent is the beginning of the anticipation. In the earliest days of the rebuilding Europe. And right now, we church’s year – occurring not in church, Advent lasted six weeks, until have collections for Eastern and Central January, but during the four weeks St. Gregory the Great, of calendar Europe and for missions. When Pope prior to Christmas. Advent begins fame, fixed the season at four weeks John Paul II came to the United States on the Sunday closest to Nov. 30, and composed prayers and anti- for his first visit in 1979, one of the the Feast of St. Andrew. We prepare phons to celebrate it. The liturgical things he said was that this was an hour for the coming of Christ in joyful color for Advent is purple. of solemn gratitude for him to thank the ity erected them. ed the newly created United of America, Shahan published Church construction began in The exterior of the basilica States under the protection of the Salve Regina, a newsletter 1920 and the building opened is 459 feet long, 240 feet wide the Blessed Virgin Mary under meant to stir enthusiasm for in 1959. Even now, the basilica and 237 feet tall to the top of the title of the Immaculate his project. He wrote that the is considered to be incomplete. the cross on the dome. The Conception. In 1847, Pope shrine would be a “monu- diameter of the main (Trinity) Pius IX proclaimed The Im- ment of love and gratitude, a Notable features: dome of the basilica is only maculate Conception as the great hymn in stone as perfect • The Founder’s Chapel – 7 feet shorter than that of the patronness of the U.S. Then as the art of man can make it the chapel within the shrine dome of the United States Bishop Thomas Joseph Shahan and as holy as the intentions containing the tomb of Bishop Capitol. proposed the construction of of its builders could wish it Thomas Joseph Shahan. the national shrine, taking his to be.” His newsletter was Origin: appeal to Pope Pius X in 1913. circulated to dioceses through- • The Papal Tiara of Pope In 1792, John Carroll, the After receiving a land donation out the country and financial Paul VI – the crypt has dis- bishop of Baltimore, consecrat- from the Catholic University donations began to pour in. played this tiara since 1968. 12 parish calendars on Fridays at 6 p.m., followed by Mass. Chapel Holy Family Church and St. Anne p.m. 7 to 6 from Fridays on and p.m., 6 until a.m. Tuesdays7:30 from on p.m., 6 to 3 from month every of Thursday last the and 26 November on Benediction and Exposition has Church Help Perpetual of Lady Our p.m. and on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. the first Friday of every month at 12:45 and Benediction on November 6 and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral Adoration Hours/Eucharistic Holy Ann ChapelonFridaysat5:30 p.m. Exposition andBenedictionin theSt. St. AnnChurch hasaHolyHourwith Fridays afterthe8a.m.Mass. with ExpositionandBenediction on St. PatrickChurch hasaHolyHour First Fridaysat7p.m. Benediction onNovember6andall Holy HourwithExpositionand St. JosephChurch hasabilingual from 9a.m. tonoon. on November6andallFirstFridays the BlessedSacramentandBenediction Holy Cross Church hasExpositionof Adoration Holy Hours/Eucharistic St. Patrick Church hasaHealing Healing Mass St. Thomas have Exposition and Benediction St. Croix has The St.JosephWorkers meetatHoly St. JosephWorkers Saturday ofeachmonthat4p.m. Church onNovember7andthefirst to OurLadyofFatimaatHolyFamily The Childrenleadadevotion ofMary Our LadyofFatimaDevotion Saturday ofeachmonthat8a.m. Lounge onNovember7andthefirst and PaulCathedral’s Hospitality to Catholicwomen,meetsatSs.Peter ministry Magnificat, aninternational Ministry toCatholicWomen first Saturday ofeachmonthat7a.m. a rosary walkonNovember7andthe Ss. PeterandPaulCathedralhosts Rosary Walk Friday of eachmonth at 5:30p.m. prayer onNovember 20andthethird St. PatrickChurch hascharismatic Charismatic PrayerMeetings during thistime. Sacrament ofReconciliationisoffered of eachmonthat4:30p.m.The on November7andthefirstSaturday to SantoNiño(theHolyChildJesus) St. JosephChurch hostsdevotions Santo Niño 5 p.m. Center onTuesday, November10,at the abortionclinicacross from Island Church willholdaprayervigiloutside The Pro-Life Committee of Pro-Life PrayerVigil Friday ofeachmonthat7p.m. Mass onNovember6andtheFirst Calendar Holy Cross Calendar 4, at7p.m. – November13and20,December bingo inthecafeteriaonthree Fridays Ss. PeterandPaulSchoolwillhave Bingo Night 7 p.m. the secondTuesday ofeachmonthat Family Church onNovember10and Share Vincentian spiritualityatHoly DePaulSociety St. Vincent Franciscan Spirituality Family Church’s ColumbanHallon shares FranciscanspiritualityatHoly The LadyClare ofAssisiFraternity each monthat9:30a.m. November 8andthesecondSundayof Family Church’s ColumbanHallon 7 p.m. prayer inMarianHallonTuesdays at St. AnnChurch hascharismatic Spanish prayer meeting in the the in meeting prayer Spanish a hosts Movement Cursillo The Group Prayer Cursillo Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. House Franciscan spirituality at of the Third Order of St. Francis shares The Our Lady of the Angels fraternity Franciscan Spirituality fourth Sundayofeachmonthat1p.m. Center onNovember22andthe Hospitality LoungeandLearning spirituality intheSt.JosephChurch Community shares Carmelite The OurLadyStaroftheSea Carmelites Secular Order Discalced on November 22 and the fourth Franciscan

The Catholic Islander / November 2009 / www.catholicislander.com 13

November 14 and the second Saturday in Holy Family Church’s classroom needs of all who ask at Holy Family of each month at 1 p.m. on Sundays at 3 p.m. Church on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Catholic Daughters of America Ministry to the Sick World Apostolate of Fatima Court 2049 meets at Ss. Peter and A Catholic communion service is The World Apostolate of Fatima Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge celebrated in the All Faiths Chapel meets at Our Lady of Perpetual Help on November 21 and the third at the Schneider Regional Medical Church on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Saturday of each month at 3 p.m. Center on Mondays at 5 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Evenings of Charismatic Council 6187 meets at Ss. Peter and Prayer Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge Charismatic prayer meetings are held on the first and third Sunday of each at Holy Family Church on Mondays month at 10 a.m. at 7 p.m. Legion of Mary Men’s Prayer Group From bread to roses The Sons of Joseph and Mary meet at Presidium María, Arca de la Alianza, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Saint Elizabeth holds meetings in Spanish on the first on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and third Sundays of each month of Hungary at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Pro-Life Rosary Hospitality Lounge at 2 p.m. A Pro-Life Rosary is prayed at Our Presidium Mary, Mediatrix of All Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Feast Day: Graces, meets at the St. Anne Chapel Wednesdays after the 6:30 p.m. Mass. November 17 Hall on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Intercessory Prayer Group Presidium Mary, Mystical Rose, meets A team is prepared to pray for the Elizabeth was born in 1207, and was the daughter of St. Michael Chapel at St. Joseph Shepherds of Christ King Andrew Church on the last Monday of each Associates of Hungary. month at 7 p.m. The Shepherds of Christ Associates At meet for prayer in the St. Michael 13, she married Neo-Catechumenal Way Chapel of St. Joseph Church on Prince Ludwig The Neo-Catechumenal Way leads a Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and on the of Thuringa. Her Celebration of the Word at St. Joseph second and fourth Sunday of each family opposed Church on Mondays at 7 p.m. month at 5 p.m. her works of charity, but she was determined to Adult Education Knights of Columbus follow Christ. Once, while she was The St. Patrick Learning Center Holy Cross Council 6482 meets at taking food to the poor, Prince Ludwig offers classes in Pre-GED, GED, Holy Cross Church’s McAlpin Hall stopped her to see what she was Computer Literacy, Intermediate on the first and third Thursdays of hiding. Miraculously, the food she was saint of the month

Computer and ESL on Monday each month at 6 p.m. hiding turned into roses. through Thursday mornings. Cursillo Ultreya After Prince Ludwig’s death, World Apostolate of Fatima Cursillo members meet for the Elizabeth sold everything she had in The World Apostolate of Fatima “ultreya” in the Cursillo office at St. order to support her children. meets in the chapel at Holy Cross Joseph Church on Thursdays after the Despite her family’s Church on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. 7 p.m. Mass. Meetings are in Spanish. oppositions, Elizabeth helped the Spanish Prayer and Legion of Mary poor. She was known for her gifts of bread and grain to Germany, Reflection Presidium Our Lady of Grace meets in making her the patron saint of Pray the rosary and share reflections the Holy Cross Church rectory on bakers. on the readings of the coming Sunday Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church on Because of her tenderness to alternate Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Meetings the sick, are in Spanish. she is also the patron saint of nursing homes.

14 Cardinal SeanO’MalleyoftheArchdiocese ofBoston,andformerbishop

year for priests of theDioceseSt.Thomas intheVirgin Islands,isaFranciscan. parish calendars By Doug Culp | Photography by Tom Gennara What’s the difference? Diocesan priest – religious priest A: Q: Saturdays at7:30p.m. Church on Lady ofMt.Carmel meets intheGuadalupeHallofOur Presidium Mary, QueenofAngels, Mary Of Legion forhim towearaRomancollar.priests. Itiscustomary in areligious community, though hemaylivewithother obedient andrespectful tohislocalbishop.Hedoesnotlive make promises. Hecommitstolivingcelibately andtobe local needs. assist inschools,hospitalsand prisons,dependinguponthe inparishcommunities–althoughhemayalso ally serving diocese thatthepriestministerstolocalchurch, gener geographically definedarea called a diocese.Itiswithinthis On the other hand, a religious order priest is not ordained A diocesanpriestdoesnottake anyvows–buthedoes A diocesanpriest,orsecularcleric,isordained fora different. They’re bothpriests,buttheirministries are abit diocesan andreligious priest? What isthedifference betweena St. John Thursdays at6p.m. Blessed SacramentandBenedictionon a HolyHourwithExpositionofthe Church has Our LadyofMt.Carmel Adoration Eucharistic Silent - Calendar the Order of Preachers, thus “OP” follows their names. Likewise, the title for the Dominicans is Ordo Predicatorum,technical name is Societas Jesu, the Society of Jesus, in Latin.the Jesuits have the letters “SJ” after their names because thetheir names that identify their religious orders. For example,the brown robe of a Franciscan. Order priests have initialsCardinal after Sean O’Malley of Boston, for instance, usually wearsof his order. He typically wears the religious habit of his order. regulations ofhisorder orcongregation. pation, hisplaceofliving,scheduleandtherules priest tothewilloflegitimatesuperiorashisoccu order. Thevowofobediencerequires thesubmissionof disposition” ofgoodsaccording totherulesofreligious requires both dependenceandlimitationinthe“use of povertyrefers toalifepoorinboth factandspirit.It the obligationofperfectself-restraint incelibacy. Thevow “assumed forthesakeofkingdomheaven”entails According to CanonLaw professes thethree vowsofchastity, povertyandobedience. the directives ofthebishop. regards where theparticularparishministry heistofollow his superiorandtheruleofcommunity–exceptasit order orcongregation. Heremains undertheauthorityof work, sometimesinaparishthathasbeenentrustedtohis the request ofabishop,religious priestmayalsodoparish that charism,suchaseducationorhealthcare. However, at founder. live thecharism,orgrace/mission/goal,ofcommunity’s ciscans, Claretians orDominicans.Hestrivesto religious community, suchastheFran- for aparticulardiocese.Hebelongsto A religious priest normally lives in one of the communities Unlike hisdiocesancounterpart,areligious order priest Religious order related priestsoftenhaveaministry to on Thursdaysat7p.m. Church at OurLadyofMt.Carmel Charismatic prayermeetingsare held Prayer Charismatic Of Evenings (c.599 –c.601) , thevowofchastity -

15 What is the life of a Q: typical religious order priest? Priest of the Month

Religious order priests normally live together as a Father Andrzej Szorc, CSsR, arrived A: community. As a community, they typically follow at Holy Cross Church on St. Croix a pre-determined schedule that includes a combination of on September 18 of this year. He prayer, work and leisure. is enjoying living in the “beautiful With that said, what an individual religious order rectory” and is working on adjusting priest does daily is so varied and complex that is almost to the climate. Prior to September, impossible to do anything but generalize. For example, he had been to the island only once many are unable to live in community for extended in 2008 for a few days. A challenge periods of time because they are engaged in mission thus far has been to learn Spanish, Pictured above, Father Szorc (left) work that carries them to distant lands. Some have one and he recently said his first Mass was welcomed by this pastor, Father main occupation such as teaching, parish ministry or in this language. Father Szorc is no Kenneth Gaddy CSsR to Holy Cross Church in September. social work and their lives reflect the demands of these stranger to learning new languages, positions. Others are contemplatives who spend their days however — he is fluent in Polish, Russian, Italian and English. combining prayer with some form of labor in order to Father Szorc (pronounced “shorts”) was ordained in priest of the month sustain the community. his native Poland in 1983 after attending a Redemptorist seminary in a small town in the south of Poland. Since his How has Hollywood depicted Catholic priests? ordination, he studied in Rome (and very much enjoyed that beautiful city that so effortlessly blends the ancient and the We often hear complaints about how priests and the church modern), has taught at the Polish seminary he attended and are portrayed in the movies. Have things really changed? Take has worked at a Mission in Lagos, Nigeria. He volunteered to a look back at some priestly depictions from the 1930s and spend two years in Nigeria but ended up staying for five and ’40s – an era some call the ‘golden age’ of filmed priest-heroes. this is where he learned to speak English. Nigerian Pidgin, or what he referred to as “Pidgin” English, is commonly spoken In 1937, Father across Nigeria. Flanagan’s Boys He is excited about his new assignment on this beautiful island. Town had become so well-known that MGM Studios offered to donate $5,000 toward Major orders and their charisms making a movie about it. Although A religious order is distinguished by a charism, he originally de- or particular grace granted by God to the religious clined, Father order’s founder or the order itself. Here is a list of a Flanagan agreed to few of the priestly religious orders and their charisms: the movie after he Order: Charism: saw a script he liked. Dominicans Preaching The movie, starring Liturgical prayer Spencer Tracy and Benedictines Mickey Rooney, was filmed on the campus in Omaha, and monasticism Neb. and was one of the most popular films of 1938. Franciscans Poverty Spencer Tracy won a Best Actor Academy Award for his Jesuits Education and mission role as Father Flanagan, and donated the famous gold statue to Boys Town, where it remains on display today. Passionists Preaching of the Passion Preaching of Fathers of Divine Mercy divine mercy of God Is God calling you to Carmelites Contemplative prayer Augustinians Genuine community life the priesthood, deaconate Maryknoll Mission Champion needs Vincentians or religious life? of the poor Preach the Gospel Redemptorists Speak with Msgr. Jerome Feudjio, Director to the poor of Vocations. Call (340) 774-3166. Pastoral charity in Salesians missionary expansion November 2009

the Catholic Our Blessed Mother’s P.O. Box 301825, St. Thomas, Message from Medjugorje U.S. Virgin Islands, 00803-1825 September 25, 2009 Online: www.catholicislander.com “Dear children, with joy, persistently work on your conversion. Offer all your joys and sorrows to my Immaculate Heart that I may lead you all to my most beloved Son, so that you may find joy in His Heart. I am with you to instruct you and to lead you towards eternity. Thank you for having responded to my call.” – Courtesy of John and Claire Foster

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We provide care to the terminally ill. Protection of children Individualized Medical and Nursing Support, Spiritual, Emotional, Nutritional Counseling, and Personal Care. The Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands is committed to protecting children St. Croix 772-CARE (2273) from all harm. If you have knowledge that any St. Thomas/St. John 714-CARE (2273) priest, deacon or church worker may have E-mail: [email protected] abused a minor, please immediately contact Web site: www.ccivi.com the Diocesan Child Protection Coordinator, Medicare Certified. Most Insurance Accepted. EEOC. Callista Julien, at (340) 774-3166. Se Habla Español

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