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Vol. 46, No. 5 September 2021

“Ministry is not an option

for a Christian; The St. Philip it’s a privilege.” ~Lori Hatcher Be-News-Zi

Ministry Fair 2021: What’s YOUR Superpower?

September 11 & 12, 2021 (after all Masses in Founders’ Hall)

All parishioners and visitors to St. Philip Benizi are invited to this year’s Ministry Fair which will include a carnival-style atmosphere, games, popcorn, and fun! Each ministry will host a small game at their table and will have members there to speak with new volunteers that are so greatly needed in all ministries at this time. Come and see how YOU can serve God and His people!

The games will test all the superpowers we all possess: strength, intelligence, and adaptability! Going table to table and game to game, parishioners will not only have fun, but will also learn about each ministry that our parish offers. Parishioners and visitors can then sign up for the one that moves their spirit to activism.

Each of us is truly gifted by God with undeniable powers… and we are called to use those powers to “Walk United, Empowering Disciples”! Please contact Melissa at [email protected] or (770-478-0178, Ext. 150) with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!

Calendar of Events St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church September 2021 WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE! 9/3-4: (As of June 5-6, 2021) Begins the First Friday of every month after the 8:30AM Mass (in the church) and concludes with 4:00PM Saturday Vigil Mass (English) Benediction at 7:45AM on Saturday. 7:30AM Sunday Mass (English) 9:00AM Sunday Mass (English) 9/6: LABOR DAY – Mass at 10AM 11:00AM Sunday Mass (English) (Parish Offices Closed) 1:00PM Sunday Mass (Spanish) 9/11: PATRIOT DAY (20 Yr. Anniversary) 5:00PM Sunday Mass (English) (See details in this issue.) 7:00PM Sunday Mass (Spanish)

9/11-12: SPB MINISTRY FAIR! WEEKDAY MASSES Takes place in Founders’ Hall after all Masses. (See details in this issue.) Mon – Sat: 8:30AM/ Wed: 7:00PM (English)

th Tuesday & Thursday: 7:30PM (Spanish) 9/18-19: 25 SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME/ CATECHETICAL SUNDAY Our parish will continue to live-stream Masses: (Commissioning of all Catechists during Mass) https://www.facebook.com/stphilipbenizi.org/, 9/22: FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN or: https://www.stphilipbenizi.org/.

Mass reservations are no longer required. COVID-19 restrictions have been revised. New Procedures & Protocols for attending REFLECTION ON WORK Mass have been updated, as of May 31, 2021. Please read the entire document on our parish “Realize it, my brethren; website: www.stphilipbenizi.org and in th every one who breathes, high and low, SPB’s Flocknote e-mail of August 9 . educated and ignorant, young and old, man and woman, has a mission, has a work. Many of our parishioners have returned to We are not sent into this world for nothing; in-person worship...won’t you join us? we are not born at random; We look forward to seeing you!

…God sees every one of us; He creates every soul, He lodges it in the body,

one by one, for a purpose. He needs, He deigns to need, every one of us. He has an end for each of us; we are all equal in His sight, and we are placed in our different ranks and stations, not to get what we can out of them for ourselves, but to labor in them for Him. As Christ has His work, we too have ours;

as He rejoiced to do His work, HAPPY we must rejoice in ours also.”

~ St. John Henry Newman Designed by Freepik REMEMBERING 9/11 (on the 20th Anniversary)

Where were you on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001? For those of us who were old enough to listen, watch and understand the news coverage of the terrorist attacks on our nation, and especially for those who were personally affected, we will never forget. I attended the 8:30AM Mass at St. Philip’s that day and headed to the main office afterwards, ready to begin another day’s work. When I entered the office door, a small group of people were gathered together, quietly listening to the radio, which was usually on and playing music in those days. This time, a news report was broadcasting the events that were unfolding in real time. We listened in silence and couldn’t believe the tragedy that had just happened. An airliner crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in City. Could this have been a terrible accident, we thought…mechanical failure? Shortly after, a second plane flew into the South Tower; we then knew that this was not an accident.

Our pastor, Fr. Greg Hartmayer, was away from the office at the time, but left his door open. He had a small TV set behind his desk which someone suggested that we turn on to see what was happening. I and this small group of people gathered around the TV screen and watched with horror as the two planes caused calculated and devastating destruction to the Twin Towers and to the lives of the people, trapped inside. It was a suicide mission that, unfortunately, was executed success- fully. As we watched, flames engulfed the top floors of the towers and, as the structural damage and fire continued to spread, the South Tower began to collapse, like an accordion folding closed…each floor at the top falling onto the floor below, with people scrambling to run down the staircases that were either overcrowded or engulfed in flames and debris. The North Tower began to collapse shortly thereafter. People watching outside the building ran for safety, trying to avoid the falling debris and the clouds of white dust that engulfed some of them from head to toe.

Some of us in the office could only watch the TV screen for a short time. While I watched the consuming flames and large clouds of smoke towards the top of the buildings, I suddenly realized that the objects flying out of the windows were actually people. My heart sank even further and my eyes filled with tears. These innocent victims came to work that day, having no idea what they would have to endure. They now had to make a choice – either stay in the building to be crushed by the falling debris and consumed by the intense fire, or jump into the sun and light of day, praying that the arms of God would catch them.

Later that evening, the news was filled with coverage of the attacks and, in ensuing days and weeks, many details of the attacks were revealed – too many to mention here. In short, 19 Islamic extremists associated with the terrorist organiza- tion, Al Qaeda, which was headed by Osama bin Laden, hijacked four airliners that were supposed to travel to California. The planes were loaded with enough fuel for the long, transcontinental journey. The plane that hit the North Tower carried 20,000 gallons of jet fuel, certainly enough to cause massive damage. After the hijackers took control, these four passen- ger jets “were transformed into guided missiles”. The terrorists were “allegedly acting in retaliation for America’s support of Israel, its involvement in the Persian Gulf War, and its continued military presence in the Middle East.”

In addition to the Twin Towers, the Pentagon was also attacked that morning, killing military personnel and civilians, along with all aboard the airliner. Those aboard United Flight 93 also died when their hijacked plane crashed in a field near Shanksville, PA. Due to the bravery and quick actions of a few passengers and flight attendants, the terrorists’ mission was thwarted and all sacrificed their lives to save the lives of others. The intended target of the terrorists on United Flight 93 is unknown, but some speculate that it could have been the White House, the U.S. Capitol, or some other significant target.

In my lifetime, I have never experienced anything that has come close to what the victims of 9/11 and their families have experienced…and what many of them still experience (physically, mentally, and emotionally) to this day…but I will always remember. I will continue to pray for the nearly 3,000 souls who died that day and their families: those at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and those on United Flight 93. I will pray for the survivors, police and firefighters…all of whom were heroes that day…and I will continue to pray for our nation.

Why is it important to remember 9/11? First and foremost, we must remember the innocent victims and their families. We must remember the heroes who sacrificed so much to help others, especially those who gave their own lives. We must understand that what we do as an individual and as a nation will affect our lives and those of others going forward. We must understand how the decisions of the past will lead to the consequences of the future. We must remember because evil does exist in the world. Those who seek power, control, money and suffering still exist! We must choose love, com- passion, the good of humanity, and justice instead. We must pray fervently for conversion of hearts, minds and ideals.

This year, in the days surrounding the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, many TV stations will broadcast various programs about September 11, 2001 – some from the perspective of the survivors; some with actual footage of the attacks; some with incredible images that many photographers took that day, risking their own lives to document the events and the aftermath. I urge you to watch at least one of these programs…to learn…to understand…to remember…and to pray. (~Yone Daly)

“In October 2001, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution, designating that every September 11th be observed as ‘Patriot Day’. The resolution requests that U.S. government entities, as well as interested organizations and individuals, display the flag of the at half-staff on Patriot Day, and that the people of the United States observe a moment of silence in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Let us pray for the lives lost and the lives affected by this tragedy. May we resolve to work towards peace and unity in our nation and in our world!” (https://www.usccb.org) Saint of the Month St. of Calcutta Feast Day: September 5

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910–1997), known simply as Mother Teresa, was born to a family of Albanian descent in what is now Macedonia. As a young girl, Mother Teresa was fascinated by stories she heard of missionaries serving in . By age 12, she discerned a vocation to the religious life and at the age of 18, she joined the as a missionary to India. She chose her religious name after St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Patron Saint of Missionaries.

Mother Teresa arrived in Calcutta, India in 1929 and taught at a schoolhouse for wealthy children, eventually becoming head mistress. She enjoyed her work, but became increasingly disturbed by the extreme poverty and societal unrest she observed around her. In 1946, she received a “call within a call” and began her own religious Order in Calcutta, dedicated to ministering to, in her words, “the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers…all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society; people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone.”

This Order was established in 1950 with 12 sisters and named the Missionaries of Charity. By the time of her death on September 5, 1997, the Missionaries of Charity had grown to 4,000 sisters, operating 610 missions in 123 countries. She received the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize and the Nobel Peace Prize for her inspiring work with social outcasts. Mother Teresa was canonized by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016. Her Feast Day is September 5th.

Mother Teresa devoted her life to helping the poor, the sick, and the dying. As a Roman Catholic , the great love and compassion that St. Teresa of Calcutta held for the poor and the helpless in society has made her an international figure and the focus of many books and materials. She is beloved even to those who are not Catholic, for she shared the love of Christ through His Bride, the Church, with every soul she encountered. (www.CatholicCompany.com)

Heavenly Father, You blessed Mother Teresa with gifts of love and compassion so she would spend her life in service for the poorest of the poor. May we imitate her examples of holiness by sharing our faith and reaching out to those in need.

O St. Teresa of Calcutta, so compassionate were you toward the sick, the hungry and the unwanted. Your heroic virtues and the graceful faithfulness in which you lived as a servant of God are beautiful examples of your love and union with Him. We rejoice in your canonization and we praise and thank our loving God for your life and generosity. Help us to follow the Gospel as faithfully and lovingly as you did. Amen.

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” (~St. Mother Teresa) The St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference (SVDP) at St. Philip Benizi Parish

The SVDP Society at St. Philip Benizi thanks our parish priests, staff and parishioners for your continued support. Your generosity, especially during these difficult times, has touched all of us and has helped assist members of the Clayton County community with groceries, rent and utilities.

As you will see in a Flocknote e-mail, our monthly collec- tion after weekend Masses in September will be on the second weekend, rather than the usual third weekend. In July, the was St. Philip Benizi AIDS Ministry On the third weekend of September this year, the Second able to deliver 10 individual bags of hygiene items to Collection will be for the Diocesan St. Vincent de Paul, the residents of the Missionaries of Charity Gift of Grace House/Atlanta. Recently, the AIDS Ministry known as SVDP Georgia. There is an envelope for it in received a “thank you” note from Sister M. Aracelly, the packet of envelopes that are mailed to us monthly. MC, the Mother Superior at Gift of Grace House, for The money collected is sent to the St. Vincent de Paul their generous donations. It reads in part: Council office in Chamblee, GA. With those donations, the Council has been able to develop several life- “We want to thank each one of you for visiting changing programs for Georgians who live in poverty. and supporting our residents…during special They offer free tax preparation for low to moderate- occasions in the past, and recently. May the income individuals; they have a Family Support Center good Lord and His Blessed Mother bless and with a computer lab for job searches and skills enhance- reward you and your families.” ment; and they offer assistance in converting high interest loans to traditional credit union personal loans. For the The Gift of Grace House is a home for indigent wom- en suffering from AIDS and is run by the Missionaries past 4 years, SVDP Georgia has been a partner with of Charity, the Order founded by St. Mother Teresa of Clark Howard’s Christmas Kids program for foster Calcutta. Thank you to all who donated to the Gift of children. They have a new mail-order pharmacy. Eligible Grace’s initiative. individuals with a valid prescription can have maintenance medications shipped to them at little or no cost. The Vincentians in our St. Philip Benizi Conference are learn- ing how we can refer Clayton County residents to these programs.

The donations you make to the basket (or the SVDP volunteers in the Gathering Space of our church) on the second weekend in September will stay here in Clayton County and help our local neighbors in need. The dona- H.E.R.O. (Hearts Everywhere Reaching Out for tions you make to the second collection on the third week- Children) will again be providing a wonderful oppor- end of September will be sent to the St. Vincent de Paul tunity for children infected or affected by HIV and Council in Chamblee, GA. Either way, please know that AIDS. A residential camp (Camp High Five) is your donations make a difference in peoples’ lives. scheduled from October 8-11, 2021 with Georgia 4-H I hope this helps you to know where your donations go. at Camp Jekyll, 550 South Beachview Drive, Jekyll th Island. Stop by our table at the Ministry Fair on September 11 th and 12 to learn more about how you might serve, The St. Philip Benizi AIDS Ministry has, and will through your membership in the St. Vincent de Paul Soci- again, assist these children who would otherwise ety. Again, thank you all for your generosity. miss this great opportunity. Your generous contribu- tion has made it possible for children to attend Camp (~Joann Gorrell, SVDP President at St. Philip Benizi) High Five. We ask that you again prayerfully consid- er contributing to this very worthwhile cause.

During the weekend of October 2-3, the AIDS Ministry will be outside the Hartmayer Education Building to accept your donations. Checks should be made payable to “St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church”. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support. JOIN THE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL of St. Philip Benizi!

The Stewardship Council is a tremendously essential part of our parish. Council members dedicate them- selves to the mission of the parish and the spiritual welfare of the Church. Our pastor, Fr. John Koziol, relies heavily upon the Stewardship Council to aid and to advise him on managing the many gifts of time, talent, and treasure of each parishioner in his care.

Who is the ideal Stewardship Council nominee?

Should be a registered parishioner; Should have an active prayer life and be committed to one’s own spiritual growth and that of the parish; Should have the willingness and the ability to prepare for and attend meetings on the 4th Monday of each month (from 7-9PM) Should be willing to participate in a subcommittee within the Stewardship Council; Should dedicate one’s self to the mission and the spiritual welfare of the parish; Should be a team player, willing to listen and be open to the ideas of others; Should be able to commit to a term of three (3) years.

The following Stewardship Council members are available to answer your questions and to provide addi- tional information about serving on the Council:

Maria Antonieta Sanchez (Stewardship Council Leader): (786) 405-2060; Melissa Langlois: (404) 819-0834; [email protected]

Please complete your nomination(s) using the ballot provided below or e-mail them to mlanglois @stphilipbenizi.org. You can place your ballot in the Offertory basket, take it to the Parish Office, OR mail it to 591 Flint River Road, Jonesboro, GA 30238 (Attn: Melissa Langlois).

Prayerfully consider nominating yourself or another with the qualities listed above. We need many hands to be helpers for the Kingdom of God. Your position on this Council will bring you closer to your parish, your faith, and your Lord. Join us!

Stewardship Council Nomination Ballot NAME: NAME: ADDRESS: ADDRESS: PHONE #: PHONE #: E-MAIL: E-MAIL:

NAME: NAME: ADDRESS: ADDRESS: PHONE #: PHONE #: E-MAIL: E-MAIL:

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4: 10-11) The Mission (The Early Days of St. Philip Benizi)

My family and I moved to Clayton County in 1960 To a small town named Jonesboro, and it was ‘so nifty’! The spring of ’65, several families decided to meet And start a ‘little mission’ down on Main Street!

Ware and Lee Hutcheson already had money in a fund; They donated the property and building to get the job done! So we came together to redo ‘the former drug store’; It was a lot of work and fun and a whole lot more. Some of our kids would come along ‘for the ride’ But occasionally we’d have to stop and ‘tan a little hide’!

All of us ladies met and made things to sell To raise money for ‘the project’ and it turned out well. A few things we made were ‘mom and pop plates’, In 1957, Fr. George Daly of St. John the Evangelist ‘Bunny rabbits’ and ‘rag dolls’ and they were great. Catholic Church in Hapeville, GA began the cam- paign to establish a Catholic parish in Clayton Coun- On September 12, 1965, we celebrated our first Mass; ty. In 1965, the Hutcheson brothers offered their old The first in Clayton County, but certainly not our last. drugstore building, located on South Main Street in Father Daniel O’Connor was our very first Pastor; Jonesboro, to be used as a site for St. Philip Benizi A truly wonderful man who knew what he was after. Mission Church (pictured above). The first Mass was celebrated there by Fr. Daniel J. O’Connor on He wanted our Mission ‘to thrive and grow’ September 12, 1965. Over the years, membership And the fruits of his labor we all certainly know. grew from the original 35 families to more than 2,000. Forty seven years have come and gone since then; We thank God for all the blessings He has showered We now have over 2000 families and we‘re still counting!! upon this parish community.

(Written by Sandra Justice in 2012; September 12, 2021 marks the 56th Anniversary of St. Submitted by Deacon Tom Nemchik) Philip Benizi Catholic Church’s first Mass in that Jonesboro drugstore. We are blessed to still have some of our founding families with us in the parish. Some of them will gather for worship at the 9AM Mass on Sunday, September 12th, during which a Mass Intention has been offered for all the Founders and their families, living and deceased. We join with them in prayers of thanksgiving and remembrance of those “early days”, and rejoice that their efforts have borne much fruit. May God bless them all for their deep faith, perseverance, inspiration, vision and hard work in helping to bring about this wonderful parish of St. Philip Benizi that we love and cherish!

(September 10, 2005) 40th Anniversary Celebration of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church

Pictured are some of the Founding members with Fr. Greg Hartmayer (L), Fr. Dan O’Connor (Middle), & Fr. Andy Santamauro (R). Sandra Justice is pictured in the back row, 5th from left.

Some of our Founding members have gone before us, but we remember them all with great love and appreciation for their great faith and sacrifices that helped bring a Catholic presence to Jonesboro, GA. May we never take their efforts for granted. Two Catholic Schools Merging in the Atlanta Archdiocese

Recently, Hal Plummer (Superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Atlanta) announced that, beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, Our Lady of Victory (OLV) Catholic School in Tyrone, GA and Our Lady of Mercy (OLM) Catholic School in Fayetteville, GA will be consolidated into one, PreK-12 Catholic school on the Our Lady of Mercy campus.

Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv. approved the consolidation and sees a bright future for the educational community. “This new educational endeavor is a wonderful step in the right direction. We are committed to providing this new school with the resources and support neces- sary to make it succeed as a strong, academically challenging and faith-filled environment for students and their families. I look forward to digging into this work with Hal Plummer and his team and seeing the results in our graduates.”

Mr. Plummer cited long-standing enrollment challenges at both schools as the primary reason for the decision: “OLV and OLM schools have experienced sharp enrollment declines, losing about 50 percent of their enrollment over the past seven years, so something clearly had to be done. Consolidation is the process of making something stronger or more solid by developing a single, more effective or coherent whole, and that’s what we are planning on accomplishing. We believe that bringing the two schools together on the beautiful OLM campus and developing a strong PreK-12 school will not only stabilize but increase enrollment.”

Mr. Plummer forecasts this move as an important one in the history of schools within the archdio- cese. “Both OLV and OLM are schools with a rich history of diversity, combined with academic excellence. Changes like this can be painful for the communities they affect, but we really do believe that consolidating these two schools into one is the best way for us to move forward. I am deeply grateful to the archdiocese for providing us with about 18 months for thoughtful, strategic planning. There is a lot of work ahead: developing ways to collaborate with the local school communities and parishes, exploring the introduction of some new academic and formative educa- tional programs, and incorporating the special ethos and beloved traditions of both the OLV and OLM communities into one, educational entity, to name a few. But, with the help of God’s grace and the support of the archdiocese, we are ready to enter into this new in the history of the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.” The school will be the first PreK-12 academy-type school model sponsored by the archdiocese. Planning updates will be provided throughout the process to ensure a smooth, successful transition. (www.archatl.com)

Pre-K to 12 Tequila Night!

On July 23, 2021, the Knights of Columbus, Tara Council #6352, hosted a Tequila tasting fundraiser, supporting our Sister-parish, Santa Ana, in Campamento, Honduras. Over the course of the evening, we sampled 7 different types of Tequila within the Silver/Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Cristalino flavor profiles. This night would not have been possi- ble without the cooking talents of parishioner Lidia Montellano and friends. Their donation of time and talent set the tone for the evening. We enjoyed a fine meal which included: beef & chicken Fajitas, vegetables, beans and rice. A short introduction of Tequila’s history was presented, as well as the way to sip Tequila like a fine Bourbon, or Scotch. I would like to thank all those who came out to participate in and support this event.

Please check the Bulletin and Flocknote e-mails for additional Knights of Columbus fundraising and community events. Some of the upcoming events we are planning include: the 49th Public Safety Awards Luncheon (October 13), a Public Rosary (Saturday, October 16), Oktoberfest, Tea Tasting, Whiskey Tasting, Italian night, the 5th Friday Rosary and Social, a Men’s Retreat, and an Insurance Seminar.

Since 1882, membership in the Knights of Columbus has been open to men 18 years of age or older who are “practical” (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. If you are interested in becoming a member or would like more information about future events, please reach out to me at: [email protected] or use the following link to become a Knight: https://www.kofc.org/secure/en/join/join-the-knights.html. Now through December 31st, enter Promo Code: MCGIVNEY2020 for free, online membership.

Thank you for your continued support. David Hinckley Grand Knight, Tara Council #6352

As guests entered the Knights’ Hall, which was festively decorated for Tequila Night, Rick Schulze (L) was on hand to sell Raffle tickets and encourage people to partici- pate in the Silent Auction, which offered a selection of various types of Tequila! The 50/50 Raffle benefited GA K of C’s “Pennies for Heaven” Charity and the Silent Auction benefited St. Philip’s Sister-parish, Santa Ana, in Campamento, Honduras.

For those who were present, the evening was a wonderful combina- tion of delicious Mexican food, tequila tasting, and great fellowship! Many thanks to all who attended and supported two, very worthwhile causes! Of course, “thank you” to the K of C for hosting the event!!

Tequila Night!

Before the Tequila tasting, all who attend- ed enjoyed a delicious meal. St. Philip’s pastor, Fr. John Koziol (above) was also on hand to support the event.

(Photos by Susan Douglas)

Above: Pictured with Randy Schroeder (R), it was wonderful to see Deacon Greg out and about again after having had heart surgery in May. We thank God for his recovery and return to ministry.

Right: Bea Pinckney (L) and Ramona DeLeon enjoyed the evening as well. Ramona is Chairperson of the Santa Ana Committee at St. Philip’s and is surely delighted that our Sister-parish is benefiting from this fundraiser! Tequila Night!

With a slideshow and demonstration, Grand Knight David Hinckley presented an introduction to Tequila’s history, as well as the proper way to sip Tequila. Tequila tasting cards were also given to guests with instructions and an opportunity to rate each type of Tequila. Different styles of glassware were also recommended. All in all, guests soon discovered that there’s more to sipping Tequila than they could have imagined!

Jim Raymer (L) must have gotten a taste of a very bitter lemon!

Right: Congratula- tions to the three highest bidders of the Tequila Silent Auction! Enjoy! Share?? J

(Photos by Susan Douglas)

When God listens… Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy go out to Sometimes, we pray, pray and pray some more, then the family of: ask: “God, are you listening?”

The following is a beautiful testimony of a group of V Marva Laws, sister of parishioner Sandra Bailey women who do just that in front of an abortion clinic. We V Stephen Boisis, husband of Bernadette Boisis, the pray for those women who are literally making life and Principal of St. John the Evangelist Catholic School death decisions. We arrive with our signs and our rosar- in Hapeville, GA ies and we pray, pray and pray some more. V José B. Collado, brother of parishioner Maria Collado Pushkar One morning as we prayed, a car stopped at the side- V Josephine Asiegbu-Ezenwaka, wife of walk where we prayed. A woman rolled down the Matthias Ezenwaka; mother of Chiazo, James, window and shared the following story with us. Nancy, Travis, and Josh V Matthew Frank, son of John & Kathy Frank; “Years ago, I was considering having an abortion. brother of Suzanne & Abigail I saw a group just standing and praying. I went V Mary E. (Betsy) Schaffer, wife of Al Schaffer; inside the clinic and laid down, ready for the proce- mother of Rob, Patrick, John & MaryAnne dure, but I changed my mind. Now I have a twenty- V Felicitacion S. Tupas, aunt of Yolanda Ravelo one year old boy.” V Helen Wesolowski, aunt of Fr. John Koziol V Jinx Ratcliffe, parishioner She continued, saying, “Keep doing what you are V Livingston Watson doing; you don’t even have to say anything. Keep doing what you are doing.” May they rest in God’s peace!

What are we doing? We just pray and let God do the rest.

(Submitted by Vilma Rodriguez, wife of Deacon Etienne Rodriguez.) The Saint Philip Vilma recounted this experience to our pastor, Fr. John, after he blessed the group of women Be-News-Zi who were going to pray outside an abortion clinic. Monthly Newsletter of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church 591 Flint River Road Jonesboro, GA 30238 (770) 478-0178

Fr. John A. Koziol, OFM Conv. Pastor/Publisher

Yone Daly, Editor

Parish Website: www.stphilipbenizi.org

Deadline: All articles submitted for publication in the Be-News-Zi must be received in writing (typed) or via e-mail, by the 5th of each month for publication in the following month’s edition. Each article submitted for consideration will be published as approved by the Pastor and on a space-available basis.

Any questions, comments, suggestions, or articles concerning the newsletter may be addressed to the Editor through the Parish Office, or by e-mail:

[email protected].