Local News Canonical Visitations All Saints' Day Journey of Faith Deacon Boniface- Reminds Us of Our Goal in Life: Blanchard Twaibu In the Know with Father Joe Am I Really Supposed to be Sainthood an Evangelist? the Catholic from the bishop’s desk The Magazine of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands Most Reverend Herbert A. Bevard PUBLISHER Msgr. Michael F. Kosak, P.A. In this issue, I would like to offer Director of Communications Deacon John Fewel two more selections from Pope Editor Sarah Jane von Haack Francis’ first encyclical Lumen MANAGING EDITOR Fidei (The Light of Faith). These Jenny Bis GRAPHIC DESIGNER quotes speak about what faith is The Most Reverend Charlotte Banks Herbert A. Bevard, bishop Lillia King and is not. of the Diocese of St. Thomas ADVERTISING in the Virgin Islands. Bernetia Akin Proofreader Gerry Lewis Deacon Emith Fludd CIRCULATION “Faith is necessarily beautiful story, the projection people’s day-to-day lives. The ecclesial; it is professed from of our deep yearning for truth we seek, the truth that Brother James Petrait, OSFS WEBMASTER within the body of Christ happiness, something gives meaning to our journey November 2013 as a concrete communion capable of satisfying us to through life, enlightens us Vol. 29 : Issue 9 of believers. It is against the extent that we are willing whenever we are touched by The Catholic Islander is published monthly this ecclesial backdrop that to deceive ourselves. Either love.” (Lumen Fidei, 27) by the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. P.O. Box 301825, St. Thomas, U.S. faith opens the individual that, or it is reduced to a Virgin Islands, 00803-1825 Website: www.catholicislander.com Christian toward all others ... lofty sentiment which brings Telephone: (340) 774-3166 ext. 213, Faith is not a private matter, consolation and cheer, yet Fax: (340) 774-5816 © FAITH Catholic™. a completely individualistic remains prey to the vagaries Please submit news, digital photography and advertising notion or a personal opinion – of our spirit and the changing for the December 2013 issue it comes from hearing, and it seasons, incapable of of The Catholic Islander by is meant to find expression in sustaining a steady journey November 4, 2013. words and to be proclaimed. through life. (Lumen Fidei, 24) Submit news and articles to: (Lumen Fidei, 22) “Love and truth are thecatholicislander@gmail. î Find the encyclical com. Submit advertisements to: “Faith without truth does inseparable. Without online at: [email protected]. not save, it does not provide love, truth becomes cold, a sure footing. It remains a impersonal and oppressive for http://www.vatican.va Inside this issue: 4 Canonical Visitations 6 Local News 8 Spotlight on Youth 9 Catholic Charities 9 ¡Buenas Noticias! 10 Cover Story 12 Theology 101 14 Keys and Sword Event 16 Saint of the Month 17 In the Know with Father Joe 18 Spiritual Fitness 19 Journey of Faith 20 World News Pash Daswani, vice president of the India Association of the Virgin Islands, receives an Apostolic Blessing from His Excellency, Bishop Hebert Bevard. See article on page 9. 22-26 Parish Calendars
2 The Catholic Islander / November 2013 / www.catholicvi.com His Excellency Herbert A. Bevard, Bishop of St. Thomas and The Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands Present: The Fifth Annual Keys and Sword Award Benefit
THIS YEAR'S HONOREES:
Jean A. Dragin, Athneil C. Ottley, President of Jean Dragin Enterprises President of Ottley Communications
Bishop’s Champagne Reception 6:00 p.m. Special Music by Francis Callwood
Dinner 7:15 p.m. Program with Special Entertainment and Dancing with Milo’s Kings till Midnight 40/60 Raffle, Select Prize Drawings and Grand Prizes
(Complimentary Shuttle Service from Havensight Mall and Red Hook Ferry Dock to and from “The Reef”) Tickets and ad sponsorships are available from Ticket Sellers at each parish and all church offices. Refer to your parish bulletin for ticket seller names.
3 canonical visitations
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Mafolie
On Saturday, September 21, as part of his annual canonical visit to Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Church in Mafolie, His Excellency, Bishop Hebert Bevard had an opportunity to visit several groups of children and their Catholic education teachers as they gathered for classes in their various age groups. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the church followed with various groups from the church in attendance. Afterwards, together with Father Eduardo Ortiz-Santiago, Bishop Bevard made several house calls to sick and elderly parishioners. Finally, he met with the Parish Finance Council. During the meeting, Bishop Bevard spoke of the many current projects and challenges in the diocese and where OLPH is an important part of Catholic evangelization and outreach in the Virgin Islands. On Sunday, September 22, Bishop Bevard celebrated Mass and stayed long afterward to greet and chat with parishioners and visitors to the parish.
Bishop Bevard and Father Eduardo visited several elderly After Mass on Sunday, Bishop Bevard greeted members of the and homebound parishioners. Here they bless and anoint a parish. Here he speaks with Michael Akin, Catholic Charities of longtime, very faithful member of the parish and a very dear the Virgin Islands Director, and Klely Berry. lady, Mrs. Valerie Moorehead.
Members of OLPH Parish Finance Council: (back row, l-r) Keya Speaking with a group of students, Bishop Bevard encouraged Chongasing, John McDonald, Father Eduardo Ortiz-Santiago, lifelong study of the Catholic faith. This must include, Bishop (Bishop Bevard), Shelly Moorehead and Gene LaPlace; said, living in such a way that, in everyday life, God may be (front row, l-r) Beverly Chongasing, Carmen Benjamin, Elton glorified through a complete knowledge of the faith shared in Chongasing and Patrick Querrard. love, always with a shining Christian example.
4 The Catholic Islander / November 2013 / www.catholicvi.com canonical visitations
(l-r) Bishop Bevard, Valencio Jackson, Mary Jane Provost and Bishop Bevard and Deacon Neville visit with Angela Eustash. Father John Mark
(l-r) Bishop Bevard, Ellora Peter, Mary Jane Provost, Father John Mark, Deacon Conrad Williams, Valencio Jackson, Agneta Bailey, (l-r) Bishop Bevard, Esther Donelly, James Rodgers, Lerlyn De Devanté Petersen and Bria Mitcham Freitas, Valencio Jackson and Father John Mark
St. Joseph Church, Kingshill For the latest diocesan news and With tropical weather closing St. Croix schools on Friday, September 6, there was disappointment because His photographs, visit Excellency, Bishop Hebert Bevard had to cancel his much catholicislander.blogspot.com anticipated visit with St. Joseph High School teachers, students updated twice weekly! and administration. Visiting the diocesan schools is a very important part of Bishop Bevard’s annual canonical visit to the parishes connected with those schools. On Saturday, September 7, Bishop Bevard met with St. Visit the website of the Joseph Church’s Finance Council and together they spoke of Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands at many issues of importance to the school, the church and the Diocese of St. Thomas as a whole. Father John Mark, St. Joseph www.catholicvi.com pastor, who is also the high school principal, and members of the Finance Council spoke about the completion of the beautiful new chapel at the high school, the increased enrollment of students this year and many other milestones and challenges. The Diocese of St. Thomas in the During his visit, Bishop Bevard, accompanied by Deacon Virgin Islands is on Facebook! Neville Charles, called on the elderly and ill members of church. On Sunday, September 8, Bishop Bevard celebrated www.facebook.com/dioceseofstthomas Mass at St. Joseph Church.
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Men Can Cook Event
On Saturday, September 28, much delicious, spicy and not-too-spicy food was offered by the Sts. Peter and Paul School Culinary Arts Class. The class was taught by Chef Cory Magras. The menu was a selection of delicious vegetable casseroles, rice and red beans, and cheesy macaroni and cheese, which complimented the masterfully slow-cooked pork ribs, chicken and tender beef ribs. A large order was sent up to the chancery, whose staff and (it is rumored) Bishop Bevard thoroughly enjoyed the cuisine whipped up by the talented team Sts. Peter and Paul School Culinary Arts Class: (front row, l-r) Genelle of school-spirited men and students. The proceeds from this LaPlace, Cynthia Casimir, Kateland Higgs, Natashia Overbeek and successful cooking event went to support Catholic education in Kristi Greaux. (back row, l-r) Nicholas Overbeek, Leeal Turnbull, Josh the Virgin Islands. Gibs, Rodney Querrard, Francine Francis and Corey Romney.
“Men Who Cook”: (clockwise from left) Officer Chesterfield, Chaz Slaughter, Elmo Adams, Principal Samuel Belmar and Officer Bruce Flamon. Culinary Arts Teacher, Chef Cory Magras.
(clockwise from left) Mark Joseph, Maribel Okiye, Ms. Bramble, (l-r) Shirley LaPlace, Terressa Jamis, Myrtle Thomas, Bernadine Dante Joseph and Anthony Joseph. Barnes and Christine Joseph.
6 The Catholic Islander // NovemberNovember 20132013 // www.catholicvi.com.com Our Lady of Cassie Hill
Our Lady of Cassie Hill was honored this year with the annual procession, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass. Together with the His Excellency, Bishop Hebert Bevard and Holy Family Church Pastor Father Neil Scantlebury, many priests, deacons, religious, seminarians and faithful from the parishes and Catholic apostolates and organizations of the diocese assembled for the day’s events. The procession took them from the Four Winds Plaza up the hill to the shrine, where there was Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass.
Members of the new youth group sing under the direction of The CCD teachers receive a special blessing at this Mass. Nadija Pascauskas. Patronal Feast
On Sunday, September 15, the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Holy Cross Church celebrated its patronal feast with a special Mass. Deacon Griffith was invited to be the guest homilist.
Msgr. Michael Kosak – Msgr. Michael Kosak is on a three-month study/retreat sabbatical in Italy. Here he is preparing to distribute In Memory – The memorial Mass for Ada Maldonado was held Communion in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, during the Mass at St. Michael Chapel in St. Joseph Church on September 4. that Pope Francis celebrated for catechists on September 29.
Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call 340.774.3166, Ext. 213, for rates. 7 spotlight on youth
Teacher Honored for 40 years of Teaching – Dr. Brenda Jackson was recently honored for her 40 years of teaching. She taught all of the English classes at St. Joseph High School for the past seven years and taught in public schools on St. Croix for the previous 33 years. She was honored at a special faculty luncheon during the school day on September 26. Surrounding Dr. Jackson are some of the members of the staff of St. Joseph High School: (l-r) Carmen Robles, Austin Bowen, Meg Bryson, Father John Mark, Zina Dore and Sandra Miranda-Maynard.
Wall Painting Contest – St. Joseph High School students received a “very close second place” for their participation TV Commercial – Teachers, administrators and the entire student in the VIPR Wall Painting Contest. The students included (l-r) body of Sts. Peter and Paul School were led by Police Officer Bruce Djenne Green, Petra Hoover, (teacher Carmen Robles), Reanna Flamon in an exciting TV commercial rehearsal minutes before the Phipps, Keyvil King and Javier Galiber (not photographed). The cameras rolled on the final take. The TV commercial was produced art will be displayed and recognized at the annual Government to advertise the October 4 First Friday Event at the Windward House Recognition/Awards Reception and will be featured in Passage Hotel in Charlotte Amalie. The event raised funds for the local media and in the commemorative booklet. school. The TV spot was seen on local channels.
Bullying Presentation – Officer Edith Christopher gave a bullying presentation to St. Patrick School. The students presented her with In Our Back Yard – St. Patrick School’s seventh-graders enjoy cards of appreciation for the learning experiece. nature’s goodness.
8 The Catholic Islander / November 2013 / www.catholicvi.com catholic charities
Catholic Charities
His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard welcomed India Association of the Virgin Islands Vice President Pash Daswani to the chancery, where Mr. Daswani presented a donation for Catholic Charities in the amount of $1,901. Also in attendance for the presentation were Catholic Charities Executive Director Michael Akin and close India Association friend Lillia King. Over its 50 years of operation, Catholic Charities has provided meals and shelter to an average of 700 displaced and/or homeless persons every year. Despite (l-r) Lillia King, Michael Akin, Bishop Bevard and Pash Daswani severe economic conditions, the India Association has contributed every year to different organizations in the Virgin Catholic Charities’ October Food Drive Islands’ communities since its founding Please collect the following items at your church, school or workplace and bring in 1975. At its 67th Independence Day them to Catholic Charities: celebration, the association included Canned Salmon | Macaroni and cheese | Mixed vegetables Catholic Charities among its scholarship and charitable contribution recipients.
Protección de niños ¡buenas noticias!
La Diócesis de Sto. Tomás en las Islas Vírgenes está comprometida a proteger a los niños de todo daño. Si Ud tiene conocimiento de algún empleado de la iglesia que haya abusado de algún menor, favor de comunicarse inmediatamente con la Coordinadora Diocesana de la Protección de los Niños, Calista Julien, El P. John Mark bendiciendo a los maestros y ayudantes de la catequesis durante la misa al 340.778.0484 or 340.772.4214. en español de las 10:00 a.m. de la iglesia de san José, en el domingo catequético, 22 de septiembre 2013.
Eventos Mensuales la Alianza se reúne en el Salón de domingo siguiente, en la iglesia de Holy Hospitalidad de la Catedral de San Pedro Cross los martes alternados a las 7 p.m. Oración Carismática y San Pablo los domingos a las 2 p.m. Las reuniones son en español. Las oraciones en español se ofrecen en el Salón de Hospitalidad de la Catedral de San Nueva Misa en Español Rosario por los no nacidos Pedro y san Pablo los lunes a las 6 p.m. La iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen La iglesia de San José invita a los rosarios de la isla de Saint John está ofreciendo bilingües en español e inglés por los no La Ultreya una misa en español todos los domingos nacidos todos los viernes a la 6 p.m. Los jueves después de la misa de las 7 a las 6:00pm .El celebrante oficial es el p.m. los cursillistas tienen su Ultreta. Las padre Eduardo Ortiz Santiago, párroco Santo Niño reunions en el trailer, en la oficina del de la comunidad hispana de la catedral. En la iglesia de San José se rezan las Movimiento de Cursillos, y son en español. devociones del Santo Niño (el Santo Oración y Reflexión Niño Jesús) los primeros sábados de Legión de María Se reza el Santo Rosario y se comparten cada mes a las 4:30 p.m. Durante este El presidium hispano María, Arca de las reflexiones de las lecturas del tiempo se ofrecen confesiones.
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We do not need to be canonized, nor acclaimed by the Church, to become a saint. In fact, our loved ones who die as God’s friends (in a state of grace) will soon be among the greatest of saints, whether you and I and the rest of the Church are aware of it or not. Not only can we become saints just like the saints whose names we hear recited at Mass, but it is actually a prerequisite in order to live forever with God. How does a good, holy person who leaves this life in a state of grace, but is riddled with imperfections like selfishness, irritability, laziness, ingratitude, or careless talk, qualify as a “great” saint? For which of us is immune Byzantine frescoe in the Monastery of St. Theodora in Thessaloniki, Greece to little defects like these? Often seen in Scripture is the image of gold that is tested by fire. That is, when the intense heat of fire melts gold, any impurities All Saints' Day Reminds Us separate and can be removed, leaving pure gold. of Our Goal in Life: In death, each one of us will experience a judgment – an examination Sainthood of our life. A soul who dies in a state of grace is like gold. Such a soul will, after their judgment, be in heaven with God. If such a soul, like gold ore, he rejoicing is great and spreads far and wide contains impurities or imperfections, when the pope declares someone to be a saint. the judgment received from Our Lord With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the Church will purify and remove all stain of sin acclaims, beatifies, canonizes and gives us the or imperfection from the soul. This is saints for our growth in holiness and edification. the purgative nature of God’s merciful TTheir heroic example always has inspired – and continues to judgment of the just. The Church has from time immemorial referred to this as inspire – imitation. Some of the greatest saints throughout purgatory. the ages chose their holy path in imitation of the virtuous life We can avoid the just judgment of of an earlier saint! God, just like the saints in the photo above. They attained lasting, unalloyed friendship with God in their very lifetime, But, for every person who is declared of examination by the Church. Some and so can we. The Church shares a saint by the Church today, there have taken decades, even centuries; their lives with us just for this reason. are a dozen more undeclared saints others move quickly, like St. Theresa The saints’ work on earth is continued being advocated for sainthood. Their of Calcutta, Blessed John XXIII and through and by those in this life who extraordinary virtue and holiness Blessed John Paul II. imitate them. may have been long recognized by Can we only become saints like St. Remembering the saints and living many. These disciples, followers and Francis of Assisi, St. Ignatius of Loyola, our ordinary lives for God just as they devotees wish to spread devotion to or St. Theresa of Avila if we somehow lived theirs, helps us to respond to their saint throughout the Church. This gain such widespread notice that the God’s call to us on earth to become is done through petitions or causes for Church publicly declares us a saint? saints. If we are successful, we will sainthood. Some causes for sainthood The answer to the question is no. God indeed become saints just as if we, too, move slowly through a long process made every person for sainthood. had been canonized!
10 The Catholic Islander / November 2013 / www.catholicvi.com By Deacon John Fewel, Editor God’s Gift of Forgiveness A Pastoral Exhortation on the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: “Peace be with you!” With these words, the Risen Lord greeted his frightened Apostles in the Upper Room on the day of his Resurrection. They were troubled, anxious, and fearful—much like each one of us at some point in our lives. Christ repeated the words, “Peace be with you.” But then he added, “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (Jn 20:19-23). What an extraordinary gift! The Risen Lord was proclaiming that all the suffering he had just endured was in order to make available the gifts of salvation “He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me and forgiveness. He wanted the Apostles to receive always; everything I have is yours. But now we must these gifts. He wanted them to become apostles of this celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was forgiveness to others. dead and has come to life again; he was lost and In the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, also has been found.’” (Lk 15: 31-32) called confession, we meet the Lord, who wants to grant forgiveness and the grace to live a renewed life in him. In this sacrament, he prepares us to receive him free from serious sin, with a lively faith, earnest hope, and sacri- cial love in the Eucharist. The Church sees confession welcome you. We, whom Christ has ordained to min- as so important that she requires that every Catholic go ister this forgiveness in his name, are also approach- at least once a year.1 The Church also encourages fre- ing this sacrament, as both penitents and ministers, quent confession in order to grow closer to Christ Jesus throughout our lives and at this special moment of and his Body, the Church. By the grace of the Holy Spirit, grace during Lent. We want to offer ourselves to you we seek forgiveness and repentance, let go of patterns as forgiven sinners seeking to serve in the Lord’s name. of sin, grow in the life of virtue, During Lent—in addition to the various peniten- and witness to a joyful conver- tial services during which individual confession takes sion. Since the graces of the sac- place—we bishops and priests will be making ourselves rament are so similar to the pur- available often for the individual celebration of this pose of the New Evangelization, sacrament. We pray that through the work of the Holy Pope Benedict XVI has said, “The Spirit, all Catholics—clergy and laity—will respond to New Evangelization . . . begins in the call of the New Evangelization to encounter Christ the confessional!”2 in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Come We bishops and priests are to the Lord and experience the extraordinary grace of eager to help you if you experience his forgiveness! dif culty, hesitation, or uncer- tainty about approaching the Lord 1 Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1457-1458. 2 Pope Benedict XVI, Address to the Annual Course on the Internal Forum in this sacrament. If you have not Organized by the Apostolic Penitentiary, www.vatican.va/holy_father/ben- received this healing sacrament edict_xvi/speeches/2012/march/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20120309_ in a long time, we are ready to penitenzieria-apostolica_en.html.
Printed with permission from the USCCB. By Paul McAvoy 11 A Roadmap for Our Life in Christ The Beatitudes s we now move Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit, for praises those who are never at a loss for into the “Third Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven words. We are moved by talented writers Pillar" of the and inspired by our great orators. In the Garden of Eden, we know In contrast, all genuine tears and cries Catechism, we are the recognition of limits – that we are will learn that the our first parents succumbed to the suggestion of the serpent that there was no longer in control. Tears come when newA dignity we discover in words fail us. Tears are pure because somehow a lack in their relationship with Christ calls us to lead a new God and that there was something they they come from the depths of a person's life that is “worthy of the could do about it. Rather than being of being to express a need and desire that Gospel of Christ.” the same mind, love and heart of God, cannot be expressed in words. The tears our first parents chose to take matters that originate from a deeply felt hurt, loss, into their own hands in order to “fill affliction or need leave no doubt in the This new life is the life of communion themselves” with what they lacked. hearer as to the existence of the pain or with God, or beatitude. Because this is In order to restore the proper need. In this way, true tears hide nothing; the end for which humanity was created, relationship with God, Jesus, who is they have no hidden agenda. this pillar of the Catechism explores both Love, demonstrated to us through the Crying also affirms our dependence on beatitude and the ways of reaching it. witness of His life the proper attitude something or someone other than ourselves we must adopt. In short, we must be – a message that many of us would rather The Beatitudes: Part I like Jesus, “who, though He was in the not hear. Like a baby, we must trust that form of God, did not regard equality with God will hear our cries and will understand “The Eight Beatitudes are at the heart God something to be grasped. Rather their meaning. We must trust that God will of Jesus’ preaching ... They express He emptied Himself, taking the form penetrate through the tears to the underlying the vocation of the faithful associated of a slave, coming in human likeness; need, i.e. reconciliation or removal from all with the glory of His Passion and and found human in appearance, He that seeks to separate us from God, whether resurrection; they shed light on the humbled Himself, becoming obedient to we are aware of this or not. actions and attitudes characteristic of the death, even death on a cross.” (Phil 2:6-8) Christian life; they are the paradoxical To re-enter communion with God, then, Blessed Are the Meek, for promises that sustain hope in the we, too, must turn from a disordered ego They Shall Inherit the Earth midst of tribulations; they proclaim the and its self-reliance to the attitude of Christ. blessings and rewards already secured, One rich in the spirit of the disordered self however dimly, for Christ’s disciples ...” will forever be blinded to the one true thing The word meek connotes patience, it really lacks: love. Instead, he or she will mildness, gentleness, kindness and constantly grasp for that which is beyond disinclination towards anger and his or her reach, will seek to remake the resentment. Meekness is both a natural world in his image and will demand that outgrowth of poverty of spirit and an everyone else conforms to her way of essential ingredient for poverty of spirit. viewing the world. The challenge for us Only one who has emptied himself or today continues to be to empty ourselves of herself of the false ego can exercise pride, of a false sense of own divinity. patience and kindness because these require a person to not put his or her Blessed Are Those Who Mourn, for own self with its demands as primary.
S. Olson Meekness, simply put, is a fruit of the They Shall be Comforted Spirit and, therefore, only blossoms to the extent that we participate in the life of the Doug Culp is the CAO of the Words can manipulate. Words can Spirit. To be meek then is to be like Christ, secretariat for pastoral life at the Diocese be double-edged or have multiple which is only possible when the mind of meanings. Words also can be a source of Lexington, Ky. He holds an M.Div. from Christ wells up within us. - quotes from the Mundelein Seminary in Chicago. of great pride. Our society values and Catechism (1691-1729) unless otherwise noted.
12 The Catholic Islander / November 2013 / www.catholicvi.com Theology 101
Franz Cardinal König
Franz König (1905 – 2004) served as archbishop of Vienna from 1956 to 1985, and was elevated to cardinal in 1958. He was the last surviving cardinal elevated by Pope John XXIII and he was the second-oldest and longest- serving cardinal worldwide at the time of his death. On combating the decline of Christian Churches: “The primary concern of the Christian churches, of every church, but particularly of the Catholic Church, in whose name, I speak, cannot first and foremost be its public image. Its primary concern must always be to pass on the Gospel message with its partly adaptable and partly unalterable standpoint. And so I am faced with the question: How do I fulfill my task of conveying my message in the world as it is today? It is not an easy task and requires – much more than it used to – honest cooperation between bishops, priests and laity. Here, too, it was the Second Vatican Council which repeatedly pointed to the necessity of such co-operation. As Lumen Gentium 33 says, ‘Now, the laity are called in a special way to make the Church present and fruitful in those places and circumstances where only through them can it become the salt of the earth.’ “This means that it is not enough to discuss the word of God and Sermon on the Mount, Wikimedia Commons comment on it. We must above all carry it out and bear witness to it by the way we live. The churches, the faithful in the churches, must Catechism Quiz be credible interpreters, witnesses of God's love for mankind. That is Which of the following is not a source of the the secret of a Mother Teresa or Q: morality of a human act? a Father Maximilian Kolbe, who changed the world around them. a. the conscience of the actor And so Christianity and its churches b. the object chosen do not have to invent anything new. c. the end or intention They must simply go on proclaiming d. the circumstances of the action the same Gospel, not so much with words but through bearing loving (a) the conscience of the actor. The object, intention and witness to the way they live.” A: circumstances make up the sources, or constitutive elements, of the - from “The pull of God in a godless age,” The Tablet, 9/18/1999 morality of human acts. CCC 1750
13 Keys and Sword Executive Committee Co-Chairs Charlotte Committee members (l-r) Christine Joseph, Gail Schulterbrandt, Banks (left) and Lillia King. Marina Salem and Maria Griffin. Final Cathedral Restoration Phase Fifth Annual
Keys and Sword Committee members (l-r) Jennifer Johnson, Felicia Brownlow Kick-Off Meeting (hospitality chair) and Maribel Okiye.
t’s not Ripley’s Believe it or Not it’s the real deal! The final phase of the Cathedral restoration will end in 2014. The Keys and Sword 2014I committee members attended the kick-off meeting held on September 17 at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral Keys and Sword Committee members participate in Hospitality Lounge. Executive Committee the kick-off meeting. members Charlotte Banks and Lillia King reviewed the calendar of events and distributed to committee members their folders, which contained tickets, ad sponsorships, patron sign-up sheets and other event information, to assist them.
The Keys and Sword Award Benefit will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014, at The Marriot Frenchman’s Reef Hotel Grand Harbor Ballroom on St. Thomas. Tickets and ad sponsorships are available from parish ticket sellers and all church offices. Refer to your weekly parish bulletin for Committee members (l-r) Bernadine Barnes and Alicia Douté ticket seller name(s). (CDA Regent Court #2049).
14 The Catholic Islander / November 2013 / www.catholicvi.com keys and sword event
Keys and Sword 2014 Honorees
Jean A. Dragin, president, Jean Dragin Enterprises
In 1965, at the age of 26, Dragin began 48 years of loving dedicated service within the Diocese of Committee members (l-r) Marina Salem (Public Relations for St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Jean Dragin’s first trip to the Hispanic community) and Maria Griffin. St. Thomas was to visit his aunt, Josette Rey, a Doctor of Theology. A devout Catholic, Mr. Dragin was born in Pointe-a- Pitre, Guadeloupe. In 1968, three years after his visit, Jean decided to return to St. Thomas and reside permanently. It was not long before Jean’s work ethic, loyalty and vision, executed with exceptional skill and talent in engineering, construction and maintenance, became well- known in the parishes throughout the diocese. Additionally, his engineering acumen became well-known to the secular Virgin Islands business communities.
Committee members (l-r) Carol Joyner and Karen Swan Athneil C. (Addie) Ottley, (ballroom setup chair). president, Ottley Communications
Athneil (Addie) Ottley was born November 19, 1941. One of 11 children, his father was postmaster of Charlotte Amalie until his death in 1981. Following graduation from Sts. Peter and Paul High School, he enrolled in the RCA Institute of Technology in New York, majoring in electronics. He subsequently attended Indiana Institute of Technology, majoring in electronics and engineering. In December 1975, he was married to the lovely Mary Simmons. “Mary has been my guiding light ever since that lucky day,” Addie says. His commitment as a Catholic and parishioner of the Committee members (l-r) Gilbert Pinney (Knights of Columbus) Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral has never wavered. He and Alicia Douté (CDA Regent Court #2049). has been actively involved as a staunch supporter of the Cathedral Restoration Project. Addie not only donated his time and talent, but also provided philanthropic support to the Diocese of St. Thomas. Today, Addie is the owner and manager of WSTA Radio, where he is host of “The Morning Show,” now in its 43rd year. He also is the host of “Face to Face” on WTJX – the local PBS television station. In addition, Addie is a former Virgin Islands senator and lieutenant governor, and two-time president of the St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce. Join His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard on Saturday, February 1, 2014, as we pay tribute to our brothers in Committee members (l-r) Vincia St. Jean (Hospitality) and Alrid Christ. For more information about the event, see page 3. Lockhart (Knights of Columbus Grand Knight).
Story by Charlotte Banks | Photography by Deacon John Fewel 15 saint of the month
St Carlo Borromeo Tended by an Angel Stay the Course By Francesco Caccianiga St. Charles Borromeo | Feast Day: November 4
t is easier to destroy than to create. Creation is hard work. It often takes a sustained effort over a long period of time. Patience and perseverance are absolutely critical. Perhaps, this is also why so many of us fall readily into I patterns of destruction and disorder. St. Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) monasteries were described as full of knew this truth all too well. He was the disorder and debauched. St. Charles son of a count and his mother was the made it his mission to reform his diocese. sister of Pope Pius IV. At an early age, he He established seminaries, colleges was named secretary of state for his uncle and communities for the education of the pope, was made a cardinal and was candidates for the priesthood. He founded archbishop’s chapel. appointed administrator of the see of Milan. a fraternity for secular priests who devoted Despite all this, St. Charles stayed After playing an important role during themselves to the Church, and his work the course and transformed Milan the Council of Trent, he was ordained a with the youth initiated the work of the into a model see. Though he died at priest in 1563, and was consecrated bishop Confraternity for Christian Doctrine the age of 46, he is remembered as a of Milan the same year. In 1564, he was and the first Sunday school classes. He prominent figure of the Catholic counter- formally appointed archbishop of Milan and increased systems to support the poor reformation, a patron of learning and made his official entry in 1565. and needy, preached against an ever- the arts and, most importantly, a saint. Milan had been without a resident encroaching Protestantism, and called Traveling on the path to holiness is itself a bishop for 80 years. During this time, lapsed Catholics back to the Church. process of creation. For those who choose its 3,000 clergy and 800,000 people had However, he encountered a tremendous to embark on this journey, patience and grown lax and had drifted from Church amount of resistance, even from religious perseverance, especially when confronted teaching. Indulgences and Church orders. One order even conspired to kill with opposition, are absolutely essential if positions were regularly sold, and the him and shots were fired at him in the one is to be transformed into sainthood.
conflict resolution
As a Man, Am I Always Required to Pay for the Date? This Seems Like an Outdated Notion. S. Kendrick Is it OK to suggest splitting the check on a date? I go out with women who seem to expect that I should pay, even though they probably earn more than I do. Isn’t this an Dr. Gelasia Marquez outdated notion? is a psychologist and family counselor.
I believe from your question that you or appearance, then you need to invest in drink, or whatever you do, do everything are not talking about a date. A date the date. Invest in knowing each other – in for the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31) takes place between two people who are showing each other who you are. Invest By the way, if you are not interested interested in each other romantically. in planning a future together. You need romantically, you can discuss before If you decide to date a person because to invest, but invest according to your taking the woman out that you will prefer you like her because of her personality economic means. “So, whether you eat or to split the check.
16 The Catholic Islander / November 2013 / www.catholicvi.com in the know with fr. joe
Am I Really Supposed to be an Evangelist?
Dear Father Joe, I hear talk that we are supposed to evangelize, but I’m not sure I want to do that. What does it mean? Father Joseph Krupp is a priest in Q the Diocese of Lansing, Mich.
I think it must be a tough thing witnesses than to teachers, and if he does Interwoven into all of these must be a to hear so many people talking listen to teachers, it is because they are firm commitment on your part to be holy. about evangelization without witnesses.” (Evangelii Nuntiandi) Holy is a word that means “set apart,” and telling us exactly what it is. For a lot of When we do this, we are looking at that really is the key to evangelization. people, the idea of evangelization the human heart and seeing how our When you and I stand out from the crowd conjures up images of people yelling from faith heals and strengthens it. As we by things we say “yes” to and the things street corners, condemning others or know, however, the human life is not all we say “no” to, then we have begun to trying to get people to think just like we heart – it’s also about our minds, so you’ll walk the path of holiness. There are many do. If that is our image of evangelization, want to feed your love for your faith with people who love their faith and there are then no wonder it has no appeal to us! knowledge about it. Get to know why we many people who are well-informed about I’m going to write this article assuming believe what we believe. In these days, their faith, but there doesn’t seem to be that you “have the basics”: You care about there is a lot of ignorance about our faith, many people who are simply holy. You your relationship with God and you live with claims that we are anti-science or must answer that call. that out through a faithful sacramental anti-intellectual. There are few things more Sometimes, this will mean you are life and participation in your parish life. inaccurate than that, and the answer to the going to have to refrain from other If that is the case, then we’re going to misconception is people like you and me people’s cruelty to others or immoral look at evangelization as a process that being well-informed. Learning about our behavior. It’s going to mean showing involves a few key ideas. I’m going to faith is not hard; there are tons of options kindness to those others are treating put them in an order that makes sense out there for us. You can listen to podcasts, cruelly. It’s going to mean speaking the to me, but, to be clear, I don’t mean for read good articles – all sorts of things. By truth about what you’ve done and what you to read this as if you only do one learning about our faith, you are giving you haven’t. It is going to mean taking step at a time. All these ideas and steps yourself the gift of knowing and knowing responsibility for your actions and needs roll together and work as a whole. With something beautiful and amazing. By and being respectful to your parents and that in mind, there are four elements to learning about our faith, we are entering siblings. Some days, its going to mean evangelization that we are all called to: a spiritual and philosophical base that is holding true to “unpopular” teachings we must know Jesus, we must learn our 2,000 years old and informed by every of the Church when all around you are faith, we must know ourselves and we culture we’ve encountered in that time. caving in. If and when you do these must be holy. Your heart and mind are all a part of things, I promise you will stand apart. First, we’ll look at the idea that we must the what, now let’s look at the how – All of these are elements of being holy. If know Jesus. Again, I’m assuming an active how do you express what your heart and you commit to being holy, you’ll find that faith life on your part with personal prayer mind loves? The simple answer to this you are evangelizing simply by means of and prayer in your Church. What you and is that you must evangelize as you are, the fact that you exist! Beyond that, you’ll I need to be conscious of is the “why?” It’s not as you are not. Take some time and be ready to gently and lovingly explain not just important that we do the right think about your gifts and talents, your why you love your Catholic faith and what thing, but that we know why we are doing personality traits and characteristics. All you know about it. You’ll have credibility it. Ponder the answer to the question, of these things form the core of who you from your peers because you will so clearly “What difference has my faith made in my are and make you the unique person God be set apart without being self-righteous. life?” Think about what you would be like called to be an evangelist. If you’re shy, I pray that God shows you how beautiful without your faith. Consider what your you don’t have to pretend you’re not. If you are. I pray that, through thinking life would be like. When you do this, you you’re outgoing, you don’t have to pretend of your faith and learning about it, you will, in the words of Scripture, “Always be you are shy. The person you are is a gift become more aware of how blessed it, prepared to give an answer to everyone who that God gave the world and an answer is to stand out, stand up and follow the asks you to give the reason for the hope to the prayers of many – even people challenge from the Book of Micah: “You that you have. But do this with gentleness you’ve never met. When you understand know, oh man, what is required: act justly, and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) And, as Pope who you are, your evangelization will be love mercy and walk humbly with your Paul VI said, “Man listens more willingly to authentic, life-giving and effective. God.” Enjoy another day in God’s presence!
Like us on Facebook at Catholiccharitiesvi 17 spiritual fitness
Rejoice Always, Pray Constantly, Spiritual Fitness Exercise Thanksgiving is a marvelous Give Thanks in All Circumstances way to keep all things in balance with truth as our foundation. Consider using O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever. Psalm 30:13 some time around the We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks; we call on your name Thanksgiving meal or in and recount your wondrous deeds. Psalm 75:2 another part of the day to ask each person to name something for which they re the thoughts and, when we receive it, forget to render are particularly grateful this reflected in these thanks to the Source of all our good year and then have the host bring all that gratitude into a psalms common, and to those who have helped us. As Christians, we need to handle this area of Thanksgiving prayer on behalf rare or non- life better than we usually do – in relation of the whole family. Such a existent in your to God and to others. tradition can help your children, everydayA life? For example, do We have so much today; we take so grandchildren and one another you express thoughts like these much for granted. The more we have, to be a family marked by throughout your day whether at it seems, the more we lose a sense of gratitude to God and to others. work or home? gratitude, and actually develop an attitude of entitlement. It seems sometimes that gratitude has not only been dropped from Thank you, God, for your kindness our speech, but even more from our way November 2013 to me today. of thinking. Too many of us have come Thank you for wisdom and insight. to a point where we think of ourselves as for those in prison May you be praised, O God, for the source of our good – our talents, our forgiving my sins. money, our intelligence, our talents. That can Father of Mercy, May you be praised and thanked, be a fatal error and can lead to great misery. you alone are the just judge O God, for the blessings that have God is the source of all the good we have in and the secrets of all hearts are come to me today. life. We need to restore this understanding known to you alone. to our way of thinking – and acting. You sent your only Son I want to encourage you to take some God has given us life. He has made to proclaim liberty to captives time this month to evaluate your thoughts possible the sacraments to gift and free and release to prisoners; and your speech. Our minds do not and heal, to equip us to live our vocation and he promised salvation to like a vacuum; if we are not thinking as disciples of Christ. He has made constructive or grateful thoughts, our possible the true hope of eternal life. He the repentant thief. minds (and hearts) will be filled most forgives our sins – always. often with petitions and complaints, All of us have had struggles in life; yet Hear our prayers for those in anxiety or anger, gossip and lies. we know that He hears all our prayers and prison. In regard to our petitions, of course, answers them according to what will most Give them the grace of true God wants us to bring our needs to Him lead us (and those we love) to heaven. Why repentance, – every day – but if that is all we do, we do we so frequently fail to return to Him with give them patience and have only completed the first part of our thanksgiving in our hearts? Has God been endurance, prayer. Do you remember the passage in moved out of first place in our lives? Who is and give them the light of the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 17 where in first place? Are we guilty of idolatry? your hope in the midst of 10 lepers ask Jesus to heal them and Let us consider making a personal darkness. He does? However, only one returns to commitment to make thanksgiving Comfort the families whom they give Him thanks. The rest go on their way prayers a daily part of our morning or rejoicing, ignoring (forgetting) the need to evening prayer. have left behind always render thanks to those who have “He who brings thanksgiving as his and may our communities be done us a good service. They ignored the sacrifice honors me; to him who orders a source of reconciliation and one who had restored them. How often his way aright, I will show the salvation of hope. Amen. we do that. We pray for a good thing God.” Psalm 50:23
18 The Catholic Islander / November 2013 / www.catholicvi.com By Sister Ann Shields journey of faith
chose the ministry of the prison and education of street children ... there was a lot to do there!” It was through this program that he met the Priests of the Sacred Heart. This was an important point in his faith journey. Boniface began a long formation process with the Priests of the Sacred Heart. He spent time studying in South Africa, pursuing the required degrees, both in philosophy and theology. During this time, he spent four months obtaining pastoral experience and was assigned to the cathedral church. There, he was “marked and inspired" by diocesan priestly vocation through Father Stephen Tully, who was his pastoral advisor and the administrator of the cathedral. "In fact, this was my first time to live with a diocesan priest,” he said. While he was earning his degrees, he began to feel more and more distant from the order and felt that perhaps this religious order was not the right one. He returned to the Congo for some time of thought and reflection. Finally, it became clear that he would not continue with the Priests of the Sacred Heart. He settled back in the Congo and got a job, but he still felt called to be a priest. Boniface stayed in touch with his former theology teacher, Father David Power, who is currently emeritus professor at the Catholic University of America. It was through Father Power that Boniface heard of the Diocese of St. Thomas. Boniface was soon in touch with Msgr. Jerôme Feudjio, the vocations director for the Diocese of St. Thomas. “I could see Deacon Boniface-Blanchard Twaibu God’s hand leading me to the priesthood. God would use any excuse whatsoever to get you to be a seminarian or priest, if that is what He wants you to be; thus I regard this journey not as ome faith journeys are about discovering merely luck, coincidental connection or a random thing, but, Christ in unlikely places; some are about rather, God’s providence.” overcoming extreme hardships. Each Boniface made his first journey to the Virgin Islands in 2011, ready to begin his work and his studies. He taught at personal journey has elements of these. Sts. Peter and Paul School his first year. The experience helped Deacon Boniface-Blanchard Twaibu has him get to know the people of St. Thomas. “The people of the aS faith journey that is one of perseverance. Virgin Islands are wonderful – they are really a people of faith. Teaching in the school was, at first, a real challenge, but it ended “I would say that a vocation is a journey,” he says. “It is a day- up being a blessing for me. Interacting with the students was to-day encounter with Christ. Only through this encounter can such a fun opportunity to get my English brushed up, and the you discover the deeper meaning of your own life and what God staff were so lovely.” wants for you. It may not necessarily be something you desire Today, Deacon Boniface is finishing up his studies in systematic for yourself, but it is God’s will for you; thus, I am continually theology at a seminary in Ohio and preparing to defend his thesis. amazed by the gift of vocation.” He is looking forward to serving as a priest of the Diocese of St. Deacon Boniface’s journey began back Thomas soon afterward. in the Congo, Africa, where he was born Though the journey was long, and raised. He was the youngest of 10 Boniface sees how each turn in the children and was much loved by his "... A vocation is a road God was leading him closer to his parents and siblings. journey ... It is a day- destination and his new home in the “I was blessed to have been taught to-day encounter with Virgin Islands. “As for me, perseverance the faith by my family and educated Christ. Only through this is to be able to endure your trials and still in a Catholic school run by the Marist encounter can you discover believing in God, even as you go through Brothers,” Deacon Boniface explains. the valleys of darkness. For the Lord While in high school, he began to feel a the deeper meaning of is always on your side leading you as a pull towards the priesthood. In his last your own life and what God good shepherd. (cf. John 10, 11) This year of high school, he joined a vocations wants for you." is what has made me strong and this is group, where he was able to try out my prayer for everyone who reads this several different church ministries. “I journey of faith story. God bless you!”
By Paul McAvoy 19 world news
Pope John XXIII Pope John Paul II Irish Priest Resigns from Hospital Over New Abortion Policy
Father Kevin Doran resigned from the board of Dublin's Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, following the hospital’s announcement that it would allow abortions in compliance with Ireland’s new law. Pope Chooses ‘Encounter’ as Theme for World Communications Day 2014
Pope Francis has chosen the topic of bringing people together for his first message for World Communications Day – the theme will be “Communication at the service of an authentic culture of encounter.” Contemplative Community Opens Eighth New Convent Pope to Canonize Blessed Pope Establishes Advisory John XXIII and John Paul II Panel as Permanent The Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Council of Cardinals Jesus of Montmartre, also known as the Recognizing that Blessed John XXIII and Tyburn Nuns, has convents in England, John Paul II have widespread reputations Pope Francis made his international Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Peru, for holiness and years of studying advisory panel on Church governance Ecuador, Colombia, Italy, New Zealand, their lives and actions have proven a permanent council of cardinals and Nigeria – and the newest is located their exceptional virtue, Pope Francis – emphasizing the importance and in the Diocese of Langres, France. announced he would declare his two open-endedness of its work among his predecessors saints at a single ceremony pontificate’s various efforts at reform. Bishops Michael Burbidge April 27, 2014. (Raleigh) and Peter Jugis Catholic University Hires (Charlotte) Leave Pope Francis Continues Chinese Human-rights Ecumenical Organization Peace Appeals on Twitter Champion The Catholic bishops and all Catholic Pope Francis continues his calls for Chen Guangcheng, the blind Chinese council members will be leaving their peace, hope and negotiations for Syria human-rights activist, has been given a positions and cease to belong to the through messages on social media. post at the Catholic University of America North Carolina Council of Churches To read his Twitter messages, visit: (CUA) as a distinguished visiting fellow. because the council has taken positions https://twitter.com/Pontifex. contrary to Catholic teaching on Pope Francis marriage and because it does not Bishops Praise Catholic Excommunicates formally oppose abortion. Relief Services Dissident Australian Priest
Following criticism of Catholic Relief Pope Francis ordered the Listen to The Catholic Islander Services, the United States bishops have excommunication of Father Greg Radio Hour WSTA 1340 AM reaffirmed their support for the agency, Reynolds in Australia for illicitly saying Sundays at 6 p.m. or online at applauding its “very strong training Mass without Church authorities’ program” and “careful” vetting process approval and for preaching contrary to catholicislander.com for partnerships with other groups. the teachings of the Church.
20 The Catholic Islander / November 2013 / www.catholicvi.com Our Blessed Mother’s Message from Medjugorje September 25, 2013 Order of Malta “Dear children! Also today I call you to prayer. May your Virgin Islands Area relationship with prayer be a daily one. Prayer works miracles in you and through you, therefore, little children, The Order of Malta is raising funds may prayer be a joy for you. Then your relationship with life will be deeper and more open and you will for His Excellency, Bishop Bevard’s comprehend that life is a gift for each of you. Thank you Catholic Scholarship Program for having responded to my call.” through the sale of commemorative Courtesy of the Order of Malta | John and Claire Foster bricks. The bricks will be installed in the Rosary Garden at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Church. This is a great way to remember a loved one or express gratitude to God for answering a prayer. Your message will last forever.
î Call 774.2166 for information
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Catholic Daughters of America Court 2049 meets at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on the third Saturday of every month at 3 p.m.
Charismatic Prayer • Prayers in Spanish are offered at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on Mondays at 6 p.m. • Holy Family Church holds evenings of charismatic prayer on Mondays at 7 p.m.
Divine Mercy Chaplet • Altar servers from Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church lead the Divine Mercy Chaplet at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral on Mondays at 3 p.m. • The chaplet is prayed at Our Lady of in Holy Family Church’s classroom on group, meets at Our Lady of Perpetual Perpetual Help Church on Tuesdays at Sundays at 3 p.m. Help Church every other week. There is 3 p.m. • Presidium Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces, also a pro-life Holy Hour and Mass at 6 meets in the St. Anne Chapel hall on p.m. on every first Friday of the month. Holy Hours/ Wednesdays at 6 p.m. For more information, visit Facebook. Eucharistic Adoration com/bound4lifeUSVI or call the OLPH • St. Therese Chapel-Divine Mercy Shrine Magnificat Church office at340.774.0885 . has Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Magnificat, an international ministry to on Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. Catholic women, meets at Sts. Peter and Pro-Life Rosary until Benediction at 5:30 p.m. (Tuesdays Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on Pray a pro-life rosary at Our Lady of at 6:30 p.m.) and on Saturdays from 8 the first Saturday of every month at 8 a.m. Perpetual Help Church on Wednesdays at a.m. until Benediction at 1 p.m. 5:45 p.m. • Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church has Men’s Prayer Group Exposition on Tuesdays from 7:30 a.m. The Sons of Joseph and Mary meet at Rosary Walk until Benediction at 6 p.m. and on Fridays Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral hosts a at 6 p.m., followed by Mass at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. rosary walk on the first Saturday of every • Holy Family Church and St. Anne month at 7 a.m., followed by Mass at Chapel have Holy Hours with Our Lady of Fatima Devotion 7:30 a.m. Exposition and Benediction on Fridays The Children of Mary lead a devotion at 6 p.m., followed by Mass at 7 p.m. to Our Lady of Fatima at Holy Family St. Joseph Workers Church on the first Saturday of every The St. Joseph Workers meet at Holy Intercessory Prayer Group month at 4 p.m. Family Church’s Columban Hall on A team is prepared to pray for the needs the second Sunday of every month at of all who ask at Holy Family Church on Our Mother of 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Perpetual Help Devotions Devotions to Our Mother of Perpetual St. Vincent de Paul Society Knights of Columbus Help are prayed before Mass on The Young Vincentians meet on the Council 6187 meets at Sts. Peter and Paul Wednesdays at: third Sunday of every month at 11:30 Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on the first • Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral at 6:45 a.m. The adult members meet on the and third Sunday of every month at 10 a.m. a.m. and noon fourth Saturday of every month at 3:30 • Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at p.m. Both groups meet in Holy Family Legion of Mary 6:15 p.m. Church’s classroom. • Presidium María, Arca de la Alianza, • Holy Family Church at 6:50 p.m. holds meetings in Spanish at Sts. Peter • St. Anne Chapel at 7 p.m. World Apostolate of Fatima and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge The World Apostolate of Fatima meets at on Sundays at 2 p.m. Pro-life Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on • Presidium Mary, Mystical Rose, meets Bound 4 Life USVI, the diocesan pro-life Thursdays at 7:30 a.m.
22 The Catholic Islander / November 2013 / www.catholicvi.com Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call 340.774.3166, Ext. 213, for rates. 23 parish calendars St. Croix Calendar
to 1 p.m. every Friday. • St. Patrick Church has a Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on Fridays after the 8 a.m. Mass. • St. Patrick Church has a full day of Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesdays during the Year of Faith. • St. Ann Church has a full day of Eucharistic Adoration every Friday during the Year of Faith beginning with Holy Mass at 6:30 a.m. and concluding with evening prayer and Benediction at 6:30 p.m. All ICM Sisters – Recently the ICM Sisters led by Sister Luz hosted a luncheon at the residence are invited to come out and intercede for of Ann Abramson to welcome the incoming Leadership Team to St. Croix. The outgoing team our family, community, church and nation took the opportunity to bid farewell to parishioners of St. Patrick and St. Ann Churches. May in silent prayer, praise and thanksgiving God bless them in on all their endeavors as they serve the people of the Caribbean. The before the Blessed Sacrament. outgoing team members are: Sister Luz, Sister Chantal, Sister Lorraine and Sister Tarcelalla. The incoming team members are: Sister Annamma, Sister Esther and Sister Enden. • St. Joseph Church has a full day of Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday Adult Education during the Year of Faith beginning with • The St. Patrick Alumni Association, Cursillo Prayer Group Holy Mass at 6:30 a.m. and concluding Inc, offers an After School Tutorial The Cursillo Movement hosts a Spanish with Benediction at 6 p.m. Program, which is coordinated by Sister prayer meeting in the St. Michael Chapel Claina Letang, ICM. They are now also at St. Joseph Church on the last Monday Knights of Columbus operating as a Public Computer Center, of every month at 7 p.m. Holy Cross Council 6482 meets at Holy which is part of the ViNGN Digital Cross Church’s McAlpin Hall on the first and Literacy Program. It is open to the public Cursillo Ultreya third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. during scheduled mornings to mid-day. Cursillo members meet for Ultreya in the • The Religious of the Good Shepherd Cursillo office at St. Joseph Church on Legion of Mary offer adult education classes in Spanish Thursdays after the 7 p.m. Mass. Meetings Presidium Mary, Our Lady of Grace, at the Good Shepherd Center from are in Spanish. meets in the Holy Cross Church rectory Monday through Friday. These courses on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. include Spanish writing, English as a Devotions to St. Gerard Majella Second Language and computer courses Pray a devotion to St. Gerard Majella at Holy Magnificat in Windows, Word, Excel and Internet. Cross Church on Tuesdays at 8:45 a.m. Magnificat, an international ministry to Catholic women, meets at Franciscan House Bible Study Divine Mercy Chaplet on the third Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. Holy Cross Church hosts Bible studies in St. Joseph Church hosts Divine Mercy McAlpin Hall on Wednesdays and Saturdays devotions on the fourth Sunday of each Neo-Catechumenal Way at 9 a.m., following morning Mass. month at 3 p.m. The hour-long program The Neo-Catechumenal Way leads a includes the chaplet, prayers, adoration Celebration of the Word at St. Joseph Church Carmelite Spirituality and teachings of the Divine Mercy by on Mondays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. The Our Lady Star of the Sea Community Father John Mark. shares Carmelite spirituality in the St. Our Mother of Joseph Church Hospitality Lounge and Franciscan Spirituality Perpetual Help Devotions Learning Center on the fourth Sunday of The Our Lady of the Angels fraternity of the Devotions to Our Mother of Perpetual each month at 1 p.m. Third Order of St. Francis shares Franciscan Help are prayed at: spirituality at Franciscan House on the • St. Patrick Church on Wednesdays at Charismatic Prayer fourth Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. • St. Patrick Church has charismatic • Holy Cross Church on Wednesdays and prayer in the chapel on the third Friday Holy Hours/Eucharistic Adoration Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. of each month at 6 p.m. • Holy Cross Church has Holy Hour • St. Joseph Church on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. • St. Ann Church has charismatic prayer following the 8:15 a.m. Mass, followed in Marian Hall on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. by Eucharistic Adoration until 1 p.m., Rosary for the Unborn • The Cenacle of Our Lady of the Rosary on the first Friday of every month. St. Joseph Church hosts a bilingual Intercessory Prayer Group meets at • Holy Cross Church has Eucharistic English/Spanish rosary for the unborn on Franciscan House on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Adoration with confession from 11 a.m. Fridays at 6 p.m.
24 The Catholic Islander / November 2013 / www.catholicvi.com Santo Niño Sunday of every month at 5 p.m. Need Spiritual Direction? St. Joseph Church hosts devotions to the Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus) on the Spanish Prayer and Reflection • Sister Patricia Alexander, W.I.F., first Saturday of every month at 4:30 p.m. Pray the rosary and share reflections on is available for spiritual direction at The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered the readings of the coming Sunday Mass at Franciscan House on Wednesdays during this time. Holy Cross Church on alternate Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Call at 7 p.m. Meetings are in Spanish. 340.778.5773 for an appointment. Shepherds of Christ Associates The Shepherds of Christ Associates meet World Apostolate of Fatima • Deacon Hyacinthe George is for prayer in the St. Michael Chapel of The World Apostolate of Fatima meets available for prayer and counseling at St. Joseph Church on Wednesdays at in the chapel at Holy Cross Church on St. Ann Chapel on Wednesdays and 7:30 p.m. and on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Fridays from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
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All-night Vigil Our Lady of Mount Carmel holds an all-night vigil on the first Friday of each month after the 7 p.m. Mass.
Charismatic Prayer Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church hosts an evening of charismatic prayer on Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Eucharistic Adoration Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church has Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction on Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free Meals Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church’s Kallaloo Kitchen: Food for the Soul feeds the needy in the parish’s Guadalupe Hall on Mondays and Fridays at noon. Volunteers are welcomed.
Legion of Mary Presidium Mary, Queen of Angels, meets in the Guadalupe Hall of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Men’s Fellowship Men’s Fellowship meets the first and third Sunday of each month.
Spanish Mass Our Lady of Mount Carmel has Spanish Mass at 6 p.m. Sundays.
26 The Catholic Islander / November 2013 / www.catholicvi.com John Thomas Memorial Chapel Serving the U. S. Virgin Islands for over 40 years!
Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call 340.774.3166, Ext. 213, for rates. 27 Buying, Selling, or Renting? Call the Experts! Providing efficient, friendly and professional service for over 18 years. Toll free: (800)773-8788 E-mail: [email protected] St. Croix Web-site: www.sunrealty.vi #2 Hospital Street, Christiansted Call today: (340)773-8790
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