Vol. 43, No. 6 October 2018
Quote of the Month
“While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it The St. Philip even more fully in your heart.”
(~St. Francis of Assisi) Be-News-Zi
Join us for these Special Franciscan Celebrations, honoring the Founder of the Franciscan Order, St. Francis of Assisi!
The Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi October 3 – 7:00PM Service (Commemoration of the passing of St. Francis from death to Eternal Life)
This beautiful, solemn Prayer Service includes Hymns, Scripture, Prayer and a recounting of St. Francis’ life. All are invited and encouraged to attend!
Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi Saint Francis’ Prayer Before the Crucifix October 4 8:30AM Mass (English) Most High, glorious God, 7:30PM Communion Service (Spanish) enlighten the darkness of my heart The Blessing of Animals and give me true faith, and all of Creation certain hope, and perfect charity, October 6 – 10:00AM sense and knowledge, Lord, Join us as our Friars celebrate that I may carry out St. Francis’ love of animals and all Your holy creation. Bring your pets to be and true command. blessed! The Service will be held Amen. near the Peace Garden. Calendar of Events 10/31: VIGIL: ALL SAINTS DAY 7:00PM Mass (English) October 2018 11/1: ALL SAINTS DAY (Holy Day of Obligation) 10/3: THE TRANSITUS of ST. FRANCIS OF 8:30AM Mass (English) 6:15PM Mass (English) ASSISI – 7PM in the Church 7:45PM Mass (Spanish)
NOTE: The regular 7PM Wednesday Mass is cancelled. 11/2: ALL SOULS DAY 10/4: SOLEMNITY of ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI 8:30AM Mass (English) 8:30AM Mass (English); 7:30PM Communion Service (Spanish); 11/3: ST. MARTIN DE PORRES CELEBRATION Parish Offices Closed. (Held during the 4PM Saturday Mass)
10/5-6: EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 11/4: DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS begins the First Friday of every month in the church, after Turn clocks BACK 1 hour! the 8:30AM Mass and concludes with Benediction at 7:45AM Saturday morning. 11/6: ELECTION DAY – VOTE!!
10/5: PRAISE & WORSHIP ADORATION-7PM This Service takes place during the monthly First Friday, 24 -hour Adoration and includes Contemporary Music, Gospel Reading, a Homily, Period of Silence, Benediction, Sending Priesthood Sunday
Song, and Reposition. ALL are welcome! The Blessed Priesthood Sunday, the last Sacrament will be brought from the Chapel into the church Sunday of October, is a spe- during this period of adoration. *** PIZZA is available free cial day set aside to honor of charge at 6:15PM in Founders’ Hall, but donations are the Priesthood in the United greatly appreciated!! *** States. It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of 10/6: BLESSING OF ANIMALS – 10AM the Priesthood in the life of (Held near the Peace Garden) the Church as a central one.
It specifically honors priests, 10/7: RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY/ without whom the Holy Sac- th 27 SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME raments could not be con- ferred. Priesthood Sunday is a day to pray for our priests; 10/7: NIGERIAN DAY CELEBRATION – 10:45AM express gratitude for their tireless service, dedication and Join the Nigerian Community as they celebrate a special sacrifice; and offer them support and encouragement in Mass, commemorating the anniversary of Nigeria’s inde- their ministry. This nationwide event is coordinated and pendence from the United Kingdom. A reception follows sponsored by the USA Council of Serra International. the Mass – location to be determined. All are welcome! (https://serraus.org/)
10/7: LIFE CHAIN PRAYER VIGIL (3-4PM) Join us as we come together for a Silent Prayer Vigil to Prayer for Priests pray for an end to abortion. We will meet at 3PM at the corner of North Main Street and Mill Street in Jonesboro. Gracious and loving God, For more information, please contact Tina Knight at we thank your for the gift of our priests. [email protected]. Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments. th 10/14: 28 SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME/ Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. WORLD MISSION SUNDAY Set their souls on fire with love for your people. Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength 10/17: SENIOR BREAKFAST & BINGO! they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. SPB Seniors (55+) are invited to enjoy a delicious break- Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom. fast in the Knights of Columbus Hall, immediately after Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel. the 8:30AM Mass. Cost is $4.00/person. Join us for food, Allow them to experience joy in their ministry. fun, fellowship and Bingo! (3 games for $5.00) Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.
10/28: 30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME/ We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest. Amen. PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY (From: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) 10/31: HAPPY HALLOWEEN! October 2018 before his death on October 3, 1226. The Franciscan Order today is the largest religious order in the world and includes religious brothers and priests, religious sisters Dear Parishioners, and cloistered nuns, and faith-filled lay men and women, all committed to living the charism of its founder. Once again, the Catholic Church is weathering a horrific storm. The removal of Archbishop Theodore McCarrick St. Francis is the Patron Saint of the poor, of animals, from public ministry and from the College of Cardinals and of ecology. He is known for many things: his intense because of credible allegations of sexual abuse of a mi- love for God, care for the poor, reverence for creation, nor and sexual harassment of adults is shocking. The poverty, peacemaking, simplicity of life, dedication to terrible revelations of clergy sexual abuse over a period prayer, and so much more. of seventy years in six dioceses of Pennsylvania are equally shocking and truly scandalous. To say that most In addition to all of these, St. Francis was a great re- Catholics are embarrassed, heart broken, angry, and former of the Church. At this time of turbulence in our disgusted by the actions of dishonorable members of the Church, St. Francis offers us a model for conversion and Catholic clergy is an understatement. That reform is reform. An early biographer of St. Francis recounts that needed in the Church at the highest levels of Church one day, most likely in the year 1206, Francis was pray- leadership is obvious. Pope Francis and the bishops ing in the church of San Damiano when he suddenly felt worldwide must own up to the truth of criminal activity that the image of Christ on the cross was speaking to and cover-ups by clergy, especially bishops. The entire him directly: “Francis, go rebuild my house; as you see it Church must repent for the sins of the Church and must is being destroyed.” The young Francis was overjoyed do everything possible to care for the victims of these that the Lord had given him a clear direction for his life. hideous crimes. We must continue to pray for healing, He immediately began to devote himself to the rebuilding first and foremost, for the victims of sexual abuse, and of the church of San Damiano because it was literally then healing for the Church that we love. falling down. It was only much later that Francis realized that God was not referring to stones and mortar, but to There is quote attributed to St. Augustine, Bishop and the spiritual rebuilding of the Church. Doctor of the Church that is pertinent to our present situation: “Ecclesia semper reformanda est.” The In the thirteenth century, the Franciscans were at the Church must always be reformed. As the Mystical forefront of Church reform. One Franciscan historian Body of Christ, the Church is divine and not in need of writes: “Pope Gregory IX saw the lesser brothers as an reform or change. As a human institution, founded by integral part of his campaign to reform Christian society. Christ but led by imperfect human beings, it is always in There is no doubt that he was deeply attached to Francis need of reform. We are at a time in our Church’s history and his movement, but at the same time, he wished to where the need for reform and change is not only obvi- channel it into the service of the Church.” (Francis and ous, but essential. What these reforms will look like and His Brothers, by Dominic Monti, OFM) The ideals of St. how they will be initiated and adopted is yet to be seen. Francis can help guide the reforms needed in the Church today. These reforms will have to come from the highest levels of Church authority, but they will necessarily have to in- One of these ideals is that of “minoritas”. The concept of clude not just the hierarchy and clergy, but all of us. Al- minoritas is at the heart of the Franciscan movement. though the vast majority of clergy and laity were not di- St. Francis desired, above all, to follow the “poor and rectly involved in the sins and crimes that have come to humble Christ” and to “serve, rather than to be served”. light, we must all be part of the reform that is necessary. As a result, he gave away all that he had and took the The reforms and changes must lead to a repentant role of a servant of all. He became a “friar minor” or Church that seeks, at all levels, to be holy, humble, and “lesser brother”. He demanded that his followers do the honestly transparent. We are all responsible for making same. He prohibited the friars from accepting titles or the Church we love, the Church that Christ intended it to positions of honor and status. For Francis, minoritas be…a true image of Christ Himself…holy, sinless, loving, meant associating with those who, at the time, were and merciful. called “minores”. These were the poor and the destitute, lepers and beggars; in a word, those who had no power, The Church is always in need of reform. This was very position, or standing in society. true in the thirteenth century, which historians tell us was a time of great corruption in the Catholic Church and in The Franciscan ideal of minoritas is the polar opposite of society in general. It was into this Church and society “clericalism”, which Pope Francis regards as one of the that Francis Bernadone was born. Known to all of us contributing factors of sexual abuse by clergy and the as St. Francis of Assisi, Francis would grow up to be subsequent cover-up. In general, the word clericalism one of the most inspiring figures in the history of the refers to the culture, attitudes, and behaviors of the or- Catholic Church and arguably, the most famous of its dained members of the Catholic Church. In its negative canonized saints. In time, Francis would found a form, clericalism is the tendency for members of the religious order that would attract thousands of members clergy to see themselves as above others. This attitude of superiority can lead to elitism, entitle- ment, exclusion, and eventually, to abuse of power. One A Prayer for Our Church of the reforms necessary will have to address the clerical (United States Diocesan Liturgy Commission) culture that exists within the Church that has contributed to the present crisis. Heavenly Father, In every age, you have been our refuge. The Franciscan ideal of minoritas can be the remedy to Yet again and still, we stand before you, the negative aspects of clericalism that Pope Francis has asking for your protection on your holy Church. often referred to as an illness. The result would be a Church served by clergy who espouse the very attitude For the victims of abuse and their families, of Christ himself who was poor and humble and who came to serve, not to be served; a clergy that does not pour out your healing and your peace. seek power, privilege, or status, but rather, seeks to, in the words of Pope Francis, “take on the smell of the For the Bishops of this country, sheep”. continue to inspire their decisions, and guide them with your Spirit. There will be no easy and quick resolution to the present crisis. However, Christ will preserve and strengthen the For the thousands of good and faithful priests Church He founded. The present humiliation and suffer- ing will lead to purification and healing. Let us continue who have followed your call to serve you to pray for the victims of sexual abuse and let us pray for and your people in holiness, the Church we love. Let us also follow the example of sustain them by your grace. St. Francis, repenting of our own sins and seeking to be holy and humble, lesser sisters and brothers. For the faithful who are angry, confused, and searching for answers, As we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis on October 4th, please know that the friars will be praying for you and embrace them with your love, restore their trust, your families. console them with your clear Gospel message, and renew them with your sacraments. PAX ET BONUM! PEACE AND ALL GOOD! Fr. John We place our Church in your hands, for without you we can do nothing.
Prayer for Peace May Jesus, our High Priest and true compass, (attributed to St. Francis of Assisi) continue to lead her in every thought and action – to be an instrument of justice, Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. a source of consolation, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; a sacrament of unity, where there is injury, pardon; and a manifestation of your faithful covenant. where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; Grant this through that same Jesus Christ, our Lord, where there is darkness, light; who lives and reigns with you where there is sadness, joy. in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
O, Divine Master, one God, for ever and ever. grant that I may not so much seek Amen. to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Prayer Spaces All are Invited to the
Prayer is something that has greatly deepened and trans- th formed my life. I witnessed (and experienced) the transfor- 16 Annual mative power of prayer during my clinical work in hospitals. Though I have been in ministry for several years now, my Saint Martin de Porres Celebration prayer life has gone through periods of upheavals as I have learned how to better pray (and what that truly means). I remember the first time I visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Saturday, November 3, 2018 the Angels, in Hanceville, AL, years ago. [Disclaimer: I 4:00PM Mass don’t have the opportunity to travel all too often, but this is St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church by far my FAVORITE place to visit, especially if I have a day or two to myself.] Celebrated by the Franciscan Friars As I walked into the main church for Eucharistic Adoration, I remember the distinct clink on the tile floor of my sandals in contrast to the profound silence of the sanctuary. Nonethe- For further information, please contact less, I took a seat in a pew and began to pray. What felt Valerie Benjamin: (678-575-3978) or like 15 minutes soon turned into an hour, and before I knew it, the cloistered sisters were entering on the other side to Helen Fisher: (404-402-6524) participate in the communal prayers. I have yet to find ade- quate words to communicate what it is that I felt throughout Immediately following the Mass, that whole experience – there was a visceral presence of Scholarship Presentations will be made the Spirit of God that dwelt around me, on me, and in me that consoled me: my soul felt refreshed, light, joyful, exu- and Light Refreshments will be served. berant, and my heart burned with an intense desire (and love) for God. I am sure that each of us has experienced God in a way that is beyond our abilities to explain. God reveals Himself to us through prayer experiences like mine and many others, in order to continue to call out to us and challenge us to go deeper in our relationships with Him.
It is my goal within the Faith Formation Department to cre- ate a similar experience for each of our students. While we may not think of it as so, there is a deep, spiritual hunger that yearns for an encounter with the Lord. Our children, adolescents, and teens seek to “enter into” these Holy places of encounter! This year, in an effort to respond to that spiritual hunger, we are creating a new place of en- counter for our students within our parish boundaries – prayer spaces in each of our classrooms/meeting rooms. I encourage each of you to stop by, admire them, and use them in your own meetings! Fr. John was incredibly gener- ous to provide statues for each of our classrooms so that our children may learn the power of intercessory prayer through the different saints that are displayed. I also extend Prayer to St. Martin de Porres my sincere gratitude to Ms. Ruby Johnson who shared her talent with us in creating the liturgically-themed tablecloths To you, Saint Martin de Porres, that will help our children learn about the seasons of the we prayerfully lift up our hearts, Church year (what and why we celebrate!). filled with serene confidence and devotion. Mindful of your unbounded and helpful charity It is my heartfelt request that we work together to ensure that the prayer tables stay intact for our children. While we to all levels of society and also of your meekness may admire specific items from specific tables, I ask that and humility of heart, we offer our petitions to you. you refrain from borrowing items from one room to another Pour out upon our families the precious gifts or taking items home. Should we do so, we deprive our children of a unique experience that they may not have ac- of your solicitous and generous intercession; cess to at home. It is my fervent hope that our efforts sow show to the people of every race and every color, the seeds of prayer so that when they recount a powerful the paths of unity and of justice; and profound encounter with the Lord in prayer, they will implore from our Father in Heaven fondly remember our parish community of St. Philip the coming of His Kingdom, Benizi. Pax et Bonum! so that through mutual benevolence in God, we may increase the fruits of grace Darleine Arce and merit the rewards of eternal life. Amen. Catechetical Coordinator Social Justice Committee Members Take a Road Trip! Submitted by Jo Six
On June 27, 2018, Lois Wolfe (Chairperson of the Social Justice Committee), two members of the Morrow Women’s Civic Club and I visited Clarkston Community Cen- ter in DeKalb County. What a wonderful place! It is located in an old High School that has been remodeled, but still contains some of the old light fixtures; somehow that adds to the busy atmosphere.
A group of children were getting ready to go to a Braves game. The auditorium was filled with children being tutored in math and there were children who were not going to the game who were preparing for an activity. There was a computer class in ses- sion with young adults; the room was packed.
We were told to walk around, check out what was going on in the auditorium, and then one of the managers would be able to talk to us. The children in the auditorium were very busy. There must have been 30 to 40 children in small groups with a tutor for each group. The Pan Asian group rents the space because it was recognized that their children were having trouble with word problems. They speak perfect English but their compre- hension of the language makes it difficult for them to do word problems. They were getting the answers right after the wording was explained to them. It was serious business for them to do this right.
We were then shown the work of an art class that had been led by an artist from Turkey. Amaz- ing! Using plastic bottles and plastic wrap, he and the children made a big giraffe that was headed to a viewing site in Atlanta. There was also a dragon that had the longest tail I had ever seen. They were wonderful! Not only were the children taught to be creative, but they were also given lessens in recycling.
We were shown the Gift Shop and, of course, we had to buy. The shop included articles from all over the world: clothing with embroidery, jewelry, pottery and photo- graphs that were so touching. They were mostly photos of people. One little boy caught my eye; he was sitting alone and he had the eyes of an old soul. I may have to go back and buy that photo.
We also visited the Refuge Coffee Shop which, in fact, was a food truck in front of an old gas station that served as a gathering place for whoever wanted to have a seat. We then had lunch at Kathmandu Kitchen & Grill in Clarkston. I fell in love with Naan bread and enjoyed the chicken dish…but the bread was to die for!
When we got back to our cars, Lois asked me to write an article about our experiences. It has been a long time since I had to write something and I thought, how can I tell people what I felt there? It is easy to tell you what activities they have be- cause I just have to read and copy their brochure. They serve all age groups: an active Senior Group, young children, and all ages in-between. They have afterschool homework programs, all kinds of exercise groups, music, ESL…and the list goes on and on…but this does not tell you how I felt. While there, we saw such hope and joy, so many nationalities together in one place, and all of them were able to get along.
The Logo on the brochure reads, “Where You Can Meet the World”…and as I looked at that, I had a “lollipop” moment. I just have to look around me at Mass. I don’t know about Australia, and I am pretty sure there is no one from either the North or South Poles, but every other continent is repre- sented in our parish. I just have to get to know them and listen to their stories.
Clarkston, obviously, can use help. They have lost all of their federal funding in the past two years. This means that a lot of time is spent in writing grants and begging for money and volun- teers. If you cannot get to Dekalb County, think about helping here. We have an ESL program; we offer a Citizenship Education Program, and we can always use more hands. Just think of the peo- ple that you will meet and the stories you will be told. You can share your story with them. We all have a story.
One of the stories we heard was about the man from Afghanistan – he had worked in the US Em- bassy and when he left Kabul, he was offered asylum, along with his wife and children. They would have been killed if they had to remain there. Leaving was bittersweet because the rest of his family did remain there. Asylum – Refuge – Migrant – Immigrant…so many words that give us status. I guess governments have to and do use those words, but I do not. God gave us all the same status when He created us and that is all I need to worry about. (Photos submitted by the Social Justice Committee) Ministry Fair Highlights “Prayer Ministries”
For many years, St. Philip Benizi’s annual Ministry Fair has afforded members of 80+ ministries the opportunity to showcase the work, prayer life and needs of their particular group. Each of their goals is to recruit new members, whether they are al- ready part of other ministries or not. This year, in order to focus more fully on each of the available ministries, it was decided to split them into two groups: the Prayer Ministries and the Action Ministries. The Prayer Ministries were highlighted in this year’s Ministry Fair, which was held on the weekend of August 11-12, 2018.
The Ministry Fair is a wonderful opportunity for new parishioners to become involved in the life of the parish, and to offer long- time parishioners various choices when considering ways to share their time and talent. We are thankful for each and every volunteer who joins a ministry for, without the participation of hundreds of faithful and dedicated volunteers, our church could do very little to serve others, both within the parish and in our local community. WE are the Body of Christ and St. Philip Benizi Parish is a wonderful, active and vibrant place in which to worship. Join us in ministry…you will be greatly blessed.
The theme of this year’s Ministry Fair was: “My Parish: I Help Make It What It Is.”
Many thanks go to the Stewardship Council for organizing the Ministry Fair and to the ministries that participated. May your members have grown in number and may the prayers that you offer bless those in need.
(Photos by Susan Douglas) Becoming People of the Word
St. Philip Benizi Parish was blessed to have award-winning author, biblical scholar, and sought-after speaker, Stephen J. Binz share insights with us on becoming a “People of the Word” by learning to read the Bible as the Word of God. The presentation, which was held on Sunday, August 19, 2018 in the Hartmayer Education Building, was at- tended by approximately 70 people. Topics included: suggestions on how to read and approach the sacred texts; the importance of going deeper in searching the truth amidst the many literary forms of the Bible; recognizing the inspired nature of the Scriptures; and how those Scriptures all speak of Jesus Christ. Stephen also spoke of how vital it is to read Scripture with the expectation of knowing that the living Word of God can and will transform us.
To conclude his presentation, Stephen asked everyone present to commit to reading the Bible daily by inviting us to come forward, placing our hand on the Bible, and receiv- ing a Prayer Card. This card, Prayer at the Threshold, reveals Stephen’s reflection of the verse in (Rev. 3:20) of Jesus standing at the door, knocking. It is a prayer he of- fered to all in attendance to pray before reading Scripture. The idea of Jesus at the threshold is also the name of Stephen’s own Bible Study Series. The Threshold Bible series includes both thematic studies and studies of Books of the Bible. Stephen had a sample of his studies for sale at the presentation.
Before the presentation, St. Philip’s pastor, Fr. John Koziol, spoke to the group, stating that he met Stephen on a retreat in Guatemala earlier in the year. Fr. John also pointed out that Stephen’s emphasis on reading the Bible prayerfully (Lectio Di- vina) was one of the goals for ministry groups in the Parish Pastoral Plan.
All are invited to join us for a 7-week study of the Book of Revelation, beginning Wednesday, September 19th, in the Hart- mayer Education Building, Room 108 at 7PM, or Sunday, September 23rd, in the Hartmayer Education Building, Room 200, from 10:30AM-Noon. Please contact Lorraine Miller for more information or to buy a Study Guide. The cost of the Study Guide is $14.00. (~Lorraine Miller, DRE)
Those who attended enjoyed a light breakfast before the presentation began.
Above: Lorraine Miller, DRE; Fr. John Koziol & Stephen Binz (Photos by Susan Douglas)
Above: As a commitment to read the Bible daily, Mirta & Deacon Matias Casal, Eliane Lubin, and others who attended Center: Stephen is pictured giving Jo Six a Prayer Card as she came forward to place her placed their hands on the Bible. hand on the Bible. Right: Ramona DeLeon spoke with Stephen after the presentation. Angels of Mercy Health Fair
St. Philip Benizi Parish is extremely blessed by the Angels of Mercy Ministry, comprised of doctors, nurses and volunteers who annually offer free health screenings to our members on the parish grounds. This year, the Health Fair took place on Sunday, August 26, 2018 from 8:30AM – 12:30PM. Approximately 100 people took advantage of the free services which in- cluded: Vision; Hearing; Height, Weight, Body Mass Index; Cholesterol Check; Flu Shots; Hepatitis Screening; Bone Density; Blood Pressure Check; Anxiety/Depression Screening; EKG & ABI (Ankle Brachial Index); Information Pamphlets/Education; and Recommendations for follow-up appointments with their regular doctors when necessary. Forty-three medical and non- medical volunteers gave of their time, talent and treasure to educate and encourage people to take better care of their health.
The Angels of Mercy’s free screenings are made possible due to the ministry’s continuing partnership with WellStar Health System of Atlanta. Also represented during this particular screening were: Atlanta Heart Associates (Dr. Amin – cardiac screening); Robin Alverson (audiologist for hearing screening); Walgreens Pharmacy (flu shots); CPACS – Center for Pan Asian Community Services (hepatitis screening); and six 2nd year students from Mercer University who administered the flu shots.
Heartfelt thanks go to all the members of the Angels of Mercy Ministry and other volunteers. You provide an invaluable ser- vice to our parish, as well as other churches in the area. Special thanks go to Chairpersons Cecile Bregman, MD (pictured below right with Fr. John Koziol) and to Bob Romeo (pictured bottom right-standing, with Peter Bregman). May you all be greatly blessed for your generosity, selflessness and dedication! (Photos by Yone Daly & Susan Douglas)
There were many free services from which to choose, and many people took advantage of the oppor- tunity, including one of St. Philip’s friars, Fr. Vincent Gluc (above-center), who had his cholesterol and blood glucose level checked. God bless the Angels of Mercy Ministry for this great service! St. Philip Benizi Parish Honors its Patron Saint
St. Philip Benizi’s Memorial Garden was the beautiful, outdoor setting for a special, bi-lingual Mass, honoring the Patron Saint of our parish. Held on August 23, 2018 (The Feast of St. Philip Benizi), the evening Mass was celebrated by Fr. Luis Palacios Rodriguez (Presider), Fr. John Koziol, Fr. Vincent Gluc and visiting priest Fr. Miguel Angel Zamora Mora from the Diocese of Cartago, Costa Rica. Fr. Miguel was here to present catechetical sessions to our Spanish-speaking catechists and to be part of the Emmaus retreat. Deacons Greg Pecore and Matias Casal assisted during the Mass. This celebration was also the perfect opportunity to officially welcome two of our friars, Fr. Vincent and Fr. Luis, who arrived in early August. A cake and punch reception was held in Founders’ Hall, immediately following the Mass. Highlights of the two events are pictured here.
(1): A statue of St. Philip Benizi was placed in the Gar- den during the Mass. (2): Teresa Flores has made many, beautiful floral arrangements for our liturgical celebrations. This one was stunning! Thank you Teresa! (3): The musicians/ choir for the Mass.
(L-R): Deacon Greg, Fr. Luis, Deacon Matias, Fr. John, Fr. Miguel, and Fr. Vincent St. Philip Benizi Parish Honors its Patron Saint
Many thanks to all who helped make this beautiful Mass possible—to our Friars, Deacons, musicians, and to all who served. Thank you to all who attended the Mass for the Feast of our Patron Saint! (Photos by Yone Daly & Susan Douglas)
Welcome Fr. Vincent & Fr. Luis! Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy go out to the family of:
Patricia Ritari, former parishioner, mother of Martha Harris Daniel Bruguez, son of Marjorie Bruguez, brother of Andrew & Roxanne Bruguez Guillermo Martin, cousin of Daisy Holcombe Abel Oses, uncle of Daisy Holcombe Monsignor Aurelio Garcia Rufus Brantley, cousin of Sandi Lovett Evaristo Magbag, brother-in-law of May Estaris Sammy Jaimez May God May they rest in God’s peace. Bless Your
The Saint Philip M i Be-News-Zi n i s Monthly Newsletter of t St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church r 591 Flint River Road y Jonesboro, GA 30238 (770) 478-0178
With Fr. John A. Koziol, OFM Conv. Peace, Pastor/Publisher
Joy & Yone Daly, Editor All Good Parish Website: Things! 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: