Christ the King CC OO UU RR II EE RR Volume 6, Issue 2 Christ the King Catholic Church August, 2003 TT ii mm ee aa nn dd TT aa ll ee nn tt MM ii nn ii ss tt rr yy DD ii nn nn ee rr left: Mr. Kin Do receives Papal Blessing from Father Thanh above: Sister Trudy rules the stage upper right: Dolores Bianco leaps to her feet lower right: Mr. Francisco delights us with his music by Irene White term is used loosely - once again volunteers provided the program. Suddenly, up on the stage, a nun appeared in full The date was June 2, 2003 - a Monday night like any other dress habit complete with a yardstick such as was used in the Monday night only you were there. Yes, YOU, the many who old rumored ruler days! Supporting the habit was one Trudy generously gave of your Time and Talent in a myriad of ways Cameron. While wielding the stick, she posed this question to throughout the past year returning to God and to Father Thanh, the audience: “What do you call the Business of the clergy and staff of Christ the King the unique gifts each of Entertainment?” A woman - later discovered to be Dolores you possesses. Bianco - leaped to her feet shouting, “SHOW BUSINESS”. The evening began in the church with 5:30 p.m. Mass con- She immediately led everyone in a rollicking rendition of that celebrated by Father Thanh, Father Neil Carr and Father Roe song. This enthusiastic opening served to aid members of the Fisher assisted by Mr. Kim Do, server. (No grander way to give audience in digesting all that good food as well as to warn them and say “Thanks” than by sharing in this presentation of the of the flavor of things to come! Holy Eucharist!) After, everyone filed into the Kingdome Sister Trudy, our nun and announcer, first introduced Bill where an abundance of food lined several long tables. These Campbell who, complete with a 10 gallon hat and blue outfit, nuggets of delight served as a departure from the usual catered sang “Get the World Off My Shoulders.” Eugene Pinto, the beef, chicken or whatever. They were prepared by the Adult Choir’s solo tenor, followed with “That’s Amore.” He volunteers, and the fruits of their labor left everyone’s taste was then joined by a Rootin-Tootin guitar-slinging cowboy buds quivering. Father Thanh said the blessing. Brightly (sometimes known as “Buffalo Boy” or “Padre Tex”).He wore decorated tables and soothing piano selections by Mr. fringed pants resembling chaps, a black vest and black cowboy Francisco greatly enhanced the mood of the dinner hour. hat. He joined Eugene in singing “John Brown’s Body.” (Of Following dessert Father Thanh came to the front and course he was unmistakably our own Father Thanh!) expounded on the “How can I thank you, let me count the Sister Trudy next introduced Willie Blaquiere. She wanted ways” theme encompassing all phases of Time and Talent. He to share “A Few of My Favorite Things” so before she began did this in a very sincere and gracious manner. His “grande singing she informed everyone there was a list for them on the finale” centered on the special honoring of one individual tables. All joined in. If the title brought to mind memories of above all others without whose tireless efforts neither Father “Sound of Music,” that thought was quickly dispelled by the nor the parish could survive: Mr. Kim Do. A standing ovation next performer. (Dolly Parton, eat your heart out! Claretta welcomed Mr. Do to center stage where Father Thanh Lamusga has made you what you are on this occasion: wild and presented him with a large framed Papal Blessing. Mr. Do, wacky!) Words can’t describe the magnitude of the accompanied by his wife Hoa (Maria), his two sons Cuong presentation. Suffice it to say that superlatives abounded! (Joseph), Kanh, and his daughters Nu and Lan accepted the Bringing the uncontrollable laughter of the audience to a honor in his characteristic mode of humility. One son, Cuong more sedate climate, Father Thanh treated us with a (Joseph) interpreted Mr. Do’s thoughts on how God placed him Vietnamese song. For this he first gave an English translation, and his family here and how grateful they all are for the love then accompanied himself on the guitar in a classical vein. It and help they have received over the years. (We, in turn, thank was a moving performance and a fitting way for our pastor to God for having “placed” the Dos here.) give to us, his volunteers, some of his own God-given gifts. On previous occasions honoring volunteers, a form of The program closed with members of the cast leading all the entertainment had been provided from outside the parish. Not volunteers in singing “God Bless America.” so this time. In another departure from the “norm” - and this more photos on page 21 and 22 Page 2 Christ the King Courier August 2003 Talking with Father Thanh On Friday, June 20, I was invited to attend the “We Care-Volunteer each man, woman and child. This Recognition Luncheon”, provided by the Duval County Health presence of God, this action of God Department to show appreciation to all volunteers of the “We Care never ceases. He is always here. He Jacksonville, Inc.” The invocation at the luncheon was done beautifully is always active in the world, as well by our former pastor, Monsignor Mortimer Danaher. It was a great honor as in the Church, in each one of us at to be among dedicated volunteers who have shared their time and talents Christ the King and especially in the to help the needy. I was deeply touched when one of the volunteers said Eucharist. “It has been a privilege to help the poor and thank you for allowing me to Jesus is the epitome of have this opportunity.” thanksgiving. His whole life is one Christ the King is very proud to be a part of this county-wide effort to long act of thanksgiving, one provide medical attention for those who do not have insurance. At this undivided Eucharist . beginning in luncheon, our clinic was rewarded for ten years of service. In the ten Bethlehem and supremely expressed years the clinic has seen more than forty patients (on the fourth Saturday) at the Last Supper and finally each month in a half day session. There is definitely a need for this type consummated on the cross. of service. Frequently, registration is cut off at 9:00 a.m., as there are not “through him, with him and in him . enough doctors to see more patients. (Doctors and nurses are needed, . .”, our hearts and words give praise please volunteer.) In all types of weather it is not unusual to find patients and glory to God our Father. lining up in the parking lot as early as 7:00 a.m., even though the doors The object of thanksgiving don’t open until 8:00 a.m. through all sorts of happenings remains I am so grateful to Monsignor Danaher who initiated this project from ever the same . the mystery of Christ. That’s why the mother of Jesus his personal experience and compassion. I am grateful to our benefactors says her Magnificat: “My soul magnifies the Lord . for He has done and I am especially grateful to our volunteers who have touched so many great things for me.” lives in the last ten years. This ministry is one among many wonderful Thanksgiving is a public confession of who God is and what God has ministries we have here at Christ the King in the areas of school, worship done. Thanksgiving is the theme that runs through so many of the Psalms. and charities. I’d like to use the words of Psalms 118 as our theme for this time of How joyful it was for me to celebrate this 10th Anniversary of the preparing for our 50th Anniversary: Clinic but my anticipation of our 50th Anniversary at CTK makes me even more joyful as it includes all of us. As I reflect on this, I am overwhelmed Give thanks to the Lord for he is good by the many blessings God has bestowed on us! It is fitting for all of us to give thanks to the Lord. His steadfast love endures forever . Thanksgiving is a hallmark of our Christian way of life. It is our The Lord is my strength and my song response to God’s mighty deeds. His gifts to his people, his kindness to He has become my salvation . Hark glad song of victory . Christ the King Courier The right hand of the Lord does valiantly The right hand of the Lord is exalted . 742 N. Arlington Road Jacksonville, FL 32211 I shall not die but I shall live Phone: (904) 724-0080 Fax: 721-2326 and RECOUNT the deeds of the Lord. Email: [email protected] Publisher: Father Thanh Thai Nguyen I believe the best way to give thanks to our God is to share God’s Managing Editor: Judy Koziolek wondrous deeds in our lives. So let us journey together throughout this Associate Editor: Mary Ann Sullivan coming year, preparing for our 50th by “RECOUNTING HIS DEEDS.” Newspaper Staff: Robin Allison Michele Easterling Debra Scobie Frank Bauman Lucille Guzzone Patti Sloan Phyllis Bauman Jennifer Hankey Jerry Sullivan ~ Editor’s Note ~ Frank Becht Harriet Hughes Cynthia Surles Ward Berkey Mickey Kenny Todd Surles Our Parish "At Rest"? .