S T. J O S E P H' S - St . Joseph's Catholic Church

S T. J O S E P H’ S



PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010

Reflections FOR SAINT JOSEPH’S PARISH COMMUNITY VOL. XVII, ISSUE II









Sunset of

Time,

Message from Father Dan

Sunrise of

Eternity The words “Come after me,” “the way,” “run,” in any

man’s language imply “journey.”



There is great interest today in human development.

Spiritual development or spiritual journeying goes far

beyond the physical and psychological aspects of being.

Growing in the life of grace is not at all the same as

personality development. What we are talking about





L

ife is a journey. We journey in time. We journey here is growth in the Holy Spirit, and this is not our due

geographically. We journey spiritually. A life in human nature. It is a gift of God, a grace won for us

well lived integrates all three aspects. We cannot by Christ our Redeemer and Savior.

deny “time.” We cannot dismiss “geography.” But,

in the journey of the soul, all find ultimate meaning, Again, as in my opening remarks, the well-lived life

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properly integrates the different aspects of life. Both

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purpose, and future.

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nature and grace are gifts from God and are inextricably

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Our spiritual journey gets prime time in Sacred Scripture. bound together. This is how it works. If I am growing

in the love of God and neighbor and sincerely trying

Jesus is walking by the Sea of Galilee and sees two to implement the guidance of Sacred Scripture and

brothers named Simon Peter and Andrew. They are the Church in my life, I also ought to be growing

fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me and I will psychologically more mature and have a healthy and

make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). In the Last balanced way of life. Now let’s approach things from

Supper discourses as recorded in the Gospel of John, the other end. If I am becoming a more mature person

Jesus speaks of His final incarnate days on this earth as evidenced in how I go about working out practical

announcing He will be with his disciples only a little issues such as self-centeredness, self-destructiveness,

ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH









while longer. He tells them not to be troubled but to undue anxiety, and inordinate pleasure seeking, I am

have faith in God and in Him. He will be back. In likely to be more open to accepting the grace of God

the meantime they know the way. Thomas is puzzled. and giving the Holy Spirit room to operate within me.

Lord, if we don’t know where you are going how can

we know the way? Jesus replied, “I am the way and Spiritual maturity and human maturity go hand in

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the truth and the life” (John 14:6). That great spiritual hand. They can both be considered as a journey. The

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director, St. Paul, affirms all of this when he admonishes huge difference is this. In one case the journey never

us to press on so as to win the prize: “Do you not know ends. Clement of Alexandria, a third century Father

that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but of the Church, summed up this whole idea of life as

only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. They do it to a journey when he said, “Jesus Christ, by coming into

win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one” (1 this world, has changed the sunsets of time into the

Corinthians 9:24-25). sunrises of eternity.”

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Parish News 2









Ask Father Dan

rules and principles for vernacular translation. In 2007 the Congregation



Q

I hear talk of a new Missal for Mass involving

some new translation. What is the background for Divine Worship issued Ratio Translationis which outlined specific rules

on all of this, and is there a timeline? for translation to English.



What we have now is a new English translation of that third edition of the



A

Yes, a new Missal is coming. It probably will

be implemented towards the end of 2011, Roman Missal promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 2000.

perhaps in Advent.

We were doing just fine, so why the change? The current translation of

As for the background, a good place to start would be 1970 when the Roman Missal focuses more on the meaning behind the Latin text.

Pope Paul VI promulgated the definitive text of the reformed The new translation focuses more on a literal translation of the Latin.

liturgy of the Second Vatican Council. That Latin text was The following quotation from the above referenced Ratio Translationis

translated into various world languages. The English edition document gives a beautiful rationale for every effort made to bring us

was published in the United States in 1973. Rome issued a further into the Mystery of the Eucharist: “The unique style of the

revised text in 1975, and Pope John Paul II promulgated a third Roman Rite should be maintained in translation. By ‘style’ is meant here

edition during the Jubilee Year in 2000. the distinctive way in which the prayers of the Roman Rite are expressed.

The principal elements of such a style include a certain conciseness in

Two other documents are of great importance. In 2001 the addressing, praising and entreating God, as well as distinctive syntactical

Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the patters, a noble tone, a variety of less complex rhetorical devices,

Sacraments issued Liturgiam Authenticam as an instruction on concreteness of images repetition, parallelism and rhythm” (#12).







St. Joseph’s



Reverse

26th Annual Each year, we sell 300 tickets to this event. If Do you like games? Get ready to play a new

you haven’t been in the past, make this the year game this year. Replacing the raffle this year

you attend! is the game, “Heads or Tails,” where you get







Draw

a chance to control

your winning. Just

pick if you are a

“head” or “tail,”

GALA and if the coin

tossed lands the

Saturday, September 18 same as you each round, you just might win a

great prize. You do not want to miss out on the

laughter and fun of this game!

For the bargain price of $175 a couple, you

will be swept away into a lively ballroom for So what’s the reverse draw part? Well, while

a complete evening filled with laughter, live you’re busy dining, dancing, and laughing,

music, dancing, fabulous food, and an open your hosts will place each

bar. There will also be door prizes and a silent of those ticket stubs into a

auction. big gold drum at the stage.

During the course of the

The Hyatt staff has evening, that drum will

promised us another be turned many times and

wonderful buffet progressively, each and every

dinner and fabulous one of those tickets will be drawn, pausing to

dessert selections. pass our door prizes along the way. Finally, the

Fall Season is approaching, and kicking things last ticket is drawn, and that ticket holder is the

off with great style is the Reverse Draw Gala. An exciting Silent winner of the $10,000 grand prize!

This event has been recognized as THE Auction will include

premier annual charity fund-raising event at St. a selection of items The Reverse Draw Committee has worked

Joseph’s. This year we will host this fabulous such as Jaguars diligently to provide you a fabulous evening,

event downtown in the grand ballroom of items, dining and shopping certificates, golf supporting a worthy charity fund-raiser.

the beautiful Hyatt Regency Jacksonville packages, gift baskets, beautiful artwork, The only thing that could be missing is you!

Riverfront Hotel on Saturday, September 18. jewelry, furniture, and more! Buy your ticket today and join the fun!

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Parish News 3







The 14th Annual St. Joseph’s Golf Tournament Mark your calendars now for

next year’s St Joseph’s Tournament



Helping to Pay off the Mortgage for St. Joseph School Monday, May 2, 2011.

The Golf Committee

appreciates the

May 17th arrived, and the rains Throughout the course, golfers did not have to wait long participation of our

fell hard all morning – resulting for “provisions.” Beverage carts were continuously making sponsors, benefactors,

in the first postponement in the the loop around the course with water, Gatorade, Budweiser, golfers, and volunteers.

tournament’s history. Phone calls and sodas, and there were two rest stops where frosty Rum It is only through their

were quickly made to let everyone Runners and Mango drinks spiked with Bacardi rum were generous support that

know that the tournament would available. To help the golfers survive until the awards this event is such a great

be rescheduled. After conferring presentation and Outback’s dinner, our volunteers personally success. In turn, please

support our sponsors and

with our major sponsors, a new delivered freshly cooked hot dogs to the players. benefactors and thank

date was set – June 21st. While them when you patronize

the new date wasn’t perfect for After a hot day, everyone gathered in the clubhouse for a Tom & Bonnie

their businesses. Ackermann

everyone, overall 126 people were hearty meal supplied by Outback Steakhouse. This year’s

Tom still able to participate – the same dinner included lamb chops, steaks, chicken breasts (yes, We express our heartfelt thanks to the following

number as originally scheduled. you could have all 3), mushrooms, and salad. During sponsors, benefactors, participants, volunteers, and

Ackermann dinner, the master of ceremonies presented the six winning committee members.

Event Chairman June 28th arrived – humid and teams with their prizes and trophies. The eighteen hole

hot! One-hundred-twenty-six prizes were awarded, raffle drawings were held, putting PLATINUM SPONSORS:

Firehouse Subs and Outback Steakhouse.

golfers and a great team of twenty contest winners were awarded their prizes, and our generous

volunteers had a wonderful time at the Fourteenth Annual sponsors received well deserved recognition. GOLD SPONSORS:

St. Joseph’s Golf Tournament – until the late afternoon Hardage Giddens Funeral Homes; Chancey Metal

thunderstorm arrived about 5:00pm and caused everyone This year the live auction was run by the newly elected Products, Inc.; Eisman & Russo Consulting Engineers;

to head to the Clubhouse for Outback’s wonderful dinner. President of the City Council – our very own, the Links Management, Inc.; North Florida Sales; and St.

Honorable Jack Webb. Jack encouraged lively bidding for Joseph’s Friends of The Guardian Catholic Schools.

This year’s event was supported by our two loyal Platinum- all of the valuable items: an autographed photo of Bobby

level sponsors whose participation directly contributed to Bowden, an autographed and framed jersey of Tim Tebow, HOLE SPONSORS:

the success of this year’s tournament: an autographed Jaguar’s football, a Sherri Ebert Portrait Busy Bee Termite & Pest Control Inc.; Diocesan

Publications; Key Buick Hyundai; Rountree Transport

• Firehouse Subs Session, a selection of premium Swisher Cigars, and many and Rigging, Inc.; Arthur H. Peck & Associates, LLC.

• Outback Steakhouse. more items. All present enjoyed the fun and excitement of

the live auction and cheered the winning bidders as they OTHER BENEFACTORS:

The economic downturn continued to have an impact on claimed their treasures. A1A Family Eye Care; Bacardi Bottling Corp.;

the level of Gold sponsorships. We are very blessed, as a Bubbles Car Wash; Camp Bow Wow; Deercreek

parish, to enjoy the continued support from a core group of This is one of the best charity golf events in Jacksonville. Country Club; Sherri Ebert Photography; Jack Del

Gold sponsors. An increase in participation by individuals Every year a great group of parishioners and non- Rio; Jacksonville Jaguars; Jiffy Lube; The Loop Pizza

and small groups this year helped to stabilize the total parishioners come together for a day of fun, fellowship, Grill; Mandarin Embroidery & Trophies Company;

participation in the tournament since we had the same and hospitality for a very worthy community cause. We are Mandarin Eyecare Associates; Master Fit Golf;

Osprey Press; Sign-A-Rama; Stellers Gallery; Sun

number of registered golfers as last year. It is a wonderful very pleased that our sponsors and players have supported Tire Services, Inc.; and Swisher International, Inc.

tribute to the spirit of commitment and dedication of our us so wonderfully. We will be able to contribute $20,000

continuing and new sponsors and participants who once to pay off the mortgage of the new School facilities. This VOLUNTEERS:

again turned out to support this event! event is among St. Joseph’s largest fundraiser events and has Bonnie Ackermann, Louise Alvey, Bob Alvey,

contributed well over $600,000 since its inception. Trisch Broach, Bobby Broach, Carol Ann Carroll,

The day began as the volunteers gathered to prepare for Ann Clemente, Terry Donnal, Donna Grimes, Ken

the arrival of the players: registration and raffle tables Kaminski, Harry Kimball, Laurrie Leonard, Grace

were set up, Firehouse Subs prepared to hand out box McCurry, Mary Frances Peck, Chuck Perrone, Chris

lunches, and North Florida Sales (the local Budweiser Prangley, Lynn Santilli, Ed Sowers, Beth Sweat, and

The O’Neill Elaine Weaver.

distributor) provided “adult” refreshments. Water and

group

sodas were also available. GOLF COMMITTEE:

Father Dan Cody, Father Tom Cody, Tom Ackermann,

As the golfers arrived, they received their gift items. Bonnie Ackermann, Bob Ascher, Bob Divine, Larry

From there they bought raffle tickets, participated in the Grabowski, Rich Grimes, Donna Grimes, Chuck

Putting Contest, warmed up on the driving range, enjoyed Perrone, Dan Ryan, and Ridge Sink.

fellowship over lunch, and got ready to hit the course.

Congratulations to this year’s winners!

Each hole had its own prize for both the good golfers The Selzer 1st Place Flight 1: Michael Greene, Jack Leone,

(closest to the hole, longest drive, longest putt) as well group Dave Hall, Gary Gridley, Garth Gridley,

as for the novices (shortest drive). Unfortunately, no and Tim Graham.

2nd Place Flight 1: John Voss, Jeff Adams, Pete

one was lucky enough to win the fabulous hole-in-one

Kelley, Sherman Reed, and Greg Freel.

prize: $20,000. 1st Place Flight 2: Rick Stevenson, Ryan Stevenson,

Chad Goldsmith, Bert Holmes, Ian Scott,

and Michael Prangley.

2nd Place Flight 2: Lee Chancey, Steve Staudt, Jeff

Bornhoffer, Les Lordhl, David Coburn,

and Doug Lingor.

1st Place Flight 3: John Thomas, Jim Tomola,

Mike Walker, Burt Davidson, and Ron

Lendvay.

2nd Place Flight 3: Jerry Hulshult, Pat Chebi, John

Selling raffle tickets The Firehouse team Louise & Bob Alvey . . . ready to start McShane, Ray Estanislao, and Steve Ross.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Parish News 4









MISSION

YORO, HONDURAS

Our medical “[Jesus] summoned the Twelve and gave them power would see smiles on the young and old. The first day

mission team and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and was the most difficult. Even though we planned for

and the poor people He sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to months what each of us would be doing, the reality of

of the Yoro, Honduras, heal [the sick]. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for the being there is always a time of anxiety and wonder and

area would like to thank the many parishioners journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor awe. The day would heat into the upper 90’s, but it was

and donors in NE Florida for the gifts of time, money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever a great break from our cold in Florida.

talent, and treasure they bestowed upon us to house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And

give to the poor people we served! as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave Once the bus arrived, we usually set up in three of the

that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony village’s school classrooms. Usually, there were only

As you will read in the report below, our medical against them.’ Then they set out and went from village three classrooms in the village. There is no electricity

mission was filled with many opportunities for to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases in the schools, and the children get a day off. We bring

much individual growth as we came to love the everywhere” (Luke 9:1-6). in our suitcases and set up reception, medical (doctor

poor people we cared for in our medical day and nurse), dental, vision, and pharmacy consultations.

clinics as we went from village to village. This On Sunday, February 21, a school bus with 24 disciples Some of the local Honduran doctors, dentists, nurses,

year, the Lord gave us two gifts in allowing us set out from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, for a three-hour and volunteers from Yoro come to help. Father John, a

to hold our clinics in a prison and in a children’s drive to Yoro, Honduras. This was my second year as Jesuit living in Yoro for over 30 years, also comes. What

nutritional center. The prison was a first for the “padre” for this Mission sponsored by Friends of the a saint! God provides!

our team. Missions and St. Joseph’s Parish in Mandarin. During

the next five days, we would visit four villages, an over- And then the beautiful crowds of people arrive. Hundreds

We especially want to thank our CCW populated prison, and a refuge for malnourished and of people came to

and Joann Gabrowski for providing the sickly children. see a doctor for the

toothpaste and tooth brushes. We are so first time in a couple

grateful for all the Rosaries provided by so We did, however, bring with us over 30 suitcases crammed of years. Many had

with medicines, dental supplies, Rosaries, candy, Frisbees, desperate need for

soccer balls, footballs, and at least one volleyball which their teeth to be

I inadvertently passed off to one community as a soccer extracted. Over

ball. Mea culpa! the past two years,

Nelson was our I have assisted the Medical exam

fantastic bus driver dentists and doctors

from Yoro who extract hundreds if not thousands of teeth from the

guided our bus to poor. They have

Honduran boys wear their new Rosaries places I wouldn’t so little, and they

many parishioners and especially by Sue take a four-wheel must still give even

Haywood and Anita Cruz. We thank Janet drive. For the past part of their smiles.

Arbuthnot and her supplier for the four six years, Mario has Yet we discovered

Father Ron poses with the village youth

cases of reading glasses. been the Mission’s “soccer team” after practice. that the poor

interpreter and cannot be deprived

Most of all, we thank everyone who prayed for “Moses” through the desert. Mario’s regular job is a of the smile of their

our success and our safety as we went forth to history and English teacher in Yoro. We 22 pilgrims hearts.

Dental exam

serve the health needs of the poor people who (missionaries) lived out of our carry-on bags. In

are God’s gifts to us all. The poor taught us consideration for others, I was forced to take more than Just look at the eyes and see the souls of love. I am

more about faith and love, and we thank them one “tunic.” so in love with the poor. When Jesus commands

for that gift! us to love the

Each day we would leave the motel in Yoro around poor, I have come

If you are interested in joining our 2011 6:30 a.m. and travel about one and a half hours over to realize that if

medical mission to Yoro, Honduras, please extremely rugged roads to a village. The first day, we I just look into

contact me at 262-0002, Ext. 3, or at visited the Village of Rosa. Through word of mouth their eyes, there

ghemsoth@comcast.net. and radio, the poor people would hear that the mobile is no need for a

clinic was arriving. Some people walked over four miles commandment.

May God bless each of you in a special way that to obtain the gifts of our three doctors, ten nurses, one To love the poor

leads you to His Love! pharmacist, two padres, and seven volunteers. When is a gift we give A laughter of relief after having

Greg Hemsoth our bus arrived, Nelson would blow the horn, and we ourselves. It was painful teeth removed

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Parish News 5







the same in my eight visits to Haiti. My friend, very little physically to satisfy the hunger of the poor or

Mark Woods, who just returned from Haiti for his solve their very huge problems of poverty, oppression, An old woman was dying in one of the villages

first visit was absolutely on target. The true gift to injustice, and blindness to their situation. Sadly, I we served on the mission. Father Ron was asked

the poor is to allow the poor to wipe our tears . . . respond to Jesus, “Five loaves and two fish are all we to give her the Last Rites, and I went with him.

with a smile and twinkle in their eyes. have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these We had to walk over a mile each way in hilly

people” (Luke 9:13). terrain to get to her small adobe home at the

“When the apostles returned, they explained to Jesus edge of the village. The old woman didn’t die

what they had done. He took them and withdrew The second question blew us away and might offer hope while we were there, and God may have even

in private to a town called Bethsaida. The crowds, for the poor in our world everywhere: “What was your healed her! It was such an awesome experience,

meanwhile, learned of this and followed Him. He greatest joy among the poor in Honduras?” and I still wonder why He blessed me with it! I

received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of was compelled to write this poem.

God, and He healed those who needed to be cured. As The answers from the missionaries were profound and Greg Hemsoth

the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached full of hope, joy, and love, yet they were all similar. We

Him and said, ‘Dismiss the crowd so that they can go can be stewards of our Mission and tell our stories. We Jesus, the Woman, the Padre and Me

to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging can share the Good News that we experienced with the The old woman in the village, dying

and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.’ poor. We can give our sorrows and joys to Jesus. At the Surrounded by family and Padre and me

He said to them, ‘Give them some food yourselves’ ” village of Alao, I wrote in my journal: I didn’t really know why I was there

(Luke 9:10-13). But my God asked me to go and so, I went

Then I learned about death, about life

Joy Fear in her eyes, crying, Holy Oils, singing

Many children Prayers and prayer cards in Spanish

Fear for them Small, dark bedroom, hot, one window, flute

Circles of children, older and younger Light of the Son, grotto, candles flicker

Frisbee, soccer, football in circles Jesus Crucified, Rosaries, daughters’ crying

Enjoying the play and sport, All mourn, a smile, neighbors praying

boys and girls Love for the old woman still lingering, hope

And in my journey, I found His meaning

and older men alike

Healing, the real and true reason He sent me

A long drive to the village

Mike Carlson, Santiago Rosado, Michael Lucente, I hear angels’ wings beating, all around

Tim McCormick, and Spence Rawson break for lunch. And yet, a sense of profound breath The old, frail, poor woman when finally dead

I helped Sonya, the dentist from Yoro Healed by His Grace, Mercy and Love

On the last evening of our Mission Yoro, after a very What a blessing! Heaven her final Home and poor no more!

long day and week, we gathered in the entrance to the I felt joyful

church in Yoro. We missionaries were in desperate need And satisfied

of healing. The sun would set in about an hour. Jesus I brought just a couple . . .

took us aside. I asked them to answer two questions. Loaves of Love

And Jesus converted them to thousands of loaves . . .

. . . as I said . . . What joy!!!





And then with Father John, we found nourishment,

healing, and answers in Eucharist. They recognized

Jesus in the breaking of the bread. We recognized Jesus

in the breaking of the bread. We have returned out of

breath to tell the people of North Florida how our hearts

were burning as Jesus walked with us on the roads of

L to R, back Row: Fr. Ron Camarda, Michael Lucente, Honduras. And while we are still speaking, Jesus enters

Laura and Dennis Ramsey, Spence Rawson, Annette Jones,

Jim Matthews, and Jan Martin

into our locked rooms and hearts. He says, “Peace be

L to R, middLe Row: Mario Aguilar (guide), Mike Carson, with you!” And then he shows us his wounds.

Santiago Rosado, Andrea Goldenson, Diana Gloria Eddins,

Roberto Gloria, Debbie Gloria Smith, Cathi Cox,

Lauren Hellmann, Donna Mays, and Denise Sink

We are wounded in love by the eyes of the poor!

L to R, fRont Row: Greg Hemsoth, Tim McCormick, Love, joy, peace, A Pergamino, Certificate of Accomplishment,

Rodel Gloria, and Paula Fuller Padre Ron Moses + from the local government and hospital



The first question evoked tears in every single missionary:

“What was your greatest sorrow this past week?” THE MEDICAL THE MEDICAL

MISSION GAVE MISSION RECEIVED

I shared with them how I feared for the girls and women.

Many of the young girls had children at the age of 12, • 2,050 patient exams • 610 reading glasses humility from God and the only

13, or 14. I worried that they might be treated just as • 6,150 prescriptions • 704 Rosaries things the poor owned and could

things rather than as the beautiful daughters of God. • 1,550 teeth extractions • hundreds of smiles give – their many smiles, hugs,

I wanted to protect them and shield them from the • 1,100 tooth brushes • hundreds of hugs and much love!

harshness of poverty. I hear Jesus say, “Give them some

• 1,020 tooth paste tubes

food yourselves.” To me, it seems that our mission does

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Parish News 6









Serving God’s People in Haiti

Anticipation filled us as we drove to the

airport to pick up the seven Jacksonville

teenagers who had just completed

missions to Haiti with Mission Youth, a

program sponsored by Regnum Christi.

There they helped at an orphanage called

Kay Mari Manman Tout Timoun (The

House of Mary, Mother of All Children).

Three girls – Theresa Duncan, Cecilia

McMillan, and Sarah Regan – are

parishioners and in St. Joseph’s Challenge LC, was their chaplain, and Cecile

Martin-Houlgatte and Nicole Buchholz

were spiritual guides for the group.



We discovered at the airport a group filled

with contentment and Christ’s love. As

we heard their stories, we learned how

impressed they were with the inner joy I learned much from the

and faith the Haitians possessed, despite Haitian people. They taught

having nothing. Without complaining, the me to make homemade

missionaries told us about their challenges cement, knock down walls,

Girls Club. Before going, they held a – lost luggage, bathing from a bucket, dig foundations, ride horses,

fundraiser to purchase supplies for the washing clothes and carrying building and more. Among all that I

orphanage. They raised supplies in and through the river. They had learned from them, the most

over $850 at their “Hop a peaceful demeanor that was contagious, important was to love with

for Haiti.” Using jump since they had experienced and shared a generous heart. Late one

ropes, they “hopped” unconditional love Theresa Duncan, friend of the villagers

night, we had Mass in Creole

in front of the Main and acceptance. with the people. It was

Church after Masses, In the following, crowded, and a little girl ended up sitting on my lap. She fell asleep

and some saw Fr. each of our three halfway through Mass. When she woke up at the end, her mom came

Anthony jumping with them. One of girls shares her to bring her home. The little girl kissed me on the cheek and said very

the other girls, Stephanie Sills, was a past experiences with slowly, making sure she pronounced each English syllable correctly,

parishioner, and there were three teens you, and Cecile “I love you.” It was simple, something that could be overlooked, but

from other parishes. Altogether, their Martin-Houlgatte, Mission director, offers it taught me how to love simply and not to take for granted the little

team included ten youth from Florida and some concluding thoughts. things in life but to find good in everyone and to love them.

four from Mexico. Fr. Timothy Moran, Pam McMillan Theresa Duncan





I feel God sent me to Haiti not only to serve back in Jacksonville. In Haiti I learned that The opportunity to go

Him but also to learn what true love and true when working with others, our main purpose to a Haitian orphanage

family is. When someone walked in the front is not to get them to love us, but to transmit arose last spring, and

door of a Haitian house, they became part God’s love for them through ourselves. We I felt God’s strength

of that family and were immediately cared want to help them love God and show God’s inside me to say “yes”

for. As we were staying at love in addition to showing to be a missionary. I

an orphanage, we heard affection and compassion. felt there was a lot I

stories of the orphans and This helped me when I could give the poor

of the workers’ experience was a buddy at a camp children, but in reality

after the earthquake. for special needs children, they gave much more

When the workers went Camp Promise. Sometimes to me. Our biggest

into Port-Au-Prince to the campers didn’t accept project was to carry

search for orphans at the volunteers, but we big stones across a Sarah Regan is a patient “hair model.”

rescue sites, they did not saw God in them, thus stream to help build a

find many! This was Cecilia McMillan is covered with spreading His love. The house and a church foundation. We had a little time at meals to

laughter. Wishlee, an orphan,

because in Haiti, if your enjoys Ceci’s glasses. campers made our job easy play with the children, who were so happy! They especially enjoyed

neighbor or relative dies and did our work for us! I “borrowing” our cameras to take pictures of their friends, family,

and leaves their children, you take them in, really saw God in all aspects of Haiti – in the and other missionaries. I thought a lot about how little I appreciate

even if that means feeding yourself and your scenery, in the people, and in Haiti’s ability everything in my life, and my mission to Haiti will stay with me a

own children one less meal. Their true and to pick itself up after disaster, dust itself off, very long time.

complete love for Christ was amazing. This and continue on smiling. Sarah Regan

mission to Haiti also carried over into my life Cecilia McMillan

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Parish News 7









and healing hearts . . . . transform it into graces and sprinkle it like mist

“When he disembarked on this orphanage

and saw the vast crowd, or wherever He

his heart was moved wants to. Today

with pity for them, for was hard, but it was

they were like sheep the most beautiful

Fr. Timothy hears confessions without a shepherd; day for me because

using an interpreter. . . .” (Mark 6:34). I understood love!”

Father said, “There is Our exhausted

much poverty in all forms, [because in addition missionaries often

to material lack], they also experience spiritual asked, “When are we

poverty, for there is a great shortage of priests. In Theresa and Monica, a Mexican going to finish . . . ?”

one of the villages, engineer, dig the chapel foundation. yet not with an

a priest visited attitude of simply

Family get-together: front row from left, Sarah and Theresa; only once a year. wanting to get the work done, but with the

at right, Cecilia . . . It was a very zeal of wanting to finish so as to serve more.

impacting, grace-

We left for Haiti: A priest, two consecrated filled experience. St. Joseph’s generous parishioners: Thanks

women, and fourteen young people. Only two of I only wish more to Fr. Cody’s support, the Challenge Club’s 5th

us spoke French, but our group of seventeen was Americans could and 6th graders, led by Emily Upchurch, Cecilia

going with one common language: Love. This experience it, so we would begin to realize how McMillan, Kelly Butler, and Kayla Lloyd, were

love revealed Christ’s love for His people through absolutely spoiled we are when compared to so able to fundraise $850 for the orphanage. Emily

various instruments. many other peoples and nations!” a n d h e r m o t h e r,

Shannon, spent hours

The Haitian people: “Cecile, my heart is sick,” Nicole Buchholz, Consecrated Woman: I still buying items with

said 13-year-old Misuca. These words introduced remember seeing her standing for hours in the river that money, which

me to Misuca’s predicament before she was to pass heavy bricks were precisely what

welcomed into the orphanage. She described how to little Haitian boys was needed for the

all day long she prays to “Daddy God” and “Mama and missionaries in village school opening

Mary.” Her serenity in saying, “My heart is sick,” the house-building in the fall.

shows what I learned from many Haitian people: project. She always

vivid faith, hope, and love despite tragedy. had a smile on her I can still almost feel

face, which showed feverish babies and

The orphanage staff: A Haitian family staffs she was praying, smell the rotting-flesh

the orphanage with Janna and Katie, American offering sacrifices, reflecting Christ’s smile . . . . stench of children’s

volunteers. All face great challenges but affirm, wounds from when I

“God wants me here.” Our missionaries: One girl shared, “Today visited families with

I’m so happy. Yesterday I was exhausted, and I Madeleine, a Mexican Stephany Sills and Theresa.



Our chaplain, Fr. Timothy Moran, LC: He wondered how I could keep going all week . . . , medical student. She

adapted to unusual situations, worked hard, and and then I started to do what you told us in prayer- taught me to detect gangrene by smelling wounds,

after working hard, spent hours hearing confessions time: when it’s hard, offer it to God, so He can and I would send the little ones to her for basic

medical treatment. This symbolizes my spiritual

motherhood:

seeking to heal

and love each

person. Now

here, I see how

Jesus wants me

to keep trying

to do the same

for those who

have spiritual

fever or wounds Cecile soothes a sick baby under

Nicole’s comforting gaze

of the heart.

Cecile Martin-Houlgatte,

Consecrated Woman in Regnum Christi

and director of Mission Youth Jacksonville

girls’ program





For more information on student missions in January 2011, please contact cmartin-houlgatte@inteducators.org.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Ministry News 8









Are You Involved in the Parish? Island Ministry

Before Jesus died, He gave When you get involved in your parish, you may find “No man is an island,” said John Donne, and he was right.

all of us a compelling model yourself being enriched in ways you would never have Our church islands are a very unusual and positive statement

to follow. Serve as Christ thought possible. on how everyone in the Island Ministry works together to

serves; give as Christ gives, make our parking lot islands beautiful. This Island Ministry

freely and fully. Jesus asks So, the questions you need to ask yourself are “What is chaired by Susan Belkot, and she has organized a group of

all of us – priests, deacons, ministry here at St. Joseph’s really could use my talents and

volunteers to keep the various islands beautiful, not just at

religious, married, single – to abilities? Which one needs my helping hands?” Answers to

follow in His footsteps. We these questions can provide clues to help you decide where Easter and Christmas, but all during the year.

know that Jesus’ footsteps you can do the most good.

led Him to the Cross and to My husband and I chose the St. Vincent de Paul Island

resurrection. As members of Each of us has been given talents that come naturally to us. to care for as we had been Vincentians for about twenty

Christ’s body, we must give of We have a responsibility to develop those talents and use years before we moved to St. Joseph’s. When we moved

Fr. Bernard ourselves as Jesus did – care them throughout our lives. What talents have you been here from Christ the King, we learned there was no group

Ahern for others with compassion,

offer hospitality, share

given? What kinds of activities seem to come naturally to

you? What skills do you use at your place of work or in

of Vincentians active in St. Joseph’s and that most of that

type of work was handled by the Mandarin Food Bank and

food with the hungry, and your family that you could offer to your parish? Father Cody.

clothe those who have little.

Surely, we will experience crosses along this way, but Participation Sunday weekend is coming up on September

we know the way also leads to resurrection, to renewal 11-12 and gives our new parishioners and old-timers who When the island became available, we worked for two days

of both our world and our selves. Whoever wants to are not involved the chance to learn about all the ministries just getting rid of the weeds, and then we planted a bunch

follow Christ will have much work to do on His behalf and activities that take place in the parish. I know most of flowers we purchased from Lowes. That was when we

announcing the Good News and serving others as Jesus of you feel an excitement about St. Joseph’s – I know I do. discovered there was no water available in the back lot.

did. Jesus’ call is urgent. He does not tell people to The music and choirs at the Masses give me good feelings We lugged ten one-gallon jugs

follow Him at some time in the future but here and when I say Mass. The hundreds and hundreds of children of water from home twice each

now, in all circumstances. at our school and in the “prep” and “wee-worship” classes, day to water the plants. That

learning about the Catholic faith because of wonderful plan was not too successful, so we

The more we come to know Christ, the more we and dedicated teachers, truly bring joy to my heart. The then turned to native plants that

recognize that all we are, all we have, and all we will Eucharistic ministers, lectors, altar servers, ushers, and those

required very little water. That

be is a gift from God. Our response to this generosity who bring up the gifts, all of these people who have the

as we follow in Christ’s footsteps is to give freely and privilege of becoming an intimate part of the Eucharistic worked pretty well but not with

generously to others. celebration . . . ask any of them what these ministries do for flowering plants. Then we got

their sense of ownership of this parish. And then there are smart and began using artificial

Sometimes what’s possible for us to give and do seems the many wonderful people who work behind the scenes in flowers for special days such as

insignificant. Giving of ourselves in ministry, in service, so many ways – bringing communion to the shut-ins and Christmas and Easter. You can

in help to those who need it the most – while rewarding nursing homes, helping out at the Food Bank, and with get some very pretty silk flowers

Georgia

in itself – can seem to be like trying to “bail out the “Meals on Wheels” – who have greater pride in the parish at Hobby Lobby for less cost than MacLean

ocean with a teaspoon.” But anyone who is involved because of what they do. How enriched so many have for real flowers.

in voluntary service soon learns that’s not the case. We become by attending bible studies or Christ Renews His

see with our own eyes evidence that one person really Parish (CRHP) is incredible! I could go on and on, but just

Now we need to go only once or twice a month to change

can make a difference. Jesus knew this when He called let me say this: If you are not one of more than 1200 people

us to serve others. Even more importantly, He knew participating in some way – if you are not already sharing flowers or pull weeds. We also have a good ground cover

that when we respond to His call with a generous spirit, your time and talent with your fellow parishioners – you are that enhances the plants that do grow there. Amaryllis lilies

we change not only those we serve but even ourselves. really missing out on something great. grow very well as do some other kinds of lilies. Palmetto and

variegated grasses make a fine show but are slow growing.

Before planting these on the perimeter, I rooted most of

them over the summer in three or four pots at home.



WANTED

Jean Baj, RN, Ministry Director — 880-1078

St. Vincent de Paul has been named the patron saint of all

charitable works of the Catholic Church. Since St. Joseph’s

does not have a conference of this international society, we

The Parish Nurse Ministry (PNM) is in need of volunteers for some of our programs. Volunteer positions have helped start a St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. It is

are open to all over the age of sixteen. up and running at the Southgate Plaza next to the Traffic

Respite Program – We have people in the Monthly Blood Pressure – The PNM does monthly Court and is doing very well selling donated clothing,

parish community who need volunteers to blood pressure checks after Masses the first weekend of furniture, and other items. The income from these sales

assist them. However, more volunteers are the month. We need people to spend time after a Mass is given to the Diocesan Council to help St. Vincent de

needed to make this program a reality. doing the blood pressure checks. Anyone who knows Paul Conferences throughout the diocese in their mission

Baby Sitting Class – We need volunteers how to take a blood pressure with manual equipment to serve the poor.

for a few hours to help the children practice can volunteer. You do not need to be a nurse! For this

their babysitting skills. The next class is program, please contact Jean Baj at 880-1078. The Island Ministry has been most helpful to me as we try

September 25. No experience is needed. Special Topics – The PNM will gladly arrange any health to honor St. Vincent de Paul for his magnificent service

We also provide community service hours related programs for individual ministries or for the parish to the poor and God. I believe God has asked me to help

for students over 14 years of age. community. We welcome your ideas and suggestions. create something special and wonderful, and this little work

in His garden comforts me tremendously.

To volunteer for any of these programs, please contact: Linda Bertino, RN, Ministry Co-Director,

704-7282 or rainbeaus@live.com, with Parish Nurse Ministry (PNM) in subject line. If anyone knows where I could purchase a statue of St.

Vincent de Paul, please call me at 886-2732.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Ministry News 9









We Are Called to Catholic Holy Week Missions by Lynn dery



Share Our Treasures Have you ever thought of what it would be like on the

other side of the door as a door-to-door missionary? I

think many of us have the tendency to become annoyed

My daughter, Katelyn, flew to Denver, Colorado, to

serve the Church there. The program in Denver had

been established many years ago and has become quite

It matters. Whatever we when missionaries from other denominations make a large. Three different parishes were hosting a retreat and

do for others in obedience call to our door. How do we respond to them? missions for an entire week. One of the three churches

to God’s call for action, even hosted family missions.

Well, ever since my daughter made the sacrifice to do

even a small or seemingly door-to-door missions this past Holy Week, I have had a For their door-to-door outreach, the missionaries

insignificant service, greater respect for all missionaries who do the same. At were placed in groups of three. Two would go to the

matters. We may wonder a minimum, I have resolved to offer them a drink, listen door; one was in charge of doing the talking while the

what we can possibly do to them, and give them a smile. other was her back-up support. The third was in the

that makes a difference. background, praying. This three-some would change

Or we may already be This past Holy Week, six courageous young girls roles as the day progressed.

serving in what we think (four from St. Joseph’s) left the comforts of their

are mundane roles. What homes to participate in Mission Youth Missions (www. While there were many neat stories, there is one I would

Paula Babadi matters is that we listen missionyouthmissions.com) and evangelize in shopping like to share. One time, Katelyn and her group knocked

for and answer God’s centers as well as knock on doors to invite those behind to on a door answered by a big burly man with body piercings

whispering in our hearts. attend the Holy Week liturgies and Easter Masses. They and tattoos. “What do you want?” he snorted. The girls

were led by the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi told them of their mission, and they saw two little kids

About ten years ago, I wrote a poem for my sister, who live in Jacksonville. In the photo with Fr. Cody in the background. “Not interested,” he responded as he

Natalia. She was at a time in her busy life when are Emily Loftis, Cate Elliott, Ashley Estanislao, Lindsay slammed the door on them. The three-some went out

she wondered what value her efforts produced. DiCicco, Sarah Regan, Pili Yunis (volunteer in Regnum to the sidewalk and began praying. Suddenly the door

She was unable to see the beauty of her example Christi) and Cecile Martin-Houlgatte (Consecrated opened again. It was the same man. He seemed to have

in raising her six children to be strong and faithful Woman in Regnum Christi). Not pictured is Sara a change of heart. “All right, tell me again what you are

Catholics, in spending time every week for years in Selander who also participated in this mission. here for?” By the end of the visit, he had agreed to come

Adoration, and in sharing spiritual materials with back to Mass. Seeing him and his family at Mass later that

her sisters and family. Natalia was unaware of the While these girls were serving the Church in this week was one of the beautiful fruits that came out of this

treasure she was and still is in her daily example, capacity here in sunny Jacksonville, many others across week of serving Christ in the mission field.

and she certainly has not seen all of the fruits from the globe were doing the same in other cities through

her giving. Mission Youth’s national and international programs.



When I finished the poem, I realized it spoke not

just of my sister, but of my parents who spent all

of their lives laying such a strong faith foundation

with each of their four daughters. It spoke also

of my two sisters, Mary-Frances and Virginia,

and I realized that God places within all of us a

treasure to be shared with others. Whether that

treasure is in the small daily examples of our lives;

the almost imperceptible witness to our children,

families, friends, and co-workers; or in the larger-

than-life volunteer efforts and projects within our

communities, God sees it all, and it matters.

Some of the Fruit of Pure Fashion

Pure Fashion is a program sponsored by Regnum On the other hand, she

Christi that my daughter has been involved in for three knew that this was where the

TreaSure CuP rubber hit the road. Katelyn

years. While the fashion show is such an exciting day

for all the models, it is the seven-month formation teaches piano lessons to

In your selfless giving to those small moments of each day many young children. Some

which drudgery or endless need or wanting hearts require, process that has been the most fruitful in cultivating

the virtues of purity and modesty in my daughter. of the little girls who went to

who can measure the cost – the price you pay see her in the Pure Fashion

for reaching into the depths of your own gentle soul – This past spring, “the rubber hit the road” when it Show were coming to see her

past the pain, past the ache, past the weariness came to seeing if the formation this program provides

to pour out love again and again? really worked. My daughter was competing in her

in the pageant. What kind of

message would it send if she

Lynn Dery

No coin exchanged school pageant. She had made the final cut and had wore an inappropriate outfit?

no accolades been practicing for a few months after school. Besides What was the past three years of formation for anyway?

no earthly notice – modeling prom dresses, she had to wear a few other This was the moment when it all counted. “God, what

save for the hearts who one day outfits for some dance numbers they had prepared. do you want me to do?” she pondered.

will reach into their own souls The Tuesday before the pageant, she received one of

to pour out love in those small moments. her dresses. Well . . . , the dress ended up not meeting The next day, she proposed a solution to all the girls who

Pure Fashion standards; it was too short. This resulted shared the dance with her. She explained Pure Fashion

We are all one body, united in Christ and given in a very stressful day, for a huge battle was waged and all it taught her and proposed wearing leggings to

the greatest treasure and blessing of all in the Holy within her soul. lengthen the dress. All but one of the girls rejected the

Eucharist. Christ shares himself with us, and we idea, but she liked it and also wore leggings during that

have the profound privilege of sharing ourselves On the one hand, she knew very well all her hard work one dance of the pageant. That girl ended up winning

with others in His name, in whatever capacity He for the past few months could be for naught because the pageant, and Katelyn took third. While we were

asks of us. there was a real possibility she would not be able to proud of her for doing so well in the pageant, what

participate if she did not wear the outfit as is. What most impressed us was the stand she took for modesty,

What better time than Participation Sunday to would the other girls say and think of her if she made even when it was very difficult.

pause and ask God how He wants us to serve Him, a big deal about this? What would be wrong with

to share our treasure – in the parish, in our families, wearing it just this one time? Why was it sooo hard to For more information about Pure Fashion, please visit

in our lives. be different from everyone else? http://www.purefashion.com/.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Ministry News 10









DON’T MISS IT!

Be A Part of the October 17th, 2010









CONTACT: RANDY BENNETT – 904-472-8241

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Ministry News 11









Living Our Faith, Sharing God’s Gifts

an Invitation from Father Dan

On the weekend of September 11-12, our St. find your niche in your St. Joseph’s community by have looked over the

Joseph’s parishioners will host “Participation becoming active participants in a ministry. We also ministry opportunities

Sunday.” After each Mass, representatives hope to meet again you who, though long-time we now offer, but don’t

from many of our ministries will be present parishioners, haven’t been able to participate in a see the one you have

in the gathering area of the Main Church and ministry. Finally, for you who are feeling called to in mind, please tell

outside the main entrance to share photographs, new ministries, Participation Sunday is a wonderful me how you would

handouts, and other information about their occasion to inquire about other opportunities. like to serve. Perhaps

organizations and activities. Our parish embraces you recognize a parish

over 80 ministries, and we offer to every age Each of you is a vital member of our parish family, need we have not

group opportunities for religious education, and someone at St. Joseph’s will be blessed if identified. Potentially,

community service, liturgical service, and social you share the knowledge, experiences, skills, and we can offer as many

celebration. On Participation Sunday, there may talents God has given you. Whether you are an ministries as we have

not be a representative available for every ministry; organizer or a helper, are comfortable working God-given ideas, backgrounds, and abilities.

however, you will find information about each of directly with people or prefer to serve “behind

them in this newspaper. the lines,” are good at finding ways to meet I invite each of you, this Participation Sunday, to learn

challenges and solve problems or are effective in more about the opportunities available for you to serve in

We look forward to meeting you who are new carrying out the solutions, there is an opportunity one or more of our parish ministries. I also look forward

parishioners and to offering you opportunities to to serve in your St. Joseph’s community. If you to speaking with as many of you as possible on that day.









ADMINISTRATION OUTREACH and SOCIAL CONCERNS SPECIAL EVENTS

Catholic Outreach and Evangelization Homeless Ministry

Church Office Chris Supple: 237-6086 Dave Wilhelm: 268-0692 Fall Festival

Located in the St. Joseph’s Rectory csupple01@comcast.net Joanne Galvin: 268-2889 Randy & Janice Bennett: 292-9325

11730 Old St. Augustine Road Catholic outreach and evangelization began Prepares and delivers food on the third Greg & Lori Nolan: 683-7272

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the beginning of the Church. We at Saturday of each month to homeless The Fall Festival brings

Monday through Friday St. Joseph’s reach out, welcome, and help persons in downtown Jacksonville. parishioners together for a day

Phone: 268-5422 our new parishioners in any way we can. of old-fashioned fun. There is

www.stjosephjax.org Meals on Wheels live music, games for children

Divine Mercy House Pat Kowall: 262-2189 and youth, a parade, and lots

Sr. Anne Marie Lennon: 268-6282 Delivers hot meals each weekday to the of food. It is also a fund raiser

Office of Activities Peter Prince: 287-7856 homebound in Mandarin. Funded solely for St. Joseph’s School and the

Chris Kelly, Director: 880-6404 A charitable organization that operates a by monthly “Penny a Meal” collections Mandarin Food Bank.

ckelly@stjosephsjax.org group home and educational facility for at Sunday Masses.

Schedules all activities and teenage mothers.

ministry meetings held on St. Michael’s Soldiers Golf Scramble

parish grounds. Mandarin Food Bank Kathy Signorile: Tom Ackermann: 886-9428

Bonnie McNulty: 292-2385 (c) 315-8743, (w) 268-5422 Rich Grimes: 992-2930

Mary Kaminski: 262-0009 ksignorile@stjosephsjax.org Planned by the Golf Committee,

Building Committee The Mandarin Food Bank identifies and St. Michael’s Soldiers provides a little piece this event is the largest one-day

John Alexander, addresses the community’s social and of home to deployed men and women of fundraiser for the parish. Proceeds

Chair: 538-0467 economic needs. Projects include providing our U.S. Military through what we like benefit the Building Fund.

Oversees new construction food and clothing to the needy and assisting to call “Home Sweet Home” boxes. Our

projects at the parish. migrant workers. Food Bank hours are mission is to make a difference for those

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from who are making a difference. Reverse Draw Gala

9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers welcome. Pete Santilli: 268-7416

Parish Council Bill & Chris Kelly: 260-6567

Kevin Boudreaux, This is the premier fund raising

President: 880-8977

SUPPORT GROUPS event held in a hotel setting

Meets quarterly to discuss major Career Connections Consolation Ministry with dinner and dancing.

parish issues and coordinate reports Steve Green: 260-1165 Lisa Pohlgeers: 464-0396 The evening includes a Silent

from all ministries. Meeting minutes Tom Ackermann: 886-3136 This self-help group for those going Auction, Door Prizes, a celebrity

are available. Teaches people the skills to enable them through the grieving process is guided MC, and a 1 in 300 chance to

to search for a job and provides a support by Methodist Hospital-trained leaders. win $10,000.

Stewardship group forum while they are conducting Volunteers help in setting up funeral

Steve Kerlin: 262-0209 their job search. receptions at the Cody Enrichment

Center as requested by families.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Ministry News 12







SPECIAL SERVICES and MINISTRIES

Adopt an Island Grounds and Facilities Parish Nurse Ministry Transportation Ministry

Karen Belkot: 716-2119 Father Dan: 268-5422 Jean M. Baj, R.N: 880-1078 Michael Broach: 891-0746

Paul Belkot: 716-0345 Oversees maintenance and security of Linda Bertino: 704-7282 mcbroach@stjosephsjax.org

Coordinates volunteers to maintain parish-owned property. Promotes health and healing through This volunteer ministry includes a parish

landscaping in planted islands and fall influenza inoculations, resource bus service that provides transportation

areas around the Main Church, the Historic Church Preservation consultations, health seminars, and for the elderly and those in need to/from

Cody Enrichment Center, the Historic Beth Meyer: 327-6409 teaching programs. Mass, as well as a tram service for the

Church, and the cemetery. Preserves and maintains the beloved Main Church parking lot. Volunteers

Historic Church, a Mandarin landmark. Reflections Newspaper also coordinate traffic each Sunday and

Ambassador Roger Lestina, Editor: 288-9603 for Christmas and Easter Masses.

Scott Northcut: 230-1238 Housekeeping rhlest@bellsouth.net

Tom Bain: 268-2331 Mariette Woodard: 292-2736 Published for Easter, Participation Web Page

Serving at the Main Church, the Charlotte Peck: 886-9855 Sunday, and Christmas, Reflections Tony Terbrueggen: 268-8483

ambassadors represent the parish offers articles about our parish family Maintains St. Joseph’s web page,

to our parish community, assist the Laubach ESL members, ministries, and activities. which includes church information,

priests, and work with the welcoming (English as a Second Language) Its mission is to build community and bulletins, and more. Please visit our

ministries at Masses. Pablo Valdivieso: encourage participation in the parish. site at www.stjosephsjax.org.

268-8896, (c) 859-0325 All parishioners are invited to submit

Cemetery Commission pabomaja@bellsouth.net articles and photographs. Wedding Coordinator

Peter Dobrie: 260-2657 Laubach ESL is part of ProLiteracy Christy Loberger: 880-6404, Ext. 228

Judy Dobrie: 434-8111 Worldwide, the largest community- Religious Gift Shop Helps couples plan the wedding

Meets monthly to plan for cemetery based literacy organization in Trisch Broach: 268-9235 ceremony, assists with wedding

beautification, maintenance, growth, the U.S. This is an all-volunteer Located adjacent to the main entrance rehearsals, and teaches couples what

and needs. Advises pastor on aspects program designed to help adult non- of the Main Church, the Parish to say and do during different parts of

of cemetery administration. English speakers learn to speak, read, Religious Articles and Gift Shop is the wedding Mass.

and write English. The Laubach open before Saturday evening Mass

Engaged Encounter organization certifies trainers to and after Sunday Masses. Bibles, Welcome Wagon

Jim & Donna Wilkey: 268-4758 teach volunteer tutors. books, Rosaries, gifts, special orders, Vicki Herbert: 880-3155

and more are available. The Christmas Provides food and fellowship in the

Open House is in November. gathering area after Sunday Masses.







SOCIAL and COMMUNITY BUILDING MINISTRIES

Council of Catholic Women • St. Elizabeth’s Circle Elizabeth Ministry The parish branch of a worldwide

(CCW) Tracey Friel: 260-9030 Michelle Horning: 464-0179 service organization, the largest lay

Karen Rasmussen: 349-7113 Jamie Gross: 262-5564 A network of women supporting organization in the Catholic Church.

Hayley Perschau: 260-9063 For women who share an interest in women through the joys and trials of

A national service organization that food, fun, and fellowship. Teams are childbearing years. Men’s Basketball

meets on the second Tuesday of each organized at the beginning of each year, Tony Profetto: 268-2249

month, September through April, and monthly meetings are planned Filipino-American Ministry Rich Scott: 287-4155

in the Mandarin/Loretto Room, to around cooking demonstrations, food Nellie Rocha: 292-5295 Offers fun and fellowship for

coordinate community services and lectures, and ideas for entertaining. Mac Delacruz: 262-6059 parish men.

charity events. Members can join the Service projects throughout the year Unites Filipino/American parishioners in

following “circles” for more parish include food collection, donation, fellowship and service. The group sponsors Men’s Club

and community involvement. and preparation. Meets the fourth an annual dinner-dance and provides Pete Kelley: 226-4726

• St. Anne’s Circle Thursday of each month, September native foods at many parish activities. Kevin O’Neill: 288-0619

Tanya Wood: 287-5150 through May, at 7:00 p.m. at the Mo n t h l y m e e t i n g s p r o v i d e

Tunu Ricketts: 866-4082 homes of different members. Hispanic Ministry opportunities for men to become

For mothers with children ages • St. Margaret’s Circle Angela Perez: 880-5271 more personally involved in spiritual

birth to kindergarten to join Linda Knoepfel: 771-8926 Reaches out to Hispanics in Mandarin, issues and social and charitable events.

in Christian fellowship sharing Mary Faulkner: 260-0622 including those not currently attending Fish fries, dinner dances, and other

experiences of motherhood and Provides an opportunity for ladies church, to build community and unite fund raisers benefit the parish.

offering support. Goals are to join in the spirit of Christian in prayer and fellowship.

achieved through playgroups, fellowship, to share their talents in Young at Heart

mom’s meals, social outings, arts and crafts, exchange ideas, and Knights of Columbus Eugenia Grubelic: 268-3556

children’s holiday parties, instruct and learn from others in • Council 10850 Karen Schockling: 268-6768

meetings, and community service various creative fields. Meets the 1st Bruce Ennis: 260-4941 Provides social and cultural outlets

projects. Meets the fourth Tuesday and 3rd Tuesdays of each month from Steve Kerlin: 460-2479 for senior citizens in the community.

of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Cody • Assembly 2679 A non-denominational activity for

Mandarin/Loretto Room. Enrichment Center Ministry Room. Randy Bennet: 292-9325 parishioners and non-parishioners.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Ministry News 13







EDUCATION, FAMILY LIFE, and YOUTH-ORIENTED MINISTRIES

Adult Education Cub Scouts Men’s Prayer and Study Group R.C.I.A.

Alan Rees: 287-0321 Chris Thompson: 287-4044 John D’Amico: 287-1656 (Rite of Christian Initiation

stalbans@comcast.net A scouting program for boys ages 7 of Adults)

Offers informative and educational through 10, or first through fifth grades. Mothers Who Care Roger & Linda Lestina: 288-9603

presentations on topics relating to the Carol Butler: 292-1872 ljlest@bellsouth.net

Catholic faith. FAMILIA cwbjax@bellsouth.net The RCIA process helps prospective

Monique O’Mara: 287-8577 Sue Kelley: 268-4726 Catholics on their journey of

Bible Study moniqueomara@aol.com skelley921@yahoo.com faith. Class begins in September,

Offers the opportunity to study the Lynn Dery: 292-2176 A group of Christian moms who pray and participants come into full

word of God, grow in the love of Jesus A Catholic program committed to for the students, staff, and faculty at communion with the Catholic

Christ, and pray for one another. strengthening families by helping Mandarin High School. We meet on Church during the Easter Vigil.

Beginners are welcome. Weekly men and women live their vocation Tuesdays during the school year from Volunteers are needed to sponsor

attendance is not mandatory. to marriage and parenthood according 12:30-1:30p.m. in the Cody Center. individuals or to assist in teaching.

• For Women on Thursday Mornings to Church teachings. For more It is a wonderful way to volunteer our

Mary Monfort: 262-1602 information, contact Monique O’Mara time, pray for all the activities, and St. Joseph School

(Child care provided) at moniqueomara@aol.com. An enjoy a great ecumenical experience Rhonda Rose, Principal: 268-6688

• On Thursday Evenings affiliate of Mission Network sponsored with our Christian sisters in Christ. Provides a Catholic education for

Jim Harper: 287-4769 by Regnum Christi. grade-school children in the parish.

Natural Family Planning The school’s mission is to proclaim

Boy Scouts Families Following Christ (FFC) Ken & Shelley Shannon: 288-6421 the Gospel and to create a Christ-

Pat Adams: 262-4528 Jeff Mall: 349-5155 centered environment conducive

Jim Morency: 742-6585 familiesfollowingchrist@gmail.com Nursery to learning.

An educational program to build or jeff.mall@nmfn.com Dawn Dionne: 880-1094 • Home and School Association

character, encourage responsible Alison Mall: 374-8642 Terrell Thomas: 880-3062 Elizabeth Webb: 886-2872

citizenship, and develop personal A Catholic ministry open to all and Provides care for children ages six Provides volunteer support

fitness. Boy Scouts is for boys age 11 devoted to renewing and enriching months to two years during the 10:00 for school projects during the

through 17. the spiritual life of the family through a.m. Mass, from September to May. A school year.

faith-filled Catechesis, service, prayer, great opportunity for youth volunteers

CD Ministry and fellowship. We strive to be a to get service hours. That Man is You

John D’Amico: 287-1656 community of faith, hope, and charity. Ken Shannon: 349-2866

Office of Religious Education kenandshell@att.net

Challenge Girls Club Girl Scouts Dodi Flora: 880-6404, Ext. 224 Weekly meetings combining science

Angie Hiler: 703-8660 Chris Kelly: 260-6567 dflora@stjosephsjax.org and the Churches’ teachings for

hilerfive@bellsouth.net A program to help today’s girls Conducts the Parish Religious Education family and men in our culture.

Challenge is for girls in 5th-12th become tomorrow’s leaders. For girls Program (PREP). Provides religious

grade. Its mission is to evangelize in kindergarten through high school. education classes on Wednesday nights Vacation Bible School

and help them learn about themselves for public and private school students Terry Chrisley: 683-0150

and give their best to grow in virtue, Homeschool/JPII Homeschoolers in grades one through high school. Dodi Flora: 880-6404

friendship, and their Catholic faith Shelley Shannon: Children can register for the 5:00 p.m. A one-week summer program that

through apostolic projects that have 288-6421, (c) 349-1784 or 6:45 p.m. session. provides scripture-based activities for

a positive impact on their family, kenandshell@att.net kids in grades one through eight.

friends, and the world. An affiliate Annette D’Amico: 287-1656 Parenting with Christ

of Mission Network sponsored by Annette.damico1@gmail.com Idalmis Adams: 230-9257 Wee Worship

Regnum Christi. A Catholic Homeschool group that jsa.ima@comcast.net Christie Thomas: 880-3062

supports and encourages mothers Andree Headings: 230-8749 Greg Dionne: 880-1094

Columbian Squires and families who homeschool. Each Parenting with Christ is designed to Provides religious education for two-

David Bennett & Randy Bennett: month we provide educational and bring consistency in making Christ the to five-year-old preschoolers during

292-9325 social opportunities, as a group, for center of our homes while parenting the 10:00 Mass, from September

our children ages Preschool and up. in today’s society. The lesson material through May. Registration forms are

Conquest Boys Club covered in the class is based on available at the back of the church

Tim McMillan: 537-2378 (c) Kids for Jesus the Catholic parenting bestseller, and at the rectory.

A national network of programs, clubs, Julie McMillan: 262-9177 Parenting with Grace. The class helps

and camps for boys 5 to 18 years old cookingwithjulie@hotmail.com us to pursue a more intimate Youth Group

designed to instill virtue, character, and K4J is for children in preschool relationship with Christ while fostering Wylie & Dianna Hartwell: 571-6602

spiritual growth and help them become through 4th grade. Each month, the same in our own family. Provides programs for youth such

self-disciplined, confident Catholic the children learn about a different as Life Teen, The Edge, and weekly

leaders committed to improving their virtue by hearing stories about saints Rainbows Bible study.

communities. To learn more, please visit who exemplified the virtue and by Gloria Alford: 230-0873

http://www.conquestclubs.com/. An participating in games and skits. An A support group for children whose

affiliate of Mission Network sponsored affiliate of Mission Network sponsored family status has changed due to

by Regnum Christi. by Regnum Christi. divorce, separation, or death.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Ministry News 14







LITURGICAL MINISTRIES and CHURCH SERVICES

Altar Servers Hispanic Music Ministry Music Ministry Sacristans

Donna Wilhelm: 268-0692 Maria Schneider: 771-0757 Frank DeProspo: 880-3190 • Main Church – Mariette Woodard:

donnamswilhelm@bellsouth.net Yamel Gallegos: 334-4893 The music ministry offers liturgical 292-2736

Claire and Tony Sano: 880-8959 music at all Masses and entertainment • Historic Church – Ann Brown:

Altar Servers are boys and girls in the fifth Lectors at special parish events. Vocalists 731-3415

grade and above who assist the priests John & Susan Rezsonya: 268-7741 and instrumentalists of all ages are Sacristans clean the church sacristies;

during Masses. The ministry leaders Lectors read and proclaim God’s welcome. No experience is necessary. maintain altar linens, vestments, and

train and schedule the servers. Training word at Masses. The ministry leaders sacred vessels used at Mass or other

classes are held once a year in the fall. train and schedule adults and high Offertory Participants religious functions and services; and set

school students. Susan & Michael Obi: 260-0385 up for weekend and holiday Masses. Call

Eucharistic Ministers Members of the parish – families, ahead to schedule for special Masses.

Tony Colichio: 288-6979 Ministers of Hospitality groups of friends, individuals – present

Eucharistic Ministers distribute the Holy Steve & Pam Kerlin: 262-0209 the offertory gifts at Mass. The Sign Language Interpreting

Eucharist and Precious Blood of the Lord Teams of ushers seat parishioners ministry leaders create the schedule. Debbie Heaton: 940-7979

during Mass. They also serve Catholic and newcomers, collect weekly Elaine Eckert: 880-1678

residents in local nursing homes and the offerings, and assist offertory Interpreters sign at the 10:00 a.m.

homebound of the parish. participants at Mass. Sunday Mass and holiday Masses for deaf

and hearing-impaired parishioners.









SPIRITUAL MINISTRIES

Adoration for Vocations Covered in Prayer Blanket Ministry Family Rosary Respect Life

Kim & Matt Breen: 636-8606 Sue Haywood: 228-9699 Carol Butler: 292-1872 Russ and Carron Tooke: 268-3349

Gary & Sandy St. John: 268-4688 suebee5575@bellsouth.net cwbjax@bellsouth.net A ministry that helps others appreciate

This Adoration of the Blessed Diane Hemsoth Lori Rowland: 260-8969 the gift of life and assists the poor,

Sacrament is also held in the Covered in Prayer provides blankets rowlands6@att.net the aged, the infirm, and the unborn.

Prayer Center of the Cody Center to those who are sick or suffering We meet the third Sunday of each Provides resources and information

specifically to pray for vocations to during a difficult time. The blankets month from September through May regarding adoption, counseling,

the priesthood, religious, or married are prayed over at the People of Praise in the St. Joseph School Chapel at fertility, and more. Volunteers are

life. It takes place on the last Friday of meeting on Tuesday evenings then 6:00p.m. All ages are welcome. The needed for the crisis pregnancy center

each month from 7:00 to 8:30p.m. blessed during the 8:00a.m. Mass on children lead the rosary, and we all and the phone tree for legislator

Wednesdays. If you or someone you enjoy some wonderful family time. updates and alerts.

Carmelites know are in need of a prayer blanket, The older kids can immediately go to

Suzanne Ziemba: 223-1222 please contact Sue Haywood. the youth group following the rosary. Shepherds of Christ Prayer Group

We are a Secular 3rd Order of Bob Gardner: 260-1327

the Carmelites and Canonically Elijah Cup Ministry Healing Prayer Ministry This group prays for our priests,

recognized in Rome. We make Ken & Shelley Shannon: 288-6421 Greg & Diane Hemsoth: 262-0002 renewal of the Church, and the world.

promises and can take a Vow. We are kenandshell@att.net dhemsoth@comcast.net Meetings are on Monday evenings

women, men, married, single, and A literal way to pray for vocations in Sue Haywood: 228-9699 from 6:20 to 8:00p.m. in St. Bridget’s

widowed. We meet once a month our Church today. Bring the Elijah Offers the opportunity to pray with Room at the back of the Historic

for prayer and formation and we cup into your home for a week. ministry team members and ask God Church. All parishioners are welcome

study our Carmelite saints and the to heal any distress you may have. to attend.

contemplative life. We pray for our Eucharistic Adoration Prayer sessions take place in the

Church, our priests, our religious, Dawn Mull: 262-6181 Marian Center of the Main Church Theresians

and for peace in the world. Rose Stockton: 262-7065 on the third weekend of each month Kathleen Tinker: 379-4521

During Exposition of the Blessed after the Saturday 5:30p.m. Mass and Rose Healy: 645-3437

Christ Renews His Parish Sacrament, worship activities include the Sunday Noon Mass. Theresians is a Catholic organization

(CRHP) opportunity for both group and open to all Christian women.

Michelle Alderman: 859-7206 individual prayer and reflection. People of Praise Membership appeals to women of all

Lisa Lendvay: 349-6887 Exposition is held in the Prayer Center Greg Hemsoth: 262-0002 ages – single, married, and professed

CRHP weekend retreats offer men and of the Cody Center on Mondays from Kristi Heck: 268-2752 religious. Monthly meetings offer

women an opportunity to enhance 6:00p.m. to 10:00p.m., Wednesdays A charismatic prayer and worship spiritual, educational, and community

their lives through Christ. from 9:00a.m. to 10:00p.m., and group meeting every Tuesday evening experiences. Theresian communities

Fridays from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. at 7:00 p.m. in the church. vary in size from 15 to 25 members.

All are welcome. For more information, please visit the

website www.Theresians.org.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Respect Life 15







Respect-Life Committee News

License Plates – Look at the Abortion/Breast Cancer Link – The Komen Race annual nationwide public demonstration against

cars in our parish parking lot for the Cure will be coming up in October, and abortion. It always occurs on the first Sunday

each Sunday morning, and there are several reasons why we as Catholics should of October, and here in Jacksonville it takes

you will see a lot of “Choose not participate. The Komen foundation continues place along several busy intersections. We will

Life” license plates. The to funnel money to Planned Parenthood, the largest be demonstrating on the southwest corner of

Choose Life plate is now abortion provider in the country who also peddles St. Augustine and Loretto Roads in front of the

gracing the back bumpers of sexual perversity to our children in the schools Cody Enrichment Center.

over 35,000 cars in Florida and on the web. We should seriously question Get your prayer groups,

and has raised over 7 million contributing to any organization that partners with CRHP teams, and

dollars for pro-life pregnancy Planned Parenthood. ministries involved. Drag

Russ crisis centers. The abortion your neighbors, families

Tooke industry, particularly Planned Komen continues to deny there is a connection and friends on out. Help

Parenthood, hates these between abortion and breast cancer, despite a us make a powerful pro-

license plates because the growing number of studies from around the world life statement to the

large numbers of these tags on the road show that indicating a strong abortion/breast cancer link. The Mandarin community.

the pro-life community is much more than just a abortion/breast cancer connection is so apparent, in

small fringe of fanatics. These plates debuted here in 2008 the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons Baby Shower – Throughout October we will be

Florida ten years ago and are now available in twenty- reported that abortion is the “best predicator of gathering baby and maternity items in the vestibule

four other states with legal battles being waged in breast cancer.” Why does Komen persist in denying of the church to donate to the Women’s Help Center

several more. The list continues to grow. that connection? and the Divine Mercy House. Please be generous.

We have encouraged so many needy mothers to

The next time you buy a car, or if your tag is up The Susan G. Komen Foundation also continues to choose life for their babies. Now we need to back

for renewal, make a statement for life and support support embryonic stem cell research. After years of them up with material support. There is a never-

the pregnancy crisis centers in our state – select a fruitless research, millions of dollars wasted, and an ending need for formula, diapers, newborn clothes,

Choose Life tag. untold number of lives lost, not a single treatment and gift certificates to grocery stores.

or cure of any kind has ever been developed from

You can see which states are now distributing embryonic research. Not only is it a waste of our The Respect-Life Update – Do you know that a

Choose Life tags and view the different designs at money, it is also incredibly immoral. group of your fellow

www.choose-life.org. parishioners picket

New Pregnancy Crisis Center – Lifeline an abortion clinic on

Rose Sale – The Respect-Life Committee thanks Resources is a new pregnancy crisis center the first Saturday of

everybody who purchased Roses on Mothers’ Day. located on Southside Blvd. convenient to every month? Do you

The annual Rose Sale is the only fund raising the St. both University of North Florida and to know about the annual

Joseph’s Respect-Life Committee does, and all the Florida State College. The center plans Rose Procession, the

proceeds go to the Women’s Help Center. Fourteen to open its doors in September to provide 40 Days for Life, the

parishes in our diocese participated in the Rose Sale help and encouragement to young women Life Chain, the Baby

which brought in $7000 to help the WHC in their facing pregnancy. Shower, the prayerful

Byran Beinkampen at the

work saving children’s lives. We also give a very special First Saturday march

protests around the

thanks to Tanya Wood and her family for being such In order to help these mothers choose life Federal courthouse,

a great help. Not only for their unborn babies, Lifeline the pro-life march in the streets of St. Augustine

would we have been is in need of volunteers to work that draws thousands? Are you aware that Planned

overwhelmed between as counselors, receptionists, ultra- Parenthood doesn’t bother accounting for over one

Masses without their sound technicians, and to work billion dollars it has

help, but we very much in the angel closet. They are also received from the

enjoyed their company. in need of diapers, baby items, federal government;

and clothing for infants up to one that the ACLU

Weekly Stations of the year old. Lifeline is desperately actively circumvents

Cross – Family for Life, trying to purchase an ultra-sound Florida parental

the Jacksonville group machine, so please consider making notification laws to

that organizes the local Tonya Wood and her children at the Rose sale

a monetary donation – no amount provide abortions

40 Days for Life each is too small. to minors; that

year, has asked for three or four men from St. Joseph’s Catholic Charities in Bob Gardner and Art Farrell

who can commit to the 8:30am Stations of the Cross Lifeline Resources is located at 3733 Southside Blvd., Washington, D.C., at the March for Life

in front of “A Jacksonville Women’s Health Center” on Suite 8, Jacksonville, Florida 32216. has been forced to

University Blvd. every Friday morning. The Stations give up its adoption and foster care services? You

will be led by Deacon Larry Geinosky of San Juan Del If you have more questions or would like to take an would know all of this if you received the St. Joseph’s

Rio parish. This is part of the ongoing effort to stop active role in saving the lives of the unborn, please call Respect-Life Committee’s monthly newsletter. You

the killings going on daily at that location. If you Judy Beehner at 268-6438. can subscribe by e-mailing us, Russ and Carron

would like to be a part of this effort, please contact the Tooke, at committee@jsrl.com or calling 268-3349.

Respect-Life Committee. The committee’s contact Life Chain, October 3, 2:00 - 3:00p.m. at the There is no charge to subscribe.

information is listed below. Cody Enrichment Center – Life Chain is an

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Respect Life 16









In the Spring of 1958 . . .

In the spring of 1958, I became a part of a team of high school There was silence in the operating room. The doctor’s shoulders

juniors who would become operating room (OR) technicians at shook quietly as he completed the procedure. His tears had

our hospital. After several weeks of training, we were allowed to filled his mask and the front of his gown was saturated. The

work alongside the nurses and doctors on all kinds of operations. anesthesiologist was also crying quietly. The procedure ended,

It was a wonderful experience and one that cemented my choice but we didn’t move. The young mother still lay on the operating

of pursuing a career in nursing after high school graduation. table as all of us stood round.

However, as an innocent, inexperienced sixteen-year-old, ignorant

of the ways of the world, I experienced an event that has been In 1958, our medical procedures were very limited. There was

forever burned into my heart and my soul. a hint of the possible use of ultra sound, but the only real tests

available were x-rays. Not recommended for pregnant women, the

Sister called and asked if I would be on call. I had just worked an x-ray was used in emergency circumstances only.

eight-hour shift, but I was eager to help. I loved working in the

OR. So instead of going home, I decided to spend some time There was no way to know that she was carrying twins. There

with the student nurses whom I had met since I started my new was no way to make any of it better for her. And so we prayed.

job. Soon a call came; “We have a simple d&c,” Sister Thomasina We prayed for her and for her two boys, and we prayed for the

said. “The lady just had a miscarriage, and this procedure must doctor who would soon have to tell her the truth about what had

be done.” Sister told me the young woman had lost her baby just transpired.

only hours ago, and we were going to help her heal with the

procedure we were about to start. All of us – a 30-year-old anesthesiologist, a 45-year-

old surgeon, and a really naïve 16-year-old girl – were

I entered the operating room and began to set up for the devastated. Sister Thomasina sat me down after everyone

procedure. There would be only three of us – the doctor, had left. “I am not sure that you understand everything

the anesthesiologist, and me. Sister Thomasina would act that happened today,” she said. “We must thank the

as circulating nurse and would be there as needed. Lord that what happened, happened here. I want you

to remember this. Life is such a fragile thing, and we

As the procedure began, there was the usual camaraderie must always respect it. We must always do everything

among those who were present at an operation. I felt very we can to make sure that things like this do not happen.

happy to be a part of it, and when the surgeon, a nursing Someday there will be ways to prevent this. You must try

school board member, suggested that he help me with my Bonnie to hold onto the fact that we did our best. And you must

application to nursing school, I was ecstatic. Soon after McNulty always remember the pain. Someday, you will be called

the procedure started, I began to feel uncomfortable. The upon to tell this story.”

surgeon asked for a container and began to fill it with arms,

and legs, and parts of a baby’s innocent body. I was extremely I can still feel the pain in that room. But I can also find comfort in

confused. Sister came over to me and whispered, “Make sure you the fact that this really horrible situation was handled with prayer

baptize that baby.” “How do I do it?” I asked in all innocence. and respect and as much dignity as possible. All of us came away

Sister told me to “baptize each part and then put them all together from it with a real resolve not only to respect the lives we touched,

and do it again.” I knew that she was under a lot of stress, and I but also to make sure that all we came in contact with always knew

also knew that she had never witnessed a situation like this. I felt how very special each life is. The innocent unborn or the feeble old

that she was trying her best to make sure we handled everything person – each one is a child of God, and we must always treat their

that transpired in an ethical and spiritual way. lives with dignity and respect. This was not a planned incident.

The mother came into the hospital because she feared she was

I held the tiny hand with the perfect fingernails in my hand. losing her child. Instead she lost two innocent little boys. A few

And through my tears, I baptized the child. He was a little months later, I ran into the surgeon who was no longer practicing

boy, and as a way to cope, I named him Timothy. I held each obstetrics. He told me the mom was expecting again, and her

limb, and as I did, I cried and I prayed. Then I put all of doctor was making her case a very special one. He said he would

Timothy’s parts together, and once again I prayed for him, and make sure that this baby would survive.

I asked the Lord to accept him into Heaven. It was 1958 and

though I considered myself to be very informed, I wasn’t even There is something about early life experiences that we carry with

sure what was happening. I wanted to leave. I wanted someone us for our lifetime. I can assure you many situations during my

to tell me that all of this was unreal. But it was very real, and I nursing career made a significant impact on my life. However, what

was witnessing an incident that had never happened before and I experienced that single day, that single incident, I will remember

would never happen again in our Catholic hospital. always. It changed my life forever.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Respect Life 17









St. Joseph’s Conquest Boys Club Sends a Powerful Message

Guided by their team leader, and Bold” activity; its purpose was to teach the boys “It was very rewarding, and I felt proud that our

Tom Truss, an 8th grade to think big and set their goals high. At first, the boys team was able to do something to promote the life

Conquest team launched almost thought it would be impossible. But with the of the unborn,” said TJ Jakubowski, an 8th-grade

a pro-life and pro-dignity encouragement of their team leader and club president, club member.

message last spring that was they began making the impossible possible.

seen by thousands of people The giant sign

driving on I-95 North through “We encouraged the boys to stay on course by was up for a total

Jacksonville, Florida. making a large replica billboard and displaying it at of six weeks, and

our meetings,” said Tim McMillan, club president. was located just

Their achievement: a huge “It was inspiring to see these young guys go from before Exit 356

Lynn Dery pro-life billboard launched thinking this was too difficult for a group of 8th going northbound, on the left side of the road just

in teamwork with St Joseph’s graders to accomplish to tackling it head-on. They as the road curves. The following “YouTube” link

parish in Jacksonville. The generously gave of themselves and did something does a great job explaining this incredible project and

club had the full support of our dear pastor, Fr. Dan wonderful for God and for the pro-life cause.” outlining a subject matter that is important to some

Cody, who let the boys use parish resources for the of our 8th grade boys here at St. Joseph’s. http://

project. Fr. Cody even made the final donation that They spent the entire winter fundraising for the www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2GmpzdQqpI&featu

helped them meet their goal. billboard with projects like selling firewood and re=email.

peddling pro-life bumper stickers after Mass. Finally,

The billboard was one of the proposed apostolic in early March, the funds were ready, and the project

activities in the Conquest Club manual. As a “Big became a reality.









Reflections on Protesting Abortion

Recently, in the “Rants and Raves” column of the was a tremendous outpouring of grief by citizens from every

Florida Times Union, there was a rant by a woman who was state. For several years, I joined this March, sometimes By Sister andrea Zbiegien

disgusted when she attended a funeral in a funeral home going alone. SFCC/D.Min

across the street from picketers protesting the

abortion clinic on University Boulevard near Most people can’t or won’t go in January. One Do I Strive . . .

Memorial Hospital. This woman felt it was year, a group of us were once caught in a blizzard

vulgar and in very bad taste for these people to and were saved only by an aide to a senator from That All May Be One!?

be picketing during the funeral. “What if it had Arizona who helped us get to the Metro and a

Given the opportunity . . .

been the funeral of a child?” she asked. “Imagine priest at the Rockville Center with a four-wheel

Try – really – to

how the parents of that child would have felt.” drive who came to get us when the Metro stopped

See our world

She didn’t get the idea that real children were running. Another year, due to plane problems, With

being killed across the street. we had to spend the night sleeping on the floor Mystical

of the Reagan Airport, along with Msgr. Heslin Eyes . . . .

I remembered listening to a visiting priest giving Georgia and Father Ed Booth. Is my theology truly

a talk on picketing and his remarks that made me Faith talking?

want to picket: “We all hope to have a friend or MacLean Sadly, it seems the only thing the March has Is my spirituality really

someone to hold our hand when it comes time accomplished so far is to keep the protest alive. Faith walking?

for us to die. That is why I picket,” he said. “I

pray and figuratively hold the hand of the unborn infants I don’t think the woman who ranted about the picketing Do I

while they are dying.” realized what she was saying. Didn’t she realize that the Fly? – Cry? – Sigh?

people picketing the abortion clinic are attending the Seeing in each one’s eyes

The next Saturday, I went with Msgr. Heslin and a group funerals of the children being killed, mentally holding their Their inner essence . . . ?

to picket and pray at the abortion clinic on San Marco hands and praying that Jesus will receive them as they leave

Boulevard. We were not allowed to approach the people their uncaring mother’s womb? Do I reach out?

Meet needs?

going in for an abortion but were allowed to keep walking

I had not realized that a great many people picket the Mine?

along the sidewalk holding signs. It was the hardest thing to

Thine?

watch old men bring young girls, send them into the clinic, Jacksonville clinic every day until I had to go daily for

and wait in their cars for them to come out. I became so radiation treatment at the Southside Cancer Clinic. There

Celebrating diverse complexities . . .

angry, I knew I would break the law if I went to picket again, is no special time to go, and you do not have to carry a sign. THAT ALL MAY BE ONE!

so I told myself I would pray at home. Right. Merely go there and pray, or say a prayer as you pass by.

The signs are to publicize the protest, but the prayers are One – by one – by one . . .

Ursula Handley, a mother of nine, talked me into going to for the children. John Paul II hit the nail on the head when Piece by piece by piece . . .

Washington, D.C., to participate in the March for Life with he said, “A nation that kills its children is a nation without

Msgr. Heslin and a group from Resurrection and Christ the hope.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could bring back the PEACEFULLY.

King churches. This experience really opened my eyes. It hope to our nation? That is another thing to pray for.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Focus on Faith 18









Looking Ahead

“No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks

Detaching to Become Attached

to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom By Catherine Guernick

of God” (Luke 9:62). I think I have a good

Everyone has a favorite “something.” I peace, or joy, or love. These feelings

understanding of that passage now. That verse

can remember when I was little, I had a are within us, so it’s not really the thing

along with “Let the dead bury their dead”

doll named Betty Lou. She had brown that comforts us. Rather, it’s the true

(Matthew 8:22) never really “clicked” with me.

hair and brown eyes, a bright yellow source of our feelings – God.

I have heard the homilies and interpretations

and understood intellectually, I guess, but dress with a red bow, and a bonnet. I

had this doll for a long time. She went Not until recently had I thought much

there is a big difference in “getting it” in your

about Betty Lou. I’d been recalling how

Carol head versus your heart. everywhere with me, even on my high

school trip to Disney World. Who I learned about detachment. This, in

Marshall In January 2007, our family received a great knew that many years later I’d live here turn, made me think of how detaching

in Florida? Anyway, when we got home, ourselves from things would help us

blessing, a new baby through adoption. It

I was sure I had left her at the hotel. become solely attached to Christ. I

was an unbelievable gift. We had a home study in December and

I was devastated. Yes, I was a senior watched my kids with their special

brought our new son home in January. It was just that quick – one

about to graduate and was crying over teddy bears. They each have one. Our

month we waited. Our Lady of Guadalupe aided us tremendously,

my doll. oldest has Little Bear, our daughter has

and we were humbled by the blessing.

Flower Bear, and our youngest has Star

My brother went so far as to call the Bear. If we ever leave a bear at home

Six months later, my mother was diagnosed with terminal brain

hotel and ask if they would look for her. and stay overnight somewhere else,

cancer, and she passed away within a year. Six months after her

He said he’d pay to have her shipped we have a long night. It’s their “Betty

diagnosis, our real estate business failed, and we had to move from

home. However, upon unpacking later, Lou” that they need, and that’s okay. As

the home we built. I had to stop home schooling our children and

I found her. There she was, all torn with they grow, they’ll learn they really need

return to work full time. Less than a year back to work, I was part of

her eyes popped out and her hair falling only Christ, not a toy bear (though I’m

a big lay off from an automotive manufacturer.

out from the stitching – my Betty Lou. pretty sure they know it already).

Near the end of 2009, we could see a bit of light at the end of the She was perfect! Some years later, when

I was engaged to be married, I started I think these things like stuffed animals,

tunnel. We felt we were close to having things settled down and back

to throw away “old” things, and I came dolls, toys, or a trinket of any kind are

to normal. I was working again in a fantastic company, and we could

across Betty Lou. I knew it was time. necessary for us to learn how to become

see how we might be able to get back on our feet.

Besides, in my twenties, I didn’t want attached. We grow in our love for them

my husband seeing me so attached to a and think we can’t be without them. I

December 29th I went to a new family doctor for a persistent cough

raggedy old doll. think this experience is a tool God uses

and mentioned that my stomach had also started hurting in a weird

to teach us to grow in love for Him.

way. Later that day after a CT scan, she called to say my ovarian cancer

I didn’t think much of it then or wonder We need to be so attached to God, we

had returned. I had been cancer free for 11 years, but no more.

why I was so upset just a few years understand that without Him, we have

earlier when I thought she was lost. no peace, joy, security, or comfort. In

I am lucky. The ovarian cancer I have is a very rare type and tends

Now I admit it took a few minutes of fact, we have no love.

to grow slowly. I was lucky it did not spread. I am lucky to have a

very talented doctor and surgeon. I am lucky to have so many good, memories swirling in my head before

I could toss her away. It’s funny, but The gift we receive from Jesus is the

faith-filled people praying for me and my family. I am lucky to have

that was that, and I wasn’t really sad. courage to detach ourselves from these

some not-so-faith-filled people praying for me too because God has

Maybe it was because I was closing one very special, earthly things once we learn

chosen to work a miracle in me through all those prayers. Some who

phase of my life and opening another. to love unconditionally. When we learn

were not filled with faith find themselves back in prayer and at Mass

Maybe I was depending less on things to let go and trust in Him completely,

for the first time in years.

and more on God. Maybe I just didn’t that’s our gift back to Him.

At every piece of bad news, every setback, I find myself taking it, want to be embarrassed by having my

future husband see her. Whatever the I’m sure each of us can recall the one

looking at it, and giving it right over to Jesus, moving ahead with the

motivation, Betty Lou was gone, and I thing we had throughout childhood

plow. I understand now I can’t look back.

was fine. and maybe even part of adulthood that

got us through the thunderstorms.

Prior to the honor of carrying this cross, we worked to try to get our

Over time as my spiritual life grew, I Probably we can also recall when we

life back to what it used to be, to fill in the pieces we lost as best we

learned to depend less on things and were able to toss it away, and though

could. I now know our “normal” will never be what it used to be

look to my faith for comfort. Of course, we may not have realized it then, it was

– and I wouldn’t want it to be. I cannot look at the life I had with

I’m still protective of things, especially the Holy Spirit helping us. He nudged

anything but gratitude, knowing that the life I have today and ahead

those with sentimental value. The each of us along the road of detachment,

of me is the one God has put before me. How can that make me sad?

difference now, however, is that they are so we could become attached to the

How can I be upset with that?

truly just ‘things.” What matters are one Love Who can get us through the

the memories of where these things take thunderstorms towards eternity.

Our loving Father gives only good gifts. I pray daily that I know

what to do with the gifts when I open them. For certain, I know I us. Our comfort is in the feelings these

things give us – feelings of security, or God bless you.

can only look ahead. I am so grateful God has chosen to give me

more time on this planet. I pray my time is well spent for Him in

His field with both hands on the plow.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Focus on Faith 19









God’s Divine Vending Machine

ask and it will be given; seek and you punish him that way. You could have saved my brother’s life, but you let

will find; knock and the door will be him die. You broke my mother’s heart. How can I love you, God?”

opened to you. For everyone who asks, Many of us have prayed to no avail – but does this mean that God is not

receives; and the one who seeks, finds; listening, that He has hardened his heart towards us, that He wishes to deny

and to the one who knocks, the door us, that we are praying to a God whose gifts have to be wrung out of him?

will be opened (Matthew 7:7-8). Not at all! Any idea that God exists to be responsive to any request that we

might make is laid to rest by the example of Christ’s agony in Gethsemane.

As his disciples slept nearby, Jesus prayed, “Father, if it be thy will, remove

Alan M. Whatever you ask for in prayer with this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will but thy will be done.” Jesus

faith, you will receive knew he would be obedient to die a long, painful, and humiliating death on

Rees the next day, but in his humanity he did not want to drink of such suffering.

(Matthew 21:22). His prayer was, however, answered in an even more wonderful way three days

later on Easter morning. God provides an answer to our prayers but does not

I would like you to imagine the following communication.

always grant our requests as we make them. We receive what we need rather

than what we want. My granddaughter would like a one-pound chocolate

bar, but I am not about to give it to her.

Dear God,

If God really answered all of our prayers just because we shouted up to heaven,

I will pray to you tomorrow, but I am finishing up my prayer list.

it would be hell on earth. We would become all-powerful without being all-

So far, I have come up with the following:

knowing. C.S. Lewis said, “If an infinitely wise Being listened to the requests

• that my husband, John, will have a successful job interview

of finite and foolish creatures, invariable ‘success’ in prayer would not prove

next Wednesday;

the Christian doctrine at all. It would be like magic – a power possessed

• that you will guide the surgeon’s hand tomorrow as he takes out

by certain human beings to control and compel the course of nature.” But

mother’s gallbladder;

prayer is not a magic trick. Instead, it is the way we share our heart-felt

• that you heal Mikey’s arm so that he can play baseball again;

desires with a loving God who has our best interests at heart.

• that Susie’s SAT scores will be at least 1200;

• that my grandson, Billy, will pass the FCAT;

There is a meaning to adversity and suffering, When all goes well, we have

• that Uncle Joseph will be cured of his prostate cancer.

no need for God, but when tragedy strikes, when we are sick, frustrated, and

helpless, we reach out to Him in our anguish and implore His intercession.

I will get back to you, God, with the rest of my prayer requests tomorrow

Why does God sometimes refuse to grant our prayers when we turn to Him?

at the latest.

Why does he allow our loved ones, despite our fervent prayer, to die a long,

painful death from cancer and allow a 19-year old serviceman to be blown

I love you,

up by an IED in Afghanistan? If our incessant prayers for successful surgery

Mary Jane

or safe return from the war zone are not fulfilled, does it mean that God has

turned away from us? We must trust that God loves us and will act in our

best interests. God is love – Deus Caritas Est – and we must have the trust of a

Many of us have compiled such lists – God please do this or that for me

child in his father and say, “Heavenly Father, I do not understand, but I trust

today. Grant what I want and not what you judge to be in my best interest.

in you.” Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Help us accept whatever

Fulfill and increase my earthly pleasures. Does the scriptural verse above

you have willed for us. Prayer consists of

convey that God is operating a divine vending machine – key in God’s

turning our mind towards God, focusing

name; select “Make a Prayer Request;” state your desire; press Fulfill; and

all our attention on Him, and trusting

immediately you are granted what you requested? Ask, and you shall

that He will do whatever is best for us.

receive! The divine vending machine is called upon to dole out goodies to

In prayer, we give of ourselves. He is the

all those who request them.

“all” of our prayer. The Divine Vending

Machine dispenses His infinite love and

But what of those who pray for serious and worthy requests? What does it

mercy, not what we choose to receive.

mean if their prayers are unfulfilled? What if God declines to accept their

request? What if the cancer is not healed? Does it mean that our prayers

God will never abandon us; He will

are in vain? Consider the case of Tommy who wrote a letter to God. He

never reject His own creation. If we are

had been taught that God is good and kind – that He is all-powerful and

alienated from God, it is because we have

can do anything. He saw his parents praying at home and in church. The

turned away from Him. God will always

disaster struck. When his teacher asked him to write a letter to God about

listen to us and answer our prayers in His

it, Tommy wrote:

own way, and His response will be based

“Dear God, my brother Pete was hit by a car. My mother prayed to you,

on wisdom and love. In our ignorance,

and so did I. We begged you to let him live, but you didn’t. He was only

we must accept His decision to withhold

two years old, so he couldn’t have sinned that bad. You did not have to

what might prove to be our ruin.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Focus on Faith 20









How Does Your Garden Grow?

Who doesn’t love a beautiful garden? Rich arrays of We lose our patience. We grow exhausted from and be free of backbiting barbs that compare to

floral bouquets decorating country-sides and a sensory demanding paces or just are not in the mood weeds overtaking a garden. I had flower beds that

delight for both the eyes and the nose. It’s what I look to meet each other where we are. That’s life. It still needed weeding to be restored to their natural

for when I take my routine walks. My silent reviews happens . . . to all of us. beauty. I also had family members whose speech

and critiques of which neighborhood yards look the had become thorny and prickly like thistles vying for

most inviting, beckoning visitors to “stop and smell After a particularly rough patch with one of my space amongst our rose bushes. Perhaps a teachable

the flowers,” encourage my feet to keep walking, daughters flying off the handle and me maxing out moment had arrived on scene for us all. To remove

walking, walking in anticipation of the next house with yelling about verbal disrespect, I decided my own the unwelcomed weeds of disrespect from our

on the street. But then the walk returns me to my yelling was not helping the situation, speech, we put the literal in action.

own humble abode. What’s that in my landscaping nor creating a loving environment. A

amidst the marigolds, hibiscus, roses, and zinnias? new method was needed. Quickly! Each conversation that went “South”

No, not that! Could it be . . . weeds? Ugh! Enter After sending my daughter to her required the culprit to pull weeds from

the not-so-glamorous side of inviting yards: the high- room for the umpteenth time with no the landscaping, bearing in mind that

maintenance side of yard work and – in my opinion sign of improvement or rehabilitation, our speech is meant to be fragrant and

– the most dreaded task in the summer heat. I prayed for a different solution, loving like our flowers, not unwanted

something that would make a Annette and thorny like the weeds that grew

Recently, I found a way to rethink my perspective profound impact on the entire family. Himmelreich alongside them. Make no mistake. I

on weed-pulling, and it came in disguise through Living in a hostile environment while have my own section of the yard where

parenting. After falling horribly behind in yard we all survive the girls’ teen years was plenty of time spent weed-pulling

work due to a rigorous spring sports schedule for not anyone’s idea of ideal. It took about two days atones for my own Irish temper! This was a family

my girls, my landscaping lay crying for some tender of quiet reflection and listening. And then it came. project. Not for children only. The experience

loving care. I stopped counting after the seventh It was quiet and soft like the morning sun piercing has humbled me. After two intense weed-pulling

industrial-size lawn and leaf bag hit the curb, and through a kitchen window while dancing across the sessions for one of my daughters, the message sank

there was still more to go. floor . . . . Totally brilliant and not invasive. in, and she has tremendously improved her speech

towards the rest of the family.

In a house full of girls, things ebb and flow fairly Our speech is like a flower garden. What comes

smoothly for us most of the time. But occasionally, out of our mouths should be pleasing to the ear and As for the flower beds, they are looking much better

there is a rough spot we have to navigate ourselves beautiful in its appearance. It should not be laced these days. Our speech is charitably restored, and

through, and that often takes the form of not with contempt or armed with thorns to wound its our flower gardens are fragrant, beautiful, and largely

speaking so kindly to one another, unfortunately. listener. Our speech should be tended to with care weed-free again!









A Map for Marriage

By Mary Morris Williams



Growing up, I was touched by the daily influence also was disappointed that my from his own marriage and

of my parents’ marriage, how they spoke to each husband did not have some of from his work as a counselor.

other, how they treated me and my brothers and my father’s qualities, especially His openness and honesty

sisters, and how they handled everyday events and his ability to fix things in the set a special tone in examining

problems. As a child, teen, and young adult, I did house and his energy for yard this hard work. His practical tips

not wonder about this influence, let alone notice it. work. I needed more than my parents’ about communication offer a way to do it

I don’t think I became aware of its value until much example to get me through this, and I started to read differently, so that talking and listening allow the

later when I was married and wanted to make the books about marriage. couple to progress in their connection with each

one I shared with my husband better. other rather than move in circles.

One of the best books I read was As for Me and My

When I became more open about myself and started House by Walter Wangerin, Jr., a Lutheran pastor A large section of the book is about forgiveness, one

to share stories of growing up and stories about and counselor. A part of the book is devoted to the of the most important tools we have as Christians for

my parents, I realized that many did not share the “continuing tasks” of marriage which he identifies as healing relationships. Wangerin is very clear in these

gift I had received. What I considered normal and truthfulness and dependability; sharing the work of chapters: “Forgiving is not just forgetting; time does

thought others had experienced was not the case survival, talking and listening, making love, avoiding not heal all wounds; forgiveness is not merely our own

with some of my friends and peers. Bedrock in my adultery, healing, and gifting and volunteering. I change of heart; forgiveness is not kiss-and-make-up;

parents’ marriage was courtesy and respect. They could see my parents and their example in so many of forgiveness is not merely the words, ‘I forgive you.’ ”

didn’t raise their voices at each other and did not these chapters – how they worked together in raising These chapters are helpful not only for marriage but

appear to argue or disagree. They seemed to have a our family, how they supported each other in everyday for other relationships as well.

knack for planning and cooperating with each other. tasks, how they related to friends and neighbors.

They made marriage look easy. So, if marriage is important to you, and the

Through definitions and examples, Wangerin example of your parents is not enough to help you

In time, I became aware of my shortcomings as a outlines his various tasks, the difficulties of each solve the struggles of marriage, treat yourself to

spouse: my quick temper, my desire to have things task, and the rewards of working on them. To this book. It’s available in paperback though the

go my way, and leanings toward perfectionism. I help the reader understand fully, he uses examples amazon.com website.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Focus on Faith 21









Lesson Learned Book of Proverbs

By Teresa Blumenstock By Tom Kelly



Before I started attending school, my Dad taught me to More often than not, common sense can be is very simple. A short saying is first stated and

pray the Rosary. He did show me the basics, but he forgot expressed in a simple “one liner.” “Look before is then reinforced by a similar statement or by a

that he was showing a six-year-old. At that tender age, you leap” is a good example. “If you wish to meet contrasting statement. Here are some examples

six-year-olds pretty much do exactly what we are told and Jesus, text while you drive” is a pithy, practical, of something reinforced by similar verse:

shown. He should have had me repeat what I had learned, critical and relevant piece of advice. I doubt if

but he didn’t. Usually what is revealed in hindsight always there ever has been a time in history without “To eat too much honey is not good; nor to seek

opens the door for a great story. such a powerful guidance device. honor after honor” (25:27);



I remember my dad handing me his Rosary he always kept The medium is both verbal and written. The “Like snow in summer, or rain in harvest,

in his pants pocket. He showed me the cross and told me bumper sticker is a new wrinkle. The source of honor for a fool is out of place” (26-1);

to say The Apostles’ Creed. The first bead was the Our all this wisdom is not

Father, the next three beads were the Hail Mary’s, and the the “aula maxima” of “It is good sense in a man

last bead was the Glory Be. Then I would start by holding higher learning. The to be slow to anger, and it

the first bead and say “Our Father,” then my dad slid his original rich mother is his glory to overlook an

hand down the ten beads and told me to say “Hail Mary” lode is the experience offense” (19:11).

and then the next bead was a “Glory Be.” I was to repeat of ordinary life. It

this for the next four sections of the Rosary. Praying the follows then that Examples of a contrasting

Rosary was “a piece of cake!” those of us whose life verse for reinforcement

style is best described are:

Then I entered first grade. After a few months, Sister as “ordinary” are in

was showing us how to pray the Rosary. There were no way cut off from “The plans of the diligent

way too many beads, the prayers were too long, and it the wisdom necessary are sure of profit, but all

seemed like it would take forever. To six-year-olds, this to live that “ordinary rash haste leads certainly

was pure torture. She overlooked our complaining and life” well. to poverty” (21.5);

kept on with her lesson. So, being the helpful student, I

shared with Sister the fast way my Dad taught me to pray The most perfect written source of simple down- “Let not your heart emulate sinners, but

the Rosary. I fingered my Rosary, said the name of the to-earth guidance, briefly stated, is the Book of be zealous for the fear of the Lord always”

prayers, and slid my fingers over the beads just like my Proverbs in the Old Testament. Some of the (23:17);

Dad had shown me. Somehow, during my Dad’s lesson, writings are attributed to Solomon, a very few

I did not realize I needed to actually say the entire prayer to Agur and Lemuel, some are anonymous and, “Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and when

for each bead. Sister smiled at me and said we were going as with all Sacred Scripture, all the writings are he stumbles let not your heart exult” (24:17).

to learn the long way. inspired by God.

As you become more familiar with the Book

We went through all the prayers and the mysteries. The The book itself explains its purpose: “That men of Proverbs, you will notice different levels

question was finally asked when to pray the Rosary. Sister may appreciate wisdom and discipline, may of advice. You will find very down-to-earth

told us to pray the Rosary any time. The best time was understand words of intelligence; may receive pragmatic verses. You will encounter a step up

at bedtime. Did she not realize how many prayers and training in wise conduct, in what is right, just to a level of morality exhorting righteousness,

beads a Rosary had? We all groaned in unison. Sister and honest; that resourcefulness may be imparted justice, and charity. Most uplifting and

was patient and told us a story that I remember as if it to the simple, to the young man knowledge inspiring of all will be the many verses where

was yesterday. and discretion” (Proverbs 1:2-4). In 1:7, a wisdom is understood as coming from God

foundational principle of man’s relationship with and thus leading to God.

Sister said we should never be afraid to pray the Rosary and God is established: “The fear of the Lord is the

not to worry if we could not finish. We were reminded beginning of knowledge; wisdom and instruction There are thirty-one chapters in the Book

that God had given everyone a Guardian Angel. Guardian fools despise.” of Proverbs. Each chapter is a gem, but

Angels were able to do a lot of stuff but were not allowed to Chapter 8 is a must, over and over again.

begin praying the Rosary. The reason for this rule was the Sequential reading is not necessary since the Wisdom is personified, treated as a person.

Rosary is such a wonderful prayer, the Guardian Angels format style is not narrative. The general topic Personification, where an attribute is treated

would pray the Rosary all the time instead of watching of Chapters 1-9 is Wisdom. Pick any chapter at as a person, is a familiar literary device in

over us. So, when their little boys or girls start praying the random, choose a topic in bold type, read and fiction. Chapter 8 is not fiction. It is real.

Rosary at night and fall asleep, the Guardian Angels will reflect. Chapters 10-29 contain a large collection The Wisdom of God is a Person. That person

be very happy to finish for them. The children’s anguish of proverbs attributed to Solomon. Just pick any is Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Wisdom is not

of not being able to finish the Rosary was lifted. Naturally, verse and reflect. Sayings attributed to Agur are just in Him. He is Wisdom.

the entire class promised to pray the Rosary each night. in Chapter 30 and those attributed to Lemuel

in Chapter 31. The master theologian, Saint Paul, sums it all

Many years have gone by since that week in first grade up in one neat, plain, and simple statement:

when I learned to pray the Rosary – the long way. Since I It will be helpful to understand how the proverbs “It is due to Him [God] that you are in Christ

am a big girl now, I can pray the Rosary all by myself. But are written. In technical terms, the style of writing Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God,

every once in a while, when sleep seems to be avoiding me, is called “parallelism through couplets.” The as well as righteousness, sanctification, and

I will start the Rosary and know that my Guardian Angel phrase may sound off-putting, but the meaning redemption . . .” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

will finish for me. Thank you, Sister.

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Focus on Faith 22









True Love for God Grandma’s Rules I was. Did I appreciate my parents’ advice/help?

I’d have to answer that I didn’t fully appreciate the



Is in Forgiveness! By Barbara Crawford



My mom used to say, “If I knew grandkids were

unconditional love they were offering to the four

of us. I was too busy with the details of daily life:

cooking, cleaning, errand-running – the many

so much fun, I would have had them first.” At house-hold chores. Their visits brought “normalcy”

Forgiveness is about Love for God, Love of humans, the time I didn’t understand. After all, I was the to a stand-still and taught me another way to view

and Love of self. Forgiveness may sound simple, but youngest of 4, and I wondered if she liked them the world.

most times it is not an easy thing to do. It is easier to better than me.

blame others for what has happened in your life. Many

As a grandmom, I too try to be there whenever I

of us have not learned to take the As a mom, my perspective changed from ‘Mom, can to help out, to visit, or to go out to dinner. I’m

blame for what has happened or is you’re a square and don’t know anything’ to ‘wow, sure most mothers can relate to my quiet, gentle

happening to us. God has given you certainly have some good ideas!’ approach. If my children don’t ask for advice,

us free will to handle our own lives

I keep to myself, which is often quite difficult. I

in many instances, and because As a grandmom, again I have grown to appreciate realize that my son and daughter-in-law have to

we do not listen to the Holy my mother and her “fun” approach to life, especially find their own way, so I remain in a supportive role,

Spirit within us at home, work, with her grandkids. My sons were numbers 3 and there when needed. I follow the same “Grandma’s

or in encounters with others, we 5 on her list of grandchildren. She and my father Rules” that my mother followed:

experience turmoil. would often come to our home with very little

#1 - HAVE FUN!

Ella I have found that wounded hearts

warning. She would play, build, color, draw, and

enjoy her grandchildren in numerous ways, while #2 - STAY OUT OF TROUBLE

Simmons go through periods of anger, my dad was content just to watch from the safe AND DANGER.

resentment, and hostility, emotions sidelines. When the kids were thoroughly spoiled,

which take a lot of energy and which #3 - LIVE LIKE THERE’S

mom and dad would leave and return home.

many times lead to vengeance toward others. Resentment NO TOMORROW!

Overall, I have fond memories of my folks, and I

has many detrimental effects on healthy organs of the wish they were alive to see my grandsons’ antics. #4 - LOVE ONE ANOTHER FREELY.

body. I find that people who have not been able to forgive

become a burden to themselves and a burden to all those #5 - WHAT HAPPENS AT GRANDMA’S

I find myself recalling those times as “happy,” yet REMAINS THERE.

around them, most often to family members and those looking back, I wonder what kind of daughter

who love them, and it paralyzes their whole life.



During the past year, in mourning for the loss of my

husband, Charles, I had to admit to the depth of my soul

the hurt I still feel on a daily basis and to finally forgive

Small Graces Given Every Day

Charles who I felt had left me alone. I had to learn to live This summer my children and I committed to daily Mass. Wow, God, you are challenging me!

with the separation and to eliminate any and all feelings of going to daily Mass at least once a week. For those First I took my children to a funeral for someone

guilt that I could have and should have done more during of you who have never tried daily Mass, it is such we barely knew, and now you want us to go to the

his long illness. It is not easy at all. It took me quite a a wonderful intimate experience to start your day. reception. Praying for God’s guidance, all eight of

while to learn I could not have changed the path God had We stay in St. Augustine in the summer and attend us proceeded to the reception.

already planned for Charles’ life. I had to learn to trust St. Anastasia Church. The daily Mass is filled with

God in order to see it differently, to have faith that God beautiful music. Our friends have also During our time there we thanked his

had a time set for Charles to enter Heaven. started going with us to morning Mass. wife for the beautiful music we enjoyed

at daily Mass and for their dedication to

In life as it is, we forgive too little and we forget too much. One morning we arrived to find a hearse the music ministry. With tears in her

Forgiving is not forgetting, my friends, and forgiveness outside the church. As we were walking eyes, she hugged us and told us how

does not mandate that a human being forget the offense in, I told my children that someone must grateful she was for our being there. She

which has caused such pain or deny of wrong that has have died and they would be having a was married to this man for 55 years,

caused a wounded heart. Still, forgiveness must be freely funeral after Mass. We were soon to and her loss was tremendous. In that

given, or it will not exist. The process of forgiveness takes learn that the funeral would be during moment, I knew we were all given a

time, and the amount of time to forgive for each person the morning Mass. My children and our grace from God – a special grace that

must be in each person’s own time frame. Forgiveness friends wanted to leave, but I decided Michelle would stay with us a lifetime!

for what you have done to others or for what they have to stay. As the Mass began, we realized Horning

done to you will not mean giving up your rights, because that the man who died was the man who Later that day my husband spoke to

real forgiveness radiates from the heart and shows inner had been in charge of the music at the my seven-year-old son, Michael. He

strength of the soul. morning Mass since 1991, the music we loved so asked him, “What did you do today?” My son

much. Music was this man’s and his wife’s special simply replied we went to a funeral and then a

In the least but not the last, forgiveness is utterly divine talent and our treasure! He and his wife would arrive party afterwards! My husband was shocked and

and utterly human. every morning by 7:30 to prepare for the Mass, even said, “You did what?” My son simply explained

though it did not start until 9:00. What amazing that God needed people at the man’s funeral so

Dedicated to Charles N. Simmons III, dedication. We also learned they had very little he sent us. The priest needed people at the party

Always in my Heart family and allowed the church to be their family! As afterwards, so we went to it. Mom said it was a

we were leaving this glorious inspiring Mass, Father special gift of love and grace. As I listened to his

Death Leaves a Heartache No One Can Heal Seamus approached us. He said, “Will you do me a words, I realized that surprise blessings occur in

True Love Leaves Memories No One Can Steal! favor and go to the reception?” He said there would everything we do, and I am certain that grace was

be so much food and so few people at the summer given to all of us that day!

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Focus on Faith 23









What’s In a Name?

The Catechism tells us that Jesus’ name,

Yes, God is Good

By Diana Surmitis

“ ‘Christ,’ comes from the Greek translation

of the Hebrew Messiah, which means In January of 1984, I went through a very devastating divorce.

‘anointed.’ ” It further explains that this After seventeen years of being a wife and stay-at-home mom,

name became “proper to Jesus only because I became a single mom with two young sons to raise. During

he accomplished perfectly the divine mission those difficult months, God sent a very special couple into my

that ‘Christ’ signifies.” We see throughout life. They kept reassuring me that God is Good and that he had

Israel the intentional anointing in God’s something good in store for me.

name of those who had a special mission. It

“was the case for kings, for priests and, in rare

Margaret During that first year after my divorce, I formed a new relationship

instances, for prophets.” Jesus was anointed King with God and realized with His help I could do anything. My

for his mission, “the messianic hope of Israel friend, Dorothy, kept telling me that the Lord had someone else for me. Well, in March

in his threefold office of priest, prophet, and of 1985, my neighbor asked if she could give my phone number to a friend who had lost

king (CCC 436).” his wife in 1984. It took several phone calls before I finally said yes to a dinner date.

That dinner date was the beginning of the best 25 years of my life. God sent Bernie (also

Luke tells us how he presented this news in the temple: known as Ben) into my life. After a year of getting acquainted, we decided to join my two

“He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according sons and his two sons and daughter together as one family.

to his custom into the synagogue on the Sabbath day. He stood

up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He We were married on May 30, 1986. For the next 24 years, I was loved by a man who

unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: continually made sacrifices for me and my family. He helped me raise my sons to be

‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, very successful men. He also helped me care for my parents (by moving them here to

because he has anointed me Florida with us) until they passed away at our home over a ten-year period. Bernie also

to bring glad tidings to the poor. helped me raise my grandson from the age of 6 months to 18 years. Our family became

He has sent me to proclaim liberty to one. I finally got the daughter I always wanted plus two more sons. His and mine

captives became ours. The children became brothers and sister.

and recovery of sight to the blind,

to let the oppressed go free, During the eighteen years we lived here in Florida, I became active at St. Joseph’s and helped

and to proclaim a year acceptable to the with Wee Worship and PREP. Then one day Ben decided to apply for a job at St. Joseph’s.

Lord.’ Father Dan called and asked if it was okay with me if Ben worked for him. (Ben had been

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat forced to retire from his former job after 32 years, and after 9 years of retirement, he was

down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. getting bored.) I remember saying, “Please Father, take him!” That was the beginning of a

He said to them, ‘Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your very wonderful relationship for Ben. He loved the time he spent with Father Dan and the

hearing’ ” (4:16-21). work he did for the Parish. I loved when he would come home every day for lunch and

just pop in every now and then during the day to say, “Hi, Sweetheart!”

The Catechism goes on to explain that “Jesus’ messianic consecration

reveals his divine mission, ‘for the name “Christ” implies “he who He was so proud of our family as a son-in-law and three daughters-in-law were added.

anointed” [Father], “he who was anointed” [Son] and “the very When our grandchildren started to multiply, he would always brag about them. He

anointing with which he was anointed”’ [Holy Spirit]. . . . His eternal would light up every time God blessed us with a new granddaughter or grandson, and

messianic consecration was revealed during the time of his earthly life he would also enjoy it when they would come over or when we would visit them.

at the moment of his baptism by John, when ‘God anointed Jesus

of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power,’ ‘that he might be Ben loved life, and he loved people. He was always there when he was needed and never

revealed to Israel’ as its Messiah” (CCC 438). complained. His family also came first, and he always had a wonderful sense of humor. I

knew he had many friends, but the day of his memorial service, I was overwhelmed at how

So, what’s in our name? At our Baptism, we were anointed. We were many people came and spoke so fondly of him.

given a name and a mission. By the virtue of Baptism we became “ ‘a

new creature,’ an adopted son of God, who has become a ‘partaker God sent a remarkable angel into my life when I was really down, and that angel showered

of the divine nature,’ member of Christ and co-heir with him, and a me with so much love during those 24 years. I have been so blessed to have had him in

temple of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1265). As we journey through our my life, and I thank God for giving me the

lives, we grow up and are asked again if we accept this mission. When most beautiful second chance at love. Thank

we are confirmed, we sometimes choose an additional name, taking you, Ben, for taking care of our family and

the opportunity to pick a name relevant to a new direction in our lives for helping us become one. We will miss

or a reaffirming of an old. Whether it is an old or a new name, we are you, and we will never forget you. You have

asked again to affirm our mission on this earth. taught me to trust and love again. I will

cherish every moment we had together and

So, what’s in a name? Do we choose to continue our special mission look forward to when we will be together

here on earth? Do we pray and search to have the mission revealed to again. You will be in my heart forever.

us? Will we continue on this path set before us, joining millions who

have gone before? Do we march onward, to stand up for what we Until we meet again, your loving wife,

believe in – even if it is in direct conflict with society’s ways? We were Dee

dedicated, anointed by the Holy Spirit to be children of God. Are we

ready, like Jesus, to carry out our mission on this earth?

PARTICIPATION SUNDAY 2010 Happenings 24









New Parishioners

We are pleased to welcome the following new members of our parish family who registered between February 27 and August 2, 2010.



Donald and Sarah Adkins Andrew and Maryanne DeMarco Wilfredo and Conchita Macabasco Joshua and Sarah Rogers

Eli and Evelyn Aguila Dan and Maria Dembinski Daniel and Leana Martin Carlos Rojas

Robert and Jennifer Aguila Kelly Doherty Migdoel and Virginia Martinez Kevin Rose

Michelle Alderman Matthew Doherty Sally Martinez Michael Ross

Vorbes and Rhode Aleger Stephanie Dorshimer Pierina Mazzocchi Steve and Christie Rostan

Edith Aleria Chris and Christina Dowdall Joe and Theresa McClung Lawrence and Patricia Roxas

Jason and Maria Allen Humberto and Natasha Ducali David McDonnell and April Pellicer Jay and Michele Ruditis

Arnolfo and Remedios Bada Carl and Donna Eliason Jeffrey and Elizabeth McDonnell Chris and Ashley Rushford

Spiritual Director

Kurt and Leisa Barreto Anthony and Shirley Elie Michael McLelland Judy Russell Father Dan Cody

Michael and Debbine Bartolazo James Fitzgerald Michael and Jennifer Merida Alexander Sagun and Joannes Tomada

John and Rebecca Baty Michael Fletcher and Mariette Kary and Suzanne Metcalf Maria Salvador

Timothy Blombach Blokpoel Lawrence Meyer Adonis and Maednalyn Salvaleon

Katie Briggs Jesus and Maricel Garcia Emmanuel and Gisela Miel Jose Santiago editorial Staff

John Paul Busuttil and Allison Nath Gustavo and Caroline Gari David and Cherae Milea Scott Schaeper

Roger Lestina

M. Canelon Dane and Nicole Garlinghouse Joshua Miller Richard and Juliana Sklar

Andrew Capezzera Juan Genoa-Homs Francis and Jennifer Monahan Brett and Tracy Staples Carol Marshall

Erwin Capiral and Amor Aireen Vincent Griffin and Ann Nguyen Dolores Moynahan Dale and Barbara Strums

Ruth Carter William Hample Brian and Jessica Neary Sharon Teresi

Lauren Caulfield Michael and Cara Hillyard Hilary and Sameatria Okam James and Ashley Todd

Richard and Patricia Chastonay Peggy Honish Shawn and Tracey O’Neill Melanie Trogolo Layout, Design and

Stephen and Anne Clement Dennis and Kim Ilagan Joseph and Valentina Ostrowski Joseph Truglio and Barbara McCain Production

Jessica Cochoon Pani Iuhasz Ramiro Perez and Salinas Elolsa Robert and Alcola Twigg

John and Syra Cocker Aaron and Hiyas Jackson Robert Pilarski Javier and Lorena Vontura-Queze Angela Allala

Deirdre Coleman Frank and Adriane Jarvis Evangeline Pollackov David and Barbara Wedow

Stephen and Christine Coots Valeria Jennings Lois Pratt William Wells

Jimmy Corbett Luis and Lourdes Jimenez-Read Jeffrey and Soncirie Putnam Bradley and Roberta Wente

Jaime and Gloria Correa Andrew S. Johnston Chloe Ravenscroft Rebecca Wihoite

St. Joseph’s Reflections

William Coyne Landon and Theresa Jones Renee Ray Charles and Nexcy Williams is the newspaper of

Steven Dardeau Tom and Lynne Jones Mary Reid Eric and Sandra Wilson St. Joseph’s Catholic Church,

Robert and Marianne DeAngelis Noe and Josephine Layon Josephine Ridge Dennis and Sandi Wulfeck Jacksonville, Florida.

Vladimir Decastro and Chantelle Rosario Kayla Lewis Jeffrey and Meghan Riggs Yvette Zapata It is published in

Melissa Defauw William and Pamela Lilley Channing and Marry Ritchie Ian Zilla celebration of Easter,

Nicholas and Stephanie DeLeo Paul Lynch Richard and Nicole Rodriguez Michael and Rebecca Zonis

Participation Sunday in

Monica DelCampo

September, and Christmas.

The mission of

St. Joseph’s Reflections

SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER is to build community

12 Participation Sunday 1 All Saint’s Day by informing and educating

13 Parish Council 1 No School - Diocesan In-Service Day parish members, strengthening

PARISH CALENDAR









15 PREP Classes Begin 2 All Soul’s Day - 7:00p.m. the bond between them,

inviting and inspiring their

18 Reverse Draw Gala 2 All Soul’s Day Mass

participation in parish ministries

19 Men’s Club Big Breakfast 5 First-Friday Healing Mass and activities, and encouraging

5 Music Ministry Broadway Review and supporting their outreach to

6 Music Ministry Broadway Review

OCTOBER 7 Parish Gift Shop Open House

the Jacksonville community.



1 First-Friday Healing Mass St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

13 Bishop’s Mass - 11:00a.m.

3 Life Chain 11730 St. Augustine Road

20 K of C Turkey Bingo

6 School Noon Release Jacksonville, Florida 32258-2002

22 RCIA Rite of Welcome - 10:00 Mass Phone: (904) 268-5422

9 School Annual Craft Show

24 School Noon Dismissal - Thanksgiving Break Fax: (904) 292-0248

9 Women’s CRHP Weekend

24 No PREP w w w. s t j os e p hs j ax . or g

10 Women’s CRHP Weekend

11 No School - Teachers’ Planning Day

15 No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences DECEMBER Pastor:

Rev. Dan Cody

15 Fall Festival 1 School Noon Dismissal

16 Fall Festival 3 First-Friday Healing Mass

17 Fall Festival 6 Parish Council Parochial Vicars:

Rev. Bernie Ahern

8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Rev. Anthony Bonela, M.S.F.S.

17 School Noon Dismissal - Christmas Break

18 K of C Breakfast with Santa

22 No PREP