scissors and more. It s neat to see how proud the children are with their backpack, said Father Fred Ruse of the Orlando Diocese.

Transcription

1 FloridaCatholic Your Faith. Your LiFe. Your CommunitY. Play ball! Spring training has Catholic side DEnIsE O TOOLE KELLY of the Florida Catholic staff With the spring training field for Major League Baseball s newest team right across the street, it s no wonder the sport would find its way into a homily in March at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Viera. It was so funny. Our first Sunday here, the pastor (Father Lawrence M. Olszewski) compared the spirit of Lent with spring and spring training. He said how similar they are because it s a new start for everyone, including the ball club, said Washington Nationals spokesman John Dever, whose team has played spring training games at Space Coast Stadium since its inaugural season in St. John s Parish Life Center, where Masses are celebrated, opened last year. The Nationals are one of 18 major league teams that played their preseason games in five of Florida s seven dioceses this year. The presence of the teams and their fans for a month or so does more than inspire homilies and bolster attendance in nearby parishes. It offers opportunities for game-day fundraising and evangelization, and for allowing Catholic players to share their stories with schoolchildren and others. But it also presents the challenge of meeting the spiritual needs of Catholic players, coaches and team staffers who have crushingly busy schedules. Baseball s schedule is not very forgiving for any faith, but I ve been able to hit Mass a couple of times PlEASE SEE BAseBAll, A10 of orlando Backpacks brimming with school supplies boost children s spirits Family ministry grows into international nonprofit organization LAuRA DODsOn Florida Catholic correspondent Clermont What started five years ago as a family project for the Kingstons of Blessed Sacrament Parish here has grown into a nonprofit organization that has given 14,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to disadvantaged children in the U.S. and abroad. Rosanna and Laurence Kingston and their children, Hannah and Davin, were touched by a newspaper article and began distributing backpacks to needy children in The next year they established the Give a Kid a Backpack Foundation, which has partnered with businesses and not-for-profit entities including the Diocese of Orlando Mission Office to give away 25,000 pounds of supplies to children in 13 countries. School starts differently in different countries due to the picking season, Rosanna Kingston explained. The children work long hours out in the fields. In many areas, the land is not tame there are snakes, spiders and other creatures that hurt them, but when they can go to school, at least they have the basic supplies they need. A backpack contains pencils, pens, erasers, a pencil sharpener, notebooks, folders, a ruler, PHOTOS COURTESY OF GIVE A KID A BACKPACK Children in kindergarten through grade 5 at Voluntades Unidas and El Taladro school in Comayagua, Honduras, were the first Honduran recipients of backpacks from the Give a Kid a Backpack team. scissors and more. It s neat to see how proud the children are with their backpack, said Father Fred Ruse of the Orlando Diocese. Working with the diocesan Mission OfPlEASE SEE BACKPACK, A3 THE YEAR AHEAD the Give a Kid a Backpack Foundation s objectives for 2008, according to a report filed with Guide Star, which tracks charities, are as follows: To help children get an education. To educate youths from our community and around the nation about cross-cultural awareness by being part of the project. To deliver 10,000 backpacks by December. ATTENTION POST OFFICE PLEASE DELIVER BY MARCH 28 inside: Bishop explains Divine Mercy Sunday A4 Quick Reads Classifieds Crossword Diocese Calendar A6 A16 A13 A18 Diocese News A2-4, Editorial A15 Faith Alive A14 Your Viewpoint A15 Scripture Readings A14 Vatican News A12 Movie/DVD Reviews A13 Florida News A5, ORL A1

2 A2 Florida Catholic Bishop Moore cheer team runner-up in inaugural state competition PHOTOS COuRTESY OF BISHOP MOORE The Bishop Moore High School Competitive Cheer Team is in action at the inaugural Florida High School Athletic Association s State Championships March 7 in Boca Raton. Bishop Moore High School Competitive Cheer Team members cheer Coach Shannon Lambert following the announcement of a secondplace win. The team was considered an underdog. ORLANDO Nobody expected Bishop Moore cheerleaders to walk away from the inaugural Florida High School Athletic Association cheerleading state championships in second place not even the coach. But that s just what they did. We were the underdogs, said Shannon Lambert, the team s first-year head coach. We started late in the season. This was a new direction for us. Our expectation was to look good and to finish in the top 10. Beginning in the school year, FHSAA recognized cheerleading as a sanctioned sport and the first state competition took place in Boca Raton March 7. Lambert figured the Hornets would place fifth. I knew we were strong and had the talent, she said. But when the team didn t hear its name called for fifth, fourth or third place, the girls almost quit listening, she recalled. But when it was announced that Bishop Moore earned second place, as state runner-up, there was a moment of silence. Seconds later, pandemonium broke out as the girls jumped to their feet, laughing, hugging, crying and dancing. To us, it was first place, said Lambert. It exceeded our expectations. n Palm Bay students gifts of bicycles give many a lift to work Laura DoDson Florida Catholic correspondent MeLbOuRNe The depth of emotion could be expressed only in silence. Fourteen people received new bicycles that meant transportation to work, access to necessities the freedom to live more fully. A c ont i ngent of st udent s and staff from St. Joseph Parish School in Palm Bay who had raised the money to purchase the bicycles witnessed and shared the fruits of their efforts. I ll be able to get a real job now, said Andrea Janosek. I live in Rocky Waters Trailer Park and it s too far to walk. I couldn t even get to the grocery store. I ve had to work out of Able Body Labor to get transportation to job sites. It was the only way I could get to work. Now I have a Cadillac, her voice trailed off to a whisper, Amen, and then rose again. It s all looking good, Janosek said with extended emphasis on good. All were gathered at the Daily Bread soup kitchen warehouse in Melbourne March 17 Monday of Holy Week. Daily Bread provides a hot lunch to 500 people daily. The men and women receiving the bicycles frequent Daily Bread and are trying to become self-sufficient. The bicycles will help. There was little fanfare, but the joy was palpable. Maxine Leavitt, social concerns director for St. Joseph Parish, explained, It was Principal Anna Adam s idea. In addition to their (Operation) Rice Bowl donations (Catholic Relief Services Lenten project to collect money for food) the children were asked to earn money to purchase bicycles for a few of those in need in the community. Each class had a goal of $100 and with 15 classes we were able to purchase 14 bicycles with baskets and locks. The eight h-g rade st udents present shared how they raised money. Ka ren Reibsa me d id chores emptied the dishwasher, the trash, cleaned her room; Kathy Ridyard solicited her family for donations; Stephanie Silva found change lying around the house; a nd Monica Sheladia emptied her piggy bank of her savings. Father Robert J. Hoeffner, pastor, provided additional insight. One thing our school does really well is focusing on those who are suffering and then doing something about it. Today is symbolic for our community because there really is so much need, but it is really impressive for a Lenten project. Bill T., whose last name is not being used to protect his privacy, also reports to work at Able Body Labor every morning. This is FLORIDA CATHOLIC PHOTO BY MELANIE L. DODSON St. Joseph Parish School students, from left, Monica Sheladia, Stephanie Silva, Kathy Ridyard and Karen Riebsame attach baskets to bicycles for Bill T. and Andrea Janosek. The Palm Bay school raised enough money to purchase 14 new bicycles with baskets and locks for those in need. going to get me back and forth to work a lot easier, he said. There s not a lot of call for carpenters right now. ORL A2 Father Hoeffner led a brief prayer service, blessing the bicycles and riders. Advising caution, he said, Now you still have to be careful. Eighth-grader Karen summed it up, Everyone is really happy, because we are really helping. n

3 March The Florida 28-April Catholic 3, 2008 Feb. 18, ATTORNEY DIRECTORY A1 A3 BACKPACK FroM A1 fice, he serves five communities from his home in La Cucarita, a little town in the sister Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic. Kingston and her team delivered 500 backpacks to the communities in September Some of the backpacks seem almost oversized for them, Father Ruse continued, but they hoist them on their backs each morning or afternoon, depending on their school session, and trek up the hill, down the hill or however, depending on where they live in our communities. Father Ruse said education is a commodity in short supply in the mountain areas he serves. Our Mission Office has, with the support of many from throughout the diocese for many years, established the first Catholic school system, he said. The backpacks say education is serious and affirm the commitment these parents, their children and our teachers are making daily toward education. Father Ruse said the Dominican families take good care of the backpacks. They wash theirs regularly and you can see them hanging on a fence post next to a pasture or other pole drying, said Father Ruse. The Give a Kid a Backpack team was a real boost to the spirits here. The team, which grew to include four more families from Blessed Sacrament Parish, has just returned from delivering 740 backpacks to Comayagua, Honduras, where one in three children doesn t have shoes. Their diet is so low in necessary nutrients that the children s teeth are rotten by age 5. The backpacks bring smiles to faces in the United States as well in Louisiana, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee. In central Florida alone, 3,000 backpacks have been distributed to children living in poverty. The team is headed to Panama, Ecuador and Peru in the months PHoTo CoUrTESY of GIVE A KID A BACKPACK ahead. Our committed goal for 2008 is 11,000 backpacks, Kingston shared, and we need help. We need donations, of course, and we need volunteers to pack, to support events, to travel. We need those with administrative skills CATHOLIC ATTORNEY D I R E C T O R Y Give a Kid a Backpack team members arrive in Honduras. Left to right are: Shirley Kasser, robert Palmer, rosanna Kingston (peaking out from behind the van door) and Amy Vazquez in front of the U.S. Army chapel in Comayagua, Honduras. The U.S. Army assisted in delivering 740 backpacks filled with school supplies. grant writers, media systems, her voice trailed off. n To volunteer, contact Kingston at , to info@ givebackpacks.com or visit the Web site at Steven Allender Jerry Allender Allender & Allender Elder law and living trusts Estate planning Wills Probate Guardianship 719 Garden Street Titusville, FL N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, FL Office Park Place Viera, FL jallender@allenderlaw.com Anne-Marie L. Bowen, P.A. Bankruptcy law Bankruptcy may still be an option for you. Helping people in financial distress fi nd peace. President, Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association Former Chairman, Bankruptcy Committee, OCBA Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court 1516 E. Hillcrest St., Suite 103 Orlando, FL Over 20 years experience Robert J. Buonauro, P.A. Florida Bar certified in criminal trials 390 N. Orange Ave., Suite 1630 Orlando, FL Fax: robert@buonauro.com The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon ad - vertise ments. Before you decide, ask an attorney to send you free written information about his or her qualifications and Andrew J Chmelir, P.A. Attorney-at-Law Jacobson, McClean, Chmelir & Ferwerda Criminal law and general practice Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties 351 E. State Road 434, Suite A Winter Springs, FL David E. Disney, P.A. 230 N. Woodland Blvd., Suite 308 DeLand, FL Fax: dedis230@bellsouth.net Adrian Gabaldon Attorney-at-law 210 S. Main St. Auburndale, FL gabaldon@juno.com Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. Marital and family Juvenile and adoptions P.O. Box Lookout Place, Suite 110 Maitland, FL Fax: amgilden@embarqmail.com Ian L. Gilden Ian L. Gilden, P.A. Wills Estates Guardianships 151 Lookout Place, Suite 110 Maitland, FL Fax: Meghan P. Kane Thomas G. Kane Kane Law Firm, P.A. Board-certified civil trial lawyer Personal Injury Wrongful Death Accidents Insurance Disputes A father-daughter team committed to helping you and your family. Baldwin Park 919 Outer Road, Suite A Orlando, FL KaneInjury@gmail.com Gerard F. Keating, P.A. 318 Silver Beach Avenue Daytona Beach, FL Fax: gkeating@bellsouth.net Law Offices of Charles H. Leo Auto Accidents Board Certifi ed in Workers Compensation Social Security Disability 1114 E. Ridgewood Street Orlando, FL Fax: ab_leo@bellsouth.net Free Consultations Robert M. Moletteire Board-certified civil trial lawyer Graham, Moletteire and Torpy, P.A. 10 Suntree Place Melbourne, FL Fax: bob@gmttriallaw.com Mary A. Nardi Nardi and Nardi, P.A. Marital and family law Custody Child support Visitation Domestic violence Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator Orange and Seminole counties 924 Delaney Ave. Orlando, FL Gregg A. Page Brian W. Bennett Page, Eichenblatt, Bernbaum and Bennett, P.A. Trial Lawyers Committed to Excellence Personal Injury Workers Compensation Medical Malpractice Board certified in construction law 214 E. Lucerne Circle Orlando, FL greggpage@floridalawonline.com bbennett@floridalawonline.com Law Office of Rhonda E. Parnell, LLC 1265 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite 1249 Winter Park, FL Fax: rparnell@attyparnell.fdn.com Robert W. Rasch, P.A. Employment and labor, General corporate 201 Live Oak Lane Altamonte Springs, FL Fax: rwrasch@debiz.com TO ADVERTISE YOUR LAW FIRM IN THE FLORIDACatholic experience. PLEASE CALL PAULA HEIDORN AT Rue & Ziffra, P.A. Personal injury attorneys Motorcycle Accidents Auto Accidents Workers Compensation Social Security Disability Medical Negligence Nursing Home Negligence 632 Dunlawton Ave. Port Orange, FL Toll-free: info@rueziffra.com Law offices of Camfield and Santomauro Rodd Michael Santomauro 4740 Dairy Road, Suite 101 Melbourne, FL Fax: rms@camfieldlaw.com Linda D. Schoonover The Law Office of Linda D. Schoonover, P.A. Board Certifi ed in Marital and Family Law Estate Planning Mediations Appeals Probate 1301 S. International Pkwy. Lake Mary, Fl Fax: Frank D. Zilaitis Zilaitis & Curran, P.A. Collaborative Practice Auto Accidents Personal Injury Marital/Family Matters Criminal Defense 1704 Airport Blvd., Suite B Melbourne, FL Fax: frank@zilaitiscurranlaw.com A1 ORL A3

4 ORL A4 A4 Florida Catholic Jesus, I trust in you Florida Catholic diocese of orlando Vol. 69, No East Robinson St. P.O. Box 1800 Orlando, FL Fax Publisher Bishop Thomas Wenski associate Publisher Christopher Gunty apub@thefloridacatholic.org MaNaGiNG editor Denise O Toole Kelly dotoole@thefloridacatholic.org Director of communications Carol Brinati DiocesaN editor Tanya Goodman orlando@thefloridacatholic.org In the year 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized the first saint of the new millennium, St. Faustina Kowalska, the apostle of the Divine Mercy devotion. The canonization took place on the Second Sunday of Easter and after the ceremony, the Holy Father indicated that henceforth the last day of the Octave of Easter would be designated Divine Mercy Sunday. This designation is, as the official decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship said, a perennial invitation to the Christian world to face, with confidence in divine benevolence, the difficulties and trials that mankind will experience in the years to come. Sister Faustina was a simple nun in Poland. During the first half of the 20th century, she had a series of mystical experiences in which she received a number of revelations which have given rise to this ever-increasing popular devotion. In her Diary, she writes how she heard Jesus bid her to tell the from the BisHoP Thomas Wenski whole world about My inconceivable mercy. let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.... Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the fount of My Mercy (Diary, 699). The liturgical texts of this day are perfectly suited to this end. The Gospel tells us of the Risen Lord s appearance to his apostles, who because of their fears had hidden behind the locked doors of that Upper Room where they had shared in his Last Supper. Jesus Easter gift to his frightened apostles was peace and, then, he empowered them to be peacemakers themselves by giving them the authority to forgive all repented sin. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them. Jesus shows his power over sin and death not only on Easter Sunday when he rose from the tomb, he also shows his power by raising us up from the death of sin through the Sacrament of Penance, the tribunal of his Divine Mercy. The feast of Divine Mercy and the popular devotion of the chaplet associated with it help us to delve more deeply into the Paschal Mystery of our Lord s Death and Resurrection and highlights the primacy of grace in the history of our salvation. Salvation is not something we earn ; it is entirely a gift, a gift given because of God s unfathomable love. As the image of the Divine Mercy painted according to St. Faustina s instructions reminds us, God s mercy is more than an abstract idea. God s mercy has a name; God s mercy has a face: The name and face is that of Jesus Christ who loved us to the end. Even in its resurrected state, the Son of God s human body still bears the scars of his passion and death as a witness to the breadth and depth of his love for us. No sin, no offense, no act of depravity is beyond the power of his love, his mercy. Jezu, ufam tobie, Jesus, I trust in you. With that trust, we seek that mercy in the Sacrament of Penance, Jesus Easter gift WeB sites Catholic Web sites of interest: Texts by Bishop Thomas Wenski: The Vatican: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops news and daily readings: The New American Bible : www. usccb.org/nab/bible/ to his Church. His mercy restores us to life, freeing us from the tomb of our self-pity and self-hatred, our resentments and our grudges. For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. n Remember to attend the Festival of Faith May 8-10, Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse, International Drive, off I-4, Orlando celebrating the Diocese of Orlando s 40th anniversary and the Year of Evangelization. For more information, visit the Web site: SUBSCRIPTIONS, CIRCULATION: Contact Jennifer Wright at , or customerservice@thefloridacatholic.org ADVERTISING: Contact Jane Radetsky at or jradetsky@thefloridacatholic.org CLASSIFIED ADS: Contact Paula Heidorn at , or Pheidorn@thefloridacatholic.org Parishes in Orlando Diocese plan devotion to the Divine Mercy STATE OFFICES: 50 E. Robinson St., Suite G, Orlando, FL ; P.O. Box 4993; Orlando, FL ; ; Toll-free ; Fax EXECUTIVE & EDITORIAL STAFF: Parish Services Manager: Mary St. Pierre, mstpierre@thefloridacatholic.org Office Manager: Pat Spencer, pspencer@thefloridacatholic.org Layout Editor: Ann Borowski Slade, aborowski@thefloridacatholic.org Projects Editor: Jean Palombo-Gonzalez, jgonzalez@thefloridacatholic.org ADVERTISING STAFF: Advertising Sales Manager: Mark Caruso, mcaruso@thefloridacatholic.org Advertising Traffic Coordinator: Rosemary Novak, Rnovak@thefloridacatholic.org Send statewide news releases to news@thefloridacatholic.org Webmaster: webmaster@thefloridacatholic.org Our staff meets for prayer each work day at 9 a.m. Send prayer intentions to prayers@thefloridacatholic.org All contents copyright 2008, The Florida Catholic Inc., except stories and photos from Catholic News Service. Laura DoDson Florida Catholic correspondent orlando On April 30, 2000, Pope John Paul II declared the first Sunday following Easter to be celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday and canonized St. Faustina Kowalska who promoted devotion to Divine Mercy. Dorothy Shoffner, a parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in St. Cloud, was confirmed in 2000 and has developed a passionate devotion to the Divine Mercy. She explained, God has given us so many devotions to help us and strengthen our faith and bring down graces. We need to just pray for them, ask for them. God has so many blessings for our lives has changed my life. The Divine Mercy devotion has increased my love and devotion and keeps him close in my heart keeps me fresh. I attribute the success of the Divine Mercy devotion at our parish to our wonderful priests, Shoffner continued. The devotion has grown and expanded in just three years so that our Rosary Makers ministry is providing us with 500 rosaries for this year s celebration. Parishes throughout the Diocese of Orlando will celebrate devotion to the Divine Mercy on Sunday, March 30. Devotions include exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, praying of the Divine Mercy chaplet and Benediction unless otherwise noted: March a.m., Corpus Christi Parish, Celebration, prayer of the chaplet before the image of Divine Mercy 12 p.m., St. John Neumann Parish, Lakeland, exposition; 3 p.m., devotions 1 p.m., St. Joseph Parish, Lakeland, exposition; 3 p.m., devotions 1:45 p.m., Holy Spirit Parish, Mims, reconciliation; 2:30 p.m., Mass; devotions CNS File photo by bob RolleR the Divine Mercy image of Christ, a private revelation of St. Faustina Kowalska. the polish sister of our lady of Mercy received the vision in 1931 and wrote about it in her diary. 2 p.m., Blessed Sacrament Parish, Clermont, Mass 2 p.m., Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Indialantic, video of St. Faustina Kowalska; 3 p.m., exposition; devotions 2 p.m., Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, Deltona 2:15 p.m., Annunciation Parish, Altamonte Springs, reconciliation; exposition; devotions 2:30 p.m., St. Clare, Deltona, reconciliation; 3 p.m., Mass 2:30 p.m., St. Joseph, Orlando, devotions 2:30 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Cloud, exposition; reconciliation; 3 p.m., devotions in English and Spanish At 3 p.m., the following parishes will offer exposition and devotions: Cathedral of St. James, Orlando St. Anthony, Lakeland Sacred Heart, New Smyrna Beach St. Paul, Leesburg Ascension, Melbourne St. Matthew, Winter Haven St. Teresa, Titusville Holy Redeemer, Kissimmee National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, Orlando The Florida Catholic (ISSN ) publishes 38 issues/year (weekly from October through mid-may, except for the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year s; biweekly the rest of the year) for the Archdiocese of Miami and the Dioceses of Orlando, Palm Beach, Pensacola-Tallahassee, St. Petersburg, and Venice for $24 per year in Florida, $30 per year in the U.S., and $95 per year foreign, by The Florida Catholic Inc., 50 E. Robinson St., Suite G, Orlando, FL Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertisements contrary to paper s policy and standards in Catholic Press Association. The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of businesses, services and products. Complaints regarding advertising should be made directly to the advertiser or to your local Better Business Bureau. Readers must exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. Political advertising not accepted. Periodicals postage paid at Orlando, FL and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Florida Catholic, P.O. Box 4993, Orlando, FL Member, Catholic Press Association; subscriber to Catholic News Service (CNS).

5 ORL A17 A17 Orlando Diocese volunteers celebrate 175th anniversary of St. Vincent de Paul Society Laura DoDson Florida Catholic correspondent ORLANDO It was a day of rest and celebration. Those who work for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul the Vincentians gathered for Mass and a retreat March 15 to honor the 175th anniversary of the founding of the society. The people we deal with are always tense from the immediate pressures of their needs, explained Bill Fay, first vice president of the diocesan council of Orlando for the society, and that can make us tense. It was a nice relaxed day for Vincentians. The day was certainly well-deserved. Last year alone, 28 parishlevel conferences in the diocese assisted 205,000 people, providing $3.1 million in financial help and in-kind donations. Bishop Thomas Wenski began the day presiding at the celebration of Mass at Holy Family Parish in Orlando, and in his homily he recalled his time as a parish priest in Miami and the tremendous assistance the society provided the community he served. Bishop Wenski then proclaimed the apostolic blessing invoked by Pope Benedict XVI in honor of the anniversary, and each FLORIDACatholic YOUR FAITH. YOUR LIFE. YOUR COMMUNITY. Catholic Women May 9, 2008 We welcome all advertisers to take advantage of this tremendous advertising opportunity. Earn up to 5.85%x APY LIFE INSURANCE ANNUITIES LIFETIME INCOME of the conferences was provided with a copy. I was so excited to have Bishop Wenski preside at our 175th anniversary celebration, said Bruce Stumbras, St. Vincent de Paul diocesan council president. His words were very inspiring for our members to go out and do the work of seeking the face of Christ in the poor. After Mass, the 175 participants relocated to the Orlando Utilities Commission Camp Down Park in Windermere. The usual charge for the use of the park s lavish facilities is $2,000, but the fee was waived by the OUC because five conferences in Orlando alone had paid $47,000 in electrical bills for clients in the past year. Father Edward J. McCarthy, rector of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando, facilitated the spiritual reflection for the remainder of the retreat, focusing on what happened in the Garden of Gethsemane. He explained that just as the apostles fell asleep with sorrow there, people in need are tired, drained with the stress of the crisis with which they are dealing. It is the task of the Vincentians to reveal God s presence in themselves to the people to whom they are ministering, Father McCarthy said. The day culminated with a dinner, social event and the presentation of the first national Top Hat awards for going above and beyond the call of duty in serving the poor to Dan Costello of the St. For information on these programs and investments, please contact our agent: Barry Logan Since family matters National Slovak Society, a Fraternal Benefit Society HiStorY of the SociEtY In March 1833, an anti-catholic student at a rally gave a challenge to Frederic Ozanam, a student at the Sorbonne in Paris and a defender of the Catholic faith. Never mind what the church does for the poor show us what you do for them, the student said. Ozanam realized that the work he and a few other students were doing helping the Daughters of Charity, an order founded by St. Vincent de Paul, wasn t adequately organized and was relatively unknown. The following month, April 23, 1883, the process of organization was formally begun and within two years the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was named. From that small group of six students there are now more than Joseph and St. Matthew conference in Winter Haven, and Tony La Calamita of the Holy Family conference in Orlando. n 700,000 men and women caring for the needy and poor in 142 countries. In the United States alone, there are 115,000-plus members in 3,800 conferences helping more than 20,700,000 individuals. Ozanam once said: No work of charity is foreign to the society. Many people have too much, and still want more. Others do not have enough, or do not have anything at all, and they want to take by force what has not been given to them. A war is threatening between these two groups. On one side, the power of wealth, on the other the force of desperation. We must get in between these two groups. Ozanam died Sept. 8, 1853, at the age of 40 and he was beatified by Pope John Paul II Aug. 22, For more information, to volunteer or donate to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, visit the Web site at CCTN A ministry of St. Paul s Catholic Church in Leesburg Sunday Afternoon with CCTN The Catholic Community Television Network (CCTN) Catholic programming 2-4:30 p.m. every Sunday on WTGL-TV 45 Schedule for Sunday, March p.m. Sunday Mass 3-3:30 p.m. Vatican Weekly News 3:30-4 p.m. Christopher Closeup 4-4:30 p.m. Live With Passion Other available viewing channels Bright House, Cox and Prime Cable... Channel 19 Direct TV... Channel 45 Comcast... Channel 17 Heathrow Cable... Channel 66 Decca Cable... Channel 15 Special Ad pricing Lively and relevant editorial copy Call your advertising representative today to reserve your space Jane Radetsky Fax: jradetsky@thefloridacatholic.org If you would like to donate to this ministry, our address is 1330 Sunshine Ave., Leesburg, FL

6 ORL A18 A18 Around Your community Florida Catholic PARISH EVENTS Easter concert: March 28, 7 p.m., Our Saviour Parish, Cocoa Beach. Bob Hurd, teacher, composer and liturgist, will join the Our Saviour choir and instrumentalists. Tickets: $10 in advance, available after weekend Masses and at the parish office; $15 at the door. Pro-life rally: April 11, 6 p.m., Queen of Peace Parish, State Road 200, 3 miles south of I-75, Ocala. Judie Brown, founder and president of American Life League, will speak at banquet. Tickets: $15; limited. Contact: Mabel Ryan, , or gullcry@embarqmail.com. CONFERENCES/ MEETINGS/ OTHER EVENTS Loyola University education information session: April 3, 6 p.m., Our Lady of Hope Parish office, 4675 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Port Orange. Distance education programs for master s degree or certificate in religious education or pastoral studies. Contact: Nannine Dahlen, , or nanninebythesea@bellsouth. net. Retrouvaille program: March 28-30, San Pedro Center, Winter Park. This program is for couples in troubled marriages. For information or registration, call Information is confidential. Performance of Catherine of Siena : March 30, 7:30 p.m., University of Central Florida Student Union, Room 316; and March 31, 10 a.m., Cathedral of St. James, Orlando. Dominican Sister Nancy Murray will perform. Free. An Una Fides women s luncheon in the cathedral social hall will follow the March 31 performance. Tickets for luncheon: $15 per person; $120 for a table of eight. Reservations required by March 22. Contact Maria Marcano, , or the cathedral, Women s retreat: April 12, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Blessed Trinity Parish, Orlando. The Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS) and Council of Catholic Women host Benedictine Sister Paula Hagan, co-founder of MOMS, who will facilitate the retreat, Women as Spiritual Friends and Companions. Fee: $35; includes continental breakfast and box lunch. Register at www. blessedtrinityorlando.org or call Carol St. Onge, National ministry summit: April 20-23, Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando. Findings from the Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership Project will be presented. Registration information at www. emergingmodels.org/summit. Vocation discernment retreat: April 25, 4:30 p.m.- April 26, 3 p.m., Sisters of St. Joseph Convent, St. Augustine. Open to single Catholic women, years of age, who wonder if they may be called to serve God as a sister. Sisters: a Life of Love retreat will provide the opportunity to pray and share with Sisters of St. Joseph. All meals and accommodations are included. Suggested donation: $10. To register: Sister Kathleen Power, , or ssjflvocations@bellsouth.net. Festival of Faith: May 8-10, Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse, International Drive, off I-4, Orlando. Celebrates the Diocese of Orlando s 40th anniversary and the Year of Evangelization. Free. For more information, www. festivaloffaith.org. PRAYER SESSIONS/ MASSES Haitian-Creole Mass: Sundays, 9 a.m., Robinswood Middle School, 6305 Balboa Drive, Orlando. Sponsored by St. Andrew Parish. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Monday through Saturday, 7:10 a.m. until start of 8:30 a.m. Mass, and Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon; first Sundays, noon-6 p.m., Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels; rosary for vocations daily following Mass, St. Brendan Parish, 1000 Oceanshore Blvd., Ormond Beach Pray rosary for life: Third and fifth Saturdays, 7 a.m., abortion facility on Lucerne Terrace in downtown Orlando. St. Augustine s Respect Life Committee invites fellow Catholics to join them in praying the rosary SECULAR COMMUNITIES Lay Carmelites, St. James: First Saturdays, begins with Mass at 8 a.m., followed by meeting and spiritual development until 11:30 a.m., St. James Cathedral, 215 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. Contact: Kathleen Richardville, Lay Carmelites, St. Therese of the Child Jesus: Fourth Saturdays, begins with Mass at 9 a.m., followed by meeting and spiritual development, Ascension Parish, 2950 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne. Contact: Agatha Bobitka, TOC, Lay Carmelites, St. Therese Community 1015: Fourth Tuesdays, 10 a.m. after Mass and Benediction, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 5323 E. County Road 462, Wildwood. Contact: Mary Dillon, TOC, Lay Carmelites: For information about other communities throughout the Diocese of Orlando, contact Steve Riddle, regional coordinator, Secular Franciscan Order, Lady Poverty Fraternity: First and third Tuesdays, begins with evening prayer at 7 p.m., Mary, Mother of God Chapel, San Pedro Spiritual Development Center, 2400 Dike Road, Winter Park. Meeting follows. Contact: Dan Hardester, SFO, danhardester@yahoo.com. Secular Franciscan Fraternity: Fourth Saturdays, 10 a.m., Queen of Peace Parish hall, Ocala. Secular Franciscans commit themselves by promise, not vow, to live the Gospel life of Jesus Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi or Secular Franciscan Order, St. Francis Fraternity: First Sundays, 12:30 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Building B, 834 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka. Call Jeane Fwaynos, SFO, Secular Franciscan Fraternity, Little Flowers of St. Francis: Second Saturdays, following the 8:30 a.m. Mass, Epiphany Parish, parish house 5, 201 Lafayette St., Port Orange. Peg, Secular Order of the Servants of Mary (Servite), Mary, Queen of the Servants Community: Second Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Our Lady of Grace Parish center, 300 Malabar Road, Palm Bay. Laypeople who promise to live the Gospel life, especially the Servite charisms of social justice, compassion and hospitality, using the life of Mary as example. Contact: Phil Borsik, SOSM, Secular Order of the Servants of Mary (Servite), Our Lady of Sorrows Community: Second Fridays, 9:30 a.m., St. Timothy Parish ministry building, Lady Lake. Secular Servites are laypeople who commit themselves by promise to live the Gospel life of Jesus Christ, and to deepen the knowledge and acts of devotion to Mary and extend her presence to the whole world. Contact: Donald Siple, SOSM, Secular Order of the Servants of Mary, St. Peregrine Community: Second Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., St. Catherine of Siena Parish, St. Peregrine Room, 2750 E. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. Contact: Adriana Bentum-Tilus, SOSM, Secular Franciscan Fraternity, San Damiano: St. Mark Parish, Highway 42, Summerfield. Contact: Kathryn Hampel, SFO, ONGOING MEETINGS Msgr. Bishop Knights of Columbus Council 2112: Regular business meeting, first Mondays, 8 p.m., at the council hall, 5727 Cornelia Ave., Orlando. Rosary, 7:30 p.m. Meeting is open to all Knights who have taken their first degree. Contact: Grand Knight Bill Mazanec, St. Patrick Knights of Columbus Assembly 2883: Regular business meeting, second Mondays, 7:30 p.m., Annunciation Parish family life center, Fireplace Room, 1020 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs. Meeting is open to all fourth-degree Knights. Contact: Faithful Navigator Bob Nettles, , or nettlesbob@ aol.com. Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Council 7408: Regular business meeting, second and fourth Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, Babcock Street, Palm Bay. All local and/or visiting Knights are welcome to attend. Call Grand Knight Bob Burgess, orlando diocese community PAGE SuBmiSSion deadlines The Florida Catholic welcomes calendar items of coming events for your parish or organization. Due to time required for production and mailing, we need to receive items at least five weeks before requested publication. Send items to: Around Your Community, Florida Catholic, P.O. Box 1800, Orlando, FL ; by fax, send items marked Around Your Community to ; or to, orlando@thefloridacatholic.org. Announcements for ongoing activities will be removed after 60 days. For continued coverage, announcements must be resubmitted. Catholic War Veterans: Father John Washington Post 1944, second Saturdays, 10 a.m., Prince of Peace Parish, Gold Room, 600 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach. All Catholic men and women who have served honorably in the armed forces of the United States are invited to join. Gene Swarbrick, , or fatherjohnwashington1944@ yahoo.com. Catholic War Veterans of Lakeland: Bishop Charles B. McLaughlin Memorial Post 1917, third Mondays, 6:30 p.m., St. Joseph Parish hall, 210 W. Lemon St., Lakeland. All Catholic men and women who have served honorably in the armed forces of the United States are invited to join. Spouses are welcome. Dinner follows. Steve Jones, , or sirstevetheknight@earthlink.net. SUPPORT Support group for separated and divorced: Mondays, 7 p.m., Holy Redeemer Parish, Kissimmee. Alta, Mondays, Holy Cross Parish, Orlando. Cheryl, Blessed Trinity Parish, Ocala. If interested, call Barbara Saalfield, Third Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Catholic Charities, 1801 E. Memorial Blvd. Interfaith Second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Parish office building 400, Room 402, 5330 Babcock St., Palm Bay. Call Singles, separated, widowed and divorced group: First and third Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., Holy Name of Jesus Parish community room, Indialantic, ; first Fridays, outside activity, and third Fridays, 7 p.m., Our Saviour Parish center, 5301 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach Orlando Catholic Singles: Offers spiritual, social and service activities for the 40-plus age group. Fran Haibach, Support group for families with incarcerated loved ones: Third Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., St. Mary Magdalen Parish center, 861 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs or jeancanatsey@cfl. rr.com. First Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Our Lady of Grace Parish activity center, Room 2, 300 Malabar Road S.E., Palm Bay Bereavement support groups: Wednesdays, April 9 through May 14, 7 p.m., Blessed Are Those Who Mourn, St. Mary Magdalen Parish adult center, 710 Spring Lake Drive, Suite 1100, Altamonte Springs. Free. To register, Rosemary Kazyk, , ext. 223, or rkazyk@stmarymagdalen.org. Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Holy Redeemer Parish, 1603 N. Thacker Ave., Kissimmee, Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m., St. Mary Magdalen Parish office, 861 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs, Same-sex support group: Courage, spiritual support groups for persons with samesex attractions striving to lead chaste lives in accordance with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. In Ocala, In Orlando, VOLUNTEERS NEEDED JMJ Life Center seeks volunteers due to an expansion of services. Opportunities exist for experienced ultrasound technicians, Internet/telephone solicitation of supplies, pickup and delivery of donations, accounting, fundraising, development director, committee managers, a handyman and a cleaning person. Some positions can be done from home on your schedule for as little as one hour per week. Call or visit

7 A19 FloridA CAtholiC photos by VAletA orlando priests of the diocese of orlando gather outside the national shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in orlando March 19 before the chrism Mass. All the priests renew their commitment to priestly service at this annual Mass. in his homily, bishop thomas Wenski said, today we commemorate our sacramental anointing we have received and we recommit ourselves to spread the good fragrance of Christ. May we never forget that the spirit of the lord has sent us to proclaim glad tidings to our people. The chrism Mass The church s three holy oils are traditionally blessed at the chrism Mass. Representatives of all the parishes join in the celebration and take back to their parish a portion of these holy oils. These three oils express the tenderness of God. Oil of catechumens: In ancient times, oil was used by athletes to limber and strengthen their bodies for the contest. The oil of catechumens draws on this symbolism and its meaning is best seen when adults are approaching baptism. They go through months of preparation and along the way need the strength to ward off the temptation to say no to Christ s call. Oil of the sick: Oil, long used for healing, is a sign of Christ s healing touch in the sacrament of the sick. The priest prays, Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Chrism: This is the church s most sacred oil, consecrated by a bishop. A fragrant substance (e.g. balsam) is mixed in during consecration. The aroma symbolizes that those anointed with chrism are enveloped by the Holy Spirit. This oil also draws upon the imagery of kings and queens being anointed at their coronation still done in England. A person anointed with chrism is part of heaven s royal family a daughter or son of God. Chrism is also used to consecrate an altar. Reprinted with permission of Diocese of Saginaw Little Books. Celebrating 25 years of priesthood are, left to right, Fathers benedict Jurkiewicz, parochial administrator, st. Joseph parish, orlando; Andrzej Wojtan, pastor, holy spirit parish, Mims; thomas Connery, pastor, st. peter parish, deland; nicholas o brien, pastor, st. Anthony parish, lakeland; and brian sheridan, Missionaries of our lady of la salette, pastor, Good shepherd parish, orlando. Golden jubilarians Father Felix baños, left, who assists at st. Joseph parish in lakeland and holy spirit parish in Mims, and Father david page, pastor of holy name of Jesus parish in indialantic, listen to bishop Wenski s homily during the chrism Mass. ORL A19 bishop Wenski blesses the oil of catechumens. during the chrism Mass, oils used during the church year are blessed and consecrated. the oils used are 100 percent virgin olive oil.

8 A20 Florida Catholic BlEssing of the BaskEts EastEr vigil COURTESY PHOTO Bishop Thomas Wenski, right, and Father Benedict Jurkiewicz, parochial administrator, left, celebrates Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Orlando, March 22. Parishioners brought baskets of food for an Easter _FL_Catholic_Mar_19.qxp:FLA_9_14 3/19/08 3:59 PM Page 1 blessing by Bishop Wenski. Fr. Paul Pablo Wilhelm, O.M.I., comforts the poor of Tijuana, Mexico. The Oblates nurture the poor by easing their hunger, sheltering their bodies, educating their minds, and inspiring their souls to receive God. With your Oblate Gift Annuity, you make this mission work possible while safely securing a lifetime of income for yourself. Please send me a one-life gift annuity proposal. Name: Birth Date: Address: City: State: Zip: There has rarely been a better time to consider the many benefits of a Charitable Gift Annuity with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Attractive Rates - When you compare the Oblate Gift Annuity rates with what you might receive from a certificate of deposit or your money market account, you will be pleasantly surprised. Lifetime Benefit - An Oblate Gift Annuity is an irrevocable gift that provides fixed income for the rest of your life. Payment Security - Your payment rates are locked in at the time your contract is completed. Your income will not fluctuate with the economy s highs and lows. Simple Process - The Oblates provide you with a contract that is easy to understand. Detailed tax information is supplied at the time of the contract and a 1099R tax statement is sent annually in January. Inner Satisfaction - You benefit in knowing your gift will eventually support the ministries of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Please fill out and return the request coupon or call us at to request a personalized proposal. Telephone: Office of Charitable Gifts 9480 North De Mazenod Drive Belleville, Illinois ($1,000 minimum) Amount Considered: Two-life annuity rates are available upon request. FLORIDA CATHOLIC PHOTO BY ANDREA KUDLACZ Rebecca Cole is one of seven baptized by Bishop Thomas Wenski during the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of St. James March 22. FL 3/28/08 ORL A20