Lumen Gentium / 19 - catholicislander.com · From the Bishop’s Desk 2 The Catholic Islander / November 2014 / The Magazine of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Thomas in the

November 2014 | c at h o l i c v i . c om

S A V E T H E D A T E :

Saturday, January 31, 2014Sixth Annual Keys and Sword

Gala Event / 3

J O U R N E Y O F F A I T H

Mrs. Esonia Hassel / 14

S P E C I A L R E P O R T

50th anniversary of Lumen Gentium / 19

T h e s c a l e s o f d i v i n e j u s t i c e

From the Bishop’s Desk

The Catholic Islander / November 2014 / www.catholicvi.com2

The Magazine of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands Most Reverend Herbert BevardPUBLISHER

Father John Matthew FewelEDITOR

Sarah Jane von HaackMANAGING EDITOR

Jenny BisGRAPHIC DESIGNER

Charlotte BanksLillia KingADVERTISING

Deacon Emith FluddCIRCULATION

Brother James Petrait, OSFSWEBMASTER

www.FAITHcatholic.com

Inside this issue

4 from the editor's desk

5 local news

12 cover story All Souls' Day: The scales of divine justice.

14 journey of faith Mrs. Esonia Hassel.

18 reflection Giving thanks.

19 special report 50th anniversary of Lumen Gentium.

20 world news

22-25 parish calendars

25 ¡buenas noticias!

Please submit news and digital photography for the December 2014 issue of The Catholic Islander to:[email protected].

Submit advertising to:[email protected].

His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard logs hundreds of hours in various modes of transportation so that he can regularly visit every parish in the diocese. He spends many more hours of travel just to ensure the success of Catholic education and other programs vital to our diocese. Here, the bishop reads his breviary en route to St. Croix for Masses at St. Mary School and St. Patrick School.

O N T H E C O V E R :

Juan de la Abadía, St. Michael Weighing Souls, around 1480-1495.

Nov. 7 - 14 Annual Meeting of the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) in Baltimore, Md.

Nov. 15, 16 Mission Appeal, St. Martha's Church, Louisville, Ky.

Nov. 23 Feast of Christ the King 10:30 a.m. Mass at SPPC, 12:30 attend Spanish Mass SPPC

Nov. 29 6 p.m. Mass OLMC

Nov. 30 First Sunday in Advent 9 a.m. Mass St. Anne Chapel

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His Excellency Bishop Herbert A. Bevard, Bishop of St. Thomas

and The Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands

Present:

The Sixth AnnualKeys and Sword Award Benefit

Bishop’s Champagne Reception | 6:00 p.m.Special Music by Francis Callwood

Dinner | 7:15 p.m.Program with special entertainment and dancing with

Milo’s Kings till Midnight40/60 Raffle, Select Prize Drawings and Grand Prizes

(Complimentary Shuttle Service from Havensight Mall and Red Hook Ferry Dock to and from “The Reef ”)

Tickets and ad sponsorships are available from Ticket Sellers at each parish and all church offices. Refer to your parish bulletin for ticket seller names.

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Mrs. Esonia Monsanto-HassellMr. Donald C.

François


I n the illustration above, the young man does not fully confess

his serious sins and the sad result is that his spiritual condition

leaving the confessional is worse than when he entered it. But

noting his hanging head as he leaves, we might hope that in his next

confession he will right the wrong. As long as “God spare life” (as we say

in the Virgin Islands) which means that as long as there is another day

of life to repent and be reconciled to God, there is hope.

GOD SPARE LIFE

The consequences of a life of habitual, unconfessed and unforsaken sin are deadly for the soul. The warning from Scripture is that grave sin leads to death. Millions of extramarital, unforeseen

pregnancies so often lead to the desperate act of abortion. (In the photos below, young members of the Legion of Mary, Presidia Morning Star, hold aw rosary vigil outside an abortion office at Crown Bay.)

From the Editor's Desk

By Father John Matthew Fewel

Mortal sin that leads to a physical death, such as an abortion, developed fully, will claim the soul of the unrepentant sinner in spiritual, or eternal, death.

In the confessional, where the battle against sin and temptation and its terrible consequences is waged, graces are granted helping the sinner to amend his life and flee from temptation and every occasion of sin.

God has made us to be His helpers in creating new life: both life of the body and life of the soul. He has made it very easy to obtain the many graces needed by us to share in that role. Take today as if it were your last opportunity to seek out Jesus in the confessional and obtain His mercy and forgiveness. If not today, do it soon. God spare life!

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Local News

His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard joined Sts. Peter and Paul School Vice Principal Father Anderson, faculty, parents, students and their pets in the sunny courtyard of the school to honor St. Francis of Assisi, who was so fond of all of God’s creatures. Many adorable pets were blessed by the bishop. Bishop Bevard remarked that he, too, has pets, and if he could round up his flock of chickens and his cat, Jeremiah, he would bring them next year.

F E A S T O F S T . F R A N C I S

O F A S S I S I :

(above) Bishop Bevard enjoyed the occasion, mixing with pets and their families. (right) Father Bruce Anderson offered final instructions to parents and children, and greeted Bishop Bevard just before the rite of blessing of the animals.

Father Kerly Francois blessed "Cookie," the pet of Dolores Velazquez at Holy Family Church after CCD mass.

Annual blessing of the animals

Students collected pet food and supplies to donate to the Humane Society’s rescue and animal welfare work on St. Thomas.


Local News

Catholic Charities’ November Food Drive

Please collect the following items at your church, school or workplace and bring them to Catholic Charities:

• Infant diapers and clothing• Nonfat dry milk, rice and lentils• Cheese, butter and canned meats

October 3, the feast of the Transitus of St. Francis. Members of the Secular Franciscan Order met at the Franciscan House to commemorate the transitus of St. Francis to his heavenly home. Maudina “Gwen” Molloy takes her turn to pray as she approaches the Francis candle.

The Fraternity of Our Lady of the Angels at the Franciscan House.

Bishop Bevard holds one of the dogs as he visits with Keya Chongasing (left).

Priest says farewell to his mother

Called home to Cameroon to fulfill a son’s duty toward his mother, Msgr. Feudjio is seen here at the graveside service following the funeral of his mother, Justine. He was assisted by local clergy, as well as Mother Mary Elizabeth, D.H.F.B. (Daughters of the Holy Family of Bafoussam).

The gift of a mother of her son to the priesthood can never be forgotten. The Catholic Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, many friends and well-wishers local and from all over the world assure Msgr. Feudjio and his family of our condolences and prayers at Justine’s passing from this life. As the mother of a priest and leader of the faithful, may she enjoy special and eternal blessings in the company of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Trinity and all of the angels and saints. Requiescat in pace, mater.

Local News

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8 The Catholic Islander / November 2014 / www.catholicvi.com

Faith. Hope. Love.Father Boniface-Blanchard leads active St. Patrick’s Youth Ministry

Local News

Deacon Soto with Father Boniface-Blanchard.

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Anna Dowart is being served by Nicole Vidal.

Danielle Peter (SPYM member) and her aunt ms. Marian Francois (parish counsel member)

(l-r) Lincoln Duncan, SPYM member, Ms. Priscilla Duncan, Shanice Duncan and Ms. Francine.


Bishop celebrates Masses around the dioceseLocal News

School Mass at St. Patrick Church in Fredericksted.

Assisted by Mr. Frank Souza (l-r) Mr. Josh Hamilton, and Deacon Benny Gibs, Bishop Bevard celebrated Mass at Mafolie.

St. Patrick's pastor, Fr. Lynch, Bishop Bevard, and young readers from St. Patrick's School. Fr. Lynch is also the Superintendent of Catholic Education for the diocese.

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P R O T E C T I O N O F C H I L D R E N

The Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands is committed to protecting children from all harm. If you have knowledge of any church worker who may have abused a minor, please contact the diocesan child protection coordinator, Callista Julien, at 340.778.0484 or 340.772.4214.

Sts. Peter and Paul School Vice Principal Fr. Bruce Anderson (on right) assists Bishop Bevard as his Master of Ceremonies at a Pontifical Mass at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul. On left, Deacon Danet serves.

Deacon Benny Gibs assists the Bishop at Mass at OLPH (Mafolie).

Cathedral Rector, Msgr. Feudjio offers a greeting and warm thanks to the bishop during his remarks and other announcements following Mass.

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T h e S c a l e s o f D i v i n e J u s t i c e

The Catholic Islander / November 2014 / www.catholicvi.com

By Father John Matthew Fewel, editor

M uch of the discourse in the Church today is

concerned with the question of mercy and judgment. Who is fit to judge?

Usually when we say this word “judgment," we mean it in its negative sense, such as in taking a disapproving position on the person, lifestyle or deeds of another. The same word has another, more positive meaning: careful discernment or evaluation with the intent of avoiding what is bad or harmful and choosing what is beneficial or good.

Journeying through life with the guidance of Scripture means exercising judgment constantly – choosing to do good, avoiding evil and avoiding all temptation and occasions of sin. God calls us to live good and holy lives. When we fall short, we should look to ourselves and not others for the blame. With respect to our neighbor, we should let our good example be the admonishment against sin.

On the scales of justice, our souls would not stand the test for even a moment without the mercy of God and His pardon of our sins. It is God Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, who speaks up for us who are so loaded down under the heavy debt of sin. Jesus alone spoke out against the hostile mob that had gathered to stone to death the woman who was caught in adultery. Jesus knew that a man was as equally guilty of this sin as the woman was. Who is fit to judge? Only he who is without sin is free to judge another.

Perhaps this guilty man was even present, or within hearing of Jesus. After the mob had dispersed, it was to the woman that Jesus, who knows all things, said, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11)

On another occasion, Jesus asked His disciple Peter: “A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?” (Luke 7:41-42) The greater the burden carried, obviously, the greater the relief when the burden is lifted.

Even though we are sinners, we are called to likewise forgive and to pray for our neighbor. As a sign of our own gratitude for the Lord’s forgiveness of our sins, we are to ask the good and holy God to overlook and pardon all of their faults, even the hurts that they may have inflicted upon us.

It is common at funerals to get up and speak about the positive side of the deceased, and it is certainly natural to do so, especially for a beloved soul who is mourned deeply and missed terribly. However, it is vital to remember that mere accolades and testimonials are of no avail once the curtain on this life has been drawn and our soul, or the soul of our neighbor, is presented before God for judgment. At that moment, the scales are most thorough and exacting, and the findings most final. When we meet our Just Judge, our eternity, for good or evil, will be decided.

Jesus told a parable about two people on their way to court. His advice: “Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.” (Matthew 5:25) Do not wait nor delay. Ask the Lord for forgiveness and turn away from all sin, now, while there is still time. We should always pray for the souls in Purgatory, who will in their gratitude pray for us someday soon. Holy Mass is prayer par excellence. That is why prayerful attendance is so vital. Pray for the dead, especially, when you attend a funeral Mass – and at every Mass. By this noble act, obtain mercy and favors for those who have gone before us to their judgement; it could mean the salvation of their soul! Perhaps someone will take up the duty of praying for your soul after you die; and you may, because of their intercession, avoid the scales of divine justice tipping against you.

It i s truly a noble and good thing to pray for the souls of the depar ted

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Cover Story

Hans Memling, THE LAST JUDGEMENT,

1467-1471, Triptych, middle panel.

Journeying through life with the guidance of Scr ipture means exercising judgment constantly – choosing to do good, avoiding ev il , and avoiding all temptation and occasions of sin."


I“I have been very active in my Church,”

she says, noting her impressive résumé of activities. “At the giving time, I was a counter. On a Monday morning, we would count up the money from the parish and deposit it in the bank. I was also involved from 2004 when they formed a committee for a restoration of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. I am a Catholic Daughter, I have served as vice regent for the last five years. I am also a Magnificat member, which is a ministry for Catholic women, and I was treasurer for that for about eight years, until 2010.”

Esonia’s involvement springs from

a deep connection with her faith. She credits her mother and her grandmother with instilling a strong sense of duty to the Church when she was growing up in the Virgin Islands. She had eight siblings, and went to Catholic schools until 10th grade, when she moved for a time to New York to attend high school and college in the 1940s. She came back to the Virgin Islands and married Louis Hassell in 1951. “The day I got married, September 2, 1951,” she says, “that same afternoon Father Knoll drove Louis to the airport. He was being shipped out to Korea for two years. But I didn’t panic, I still lived

Mrs. Esonia Hassel

with my mom until he came back. And then, things were good.” The separation, while difficult, was made easier by her faith and her trust in God.

Louis and Esonia had a good life, raising six children (five girls and a boy) and sending them to the parish school. Prayers and the Catholic faith were an important part of their family life. The road wasn’t always easy, though.

In 1980, Louis died suddenly. His death, she said, was devastating. “It was like half of my life was gone,” she says. “That was a challenge for me because I still had two of my youngest children to bring up in a home all by myself. But I got through it, through faith and through prayer on a daily basis.” It was in challenging times like these that Esonia recalled her grandmother’s faith, and what it meant to her growing up. “She believed in Church – she influenced my life a lot. In those days, the parish was supported by the payment of pews by parishioners, and my grandmother had a pew just for the family, and I tell you today I still sit in that same pew in front of Mary [the Marian statue], three pews down from her.” Esonia’s Marian devotion continues to sustain her today.

So does her involvement in the activities of Sts. Peter and Paul. Esonia counts her work on projects such as the cathedral restoration as proud achievements. “You look at the church and you see it – the polish of the marble, the way the columns have been strengthened!”

However, Esonia’s greatest joy is her family. She is a mother of six, a grandmother of 14 and a great-grandmother of eight. She prays with her family and stays in close contact with them, even the ones who live far away. “Faith played a part in building a strong family,” Esonia says. “One daughter always wondered why I go to church and come back happy – and she has found out it makes you pleased in life. You’re satisfied. I don’t know how else to put it, but actually satisfied. I feel that God has been most gracious to me, and I know that Mary looks down on me.”

t's Sunday morning, and Esonia Hassell is at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul on St. Thomas. She is with her daughter and granddaughter, who live nearby, and greets many friends and

acquaintances there. While most people in their mid-80s may have slowed down a bit, Esonia is just

as involved as ever – and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Journey of Faith

By Paul McAvoy

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Local News

Mrs. Esonia Monsanto-HassellThe second of nine children, Esonia M.

Hassell was born to George and Rose Monsanto a little over 80 years ago in her native St. Thomas.

Married on September 2nd, 1951 to Louis Alexandre Hassell (d. 1980), at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Hassells reared six children, all of whom were educated at Sts. Peter and Paul School.

Mrs. Hassell's professional career included working with the late Jane I. Tuitt, former Commissioner of Education, and the late Earle B. Ottley, a former President of the Legislature

of the US Virgin Islands.Mrs Hassell has also been the Executive

Secretary to the Commissioner of Education, and was the first to hold the title of Executive Director of the first Elected US Virgin Islands Board of Education.

A faithful and long-time member of the cathedral parish, Mrs. Hassell served on the original Cathedral Restoration Committee, formed under the directorship of the cathedral's Rector, Father (now Monsignor) Jerome Feudjio, in 2001.

Mr. Donald C. FrançoisMany are they who can proudly call

themselves "Cradle Catholics," but Mr. François is one of the few who, in addition to such a great grace, can claim the additional distinction of being a faithful parishioner of the Cathedral Parish of Sts. Peter and Paul from his very infancy until the present.

From his earliest days Donald has served his Church at one project, duty, service, or another; in his youth as an Acolyte at the cathedral, a member of CYO (Catholic Youth Organization), or as a "lunch-runner," or one of the students selected for the responsibility of carrying the sisters' lunch over from the convent kitchen to the school where they

were teaching. His energy and enthusiasm so evident in his youth have never faded during a lifetime of service to the cathedral parish..

Married to Faye, his wife of 57 years, this devoted husband and father to their two daughters never spared himself in either his family or professional commitments, nor in his considerable contributions of his time, immense talents, and treasure to his beloved Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul. A gifted engineer in his professional life, Mr. François has lent his technical skills and expertise to the major restoration of the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, from the projects' inception in 2001, until the present.

Join His Excellency, Bishop Herbert A. Bevard on Saturday, January 31, 3014, as together we pay tribute to our sister and brother in Christ. For more information about this event, please see page 3.

to find out more information about the 2015 World Meeting for Families. Please go to:

http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/

V IS IT ONLINE

Catechetical guide to family life: Love is Our

Mission: The Family Fully Alive – A Preparatory

Catechesis for the World Meeting of Families.

Keys and Sword Event Gala EventKeys and Sword 2015 Honorees:

Staff, teachers and aides of the 2014- 2015 Religious Education Program who were commissioned by Fr. Louis Kemayou (back row, center), St. Ann Administrator, on September 7, 2014, at St. Ann, Barrenspot.


Bishop and Fr. Neil Scanlebury before Mass at Holy Family.

With Fr. John Juzchzak, Holy Cross pastor and Missionaries of Charity.

Bishop Bevard, Deacon Emith Fludd, school children, and pastor, Fr. Lynch offer prayer before St. Patrick School Mass.

Bishop celebrates Masses around the diocese

Local News

Students at St. Patrick School Mass offer general intercessions.

Mass at Holy Family Church: Fr. Neil Scantlebury, pastor, concelebrates with Bishop Bevard.

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Reflection

You probably know that the word Eucharist comes from the Greek noun, eucharistia, meaning “thanksgiving.” The Eucharist is a sacrament (visible sign of inward divine grace) accepted by almost all Christians. We believe and celebrate the words of Jesus: “This is my body. This is my blood.” And when He said to “do this in memory of me,” Catholic Christians have been celebrating the Eucharist ever since.

As early as St. Paul, we see the importance of ritual precision and liturgical etiquette. When we make the sign of the cross at the beginning of Mass, for example, we renew the covenant that began with our baptism. Making the sign of the cross is like swearing on the Bible in a court of law. We promise that we have come to Mass to

Father Kevin MacDonald. C.S.s.R.

When I was young, the priest told us that the candle next

to the tabernacle never went out. I was amazed. I wondered why everyone didn’t believe in a God who could perform such miracles. Of course, the priest

only meant that the light where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved acknowledges the presence of God, not that

the candle never burns down. As with many of our beliefs as Catholics, my understanding of the Eucharist had to grow over time.

Giving Thanks

We give thanks to God for the privilege of sharing in God’s ministry. Whether it is at home, school or work, we try our best to make Gods’ love and mercy present in a broken world.

offer testimony. We are not spectators in worship. We are active participants. We promise that we have come to Mass to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help us God.

In other words, we acknowledge our guilt. All of us have sinned. In 1 John 1:10, we read, “If we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and God’s word is not in us.” In the Kyrie, we ask forgiveness of the each of the three divine persons in the Trinity: “Lord have mercy,” (God the Father), “Christ have mercy,” (God the Son), “Lord have mercy,” (God the Holy Spirit). We ask mercy for our sins, receive it in the words of the priest and praise God immediately in the Gloria.

After a reading from the Old Testament, the singing, or recitation, of a psalm, and another reading from the New Testament letters, we listen to the Gospel of Our Lord. As in the times of the prophets, to hear the word of God was to agree to live by the word of the Lord. We are still liable to judgment dependent on how well we live up to the readings at Mass. The homily that follows should strengthen us in this hope and lead us deeper into the mysteries of the Eucharist.

The second part of the Mass begins with the offertory. We offer wine, bread and money to continue the Church’s work. In many of our churches, especially on feast days, in addition to the bread, wine and money, we offer dasheen, tania, yams, sweet potatoes, finger bananas, fish and other fruits of our homes and workplaces. In other words, we offer ourselves and all that we have.

At this point in the celebration of the Eucharist, we look at reality by faith and

not by sight. When the priest puts his hands over the gifts of bread and wine and calls down the Holy Spirit, he is not merely narrating. He is speaking in the person of Christ, who is the principle celebrant of the Mass. Jesus ordained His apostles and those who followed them to “do this” in memory of me. Note that Jesus did not say to “read this” or “write this.” Through the priest, God is making his new covenant new once again.

When we receive Holy Communion, we are being nourished by the Real Presence of Christ. Ordinary bread and wine have been miraculously changed into the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. It does not end there. When the priest or deacon says, “The Mass is ended, go in peace,” they are not so much dismissing us as sending us on a mission. We leave Mass now in order to live the mystery, the sacrifice, we have just celebrated.

The Eucharist is well named. We give thanks to God for the privilege of sharing in God’s ministry. Whether it is at home, school or work, we try our best to make Gods’ love and mercy present in a broken world.

Acknowledgement to Scott Hahn and his book, The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth.

Father Kevin MacDonald, CSsR, has been a contributing columnist to The Catholic Islander this year, and will be offering more reflections in coming issues as his travel and mission/retreat schedule permit. Sometime in the coming months, Father Kevin will be moving his base of operations to the Redemptorist parish of Sacred Heart in New Smyrna Beach, Fl. He may be contacted presently through St. Patrick Church in Fredericksted, at 340.772.0138.

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Did you know…

Significant Church

documents are

known by their first

words. In this case,

Lumen Gentium is

Latin for “Light of

the Nations.” The

first full sentence

reads, “Lumen

gentium cum sit

Christus;” or “Christ

is the light of

nations.”

Lumen Gentium has eight chapters and primarily seeks to expound a rich understanding of the Church. It begins by considering the Church as a mystery. Because the Church is in Christ, its very nature is to be both a sign and an instrument of communion with God and of unity among all humanity. The Church, then, is trinitarian, as it is a reflection of the communion of the Holy Trinity. It is at once the people of God the Father, the body of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit.

The document then proceeds to consider each of the following topics: the Church as the people of God, the hierarchical nature of the Church, the role of the laity, the call to holiness, the role of religious, the Church as a pilgrim Church and Our Lady.

Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schweitz, OMI, also a former chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Liturgy Committee, identifies five significant developments that have resulted from Lumen Gentium.

1. The document’s emphasis on the fundamental call of all Christians to holiness prompted a spiritual re-awakening among the laity, as evidenced by the explosion of Bible study groups and prayer groups and the demand for spiritual direction.

2. The council’s emphasis on the Church as the people of God has led to a renewed understanding of the family as the “domestic church,” and the growth of small faith communities within the Church.

3. The document’s emphasis on the dignity and authority of bishops, especially in terms of collegiality, has given rise to the establishment of the Synod of Bishops, as evidenced by the Extraordinary Synod on the Family in October.

4. The document’s authorization of the restoration of the permanent diaconate is a very significant development, especially in the United States, where more than 15,000 permanent deacons now serve in active ministry.

5. Since the document made it clear that all the faithful are called to proclaim Jesus to the world by virtue of their baptism, there has been an increase in lay participation in the Church’s mission.

Quotable quotes from Lumen Gentium

“… the Church, although she needs human resources to carry out her mission, is not set up to seek earthly glory, but to proclaim, and this by her own example, humility and self-denial.” (para. 8)

“Though they differ essentially and not only in degree, the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood are nonetheless ordered one to another; each in its own proper way shares in the one priesthood of Christ.” (para. 10)

“But by reason of their special vocation it belongs to the laity to seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s will.” (para. 31)

50th anniversary of Lumen Gentium

On November 21, 2014, the Roman Catholic Church will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen

Gentium. This Second Vatican Council document was issued on November 21, 1964, by Pope Paul VI after the bishops assembled at the council approved it by a vote of 2,151 to 5.

Special Report

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Local News

OLMC parishioners Hayden Smith and Dora Tira with clients. OLMC provided transportation.

Dr. Joseph De James and nurse Dora Tira with clients Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church (OLMC), in cooperation with Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center and HOPE Inc., held a health screening on September 6, 2014, for the homeless on St. John. Physical exams, as well as HIV and glucose screenings, were done. They were also served lunch.

Special thank you to Dr. Joseph DeJames; Dora Tira from OLMC; Sandra Santos, Kelly Beach, Alyce Jordan and Alex Bailey from MKSCHC; Kahaina Browne and Alexa Shirley from Hope Inc.; and Father Anthony Abraham, Hayden Smith and Mary Athanase from OLMC.

Bernard Lascaris, Kendell Laurencin and Dave Verdant recently cleaned up and pressure-washed part of the outside of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

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Order of MaltaVirgin Islands Area

The Order of Malta is raising funds for His Excellency, Bishop Bevard’s

Catholic Scholarship Program through the sale of commemorative bricks. The bricks will be installed in the Rosary Garden at Our Lady

Of Perpetual Help Church. This is a great way to remember a loved one or express gratitude to

God for answering a prayer. Your message will last forever.

î Call 774.2166 for information


Catholic Daughters of AmericaCourt 2049 meets at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on the third Saturday of every month at 3 p.m.

Charismatic Prayer▶ Prayers in Spanish are offered at Sts.

Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on Mondays at 6 p.m.

▶ Holy Family Church holds evenings of charismatic prayer on Mondays at 7 p.m.

Divine Mercy Chaplet ▶ Altar servers from Sts. Peter and Paul

Cathedral and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church lead the Divine Mercy Chaplet at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral on Mondays at 3 p.m.

▶ The chaplet is prayed at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Tuesdays at 3 p.m.

Holy Hours/Eucharistic Adoration▶ St. Therese Chapel-Divine Mercy

Shrine has Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Tuesday through Friday

St. Thomas Calendar

from 8 a.m. until Benediction at 5:30 p.m. (Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.) and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until Benediction at 1 p.m.

▶ Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church has Exposition on Tuesdays from 7:30 a.m. until Benediction at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 6 p.m., followed by Mass at 7 p.m.

▶ Holy Family Church and St. Anne Chapel have Holy Hours with Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at 6 p.m., followed by Mass at 7 p.m.

Intercessory Prayer GroupA team is prepared to pray for the needs of all who ask at Holy Family Church on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Council 6187 meets at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on the first and third Sunday of every month at 10 a.m.

Pro-life RosaryPray a pro-life rosary at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m.

Legion of Mary▶ Presidium María, Arca de la Alianza,

holds meetings in Spanish at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on Sundays at 2 p.m.

▶ Presidium Mary, Mystical Rose, meets in Holy Family Church’s classroom on Sundays at 3 p.m.

▶ Presidium Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces, meets in the St. Anne Chapel Hall on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

MagnificatMagnificat, an international ministry to Catholic women, meets at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on the first Saturday of every month at 8 a.m.

Men’s Prayer GroupThe Sons of Joseph and Mary meet at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Fatima DevotionThe Children of Mary lead a devotion to Our Lady of Fatima at Holy Family Church on the first Saturday of every month at 4 p.m.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help DevotionsDevotions to Our Mother of Perpetual Help are prayed before Mass on Wednesdays at:▶ Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral at 6:45

a.m. and noon.▶ Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at

6:15 p.m.▶ Holy Family Church at 6:50 p.m.▶ St. Anne Chapel at 7 p.m.

Pro-lifeBound 4 Life USVI, the diocesan pro-life group, meets at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church every other week. There is also a pro-life Holy Hour and Mass at 6 p.m. on the first Friday of the month. For more information, visit Facebook.com/bound4lifeUSVI or call the OLPH Church office at 340.774.0885.

Rosary walkSts. Peter and Paul Cathedral hosts a rosary walk on the first Saturday of every month at 7 a.m., followed by Mass at 7:30 a.m.

St. Joseph WorkersThe St. Joseph Workers meet at Holy Family Church’s Columban Hall on the second Sunday of every month at 9:30 a.m.

St. Vincent de Paul SocietyThe Young Vincentians meet on the third Sunday of every month at 11:30 a.m. The adult members meet on the fourth Saturday of every month at 3:30 p.m. Both groups meet in Holy Family Church’s classroom.

World Apostolate of FatimaThe World Apostolate of Fatima meets at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Thursdays at 7:30 a.m.

Latin Mass A weekly Tridentine Mass is offered on Saturdays at 4 p.m. in the Chapel of the Little Flower on Main Street next to the cathedral office. The regular English Mass at 5 p.m. in the Ordinary Form is offered in the cathedral. Confessions begin at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of the Little Flower and 5 p.m. in the cathedral.

Christina Francois crowns the Blessed Virgin during Saturday Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at Mafolie.

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St. Croix Calendar

UPDATE: Franciscan Prayer VigilAn all-night prayer vigil will be held on the feast of the Presentation of Mary on Friday, November 21, from 9 p.m. till 6 a.m. at the Franciscan House, St. Croix. The purpose of the vigil is to intercede for the Church and, in particular, for the Holy Father, Pope Francis. For additional information, you may call Sister Patricia Alexander, W.I.F., 778.5773.

Adult Education▶ The St. Patrick

Alumni Association offers an After School Tutorial Program, which is coordinated by Sister Claina Letang, I.C.M. They are now also operating as a Public Computer Center, which is part of the ViNGN Digital Literacy Program. It is open to the public during scheduled mornings to mid-day.

▶ The Religious of the Good Shepherd offer adult education classes in Spanish at the Good Shepherd Center Monday through Friday. These courses include Spanish writing, English as a Second Language and computer courses in Windows, Word, Excel and Internet.

Bible Study Holy Cross Church hosts Bible studies in McAlpin Hall on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9 a.m., following morning Mass.

Carmelite SpiritualityThe Our Lady Star of the Sea Community shares Carmelite spirituality in the St. Joseph Church Hospitality Lounge and Learning Center on the fourth Sunday of each month at 1 p.m.

Charismatic Prayer▶ St. Patrick Church has charismatic

prayer in the chapel on the third Friday of each month at 6 p.m.

▶ St. Ann Church has charismatic prayer in Marian Hall on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

Cursillo Prayer Group The Cursillo movement hosts a Spanish prayer meeting in the St. Michael Chapel at St. Joseph Church on the last Monday of every month at 7 p.m.

Cursillo UltreyaCursillo members meet for Ultreya in the Cursillo office at St. Joseph Church on Thursdays after the 7 p.m. Mass. Meetings are in Spanish.

Devotions to St. Gerard MajellaPray a devotion to St. Gerard Majella at Holy

Cross Church on Tuesdays at 8:45 a.m.

Divine Mercy ChapletSt. Joseph Church hosts Divine Mercy devotions on the fourth Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. The hour-long program includes

the chaplet, prayers, Adoration and teachings of the Divine Mercy by

Father John Mark.

Franciscan SpiritualityThe Our Lady of the Angels fraternity of the Third Order of St. Francis shares Franciscan spirituality at Franciscan House on the fourth Sunday of each month at 3 p.m.

Rosary Prayer GroupCenacle of Our Lady of the Rosary Prayer Group meets at the Franciscan House every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Holy Hours/Eucharistic Adoration▶ Holy Cross Church has Holy Hour

following the 8:15 a.m. Mass, followed by Eucharistic Adoration until 1 p.m., on the first Friday of every month.

▶ Holy Cross Church has Eucharistic Adoration with confession from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday.

▶ St. Patrick Church has a Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on Fridays after the 8 a.m. Mass.

▶ St. Patrick Church has a full day of Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesdays.

▶ St. Ann Church has a Holy Hour with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, evening prayer and Benediction every Friday at 5:30 p.m. except First Friday, when Mass is celebrated at 5:30 p.m.

▶ St. Joseph Church has a full day of Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday beginning with Holy Mass at 6:30 a.m. and concluding with Benediction at 6 p.m.

Knights of ColumbusHoly Cross Council 6482 meets at Holy Cross Church’s McAlpin Hall on the first

and third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m.

St. Patrick Youth Ministry - Come be with us and enjoy a variety of exciting activities as St. Patrick parents and youth mix work and play to spread the Gospel message on St. Croix. For more information contact Fr. Boniface-Blanchard at 340.772.0138.

MagnificatMagnificat, an international ministry to Catholic women, meets at Franciscan House on the third Sunday of each month at 3 p.m.

Neo-catechumenal WayThe Neo-catechumenal Way leads a celebration of the word at St. Joseph Church on Mondays and Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help DevotionsDevotions to Our Mother of Perpetual Help are prayed at:▶ St. Patrick Church on Wednesdays at

6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. ▶ Holy Cross Church on Wednesdays and

Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. ▶ St. Joseph Church on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Rosary for the UnbornSt. Joseph Church hosts a bilingual English/Spanish rosary for the unborn on Fridays at 6 p.m.

Santo NiñoSt. Joseph Church hosts devotions to the Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus) on the first Saturday of every month at 4:30 p.m. The sacrament of reconciliation is offered during this time.

Shepherds of Christ AssociatesThe Shepherds of Christ Associates meet for prayer in the St. Michael Chapel of St. Joseph Church on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and on the second and fourth Sunday of every month at 5 p.m.

Spanish Prayer and ReflectionPray the rosary and share reflections on the readings of the coming Sunday Mass at Holy Cross Church on alternate Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Meetings are in Spanish.

World Apostolate of FatimaThe World Apostolate of Fatima meets in the chapel at Holy Cross Church on Tuesdays at 5 p.m.

St. John Calendar

All-night VigilOur Lady of Mount Carmel holds an all-night vigil on the first Friday of each month after the 7 p.m. Mass.

Charismatic PrayerOur Lady of Mount Carmel Church hosts an evening of charismatic prayer on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Eucharistic AdorationOur Lady of Mount Carmel Church has Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction on Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Free MealsOur Lady of Mount Carmel Church’s Kallaloo Kitchen: Food for the Soul feeds the needy in the parish’s Guadalupe Hall on Mondays and Fridays at noon. Volunteers are welcomed.

Legion of MaryPresidium Mary, Queen of Angels, meets in the Guadalupe Hall of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

Men’s FellowshipMen’s Fellowship meets the first and third Sunday of each month.

Spanish MassOur Lady of Mount Carmel has Spanish Mass at 6 p.m. Sundays.

Sunday Mass in Coral Bay Mass is celebrated each Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at the John’s Folly Learning Center in Coral Bay. For questions or transportation, call the church office at 776.6339.

Eventos Mensuales

• Oración Carismática Las oraciones en español se ofrecen en el Salón de Hospitalidad de la Catedral de San Pedro y san Pablo los lunes a las 6 p.m.

• La Ultreya Los jueves después de la misa de las 7 p.m. los cursillistas tienen su Ultreta. Las reunions en el trailer, en la oficina del Movimiento de Cursillos, y son en español.

• Legión de María El presidium hispano María, Arca de la Alianza se reúne en el Salón de Hospitalidad de la Catedral de San Pedro y San Pablo los domingos a las 2 p.m.

• Nueva Misa en Español La iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen de la isla de Saint John está ofreciendo una misa en español todos los domingos a las 6 pm .El celebrante oficial es el padre Eduardo Ortiz Santiago, párroco de la comunidad hispana de la catedral.

• Oración y Reflexión Se reza el Santo Rosario y se comparten las reflexiones de las lecturas del domingo siguiente, en la iglesia de Holy Cross los martes alternados a las 7 p.m. Las reuniones son en español.

• Rosario por los no nacidos La iglesia de San José invita a los rosarios bilingües en español e inglés por los no nacidos todos los viernes a la 6 p.m.

• Santo Niño En la iglesia de San José se rezan las devociones del Santo Niño (el Santo Niño Jesús) los primeros sábados de cada mes a las 4:30 p.m. Durante este tiempo se ofrecen confesiones.

25

¡Buenas Noticias!

Josephine Mathurin, one of the head ushers at OLMC, at the John's Folly Learning Ctr., Coral Bay, following Sunday 12:30 p.m. Mass.

Juan and Ana Santiago celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, September 21 at St. Joseph Church during the Spanish Mass.

Juan y Ana Santiago celebraron su 50 aniversario de bodas el domingo 21 de septiembre durante la misa de español de la iglesia de San Jose.


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Documents

Lumen Gentium / 19 - catholicislander.com · From the Bishop’s Desk 2 The Catholic Islander / November 2014 / The Magazine of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Thomas in the