THE CATHOLIC
ISLANDER
A Newsletter of the Diocese of
St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands
INSIDE EXCLUSIVES
*Advent Missions
*Christmas/Old Year's Masses
*Bishop Bevard's Itinerary
*News from the Parishes
*Catholic Education News
*Listings of Coming Events
*Página de noticias en español
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury,
Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, blessed the
tree at the Joseph Aubain field during the Frenchtown Civic
Organization's annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 14.
Religious Education students throughout the diocese participated in pre-Christmas programs. Pictured above, students at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix staged their pageant in the parish's Hospitality Lounge and Learning Center on December 20.
Most Rev. Herbert A. Bevard,
Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands,
celebrated a bilingual open-air Mass in the Fredenborg section of
St. Croix on Christmas day, December 25. Pictured above, Bishop
Bevard and Fr. Kenneth Gaddy, CSsR, Pastor of Holy Cross Church,
after Mass distributed bags of Christmas gifts to the families
that attended.
Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands gave Christmas gifts donated by the United States Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program, along with cake and punch, to 26 happy children during a Christmas Party at the soup kitchen on St. Croix on December 23.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * January 2009* Page 1
Notes from the
Bishop's Desk
The Most Reverend Herbert A. Bevard
Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands
BISHOP BEVARD'S
JANUARY 2009 CALENDAR
January 5-9, Retreat.
Sunday, January 18, 11:00 a.m., Patronal Mass for El Santo
Niño, Holy Cross Church, St. Croix.
RETREATS
Bishop Herbert Bevard will be on his annual retreat on January
5-9.
The retreat for diocesan priests of the Virgin Islands, which in
recent years was held in January, will be held later in the
year.
SECOND
COLLECTIONS
All parishes in the Virgin
Islands will participate in a second collection for our local
permanent diaconate program. Pastors were free to designate this
collection for any weekend in January. Presently, two candidates
from St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas are attending weekly classes to
prepare for their ordination to the diaconate.
All parishes will participate inthe National Black and Indian
Mission Collection on January 24-25. Through this collection, the
Commission for the Catholic Missions among the Colored People and
the Indians has awarded grants to dioceses since 1884 to
strengthen evangelization programs which would otherwise be in
danger of disappearing among the African American, Native
American, Eskimo and Aleute communities of the United States. The
Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands has been among the
recipients of these grants.
APPOINTMENTS
Bishop Herbert Bevard has appointed Fr. Anthony Abraham as the Director of Charismatic Renewal Services and the Director of the Office for Youth Ministries, effective January 1. Fr. Abraham continues as Parochial Vicar at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas.
Bishop Bevard has appointed Fr. Patrick Lynch as the Director of Respect Life Ministries and the Superintendent of Catholic Education, effective January 1. Fr. Lynch continues as Pastor of St. Patrick Church on St. Croix.
MARIAN SHRINE IS
REDEDICATED
Bishop Herbert Bevard rededicated the Shine of Our Lady of Barrenspot during Sunday Mass at St. Ann Church on St. Croix on December 7.
WELCOME HOME, BISHOP
THOMAS
BishopHerbert Bevard organized a homecoming reception for Bishop Emeritus Elliott Thomas when he arrived at Cyril King airport on St. Thomas on December 19. Bishop Thomas was welcomed by Bishop Bevard, priests, students and lay persons.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * January 2009* Page 2
SISTER RECOVERS FROM
SURGERY
Sr. Germaine Convery, WIF, is on leave from her ministry at Light of Christ Retreat Center on St. Croix as she recovers from a December 11 surgery. She is undergoing radiation treatment in Puerto Rico and will likely relocate to the states at least temporarily for follow-up.
VIRGIN ISLANDS
CHURCHES LOBBY FOR A DEFINITION OF
MARRIAGE
Over 40 parishioners of St. Patrick Church on St. Croix have joined in an ecumenical campaign launched by Rev. Edward Cullen of the Southgate Baptist Church "to request the committee charged with composing the Territorial Constitution to include a brief article to define marriage in the Virgin Islands." The definition states that marriage is between one man and one woman. Parishioners of St. Patrick Church signed the petition on December 27-28, the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
THREE PASTORS
INSTALLED
Bishop Herbert Bevard installed three pastors on St. Croix on the feast of Christ the King. He installed Fr. Louis Kemayou at St. Joseph Church on November 22 and Fr. Patrick Lynch, CSsR, at St. Patrick Church and Fr. Kenneth Gaddy, CSsR, at Holy Cross Church on November 23.
Pictured above, Fr. Kemayou
read his promises to Bishop Bevard (behind him) and the
congregation. Below, Fr. Lynch and Fr. Gaddy made the same
promises.
THE HOLY
FAMILY
Bishop Herbert Bevard celebrated all the Masses at Holy Family Church for the feast of the Holy Famly, Jesus, Mary and Joseph on December 27-28. On Sunday morning, he also dedicated the new image of the Holy Family which is outside the parish's Columbus Hall.
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The Catholic Islander is published monthly by the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.
The Catholic Islander is written, edited and printed entirely in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
P.O. Box 301825, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, 00803-1825 http://www.catholicislander.com
Telephone: (340) 774-0201, ext. 225 Fax: (340) 776-9586 E-mail: editor@catholicislander.com
Publisher Bishop Herbert Bevard
Editor-in-Chief Fr. Charles Crespo
Spanish Editor Deacon Ernesto Rodriguez
Proofreader Bernetia Akin
Webmaster Br. James Petrait, OSFS
Circulation Deacon Emith Fludd
Please submit news,
digital photography and advertising for the
February 2009 issue of
The Catholic Islander
by January 17, 2009.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * January 2009* Page 3
AUCTION WILL RAISE
FUNDS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
St. Mary School on St. Croix will hold its annual fundraising dinner and auction at the Divi Carina Bay Ballroom on Saturday, February 7. Cocktails will be served at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Donations of furniture, jewelry, art, small appliances, home decorations and other items are requested for the silent and live bidding.
The theme this year is "That's Amore" as the evenbt occurs one week before Valentines Day. Dinner tickets are available for $75 at Holy Cross Church and St. Mary School. All funds will be dedicated toward scholarships.
FR.
SIERADSKI
1922-2008
Prayers are solicited for the repose of the soul of Fr. Alfred Sieradski, CSsR, who served at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas and Holy Cross Church on St. Croix throughout the 1960s. Fr. Sieradski, or Fr. Sears as he was often called, died in Saratoga Springs, New York, on November 14.
Fr. Sylvester Feeley, CSsR, his former Vice-Provincial, recalled that Fr. Sieradski so threw himself into serving the community that he broke out in hives from the stress. "The confreres at Holy Cross were worried about him because he worked so hard. They asked me to get him off the island for a few days of rest."
When Fr. Sieradski's second term as rector ended, Virgin Islanders gave him a farewell dinner, complete with a message of thanks from Gov. Melvin Evans. Bishop Edward Harper, CSsR, whom he had served as Vicar General, said, "It is fitting that we try to express our appreciation of all that Fr. Sears has done — for the civic community, for the growth of the spirit of ecumenism and the spirit of charity and cooperation among the churches of the Islands, for Christian education, for the Redemptorist Fathers, for the parishes in St. Thomas and St. Croix, for the People of God in the Virgin Islands."
PRIEST DEBUTS ON ST.
JOHN
Msgr. Antonio Verzosa, Administrator of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John, celebrated his first Mass there on December 7. Pictured above, he and the lay ministers prayed together in back of church before Mass began.
SIGN OF THE
TIMES
Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas has debuted new signage above the front steps. The sign was donated by the family of Jean Burnette, an usher who died in 2008.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * January 2009* Page 4
News of the
Parishes
FUN
NIGHT
St. Joseph Church on St. Croix will host a Fun Night for adults and children on Sunday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m. The attractions include food, games and karaoke.
YOUTH
SEMINAR
Fr. Anthony Abraham, Diocesan Liaison for Charismatic Renewal Services, will lead a Life in the Spirit Seminar for youth of all parishes. Youth from ages 12 to 19 are invited to meet at St. Anne Chapel over seven Saturday afternoons beginning January 31 at 3:00 p.m. The Life in the Spirit Seminar leads participants to experience an awakening of the sacramental power of baptism and confirmation.
LEGION OF MARY HONORS
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF MARY
Members of Holy Family Church's Presidium Mary, Mystical Rose, sang a Marian hymn when the Legion of Mary had a curia meeting at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral's Hospitality Lounge on December 7.
THREE
KINGS
Children in Latin America look forward to receiving gifts from the Three Kings on the Feast of the Epiphany. The Three Kings will attend two Spanish Masses on Sunday, January 4. They will be at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix at 10:00 a.m. and at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas at 12:30 p.m. After the Masses, children will receive gifts or candy and have an opportunity to have their photograph taken with the Three Kings in the parishes' Hospitality Lounges.
OUR LADY OF
ALTAGRACIA
Two parishes in the Virgin Islands will celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Altagracia, Patroness of the Dominican Republic.
Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas will celebrate the feast in anticipation with a Spanish Mass on Sunday, January 18, at 12:30 p.m. St. Joseph Church on St. Croix will celebrate the feast with a bilingual Mass on the actual feast day, Wednesday, January 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Native foods will be served in a pot-luck celebration in both parishes' Hospitality Lounges after the Masses.
MAGNIFICAT
LUNCHEON
The St. Thomas/St. John chapter of Magnificat will host a luncheon at Victor's Hideout on Sunday, January 18, at 1:00 p.m. Dr. Kathleen Dudemaine will give a testimonial entitled "Thy Will Be Done." Tickets can be purchased at the Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral office for a donation of $35. Magnificat is an international ministry to Catholic women.
EL SANTO
NIÑO
The annual celebration honoring the "Santo Niño" (baby Jesus) at Holy Cross Church on St. Croix on Sunday, January 18, will highlight the faith, music and culture of the Philippines.
As in previous years, Msgr. George Tomachik of Philadelphia will be flown in by the local Filipino community to celebrate the Mass. Msgr. Tomachik ministers to Filipino communities around the world.
A choir comprised largely of Filipinos will sing hymns in English and Tagalog, the principal dialect of the Philippines.
The 11:00 a.m. Mass will be followed by a luncheon at the McAlpin Hall hosted by the Santo Niño committee.
DEACON
DEBUTS
Deacon Ernesto Rodriguez
preached his first homily at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on
December 21. He has since resumed his studies for the priesthood
at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
CCVI NEEDS
VOLUNTEERS
Catholic Charities of the
Virgin Islands (CCVI) seeks volunteers to facilitate the Virgin
Islands Continuum of Care's Point-in-Time Count and Survey of the
territory's homeless population on Saturday, January 31.
Volunteers on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas will be trained
earlier in the week to survey a sample of unsheltered homeless
persons through one-on-one interviews in order to gather critical
information to assist in better determining and serving the needs
of the homeless. The count is mandated by the US Department of
Housing and Urban Development and is used to justify the need for
federal funding for homeless services in the territory.
STEWARDSHIP
WORKSHOP
Rev. Dr. George Franklin,
President/Principal of Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas,
leads an all-day "Preaching Workshop: Financial Stewardship" for
clergy and lay ministers at Light of Christ Retreat Center on St.
Croix on Thursday, February 19, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Through the
interconnection between faith, fellowship and finances,
participants will learn to overcome the dread of stewardship
preaching, preach about what the Bible says about money and
motivate people to give more. Registration is $50, which includes
lunch; an optional dinner is $12. For more information, contact
the retreat center.
MISIÓN DE
ADVIENTO ENTRE LA COMUNIDAD HISPANA
La misión de adviento
entre la comunidad hispana de las Islas Vírgenes
comenzó con la ayuda de la Hermanas Misioneras de Nuestra
Señora del Perpetuo Socorro. Cuatro monjas, basados en
Nueva York pero de orígenes latinoamericana, evangelizaron
en las calles, visitaron a hogares y dieron talleres en Sta Cruz y
en Sto. Tomás el 22 de noviembre hasta el 14 de diciembre.
Siguientes a la evangelización de las monjas, sacerdotes
Redentoristas vinieron de los Ee. Uu. para celebrar misas y dar
conferencias en las parroquias.
Las monjas dirigieron en un
taller para los líderes sobre la evangelización en
el Salón Social de la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en
Sto. Tomas el 30 de noviembre. Retratada arriba, la Hrma.
Rocío Calderón, MPS, detalló lo que se debe
hacer y no se debe hacer en tratar de traer la
evangelización al pueblo.
Las monjas hablaron con los
dirigentes del Movimiento Cursillos de Cristiandad en su oficina
en la Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz el ? de noviembre.
Retratada arriba es la Hrma. Nohemi Justo, MPS.
En la clausura de la
misión en español en la Catedral San Pedro y San
Pablo en Sto. Tomas el 11 de diciembre, el P. Gerard Brinkmann,
CSsR, invitó a todos que pongan una flor delante del imagen
de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
¡BUENAS
NOTICIAS!
Llegan los Tres
Reyes
El día de la Epifanía, domingo 4 de enero, los Tres Reyes Magos estarán presentes en las Misas en español en la Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz es a las 10.00 a.m. y en de la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. Tomás de las 12.30 p.m.
Nuestra Señora
de Altagracia
Dominicanos celebrarán su patrona, Nuestra Señora de Altagracia con Misas y recepciones con comidas típicas. La Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. Tomás tendrá Misa en español en anticipación el domingo, 18 de enero, a las 12.30 p.m. La Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz lo celebrará con Misa bilingüe en su día actual el miércoles, 21 de enero, a las 10.00 a.m.
Asignaciones
El Obispo Bevard ha nombrado al P. Anthony Abraham como el Director de la Renovación Carismática, comenzando el 1 de enero. El Padre Abraham continúa como vicario parroquial de la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en San Tomás.
El Obispo Bevard también ha nombrado al P. Patrick Lynch como Director de Actividades del Movimiento Pro-Vida y como Superintendente de las Escuelas Católicas, comenzando el 1 de enero. El Padre Lynch continúa como párroco de la Iglesia San Patricio en Sta. Cruz.
Segunda
Colecta
Las parroquias de las Islas Vírgenes participarán en la colecta nacional para las misiones en comunidades negras e indígenas el 24 y 25 de enero. También, los párrocos escogieron su fin de semana de enero para la colecta anual para el programa diocesano de diáconos.
Protección de
Niños
La Diócesis de Sto. Tomás en las Islas Vírgenes está comprometida a proteger a los niños de todo daño. Si sabes de algún sacerdote, diácono o empleado de la iglesia que haya abusado a algún menor, favor de comunicarte inmediatamente con la Coordinadora Diocesana de la Protección de los Niños, Callista Julien, al (340) 774-3166.
Oración y
Reflexión
El grupo de oración
del Movimiento de Cursillos de Cristiandad se reúne en la
Capilla San Miguel de la Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz el
29 de enero y el último jueves de cada mes a las 7.00
p.m.
Feligreses rezan el rosario y comparten de las lecturas del
próximo domingo en la Iglesia Holy Cross en Sta. Cruz los
martes a las 7.00 p.m.
Legión de
María
Presidium María, Arca de la Alianza, se reúne en el Salón de Hospitalidad de la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. Tomás el primer y tercer domingo de cada mes a las 2.00 p.m.
Ministerio a los
Enfermos
Hay un servicio de comunión bilingüe en la capilla del Centro Médico Schneider en Sto. Tomás los lunes a las 5.00 p.m.
Cursillo
Ultreya
Miembros del Movimiento de
Cursillos de Cristiandad se reúnen para la ultreya en su
oficina en la Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz los lunes
después de la Misa de las 7.00 p.m.
Bautizo
El P. Gerard Brinkmann, CSsR, bautizó a Darving Rosario en la Misa dominical en la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. Tomas el 7 de diciembre. El P. Brinkmann predicó la misión de adviento en español el 6 a 11 de diciembre.
Misas del
Gallo
Tres parroquias en las Islas Vírgenes tuvieron las tradicionales Misas de Aguinaldo las nueve mañanas antes de navidad. Retratado arriba, el P. Louis Kemayou celebró la Misa del Gallo en la Capilla San Miguel de la Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * January 2009* Page 7
CATHOLIC
EDUCATION
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
WEEK
Over 8,000 Catholic Schools in
the United States, including the four Catholic schools in the
Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, will celebrate
Catholic Schools Week 2009 from Sunday, January 25, to Saturday,
January 31. The 2009 theme is "Catholic Schools Celebrate
Service."
Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas will begin the week of
activities with Church Pride Day on Sunday, January 25. Students
and teachers will attend Masses at the various Catholic churches
and serve as altar servers, greeters, lectors and ushers; students
will offer testimonials at the end of Mass as well. During the
school week, students will be engaged in service activities in the
school and in the community. They will also listen to guest
speakers from Catholic service organizations and ministries and
participate in a Quiz Bowl, a march down Main Street, a food fair
and games.
St. Patrick School on St. Croix will also begin with Sunday Mass
at St. Patrick Church on January 25 at 10:00 a.m. During the week,
students will write letters to the legislature about Catholic
Schools and enjoy a Graduates recognition/Grandparents Luncheon,
Career Day, Teachers Appreciation and Volunteer Recognition, Crazy
Hat Day and Twin Day.
MARTIN LUTHER KING,
JR. STUDENT AWARDS
Alain Brin, a senior at Ss.
Peter and Paul School, will be among the six students honored at a
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., memorial by the Hebrew
Congregation of St. Thomas on Friday, January 16.
The annual ceremony, done in the synagogue within the context of
the Reform Jewish worship service, honors one student from each of
the St. Thomas high schools. Principals or guidance counselors
nominated these students for leading lives that exemplify Dr.
King's teachings.
In addition to the recognition, the students will receive a $500
U.S. Savings Bond and a book, Shared Dreams: Martin Luther King
and the Jewish Community.
The Erev Shabbat service begins at 6:30 p.m., with a reception
afterwards across the street in the congregation's Lilienfeld
House.
The Catholic Islander
is online at www.catholicislander.com
You are there now!
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CAREER
DAY
Students at Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas participated in a Career Day on November 24.
Pictured above, students met local firefighters.
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LEGACY
AWARDS
St. Joseph High School presented Legacy Awards to the Clarke, Delgado-Gonzales, Diaz-Ramirez and Hodge families at the school's 44th anniversary celebration under a tent on the school grounds on December 6. The awards are given annually to families who have been students for two generations or more.
The evening included a buffet dinner, silent auction featuring items made by the students, and live music. All proceeds went towards curriculum expansion and scholarships.
Honoring the Joseph & Esmeralda Hodge Family. Pictured above are (L to R) Bishop Bevard, Stacey Hodge, Nathalie Hodge, Barbara Troutman (currently a SJHS teacher) and daughter , Kelcie Troutman (currently a SJHS student), Principal Marla Matthew.
Honoring the Diaz-Ramirez Family. Pictured above are (L to R) Bishop Bevard, Orlando Ramirez (from first graduating class of '65), Principal Marla Matthew and Orlando's, wife Anna L. Diaz Ramirez (class of '67).
Honoring the Delgado - Gonzales Family, Charles E. Clarke Family. Pictured above are (L to R) Bishop Bevard, Winifred Clarke-Hardy (class of '66) and Principal Marla Matthew.
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SCIENCE FIELD
TRIP
The Physics class of St. Joseph High School on St. Croix visited the Very Long Baseline Array radio telescope on St. Croix on December 2.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * January 2009* Page
8
SPOTLIGHT ON
YOUTH
STUDENTS HELP THE
NEEDY AT CHRISTMAS
Fr. Slawek Romanowski, Parochial Vicar at Holy Cross Church on St. Croix, celebrated an open-air Christmas Mass for students of St. Joseph High School under a tent on December 19. After Mass, students gave him gifts for his ministry with needy children.
THANKSGIVING
MASS
Bishop Herbert Bevard celebrated a Pre-Thanksgiving Mass for the students of Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on November 24.
CHRISTMAS
PAGEANT
Students of Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas participated in a Christmas Pageant at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on December 7. This year's program was "The Mission."
ALL-SCHOOL
THANKSGIVING MASS ON ST. CROIX
Bishop Herbert Bevard celebrated an all-school Pre-Thanksgiving Mass at the Joachim Center of St. Ann Church on St. Croix on November 25. All the priests of St. Croix concelebrated. Pictured above, left to right, they are Fr. Slawek Romanowski, CSsR, Fr. Louis Kemayou, Fr. Simon Opira, Bishop Bevard, Msgr. Michael Kosak, Fr. Kenneth Gaddy, CSsR, and Fr. Patrick Lynch, CSsR.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * January 2009* Page 9
THANKSGIVING
MASSES
Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury, Administrator of St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas, blessed bread to be distributed to parishioners at the end of Thanksgiving Mass on November 27.
Fr. Louis Kemayou, Pastor of St. Joseph Church on St. Croix, distributed blessed bread to parishioners at the end of Thanksgiving Mass.
Parishioners of St. Patrick Church on St. Croix offered donations of non-perishable foods for the needy at Thanksgiving Mass. After Mass, the donations were delivered to Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands' Bethlehem House Shelter for the Homeless and My Brother's Table.
Is God
calling you to the priesthood,
diaconate or religious life?
Speak with Msgr. Jerome Feudjio,
Director of Vocations,
at (340) 774-3166.
ALUMNI
MASS
Students past and present of Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas posed for a photograph with President/Principal Rev. Dr. George Franklin after the Alumni Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on November 23.
ALUMNI
CONCERT
Melita Etienne, mezzo-soprano, and Minjung Seo, pianist, performed at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on November 21. The concert for a fundraiser for Ss. Peter and Paul School, of which Ms. Etienne is a graduate.
ADVENT
MISSIONS
In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of their presence in the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, Redemptorist Fathers celebrated Sunday Masses on November 29-20 and led Advent Missions in all the parishes on December 1-4.
Fr. Mark Owen, CSsR, led the mission at St. Patrick Church on St. Croix. Pictured above, he invited the youth to come forward for a blessing on the last night.
On the second night of the Advent Mission, St. Ann Church on St. Croix went from darkness to light as an introduction to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Pictured above are Fr. Kevin MacDonald, CSsR, with Deacon Arnold Helenese and Raphaela Albany.
Fr. Patrick Lynch, CSsR, led the mission at St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas. Pictured above, he is shown giving the benediction during a Holy Hour.
Three priests led the missions at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix. Fr. Emmanuel Mullasscril, CSsR, led the English mission in the church while Fr. Sean McGillicuddy, CSsR, and Fr. Alex Ortiz, CSsR, led the Spanish mission in the Hospitality Lounge. Pictured above, left to right, are Fr. McGillicuddy, Fr. Mullasscril and Fr. Ortiz.
Fr. Kenneth Gaddy, CSsR, led the English mission at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas. Pictured above at the end of Sunday Mass, he offered a blessing to congregants celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.
Fr. Lenin Delgado, CSsR, led the mission at Holy Cross Church and spoke to the students of St. Mary School on St. Croix. Pictured above, he is shown instructing a student how to light the Advent candle.
ADVENT
WREATHS
Carmen and Manuel Salina lit a candle on the second Sunday of Advent at Holy Family Church on St. Thomas.
Ralph and Olivia Danet lit a candle on the third Sunday of Advent at St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas.
Priscilla Lopez and her children lit a candle at the Spanish Mass on the Third Sunday of Advent at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas.
CHRISTMAS IN THE
PARISHES
Fr. Anthony Abraham placed the baby Jesus in the crib and incensed the Nativity at the beginning of the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas.
Fr. Charles Crespo explained the Nativity to the children who attended the Christmas Eve Children's Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas.
Parishioners at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix create a new homemade Nativity scene near the sanctuary.
A Letter from
Bishop Herbert Bevard
December 19, 2008
My dear people,
Since my arrival in the Virgin Islands in September, I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you and have already felt the warmth of your acceptance and love. I know that you love the Church and I am very happy to be the Bishop of such a wonderful diocese. It is with great concern and heartache, therefore, that my first letter to you concerns itself with a great misfortune that our beloved Church has recently experienced.
Several decades ago, the savings of St. Patrick Church were invested with a Wall Street broker by the name of Bernard Madoff. Soon the diocese added some of its savings and a few years ago St. Mary School invested their endowment fund. Last Thursday, Mr. Madoff was arrested for securities fraud and we discovered that all of our savings were gone in what appears to be the largest security fraud in history.
The returns that Mr. Madoff's firm provided were consistently good over the years; but not so good that they raised warning flags. The income supplemented the two school's operating budgets, allowing them to keep tuition costs low for the students on St. Croix.
The diocese researched Mr. Madoff before investing any funds with his firm. He was a highly regarded figure on Wall Street and the former chairman of the NASDAQ stock exchange. We were considered "lucky" to be taken on as clients. We were issued regular monthly statements as well as notices of all stock purchases and sales each month. The stocks being purchased were all recognizable blue chip stocks.
We have since discovered that the Securities and Exchange Commission had investigated and cleared him of any wrongdoing in 1992, 2005 and again in 2007. It appears that they were as surprised as we were with this fraud.
As a result of all this, it would appear that much of the savings of the diocese and the endowment funds of St. Mary and St. Patrick schools have apparently been lost. I do not yet know if we will be able to recover any of this money, but it would seem that such a hope is not well founded. Nevertheless, it is our intention, along with the Redemptorist Fathers, who have also been hurt by this fraud, to seek repayment of the monies that were taken from us. At this point, it would seem that neither school nor the diocese itself will be forced to curtail services as a result of this misfortune. I am told that the loss of income from the Madoff investments will not severely impact current budgets. Nevertheless, we obviously will be forced to be very frugal as we gradually recover our financial equilibrium in the months and years that lie ahead.
My preliminary investigation of this entire affair would seem to indicate that no one connected with the diocese is in any way guilty of wrong doing. All due diligence was exercised by the diocese and its employees when the investments in question were made.
I would like to stress that we shall recover from this blow to our financial well being. It is my conviction that our true treasure lies not on earth, but rather in Heaven. I look to Heaven for help and look forward, therefore, to the day when I can report to you that our financial security has been completely restored. In the meantime, I ask you to join with me in supporting the Church in every way possible. First of all, in prayer, for prayer is our life line to God. Secondly, in practice of the Faith; that we may fulfill the purpose for which God created us, namely, to know Him, serve Him and love Him. And finally, in financial support. Please allow this misfortune to make you even more committed to the well being of our Holy Mother, the Church, and the spread of God's kingdom on earth. In a true spirit of generosity, please do everything you can to turn this seeming defeat into victory. I know that together, we shall overcome, for we are gathered together and He is in our midst.
Commending you and this beloved diocese to our Blessed Lady, whose Divine Son, Jesus, we worship and adore, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Herbert A. Bevard
Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * January 2009* Page 13
ST.
JOHN CALENDAR
LEGION OF MARY
Presidium Mary, Queen of Angels, meets in the Guadalupe Hall of
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
SILENT EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church has a Holy Hour with Exposition of
the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction on Thursdays at 6:00
p.m.
EVENINGS OF CHARISMATIC PRAYER
Charismatic prayer meetings are held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Church on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
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PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
The Diocese of
St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands is committed to protecting
children from all harm. If you have knowledge that any
priest, deacon or church worker may have abused a minor,
please immediately contact the Diocesan Child Protection
Coordinator, Callista Julien, at (340) 774-3166.
Our Blessed Mother's Message from Medjugorje
November 25, 2008
"Dear children! Also today I call you, in this time of grace, to
pray for little Jesus to be born in your heart. May He, who is
peace itself, give peace to the entire world through you.
Therefore, little children, pray without ceasing for this
turbulent world without hope, so that you may become witnesses of
peace for all. May hope begin to flow through your hearts as a
river of grace. Thank you for having responded to my
call."
Courtesy of Claire & John Foster
The Pride of Our
Parishes
Allan Harrigan, vocalist (above) and Verne Callwood, organist (below) are among the weekend music ministers at Holy Family Church on St. Thomas.
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ST. CROIX
CALENDAR
HOLY HOURS/EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Holy Cross Church has Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction on January 2 and all First Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
St. Joseph Church has a bilingual Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on January 2 and all First Fridays at 7:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Chapel has a Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on January 21 and the third Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m.
St. Patrick Church has a Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on Fridays after the 8:00 a.m. Mass.
St. Ann Church has a Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at 5:30 p.m.
EL SANTO NIÑO
St. Joseph Church hosts devotions to El Santo Niño on January 3 and the first Saturday of each month at 4:30 p.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered.
Msgr. George Tomachik of Philadelphia will celebrate the Patronal Mass of El Santo Niño at Holy Cross Church on Sunday, January 18.
PRO-LIFE PRAYER VIGIL
The Pro-Life Committee of Holy Cross Church will hold a prayer vigil outside the abortion clinic at Beeston Hill on Tuesday, January 13, at 10:00a.m.
CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUPS
St. Patrick Church has charismatic prayer on January 16 and the third Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
St. Ann Church has charismatic prayer on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
FAMILY FUN NIGHT
St. Joseph Church will host a Fun Night for adults and children on Sunday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m. The attractions include food, games and karaoke.
OUR LADY OF ALTAGRACIA
St. Joseph Church will celebrate Our Lady of Altagracia, Patroness of the Dominican Republic, with a bilingual Mass on Wednesday, January 21, at 7:00 p.m.
SECULAR ORDER DISCALCED CARMELITES
The Our Lady Star of the Sea Community shares Carmelite spirituality in the St. Joseph Church Hospitality Lounge and Learning Center on January 25 and the fourth Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY
The Our Lady of the Angels fraternity of the Third Order of St. Francis shares Franciscan spirituality at the Franciscan House on January 25 and the fourth Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m.
CURSILLO PRAYER GROUP
The Cursillo Movement hosts a Spanish prayer meeting in the St. Michael Chapel at St. Joseph Church on January 29 and the last Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
NEO-CATECHUMENAL WAY
The Neo-Catechumenal Way leads a Celebration of the Word at St. Joseph Church on Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
ADULT EDUCATION
The St. Patrick Learning Center offers classes in Pre-GED, GED, Computer Literacy, Intermediate Computer and ESL on Monday through Thursday mornings.
CURSILLO ULTREYA
Cursillo members meet for the "ultreya" in the Cursillo office at St. Joseph Church on Mondays after the 7:00 p.m. Mass. Meetings are in Spanish.
WORLD APOSTOLATE OF FATIMA
The World Apostolate of Fatima meets in the chapel at Holy Cross Church on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m.
SPANISH PRAYER AND REFLECTION
Pray the rosary and share reflections on the readings of the coming Sunday Mass at Holy Cross Church on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are in Spanish.
SHEPHERDS OF CHRIST ASSOCIATES
The 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 each month at 5:00 p.m.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Holy Cross Council 6482 meets at Holy Cross Church's McAlpin Hall on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 6:00 p.m.
LEGION OF MARY
Presidium Our Lady of Grace meets in the Holy Cross Church rectory on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * January 2009* Page 15
ST. THOMAS
CALENDAR
HOLY HOURS/EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
St. Anne Chapel has a Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction on January 2 and all First Fridays at 6:00 p.m.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church has Exposition and Benediction on January 29 and the last Thursday of every month from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and on Fridays at 6:00 p.m., followed by Mass at 7:00 p.m.
Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral has Exposition and Benediction on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Holy Family Church has Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
BINGO
Ss. Peter and Paul School will have bingo on two Fridays, January 2 and 23, at 7:00 p.m.
ROSARY WALK
Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral hosts a rosary walk on January 3 and the first Saturday of each month at 7:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 7:30 p.m.
MINISTRY TO CATHOLIC WOMEN
Magnificat, an international ministry to Catholic women, meets at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral's Hospitality Lounge on January 3 and the first Saturday of each month at 8:00 a.m.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA DEVOTION
The Children of Mary lead a devotion to Our Lady of Fatima at Holy Family Church on January 3 and the first Saturday of each month at 5:00 p.m.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
The Holy Family Chapter shares Vincentian spirituality at Holy Family Church on January 13 and the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY
The Lady Clare of Assisi Fraternity shares Franciscan spirituality at Holy Family Church's Columban Hall on January 10 and the second Saturday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
ST. JOSEPH WORKERS
The St. Joseph Workers meet at Holy Family Church on January 11 and the second Sunday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA
Court 2049 meets at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral's Hospitality Lounge on January 17 and the third Saturday of each month at 3:00 p.m.
OUR LADY OF ALTAGRACIA
Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral will honor Our Lady of Altagracia, Patoness of the Dominican Republic, with a Spanish Mass on Sunday, January 18, at 12:30 p.m.
MAGNIFICAT MEAL
The St. Thomas/St. John chapter will host a luncheon at Victor's Hideout on Sunday, January 18, at 1:00 p.m. Dr. Kathleen Dudemaine will be the guest speaker.
FRENCH MASS
Mass is celebrated in French at St. Anne Chapel on January 25 and the last Sunday of each month at 5:00 p.m.
YOUTH LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR
Fr. Anthony Abraham will lead a Life in the Spirit Seminar for youth 12 to 19 years old at St. Anne Chapel over seven Saturdays beginning January 31 at 3:00 p.m.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Council 6187 meets at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral's Hospitality Lounge on the first and third Sunday of each month at 10:00 a.m.
LEGION OF MARY
Presidium María, Arca de la Alianza, holds meetings in Spanish on the first and third Sundays of each month at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral's Hospitality Lounge at 2:00 p.m.
Presidium Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces meets at the St. Anne Chapel Hall on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
Presidium Mary, Mystical Rose meets at Holy Family Church on Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
MINISTRY TO THE SICK
A multilingual Catholic communion service is celebrated in the All Faiths Chapel at the Schneider Regional Medical Center on Mondays at 5:00 p.m.
EVENINGS OF CHARISMATIC PRAYER
Charismatic prayer meetings are held at Holy Family Church on Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP
A team is prepared to pray for the needs of all who ask at Holy Family Church on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
WORLD APOSTOLATE OF FATIMA
The World Apostolate of Fatima meets at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * January 2009* Page 16