ANTI-POVERTY CAMPAIGN

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) congratulated the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands in September for "promoting and implementing the mission" of CCHD. The diocese's collection increased more than fifty percent in 2005, according to Timothy Collins, Executive Director of CCHD.

CCHD funds over 300 programs that work to break the cycle of poverty in their communities.

ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS DAYS

All Saints Day on November 1 is a holy day of obligation. The first precept of the Church, "You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation," requires Catholics to attend Mass on that day. These Masses recall the saints who have gone to their reward.

All Souls Day on November 2 is not a holy day of obligation. On that day, Catholics are invited to pray for those souls still in purgatory.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel offers special Masses on All Souls Day at 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in that congregants are invited to bring to Mass a flower to recall their deceased loved ones. During the prayers of intercession, Fr. Charles Crespo, Pastor, will invite the congregants to place the flowers by the altar in remembrance of their dearly departed.

CODE OF CONDUCT

All

diocesan

personnel,

including,

priests,

deacons,

administrators, staff and volunteers will receive a two-part document called Code of Conduct and Policies and Procedures Concerning Minors beginning October 7. The first part will outline general ethics expected of all who work or volunteer in our parishes, schools or agencies. The second part summarizes the manner in which diocese personnel are to protect children from harm. All diocesan personnel must read the document and then sign and submit the consent form on the back page

SPANISH LEGION OF MARY REVIVED

The Legion of Mary's Spanish Praesidium, Maria, Arca de la Alianza, was revived at the Hospitality Lounge Room of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on September 10. Priscilla Lopez, president; Luzgarda O'Neal, vice-president; Ramona Viveida, secretary, and J osefina Donastorg, treasurer, took the Legionary Promise. Fr. John Mark, Director of Hispanic Ministry, presented a spiritual talk and blessed the new officers.

The meeting celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8) and marked the 85th year of the founding of the Legion of Mary, which took place on September 7, 1921.

CCVI RECEIVES FUNDING

The United Way of St. Thomas­ St. John announced on September 5 the allocation of $532,500 to its thirteen member agencies in 2007. Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands (CCVI) received $80,000, the highest of any agency.

HOUSING FOR HOMELESS MEN

Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands (CCVI) has received a donation of land and property to develop long-term housing for homeless men on St. Croix.

Michael

Akin,

Executive

Director of CCVI, is seeking funds to renovate the two buildings on Farm Hill Road, across from the cemetery in Christiansted. He also seeks funds to hire one or two managers to staff the project. Catholic Charities has applied for federal funding through Housing and Urban Development and also for a Community Development Block Grant.

The first phase of the project could be completed within a year and would result in single-room occupancy for eight men.

Currently, the agency is able to offer only short-term housing at its Bethlehem House shelters on St. Thomas and St. Croix, and St. Croix's service is further limited to women and children.

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) 776-6339

Fax: (340) 693-7685

E-mail: editor@catholicislander.com

Publisher

The Most Reverend George V. Murry, SJ

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Editor-in-Chief

Fr. Charles Crespo

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Ernesto Rodriguez

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November 2006 issue of

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THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER

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Deacon Emith Fludd

by October 16, 2006.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER      *OCTOBER 2006*     3