THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER 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
Vol. 24, No. 12 December 2008
A Newsletter of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands
STUDENTS ENJOY A FUN DAY AT ST. MARY SCHOOL St. Mary School on St. Croix had a Halloween Fun Day on October 31. Each class sponsored a game, relay or other event. The teachers supervised and students participated in the activities of their choice.
Grade 2 held a mock presidential election. Those coming to vote had to register at one table and then cast their ballot across the room. Barak Obama won with 98 votes to John McCain's 15 votes.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * December 2008* P1
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 DECEMBER 2008 CALENDAR Saturday, December 6, 6:00 p.m. Legacy Awards Dinner, St. Joseph High School, St. Croix.
Sunday, December 7, 7:00 and 9:30 a.m., Mass and Rededication of the Shrine of Our Lady of Barrenspot, St. Ann Church, St. Croix.
Sunday, December 7, 7:00 p.m., Deacons Pre-Christmas Dinner, Franciscan House, St. Croix.
Friday, December 12, 10:00 a.m., Presbyteral Christmas Meeting and Luncheon, Bishop's Residence, St. Thomas
December 24/25, Midnight, Christmas Mass, Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, St. Thomas.
Saturday, December 27, 6:00 p.m., Patronal Mass, Holy Family Church, St. Thomas.
Sunday, December 28, 7:00 and 10:00 a.m., Patronal Masses, Holy Family Church, St. Thomas.
Monday, December 29, 10:00 a.m., Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Barry Knestout, St. Matthew the Apostle Cathedral, Washington, DC.
Wednesday, December 31, 11:00 p.m., Old Year's Night Mass, Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, St. Thomas.
ORDINATION Bishop Herbert Bevard will attend the episcopal ordination of Bishop Barry Knestout at St. Matthew the Apostle Cathedral in Washington, DC, on Monday, December 29. Bishop Barry Knestout will serve as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington.
NEW PARISH ADMINISTRATOR Bishop Herbert Bevard has appointed Msgr. Antonio Versozo as Administrator of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John, effective December 12. Msgr. Versozo is coming from the Philippines.
NEW DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONS Bishop Herbert Bevard has appointed Msgr. Jerome Feudjio, Pastor of Holy Family Church on St. Thomas, as Director of Vocations, effective November 1. Msgr. Feudjio is responsible for seeking out and nurturing candidates for the priesthood and the religious life.
Msgr. Feudjio remains as Vicar for Clergy and Religious as well as Director of CTN-Channel 16.
SHRINE TO BE REDEDICATED Bishop Herbert Bevard will rededicate the Shrine of Our Lady of Barrenspot at St. Ann Church on St. Croix on Sunday, December 7, during the 9:30 a.m. Mass.
The shrine was refurbished this year at a cost of approximately $15,000. The work included the remediation of mold from the interior walls, followed by the application of a clear polymer coating designed to inhibit future mold growth. Pressure washing on all exterior surfaces with an acidic solution removed previous coatings and ensured proper adhesion of the new surface sealer. The former sugar mill is 200 years old this year.
In addition to the rededication ceremony, on that day the parish will celebrate the 70th birthday of its pastor, Msgr. Michael Kosak.
CONFIRMATIONS Bishop Herbert Bevard celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation at Holy Family Church on St. Thomas on November 1. Afterwards, he posed with the confirmands and Msgr. Jerome Feudjio, Pastor.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * December 2008* P2
News of the Parishes
HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION The solemnities of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday, December 8, the Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas) on Thursday, December 25, and Mary, Mother of God on Thursday, January 1, are holy days of obligation. This precept can be met by attending a Vigil Mass on the evening before the feast day.
SECOND COLLECTION Parishes in the Virgin Islands will have a second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious on December 13-14. From this appeal, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' National Religious Retirement Office supplies grants to congregations for retirement planning, supervision and immediate needs. This national collection is in its 21st year.
RECTORY ROBBED The rectory at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas was burglarized on November 13. Upon waking, the priests discovered that a cat burglar had stolen money, a camera and other items from the residence. The robbery was reported to the police, who have no leads as to whom the intruder could be or how he entered the premises.
"When I awoke, I found the door to my room wide open," Fr. Charles Crespo told The Catholic Islander. "I found my trousers outside my room, minus my wallet and my money."
PATRONAL FEAST The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is on December 28. Bishop Herbert Bevard will celebrate three patronal Masses at Holy Family Church on St. Thomas on Saturday, December 27, at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 28, at 7:00 and 10:00 a.m.
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Eleven couples participated in a Marriage Encounter weekend at Light of Christ Retreat Center on St. Croix on November 16. After the final session, many couples and friends from previous Marriage Encounters surprised the group with their presence. Twenty-one couples were encountered in 2008.
CARMELITES INITIATION Fr. John Mark, Spiritual Assistant of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, received aspirants Francesca Colianni (left) and Josephine Roach (right) into the Rite of Admission to Formation at the St. Michael Chapel of St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on October 26.
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The Catholic Islander is published monthly by the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.
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January 2009 issue of
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by December 29, 2008.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * December 2008* P3
ADVENT: PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS
SCHOOL PAGEANTS St. Mary School on St. Croix will have its Christmas tree lighting on Thursday, December 4, at 6:00 p.m. with a living nativity, songs and steel pan music.
Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas will have its Christmas Pageant, entitled The Mission, at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on Sunday, December 7, at 4:00 p.m.
St. Patrick School on St. Croix will hold its Christmas Pageant at St. Patrick Church on Sunday, December 14, at 3:00 p.m. Classes will sing songs, recite poems and present their Christmas play.
GIVING LOVE TO THE NEEDY Donations are being collected throughout December for distribution to the needy at Christmas.
Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas will distribute toys to Bathelehm House, Nana's Home for Babies and the children of prison inmates.
St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas is collecting non-perishable foods for Bethlehem House Homeless Shelter.
Participants in the weekly Catholic Communion Service at the Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas are collecting gift bags with toiletries and prayer cards for patients in the medical and surgical wings.
St. Ann Church on St. Croix is collecting food for Catholic Charities programs.
St. Joseph Church on St. Croix is collecting clothing and linens for residents of the Herbert Grigg Home and for the homebound of the parish.
St. Mary School on St. Croix is collecting food to make baskets for families at Christmas.
REDEMPTORIST FATHERS TO LEAD ADVENT MISSIONS The Redemptorist Fathers will lead Advent Missions at all parishes to commemorate the 150th anniversary of their presence in the Virgin Islands. The priests will visit people's homes, celebrate daily Masses and preach the evening missions on November 29-December 4.
On St. Croix, the English missions will be led by Fr. Vanty Auguiste, CSsR, at Holy Cross Church, Fr. Kevin MacDonald, CSsR, at St. Ann Church, Fr. Emmanuel Mullasseril, CSsR, at St. Joseph Church and Fr. Mark Owen, CSsR, at St. Patrick Church. The Spanish missions will begin with home visits by the Missionary Sisters of Perpetual Help beginning November 22. Fr. Lenin Delgado, CSsR, will then lead the Spanish Mission at Sacred Heart Chapel and Fr. Alex Ortiz, CSsR, and Fr. Thomas McCluskey, CSsR, will preach at St. Joseph Church's Hospitality Lounge.
On St. John, Fr. Michael Houston, CSsR, will lead an English mission at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. The parish will have no Spanish mission.
On St. Thomas, the English missions will be led by Fr. Kenneth Gaddy, CSsR, at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Fr. Rodney Olive, CSsR, at Holy Family Church, Fr. Jude Anyaegbu, CSsR, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and Fr. Pat Lynch, CSsR, at St. Anne Chapel. The Spanish Mission will begin with home visits by the Missionary Sisters of Perpetual Help beginning November 29. Fr. Gerard Brinkmann, CSsR, will preach in Spanish at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on December 7-11.
PENANCE SERVICES Penance services during Advent provide Catholics with additional opportunities to receive the sacrament of reconciliation in preparation for the Christmas season.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas will have a Eucharistic Day of Reconciliation with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, December 14, after the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Priests will be available to hear confessions from 1:00 p.m. until Benediction at 5:00 p.m.
Two parishes on St. Croix will have Advent Penance Services. Priests will be available to hear confessions at St. Ann Church on Tuesday, December 16, and at Holy Cross Church on Monday, December 22, both at 7:00 p.m.
AGUINALDO MASSES Three parishes on St. Thomas and St. Croix will celebrate the traditional novena of sunrise aguinaldo Masses in Spanish in preparation for Christmas. The Masses are celebrated on December 16-24.
On St. Thomas, the Masses will be celebrated at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral at 6:00 a.m., except Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
On St. Croix, the Masses at St. Joseph Church are at 5:45 a.m., except Sunday at 10:00 a.m., and at Holy Cross Church at 6:30 a.m., except Sunday at 7:15 a.m. A light breakfast is served after each Mass in the parish social halls.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * December 2008* P4
¡BUENAS NOTICIAS!
Nuevo Director de Vocaciones El Obispo Monseñor Herbert Bevard ha nombrado al Msgr. Jerome Feudjio como Director de Vocaciones. Al momento, la diócesis tiene un candidato para el sacerdocio, el Diácono Ernesto Rodríguez de Peru.
Misión de Adviento Las Hermanas Misioneras del Perpetuo Socorro vienen a las Islas Vírgenes para evangelizar la comunidad hispana en preparación de unas Misiones de Adviento. Las monjas llegarán a Sta. Cruz el 22 de noviembre y a Sto. Tomás el 29 de noviembre.
En Sta. Cruz, el P. Lenin Delgado, CSsR, facilitará la misión en la Capilla Sacred Heart y el P. Alex Ortiz, CSsR, y el P. Thomas McCluskey, CSsR, facilitarán la misión en la Iglesia San José el 130 de noviembre a 4 de diciembre. El P. Gerard Brickmann, CSsR, facilitará la misión en la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. Tomás el 7-11 de diciembre. Todas las conferencias son a las 7.00 p.m.
Días de Precepto Varias parroquias celebrarán Misas adicionales para las solemnidades de la Inmaculada Concepción de María el lunes 8 de diciembre, la Navidad del Señor el jueves 25 de diciembre y Santa María, Madre de Dios el jueves 1 de enero. Todos son días santos de guardar. Este mandato siempre se puede cumplir asistiendo a la Misa de vigilia la noche anterior.
Tres parroquias celebrarán Misas en español para los días de navidad y año nuevo. En Sto. Tomás, las Misas en la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo serán ambos días a las 12.30 p.m. En Sta. Cruz, las Misas serán en la Iglesia Holy Cross a las 7.15 a.m. y en la Iglesia San José a las 10.00 a.m.
Misas de Aguinaldo Las tradicionales Misas de aguinaldo se celebrarán el 16 a 24 de diciembre en tres parroquias. En Sto. Tomás, las Misas serán en la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo a las 6.00 a.m., menos el domingo a las 12.30 p.m. y los martes a las 7.00 p.m. En Sta. Cruz, se celebrarán en la Iglesia San José a las 5.45 a.m., menos el domingo a las 10.00 a.m., y en la Iglesia Holy Cross a las 6.30 a.m., menos el domingo a las 7.15 a.m.
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 Un grupo reza el rosario y comparte 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.
Celebrando la Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia, Patrona de Puerto Rico
Hombres cargaron el imagen de Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia en procesión por la calle antes de entrar en la Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo en Sto. Tomás para su Misa Patronal el 16 de noviembre.
Monseñor Herbert Bevard habló con la congregación en la Iglesia San José en Sta. Cruz después de la Misa patronal de Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia el 19 de noviembre. El imagen está en frente, a la izquierda.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * December 2008* P5
Catholic Education
CONFIRMATION CLASS Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury, Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, teaches the confirmation class in the church on Saturday mornings.
NEW RELIGION TEACHER Sr. Mary Zeniga Tillo, OP, of the Philippines has joined the Dominican Daughters of the Immaculate Mother community on St. Croix and has begun teaching Religion at St. Mary School.
PRINCIPAL APPRECIATION Students at St. Patrick School on St. Croix made presentations to their principal, Pamela Tinsley-Moors, on Principal Appreciation Day on November 20.
FACULTY TRAINING The staff of St. Joseph High School on St. Croix attended a computer workshop at BizVi training facilities on November 15-16. Anastacio Gonzalez, BizVI Training Manager, taught Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher over two eight-hour sessions.
DECIDING ON A COLLEGE Marguith Lightfoot of American University spoke about college selection to juniors and seniors in the library at St. Joseph High School on St. Croix on November 3.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * December 2008* P6
Spotlight on Youth
HISPANIC HERITAGE DAY Kiara Franicis, a Grade 8 student at St. Mary School on St. Croix, wrote the following article:
St. Mary School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on October 28. Students presented study projects on Latin American countries.
Our Spanish Fiesta was put on by our 6th, 7th and 8th grades. They prepared many dishes of Hispanic recipes that were either family-related or a popular food from the country they studied. The students tasted flan, Spanish rice and beans, tacos, burritos, baked pork, stewed chicken and other dishes.
Students also brought in Spanish musical instruments, including maracas, tambourines and harmonicas. Sixth grade students recited poems on the unique sound of the Coqui tree frog and also how a young boy inherited a scratcher from his father. Seventh grade students participated by making a power point presentation of historical and well-known Spanish or Hispanic artists. Eighth grade students danced to the song "Baila" and decorated the hall the day before.
BILINGUAL MASS St. Patrick School on St. Croix had its first student-led bilingual Mass on November 14. Spanish Teacher, Carmen Robles, coordinated and the eighth graders led the Mass in Spanish and English.
Is God calling you to the priesthood, diaconate
or religious life?
Speak with Msgr. Jerome Feudjio,
Director of Vocations,
at (340) 774-3166.
CHILDREN CHOIR ANNIVERSARY The Children Choir of St. Joseph Church on St. Croix celebrated its 13th anniversary at Sunday Mass on November 16.
CONFIRMATION INSCRIPTION Sixteen candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation made a public commitment at Sunday Mass to follow the Confirmation program's guidelines at St. Ann Church on November 9. The sponsors promised to continue the journey with their candidate and assist them throughout the school year and beyond.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * December 2008* P7
SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY AND LEGACY AWARDS St. Joseph High School on St. Croix will celebrate its 44th birthday on its campus octagon on Saturday, December 6, at 6:00 p.m. The Charles Clarke, Delgado-Gonzales, Diaz-Ramirez, and Joseph and Ismeralda Hodge families will receive the fourth annual Legacy of the Saints Awards; the awards are given annually to families who have made enrollment at the school a tradition for two or more generations. Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights will provide live music and a buffet dinner will be catered. A silent auction will feature art made by students.
V.I. PRIEST TO CELEBRATE HIS 70TH BIRTHDAY Msgr. Michael Kosak, Vicar General and Pastor of St. Ann Church on St. Croix, celebrates his 70th birthday on December 7.
Msgr. Kosak has served in the Virgin Islands for 38 years. Bishop Edward Harper, CSsR, ordained Fr. Kosak at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, New York, on June 6, 1970, as the first diocesan priest. Bishop Harper separated the chapel at Barrenspot on St. Croix from Holy Cross Church and erected a new parish, St. Ann Church, with Fr. Kosak as its pastor.
Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap, transferred Msgr. Kosak to Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas in 1989, succeeding the Redemptorist Fathers. During his first term (1989-90), he dealt with the many scars inflicted by Hurricane Hugo. He went to Trinidad in 1990 and returned to the Cathedral in 1992. In his second term (1992-95), he renovated the Cathedral, including the restoration of the murals on the walls and ceilings.
Bishop Elliott Thomas reassigned Msgr. Kosak to St. Ann Church in 1995, where he rebuilt after the devastation of Hurricane Marilyn. Since then, Msgr. Kosak supervised the construction of the Joachim Center and Marian Hall, converted a sugar mill into the Shrine of Our Lady of Barrenspot, paved the parking lot and installed additional lighting, planted Christmas palms and flamboyant trees, and rewired and refurbished the church, office building and rectory. Msgr. Kosak remains as Pastor of St. Ann Church and plans to retire in the Virgin Islands, with his eternal resting place on Barrenspot Hill.
"When it comes to my vocation as a priest serving in the Virgin Islands," he said, "I am still on my honeymoon. Age is only a number. I do not count my years. I count my blessings."
TEACHER VOTED SENATOR Marla Matthew, Principal of St. Joseph High School on St. Croix, congratulated the school's English teacher, Wayne James, upon his election as Virgin Islands Senator.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * December 2008* P8
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
October 25, 2008"Dear children! In a special way I call you all to pray for my intentions so that, through your prayers, you may stop Satan's plan over this world, which is further from God every day, and which puts itself in the place of God and is destroying everything that is beautiful and good in the souls of each of you. Therefore, little children, arm yourselves with prayer and fasting so that you may be conscious of how much God loves you and may carry out God's will. Thank you for having responded to my call."
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THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * December 2008* P9
St. Croix Calendar SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANTS
St. Mary School will have its Christmas tree lighting on Thursday, December 4, at 6:00 p.m.
St. Patrick School will hold its Christmas Pageant at St. Patrick Church on Sunday, December 14, at 3:00 p.m.
HOLY HOURS/EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Holy Cross Church has Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction on December 5 and all First Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
St. Joseph Church has a bilingual Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on December 5 and all First Fridays at 7:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Chapel has a Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction on December 17 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 December 6 and the first Saturday of each month at 4:30 p.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered.
REDEDICATION OF A MARIAN SHRINE
Bishop Herbert Bevard will rededicate the Shrine of Our Lady of Barrenspot at St. Ann Church on Sunday, December 7, during the 9:30 a.m. Mass.
PRO-LIFE PRAYER VIGIL
The Pro-Life Committee of Holy Cross Church will hold a prayer vigil outside the abortion clinic at Barrenspot Mall on Tuesday, December 9, at 5:00 p.m.
SPANISH AGUINALD MASSES
St. Joseph Church will have its novena of Spanish aguinaldo Masses on December 16-24 at 5:45 a.m., except on Sunday at 10:00 a.m., followed by a light breakfast.
Holy Cross Church will have its novena of Spanish aguinaldo Masses on December 16-24 at 6:30 a.m., except Sunday at 7:15 a.m., followed by a light breakfast.
PENANCE SERVICE
Priests will be available to hear confessions at St. Ann Church on Tuesday, December 16, and at Holy Cross Church on Monday, December 22, both at 7:00 p.m.
CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUPS
St. Patrick Church has charismatic prayer on December 19 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.
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 December 28 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 December 28 and the fourth Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Sr. Germaine Convery, WIF, offers free spiritual direction on Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Light of Christ Retreat Center. Call for an appointment.
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 * December 2008* P10
St. Thomas Calendar
HOLY HOURS/EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
St. Anne Chapel has a Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction on December 5 and all First Fridays at 6:00 p.m.
Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral has Exposition and Benediction on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church has Exposition and Benediction on Fridays at 6:00 p.m., followed by Mass at 7:00 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 Friday, December 7, at 7:00 p.m.
ROSARY WALK
Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral hosts a rosary walk on December 6 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 December 6 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 December 6 and the first Saturday of each month at 5:00 p.m.
SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Ss. Peter and Paul School will have its Christmas Pageant at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on Sunday, December 7, at 4:00 p.m.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
The Holy Family Chapter shares Vincentian spirituality at Holy Family Church on December 9 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 December 13 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 December 14 and the second Sunday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
EUCHARISTIC DAY OF RECONCILIATION
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church will have a Eucharistic Day of Reconciliation with Exposition on Sunday,
December 14, after the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Confessions begin at 1:00 p.m. and continue until Benediction at 5:00 p.m.
SPANISH AGUINALD MASSES
Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral will celebrate Spanish sunrise aguinaldo Masses on December 16-24 at 6:00 a.m., except on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., followed by a light breakfast in the Hospitality Lounge.
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA
Court 2049 meets at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral's Hospitality Lounge on December 20 and the third Saturday of each month at 3:00 p.m.
PATRONAL FEAST
Bishop Herbert Bevard will celebrate three patronal Masses at Holy Family Church on St. Thomas on Saturday, December 27, at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 28, at 7:00 and 10:00 a.m.
FRENCH MASS
Mass is celebrated in French at St. Anne Chapel on December 28 and the last Sunday of each month at 5:00 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 * December 2008* P11
PARISH SCHEDULES
FOR CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY
OLD YEAR'S NIGHT, NEW YEAR'S DAY / SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
St. Croix
Holy Cross Church
Christmas Eve
6:00 p.m. Mass & Pageant
Midnight Mass
Christmas Day
7:15 a.m. Mass (Spanish)
9:00 a.m. Mass
Old Year's Night
11:00 p.m. Holy Hour
Midnight Mass
New Year's Day
7:15 a.m. Mass (Spanish)
9:00 a.m. Mass
St. Ann Church
Christmas Eve
6:00 p.m. Vigil Mass
11:15 p.m. Carols
Midnight Mass
Christmas Day
10:00 a.m. Mass
Old Year's Night
6:00 p.m. Vigil Mass
11:00 p.m. Holy Hour
Midnight Mass
New Year's Day
10:00 a.m. Mass
St. Joseph Church
Christmas Eve
10:00 p.m. Carols
11:00 p.m. Mass
Christmas Day
7:00 a.m. Mass
10:00 a.m. Mass (Spanish)
Old Year's Night
10:30 p.m. Holy Hour
11:45 p.m. Mass
New Year's Day
7:00 a.m. Mass
10:00 a.m. Mass (Spanish)
St. Patrick Church
Christmas Eve
6:00 p.m. Vigil Mass
11:00 p.m. Carols
Midnight Mass
Christmas Day
10:00 a.m. Mass
Old Year's Night
6:00 p.m. Vigil Mass
11:00 p.m. Holy Hour
Midnight Mass
New Year's Day
10:00 a.m. Mass
St. Thomas
Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral
Christmas Eve
6:00 p.m. Carols
6:30 p.m. Family Mass
11:00 p.m. Carols
Midnight Mass
Christmas Day
8:30 a.m. Mass
10:30 a.m. Mass
12:30 p.m. Mass (Spanish)
Old Year's Night
10:00 p.m. Holy Hour
11:00 p.m. Mass
New Year's Day
8:30 a.m. Mass
10:30 a.m. Mass
12:30 p.m. Mass (Spanish)
Holy Family Church
Christmas Eve
11:00 p.m. Pageant/Carols
Midnight Mass
Christmas Day
7:00 a.m. Mass
10:00 a.m. Mass
Old Year's Night
10:00 p.m. Holy Hour
11:00 p.m. Mass
New Year's Day
10:00 a.m. Mass
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Christmas Eve
6:00 p.m. Children's Mass
11:30 p.m. Carols
Midnight Mass
Christmas Day
9:00 a.m. Mass
Old Year's Night
7:30 p.m. Vigil Mass
New Year's Day
9:00 a.m. Mass
St. Anne Chapel
Christmas Eve
11:30 p.m. Carols
Midnight Mass
Christmas Day
8:00 a.m. Mass
Old Year's Night
7:30 p.m. Vigil Mass
New Year's Day
8:00 a.m. Mass
St. John
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church
Christmas Eve
9:30 p.m. Carols
10:30 p.m. Mass
Christmas Day
7:30 a.m. Mass
9:30 a.m. Mass
Old Year's Night
9:30 p.m. Holy Hour
10:30 p.m. Mass
New Year's Day
7:30 a.m. Mass
9:30 a.m. Mass
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * December 2008* P12